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DAKAR: Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko said Friday that his government would submit legislation to repeal a law by former president Macky Sall granting amnesty for deadly political violence. The controversial amnesty was granted just before March 2024 elections as Sall sought to calm protests sparked by his last-minute postponement of the vote in the traditionally stable West African country. Critics say the move was to shield perpetrators of serious crimes, including homicides, committed during three years of political tensions between February 2021 and February 2024. But it also allowed Sonko, a popular opposition figure, to stand in the elections after court convictions had made him ineligible, as well as Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who eventually won the presidency. Sonko’s government pledged earlier this month to investigate dozens of deaths resulting from the political violence between 2021 and 2024. “In addition to putting compensation for victims into the budget, a draft law will be submitted to your august Assembly to repeal the March 6, 2024 amnesty so that light may be shed and responsibilities determined on whatever side they may lie,” Sonko said in a highly awaited policy speech to lawmakers. “It’s not a witch hunt and even less vengeance ... It’s justice, the foundation without which social peace cannot be built,” Sonko said. Sonko’s speech also laid out plans for the next five years to pull Senegal out of three years of economic and political turmoil that have sent unemployment soaring. He and Faye, who won the presidency and in November secured a landslide victory in parliament, now have a clear path for implementing an ambitious, leftist reform agenda. “We must carry out a deep and unprecedented break never seen in the history of our country since independence” from France, Sonko told lawmakers. He said Senegal remained “locked into the colonial economic model” and vowed an overhaul of public action and tax reforms to foster “home-grown growth.”Middle East latest: Israeli strikes in Gaza kill more than 50 people, including kidsBOSTON — Forty years ago, Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie rolled to his right and threw a pass that has become one of college football’s most iconic moments. With Boston College trailing defending champion Miami, Flutie threw the Hail Mary and found receiver Gerard Phalen, who made the grab while falling into the end zone behind a pair of defenders for a game-winning 48-yard TD. Flutie and many of his 1984 teammates were honored on the field during BC’s 41-21 victory over North Carolina before the second quarter on Saturday afternoon, the anniversary of the Eagles’ Miracle in Miami. “There’s no way its been 40 years,” Flutie told The Associated Press on the sideline a few minutes before he walked out with some of his former teammates to be recognized after a video of The Play was shown on the scoreboards. A statue commemorating Doug Flutie's famed "Hail Mary" pass during a game against Miami on Nov. 23, 1994, sits outside Alumni Stadium at Boston College. Famous football plays often attain a legendary status with religious names like the "Immaculate Reception," the "Hail Mary" pass and the Holy Roller fumble. It’s a moment and highlight that’s not only played throughout decades of BC students and fans, but around the college football world. “What is really so humbling is that the kids 40 years later are wearing 22 jerseys, still,” Flutie said of his old number. “That amazes me.” That game was played on national TV the Friday after Thanksgiving. The ironic thing is it was originally scheduled for earlier in the season before CBS paid Rutgers to move its game against Miami, thus setting up the BC-Miami post-holiday matchup. Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie rejoices in his brother Darren's arms after B.C. defeats Miami with a last second touchdown pass on Nov. 23, 1984, in Miami. “It shows you how random some things are, that the game was moved,” Flutie said. “The game got moved to the Friday after Thanksgiving, which was the most watched game of the year. We both end up being nationally ranked and up there. All those things lent to how big the game itself was, and made the pass and the catch that much more relevant and remembered because so many people were watching.” There’s a statue of Flutie winding up to make The Pass outside the north gates at Alumni Stadium. Fans and visitors can often be seen taking photos there. “In casual conversation, it comes up every day,” Flutie said, when asked how many times people bring it up. “It brings a smile to my face every time we talk about it.” A week after the game-ending Flutie pass, the Eagles beat Holy Cross and before he flew off to New York to accept the Heisman. They went on to win the 49th Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Day. Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie evades Miami defensive tackle Kevin Fagan during the first quarter of a game on Nov. 23, 1984, in Miami, Fla. “Forty years seem almost like incomprehensible,” said Phalen, also standing on the sideline a few minutes after the game started. “I always say to Doug: ‘Thank God for social media. It’s kept it alive for us.”’ Earlier this week, current BC coach Bill O’Brien, 55, was asked if he remembered where he was 40 years ago. “We were eating Thanksgiving leftovers in my family room,” he said. “My mom was saying a Rosary in the kitchen because she didn’t like Miami and wanted BC to win. My dad, my brother and I were watching the game. “It was unbelievable,” he said. “Everybody remembers where they were for the Hail Mary, Flutie pass.” Mike Tyson, left, slaps Jake Paul during a weigh-in ahead of their heavyweight bout, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) In this image taken with a slow shutter speed, Spain's tennis player Rafael Nadal serves during a training session at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, in Malaga, southern Spain, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) A fan takes a picture of the moon prior to a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Uruguay and Colombia in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich) Rasmus Højgaard of Denmark reacts after missing a shot on the 18th hole in the final round of World Tour Golf Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) Taylor Fritz of the United States reacts during the final match of the ATP World Tour Finals against Italy's Jannik Sinner at the Inalpi Arena, in Turin, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) fails to pull in a pass against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford (20) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/ Brynn Anderson) Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, top right, scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) India's Tilak Varma jumps in the air as he celebrates after scoring a century during the third T20 International cricket match between South Africa and India, at Centurion Park in Centurion, South Africa, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski warms up before facing the Seattle Kraken in an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Kansas State players run onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Arizona State Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) A fan rapped in an Uruguay flag arrives to the stands for a qualifying soccer match against Colombia for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico) People practice folding a giant United States flag before an NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Brazil's Marquinhos attempts to stop the sprinklers that were turned on during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match against Venezuela at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) Georgia's Georges Mikautadze celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the UEFA Nations League, group B1 soccer match between Georgia and Ukraine at the AdjaraBet Arena in Batumi, Georgia, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Tamuna Kulumbegashvili) Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque, right, attempts to score while Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) and Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson (32) keep the puck out of the net during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt) Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario misses the third goal during the Nations League soccer match between Italy and France, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) President-elect Donald Trump attends UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Fans argue in stands during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between France and Israel at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, Thursday Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova hits a return against Danielle Collins, of the United States, during a tennis match at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Malaga, southern Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) St. John's guard RJ Luis Jr. (12) falls after driving to the basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against New Mexico, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) England's Anthony Gordon celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between England and the Republic of Ireland at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) Katie Taylor, left, lands a right to Amanda Serrano during their undisputed super lightweight title bout, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner, right, tackles Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington, left, on a punt return during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) UConn's Paige Bueckers (5) battles North Carolina's Laila Hull, right, for a loose ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Greensboro, N.C., Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown) Get local news delivered to your inbox!How to protect your communications through encryption

Cracks emerge in Trump's MAGA coalitionKelum Sujith Perera, the visionary founder of the Dubai-based Sri Lions, is on a mission to transform Sri Lankan rugby and sports. Fresh off the Sri Lions’ historic triumph at the Dubai Sevens Men’s International Open, Sri Lions founder Kelum Sujith Perera Perera is doubling down on his commitment to nurture talent, unite the rugby community, and create a global platform for Sri Lankan athletes. Reflecting on the team’s groundbreaking achievement, Perera expressed immense pride: “No Sri Lankan team has ever participated in the Open Men’s International category in the history of the Dubai Sevens. We started by winning the Gulf Men’s Open in 2019 and 2020, but we knew it was time to aim higher. After earning a spot in the Open Men’s International category, we worked tirelessly for three years, culminating in last year’s Plate Championship. This year, we went one step further, defeating Spain’s Esperanza in the final and bringing home the Cup. To achieve this in front of 70,000 spectators was truly remarkable.” Perera detailed how the team combined local talent with international expertise: “We blended young Sri Lankan players with world-class internationals from Fiji, South Africa, Tonga, and Australia. Players like Cecil Afrika, Branco du Preez, and Osea Kolinisau have played pivotal roles in our journey, but this year we wanted to give even more opportunities to Sri Lankan players.” Sri Lions’ qualification for the A-Division in Sri Lanka has sparked debate, with critics questioning their legitimacy. Perera tackled these concerns head-on: “We didn’t take shortcuts. Instead of paying a fee to join the A-Division directly, we competed in the B-Division and won fairly. Our victory was recognised by officials, and the tournament was conducted under a functioning Sri Lanka Rugby Union. Allegations about the tournament’s validity or disciplinary issues are baseless. We followed every protocol, and if the tournament wasn’t legitimate, why did union officials present us with the trophy?” On accusations of poaching players, Perera was clear: “Every club brings in players, but we’ve focused on creating opportunities for those who were sidelined. Players like Kevin Kutty and Tuan Zayan Sabar have found a platform with us. We even supported Sabar when CR & FC requested him for the Clifford Cup, showing that we prioritise the sport’s growth over rivalries.” A former Lumbini and Sri Lanka Under 19 player, Perera’s focus on nurturing young players is central to Sri Lions’ ethos: “Every year, over 100 players graduate from Sri Lankan schools, but most stop playing rugby. We’re changing that by providing a pathway for school leavers to develop their skills. Players like Dulaj Navodya have thrived alongside international stars, building confidence and raising their game. This exposure not only benefits them but elevates the standard of Sri Lankan rugby.” His ambitions extend far beyond rugby:“Our dream is to create a global Sri Lankan sports franchise. Beyond rugby, we’re promoting Sri Lankan sports tourism and developing multiple sports like volleyball, netball, and golf. We’re working on establishing a partnership with Fingara to give members access to world-class facilities, and we’re bringing foreign investors to build a multi-sport complex in Sri Lanka. If the government lets us maintain underutilised facilities like Sugathadasa or Diyagama, we’ll transform them into thriving hubs for rugby, football, athletics, and more.” An internationally respected referee, Perera is also exploring international opportunities: “We’re in discussions to acquire an upcoming South African club and bring it under the Sri Lions banner. This will give Sri Lankan players a chance to compete in Super Rugby and other top-tier tournaments. Imagine a Sri Lankan team playing against the Sharks or the Crusaders – that’s the level we’re aiming for.” Perera underscored the need for collaboration within Sri Lanka’s rugby community: “Rugby is bigger than any one club or individual. We need to put aside politics and personal interests and focus on building the sport together. On the field, we compete; off the field, we must unite. Some clubs didn’t release players for the national team, and that contributed to Sri Lanka’s loss to the Philippines. Imagine what we could achieve if we worked together.” For Perera, the Sri Lions are more than a team – they are a symbol of what Sri Lanka can achieve through vision and determination: “I’m not here to criticise or seek power. My goal is to elevate Sri Lankan sports and create opportunities for our players. If someone opposes us in the A-Division, we’ll find other ways to make an impact. Rugby is a beautiful game, and it has the power to unite us. Together, we can take Sri Lankan rugby to new heights.” With a clear vision and a relentless commitment to building Sri Lankan rugby, Kelum Sujith Perera is paving the way for a brighter future, both on and off the field. The Sri Lions’ success at the Dubai Sevens is just the beginning of a journey that promises to inspire generations to come.

Apple Sued for Knowingly Hosting Child Sexual Abuse Material on Its Products, Failing to Protect SurvivorsPM takes Nawaz Sharif into confidence on Maulana Fazl’s proposal

The son of Madeline Gaudreau and the late Matthew Gaudreau has arrived. On Sunday, Madeline announced the birth of the couple’s first child, baby boy Tripp Matthew, by posting a photo of the newest addition on Instagram. “Tripp Matthew,” she captioned the post . “Mommy & Daddy’s world.” Baby Tripp’s arrival comes four months after Gaudreau and his brother, NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, were tragically killed on the eve of their sister’s wedding in August. Gaudreau and Johnny had been cycling in Salem County, N.J., where they were struck by a suspected drunk driver. Johnny, an 11-year NHL veteran, was 31 and Matthew was 29. Both brothers played hockey at Boston College. Two months after the fatal incident, Madeline — who revealed in June that she and Matthew Gaudreau were expecting — honored her late husband and their baby-to-be at the “baby shower of my dreams.” “Thank you @gabriellevasaturo for hosting. @bitesizedsis you’re amazing, my husband would have loved all the balloons. The way you were able to tie in my husband brought instant tears when I walked in,” Madeline gushed on Instagram of the “Little Piece of Heaven” affair. “All my friends and family, nothing will bring his dad back or uncle john, but I am glad he has so many amazing people around him to remind him how amazing they are.” The Gaudreau family was showered with well-wishes Sunday after Madeline shared the joyous news of Tripp’s birth. “A huge congratulations to you 🩵 Daddy is watching over you both! Sending so much strength & love,” one user commented. “Just got happy chills ❤️ Congratulations ❤️ he’s got a lot of love here and in heaven, surrounding and watching over him!” another shared. In the wake of the siblings’ deaths, the NHL has honored the Gaudreau brothers throughout the 2024 season. The Blue Jackets, whom Johnny had played for since 2022, paid tribute to the star forward at their season opener in October. “I don’t want anyone to be sad,” Johnny’s wife, Meredith Gaudreau, said in a pre-recorded message. “I want you all to be inspired by the life that John lived. That means love your family first and foremost, and when it’s time to drop the puck let’s love the game that John loved.” Meredith revealed at the Gaudreau brothers’ funeral in September that she is expecting her third child with Johnny.Snapdeal's Loss Narrows To Rs 160 Crore In FY24

UDF IV's Plan "Not to Reconvene the Annual Meeting" is Unacceptable Outcome for Shareholders NexPoint Urges UDF IV to Reconvene Meeting Following Full Disclosure of Ready Capital Transaction Details and to Disclose Amount of Shareholder Funds Used on Advisors for an Annual Meeting it has Failed to Hold DALLAS , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Real Estate Opportunities, LLC (together with its affiliates "NexPoint") today issued a statement regarding the "adjournment" of the United Development Funding IV ("UDF IV" or the "Company") Annual Meeting of Shareholders ("Annual Meeting") due to a lack of quorum and the Company's statement that it will not reconvene the Meeting. NexPoint provided the following comment: "We are deeply alarmed by UDF IV's announcement that it will not reconvene the Annual Meeting after failing to meet the quorum threshold. This decision exemplifies UDF IV's governance failures and unwillingness to engage with shareholders. This outcome also raises serious concerns about the current Board's ability to protect shareholder interests in the context of the proposed acquisition by Ready Capital (NYSE: RC). UDF IV's decision appears predicated on the assumption that the Ready Capital deal will close before the next Annual Meeting, suggesting they may seek to avoid holding its first contested annual meeting and Trustee election in nine years. "We call on UDF IV to reconvene the Annual Meeting in accordance with the Company's bylaws within 120 days after the record date, but only after providing shareholders with the disclosures necessary to assess the proposed transaction, including previously omitted disclosure schedules, recent financials, the proxy statement and many other material details. We also call on UDF IV to obtain a non-objecting beneficial owners (NOBO) list to ensure greater shareholder oversight and engagement." As stated, NexPoint declined to appear at the Annual Meeting due to concerns over the Company's last-minute announcement of the proposed Ready Capital merger, which appeared to be an attempt to sway the Annual Meeting's outcome without providing shareholders the necessary information to evaluate the proposed transaction. NexPoint would support the acquisition if full disclosure is presented, including current financials, and the transaction terms are fair. Independent proxy advisory firm Glass Lewis shares NexPoint's concerns about UDF IV's disclosure deficiencies and the Ready Capital deal: "While we understand a transaction of this nature could be viewed as something of a panacea for investors dissatisfied with the Trust's longstanding lack of liquidity and poor corporate governance, we believe shareholders have ample cause to question the timing of the transaction, the absence of key disclosures and, most fundamentally, the board's ability to credibly negotiate and secure a transformative transaction of this nature. That such an agreement would be executed less than two weeks prior to the Trust's first substantive election of directors in nearly ten years is more alarming still, and, in our view, further stokes concern about the board's true commitment to good governance and shareholder feedback." 1 NexPoint believes the Annual Meeting vote was a dead heat – certainly much closer than reported by UDF IV – demonstrating significant shareholder dissatisfaction with UDF IV's leadership. The Company exploited the purpose of the Annual Meeting and positioned it as a referendum on the merger to sway votes, which indeed caused some shareholders to change their vote in favor of the Company just days before the election. Glass Lewis states: "With the first meaningful board referendum in nearly a decade on the near-term docket — in this instance, seemingly only as a result of legal action in Maryland by NexPoint — UDF has notionally elevated the stakes by announcing a prospective acquisition of the Trust by Ready Capital in a partially contingent cash, stock and CVR transaction executed just eight days prior to the forthcoming AGM." 1 UDF IV has actively suppressed shareholder engagement, refusing any constructive dialogue with NexPoint. To avoid accountability, the Company first spent significant shareholder funds to prevent this meeting from occurring. Then, once a Maryland court ordered it to hold this meeting, it took no steps to obtain the NOBO list representing approximately 24 million of UDF IV's 30 million shares, which would have enabled them to advise those shareholders directly about the first election of independent trustees in nine years. They later fought NexPoint's efforts to obtain such a list, but spent significant shareholder funds on high-priced attorneys and public relations firms to advance their agenda. NexPoint now calls on UDF IV to disclose the costs borne by shareholders related to the Annual Meeting (and efforts to avoid it) the Company now suggests it may never hold. Shareholders are entitled to information from UDF IV to make their own decisions about the current Trustees and the proposed merger and deserve the opportunity to hold the Trustees accountable for years of value erosion and lost trust in favor of NexPoint's independent nominees. We encourage UDF IV shareholders to contact the Company to demand they reconvene the shareholder meeting, publish information on the merger, then meaningfully engage with NexPoint and other shareholders to answer their questions. (1) Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC.: United Development Funding IV. December 6, 2024 . About NexPoint NexPoint Real Estate Opportunities, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust, Inc. (NYSE: NXDT), an affiliate of NexPoint Advisors, L.P. NexPoint Advisors, L.P. is an SEC-registered adviser on the NexPoint alternative investment platform. It serves as the adviser to a suite of funds and investment vehicles, including a closed-end fund, interval fund, business development company, and various real estate vehicles. For more information visit www.nexpoint.com IMPORTANT INFORMATION NexPoint Real Estate Opportunities, LLC ("NexPoint") has delivered a proxy statement with respect to its solicitation of proxies for nominees to be elected to the United Development Funding IV ("UDF IV") Board of Trustees at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of UDF IV. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE NEXPOINT PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) IN ITS ENTIRETY. Copies of the documents are available free of charge from NexPoint by accessing the website www.udfaccountability.com . NexPoint, its affiliates, their directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees may be participants (collectively "Participants") in the solicitation of proxies by NexPoint. Information about NexPoint's nominees to the UDF IV Board of Trustees and information regarding the direct or indirect interests in UDF IV, by security holdings or otherwise, of NexPoint, the other Participants and NexPoint's nominees will be available in the proxy statement. NexPoint's disclosure of any security holdings will be based on information made available to NexPoint by such Participants and nominees. UDF IV is no longer subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Consequently, NexPoint's knowledge of significant security holders of UDF IV and as to UDF IV itself is limited. NexPoint has neither sought nor obtained consent from any third party to use previously published information in this press release, including any quotes used in this press release. CONTACT INFORMATION UDF IV Investor Contacts Chuck Garske / Jeremy Provost / Theo Caminiti (Okapi Partners): Email: info@okapipartners.com Phone: (212) 297-0720 For Additional Information/Updates on UDF IV Website: www.udfaccountability.com Email: udfinvestors@nexpoint.com Media Contacts Lucy Bannon (NexPoint): lbannon@nexpoint.com Paul Caminiti / Pamela Greene (Reevemark): nexpointteam@reevemark.com NexPoint Investor Relations Kristen Griffith : ir@nexpoint.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nexpoint-comments-on-cancellation-of-united-development-funding-iv-udf-iv-2024-annual-meeting-302330865.html SOURCE NexPoint Advisors, L.P.