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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.

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AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:36 p.m. ESTNYC taxi driver was having a medical episode when he jumped the curb and hit people, police say NEW YORK (AP) — New York City police say a taxi driver who hit six pedestrians when he jumped a curb in Manhattan on Christmas Day was having a medical episode at the time. An NYPD spokesperson would not elaborate on the type of type of medical episode but said Thursday no criminality is suspected at this time. The 58-year-old was taken to a hospital in stable condition for further evaluation. Also hospitalized after the yellow taxi drove onto the sidewalk across the street from Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square were a 9-year-old boy with a laceration to his right thigh, a 49-year-old woman with a leg injury and a 41-year-old woman. All were in stable condition. 'Baby Driver' actor Hudson Meek, 16, dies in a fall from a moving vehicle VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. (AP) — Authorities say 16-year-old actor Hudson Meek has died after he fell out of a moving vehicle in Alabama. The Jefferson County Coroner's Office says Meek was hurt on Dec. 19 while on a street in Vestavia Hills, a suburb of Birmingham. He died two days later. The Vestavia Hills Police Department has not issued any public statements. Meek made his on-screen debut in 2014’s “The Santa Con,” and had roles in various TV series, including “MacGyver.” He was perhaps best known for his role in the 2017 film “Baby Driver,” in which he played a younger version of Ansel Elgort’s titular character. Powerful thunderstorms rumble across Texas, delaying holiday travel DALLAS (AP) — A line of severe thunderstorms are firing up in Texas and could spark severe weather, including high winds, hail and potential tornadoes. Some flights were delayed or cancelled early Thursday at airports in Dallas and Houston. The National Weather Service says the greatest weather risk on Thursday would stretch across Texas east of Dallas, between Houston and portions of southern Arkansas and western and northern Louisiana. The risk includes the possibility of tornadoes and wind gusts between 60 and 80 miles per hour. Parts of the region could see hail as large as one inch in diameter. Pizza deliverer in Florida charged with stabbing pregnant woman at motel after tip dispute KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — A pizza deliverer in Florida has been charged with pushing her way into a motel room and stabbing a pregnant woman after a dispute over a tip. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office says that Brianna Alvelo has been charged with stabbing a woman in her motel room in Kissimmee, Florida, a short time after delivering a pizza to her on Sunday. The woman gave Alvelo $50 on a $33.10 bill, expecting change back. When Alvelo started walking away, the woman asked for money back, and Alvelo told her they didn’t make change. The woman got a smaller dollar bill from her boyfriend, and Alvelo’s tip ended up being $2. Hwang Dong-hyuk on killing off his 'Squid Game' characters and wanting to work with Jake Gyllenhaal As season two of Netflix's hit series “Squid Game” returns Thursday, viewers can expect more untimely deaths for many of its characters. Its creator, writer and director, Hwang Dong-hyuk says whittling down the cast made him happy because less people were easier to manage on set. The show follows a deadly competition in South Korea that targets contestants who are heavily in debt and desperate for money. Hwang told the Associated Press in a Q&A that a third and final season has already filmed and it's better than season two. He also says his next project will be even darker in tone than “Squid Game.” Friday's Mega Millions drawing is worth an estimated $1.15 billion, one of the game's top jackpots Americans still dreaming of a really big Christmas present can keep that dream alive during Friday’s Mega Millions drawing for a jackpot worth an estimated $1.15 billion. Friday’s jackpot will potentially be the fifth largest in the game’s history. Mega Millions tickets are $2 a piece. But the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350, and the odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are 1 in 24, according to lottery officials. Tickets for the game are sold in 45 states, along with Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Christmas shooting at Phoenix airport leaves 3 people wounded, 1 stabbed PHOENIX (AP) — Police are investigating a Christmas shooting at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix that left three people wounded by gunfire and another person stabbed. Phoenix police say the evening shooting was related to a family dispute that happened at a restaurant outside the security checkpoints in Terminal 4. An adult female and two adult males were shot, leaving the female with injuries police describe as life-threatening. Police say the two men were in stable condition. Police say the people involved knew each other. They had a physical fight that led to one of them pulling a gun. A man and a girl were detained in a nearby parking garage. Oregon house cat died after eating pet food that tested positive for bird flu PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon authorities say a house cat died after eating raw frozen pet food that tested positive for bird flu. The Oregon Department of Agriculture says the indoor cat contracted the H5N1 virus by eating the pet food. In response, Oregon-based pet food company Northwest Naturals has recalled one batch of its two-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food. The company says the product was sold nationwide through distributors in a dozen states, and in Canada's British Columbia. Oregon authorities say no human cases of bird flu have been linked to this incident, but that those who were in contact with the cat are being monitored for flu symptoms. Beyoncé's performance highlighted Netflix's NFL debut on Christmas Day Beyoncé provided more excitement than either game during Netflix’s NFL debut on Christmas Day. Riding into her halftime appearance on a white horse, the 32-time Grammy winner rocked her hometown Houston crowd in a nearly 13-minute performance on Wednesday. She surprised fans by bringing out Shaboozey to perform “Sweet Honey Buckiin” and Post Malone joined her for “Levii’s Jeans.” The action on the field didn’t live up to expectations as the NFL showcased four of the AFC’s top five teams. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce exposed a glitch in Pittsburgh’s defense during Kansas City’s 29-10 rout in the first game. The broadcast itself went off just fine. Desi Bouterse, a dictator convicted of murder who twice ruled Suriname, has died at 79 PARAMARIBO, Suriname (AP) — Former Surinamese dictator Desi Bouterse has died at 79. He was a military strongman who led a 1980 coup in the former Dutch colony and then returned to power by election three decades later despite charges of drug smuggling and murder. Surinamese Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk wrote on Facebook Wednesday that Bouterse’s “life had a lasting impact on our country and his efforts will not be forgotten.” The cause of death was not immediately known. Bouterse was applauded by supporters for his charisma and populist social programs. For his opponents, he was a ruthless dictator who was convicted of drug trafficking and extrajudicial killings.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Once Iowa's running game started rolling, it never really stopped. That meant a bigger workload than ever for Kaleb Johnson. Johnson rushed for 164 yards and a touchdown on a career-high 35 carries, and Kamari Moulton scored on a 68-yard run in the fourth quarter to help Iowa outlast Maryland 29-13 on Saturday. “Doesn't take a Knute Rockne to figure this one out,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. "Coming in we wanted to be able to run the football. That's what we do best." Johnson scored from 2 yards out in the second quarter for his 21st rushing touchdown of the season, and the Hawkeyes (7-4, 5-3 Big Ten) rebounded from their loss to UCLA in their previous game. Maryland (4-7, 1-7) needed to win its final two regular-season games to reach six wins and bowl eligibility, but the Terrapins were dominated in the first half and eventually fell behind 16-0. Drew Stevens made five field goals for Iowa, including kicks from 54 yards in the second quarter, then 50 and 49 in the third. Iowa, which does not exactly push the tempo, ran 46 offensive plays in the first half. The Hawkeyes had the ball for over six minutes on each of their first three possessions, which resulted in a fumble, a field goal and then Johnson's TD. “I thought the first half really played out about as well as we could outside the turnover,” said Ferentz, whose son Brian is an offensive assistant at Maryland. “Controlling the ball, keeping it on the ground and trying to keep their quarterback off the field.” Maryland replaced quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. with backup MJ Morris after two fruitless possessions, but the Terps still trailed 13-0 at halftime. Edwards went back in and led Maryland all the way to the Iowa 3 in the third quarter, but he was injured in a collision with defensive back Xavier Nwankpa. “The kid's a warrior. He's been banged up all year,” Terps coach Mike Locksley said. “I very rarely come in and talk about injuries because those are excuses and I'm not about that. Billy came to me and said, ‘Coach, I want to try to go.’ And he really gave us a chance." Morris came in and capped that drive with an 8-yard scoring pass to Tai Felton that made it 16-6, but a 2-point conversion was unsuccessful. A 12-yard touchdown strike from Morris to Felton made it 19-13 with 11:05 to play, but Iowa answered with Moulton's big run less than two minutes later. Iowa: Quarterback Jackson Stratton, a walk-on transfer from Colorado State, wasn't asked to do much as the Hawkeyes were able to lean on the running game. And credit Iowa's defense for an excellent first half that helped build a big enough lead. Maryland: No matter how obvious Iowa's plan was, the Terps couldn't do much to stop it. Iowa finished with 268 yards rushing on 58 attempts. Ferentz now has 203 career victories as Iowa's head coach. Only Woody Hayes (205) has more in Big Ten history. Johnson looked plenty motivated after he produced just 49 yards rushing against UCLA. He also had extra time to rest since Iowa was off last weekend. “That 49 yards. I was mad at myself a little bit," he said. "I was being too soft. I wasn’t running as hard as I could.” Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara hasn't played since entering concussion protocol after a game late last month. Ferentz urged fans to support McNamara, who since 2022 has dealt with leg, quad and knee problems in addition to his latest issue. “Sometimes you've got to step back and have some compassion for the people that are out competing,” Ferentz said. "You think about the last three years for this guy. He has had a rough go." Iowa: Hosts Nebraska on Friday. Maryland: At Penn State on Saturday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football49ers’ Shanahan expects Jake Moody to be his kicker into the future

Guwahati, Dec 26 (PTI) Political leaders across party lines in Assam on Thursday condoled the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and said he embodied humility and would be remembered for his exemplary public service and contribution to the country's development. Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, died at AIIMS Delhi on Thursday night. He was 92. Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya said the news of the demise of the former PM is extremely sad. "His gentleness, decency and his contribution in strengthening the Indian economy on the global platform will always be remembered. May God grant peace and salvation to the departed soul," he added. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who had worked closely with Singh as a Congress minister, said that the former PM embodied humility and never surrendered to the trappings of power. "I have had the privilege of knowing Dr Manmohan Singh ji since 1991, when he was first elected to the Rajya Sabha from Assam - a state he represented for 28 years. "Dr Sahab embodied humility and never surrendered to the trappings of power. In all my interactions with him, his simplicity and decency combined with his intellectual prowess always stood out," Sarma said in a post on X. During Singh's tenure as the prime minister, Sarma has had the opportunity to interact with him on several occasions regarding issues pertaining to Assam. "...He always gave us a patient hearing and displayed a strong conviction towards social issues. Coming from humble origins in post-partition India, he served the nation in several distinguished positions," the CM said. Sarma uploaded pictures of his Congress stint in which he shared frames with Singh. The Assam CM further said that a generation of Indians will always remember Singh's pivotal role in ushering in a free market economy and "ending decades of regressive socialist policies". "In his demise, the nation has lost a great patriot, an exceptional scholar, an unconventional politician and a fine statesman. My deepest condolences to Gursharan Madam, his family and well-wishers," Sarma wrote. Union Ports, Shipping & Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that Singh embodied the spirit of humility, scholarship and played a key role in India's economic resurgence in a difficult period. "His policies for the welfare of the people were far-reaching and he remained a significant figure in the nation's public life. His passing away leaves a void in our political sphere and I offer my deepest condolences to his family and well-wishers. May his soul find eternal peace," Sonowal added. Assam Congress said that Singh was a visionary leader, renowned economist and statesman, and his contributions to India's progress and global standing will always be remembered. "His integrity, humility, and dedication to public service are an inspiration to us. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones in this moment of grief. India has lost one of its finest sons. Rest in peace, Dr. Singh ji," the opposition party said on X. BJP's Assam unit offered its condolences and highly praised Singh's role in transforming India's economy. "Dr. Manmohan Singh, who represented Assam in the Rajya Sabha, as Finance Minister abolished the license rule, which was a source of slow economic growth and corruption in the Indian economy," it added. The ruling party also said that Singh transformed India into a free economic system by liberalising the market in the economy. "This gave the Indian economy a boost. He will be remembered for his contribution to the country's development," the Assam BJP said. Raijor Dal President and Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi offered his condolences and remembered his contributions to the country. The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) expressed grief over the death of the former prime minister and said it was an irreparable loss to the country. AAP's Assam unit chief Manoj Dhanowar said the leadership of Singh, and his policies of economic reforms and liberalisation gave a new impetus to the Indian economy. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)A judge has once again rejected Musk's multi-billion-dollar Tesla pay package. Now what?

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams appears open to switching parties to become a Republican, as he declined to rule out a future change in political allegiances during a pair of interviews Friday that came as he has increasing warmed to President-elect Donald Trump. The comments from Adams, the top Democrat in one of the country’s most liberal cities, riled critics who have grown concerned over the mayor’s increasing willingness to throw his support behind Trump and his hardline immigration policies. Adams, who faces federal corruption charges , was a registered Republican in the 1990s and early 2000s but has spent his political career as a Democrat. In a Friday morning interview with the local cable news station NY1, Adams was asked if he would consider a return to the GOP. The Democrat appeared to leave open the possibility of a switch. “The party that’s the most important for me is the American party,” he said. “I’m a part of the American party. I love this country. This is the home of the free, the land of the brave.” In another interview about a half-hour later on PIX11, Adams said he would run for reelection as a Democrat but still appeared to leave some wiggle room for his future. RELATED COVERAGE Ex-police officer denies leaking confidential information to Proud Boys leader On pardons, Biden weighs whether to flex presidential powers in broad new ways Mother of Austin Tice, journalist missing in Syria, says new information proves her son is alive “So no matter what party I’m on or vote on, I’m going to push for the American values,” he said. “And I think America has told us, stop the squabbling, leaders, and start leading us out of the crisis that we’re facing.” Adams won office on a centrist platform and has spent significant time as mayor quarreling with the progressive wing of his party. But his rhetoric has taken a noticeable rightward turn in the weeks since Trump’s election victory, particularly on immigration, with Adams boosting the president-elect’s platform and appearing enthusiastic about the incoming administration. Rather than restricting cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as he once promised, Adams recently expressed a willingness to roll back the city’s so-called sanctuary policies, and he plans to meet with Trump’s top border official over concerns about what the mayor said was the “rising illegal alien crime rate in New York City.” He has also praised those in Trump’s orbit, including Elon Musk, who has claimed falsely that Democrats are illegally “importing” migrants to garner votes. “This is a racehorse that wanted to run its right pace and we’ve been holding back that racehorse out of fear of being canceled,” Adams said of the country Tuesday. “And now you have a bunch of people who are not afraid of being canceled.” The shift comes as Adams is trying to fight off an indictment on federal corruption charges while governing the city and gearing up to run for a second term. Adams has pleaded not guilty in his criminal case, in which he has been accused of accepting free or discounted overseas trips and illegal campaign contributions from people looking to gain his influence, including people connected to Turkey or the Turkish government. Adams’ critics have seized on his recent comments about the Trump administration as a move toward self-preservation, accusing the mayor of cozying up to the next president in an effort to secure a pardon in his corruption case. “Eric Adams continues to sound more like he is auditioning for a job in right-wing media than running for reelection in a Democratic primary,” said Zohran Mamdani, a state assembly member who is challenging against Adams in the mayoral primary. “Eric Adams is in City Hall because Democratic voters sent him there. To serve his own narrow self-interests, he is clearly prepared to betray them.” Zellnor Myrie, a state senator who is also challenging Adams in the primary, said “at a time when the Republican Party has never been more out of line with New York values, we need a mayor who isn’t scared to call himself a Democrat.” “Instead of playing footsie with the next president, we need a mayor with the courage to stand up for our city,” Myrie wrote on X. Adams on Friday did distance himself from the Trump administration’s potential plans to carry out mass deportations, saying, “You know, I’m not for mass deportation, but I’m not for mass saturation.” Still, the mayor’s recent remarks are a major departure from his stance before he took office. In June of 2021, a few weeks before winning the Democratic mayoral primary, Adams spoke to a room full of immigrant New Yorkers about the challenges facing city residents who are in the country illegally. “Too many of our neighbors live in the shadows,” he said at the time, “scarred by the abusive rhetoric and tactics of the Trump era and fearing a denial of their rights.” ___ Izaguirre reported from Albany.The Philadelphia Eagles got some good (and bad) news on the injury front this week. Star wide receiver DeVonta Smith, out the past two weeks resting what had been a nagging hamstring injury, returned as a full practice participant on Wednesday and recently told reporters “count me in” when asked about his status for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers (1 p.m. EST, FOX). That’s good news. The bad? Tight end Dallas Goedert is back on the shelf, now nursing a knee injury that kept him from practicing at all this week. MORE: NFL picks, score predictions for Week 14: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Carolina Panthers The Eagles enter Week 14 ranked last in the NFL — by far — in average pass attempts per game (25.6). They’ve been riding MVP-hopeful Saquon Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts in the run game, leaning more on their dominant offensive line and defense than their passing attack. A key reason for that approach — other than what has been a remarkable eight-week stretch of results — is a skill position group that has barely been whole this season due to various injuries. Philly’s passing game runs through A.J. Brown, Smith and Goedert. Those three have only been in the starting lineup together four times since Week 1, and one of those games — Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns — saw Goedert exit after just three snaps due to a hamstring injury. With that being said, the Eagles might not need to pass on Sunday against the banged-up Panthers team that ranks No. 32 in the NFL against the rush. Who’s in and who’s out for this Week 14 matchup? Here’s a full team-by-team injury breakdown, with the latest updates off of Friday’s practice reports: Eagles vs. Panthers: Full injury designations Carolina Panthers WR Jalen Coker (quad) The undrafted rookie out of Holy Cross trended in the wrong direction this week, as he was downgraded to a DNP on Friday. The Panthers passing game should run through Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette and David Moore vs. the Eagles. EDGE Jadeveon Clowney (knee) Carolina’s top pass rusher didn’t practice all week, but that could be more about maintenance, as he’s been playing through this injury and logged 57 snaps in last week’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers . Still, the fact he couldn’t go on Friday at least casts some doubt on his availability for Sunday. CB Caleb Farley (shoulder) Farley has seen an uptick in snaps on special teams in recent weeks. He figures to be on the right side of questionable after upgrading to a full practice on Friday. The reserve corner has played just 35 total snaps on defense this season. LB Josey Jewell (hamstring) The veteran linebacker appears to be truly questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Wednesday, sitting out Thursday, and returning to another limited session on Friday. He played 80 snaps against the Bucs last week. TE Ja’Tavion Sanders (neck) The fourth-round rookie appears ready to return after what initially looked like a scary head/neck injury a couple weeks ago against the Kansas City Chiefs . After sitting out last week’s game, Sanders returned to practice and upgraded to full participation on Friday. EDGE D.J. Wonnum (knee) Wonnum has given Carolina’s defense a boost since entering the starting lineup in Week 10 against the N.Y. Giants . He played a season-high 62 snaps last week against the Bucs and finished with five pressures, four hurries and three tackles. He should be good to go after practicing in full on Friday. S Nick Scott (hamstring/personal) Scott has been designated to return from injured reserve since Nov. 27, and he appeared to be making strides after logging a pair of full practices to start the week. He missed Friday’s session, though, for personal reasons. RG Robert Hunt (back) Hunt was a late addition to the injury report on Friday, but he was also listed as a full participant. Carolina’s $100 million right guard should be ready for Sunday, barring a setback. Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert (knee) Goedert had previously dealt with oblique and hamstring injuries this season, and he’s currently dealing with a knee issue that knocked him out of practice this week. Grant Calcaterra has filled in well when called upon in the passing game this season, and he could have some opportunities to score this week against a Panthers team that has surrendered nine touchdowns to tight ends in 2024. WR Britain Covey (neck) Covey returned from injured reserve to face the Baltimore Ravens last week, but he’s down again after sustaining a neck injury in that game. He was, however, able to practice in a limited fashion on Thursday and Friday, indicating his absence could be a shorter one this time around. S Sydney Brown (knee) It’s been a frustrating season for Brown, who returned from last year’s season-ending knee injury in Week 7. He’s back down again after he was held out of practice all week. Brown’s biggest contributions this season have come on special teams , where he’s logged 148 total snaps. S Reed Blankenship (concussion) Blankenship was knocked out of the Ravens game with a concussion, and as has been the case often this year with the Eagles, was given this week off from practice. Training camp standout Tristin McCollum is poised to make his first career start against Carolina on Sunday.CARSON, Calif. — The LA Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls have been Major League Soccer mainstays since the league's inaugural season in 1996, signing glamorous players and regularly competing for championships through years of success and setbacks in a league that's perpetually improving and expanding. Yet just a year ago, both of these clubs appeared to be a very long way from the stage they'll share Saturday in the MLS Cup Final. The Galaxy were one of MLS' worst teams after a season of internal turmoil and public fan dissent, while the Red Bulls were merely a steady mediocrity seeking yet another coach to chart a new direction. A year later, these MLS founders are meeting in the league's first Cup final between teams from North America's two biggest markets. "Two original clubs being able to put themselves in this situation, I think it's great," Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. "To see two clubs that have been at it as long as this league has been around be here, I think it's a special moment. Couldn't be two more different and contrasting styles as well, which could make for an interesting game, and I would imagine a high-intensity game." Everything changed in 2024 after a dismal decade for the Galaxy, who are favored to cap their transformation by winning their team's record sixth MLS championship with a roster that's dramatically different from its past few groups — albeit with one massive injury absence in the final. The transformation of the Red Bulls happened only in the postseason, when a team that hadn't won a playoff game since 2017 suddenly turned into world-beaters under rookie coach Sandro Schwarz. New York struggled through the final three months of league play with only two wins before posting road playoff victories over defending champ Columbus, archrival New York City FC and conference finalist Orlando to storm into the Cup final. "We know about the history (of our club), and we know tomorrow will define what that could mean," Schwarz said Friday. "To feel the pressure for tomorrow, it's necessary, because it's a final, and without pressure it's not possible to bring the best quality on the field." The Red Bulls have never won an MLS Cup, only reaching the championship match once before. What's more, they've somehow never won a Cup in any tournament, although they've collected three Supporters' Shields for MLS' best regular-season record. The Galaxy's trophy case is large and loaded, and those five MLS Cups are on the top shelf. But not much of that team success happened in the past decade for the club that famously brought David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard and many other international stars to Hollywood. In fact, this season has ended a grim era for the Galaxy, who haven't lost all year at their frequently renamed home stadium — which was the site of protests and boycotts just a year ago. The club's fans were tired of LA's steady underachievement and ineptitude in the front office run by team president Chris Klein, who was fired in May 2023. One year ago Thursday, the Galaxy hired Will Kuntz, a longtime Los Angeles FC executive who engineered his new club's roster transformation, most dramatically by landing new designated players Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil — two international talents that LAFC also had in its sights. "I give Will and the group up there a ton of credit," Vanney said. "It's one thing to have players you like, and it's a whole other thing to get them here and get them to connect with your group." Pec and Paintsil combined for 32 goals and 27 assists while boosting the incumbent talents of striker Dejan Joveljic and Riqui Puig, the gifted Barcelona product who runs the offense from the midfield. The Galaxy clicked in the postseason, scoring a jaw-dropping 16 goals in four matches. Puig has been the Galaxy's most important player all season, but he won't be in the MLS Cup Final after tearing a knee ligament late in last week's conference final victory over Seattle. The loss of Puig — who somehow kept playing on his injured knee, and even delivered the game-winning pass to Joveljic — makes the Galaxy even more difficult to anticipate. "He played a lot in the regular season, so it was not so easy to analyze all these games now without him," Schwarz said. "But the main focus is to analyze what we need to do, because it's not clear now how they're playing without him." The Galaxy could give some of Puig's responsibilities to Marco Reus, the longtime Dortmund standout who joined LA in August. Reus is nursing a hamstring injury, but Vanney expects him to play. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Justice ministry inaugurates digital legal servicesIrish premier praises Dublin woman who won civil case against Conor McGregor

Derek Robertson throws for school-record 536 yards and Monmouth surprises Stony Brook 55-47WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden's decision to break his word and pardon his son Hunter has spurred a broader discussion about what else he should be doing with the broad clemency powers of the presidency before he leaves office in January, including whether he should be pardoning Donald Trump. Biden on Tuesday ducked questions about his son, ignoring calls for him to explain his reversal as he was making his first presidential trip to Angola . He dismissed shouted questions about the matter with a laugh during a meeting with Angolan President João Lourenço at the presidential palace, telling the Angolan delegation: “Welcome to America.” Biden was not scheduled to take questions from the press during his trip to Africa, and he has largely avoided interactions with reporters since President-elect Trump’s victory last month. Biden’s decision to offer his son a blanket pardon for actions over the past 11 years has sparked a political uproar in Washington, after the president repeatedly had said he would not use his extraordinary powers for the benefit of his family. Biden claimed that the Justice Department had presided over a “miscarriage of justice” in prosecuting his son, using some of the same language that Trump uses to describe his own legal predicaments. Biden's reversal drew criticism from many Democrats , who are working to calibrate their approach to Trump as he prepares to take over the Oval Office in seven weeks. There is concern the pardon — and Biden's claims that his son was prosecuted for political reasons — will erode their ability to push back on the incoming president’s legal moves. And it has threatened to cloud Biden's legacy as he prepares to leave office on Jan. 20. Hunter Biden is the closest presidential relative ever to be granted clemency, but other leaders have pardoned family members and close friends. Bill Clinton pardoned his brother Roger for drug charges after Roger Clinton had served his sentence. By the time Trump left office after his first term, he had issued 144 pardons, which included Charles Kushner , the father of his son-in law, Jared Kushner. He also pardoned fervent supporters Steve Bannon, Roger Stone, Paul Manafort, Michael Flynn and other people convicted in special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation. In the months after the 2020 election, Trump and his allies were trying to overturn his loss, a failed effort that culminated in the violent riot by his supporters at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. There were discussions at the time over whether Trump would preemptively pardon some of those involved in the effort — and maybe even himself — before he left office. But that never happened. Now, Democrats are having similar discussions about preemptive pardons on their side because of Trump's rhetoric on the campaign trail. He's made no secret of his desire to seek revenge on those who prosecuted him or crossed him. He talks about "enemies from within." He's circulated social media posts that call for the jailing of Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former Vice President Mike Pence and Sens. Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer. He's also taken aim at Liz Cheney, a conservative Republican who campaigned for Harris, promoting a social media post that suggested he wanted military tribunals to punish her because she was guilty of treason. Sen. Ed Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, said last week on Boston Public Radio that Biden might consider broad pardons to protect people against whatever wrath Trump may seek, but also as a way to move the country past this acrimonious and divided time. “I think that without question, Trump is going to try to act in a dictatorial way, in a fascistic way, in a revengeful first year at least of his administration toward individuals who he believes harmed him,” Markey said. Presidents enjoy expansive pardon powers when it comes to federal crimes . That includes granting clemency to people who have not yet been charged, as President Gerald Ford did in 1974 when he pardoned his predecessor, Richard Nixon, over the Watergate scandal. The decision at the time caused an uproar but has been seen in the ensuing decades as a move that helped restore order. Markey cited Ford's pardon as a way for the country “just to close that chapter and move on to a new era.” Biden could do the same, Markey said, to help the country move on “to an agenda that deals with the ordinary families.” Sen. Joe Manchin, the Democrat-turned-independent from West Virginia, took it a step further and suggested Biden should even pardon Trump for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, federal charges that are now evaporating with Trump's upcoming return to the White House. “Why don't you go ahead and pardon Donald Trump for all his charges?" he said in an interview with CNN. “It would have gone down a lot more balanced. I'm just saying, wipe them out.” At the same time, Democratic lawmakers and criminal justice reformers are pushing Biden to grant pardons to broad groups of Americans. Democrats Ayanna Pressley, Jim Clyburn and Mary Gay Scanlon wrote to Biden on Nov. 20, asking him to use his clemency powers to "address longstanding injustices in our legal system, and set our nation on the path toward ending mass incarceration.” The letter, also signed by 61 others, suggested Biden could use his powers to send a powerful message of criminal justice reform and "rectify unjust and unnecessary criminal laws passed by Congress and draconian sentences given by judges.” “We encourage you to use your clemency powers to help broad classes of people and cases, including the elderly and chronically ill, those on death row, people with unjustified sentencing disparities, and women who were punished for defending themselves against their abusers,” they wrote. So far, Biden has pardoned 25 people. Most presidents tend to grant a flurry of clemency requests at the end of their terms, and it's likely Biden will do the same. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has said Biden is “thinking through that process very thoroughly.” Weissert reported from Luanda, Angola.

Field goal on final play gives Southeastern Louisiana 19-16 win over Nicholls

Johnson City Schools recently named three educators to represent the district in the state’s search for the 2025-26 Teacher of the Year. Towne Acres fifth-grade teacher Karen Bunch, Indian Trail Career Explorations teacher Brandie Wishon-Sanchez and Science Hill history teacher Ben Davenport have been named the district-wide Teachers of the Year. The three will now compete to be named Regional Teachers of the Year, and will have the opportunity to advance to grand division and statewide competitions if they win locally. Before the competition heats up, the three took the time to answer five questions about their careers and the importance of education. Five Questions with Karen Bunch Towne Acres fifth-grade teacher Karen Bunch was named one of the District-Level Teachers of the Year. A Knoxville native, Bunch has a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Tennessee. Bunch has been a teacher for 32 years, with 31 of them spent at Towne Acres. Bunch currently resides in Kingsport with her husband, Michael, and their five cats. When outside of school, she spends her time reading, cooking, traveling and watching UT games with her friends and family. What led you to pursue a career in education? I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I loved ‘playing school’ with my stuffed animals and even had my own chalkboard! Several of my teachers inspired me to pursue leadership roles, which sparked the teaching bug! What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of being a teacher is seeing the lightbulb moment firsthand when a student ‘gets it’. That is such a rewarding experience for me! What is your favorite lesson or unit to teach in your classroom? This is my first year teaching fifth grade math, but I love seeing how my students have progressed from basic multiplication facts to more complex skills like multiplying decimals and fractions. It’s been fun learning with them! From my past years in third grade, I loved teaching physical science with exploration and hands-on activities. What is one piece of advice you share with students? Everyone makes mistakes. It’s how you recover that matters. What is one common misconception about being a teacher? One common misconception about being a teacher is work hours. Although our work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with weekends, holidays and summers off, most teachers willingly go way beyond the contracted hours to provide for their students. Five Questions with Brandie Wishon-Sanchez Indian Trail Career Explorations teacher Brandie Wishon-Sanchez was named one of the District-Level Teachers of the Year. Originally from San Diego, California, Wishon-Sanchez spent most of her early childhood in Guam until moving to Charleston, South Carolina at the age of seven. Wishon-Sanchez moved to Tennessee when she was 16 after her father retired from the Navy. Wishon-Sanchez has a bachelor’s degree in social work and child psychology and a master’s degree in art and teaching. Wishon-Sanchez has been teaching for 24 years. When she’s not in the classroom, she enjoys dancing and spending time with family. What led you to pursue a career in education? As a child, I excelled academically but struggled behaviorally in school. I was the kid who talked too much, had too much attitude and was often sent out of class. Growing up at a time when ADHD wasn’t well understood, I never had a teacher who took the time to sit down, listen and truly understand what was going on with me. That experience shaped my decision to become an educator. I chose this profession to be the teacher I never had—the one who holds students accountable, but also provides the support and understanding they need. My goal is to be there for students, especially those who feel unseen, and to be part of the solution rather than giving up on those who need someone in their corner. What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of teaching is the opportunity to connect with students and watch them discover what they want to do in the future. As a career exploration teacher, I love guiding students as they create projects like commercials, video blogs and new business products. I also cherish my role in Hawk's Academy, where I work closely with students who need more behavioral support. Building relationships with these students, who often don’t get the chance to connect deeply with others, is incredibly rewarding and reminds me why I chose this profession. What is your favorite lesson or unit to teach in your classroom? One of my favorite lessons to teach is preparing eighth-grade students for the professional world. In this unit, they learn how to fill out applications, create resumes and navigate the do’s and don’ts of interviewing. The highlight is when community partners come in to conduct real interviews with the students, grading them on key skills like handshakes, confident answers and managing nerves. What is one piece of advice you share with students? One piece of advice I always share with each of my students is to never take life for granted. I encourage them to choose joy and gratitude daily, even during tough times. I always stress that every day if they can find the smallest thing to be thankful for it can lead to a more rewarding and fulfilling life. What is one common misconception about being a teacher? A common misconception about teaching is that it’s like babysitting and easy since we have ‘summers off,’ but nothing could be further from the truth. Having had a few careers and jobs in the past, I can say with all my heart that teaching is the most challenging, exhausting and frustrating job—and yet it’s also the most rewarding, endearing, loving and exciting career I have ever had. Every day, we get the privilege to wear so many hats for our kids. We become their parents, therapists, coaches, advocates, and so much more, we pour everything we have into helping students succeed and grow. Five Questions with Ben Davenport Science Hill history teacher Ben Davenport was named one of the District-Level Teachers of the Year. A Johnson City native, Davenport attended Science Hill High School and graduated in 2001 before going on to receive a bachelor’s degree in history from UT, a master’s degree in teaching from ETSU and an educational specialist degree from Union Commonwealth University. When outside the classroom, Davenport enjoys watching sports, traveling to new places and spending time with family. What led you to pursue a career in education? I visited a high school classroom as a college student and appreciated the interactions and learning that was happening. I have always had a desire to know and learn more. I think that I had positive role models in my life from my family and teachers, and as I got older I realized that those people had a direct effect on my future. I wanted to help others as they helped me, so it was a natural fit. What is your favorite part of your job? Each day is unique, and I love the challenge of teaching. I love the times when the lightbulb goes off in a student's head and they learn something new. I love when they can connect past events to the current day. I love seeing their critical thinking and analytical skills grow. This is the only profession that has an impact on all professions. What is your favorite lesson or unit to teach in your classroom? I love teaching about World War II. My grandfather was a WWII vet and his generation experienced the hardships of the Great Depression and were asked to sacrifice for the greater good to fight totalitarian regimes. Teaching students about the war at home and abroad helps students know about resiliency, sacrifice, empathy and what America can achieve when united for a cause. It shows how great this nation can be when we work together, not against one another. What is one piece of advice you share with students? Teaching history gives me all kinds of avenues to help students learn from the past. The best advice I can give them is to make a positive impact where they are and to have confidence in themselves. What is one common misconception about being a teacher? There are two misconceptions that come to mind immediately. First, students and teenagers are not as respectful or well behaved as they used to be. I find that kids by and large are good people. They want to help others, they are respectful of adults and they will work hard. They are motivated (and distracted) in many different ways, but I see great kids every single day at Science Hill. The second misconception is that teachers, especially experienced ones, can just ‘show up and teach’. Teachers have to constantly adapt and evolve how they teach and even what they teach. You have to be ready for different learning styles, different technology, different content and even different types of classrooms. Answers have been edited for length and AP style. Stay Informed: Subscribe to Our Newsletter TodayAP News Summary at 6:04 p.m. EST

Biden considering preemptive pardons for officials allies before Trump takes office

The 13 office buildings in Richmond, B.C.’s Airport Executive Park – a business park located on 35 acres of green space – date back to a time when climate change and carbon footprints weren’t part of mainstream discussions and long-term environmental control programs. But as more companies set climate and sustainability targets, many are actively working toward reducing greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions within their operations and supply chains. Fiera Real Estate Canada – the current owner of Richmond’s Airport Executive Park (AEP) – is aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, partly through the installation of electric heat pumps that will replace its gas-fired heating systems, which date back to the 1980s and early 2000s. The company’s net-zero ambitions are emblematic of the significant commitments national building owners are making that will help Canada reach its target of net-zero building emissions by 2050. And while 25 years from today may seem like a long time, experts warn Canada isn’t making progress fast enough to achieve its goal. The clock began ticking in 2021 when the federal government adopted the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act , aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050, with an interim target of GHG reductions hitting at least 40 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. Released this year, the Canada Green Buildings Strategy says there are more than 564,000 commercial and institutional buildings across the country, and because the majority are expected to still be in use in 2050, most will require extensive upgrades and retrofitting to reach Canada’s net-zero goal. “It’s hard to see how we’re going to achieve the interim standards for the building sector by 2030, and if we don’t reach them, the climb to 2050 is going to be a lot harder,” says Thomas Mueller, president and chief executive officer of the Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC), which supports the building industry’s transition to green structures and sets national standards for zero-carbon buildings. Updated in July, the council’s Zero Carbon Building standards focus on maintaining high energy efficiency in new buildings and reducing carbon emissions in older structures by replacing fossil-fuel-burning equipment. It estimates that Canada needs to convert at least 3 per cent of its buildings to net-zero emissions a year and invest billions in making buildings greener. A recent study from CAGBC and the Delphi Group – a Canadian climate and sustainability consultancy – identifies the most-needed upgrades in buildings to be LED lighting, triple-glazed windows, roof insulation, high-efficiency ventilation systems, as well as computer control systems that reduce heating and cooling when rooms are not in use. These upgrades require major structural changes and are why most building owners are conducting feasibility studies and putting refits into their 10-year plans, says Tonya Lagrasta, vice-president and head of ESG at commercial real estate services company Colliers Canada. However, she says: “The price tags for things like window replacements can have owners of older buildings falling off their chairs.” The Pembina Institute, a clean-energy think tank, estimates that decarbonizing Canada’s commercial and residential building sector will require more than $400-billion in upgrades. It also concludes that more incentives must be put in place. Since grants are often difficult for governments to finance and administer, tax credits to stimulate investment are more practical, says Mr. Mueller. However, a challenge is that several provinces and cities have building codes that include specifications that vary from the federal standards. “It is a real hodgepodge of standards across the country and that is contributing to confusion,” says Terry Bergen, Victoria-based managing principal of RJC Engineers, a building science consultancy. For retrofits, there is also a misconception that high efficiency comes with higher operating costs. But recently, a lot of studies have been released that demonstrate a high return on investment by making these changes, says Duncan Rowe, a Toronto-based principal with RJC Engineers. At the same time, Mr. Rowe acknowledges that it’s not economical or ecologically practical to speed up the replacement of nearly-new equipment just to meet a standard. In other words, upgrades should be aligned with the life cycle of equipment. In the case of Airport Executive Park, the heating systems were several decades old and in need of replacement. While the newly installed systems are less than a year old, the expectation is that annual energy cost savings for all the property’s buildings will be as much as 50 per cent. In the long term, achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is an interim step toward a goal of being fully net-zero energy – producing as much clean energy as consumed with on-site clean and renewable sources, such as solar, wind or geothermal, Ms. Lagrasta says. Net-zero energy is achievable because technology is advancing, says Mr. Rowe. For instance, solar technology is becoming affordable and can be efficient at powering some buildings, but it needs the right conditions. If a building owner has a large roof area, solar is a practical solution, though it won’t be sufficient for an office tower with a small roof. However, there are also developments in photovoltaic glass that can turn windows into power sources, Mr. Rowe says. Ultimately, economics – not politics – will persuade building owners to invest in green technology, Ms. Lagrasta says. A study by Colliers found tenants are willing to pay a premium of an average of 8 per cent to be in a building with a high sustainability rating. “Building owners value their assets and political winds come and go. But it will become harder to attract and retain tenants in an older building that is falling behind the curve,” Ms. Lagrasta says.Ancient Roman home — and luxurious decorations — uncovered in France. See elite findsA growing number of orange cones on Fraser Highway signals the start of SkyTrain construction in Fleetwood and points east, bringing the potential noise of pile-driving until next spring. Using large cranes and drill rigs, foundation construction for the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain line involves preparing sites and ground improvements to support guideway piers and stations, work that requires drilling or driving steel and concrete piles into the ground. Lane closures and traffic-pattern changes are happening, and "temporary increases in noise levels are anticipated" during hours of work, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday, according to a construction bulletin. Meantime, the design of future stations on the extended Expo Line will be considered in a second round of public consultation. Starting Nov. 28, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure hosts in Langley and Surrey, and . In Fleetwood, a public open house is planned Thursday, Dec. 5 at Comfort Inn and Suites, 8255 166 St., 3 to 7 p.m. The other meetings are Nov. 28 at Hope Community Church (18625 Fraser Hwy., Surrey), Nov. 30 at Hampton Inn & Suites (19500 Langley Bypass) and Dec. 2 at Coast Langley City Hotel and Convention Centre (20393 Fraser Hwy., Langley). Proposed designs of the eight new stations are shown on , along with open house details. The Surrey Langley SkyTrain Project will extend the Expo Line 16 kilometres, primarily along Fraser Highway, from King George SkyTrain Station in Surrey to 203 Street in Langley. "We knew this work was coming, and the preparation work actually began last summer," said Dean Barbour, executive director of Fleetwood Business Improvement Association (BIA). "For years we've been talking to all of the stakeholders about planning and preparation for this, what does (construction) look like, how do we mitigate the challenges of road closures, driveway closures, just the basic impacts of large infrastructure on Fraser Highway." Over the summer, crews cut down trees and cleared land on the south side of the highway to make way for power lines, moved from the north side of the road, Barbour recalled. "I remember driving to my office and just being dumbfounded by what it looked like, knowing it was coming, but it wasn't what I was expecting," he said. The BIA has around 370 member businesses, with numbers declining due to SkyTrain construction. "We've lost a few now, with some moving, some closing," Barbour noted. "The Tim Hortons at 166th is gone, near Surrey Sport & Leisure. The insurance place moved, the sushi place is still there, the bakery closed, the Circle K closed. And at 152, there were about 12 businesses moved or closed, so we're down 16 (businesses) now, I think." The BIA partners with Fleetwood Community Association on all things SkyTrain. "We've asked for things that would be really great assets," Barbour said. "Like, for , because of its height, it will have an amazing view of Mount Baker. Wouldn't it be neat if part of the station had a large window with First Nations art around it that showcased and framed the mountain, almost a photo opportunity? They said they'd take that into consideration. We're trying to help with things like that." For the eight new stations, the current second round of public engagement will consider final designs, landscaping and public art. Meantime, on Nov. 18 Surrey city council awarded a $1.35-million contract to B.A. Blacktop Infrastructure for Green Timbers SkyTrain Station supportive works, including cycling facilities on 140 Street and SkyTrain Park and Ride at Green Timbers Way. "The contract work is expected to start in December 2024 and be completed by March 2025," says . "Construction of the cycling improvements along 140 Street will be co-ordinated with the construction of the Surrey-Langley Skytrain Project."