OTTAWA — Indian law enforcement agencies say they are investigating alleged links between dozens of colleges in Canada and two "entities" in Mumbai accused of illegally ferrying students across the Canada-United States border. A news release Tuesday from India's Enforcement Directorate — a multi-disciplinary organization that investigates money laundering and foreign exchange laws — said a multi-city search has revealed "incriminating" evidence of "human trafficking." The allegations have not been tested in court. The federal government, the RCMP, and Indian high commission in Ottawa, and multiple Canadian college officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The U.S. embassy said Thursday it had no comment. Indian officials say they launched their investigation after Jagdish Baldevbhai Patel, 39, was found dead along with his wife and two children near a border crossing between Manitoba and the United States on Jan. 19, 2022. Last month, a Minnesota jury found two men guilty — Steve Shand of Florida and Harshkumar Patel, an Indian national arrested in Chicago — on four counts related to bringing unauthorized people into the U.S., transporting them and profiting from it. Patel is a common name in India, and the family was not related to the accused. Prosecutors said Harshkumar Patel co-ordinated a sophisticated operation while Shand was a driver. Shand was to pick up 11 Indian migrants on the Minnesota side of the border, prosecutors said. Only seven survived the foot crossing. Canadian authorities found the Patel family later that morning, dead from the cold. Harshkumar Patel and Shand have not yet been sentenced and might appeal. The Tuesday news release said officials launched an investigation following a report filed against Bhavesh Ashokbhai Patel, who allegedly arranged the travel of the family. Each member of the family was allegedly charged the equivalent of between $93,000 and $102,000 to cross into United States from Canada, the directorate claimed. The incident has been called the Dingucha case in India, named after the village in the Gujarat state of western India from which the family originated. The Enforcement Directorate said it searched eight places last week in Mumbai, Nagpur in Maharashtra state, and Gandhinagar and Vadodara in Gujarat. It also claims that Bhavesh Ashokbhai Patel allegedly arranged people to get admissions to Canadian colleges, which helped in getting student visas. The news release did not specify the schools alleged to be involved. "Once the individuals or students reach Canada, instead of joining the college, they illegally crossed the U.S.-Canada Border and never joined college(s) in Canada," it said. The fee paid toward college admission was then returned, it added. The search has found that about 25,000 students were referred by one "entity" and over 10,000 students by another to various colleges outside India every year, the release claimed. The network has about 1,700 agents in Gujarat and around 3,500 across India, of which 800 are active, it alleged. The release claims that "around 112 colleges based in Canada" have entered into agreement with one entity, while "more than 150" colleges have done so with another entity. It is unclear from the release whether any colleges have ties to both entities. Anil Pratham, a former high-ranking police official in Gujarat, was involved in investigating the case from January 2022 until his retirement this fall. He told The Canadian Press his team looked at paperwork, such as certificates and documents used by students to apply to colleges and universities abroad. Police then contacted villagers through various societies, asking them for help. "We conveyed to the villagers that you should come out and tell (us) who are the victims and who are the agents who live there," he said in an interview from Gujarat. "This helped us in our investigation." The process took nearly three years because the first step is to establish the crime, charge, investigate and finalize those charges, he said. Police in Gujarat got help from their counterparts in Canada and New York, Pratham said. He also had advice for those wanting to go abroad to study or work. "There is a legal way of going from India to whichever country one wants," he said. News of the Indian investigation comes amid tensions with the U.S. over border security, a federal rethink of international-student policy, and diplomatic tensions with India over New Delhi's alleged targeting of Sikh activists in Canada. Trump has threatened wounding tariffs on Canadian goods if Ottawa does not sufficiently crack down on migrants and drugs crossing into the U.S. illegally, leading Ottawa to earmark $1.3 billion over six years to address border security. Before that, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats in October, over allegations they used their position to collect information on Canadians and then passed it on to criminal gangs who targeted the individuals directly. At the time, Canada also alleged India's home affairs minsiter ordered intelligence-gathering operations against Sikh separatists who advocate for an independent country called Khalistan to be carved out of India. New Delhi rejects Ottawa's claims. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 26, 2024. Hina Alam and Dylan Robertson, The Canadian PressGRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Treysen Eaglestaff's 19 points helped North Dakota defeat Waldorf College 97-57 on Sunday night. Eaglestaff shot 6 of 11 from the field, including 2 for 4 from 3-point range, and went 5 for 6 from the line for the Fightin' Hawks (6-9). Mier Panoam added 13 points and six rebounds. Zach Kraft had 12 points on 4-for-7 shooting from 3-point range. Gene Noble led the way for the Warriors with 12 points and six rebounds. Emmanuel Ferguson scored 10 and Ugo Ejiofor pitched in with nine points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
What's New Netflix's holiday thriller Carry-On has captivated audiences with its portrayal of airport security, centering on a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent who is coerced into allowing a dangerous package onto a flight. While the film has been a major hit, becoming Netflix 's most-watched film in the U.S. in December, it takes some creative liberties with TSA protocols and airport security procedures. Newsweek reached out to Netflix by email for comment. Why It Matters Carry-On debuted on Netflix on December 15 as part of the platform's holiday season releases. The film stars Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek, a dedicated but conflicted TSA agent. The plot follows Kopek as he navigates a high-stakes situation when a stranger coerces him into compromising airport security to save his partner. The film has quickly become a global sensation, claiming the No. 1 spot on the platform's global top 10 chart with an impressive 42 million views in its first week of release, marking the biggest opening for Netflix this year. What To Know While Carry-On captivates audiences with its thrilling plot, it takes significant creative liberties with TSA procedures and airport security operations. Jessica Mayle, a spokesperson for the TSA, highlighted some of these inaccuracies, noting the compromises that were made to produce one of the year's biggest hits. No, TSA Doesn't Play 'Contraband Bingo' The movie shows TSA officers playing "Contraband Bingo." Mayle denied this. She told Newsweek : "We have never heard about anyone playing checkpoint bingo—and certainly not with things permitted in carry-on baggage. TSA highlights unusual prohibited items on social media, but such games are not part of our operations." Opting Out of Scans Comes With Consequences The film suggests passengers can refuse scanner screenings with few consequences. Mayle clarified this: "All passengers must be screened before entering the sterile area of the airport. In the rare instances passengers refuse, they are denied access." A Single Officer Breaching Security? Unlikely A single compromised officer causes a major security breach in the movie. Mayle addressed this, explaining: "Given TSA's layered approach to security, with intelligence and risk analysis as a basis, it is unlikely the scenarios the movie presented could evade the TSA airport security apparatus at the nation's airports." Holiday Accessories and Chants: A Local Call TSA officers are depicted wearing holiday accessories and chanting during shifts. "There are no rules on holiday accessories and chants, and permitting them would be a local leadership decision," Mayle said. Student IDs at the Airport? Possible But Delayed A scene depicts a student using a student ID as identification. "In the event someone arrives at the airport without acceptable identification—whether lost, stolen or otherwise—they may still be allowed to fly," Mayle said. "The TSA officer may ask the person to complete an identity verification process, including collecting information such as name and current address to confirm their identity, though this will cause delays for the individual." Security Breaches Would Prompt Immediate Action The film portrays a security breach while the airport continues normal operations. "TSA is always operating at a high level of security, and employees are in a constant state of vigilance," Mayle said. "The agency maintains a risk-based, intelligence-driven approach that includes multiple layers of security, both seen and unseen." Despite the movie's dramatized liberties, Mayle appreciates that Carry-On captured aspects of TSA officers' dedication and teamwork while calling attention to their essential role in keeping travelers safe. "The film ultimately portrayed our front-line workforce in a good light, even if the main character did not make the best decisions initially," she said. What People Are Saying Carla Hay, film critic, on Rotten Tomatoes: " Carry-On is a preposterous but entertaining thrill ride about an airport security agent caught up in a deadly terrorist plot involving a smuggled carry-on suitcase. The movie doesn't take itself seriously and has well-cast heroes and villains." T.J. Fixman, the film's writer, to The New York Times : "We just tried to capture all the little inconveniences that just become big ones. I have actually been stuck behind someone who only brought their school identification, something we show in the movie." What Happens Next Through its social media and outreach efforts, the TSA plans to use the attention generated by the film to emphasize the importance of accurate security protocols and encourage travelers to stay informed.
Taxes, fees to stay same in proposed Hermitage budget
Jaylon Johnson isn't interested in bright spots with the Bears' skid at 5 gamesIn a message to the American people, the King expressed “great sadness” at the news of Mr Carter’s death, describing him as “a committed public servant” who “devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights”. He added: “His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977. “My thoughts and prayers are with President Carter’s family and the American people at this time.” Mr Carter, a former peanut farmer, served one term in the White House between 1977 and 1981 and spent his post-presidency years as a global humanitarian, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Carter had “lived his values in the service of others to the very end” through “decades of selfless public service”. Praising a “lifelong dedication to peace” that saw him win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Sir Keir added: “Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad.” Tributes to Mr Carter followed the announcement of his death by his family on Sunday, more than a year after he decided to enter hospice care. His son, Chip Carter, said: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love.” Very sorry to hear of President Carter’s passing. I pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/IaKmZcteb1 — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) December 29, 2024 US President Joe Biden, one of the first elected politicians to endorse Mr Carter’s bid for the presidency in 1976, said the world had “lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian”. He said: “Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. “With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us.” Vice President Kamala Harris said Mr Carter “reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion”. “His life and legacy continue to inspire me — and will inspire generations to come,” she said. “Our world is a better place because of President Carter.” Other UK politicians also paid tribute to Mr Carter. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said he was “an inspiration” who “led a truly remarkable life dedicated to public service with a genuine care for people”. Scottish First Minister John Swinney described the former president as “a good, decent, honest man who strove for peace in all that he did”, while Welsh First Minister said he was “a remarkable man” and “a humanitarian and scholar”. Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair said Mr Carter’s “life was a testament to public service”. He added: “I always had the greatest respect for him, his spirit and his dedication. He fundamentally cared and consistently toiled to help those in need.” Gordon Brown, another former prime minister, said it was a “privilege” to have known Mr Carter, who “will be mourned, not just in America, but in every continent where human rights are valued”. Mr Carter is expected to receive a state funeral featuring public observances in Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington DC before being buried in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. A moderate democrat born in Plains in October 1924, Mr Carter’s political career took him from the Georgia state senate to the state governorship and, finally, the White House, where he took office as 39th president in the wake of the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War. His presidency saw economic disruption amid volatile oil prices, along with social tensions at home and challenges abroad including the Iranian revolution that sparked a 444-day hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran. But he also brokered the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, which led to a peace treaty between the two countries in 1979. After his defeat in the 1980 presidential election, he worked more than four decades leading The Carter Centre, which he and his late wife Rosalynn co-founded in 1982 to “wage peace, fight disease, and build hope”. Under his leadership, the Carter Center virtually eliminated Guinea Worm disease, which has gone from affecting 3.5 million people in Africa and Asia in 1986 to just 14 in 2023. Mrs Carter, who died last year aged 96, had played a more active role in her husband’s presidency than previous first ladies, with Mr Carter saying she had been “my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished”. Earlier this year, on his 100th birthday, Mr Carter received a private congratulatory message from the King, expressing admiration for his life of public service
EZINWANNE ONWUKA argues that progress is not just about rising figures but about how these figures translate into improved living standards When I first heard Nasboi’s song ‘ Hunger Games ’, I was greatly amused. The lyrics, delivered with a catchy rhythm, seemed to capture the plight of the average Nigerian in a lighthearted way. But today, the humour which I found in that song has vanished, replaced by the grim reality of poverty and despondency that has become the hallmark of President Tinubu’s economic policies. In less than 18 months, transportation costs doubled, several businesses folded under the weight of rising expenses, school fees have become unaffordable for many parents, and the prices of basic commodities, fuel inclusive, skyrocketed beyond the reach of many. While the government promised palliatives to ease the hardship, these promises have proven grossly insufficient, leaving thousands in dire straits. The situation is just as Nasboi sang: “Food no dey for boys to focus. Rice no dey, even garri cost...Things too cost for dis kind regime. Ulcer dey, no food to treat am o.” The desperation of Nigerians to survive was tragically exposed a few days ago when stampedes at palliative distribution centres led to loss of lives. In Ibadan, a stampede at a funfair of which the organisers promised participants “exciting prizes like scholarships and other bountiful gifts” led to the death of several children. A similar tragedy occurred in Abuja, where a crowd gathered for palliatives became uncontrollable, resulting in chaos and fatalities. In Anambra State, the story was no different; a stampede at another distribution point left families mourning their loved ones. These are not isolated incidents—they are the result of widespread hunger and misery. The images of mammoth crowds scrambling for food packs were heart-wrenching, a visual indictment of the ruling party’s failure to prioritise the welfare of its citizens. I agree with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that “it is heartbreaking that despite our abundant resources as a nation, Nigerians have been subjected to an agonising life where they die struggling for food.” I also agree with presidential aspirant Omoyele Sowore’s remark that “If anyone didn’t know how bad things are and how our people are really desperate for survival, this unprecedented but unwarranted death by hunger-suicide tells the real story.” These tragic events are indeed an “ugly testament to the alarming level of misery, poverty, hunger, starvation, and sense of hopelessness and desperation for survival currently plaguing our nation,” according to the PDP. It is heartbreaking that a government which promised Nigerians ‘renewed hope’ has plunged the nation into renewed despair. Families can no longer afford to eat three square meals a day, children are dropping out of school, and the middle class, once a buffer against extreme poverty, is steadily disappearing under the weight of harsh economic policies. Even in rural areas, where subsistence farming was once a reliable source of survival, the high cost of fertilisers and transportation has made agriculture increasingly unsustainable. Many farmers have abandoned their fields, unable to cope with rising expenses. Amidst these travails, Mr President, during his media chat on Monday night, stated that his reforms were necessary for the country’s growth. However, focusing solely on economic growth—measured by GDP and other statistical metrics—ignores the critical realities faced by the citizens. True progress is not just about rising figures but about how these figures translate into improved living standards, affordable healthcare, quality education, and access to basic necessities. When millions are battling hunger and poverty, growth figures offer little consolation. Unfortunately, President Tinubu’s economic reforms have done little to address the pressing needs of the people. What we see instead is a government out of touch with the realities of the masses. It is embarrassing that a nation as rich in resources as Nigeria cannot provide food security for its citizens so much so that citizens now flock to charity events for their daily bread. Meanwhile, Mr President, in his Christmas message, has assured that “Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and hope, with every indication pointing towards a bright future.” While the President’s words may sound reassuring, they ring hollow for the millions of Nigerians struggling with the daily reality of hunger and hardship. Promises of a ‘promising path’ and a ‘bright future’ cannot fill empty stomachs or console families grieving the loss of loved ones due to desperation-induced tragedies. Actions speak louder than words, and so far, the government’s actions—or lack thereof—have painted a bleak picture. ‘Hunger Games’ by Nasboi has become the painful anthem of Nigerian reality. The lyrics tell of the struggles of a nation where hunger and despair have become commonplace. If the current administration is serious about its promise of ‘renewed hope,’ it must address these issues head-on. Hunger dey o! And the time for rhetoric is over. Nigerians deserve more than words—they deserve action. Onwuka writes via ezinwanne.dominion@gmail.comDOJ wraps up ad tech trial: Google is “three times” a monopolist - Ars Technica
Jury are deliberating in the long-running YSL gang and racketeering trial
JIMMY Carter set a powerful model for ex-presidents despite the political crises he faced in the White House. The beloved leader's legacy extended far beyond his one term in the Oval Office with his sad passing at the age of 100 marking the death of one of America's kindest souls. James Earl Carter Jr. came from humble beginnings, born and raised on a peanut farm in Plains, Georgia, He was also the only US Naval Academy graduate to be elected to the White House before he took public office. But it was Carter's background that was part of his appeal, according to political scientist and professor at the University of Oregon, Daniel Tichenor. Tichenor exclusively told The U.S. Sun, “[Carter] was kind of relatively inexperienced, but that was also his enormous appeal because most Americans had lost trust in government and the presidency in particular and feeling that it had been corrupted." Carter ran for president in 1976, just two years after Former President Richard Nixon resigned from office following the Watergate scandal. Tichenor added that Americans also felt as if there were "a lot of deceptions surrounding the Vietnam War," which ended in 1975 after two decades of fighting. “The national spirit was low and here was somebody who was coming in with fresh ideas who wanted to make human rights and American morality front center in our foreign policy," the expert said. "And [Carter] also was promising unprecedented transparency and honesty as an elected official.” Most read in The US Sun Carter was "very popular at the outset," according to Tichenor. One of the highlights of Carter's presidency was the Camp David Accords, a pair of political agreements signed in 1978 by Egypt and Israel that aimed to bring peace to the Middle East. But, the Carter administration also took several political blows that the 39th president couldn't recover from. “He faced in his first term, a number of crises and challenges that really tested him and ultimately led to his defeat in the 1980 election," Tichenor said. This included the Iran hostage crisis, where 52 US diplomats and citizens from the national Embassy in Tehran were held hostage for 444 days, the 1979 oil crisis which was caused by a decrease in oil production during the Iranian Revolution, and the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. “All these things really shook confidence in his administration," Tichenor said. And in 1980, Carter lost the presidency to Republican nominee Ronald Reagan. POST-PRESIDENCY SERVICE While Carter might have been dealt a hard defeat, he didn't give up in his commitment to service, in fact, he stayed active in public engagements until 2021 at the age of 97. “The vast majority of former presidents usually spent their time in leisure," Tichenor said. "Instead President Carter really set a powerful model for how to really be an agenda setter and someone who is a change agent after one’s presidency.” Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, founded the Carter Center in 1982, which "seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health ," on the global stage, according to their mission statement. One of the center's health programs, which has been around since 1986, includes the eradication of Guinea worm disease. Kai Bird, Carter's biographer, wrote in The New York Times , "He once told me that he hoped to outlive the last Guinea worm. "Last year there were only 13 cases of Guinea worm disease in humans," he said. "He may have succeeded." Carter and his wife have also contributed to Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit which builds houses for people in need across the world. The former president was “somebody who was ready to roll up his sleeves and give back in a powerful way," Tichenor said. In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize , which the Chairman of the Nobel Committee believed the former president deserved as early as 1978 after the Camp David Accords. This award has only been given to three other presidents and Carter was the only one to be handed the award after his presidency. Tichenor believes Carter was given the award for “a long tenure as a states person who tried to resolve conflicts around the world and to be a constructive force to encourage lasting peace." From peanut farmer to noble prize winner, Jimmy Carter committed his life to the well-being of not only the American people, but those in need around the globe. “I have one life and one chance to make it count for something," Jimmy Carter once said. "My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.” The 39th president of the United States , died after nearly two years in hospice care. His son Chip Carter confirmed the former leader died at his Georgia home on Sunday around 3:45 pm ET. Carter peacefully passed away surrounded by his family who paid an emotional tribute to the former leader. READ MORE SUN STORIES Carter is survived by his children, Jack, James, Donnel, and Amy , as well as 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A state funeral is expected to be announced in the coming days.The San Francisco 49ers nightmare of a 2024 campaign reached a new low in Week 12 when they suffered a blowout 38-10 loss at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. The Niners were without star quarterback Brock Purdy in this game, and the day after the tough defeat, head coach Kyle Shanahan provided an update on his injury status. Purdy popped up on the injury report last week with a shoulder injury, and it ended up preventing him from suiting up for San Fran in this crucial game. Brandon Allen filled in under center for Purdy, but as you can tell by the final score, he didn't play nearly well enough for the 49ers to have a shot at beating the Packers. Being without Purdy for this clash with Green Bay was obviously tough, but there was hope that this would only be a one week absence for him. A day after the blowout defeat, Shanahan shared that Purdy had done some light throwing on Monday, and that they will see how he feels on Wednesday after he rests on Tuesday. Per Nick Wagoner of ESPN, "49ers QB Brock Purdy did some light throwing today without issue, according to Kyle Shanahan. He'll rest tomorrow and then see how it feels as the week goes on." #49ers QB Brock Purdy did some light throwing today without issue, according to Kyle Shanahan. He'll rest tomorrow and then see how it feels as the week goes on. Injuries have been the story of the 2024 campaign for the 49ers, but losing Purdy for an extended period of time could be what officially pushes them over the edge. San Fran has managed to fend off these injuries all year long to at least stay in the playoff hunt, but they are on the verge of falling out of the NFC wild card hunt. © David Gonzales-Imagn Images The 49ers aren't going to force Purdy onto the field, but given how uncompetitive they were with Allen under center, it's clear that there's going to be some motivation to get him back into the fold as soon as possible. After throwing Monday, all eyes are going to be on Purdy to see how he feels on Wednesday. San Francisco is going to need Purdy, because they have another difficult contest on their schedule in Week 13, as they will be taking on the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football. Related: Packers Player Had Blunt Reaction to 49ers' Brock Purdy 'Excuse'Is France’s Emmanuel Macron ... based? The French President made some comments that, well, let’s just say if President-elect Donald Trump said the same, the entire international media would call him a vicious white supremacist. Of course, the simple observational truth is nothing of the sort. Haiti is, in fact, a “shithole,” as Trump pointed out. And it seems Macron agrees. “It is the Haitians who killed Haiti by letting in drug trafficking,” Macron explained on a state trip in Brazil. (Watch Daily Caller documentary ‘Lawless’ here) “The Prime Minister was great. I defended him, and they fired him. It’s terrible. It’s terrible. I can’t replace him. They are completely dumb,” he continued. In his latest display of neocolonial arrogance, Macron blames Haitians for ‘killing Haiti,’ calling them ‘dumb.’ Are we ignoring centuries of French colonization and Western intervention that systematically undermined the nation’s development? pic.twitter.com/jd1OaJxUWD — RT (@RT_com) November 24, 2024 First off, the idea that Macron is broadly calling Haitian people “dumb” is as twisted as it is asinine. He’s saying that ousting the Prime Minister was a politically dumb move — obviously. And there’s no shortage of political stupidity in his own country either. Second, what he’s saying is obviously true. Leftists want to blame France for the sorry state of Haiti today. But France left Haiti to its own devices over two hundred years ago, and despite untold billions of humanitarian aid pouring in for decades, the country is little better — and probably much worse — than where it started. Over the same time period, China went from colonial hovel to the most technologically advanced dictatorship in the history of the world. Israel went from barren desert to nuclear power, and even the former slave territory of the Cayman Islands became an international banking paradise. What’s Haiti’s excuse?David Coulthard Rules Out Lewis Hamilton From the List of Current F1 Drivers Who Would Be His Wingman