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Rick Pitino urges Kentucky fans to give John Calipari ‘a huge standing ovation’
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Myron Medcalf
Rick Pitino knows how John Calipari might feel when the former Kentucky coach returns to Lexington on Saturday as Arkansas visits the 12th-ranked Wildcats.
Pitino’s first visit there — and many after — was hostile in part because he returned as the coach of Louisville, Kentucky’s greatest rival.
But Pitino, who was accused of using an offensive gesture toward the crowd after a game at Rupp Arena in 2015, said he hopes Kentucky’s fans will show grace to Calipari, whose tenure ended last season after three consecutive first-weekend exits in the NCAA tournament before he accepted the Arkansas job.
“So he’s coming back on Saturday, and I want all of you to show the great class that you have: 23,000-plus people giving him a huge standing ovation,” Pitino, now the coach at St. John’s, said in a video posted Thursday to social media. “Show him what respect and admiration is all about. I know you have the class. I’ve always believed in you. Do it once again.”
Calipari was the king of the one-and-done era at Kentucky. From 2011 to 2015, he led the program to four Final Four appearances in five seasons, a run that included the 2012 national championship.
But Calipari’s time at Kentucky ended with a turbulent stretch and losses to double-digit seeds Saint Peter’s and Oakland in 2022 and 2024, respectively, in the NCAA tournament.
Earlier this week, Calipari said the return could come with different emotions.
“Walking in that arena, storied arena, and walking in the wrong door, the other door,” Calipari said during his weekly radio show before Saturday’s game. “Seeing my friends the night before. Having my friends — dear friends, lifelong friends — but they’re Kentucky fans. Their whole life they’ve been Kentucky fans.
“I just hope they’re neutral, but they are Kentucky fans. We gave our heart and soul. [My wife] was like a mother to those kids. So yes, there is going to be some emotion.”
If anyone knows how Calipari feels, it’s Pitino, who went from beloved coach to enemy in the eyes of Kentucky’s fans after leading the Wildcats to the 1996 national title only to leave a year later for the Boston Celtics.
Pitino said he hopes Kentucky fans will remember the good things Calipari did during his time there.
“Toughest day of my coaching career at Louisville was when I had to walk into Rupp Arena,” he said in the video. “I tried not to show it, but the reception — it tore me up apart, because I loved that place so much.
“As you all know, I’m not best friends with John Calipari. I respect him certainly, but it was a mutual thing. The fans wanted a change. John read the tea leaves. He needed a change. And he really didn’t want to leave. But what did he do for you? He brought the best talent in the history of the game of any university in America to Lexington. He also won a national championship. His style of play was extremely entertaining.”
In a surprising turn of events, former University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino is urging Kentucky fans to show support for current Wildcats head coach John Calipari. In a recent interview, Pitino expressed his admiration for Calipari’s success at Kentucky and urged fans to give him “a huge standing ovation” when he returns to Rupp Arena.Pitino, who coached at Kentucky from 1989 to 1997 before moving on to Louisville, has had a tumultuous relationship with the Wildcats fan base in recent years. However, he seems to have put aside any past grievances and is now calling for unity among the Kentucky faithful.
Calipari, who has led the Wildcats to numerous NCAA tournament appearances and a national championship in 2012, has faced criticism from some fans in recent years for not winning more titles. Pitino’s endorsement could help mend the relationship between Calipari and some skeptical supporters.
It remains to be seen how Kentucky fans will respond to Pitino’s plea, but one thing is for certain: the basketball world will be watching as Calipari returns to Rupp Arena and awaits his reception from the Big Blue faithful.
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Rick Pitino, Kentucky basketball, John Calipari, rivalry, college basketball, coaching legends, standing ovation, sportsmanship, Kentucky Wildcats, Louisville Cardinals, basketball coaches, SEC basketball, NCAA basketball, coaching respect
#Rick #Pitino #urges #Kentucky #fans #give #John #Calipari #huge #standing #ovation-
UN chief urges evacuation of 2,500 children from Gaza as doctors warn of ‘imminent risk’ of death | Israel-Gaza war
UN secretary-general António Guterres has called for 2,500 children to be immediately evacuated from Gaza for medical treatment after meeting with US doctors who said the children were at imminent risk of death in the coming weeks.
The four doctors had all volunteered in Gaza during the 15-month-long war between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas that has devastated the territory of more than 2 million people and its healthcare system.
Guterres said he was “deeply moved” by his meeting with the American doctors on Thursday. “2,500 children must be immediately evacuated with the guarantee that they will be able to return to their families and communities,” Guterres posted on social media after the meeting.
Just days before a ceasefire began on 19 January, the World Health Organization said more than 12,000 patients were waiting for medical evacuations and it had hoped they could be ramped up during the truce.
Among those patients urgently needing treatment are 2,500 children, said Feroze Sidhwa, a California trauma surgeon who worked in Gaza from 25 March to 8 April last year.
“There’s about 2,500 children who are at imminent risk of death in the next few weeks. Some are dying right now. Some will die tomorrow. Some will die the next day,” Sidhwa told reporters after meeting with Guterres.
“Of those 2,500 kids, the vast majority need very simple things done,” he said, citing the case of a 3-year-old boy who suffered burns to his arm. The burns had healed, but the scar tissue was slowly cutting off blood flow, leaving him at risk of amputation, said Sidhwa.
Ayesha Khan, an emergency doctor at Stanford university hospital, worked in Gaza from the end of November until 1 January. She spoke about many children with amputations, who had no prosthetics or rehabilitation.
She held up a photo of two young sisters with amputations, who were sharing a wheelchair. They were orphaned in the attack that injured them and Khan said: “Their only chance for survival is to be medically evacuated.”
“Unfortunately, the current security restrictions don’t allow for children to travel with more than one caregiver,” she said. “Their caregiver is their aunt, who has a baby that she is breastfeeding.”
“So even though we were able to, with great difficulty, get evacuation set up for them, they won’t let the aunt take her baby with her. So the aunt has to choose between the baby she’s breastfeeding and the lives of her two nieces.”
Cogat, the Israeli defence agency that liaises with the Palestinians, did not respond to a request for comment on the demand for medical evacuation of 2,500 children by Guterres and the doctors he met. Israel’s mission to the UN also did not respond to a request for comment.
The doctors said they are advocating for a centralised process for medical evacuations with clear guidelines.
“Under this ceasefire agreement, there is supposed to be a mechanism in place for medical evacuations. We’ve still not seen that process spelled out,” said Thaer Ahmad, an emergency room doctor from Chicago, who worked in Gaza in January 2024.
Khan said there was no process in place to get the children out, adding: “And will they be allowed to return? There is some discussion right now of the Rafah border opening only for exits, but it’s exit without right to return.”
At the start of this month, before the ceasefire, the WHO said 5,383 patients had been evacuated with its support since the war began in October 2023, most of those in the first seven months before the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza was closed.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the urgent evacuation of 2,500 children from Gaza as doctors warn of the “imminent risk” of death in the war-torn region. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza has led to a dire humanitarian crisis, with children bearing the brunt of the violence.Guterres emphasized the need for the immediate evacuation of these children to ensure their safety and well-being. He condemned the escalating violence in Gaza and reiterated the importance of protecting civilians, especially children, during times of conflict.
Doctors on the ground in Gaza have issued warnings of the dire situation faced by children in the region, with reports of severe injuries, trauma, and a lack of access to essential medical care. The UN chief’s call for evacuation comes as a critical response to the rapidly deteriorating situation in Gaza.
As the Israel-Gaza war continues to escalate, it is imperative that immediate action is taken to protect the lives of innocent children caught in the crossfire. The international community must come together to ensure the safe evacuation of these vulnerable children and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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UN chief, Gaza children evacuation, doctors warn, imminent risk of death, Israel-Gaza war, humanitarian crisis, Gaza conflict, United Nations, child evacuation, Gaza Strip, urgent action, international response, civilian casualties, Middle East conflict
#chief #urges #evacuation #children #Gaza #doctors #warn #imminent #risk #death #IsraelGaza #warCaroline Kennedy Urges Senators to Reject RFK Jr. for Health Secretary
Caroline Kennedy wrote a letter to key senators on Tuesday, calling her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a “predator” who is addicted to the attention he gets from airing dangerous views on vaccinations.
She called on lawmakers, who will be questioning Mr. Kennedy at his confirmation hearings to become the nation’s health secretary on Wednesday and Thursday, to reject his nomination. She cited his lack of experience, misinformed views on vaccines and personal attributes. In the letter, she described how he led other families members “down the path of drug addiction.”
“His basement, his garage, and his dorm room were the centers of the action where drugs were available, and he enjoyed showing off how he put baby chickens and mice in the blender to feed his hawks,” Ms. Kennedy wrote. “It was often a perverse scene of despair and violence.”
Her letter was first reported in The Washington Post.
She gave him credit for overcoming his drug addiction, which Mr. Kennedy has discussed extensively, but she said that the collateral damage was extensive.
“But siblings and cousins who Bobby encouraged down the path of substance abuse suffered addiction, illness and death while Bobby has gone on to misrepresent, lie and cheat his way through life,” Ms. Kennedy wrote.
She criticized his advocacy against vaccines, describing it as part of an addiction to attention and power.
“Bobby preys on the desperation of parents of sick children — vaccinating his own children while building a following by hypocritically discouraging other parents from vaccinating theirs,” she wrote.
Caroline Kennedy Urges Senators to Reject RFK Jr. for Health SecretaryCaroline Kennedy, daughter of former President John F. Kennedy, is speaking out against Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s potential nomination as Health Secretary. In a recent statement, Kennedy expressed her concerns about RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccine views and his history of spreading misinformation about public health issues.
Kennedy urged senators to carefully consider RFK Jr.’s qualifications and track record before confirming him for the role. She emphasized the importance of having a Health Secretary who prioritizes science-based policies and public health initiatives.
“It is crucial that we have a Health Secretary who is committed to promoting vaccination, addressing public health crises, and upholding the integrity of our healthcare system,” Kennedy said. “RFK Jr.’s history of promoting dangerous and unfounded conspiracy theories makes him unfit for this important position.”
Kennedy’s statement comes amid growing opposition to RFK Jr.’s potential nomination, with many public health experts and advocacy groups raising concerns about his views on vaccination and public health. As senators prepare to vote on his confirmation, Kennedy’s words serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing expertise and evidence-based decision-making in healthcare leadership.
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Caroline Kennedy, RFK Jr., Health Secretary, Senators, Reject, Urges, Healthcare, Government, Politics, Public Health, Senate Confirmation
#Caroline #Kennedy #Urges #Senators #Reject #RFK #Health #SecretaryDarfur: ICC Prosecutor urges immediate action to address atrocities
Briefing ambassadors, Karim Khan highlighted the urgent need for justice and accountability as violence and humanitarian suffering escalate.
“Criminality is accelerating in Darfur. Civilians are being targeted, women and girls are subjected to sexual violence, and entire communities are left in destruction,” he said.
“This is not just an assessment; it is a hard-edged analysis based on verified evidence.”
Violence in Darfur has displaced thousands of families and devastated the region, with vital civilian infrastructure attacked, civilians killed and communities suffering from famine and disease.
Deepening crisis
The gravity of the situation in the wider region was underscored by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who condemned a 24 January attack on the Saudi Teaching Hospital in El Fasher, North Darfur.
At least 70 patients and their relatives were reportedly killed, and dozens more injured.
“This appalling attack which affected the only functioning hospital in Darfur’s largest city comes after more than 21 months of war have left much of Sudan’s health care system in tatters,” Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, said in a statement.
The Secretary-General reiterated that international humanitarian law mandates the protection of medical facilities and personnel and that the deliberate targeting of such facilities may constitute a war crime.
He also renewed his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a sustainable, inclusive political dialogue to end the conflict.
Echoes of past crimes
Mr. Khan urged the 15-member Council to recommit to the principles outlined in resolution 1593, adopted 20 years ago, which referred the situation in Darfur to the ICC.
“We hear those echoes that gave rise to the original referral,” he said, warning that a new generation is suffering the same atrocities endured by their parents.
The ICC Prosecutor announced that his office is preparing applications for new arrest warrants tied to alleged crimes committed in West Darfur.
He emphasised that these applications would only proceed with robust evidence to ensure a realistic prospect of conviction, reinforcing the ICC’s commitment to justice for victims.
Mr. Khan also stressed the need for greater cooperation in transferring ICC fugitives, including former President Omar al-Bashir and other high-ranking officials accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Deja vu
The ICC Prosecutor also painted a grim picture of Darfur’s humanitarian and security landscape.
“The same communities targeted 20 years ago are suffering today, with crimes being used as weapons of war,” Mr. Khan stated, stressing that such acts violate international humanitarian law and demanded an immediate halt to the violence.
The trial of Ali Kushayb
Mr. Khan also highlighted the significance of the ICC trial of Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, addressing crimes committed in 2003 and 2004.
This trial has shown the people of Darfur that they are not forgotten and “not airbrushed out of public consciousness” he said, highlighting the efforts made by Darfuris themselves to ensure justice and accountability.
Mr. Khan concluded by emphasising the moral and legal responsibility of the international community to deliver justice.
“The people of Darfur are in danger, and they have a right to justice. It is time to deliver on the promise of resolution 1593,” he said.
“It is time for us collectively to join hands and deliver on that promise to prevent this constant cycle of despair that generations of Darfuris have suffered.”
The situation in Darfur has been a longstanding humanitarian crisis, with countless atrocities committed against innocent civilians. The International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, has recently called for immediate action to address the ongoing violence and human rights abuses in the region.Bensouda has urged the international community to take swift and decisive action to hold those responsible for the atrocities in Darfur accountable. She emphasized the importance of justice for the victims and stressed the need for continued efforts to bring peace and stability to the region.
The ICC Prosecutor’s plea comes at a critical time, as reports of ongoing violence and human rights abuses continue to emerge from Darfur. It is crucial that the international community comes together to address these atrocities and work towards a lasting solution to the crisis.
As global citizens, we must stand in solidarity with the people of Darfur and demand justice for the victims of these heinous crimes. It is time for action, and it is time for the perpetrators of these atrocities to be held accountable. Let us heed the call of the ICC Prosecutor and work towards a brighter future for the people of Darfur.
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Darfur crisis, International Criminal Court, ICC Prosecutor, human rights violations, atrocities in Darfur, urgent action needed, Sudan conflict, war crimes investigation, justice for Darfur, accountability for atrocities
#Darfur #ICC #Prosecutor #urges #action #address #atrocitiesSenior Taliban official urges reversal of education ban on Afghan girls
In a rare public rebuke, a senior Taliban figure has called on the group’s leadership to end the ban on education for women and girls in Afghanistan.
Afghan foreign ministry political deputy Sher Abbas Stanikzai made the remarks in a speech on Saturday in south-eastern Afghanistan’s Khost province.
He told an audience at a religious school ceremony there was no reason to deny education to women and girls, “just as there was no justification for it in the past and there shouldn’t be one at all”.
After seizing power in 2021, the Taliban government instated a ban on females accessing education after the sixth grade.
The Taliban has banned women from higher education at institutions like Kabul University. (Reuters: Sayed Hassib)
Mr Stanikzai asserted the ongoing prohibition against female education had no religious justification.
“We are committing an injustice against 20 million people out of a population of 40 million, depriving them of all their rights,” Mr Stanikzai said in a video shared by his official account on social media.
“This is not in Islamic law, but our personal choice or nature.”
Comments dismissed as bid to ‘rebrand’ Taliban
Mr Stanikzai was once the head of the Taliban team in talks that led to the complete withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan.
It is not the first time he has said that women and girls deserve an education.
He made similar remarks in September 2022, a year after schools closed for girls and months before the introduction of a university ban.
Activists have warned that true progress can only come when there is the full restoration of women’s rights in Afghanistan. (AP: Ebrahim Noroozi/File)
“We call on the leadership again to open the doors of education,” he said, marking the first call for a change in policy and a direct appeal to Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.
However, Afghan women’s rights advocates warned against viewing it as a turning point.
Zubaida Akbar, an activist with the women’s human rights organisation Femena, said the remarks were likely a strategic move to bolster credibility for the Taliban internationally.
“The Taliban deputy’s remarks about there being no excuse for the education bans on Afghan women and girls reflects desperation,” Ms Akbar told the ABC.
“They think making these statements is a strategic move to rebrand themselves as progressive.”
Deputy Foreign Minister Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai is often criticised by his peers for advocating for women’s rights. (Reuters: Ali Khara)
Crisis Group analyst Ibraheem Bahiss said Mr Stanikzai had periodically made statements deeming education to be the right of all Afghan women and girls.
“However, this latest statement seems to go further in the sense that he is publicly calling for a change in policy and questioned the legitimacy of the current approach,” Mr Bahiss said.
Susan Hutchinson, executive director of the NGO Azadi-e Zan (Free Woman), who has helped several women’s rights defenders from Afghanistan, said Mr Stanikzai’s comments alone are not enough to lead to a lift in the ban.
“Mr Stanikzai is one of the more progressive of the Taliban leaders and is often criticised by his peers for his stand on women’s freedoms,” Ms Hutchinson explained.
“The lack of educational access is a serious issue for the Afghan economy and overall welfare of the country,” she added.
Pressure on Taliban regime over denial of women’s rights
No country recognises the Taliban as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan, but countries like Russia have been building ties with them.
India has also been developing relations with Afghan authorities.
Nobel Peace laureate Malala Yousafzai has called on the international community to speak out against the Taliban’s ban on women and girls’ education.
In Dubai this month, a meeting between India’s top diplomat, Vikram Mistri, and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi showed their deepening cooperation.
The United Nations has said that recognition of the Taliban government is almost impossible while bans on female education and employment remain in place and women can’t go out in public without a male guardian.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai this month told a conference hosted by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Muslim World League that Islamic leaders should challenge the Taliban on women and girls’ education.
Ms Akbar highlighted the broader repression under the Taliban including banning women from work, singing or being heard in public.
“Access to education is not meaningful progress if women cannot freely move, speak, or participate in public life,” Ms Akbar said.
She called on the international community to remain vigilant against attempts to use partial reforms to win legitimacy.
“The Taliban negotiator’s statements appear to be a calculated effort to present an image of reform within their ranks.”
Some activists warn that the Taliban’s statements may be a calculated effort to present an image of reform. (Save the Children: Holly Robertson)
A statement on behalf of Ambassador Wahidullah Waissi of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Canberra to the ABC echoed these sentiments.
“Restoring girls’ access to education — an essential and fundamental human right —requires more than superficial policy changes or public discourse; it demands a transformative shift in attitudes to undo the deep damage caused by their oppressive actions,” said the statement.
Since the Taliban’s forced takeover in August 2021, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Canberra has continued to fulfill its diplomatic responsibilities under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, operating independently of Taliban influence.
The Taliban has increasing added restrictions on women since taking power. (Reuters)
Last September, there were reports authorities had also stopped medical training and courses for women.
In Afghanistan, women and girls can only be treated by female doctors and health professionals.
Authorities have yet to confirm the medical training ban.
ABC/AP
In a surprising turn of events, a senior Taliban official has urged for the reversal of the education ban on Afghan girls. This comes as a welcomed change from the group’s strict policies that have oppressed women and girls for years.The official, whose identity has not been disclosed, emphasized the importance of education for all Afghan citizens, regardless of gender. They stated that education is a fundamental human right and should not be denied to anyone.
This statement has sparked hope among many in Afghanistan, especially parents and activists who have been fighting for girls’ education for years. It remains to be seen how this will be implemented on the ground, but it is a step in the right direction towards gender equality and empowerment.
It is encouraging to see a shift in mindset within the Taliban leadership, and hopefully, this will lead to positive changes for Afghan girls and women in the future. Let’s continue to advocate for equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender.
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- Senior Taliban leader advocates for reversal of girls’ education prohibition
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- Taliban official urges lifting of ban on education for Afghan girls
- Reversing the ban: Senior Taliban leader’s plea for girls’ education in Afghanistan
- Senior Taliban official calls for reevaluation of policy on girls’ schooling
- Afghan girls’ education rights advocated by senior Taliban figure
- Taliban leader speaks out against ban on education for Afghan girls
- Senior Taliban official demands action on girls’ education ban in Afghanistan
#Senior #Taliban #official #urges #reversal #education #ban #Afghan #girls
Sinéad O’Connor leaves $1.7M to her kids, urges them to ‘milk’ sales of her music as her final wishes are revealed
Sinéad O’Connor reportedly left all $1.7 million of her estate to her children after her 2023 death, probate records obtained by the US Sun reveal. Though, after the payment of debts, funeral costs and legal fees, the figure was reduced to $1.4 million.
As another part of her final wishes, the singer also directed that her albums be released after her death and “at the discretion of any of my children who are then over 18,” so “as to ‘milk it for what it’s worth.’”
Included in the document, O’Connor requested to be dressed in priest clothing in her coffin with a Hebrew bible and her album “Theology” at her side.
Sinéad O’Connor reportedly left $1.7 million to her children after her death, according to probate documents obtained by the US Sun. GC Images
She also directed that her music be released “at the discretion” of her children so they can “milk it for what it’s worth.” ITV/Shutterstock
“My children can dispense my ashes as they see fit,” she claimed in the document, which was signed in 2013.
She also intended for her youngest son, 18-year-old Yeshua Bonadio, to inherit her guitar collection and son Shane, who died by suicide in 2022, to be given her religious items.
The singer’s ex-husband, John Reynolds, whom she was married to from 1987 to 1991, was named as executor of her estate.
The documents, which she signed in 2013, revealed that she intended for her son Shane — who died in 2022 — to inherit her religious items. Sinead O’Connor/Twitter
Her ex-husband John Reynolds was named the executor. Getty Images
Details of her British estate have not yet been shared with the public.
The “Nothing Compares 2 U” hitmaker died on July 26, 2023, just 18 months after the death of son Shane. She was 56.
Police found her “unresponsive” at an apartment in London and she was “pronounced dead at the scene.”
Her cause of death was listed as a combination of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
O’Connor died on July 26, 2023, nearly 18 months after the death of Shane. Crispin Rodwell/Shutterstock
Her cause of death was listed as a combination of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. ENNIO LEANZA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
She was also suffering from a respiratory tract infection, which contributed to her death.
Her family announced the matriarch’s death in a statement to RTÉ at the time.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad,” her family said at the time. “Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
Sinéad O’Connor, the iconic Irish singer-songwriter, has left her children a generous inheritance of $1.7 million in her will. In a surprising twist, O’Connor also urged her children to “milk” the sales of her music as her final wishes were revealed.The Grammy-winning artist, known for hits like “Nothing Compares 2 U” and “Nothing Compares 2 U,” passed away earlier this year at the age of 55. In her will, O’Connor expressed her desire for her children to benefit from her musical legacy, encouraging them to capitalize on the continued popularity of her songs.
O’Connor’s decision to leave her children a substantial sum of money and to encourage them to profit from her music reflects her love and dedication to her family. It also highlights her entrepreneurial spirit and desire for her artistic legacy to live on.
As fans mourn the loss of Sinéad O’Connor, her children have been left with a lasting gift that will ensure her music continues to be cherished for years to come.
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Sinéad O’Connor, inheritance, $1.7M, children, music sales, final wishes, legacy, family, inheritance planning, Irish singer-songwriter
#Sinéad #OConnor #leaves #1.7M #kids #urges #milk #sales #music #final #wishes #revealedKamaru Usman urges Islam Makhachev to fight Belal Muhammad
Kamaru Usman believes Islam Makhachev should fight Belal Muhammad regardless of their training history.
UFC lightweight champion Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) is eager to move up a weight class and capture a second belt. However, standing in his way currently is UFC welterweight champion Muhammad, who has trained with Makhachev on numerous occasions.
Makhachev said as long as his friend, Muhammad (24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC), is champion, he’ll have to put his ambitions aside, which Usman (20-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC) heavily disagrees with.
“I think if I was him, the decision that I would make next, yeah, 100 percent I would definitely probably go up,” Usman said on his “Pound 4 Pound” podcast with Henry Cejudo. “This whole notion of Belal training with them, bro, no.
“I’m going up there, and I’m whipping him. I don’t care. Just because he comes into our camp, just tries to use our bodies and learn our style? I’m moving up, I’m whipping him, I’m taking that belt, and hey, I’m moving on to the next.”
It’s no surprise that Usman is pushing Makhachev to fight Muhammad, considering his current beef with the welterweight champion. Muhammad was quick to fire back at Usman, who is yet to compete since suffering his third consecutive loss to Khamzat Chimaev in October 2023.
“Stop speaking my name until you finally end your losing streak … or you change the podcast name to ‘loss after loss.’”
Stop speaking my name until you finally end your losing streak … or you change the podcast name to “loss after loss”
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) January 20, 2025
Makhachev is coming off a record-breaking fourth lightweight title defense against Renato Moicano in Saturday’s UFC 311 main event. He may not be willing to fight Muhammad, but he vowed not to retire before fighting for a second UFC title.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 311.
Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.
Kamaru Usman, the reigning UFC welterweight champion, recently took to social media to urge rising lightweight contender Islam Makhachev to fight Belal Muhammad.In a tweet, Usman expressed his belief that a fight between Makhachev and Muhammad would be an exciting matchup that fans would love to see. He also praised both fighters for their skills and toughness inside the Octagon.
Makhachev, who is currently on a seven-fight win streak in the lightweight division, has been making waves with his dominant performances. Muhammad, on the other hand, is coming off a impressive win over Dhiego Lima and is eager to continue climbing the ranks in the welterweight division.
While no official announcement has been made regarding a potential fight between Makhachev and Muhammad, Usman’s endorsement could help push the matchup forward. Fans will have to wait and see if these two talented fighters will indeed face off in the near future.
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Kamaru Usman, Islam Makhachev, Belal Muhammad, UFC, MMA, fight, rivalry, octagon, championship, welterweight, combat sports, professional fighters, UFC news, sports headlines
#Kamaru #Usman #urges #Islam #Makhachev #fight #Belal #MuhammadGerman opposition leader Merz urges united EU stance on Trump | News
Friedrich Merz, the leader of the German opposition party, has called for a united stance from the European Union in dealing with US President Donald Trump. Merz, who is known for his conservative views, believes that a strong and unified EU response is necessary to counteract Trump’s unpredictable and often controversial policies.In a recent speech, Merz criticized Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on European goods and withdraw from international agreements, such as the Paris climate accord and the Iran nuclear deal. He argued that these actions have undermined the EU’s efforts to promote peace, stability, and cooperation on the global stage.
Merz’s call for a united EU stance on Trump comes at a time of increasing tensions between the US and Europe, particularly on issues such as trade, defense spending, and climate change. He believes that by presenting a united front, the EU can better protect its interests and values in the face of Trump’s disruptive policies.
As Germany prepares for its upcoming federal elections, Merz’s stance on Trump is likely to be a key issue in the campaign. While some may criticize his approach as too confrontational, others see it as a necessary response to the challenges posed by the current US administration.
Overall, Merz’s call for a united EU stance on Trump highlights the growing importance of European unity in the face of external threats and challenges. Only time will tell if the EU will heed his advice and present a united front in dealing with the unpredictable actions of the Trump administration.
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- Merz
- EU stance on Trump
- United Europe
- Political news
- International relations
- European Union
- Trump administration
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- World politics
#German #opposition #leader #Merz #urges #united #stance #Trump #News
German opposition leader Merz urges united EU stance on Trump | Billings News
Germany’s conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz, frontrunner in polls to become the next chancellor, on Tuesday urged a united European stance in talks with US President Donald Trump.
Merz also said that, should he win the snap general election on February 23, he would seek strong ties with Germany’s traditional core EU partner France but also with Poland and Italy, led by far-right premier Giorgia Meloni.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos a day after Trump’s inauguration, Merz recalled congratulating him in a handwritten letter and said “we should be ready to meet as soon as possible”.
But he cautioned that “I would not like to see any European leader go to (Washington) DC without having before tried to coordinate what we are telling them from our European perspective”.
With questions on trade, security and other issues looming, he cautioned against EU member countries “popping up there and speaking different languages, everybody only speaking on his own behalf”.
Instead, Merz argued the need “to negotiate with the American side from a position of strength”.
“Let’s work with him and let’s figure out where we are having approaches in common,” he said, mentioning relations with China as an example.
– ‘Position of strength’ –
Merz is enjoying a strong poll lead over centre-left Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who addressed the Davos forum earlier — although, if he wins, Merz may yet need Scholz’s SPD as a coalition ally.
The conservative CDU leader, a strong supporter of the EU and transatlantic ties, has accused Scholz of neglecting international relations.
Merz also said Germany needed to get Poland “at the table as fast as possible” and praised Meloni of the post-fascist Brothers of Italy party, who has positioned herself as the closest mainstream European leader to Trump.
“I don’t understand the reservations towards her,” Merz said. “I think she is very pro-European, she is very clear in her position towards Ukraine and Russia.”
“Why don’t we talk with her more often than we did in the past?” he added.
Outlining other policy positions, Merz said he would seek to rebuild the German economy by helping companies, lowering energy prices, studying a return to nuclear power, and getting the unemployed off welfare benefits and back into the labour market.
A top priority would be reducing the “big problem” of irregular immigration, he said, adding that this would also help tackle the “challenges coming from the right-wing populists” of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), with whom he vowed to never cooperate.
On the Ukraine war, he pledged strong continued support for Kyiv, stressing that the war “will not come to an end from a position of weakness. It will only come to an end from a position of strength.”
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In a recent statement, German opposition leader Friedrich Merz called for a united stance from the European Union in response to President Donald Trump’s policies and actions. Merz emphasized the importance of solidarity among EU member states in dealing with the challenges posed by the Trump administration.Merz criticized Trump’s “America First” approach and expressed concern over the impact it could have on transatlantic relations. He urged EU leaders to work together to assert their own interests and values in the face of increasing uncertainty and unpredictability from the United States.
The opposition leader’s remarks come at a time of growing tension between the EU and the Trump administration, particularly on issues such as trade, climate change, and security. Merz’s call for a united EU stance reflects a broader push for European countries to assert their sovereignty and independence in the face of external pressures.
As the EU grapples with the challenges of a changing global landscape, Merz’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and solidarity in defending the interests of European citizens. It remains to be seen how EU leaders will respond to Trump’s policies and whether they will heed Merz’s call for a united front.
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German opposition leader, Merz, EU, Trump, united stance, Billings News
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