8k8 legit or not
Direxion Daily AAPL Bear 1X Shares (NASDAQ:AAPD) Sees Significant Drop in Short InterestWhat was supposed to be a joyous trip to a picnic turned into a tragedy when three university students were electrocuted to death in a bus in Gazipur yesterday The dead are identified as Mozammel Hossain Naeem, 24; Mostakim Rahman Mahin, 22; and Jobair Alam Shakib, 22, of Islamic University of Technology (IUT) in the district's Boardbazar area. At least 15 other students were also injured from electrocution, said police. According to law enforcers and witnesses, around 400 students of IUT left the campus in the morning and were on their way to Matir Maya Eco Resort in Gazipur's Sreepur upazila. They were traveling in six BRTC double-decker buses and three microbuses, all of which passed through a regional road in front of the Udaykhali China Project in Telihati union around 11:00am. Locals said double-deckers do not usually ply that particular road. Almost all the vehicles passed the area safely, but one of the buses came into contact with a high-voltage overhead power line. The entire body of bus was electrocuted. The three students attempted to jump off the bus but were electrocuted after they came in contact with the vehicle's body, said Shamim Ahmed, a local who witnessed the incident. The three died on the spot, while the 15 injured were rushed to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital and are in critical condition, said Joynal Abedin Mondal, officer-in-charge of Sreepur Model Police Station. Contacted, Akmal Hossain, general manager of Mymensingh Palli Bidyut Samity-2, said the cable was set up along the road and was around 15 feet off the ground. "It [the cable] has been there for around 20 years ... Double-decker buses aren't supposed to ply the road. We're investigating the incident to know how the bus came contact with the cable." Khandaker Mahmudul, deputy general manager of Mymensingh Palli Biddyut Samity, said the overhead cable generates 11,000 volts of electricity. "The bus might have come into contact with the cable when it was at the edge of the road to make way for another vehicle coming from the opposite direction," he said. Gazipur Deputy Commission Nafisa Arefin said the district administration has formed a four-member probe body, headed by its additional district magistrate, to investigate the accident.
TransAlta Renewables Inc. ( OTCMKTS:TRSWF – Get Free Report ) traded up 2.8% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $9.21 and last traded at $9.15. 28,900 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 225% from the average session volume of 8,885 shares. The stock had previously closed at $8.90. TransAlta Renewables Price Performance The company’s 50-day moving average price is $9.15 and its 200 day moving average price is $9.15. About TransAlta Renewables ( Get Free Report ) TransAlta Renewables Inc owns, develops, and operates renewable and natural gas power generation facilities and other infrastructure assets in Canada, the United States, and Australia. The company operates through Canadian Wind, Canadian Hydro, Canadian Gas, US Wind and Solar, US Gas, and Australian Gas segments. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for TransAlta Renewables Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TransAlta Renewables and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Stryker Corp. stock underperforms Wednesday when compared to competitors
ZIMBABWE'S diaspora, estimated to exceed five million people, constitutes about 30% of the country's population. This global community represents a powerful resource with the potential to transform Zimbabwe's socio-economic landscape. With their diverse skills, significant remittance contributions, and strong emotional ties to their homeland, Zimbabweans abroad can play a pivotal role in national development. However, effectively leveraging this resource requires a strategic and holistic approach. This article explores the demographic and economic impact of the diaspora, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and practical steps the government can take to maximise its potential. Size, composition of Zim's diaspora Zimbabwe's diaspora is widely dispersed, with significant populations in neighbouring South Africa (between 800 000 and one million), the United Kingdom (200 000), and countries such as Australia (65 000), Botswana (40 000), Canada (30 000), and the United States (50 000). Smaller communities also exist in New Zealand, Ireland, and various parts of Europe and the Middle East. The demographic composition of the diaspora is diverse, comprising both skilled professionals and individuals engaged in informal or semi-skilled sectors. For instance, in Australia, about 74,5% of Zimbabwean migrants hold higher non-school qualifications, compared to 55,9% of the general Australian population. In the United Kingdom and Canada, many Zimbabweans occupy prominent roles in healthcare, engineering, and education. By contrast, in South Africa and Botswana, a large portion of migrants work in informal sectors, reflecting the complexities of migration dynamics. Remittances and investments One of the most tangible contributions of the diaspora is through remittances. In 2023, Zimbabwe received an estimated US$1,47 billion in remittances, equivalent to about 8% of the gross domestic product (GDP). These funds serve as a critical lifeline for many households, supporting education, healthcare, and daily consumption. South Africa alone accounts for approximately 40% of these remittances, followed by significant contributions from the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and Canada. While remittances provide immediate relief and improve household welfare, their potential for driving long-term development remains underutilised. A substantial portion of remittances is spent on consumption rather than channelled into productive investments like small and medium enterprises, infrastructure, or innovation. Challenges of diaspora engagement Zimbabwe faces several challenges in fully harnessing the potential of its diaspora. The most prominent issues include: Brain drain: The migration of skilled professionals, particularly in healthcare, education, and technology, has created significant skills gaps. For instance, Zimbabwe has lost thousands of nurses and doctors to the United Kingdom's National Health Service, leading to staffing shortages in domestic hospitals. Limited trust and governance issues: Perceptions of mismanagement and corruption have discouraged some diaspora members from engaging in large-scale investments or philanthropic initiatives. Fragmented engagement channels: The absence of a centralised framework for engaging with the diaspora hampers coordination. Many efforts remain ad hoc, limiting their overall impact. Recognition of skills: In some host countries, Zimbabwean qualifications are not fully recognised, confining many skilled migrants to underemployment, particularly in South Africa and Botswana. Lessons from other countries Several countries have successfully mobilised their diasporas for economic and social development. Zimbabwe can draw inspiration from these examples: India: India leverages its large diaspora through initiatives like diaspora bonds (e.g., Resurgent India Bonds) and cultural programmes, such as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which strengthen ties and foster investment. Ethiopia: Ethiopia raised significant funds for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam through diaspora-targeted bonds, coupled with policy incentives like dual citizenship and tax breaks. Ireland: Ireland's diaspora engagement strategy focused on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in the technology sector, through strong cultural and business networks. Opportunities for Zimbabwe Zimbabwe's diaspora offers significant opportunities to stimulate development, provided the government implements targeted and transparent policies. Mobilising remittances Establish diaspora investment funds to channel remittances into productive sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and SMEs. Offer matching grants to encourage investments in community-driven projects like schools and clinics. Reduce transaction costs by partnering with financial service providers to create efficient remittance channels. Issuing diaspora bonds Diaspora bonds can mobilise funds for high-impact infrastructure projects. Offering competitive interest rates, coupled with guarantees of transparency and accountability, can attract investment from expatriates eager to contribute to Zimbabwe's development. Encouraging knowledge transfer Develop short-term placement programmes where diaspora professionals can return to Zimbabwe to mentor local talent or address critical skills gaps. Create virtual platforms that allow the diaspora to engage in research, education, and policymaking from abroad. Provide incentives such as tax breaks or career opportunities to encourage skilled returnees. Strengthening diaspora networks Formalising diaspora business networks can facilitate trade, FDI, and entrepreneurship. These networks can act as intermediaries to promote Zimbabwean products and investment opportunities in global markets. Promoting philanthropy Diaspora communities often maintain strong emotional ties to their homeland, making them ideal partners for social development projects. Initiatives such as hometown development funds can channel resources toward local infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Building emotional connections Regular engagement through events like diaspora summits and cultural festivals can reinforce bonds and inspire a sense of shared responsibility for Zimbabwe's future. Sustainable framework To realise these opportunities, Zimbabwe must address systemic barriers and create an enabling environment for diaspora engagement. Key actions include: Improving governance and transparency: Trust is a prerequisite for engagement. The government must ensure transparent management of funds and initiatives, with regular reporting and independent audits. Streamlining bureaucracy: Simplify processes for diaspora members to invest, do business, or contribute to national initiatives. Introducing a dedicated diaspora ministry could centralise efforts and improve coordination. Enhancing political representation: Policies such as dual citizenship and diaspora voting rights can strengthen political ties and foster greater participation. Conclusion The Zimbabwean diaspora represents an immense, largely untapped resource for national development. With strategic engagement, this global community can contribute not only financially but also through knowledge transfer, investment, and cultural diplomacy. By creating a framework that prioritises trust, inclusivity, and transparency, Zimbabwe can turn its diaspora into a powerful partner for sustainable growth and resilience. Harnessing this potential will require commitment and collaboration, but the rewards - both economic and social - are well worth the effort. ------------ Chikosi, a former director at the World Bank, now serves as an independent director on the boards of prominent local and international companies. With a wealth of experience in global development and corporate governance, he is dedicated to fostering growth, driving sustainable solutions, and offering strategic insights into Zimbabwe's economic challenges and opportunities.
Unlock the Secrets of Future Millionaire Makers in Tech
Theoretically, Congress must pass two things every year. One is the set of appropriations bills—often a single omnibus—to fund the government, and the second is the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Congress has passed this defense bill without fail for sixty-three consecutive years, making its passage a near certainty. As a result, the NDAA has become one of the most potent legislative vehicles for policy related to national security. In the last few years, this legislation has carried important authorizations and codifications for advancing regional Middle East defense integration and, through such integration, the Abraham Accords. As congressional leaders negotiate a final product between the House and Senate versions of the NDAA, which is due to be completed later this month, several vital provisions might soon be signed into law. Notably, these provisions have not been advanced by a single member or along partisan lines. The bipartisan nature of these efforts is a strong signal that Congress has remained committed to the future of the Abraham Accords despite the setbacks of October 7, 2023. Key provisions in both versions of the NDAA This year, congressional champions for the accords worked diligently to include several provisions in the House ( H.R. 8070 ) and Senate ( S. 4638 ) versions of the NDAA. These provisions will likely survive the current informal conference process and make it into the final passed NDAA. First, the Learning Integrated National Knowledge ( LINK ) for the Abraham Accords Act is included as Section 1211 of the Senate bill and Section 1216 of the House bill. This legislation is led in the Senate by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and in the House by Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and a broad bipartisan coalition of Abraham Accords champions. Unlike predecessor bills like the Deterring Enemy Forces and Enabling National Defenses ( DEFEND ) and Maritime Architecture and Response to International Terrorism in the Middle East ( MARITIME ) Acts, which primarily focused on authorizing new types of regional cooperation, the LINK the Abraham Accords Act seeks to enhance existing integration efforts by requiring the secretary of defense to design and implement a military subject-matter exchange program for US partners in the region. If passed, this provision will build on the foundation of existing authorizations to expand regional military-to-military relationships—an often overlooked, but important, asset that should strengthen the ability of US partners to respond to a security crisis. Importantly, it will also solidify the United States’ role as a host and convener of such exchanges, reducing the political costs to the United States’ Arab partners of having Israel at the table. Second, the Space Technology and Regional Security ( STARS ) Act is included as Section 1288 of the Senate and Section 1607 of the House bill. This legislation is also led by Senators Rosen and Ernst in the Senate and Representative Panetta and others in the House. The STARS Act would expand defense cooperation by requiring the secretary of defense to develop an integrated regional space and satellite strategy, including a data-sharing agreement. If operationalized, such a strategy could improve the ability of US regional partners to detect threats and develop a common operating picture, building on the integrated air- and missile-defense efforts already authorized under the DEFEND Act in 2022. This effort would improve US partners’ ability to defend their sovereign airspace from Iranian and other attacks by operating under a US umbrella. Key provisions only in the Senate NDAA Due to differences in clearance policies between the House and Senate versions of the bill, the Senate version holds more provisions that would advance the Abraham Accords. These provisions would broadly expand congressional engagement and breadth on integration and indicate a positive trend in these efforts. One provision included in the Senate version is the Artificial Intelligence Allied Cooperation for Crucial Operations, Research, and Deployment ( AI ACCORD ) Act, or Section 1615 of the Senate bill. This legislation is led by Senators Ernst and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in the Senate. While a House companion led by Representative Jim Banks (R-IN) exists, it is not presently included within the House NDAA. This legislation directs the secretary of defense to develop a strategy to enhance defense information sharing among US regional partners. To execute the strategy, the Department of Defense will need to overcome the technical challenges of securely sharing data in real time between a multitude of different systems—and will also need to build trust between the countries sharing the data. Though the challenges are significant, tools like zero-trust networks and artificial intelligence, coupled with strong leadership by incoming President Donald Trump and Congress, could pave the way for a far more robust integrated defense architecture. The AI Accord Act—like the STARS Act—could be an important step in that direction. The US-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act , or Section 1536 of the Senate bill, is another provision that enhances regional defense cooperation. This legislation is led by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rosen. While there is a House companion , it is not included in the House NDAA. This legislation would, in part, direct the secretary of defense to work with Jordan to enhance its ability to counter air and missile threats from Iran and to participate in a regional integrated air- and missile-defense architecture, supporting the implementation of the DEFEND Act and providing important hardware for the software and information advances of the STARS and AI Accord Act. This legislation could greatly enhance Jordan’s defensive capabilities, thereby strengthening the regional defense architecture. While some excellent legislative provisions currently appear only in the Senate version of the NDAA, there will still be an opportunity for leadership on the Senate Armed Services Committee to advocate for the inclusion of the AI ACCORD Act and the US-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act in the final version of the compromise text. In either case, this year’s NDAA will likely contain powerful legislative catalysts for deepening regional defense at the integration stage. Despite Iran’s increasingly belligerent role in the region and the uncertainty that Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel has placed on regional integration, Congress has remained a champion and stabilizing influence for the Abraham Accords and the vision for a peaceful future for the region. Adam Kozloski is a nonresident senior fellow in the N7 Initiative at the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Programs . In his former role as Senator Joni Ernst’s foreign policy adviser, he drafted or assisted in developing the DEFEND, MARITIME, LINK the Abraham Accords, AI ACCORD, and STARS Acts.NJ lawmaker calls for limited state of emergency to combat mysterious drones
AP News Summary at 7:00 a.m. ESTNYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 30, 2024While you’re popping champagne and toasting the new year, hundreds of recently enacted bills will go into effect. Here are a few you should know about. The minimum wage for all employers in California will increase to $16.50. We currently have the second highest unemployment rate of any state behind only Nevada. This increase will only make it worse, particularly for California’s youth and others just starting to join the workforce. Paychecks will be hit by a tax increase. The State Disability Insurance rate is increasing from 1.1 to 1.2 percent. As KCRA in Sacramento noted, “That means a couple or individual with $100,000 in taxable annual wages will have $100 more total withheld from their pay this upcoming year, or about $8 a month because of the tax increase, for example.” For property owners, several attempts to destroy your rights to protest new and higher water rates go into effect. Under Proposition 218, water agencies must send notices to customers ahead of time with information on how to protest the rate hike. If a majority protest, the rate increase can’t go into effect. But Assembly Bill 2257 creates a protest procedure separate from the notice required by Prop. 218 and appears merely to layer on added – and superfluous – requirements for the sole purpose of hindering taxpayers’ constitutional ability to approve or reject taxes. Another assault on property owner rights is Senate Bill 1072 because it could leave taxpayers without proper compensation for overcharges on their water bills by offering only future credits instead of actual refunds. There is a huge difference between a “credit” for future charges and an actual refund. If a taxpayer moves, how will he or she be compensated for the violation of constitutional rights if the agency merely applies the overcharge to reduce rates paid by others in the future? AB 1827 is another concern because it tries to add potentially unconstitutional charges to your water bill based on speculative factors like “maximum potential water use” and “peaking” factors. This is in direct contravention of Prop. 218 which provides that, “No fee or charge may be imposed for a service unless that service is actually used by, or immediately available to, the owner of the property in question. Fees or charges based on potential or future use of a service are not permitted.” Basing a charge on “maximum potential water use” clearly then is not permitted under Prop. 218. Further, in the absence of time-of-use technology, peaking factors are generally make-believe. Legal challenges to AB 1827 are a near certainty. Related Articles Opinion Columnists | Trump’s claim that we need ‘extreme vetting’ is extremely baseless Opinion Columnists | Year in review: From a republic to a ‘kakistocracy’ Opinion Columnists | Will Democrats fix their brand problem ahead of California’s gubernatorial election? Opinion Columnists | Susan Shelley: Too many so-called emergencies in the Golden State Opinion Columnists | Larry Wilson: The lost art of college students talking to each other Regarding your rights as a voter, there were attacks this year on direct democracy. Fortunately, many of those got left on the cutting room floor, but one that did pass and goes into effect this year, Senate Bill 1441, is very concerning. If a citizen-initiated recall, initiative or referendum is determined to have an insufficient number of valid signatures, the proponents have the right to review rejected signatures and the reason for the rejection. But SB 1441 sets an unreasonable 60-day time limit on the review process and adds a new requirement for proponents to pay the costs of the review, which could be hundreds of thousands of dollars. Nothing in the bill prevents a county from running out the clock by providing inadequate access. But that’s probably the intent. Was it all bad news from your California government this year? No, of course not. For everyone who has been waiting for Sacramento to finally address the pressing concerns of state residents, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation giving the state three new official state symbols: the banana slug (state slug), Dungeness crab (state crustacean), and black abalone (state seashell). Don’t say they never did anything for you. Happy New Year! Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Robert McCray scored 22 points as Jacksonville beat East Tennessee State 60-52 on Saturday. McCray added five rebounds, five steals, and four blocks for the Dolphins (6-5). Zimi Nwokeji scored 15 points while going 5 of 6 (4 for 5 from 3-point range) and added five rebounds. Kendall Munson shot 3 of 4 from the field and 2 for 3 from the line to finish with eight points. The Buccaneers (6-5) were led by John Buggs III, who recorded 15 points. East Tennessee State also got 13 points and five assists from Quimari Peterson. Jaden Seymour also put up nine points and two blocks. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Cineworld to close first site TOMORROW ahead of six closing for good
LAS VEGAS — There are three races remaining in the Formula 1 season and Max Verstappen of Red Bull is close to a fourth consecutive world championship, which can wrap up Saturday night at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. All is not smooth sailing headed into this final month of racing: "It was a bit of a surprise, I think, for everybody," said Mercedes driver George Russell, a GPDA director. "It's a hell of a lot of pressure now onto the new race director (with) just three races left. Often, as drivers, we probably feel like we're the last to find out this sort of information." The Andretti team is expected to receive F1 approval to join the grid, albeit without Michael Andretti, who has scaled back his role dramatically since the IndyCar season ended in September. Many drivers, particularly seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, have been at odds with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem since his election following the 2021 season finale. In the GDPA statement, they reminded the sanctioning body "our members are adults" who don't need lectures and fines on foul language or jewelry bans, and simply want fair and consistent race control. There's been no response from Ben Sulayem, and won't be this weekend since he does not attend the LVGP. He will be at Qatar and the finale in Abu Dhabi next month. Hamilton doesn't think all the behind-the-scenes changes will be a fan topic as the season comes to a close. But he noted that consistency from race control is all the drivers have asked for, while throwing his support behind Domenicali and the job Maffei has done in growing F1 since Liberty took over. "I really hope Stefano is not leaving because he's been so instrumental in changes and progress to this whole thing," Hamilton said. "And he knows the sport as well as anyone. But all good things do come to an end, and whoever they put into place, I just hope they are like-minded. But sometimes you have to shake the trees." That's just what happened with the surprise departure of race director Wittich. Although drivers have been unhappy with race officiating this season and held a private GPDA meeting in Mexico City, Russell said they had no prior warning Wittich was out. The race director is the referee each weekend and Wittich has been in charge since 2022, when Michael Masi was fired following the controversial 2021 season-ending, championship-altering finale at Abu Dhabi. Now the man in charge for the final three races is Rui Marques, the Formula 2 and Formula 3 race director. Las Vegas, which overcame multiple stumbling blocks in last year's debut before putting on one of the best races of the season, is a difficult place to start. Verstappen can win his fourth title by simply scoring three points more than Lando Norris of McLaren. "It's a bit weird with three races to go to do that," Verstappen said. "It doesn't matter if you're positive or negative about certain things. I thought in Brazil there was definitely room for improvement, for example. It's still a bit weird having to now then deal with a different race director." Charles Leclerc of Ferrari wondered why the move was made with only three races to go. "To do it so late in the season, at such a crucial moment of the season, it could have probably been managed in a better way," he said. The drivers have consistently asked for clearer guidelines in the officiating of races, specifically regarding track limits and racing rules. The drivers have no idea how Marques will officiate, highlighting a disconnect between the competitors and Ben Sulaymen's FIA. "We just want to be transparent with the FIA and have this dialogue that is happening," Russell said. "And I think the departure of Niels is also a prime example of not being a part of these conversations." The GDPA statement made clear the drivers do not think their voice is being heard. "If we feel we're being listened to, and some of the changes that we are requesting are implemented, because ultimately we're only doing it for the benefit of the sport, then maybe our confidence will increase," Russell said. "But I think there's a number of drivers who feel a bit fed up with the whole situation. It only seems to be going in the wrong direction." He also said the relationship between the drivers and the FIA seems fractured. "Sometimes just hiring and firing is not the solution," he said. "You need to work together to improve the problem." Norris, who has battled Verstappen this year with mixed officiating rulings, said "obviously things are not running as smoothly as what we would want." Marques has his first driver meeting ahead of Thursday night's two practice sessions and then three weeks to prove to the competitors he is up for the job. Carlos Sainz Jr., who will leave Ferrari for Williams at the end of the season, hopes the drama doesn't distract from the momentum F1 has built over the last five years. "I think Formula 1 is in a great moment right now and all these rumors, I think in every team, every job, there's job changes," he said. "It's not big drama. I'm a big fan of the people you mentioned, they've done an incredible job in Formula 1 and Formula 1 is what it is thanks to these people. But it's just so emotional, especially the Stefano one. The only one that has a real effect is the race director. But I think if he does a good job, it should be transparent and nothing big." Get local news delivered to your inbox!Miss America Madison Marsh’s journey from pageant to pilot
The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — Andrew Holifield scored 17 points as Lamar beat Louisiana 74-45 on Saturday. Holifield also contributed 11 rebounds for the Cardinals (5-5). Janko Buljic scored 12 points, shooting 6 of 9 from the field. Alexis Marmolejos had 11 points and shot 4 for 5, including 3 for 3 from beyond the arc. Kyndall Davis finished with 11 points for the Ragin’ Cajuns (2-9). Brandon Hardy added 10 points for Louisiana. Kentrell Garnett also recorded nine points. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Matt Gaetz says he won't return to Congress next year after withdrawing name for attorney general WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Gaetz is not coming back to Congress. The Florida Republican said Friday he has no intention of serving another term in the House now that he is no longer President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general. Gaetz withdrew as the nominee this week amid growing fallout from the allegations of sexual conduct against him. Gaetz denies the allegations. Gaetz didn't lay out his plans now that he's out of office, saying only, “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch." After Gaetz's withdrawal on Thursday, Trump named former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi to lead the Justice Department. Vance takes on a more visible transition role, working to boost Trump's most contentious picks WASHINGTON (AP) — After several weeks working behind closed doors, Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to Capitol Hill this week in a new, more visible role. He's been helping Donald Trump’s most contentious Cabinet picks try to win confirmation in the Senate, where he has served for the last two years. Vance spent part of Wednesday at the Capitol with Rep. Matt Gaetz sitting in on meetings with Trump’s controversial choice for attorney general. On Thursday, Vance was back, this time accompanying Pete Hegseth. Vance is expected to accompany other nominees for meetings over the coming weeks as he tries to leverage the two years he has spent in the Senate to help push through Trump’s picks. Beyond evangelicals, Trump and his allies courted smaller faith groups, from the Amish to Chabad Donald Trump’s lock on the white evangelical vote is legendary, but he didn't focus exclusively on large religious voter blocs. He and his allies also wooed smaller religious groups, away from the mainstream. He posted a tribute to Coptic church members on social media and met with members of Assyrians for Trump — two smaller Christian communities with Middle Eastern roots. He visited the grave of the revered late leader of an Orthodox Jewish movement. His allies sought votes from the separatist Amish community. While Trump won decisively, the outreaches reflected aggressive campaigning in what was expected to be a tight race. NATO and Ukraine to hold emergency talks after Russia's attack with new hypersonic missile KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with a hypersonic ballistic missile that escalated the nearly 33-month-old war. Ukraine's parliament canceled a session Friday over the security threat. In a stark warning to the West, President Vladimir Putin said in a nationally televised speech Thursday that the attack with the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile was retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Putin said Russia is launching production of the Oreshnik, saying it's so powerful that several of them fitted with conventional warheads could be as devastating as a strike with strategic — or nuclear — weapons. Texas education board approves optional Bible-infused curriculum for elementary schools AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas’ education board has voted to allow Bible-infused teachings in elementary schools. The approval Friday follows other Republican-led states that have pushed this year to give religion a larger presence in public classrooms. The curriculum adopted by the Texas State Board of Education is optional for schools to adopt, but they’ll receive additional funding if they do so. Parents and teachers who opposed the curriculum say the lessons will alienate students of other faith backgrounds. Supporters argue the Bible is a core feature of American history and that teaching it will enrich learning. 2 convicted in human smuggling case after Indian family froze to death on US-Canada border FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (AP) — A jury has convicted two men of charges related to human smuggling for their roles in an international operation that led to the deaths of a family of Indian migrants who froze while trying to cross the Canada-U.S. border during a 2022 blizzard. Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel and Steve Shand each faced four charges related to human smuggling before being convicted on Friday. Patel is an Indian national. Shand is an American from Florida. They were arrested after the family froze while trying to cross the desolate border during a 2022 blizzard. Storm inundates Northern California with rain, heavy snow. Thousands remain in the dark in Seattle HEALDSBURG, Calif. (AP) — Heavy rain from a major storm prompted evacuation warnings for communities near a Northern California river that forecasters say could break its banks Friday, as the system continued to dump heavy snow in mountainous areas where some ski resorts opened for the season. The storm reached the Pacific Northwest earlier this week, killing two people and knocking out power to hundreds of thousands before moving through Northern California, where several roads were closed due to flooding and strong winds toppled some trees. Forecasters are warning about the risk of flash flooding and rockslides in areas north of San Francisco as the region was inundated by this season’s strongest atmospheric river. Archaeologists discover 4,000-year-old canals used to fish by predecessors of ancient Maya WASHINGTON (AP) — Using drones and Google Earth imagery, archaeologists have discovered a 4,000-year-old network of earthen canals in what’s now Belize. The research published Friday in Science Advances shows that long before the ancient Maya built temples, their predecessors were already altering the landscape of Central America’s Yucatan peninsula. The ancient fish canals were used to channel and catch freshwater species such as catfish. These structures were used for around 1,000 years — including during the “formative” period when the Maya began to settle in permanent farming villages and a distinctive culture started to emerge. California case is the first confirmed bird flu infection in a US child Health officials are confirming bird flu in a California child — the first reported case in a U.S. minor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced confirmatory test results on Friday. Officials say the child had mild symptoms, was treated with antiviral medication and is recovering. The child’s infection brings the reported number of U.S. bird flu cases this year to 55, including 29 in California. State officials have said the child lives in Alameda County, which includes Oakland, and attends day care, but released no other details. Brazilian police formally accuse former President Bolsonaro and aides of alleged 2022 coup attempt SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s Federal Police have formally accused former President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 other people of attempting a coup to keep him in office after his electoral defeat in the 2022 elections. The findings are to be delivered Thursday to Brazil’s Supreme Court, which will refer them to Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet, who will either formally charge Bolsonaro and put the former president on trial or toss the investigation. The former right-wing president has denied all claims he tried to stay in office after his narrow electoral defeat in 2022 to his rival, leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro has faced a series of legal threats since then.
The only time Richard Cody Graham has been able to stay out of trouble from the law in the past 20-plus years was when he became a father. Crown attorney Kurt Froehlich told a Penticton court last week Graham has an “unbroken pattern of criminal conduct stretching back to the early 2000s” and now has more than 60 criminal convictions after he pleaded guilty to numerous offences over several months. Graham, 41, dressed in jail-issued red overalls and speaking via videoconference from a holding cell, pleaded guilty to two counts of flight from police, failing to stop for police, dangerous operation of a vehicle, assaulting police, illegally removing a court-ordered monitoring device, among other charges. In late May of 2017, Graham was arrested in Penticton on warrants in the Lower Mainland for bank robbery and use of an imitation handgun in the commission of a criminal offence. After spending the past seven months in jail following an extended crime spree over several months dating back two years and getting clean and sober for the first time in a long time, Graham promised to stay clean, resume his relationship with his daughter and become a role model for her. “When my daughter was born, that was the biggest thing in my life,” Graham told Justice Greg Koturbash during a sentencing hearing. “I changed my life and I tried to get myself together. “This is the biggest regret of my life. I’ve done all kinds of crime (but) losing my daughter has really kind of opened my eyes to not continue this lifestyle.” Court heard Graham now has more than 60 criminal convictions dating back over 20 years. He was given a 19-month jail sentence by Koturbash on Nov. 20. Because he’s served more than seven months in custody — he was given 1.5 days credit for every day spent in pre-trial detention — Graham will have to spend another 171 days behind bars before he’s released. Froehlich told the court Graham was found by RCMP officers in Kelowna in his sports car the afternoon of Nov. 21, 2023. When officers tried to arrest him, Graham started up the vehicle and drove it towards a police cruiser. He drove the vehicle through a ditch and also avoided a spike belt laid by police and took off at a high rate of speed and there was a short pursuit before officers decided to call off the chase due to public safety concerns, said Froehlich. Graham was eventually arrested in January of this year and spent a few weeks in jail before being released on strict conditions, including having to wear an electronic monitoring device, said Froehlich. He was living at a group home in Surrey, when it was reported “he had cut off an ankle bracelet” monitoring device and left the group home on March 18, he said. While police attempted to track him, he wasn’t found until April 8 when RCMP officers in Oliver noticed a vehicle they believed belonged to Graham outside a grocery store in Oliver, said Froehlich. Officers again tried to arrest Graham, who was in the vehicle with a woman, he said. An RCMP officer attempted to open the door to the vehicle and place Graham under arrest, but Graham closed the door, forced the woman outside the vehicle and jumped into the driver’s seat, he said. He put the car into drive and clipped the police cruiser, before taking off at a high rate of speed. Five days later, police were given notice that Graham might be staying at a hotel in West Kelowna the evening of April 13. When an officer approached the hotel room, he was told Graham had just left and was on foot. The officer saw him running, pursued him and eventually caught up to him and placed him under arrest. Before tackling Graham with other officers, Graham “launched himself” into one officer, forcing him to the ground. Police discovered Graham was in possession of a large quantity of controlled drugs and drug paraphenalia, said Froehlich. Graham has remained in custody ever since. Graham has an unenviable criminal record that now has more than 60 convictions, as well as a long record of Motor Vehicle Act convictions as well, including two previous convictions for dangerous driving and fleeing police, he said. Defence counsel Matthew James said his client grew up in a very dysfunctional family and turned to drugs and alcohol at an early age and this has played a significant role in his criminal lifestyle. Graham is an Indigenous man and his grandmother was a victim of the residential school system, he said. His biological father abused him, his siblings and mother and he also suffered other abuse at the hands of trusted family members, he said. He eventually went to live with his grandmother with his brother, but she overdosed when he was only 11 years of age and he had to witness that horrific incident, he said. The only time his client hasn’t been in trouble with the law in the last 20 years was for an extended period of time from 2017, when his daughter was born, and until 2022, he said. Not only did he establish a good relationship with his daughter, he was working full-time in Kelowna and doing well, he said. However, he relapsed last year when the mother of his daughter cheated on him “and he spiraled out of control,” he said. After being incarcerated for more than seven months, Graham is again clean and sober and has a new perspective on life, he said. “Where he’s at now is where he wants to be,” he said. “Graham is before the court with, as I noted, substantial childhood trauma. And what’s important is to note that that is connected to the residential school systems and the intergenerational effects of it on his family, where that trauma stimulated his substance use, and through that, also his criminality.” His goal is to get out of jail, get a job and resume his relationship with his daughter, he said. “He wants to be a positive influence in his daughter’s life,” he said. “He’s shown in the past he can cease his criminal activity.” Koturbash said he would agree to the 19-month collective sentence, which will see Graham spend just under six more months behind bars. The two incidents of avoiding police by driving away at very high speeds could have resulted in tragedy, said Koturbash. “I take a very, dim view of people that flee from the police, especially in vehicles, because so many dangerous and unfortunate consequences can happen when situations like that arise,” said Koturbash. “The sentences that are imposed have to be high enough to discourage you from ever considering doing that, or people from ever considering doing that going forward in the future.” Besides the jail sentence, Graham was prohibited from driving anywhere in Canada for three years following his release. He’s also prohibited from owning or possessing any firearms or prohibited weapons for the rest of his life. After the sentencing hearing, Graham thanked Koturbash and returned to his cell."I thought I was never going to get it back" | Young fan gets to keep game ball after it was taken by securityNew York Jets running back Breece Hall sat out practice Wednesday with an injured knee and it's uncertain if he'll play Sunday against Seattle. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said Hall hurt the knee in the on Nov. 17, but was able to finish the game. Hall experienced some soreness, so the team is being cautious with its leading rusher. “We’re going to protect him from himself a little bit today, but we’ll see how the week goes along,” Ulbrich said. “Still hopeful that he’s going to play for us, but we’ll see.” Hall has 632 yards rushing and four touchdowns, along with 46 catches for 401 yards and two scores for the Jets, who were holding their first full practice since returning from their bye-week break. Rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis would likely fill in if Hall can't play. Left tackle Tyron Smith remains sidelined with a neck injury and Ulbrich acknowledged Smith could be a candidate for the injured reserve list. Smith, in his first season with New York after 13 in Dallas, missed the game against the Colts after leaving the Jets' loss in Arizona with the neck injury. Rookie Olu Fashanu would be in line to start again in Smith's place. “Just not enough improvement at this point,” Ulbrich said of Smith. “It’s really become apparent that we might have to do what’s best for Tyron in that way. But (we're) still collecting information.” Ulbrich said Smith, whose injury hasn't been specified, has been splitting his time between being at the facility and having exams elsewhere. “He's getting stuff done,” Ulbrich said. “He's got the best doctors on Earth working with him.” The Jets could get linebacker in his neck that sidelined him the past four games. Mosley, who was injured during pregame warmups on Oct. 27, fully practiced Wednesday. “He's going to give it a run,” Ulbrich said before practice. “We're going to see what it looks like. ... And then tomorrow will be the big test. You know, get pads on him, get him to contact and see how he responds with that. If things go well, which I’m hopeful they will, he’ll go. If not, he won’t.” Wide receiver Malachi Corley didn't practice because of an illness and cornerback Quan'tez Stiggers was out for personal reasons. Offensive lineman Xavier Newman was limited after having his practice window opened. Newman has been on injured reserve since hurting his neck at Pittsburgh last month and being taken to the hospital. ___ AP NFL: Dennis Waszak Jr., The Associated Press
No. 7 Tennessee outscored UT Martin by 28 points in the second half in routing the visiting Skyhawks 78-35 on Friday afternoon in Knoxville. Chaz Lanier scored a game-high 18 points for the Volunteers (7-0), who expanded on a 35-20 halftime lead with a 43-15 second half. Felix Okpara had 10 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks, helping Tennessee command the paint along with Igor Milicic, who added nine points and 13 rebounds. Zakai Zeigler nearly had a double-double with 11 points and nine assists. The Volunteers used their size to their advantage, outscoring UT Martin 36-10 in the paint and out rebounding the Skyhawks 49-24. That included 20 offensive rebounds for Tennessee, which led to 19 second-chance points. UT Martin (2-5) was cold coming out of the locker room after halftime, missing its first eight shots. Conversely, the Vols started the second half with a nine-point run to extend their lead to 24 points. The Vols never let the Skyhawks score consecutive baskets in the first half, holding UT Martin to 25 percent shooting (4 of 16) from beyond the arc and allowing a total of only three points from the starting five. For the game, guard Josue Grullon led UT Martin with 15 points. The leading scorer in the Ohio Valley Conference entering Friday at 18.2 points per game, Grullon has not started any game for head coach Jeremy Shulman. Most of the Skyhawks' points -- 28 of 35 -- came from their reserves. The starting five combined to score seven points -- six points from Matija Zuzic and a free throw for Lamine Niag. The starters went a combined 2 of 18 from the floor, while UT Martin as a team shot 22.6 percent (12 of 53) from the field. The Skyhawks made 5 of 7 free-throw attempts and made 18 turnovers. The Volunteers, who got 23 points off the bench, were 8-for-10 and had 11 turnovers. Tennessee improved to 6-0 all-time against UT Martin since 1993. --Field Level MediaShelia Poole | (TNS) The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ATLANTA — Holidays are a time for families and friends to gather, but for older people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, it can cause so much stress and confusion that they could be in danger of what experts calls wandering. Related Articles Health | Millions will see rise in health insurance premiums if federal subsidies expire Health | Most US teens are abstaining from drinking, smoking and marijuana, survey says Health | Walking in a rhythmic wonderland with holiday songs that could help save lives Health | Grasping for hope: The heartbreaking journey through Alzheimer’s drug trials Health | States go after ‘claim sharks’ that charge vets for help with disability claims “I would say around the holiday time is the biggest challenge for people with dementia,” said Kim Franklin, senior manager of programs and services at the Georgia chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “Schedules are changing, people are traveling, families are coming together and friends are coming over. There’s a lot of chaos going on and that can cause a person to wander. They want to get away. It’s hard for them to process what’s happening.” The Alzheimer’s Association reports 72% of dementia patients who wander are found alive by the next day. Alerting 911 as soon as the person goes missing is critical. The odds of survival decrease as more time passes. Angel Alonso, president of Georgia Emergency Search and Recovery based in Gwinnett County, said the vast majority — between 60% and 70% — of the 30 to 40 calls the nonprofit received last year involved people with the disease. The GESAR is a volunteer-driven organization that works with law enforcement to find people who have gone missing, including children, people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and people lost during major disasters. “We get so many Alzheimer’s calls,” said Vice President John Clark, who is also volunteer instructor with the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. For caregivers and loved ones, a relative who goes missing is devastating. Two of Clark’s grandparents had dementia, so he gravitated to search and rescue to help other families and caregivers keep their loved ones safe. He’s consulted with police departments across metro Atlanta on the best ways to find people with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can cause people to lose their ability to recognize people and places that are familiar. According to the Alzheimer’s Association there are often warning signs that a person might wander. Six in 10 people with dementia will wander during the course of the disease. That includes people returning from a regular walk or drive later than usual. Or they may talk about fulfilling former obligations, such as going to work or talk about going home even when they’re at home. Sometimes they become restless and pace or make repetitive movements. Clark recounted one call for help when a family reported a missing relative, but they insisted she couldn’t have gone far because of a bad knee that limited her to walking no further than the mailbox. Searchers found the missing woman 7 miles from home. Even those who have never shown an interest in wandering might start without warning. Dan Goerke is fortunate. His late wife, Diane, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2012, once went missing from the car of a caregiver. The caregiver had stopped for an errand. Diane had waited alone in cars as people ran errands before. But this time, when the caregiver returned, Diane was gone but her seat belt was still fastened. “It was like she disappeared into thin air,” said Goerke, who said he doesn’t blame the caregiver. Fortunately, she was found uninjured and nearby a short time later that same day. Goerke said it’s hard for caregivers to always be on guard for wandering. “We have so many things to juggle that’s not necessarily at the top of our minds. We have to manage medications, take them to doctor’s appointments, cook meals and taking care of things day to day,” he said. Clark said when searching for someone with dementia, one of the keys is to know what the person was like before their diagnosis. Often their long-term memories are still strong. They once found a woman who walked out of her home and went to where she used to shop and to her old job, although it had closed. Recently, GESAR unveiled a new tool to search for missing people: Maverick. An 8-month-old chocolate Labrador retriever, Maverick is in training to be part of the GESAR search and research team that will track missing people, including wandering dementia patients in metro Atlanta. In cases involving children and people with dementia, a dog’s personality can also be an asset. Labs like Maverick are friendly and affectionate, not imposing or threatening like some other breeds — and less likely to scare the person who is lost. Canines can be used in searches in both rural and urban areas. “He’s an asset,” said Maverick’s handler, Carmen Alonso. “His nose can pick up odors and track where a person has been that we might not think to go that direction.” At the Cobb County Police Department, Public Information Officer Sgt. Eric Smith said if dogs are needed to search for a wanderer they call the sheriff’s department, which has bloodhounds. “They’re not apprehension dogs so there’s little or no likelihood of a bite,” he said. Technology can also help, Smith said. Searchers can use drones and families can install technology on a person’s car to help locate it or use other kinds of trackable devices including on their phone. “We get so many Alzheimer’s calls,” said Clark, who is also a volunteer instructor with the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Most cases they’ve worked on have had favorable results, according to the Georgia Emergency Search and Recovery organization. No two searches are the same, said Sgt. Jeremy Blake of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. “When responding to calls for a missing person, the response is different than that of a fleeing suspect,” he wrote in an email. “The K-9s that are used to track missing persons are not trained in the apprehension of suspects. ... Often times, if the K-9 cannot locate the missing person, they can provide officers with a more accurate direction of travel than they may previously had.” Nearly 7 million U.S. residents age 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s according to the most recent Facts & Figures report . Of those, more than 188,000 Georgians ages 65 and older also have been diagnosed with the disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter. There is a better chance of being found in urban environments because of a higher probability of a “good Samaritan” stepping in. Wanderers may give no forewarning. Often those with memory issues wander away during activities they’ve done safely in the past, such as shopping or sitting on a front porch. Some people who still drive can become disoriented and drive for miles away from home. According to the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, on average, half the calls for missing persons involve the elderly or someone with disabilities. Call 911 as soon as possible. Have a photograph available for first responders and an article of clothing to provide a scent for search dogs. Sharing what the missing person liked to do in prior years can be a key: Did they have a job they went to every day? Did they like to fish or go to a certain spot? Searchers will need to know the last time the person was seen to help determine how far a person might have wandered. (Source: Alzheimer’s Association and Cobb County Police Department.) ©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
– German Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck recently visited Kenya to discuss energy collaboration and attempt to dissuade the East African nation from proceeding with plans to construct a nuclear power plant with Russian involvement. Kenya, a leader in renewable energy, generates approximately 90% of its electricity from sustainable sources such as geothermal, hydro, and wind. However, despite this achievement, significant gaps remain. The Olkaria geothermal power plant, one of the nation’s largest renewable energy facilities, provides only a fraction of the electricity needed, leaving nearly 25% of Kenya’s population without access to power. Faced with this pressing energy deficit, Kenya’s government has outlined plans to build a nuclear power plant, citing the need for a reliable and large-scale energy solution to meet growing demand. The proposed project would involve Russian assistance, a decision that has raised eyebrows internationally. During his visit, Habeck lauded Kenya’s renewable energy progress, calling it “a model for the world,” but expressed deep concerns over the nuclear project. “We need that kind of commitment to renewables too,” he remarked, underscoring Germany’s own transition away from nuclear energy in favour of green alternatives. Habeck attempted to persuade Kenyan officials to reconsider their nuclear ambitions, arguing that partnerships with Russia in such a strategic sector could have long-term implications for Kenya’s sovereignty and energy policy. “Nuclear energy is neither democratic nor sustainable,” Habeck reportedly told Kenyan officials, urging them to explore renewable alternatives and technological collaboration with Germany and other Western nations instead. Kenyan officials, however, appear resolute in their plans. They argue that while renewable energy is critical, it alone cannot meet the country’s growing energy needs, particularly as urbanisation and industrialisation accelerate. Energy Minister Davis Chirchir defended the nuclear proposal, stating, “Renewables have brought us far, but they cannot address our base-load power needs. We require a stable and consistent source of energy to support our economic development, and nuclear offers that solution.” Kenya has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation, Rosatom, which has offered to provide technology, expertise, and funding for the project. Habeck’s efforts to dissuade Kenya from partnering with Russia highlight broader geopolitical tensions. Western nations, particularly Germany, have distanced themselves from nuclear energy in favour of renewables. The involvement of Russia in Kenya’s energy sector also raises concerns amid strained global relations following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions. Energy experts warn that the project could deepen Kenya’s dependence on foreign powers while exposing the country to risks associated with nuclear energy, including high costs, waste management challenges, and potential safety issues. Despite Habeck’s unsuccessful bid to alter Kenya’s course, the visit signals Germany’s interest in strengthening ties with African nations in the energy sector. Habeck proposed increased investment in Kenya’s renewable energy infrastructure, including expanding geothermal and wind capacity, as an alternative to nuclear power. While no agreements were reached during the trip, Habeck vowed to continue advocating for sustainable and democratic energy solutions. Kenya, meanwhile, remains steadfast in its pursuit of nuclear energy as a means of ensuring energy security and supporting its economic ambitions. As the debate continues, Kenya’s decision could have lasting implications for its energy landscape and international relations.Looking Into Cigna's Recent Short Interest
None