Today, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and the State Security Council, which was also attended by the hakims of the velayats and the city of Ashgabat. Opening the meeting, the head of Turkmenistan gave the floor to the Chairperson of the Mejlis D. Gulmanova. First of all, the head of the national Parliament, on behalf of the deputies, warmly congratulated President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Hero Arkadag on the upcoming New Year, wished that 2025 under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan, together with generosity and abundance, would bring great successes and achievements to our prosperous country, good health and longevity to the head of state and Hero Arkadag. As noted, on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Hero Arkadag has become a good tradition in our country to name him in a modern way every year to commemorate important events related to the history of the Fatherland, its development, and achievements in international relations. Thanks to the implementation of the original traditions of peacefulness and humanism, the significance of the legal status of the permanent neutrality of the Fatherland is growing on the world stage. The foreign policy strategy implemented under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan, laid down by Hero Arkadag and based on the principles of equality, mutual understanding, good neighbourliness, and positive neutrality, finds broad support in the Community of Nations. Taking into account the proposals received from representatives of the Halk Maslahaty, public organisations, labour collectives and citizens, in accordance with the remarkable poem «Turkmenistan - Homeland of Peace and Trust», generated by the brilliant talent and wisdom of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, following the valuable recommendations of the Hero Arkadag, as well as on the occasion of the adoption of the Resolution «2025 - International Year of Peace and Trust» by the UN General Assembly on the initiative of Turkmenistan, the Mejlis prepared a Resolution on declaring the coming year the «International Year of Peace and Trust». In addition, the emblem of the coming year was presented to the head of state for consideration. Addressing the participants of the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that every year a motto is proclaimed and an emblem is approved for the coming year that corresponds to modern times. As is known, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the Resolution «2025 - International Year of Peace and Trust», the head of state continued, emphasising that, based on this, members of the country's Mejlis, together with the people, presented the motto and emblem of the coming year. Having approved this proposal, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced the motto of 2025 - «International Year of Peace and Trust». This decision was met with thunderous applause. Then, addressing the participants of the meeting, the head of Turkmenistan noted that in the «International Year of Peace and Trust» the independent Fatherland will widely celebrate the 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality. On the occasion of this significant date, a number of international events are planned in our country and the countries of the world. To hold the celebrations dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust at a high level, a State Organising Committee has been created, said President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, noting that he considers it appropriate to entrust the Halk Maslahaty with the management of the activities of this Organising Committee. At the same time, it was emphasised that every effort will be made to properly organize all planned events. The head of Turkmenistan noted with satisfaction that in the year of «Fount of Wisdom Magtymguly Fragi» historically significant changes were implemented in our country. Our people live a peaceful and happy life. The 300th anniversary of the birth of the great son of the Turkmen people Magtymguly Fragi was widely celebrated at the international level. Continuing the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov reported that he had completed work on the book «Magtymguly – dünýäniň akyldary», which highlights the literary heritage of the outstanding master of words, his enormous contribution to world culture, and the events held on the occasion of the poet's anniversary. It also reflects the high achievements and successes achieved by our country, the head of state emphasised, stating that in this regard, the book is a worthy gift for the native people. Then the floor was given to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov, who noted that the current meeting, held at the end of 2024, considered an issue of great importance. Namely, today the President of Turkmenistan declared 2025 the «International Year of Peace and Trust». In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of all participants of the meeting, expressed deep gratitude and sincere congratulations to the head of state and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty. As was emphasised, this event is a logical result of the implementation of the initiative of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, voiced at the UN and recognised by the world community. As is known, on 21st of March, 2024, the General Assembly of the United Nations, at the proposal of the head of Turkmenistan, unanimously proclaimed 2025 the «International Year of Peace and Trust». The corresponding resolution was co-authored by 86 states. This initiative is a logical continuation and implementation of the new philosophy of interstate relations put forward by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, father of the nation Hero Arkadag. Today the whole world knows and accepts this political and philosophical doctrine as «Dialogue is a guarantee of peace». In the coming year of 2025, which will be one of the most significant in the life of our state and society, conferences, forums, competitions, exhibitions, etc. will be held in Turkmenistan and abroad. In this regard, the importance of the proposal of the head of state on the advisability of holding upcoming events under the leadership of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan together with the international community was noted. The Deputy Prime Minister, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured President Serdar Berdimuhamedov that all necessary measures will be taken to organise the planned events at a high level. The Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs also emphasised that the book «Magtymguly – dünýäniň akyldary» by the President of Turkmenistan, presented at today’s historic meeting of the Government on the eve of the New Year, has become a great gift to all compatriots and the peoples of foreign countries. At the initiative of the head of state and Hero Arkadag, 2024 is held under the motto «Fount of Wisdom Magtymguly Fragi». During the current year, dedicated to the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the great classical poet and philosopher, his philosophy and poetry, embodying the interconnection of times and civilisations, personifying enduring universal humanistic values, have received wide coverage throughout the world. A vivid example of this is the International Forum held in Ashgabat in October 2024, as well as hundreds of various events held in Turkmenistan and abroad. On behalf of the participants of the Cabinet of Ministers meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister and the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cordially congratulated President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the publication of the book and wished him new creative achievements, good health, longevity and success in all noble deeds. Thanking for the kind words, the President of Turkmenistan noted that 2024 is coming to an end, a year that will forever remain in the history of an independent neutral state. In the past year, meetings of the Cabinet of Ministers, the State Security Council, and various state conferences were held, where important issues of domestic and foreign policy of our Fatherland were considered. At the same time, it was stated that programmatic activities are being carried out to develop the national economy. Among the achievements, high growth rates in all sectors, timely financing of a 10 percent increase in wages, pensions, state benefits and student scholarships, and the adoption of new laws ensuring the prosperity of Turkmenistan were named. The policy, based on the principles: «The Motherland is the Motherland only with the people!», «The state is the state only with the people!», is being successfully implemented, said President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, noting that the construction of industrial and socio-cultural facilities, large residential areas continues in all regions of the independent country. Our neutral Fatherland is consistently developing effective interaction with authoritative international and regional structures, primarily with the United Nations, said the head of Turkmenistan, emphasising that the UN General Assembly, on the initiative of the Turkmen state, adopted a number of resolutions. Moving on to the issues of preparation for the upcoming celebrations, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov focused on the need to organise duty in all structures during the New Year celebrations. Along with this, emphasis was placed on the importance of ensuring the uninterrupted operation of public utilities, energy and water supply services, hospitals, and stores. In order to create conditions for a good rest of citizens and a high-level celebration of the New Year holiday, it is necessary to maintain strict control over the observance of law and order everywhere, the head of Turkmenistan ordered. Concluding the extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and the State Security Council, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov cordially congratulated its participants on the New Year 2025, wishing them success in their work for the sake of further improving the social and living conditions of the people and the development of a sovereign state in the coming year.None
Cloud Databases Reshape the Future of Enterprise Data ManagementBy DAVID A. LIEB Artificial intelligence. Abortion. Guns. Marijuana. Minimum wages. Name a hot topic, and chances are good there’s a new law about it taking effect in 2025 in one state or another. Many of the laws launching in January are a result of legislation passed this year. Others stem from ballot measures approved by voters. Some face legal challenges. Here’s a look at some of the most notable state laws taking effect: California, home to Hollywood and some of the largest technology companies, is seeking to rein in the artificial intelligence industry and put some parameters around social media stars. New laws seek to prevent the use of digital replicas of Hollywood actors and performers without permission and allow the estates of dead performers to sue over unauthorized AI use. Parents who profit from social media posts featuring their children will be required to set aside some earnings for their young influencers. A new law also allows children to sue their parents for failing to do so. New social media restrictions in several states face court challenges. Related Articles National Politics | Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen National Politics | Exhausted by political news? TV ratings and new poll say you’re not alone National Politics | Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row National Politics | Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams National Politics | Trump’s picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but ‘team of opponents’ A Florida law bans children under 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for ages 14 and 15. But enforcement is being delayed because of a lawsuit filed by two associations for online companies, with a hearing scheduled for late February. A new Tennessee law also requires parental consent for minors to open accounts on social media. NetChoice, an industry group for online businesses, is challenging the law. Another new state law requires porn websites to verify that visitors are at least 18 years old. But the Free Speech Coalition, a trade association for the adult entertainment industry, has filed a challenge. Several new California measures aimed at combating political deepfakes are also being challenged, including one requiring large social media platforms to remove deceptive content related to elections and another allowing any individual to sue for damages over the use of AI to create fabricated images or videos in political ads . In a first nationally, California will start enforcing a law prohibiting school districts from adopting policies that require staff to notify parents if their children change their gender identification . The law was a priority for Democratic lawmakers who wanted to halt such policies passed by several districts. Many states have passed laws limiting or protecting abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a nationwide right to the procedure in 2022. One of the latest is the Democratic-led state of Delaware. A law there will require the state employee health plan and Medicaid plans for lower-income residents to cover abortions with no deductible , copayments or other cost-sharing requirements. A new Minnesota law prohibits guns with “binary triggers” that allow for more rapid fire, causing a weapon to fire one round when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released. In Delaware, a law adds colleges and universities to a list of school zones where guns are prohibited, with exceptions for those working in their official capacity such as law officers and commissioned security guards. Kentucky is becoming the latest state to let people use marijuana for medical purposes . To apply for a state medical cannabis card, people must get written certification from a medical provider of a qualifying condition, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, chronic nausea or post-traumatic stress disorder. Nearly four-fifths of U.S. states have now legalized medical marijuana. Minimum wage workers in more than 20 states are due to receive raises in January. The highest minimum wages will be in Washington, California and Connecticut, all of which will top $16 an hour after modest increases. The largest increases are scheduled in Delaware, where the minimum wage will rise by $1.75 to $15 an hour, and in Nebraska, where a ballot measure approved by voters in 2022 will add $1.50 to the current minimum of $12 an hour. Twenty other states still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. In Oregon, using drugs on public transit will be considered a misdemeanor crime of interfering with public transportation. While the measure worked its way through the legislature, multiple transportation officials said drug use on buses and trains, and at transit stops and stations, was making passengers and drivers feel less safe. In Missouri, law enforcement officers have spent the past 16 months issuing warnings to motorists that handheld cellphone use is illegal. Starting with the new year, penalties will kick in: a $150 fine for the first violation, progressing to $500 for third and subsequent offenses and up to 15 years imprisonment if a driver using a cellphone cause an injury or death. But police must notice a primary violation, such as speeding or weaving across lanes, to cite motorists for violating the cellphone law. Montana is the only state that hasn’t banned texting while driving , according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Tenants in Arizona will no longer have to pay tax on their monthly rent , thanks to the repeal of a law that had allowed cities and towns to impose such taxes. While a victory for renters, the new law is a financial loss for governments. An analysis by Arizona’s nonpartisan Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimated that $230 million would be lost in municipal tax revenue during the first full fiscal year of implementation. Meanwhile Alabama will offer tax credits to businesses that help employees with child care costs. Kansas is eliminating its 2% sales tax on groceries. It also is cutting individual income taxes by dropping the top tax rate, increasing a credit for child care expenses and exempting all Social Security income from taxes, among other things. Taxpayers are expected to save about $320 million a year going forward. An Oklahoma law expands voting privileges to people who have been convicted of felonies but had their sentences discharged or commuted, including commutations for crimes that have been reclassified from felonies to misdemeanors. Former state Sen. George Young, an Oklahoma City Democrat, carried the bill in the Senate. “I think it’s very important that people who have gone through trials and tribulations in their life, that we have a system that brings them back and allows them to participate as contributing citizens,” Young said. Associated Press writers Trân Nguyễn in Sacramento, California; Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida; Jonathan Mattise in Nashville, Tennessee; Randall Chase in Dover, Delaware; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; Bruce Schreiner in Frankfort, Kentucky; Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon; Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City, Missouri; Gabriel Sandoval in Phoenix; Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama; John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas; and Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed.
Millions of meals served at St. Vincent de Paul each year
Is Diamondback Energy (FANG) the Best Fuel Stock to Buy Now?Tafara Gapare throws down 19 points and a highlight dunk, and Maryland beats Bucknell 91-67
IF we are going to have some sort of a title race, then it is up to Arsenal to really raise their game. But without Bukayo Saka in their team, you really have to wonder whether Mikel Arteta’s mob are capable of giving Liverpool manager Arne Slot some sleepless nights. On this evidence, they may as well drive the Premier League trophy up to Merseyside now. Kai Havertz scored his 12th goal of the season against an Ipswich side who failed to land a glove on their opponents but defended stubbornly. The fact Arsenal made a meal of beating such a limited team does raise some questions over whether they can close this enormous gap at the top. The fact Liverpool are six points clear at the top of the Premier League - with a game in hand - merely underlines how much better Slot’s team have been this season. While Arsenal have to keep on plugging away, they must still hope for a major blip from the leaders and at this stage, it still seems unlikely. After squeezing past Kieran McKenna’s team, Arsenal now have away trips to Brentford and Brighton and once again, Saka’s genius on the right will be sorely missed. Maybe, this game was further evidence for Arteta to persuade his board to dip into the January transfer market. Arteta switched Gabriel Martinelli to the right with Leonardo Trossard, who delivered the assist for the first goal, starting out on the left. FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS But this was still not particularly impressive stuff from an Arsenal team who really hoped that this year, would be THEIR year. Former midfield favourite Santi Cazorla was welcomed on to the pitch before the game and the crowd sang his name at regular intervals. Although now aged 40, he is - remarkably - still playing in the second tier of Spanish football for Real Oviedo and is only over here because he is on a winter break. He picked up a couple of FA Cup winners’ medals with Arsenal and would dearly love it if his former team-mate - and close friend - Arteta was finally able to win the title. Such was the pace of the game throughout that Cazorla could easily have slotted into the home team’s midfield without any problems. This was Ipswich’s first-ever Premier League trip to the Emirates although their last win at Arsenal came way back in 1979 when Arnold Muhren and Allan Hunter were the scorers in a 2-0 victory. Those were heady days for Ipswich when seasons in European competition were standard but now all they would love is a second successive season in the Premier League. Yet the 4-0 loss at Newcastle on Saturday was their best proper hammering so despite being dominated, at least they avoided another battering. McKenna reverted to the back-three system which sprung a surprise for a 2-1 win at Spurs on November 10 but a repeat never looked likely. To illustrate Arsenal’s dominance in the first quarter of the game, they had a staggering 91 per cent of possession. Yes, 91 per cent. The problem was that they kept trying to walk the ball into the net and their only chance was a long-range shot by Jurrien Timber straight at Ipswich goalkeeper Aro Muric. Yet finally, and predictably, Arsenal found a way past all the blue shirts who were blocking the goal. Visiting defender Ben Johnson failed to cut out a decent cross from Trossard and Havertz was literally standing on the line for a simple tap-in. Yet while he did not have much of a chance for that one, keeper Muric got lucky when he was somehow beaten at his near-post by Gabriel Jesus who was then flagged offside. In the second half, Ipswich had a bit more of the ball without really hurting Arteta’s team. Arsenal somehow failed to make it 2-0 when Gabriel Magalhaes headed wide from a couple of yards out. Martin Odegaard danced his way past a few Ipswich players before seeing his shot deflected for a corner, Declan Rice’s volley was blocked by Dara O’Shea and sub Mikel Merino had a shot well saved by Muric. This was hardly a sitter for Arteta. But even so, you get the feeling that if he is to win a trophy this season it will be the Cup. Liverpool look home and dry in the Premier League.Tafara Gapare throws down 19 points and a highlight dunk, and Maryland beats Bucknell 91-67
Ski season begins at Camp Fortune
Schwab Charles Corp executive sells $188k in stock
NJIT defeats Morehead State 78-69
Peacock Pays Up: Macy's Thanksgiving Parade Costs Set To Balloon For Content-Hungry NBCQuarterbacks in spotlight when No. 6 Miami visits SyracuseUpstart Holdings CFO Sanjay Datta sells $1.3 million in stock