Taoiseach Simon Harris said he also wanted to tell Nikita Hand, a hair colourist from Drimnagh, that her case had prompted an increase in women coming forward to ask for support. Ms Hand, who accused the sportsman of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim against him for damages in a civil case at the High Court in the Irish capital on Friday. The total amount of damages awarded to Ms Hand by the jury was 248,603.60 euro (£206,714.31). Mr McGregor said in a post on social media on Friday that he intends to appeal against the decision. That post has since been deleted. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Mr Harris said he told Ms Hand of the support she has from people across Ireland. “I spoke with Nikita today and I wanted to thank her for her incredible bravery and her courage,” he said. “I wanted to make sure that she knew how much solidarity and support there was across this country for her bravery. “I also wanted to make sure she knew of what the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre had said yesterday – that so many other women have now come forward in relation to their own experiences of sexual abuse as a result of Nikita’s bravery.” The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said the case has had a “profound effect” on the people the charity supports, and that over the first 10 days of the High Court case, calls to its national helpline increased by almost 20%. It said that first-time callers increased by 50% compared to the same period last year, and were largely from people who had experienced sexual violence who were distressed and anxious from the details of case and the views people had to it. Mr Harris said: “I wanted to speak with her and I wanted to wish her and her daughter, Freya, all the very best night, and I was very grateful to talk with Nikita today. “Her bravery, her courage, her voice has made a real difference in a country in which we must continue to work to get to zero tolerance when it comes to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. “I don’t want to say too much more, because conscious there could be further legal processes, but I absolutely want to commend Nikita for her bravery, for her courage, for using her voice.” Justice Minister Helen McEntee praised Ms Hand’s bravery and said she had shown “there is light at the end of the tunnel”. She said: “I just want to commend Nikita for her bravery, for her determination and the leadership that she has shown in what has been – I’ve no doubt – a very, very difficult time for her and indeed, for her family. She added: “Because of wonderful people like Nikita, I hope that it shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel, that there are supports available to people, and that there is justice at the end of the day.” Ms Hand said in a statement outside court on Friday that she hoped her case would remind victims of assault to keep “pushing forward for justice”. Describing the past six years as “a nightmare”, she said: “I want to show (my daughter) Freya and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served.” During the case, Ms Hand said she was “disappointed and upset” when the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided not to prosecute the case after she made a complaint to the Irish police. In a letter to her in August 2020, the DPP said there was “insufficient evidence” and there was not a reasonable prospect of conviction. Ms Hand asked the DPP to review the decision, saying she felt she was being treated differently because one of the suspects was famous. Asked about the DPP’s decision not to prosecute, Mr Harris and Ms McEntee stressed the importance of the DPP’s independence on whether to prosecute. “There are obviously structures in place where the DPP can meet a victim and can outline to them their reasons for not taking the case,” Mr Harris said. “But there’s also always an opportunity for the DPP in any situation – and I speak broadly in relation to this – to review a decision, to consider any new information that may come to light, and I don’t want to say anything that may ever cut across the ongoing work of the DPP.” Ms McEntee stressed that there should “never be any political interference” in the independence of the DPP’s decisions. “I have, since becoming minister, given priority to and enabled a new office within the DPP to open specifically focused on sexual offences, so that this issue can be given the focus and the priority that it needs,” she said.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's annual Christmas message encourages Canadians to give thanks for "all that is good in the world" and check in on those who have not had an easy time this year. "As we reflect on the past year and look to the future, let us continue to show love and kindness — to ourselves and to those in need," Trudeau says in his pre-recorded message, released Tuesday at a time when his own political future remains uncertain. He also gave thanks to the brave members of the Canadian Armed Forces, first responders, essential workers and volunteers. The annual message comes during a vulnerable time in his leadership and as the Liberal leader is believed to be reflecting on his political future. In the week since Chrystia Freeland's sudden resignation from cabinet, as deputy prime minister and finance minister, calls for the prime minister to resign have echoed across the country. To date, have publicly called on Trudeau to go. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau looks on at the start of a cabinet swearing in ceremony for Dominic LeBlanc, not shown, as Finance Minister at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Dec. 16. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press) At a virtual meeting of the Ontario Liberal caucus on Saturday morning, more than 50 Liberal MPs came to a consensus that Trudeau needs to step down as party leader, multiple sources told CBC News. The prime minister has not addressed Canadians about the growing calls for him to step down or spoken publicly about Freeland's resignation. Trudeau stopped briefly to speak to reporters following a cabinet meeting on Friday. Offering that it was an "excellent" meeting, "almost entirely focused on the Canada-U.S. dynamic," Trudeau did not answer any questions about the future of his leadership. "We have a lot of work to do and that's what we're focused on," he said. suggests a widening lead for the Conservatives, comfortably ahead of the Liberals by more than double the points. Read the prime minister's full Christmas statement below. This message is also .
Swiss Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger dies in avalanche, aged 26
Grant Sergent threw for 184 yards and two touchdowns for San Diego (8-3, 6-2 Pioneer Football League) which ended the season with a four-game win streak and winners of six of seven. The Toreros finished in sole possession of second place in the PFL behind Drake (7-1), which clinched the league outright with a 49-10 win over Stetson on Saturday. Drake beat San Diego 30-28 on a walk-off field goal on Sept. 28 in Des Moines, Iowa. Bryce Patterson threw for 133 yards and a touchdown and James Louis ran for a touchdown for the Eagles (7-5, 5-3). ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP collegebasketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballDolphins coach Mike McDaniel says he was surprised by reports of Shaq Barrett's unretirement plan
Just hours after former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) withdrew from consideration for attorney general, President-elect Donald Trump announced his new nominee : former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi . The selection shifts the spotlight to Bondi's record, especially her stance on cannabis reform, which contrasts starkly with Gaetz's pro-legalization views. Despite the unsavory allegations against Gaetz's personal behavior, he’s been an advocate for cannabis reform and was expected to adopt a lenient approach toward legalization if appointed. In contrast, Bondi had a tougher stance on medical marijuana during her tenure as Florida's Attorney General (2011-2019). For example, in 2013, Bondi’s office filed a 57-page challenge to the proposed ballot initiative that was seeking to put medical marijuana (MMJ) on the ballot the following year. Once medical marijuana was approved, she defended state laws restricting cannabis use, including a ban on publicly smoking it. Bondi argued at the time that the ban was justified due to concerns over secondhand smoke exposure. A state judge later ruled the ban to be inconsistent with Florida's constitutional amendment that legalized medical cannabis in 2014. The restriction was eventually overturned under Gov. Ron DeSantis who went on the warpath against smoking in public. Read Also: Cannabis Stocks Feel The Burn: Matt Gaetz Bows Out As Trump’s Attorney General Nominee Bondi's role on Trump's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis during his first term in the White House could further complicate her position on cannabis. The commission, which was chaired by former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie , was skeptical about cannabis as a treatment for chronic pain or opioid addiction, citing studies suggesting a potential link between marijuana use and opioid abuse. Authoritative studies have since shown the contrary to be the case. Though Bondi's track record has raised concerns among some cannabis reform advocates, industry leader Kim Rivers , CEO of Trulieve Cannabis Corp TCNNF , described Bondi on X as "straightforward and very fair," reported Marijuana Moment. "She is passionate about ending the opioid crisis and did great work shutting down pill mills in Florida. She is an advocate for safe, regulated markets and I believe she will bring the same energy to end the fentanyl issues our country is facing," Rivers said. Now Read: • Kentucky Gov. Beshear: ‘Go Online And Find’ Your Medical Marijuana Practitioner On Dec. 1 Photo: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Man City stumble again while Arsenal and Bayern Munich earn dominant winsIrish premier praises Dublin woman who won civil case against Conor McGregor
FRO stock touches 52-week low at $18.26 amid market shiftsWASHINGTON — A powerful government panel on Monday failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of a nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase U.S. Steel, leaving the decision to President Joe Biden, who opposes the deal. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, known as CFIUS, sent its long-awaited report on the merger to Biden, who formally came out against the deal in March. He has 15 days to reach a final decision, the White House said. A U.S. official familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the private report, said some federal agencies represented on the panel were skeptical that allowing a Japanese company to buy an American-owned steelmaker would create national security risks. Monday was the deadline to approve the deal, recommend that Biden block it or extend the review process. Both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have courted unionized workers at U.S. Steel and vowed to block the acquisition amid concerns about foreign ownership of a flagship American company. The economic risk, however, is giving up Nippon Steel's potential investments in the mills and upgrades that might help preserve steel production within the United States. Under the terms of the proposed $14.9 billion all-cash deal, U.S. Steel would keep its name and its headquarters in Pittsburgh, where it was founded in 1901 by J.P. Morgan and Andrew Carnegie. It would become a subsidiary of Nippon Steel, and the combined company would be among the top three steelmakers in the world, according to 2023 figures from the World Steel Association. Biden, backed by the United Steelworkers, said earlier this year that it was "vital for (U.S. Steel) to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated.” Trump has also opposed the acquisition and vowed earlier this month on his Truth Social platform to “block this deal from happening.” He proposed reviving U.S. Steel's flagging fortunes “through a series of Tax Incentives and Tariffs.” The steelworkers union questions if Nippon Steel would keep jobs at unionized plants, make good on collectively bargained benefits or protect American steel production from cheap foreign imports. “Our union has been calling for strict government scrutiny of the sale since it was announced. Now it’s up to President Biden to determine the best path forward,” David McCall, the steelworkers' president, said in a statement Monday. “We continue to believe that means keeping U.S. Steel domestically owned and operated.” Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel have waged a public relations campaign to win over skeptics. U.S. Steel said in a statement Monday that the deal “is the best way, by far, to ensure that U.S. Steel, including its employees, communities, and customers, will thrive well into the future.” Nippon Steel said Tuesday that it had been informed by CFIUS that it had referred the case to Biden, and urged him to “reflect on the great lengths that we have gone to to address any national security concerns that have been raised and the significant commitments we have made to grow U. S. Steel, protect American jobs, and strengthen the entire American steel industry, which will enhance American national security.” “We are confident that our transaction should and will be approved if it is fairly evaluated on its merits,” it said in a statement. A growing number of conservatives have publicly backed the deal, as Nippon Steel began to win over some steelworkers union members and officials in areas near its blast furnaces in Pennsylvania and Indiana. Many backers said Nippon Steel has a stronger financial balance sheet than rival Cleveland-Cliffs to invest the necessary cash to upgrade aging U.S. Steel blast furnaces. Nippon Steel pledged to invest $2.7 billion in United Steelworkers-represented facilities, including U.S. Steel’s blast furnaces, and promised not to import steel slabs that would compete with the blast furnaces. It also pledged to protect U.S. Steel in trade matters and to not lay off employees or close plants during the term of the basic labor agreement. Earlier this month, it offered $5,000 in closing bonuses to U.S. Steel employees, a nearly $100 million expense. Nippon Steel also said it was best positioned to help American steel compete in an industry dominated by the Chinese. The proposed sale came during a tide of renewed political support for rebuilding America’s manufacturing sector, a presidential campaign in which Pennsylvania was a prime battleground, and a long stretch of protectionist U.S. tariffs that analysts say has helped reinvigorate domestic steel. Chaired by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, CFIUS screens business deals between U.S. firms and foreign investors and can block sales or force parties to change the terms of an agreement to protect national security. Congress significantly expanded the committee's powers through the 2018 Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act, known as FIRRMA. In September, Biden issued an executive order broadening the factors the committee should consider when reviewing deals — such as how they impact the U.S. supply chain or if they put Americans’ personal data at risk. Nippon Steel has factories in the U.S., Mexico, China and Southeast Asia. It supplies the world’s top automakers, including Toyota Motor Corp. , and makes steel for railways, pipes, appliances and skyscrapers.Taoiseach Simon Harris said he also wanted to tell Nikita Hand, a hair colourist from Drimnagh, that her case had prompted an increase in women coming forward to ask for support. Ms Hand, who accused the sportsman of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim against him for damages in a civil case at the High Court in the Irish capital on Friday. The total amount of damages awarded to Ms Hand by the jury was 248,603.60 euro (£206,714.31). Mr McGregor said in a post on social media on Friday that he intends to appeal against the decision. That post has since been deleted. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Mr Harris said he told Ms Hand of the support she has from people across Ireland. “I spoke with Nikita today and I wanted to thank her for her incredible bravery and her courage,” he said. “I wanted to make sure that she knew how much solidarity and support there was across this country for her bravery. “I also wanted to make sure she knew of what the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre had said yesterday – that so many other women have now come forward in relation to their own experiences of sexual abuse as a result of Nikita’s bravery.” The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said the case has had a “profound effect” on the people the charity supports, and that over the first 10 days of the High Court case, calls to its national helpline increased by almost 20%. It said that first-time callers increased by 50% compared to the same period last year, and were largely from people who had experienced sexual violence who were distressed and anxious from the details of case and the views people had to it. Mr Harris said: “I wanted to speak with her and I wanted to wish her and her daughter, Freya, all the very best night, and I was very grateful to talk with Nikita today. “Her bravery, her courage, her voice has made a real difference in a country in which we must continue to work to get to zero tolerance when it comes to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. “I don’t want to say too much more, because conscious there could be further legal processes, but I absolutely want to commend Nikita for her bravery, for her courage, for using her voice.” Justice Minister Helen McEntee praised Ms Hand’s bravery and said she had shown “there is light at the end of the tunnel”. She said: “I just want to commend Nikita for her bravery, for her determination and the leadership that she has shown in what has been – I’ve no doubt – a very, very difficult time for her and indeed, for her family. She added: “Because of wonderful people like Nikita, I hope that it shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel, that there are supports available to people, and that there is justice at the end of the day.” Ms Hand said in a statement outside court on Friday that she hoped her case would remind victims of assault to keep “pushing forward for justice”. Describing the past six years as “a nightmare”, she said: “I want to show (my daughter) Freya and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served.” During the case, Ms Hand said she was “disappointed and upset” when the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided not to prosecute the case after she made a complaint to the Irish police. In a letter to her in August 2020, the DPP said there was “insufficient evidence” and there was not a reasonable prospect of conviction. Ms Hand asked the DPP to review the decision, saying she felt she was being treated differently because one of the suspects was famous. Asked about the DPP’s decision not to prosecute, Mr Harris and Ms McEntee stressed the importance of the DPP’s independence on whether to prosecute. “There are obviously structures in place where the DPP can meet a victim and can outline to them their reasons for not taking the case,” Mr Harris said. “But there’s also always an opportunity for the DPP in any situation – and I speak broadly in relation to this – to review a decision, to consider any new information that may come to light, and I don’t want to say anything that may ever cut across the ongoing work of the DPP.” Ms McEntee stressed that there should “never be any political interference” in the independence of the DPP’s decisions. “I have, since becoming minister, given priority to and enabled a new office within the DPP to open specifically focused on sexual offences, so that this issue can be given the focus and the priority that it needs,” she said.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Looking for hard-to-find bottles of Kentucky bourbon to toast the holidays or add to a collection? Get your bids ready as the Bluegrass State launches its first online auction of confiscated alcohol. Whiskeys up for sale include two bottles of Old Rip Van Winkle, a Blanton’s Single Barrel Gold in box with Japanese markings and a bottle of Four Roses Small Batch Barrel Strength 2011. The sale is the result of a new Kentucky law, which allows alcohol confiscated from closed criminal investigations by the state's alcoholic beverage control agency to be auctioned. Online bidding opens Wednesday and closes at midnight on Dec. 11. Proceeds will support programs promoting responsible alcohol use by adults and awareness programs for youths. “This is a really good auction,” Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, said by phone Tuesday. “There are some hard-to-find and rare bottles on there.” No estimate has been given on how much the auction might raise. “We look forward to seeing the response to this auction and have started planning additional auctions for 2025,” said Allyson Taylor, commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The auction features 32 bottles of alcohol and includes a “stock the bar” bundle with bottles of wine, vodka, rum and whiskey, the agency said. But the stars are the hard-to-find and rare bourbons up for sale. “It’s not every day you go to a liquor store and find a bottle of Blanton’s Gold," Gregory said. “You never go to a liquor store and find a bottle of Four Roses 2011.” The lineup includes bottles of E.H. Taylor bourbon, Blanton’s Single Barrel, Eagle Rare 10 yr., Weller Antique 107, Willett Family Estate Single Barrel Rye, Michter’s, an Old Forester gift set and more. A link to the online auction is available at ABC.ky.gov . Auction items cannot be shipped, so winning bidders must pick up items in Frankfort, the state said. The auctions will become a “can't miss opportunity” for bourbon connoisseurs, Gregory said. Previously, confiscated bourbon or other spirits could end up being destroyed, he said. “We don't like to see good bourbon poured down the drain,” Gregory said. Kentucky distillers produce 95% of the global bourbon supply, the Kentucky distillers’ group says.Sudan's war is 'deepening and widening' a famine crisis, hunger monitoring report says
Zimbabwe: Yadah, Caps Utd Clash Over ShandirwaRosen Law Firm Encourages Quanterix Corporation Investors to Inquire About Securities Class Action Investigation - QTRX
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Srinagar, Nov 23: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat today visited Super Speciality Hospital, Shreen Bagh in order to inspect the ongoing works on infrastructure upgradation of healthcare facilities. During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by the Chief Planning Officer, Superintending Engineer R&B, Chief Medical Officer, Medical Superintendent SS Hospital, Tehsildar South, Executive Engineers of SMC, R&B, PHE, PDD and other Officers. On the occasion , the Deputy Commissioner took stock of the progress of work on Rs 14.51 crore project for construction of new OPD Block including Diagnostic facility and Faculty Rooms to augment and upgrade the healthcare infrastructure in Super Speciality Hospital. The DC took a round of under construction building and directed the executing agency to complete the vital project under the set timeline so that patients are provided better health and patient care facilities at the Hospital. The DC was informed that over 80 percent of works on the prestigious project have been completed and the remaining portion of works shall be completed soon. During the visit, the representatives of local traders body also called on the DC and thanked him for upgradation of health infrastructure. They demanded for taking measures for parking facility in and around the Hospital to cater the requirements of staff and attendents.
Understanding Nifty: A Simple Guide for EveryoneLuiz joined Juventus in a high-profile €50 million transfer this summer, signing a five-year deal that marked the end of his influential spell at Villa. The move, prompted by Aston Villa’s need to meet Profit and Sustainability Rules, also facilitated the arrivals of Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea. While his departure was a financial necessity, it was also a bittersweet farewell for Villa fans who had witnessed Luiz’s rise to prominence since his arrival in 2019. Unfortunately, Luiz’s start at Juventus has been challenging. The 26-year-old has been hampered by injuries, missing seven consecutive matches and featuring in just nine games across all competitions this season. With a little over 300 minutes played, his full potential at the Italian club remains untapped, leaving fans waiting for him to make a meaningful impact. Douglas Luiz: Time at Aston Villa During his time at Aston Villa, Luiz cemented his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most dependable midfielders. Since arriving in 2019, he became a key figure for the team and contributed 22 goals and 24 assists in 204 appearances across all competitions. His 2023–24 season was particularly outstanding, with 10 goals and 10 assists in 53 matches, earning him the titles of Supporters’ Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season. ( ) While Juventus supporters have yet to see Luiz at his best, his experience and consistent track record suggest he has the potential to become a standout player in Serie A. With a current market value of €55 million, Luiz is expected to showcase his skills and resilience once fully fit. For Villa fans, his return to the club may remain uncertain, but his career at Villa Park is undoubtedly enduring.When the Carolina Panthers selected RB Jonathon Brooks in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, they did so believing they were filling a major team need for the future. What they didn't realize is that they'd have another Pro Bowl-caliber player at his position on the roster. Chuba Hubbard has been arguably the lone bright spot on the 2024 Panthers (3-7). He's rushed for 818 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games, while additionally catching 30 passes for 124 yards and another score. All of those numbers have either already eclipsed or are on pace to eclipse Hubbard's previous career-high marks. Though he may not get selected due to the team he's on, Hubbard has a case to be a Pro Bowler this season. Now, though, he'll have to share the field with Brooks, who will presumably become the team's featured back in time. Brooks will likely be eased into the lineup, and perhaps won't supplant Hubbard as Carolina's RB1 until next season. Hubbard has also already been part of a time-share with Miles Sanders, who was just placed on injured reserve. So, if anything, Brooks will be replacing Sanders' production and not Hubbard's. Still, Brooks' upside is high. He'd likely have been a first-round pick had he not torn his ACL during his final year of college at the University of Texas, and once he gets going, Panthers fans will have to hope there's still room for Hubbard in their offense.
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