No weapons allowed at JLP conferenceAston Villa fails in its bid to overturn Jhon Duran’s red card at Newcastle
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, was among the dignitaries that graced the wedding fatia of the daughter of director general of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa- Onilu, Rofiat held in Ilorin capital of Kwara state on Friday. Also in attendance were the Editor (Daily) of Blueprint Newspaper, Alhaji AbdulRahaman Abdulrauf, and top media executive. The long stretch of the Ode Alfa-Nda -Oke-kura area of Ilorin along which the Onilu compound is situated was busy with human and vehicular movements as dignitaries thronged the venue of the wedding fatia. It was indeed a convergence of colour and class as dignitaries from Abuja and different parts of the country converged on Ilorin for occasion. Prior to the the Friday’s event, the aisun iyawo (bride’s night) a pre-wedding cultural event had preceeded the main event where family members, friends and well wishers observed the traditional event. As at the time of filling this report, the wedding reception was ongoing at the stadium complex Ilorin where guests were being treated to high level hospitality as the ceremony remains the talk of the town amongst this weekend social events taking place at Kwara’s capital city.BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — Aston Villa says it has failed in an attempt to have Jhon Duran’s red card at Newcastle overturned on appeal. The 21-year-old Colombia international was sent off 32 minutes into a 3-0 defeat in the Premier League at St. James’ Park on Thursday after appearing to stamp on defender Fabian Schar, prompting a furious reaction from Villa head coach Unai Emery, who later indicated that the club would appeal. However, Villa said Friday night that its bid was unsuccessful and the forward will now serve a three-match ban for violent conduct. “Aston Villa can confirm that our decision to appeal Jhon Duran’s red card in our match with Newcastle United has been rejected," a statement on Villa’s official X account read. "The player will now miss our next three matches.” Duran will miss Premier League games against Brighton and Leicester, followed by Villa's FA Cup third-round match with West Ham on Jan. 10. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100 ATLANTA (AP) — Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died. He was 100 years old and had spent more than a year in hospice care. The Georgia peanut farmer served one turbulent term in the White House before building a reputation as a global humanitarian and champion of democracy. He defeated President Gerald Ford in 1976 promising to restore trust in government but lost to Ronald Reagan four years later amid soaring inflation, gas station lines and the Iran hostage crisis. He and his wife Rosalynn then formed The Carter Center, and he earned a Nobel Peace Prize while making himself the most internationally engaged of former presidents. The Carter Center said he died peacefully Sunday afternoon in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. Jimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’ PLAINS, Ga. (AP) — The 39th and longest-lived U.S. president, James Earl Carter Jr., died Sunday at the age of 100. His life ended where it began, in Plains, Georgia. He left and returned to the tiny town many times as he climbed to the nation’s highest office and lost it after four tumultuous years. Carter spent the next 40 years setting new standards for what a former president can do. Carter wrote nearly a decade ago that he found all the phases of his life challenging but also successful and enjoyable. The Democrat's principled but pragmatic approach defied American political labels, especially the idea that one-term presidents are failures. The Latest: Former President Jimmy Carter is dead at age 100 Former President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. The 39th president of the United States was a Georgia peanut farmer who sought to restore trust in government when he assumed the presidency in 1977 and then built a reputation for tireless work as a humanitarian. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia. Carter was sworn in as president on Jan. 20, 1977, after defeating President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 general election. He left office on Jan. 20, 1981, following his 1980 general election loss to Ronald Reagan. Jimmy Carter: A brief bio Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died at his home in Plains, Georgia. His death comes more than a year after the former president entered hospice care. He was 100 years old. Jetliner skids off runway and bursts into flames while landing in South Korea, killing 179 SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A jetliner skidded off a runway, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into flames in South Korea after its landing gear apparently failed to deploy. Officials said all but two of the 181 people on board were killed Sunday in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters. The 737-800 operated by Jeju Air plane arrived from Bangkok and crashed while attempting to land in the town of Muan, about 290 kilometers (180 miles) south of Seoul. Footage of the crash aired by South Korean television channels showed the plane skidding across the airstrip at high speed, evidently with its landing gear still closed. Tornadoes in Texas and Mississippi kill 2 and injure 6 as severe weather system moves east HOUSTON (AP) — A strong storm system is threatening to whip up tornadoes in parts of the U.S. Southeast, a day after severe weather claimed at least two lives as twisters touched down in Texas and Mississippi. Strong storms moving eastward Sunday are expected to continue producing gusty, damaging winds, hail and tornadoes through Sunday. That is according to National Weather Service meteorologist Frank Pereira. So far, the line of severe weather has led to about 40 tornado reports from southeastern Texas to Alabama, Pereira said, but those reports remain unconfirmed until surveys of damage are completed. Israeli hospital says Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — An Israeli hospital says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery. Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center said his prostate was removed late Sunday and that he was recovering. Netanyahu’s office had said Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, would serve as acting prime minister during the procedure. Doctors ordered the operation after detecting an infection last week. Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days. With so much at stake, Netanyahu’s health in wartime is a concern for both Israelis and the wider world. Syria's de facto leader says it could take up to 4 years to hold elections BEIRUT (AP) — Syria’s de facto leader has said it could take up to four years to hold elections in Syria, and that he plans on dissolving his Islamist group that led the country’s insurgency at an anticipated national dialogue summit for the country. Ahmad al-Sharaa, who leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group leading the new authority in Syria, made the remarks in an interview Sunday. That's according to the Saudi television network Al-Arabiyya. It comes almost a month after a lightning insurgency led by HTS overthrew President Bashar Assad’s decades-long rule, ending the country’s uprising-turned civil war that started back in 2011. A fourth infant dies of the winter cold in Gaza as families share blankets in seaside tents DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A fourth infant has died of hypothermia in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by nearly 15 months of war are huddled in tents along the rainy, windswept coast as winter arrives. The baby's father says the 20-day-old child was found with his head as “cold as ice” Sunday morning in their tent. The baby’s twin brother was moved to the intensive care unit of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Their father says the twins were born one month premature and spent just a day in hospital, which like other Gaza health centers has been overwhelmed and only partially functions. Musk causes uproar for backing Germany's far-right party ahead of key elections BERLIN (AP) — Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has caused uproar after backing Germany’s far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections in the Western European country, leading to the resignation of the paper’s opinion editor in protest. Germany is to vote in an early election on Feb. 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalize the country’s stagnant economy. Musk’s guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag, published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month he supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD.Hornady recently donated $56,051.50 to the GRACE Cancer Foundation in Grand Island, with a matching amount going to the American Cancer Society for a total donation of $112,103 split evenly between the two organizations. Through this initiative, Hornady has now donated more than $1 million over the last several years through a joint contribution to the two organizations. “We are honored to support the GRACE Cancer Foundation and American Cancer Society,” said Steve Hornady. “The assistance these organizations provide cancer patients, and their families is remarkable.” The donation was calculated using a portion of each box sold of Hornady Critical Defense Lite ammunition in 9mm and 38 Special. Critical Defense Lite features a pink bullet tip and pink ribbon packaging to help showcase the fight against cancer. The GRACE Cancer Foundation assists cancer patients who live within 40 miles of Grand Island, or are being treated at the Grand Island or Hastings cancer centers. Help is available through several methods, such as gas cards, assistance with medical bills, household expenses and more. The American Cancer Society’s mission is to free the world from cancer by funding and conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients, and spreading the word about prevention. Founded in 1949, Hornady Manufacturing Co. is a family-owned business headquartered in Grand Island. Hornady is a world leader in bullet, ammunition, reloading tool, accessory and security product design and manufacturing. For more information regarding Hornady products, visit the company website at http://hornady.com . CHI Health St. Francis recently earned its first-ever “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog that sets standards for excellence in patient care. CHI Health Good Samaritan was also recognized with “A” status for the third consecutive season. Only four hospitals in Nebraska, including two additional CHI Health hospitals in the Omaha area, received the prestigious “A” rating. CHI Health St. Francis recently earned its first-ever “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog that sets standards for excellence in patient care. CHI Health Good Samaritan was also recognized with “A” status for the third consecutive season. Only four hospitals in Nebraska, including two additional CHI Health hospitals in the Omaha area, received the prestigious “A” rating. “A lot of hard work and dedication goes into providing the best and safest care available in the nation,” says Steve Schieber, president of St. Francis. “We are incredibly proud, not only that our efforts over these last six months have been recognized, but that we get to spend each day caring for our friends and neighbors.” Annually in the fall and spring, Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on more than 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to keep patients safe from preventable harm and medical errors. “Our community can rest easy knowing they don’t have to travel for grade A health care. Safe, leading-edge care is available right here in central Nebraska,” says Curt Coleman, president, Good Samaritan. To see St. Francis’ and Good Samaritan’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org . The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program exclusively based on hospital prevention of medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day nationally. It is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. ALLO Fiber is again sponsoring ALLO for Education, a program where it supports local schools throughout their fiberhoods. The program’s success in the past has been a tremendous benefit to its communities as it has donated more than $372,000 to local schools. With the help of = friends and neighbors, ALLO “hopes to reach its goal this year and help promote education to build a brighter future for students and educators,” the company noted in a press release. “At ALLO, we’re dedicated to closing the technology gap and uplifting the communities we serve” said Tanna Hanna, vice president of marketing. “We believe the best way to inspire growth and innovation is to start with our children and schools, which is why the ALLO for Education campaign is so important to us.” ALLO for Education is a program that donates $50 to a school of the customer’s choice for each new residential customer who obtains ALLO high-speed internet, TV or phone service between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31. “Technology is essential in the lives of students, schools, and our communities. ALLO’s all-fiber network delivers unparalleled speed, enabling students to explore opportunities beyond their classroom walls,” Hanna said. “The donations will help schools invest in technology-focused resources and improvements.” Visit AlloFiber.com/Education to learn more. WEST POINT — CharterWest Bank is marking a leadership transition as longtime President Kevin Larson retires after more than 20 years at the helm and nearly 40 years of dedicated service to the organization. Jim Murphy, currently the Omaha Metro market president, becomes only the third president in CharterWest’s nearly four-decade history, effective Oct. 1. Although retiring as president, Larson will continue to serve as executive vice president into 2025 until he transitions into full-time retirement. Larson has been with CharterWest since its inception in 1985, when it operated as a small-town agricultural bank with just four employees. In 2008, Larson was named president, and during his tenure, CharterWest has grown into a financial institution with nearly half a billion dollars in assets, spanning 17 communities. Today, CharterWest operates five full-service banks with another scheduled to open in early 2025, alongside 14 mortgage centers throughout Nebraska and western Iowa, including those in Grand Island, Kearney and Hastings. Business Reports are published weekly in The Independent’s weekend Ag & Business section. To submit news items, email to Terri Hahn at terri.hahn@theindependent.com . Deadline for submission is noon Wednesday. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.
China’s central government has urged local authorities to provide financial aid to people facing high living costs, particularly in the lead-up to the New Year and Lunar New Year festivals. Municipalities that can afford it are encouraged to offer subsidies, temporarily reduce prices, and link social assistance to price levels, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. This initiative is part of broader efforts to stimulate private consumption, which is seen as key to revitalizing the economy. With potential U.S. tariffs looming, China is also shifting its policy focus toward boosting consumption and increasing public spending in 2025. While cash subsidies during festivals like Lunar New Year are common, the government took the unusual step of distributing funds ahead of the October 1 National Day Holiday to encourage private spending. *** At the margin this should be a tailwind for 'China proxy' trades such as AUD, and also for China stocks. The hapless AUD has been pummeled against the strong US dollar.
Niagara earns 88-69 win against Le MoyneHUNTINGTON, W.V. (AP) — Marshall has withdrawn from the Independence Bowl after a coaching change resulted in much of its roster jumping into the transfer portal. The Thundering Herd were slated to play Army on Dec. 28 in Shreveport, Louisiana. But the Independence Bowl and Louisiana Tech announced on Saturday that the Bulldogs will take on the 19th-ranked Black Knights instead. Marshall said it pulled out “after falling below the roster minimum that was deemed medically safe.” The Herd (10-3) beat Louisiana-Lafayette 31-3 last weekend to win the Sun Belt Conference Championship for the first time. The program has won seven games in a row in the same season for the first time since 2020. “We apologize for the nature and timing of this announcement and for the turmoil it has brought to bowl season preparations for Army, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, the American Athletic Conference and ESPN,” Sun Belt Commissioner Keith Gill said in a statement. Coach Charles Huff left Marshall for Southern Miss last Sunday, and Tony Gibson, the defensive coordinator at North Carolina State, was announced as his replacement less than an hour later. By Thursday, at least 25 Marshall players had entered the transfer portal. Gibson held a meeting shortly after arriving on campus in Huntington to introduce himself to the team. He followed that up with phone calls, text messages and more meetings Friday and Saturday. “Any time coaches leave to take other jobs, it is emotional,” Gibson said at a news conference Thursday. “And kids that are 18-to-22 years old are going to make emotional decisions instead of just breathing for a day or two.” It's the first bowl for Louisiana Tech (5-7) since 2020. The Bulldogs have won two of their last three games, but they haven't played since a 33-0 victory over Kennesaw State on Nov. 30. “We are excited to accept the opportunity to play in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl against a fantastic and storied program as Army,” Louisiana Tech athletic director Ryan Ivey said in a release. “I believe our football program is moving toward positive structure and the opportunity to play in this bowl adds to that momentum. We are looking forward to being in Shreveport for this matchup.” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
Marshall withdraws from Independence Bowl matchup against Army
The results of the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections are eagerly awaited, with Bermo emerging as one of the most crucial constituencies. Having recorded a strong voter turnout of 66.99% during Wednesday's polling, the constituency has become a focal point in the state’s political contest. Bermo's political landscape is highly competitive, featuring a three-way contest. The BJP has fielded Ravindra Pandey, a former MP from Giridih, against the incumbent Congress MLA, Kumar Jaimangal (Anup Singh). Adding to the mix is Jairam Mahto, the charismatic leader of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM), who is contesting from both Bermo and Dumri. Independent candidates, such as Santosh Kumar Mahto, Mohammad Belal Hasmi, and others, further complicate the race, making the outcome uncertain. In the 2019 Assembly elections, Bermo recorded a turnout of 62.2%, with Congress's Rajendra Prasad Singh winning the seat with 88,945 votes, defeating BJP's Yogeshwar Mahto. This follows a similar pattern of alternation between BJP and Congress in the constituency over the years, with the two parties trading victories in 2014 as well. Jairam Mahto, known as 'Tiger' for his fiery speeches and jeans-and-T-shirt style, has become a rising political force, particularly among the Kudmi Mahto community. His influence is growing, and while he may not secure a win, his ability to split the vote base could prove significant. Mahto has been a vocal advocate for local issues, such as the 1932 Khatian land settlement policy, and his leadership in movements like the push for local languages in state exams has won him a dedicated following. Bermo is set for a tense three-way contest, with the BJP, Congress, and Jairam Mahto’s JLKM battling for supremacy. Mahto's rising popularity could impact the outcome by splitting the vote, potentially altering the results and making it a closely contested race. Exit polls have left the outcome uncertain, with predictions divided between a possible victory for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and a continuation of power by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led coalition in the state. While some exit polls favour the NDA, which includes allies like AJSU and Janata Dal (United), others predict a win for the incumbent JMM-led alliance, which includes Congress and RJD. The results from Bermo will be pivotal in determining the broader political landscape in Jharkhand.HUNTINGTON, W.V. (AP) — Marshall has withdrawn from the Independence Bowl after a coaching change resulted in much of its roster jumping into the transfer portal. The Thundering Herd were slated to play Army on Dec. 28 in Shreveport, Louisiana. But the Independence Bowl and Louisiana Tech announced on Saturday that the Bulldogs will take on the 19th-ranked Black Knights instead. Marshall said it pulled out “after falling below the roster minimum that was deemed medically safe.” The Herd (10-3) beat Louisiana-Lafayette 31-3 last weekend to win the Sun Belt Conference Championship for the first time. The program has won seven games in a row in the same season for the first time since 2020. “We apologize for the nature and timing of this announcement and for the turmoil it has brought to bowl season preparations for Army, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, the American Athletic Conference and ESPN,” Sun Belt Commissioner Keith Gill said in a statement. Coach Charles Huff left Marshall for Southern Miss last Sunday, and Tony Gibson, the defensive coordinator at North Carolina State, was announced as his replacement less than an hour later. By Thursday, at least 25 Marshall players had entered the transfer portal. Gibson held a meeting shortly after arriving on campus in Huntington to introduce himself to the team. He followed that up with phone calls, text messages and more meetings Friday and Saturday. “Any time coaches leave to take other jobs, it is emotional,” Gibson said at a news conference Thursday. “And kids that are 18-to-22 years old are going to make emotional decisions instead of just breathing for a day or two.” It's the first bowl for Louisiana Tech (5-7) since 2020. The Bulldogs have won two of their last three games, but they haven't played since a 33-0 victory over Kennesaw State on Nov. 30. “We are excited to accept the opportunity to play in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl against a fantastic and storied program as Army,” Louisiana Tech athletic director Ryan Ivey said in a release. “I believe our football program is moving toward positive structure and the opportunity to play in this bowl adds to that momentum. We are looking forward to being in Shreveport for this matchup.” ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football Copyright 2024 The Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Empowered Funds LLC grew its stake in shares of Ring Energy, Inc. ( NYSEAMERICAN:REI – Free Report ) by 18.9% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 686,254 shares of the company’s stock after buying an additional 109,074 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC owned approximately 0.35% of Ring Energy worth $1,098,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in REI. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Ring Energy by 26.5% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,068,526 shares of the company’s stock worth $9,934,000 after purchasing an additional 1,062,654 shares during the period. Janus Henderson Group PLC acquired a new stake in shares of Ring Energy during the first quarter worth about $47,000. CWM LLC raised its position in shares of Ring Energy by 448.3% during the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 23,367 shares of the company’s stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 19,105 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. raised its position in shares of Ring Energy by 42.6% during the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,967,501 shares of the company’s stock worth $3,325,000 after purchasing an additional 587,690 shares during the period. Finally, Cetera Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Ring Energy by 89.6% during the first quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC now owns 34,130 shares of the company’s stock worth $67,000 after purchasing an additional 16,130 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 77.14% of the company’s stock. Ring Energy Price Performance Shares of Ring Energy stock opened at $1.60 on Friday. Ring Energy, Inc. has a 52-week low of $1.25 and a 52-week high of $2.20. The company has a market capitalization of $317.12 million, a P/E ratio of 2.81 and a beta of 1.63. The company has a current ratio of 0.54, a quick ratio of 0.49 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Ring Energy news, major shareholder Warburg Pincus & Co Us, Llc sold 4,400,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1.62, for a total transaction of $7,128,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 35,520,643 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $57,543,441.66. The trade was a 11.02 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link . Insiders own 2.60% of the company’s stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, StockNews.com lowered Ring Energy from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Thursday, November 14th. View Our Latest Research Report on Ring Energy Ring Energy Company Profile ( Free Report ) Ring Energy, Inc, an independent oil and natural gas company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas properties. The company has interests in 56,711 net developed acres and 2,668 net undeveloped acres in Andrews, Gaines, Crane, Ector, Winkler, and Ward counties, Texas; and 8,751 net developed acres and 12,405 net undeveloped acres in Yoakum County, Texas and Lea County, New Mexico. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding REI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ring Energy, Inc. ( NYSEAMERICAN:REI – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Ring Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ring Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .