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Over 18,000 in Mexico register to run for Supreme Court seats and federal judges in new system
The first-ever Aswad Film Festival is set to take place in Dubai from January 24 – 26, 2025, celebrating Black American, European, and African cinema while spotlighting the rapidly growing film industries on a global platform. This pioneering festival aims to showcase the richness and diversity of storytelling in Black American, European, and African cinema through a vibrant programme that includes screenings of 12 outstanding feature films, industry roundtables, panels, workshops, and networking events. Attendees can look forward to live music performances, a glamorous red-carpet event, and a gala dinner, culminating in an exclusive yacht excursion. Chukwuma Jason Njoku, an African technology and entertainment entrepreneur and Aswad Film Festival Chair, expressed his enthusiasm, saying: “Aswad is not just a film festival; it’s a celebration of our stories and our culture. We aim to create a platform that amplifies Black voices in cinema while fostering connections within the industry. The Black American, European, and African film industries are experiencing unprecedented growth, and it’s time we had a world-class festival to showcase our talents.” Aswad is focused on four key pillars: creative and commercial sustainability, cross-continent and global connectedness, reasserting African control of their own stories in the new anti-DEI world, and the celebration of Black excellence. These pillars underscore the festival’s commitment to not only showcasing Black American, European, and African cinema but also empowering filmmakers and industry professionals to thrive in the global marketplace. Recent data underscores the festival’s relevance in today’s entertainment landscape. In the United States, films with casts that were 31% to 40% people of colour were the most successful at the box office in 2023. However, there is still work to be done, as Black actors play only 11% of leading film roles, despite making up 13.4% of the US population. The African film industry itself is experiencing significant growth, with a 2022 UNESCO report noting substantial increases in production, though emphasizing the need for infrastructure investment. Netflix reported over 126 million views for top African titles in 2023, highlighting the increasing global interest in African narratives. MultiChoice produced over 6,500 hours of local content in the past year, while Showmax experienced a remarkable 50% customer base growth in 2024. Njoku added, “With Aswad, we’re creating a space where filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinema lovers can come together to celebrate and elevate black voices in storytelling. We’re not just showcasing films; we’re building bridges and opening doors for collaboration on a global scale.” The festival comes at a time when the industry is recognizing the financial value of diversity. A recent study estimates that addressing racial inequities in the film and TV industry could unlock more than $10 billion in annual revenues, equivalent to a 7% expansion in baseline industry revenues.
Muscat : The Sultanate of Oman, represented by OQ Group, will host the 18th Annual Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Forum, which will begin this Monday at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event, spanning several days, highlights Oman’s dedication to cementing its status as a strategic hub for the petrochemical and chemical industries on both regional and global levels. Ashraf Hamad Al Mamari, Group CEO of OQ, stated: “OQ Group is proud to host the 18th Annual Forum of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association for the first time in the Sultanate of Oman. This milestone reflects our commitment to enhancing Oman’s position as a strategic hub for the petrochemical industry on both regional and global levels. The forum attracts participants from more than 43 countries and includes over 110 regional and global companies." He added: “Through this event, we aim to highlight the Group's ongoing efforts in digital transformation and sustainability, focusing on pioneering initiatives designed to achieve carbon neutrality. Furthermore, we will emphasise our role in supporting young Omani talents, equipping them with the skills to play a vital role in driving growth and innovation within the energy and petrochemical sectors." This year’s forum will feature the participation of several energy ministers, senior executives, and global leaders in the petrochemical and chemical sectors. As a premier platform for the industry, the GPCA Forum facilitates discussions on key topics shaping the future of petrochemicals and chemicals. The 2024 edition will focus on sustainability, the future of energy, and how regional countries can contribute to achieving global goals in these areas. The opening day will include keynote speeches by energy ministers and GPCA officials, the announcement of the next host country, and the presentation of the GPCA Pioneers Award, which honours transformative leaders and contributors to the host nation’s energy sector. The agenda features engaging panel discussions addressing challenges and opportunities in the chemicals industry. Key sessions include "The Gulf States’ Vision for Achieving the Triad of Growth, Efficiency, and Sustainability," "Addressing Global Food Security Challenges: Sustainable Solutions from the Agri-Nutrients Sector," "Energy Transitions and Security," "Geopolitical Impacts on the Chemicals Sector," and "Driving Innovation for Resilience and Efficiency in Chemicals." On the sidelines of the forum, several notable initiatives will take place. For the first time in the forum’s history, the GPCA Startup Nexus in Oman will provide a platform for startups specialising in Circular Economy and Climate Action to connect with experts, regional leaders, and global companies, facilitating the exchange of innovative solutions and expertise. Additionally, the second edition of the SolutionsXchange, following its successful debut in Qatar, will return to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration on technological solutions for the petrochemical industry’s future challenges. Other highlights include the Sustainability Pavilion, GPCA Youth Forum, and more. OQ’s participation in the forum will showcase its leadership in advancing the petrochemical and chemical sectors regionally and internationally. The company will demonstrate its comprehensive expertise across the energy value chain, from raw material extraction to the production of specialised chemicals. OQ will also present its innovative solutions to sector challenges and discuss its strategic vision for enhancing sustainability and efficiency in the sector.
Gov Alia to establish Benue University campuses in two senatorial districtsFalcons feeling the pressure at .500 as Cousins' interceptions put spotlight on downturn for offense
In Sunday’s 26-23 overtime win at the Carolina Panthers, Irving piled up 185 scrimmage yards — that’s the most of any rookie in a game this season.NoneSpecial counsel moves to dismiss election interference case against President-elect Donald Trump
The NFC North gauntlet continues for the , who are still stuck in a tailspin following their promising start to the season. The (4-6) are set to welcome the (8-2) to Soldier Field as they try and salvage their final seven games of the year. Chicago is coming off yet another last-second loss, this time due to a blocked game-winning field goal attempt against the Green Bay Packers, which extended their losing streak to four games. Minnesota, however, continues to thrive in their unexpected season, winning three in a row. The Vikings are in prime playoff position, while the Bears are very much on the outside looking in. Ahead of this divisional game, here are our bold predictions for Bears vs. Vikings. Enough is enough. It's time for the Bears offense to come out of the gates swinging, and now with some experience under new offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, this is the week things get going. It won't be easy, though. Minnesota's defense is known for their heavy blitz calls, which can throw young quarterbacks off their game. It doesn't seem like they get a ton of pressure when they bring the house, though. According to ESPN's Courtney Cronin, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is already planning for the barrage of defenders and will look to get the ball out quickly. His average time to throw last week was 2.62 seconds, the lowest of the season. I believe Brown will have a proper script in place to combat the heavy pressure, which will lead to an opening drive touchdown. It has to happen at some point this season. That opening drive touchdown could be from Williams to wide receiver Rome Odunze. The two rookies took a big step forward last week against the Packers when they connected for two big plays on the final drive of the game. Had it not been for the blocked field goal, we would all be discussing the chemistry these two are establishing. Williams talked about how Odunze is his guy following the game, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see them connect for their first score since Week 3. Williams is continuing to learn his teammates tendencies, and something he is working on is trusting his receivers to go up and get the ball. That's exactly what happened last week with him and Odunze, and we're going to see it again. This time, it will be for a score against the Vikings suspect secondary. At this point in the season, it's clear that wide receiver Keenan Allen isn't the same player he once was when he was a member of the Los Angeles Chargers. The long-time veteran still is averaging just 35 yards per game and has yet to break 50 yards all year. On top of that, he's now dealing with an ankle injury that could limit his impact. And yet, I think this will be his best game of the season from a yardage standpoint. Allen is best used as the quick-read option for Williams, who will be getting the ball out fast against this Vikings defense. He also commands plenty of targets, as he has had at least six over the last four weeks. This is a great spot for him to rack up plenty of yards and keep the chains moving. And though he isn't having the same season as he did in 2023, Allen's best game of his career came against this same Vikings defense under Brian Flores when he racked up 18 receptions for 215 yards. Maybe he won't get close to those numbers, but something better than 45 yards is surely on the cards. Montez Sweat is frustrated. Very frustrated, in fact, due to the lack of success he and the Bears are having this season. The Pro Bowl defensive end has struggled due to injuries, and the pass rush that was so effective early in the year has essentially fallen off. The Bears have sacked the quarterback just five times in the last three games, while Sweat hasn't gotten to the quarterback in nearly a month. It really shouldn't happen again this week, but I'm choosing to believe Sweat's fire will lead to production. Sweat is facing off against Vikings right tackle Brian O'Neill, who is having a stellar season. The veteran offensive lineman hasn't allowed just one sack all season long and hasn't given up a pressure since Week 8. It's not like O'Neill hasn't faced capable pass rushers, either, so why will Sweat break the streak? He manhandled O'Neill the last time these teams met, totaling 1.5 sacks and seven pressures. A sack is coming, and given Darnold has fumbled seven times this year, don't be surprised if the ball comes loose. The strength of the Vikings defense is their front seven, and the offensive line will need to play at their best to keep Williams upright. That is easier said than done with so many capable pass rushers at Minnesota's disposal. Their top edge rushers, Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard, have combined for 15 sacks and don't show any signs of letting up. Everyone knows the pressure is coming, but what happens when it doesn't? Flores likes to bring the heat and also cool things off by dropping linemen into coverage. That's where Williams can get into trouble by throwing to a spot occupied by a defender when he's expecting pressure. The rookie quarterback has done a good job of taking care of the ball, but Flores will lure him into a trap and capitalize with a pick from their front seven. Perhaps it will be Van Ginkel himself, who already has multiple interceptions on the season.
GATORS PODCAST: UF plants its flag at FSU with 20-point win over Seminoles (Ep. 261)WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he wants real estate developer Charles Kushner , father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. Trump made the announcement in a Truth Social post, calling Charles Kushner “a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker." Kushner is the founder of Kushner Companies, a real estate firm. Jared Kushner is a former senior Trump adviser who is married to Trump’s eldest daughter, Ivanka. The elder Kushner was pardoned by Trump in December 2020 after pleading guilty years earlier to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations. Prosecutors alleged that after Charles Kushner discovered his brother-in-law was cooperating with federal authorities in an investigation, he hatched a scheme for revenge and intimidation. Kushner hired a prostitute to lure his brother-in-law, then arranged to have the encounter in a New Jersey motel room recorded with a hidden camera and the recording sent to his own sister, the man’s wife, prosecutors said. Kushner eventually pleaded guilty to 18 counts including tax evasion and witness tampering. He was sentenced in 2005 to two years in prison — the most he could receive under a plea deal, but less than what Chris Christie, the U.S. attorney for New Jersey at the time and later governor and Republican presidential candidate, had sought. Christie has blamed Jared Kushner for his firing from Trump’s transition team in 2016, and has called Charles Kushner’s offenses “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted when I was U.S. attorney.” Trump and the elder Kushner knew each other from real estate circles and their children were married in 2009. ___ Tucker reported from Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Varsity Maine football honor roll, Nov. 25Daily Post Nigeria Gov Alia to establish Benue University campuses in two senatorial districts Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport News Gov Alia to establish Benue University campuses in two senatorial districts Published on December 7, 2024 By Ejembi Ogwuche Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has said that he will facilitate the establishment of satellite campuses of Benue State University in Benue North-East and South senatorial districts. He said this is to bring education closer to the people and cater to the growing demand for higher education at the grassroots. This was contained in a statement on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula. Gov. Alia said, “This strategic expansion will enhance access to education and strengthen the university’s role in developing the human capital base across the state.” He further announced the donation of five hundred computers to the university’s computer-based test centre. He also awarded a 100 per cent master’s degree scholarship to all the graduates who had first-class degrees. He charged them to be good ambassadors of the institution and Benue State by upholding the values of integrity and hard work, arguing that success is not only about personal development but also positive impact on society. The governor made the pronouncements on Saturday at the university during the combined convocation ceremony. He informed that his administration had sent an executive bill to the Benue State House of Assembly for the renaming of the university as Reverend Father Moses Adasu University as a way of honouring the founder of the institution, saying he looked forward to when the university would break records and place itself on the global map of excellence. Gov. Alia commended the management of Benue State University for the effective implementation of CEFTER with a promise to ensure the institution’s partnership with the World Bank is sustained towards handling post-harvest losses by revamping the Wannune Tomato Company and Taraku Mills to improve the economy of Benue while creating more job opportunities for the youth. He called on youths, especially graduates, to take advantage of the numerous agricultural policies of his administration by venturing into farming. He stressed that the government would provide funds and all farm inputs free of charge to enable them to earn legitimate means of livelihood instead of continually looking for white-collar jobs, which he noted are not readily available for now. Gov. Alia called on those who wish to further their education to remain committed to tasks of acquiring knowledge in the hope of offering solutions to societal problems and being a role model to their communities by using their education as a tool for positive change. Related Topics: Alia Benue University Don't Miss Economy tough, Nigerians facing challenges – Tinubu You may like Benue: Gov Alia appoints Aondoakaa Special Adviser on LG Bureau Benue: Gov Alia makes new appointments Benue probe panel: Ortom floors Alia at Court of Appeal Gov Alia approves N75,000 minimum wage for Benue workers Benue: Gov Alia reinstates suspended Attorney General Disruption of thanksgiving service: Benue PDP accuses Alia of high-handedness Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd