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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Department of Homeland Security agent who the FBI says conspired with another agent to sell an illicit drug known as “bath salts” pleaded not guilty to a drug distribution conspiracy charge Friday in federal court. A grand jury in Salt Lake City brought the criminal charge against Special Agent David Cole of the Homeland Security Investigations unit earlier this week. The indictment alleges that Cole abused his position as a federal law enforcement agent to obtain and sell drugs for profit. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Cole took drugs that had been seized as evidence, telling colleagues he was using them for legitimate investigations, and instead sold them to a confidential informant who resold the drugs for profit on the streets of Utah, according to the indictment. The informant, who has a lengthy criminal history, had been recruited by federal agents to work for them upon his release from prison. But in addition to conducting controlled buys from suspected drug dealers as directed by investigators, the informant said he was compelled by Cole and another agent to also engage in illegal sales. The investigation began after the informant’s defense attorney contacted the U.S. Attorney in Utah in October to report that agents had required him to engage in potentially illegal acts dating from last spring to early December. Details of drug sales offered by the informant were confirmed through surveillance and other sources, the FBI said. Cole and the second agent — identified in court documents only as “Person A” — profited up to $300,000 from the illegal scheme, according to an FBI affidavit filed in the case. FBI spokesperson Sandra Barker said Friday that “Person A” had not been arrested or charged, but the investigation was ongoing. Cole, 50, of South Jordan, Utah, entered the courtroom Friday handcuffed and hunched over, wearing a white and gray, striped jumpsuit. U.S. Magistrate Judge Dustin Pead accepted Cole’s not guilty plea and scheduled a trial for the week of Feb. 24. Federal officials say Cole’s indictment sends a message that officers who break the law and undermine the public’s trust in law enforcement will be prosecuted. “A drug dealer who carries a badge is still a drug dealer — and one who has violated an oath to uphold the law and protect the public,” said Nicole Argentieri, head of the U.S. Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “No one is above the law.” Special Agent Shohini Sinha, who leads the FBI’s Salt Lake City field office, said Cole’s alleged actions helped fuel an already devastating drug crisis . Ingestion of synthetic bath salts, also known as Alpha-PVP or cathinone, can lead to bizarre behavior such as paranoia and extreme strength, according to authorities who say it’s similar to methamphetamine, cocaine or ecstasy. They are unrelated to actual bathing products. Cole’s attorney, Alexander Ramos, has declined to directly address the criminal allegations but said his client has a strong reputation within the federal law enforcement community. Ramos did not immediately respond Friday to emails seeking comment on the not guilty plea. The Homeland Security Investigations department where Cole worked conducts federal criminal investigations into the illegal movement of people, goods, money, weapons, drugs and sensitive technology into, out of and across the U.S. Cole and the second agent had their credentials suspended but have not been fired, according to court documents.
Saturday, December 21, 2024 As the global corporate travel sector prepares for 2025, industry players face an evolving landscape marked by economic pressures, technological advancements, and environmental considerations. With cost optimization remaining a priority, a sharper focus on traveler experience and climate impact will emerge, reflecting shifting priorities in the business travel sphere. The financial outlook for corporate travel in 2025 indicates stabilized inflationary pressures compared to the steep increases seen in previous years. According to CWT, global airfares are projected to rise marginally by 0.1% to 0.6%, while daily hotel rates are forecasted to increase between 1.9% and 2.9%. Car rental prices, influenced by local supply-demand dynamics, are also expected to see slight growth. Despite these moderate increases, companies will continue to focus on balancing travel budgets with employee needs and environmental goals. As corporate travel buyers seek to enhance program efficiency, the integration of New Distribution Capability (NDC) content remains a critical area of development. Travel management companies (TMCs) and other service providers are striving to leverage emerging technologies to deliver improved services. However, the challenge lies in balancing innovation with the deep industry knowledge of legacy players, creating a competitive environment for both new entrants and established firms. Geopolitical tensions, including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, coupled with potential policy shifts under the incoming Trump administration, are likely to complicate international business travel. At the same time, new EU climate regulations, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), will compel organizations to adopt greener travel policies. Rail travel, virtual meetings, and extended but fewer business trips are expected to gain traction as companies strive to reduce their carbon footprints. One of the most notable developments heading into 2025 is the proposed $570 million acquisition of CWT by American Express Global Business Travel. This deal, currently under review by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority, highlights the increasing consolidation within the industry. Regardless of the outcome, further mergers and acquisitions are anticipated, potentially impacting service levels, client retention, and competitive dynamics. For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TTW newsletter . Sustainability continues to dominate the corporate travel agenda. In 2024, the EU’s Green Claims Directive sparked a significant backlash against supplier greenwashing, with notable legal actions such as the case against KLM setting a precedent. As companies refine their sustainability strategies, transparency in carbon emissions reporting will play a pivotal role in gaining executive buy-in and fostering client trust. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in corporate travel management is expected to accelerate in 2025. Following substantial investments in generative AI during 2024, companies are exploring innovative solutions to streamline operations and enhance traveler experiences. These advancements promise efficiencies but will require careful navigation to align with industry-specific needs and regulatory frameworks. Flexibility in work arrangements remains a contentious issue. While some corporations have introduced return-to-office mandates, others, particularly TMCs, continue to embrace hybrid models. These dynamics influence business travel policies, with an emphasis on aligning travel needs with organizational goals and employee expectations. Reflecting on 2024, industry experts accurately predicted trends such as rising travel costs, a push towards sustainability, and technological adoption. However, unforeseen challenges, including heightened geopolitical tensions and the scale of industry consolidation, shaped the year in unexpected ways. These lessons will undoubtedly inform strategies moving forward. For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TTW newsletter . As 2025 approaches, corporate travel stakeholders must navigate a complex interplay of cost pressures, sustainability goals, and technological innovation. By prioritizing transparency, adapting to regulatory changes, and leveraging advancements in AI and NDC content, the industry can achieve a balanced approach that meets the evolving demands of business travelers and organizations alike. Read Travel Industry News in 104 different regional platforms Get our daily dose of news, by subscribing to our newsletters. Subscribe here . Watch Travel And Tour World Interviews here . Read more Travel News , Daily Travel Alert , and Travel Industry News on Travel And Tour World only.
Why some brewing companies are producing more hop-forward ales and light-bodied lagers(TNS) — The Pentagon has shipped anti-drone technology to an area of New Jersey located where sightings of mysterious aircraft have set residents on edge and drawn accusations that the federal government isn’t taking the incidents seriously. The Defense Department provided equipment capable of detecting drones and disabling them, Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder said at a briefing on Thursday. He added that the equipment includes a system called DroneBuster, a hand-held jammer used by the Army and Marines. “The majority of that capability has deployed, the rest should be arriving very shortly, if not imminently,” Ryder said. He had said earlier that much of the equipment would be sent to Picatinny Arsenal, a military research and production facility in Morris County. Ryder has said the government had no involvement in the drone flights, which have confounded officials in New York and New Jersey and prompted arguments that the Biden administration wasn’t doing enough or taking the matter seriously. Most of the aircraft, he has said, are most likely commercial or hobbyist drones. On Wednesday, the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily banned drone flights over nearly two dozen areas of New Jersey. The reports reports include nighttime sightings of drones as large as 6 feet (1.83 meters) in diameter that “operate in a coordinated manner” and travel with their lights switched off, Dawn Fantasia, a New Jersey assemblywoman, posted to X last week after being briefed by local law enforcement. Witnesses have said they’ve seen several low-hanging drones at once in the night sky, some of which hover in one spot. President-elect Donald Trump has called for the government to provide answers or shoot the drones down. He’s said, without citing evidence, that the American military knew where the devices originated. More than 1 million drones are registered to fly in the U.S., with around 8,500 in flight on any given day, a vast majority of which are recreational or hobbyist used for architectural, engineering, farming or law enforcement purposes, according to Ryder. ©Manning, Gates among Hall of Fame finalistsAustin scores 20 off the bench, Portland downs Lafayette 74-64
Share Tweet Share Share Email SINGAPORE, SG – December 20, 2024 – Colle AI (COLLE), the multichain AI-powered NFT platform, announces its integration with Sora AI to revolutionize content creation within the NFT landscape. This collaboration unlocks new levels of realism, empowering creators to produce dynamic, lifelike assets across multiple blockchains. The integration marks a significant step in enhancing the creative experience for NFT artists and collectors alike. Sora AI, known for its advanced generative capabilities, brings photorealistic and highly detailed content generation to Colle AI’s platform. With Sora AI’s technology, Colle AI users can now create NFTs that stand out for their precision and immersive quality. This synergy offers boundless creative possibilities, expanding the potential for AI-powered digital art on a multichain scale. Colle AI’s multichain approach enables seamless integration of these realistic NFTs across various blockchain networks, enhancing accessibility and scalability for users. By integrating Sora AI, Colle AI continues to solidify its position as a pioneering platform in the AI and Web3 space. This partnership supports the creation of diverse NFT assets that appeal to a broader market, including gaming, virtual worlds, and digital collectibles. The integration of Sora AI into Colle AI aligns with the platform’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI-driven NFT creation. This collaboration underscores Colle AI’s vision to provide cutting-edge tools that empower creators to produce innovative, high-quality digital assets. With Sora AI, the future of NFT creation becomes more immersive and accessible than ever before. About Colle AI Colle AI leverages AI technology to simplify the NFT creation process, empowering artists and creators to easily transform their ideas into digital assets. The platform aims to make NFT creation more accessible, fostering innovation in the digital art space. Social Media: Twitter Instagram Related Items: Share Tweet Share Share Email Comments
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Erik Reynolds II's 22 points helped Saint Joseph's defeat Delaware State 76-58 on Saturday. Reynolds shot 6 of 16 from the field, including 4 for 13 from 3-point range, and went 6 for 6 from the line for the Hawks (9-4). Rasheer Fleming scored 13 points and added 14 rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Dasear Haskins had 12 points and shot 6 for 12, including 0 for 5 from beyond the arc. Kaseem Watson finished with 23 points and three steals for the Hornets (7-7). Martez Robinson added 13 points, seven rebounds and two steals for Delaware State. Muneer Newton also had 10 points and six rebounds. Saint Joseph's took the lead with 15:43 remaining in the first half and never looked back. The score was 33-20 at halftime, with Reynolds racking up eight points. Saint Joseph's outscored Delaware State by five points over the final half, while Reynolds led the way with a team-high 14 second-half points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .CHARLESTON — State Treasurer Riley Moore recently marked the 10th anniversary of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which provided a financial tool for eligible people with disabilities across the country. “This critical savings program provides individuals with disabilities the ability to achieve financial independence without the risk of losing essential federal benefits,” Moore said. Since the bill was signed into law in 2014, ABLE savings accounts have helped people save and pay for essential expenses. Prior to the passage of the ABLE Act, individuals with a disability were not permitted to save more than $2,000 without being at risk of losing federal needs-based benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. The West Virginia Legislature passed a state version of the ABLE Act in 2015, and the program launched under the State Treasurer’s Office in 2018. West Virginia residents who developed a disability or blindness before the age of 26 and are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, or have a signed Diagnosis Form from a licensed physician, are eligible to open a WVABLE account. West Virginia residents may set up WVABLE savings accounts at www.WVABLE.com . Money in a WVABLE account can be used for a wide range of qualified disability-related expenses such as medical bills, housing, transportation, education and assistive technology. For more information, or to sign up for an account, visit WVABLE.com .