Taylor Swift’s record-shattering “Eras Tour” is set to end on Sunday in Vancouver with the final performance of a cultural phenomenon that has easily become the highest-grossing musical tour in history. The globe-spanning event kicked off in the US state of Arizona on March 17, 2023. When it ends in the Canadian city this weekend, the American singer/songwriter will have performed 149 shows with stops from Buenos Aires to Paris and Tokyo. Swift’s camp has not publicly released ticket revenue numbers for the tour, but the widely cited trade magazine Pollstar has estimated the figure at well over $2 billion. That smashes the record previously held by Elton John’s pandemic-interrupted Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, which sold an estimated $939 million in tickets over 328 shows spread across five years. Beyond the concerts, Swift’s presence in venue cities has supercharged local economies. Her second-last tour stop was Toronto, where she performed six shows over two weekends. She generated an additional Can$282 million ($199 million) in economic activity in Canada’s largest city, tourism promotion organization Destination Toronto estimated. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended one of the Toronto shows with his family. Last year, before the announcement that Eras would include Canadian stops, Trudeau issued a public appeal urging Swift to come. “I know places in Canada would love to have you. So, don’t make it another Cruel Summer. We hope to see you soon,” Trudeau posted on X in July 2023, referring to a hit song from Swift’s 2019 album, “Lover.” Not all the political attention Swift attracted during Eras was positive. Shortly after the US presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in September, Swift endorsed the Democrat for president. That triggered an all-caps Trump post on the former president’s Truth Social platform that simply said, “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT.” ‘Super Bowl suspense’ Eras also earned sterling critical acclaim, with reviewers praising Swift’s stamina and energy through shows that have averaged just under four hours. The New York Times called opening night in Glendale, Arizona a “master class.” The Vancouver Sun called Friday’s show, her third last, “spectacular.” A setback came this summer in Vienna when three shows were canceled after authorities arrested a man in connection with an Islamist attack plot. And tragedy struck when a fan died from heat exhaustion during a show in Rio de Janeiro in November of last year. Unprecedented ticket demand led to frustration for many fans and forced Ticketmaster initially to scrap presale plans. Eras also included a “will she, won’t she” moment of suspense that transcended the world of pop music. The question was whether Swift had enough time after finishing a show in Tokyo on February 10 to make it to Las Vegas in time for kickoff at football’s Super Bowl to see her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, play for the Kansas City Chiefs. It is rare for a non-football storyline to dominate discussion ahead of America’s premier sporting event. But concern about Swift’s schedule was so acute that the Japanese embassy in Washington issued a statement affirming she would “comfortably” make the game. From a private box, along with Kelce’s mother, Donna, Swift chugged a beer and watched the Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers — as more than 200 million TV viewers watched her. — AFP777 superph 。

Name a hot topic, and chances are good there's a new law about it taking effect in 2025 in one state or another. Many of the laws launching in January are a result of legislation passed this year. Others stem from ballot measures approved by voters. Some face legal challenges. Here's a look at some of the most notable state laws taking effect: Hollywood stars and child influencers California, home to Hollywood and some of the largest technology companies, is seeking to rein in the artificial intelligence industry and put some parameters around social media stars. New laws seek to prevent the use of digital replicas of Hollywood actors and performers without permission and allow the estates of dead performers to sue over unauthorized AI use. Parents who profit from social media posts featuring their children will be required to set aside some earnings for their young influencers. A new law also allows children to sue their parents for failing to do so. Social media limits New social media restrictions in several states face court challenges. A Florida law bans children under 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for ages 14 and 15. But enforcement is being delayed because of a lawsuit filed by two associations for online companies, with a hearing scheduled for late February. A new Tennessee law also requires parental consent for minors to open accounts on social media. NetChoice, an industry group for online businesses, is challenging the law. Another new state law requires porn websites to verify that visitors are at least 18 years old. But the Free Speech Coalition, a trade association for the adult entertainment industry, has filed a challenge. Several new California measures aimed at combating political deepfakes are also being challenged, including one requiring large social media platforms to remove deceptive content related to elections and another allowing any individual to sue for damages over the use of AI to create fabricated images or videos in political ads. School rules on gender In a first nationally, California will start enforcing a law prohibiting school districts from adopting policies that require staff to notify parents if their children change their gender identification. The law was a priority for Democratic lawmakers who wanted to halt such policies passed by several districts. Abortion coverage Many states have passed laws limiting or protecting abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a nationwide right to the procedure in 2022. One of the latest is the Democratic-led state of Delaware. A law there will require the state employee health plan and Medicaid plans for lower-income residents to cover abortions with no deductible, copayments or other cost-sharing requirements. Gun control A new Minnesota law prohibits guns with "binary triggers" that allow for more rapid fire, causing a weapon to fire one round when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released. In Delaware, a law adds colleges and universities to a list of school zones where guns are prohibited, with exceptions for those working in their official capacity such as law officers and commissioned security guards. Medical marijuana Kentucky is becoming the latest state to let people use marijuana for medical purposes. To apply for a state medical cannabis card, people must get written certification from a medical provider of a qualifying condition, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, chronic nausea or post-traumatic stress disorder. Nearly four-fifths of U.S. states have now legalized medical marijuana. Minimum wages Minimum wage workers in more than 20 states are due to receive raises in January. The highest minimum wages will be in Washington, California and Connecticut, all of which will top $16 an hour after modest increases. The largest increases are scheduled in Delaware, where the minimum wage will rise by $1.75 to $15 an hour, and in Nebraska, where a ballot measure approved by voters in 2022 will add $1.50 to the current minimum of $12 an hour. Twenty other states still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. Safer traveling In Oregon, using drugs on public transit will be considered a misdemeanor crime of interfering with public transportation. While the measure worked its way through the legislature, multiple transportation officials said drug use on buses and trains, and at transit stops and stations, was making passengers and drivers feel less safe. In Missouri, law enforcement officers have spent the past 16 months issuing warnings to motorists that handheld cellphone use is illegal. Starting with the new year, penalties will kick in: a $150 fine for the first violation, progressing to $500 for third and subsequent offenses and up to 15 years imprisonment if a driver using a cellphone cause an injury or death. But police must notice a primary violation, such as speeding or weaving across lanes, to cite motorists for violating the cellphone law. Montana is the only state that hasn't banned texting while driving, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Tax breaks Tenants in Arizona will no longer have to pay tax on their monthly rent, thanks to the repeal of a law that had allowed cities and towns to impose such taxes. While a victory for renters, the new law is a financial loss for governments. An analysis by Arizona's nonpartisan Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimated that $230 million would be lost in municipal tax revenue during the first full fiscal year of implementation. Meanwhile Alabama will offer tax credits to businesses that help employees with child care costs. Kansas is eliminating its 2% sales tax on groceries. It also is cutting individual income taxes by dropping the top tax rate, increasing a credit for child care expenses and exempting all Social Security income from taxes, among other things. Taxpayers are expected to save about $320 million a year going forward. Voting rights An Oklahoma law expands voting privileges to people who have been convicted of felonies but had their sentences discharged or commuted, including commutations for crimes that have been reclassified from felonies to misdemeanors. Former state Sen. George Young, an Oklahoma City Democrat, carried the bill in the Senate. "I think it's very important that people who have gone through trials and tribulations in their life, that we have a system that brings them back and allows them to participate as contributing citizens," Young said. Associated Press writers Trân Nguyễn in Sacramento, California; Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida; Jonathan Mattise in Nashville, Tennessee; Randall Chase in Dover, Delaware; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; Bruce Schreiner in Frankfort, Kentucky; Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon; Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City, Missouri; Gabriel Sandoval in Phoenix; Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama; John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas; and Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed.

Moore, Fears help No. 12 Oklahoma put away Prairie View 89-67 to remain unbeaten

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Emerance Maschmeyer turned in 34 saves on 35 shots on goal and the Ottawa Charge held off the New York Sirens 3-1 on Sunday for their second win in six games. Playing their first game in 10 days, the Charge got a first-period goal from Emily Clark and Shiann Darkangelo and Kateřina Mrázová added second-period goals to build a 3-0 lead through two periods. Ottawa has scored at least three goals in all five of its meetings with New York over two seasons. Alex Carpenter earned a third-period assist to extend her scoring streak to nine straight games dating to last season. Sarah Fillier’s goal moved her into a tie for the league lead with eight points in her first eight games after being drafted No. 1 by the Sirens. Ottawa’s defense neutralized much of New York’s speed advantage and used a strong penalty kill to take a 1-0 lead after one period after Clark tipped home a wrist shot from the point by Brianne Jenner six minutes into the game. The Charge added two goals in the first seven minutes of the second period but could not capitalize on a pair of power plays late in the period. Fillier wasted little time getting New York on the board in the third period, firing a shot past Maschmeyer 23 seconds into the period, but the keeper saved the next dozen shots, including an almost three-minute finish when the Sirens pulled goalkeeper Corinne Schroeder to gain a player advantage. New York’s Jill Saulnier was activated off long-term injured reserve following an upper body injury sustained in the opening game December 1. ___ AP hockey: https://apnews.com/hub/hockey

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN UNITED STATES CALGARY, Alberta, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pieridae Energy Limited (“Pieridae” or the “Company”) (TSX: PEA) is pleased to provide 2025 guidance including scope of the 2025 capital program along with production and Net Operating Income 1 (“NOI”) projections. Pieridae’s specific priorities for 2025 are: Sustain a safe and regulatory compliant business Minimize facility outages to maximize sales and processing revenue. Further grow the third-party gathering and processing business at our operated facilities. Meaningfully reduce operating expenses to improve corporate netback. Deliver attractive ROI on value adding optimization projects included in the 2025 capital program. Reduce long term debt to improve financial flexibility. The 2025 production guidance of 23,000 to 25,000 boe/d assumes that approximately 9,400 boe/d of previously announced voluntary production shut-ins in Central AB, Northern AB, and Northeast BC persist throughout 2025. These dry gas, low margin properties produce to third-party facilities and were shut-in during the second and third quarters of 2024 due to low AECO natural gas prices and high processing costs. These shut-ins represent approximately 25% of the Company’s production capability. Material production upside is possible if these properties are reactivated; management’s decision to reactivate production from any of these areas is subject to supportive long-term economics. The shut-in production can be restored within one to two weeks and subsequent well and reservoir performance is not expected to be negatively impacted. Pieridae has hedged 110,000 GJ/d of its 2025 natural gas production at a weighted average fixed price of $3.32/GJ, and 1,679 bbl/d of its 2025 condensate production with a weighted average floor price of CAD$84.41/bbl and a weighted average ceiling price of CAD$92.32/bbl. The Company’s aggregate hedge position for 2025 totals 19,055 boe/d or approximately 80% of the above production guidance range. The unrealized gain on the Company’s hedge portfolio, which extends to mid-2028, is approximately $87 million using the forward strip as of November 30, 2024. Pieridae’s legacy fixed price sulphur contract, which was entered into in 2019, expires on December 31, 2025. Under this contract, the Company receives a net fixed price of approximately $6/tonne for the majority of its sulphur production of approximately 1,400 tonnes per day. Beginning January 1, 2026, the Company will receive market price for all sulphur production, less normal deductions for transportation, handling, and marketing representing a significant potential revenue opportunity. As of November 30, 2024, the spot west coast sulphur price is approximately US$143/tonne, prior to transportation and marketing costs. The $25-$30 million capital budget in 2025 includes approximately $14 million directed towards a high-impact well and facility optimization program funded with the equity raised during Q3 and Q4 2024. These high return, short payout capital projects are expected to increase sales revenue, improve facility efficiency, reduce operating cost and fuel gas consumption, and lower GHG compliance costs. Spending on this program commenced in Q4 2024 and will continue throughout 2025. The remainder of the 2025 capital is focused on routine capital maintenance, field operating technology upgrades, and site closure / decommissioning expenditures in Alberta and BC. Notably, Pieridae has not scheduled a major maintenance turnaround planned at any of the Company’s deep-cut, sour gas processing facilities during 2025 given the successful completion of gas plant turnarounds and other maintenance projects in 2023 and 2024. The next major maintenance turnaround is scheduled for 2026. Due to the current outlook for North American natural gas prices, Pieridae is not planning to resume drilling operations during 2025. Pieridae will only exploit its portfolio of high impact conventional Foothills drilling opportunities once natural gas prices sustainably recover and the Company has achieved its deleveraging target. ABOUT PIERIDAE Pieridae is a Canadian energy company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. The Company is a significant upstream producer and midstream custom processor of natural gas, NGLs, condensate, and sulphur from the Canadian Foothills and adjacent areas in Alberta and in northeast British Columbia. Pieridae’s vision is to provide responsible, affordable natural gas and derived products to meet society’s energy security needs. Pieridae’s common shares trade on the TSX under the symbol “PEA”. For further information, visit www.pieridaeenergy.com , or please contact: Forward-Looking Statements Certain of the statements contained herein including, without limitation, management plans and assessments of future plans and operations, Pieridae’s outlook, strategy and vision, intentions with respect to future acquisitions, dispositions and other opportunities, including exploration and development activities, Pieridae’s ability to market its assets, plans and timing for development of undeveloped and probable resources, Pieridae’s goals with respect to the environment, relations with Indigenous people and promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, estimated abandonment and reclamation costs, plans regarding hedging, plans regarding the payment of dividends, wells to be drilled, the weighting of commodity expenses, expected production and performance of oil and natural gas properties, results and timing of projects, access to adequate pipeline capacity and third-party infrastructure, growth expectations, supply and demand for oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas, industry conditions, government regulations and regimes, capital expenditures and the nature of capital expenditures and the timing and method of financing thereof, may constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively “ forward-looking statements ”). Words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “continue”, “focus”, “endeavor”, “commit”, “shall”, “propose”, “might”, “project”, “predict”, “vision”, “opportunity”, “strategy”, “objective”, “potential”, “forecast”, “estimate”, “goal”, “target”, “growth”, “future”, and similar expressions may be used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements involve significant risk and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, the risks associated with oil and gas exploration, development, exploitation, production, processing, marketing and transportation, loss of markets, volatility of commodity prices, currency fluctuations, imprecision of resources estimates, environmental risks, competition from other producers, incorrect assessment of the value of acquisitions, failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions, delays resulting from or inability to obtain required regulatory approvals, ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources and the risk factors outlined under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere herein. The recovery and resources estimate of Pieridae's reserves provided herein are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated resources will be recovered. As a consequence, actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of factors and assumptions which have been used to develop such forward-looking statements, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Pieridae believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because Pieridae can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions which may be identified in this document, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the impact of increasing competition; the general stability of the economic and political environment in which Pieridae operates; the timely receipt of any required regulatory approvals; the ability of Pieridae to obtain and retain qualified staff, equipment and services in a timely and cost efficient manner; the ability of the operator of the projects which Pieridae has an interest in to operate the field in a safe, efficient and effective manner; the ability of Pieridae to obtain financing on acceptable terms; the ability to replace and expand oil and natural gas resources through acquisition, development and exploration; the timing and costs of pipeline, storage and facility construction and expansion and the ability of Pieridae to secure adequate product transportation; future oil and natural gas prices; currency, exchange and interest rates; the regulatory framework regarding royalties, taxes and environmental matters in the jurisdictions in which Pieridae operates; timing and amount of capital expenditures; future sources of funding; production levels; weather conditions; success of exploration and development activities; access to gathering, processing and pipeline systems; advancing technologies; and the ability of Pieridae to successfully market its oil and natural gas products. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect Pieridae's operations and financial results are included in reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca), and at Pieridae's website (www.pieridaeenergy.com). Although the forward-looking statements contained herein are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, management cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and Pieridae assumes no obligation to update or review them to reflect new events or circumstances except as required by applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements contained herein concerning the oil and gas industry and Pieridae's general expectations concerning this industry are based on estimates prepared by management using data from publicly available industry sources as well as from reserve reports, market research and industry analysis and on assumptions based on data and knowledge of this industry which Pieridae believes to be reasonable. However, this data is inherently imprecise, although generally indicative of relative market positions, market shares and performance characteristics. While Pieridae is not aware of any misstatements regarding any industry data presented herein, the industry involves risks and uncertainties and is subject to change based on various factors. Additional Reader Advisories Barrels of oil equivalent (“boe”) may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 boe is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Abbreviations Neither TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Global Banking, Financial Services, And Insurance BFSI Crisis Management Market To Reach $24.23 Billion By 2028Bennett scores 23 as Quinnipiac defeats Sacred Heart 83-73

In his first public words since a five-day search ended with his arrest at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania, Luigi Nicholas Mangione emerged from a patrol car shouting about an “insult to the intelligence of the American people” while deputies pushed him inside a courthouse. The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family is fighting attempts to extradite him to New York so that he can face a murder charge in the Manhattan killing of Brian Thompson , who led the United States’ largest medical insurance company. A law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press said that at the time of his arrest, Mangione was carrying a handwritten document expressing anger with what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed and power. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive health care system in the world and that profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin. In social media posts, Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski — who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology — a “political revolutionary,” according to the police bulletin. Mangione remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was initially charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Manhattan prosecutors were beginning to take steps to bring Mangione to New York, but at a brief hearing Tuesday, defense lawyer Thomas Dickey said his client will not waive extradition and instead wants a hearing on the issue. Mangione was denied bail after prosecutors said he was too dangerous to be released. He mostly stared straight ahead at the hearing, occasionally looking at papers, rocking in his chair or looking back at the gallery. At one point, he began to speak to respond to the court discussion but was quieted by his lawyer. “You can’t rush to judgment in this case or any case,” Dickey said afterward. “He’s presumed innocent. Let’s not forget that.” Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 230 miles west of New York City, after a McDonald’s customer recognized him and notified an employee, authorities said. Images of Mangione released Tuesday by Pennsylvania State Police showed him pulling down his mask in the corner of the McDonald’s while holding what appeared to be hash browns and wearing a winter jacket and beanie. In another photo from a holding cell, he stood unsmiling with rumpled hair. New York police officials have said Mangione was carrying a gun like the one used to kill Thompson and the same fake ID the shooter had used to check into a New York hostel, along with a passport and other fraudulent IDs. A law enforcement official who wasn’t authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said a three-page, handwritten document found with Mangione included a line in which he claimed to have acted alone. “To the Feds, I’ll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn’t working with anyone,” the document said, according to the official. It also said, “I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.” Thompson, 50, was killed last Wednesday as he walked alone to a Manhattan hotel for an investor conference. From surveillance video, New York investigators determined the shooter quickly fled the city, likely by bus. Mangione was born into a life of country clubs and privilege. His grandfather was a self-made real estate developer and philanthropist. Valedictorian at his elite Baltimore prep school, he went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a spokesperson said. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media late Monday by his cousin, Maryland Del. Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” From January to June 2022, Luigi Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. “There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, from surfing to romance, Ryan said. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago.Darnold delivers for Vikings with career-high 347 yards and 5 TDs to beat Falcons, Cousins 42-21Meta platforms' chief legal officer sells $538,475 in stock

Salvation Army seeing significant drop in donations due to Canada Post strike

NOTE: The following article contains content that some might find disturbing. Please read at your own discretion. Conor McGregor , former UFC champion and one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts fighting, has been ordered to pay more than 250,000 Euros (approximately C$360,000) to a woman who accused him of raping her at a hotel in Dublin in 2018. McGregor, whose civil case played out in Ireland’s high court, must hand over the funds damages to Nikita Hand , who also goes by Nikita Ní Laimhín. Hand previously said McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her on Dec. 9, 2018. The assault happened after a night of partying left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, she said. 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. Speaking outside the court after the two-week trial, Hand thanked her family and a member of the rape crisis centre, who sat at her side during the course of the trial, reports The Guardian. Referring to her daughter, she said: “I want to show 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. “To all the victims of sexual assault, I hope my story is a reminder that no matter how afraid you might be, speak up, you have a voice, and keep on fighting for justice.” McGregor 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.” During the trial, Hand’s lawyer told jurors that the fighter 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,” lawyer 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 doctor and paramedic who treated Hand following the rape testified, confirming multiple injuries consistent with her claims. The paramedic said she had never seen that intensity of bruising before. Hand also alleged that another man, James Lawrence, who joined the party, sexually assaulted her. The jury found that Lawrence did not assault Hand. McGregor has not fought since a July 2021 TKO loss to Dustin Poirier . It’s been more than eight years since he most recently held a UFC title, which was stripped from him for failure to defend. Hand’s lawyer told the court that his client took the civil court case primarily to be vindicated, after public prosecutors said a criminal conviction was unlikely due to insufficient evidence. On X, McGregor wrote that he was disappointed jurors didn’t see all the evidence the prosecutors had reviewed. — with files from The Associated Press If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or is involved in an abusive situation, please visit the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime for help. They are also reachable toll-free at 1-877-232-2610.

From the Pear Phone to James Bond's custom-made Ericsson JB988, TV and film productions have had many memorable gadgets over the years. Check out 40 of the best below. Nokia N8 If you ever need a phone that can double as a hacking device, watchers learned from Tron: Legacy that the Nokia N8 is the device for the job. Pear Phone Every Nickelodeon fan knows about the line of Pear products that appeared in shows like iCarly and Victorious . Of the handful of devices, including laptops and music players, the Pear Phone had to be the most iconic because of its unique shape. Tek-Mate Another iconic phone that I always wanted after seeing for the first time came from the Nickelodeon show Zoey 101. The Tek-Mate came before the Pear Phone and was a replica of the T-Mobile SideKick. The cool push-and-flip feature made it the must-have cellular device of the early 2000s. Kimmunicator The Kimmunicator was hand-made for Kim Possible, so I knew owning this piece of tech wasn't in my future. Besides that, though, it was still one sweet gadget that allowed Kim to save the world with style. Duck Phone I could never forget about Jersey Shore and their iconic house duck phone. It was in a special place in their shared home, and phone calls often led to explosive arguments. The piece of technology was so loved during the show's original run that it made a comeback in the spin-off Jersey Shore: Family Vacation . Burger Phone Everybody knows (and loves) the burger phone from the 2007 film Juno. Zap Pad Before the iPad, there was the Zap Pad from Disney's Zenon franchise. They practically function the same; however, the Zap Pad allows users to chat with people in space and on Earth. BlackBerry Any fan of the Kardashians will know that their obsessions with their BlackBerrys made us all want one, too. Shoe Phone I wouldn't say the shoe phone from Get Smart is the best creation today, but for a 1965 series, I guess it's a pretty unique way to conceal a device. It also made for quite a funny bit. Batphone If you're relying on Batman to save the world, it only makes sense for there to be a phone that can connect others to him instantly. Shellphone The shellphone in the Spongebob series isn't just any ordinary phone. It's a shell-shaped cordless landline that comes in different colors and special editions, like the Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy version. Raven Baxter's room phone True That's So Raven fans will remember the episode in which the titular character begged her parents for her own room phone until they finally budged. It was a frosted purple and the perfect accessory for Raven's decked-out room. X-Phone The X-Phone from the X-Men franchise would've been the perfect phone for today's minimalists. Its simple flip-phone design has no screen or special functions — just an earpiece and center button. And despite the cool features, it's still one of TV and film's most iconic communication devices. SideKick T-Mobile's SideKick was the talk of the town in the early 2000s and a young professional's best friend. That probably explains why it was always attached to the Devil Wears Prada 's lead character's hand. The Dark Night's Nokia Fans loved the Nokia Batman used in The Dark Night so much that the company launched a special edition for the second film called the Lumia 800. It had your typical functions, but what made it special was the etched Batman logo on the back. Kelly Rowland's cell phone There's nothing special about Kelly Rowland's Nokia device in the "Dilemma" music video; however, it's become a long-standing joke throughout pop culture because of how unserious she looked pretending to text using Microsoft Excel. Zac Morris' Brick There was nothing special about Zack Morris' brick phone in Saved by the Bell , but it was the world's first cell phone, so that has to count for something, right? TurtleCom Because even the Ninja Turtles need a special device to communicate with each other. Kimmy Gibbler's shoe phone Yes, there's a shoe phone already listed. But it wasn't Kimmy Gibbler's shoe phone. Clear Communicator Melissa Joan Hart (also known as Clarissa Darling) had a clear shell home phone, which inspired many others to snag their own, too. Is it time for their big comeback? Charlie's office phone Let's be honest. There's nothing particularly special about this phone from Charlie's Angels . However, when a call came through, audience members knew the ladies were seated, and action was on the way. Communicator The communicator from the Star Trek series looked like a typical phone, but it had way more capabilities than your average device. The special thing about this gadget is that it allowed crew members to contact starships in orbit. Gordon Grekko's cell Just like Zack Morris from SBTB , I won't let anyone forget about Gordon Grekko from Wall Street and his Motorolla brick device. Although it wouldn't stand a chance against today's lineup of smartphones, it was one of the best phones consumers could buy back in the day. Oh, how times have changed. Communicator Badge Star Trek didn't just stop with the base model communicator. In the 1987 release of The Next Generation , watchers were introduced to the iconic communicator badge. It was a device that was activated by the tap of a finger and even featured a translator! Flip phone Everything about the 1995 film Clueless is iconic, including Cher and Dionne's flip phones. Global In the 1997 production of Earth: Final Conflict , the characters use the Global communication device to send messages to each other. The device was unlike any gadget audience members had seen on screen before, considering its display extended from the side and featured a front-facing camera. Ericsson JB988 James Bond was so effortlessly cool that phone companies designed and manufactured phones just for him, including the Ericsson JB988. This device was packed with a few features, including a touchpad, fingerprint scanner, and ... a lock pick. Patrick Bateman's Motorolla I won't spend too much time praising a serial killer, but Patrick Bateman's use of his Motorolla in the 2000 film American Psycho has really stuck with me. Nokia N91 Liam Neeson used his Nokia N91 to track down his missing daughter in the 2008 film Taken . It's a small device, but man, after watching him record phone calls and call for backup with the press of a button, I realized it's more powerful than I thought. Hello Kitty phone I know it looks sweet, but true Breaking Bad fans know there's nothing pleasant about this Hello Kitty-designed cell phone. Pyramid Like the Pear Phone, the Sabre Pyramid from The Office is too unique a device to leave off this list. Olivia Pope's Windows phone Scandal 's Olivia Pope used several phones throughout the show's run on air, but something about that Windows-branded phone she used in the show's later seasons always stuck with me. Because she was a professional fixer, Pope, played by Kerry Washington, always had her phone with her and answered calls in such a manner that she made handling business look flawless. Jerry's cell phone Tom Cruise played a high-strung professional sports agent in the movie Jerry Maguire. Because of his job, his character was always on the phone, and one of the most iconic scenes involved him screaming the line "Show me the money!" into the phone. Nokia flip phone The popularity and buzz around the flip phone from the 1999 film The Matrix caused so much hype that the company released a version for the public shortly after. Samantha's iPhone Apple's iPhone is one of the world's most popular cellular devices, but that didn't mean a thing to Carrie from Sex and the City . After taking a look at her friend's new piece of tech, she decided it wasn't her thing and that she couldn't use it. I wonder what she's using these days? Iron Man's LG VX9400 In the 2008 film Iron Man , the lead character, played by Robert Downey Jr. , used an LG VX9400 to take care of business. The device featured a funky swivel screen that had every watcher rushing to Verizon to snag one of their own. Trifold Tablet There are a few phones out today that fold in half, but can any fold three times? Well, yes. The trifold tablet from sci-fi TV show Westworld was in a league of its own. Its main features included GPS tracking, phone calls, and programming capabilities. Wrist Radio Dıck Tracy was a pioneer when it came to wrist radio communication. The device was first featured in the 1990 film of the same name and functioned just like a walkie-talkie. It can't get much cooler than that, right? Barbie's phone Even Barbie had a Barbie Phone in her fictional world of pink, dance parties, and massive sleepovers. There's one specific scene in which Barbie, played by Margot Robie, uses her device to post on social media, giving her post five stars, an emoji, and a fire caption. 'Love Island' cell phones The stars of Love Island don't do much with the phones producers give them. However, whenever they scream, "I GOT A TEXT," audience members know drama is just around the corner. For that reason, the cast member's cell phones have become an integral part of the show that watchers can't get enough of. Jacquez Printup has been writing about all things entertainment, including reality TV, pop culture, and celebrity news, since his time as a student at Ohio University. Since graduating, he's continued binging seasons of "Vanderpump Rules" and “Big Brother” and talking about them online. His writing has been featured in publications like ScreenRant, Yahoo, RealityTea, Yardbarker, and in the popular television series "The Real Housewives of Atlanta."