Declassified files show the note to former MP John Spellar also said the republican party had ignored the “visceral component of sectarianism” in responding to a new government good relations strategy. Mr Spellar, then a Northern Ireland Office minister, had launched a consultation on the “A Shared Future” document, an attempt to address community divisions, segregation and sectarianism in the region at a time when the devolved powersharing institutions were suspended. A file at the Public Record Office in Belfast shows that OFMDFM official Chris Stewart wrote to the minister in July about a response to the document from Sinn Fein representative Bairbre de Brun. Mr Stewart told Mr Spellar that Ms de Brun’s letter had been critical of the document and was clearly intended to “mark your card”. He said among a number of points raised by de Brun was that “the promotion of equality is the key to improving community relations”. His memo adds: “Sinn Fein is clearly seeking to position or align the issue of community relations within its equality and human rights agenda. “This general Sinn Fein position has resulted in a simplistic analysis of community relations, which is flawed in its description of the causes and necessary policy response. “There is of course, no doubt that a lack of equality has been a contributing factor to poor community relations. “However, Sinn Fein ignores the many other factors, not least the violent conflict that resulted in over 3,000 deaths. “Sinn Fein also portrays poor community relations (for nationalists) as being a purely rational response to the political situation. “This ignores the more visceral component of sectarianism, which is all too prevalent in both communities.” Mr Stewart continues: “To suggest, as Sinn Fein does, that the promotion of equality should be the key component of good relations policy is to ignore the key message in A Shared Future, that indirect approaches alone are insufficient to deal with sectarianism and the abnormal relationship between sections of the Northern Ireland community.” The official recommended the minister invite representatives of Sinn Fein to a meeting to discuss the policy. The file also contains a note about Mr Spellar’s meeting with DUP representatives Maurice Morrow and Peter Weir the following month to discuss the document. The note says: “Morrow said he had no problem with sharing the future and suggested that the first step to that would be an election to decide who spoke for whom – though he was quick to say he didn’t want politics to dominate the meeting.” It adds: “Weir said that the biggest step towards improving community relations would be the creation of a political environment that had the broad support of both unionism and nationalism, and the GFA (Good Friday Agreement) could not create that environment.”
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CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — Jacob Hutson's 20 points helped Northern Iowa defeat Southern Illinois 78-67 on Sunday. Hutson shot 7 of 10 from the field and 5 for 7 from the line for the Panthers (8-5, 2-0 Missouri Valley Conference). Tytan Anderson added 15 points while shooting 6 of 7 from the field and 3 for 3 from the line while he also had 10 rebounds. Max Weisbrod went 4 of 7 from the field (2 for 5 from 3-point range) to finish with 10 points. Jarrett Hensley finished with 20 points and six rebounds for the Salukis (5-8, 0-2). Ali Abdou Dibba added 10 points for Southern Illinois. Drew Steffe had eight points. Northern Iowa took the lead with 1:02 remaining in the first half and never looked back. Hutson led his team in scoring with 10 points in the first half to help put them ahead 38-34 at the break. Northern Iowa turned a 13-point second-half lead into a 27-point advantage with a 14-0 run to make it a 73-46 lead with 8:38 left in the half. Hutson scored 10 second-half points in the matchup. Both teams next play Wednesday. Northern Iowa hosts Belmont and Southern Illinois takes on Evansville at home. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
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Texas unleashed a really innovative trick play on a QB sneak to convert a key fourth downEndless traffic jams. Air thick with smog. Streets scattered with litter. The ever-present risk of scammers. The notorious Delhi belly. These were the perceptions many people hold of India where I come from in rural Lincolnshire and the rest of England as a whole. To be honest, many people were worried for me when I told them that I was moving here. When I first touched down in the bustling Delhi, everything about it– and India as a whole- felt extremely overwhelming at first. The teeming crowds, the unrelenting heat, and the striking beauty of its people and architecture was all a bit startling initially. However, the more I get used to living here and the more people I meet, the same question is persistently asked of me. What do I, as a British person, think of Delhi and India in general? India has fascinated me for many years even before I had the opportunity to work here. Now having experienced it firsthand, I’ve come to a conclusion: Delhi is extraordinary, even if it does want to beat you up a bit. What I have discovered is that India’s beauty lies not only in its vibrant food scene, stunning historical architecture, and rich culture but, most profoundly, in its people. The kindness, generosity, curiosity, and sense of pride here are unmatched—like nothing I have experienced anywhere else in the world. I grew up in a Church of England family (kind of), where attending church merely on Christmas Eve was the norm. On those evenings, we would sing Christmas carols to merely add a bit of feel to the Christmas season. I do appreciate there is much beauty and incredible work within the Christian faith. However, my upbringing in rural England offered little exposure to the richness of Eastern religion. That changed when I arrived here, where I had the opportunity to experience particularly Hinduism and Sikhism first hand and delve into the subject. I arrived just before Diwali, a festival I had absolutely zero familiarity with, but came quickly to admire. The vibrance of the celebration captivated me- the twinkling lights, the intricate artistry of rangoli adorning doorways and the unexpected generosity of gifts from colleagues I barely knew. It was amazing. One evening, admittedly accidently, I found myself wandering the streets of Humayunpur during the festivities. The setting was electric: fireworks and sparklers being set off from all directions, the beating of drums and explosions of different colours filling every peripheral of my vision. It was an assault to the senses in the greatest possible way. Learning about the Gurdwaras has been profoundly eye-opening for me. Discovering an institution that provides food and shelter to countless people, asking absolutely nothing in return, it blew me away. The selflessness and generosity embodied in this tradition is remarkable to me. India has such a beautiful landscape and hosts individuals with such depth, I can see why religion here is so colourful, welcoming, and fascinating. The more I discover about religion in India the more I want to learn. In 2022, India surpassed the United Kingdom in global GDP rankings to become the fifth- largest economy in the world- a milestone that is tangible as soon as you step into the bustling capital of Delhi. Areas like Aerocity and Gurgaon radiate the economic vitality, with their striking modern architecture and the presence of global brand names serving as clear markets of India’s ascent. However, the story of modern India’s transformation isn’t just written in steel and glass; it’s also reflected in the everyday conveniences that technology has brought to life. The revolutionary UPI system has redefined transactions with a simple tap of your phone- whether it’s a humble cup of chai from a roadside vendor or something as significant as a new car. Equally, services like Blinkit and Swiggy, which can deliver virtually anything you need in under 10 minutes. For someone experiencing this for the first time, it’s a real testament to how innovation and technology are shaping the fabric of daily life in India. As breathtaking as this country is, it’s not without its challenges. As a westerner, certain issues stand out to me, demanding attention and resolution. One of the most pressing issues is the annual smog that envelopes Delhi every year after it drifts from the farmlands South of the city . This smog, caused by the burning of crop stubble, leaves the city’s residents not only struggling to breath but also deeply embarrassed. It is clear that sustainable, effective measures are urgently needed to prevent such practices, which poison the very heart of the nations capital. Poverty, too, casts a long shadow over the country with an exponentially growing economy. Each day on my journey to work, I find no need for distractions like my phone. Instead, I look out the window at scenes that are both humbling and heart-breaking- a vivid reminder of how much needs to be done to lift countless lives out of hardship. Perhaps the most troubling issue, however, is women’s safety, particularly in Delhi. It is sickening that women here must constantly live with caution and fear in a country so rich in heritage and ambition- one that aspires to be a leading voice on the global stage. This is an issue that demands immediate and unwavering attention, for no nation can truly prosper until all its citizens, regardless of gender, feel safe and empowered. What pains me further is the issue of litter. It is bewildering to witness how some people treat such a beautiful country with such disregard. India is a place of unparalleled natural and cultural beauty, and yet it is marred by carelessly discarded rubbish. Why not take the pride that is so deeply ingrained in this nation and reflect it in its streets? A simple act, like placing litter in a bin could preserve so much of this country’s charm and magnificence. Although Delhi is a beast that must be respected, here, I feel like stories unfold around every corner, waiting to be discovered. As a British person, modern India is not a place to visit as part of some “Last Days of the Raj” fantasy, but rather as an exhilarating adventure. Like any country, India faces its share of challenges, yet that only adds to its complexity and depth. I firmly believe that everyone should visit this incredible country if they have the chance- not to seek a polished ideal, but to immerse themselves in its authentic, captivating reality. (This piece represents solely the author’s personal opinion and does not reflect the views of the organization or entity.) ALSO READ: From Santa’s Secrets to Christmas Cheer: A Guide to Rediscovering the Magic of the SeasonApiaries abuzz over ruling against widening cross-border trade in live honeybeesMikel Arteta says he will be “very much involved” in Arsenal ’s hunt for a new sporting director and insists the club will look to hire someone that can take them to “a different level”. The Gunners are currently searching for a replacement for Edu after the Brazilian resigned from his role earlier in November. Edu, who has been with Arsenal since 2019, is set to take up a senior position working for Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ growing portfolio of clubs after serving a six-month notice period. Arsenal have begun the process of finding Edu’s successor and it was a topic of discussion last week when Arteta and other senior staff flew to the US to meet the club’s owners , Josh and Stan Kroenke. “Well, I can talk about what we are doing right now and I'm going to be very much involved in that process,” said Arteta, when asked how much say he will have in who the new sporting director is. “Because we want to find the right person first of all and the right person has to be someone who is able to co-operate and make each other better and take us to a different level. That is the objective of it.” Jason Ayto, who was previously Edu’s No2, is currently Arsenal’s interim sporting director and Arteta hailed his qualities when asked about him on Friday. “Edu and I probably got a lot of the praise, but the work behind it is done by this guy and Jason has been phenomenal,” said Arteta. Ayto was part of the executive team that flew to the US last week, with managing director Richard Garlick and executive vice-chair Tim Lewis also present. Arteta has said the talks were constructive and allowed them the opportunity to map out the next three years, as well as looking at what has happened in the past. “Well, there are other kind of things across the club,” he said. “Obviously that they need more vision in terms of what’s going to happen in 24 months, 36 months. “But what we especially spend time on is what’s going to happen in the next 12 months and what happened in the previous six or 12 months. “As well looking back we make a lot of decisions and understand, evaluate how those decisions were made, what was the process behind it, have they worked, yes or no? “And for some of them it’s still too early because in football time can fluctuate and can change the relation to what happens in the context. “But it’s just living there or being there, you see. The reception, how they talk to you, how they look at you, the questions that they ask, the interaction that you have and it cannot be any more positive. Again, I’m not talking from my side but it’s a joy to have the owners that we have.” Arsenal have endured a tough start to the season and go into Saturday’s match against Nottingham Forest sitting nine points off Premier League leaders Liverpool. Arteta, however, believes the club’s owners are keeping calm and he is convinced his side will “kick on” over the next run of games. “I think it’s got its moments and I think it’s very important that we all feel comfortable and uncomfortable,” he said. “And this sport, elite, and the demands that we have is sometimes putting the temperature up a little bit, sometimes brings it down and everybody needs it. “I’m the first that needs that. And not only from them, from the coaches, from the players, media, it’s great to have that. So you are always seeking to be the best and evaluate and judge yourself in the right way.”
Mikel Arteta says he will be “very much involved” in Arsenal ’s hunt for a new sporting director and insists the club will look to hire someone that can take them to “a different level”. The Gunners are currently searching for a replacement for Edu after the Brazilian resigned from his role earlier in November. Edu, who has been with Arsenal since 2019, is set to take up a senior position working for Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ growing portfolio of clubs after serving a six-month notice period. Arsenal have begun the process of finding Edu’s successor and it was a topic of discussion last week when Arteta and other senior staff flew to the US to meet the club’s owners , Josh and Stan Kroenke. “Well, I can talk about what we are doing right now and I'm going to be very much involved in that process,” said Arteta, when asked how much say he will have in who the new sporting director is. “Because we want to find the right person first of all and the right person has to be someone who is able to co-operate and make each other better and take us to a different level. That is the objective of it.” Jason Ayto, who was previously Edu’s No2, is currently Arsenal’s interim sporting director and Arteta hailed his qualities when asked about him on Friday. “Edu and I probably got a lot of the praise, but the work behind it is done by this guy and Jason has been phenomenal,” said Arteta. Ayto was part of the executive team that flew to the US last week, with managing director Richard Garlick and executive vice-chair Tim Lewis also present. Arteta has said the talks were constructive and allowed them the opportunity to map out the next three years, as well as looking at what has happened in the past. “Well, there are other kind of things across the club,” he said. “Obviously that they need more vision in terms of what’s going to happen in 24 months, 36 months. “But what we especially spend time on is what’s going to happen in the next 12 months and what happened in the previous six or 12 months. “As well looking back we make a lot of decisions and understand, evaluate how those decisions were made, what was the process behind it, have they worked, yes or no? “And for some of them it’s still too early because in football time can fluctuate and can change the relation to what happens in the context. “But it’s just living there or being there, you see. The reception, how they talk to you, how they look at you, the questions that they ask, the interaction that you have and it cannot be any more positive. Again, I’m not talking from my side but it’s a joy to have the owners that we have.” Arsenal have endured a tough start to the season and go into Saturday’s match against Nottingham Forest sitting nine points off Premier League leaders Liverpool. Arteta, however, believes the club’s owners are keeping calm and he is convinced his side will “kick on” over the next run of games. “I think it’s got its moments and I think it’s very important that we all feel comfortable and uncomfortable,” he said. “And this sport, elite, and the demands that we have is sometimes putting the temperature up a little bit, sometimes brings it down and everybody needs it. “I’m the first that needs that. And not only from them, from the coaches, from the players, media, it’s great to have that. So you are always seeking to be the best and evaluate and judge yourself in the right way.”University System of Georgia to ban DEI, commit to neutrality, teach ConstitutionWho is Cam Skattebo? Arizona State football RB leads Sun Devils into CFP contention
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Two New Hampshire fathers who were barred from school district events for wearing pink wristbands marked “XX” to represent female chromosomes insisted at a federal court hearing Thursday that they didn't set out to harass or otherwise target a transgender soccer player who played on the team. But a judge hearing the case suggested the message the parents sent may matter more than their intentions. Kyle Fellers and Anthony Foote sued the Bow school district after being banned from school grounds for wearing the wristbands at their daughters' soccer game in September. The no-trespass orders have since expired, but a judge is deciding whether the plaintiffs should be allowed to wear the wristbands and carry signs at upcoming school events, including basketball games, swim meets and a music concert, while the case proceeds. Testifying at Thursday's hearing, both men said that they did not view the wristbands as a protest against Parker Tirrell, a transgender girl on the opposing team, but rather as a show of support for their daughters and their teammates. U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe questioned whether there is a meaningful distinction and whether their intentions matter. “Sometimes the message you think you’re sending might not be the message that is being sent,” he said. McAuliffe asked Foote whether it occurred to him that a transgender person might interpret the pink XX wristbands as an attempt to invalidate their existence. “If he’s a trans female, pink might be a color he likes,” Foote said. McAuliffe also noted that while both plaintiffs said they had no problem with transgender people outside the issue of sports, they repeatedly referred to the athlete in question as a boy. “You seem to go out of your way to suggest there’s no such thing as a trans girl,” McAuliffe said. Foote disagreed, saying it was “like learning a new language” to refer to transgender people. In a separate courtroom earlier Thursday, another judge held a hearing on a lawsuit brought by Parker Tirrell and another student challenging the state law that bans transgender athletes in grades 5 to 12 from teams that align with their gender identity. It requires schools to designate all teams as either girls, boys or coed, with eligibility determined based on students’ birth certificates “or other evidence.” That federal judge ruled earlier this year that the teens can try out for and play on girls school sports teams. The order only applies to those two individuals for now as they seek to overturn the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act on behalf of all transgender girl students in New Hampshire. Lawyers for the teens said in court Thursday they hoped the matter could go to trial and be resolved before the start of the next school year in September. They said the teens’ school districts and others in the state have asked for guidance regarding the statute. Lawyers for the state said they needed more time to prepare. Judge Talesha Saint-Marc suggested the timing of the trial was ambitious and asked that both sides talk further about scheduling. Gov. Chris Sununu, who signed the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act into law in July, has said it “ensures fairness and safety in women’s sports by maintaining integrity and competitive balance in athletic competitions.” About half of states have adopted similar measures. In the Bow case, school district officials have said they acted appropriately in sanctioning the parents for conduct they knew violated school policy at athletic events. They'll explain their evidence on Friday. On Thursday, the plaintiff's lawyer, Endel Kolde, accused the district of “breathtaking” overreach by asserting that the wristbands target transgender students in general, regardless of whether such students were present at the events. “This is viewpoint discrimination, and it’s very clear they’re proud of it,” Kolde said. Kolde initially conceded that a school district can limit speech “to some degree” to protect children from harassment, but he stopped short of agreeing with the judge’s claim that yelling “transgender students out” at a particular player would be subject to such regulation. “It might be,” he said. “I’m trying to get you to concede the obvious,” McAuliffe said. “It’s less than obvious to me,” Kolde said. Feller, the first witness in the case involving the wristbands, said he purchased them thinking his daughter and her teammates would wear them, but ended up wearing one himself after they declined. After being told to leave the game, he stood in the parking lot with a sign that said “Protect women’s sports for female athletes.” “I wanted to support women’s sports and I believed what was going on was a travesty,” he said.None
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday threatened 100% tariffs against a bloc of nine nations if they act to undermine the U.S. dollar. His threat was directed at countries in the so-called BRIC alliance, which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Turkey, Azerbaijan and Malaysia have applied to become members and several other countries have expressed interest in joining. While the U.S. dollar is by far the most-used currency in global business and has survived past challenges to its preeminence, members of the alliance and other developing nations say they are fed up with America’s dominance of the global financial system . Trump, in a Truth Social post, said: “We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty U.S. Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. Economy." At a summit of BRIC nations in October, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the U.S. of “weaponizing” the dollar and described it as a “big mistake.” “It’s not us who refuse to use the dollar,” Putin said at the time. “But if they don’t let us work, what can we do? We are forced to search for alternatives.” Russia has specifically pushed for the creation of a new payment system that would offer an alternative to the global bank messaging network, SWIFT, and allow Moscow to dodge Western sanctions and trade with partners. Trump said there is "no chance" BRIC will replace the U.S. dollar in global trade and any country that tries to make that happen "should wave goodbye to America.”
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EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings waived cornerback Akayleb Evans on Saturday in another setback for their beleaguered 2022 draft class. Evans started 15 games last season, but he had been relegated to a special teams role this year after the Vikings added veteran cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin. Evans was a fourth-round pick out of Missouri, one of three defensive backs among Minnesota's first five selections in 2022. Lewis Cine (first round) was waived and Andrew Booth (second round) was traded earlier this year. One of their second-round picks, guard Ed Ingram, lost his starting spot last week. Evans was let go to clear a roster spot for tight end Nick Muse, who was activated from injured reserve to play on Sunday at Chicago. The Vikings ruled tight end Josh Oliver out of the game with a sprained ankle. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL