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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Thursday offered a $5 million reward for information about an alleged scheme in which North Korean technology workers got jobs at unsuspecting U.S. companies then stole their trade secrets for ransom, with the proceeds used to fund Pyongyang's weapons programs. The U.S. State Department said about 130 North Korean workers got IT jobs at U.S. companies and nonprofits from 2017 to 2023 and generated at least $88 million that Pyongyang used for weapons of mass destruction. Part of the total was the workers' compensation from the employers, which ultimately went to the North Korean government, the U.S. said. The companies were not identified. The North Korea mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The State Department said in a statement it sought information on two sanctioned North Korean companies -- China-based Yanbian Silverstar Network Technology and Russia-based Volasys Silverstar -- that it said handled the workers. The U.S. Department of Justice separately on Thursday announced indictments of 14 North Koreans accused of operating and working for the two companies as part of the scheme. Operating from either China or Russia, the workers stole sensitive company information, including proprietary source computer code, and threatened to leak it unless the employer made an extortion payment, the government said. The 14 people were charged with wire fraud, money laundering and identity theft among other offenses. "To prop up its brutal regime, the North Korean government directs IT workers to gain employment through fraud, steal sensitive information from U.S. companies and siphon money back to the DPRK," Deputy U.S. Attorney General Lisa Monaco said in a statement, using an acronym for the North Korean state. The people and their unnamed associates used the stolen identities of hundreds of Americans to get hired under the scheme, the government said. People in the U.S. aided the scheme by purchasing laptops or receiving laptops from U.S. employers for the fraudulent workers. The Justice Department has obtained indictments of Americans accused of operating so-called laptop farms in recent months. One North Korean IT defector told Reuters in November 2023 that he would try to get hired and then create additional fake social media profiles to secure more jobs. (Reporting by Susan Heavey and AJ Vicens; editing by Costas Pitas)
By MICHAEL R. SISAK NEW YORK (AP) — Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs tried for a third time Friday to persuade a judge to let him leave jail while he awaits his sex trafficking trial, but a decision won’t come until next week. Judge Arun Subramanian said at a hearing that he will release his decision on Combs’ latest request for bail after Combs’ lawyers and federal prosecutors file letters addressing outstanding issues. Those letters are due at noon on Monday, Subramanian said. Combs’ lawyers pitched having him await trial under around-the-clock surveillance either his mansion on an island near Miami Beach or — after the judge scoffed at that location — an apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Their plan essentially amounts to putting Combs on house arrest, with strict limits on who he has contact with. But prosecutors argue that Combs has routinely flouted jail rules and can’t be trusted not to interfere with witnesses or the judicial process. “The argument that he’s a lawless person who doesn’t follow instructions isn’t factually accurate,” Combs lawyer Anthony Ricco argued. “The idea that he’s an out-of-control individual who has to be detained isn’t factually accurate.” Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he coerced and abused women for years with help from a network of associates and employees while silencing victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings. His trial is slated to begin May 5. The Bad Boy Records founder remains locked up at a Brooklyn federal jail, where he spent his Nov. 4 birthday. Two other judges previously concluded that Combs would be a danger to the community if he is released and an appeals court judge last month denied Combs’ immediate release while a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals weighs his bail request. Friday’s hearing was the second time Combs was in court this week. On Tuesday, a judge blocked prosecutors from using as evidence papers that were seized from his cell during jail-wide sweep for contraband and weapons at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. As he entered through a side door, Combs waved to relatives including his mother and several of his children in the courtroom gallery, tapping his hand to his heart and blowing kisses at them. He then hugged his lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, before taking a seat at the defense table. He was not handcuffed or shackled and wore a beige jail uniform, occasionally pulling a pair of reading glasses from his pocket as he peered at papers in front of him. Prosecutors maintain that no bail conditions will mitigate the “risk of obstruction and dangerousness to others” of releasing Combs from jail. Prosecutors contend that while locked up the “I’ll Be Missing You” artist has orchestrated social media campaigns aimed at tainting the jury pool. They allege that he has also attempted to publicly leak materials he thinks would be helpful to his case and is contacting potential witnesses via third parties. “Simply put, the defendant cannot be trusted,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik argued. Combs’ lawyer Teny Geragos countered that, given the strict release conditions proposed, “it would be impossible for him not to follow rules.”Mumbai: For years, Maratha strong man Sharad Pawar has been a key player in Maharashtra's politics - whether it was in the ruling party or in opposition, Pawar has always shown his 'Power'. The outcome of the 2024 Maharashtra assembly polls, however, raises some tough questions about the political future of Sharad Pawar and his faction of the NCP. Assembly Election Results Live Updates Maharashtra Election Results Jharkhand Election Results Bypoll Election Results The NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) contested in 87 seats and, as of Saturday late evening, has won or is leading in just 10 - a win percentage of just 11%. This was one of the worst performances ever for Pawar. In the runup to the Maharashtra assembly polls, Pawar had taken it on himself to defeat all the NCP rebels who had joined his nephew, Ajit Pawar . In the 87 seats where this NCPSP put up candidates, 43 were against those of the Ajit-led NCP. Sharad Pawar himself chose the candidates for each seat. Playing the caste card, he picked several Maratha candidates to take on the Ajit Pawar rebels to ride the Maratha caste anger. He chose his grandnephew, Yugendra Pawar, to take on Ajit Pawar. Pawar Sr had begun campaigning against all the rebels much before the assembly polls, yet in the end it did not matter much. Ajit Pawar won by a margin of more than a lakh votes. Also, most of Ajit Pawar's candidates won against those of the NCPSP, from Dilip Walse Patil to Dhananjay Munde. This results have led to many questions about how long Pawar would manage to remain relevant. "He is 83 years old. While he is still sharp, the fact is that the (BJP-led) Mahayuti is stable for the next five years and by 2029 he would be 89," a political analyst said on the condition of anonymity. "Ajit Pawar may have lost the battle (Lok Sabha), but he won the war as he has got almost 41 of his candidates elected. In next five years, Ajit would try to claim Sharad Pawar's legacy." 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This election results too could lead to similar developments. Assembly Election Results Live Updates Maharashtra Poll Results Highlights 2024 Jharkhand Poll Results Highlights 2024 (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
New Delhi, Nov 23: BJP president J P Nadda on Saturday hailed his party’s victory in Maharashtra assembly polls and byelections in various states as “historic” and said people have put their seal on the Prime Minister’s vision for the country’s development, rejecting the opposition’s politics of division and appeasement. Addressing an event organised at the BJP headquarters after the results of the elections, Nadda accepted people’s mandate in Jharkhand and asserted that his party will play the role of “constructive opposition” in the state and fight against infiltration from Bangladesh “till the last breath”. “It’s a historic day,” he said. In the latest round of elections, the people of Maharashtra and other states have put their stamp on Modi’s agenda of development and his resolve to serve the nation, he said. “People have once again endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and ‘vikasvaad’, and those who were dividing the country on the lines of caste misleading people have fallen flat on their face in these elections,” he said. “Results of these elections and the one held in Haryana recently have given a reply to those in INDI alliance who were living in the illusion that they will gain to power by pursuing appeasement politics and dividing people on the lines of caste and religion,” he added. Nadda also took on Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and said that the BJP-led NDA had won in the 2019 Maharashtra assembly polls but Thackeray “betrayed and insulted” the people’s mandate succumbing to his “greed for power”. “The BJP had won the 2019 elections as well but Uddhav Thackeray betrayed us. Maharashtra has rejected him in these elections “Today people have rejected him and given a message that they are with Modi, Mahayuti, BJP, (Eknath Shinde’s) Shiv Sena and NCP (of Ajit Pawar),” he added. The poll results also reflect the “mood of the nation”, he added.Rhode Island beats Bryant 35-21 to claim its first Coastal Athletic Association title
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India’s growing influence in the global innovation and intellectual property (IP) landscape has been highlighted in the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s (WIPO) World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI) 2024 report. The country’s impressive performance across key IP categories—patents, trademarks, and industrial designs—signals its emergence as a powerful global player in innovation. The 2024 WIPO report underscores India’s remarkable strides in IP filings, further solidifying its position as a global leader in intellectual property. India has made remarkable strides in global patent applications, securing the 6th position in the 2024 World Intellectual Property Indicators report, with 64,480 patent filings in 2023. This impressive achievement places India alongside leading intellectual property powerhouses like China, the United States, Japan, and South Korea. The country’s rise in the global rankings reflects its broad and diverse economy, ranging from agriculture to high-tech sectors like pharmaceuticals, information technology, and renewable energy. This growth highlights India’s growing influence in global innovation and IP. India’s rapid advancement in intellectual property is particularly evident in its performance in patent filings. The country recorded a remarkable 15.7 per cent increase in patent applications in 2023, the fastest among the top 20 global economies. Notably, India’s residents accounted for over half of all patent filings (55.2per cent), marking a significant milestone. The Indian Patent Office granted 149.4 per cent more patents in 2023 compared to the previous year, demonstrating the rapid development of the nation’s IP ecosystem. This growth is further reflected in a steady increase in industrial design applications, which rose by 36.4 per cent, showing a rising focus on product design and manufacturing within the country. The World Intellectual Property Organisation report also highlights India’s expanding influence in trademark and industrial design applications. India ranked 4th globally in trademark filings, with a 6.1 per cent increase in 2023. The majority of these filings (nearly 90 per cent) were made by residents, driven by key sectors like Health, Agriculture, and Clothing. India’s trademark office now holds the second-largest number of active registrations worldwide, with over 3.2 million trademarks in force. This underscores the country’s robust position in global brand protection and IP management. Between 2018 and 2023, India’s patent, trademark, and industrial design applications grew significantly, with patent filings more than doubled and trademark filings increasing by 60 per cent. These figures demonstrate India’s growing emphasis on IP and innovation. The country’s patent-to-GDP ratio has also seen substantial improvement, rising from 144 to 381 in the past decade, further indicating the close link between India’s economic expansion and its evolving IP activity. The WIPO report emphasises that India’s strong IP performance is a testament to its increasing role as a global innovation leader, bolstered by government initiatives to foster domestic innovation. India has witnessed a remarkable 36.4 per cent increase in industrial design applications in 2023, signalling a growing emphasis on creativity and design innovation across various industries. This surge highlights the country’s shift towards not just manufacturing but also product development, with an increasing focus on blending functionality and aesthetics. The rise in design applications is a direct reflection of India’s evolving capabilities in developing value-added products that meet both domestic and global market demands. The primary sectors driving this growth are textiles and accessories, tools and machines, and health and cosmetics. These industries account for nearly 50 per cent of all industrial design filings, showcasing India’s strength in traditional sectors like textiles, as well as emerging ones such as health and cosmetics. The integration of design thinking in these sectors is enhancing India’s ability to cater to modern consumer preferences, combining innovation with India’s deep cultural and manufacturing roots. This surge in industrial design filings is a crucial indicator of how India’s manufacturing sector is evolving. There is a clear shift from traditional mass production to creating products that prioritise design excellence, user experience, and functionality. This transformation is making India a more attractive destination for high-value, design-driven industries, positioning it as a global manufacturing hub with a keen eye on both aesthetics and production efficiency. When compared to global trends, India’s growth in industrial design applications stands out. While global leaders like China and the United States continue to dominate in patents and trademarks, India’s rise in design filings suggests its increasing competitiveness in industrial design. This trend is in line with the global shift towards recognising industrial design as a key strategic asset for enhancing product differentiation, driving innovation, and contributing to overall economic growth. India’s impressive performance in global trademark filings highlights its growing importance in the realm of intellectual property. In 2023, the country ranked 4th globally in trademark filings, with a notable 6.1 per cent increase from the previous year. This surge reflects India’s increasing emphasis on brand protection as a vital component of business strategy. As both domestic and international businesses continue to expand, the role of trademarks in safeguarding brand identity and ensuring consumer trust has become even more critical. India’s upward trajectory in trademark filings underscores its development as a key player in the global market. The dominance of resident filings in India is another notable trend, with nearly 90 per cent of trademark applications originating from Indian residents. This shift indicates a growing awareness among Indian businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups about the importance of intellectual property in protecting their innovations. As more Indian companies turn to the trademark system, there is a clear indication that the country’s business ecosystem is becoming more IP-savvy, thus ensuring the long-term viability and growth of homegrown brands. India’s robust trademark landscape is further exemplified by its position as the second-largest holder of active trademark registrations globally, with over 3.2 million trademarks in force. This considerable volume of active registrations illustrates a dynamic and competitive domestic marketplace where businesses are continually striving to protect their intellectual property. As India’s economy becomes more innovation-driven, the growing number of trademark registrations reflects the significant role intellectual property plays in securing a competitive advantage both within the country and on the international stage. Sector-specific trends also shed light on the driving forces behind India’s trademark filings. Sectors such as Health, Agriculture, and Clothing emerged as the top contributors to trademark applications, accounting for 21.9 per cent, 15.3 per cent, and 12.8 per cent, respectively. These figures demonstrate India’s leadership in industries like pharmaceuticals, food production, and fashion, which have gained global recognition for their quality and innovation. As demand for Indian products increases worldwide, trademarks serve as crucial tools for maintaining brand equity and ensuring that Indian businesses retain their competitive edge in increasingly crowded international markets. India’s surge in IP filings contributes significantly to the global increase in intellectual property activity. In 2023, a record 3.55 million patent applications were filed worldwide, with India playing a key role in this growth. The rise in resident filings across patents, trademarks, and industrial designs reflects a broader global trend of strengthening local innovation ecosystems, a shift that is particularly evident in emerging markets like India. India’s intellectual property growth is significantly propelled by government initiatives like the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy. Launched in 2016, this policy aims to enhance IP awareness, strengthen the ecosystem, and foster innovation by providing better access to IP services and protection mechanisms. By covering all types of intellectual property—including patents, trademarks, copyrights, industrial designs, and geographical indications—the policy strives to create a robust and efficient IP environment. A key feature of the policy is the modernisation and digitisation of IP offices, streamlining workflows to reduce processing times and improve efficiency in handling applications. Moreover, initiatives like the National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM) have expanded IP awareness, targeting educational institutions and businesses. This approach has been complemented by the creation of Technology Innovation Support Centres (TISC) in universities to facilitate IP filings and promote the commercialisation of patents. The government’s support for intellectual property is also evident through the Scheme for Pedagogy & Research in IPRs for Holistic Education and Academia (SPRIHA), which integrates IPR education into India’s higher learning institutions. By establishing IPR Chairs in universities, the initiative facilitates specialised research, teaching, and training, allowing faculty and students to explore the role of IP in driving innovation. Beyond academia, India’s growing startup ecosystem is another catalyst for increased IP activity. Initiatives such as Startup India, Digital India, Make in India, and the Atal Innovation Mission have created a nurturing environment for entrepreneurship, technological advancement, and research. Since its launch in 2016, Startup India has recognised over 1.4 lakh startups, reflecting the increasing role of innovation in India’s economy. The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), also launched in 2016, plays a crucial role in shaping India’s innovation landscape. With a focus on fostering a culture of problem-solving and entrepreneurship, AIM has established over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in schools and incubated more than 3,500 startups through Atal Incubation Centres. These efforts have not only encouraged young innovators but also created more than 32,000 jobs within the innovation ecosystem. Collectively, these initiatives are contributing to a more dynamic, IP-driven economy, underscoring the government’s commitment to transforming India into a global hub for innovation and intellectual property. India’s innovation journey is not only reflected in its IP filings but also in its performance in the Global Innovation Index 2024. India has made remarkable progress, jumping to 39th place globally from 81st in 2015. This leap underscores the country’s growing capabilities in innovation, driven by a combination of strong policies, strategic investments in R&D, and a thriving startup ecosystem. India now ranks 1st among lower-middle-income economies and 1st among 10 economies in Central and Southern Asia. India’s stellar performance in the 2024 WIPO report and the GII ranking showcases the country’s rapid evolution into a global innovation powerhouse. With significant advancements in patents, trademarks, and industrial designs, India is solidifying its place as a key player in the global IP landscape. As the country continues to scale up its innovation capabilities, supported by a strong policy framework and a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, India is poised to maintain its leadership in intellectual property, shaping the future of industries worldwide. India’s stellar performance in the Global Innovation Index 2024 underscores its strategic focus on leveraging innovation as a key driver for economic growth and global competitiveness. The nation’s ability to rapidly climb the rankings reflects its concerted efforts to foster a robust ecosystem that encourages technological advancements, research and development, and entrepreneurship. Looking ahead, India’s sustained focus on innovation will be vital as the country seeks to capitalise on emerging technologies, expand its influence in the global tech industry, and foster inclusive growth. With continued policy support and an evolving talent pool, India is not just poised to maintain its leadership among lower-middle-income economies but also to emerge as a global powerhouse of innovation, driving advancements that could shape the future of industries worldwide.JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel unleashed its largest wave of airstrikes across Lebanon since agreeing to a ceasefire with Hezbollah last week, killing at least 11 people on Monday after the Lebanese militant group fired a volley of projectiles as a warning over what it said were Israeli truce violations . The projectiles were apparently the first time that Hezbollah took aim at Israeli forces after the 60-day ceasefire went into effect last Wednesday. The increasingly fragile truce aimed to end more than a year of war between Hezbollah and Israel — part of a wider regional conflict sparked by the devastating Israel-Hamas war in Gaza . In the United States, President-elect Donald Trump demanded the immediate release of Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian militant Hamas group in Gaza, saying on social media that if they are not freed before he takes office in January there would be “HELL TO PAY.” It was not immediately clear whether Trump was threatening to directly involve the U.S. military in Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. The U.S. has given Israel crucial military and diplomatic support throughout the nearly 15-month conflict. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said an Israeli airstrike on the southern village of Haris killed five people and wounded two while another airstrike on the village of Tallousa killed four and also wounded two. Israel's military carried out a string of airstrikes late Monday against what it said were Hezbollah fighters, infrastructure and rocket launchers across Lebanon, in response to Hezbollah firing two projectiles toward Mount Dov — a disputed Israeli-held territory known as Shebaa Farms in Lebanon where the borders of Lebanon, Syria, and Israel meet. Israel said the projectiles fell in open areas and no injuries were reported. Hezbollah said in a statement that it fired on an Israeli military position in the area as a “defensive and warning response” after what it called “repeated violations” of the ceasefire deal by Israel. It said complaints to mediators tasked with monitoring the ceasefire “were futile in stopping these violations.” Before the Hezbollah projectiles, Israeli carried out at least four airstrikes and an artillery barrage in southern Lebanon, including a drone strike that killed a person on a motorcycle, according to Lebanese state media. Another strike killed a corporal in the Lebanese security services. Israel has said its strikes are in response to unspecified Hezbollah violations, and that under the ceasefire deal it reserves the right to retaliate. Lebanon’s parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, accused Israel of violating the truce more than 50 times in recent days by launching airstrikes, demolishing homes near the border and violating Lebanon's airspace. Officials in the U.S. — which along with France helped broker the truce and heads a commission meant to monitor adherence to the deal — played down the significance of Israeli strikes. White House national security spokesman John Kirby said, “Largely speaking, the ceasefire is holding.” “We’ve gone from dozens of strikes down to one a day maybe two a day,” Kirby told reporters, referring to Israeli strikes. “We’re going to keep trying and see what we can do to get it down to zero.” Under the deal, Iran-backed Hezbollah has 60 days to withdraw its fighters and infrastructure from southern Lebanon. During that time, Israeli troops are also to withdraw to their side of the border. In a post on his Truth Social site, Trump called for Palestinian militants to free all of the roughly 100 Israeli hostages still held inside Gaza , around two-thirds of whom are believed to be alive. If not, Trump said, “Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW!” Hours earlier, the Israeli government confirmed the death of Omer Neutra, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, whose body is still believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza, according to the Israeli government. The Biden administration is mounting a last-ditch effort to try to restart talks between Israel and Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declined to comment on Trump's post though President Isaac Herzog welcomed it. In Gaza, meanwhile, alarm is mounting over increasing hunger. The amount of food allowed in by Israel has plunged over the past two months, compounded by a decision Sunday by the United Nations to halt aid deliveries from the main crossing into the territory because of the threat of armed gangs looting convoys. Experts have already warned of famine in the northernmost part of Gaza , which Israeli forces have almost completely isolated since early October, saying they're fighting regrouped Hamas militants there. Displaced families have set up tents surrounded by piles of garbage on the streets of Gaza City. Bilal Marouf, 55, said he and 11 family members fled the Israeli offensive “barefoot and naked.” “We had nothing. Hunger and thirst killed us, and we did not have a single shekel, nor clothes, nor a mattress, nor a blanket,” he said, speaking near his tent. Israel’s campaign in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’ Oct 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, has driven almost the entire population of the territory from their homes. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians now live in squalid tent camps, relying on international aid. The Israeli military said it allowed 40 trucks carrying 600 tons of flour for the World Food Program to enter the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday night, as well as 16 other food trucks. Israel has said it is working to increase the flow of aid. November saw an increase in the average number of humanitarian trucks it let into Gaza, up to 77 daily from 57 the month before, according to official Israeli figures. But the levels are still nearly the lowest of the entire 15-month war. And the U.N. says less than half of that actually reaches Palestinians because Israeli military restrictions, fighting and robberies make it too dangerous to deliver the aid. The World Food Program was able to only deliver aid to some 300,000 Palestinians in November across the Gaza Strip due to ongoing Israeli military offensives and the looting of convoys, Carl Skau, WFP’s deputy executive director, said Monday. In a tent camp in the central Gaza town of Deir al-Balah, Palestinians lined up at makeshift mud ovens trying to buy a few loaves of flatbread for their families. With the price of flour mounting because of scarcity, the bakers — women displaced from further north — said they could bake less bread, and families could afford far less. “They divide them to their children, one loaf every day,” said one woman baker, Wafaa al-Attar. Abou AlJoud reported from Beirut. Associated Press writer Fatma Khalid in Cairo contributed to this report. Follow AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/mideast-warsPortland and Falmouth took home gold footballs Saturday after posting state championship victories at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland. In the Class A game, Portland quarterback Louis Thurston ran for two touchdowns and passed for two more to help the Bulldogs overpower Thornton Academy of Saco 35-14. The win avenged last year’s loss to the Trojans in the title game. Portland finished the season with a 10-2 record. Thornton, playing in its sixth consecutive Class A championship, finished 9-3. Trailing 7-6 in the third quarter, Portland’s offense ignited behind Thurston, who finished with 119 rushing yards on 13 carries and 126 passing yards, according to the Portland Press Herald . It started with an 81-yard touchdown run by Thurston. He then completed a pass for the 2-point PAT to give the Bulldogs a 14-7 lead. On Portland’s next possession, Thurston completed a 64-yard TD pass to Aidan McGowan. After Portland recovered an onside kick, Thurston tossed a TD pass to Cordell Jones to make it 28-7. The teams traded touchdowns to account for the final. Thornton Academy was led by Mauricio Sunderland, who had a 21-yard TD run and gained 115 yards. In the Class B game, Falmouth’s Indi Backman and Gio Guerrette ran for touchdowns and quarterback Tres Walker threw for a score to lead the Navigators to a 26-13 victory over Kennebunk. Falmouth finished the season 11-0 with the victory which marked its first state title. Defending state champion Kennebunk finished 10-1. Falmouth jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first half only to see Kennebunk lineman Calvin Johnson intercept a Walker pass and return it 15 yards for a touchdown to pull the Rams within 14-6, according to Centralmaine.com Peter Kearns of Falmouth kicked a 35-yard field goal to make it 17-6 at halftime. Kearns punctuated a Falmouth drive by kicking another 35-yard field goal to start the second half making it 20-6. Kennebunk’s Jaiden Homa returned the ensuing kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown to pull the Rams within 20-13. But Falmouth countered when Guerrette scored on an 80-yard run to give the Navigators a 26-13 lead.
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