Latest news with #WayneMartin
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 93
Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 93 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. There are 93 days left until the New Orleans Saints start their 2025 regular season with an opening showdown against the Arizona Cardinals. Advertisement Wearing number 93 for the Saints this year will be defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd. He's in his third year with the team and entering his eighth NFL season overall. Let's have a look at Shepherd, along with the other players that have worn 93 during a regular season game for New Orleans. Saints History of 93 Sep 18, 2023; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd (93) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9). Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images • Gary Lewis, DT (1983) • Kevin Young, DE (1987) • Wayne Martin, DE (1989-99) • Darren Howard, DE (2000-05) • Rob Ninkovich, DE (2006) • Josh Savage, DE (2007) • Bobby McCray, DE (2008-09) • Junior Galette, DE (2010-14) • Kevin Williams, DT (2015) • David Onyemata, DT (2016-22) • Nathan Shepherd, DT (2023-present) Sep 29, 1991; New Orleans Saints defensive end Wayne Martin (93) against the Atlanta Falcons. FILE PHOTO; Mandatory Credit: Imagn Images Lewis, a fourth-round pick in 1983, was the first to don 93 for the Saints. He only played that season in the NFL, appearing in six games and not registering a tackle. Young was next to wear 93, appearing in one game as a replacement player during the 1987 player strike. Advertisement The Saints used the 19th overall choice in the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft on Wayne Martin out of Arkansas. Martin would go on to have an outstanding 11-year career, all in New Orleans. He played in 173 of a possible 179 contests, earning 2nd Team All-Pro in 1992 and a Pro Bowl berth in the 1994 season. Martin recorded 82.5 sacks during his Saints career, adding 25 fumbles forced or recovered and an interception. He had five years of double-digit sack totals and ranks third in franchise history in that category. In 2003, Martin was inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame. New Orleans Saints defensive end Darren Howard (93). Credit: When Martin retired after the 1999 season, the Saints replaced him more than aptly with Darren Howard, a second-round choice in the 2000 NFL Draft out of Kansas State. Howard was an underrated member of a ferocious defensive line through the early 2000s, spending six years in New Orleans. Advertisement Howard played in 81 games for the Saints between 2000 and 2005, starting 77 contests. Over that span, he had 44.5 sacks, 89 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions. He had two seasons of double-digit sacks, including a team-high 11 in 2004. Ninkovich is best-known for a standout career with the New England Patriots. He actually began his career with New Orleans as a fifth-round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. Ninkovich played just three games with the Saints in 2006 before being released the following preseason. Dec 23, 2012; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) is sacked by New Orleans Saints defensive end Junior Galette (93). Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images Savage wore 93 for one game during the 2007 season before switching to 95 for three contests the following year. McCray took 93 in 2008, playing two years with the Saints and contributing 7.5 sacks, 23 QB hits, and 15 tackles for loss. Advertisement An undrafted rookie in 2010, Galette had a forgettable end to his Saints career after five seasons with the team after a spectacular start. Galette had 31.5 sacks as a Saint, including a combined 22 takedowns in 2013 and 2014, while adding 62 QB hits and 34 stops for negative yardage. Big defensive tackle Kevin Williams took 93 for one year in 2015. He helped an otherwise bad run defense, but had just one tackle for loss and no sacks. Next to Wayne Martin and arguably Darren Howard, the best 93 in team history would arrive in the draft that following offseason. Nov 13, 2022; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata (93) brings down Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8). Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images The Saints doubled down on defensive tackles in the 2016 NFL Draft, selecting Sheldon Rankins in the first round. They followed that up with a little-known Canadian prospect out of Manitoba by way of Nigeria in the fourth round named David Onyemata. Advertisement Rankins had a nice career for the Saints, but the ultra-athletic Onyemata would be even more productive. In seven years with New Orleans, Onyemata had 23 sacks, 63 QB hits, and 28 tackles for loss while missing only eight of a possible 114 games. Once Onyemata departed in free agency, the Saints brought Shepherd in at defensive tackle. He's held that spot for two years, making 30 starts and missing just one game. In that span, Shepherd has 5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, and 14 QB hits. He'll look for even better numbers in Brandon Staley's New Orleans defense this season. Related: Derek Carr Further Explains Retirement Decision From New Orleans Saints Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 94 Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 96 Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 98 Related: Trevor Penning May Have A New Home On Saints Offensive Line Related: Saints Quarterback Ranking According To Pro Football Focus This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Freeze on property taxes: Atlanta's $10M initiative to prevent senior displacement
The Brief Atlanta's Anti-Displacement Tax Relief Fund offers long-term property tax relief to eligible senior homeowners to prevent displacement due to rising property values. The program is privately financed, freezing property tax rates for seniors at current levels and covering future increases for up to 20 years. Seniors must act quickly to apply by the deadline of May 31, 2025, with eligibility criteria including age, residency, income limits, and homeownership status. ATLANTA - With just two weeks left before a crucial deadline, advocates and city leaders in Atlanta are calling on senior homeowners to act quickly to avoid being priced out of their homes. What we know Wayne Martin, former vice president at Morehouse School of Medicine and a candidate for Atlanta City Council District 11, held an emergency news conference Sunday at the intersection of Beecher Street and Cascade Avenue in Southwest Atlanta to promote the city's Anti-Displacement Tax Relief Fund. He was joined by senior residents and community supporters who have benefited from the program. "We are here today because the stakes could not be higher," Martin said. "With just two weeks left before the deadline, I want every senior homeowner in Atlanta to hear this message clearly: Help is available, but you must act now." The citywide program, administered by Invest Atlanta and backed by a $10 million commitment from the Centennial Yards Housing Trust Fund, provides long-term relief by covering property tax increases above a set base level for eligible senior homeowners. The initiative aims to prevent displacement caused by gentrification and rising property values. Dig deeper To qualify, residents must be 60 or older, have lived in Atlanta since 2015, maintain an active homestead exemption, meet income limits, and own their home free of liens or other encumbrances. The program freezes property tax rates at current levels and covers future increases for up to 20 years. "This program ensures that those increases don't affect [seniors]," Martin said. "It'll effectively freeze their current rate in time, and any overages will be paid by this private fund." Martin emphasized that the relief fund is privately financed and not dependent on city tax revenues. He credited the developers of Centennial Yards for making the contribution as part of a community benefits agreement tied to the major downtown redevelopment project. What they're saying Local seniors who have already enrolled in the program spoke at the event, sharing how the tax relief helps them stay in their homes amid rising costs. "I applied because the taxes were going up, up, and away," said Diane Trimble, a resident of Oakland City for 40 years. "I'm on a fixed income, and I wanted to make sure I could stay in my house." Linda Brantley, a Beecher Hills resident who also applied for the program, said the relief provides peace of mind. "It makes me feel awesome knowing that I wouldn't have to pay [increased] taxes," she said. "I get a chance to save and do other things." What's next Martin stressed the urgency of the situation, urging eligible residents to apply immediately and encouraging the broader community to help spread the word. "Our seniors have paid their dues. They built our communities, raised families, and kept the culture of Atlanta alive," Martin said. "They deserve to age in place with dignity." The deadline to apply for the Anti-Displacement Tax Relief Fund is Friday, May 30, 2025. What they're saying For more information or to apply, visit Seniors may also seek help through community partners, including Meals on Wheels Atlanta, Rebuilding Together Atlanta, and The Nehemiah Project. The Source The details in this article come from a press conference held by Wayne Martin attended by FOX 5.


Mid East Info
18-02-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Dubai's DIFC Courts shares insights into case activity - Middle East Business News and Information
Total value of claims across all Divisions was AED 7.7 billion Total number of cases across all Divisions increased by 10% Average claim value across Courts of First Instance (CFI) was AED 103.3 million Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) records 13% increase in claims Dubai, United Arab Emirates;February 2025: The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts has shared insights into its ongoing case activity, reflecting continued growth and an increasing preference for its jurisdiction. The Courts remain at the forefront of commercial and civil dispute resolution, providing businesses and individuals with efficient judicial services. Signalling strong public confidence, the workload of the main Court of First Instance (CFI) and its Divisions recorded 114 claims, with a total claim value of AED 7.6 billion. An average case value of AED 103.3 million was recorded across CFI cases, with claims related to the Arbitration Division recording the most substantial values in 2024; the total value of claims was AED 6.8 billion, with the average case value of AED 356.1 million. The Civil & Commercial Division (CCD) recorded 82 claims in 2024, with a total claim value of AED 854.1 million and an average claim value of AED 16.4 million. There were two (2) registered claims with the Technology & Construction Division (TCD) in 2024, with a total value of claims of AED 14.2 million and an average case value of AED 7.1 million. The Arbitration Division (ARB) continued to witness a notably strong uptake of its interim measures and injunctive relief mechanisms in 2024, recording 28 claims with a total claim value of AED 6.8 billion and an average claim value of AED 356.1 million. The Digital Economy Court Division (DEC) recorded two (2) cases in 2024, with a total claim value of AED 10.2 million. Claims brought before the CFI divisions covered a range of sectors including banking and finance, retail, manufacturing, crypto, and real estate and involved disputes related to breach of contract, insolvency, arbitration agreements, and employment. Reinforcing the Courts' record of certainty for business through enforceable judgments, a total of 350 enforcement claims were filed in 2024, an increase of 8% year-on-year. His Excellency Wayne Martin, Chief Justice, DIFC Courts, said: ' In 2024, the DIFC Courts recorded strong uptake of core dispute resolution services as well as our ancillary services. It is a testament to our operations that after twenty years since inception, court users still view our jurisdiction as their preferred choice. Further reinforcements to our bench with the appointment of three international judges in 2024, as well as the launch of new mediation and notary services, demonstrate our mission to continuously evolve and upgrade our value proposition for court users.' The Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) recorded 592 claims in 2024, an increase of 13% compared with 2023. Claims were driven primarily by disputes related to breach of contract, banking & finance, and employment. Underlining the SCT's increasing popularity for SME-related dispute resolution, the total value of claims recorded in 2024 was AED 57.9 million, an increase of 11% compared with the same period in 2023. The average claim value recorded at the SCT for 2024 was AED 106,000. In 2024, the DIFC Courts continued its paperless strategy, issuing 1,942 digital orders and 174 digital judgments and conducted 99% of hearings via its digital hearing platforms. His Excellency Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director, DIFC Courts, said: 'Our new digitally driven societies, individuals and businesses are demonstrating an increased desire for easily accessible public services. The expansion of DIFC Courts' services to the public in 2024 to meet this requirement reflects the strong economic momentum arising from the implementation of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and the Dubai Digital Strategy. Our mission in 2024 was to launch innovative, efficient and cost-effective digital systems to assist our court users, whilst also increasing judicial excellence through upgrades to our case management systems and additions to our skilled bench of judges.' Ancillary services: The most noteworthy development within the Ancillary services offered by the DIFC Courts was the surge in registrations of Wills: in 2024, the Wills Service registered 1,822 Wills, a 21% increase from 2023. In addition, the total number of Probate applications related to Wills in 2024 was 30, a 7% increase from 2023. The total number of registered law firms in 2024 was 208, an 11.2% increase from 2023. The total number of registered practitioners in 2024 was 1,072, a 19% year-on-year increase. The region's first Pro Bono Programme continued with its onsite consultation clinics in 2024, assisting over 800 people, with 39 registered volunteer law firms and 44 registered volunteer lawyers assisting the Programme. Quarterly Statistical updates: To maintain transparency and accessibility, the DIFC Courts will continue to provide regular updates on statistics through its official website every quarter. This initiative supports the Courts' commitment to providing timely and relevant data to legal professionals, businesses, and the wider public. About the DIFC Courts: The UAE's DIFC Courts administers a unique English-language common law system – offering swift, independent justice to settle local and international commercial or civil disputes. The Courts, based in Dubai, provide certainty through transparent, enforceable judgments from internationally-recognised judges, who adhere to the highest global legal standards. The DIFC Courts is independent from, but complementary to, the UAE's Arabic-language civil law system – offering a choice that strengthens both processes while ensuring public access to world-class justice. In October 2011, a decree of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, opened the DIFC Courts' jurisdiction to businesses from all across the GCC region and beyond to provide the international business community with access to one of the most advanced commercial courts in the world. The DIFC Courts was established under laws enacted by the late HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai in September 2004. The Courts' community-focused approach encourages early settlement, while its successful track record supports Dubai's growing status as an international business hub. In line with HH Sheikh Mohammed's vision, the DIFC Courts serves to develop the UAE national workforce and enhance the competitiveness of Emirati advocates. The DIFC Courts is spearheading training programmes predominantly aimed at domestic Emirati lawyers, which offer knowledge of, and qualifications in, the English-language common law system.


Zawya
17-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai's DIFC Courts shares insights into case activity
Total number of cases across all Divisions increased by 10% Average claim value across Courts of First Instance (CFI) was AED 103.3 million Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) records 13% increase in claims Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts has shared insights into its ongoing case activity, reflecting continued growth and an increasing preference for its jurisdiction. The Courts remain at the forefront of commercial and civil dispute resolution, providing businesses and individuals with efficient judicial services. Signalling strong public confidence, the workload of the main Court of First Instance (CFI) and its Divisions recorded 114 claims, with a total claim value of AED 7.6 billion. An average case value of AED 103.3 million was recorded across CFI cases, with claims related to the Arbitration Division recording the most substantial values in 2024; the total value of claims was AED 6.8 billion, with the average case value of AED 356.1 million. The Civil & Commercial Division (CCD) recorded 82 claims in 2024, with a total claim value of AED 854.1 million and an average claim value of AED 16.4 million. There were two (2) registered claims with the Technology & Construction Division (TCD) in 2024, with a total value of claims of AED 14.2 million and an average case value of AED 7.1 million. The Arbitration Division (ARB) continued to witness a notably strong uptake of its interim measures and injunctive relief mechanisms in 2024, recording 28 claims with a total claim value of AED 6.8 billion and an average claim value of AED 356.1 million. The Digital Economy Court Division (DEC) recorded two (2) cases in 2024, with a total claim value of AED 10.2 million. Claims brought before the CFI divisions covered a range of sectors including banking and finance, retail, manufacturing, crypto, and real estate and involved disputes related to breach of contract, insolvency, arbitration agreements, and employment. Reinforcing the Courts' record of certainty for business through enforceable judgments, a total of 350 enforcement claims were filed in 2024, an increase of 8% year-on-year. His Excellency Wayne Martin, Chief Justice, DIFC Courts, said: ' In 2024, the DIFC Courts recorded strong uptake of core dispute resolution services as well as our ancillary services. It is a testament to our operations that after twenty years since inception, court users still view our jurisdiction as their preferred choice. Further reinforcements to our bench with the appointment of three international judges in 2024, as well as the launch of new mediation and notary services, demonstrate our mission to continuously evolve and upgrade our value proposition for court users.' The Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) recorded 592 claims in 2024, an increase of 13% compared with 2023. Claims were driven primarily by disputes related to breach of contract, banking & finance, and employment. Underlining the SCT's increasing popularity for SME-related dispute resolution, the total value of claims recorded in 2024 was AED 57.9 million, an increase of 11% compared with the same period in 2023. The average claim value recorded at the SCT for 2024 was AED 106,000. In 2024, the DIFC Courts continued its paperless strategy, issuing 1,942 digital orders and 174 digital judgments and conducted 99% of hearings via its digital hearing platforms. His Excellency Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director, DIFC Courts, said: 'Our new digitally driven societies, individuals and businesses are demonstrating an increased desire for easily accessible public services. The expansion of DIFC Courts' services to the public in 2024 to meet this requirement reflects the strong economic momentum arising from the implementation of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and the Dubai Digital Strategy. Our mission in 2024 was to launch innovative, efficient and cost-effective digital systems to assist our court users, whilst also increasing judicial excellence through upgrades to our case management systems and additions to our skilled bench of judges.' Ancillary services The most noteworthy development within the Ancillary services offered by the DIFC Courts was the surge in registrations of Wills: in 2024, the Wills Service registered 1,822 Wills, a 21% increase from 2023. In addition, the total number of Probate applications related to Wills in 2024 was 30, a 7% increase from 2023. The total number of registered law firms in 2024 was 208, an 11.2% increase from 2023. The total number of registered practitioners in 2024 was 1,072, a 19% year-on-year increase. The region's first Pro Bono Programme continued with its onsite consultation clinics in 2024, assisting over 800 people, with 39 registered volunteer law firms and 44 registered volunteer lawyers assisting the Programme. Quarterly Statistical updates To maintain transparency and accessibility, the DIFC Courts will continue to provide regular updates on statistics through its official website every quarter. This initiative supports the Courts' commitment to providing timely and relevant data to legal professionals, businesses, and the wider public. The full statistics for 2024 can be viewed at -Ends- About the DIFC Courts The UAE's DIFC Courts administers a unique English-language common law system – offering swift, independent justice to settle local and international commercial or civil disputes. The Courts, based in Dubai, provide certainty through transparent, enforceable judgments from internationally-recognised judges, who adhere to the highest global legal standards. The DIFC Courts is independent from, but complementary to, the UAE's Arabic-language civil law system – offering a choice that strengthens both processes while ensuring public access to world-class justice. In October 2011, a decree of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, opened the DIFC Courts' jurisdiction to businesses from all across the GCC region and beyond to provide the international business community with access to one of the most advanced commercial courts in the world. The DIFC Courts was established under laws enacted by the late HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai in September 2004. The Courts' community-focused approach encourages early settlement, while its successful track record supports Dubai's growing status as an international business hub. In line with HH Sheikh Mohammed's vision, the DIFC Courts serves to develop the UAE national workforce and enhance the competitiveness of Emirati advocates. The DIFC Courts is spearheading training programmes predominantly aimed at domestic Emirati lawyers, which offer knowledge of, and qualifications in, the English-language common law system.


Hi Dubai
17-02-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
DIFC Courts Reflect Robust Growth in 2024 with Rising Claims and Digital Advancements
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts has unveiled a positive outlook for its jurisdiction in 2024, highlighting impressive growth across various divisions and continued public confidence in its services. The DIFC Courts remain a leading platform for commercial and civil dispute resolution, catering to businesses and individuals seeking efficient and reliable judicial support. In 2024, the Court of First Instance (CFI) and its divisions handled 114 claims, with a total claim value of AED 7.6 billion. The average case value across CFI cases stood at AED 103.3 million, with the Arbitration Division (ARB) witnessing the highest claim values, totaling AED 6.8 billion and an average case value of AED 356.1 million. The Civil & Commercial Division (CCD) processed 82 claims worth AED 854.1 million, while the Technology & Construction Division (TCD) recorded two claims totaling AED 14.2 million. The Arbitration Division has seen an especially notable uptake in interim measures and injunctive relief, highlighting the sector's growing preference for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Additionally, the Digital Economy Court Division (DEC) handled two cases, with a total claim value of AED 10.2 million. The year also marked continued strength in enforcement services, with 350 enforcement claims filed, reflecting an 8% year-on-year increase. This trend underscores the DIFC Courts' commitment to delivering enforceable judgments and certainty for businesses operating in the region. His Excellency Wayne Martin, Chief Justice of DIFC Courts, praised the Courts' consistent evolution, stating, 'In 2024, the DIFC Courts recorded strong uptake of core dispute resolution services as well as our ancillary services. Our continued appeal after twenty years is a testament to our commitment to excellence.' Further bolstering its reputation, the DIFC Courts introduced three international judges in 2024 and expanded services to include new mediation and notary services. The Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) also saw notable growth, with 592 claims filed, a 13% increase over 2023. Driven largely by disputes in banking, finance, and employment, the total value of claims was AED 57.9 million, marking an 11% increase. The average claim value in the SCT was AED 106,000, reflecting its rising popularity among SMEs for dispute resolution. In line with Dubai's digital transformation, the DIFC Courts continued its paperless strategy, issuing 1,942 digital orders and 174 judgments. Almost all hearings (99%) were conducted via digital platforms, demonstrating a strong commitment to modernizing court processes. His Excellency Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director of DIFC Courts, emphasized the growing demand for accessible public services, saying, 'Our mission was to launch innovative, efficient, and cost-effective digital systems to assist court users, while also enhancing judicial excellence.' Ancillary services also saw growth, notably the Wills Service, which registered 1,822 wills in 2024, a 21% increase from the previous year. The DIFC Courts also continued its Pro Bono Programme, assisting over 800 individuals with the help of 39 volunteer law firms and 44 lawyers. As part of its ongoing commitment to transparency, the DIFC Courts will provide quarterly updates on case statistics via its website, ensuring that legal professionals, businesses, and the public stay informed about the Courts' activities. For full details on 2024 statistics, visit News Source: Four Agency