Wu Lei, the talented forward from China, made history when he became the first Chinese player to start a match against Atletico Madrid, one of the powerhouse clubs in Spanish football. His performance on that day was a testament to his skill, determination, and the potential that exists within Chinese football. The fact that another Chinese player is now set to follow suit is a clear indication that the trajectory of Chinese football is on the rise.
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. Story continues below video 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.In addition, the surge in automotive finance is poised to benefit not just individual consumers but also car dealerships and financial institutions. With increased loan approvals, dealers can expect a higher volume of foot traffic and sales, ultimately boosting their revenue streams. Financial institutions, on the other hand, stand to gain from the interest income generated by these loans, thus bolstering their profitability in a competitive market environment.
Google has faced multiple antitrust investigations and fines from the EU in the past, most notably over its search engine practices and Android operating system. The latest probe into its advertising activities with Meta further underscores the regulatory challenges that tech companies face in Europe and beyond.Anti-fraud efforts meet real-world test during ACA enrollment period
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In a recent development, the mortgage interest rates in Qingdao have taken a surprising turn upwards. According to reports, the new mortgage interest rates for newly issued loans are set to be at 3.1%, marking a significant increase from the previous rates. This change has sparked discussions and concerns among both homebuyers and industry experts.Clintons urge voters agitated by today's politics to remain involved in public serviceIn the vast and treacherous world of Monster Hunter: Wasteland, where towering beasts roam and danger lurks at every turn, one creature stands out as the apex predator of the Crimson Forest - the Poylodon. This majestic and ruthless monster has finally been officially unveiled, sending waves of excitement and trepidation throughout the hunting community.
In conclusion, as Atlanta prepares to face off against Real Madrid, they do so with confidence, determination, and a burning desire to succeed. This match is not just a test of skill and tactics; it is a testament to the team's resilience, unity, and unwavering belief in their ability to compete at the highest level. For Lukman and his teammates, this is an opportunity to showcase their progress, prove their critics wrong, and take another step towards cementing their place among the elite clubs of European football.***End of Article***
LONDON : Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka is set to be sidelined for more than two months after an operation on a hamstring injury, manager Mikel Arteta said on Friday. "He had a procedure, everything went well but unfortunately he will be out for many, many weeks," the Spaniard told reporters after Arsenal beat Ipswich 1-0 to go second in the Premier League table. Pressed on a more precise timeline, Arteta added: "I think it will be more than two months. It will depend on how the scar tissue starts to heal, the first week or so of mobility ... let's see, it's very difficult to say." Saka has scored five goals and had 10 assists in the league this season as one of Arsenal's creators-in-chief. The 23-year-old was forced off in their match against Crystal Palace earlier this month and left the stadium on crutches. In October and November, the England international missed three Nations League games as well as Arsenal's league defeat at Bournemouth and their Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk due to an injury to the same leg.
Thanksgiving Travel Latest: Airport strike, staff shortages and weather could impact holiday travel
Keita, known for his dynamic playing style and creative midfield presence, will undoubtedly bring a valuable skill set to Ferencváros. His ability to drive forward with the ball, break up opposition attacks, and contribute with goals and assists will be a welcome addition to the team.Montreal has its fair share of beautifully outfitted eateries—but a new analysis by global print-on-demand company Printful has just crowned the creme de la creme, at least when it comes to coffee shops. The analysis looked at things like the number of hashtags and tagged posts on social media in order to find the “most aesthetic” cafés in the city. The following coffee shops came out on top—and once you step inside, it’s easy to see why. These well-loved spots are loved by locals and visitors alike for their unique architecture, intentional decor, and of course, delicious lattes, cappuccinos, and more. Here are the “most aesthetic” coffee shops in Montreal: Crew Caf é & Collective Crew Collective & Café is ranked number one as the most Instagrammable coffee shop in Montreal. The historic coffee shop is housed in a former bank building in the Old Port of Montreal and has retained much of its stunning old-world architectural details, including marble and gold accents, high vaulted ceilings, and original artwork. It boasts over 4,286 hashtags (for #CrewCollectiveCafe) and as such is the most popular Montreal-based cafe on social media. Caf é Pista Cafe Pista in Rosemont earns second place with a total of 2,533 hashtags on Instagram. This stunner of a coffee shop boasts a more minimal design with light wood accents, white walls, and an emphasis on plants and greenery. The gorgeous windows offer a beautiful amount of natural light as well which gives this space a distinctly airy but cozy feel. Pastel Rita Pastel Rita is a girlie Art Deco dream with a gold corridor, arched slatted screens, and vibrant pops of pink and other pastel colors. This café boasts 1,297 hashtags on Instagram, earning it third place. The best part? Pastel Rita also serves a selection of curated natural wine by the glass or bottle as well as various cocktails. Tommy Caf é The fourth “most aesthetic” coffee shop in Montreal is Tommy Café , which boasts 851 hashtags on Instagram. The bi-level Old Port mainstay has become well-loved for its expertly crafted lattes but there’s no denying its aesthetic appeal as well. It’s housed in a historic corner building with gorgeous crown moulding and floor-to-ceiling windows. The airy space is made even more beautiful with its thick vine plants that flow from the second floor down to the main level.Experience the Excitement of the Champions League: Liverpool, Real Madrid, Inter Milan Ready for 9 Epic Showdowns Tomorrow Morning
Head Injuries in Football: BBC Reports Higher Risk of Brain Disease in PlayersBeijing, the capital city of China, is experiencing a chilly day today with the highest temperature expected to reach only 6°C. As winter sets in and the cold weather becomes more severe, it is essential for residents to take necessary precautions to stay warm and healthy.Graduating from the police academy was a dream come true for Zhang Guimei. She had worked hard, studied diligently, and persevered through challenges to finally achieve her goal of becoming a police officer. And as she returned to her alma mater to pay a visit to her favorite teacher, Ms. Zhang, a heartwarming scene unfolded that touched the hearts of everyone present.
With the end of 2024 around the corner, you might be reflecting on financial goals for 2025. Whether you're saving to move out of your parents' house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated, said Courtney Alev, consumer advocate for Credit Karma. “Entering a new year doesn’t erase all our financial challenges from the prior year," Alev said. “But it can really help to bring a fresh-start mentality to how you’re managing your finances.” If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they're attainable for your lifestyle. Here are some tips from experts: Change your relationship with money Think about how you currently deal with finances — what's good, what's bad, and what can improve. “Let this be the year you change your relationship with money,” said Ashley Lapato, personal finance educator for YNAB, a budgeting app. If you feel like money is a chore, that there's shame surrounding the topic of money, or like you were born being “bad at money,” it's time to change that mentality, Lapato said. To adjust your approach, Lapato recommends viewing money goals as an opportunity to imagine your desired lifestyle in the future. She recommends asking questions like, “What do my 30s look like? What do my 40s look like?” and using money as a means to get there. Liz Young Thomas, head of SoFi Investment Strategy, added that it’s key you forgive yourself for past mistakes in order to move into the new year with motivation. Know your “why” When setting your financial resolutions for 2025, it's important to establish the “why” of each, said Matt Watson, CEO of Origin, a financial tracking app. “If you can attach the financial goal to a bigger life goal, it’s much more motivating and more likely you’ll continue on that path,” Watson said. Whether you're saving to buy a house, pay off credit card debt or take a summer vacation, being clear about the goal can keep you motivated. Watson also recommends using a tool to help you keep track of your finances, such as an app, spreadsheet, or website. Budget , budget, budget “After three years of inflation, your pay increases are likely still playing catch up to your monthly expenses, leaving you wondering where all the money is going," said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. "Make that monthly budget for 2025 and resolve to track your spending against it throughout the year." McBride said that you may need to make adjustments during the year as certain expenses increase, which would require cutting back in other areas. “Calibrate your spending with your income, and any month you spend less than budgeted, transfer the difference into your savings account, ideally a high-yield savings account,” he said. Pay down outstanding debt “Interest rates aren’t likely to come down very fast, so you’re still going to have to put in the hard work of paying down debt, especially high-cost credit card debt, and do so with urgency,” McBride said. Start by taking stock of how much debt you have now relative to the beginning of the year. Hopefully you’ve made steady progress on paying it down, but, if you’ve gone in the other direction, McBride encourages making a game plan. That includes looking into 0% balance transfer offers. Take control of your credit card interest rate “You have more power over credit card interest rates than you think you do," said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. “Wielding that power is one of the best moves you can make in 2025.” A 0% balance transfer credit card is “a good weapon” in the fight against high card APRs , or annual percentage rates, he said. A low-interest personal loan is an option as well. You may simply be able to pick up the phone and ask for a lower interest rate. LendingTree found that a majority of people who did that in 2024 were successful, and the average reduction was more than 6 points. Set realistic, practical goals When planning for your financial resolutions, it’s important to consider how you’re going to make your goals sustainable for your lifestyle, said Credit Karma's Alev. “It really is a marathon, not a sprint,” Alev said. Alev recommends setting realistic, practical goals to make it easier to stick with them. For example, instead of planning to save thousands of dollars by the end of the year, start by saving $20 a paycheck. Even when your plans are achievable, there are times you'll get derailed. Maybe it’s an unexpected medical bill or an extraordinary life event. When these situations happen, Alev recommends trying not to feel defeated and working to get back on track without feeling guilty. Don't ‘flamingo' or bury your head in the sand “You can't manage what you can't see, so set a New Year’s resolution to check your credit score monthly in 2025," said Rikard Bandebo, chief economist at VantageScore. “Be sure to pay more than the minimum on your credit accounts, as that's one of the best ways to boost your credit score.” Bandebo also advises student loan borrowers to make all payments on time, as servicers will begin to report late payments starting in January, and missed payments will affect borrowers' credit scores. Automate savings, where possible Automated changes, like increasing workplace 401(k) plan contributions, setting up direct deposits from paychecks into dedicated savings accounts, and arranging for monthly transfers into an IRA and/or 529 college savings accounts all add up quickly, McBride said. Slow down Your financial goals can encompass more than just managing your money better — they can also be about keeping your money safe from scams. A golden rule to protect yourself from scams is to “slow down,” said Johan Gerber, vice president of security solutions at Mastercard. “You have to slow down and talk to other people if you’re not sure (whether or not) it’s scam,” said Gerber, who recommends building an accountability system with family to keep yourself and your loved ones secure. Scammers use urgency to make people fall for their tricks, so taking your time to make any financial decision can keep you from losing money. Focus on financial wellness Your financial goals don’t always have to be rooted in a dollar amount — they can also be about well-being. Finances are deeply connected with our mental health, and, to take care of our money, we also need to take care of ourselves. “I think that now more than any other year, your financial wellness should be a resolution," said Alejandra Rojas, personal finance expert and founder of The Money Mindset Hub, a mentoring platform for women entrepreneurs. "Your mental health with money should be a resolution.” To focus on your financial wellness, you can set one or two goals focusing on your relationship with money. For example, you could find ways to address and resolve financial trauma, or you could set a goal to talk more openly with loved ones about money, Rojas said. —— The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.In response to the recent incident of a fire at one of its cloud computing data centers, Alibaba has moved swiftly to reassure its customers and stakeholders that no impact has been caused to its cloud services. The fire, which broke out in a data center located in Hangzhou, China, was promptly contained and extinguished by the firefighting teams, preventing any significant damage to the infrastructure.Sterling Shepard doesn't hold back when speaking about ex-Giants teammates
