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Updated: Sheriff: Horse appears to be victim of deliberate drowning in Powell County
Social media allowed Sina Aghamofid to take control of his life. Growing up with ADHD, the 23-year-old says social media enabled him to connect with other young people with the same condition and to learn coping strategies. “It has been quite helpful to see others go through a similar journey and also to understand the tips and solutions they use that work for them,” Sina said. The law student regularly watches videos on TikTok and Instagram, made by creators who talk candidly about their experience with ADHD. “Some of them have worked for me, some of them haven’t but it has given me access to so many peers and to access their insights,” he said. Sina is an advocate for ReachOut, a youth mental health organisation which provides self-help and peer-based support for people aged 14 to 25. The Sydney resident recently travelled to Parliament House in Canberra to meet with politicians and voice his concern about the Albanese Government’s proposed social media ban for those aged 13 to 16. He sees banning access to social media platforms as a “Band-Aid solution”. “All these harms that we are trying to address with this legislation exist all over the internet, it is not really solely on social media,” he said. Sina wants the Federal Government to instead force tech companies to make online environments safer, and to provide better digital literacy to young people and their parents. ReachOut Director of Service Jackie Hallan is also concerned the proposed ban will restrict young people from accessing mental health support, describing social media as a “front door” for accessing professional services. “ReachOut has done research and found that 73 per cent of young people access mental health supports through social media and so we are really concerned if this ban comes into effect that young people under 16 will have that source cut off to them,” Hallan said. Mental health organisations including ReachOut, RockIt, Beyond Blue, Headspace, Orygen and Prevention United are all signatories to joint statement opposing the proposed age-based ban. Many of the organisations have worked with major social media platforms to educate them about youth mental health. Hallan believes better evidence-based solutions are needed. “Mandating safety by design, limiting sticky features like the infinite scroll that keeps people trapped and doom-scrolling and creating more transparency of the algorithms that drive the content engines on these platforms,” she said. Youth anti-bullying organisation Project RockIt Executive Director and Co-Founder Rosie Thomas OAM believes this is a “knee-jerk”, fear-driven policy. “We are calling on the government to consult with young people, with the youth mental health sector to make sure when we shape this beast, so it can be as fit for purpose and inclusive as possible,” she said. Professor Jo Robinson AM, Head of Suicide Research at Orygen, believes more long-term, causal evidence is needed. “A lot of the evidence we hear spoken about recently and a lot of the kind of conversations that have informed this new legislation has really been correlational evidence – so it has really identified that there has been an increase in youth mental health problems and an increase in social media use and put two and two together,” Robinson said. Robinson said the legislation poses “a real risk of unintended harmful consequences”. “A lot of the young people that we speak to aren’t necessarily in safe home environments so they don’t have the support from their parents and those young people are going to be left behind with this kind of regulation,” Robinson said. “Taking away access to that support through social media is going to leave a big gap for young people and we really need the government to be filling that with other forms of supports that are going to be available.” Some platforms, such as YouTube and WhatsApp, would be exempt from the ban. Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, X and TikTok would not. The platforms could be fined up to $50 million if they breach the legislation. Speaking about the bill in parliament, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said: “While users can still be exposed to harmful content by other users, they do not face the same algorithmic curation of content and psychological manipulation to encourage near endless engagement.” The government has not indicated how a user’s age would be verified by the platforms. The laws would not take effect for at least 12 months, but the government hopes they will pass Parliament by the end of the week. If this story has raised any issues for you, you can contact: Lifeline on 13 11 14Access Holdings PLC has announced that its main subsidiary, Access Bank Plc, has successfully completed the acquisition of Standard Chartered Bank Angola S.A. and Standard Chartered Bank (Sierra Leone) Limited. This update was published on the NGX disclosure page and signed by the company secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, on November 27, 2024. The announcement follows an earlier statement from July 14, 2023, in which Access Holdings Plc disclosed that Access Bank Plc had reached an agreement to acquire several of Standard Chartered’s sub-Saharan African subsidiaries. Related Stories Access Bank debunks allegation of missing N500 million customer’s funds Access Holdings Plc acquires majority stake in Mauritius’ fourth-largest bank, Afrasia A year after announcing its plans, Access Holdings Plc has confirmed the completion of this significant acquisition, stating: “Access Holdings Plc is pleased to announce that its flagship subsidiary, Access Bank Plc, has completed the acquisition of Standard Chartered Bank Angola S.A. and Standard Chartered Bank (Sierra Leone) Limited.” In addition, the company announced that it is working to finalize the acquisition of Standard Chartered Bank’s subsidiaries in Cameroon and The Gambia, as well as its Consumer, Private, and Business Banking operations in Tanzania. On July 14, 2023, Access Holdings Plc and Standard Chartered Bank announced an agreement for Access Bank Plc, to acquire Standard Chartered’s sub-Saharan African subsidiaries. This acquisition deal included Access Bank purchasing Standard Chartered’s stakes in subsidiaries based in Angola, Cameroon, Gambia, and Sierra Leone. Additionally, Access Bank agreed to acquire Standard Chartered’s Consumer, Private, and Business Banking operations in Tanzania. The agreement came on the heels of Access Bank’s earlier acquisition of a 51% majority equity stake in Finibanco Angola, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its presence in Africa. In 2024, Access Holdings pursued its growth strategy with several notable acquisitions. These include an 80% stake in Uganda’s Finance Trust Bank, the full acquisition of National Bank of Kenya, and the purchase of African Banking Corporation of Tanzania, now operating as Access Bank Tanzania. Beyond banking, the company has expanded its portfolio by merging with ARM Pensions Managers to form Access ARM Pensions, now one of Nigeria’s larger pension administrators. The latest announcement on November 27, 2024, adds to Access Holdings’ expanding acquisition portfolio, further extending its presence in the financial services sector. Commenting on the acquisitions announced on November 27, 2024, Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc and CEO of the Banking Group, expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of two major deals in Angola and Sierra Leone. “We are pleased to have successfully concluded two important acquisitions in Angola and Sierra Leone,” Ogbonna said. “ These transactions create synergies that enhance the quality of our earnings from both countries by significantly increasing our market share in corporate and SME banking.” He added, “These combinations mark another pivotal step in realizing our broader vision of becoming the world’s most respected African bank.” Access Holdings is Nigeria’s largest financial services company by total assets, supported by its focus on growth through mergers and acquisitions. The company’s stock, currently trading at N23, has shown consistent growth in 2024, building momentum since the third quarter.
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‘Knee-jerk’ policy: Experts warn against Labor’s under-16 social media banOpinion editor’s note: Strib Voices publishes letters from readers online and in print each day. To contribute, click here . ••• I never liked Joe Biden, but I applaud his giving Ukraine permission to fire American missiles into Russia ( “U.S. approval affects Ukraine’s use of a missile and its mission,” column, Nov. 21). We need NATO leaders to stand up to Vladimir Putin. He’s a Stalinist who wants to recreate the Soviet Union. There will be no ceding Ukrainian land for a peace deal. That will just be an opportunity for Putin to regroup and rearm and attack Ukraine again. He will not stop until all of Ukraine is part of Russia. Then Moldova. It’s predicted Putin within the next 8-10 years will invade Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Both Finland and Sweden are gearing up for war with Russia. Has everyone forgotten Western Europe’s attempts to appease Adolf Hitler prior to World War II? Hitler invaded the Rhineland in western Germany, then forcibly annexed Austria. Next, he took over the Sudetenland in western Czechoslovakia and then Hitler invaded all of Czechoslovakia, then finally Poland. Putin will be in the 21st century like Hitler in the 20th. With Hitler it was “lebensraum,” “room to breathe.” With Putin it’s the new USSR with all of Eastern Europe in it again. Russia, China, Iran and North Korea are the 21st century’s axis of evil. Americans want to bury their heads in the sand until China attacks the U.S. Navy in the South China Sea and/or North Korea fires nuclear-armed ICBMs at the continental U.S. It’s looking like this is the age where authoritarian empires rule and democracy fails. What are Americans going to do? Jim Branstrom, Virginia, Minn. ••• In Thursday’s edition the front page has photographs of Mickey’s Diner, a small dining car. Also on Thursday, the front page of the Business section featured a large photograph of Graze food hall, a restaurant. Last Sunday’s paper featured articles on restaurants and instructions on how to stock a home bar (as though those who live to eat and drink alcoholic beverages need instruction on what alcoholic beverages to buy) ( “Raising the bar,” Nov. 17). On Thursday, Biden’s decision to send Ukraine $275 million in new weapons and give them authority to use long-range missiles that will go deep into Russia, which is pushing the envelope, is way back at the bottom of page A4 (“Biden rushes to bolster Kyiv before Jan. 20′′). Why is the Star Tribune so enamored of eating places and watering holes that it treats news about them as more important than national developments that may adversely affect us all? John D. Sens, Savage ••• Regarding the top letter to the editor on Nov. 22, where the writer states in his last sentence, “This [Biden authorizing use of American missiles in Ukraine] is most likely a last-minute effort by Biden to save face for himself as he leaves office, as he has been largely responsible for all the death and suffering in Ukraine and elsewhere in the world.” Were you asleep in English class when the definition of hyperbole came up? Just wondering. Kathy Mattsson, Minnetonka “Big tent” a big joke I fully oppose Ken Martin becoming the chair of the Democratic National Committee ( “DFL Chair Martin seeks DNC top spot,” Nov. 20). He stated that Democrats are the “big-tent party” that includes all factions of political philosophy. Has he looked at the voting map of Minnesota on Nov. 5? It looks like there are a whole lot of red voters around Minnesota that weren’t members of his “big tent.” He has done nothing to foster relationships and understanding in rural Minnesota. He puts all his chips in the metro basket. We have a Minneapolis City Council completely out of step with the majority of its citizens. Several members are aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America, and they are pursuing policies that are extreme and destructive such as the creation of a labor standards board, gridlock with the Third Precinct, creating the brouhaha with Lyft and Uber drivers and taking a stance on a foreign policy issue with no relation to city business. Yet these representatives were able to secure endorsement from Martin’s DFL. Martin clearly does not understand the mood of the electorate who is looking for common sense governance. The DNC needs leadership that understands this and Martin is not that person. Judith Bird, Byron, Minn. Next caller, please Good luck to Elena Neuzil as she begins her five-month leave from the Minnesota Star Tribune, and best wishes to Noor Adwan as the interim letters editor. Like Neuzil, I, too, have been reflecting on the content of letters to the editor, but, unlike Neuzil, I find that the letters section is very much similar to a water cooler discussion in that every day you see the same people there, to the point where one is no longer thirsty. There are about a dozen writers whose letters are published and I wonder why? Their views are predictable and repetitive, and the space given to them is space not given to another who may have a different perspective. I hope that in these intervening five months we can stop seeing the same names appearing in this section. Bob Collins, Woodbury Bravo, Michael Brodkorb You, the Cheneys, and a few other prominent Republicans had the fortitude to put country above party in forsaking Donald Trump while so many GOPers bowed to the MAGA cult ( “No regrets from this Republican about endorsing Harris,” Nov. 20). It is heartening to see that there still remain a few members of the party of Arne Carlson, Dave Durenberger, and Tim Pawlenty. Lucyan Mech, Lauderdale ••• If my math is correct, a gentleman who has been a long-term subscriber to the Star Tribune is of similar vintage to me (a decadeslong subscriber). He states that he is not renewing his subscription due to the Star Tribune’s “reprinting of hit pieces on the president-elect by the AP, Washington Post, and New York Times,” which he finds “beyond the pale” ( Readers Write , Nov. 22). I am wondering which statements in these articles he has found to be false or inaccurate? Short of that, these articles are giving their readers a full picture of the man slated to be our 47th president and that is vital to all of us. Theresa J. Lippert, St. Paul Restaurant decline no surprise This is in regards to the article about the reduction of corporate parties held in local restaurants this holiday season ( “Restaurants seek holiday boost,” Nov. 20). This is my point of view as to why things may be slow. I’m of medium means, certain to have enough income to do many things. During all holiday seasons I’ve always gone out at various times with family and friends. However, when I recently went out with my husband and grandson, the price of the meal impeded my enjoyment of the event. For all of us we ordered one cheeseburger, one grilled cheese sandwich, fried fish, onion rings, fries, a root beer and two cocktails. When our waitress, who was very nice and professional, presented me with the bill, it turned out to be $99. With tip it amounted to $125. I can afford to go to these restaurants, but it doesn’t give a very lasting experience. We all want experiences that are memorable. Eating at a nice middle-class restaurant with ordinary food doesn’t give us the same experience as a luxurious restaurant for a very special occasion. The lack of an uptick in restaurant bookings this holiday season may have more to do with how expensive things have become than anything else. Sandi Stein, Minneapolis
New York state government to monitor its use of AI under a new law
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Morgan Rogers looked to have given Unai Emery’s side another famous win when he slammed a loose ball home at the death, but referee Jesus Gil Manzano ruled Diego Carlos to have fouled Juve goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and the goal was chalked off. It was a disappointment for Villa, who remain unbeaten at home in their debut Champions League campaign and are still in contention to qualify automatically for the last 16. A very controversial finish at Villa Park 😲 Morgan Rogers' late goal is ruled out for a foul on Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and the match ends 0-0 ❌ 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/MyYL5Vdy3r — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 27, 2024 Emiliano Martinez had earlier displayed why he was named the best goalkeeper in the world as his wonder save kept his side level in the second half. The Argentina international paraded his two Yashin Trophies on the pitch before kick-off at Villa Park and then showed why he won back-to-back FIFA awards when he denied Francisco Conceicao. Before Rogers’ moment of drama in the fourth minute of added time, the closest Villa came to scoring was in the first half when Lucas Digne’s free-kick hit the crossbar. But a draw was a fair result which leaves Villa out of the top eight on goal difference and Juventus down in 19th. Before the game Emery called Juventus one of the “best teams in the world, historically and now”, but this was an Italian side down to the bare bones. Only 14 outfield players made the trip from Turin, with striker Dusan Vlahovic among those who stayed behind. The opening 30 minutes were forgettable before the game opened up. Ollie Watkins, still chasing his first Champions League goal, had Villa’s first presentable chance as he lashed an effort straight at Di Gregorio. Matty Cash then had a vicious effort from the resulting corner which was blocked by Federico Gatti and started a counter-attack which ended in Juventus striker Timothy Weah. Villa came closest to breaking the deadlock at the end of the first half when Digne’s 20-yard free-kick clipped the top of the crossbar and went over. Martinez then produced his brilliant save just after the hour. A corner made its way through to the far post where Conceicao was primed to head in at the far post, but Martinez sprawled himself across goal to scoop the ball away. How has he kept that one out?! 🤯 Emi Martinez with an INCREDIBLE save to keep it goalless at Villa Park ⛔️ 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/OkcWHB7YIk — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 27, 2024 Replays showed most of the ball went over the line, but the Argentinian got there with millimetres to spare. At the other end another fine goal-line block denied John McGinn as Manuel Locatelli got his foot in the way with Di Gregorio beaten. The game looked to be petering out until a last-gasp free-kick saw Rogers slam home, but whistle-happy official Gil Manzano halted the celebrations by ruling the goal out.Rajinikanth recalls Janaki’s selfless act of helping AIADMK secure its 'two leaves brahmastram'
Cal State University students, faculty and staff rallied this week to voice their concerns and frustrations with what protestors called the CSU management’s suppression of free speech, absence of shared governance and lack of accountability. The CSU chancellor’s office, in a statement, said it takes the concerns seriously — but the students remain at the center of its decision making. Professors, lecturers, counselors, coaches, librarians and students gathered outside of the CSU Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, in Long Beach, urging that trustees prioritize student learning and success in and out of the classroom. “We are the voice of the people and we are here to remind them that we matter,” Vang Vang, California Faculty Association treasurer and Fresno State librarian, said during the rally. “We are the heart and soul of the universities and we will make sure that they hear us every single day.” During the rally, there were speeches from students, faculty and staff. Many said they were done with the trustees’ limit of one minute per speaker for public comment during board meetings, so holding their own public comment offered a space for people to share their experiences at the CSU. CFA members also put on a street theater performance, during which they criticized the actions of CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcia and brought attention to issues of limited free speech, how tuition money is being spent, courses being cut and more happening at the 23 campuses across the CSU system. “It was a creative way to express our frustration towards the chancellor’s office,” said Elaine Bernal, a lecturer in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at Cal State Long Beach, who participated in the performance. “They’re not going to listen to use in our one-minute comments, so might as well get really creative with it and really showcase what’s going on inside.” Luis Ortiz, a student at Cal State Long Beach and member of Students for Quality Education, said that he had been coming to the chamber for three years and has felt ignored by the CSU Board of Trustees. “Every single cry for change, tears were shed in that chamber, their backs turned against us but we won’t give up,” Ortiz said. “We don’t do it for ourselves; we do it for the next generation.” In a statement on Wednesday, the CSU Office of the Chancellor said that they acknowledged the concerns expressed by the CFA members and “take them seriously.” “But our collective focus must continue to keep students at the center of our decision-making,” the statement said. “We have a shared responsibility to empower students from all socioeconomic backgrounds to achieve their academic and personal goals, and our faculty and staff play a critically important role in helping the CSU fulfill that promise.” Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members gathered at the CSU Board of Trustees building in Long Beach on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, to voice their concerns with CSU management and other issues happening across the CSU system. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG) During the rally on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, at the CSU Board of Trustees building in Long Beach, the CFA presented a street theater performance sharing their concerns with CSU management and other issues across the CSU system. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG) During the rally on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, at the CSU Board of Trustees building in Long Beach, the CFA presented a street theater performance sharing their concerns with CSU management and other issues across the CSU system. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG) During the rally on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, at the CSU Board of Trustees building in Long Beach, the CFA presented a street theater performance sharing their concerns with CSU management and other issues across the CSU system. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG) Vang Vang, CFA treasurer and Fresno State librarian, at the rally on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, at the CSU Board of Trustee building in Long Beach. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG) Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members gathered at the CSU Board of Trustees building in Long Beach on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, to voice their concerns with CSU management and other issues happening across the CSU system. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG) CSULB student and SQE member Luis Ortiz speaking at the rally on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, at the CSU Board of Trustees building in Long Beach. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG) Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members gathered at the CSU Board of Trustees building in Long Beach on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, to voice their concerns with CSU management and other issues happening across the CSU system. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG) Protestors also accused the chancellor’s office of silencing and intimidating faculty and students for exercising their free speech and academic freedom on CSU campuses, especially with the new “ Time, Place and Manner” policy that was implemented earlier this year after a rise in pro-Palestininan students setting up encampments and protesting for universities to divest from Israel as the ongoing war in the Middle East continues. The policy restricts face coverings and requires advance written approval for posters, signs, banners and chalking, protestors said. “The CSU is committed to freedom of speech and expression as an essential component of its educational mission,” the chancellor’s office said in a statement. “Through its new systemwide policy, the CSU will ensure that individuals and groups are afforded wide latitude in lawfully exercising the right of free expression and that their constitutionally protected right to free expression is not abridged.” Students and faculty once again brought up the concern of the 34% tuition hike over the next five years , which the board approved last year after much opposition. Raising fees would further disproportionately affect marginalized students – such as native, Black and brown students, students with disabilities, and trans students who are already under tremendous financial strain, protestors said on Wednesday. “I was here last year trying to avoid the tuition hikes but that didn’t work, so I want to know, where is that money going?” said Britneey Ochoa, a student from Cal State Northridge, “because obviously we’re not being shown that, because our campus is not providing anything new for us.” The CSU raised tuition twice in the past 13 years, according to the CSU chancellor’s office. “No university system can sustain financial viability for that length of time without a tuition increase,” the chancellor’s office said in a statement. “The revenue from the tuition increase is essential to provide the CSU with the financial stability it needs to continue to serve students today and in the future, invest in our academic programs, and support our workforce. “In fact, one-third of new tuition revenue from the recent increase is dedicated to financial aid,” the statement added, “ensuring that we can continue to make higher education attainment affordable for all students.”
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York state government agencies will have to conduct reviews and publish reports that detail how they're using artificial intelligence software, under a new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul. Hochul, a Democrat, signed the bill last week after it was passed by state lawmakers earlier this year. The law requires state agencies to perform assessments of any software that uses algorithms, computational models or AI techniques, and then submit those reviews to the governor and top legislative leaders along with posting them online. It also bars the use of AI in certain situations, such as an automated decision on whether someone receives unemployment benefits or child care assistance, unless the system is being consistently monitored by a human. State workers would also be shielded from having their hours or job duties limited because of AI under the law. State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, a Democrat who sponsored the bill, called the law an important step in setting up some guardrails in how the emerging technology is used in state government. The Associated PressPat Cummins drops massive news about Aussie team before first cricket Test against India
Broncos can wipe away back-to-back heartbreakers and make playoffs by beating Kansas CityPhotos: Remembering Jimmy Carter, the 39th US presidentNEW YORK (AP) — Top-ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen is headed back to the World Blitz Championship on Monday after its governing body agreed to loosen a dress code that got him fined and denied a late-round game in another tournament for refusing to change out of jeans. Lamenting the contretemps, International Chess Federation President Arkady Dvorkovich said in a statement Sunday that he’d let World Blitz Championship tournament officials consider allowing “appropriate jeans” with a jacket, and other “elegant minor deviations” from the dress code. He said Carlsen’s stand — which culminated in his quitting the tournament Friday — highlighted a need for more discussion “to ensure that our rules and their application reflect the evolving nature of chess as a global and accessible sport.” Carlsen, meanwhile, said in a video posted Sunday on social media that he would play — and wear jeans — in the World Blitz Championship when it begins Monday. “I think the situation was badly mishandled on their side,” the 34-year-old Norwegian grandmaster said. But he added that he loves playing blitz — a fast-paced form of chess — and wanted fans to be able to watch, and that he was encouraged by his discussions with the federation after Friday’s showdown. “I think we sort of all want the same thing,” he suggested in the video on his Take Take Take chess app’s YouTube channel. “We want the players to be comfortable, sure, but also relatively presentable.” The events began when Carlsen wore jeans and a sportcoat Friday to the Rapid World Championship, which is separate from but held in conjunction with the blitz event. The chess federation said Friday that longstanding rules prohibit jeans at those tournaments, and players are lodged nearby to make sartorial switch-ups easy if needed. An official fined Carlsen $200 and asked him to change pants, but he refused and wasn’t paired for a ninth-round game, the federation said at the time. The organization noted that another grandmaster, Ian Nepomniachtchi, was fined earlier in the day for wearing sports shoes, changed and continued to play. Carlsen has said that he offered to wear something else the next day, but officials were unyielding. He said “it became a bit of a matter of principle,” so he quit the rapid and blitz championships. In the video posted Sunday, he questioned whether he had indeed broken a rule and said changing clothes would have needlessly interrupted his concentration between games. He called the punishment “unbelievably harsh.” “Of course, I could have changed. Obviously, I didn’t want to,” he said, and “I stand by that.”