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BETHUNE-COOKMAN 79, NORTH DAKOTA 67
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was a full participant in practice on Monday, opening the door for him to return from a three-game absence on Wednesday when Pittsburgh hosts the Kansas City Chiefs. Pickens hasn’t played since tweaking his hamstring earlier this month. The Steelers (10-5) have struggled to generate much in their passing game with their leading receiver watching from the sideline in sweatpants. Though Monday’s practice was a walkthrough, Pickens said he felt good and hopes he’ll be able to face the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. The 23-year-old was going through post-practice drills on Dec. 6 when he felt his hamstring tighten up, forcing him to miss the first games of his three-year career. Pittsburgh has gone 1-2 in his absence, including back-to-back losses to Philadelphia and Baltimore in which Russell Wilson passed for just 345 yards while missing one of the NFL’s top downfield threats. Wilson is encouraged by the way the sometimes mercurial Pickens — who has been flagged and fined multiple times this season for infractions ranging from facemasks to unsportsmanlike conduct — has remained engaged. RELATED COVERAGE Bills offense is ‘Cooking,’ with running game adding a powerful new dimension Heavy ground game gives Anthony Richardson a chance to shine in Colts’ latest victory Garrett Wilson is frustrated and his future will be a major decision for the next Jets GM, coach “He’s been great in the midst of his little trial here over the past few weeks,” Wilson said. “And so we’re excited to have him back if that’s the case fully and let him do his thing.” Safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin) were also listed as full participants on Tuesday. Neither veteran has played since getting hurt against Cleveland on Dec. 8. While Pickens, Elliott and Ogunjobi could be available as Pittsburgh tries to hold off Baltimore for the AFC North lead, cornerback Joey Porter (knee) and WR Ben Skowronek (hip) are likely out after missing practice for a second straight day. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
A California man who was is set to be reunited with his sister after a alerted the woman to her sibling's whereabouts, authorities announced. The report, which sought to identify an unknown patient at a Los Angeles County hospital, was sent to the woman by a friend of hers, the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office in Northern California confirmed on Facebook. The patient was discovered in South Los Angeles on April 15 and taken to the St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, California, USA TODAY previously reported. Officials at the hospital asked for the public's assistance in identifying the man, who is non-verbal and could not communicate his name. For the next six months, the hospital's social services department was unable to reach any family members for the patient. That all changed on Friday, when his sister told the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office that she believed the unidentified patient was her long lost brother. The sheriff's office has not revealed the name of the man or his family members, citing privacy for the family. Information regarding his health status have also been withheld due to patient confidentiality laws. USA TODAY has reached out to the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office and the St. Francis Medical Center for additional information. The man was reported missing from Doyle, California in 1999 and not heard from since, his sister told the sheriff’s office. Sheriff’s Deputy Derek Kennemore contacted the hospital, where staff told him the patient had been transferred to different hospital. The second hospital confirmed that the man was in their care and matched the description of the missing person, according to the sheriff’s office. His identity was later confirmed through a fingerprint test conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department, according to the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office. "The family will be reunited soon," the office wrote. "The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office would like to commend Deputy Kennemore on his tenacity with this case. We would also like to thank the Los Angles Police Department for their assistance in identifying the missing man and closing out this 25 year old case."
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) has said it has had to allocate additional staff to its helpline to deal with a surge in the numbers seeking support following Nikita Hand’s successful civil case against mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor . It said calls to the 24-hour national rape crisis helpline almost doubled over the weekend and the number of first-time callers had increased by 50 per cent. On Friday a High Court jury awarded €248,603 damages to Ms Hand against Mr McGregor after finding she was assaulted by him in a Dublin hotel. Ms Hand had alleged, in her civil action for damages, she was raped by the mixed martial arts star in the Beacon hotel on December 9th, 2018. Mr McGregor had denied her claim. On Monday the fallout from the jury decision continued with calls for a boycott of Mr McGregor’s business interests. The developer of the Hitman video game series said it was removing content featuring Mr McGregor. IO Interactive said in a statement on social media: “In light of the recent court ruling regarding Conor McGregor, IO Interactive has made the decision to cease its collaboration with the athlete, effective immediately. “We take this matter very seriously and cannot ignore its implications. Consequently, we will begin removing all content featuring Mr McGregor from our storefronts starting today.” Mr McGregor entered the brewing business in recent years with a product called Forged Irish Stout which is sold in some off-licences, supermarkets and several pubs. Mr McGregor was also behind Proper No 12 Whiskey, which he sold in 2023. On Sunday the Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) urged retailers to stop selling Conor McGregor’s stout and whiskey products in the aftermath of the jury’s decision in the High Court. Clíona Saidléar, RCNI executive director, said companies making money from his alcohol and other products needed to look at whether they wanted to align themselves with a man found by a civil jury to have sexually assaulted a woman. Ms Saidléar said on Monday that she had not heard anything back from retailers on the issue. A number of industry sources maintained that while Forged Irish Stout was on sale in some pubs, it was not widely available. The Press Up Group, the country’s largest hospitality group, said it “never stocked any of Conor McGregor’s brands”. One Dublin off-licence operator said on Monday that his store would not be selling McGregor products again. Damien Martin of Martin’s off-licence in Marino, Dublin, said his store did not generally stock such products but had previously secured a case on request for a customer. He said in the aftermath of the court case last week, his store had no interest doing so in the future. Supermarkets Lidl and Aldi also said they did not sell any products owned by Conor McGregor. Supermarkets Supervalu and Tesco did not comment on whether they stocked products linked to Mr McGregor. The DRCC said that following the jury decision on Friday Ms Hand had urged women to “speak up, use your voice”. “Her call has been heard loud and clear, with a huge surge in people seeking support from Dublin Rape Crisis Centre over the past weekend.” The centre’s chief executive, Rachel Morrogh, said: “Our message to anyone who has experienced sexual violence and is considering picking up the phone is that you are one of many people for whom now feels like the right time to make contact. There are experienced counsellors on the line who will listen to you, believe you and support you in whatever way you need.” The DRCC 24-hour national helpline is 1800 778888. Martin Wall is the former Washington Correspondent of The Irish Times. He was previously industry correspondent
Law firm founder steps up battle to clear out leadership
BETHUNE-COOKMAN 79, NORTH DAKOTA 67
Tributes have been paid to a young RAF Lossiemouth Air Specialist who passed away last week. David Enbom, who had served at RAF Lossiemouth since August 2023, died on Saturday, November 23. Known as Davey to his friends, the local was a hugely popular member of the Engineering and Logistics Wing. David attended St Gerardine’s Primary School and Lossiemouth High School, where he excelled at sports. He then followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather and joined the RAF in 2023. After completing his initial training at RAF Halton in May 2023, David trained as a Logistics Supplier at MOD Worthy Down. He then returned home to Moray for his first RAF posting last August. RAF Lossiemouth has issued a moving tribute three days after David’s passing. Tributes paid to RAF Lossiemouth AS1 David Enbom , RAF Lossiemouth said David’s death is “deeply felt” by all members. The institution is supporting his mother Donna, father Steven, sister Chelsie, his Grandparents and his wider family and friends at this sad time. Several former colleagues have shared some beautiful words in his memory. AS1 William Waddell, Supply Control and Accounting Flight, wrote: “The loss of David from our lives will be a wound that will take a long time to heal. “He wasn’t just our friend or colleague, he was a son, brother and loved member of a big family. “We will miss him in ways words can’t quite describe. “Ever the confidant of many, he was always a person who was there for everyone, any time of the day. “We will always remember him as a funny wee boy, who was always laughing, brightening up our day.” AS1 Jordan Roberts, Supply Control and Accounting Flight, said: “Having only met David in May, we quickly became close friends, as if we’ve known each other a lifetime. “A fun individual who never failed to make anyone laugh, whether it be in the office or out on a social. “A record of 10 wins in a row at pool, he’d hustle his way, fuelled with several cans of Monster and Scotmid’s Steak Pies. “Don’t worry, David, your record still stands on top over everyone!” Meanwhile, Squadron Leader Jack Savage, Officer Commanding, RAF Lossiemouth Logistics and Supply Squadron, said: “The news of AS1 Enbom’s death has hit the Squadron hard. “Although he initially came across as quiet, it quickly became clear that Davey was a sharp-witted character with a real spark.” Highly popular and with a cheeky personality Sgt Garry Russell, Senior NCO Secondary Accounts, Supply Control and Accounting Flight, added: “With an exceptional work ethic and strong commitment to his role, he was a respected and trusted member of the SCAF team. “Highly popular with a cheeky personality, he was always at the centre of any banter within the office where he made everyone around him feel valued and included.” Warrant Officer Neil Mackie, Squadron Warrant Officer, Logistics Support Squadron, wrote: “AS1 David Enbom was a genuinely very polite character who was hard working and always willing to get involved in wider aspects of Sqn & Service life. “Being a very popular member of the Logistics Support Squadron, his tragic loss has been devastating, and he will be sorely missed by everyone whom he worked with, the wider Station and local community.” Wing Commander Sharon Evelegh-Hall, Officer Commanding, RAF Lossiemouth Engineering and Logistics Wing, said: The tragic and untimely loss of AS1 David Enbom has sent shockwaves not only through his Flight and Squadron but across the whole unit. “In spite of his relatively short time in the RAF, his impact was extensive. “David will be sorely missed but his legacy and our memories will endure.”Tiffanie Drayton is a geek culture and lifestyle reporter whose work covers everything from gender and race to anime and Xbox. Her work has appeared in Complex, Salon, Marie Claire, Playboy, and elsewhere.During the Town of Amherst’s final town council meeting of the year on Dec. 16, a motion was passed approving funding for two initiatives. The Community Support Grants Policy, Social Equity Fund allowed for a $5,000 contribution to be made to the Amherst Community Christmas Dinner. The free dinner is open to anyone in the town and beyond providing an inclusive environment for anyone experiencing food insecurity. The welcome holiday meal is free and open to anyone. Another contribution was made on behalf of the Social Equity Fund in the amount of $3,100 being made to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Amherst. The library provides books to more than 220 children in the area to inspire their quest for learning. Council appointed Rae Burke as a citizen member of the Town of Amherst Audit Committee for a term ending on October 31, 2025. The seat was vacant following the election of Rob Small as mayor. An expression of interest was advertised in local media and on the Town of Amherst social media pages. Amherst Town Council believes involving youth in the community adds value to youth development. They also want to empower young people to be active participants in their community and democracy. Council believes the youth perspective is an important one in the decisions they make everyday and welcome their opinions. That’s why in June 2024 an expression of interest was highlighted for young people to join the Amherst Youth Town Council. The seats are capped at 15 members and there were seven interested applicants over the summer. Last week, two new students were recruited, bringing the total number of members to nine. Town Council appointed Isla Crocker and Hanna Brunt to the Amherst Youth Town Council last week. Town Council approved the purchase of 10 body-worn cameras for Town Police in the 2024/25 Capital Budget. The amount to purchase the devices was estimated at $50,000 but the prices have changed considerably since the approval. Staff are now recommending the equipment be leased now instead of purchasing it. Council passed a new motion to remove the purchase of 10 police body worn cameras from the 2024/25 Capital Budget and authorize the lease. The new lease will be for 12 police body-worn cameras at a cost of approximately $20,000 annually. This new approval will be funded from the Police Department Operating Budget. In leasing the equipment, the provider will make sure the existing technology, data storage in the cloud, repairs and equipment replacement will be up to date.