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��Bk"�)�_ᾫ��ꀁ�?��wr=�E�}�Jb1NU1/9��[[����f�T �–�����5[+��)�S�����1�|7qNFG��g"�����LN���I�"�6�g�Im���j€ �q`a���l�el��� #����w'��4`v_'w����U�����B7��������C�3^�����#�s$��5��X�I@o�N�?V�h%�24����� M=Fw�YgG ޱ2��-�_��[鶟�*� �p/�a#C��7�����D�x��c�?2lh����G�O��h���n�����xU��/�PKX"ZW6�c/0 slots.txt�Zɒ�*�;����E���sٟ�$,q-�.�<��w2%���W�Four members of Congress unveiled a bipartisan bill Friday that would spark changes at the U.S. Center for SafeSport, placing a time limit on resolving cases that can sometimes take years and improving communication between the center and abuse survivors. The Safer Sports for Athletes Act looks to address some of the bigger concerns that have opened the center to criticism since it was established in 2017 to handle sex-abuse cases in Olympic sports and their grassroots cousins. The bill has potential for a fivefold increase of an existing grant to the center, bringing it to $10 million a year. But even if the full amount were approved, it wouldn't solve all of the problems. As before, that grant can only be used for training and education , not investigations and enforcement, which are the focus of complaints about the center , and also of the reforms the lawmakers are seeking. “We’re hoping the combination of appropriations for other activities will free up money for investigations, as well as the streamlining,” said one of the bill's sponsors, Rep. Deborah Ross, D-North Carolina. The center estimates the reforms in the bill could cost more than $4.5 million. It currently operates on a budget of around $21 million a year, most of which comes from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and its sports affiliates, known as national governing bodies, or NGBs. “It's really unclear, and I don't think that some parts of the bill jibe with other parts of the bill," SafeSport CEO Ju'Riese Colon said. "We're going to need some more conversation to suss out some of this stuff. Right now, it just doesn't really add up for us.” The center's critics, meanwhile, have long been skeptical about giving more resources to an agency they feel is missing the mark. The bill would also mandate that investigations be concluded within 180 days after a report is made, with possibilities to extend them. Some of the most egregious complaints about the center have come from people who say it has taken years for their cases to be resolved. The center currently receives about 155 reports a week, which comes to more than 8,000 a year. When fully staffed, it has 77 people on its response and resolution team. “Too many other survivors have also been left waiting for years for SafeSport to investigate or have their cases closed without action,” said soccer player Mana Shim, who helped lawmakers draft the bill. Shim's own case, involving sexual harassment and coercion by her coach, took more than two years for the center to resolve and led to investigations and reforms across American soccer. Other reforms include a requirement for the center to provide victim advocates at no cost for those needing them — a move already underway as part of a menu of changes the center announced earlier this year — and to assign case managers who can give timely updates to victims and the accused. “I have questions around, if the center were to hire and staff the advocates, there might be some conflict of interest with us doing this internally," Colon said. The center was also concerned with one provision that would redefine how arbitration works and another that would change the dynamics of information sharing between the center and the USOPC and NGBs. The other bill sponsors were Reps. Dave Joyce, R-Ohio; Don Bacon, R-Nebraska; and Kathy Castor, D-Florida. The lawmakers positioned the bill as one that will help the Denver-based center, while making clear they are not satisfied with the results so far. “We're going to make sure the center has the resources it needs to effectively respond to thousands of reports it handles annually,” Castor said. “It has unfortunately fallen short." Ross conceded this bill will probably get pushed to the next Congress, which convenes Jan. 3, “but we needed to set the stage as soon as possible.” ___ AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games Eddie Pells, The Associated PressPete Hegseth's mother says The New York Times made 'threats' by asking her to comment on a story

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Zenith Bank Plc has emerged as ‘Bank of the Year, Nigeria’ in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2024. The award, which was announced by The Banker Magazine, Financial Times Group, United Kingdom, during the awards ceremony held in London on December 4, 2024, is in recognition of the bank’s strong management, sound business model and strategy, and approach to sustainability and ESG banking practices. The Banker’s ‘Bank of the Year’ accolade is among the most coveted and widely regarded award in the banking industry. Often contested by the world’s leading financial institutions, the winners span across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America and Western Europe. Commenting on the award, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, said “We are delighted and honored to have been recognized as the Bank of the Year, Nigeria in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2024. This award is a testament to the unwavering trust and loyalty of our esteemed customers, the unparalleled leadership and guidance of the Board and Management as well as the hard work and dedication of our staff. It also reflects our bank’s steadfast commitment to delivering excellent services to our customers and contributing to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy. We will continue to invest in innovative technologies, expand our range of products and services, and maintain our commitment to exceptional customer service in order to sustain our position as Nigeria’s Number One Bank.” She lauded the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, for his visionary role in laying the foundation for a reputable, dominant and globally recognised financial institution known for innovation, superior performance, and the creation of premium value for all stakeholders. In November 2024, Zenith Bank commissioned its Paris Branch following the granting of the final approval by France’s banking regulator, the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR). This is part of the bank’s global expansion strategy, and its commitment to serving clients wherever their businesses are around the world. .Manager Steve Watson hailed Hermes’ “unbelievable” Morrison Motors (Turriff) Aberdeenshire Shield comeback against Buckie Thistle as the best result of his time at the club. The trailed the Breedon Highland League champions 4-0 at Lochside Park, but battled back to triumph 5-4 and set-up a semi-final tie against Formartine United at North Lodge Park. Conditions played a big part in this tie. The Jags had a strong wind at their backs in the first period, but after half-time the home side also used the stiff breeze to their advantage. Hermes only became This is the first time they’ve reached the semi-finals of either tournament. Watson has been with the club since 2012 as player, coach, assistant manager and now manager. He said: “This is the best result in my time with Hermes. We’ve beaten Beith, Cumnock and other Highland League teams here, but to beat the Highland League champions with the talent they’ve got is unbelievable. “The conditions weren’t good, but getting two goals against the wind and going in at 2-4 at half-time, I was happy because we were still in the game. “Second half we knew, if we pressed, it would be hard for Buckie to get out, and for us to get through is unbelievable.” Nine-goal thriller Buckie took the lead after two minutes courtesy of Jack MacIver’s superb free-kick from 35 yards. In the 17th minute, Josh Peters crossed from the right and Cohen Ramsay converted at the back post. Ten minutes later, Liam Harvey finished clinically from the edge of the box to make it 0-3. In the 36th minute, MacIver grabbed the fourth after intercepting a poor throw-out from Hermes goalkeeper Jacob Otto. But Hermes’ comeback began before half-time. On 41 minutes, James McMahon’s shot from 18 yards was parried by Mark Ridgers and Aaron Angus scored on the rebound. Three minutes later, Craig Mackie got in behind and finished neatly . Mackie – making his first start for Hermes – was at it again on 55 minutes, scoring at the second attempt after Ridgers blocked his initial effort. Four minutes later Ryan Fyffe felled McMahon inside the area, and referee Owen Lawrence awarded the penalty, Paul Esslemont finding the bottom right corner to restore parity. Buckie’s Fyffe was sent off on 75 minutes. After being booked for conceding the penalty, he received a second caution for taking too long with a throw-in. Eight minutes later, Hermes’ Joe Burr received a straight red card for hacking down MacIver from behind. In the second minute of stoppage time, Hermes won it as Mackie completed his hat-trick from Liam Cheyne’s corner on the right. Buckie Thistle boss left furious Buckie were without Sam Pugh, Kevin Fraser, Joe McCabe, Dale Wood and Fraser Robertson, but boss Lewis MacKinnon pulled no punches. He said: “I’m disappointed, angry and embarrassed. When we’re 4-0 up we should manage the game correctly. “Conceding the goals when we were playing with the wind in the first half was a disgrace. “The way we started the second half was disgusting. It wasn’t good enough and it’s an absolute disgrace. “Players missing isn’t an excuse – the players that played are more than capable of getting a result.”

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From Architect Of Economic Reforms To 'Accidental' PM: A Look At Manmohan Singh's Rich LegacyEAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Justin Jefferson might be weary of all the safeties shadowing his every route, determined not to let the Minnesota Vikings go deep, but he's hardly angry. The double and triple coverage he continually faces, after all, is a sign of immense respect for his game-breaking ability. The strategy also simply makes sense. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

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