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zbet casino By ALEXANDRA OLSON and CATHY BUSSEWITZ NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart’s sweeping rollback of its diversity policies is the strongest indication yet of a profound shift taking hold at U.S. companies that are revaluating the legal and political risks associated with bold programs to bolster historically underrepresented groups in business. The changes announced by the world’s biggest retailer followed a string of legal victories by conservative groups that have filed an onslaught of lawsuits challenging corporate and federal programs aimed at elevating minority and women-owned businesses and employees. The risk associated with some of programs crystalized with the election of former President Donald Trump, whose administration is certain to make dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs a priority. Trump’s incoming deputy chief of policy will be his former adviser Stephen Miller , who leads a group called America First Legal that has aggressively challenged corporate DEI policies. “There has been a lot of reassessment of risk looking at programs that could be deemed to constitute reverse discrimination,” said Allan Schweyer, principal researcher the Human Capital Center at the Conference Board. “This is another domino to fall and it is a rather large domino,” he added. Among other changes, Walmart said it will no longer give priority treatment to suppliers owned by women or minorities. The company also will not renew a five-year commitment for a racial equity center set up in 2020 after the police killing of George Floyd. And it pulled out of a prominent gay rights index . Schweyer said the biggest trigger for companies making such changes is simply a reassessment of their legal risk exposure, which began after U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June 2023 that ended affirmative action in college admissions. Since then, conservative groups using similar arguments have secured court victories against various diversity programs, especially those that steer contracts to minority or women-owned businesses. Most recently, the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty won a victory in a case against the U.S. Department of Transportation over its use of a program that gives priority to minority-owned businesses when it awards contracts. Companies are seeing a big legal risk in continuing with DEI efforts, said Dan Lennington, a deputy counsel at the institute. His organization says it has identified more than 60 programs in the federal government that it considers discriminatory, he said. “We have a legal landscape within the entire federal government, all three branches — the U.S. Supreme Court, the Congress and the President — are all now firmly pointed in the direction towards equality of individuals and individualized treatment of all Americans, instead of diversity, equity and inclusion treating people as members of racial groups,” Lennington said. The Trump administration is also likely to take direct aim at DEI initiatives through executive orders and other policies that affect private companies, especially federal contractors. “The impact of the election on DEI policies is huge. It can’t be overstated,” said Jason Schwartz, co-chair of the Labor & Employment Practice Group at law firm Gibson Dunn. With Miller returning to the White House, rolling back DEI initiatives is likely to be a priority, Schwartz said. “Companies are trying to strike the right balance to make clear they’ve got an inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome, and they want to get the best talent, while at the same time trying not to alienate various parts of their employees and customer base who might feel one way or the other. It’s a virtually impossible dilemma,” Schwartz said. A recent survey by Pew Research Center showed that workers are divided on the merits of DEI policies. While still broadly popular, the share of workers who said focusing on workplace diversity was mostly a good thing fell to 52% in the November survey, compared to 56% in a similar survey in February 2023. Rachel Minkin, a research associated at Pew called it a small but significant shift in short amount of time. There will be more companies pulling back from their DEI policies, but it likely won’t be a retreat across the board, said David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at New York University. “There are vastly more companies that are sticking with DEI,” Glasgow said. “The only reason you don’t hear about it is most of them are doing it by stealth. They’re putting their heads down and doing DEI work and hoping not to attract attention.” Glasgow advises organizations to stick to their own core values, because attitudes toward the topic can change quickly in the span of four years. “It’s going to leave them looking a little bit weak if there’s a kind of flip-flopping, depending on whichever direction the political winds are blowing,” he said. One reason DEI programs exist is because without those programs, companies may be vulnerable to lawsuits for traditional discrimination. “Really think carefully about the risks in all directions on this topic,” Glasgow said. Walmart confirmed will no longer consider race and gender as a litmus test to improve diversity when it offers supplier contracts. Last fiscal year, Walmart said it spent more than $13 billion on minority, women or veteran-owned good and service suppliers. It was unclear how its relationships with such business would change going forward. Organizations that that have partnered with Walmart on its diversity initiatives offered a cautious response. The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, a non-profit that last year named Walmart one of America’s top corporation for women-owned enterprises, said it was still evaluating the impact of Walmart’s announcement. Pamela Prince-Eason, the president and CEO of the organization, said she hoped Walmart’s need to cater to its diverse customer base will continue to drive contracts to women-owned suppliers even if the company no longer has explicit dollar goals. “I suspect Walmart will continue to have one of the most inclusive supply chains in the World,” Prince-Eason wrote. “Any retailer’s ability to serve the communities they operate in will continue to value understanding their customers, (many of which are women), in order to better provide products and services desired and no one understands customers better than Walmart.” Related Articles National News | Bird flu virus was found in raw milk. What to know about the risks National News | Ransomware attack on software supplier disrupts operations for Starbucks and other retailers National News | Man found guilty of holding down teen while he was raped at a youth center in 1998 National News | What Black Friday’s history tells us about holiday shopping in 2024 National News | New rule allows HIV-positive organ transplants Walmart’s announcement came after the company spoke directly with conservative political commentator and activist Robby Starbuck, who has been going after corporate DEI policies, calling out individual companies on the social media platform X. Several of those companies have subsequently announced that they are pulling back their initiatives, including Ford , Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s and Tractor Supply . Walmart confirmed to The Associated Press that it will better monitor its third-party marketplace items to make sure they don’t feature sexual and transgender products aimed at minors. The company also will stop participating in the Human Rights Campaign’s annual benchmark index that measures workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees. A Walmart spokesperson added that some of the changes were already in progress and not as a result of conversations that it had with Starbuck. RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, senior director of the HRC Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program, said companies that “abandon” their commitments workplace inclusion policies “are shirking their responsibility to their employees, consumers, and shareholders.” She said the buying power of LGBTQ customers is powerful and noted that the index will have record participation of more than 1,400 companies in 2025.

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Michelle Keegan left her fans astonished as she revealed her delightful pregnancy news. The 37 year old TV sensation took to Instagram on Sunday, gracing her followers with an image cradling her baby bump alongside her reality star husband, Mark Wright, amidst a glorious beach setting. The picture captured a stunning seaside moment with Mark, also 37, approaching Michelle against a backdrop of the setting sun. Clad in white, Michelle struck a pose that accentuated her growing bump while tenderly placing her hand over it. She shared this heartwarming update on her main feed with the caption: "2025 is going to be a special one for us..." accompanied by a baby face emoji and a white heart emoji. Prior to this big reveal, Michelle had masterfully utilised camera angles and styling techniques to keep her pregnancy under wraps, evident from holiday season images avoiding any premature announcements. Kicking off December, she posted a collection of photos and clips on her Instagram , playfully admitting: "Happy 1st December... I'll be honest I stepped into Christmas weeks ago. Here's to the best month of the year." The standout image in the collection captures Michelle at a dining table, bundled in an oversized winter coat with a petite dog perched on her lap, artfully hiding her figure. Further pictures show the star enveloped in a vast brown leather coat with a plush sheepskin lining that covers her completely, reports The Mirror. More images depict her snapping selfies, focusing from her shoulders up. In December, the ex- Coronation Street actress shared an advert on her main Instagram feed where she's seen wrapping presents and savouring Rituals Cosmetics products, cleverly covering her burgeoning bump by sitting strategically, often with the camera zooming into her hands or over her shoulder. The revelation of the couple's impending bundle of joy brought waves of support and good wishes from their audience. One fan excitedly commented on their Instagram announcement: "Awwwww Congratulations this is amazing news." Another expressed joy: "I'm so so happy for you guys. Just the best." Michelle has previously expressed her frustration with the invasive questioning women face regarding motherhood, often without knowledge of their personal circumstances. Speaking to the Mirror, she stated: "It's horrible. People don't know if we're trying. "They don't know the background of what's happening. In this day and age, you shouldn't be asking questions like that," and added, "I'm asked purely because I'm a woman. I'm immune to it now – it's like a reaction, and as soon as I hear it I brush it off as it's no one else's business."WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Gaetz withdrew Thursday as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general amid continued fallout over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation's chief federal law enforcement officer. The announcement caps a turbulent eight-day period in which Trump sought to capitalize on his decisive election win to force Senate Republicans to accept provocative selections like Gaetz, who had been investigated by the Justice Department before being tapped last week to lead it. The decision could heighten scrutiny on other controversial Trump nominees, including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth , who faces sexual assault allegations that he denies. People are also reading... Rest assured, Nebraska volleyball fans: The missing fan behind the servers will be back Saturday Nebraska football’s pregame meeting interrupted by USC players in brief scuffle Matt Rhule reacts to no-call at end of Nebraska-USC game: "I don’t know what else to say" 'Bocephus' is back: Hank Williams Jr. to play Lincoln arena Friday Nebraska's home game against Wisconsin gets time, TV designation Man's $7 million estate to be split between 7 Lincoln organizations Arrest made in 55-year-old cold case of Nebraska teen stabbed to death As Nebraska's Democratic Party shrinks, some former party officials call for change Kidnapping in Nebraska prompted police chase that ended with 3 dead in Missouri Signing Day: Meet Nebraska volleyball's five-player 2025 class 'She put on a show': How John Cook decided to ramp up his recruitment of Teraya Sigler Mountain lion spotted on trail camera east of Bennet, Sheriff's Office says Dana Holgorsen's new monthly salary at Nebraska points to potential yearly rate Wind-aided fire destroys vacant Village Inn in Lincoln Man dies in northeast Lincoln house fire “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz, a Florida Republican who one day earlier met with senators in an effort to win their support, said in a statement. “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1," he added. Trump, in a social media post, said: “I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General. He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect. Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!” He did not immediately announce a new selection. Last week, he named personal lawyers Todd Blanche, Emil Bove and D. John Sauer to senior roles in the department. Another possible contender, Matt Whitaker, was announced Wednesday as the U.S. ambassador to NATO. The withdrawal, just a week after the pick was announced, averts what was shaping up to be a pitched confirmation fight that would have tested how far Senate Republicans were willing to go to support Trump’s Cabinet picks. The selection of the fierce Trump ally over well-regarded veteran lawyers whose names had circulated as possible contenders stirred concern for the Justice Department's independence at a time when Trump has openly threatened to seek retribution against political adversaries. It underscored the premium Trump places on personal loyalty and reflected the president-elect's desire to have a disruptor lead a Justice Department that for years investigated and ultimately indicted him. In the Senate, deeply skeptical lawmakers sought more information about Justice Department and congressional investigations into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls, which Gaetz has denied. Meanwhile, Justice Department lawyers were taken aback by the pick of a partisan lawmaker with limited legal experience who has echoed Trump's claims of a weaponized criminal justice system. As Gaetz sought to lock down Senate support, concern over the sex trafficking allegations showed no signs of abating. In recent days, an attorney for two women said his clients told House Ethics Committee investigators that Gaetz paid them for sex on multiple occasions beginning in 2017, when Gaetz was a Florida congressman. One of the women testified she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old at a party in Florida in 2017, according to the attorney, Joel Leppard. Leppard has said that his client testified she didn’t think Gaetz knew the girl was underage, stopped their relationship when he found out and did not resume it until after she turned 18. The age of consent in Florida is 18. "They’re grateful for the opportunity to move forward with their lives,” Leppard said Thursday of his clients. “They’re hoping that this brings final closure for all the parties involved.” Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. The Justice Department’s investigation ended last year with no charges against him. Gaetz’s political future is uncertain. He had abruptly resigned his congressional seat upon being selected as attorney general, a move seen as a way to shut down the ethics investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. He did win reelection in November for the new Congress, which convenes Jan. 3, 2025, but he said in his resignation letter last week to House Speaker Mike Johnson that he did not intend to take the oath of office. He transmitted a similar letter to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as the state launched a special election process to fill the vacancy. Republicans on the House Ethics Committee declined this week to release the panel's findings, over objections from Democrats in a split vote. But the committee did agree to finish its work and is scheduled to meet again Dec. 5 to discuss the matter. As word of Gaetz's decision spread across the Capitol, Republican senators seemed divided. Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who served with Gaetz in the House, called it a “positive move." Maine Sen. Susan Collins said Gaetz “put country first and I am pleased with his decision.” Others said they had hoped Gaetz could have overhauled the department. Florida Sen. Rick Scott, a close ally of Trump, said he was “disappointed. I like Matt and I think he would have changed the way DOJ is run.” Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul said he hoped that Trump will pick someone “equally as tenacious and equally as committed to rooting out and eliminating bias and politicization at the DOJ.” Gaetz is not the only Trump pick facing congressional scrutiny over past allegations. A detailed investigative police report made public Wednesday shows that a woman told police that she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Hegseth, the former Fox News host now tapped to lead the Pentagon, after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave. “The matter was fully investigated and I was completely cleared,” Hegseth told reporters Thursday at the Capitol, where he was meeting with senators to build support for his nomination. Associated Press writers Michelle L. Price, Lisa Mascaro, Mary Clare Jalonick and Adriana Gomez Licon contributed to this report.

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West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski alert and conscious after being taken off on a stretcher SOUTHAMPTON, England (AP) — West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is “alert” and conscious after being taken off the field on a stretcher during the team's 1-0 win at Southampton in the Premier League on Thursday, manager Julen Lopetegui said. Canadian Press Dec 26, 2024 1:40 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message West Ham United goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski hits his head as he clears the ball during the Premier League match at St Mary's Stadium, in Southampton, England, Thursday Dec. 26, 2024. (Andrew Matthews/PA via AP) SOUTHAMPTON, England (AP) — West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is “alert” and conscious after being taken off the field on a stretcher during the team's 1-0 win at Southampton in the Premier League on Thursday, manager Julen Lopetegui said. The game was delayed for around eight minutes as Fabianski received treatment on the field at St Mary's Stadium. The 39-year-old Polish goalkeeper was hurt in a collision from a corner and was replaced by Alphonse Areola in the 36th minute. Southampton 'keeper Aaron Ramsdale had run the length of the field to check on Fabianski amid worrying scenes. Fabianski was then greeted by applause as he was taken off with an oxygen mask on, but did not need to go to the hospital. “He had one big knock around the head, around the neck and he was not very sure about his actions. Fortunately the news is he is talking, he is alert, he is conscious,” Lopetegui said. “I talk with him. The doctors say that he feels better and well. I am positive with him. He showed he more or less recovered his sense. I am not afraid. We feared but now he is better and it is a positive feeling because we were very worried.” West Ham, which also saw defender Max Kilman go off in the first half, scored through Jarrod Bowen in the 59th. ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Soccer Haaland penalty failure and Fernandes red card pile on woes for City and United in Premier League Dec 26, 2024 2:04 PM Bruno Fernandes sent off again for Man United in 2-0 loss at Wolves Dec 26, 2024 11:41 AM Soccer fan in Scotland ejected from stadium and arrested for allegedly racially abusing player Dec 26, 2024 10:44 AMShould AI be used to resurrect extinct species like the Neanderthal? | Mohammad HosseiniHere's how Trump plans to install longtime ally Kash Patel as FBI director

New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner appeared to take shots at his own team on social media. Gardner commented on an Instagram post from Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins when a fan replied to his comment asking Gardner to encourage Higgins to come to New York. More news: Packers Rule Out Two Key Defenders With Concussions "@saucegardner tell him come to da jets," the fan said. Gardner had a staunch reply for the fan. "I will NOT be telling him that." #Jets CB Sauce Gardner: pic.twitter.com/563zEUxHtj The comment from Gardner comes after a 40-14 blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills. The score was 40-0 when New York took out its starters. It was a new low point for an organization that has few highlights throughout its history. Gardner didn't hold back when reporters asked him postgame if the loss was embarrassing. "Embarrassing? I don't even know if that's the word," Gardner said. "You're telling me now it's 40-0? If you ask me that means it's the end of the season, obviously we're not going to the playoffs, some people might be checked out. That's just me going off speculation and what I'm getting at. You know what I'm saying?... We, quote un-quote, enhanced our roster in all areas. That just tells me we can't be playing as a team. We're probably just individuals. Last year, the year before, we had a roster that wasn't as talented as this roster, and we found ways to beat the Bills. We found ways to win. What's stopping that now?" The 2024 season has especially been a humiliating season for the 4-12 Jets. Things took a turn for the worst when the Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh in October during his fourth season with the team. The organization also parted ways with general manager Joe Douglas after the Jets went into their bye week with a 3-8 record. While ownership chose to clean house early in the season, the results on the field never transpired. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers proved throughout the 2024 campaign that he is not mobile enough to run, not accurate enough to throw, and not humble enough to take responsibility for his poor performance. There's a very good chance the Jets will choose to part ways with Rodgers at the end of the season. With only one game left in the season, it's evident many players are even fed up with an organization that struggles to make smart decisions. For more on the NFL , visit Newsweek Sports .

Within hours of the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City earlier this week, the surveillance video that captured the brazen crime made the rounds across social media. Across X, Reddit and Facebook, the short video was likely analyzed as closely as the footage of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy just over 61 years ago. And like that infamous shooting, the one in Midtown Manhattan has led to no shortage of conspiracy theories that are now making the rounds on the social platforms. Online sleuths offered their unsolicited opinions, while countless "experts" provided unique insight—with some suggesting the murder was carried out by a professional hit man, who not only used a suppressor but likely subsonic ammunition, which necessitated the need to manually operate the handgun's slide. Some even identified the firearm as a Welrod , a British bolt-action, magazine-fed, suppressed pistol devised during the Second World War, while others said it was likely a B&T VP9. Neither is likely the case. Moreover, the professional killer theories were in stark contrast to the New York Police Department's claim that the suspect's firearm had jammed, and he left several clues that could help the investigation. "Experts" Are Quick To Weigh In Armchair generals and Monday morning quarterbacks are all too common in our modern era—they're the individuals who quickly offer opinions after the fact, and typically with the benefit of hindsight. Social media is filled with these so-called experts, many who have built massive followings. As fresh details surrounding Thompson's murder were released, it only served to fuel the online speculation. The case already has the potential to be like a true crime podcast that unfolds in real-time. Yet, it also is clear that there is likely far more misinformation spreading than actual facts. "The amount of information that is out is inconsistent and much of it is inaccurate," said Dr. Dan Ariely, professor of psychology and behavioral economics at Duke University. "This does a very large disservice to society." Ariely warned that in situations like this still ongoing investigation, it has the potential to erode trust in the mainstream media, which often waits for confirmation. Social media by contrast is quick to post, even if the information is wrong. Beyond the fact that an individual was killed on the streets of America's largest city, this casual posting online often lacks perspective, and fact-checking and is too quick to rely on guesswork—and without much of the evidence that the NYPD has access to. "All this speculation is problematic because it sets expectations that may not be met," explained technology industry analyst Rob Enderle of the Enderle Group. "We are making conclusions before we have all the facts and 'Confirmation Bias' tells us that is a bad thing because people will then only recognize facts or theories that are consistent with the position they have already taken," Enderle added. "It is shoot, ready, aim, instead of what should be ready, aim, shoot." Vetting Sources Closer inspection of the video, as well as the shell casings and unspent round that was recovered; it has been determined that the firearm almost certainly used by the assailant wasn't the aforementioned Welrod or B&T VP9. Nor was the ammunition subsonic. Likewise, given that the shooter's movements have been traced—including to a Starbucks, where he bought a bottle of water and energy bars—it would seem that he wasn't likely a professional assassin. Few hit men would likely stop to pick up breakfast and be caught on camera. Still, it is all too easy to forgive those who are quick to post such misinformation, because of a desire to want to know the facts as quickly as they unfold. Newsrooms seek not to be first, but to get it right—whereas on social media there is a race to share that expert insight as quickly as possible. "We have all become expert crime solvers on social media, especially when there is a compelling and surprising crime such as the shooting death of this health insurance executive," said Susan Campbell, distinguished lecturer in the Department of Communication, Film, and Media Studies at the University of New Haven. "There will always be a lag time between new developments and publication of those developments in traditional media because traditional media worth its salt will still take time to vet the facts," Campbell added. "If people want to hear guesses quickly, social media is their platform. If they want to know facts, that takes a little more time." How Conspiracies Are Born The final concern is that the posts on social media will only serve to give rise to unfounded conspiracy theories that are impossible to debunk. Even after more than two decades, some still question the events of 9/11, and after six decades, the assassination of JFK continues to be debated. This is largely harmless, at least until it isn't. "There will also be efforts after facts are collected to ignore those that counter already taken positions," said Enderle. "In effect, this speculation corrupts the process and makes it less likely we'll ever see the truth. So, in general, social speculation doesn't help the process, it corrupts it." While it could impact the ability to bring an individual to justice, it also serves as another divide in our already deeply divided nation. "Sadly, everything is becoming political," said Ariely. "Right now, people aren't coming from the facts, but rather from a specific point of view. We need to figure out how to look at facts rather than identity."The confidential briefing note is part of the tranche of documents made public in the annual release of State papers from the Irish National Archives. An Irish Department of Foreign Affairs official focusing on justice and security created the list in October 2002. The document starts by referencing a 1999 interview given by George Mitchell, the chairman of the Good Friday Agreement negotiations, in which he claimed the British and Irish governments, as well as Northern Ireland’s political parties, had leaked information to manipulate public opinion. However, he further accused the NIO of attempting to sabotage the process by leaking information on British Government policy to the media. Mr Mitchell, a former US senator, is said to have expressed alarm and anger over the frequency of leaks from the NIO – saying they were uniquely “designed to undermine the policy of the British Government of which they were a part”. The Irish civil servant notes Mr Mitchell himself was subjected to an attempted “smear” when he first arrived in Northern Ireland, as newspaper articles falsely claimed his chief of staff Martha Pope had had a liaison with Sinn Fein representative Gerry Kelly with ulterior motives. The Irish civil servant goes on to list several “leaks”, starting with the publication of a proposed deal in a newspaper while “intense negotiations” for the Downing Street Declaration were under way. Next, the Department lists two “high-profile and damaging leaks issued from the NIO”. A so-called “gameplan” document was leaked in February 1998, showing papers had been prepared weeks before the Drumcree march on July 6, 1997. In the preceding years, there had been standoffs and clashes as nationalists opposed the procession of an Orange parade down Garvaghy Road in Portadown. The gameplan document showed then secretary of state for Northern Ireland Mo Mowlam, who was publicly expressing a desire for a negotiated solution to the 1997 parade, advocated “finding the lowest common denominator for getting some Orange feet on the Garvaghy Road”. In 1997, a large number of security forces were deployed to the area to allow the march to proceed. The incident sparked heightened tension and a wave of rioting. The document further describes the release of a document submitted by the NIO’s director of communications to the secretary of state as a “second major leak”. It claims a publicity strategy was released to the DUP in the aftermath of the Good Friday Agreement and showed how the UK Government would support a yes vote in a referendum following any talks agreement. In addition, it is claimed unionists used leaked sections of the Patten report on policing to invalidate its findings ahead of its publication in 1999. The report recommended the replacement of the Royal Ulster Constabulary with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the changing of symbols, and a 50-50 recruitment policy for Catholics and Protestants. At the time, UUP leader David Trimble said the recommendations would lead to a corruption of policing in Northern Ireland. Chris Patten, chairman of the independent commission on policing, said some of the assertions were a “total fabrication” and designed to “muddy the waters” to create a difficult political atmosphere. Elsewhere, the author notes it was leaked to the media there was serious disagreement between the governments of the UK and Ireland on the composition of that commission – with not a single name submitted by the Irish side being accepted by the other. The author notes this incident, still under the heading “NIO leaks”, was believed by British officials to have emanated from the Irish side. The report turns to leaks of other origin, claiming “disgruntled Special Branch officers in Northern Ireland” were blamed by the British Government for a series of releases about the IRA which were designed to damage Sinn Fein in the 2001 general election in Northern Ireland. One senior Whitehall source was quoted in the Guardian as complaining that Special Branch was “leaking like a sieve” after details of an IRA intelligence database containing the names of leading Tories – described at the time as a “hit list” – was passed to the BBC in April 2002. The briefing note adds: “This was followed days later by a leak to The Sunday Telegraph which alleged that senior IRA commanders bought Russian special forces rifles in Moscow last year. “The newspaper said it was passed details by military intelligence in London.” The briefing note adds that other Special Branch leaks were associated with the Castlereagh break-in. The final incident in the document notes the Police Ombudsman’s Report on the Omagh bombing was also leaked to the press in December 2001. Then Northern Ireland secretary John Reid said at the time: “Leaks are never helpful and usually malicious – I will not be commenting on this report until I have seen the final version.” The reason for creating the list of leaks, which the Irish National Archives holds in a folder alongside briefing notes for ministers ahead of meetings with officials from the UK Government and NIO, is not outlined in the document itself. – This document is based on material in 2024/130/6.

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Jimmy Carter had the longest post-presidency of anyone to hold the office, and one of the most active. Here is a look back at his life. 1924 — Jimmy Carter was born on Oct. 1 to Earl and Lillian Carter in the small town of Plains, Georgia. 1928 — Earl Carter bought a 350-acre farm 3 miles from Plains in the tiny community of Archery. The Carter family lived in a house on the farm without running water or electricity. 1941 — He graduated from Plains High School and enrolled at Georgia Southwestern College in Americus. 1942 — He transferred to Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. 1943 — Carter’s boyhood dream of being in the Navy becomes a reality as he is appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. 1946 — He received his naval commission and on July 7 married Rosalynn Smith of Plains. They moved to Norfolk, Virginia. 1946-1952 — Carter’s three sons are born, Jack in 1947, Chip in 1950 and Jeff in 1952. 1962-66 — Carter is elected to the Georgia State Senate and serves two terms. 1953 — Carter’s father died and he cut his naval career short to save the family farm. Due to a limited income, Jimmy, Rosalynn and their three sons moved into Public Housing Apartment 9A in Plains. 1966 — He ran for governor, but lost. 1967 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s fourth child, Amy, is born. 1971 — He ran for governor again and won the election, becoming Georgia’s 76th governor on Jan. 12. 1974 — Carter announced his candidacy for president. 1976 — Carter was elected 39th president on Nov. 2, narrowly defeating incumbent Gerald Ford. Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter embraces his wife Rosalynn after receiving the final news of his victory in the national general election, November 2, 1976. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) New-elected President Jimmy Carter gives a press conference after being elected 39th President of the United States, on November 05, 1976 in Plains, Georgia. (Photo by GENE FORTE / CONSOLIDATED NEWS PICTURES / AFP) (Photo by GENE FORTE/CONSOLIDATED NEWS PICTURES/AFP via Getty Images) Supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter hold up signs during a rally on may 15, 1976 in New York. – Carter was elected on December 21, 1976 39th President of the United States, 51% voice against 48% for incumbent Republican president Gerald Ford. (Photo by CONSOLIDATED NEWS / AFP) (Photo by -/CONSOLIDATED NEWS/AFP via Getty Images) Chief Justice Warren Burger administers the oath of office to Jimmy Carter (R), flanked by his wife Rosalynn, as the 39th President of the United Sates on January 20, 1977. (Photo by CONSOLIDATED NEWS / AFP) (Photo by -/CONSOLIDATED NEWS/AFP via Getty Images) Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter embraces his wife Rosalynn after receiving the final news of his victory in the national general election, November 2, 1976. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) 1978 — U.S. and the Peoples’ Republic of China establish full diplomatic relations. President Carter negotiates and mediates an accord between Egypt and Israel at Camp David. 1979 — The Department of Education is formed. Iranian radicals overrun the U.S. Embassy and seize American hostages. The Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty is signed. 1980 — On March 21, Carter announces that the U.S. will boycott the Olympic Games scheduled in Moscow. A rescue attempt to get American hostages out of Iran is unsuccessful. Carter was defeated in his bid for a second term as president by Ronald Reagan in November. 1981 — President Carter continues to negotiate the release of the American hostages in Iran. Minutes before his term as president is over, the hostages are released. 1982 — Carter became a distinguished professor at Emory University in Atlanta, and founded The Carter Center. The nonpartisan and nonprofit center addresses national and international issues of public policy. 1984 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter volunteer one week a year for Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps needy people in the United States and in other countries renovate and build homes, until 2020. He also taught Sunday school in the Maranatha Baptist Church of Plains from the mid-’80s until 2020. 2002 — Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. 2015 — Carter announced in August he had been diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his brain. 2016 — He said in March that he no longer needed cancer treatment. 2024 — Carter dies at 100 years old. Sources: Cartercenter.org, Plains Historical Preservation Trust, The Associated Press; The Brookings Institution; U.S. Navy; WhiteHouse.gov, Gallup