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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 said in a post on social media on Friday that he intends to appeal against the decision. That post has since been deleted. 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. “I also wanted to make sure she knew of what the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre had said yesterday – that so many other women have now come forward in relation to their own experiences of sexual abuse as a result of Nikita’s bravery.” 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.” Justice Minister Helen McEntee praised Ms Hand’s bravery and said she had shown “there is light at the end of the tunnel”. 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.” During the case, Ms Hand said she was “disappointed and upset” when the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided not to prosecute the case after she made a complaint to the Irish police. 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.
Man found dead in back of patrol car by police officer starting shift, Texas cops sayKingdom Come: Deliverance 2 goes gold, will now launch a week earlyNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan said Wednesday that wide receiver Treylon Burks , who’s been on injured reserve since mid-October with an injured knee, recently had surgery to fix a partially torn ACL. “It was a loose ACL that wasn’t fully torn, and so they had to go see a specialist, so some weeks went by after he went on IR and he eventually had to have ACL surgery,” Callahan said. “The surgery was a couple of weeks back, and the time from when he went to IR until he had the surgery was also a couple of weeks.” Burks was hurt in practice the week after the Titans lost to Indianapolis on Oct. 13 and placed on injured reserve on Oct. 19. The 2022 first-round pick is no stranger to injuries. He suffered concussions in both 2022 against Philadelphia and last year against Pittsburgh. Burks missed six games in each of his first two seasons with the Titans and played in just five games this season before being placed on injured reserve. He finished 2024 with four receptions for 34 yards. For his three NFL seasons, Burks has 53 receptions for 699 yards and one touchdown catch. The Titans (3-9) host Jacksonville (2-10) on Sunday. RELATED COVERAGE Titans put receiver Burks on IR and promote QB Siemian from practice squad with Levis questionable Window opened The Titans opened the three-week practice window for offensive tackle Jaelyn Duncan to return from injured reserve. Duncan has started two games, the second against Buffalo on Oct. 20 at right tackle and lasted four snaps before hurting his hamstring. He was placed on injured reserve Oct. 26. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The search for a woman who is believed to have fallen into a sinkhole in western Pennsylvania shifted to a recovery effort after two treacherous days of digging through mud and rock produced no signs of life, authorities said Wednesday. Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said during a news conference that authorities no longer believe they will find 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard alive, but the search for her remains continues. “We’ve had no signs of any form of life or anything” to make rescuers think they should “continue to try and push and rush and push the envelope, to be aggressive with the potential of risking harm to other people,” Limani said. He noted oxygen levels below ground were insufficient. Emergency crews and others have tried to locate Pollard for two days. Her relatives reported her missing early Tuesday and her vehicle with her unharmed 5-year-old granddaughter inside was found about two hours later, near the sinkhole above a long closed, crumbling mine. Rescue workers continue to search for Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have disappeared in a sinkhole while looking for her cat, Wednesday in Marguerite, Pa. Gene J. Puskar, Associated Press “We feel like we failed,” Limani said of the decision to change the status of the effort from a rescue to a recovery. “It’s tough.” Limani praised the crews who went into the abandoned mine to help remove material in the search for Pollard in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh.. “They would come out of there head to toe covered in mud, exhausted. And while they were getting pulled up, the next group’s getting dropped in. And there was one after the next after the next,” Limani said. Authorities said earlier that the roof of the mine collapsed in several places and was not stable. “We did get, you know, where we wanted, where we thought that she was at. We’ve been to that spot," Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha, the incident's operations officer, said earlier Wednesday. “What happened at that point, I don’t know, maybe the slurry of mud pushed her one direction. There were several different seams of that mine, shafts that all came together where this happened at.” Searchers used electronic devices and cameras as surface digging continued with the use of heavy equipment, Bacha said. In coming days, they plan to greatly widen the surface hole, with winter weather forecast in the region. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Rescue workers search through the night in a sinkhole for Elizabeth Pollard, who disappeared while looking for her cat, Tuesday in Marguerite, Pa. Gene J. Puskar, Associated Press Sinkholes occur in the area because of subsidence from coal mining activity. Rescuers used water to break down and remove clay and dirt from the mine, which has been closed since the 1950s. Crews lowered a pole camera with a sensitive listening device into the hole, but it detected nothing. Another camera lowered into the hole showed what could be a shoe about 30 feet below the surface, Limani said Tuesday. Searchers also deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment to no avail. Pollard's family called police about 1 a.m. Tuesday to say she had not been seen since going out at about 5 p.m. Monday to search for Pepper, her cat. The temperature dropped well below freezing that night. Limani said the searchers met with her family before announcing the shift from rescue to recovery. Pollard's son, Axel Hayes, described her as a happy woman who liked going out to have fun. She and her husband adopted Hayes and his twin brother when they were infants. She used to work at Walmart but recently was not employed. Hayes called Pollard “a great person overall, a great mother” who “never really did anybody wrong.” He said at one point Pollard had about 10 cats. “Every cat that she’s ever come in contact with, she has a close bond with them,” Hayes said. The top of a sinkhole is seen Tuesday in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers searched for a woman who disappeared. Pennsylvania State Police Police said they found Pollard's car parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant in Marguerite, about 20 feet from the sinkhole. Hunters and restaurant workers in the area said they had not noticed the manhole-size opening in the hours before Pollard disappeared, leading rescuers to speculate the sinkhole was new. Pollard lived in a small neighborhood across the street from where her car and granddaughter were found by state police. It's unclear what happened to the cat. In an era of rapid technological advancement and environmental change, American agriculture is undergoing a revolution that reaches far beyond the farm gate. From the food on consumer plates to the economic health of rural communities, the transformation of U.S. farming practices is reshaping the nation's landscape in ways both visible and hidden. LandTrust explores how these changes impact everyone, whether they live in the heartland or the heart of the city. The Changing Face of American Farms The image of the small family farm, while still a reality for many, is increasingly giving way to larger, more technologically advanced operations. According to the USDA, the number of farms in the U.S. has fallen from 6.8 million in 1935 to about 2 million today, with the average farm size growing from 155 acres to 444 acres. This shift has profound implications for rural communities and the food system as a whole. Despite these changes, diversity in farming practices is on the rise. A landmark study published in Science , involving data from over 2,000 farms across 11 countries, found that diversifying farmland simultaneously delivers environmental and social benefits. This challenges the longstanding idea that practices boosting biodiversity must come at a cost to yields and food security. Technology Revolution on the Farm The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is transforming how farmers manage their land and resources. GPS-guided tractors, drone surveillance, and AI-powered crop management systems are becoming commonplace on many farms. These technologies allow farmers to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides with pinpoint accuracy, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving yields. However, the digital divide remains a challenge. More than 22% of rural communities lack reliable broadband internet access, hindering the widespread implementation of AI and other advanced technologies in agriculture. The Economic Tightrope: Challenges Facing Modern Farmers While technology offers new opportunities, farmers are also facing significant economic challenges. The USDA's 2024 farm income forecast projects a 4.4% decline in net farm income from 2023, following a sharp 19.5% drop from 2022 to 2023. This financial pressure is compounded by rising production costs and market volatility. Climate variability adds another layer of complexity. Extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and shifting growing seasons are forcing farmers to adapt quickly. These factors could reduce agricultural productivity by up to 25% over the coming decades without significant adaptation measures. But adapting requires additional financial resources, further straining farm profitability. Diversification: A Lifeline for American Farms In the face of these challenges, many farmers are turning to diversification as a strategy for resilience and profitability. The Science study mentioned earlier found that farms integrating several diversification methods supported more biodiversity while seeing simultaneous increases in human well-being and food security. Agritourism is one popular diversification strategy. In 2022, 28,600 U.S. farms reported agritourism income, averaging gross revenue of $44,000 from these activities. Activities like farm tours, pick-your-own operations, and seasonal festivals not only provide additional income but also foster a deeper connection between consumers and agriculture. From Farm to Table: The Consumer Connection The changing face of agriculture is directly impacting consumers. The rise of farm-to-table and local food movements reflects a growing interest in where our food comes from and how it's produced. If every U.S. household spent just $10 per week on locally grown food, it would generate billions of dollars for local economies. However, the larger challenges in agriculture can also lead to price fluctuations at the grocery store. The USDA's Economic Research Service projects that food-at-home prices will increase between 1.2% and 2.2% in 2024. The Future of Farming: Opportunities and Innovations Looking ahead, several innovations are poised to reshape agriculture: Sustainable farming practices : Cover cropping, no-till farming, and precision agriculture are gaining traction. These practices can reduce soil erosion by up to 90% compared to conventional tillage. Genetic engineering : CRISPR and other gene-editing technologies offer the potential to develop crops with enhanced nutritional profiles and resistance to pests and diseases. Alternative protein sources : The market for plant-based and lab-grown meat alternatives is projected to reach $30 billion by 2030. Conclusion: A Call to Action The transformation of American agriculture affects everyone, from the food we eat to the health of our environment and rural communities. Consumers have the power to support sustainable and diverse farming practices through our purchasing decisions. As citizens, they can advocate for policies that support farmers in adopting innovative and sustainable practices. The challenges facing agriculture are complex, but they also present opportunities for innovation and positive change. By understanding and engaging with these issues, everyone can play a part in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system for the future. This story was produced by LandTrust and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. LandTrust
Madison LeCroy Shares Her Secret to Achieving a Salon-Level BlowoutIn a world of mounting uncertainties, China is injecting certainty into the global economic landscape with a mix of targeted and effective policies that sustain a steady recovery and unleash new growth drivers. Building up its impetus of high-quality development, the country has reinforced its role as a world growth engine while strengthening the global industrial chains and spearheading the global green transformation. Chinese authorities have introduced a range of measures to stimulate growth this year, including a program that promotes large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-ins, and the issuance of ultra-long special treasury bonds. A raft of incremental policies have been rolled out since late September to intensify counter-cyclical adjustments, support businesses and boost market expectations. The economic effect of these measures has been clear. In October, retail sales climbed 4.8 percent year on year, accelerating from September’s 3.2 percent increase, official data showed. Offline consumption, particularly in dining and lodging, recorded double-digit growth, signaling strong consumer activity. Additionally, online retail sales of home appliances grew over 40 percent for two consecutive months, driven by incentives targeting the replacement of older products with new, energy-efficient models. Experts believe these measures will drive further gains in the months ahead. “The recent pro-growth policies effectively address insufficient demand. During the fourth quarter, traditionally a peak consumption season, these steps will further demonstrate their impact by supporting and accelerating consumption growth,” said Lian Ping, president of the China Chief Economist Forum. In addition to the rise in consumption, statistics showed marked recovery in other key economic indicators including foreign trade and manufacturing activity for the past month, as well as steady performance in investment and industrial production. Based on the improved recovery momentum, multiple foreign institutions, including UBS and Goldman Sachs, have revised up their China 2024 growth forecasts. With its GDP expanding 4.8 percent year on year in the first three quarters of the year and on course to realize an annual growth target of around 5 percent, China remains the biggest growth engine of the world economy. The incremental policy package has played a positive role in driving sustained economic recovery and improvement, further strengthening international investors’ confidence in holding Chinese assets, noted Mark Wang, president and CEO of HSBC Bank (China) Company Ltd. Investments in high-tech manufacturing and services have surged in China, bolstering sectors like green technology, digital economy, and modern infrastructure, and contributing to the resilience and upgrading of the global industrial chains. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) highlights the acceleration of innovation-driven growth. In October, the value-added output of high-tech manufacturing industries grew by 9.4 percent year-on-year, with sub-sectors of intelligent drones, electric vehicles and solar cells soaring by 41.9 percent, 48.6 percent, and 13.2 percent, respectively. Wang Qing, chief macro analyst at Golden Credit Rating, attributed the growth to robust policy support. “Local authorities are focusing on cultivating new productive forces through increased spending on sci-tech innovation in a race to sharpen their industrial competitive edges,” Wang noted. NBS data showed investments in high-tech industries increased by 9.3 percent over the first ten months, far outpacing the growth of overall investments and reflecting China’s commitment to fostering innovation and modernizing supply chains. “China is constantly upgrading traditional industrial chains, filling in gaps, and building new ones to strengthen stability and competitiveness. This resilience places China’s industrial chain among the world’s most indispensable,” observes Yan Kun, researcher and deputy director of the Center for Public Finance and Taxation Research with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. As the world’s largest manufacturing hub and a country with a complete industrial system, China has continuously encouraged innovation, which helps advance the high-quality development of its foreign trade, noted Zhang Jianping, vice president of the China Research Association of Social and Economic System. Trade with Belt and Road partner countries and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) countries has been particularly strong. In the first 10 months, China’s trade with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative climbed 6.2 percent compared with a year earlier, while its trade with other RCEP countries was up 4.3 percent, official data showed. China has emerged as a global leader in green development, making significant strides in clean energy and sustainable technologies. With a rising “green quotient” in its social and economic development, China is among the countries that have achieved the fastest reductions in energy intensity, largely due to the rapid expansion of its new energy sector. New energy vehicles (NEVs) are a standout example of the country’s green development vitality. China’s NEV output and sales both surpassed 9.7 million units in the first ten months. In October alone, NEVs accounted for 46.8 percent of the domestic automotive sales. China’s new energy push has had positive effects around the globe. In 2023 alone, its wind and solar power products helped other countries reduce about 810 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, enabling them to access clean, reliable and affordable energy. Noting the development of new energy is crucial for tackling climate change, Yan believes that the demand for new energy products will continue to grow, with huge future potential in the future. “By continuing to provide the world with affordable, high-quality capacity, China’s new energy industry is making important contribution to the global green development,” Yan said. Source: XinhuaSouth Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has staggered from scandal to crisis but he surprised everyone this week by declaring martial law -- only then to survive an impeachment vote. The plunge back to South Korea's dark days of military rule only lasted a few hours, and after a night of protests and high drama Yoon was forced into a U-turn in the early hours of Wednesday. But polls show a huge majority of citizens want him out and lawmakers voted Saturday on an impeachment motion brought by the opposition, who control parliament. But even though only eight of them needed to support the motion for it to pass, all but three MPs from Yoon's People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote and it failed. This is despite the PPP's leader Han Dong-hoon -- allegedly on an arrest list the night of the martial law declaration -- saying Yoon's resignation was "inevitable". On Saturday before the vote, Yoon spoke publicly for the first time in days, apologising for the "anxiety and inconvenience" he caused, but stopping short of throwing in the towel. Instead the 63-year-old said he would "entrust the party with measures to stabilise the political situation, including my term in office". Born in Seoul in 1960 months before a military coup, Yoon studied law and went on to become a star public prosecutor and anti-corruption crusader. He played an instrumental role in Park Geun-hye, South Korea's first female president, being convicted of abuse of power, imprisoned and impeached in 2016. As the country's top prosecutor in 2019, he also indicted a top aide of Park's successor, Moon Jae-in, in a fraud and bribery case. The conservative PPP, in opposition at the time, liked what they saw and convinced Yoon to become their presidential candidate. He duly won in March 2022, beating Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, but by the narrowest margin in South Korean history. Yoon was never much loved by the public, especially by women -- he vowed on the campaign trail to abolish the ministry of gender equality -- and scandals have come thick and fast. This included his administration's handling of a 2022 crowd crush during Halloween festivities that killed more than 150 people. Sign up to get our free daily email of the biggest stories! Voters have also blamed Yoon's administration for food inflation, a lagging economy and increasing constraints on freedom of speech. He was accused of abusing presidential vetoes, notably to strike down a bill paving the way for a special investigation into alleged stock manipulation by his wife Kim Keon Hee. Yoon suffered further reputational damage last year when his wife was secretly filmed accepting a designer handbag worth $2,000 as a gift. Yoon insisted it would have been rude to refuse. His mother-in-law, Choi Eun-soon, was sentenced to one year in prison for forging financial documents in a real estate deal. She was released in May 2024. Yoon himself was the subject of a petition calling for his impeachment earlier this year, which proved so popular the parliamentary website hosting it experienced delays and crashes. As president, Yoon has maintained a tough stance against nuclear-armed North Korea and bolstered ties with Seoul's traditional ally, the United States. Last year, he sang Don McLean's "American Pie" at the White House, prompting US President Joe Biden to respond: "I had no damn idea you could sing." But his efforts to restore ties with South Korea's former colonial ruler, Japan, did not sit well with many at home. Yoon has been a lame duck president since the opposition Democratic Party won a majority in parliamentary elections this year. They recently slashed Yoon's budget. In his Tuesday night televised address to the nation, Yoon railed against "anti-state elements plundering people's freedom and happiness" and his office has subsequently cast his imposition of martial law as a bid to break through legislative gridlock. But to use his political difficulties as justification for imposing martial law for the first time in South Korea since the 1980s is absurd, an analyst said. "Yoon invoked Article 77 of the South Korean constitution, which allows for proclaiming martial law but is reserved for 'time of war, armed conflict or similar national emergency', none of which appears evident," Bruce Klingner, a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, told AFP. "Yoon's action is a damning reversal to decades of South Korean efforts to put its authoritarian past behind it," he said. burs-stu/ceb/mtp
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 said in a post on social media on Friday that he intends to appeal against the decision. That post has since been deleted. 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. “I also wanted to make sure she knew of what the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre had said yesterday – that so many other women have now come forward in relation to their own experiences of sexual abuse as a result of Nikita’s bravery.” 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.” Justice Minister Helen McEntee praised Ms Hand’s bravery and said she had shown “there is light at the end of the tunnel”. 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.” During the case, Ms Hand said she was “disappointed and upset” when the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided not to prosecute the case after she made a complaint to the Irish police. 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. We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.Insurgents' stunning march across Syria gained speed on Saturday with news that they had reached the suburbs of the capital and with the government forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by an opposition war monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. For the first time in the country's long-running civil war, the government now has control of only four of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Homs, Latakia and Tartus. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people.” In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine . Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. No details were immediately available. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. Syria’s military, meanwhile, sent large numbers of reinforcements to defend the key central city of Homs, Syria’s third largest, as insurgents approached its outskirts. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama , the country’s fourth largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces and are sending reinforcements to Homs, where a battle loomed. If the insurgents capture Homs, they would cut the link between Damascus, Assad’s seat of power, and the coastal region where the president enjoys wide support. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists." The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area,” apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. ____ Karam reported from London. Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria and Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad contributed to this report.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young (Image: Private Media/Zennie) Last week was a big week of anniversaries for Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young. November 24 marked 17 years since her election as a South Australian senator — the youngest woman ever elected to federal Parliament. She is also now the longest-serving Greens member, recently overtaking Rachel Siewert. “I’ve seen some stuff...” she tells me. November 25, meanwhile, marked five since she won a defamation case against former senator David Leyonhjelm, who famously told her to “stop shagging men” during a debate on women’s safety. Adam Bandt has issued terms to Labor. Labor should tell the Greens to get stuffed Read More That would be among the stuff . Last week’s milestones were overshadowed, however, by the PM’s intervention to “ scupper ” a deal Hanson-Young been negotiating with Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek on Labor’s nature positive reforms, including its promise to establish an environmental watchdog. Hanson-Young, who is the Greens’ environment spokesperson as well as manager of Senate business, walked into Parliament last week “hopeful” that a deal was close. The Greens had dropped demands for a climate trigger , focusing instead on native forest logging, while arguing the bill was far from what an independent review had recommended back in 2020. Alas, it was not to be, with Anthony Albanese informing the Greens on Tuesday the nature deal would not be proceeding, as he negotiated directly with leader Adam Bandt and Hanson-Young on a tranche of other bills. Journalists have been keen to establish just how formal the agreement was when canned, and just how much of a slight this was against Plibersek, who reportedly wasn’t told until after the fact. Hanson-Young has been guarded on what exactly occurred, hoping the bill can still be salvaged. But she’s been clear on a few things. First, she reckons Albanese bowed to mining interests in WA on this one — something seemingly confirmed by the industry “ cheering ” his decision (WA Labor Premier Roger Cook quickly claimed credit ). Second, that Plibersek was a good negotiator, who was actually willing to talk and seek compromise. Hanson-Young points to bills they’ve successfully worked on, including the Murray Darling Basin plan and nature repair scheme . “Negotiating from different positions is not always friendly, but the way I engage and the way Tanya has always engaged is respectful and honest,” she says. “I think what happened last week would have been pretty devastating to her, because she had her heart set on getting this piece of legislation through.” It’s a far cry from the acrimony of which Labor and the Greens have both been accused. Are women simply better at negotiating? So much for Greensland: Does Adam Bandt know why the Greens are stalling? Read More “I think women are better at it,” says Hanson-Young, noting conversations with Senate counterpart Katy Gallagher are similarly productive, with each able to put their ego aside. “That’s a generalisation, but frankly there’s a lot of blokes in that place who spend a lot of time talking tough ... a little more time listening, a little more time considering what the other side is looking for, wouldn’t go astray.” “Just because you shout it loudest doesn’t actually mean your idea is the best,” she adds, noting Parliament still has a way to go in this area. Our chat comes amid reports the Greens have adopted a “ new spirit of cooperation ”, with many linking recent election results to the minor party being too obstructive. Bandt has been out defending this year’s approach , while indicating he’s up for more collaboration in the next, saying the Greens would seek a deal with Labor in a hung parliament. Hanson-Young is of a similar mind, arguing that it was important for the Greens to push for better outcomes. “I know people don’t like hearing about how the sausage is made,” she says. “But I think what we’ve seen at the end here, in this last week of Parliament, you know, over 40 bills passed — the majority of which were negotiated with the Greens and the government constructively. We got a good outcome; we didn’t get everything we wanted, but we got a lot.” Should they have pushed harder for the nature reforms, insisting — as independent David Pocock initially did — that the bill be included in any package deal? Hanson-Young says there was no point, with Albanese making “very clear” he wasn’t going to countenance it. “At some point you do have to make a call about getting what you can,” she adds, arguing it was “fantasy land” to think the PM was going to suddenly stand up to the mining industry. “That’s the art of negotiation and it’s the art of compromise.” Why does Labor keep using the phrase ‘Greens political party’? Read More Like Bandt, Hanson-Young has begun speaking out even more forcefully against Peter Dutton since Donald Trump’s election victory, arguing the Greens’ job is simultaneously to “push Labor to be better, but keep Dutton out”. “Women in particular are terrified of the licence that Peter Dutton is giving his front and backbench to spruik and follow the ultra-right rhetoric in America,” she tells me. One of her priorities next year will be helping the Greens win Liberal-held Sturt in South Australia, in which the minor party has an outside chance . But she also wants to ensure the party has a strong Senate bloc, ensuring that “nature, climate and the community have a strong voice, whoever ends up being prime minister”. And like Bandt, she’s adamant that it’s time for progressives in Parliament to start working together. “Otherwise we end up handing the keys of the Lodge to a Trump fanatic like Peter Dutton, and frankly as a Green, as a progressive, as a woman, I’m not prepared to see that happen.” Have something to say about this article? Write to us at letters@crikey.com.au . Please include your full name to be considered for publication in Crikey’s Your Say . We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.
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.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — John Elway says any remorse over bypassing Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL draft is quickly dissipating with rookie Bo Nix's rapid rise, suggesting the Denver Broncos have finally found their next franchise quarterback. Elway said Nix, the sixth passer selected in April's draft, is an ideal fit in Denver with coach Sean Payton navigating his transition to the pros and Vance Joseph's defense serving as a pressure release valve for the former Oregon QB. “We’ve seen the progression of Bo in continuing to get better and better each week and Sean giving him more each week and trusting him more and more to where last week we saw his best game of the year,” Elway said in a nod to Nix's first game with 300 yards and four touchdown throws in a rout of Atlanta. For that performance, Nix earned his second straight NFL Rookie of the Week honor along with the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award. “I think the sky’s the limit," Elway said, “and that’s just going to continue to get better and better.” In a wide-ranging interview with The Associated Press, Elway also touted former coach Mike Shanahan's Hall of Fame credentials, spoke about the future of University of Colorado star and Heisman favorite Travis Hunter and discussed his ongoing bout with a chronic hand condition. Elway spent the last half of his decade as the Broncos’ GM in a futile search for a worthy successor to Peyton Manning, a pursuit that continued as he transitioned into a two-year consultant role that ended after the 2022 season. “You have all these young quarterbacks and you look at the ones that make it and the ones that don’t and it’s so important to have the right system and a coach that really knows how to tutelage quarterbacks, and Sean’s really good at that,” Elway said. “I think the combination of Bo’s maturity, having started 61 games in college, his athletic ability and his knowledge of the game has been such a tremendous help for him,'" Elway added. “But also Vance Joseph’s done a heck of a job on the defensive side to where all that pressure’s not being put on Bo and the offense to score all the time.” Payton and his staff have methodically expanded Nix’s repertoire and incorporated his speed into their blueprints. Elway lauded them for “what they’re doing offensively and how they’re breaking Bo into the NFL because it’s a huge jump and I think patience is something that goes a long way in the NFL when it comes down to quarterbacks.” Elway said he hopes to sit down with Nix at some point when things slow down for the rookie. Nix, whose six wins are one more than Elway had as a rookie, said he looks forward to meeting the man who won two Super Bowls during his Hall of Fame playing career and another from the front office. “He’s a legend not only here for this organization, but for the entire NFL," Nix said, adding, "most guys, they would love to have a chat with John Elway, just pick his brain. It’s just awesome that I’m even in that situation.” Orange Crush linebacker Randy Gradishar joined Elway in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year, something Elway called “way, way overdue.” Elway suggested it's also long past time for the Hall to honor Shanahan, who won back-to-back Super Bowls in Denver with Elway at QB and whose footprint you see every weekend in the NFL because of his expansive coaching tree. Elway called University of Colorado stars Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders “both great athletes." He said he really hopes Sanders gets drafted by a team that will bring him along like the Broncos have done with Nix and he sees Hunter being able to play both ways in the pros but not full time. Elway said he thinks Hunter will be primarily a corner in the NFL but with significant contributions on offense: “He's great at both. He's got great instincts, and that's what you need at corner." It's been five years since Elway announced he was dealing with Dupuytren’s contracture, a chronic condition that typically appears after age 40 and causes one or more fingers to permanently bend toward the palm. Elway's ring fingers on both hands were originally affected and he said now the middle finger on his right hand is starting to pull forward. So, he’ll get another injection of a drug called Xiaflex, which is the only FDA-approved non-surgical treatment, one that he's endorsing in an awareness campaign for the chronic condition that affects 17 million Americans. The condition can make it difficult to do everyday tasks such as shaking hands or picking up a coffee mug. Elway said what bothered him most was “I couldn't pick up a football and I could not imagine not being able to put my hand around a football." AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflMadera’s principal stood up to the KlanRICHMOND — U.S. Postal Service operations have continued to improve, but a bipartisan coalition of state leaders say more work is needed to get the service to a level Virginians deserve. Virginia was ranked at the bottom for on-time mail delivery in October 2023, at the start of the federal government’s fiscal year. Just over 66% of mail was delivered on time, compared to a national average of 87.2%, according to a Postal Service tracker . Key reforms have pushed the state up in rankings. The state remained in the bottom 10 at the end of the fiscal year in September, with just over 81% of mail delivered on time. As of Nov. 8, over 86% of the state’s mail is delivered on time . The Delivering for America plan was introduced in 2021 to make the Postal Service financially stable and competitive with private mail delivery services. One part of the plan was the launch of a new processing network, with 60 regional processing and distribution centers around the U.S. The first one was rolled out in Sandston, Virginia, in 2023, and a spate of issues began. A bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers, who represent urban and rural areas, contacted Postmaster General Louis DeJoy last year to share widespread constituent reports of limited delivery. Earlier this year, the coalition toured the Sandston center after an audit pointed to significant problems at the location . There were issues during the transition to the regional processing network, according to U.S. House Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-4th, who toured the center located in her district. Atlanta was also one of the first cities to implement the plan, according to McClellan. Georgia is ranked the worst in the nation for on-time deliveries, with 35% of mail delivered late. Much of the mail in Virginia goes through Atlanta, according to McClellan. “Once it’s fully implemented the way it was intended, I do think [it] would lead to improved delivery times and improved efficiency of the mail everywhere,” McClellan said. “It’s just that transition in Richmond and Atlanta were horrible.” The Postal Service was not transparent with customers or Congress through the transition, which caused further issues, according to McClellan. Congress has the ability to hold the Postal Service accountable for poor service because it controls the budget for the service. “We have told them they need to do a much better job of being transparent with these changes,” McClellan said. State lawmakers will continue to hold the Postal Service accountable until reliable mail service is restored for all Virginians, according to U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, R-1st. The work of the bipartisan coalition to support Virginia constituents has been a “silver lining” in the experience, according to Wittman. He sent one of the first letters to DeJoy, worked with the coalition to demand answers, toured the Sandston facility and continues to receive updates from the Postal Service. “While any improvement in on-time mail delivery is welcome progress, there’s much more work to be done to attain the level of reliable mail service that Virginians deserve,” Wittman stated. “For over a year now, the mail service provided to Virginians and businesses across the Commonwealth has been inexcusable, and the lack of transparency and communication by the Postal Service has been one of the most frustrating roadblocks I have faced since coming to Congress.” ___ Some members of the congressional delegation feel confident there would be pushback if returning President-elect Donald Trump tried again to privatize the service. Trump called for the privatization of the Postal Service in his first term. A year after his inauguration, Trump created a task force to evaluate the service’s operations and finances, according to his archived presidential website. Trump stated it was on an “unsustainable financial path” and wanted it restructured to prevent a taxpayer-funded bailout. The Postal Service had net losses that totaled $69 billion in a 10-year period, according to the task force . Some suggestions of the task force were to deliver mail less frequently and increase service charges. McClellan does not expect the incoming administration to attempt to privatize the service. Congress would have to approve the privatization, she said. Although many people have access to private mail services, those who rely on the Postal Service “heavily rely on it,” according to McClellan. “So whether it’s disabled people, whether it’s older people, people in rural areas — they will be hurt the most by efforts to privatize,” McClellan said. Privatization would mean significant benefits and pay changes to the 600,000 people employed by the Postal Service. A strong Postal Service is a bipartisan issue, McClellan said. “I think there are a lot of people on both sides of the aisle that would oppose efforts to privatize,” McClellan said. U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., has also worked to improve the state’s on-time mail delivery and minimize disruptions. Kaine does not think efforts to privatize are likely under the second Trump administration. “I am not currently expecting the administration to push that kind of proposal,” Kaine said. Capital News Service is a program of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Robertson School of Media and Culture. Students in the program provide state government coverage for a variety of media outlets in Virginia.
Pandemic 2025 fears as 11 diseases docs most worried about revealed- including Disease X, Covid 2.0LIMERICK Sinn Féin TD and general election candidate Maurice Quinlivan has said a Sinn Féin-led government will scrap the USC on the first €45,000 of income for every worker, ensuring those on average incomes never pay the USC again. “A Sinn Fein-led government will show up with real action for ordinary workers and their families,” Deputy Quinlivan claimed. “We will scrap the USC on the first €45,000 of every worker’s income. Every worker will benefit. We know workers can’t wait. “We will begin implementing this relief within the first 100 days of government, ensuring the removal of the first €45,000 from the USC by January 1st, 2026,” Deputy Quinlivan said.None
Colandrea announced Monday on social media that he’d be leaving UVa and that he’d enter the portal on Dec. 9 when it opens for undergraduate athletes. It was first reported on Sunday that Colandrea was on his way out . His choice to leave came on the heels of Elliott’s move to start veteran Tony Muskett against rival Virginia Tech this past Saturday. “Unfortunate situation with [Colandrea],” Elliott said Wednesday during his signing day press conference. “The intention was never for him to — with the decision I made — entertain or think about the portal. I was planning on him coming back and being the guy for us going forward. “But, things change,” Elliott continued, “so we now, we will have to go find a veteran guy in the portal.” Muskett is out of eligibility, too, so he’s no longer around, leaving New Mexico State transfer Gavin Frakes as the only scholarship signal-caller on the Cavaliers’ roster currently. He joined the Hoos last offseason, but had started five times in 2022 for New Mexico State and served as the backup in 2023 to Diego Pavia there. Walk-on Grady Brosterhous, who had a role as a short-yardage, running quarterback this past season, is still on the roster as well. The two quarterbacks UVa signed on Wednesday as part of its 2025 class in Deerfield Academy’s (Mass.) Cole Geer and Bishop Moore Catholic’s (Orlando, Fla.) Bjorn Jurgensen don’t arrive in Charlottesville until the summer. “I wish [Colandrea] well,” Elliott said. “He’s leaving here on good terms from my perspective. But it’s unfortunate because my intent was not for [Colandrea] to leave the program. I was excited about getting back to work this offseason and helping to get him to a place of getting his confidence back at the highest level. I knew I had a responsibility this offseason to put some more pieces in place around him, but unfortunately, we’ll be doing that with another veteran quarterback.” There are graduate transfers already in the transfer portal, and undergraduate portal recruiting can begin as soon as those players officially enter next week. As for Geer and Jurgensen, they complement each other well, according to Elliott who praised Geer’s toughness and athleticism, and lauded Jurgensen’s production. Jurgensen threw for 5,175 yards and 56 touchdowns compared to only 12 interceptions over the last two years. “We had to work hard to keep some of the bigger [schools] off of him,” Elliott said of Jurgensen. He initially committed to UVa over Appalachian State, Florida Atlantic and James Madison, and at the time of his commitment, Big 12 programs Baylor and Houston were recruiting him also. Geer chose the Hoos over other offers from Boston College, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Virginia Tech. Elliott said he was transparent with both players that he’d be taking two quarterbacks in the class. “You just got to be honest,” Elliott said when asked about how he’ll handle dealing with the two QBs, “give them a fair opportunity to compete and then go compete. “And I think we had a great example in Tony Muskett and what it should be all about,” Elliott said. “As big of a competitor as he is and even though he only started one game for us this year, he had a tremendous impact on our roster. I met with him this morning and told him that. I said I don’t think you can understand and comprehend what you did for this program with the way you conducted yourself. So, both of these guys [Geer and Jurgensen] knew on the front end.”None
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