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The Vikings have prepared for the game against the Atlanta Falcons without veteran quarterback Stephon Gilmore this week, and on Friday he was officially ruled out ahead of the matchup on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium. ADVERTISEMENT The news isn’t surprising given the fact that Gilmore hasn’t practiced at all this week at TCO Performance Center. He’s been nursing a hamstring injury since last week when he left a victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Though the Vikings believe that Gilmore has avoided anything serious, they are clearly being cautious with him so not to make anything worse. The loss of Gilmore in the short term will thrust veteran cornerback Fabian Moreau into a bigger role on defense. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .At TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world. Read More How to make Masala Chicken Curry at home 10 beautiful animals that are pink in colour 10 easy-to-care-for beautiful freshwater fish for home aquariums 9 vegetarian dishes shine in the ‘100 Best Dishes in the World’ list 10 rare animals found only in Asia In pics: Sai Pallavi's vacation to Australia 8 books that will help develop discipline and good habits in 2025 Sanskrit names for baby boy that sound modern 18 stews and soups shine among the '100 Best Dishes in the World' 9 foods that provide over 30 grams of protein when cooked
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the victory secured by the BJP and its allies in Maharashtra and substantial victories in bypolls in several States as one for “unity” and the spirit behind the slogan ‘ek hain toh safe hain’ (united we remain safe). The slogan, coined by Prime Minister Modi just before the advent of the Maharashtra Assembly campaign, spoke to the BJP’s call against the fragmentation of votes on the basis of castes, which cost the party heavily, along with the Opposition’s narrative that the BJP wanted a thumping majority in the Lok Sabha polls to make radical changes in the Constitution. Maharashtra election results 2024: LIVE coverage “The people of Maharashtra have loudly affirmed the spirit behind ‘ek hai toh safe hai’ . This slogan has defeated those who sought to divide society into castes, religion, language, and handed out punishment to those who sought to divide society. It is a strong attack on the Congress and its ecosystem that wants to divide society,” he said during an address to BJP workers at the party headquarters after Saturday’s results. “It is a victory of vikasvaad (development), good governance, true social justice and the defeat of lies, cunning and betrayal. Divisive forces, negative politics and dynasticism was defeated,” he further said, attributing the NDA’s victory to the support of women, youth and farmers. In a strong attack on the Congress, he said the Opposition party and the Gandhi family had “in their lust for power” shattered the spirit of panth nirpekshta (treating all denominations as equals) that was enshrined in the Constitution. “They espoused fake secularism, and destroyed the tradition of panth nirpekshta , sowing the seeds of appeasement and a betrayal of the Constituent Assembly of India. They have betrayed the Constitution,” he said. Mr. Modi said the Congress had “betrayed” even the Supreme Court for appeasement politics, and a prime example was the Waqf Act. “The Constitution does not have any place for the Waqf Act, but the Congress enacted this for appeasement to safeguard their vote bank,” he said. The NDA government at the Centre has moved several amendments to the Waqf Act and the Bill is now before a Joint Committee of Parliament. A big part of the Maharashtra campaign had been the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s opposition to several projects in the State and in the capital Mumbai including a project to redevelop Dharavi by the Adani Group. The Prime Minister, without taking names, said the Congress’s “urban naxalism” was “a danger to the country” with “the remote control being outside the country”. Young and professional classes have to understand the reality of the Congress, he said. “The poor and middle classes in urban areas, all have reposed their faith in BJP and given a clear message. They want a modern India of world-class cities, and has rejected those presented roadblocks to development be it metro projects, electric buses, coastal roads, airports, sanitation, etc,” he said. The other big message of the mandate, he said, was that across the country, only one Constitution, that of India, framed by B.R. Ambedkar was acceptable. “Whoever, whether manifestly or covertly, talks of two Constitutions, will be rejected by the people,” he said, in reference to efforts by the newly-sworn in government of Jammu and Kashmir passing a resolution to restore Article 370, terming it “an insult to the Constitution”. “No power on earth can bring back Article 370. This poll in Maharashtra has exposed the hypocrisy of the MVA and INDIA bloc,” he said. He said the people had addressed the “betrayal” of the Shiv Sena (UBT) in breaking its alliance with the BJP in 2019, and that the Congress, the Shiv Sena (UBT) ally, had exposed the alliance’s inorganicness in never praising Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray or RSS ideologue V.D. Savarkar through these years. Published - November 23, 2024 10:30 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 / Maharashtra / Narendra Modi / Bharatiya Janata PartyCriminal defense attorney Brian Claypool explains the lawsuit between actress Blake Lively and her former co-star Justin Baldoni during an appearance on ‘America’s Newsroom.’ Blake Lively is continuing to receive support after filing a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment, retaliation and infliction of emotional distress. Lively's "It Ends With Us" costars, Brandon Sklenar and Jenny Slate, have publicly expressed their support for the actress. On Dec. 23, Sklenar took to his Instagram story to urge his followers to educate themselves on the lawsuit that has been filed. Blake Livelys "It Ends With Us" costars, Brandon Sklenar and Jenny Slate, publicly showed their support to the star amid messy Baldoni lawsuit. (Getty Images) The "1923" star shared a screenshot of New York Times' archive of legal documents and wrote, "FOR THE LOVE OF GOD READ THIS." Sklenar tagged Lively's Instagram account and added a red heart emoji. BLAKE LIVELY SUES JUSTIN BALDONI FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT, RETALIATION AND INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS Slate shared a statement with Today about her "loyal friend" and noted that she admires "her bravery" as Lively enters a messy legal battle with Baldoni. Brandon Sklenar urged his followers to "read" the lawsuit Blake Lively filed against Justin Baldoni. (Brandon Sklenar/Instagram) Brandon Sklenar starred as Atlas Corrigan, Blake Lively's character, Lily Bloom's, former love interest in "It Ends With Us." (Photo by Nancy Rivera/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) "As Blake Lively’s castmate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reported to have planned and carried out an attack on her reputation," Slate said in a statement to the outlet. "Blake is a leader, loyal friend and a trusted source of emotional support for me and so many who know and love her." "I commend my friend, I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side." Slate continued: "What has been revealed about the attack on Blake is terribly dark, disturbing, and wholly threatening. I commend my friend, I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side." In "It Ends with Us," Slate portrays Allysa, the sister of Baldoni’s character and the sister-in-law of Lively’s. Skelnar portrays an older version of Atlas Corrigan, a former love interest of Lively's character. Months after rumors of an on-set feud between "It Ends with Us" costars Lively and Baldoni first surfaced, the "Gossip Girl" alum filed a complaint against the actor for sexual harassment. Blake Lively sued Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment, retaliation and infliction of emotional distress. (Getty Images) According to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital, the complaint — which was filed with the California Civil Rights department — details allegations of sexual harassment , retaliation, intentional affliction of emotional distress, negligence and more. On Jan. 4, an "all hands" meeting was convened to address the" hostile work environment that had nearly derailed production," the documents state. Attendees included Lively's husband, Ryan Reynolds, Baldoni , who is the co-chairman and co-founder of Wayfarer Studios, director and actor Jamey Heath, and more. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "Ms. Lively was forced to address concerns about Mr. Baldoni and Mr. Heath's misconduct with them directly, and began doing so months before filming began. The concerns she raised were not only for herself, but for the other female cast and crew, some of whom had also spoken up." In the lawsuit, Blake Lively alleged that she addressed complaints against Justin Baldoni "months" before filming began. (Lia Toby/Getty Images) According to the documents, some of the demands addressed included no more showing nude videos or images of women to Blake, no more mention of Baldoni’s or Heath's previous ‘pornography addiction,’ no more discussions about personal experiences with sex, no more descriptions of their own genitalia, no more adding sex scenes outside what was in the original script, no more discussions about Blake’s weight or deceased father, and more. At the time, all parties agreed that the outlined conduct would cease. Despite the agreement, Lively claims in the complaint that Baldoni executed and participated in a "social manipulation" campaign to "destroy" her career and reputation. In a statement given to The New York Times , Lively said, "I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted." Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively starred opposite of each other in "It Ends with Us." (Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) Additionally, Lively denied that she or any of her representatives planted or spread negative information about Mr. Baldoni or Wayfarer, according to The Times. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Bryan Freedman, an attorney for Baldoni and Wayfarer, told The Times, "These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media." Justin Baldoni's laywer alleged that Lively's lawsuit is "another desperate attempt to ‘fix’ her negative reputation." (David Buchan/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images) Freedman added that Wayfarer, and its executives and PR team "did nothing proactive nor retaliated" against Lively. Freedman claims Lively's complaint is "another desperate attempt to ‘fix’ her negative reputation." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Representatives for Baldoni, including Freedman, did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. A representative for Lively referred to the New York Times article for additional information. Janelle Ash is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to janelle.ash@fox.com .
Voting "FOR” ONLY the Board's Four Nominees on the WHITE proxy Card Will Help Ensure that Shareholders Realize the Significant Value Expected from UDF IV's Transaction with Ready Capital Troubling Pattern of Value Destruction at NexPoint-Managed Funds Should Raise Concerns for Shareholders Visit UDFForshareholders.com for Voting Instructions and Other Information IRVING, Texas, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- United Development Funding IV ("UDF IV” or the "Trust”) today reminds all shareholders to vote on the WHITE proxy card "FOR” the Board's four highly qualified nominees - Steven J. Finkle, Lawrence S. Jones, J. Heath Malone and Phillip K. Marshall - in advance of the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Annual Meeting”), which will be held on December 10, 2024. Shareholders are encouraged to visit UDFForShareholders.com for more information and voting instructions. As shareholders consider their vote, UDF IV reminds them that: If NexPoint gains control of the Board and the Trust, NexPoint will be in a position to deprive shareholders of the value and liquidity you will receive from the Ready Capital transaction the current Board has negotiated and approved. Do not be misled - supporting NexPoint's dissident trustees will enable NexPoint to continue to implement what we expect will be a self-serving, value destructive agenda. Remember that only your latest dated proxy counts and that a vote on the green proxy card to "WITHHOLD” on the NexPoint nominees could revoke your votes "FOR” the UDF IV nominees on the WHITE proxy card. Please simply discard any green proxy card sent to you by NexPoint and vote every UDF IV WHITE proxy card you receive as you may hold your shares in multiple accounts. Shareholders have the opportunity to allow UDF IV to continue its work to protect and enhance shareholder value by reelecting the four independent Trustees - Steven J. Finkle, Lawrence S. Jones, J. Heath Malone and Phillip K. Marshall - who oversee our efforts to protect the value of your investment. We urge you to vote "FOR” ONLY the four nominees proposed by the Board of Trustees on the WHITE proxy card included in the enclosed UDF IV proxy materials. UDF IV shareholders with questions or who require assistance with respect to voting their shares are encouraged to contact UDF IV's proxy solicitor: INNISFREE M&A INCORPORATED Shareholders may call: 1 (877) 750-9496 (toll-free from the U.S. and Canada) +1 (412) 232-3651 (from other countries) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION WITH READY CAPITAL The Ready Capital transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to the approval of UDF IV shareholders and other customary closing conditions. UDF IV expects to call a special meeting of its shareholders to approve the proposed transaction and to distribute a proxy statement and other documents to its shareholders in connection with the special meeting. Ready Capital expects to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4, containing a prospectus and the UDF IV proxy statement, and other documents with respect to the proposed transaction. The Ready Capital prospectus and the UDF IV proxy statement will contain important information about the proposed transaction and related matters. WE URGE YOU TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, THE PROSPECTUS AND THE UDF IV PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO EACH OF THEM) AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED BY READY CAPITAL WITH THE SEC AND MADE AVAILABLE BY UDF IV CAREFULLY IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT READY CAPITAL, UDF IV AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. You may obtain free copies of the registration statement, the prospectus and other relevant documents filed by Ready Capital with the SEC (if and when they become available) through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed by Ready Capital with the SEC are also available free of charge on Ready Capital's website at www.readycapital.com. UDF IV shareholders may obtain free copies of the proxy statement and other relevant documents made available by UDF IV free of charge on www.udfonline.com. About United Development Funding IV United Development Funding IV is a Maryland real estate investment trust. UDF IV was formed primarily to generate current interest income by investing in secured loans and producing profits from investments in residential real estate. Additional information about UDF IV can be found on its website at www.udfiv.com. UDF IV may disseminate important information regarding its operations, including financial information, through social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, the timing of the closing of the Ready Capital transaction, the estimated amount of the special dividend to be paid to UDF IV's shareholders, the estimated contingent consideration expected to be paid and the potential future of UDF IV under NexPoint's control. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are not guarantees of future performance or future events. Such forward-looking statements generally can be identified by our use of forward-looking terminology such as "may,” "will,” "expect,” "intend,” "anticipate,” "estimate,” "believe,” or other similar words. Readers should be aware that there are various factors, many of which are beyond UDF IV's control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements made in this release including, among others, the results of the trustee elections at the Annual Meeting, the risk that the Ready Capital transaction will not be consummated within the expected time period or at all; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the transaction agreement; the inability to obtain UDF IV shareholder approval of the transaction or the failure to satisfy the other conditions to completion of the transaction; risks that will affect the amount of the special dividend to UDF IV shareholders, including, among others, developments in litigation involving UDF IV; risks that will affect the amount of contingent consideration, if any, including, among others, the performance of specified UDF IV loans and developments in litigation involving UDF IV; risks related to disruption of management attention from the ongoing business operations due to the proposed transaction; the effect of the announcement of the proposed transaction on the operating results and businesses generally of Ready Capital and UDF IV; the outcome of any legal proceedings relating to the transaction; and the ability to retain key personnel. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this letter. UDF IV undertakes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Investor Contact: Investor Relations 1-800-859-9338 [email protected] Media Contact: Mahmoud Siddig / Lucas Pers / Dylan O'Keefe Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher (212) 895-8668
Boy George Was ‘Tearful’ Over Liam Payne’s Death, Regrets Prior CriticismWASHINGTON (AP) — The chair of the Democratic National Committee informed party leaders on Monday that the DNC will choose his successor in February, an election that will speak volumes about how the party wants to present itself during four more years of Donald Trump in the White House. Jaime Harrison, in a letter to members of the party’s powerful Rules & Bylaws Committee, outlined the process of how the party will elect its new chair. Harrison said in the letter that the committee will host four candidate forums — some in person and some virtually — in January, with the final election on Feb. 1 during the party’s winter meeting in National Harbor, Maryland. The race to become the next chair of the Democratic National Committee, while an insular party affair, will come days after Trump is inaugurated for a second term. Democrats' selection of a leader after Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2024 loss will be a key starting point as the party starts to move forward, including addressing any structural problems and determining how to oppose Trump. Members of the Rules & Bylaws Committee will meet on Dec. 12 to establish the rules for these elections, which beyond the chair position will include top party roles like vice chairs, treasurer, secretary and national finance chair. The committee will also use that meeting to decide the requirements for gaining access to the ballot for those top party roles. In 2021, candidates were required to submit a nominating statement that included signatures from 40 DNC members and that will likely be the same standard for the 2025 campaigns. “The DNC is committed to running a transparent, equitable, and impartial election for the next generation of leadership to guide the party forward,” Harrison said in a statement. “Electing the Chair and DNC officers is one of the most important responsibilities of the DNC Membership, and our staff will run an inclusive and transparent process that gives members the opportunity to get to know the candidates as they prepare to cast their votes.” Two Democrats have announced campaigns for chair: Ken Martin, chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and a vice chair of the national party, and Martin O’Malley, the former Maryland governor and current commissioner of the Social Security Administration. Other top Democrats are either considering a run to succeed Harrison or are being pushed by party insiders, including former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke; Michael Blake, a former vice chair of the party; Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin; Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. ambassador to Japan and a former Chicago mayor; Sen. Mallory McMorrow, majority whip of the Michigan Senate, and Chuck Rocha, a longtime Democratic strategist. The next chair of the committee will be tasked with rebuilding a party demoralized by a second Trump victory. They will also oversee the party’s 2028 nominating process, a complex and contentious exercise that will make the chair central to the next presidential election. Harrison, of South Carolina, made clear in his letter to the rules committee that the four forums hosted by the party would be live streamed and the party would give grassroots Democrats across the country the ability to engage with the process through those events. He also said he intends to remain neutral during the chair election. This story has been corrected to show that McMorrow is a senator, not a representative.
The Vikings have prepared for the game against the Atlanta Falcons without veteran quarterback Stephon Gilmore this week, and on Friday he was officially ruled out ahead of the matchup on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium. ADVERTISEMENT The news isn’t surprising given the fact that Gilmore hasn’t practiced at all this week at TCO Performance Center. He’s been nursing a hamstring injury since last week when he left a victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Though the Vikings believe that Gilmore has avoided anything serious, they are clearly being cautious with him so not to make anything worse. The loss of Gilmore in the short term will thrust veteran cornerback Fabian Moreau into a bigger role on defense. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .Ireland’s premier has spoken to the Dublin woman who won a civil case against mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor to praise her courage. 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 posted to X again on Saturday to criticise the court process and said “we are not done yet... appeal!”. 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. Nikita Ni Laimhin (Brian Lawless/PA) 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.” Nikita Hand, who is also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin (Brian Lawless/PA) 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.” Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor (Brian Lawless/PA) 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.Democrats plan to elect new party leader just days after Trump's inauguration
Participatory Budgeting starts Saturday, community can vote on 11 projects
