646 lodi

LONDON (AP) — A woman who claimed mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in a Dublin hotel penthouse was awarded nearly 250,000 Euros ($257,000) on Friday by a civil court jury in Ireland. Nikita Hand said the Dec. 9, 2018, assault after a night of partying left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced the woman to do anything against her will and said she fabricated the allegations after the two had consensual sex. His lawyer had called Hand a gold digger. The fighter, once the face of the Ultimate Fighting Championship but now past his prime, shook his head as the jury of eight women and four men found him liable for assault after deliberating about six hours in the High Court in Dublin. He was mobbed by cameras as he left court but did not comment. He later said on the social platform X that he would appeal the verdict and the “modest award.” Hand's voice cracked and her hands trembled as she read a statement outside the courthouse, saying she would never forget what happened to her but would now be able to move on with her life. She thanked her family, partner, friends, jurors, the judge and all the supporters that had reached out to her online, but particularly her daughter. “She has given me so much strength and courage over the last six years throughout this nightmare to keep on pushing forward for justice,” she said. “I want to show (her) 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.” The Associated Press generally does not name alleged victims of sexual violence unless they come forward publicly, as Hand has done. Under Irish law, she did not have the anonymity she would have been granted in a criminal proceeding and was named publicly throughout the trial. Her lawyer told jurors that McGregor was angry about a fight he had lost in Las Vegas two months earlier and took it out on his client. “He’s not a man, he’s a coward,” attorney John Gordon said in his closing speech. “A devious coward and you should treat him for what he is.” Gordon said his client never pretended to be a saint and was only looking to have fun when she sent McGregor a message through Instagram after attending a Christmas party. He said Hand knew McGregor socially and that they had grown up in the same area. She said he picked her and a friend up in a car and shared cocaine with them, which McGregor admitted in court, on the way to the Beacon Hotel. Hand said she told McGregor she didn't want to have sex with him and that she was menstruating. She said she told him “no” as he started kissing her but he eventually pinned her to a bed and she couldn't move. McGregor put her in a chokehold and later told her, “now you know how I felt in the octagon where I tapped out three times,” referring to a UFC match when he had to admit defeat, she said. Hand had to take several breaks in emotional testimony over three days. She said McGregor threatened to kill her during the encounter and she feared she would never see her young daughter again. Eventually, he let go of her. “I remember saying I was sorry, as I felt that I did something wrong and I wanted to reassure him that I wouldn’t tell anyone so he wouldn’t hurt me again,” she testified. She said she then let him do what he wanted and he had sex with her. A paramedic who examined Hand the next day testified that she had never before seen someone with that intensity of bruising. A doctor told jurors Hand had multiple injuries. Hand said the trauma of the attack had left her unable to work as a hairdresser, she fell behind on her mortgage and had to move out of her house. Police investigated the woman’s complaint but prosecutors declined to bring charges, saying there was insufficient evidence and a conviction was unlikely. McGregor, in his post on X, said he was disappointed jurors didn't see all the evidence prosecutors had reviewed. He testified that the two had athletic and vigorous sex, but that it was not rough. He said “she never said ‘no’ or stopped” and testified that everything she said was a lie. “It is a full blown lie among many lies,” he said when asked about the chokehold allegation. “How anyone could believe that me, as a prideful person, would highlight my shortcomings.” McGregor’s lawyer told jurors they had to set aside their animus toward the fighter. “You may have an active dislike of him, some of you may even loathe him – there is no point pretending that the situation might be otherwise,” attorney Remy Farrell said. “I’m not asking you to invite him to Sunday brunch.” The defense said the woman never told investigators McGregor threatened her life. They also showed surveillance video in court that they said appeared to show the woman kiss McGregor’s arm and hug him after they left the hotel room. Farrell said she looked “happy, happy, happy.” McGregor said he was “beyond petrified” when first questioned by police and read them a prepared statement. On the advice of his lawyer, he refused to answer more than 100 follow-up questions. The jury ruled against Hand in a case she brought against one of McGregor’s friends, James Lawrence, whom she accused of having sex with her in the hotel without consent.As TikTok bill steams forward, online influencers put on their lobbying hats to visit Washington

Cellectar Biosciences Provides Strategic Update on Clinical Development, Pipeline Programs and Corporate Restructuring

THERE will be some unfamiliar faces around Donna Politarhis' table this Christmas. Login or signup to continue reading That's exactly how she planned it. At a time of year when most people sit down with their nearest and dearest for a meal, the Maryville resident has turned her mind to those who might have spent it shrouded in silence. So, she's extended the invitation to anyone who is alone on Christmas Day to spend a merry old time with her family for lunch. "There's a lot of people out there who don't have any family," Ms Politarhis said. "It's a really hard time of the year and very emotional for a lot of people, I've been in that situation where I've been home on Christmas Day alone with no food. "I don't know, I've been in that place, and I know how it feels; I know the yearning for family and friends, and I just want to bring that joy to other people." Last year, Ms Politarhis invited a handful of people who did not have family to spend the day with over for Christmas. This year she hopes to spread even more Christmas cheer with the help of her husband and kids, a leg of ham, sausages on the barbecue and some jingly tunes in the background. A member of the community donated a couple of Christmas puddings and some custard for dessert. Ms Politarhis said she expects about 25 to 30 people at the gathering and is looking forward to meeting new people. "We wanted to do something in the community, and we couldn't find anything to connect with, so I thought, 'how about we just do something here?'" she said. "Which is probably in some ways a little bit nicer, because it's more intimate. "I hope people can find connection and community, just to have someone they can talk to, have some fun on the day and not be lonely." Ms Politarhis has taken to social media, posting in local Facebook community groups for anyone who wants to come along. Madeline Link is a born and bred Novocastrian who started her career as a journalist in the New England North West in 2016. She is an experienced council and court reporter, former deputy editor of the Northern Daily Leader and two-time Kennedy Award finalist. In unrelated incidents, she previously reported on country music in Australia's country music capital and was once flung across Lake Macquarie in a power boat at more than 100 kilometres per hour. Maddie now works at the Newcastle Herald with a focus on Newcastle council. To keep up with my stories, follow my X @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au. Madeline Link is a born and bred Novocastrian who started her career as a journalist in the New England North West in 2016. She is an experienced council and court reporter, former deputy editor of the Northern Daily Leader and two-time Kennedy Award finalist. In unrelated incidents, she previously reported on country music in Australia's country music capital and was once flung across Lake Macquarie in a power boat at more than 100 kilometres per hour. Maddie now works at the Newcastle Herald with a focus on Newcastle council. To keep up with my stories, follow my X @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. WEEKLY Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!

Sheridan College says it's putting 40 programs on hold and laying off staff as it faces a dramatic drop in enrolment. The college estimates that it will have about 30 per cent fewer students next year, resulting in a $112-million drop in revenue, according to a statement from its president, Janet Morrison. An additional 27 programs will under go an "efficiency review," Morrison said. "These changes are required for Sheridan to remain a financially sustainable and vibrant community in response to chronic underfunding, changing government policies, and social, technological, and economic disruption," Morrison said. "Sheridan will look different, but our commitment to learning, discovery and engagement remains the same." Canada's post-secondary industry predicts a storm ahead, as budget cuts shrink courses, staff Seneca Polytechnic to close Markham campus citing 'dramatic drop' in number of international students The programs being suspended include 13 in the faculty of applied science and technology, 13 business programs, six in the faculty of animation, arts and design, five in the faculty of applied health and community studies and three in humanities and social sciences. Students who are currently enrolled in these programs will still be able to graduate, the college's website says. Sheridan College is the latest school to face financial challenges after the federal government announced a cap on study permits for international post-secondary students. The government has said the cap is meant to reduce the number of new student visas by more than a third this year. The government said it would approve approximately 360,000 undergraduate study permits for 2024 — a 35 per cent reduction from 2023. Ontario colleges to face biggest hit from foreign student cap In September, the Liberal government said it would further slash the number of international student permits it issues by 10 per cent. Deciding how to divvy up the allocation of permits among post-secondary institutions is up to the provincial government, which announced in March that colleges would face the biggest drop in their international student numbers. The Ford government's 2024 budget revealed that Ontario's colleges will lose out on $3.1 billion in revenue over the next two years from the expected drop in international student enrolment. Morrison's statement doesn't blame the international student cap directly, but a backgrounder posted on the college's website does point to "shrinking domestic enrolment" and "dramatic shifts in government policy" as factors. Dayna Smockum, a spokesperson for Ontario's Ministry of Colleges and Universities, said the province will continue to support the post-secondary sector to ensure students can get good paying, in-demand jobs once they graduate. She pointed out that in February, the government announced a $1.3-billion boost to post-secondary funding spread out over the next three years However, she said staffing decisions and human resource matters "lie solely with the institutions."By Leah Nylen and Jaewon Kang | Bloomberg A judge blocked Kroger Co.’s $24.6 billion acquisition of Albertsons Cos. , finding the takeover would lessen competition for US grocery shoppers, in a ruling that marks a likely death knell for the deal. In a decision filed in Oregon federal court Tuesday, US District Judge Adrienne Nelson found in favor of the US Federal Trade Commission. The agency had argued that the proposed tie-up violates US antitrust law and that a division of hundreds of stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc. wouldn’t do enough to replace the lost competition. “There is ample evidence that the division is not sufficient in scale to adequately compete with the merged firm and is structured in a way that will significantly disadvantage C&S as a competitor,” Nelson wrote. “The deficiencies in the disvestiture scope and structure create a risk that some or all of the divested stores will lose sales or close, as has happened in past C&S acquisitions.” Nelson’s decision is a major victory for the FTC and its outgoing Chair Lina Khan, who came under harsh criticism from conservatives and business groups for stepped-up antitrust enforcement under the Biden administration. “Today’s win protects competition in the grocery market, which will prevent prices from rising even more,” said FTC spokesperson Douglas Farrar. “This statement makes it clear that strong, reality-based antitrust enforcement delivers real results for consumers, workers, and small businesses.” A C&S Wholesale spokesperson said the company is disappointed by the court’s decision and that it looks forward to seeing how Kroger and Albertsons will determine the next steps of the proposed deal. Kroger and Albertsons didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment. Attorneys for the companies have said the acquisition would probably be called off if the judge ruled against the deal. Kroger shares jumped as much as 6.1% in New York trading on Tuesday, extending earlier gains. Albertsons slumped as much as 10%. Specific Market Nelson agreed with the FTC that supermarkets constitute a specific market, countering the companies’ argument that the market extends to online retailers like Amazon.com Inc. “Supermarkets are distinct from other grocery retailers,” Nelson wrote. “Supermarkets offer a larger selection of fresh and non-perishable items, a one-stop shopping experience that appeals to a particular consumer’s preference to meet all their grocery needs in one location, and a customer service focus with deli, bakery, meat, and other specialized departments.” The ruling marks a disappointing end to a two-year odyssey by Kroger and Albertsons, which sought to become a bigger player with a more substantial national footprint to better compete against larger, non-unionized rivals including Walmart Inc. Kroger and Albertsons agreed to combine in October 2022 in what would have been the biggest US grocery deal in history, bringing together more than 4,000 stores across 48 states and Washington, DC. Kroger will likely turn its focus back to improving and investing in its existing network of about 2,750 stores. Albertsons, on the other hand, could emerge again as a deal target, but is expected in the near term to invest in its roughly 2,270 stores and technology. The proposed deal has been a political hot potato, drawing pushback from elected officials, union groups and consumer advocacy firms. The companies vowed to spend $1 billion to cut prices, $1.3 billion to improve store conditions and $1 billion to raise worker wages and benefits following the deal. The FTC has increased antitrust enforcement under the Biden administration, though the results in court have been mixed. The FTC lost a challenge to Microsoft Corp.’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard Inc. and won against Illumina Inc. over its purchase of startup Grail and against Tapestry Inc.’s planned $8.5 billion acquisition of Capri Holdings Inc. The companies and the agency fought their case in court for three weeks over the summer in Oregon, as grocery inflation came back into the political spotlight ahead of the US presidential election. Grocery inflation hit a four-decade high in 2022 due to higher costs of labor, transportation and ingredients. Price increases have moderated and are expected to stay within historical ranges, though many American shoppers still say expensive groceries continue to squeeze their ability to spend. The FTC argued that the deal would harm consumers by eliminating competition on prices and quality, making the combined entity less likely to improve its services by offering flexible hours and pickup services. It said the grocers would have more leverage over workers, which would slow wage growth and worsen benefits, and that the proposed divestiture would be inadequate. The agency tried to depict Kroger and Albertsons as the most direct competitors. It said the deal would combine the two largest “traditional supermarkets” in a market that includes Walmart and Target, but does not include Amazon, Costco, Aldi and dollar stores. The companies argued that such a definition is “antiquated” and no longer describes how people shop and pointed to various changes they have made in response to newer threats. The grocers also said joining forces would help them increase market share and improve technology to compete with Amazon, Walmart and other companies. The case is Federal Trade Commission v. Kroger Co., 24-cv-00347, US District Court, District of Oregon (Portland). Related Articles Retail | How the FDA allows companies to add secret ingredients to our food Retail | South Bay auto dealer firm widens property holdings with Gilroy deal Retail | UnitedHealthcare CEO was likely killed with an untraceable ghost gun that can be made at home Retail | 12 holiday gifts for Bay Area beer lovers Retail | Companies try to stop online support for UnitedHealthcare CEO killerA Whimper, Not A Bang: Where Was Antifa After Trump's Victory?

I went to a spa in someone's back room in Walton and came out a different person

Shreyas Talpade recalls working with Shyam Benegal

"I take an NDA very seriously" Gavin & Stacey star Laura Aikman shared her family’s reaction to them seeing her appear in the show’s finale. READ MORE: Gavin & Stacey review: a near-perfect celebration of everything that made the show great in the first place The show’s finale aired yesterday on Christmas (December 25). The highly-awaited episode came five years after the last special ended on a cliffhanger with Nessa – portrayed by Ruth Jones – proposing to Smithy – portrayed by James Corden, both of who created the series . Aikman who played the character of Sonia – Smithy’s girlfriend and subsequent fianceé – returned for the finale and kept the surprise under wraps from her family. Now, the actress has shared a video of the moment in which her family found out that Sonia was in the final episode of the show on Instagram. The moment was met with excited screams and squeals from Aikman’s family members. One yelled, “Press pause,” while another shared, “You never told me.” “We never told anyone,” Aikman replied. A post shared by Laura Aikman (@lauraikman) A caption in the video read: “The moment my family realise Sonia is ruining Christmas again...” while the caption of the Instagram post read: “I take an NDA very seriously.” Gavin & Stacey director Chris Gernon took to his official Instagram account to share a photo of Aikman on set and revealed that her return as Sonia was kept under wraps. “@lauraikman spent the whole g&s shoot being hidden away. Staying in a different hotel, not allowed to come to wrap or screening parties so no one knew Sonia was back. Such a great reveal. And she’s amazing as both actor and person,” read the caption. A post shared by Laura Aikman (@lauraikman) A post shared by Chris Gernon (@chrisg2100) A post shared by Laura Aikman (@lauraikman) Fans took to the comments to share their excitement that Sonia was back, with one of them writing: “It was great and awful at the same time to see Sonia again 😄 Such a surprise!,” while another shared: “You were so good Laura! For such a nice person you played her so well haha.” Since the airing of the show’s finale, fans have taken to social media to share their reactions . One viewer called the episode “iconic” on X/Twitter, while another added the show is “a staple of British heritage.” Elsewhere, one fan said they had “goosebumps” after watching, and another wrote: “Seventeen years later, and they still delivered perfection. Gavin & Stacey has gone down as one of the best British/Welsh series of all time. James and Ruth, this was perfection from beginning to end, thank you.” The vape and the cigarette, the corn on the cob reference, Pete and dawn arguing, Neil... the baby, Dave coaches, the West Ham football kits, smithy’s sister 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 iconic #gavinandstaceythefinale — 🦄🌈🌸amy (@amytalker) December 25, 2024 Seventeen years later, and they still delivered perfection. Gavin & Stacey has gone down as one of the best British/Welsh series of all time. James and Ruth, this was perfection from beginning to end, thank you. #GavinAndStacey #gavinandstaceythefinale #jamescorden #ruthjones pic.twitter.com/dvx6vYOvMM — Ben (@benrdavis) December 25, 2024 Reports of the finale were first leaked in February before Jones and Corden officially confirmed the news in May . It was filmed across September and October . In other news, ahead of the episode airing, Mathew Horne defended Corden and addressed rumours of a feud between the pair , saying: “the notion of us falling out wasn’t true”. He described it as a false narrative that “silenced” him when he wanted to talk publicly about Corden. Related Topics BBC Gavin and Stacey James Corden Ruth JonesAlabama flips RB Jace Clarizio from Michigan State

What lies ahead for the global economy as Donald Trump prepares to take officeMates in line for mammoth $70k payday if Aussie boxing star can pull off ‘Monster’ upsetHAMZA IGAMANE was the hero for Rangers at Fir Park as he clawed back two goals in the second half to secure a much-needed away point. But one pundit reckons the Moroccan has one of his Rangers team-mates to blame for allowing Motherwell to take a shock lead in North Lanarkshire in the first place. Advertisement 2 The ball appeared to struck the Motherwell star's arm 2 The goal was allowed to stnd following a VAR check Ibrox boss Philippe Clement is now under serious pressure in the dugout after the stalemate at Fir Park leaves his side 14 points behind Celtic . It all started to go wrong for the manager against Stuart Kettlewell's men when Apostolos Stamatelopoulos opened the scoring for the hosts, before Tawanda Maswanhise made it two before the break. It was two moments of brilliance from the Well duo which led to them gaining a shock two-goal advantage. But Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin reckons Motherwell would never have found the net through the Aussie - if Robin Propper was on his A-game. Advertisement read more rangers stories OUT OF TUNE Bizarre moment Rangers fan SINGS to Philippe Clement live on radio FIRM OFFER Football free bets for Rangers and Celtic games PLUS bonuses and sign-up offers Discussing the first goal on BBC Sportscene , Rankin has pinpointed the moment where it all went wrong for the Gers. And that was when the Dutch defender attempted to clear the ball with a header in the lead up to Stamatelopoulos' strike . The ball appeared to strike the arm of the striker from Propper's header but no free-kick was awarded by on-field referee Kevin Clancy. The whistler was then not sent to the monitor by Steven McLean in the VAR room and the goal which was eventually scored was allowed to stand. Advertisement Most read in Football DUGOUT RETURN Barry Robson appointed manager of SPFL club - 11 months after Aberdeen axe 'I'M NOT CONCERNED' Rangers boss Clement breaks silence on future after latest bad result GER WRONG I'm not a stupid manager says Philippe Clement as he shoots down 'foolish' claims 'YOU WILL LOSE YOUR JOB' Kris Boyd issues stark warning to Clement over sports science But Rankin believes Propper was adamant the Aussie international WAS going to be punished for the incident and that's why he briefly hesitated during the passage of play. The defender could be seen appealing for a free-kick, while his team-mate Dujon Sterling threw his hands up in the air as well. Addressing the incident, Rankin said: “It was the split second in the delay - Propper heads it and is almost convinced it has hit his arm. Then he has lost that yard or two through hesitation. "He is adamant it’s a handball - I can see it, it does hit his hand but it’s tucked in.” Advertisement Ex-Motherwell defender Stephen Craigan defended the match officials, adding: “It’s allowed to hit his arm, as long as it’s not in an unnatural position. And it’s close proximity.” Keep up to date with ALL t h e latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

Raiders TE Bowers sets pair of rookie recordsTelangana to Use Family Data for Targeted Welfare by New YearDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Corey McKeithan's 27 points helped La Salle defeat Stetson 92-77 on Saturday. McKeithan also added five rebounds for the Explorers (5-2). Andres Marrero added 13 points while shooting 5 for 11, including 3 for 6 from beyond the arc while they also had six rebounds. Jahlil White had 13 points and shot 4 of 9 from the field and 5 of 8 from the free-throw line. Mehki finished with 20 points and seven rebounds for the Hatters (1-6). Abramo Canka added 14 points for Stetson. Jamie Phillips Jr. had 12 points and seven rebounds. The Hatters extended their losing streak to six in a row. La Salle went on an 18-3 run to make it 69-48 with 11:22 left in the half. White scored 10 second-half points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .