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e-sports jobs Vermont Cannabis Control Board sued for 'unconstitutional' ad regulations (print)BEIJING , Nov. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 22, 2024 , the " Global Gen Z Views on Beijing " event organized by China Daily New Media Center and 21st Century Media and Education officially launched. The event will spotlight three key themes: Beijing's cultural legacy, technological innovation, and environmental conservation. Through dynamic and youthful storytelling, the event aims to showcase Beijing's rich cultural heritage and its achievements in sustainable, high-quality development to audiences worldwide. During the first day of the event, Veronica, an Italian exchange student at Tsinghua University, expressed her excitement, saying, "I am delighted to be part of this event. My deep interest in Chinese culture brought me to China for my studies, and I have gained a lot from this experience." This event serves not only as a cultural exploration but also as a key platform for sharing Beijing's historical and modern development with audiences worldwide. Through the influencers' firsthand experiences, Beijing's rich cultural heritage and contemporary achievements will be vividly showcased to worldwide audiences. This event offers an international stage for Beijing to highlight its unique appeal, while promoting cultural exchange and fostering global understanding.

[Source: Reuters] New Zealand laboured to a 29-11 win over a brave, battling Italy as the All Blacks wrapped up their autumn series with a less than impressive victory. The visitors had been expected to take out their disappointment from the loss to France last weekend on an Italian side which had struggled in their two recent games, losing heavily to Argentina and getting a comeback win over Georgia. Instead, it was Italy who looked the better side at the start, taking a 6-3 lead early on before New Zealand finally found two tries from Cam Roigard and Will Jordan, both converted by Beauden Barrett, to go in 17-6 up at the break. Italy again came out stronger, camping out on the All Blacks’ line but failing to make it count and the second half was 30 minutes old before Mark Tele’a’s try increased the visitors’ lead, with Tommaso Menoncello then going over for Italy before a late Barrett try.

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Whitehorse Curling Club to host 2024 McDonald’s InvitationalWealthy nations raised their offer for climate finance for poorer nations to $300 billion Saturday at COP29 negotiations, with growing doubts that all countries will leave happy with the outcome. Negotiators worked through the night in a sports stadium in the Caspian Sea city of Baku in a search for compromise as the two-week COP29 conference dragged into an extra day. In a year set to be the hottest ever recorded, developing nations bearing the brunt of rising drought and disasters flatly rejected Friday an initial offer of $250 billion per year by 2035. On Saturday, wealthy countries — whose ranks include the European Union, the United States, Britain and Japan — raised the sum to $300 billion, said multiple sources with close knowledge of the negotiations. The revised offer from rich countries came with conditions in other parts of the broader climate deal under discussion in Azerbaijan. The EU in particular wants an annual review of global efforts to phase out fossil fuels, which are the main drivers of global warming. This has run into opposition from Saudi Arabia, which has sought to water down a landmark pledge to transition away from oil, gas and coal made at COP28 last year. "We will not allow the most vulnerable, especially the small island states, to be ripped off by the new, few rich fossil fuel emitters," said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Irish climate minister Eamon Ryan said he was "hopeful" for a deal but that a clearer picture would emerge later in the day, when a new text is expected. Ryan told AFP developing countries needed money "but also we have to put a halt to the advance of fossil fuels." A coalition of more than 300 activist groups accused historic polluters most responsible for climate change of skirting their obligation, and urged developing nations to stand firm. "You claim to champion a rules-based system, yet flout the rules when they don't suit your interests, putting at risk billions of people and life on Earth," the non-governmental organisations wrote in an open letter. Wealthy nations counter that it is politically unrealistic to expect more in direct government funding. The US earlier this month elected former president Donald Trump, a sceptic of both climate change and foreign assistance, and a number of other Western countries have seen right-wing backlashes against the green agenda. The draft deal posits a larger overall target of $1.3 trillion per year to cope with rising temperatures and disasters, but most would come from private sources. Even $250 billion would be a step up from the $100 billion now provided by wealthy nations under a commitment set to expire. A group of developing countries had demanded at least $500 billion, with some saying that increases were less than met the eye due to inflation. Experts commissioned by the United Nations to assess the needs of developing countries said $250 billion was "too low" and by 2035 rich nations should be providing at least $390 billion. This figure was taken up by Brazil, the host of next year's COP30, which says $390 billion should be the sole responsibility of wealthier countries. The US and EU have wanted newly wealthy emerging economies like China — the world's largest emitter — to chip in. China, which remains classified as a developing nation under the UN framework, provides climate assistance but wants to keep doing so on its own voluntary terms. While China has generally taken a low-key and cooperative stance in Baku, oil-rich Saudi Arabia has pushed hard for weaker language on fossil fuels and, like China, has fought against being obliged to provide aid, one veteran activist from a developing country said. Azerbaijan, an authoritarian state that relies on oil and gas exports, has been accused of lacking the experience and bandwidth to steer such complex negotiations. Its leader Ilham Aliyev opened the conference by railing against Western nations and hailing fossil fuels as a "gift of God".

Authored by Melanie Sun and Nathan Worcester via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), President-elect Donald Trump named attorney Harmeet Dhillon as assistant attorney general for civil rights at the U.S. Department of Justice in a post on Truth Social on Dec. 9. “Throughout her career, Harmeet has stood up consistently to protect our cherished Civil Liberties, including taking on Big Tech for censoring our Free Speech , representing Christians who were prevented from praying together during COVID, and suing corporations who use woke policies to discriminate against their workers,” Trump said . “In her new role at the DOJ, Harmeet will be a tireless defender of our Constitutional Rights, and will enforce our Civil Rights and Election Laws fairly and firmly. Congratulations, Harmeet!” The Department of Justice will be headed by U.S. Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi, pending confirmation by the Senate. Dhillon has clerked in the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Dartmouth College and University of Virginia Law School graduate, who is a member of the Sikh religious community, thanked Trump for the nomination and her family for their support. In a post on X, she said she is “extremely honored by President Trump’s nomination to assist with our nation’s civil rights agenda.” I'm extremely honored by President Trump's nomination to assist with our nation's civil rights agenda. It has been my dream to be able to serve our great country, and I am so excited to be part of an incredible team of lawyers led by @PamBondi . I cannot wait to get to work! I... pic.twitter.com/L2NCA9m987 “It has been my dream to be able to serve our great country, and I am so excited to be part of an incredible team of lawyers led by Pam Bondi. I cannot wait to get to work!” she wrote. Dhillon’s appointment happened after Trump named another partner in her law firm, Dhillon Law Group, to a key position. On Dec. 4, he announced he was selecting David Warrington as his White House counsel. Warrington replaced Trump’s previous pick for the position, William McGinley, who was moved into the role of counsel for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) commission. Dhillon, a Republican National Committeewoman for California, previously contested then-Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel for that post. McDaniel, who ultimately won, stepped down earlier this year. Former North Carolina Republican Party Chair Michael Whatley received Trump’s endorsement and stepped into the role. Trump recently endorsed Whatley’s continuation as committee chair. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dhillon filed numerous lawsuits challenging California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s measures, including his mask order. In another post, Trump also announced that he was appointing Mark Paoletta to return to serve in the second Trump administration as General Counsel of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). “ Mark will work closely with our DOGE team to cut the size of our bloated Government bureaucracy, and root out wasteful and anti-American spending ,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Paoletta, a partner at the Law Firm, Schaerr Jaffe, and a senior fellow at the Center for Renewing America, was part of the first Trump administration and an ally in advancing Trump’s American First agenda. Alongside then-OMB Director Russ Vought, who has also been asked by Trump to head the OMB again, Paoletta arranged federal funding to build Trump’s border wall facing Mexico. “Mark is a conservative warrior who knows the ‘ins and outs’ of Government - He will help us, Make America Great Again!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. The president-elect also endorsed K.C. Crosbie for the next co-chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC). The position became open after Lara Trump announced on Dec. 8 that she would be stepping down and was considering a possible Senate appointment in the incoming administration as Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) has been named by Trump to be the next secretary of state. Crosbie previously served as the RNC’s treasurer and the national committeewoman representing Kentucky. “KC has been with me from the very beginning, helping real Republicans get elected across the Country, and would be a tremendous Co-Chair of the RNC! KC will work on continuing to ensure a highly functioning, fiscally responsible, and effective RNC that makes Election Integrity a highest priority,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Commenting on the event, Salem Mohammed Al Darei , CEO of ADGM Authority said, " Fintech Abu Dhabi exemplifies our dedication to innovation, bringing global visionaries together to shape the future of finance and technology. W e aim to facilitate meaningful conversations that continue to strengthen a thriving ecosystem coupled with progressive framework s and a dynamic business environmen t . B y cultivating this we have enabled collaboration s where innovation in finance and technology could flourish and reinforce Abu Dhabi's position as a leading hub for financial innovation and technology. " Through a series of thought-provoking sessions and high-profile forums, Fintech Abu Dhabi highlighted key trends within this sector. A keynote address by Paul Kayrouz - Chief Fintech Officer at the Central Bank of the UAE shed light on 'Seeding Success: The UAE as a Global Fintech Hub,' while the fireside chat on 'Investing in AI: What Does the Next World Look Like?' with H.R.H. Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud - Founder & CEO, KBW Ventures , explored the promise of AI as a transformative asset class, as well as its impact on industries such as finance and health. In a well-attended session, Lord David Cameron - Former Prime Minister of the UK talked about the significant decisions and policies that worked for the UK a decade ago. Meanwhile, a panel discussion on 'Has the Unicorn Machine Stopped Working?' examined the emergence of new unicorns in fintech despite challenges in the venture capital market and examined whether the ecosystem can sustain growth or if consolidation is necessary. For this discussion, representatives from FJ Labs, VentureSouq, Airwallex and Financial Technology Partners took to the stage. The ' Building the Digital Assets Ecosystem', panel included renowned names such as Sebastien Danloy - CBO at Euroclear Group, Nadine Chakar - Managing Director & Head of Global Digital Assets at Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, Domenico Nardelli - Treasurer at Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Marianne Demarchi - Chief Executive EMEA at Swift. This year's Fintech Abu Dhabi also introduced new forums highlighting the evolving landscape of finance and technology. The inaugural Islamic Finance Summit (IFS) explored the future of Shariah-compliant finance and its alignment with sustainable finance and the DLT Foundations Roundtable focused on regulatory frameworks for distributed ledger technologies and digital assets. Returning forums such as AI Abu Dhabi , Blockchain AD , and the Risk 4.0 Forum addressed the key challenges and opportunities for technology and finance. On stage, Richard Teng , CEO of Binance and Jeremy Allaire , CEO of Circle Internet Financia l - -the issuer of USDC, announced a strategic partnership that will accelerate global USDC and crypto adoption. Other key participants included Lily Lui - President of Solana Foundation , Konstantin Richter - CEO of Blockdaemon , Jonathan Levin, Co-founder and C S O of Chainalysis , Rebecca Rettig - Chief Legal & Policy Officer at Polygon Labs and Angela Walker - Global Head of Banking & Capital Markets at Chainlink Labs . Becoming a stage for strategic partnerships, ADFW has witnessed over 30 Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) signed so far. This includes a couple of major MoUs signed by ADGM today; the first one with PaloAlto Networks and the second one with Ma'an. Fintech Abu Dhabi also featured the MENA Fintech Awards recognising excellence in the fintech sector, and the ADFW Startup Campus and Venture Park, where local startups pitched their innovations to potential investors. The various forums hosted today highlight Fintech Abu Dhabi's commitment to fostering discussions that empower participants to thrive in a rapidly evolving financial ecosystem.Pure Storage Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Results

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Fugitive dog gains fame in New Orleans eluding dart guns and netsWASHINGTON — The House passed a $895 billion measure Wednesday that authorizes a 1% increase in defense spending this fiscal year and would give a double-digit pay raise to about half of the enlisted service members in the military. The bill is traditionally strongly bipartisan, but some Democratic lawmakers opposed the inclusion of a ban on transgender medical treatments for children of military members if such treatment could result in sterilization. The bill passed by a vote of 281-140 and next moves to the Senate, where lawmakers sought a bigger boost in defense spending than the current measure allows. The Pentagon and the surrounding area is seen Jan. 26, 2020, from the air in Washington. Lawmakers are touting the bill's 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% increase for others as key to improving the quality of life for those serving in the U.S. military. Those serving as junior enlisted personnel are in pay grades that generally track with their first enlistment term. People are also reading... Nebraska transportation director: Expressway system won't be done until 2042 At the courthouse, Dec. 7, 2024 Camper total loss after fire north of Beatrice Spreading kindness one butterfly at a time 27-year-old Beatrice man sentenced for May assault Stabler scores 22 in Lady O's season opening win BPS receives a "good" classification Holiday lights travel through downtown Beatrice for annual parade Orangemen open season with win over Nebraska City P.E.O. sponsors Holiday Tour of Homes Missouri man sentenced for attempted sexual assault At the courthouse, Nov. 30, 2024 Community Players open holiday play Amie Just: This recruiting class marks the beginning of a new era — one without walk-ons Lonnie Meyer Lawmakers said service member pay failed to remain competitive with the private sector, forcing many military families to rely on food banks and government assistance programs to put food on the table. The bill also provides significant new resources for child care and housing. "No service member should have to live in squalid conditions and no military family should have to rely on food stamps to feed their children, but that's exactly what many of our service members are experiencing, especially the junior enlisted," said Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. "This bill goes a long way to fixing that." The bill sets key Pentagon policy that lawmakers will attempt to fund through a follow-up appropriations bill. The overall spending tracks the numbers established in a 2023 agreement that then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., reached with President Joe Biden to increase the nation's borrowing authority and avoid a federal default in exchange for spending restraints. Many senators wanted to increase defense spending about $25 billion above what was called for in that agreement, but those efforts failed. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who is expected to serve as the next chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the overall spending level was a "tremendous loss for our national defense," though he agreed with many provisions in the bill. "We need to make a generational investment to deter the Axis of Aggressors. I will not cease work with my congressional colleagues, the Trump administration, and others until we achieve it," Wicker said. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., speaks with reporters Nov. 21 on Capitol Hill in Washington. House Republicans don't want to go above the McCarthy-Biden agreement for defense spending and are looking to go way below it for many nondefense programs. They are also focused on cultural issues. The bill prohibits funding for teaching critical race theory in the military and prohibits TRICARE health plans from covering gender dysphoria treatment for children under 18 if that treatment could result in sterilization. Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state, the ranking Democratic member of the House Armed Services Committee, said minors dealing with gender dysphoria is a "very real problem." He said the treatments available, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, proved effective at helping young people dealing with suicidal thoughts, anxiety and depression. "These treatments changed their lives and in many cases saved their lives," Smith said. "And in this bill, we decided we're going to bar service members' children from having access to that." Smith said the number of minors in service member families receiving transgender medical care extends into the thousands. He could have supported a study asking medical experts to determine whether such treatments are too often used, but a ban on health insurance coverage went too far. He said Speaker Mike Johnson's office insisted on the ban and said the provision "taints an otherwise excellent piece of legislation." Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, called the ban a step in the right direction, saying, "I think these questions need to be pulled out of the debate of defense, so we can get back to the business of defending the United States of America without having to deal with social engineering debates." Smith said he agrees with Roy that lawmakers should be focused on the military and not on cultural conflicts, "and yet, here it is in this bill." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., responds to reporters Dec. 6 during his weekly news conference at the Capitol in Washington. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, said his team did not tell Democrats how to vote on the bill. "There's a lot of positive things in the National Defense Authorization Act that were negotiated in a bipartisan way, and there are some troubling provisions in a few areas as well," Jeffries said. The defense policy bill also looks to strengthen deterrence against China. It calls for investing $15.6 billion to build military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The Biden administration requested about $10 billion. On Israel, the bill, among other things, includes an expansion of U.S. joint military exercises with Israel and a prohibition on the Pentagon citing casualty data from Hamas. The defense policy bill is one of the final measures that lawmakers view as a must-pass before making way for a new Congress in January. U.S. Troops Face Mounting Threats from Predatory Debt Collectors U.S. Troops Face Mounting Threats from Predatory Debt Collectors Rising threats from debt collectors against members of the U.S. armed forces are undermining national security, according to data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a federal watchdog that protects consumer rights. To manage the impact of financial stress on individual performance, the Defense Department dedicates precious resources to improving financial literacy, so service members know the dangers of notorious no-credit-check loans. “The financial well-being of service members and their families is one of the Department’s top priorities,” said Andrew Cohen, the director of financial readiness in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon. But debt collectors are gaining ground. Last quarter, debt collection complaints by U.S. military service members increased 24% , and attempts to collect on “debts not owed” surged 40%. Complaints by service members against debt collectors for deceptive practices ballooned from 1,360 in the fourth quarter of 2023 to 1,833 in the first quarter of 2024. “There’s a connection between the financial readiness and the readiness of a service member to perform their duty,” said Jim Rice, Assistant Director, Office of Servicemember Affairs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Laws exist to protect the mission readiness of U.S. troops from being compromised by threats and intimidation, but debt collectors appear to be violating them at an alarming pace. “If they’re threatening to call your commander or get your security clearance revoked, that’s illegal,” says Deborah Olvera, financial readiness manager at Wounded Warriors Project, and a military spouse who’s been harassed herself by a collection agency that tried to extort money from her for a debt she didn’t owe. But after she requested the name of the original creditor, she never heard from them again. “The financial well-being of service members and their families is one of the Department’s top priorities.” —Andrew Cohen, Director of Financial Readiness at the Pentagon Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, it’s illegal for debt collectors to threaten to contact your boss or have you arrested because it violates your financial privacy. The FDCPA also prohibits debt collectors from making false, deceptive, or misleading representations in connection with the collection of a debt, even for borrowers with bad credit scores. But according to the data, debt collectors are increasingly ignoring those rules. “Debt collection continues to be one of the top consumer complaint categories,” said a spokesperson at the Federal Trade Commission. The commission released a report earlier this year revealing that consumers were scammed $10 billion in 2023, a new benchmark for fraud losses. In his book Debt: The First 5,000 Years, David Graeber argues that debt often creates a relationship that can feel more oppressive than systems of hierarchy, like slavery or caste systems because it starts by presuming equality between the debtor and the creditor. When the debtor falls into arrears, that equality is then destroyed. This sense of betrayal and the subsequent imbalance of power leads to widespread resentment toward lenders. Most Menacing Loan Messengers Photo Credit: Olena Yakobchuk / Shutterstock The debt collector reportedly harassing military service members most was Resurgent Capital Services, a subsidiary of collection giant Sherman Financial Group. The company tacks on accrued interest and junk fees and tries to collect on debts purchased for pennies on the dollar from cable companies, hospitals, and credit card companies, among others. Sherman Financial Group is run by billionaire Benjamin Navarro, who has a reported net worth of $1.5 billion, according to Forbes. Sherman Financial also owns subprime lender Credit One Bank and LVNV Funding, which outsource collections to Resurgent Capital. According to CFPB data, the second worst offender is CL Holdings, the parent company of debt-buyer Jefferson Capital Systems. The company has also been named in numerous complaints to the Better Business Bureau for alleged violations of the FDCPA, such as failing to properly validate debts or update credit reports with accurate information. Under the leadership of CEO David Burton, Jefferson Capital Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CompuCredit Corporation, which markets subprime credit cards under the names Aspire, Majestic, and others. The third most referenced debt collector is publicly traded Portfolio Recovery Associates [NASDAQ: PRAA], which was forced to pay $27 million in penalties for making false representations about debts, initiating lawsuits without proper documentation, and other violations. Portfolio Recovery Associates is run by CEO Vikram Atal. Fourth place for alleged worst offender goes to Encore Capital Group [NASDAQ ECPG], which was required to pay $42 million in consumer refunds and a $10 million penalty for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Encore collects under its subsidiary Midland Credit Management Group. These debt collectors all operate under a veritable shell game of company and brand names, almost none of which are disclosed on their websites, sending consumers on a wild goose chase to try and figure out how they’re related to each other. But despite their attempts to hide their tracks behind a smoke screen of subsidiaries, a leopard can’t change its spots, and the CFPB complaint database makes it harder for them to try. Loan Harassment Hotspots Photo Credit: Bumble Dee / Shutterstock Although widely considered a consumer-friendly state, complaints spiked most in California, which saw a 188% increase in complaints filed from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. California is home to 157,367 military personnel, making it the most populous state for active-duty service members. The second-largest increase in debt collection complaints was in Texas, which saw a 66% jump from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. The U.S. Department of Defense reports 111,005 service members stationed in the Lone Star State, which is the third-most populous state for active-duty military. The rising trends do not correlate to the number of military personnel by state. Complaints against debt collectors in Virginia, the second most populous state with 126,145 active duty personnel, decreased by 29% in the same quarter-over-quarter period. And complaints filed quarter-over-quarter in North Carolina, the fifth most populous state with 91,077 military personnel, decreased by 3% in the same period. The third largest percentage increase in debt collection complaints was from service members stationed in Maryland, where alleged harassment reports jumped 112% from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. Maryland ranks number 12 with just 28,059 active duty service members. Fourth place goes to Ohio – the 28th most populous active-duty state – where complaints doubled, followed by Arizona – the 15th most populous military state – where complaints were up 70% in the same quarter-over-quarter period. Billionaire Bets on Bad Credit Photo Credit: PeopleImages.com - Yuri A / Shutterstock In 2007, Congress passed the Military Lending Act to cap the cost of credit to a 36% annual percentage rate, inclusive of junk fees and late charges, for active duty military service members. That rate is still considerably higher than average credit card rates, which range from 8% for borrowers with excellent credit scores to as high as 36% for borrowers with bad credit. But lenders still get hauled into court for violating the MLA. Don Hankey, the billionaire subprime auto lender who funded Donald Trump’s $175 million appeal bond , is among those violators. His company, Westlake Financial, which markets high-interest car loans for bad credit, has been sued twice by the Department of Justice for harassing military service members. In 2017, the DoJ alleged Hankey’s Westlake Financial illegally repossessed at least 70 vehicles owned by military service members. Westlake Financial paid $700,000 to settle the charges. In 2022, Westlake Financial paid $250,000 for allegedly cheating U.S. troops out of interest rates they were legally entitled to. Westlake Financial continues to receive complaints from military service members alleging abusive debt collection practices on its no-credit-check loans. A steady year-over-year increase in the number of complaints filed against Westlake Financial continued from 2020 to 2023. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau data shows a 13% increase in the number of complaints against the company from 2020 to 2021, a 28% increase from 2021 to 2022, and a torrential 119% surge from 2022 to 2023. The numbers suggest systemic complaint-handling processes and inadequate customer service resources. Lenders Try to Shutter CFPB Photo Credit: Cynthia Shirk / Shutterstock On May 16, 2024, a deceptively named predatory lending industry front group dubbed the Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA) lost a legal attempt to defund the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In an effort to deprive Americans of essential consumer protections, the lobby group argued that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s funding structure was unconstitutional. But the Supreme Court denied its claim. In a 7-2 ruling, the Court held that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s funding structure is indeed constitutional. That means the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau cannot be defunded, but it does not mean the agency cannot be defanged. The New York Times suggested that Hankey’s incentive to finance Trump’s $175 million bond could have been a reciprocity pledge to neuter the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau if Trump wins the upcoming U.S. presidential election. If Trump wins a second term, he could replace Consumer Financial Protection Bureau director Rohit Chopra, an American consumer advocate, with a predatory lending advocate. In 2020, the Trump Administration secured a Supreme Court ruling that made it easier for the president to fire the head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The ruling struck down previous restrictions on when a president can fire the bureau’s director. Like other federal agencies, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has also been confronted for overstepping its bounds, pushing too far, and acting unfairly against entities it regulates. Holidays, Interest Rates Not to Blame Photo Credit: Lux Blue / Shutterstock Seasonality and rising interest rates do not explain the increase in debt collection complaints from service members. The surge in complaints is not tied to predictable seasonal fluctuations or changes in interest rates. The increase in debt collection complaints by service members may point to underlying systemic issues, such as aggressive and predatory debt collection practices that exploit the unique financial vulnerabilities of service members, who face frequent relocations and deployments. Debt Complaints by Service Members From Q1 2021 to Q4 2022 Up 4% From Q4 2022 to Q1 2023 Up 6% From Q4 2023 to Q1 2024 Up 24% The 24% spike in debt collection complaints exhibits no correlation to fluctuations in interest rates. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates From 3.08% in Q4 2021 to 3.82% in Q1 2022 From 6.66% in Q4 2022 to 6.37% in Q1 2023 From 7.30% in Q1 2023 to 6.75% in Q4 2024 Pandemic stimulus checks were also not a factor. COVID-19 relief benefit checks went through three major rounds during the pandemic. The final round of Economic Impact Payments went out in March 2021 . To better understand the rising trend of debt collection complaints, we calculated the increase in the total number of complaints and the percentage increase quarter-over-quarter. For example, New Jersey has the second largest percentage increase in complaints quarter-over-quarter, but the total number of complaints increased by just 16. Methodology The data for this study was sourced from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) complaint database. The dataset specifically targeted complaints filed by U.S. military service members, identified using the tag “Servicemember” within Q4 2023 and Q1 2024. Readers can find the detailed research methodology underlying this news story in the accompanying section here . For complete results, see U.S. Troops Face Mounting Threats from Predatory Debt Collectors on BadCredit.org . Veteran homelessness is on the rise despite government efforts—here's how it happens Veteran homelessness is on the rise despite government efforts—here's how it happens Homelessness reached record levels in 2023, as rents and home prices continued to rise in most of the U.S. One group was particularly impacted: people who have served in the U.S. military. "This time last year, we knew the nation was facing a deadly public health crisis," Jeff Olivet, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, said in a statement about the 2023 numbers. He said the latest homelessness estimates from the Department of Housing and Urban Development "confirms the depth of the crisis." At least 35,000 veterans were experiencing homelessness in 2023, according to HUD. While that's about half of what it was in 2009—when the organization began collecting data—things have plateaued in recent years despite active efforts to get that number to zero. Although they make up just 6.6% of the total homeless population, veterans are more likely to be at risk of homelessness than Americans overall. Of every 10,000 Americans, 20 were experiencing homelessness. Of veterans living in the United States, that number jumps to 22, HUD data shows. Complicated by bureaucracy, family dynamics, and prejudice, the path from serving in the military to homelessness is a long one. According to a 2022 study by Yale School of Medicine researchers, homelessness typically occurs within four years of leaving the military, as veterans must contend with the harsh reality of finding a job in a world where employers struggle to see how skills on the battlefield transfer to a corporate environment. These days, veterans also deal with historically high rent and home prices, which causes many to rely on family generosity while figuring out a game plan. Stacker examined academic studies, analyzed government data, and spoke with members of the Biden administration, experts, and former members of the armed forces to see the struggles members of the military face when leaving the armed forces. Veterans struggle to find a path forward The Department of Veterans Affairs offers transition assistance to the roughly 250,000 service members who leave each year. However, those programs can be burdensome and complex to navigate, especially for those who don't have a plan for post-military life. Only a small portion of veterans have jobs lined up when they leave, according to 2019 Pew Research. Many also choose to live with relatives until they get on their feet, which can be longer than anticipated. Some former service members are unsure what kind of career they'd like to pursue and may have to get further education or training, Carl Castro, director of the Military and Veteran Programs at the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California, told Stacker. "It takes years for that kind of transition," Castro said. Many have trouble finding a job after leaving the service, even if they are qualified. Some employers carry misconceptions about those who have served. A 2020 analysis from the journal Human Resource Management Review found that some veterans face hiring discrimination due to negative stereotypes that lead hiring managers to write them off as a poor culture fit. Underemployment, or working low-wage jobs below their skill level, is also an issue. While the unemployment rate for veterans was 3% in March 2024, a study released by Penn State at the end of 2023 found three years after leaving the service, 61% of veterans said they were underemployed because of perceived skill mismatches . This phenomenon can have long-term economic effects, and eventually, that frustration can boil over, strain relationships, and potentially lead to housing instability. Working, especially a low-wage job, is not protection against homelessness. A 2021 study from the University of Chicago found half of people living in homeless shelters and 2 in 5 unsheltered people were employed, full or part-time. Some veterans struggle to find homes in their budget High rents make it difficult to save up, even when applying for a VA loan—a mortgage backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs that typically has more favorable terms. While the VA does not require a downpayment, some lenders, who ultimately provide the loan, do. They're not entirely risk-free either, and veterans can still lose their homes if they are unable to keep up with their mortgages. In November 2023, the VA put a six-month pause on foreclosures when an NPR investigation found thousands of veterans were in danger of losing their homes after a COVID forbearance program ended. Biden officials pointed to high rents and the end of COVID-era housing restrictions like eviction moratoriums to explain the spike in Americans experiencing homelessness. In the last year, homelessness rose 12%—to more than 650,000 people—the highest level since data began being collected in 2007. Overall, more than half of people experiencing homelessness in 2023 live in states with high living costs. Most were in California, followed by New York and Florida. Western states, including Montana and Utah, experienced massive population growth during the pandemic, becoming hubs for remote workers who drove home prices and rents even further. Vets with mental health issues most at risk for homelessness For veterans, housing costs certainly play a role, but those who leave the military also face systemic barriers. "It's worrying there are people that continue to fall through the cracks," said Jeanette Yih Harvie, a research associate at Syracuse University's D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families. Just under a quarter of adults experiencing homelessness have a severe mental illness , according to 2022 HUD survey data. They are also likely to have chronic illnesses but are unable to maintain preventative care, which only exacerbates these problems. Veterans facing homelessness are more likely to have experienced trauma , either before or after joining the military, according to Yale researchers who analyzed the 2019-2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Childhood trauma was among the most significant commonalities among vets who become homeless. Substance use disorder is also widespread and can indicate an undiagnosed mental illness . Racial and ethnic disparities are at play, too. A 2023 study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research showed that Hispanic and Black veterans were more likely to screen positive for PTSD, and Hispanic veterans were more likely to report having suicidal ideation. Overall, access to mental health care has improved in the last decade or so. In December 2023, the VA announced it would open nine additional counseling centers. However, the stigma of getting help remains, especially after years of being conditioned to be self-reliant and pull oneself up by their bootstraps. That help, in the form of public policy, is slowly working to catch up to the need. In 2023, the Biden administration invested millions into research programs and studies on suicide prevention by the VA office in addition to a proposed $16 billion to improve quality and lower-cost mental health care services for veterans. And, in February of this year, HUD and the VA announced they would give up to $14 million in vouchers to public housing agencies for veterans experiencing homelessness. The program would also offer case management and other services. Still, with a culture that pushes people to keep going, it can be challenging for servicemembers to take advantage of these opportunities, Harvie said. "When you've been doing that for the last 15 or 20 years, it's difficult to stop and say, 'I'm the person that needs help.'" Story editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.Who Should Hold The 'Master Key' To AI?

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Markem-Imaje , part of Dover (NYSE: DOV ) and a global provider of end-to-end supply chain solutions and industrial marking and coding systems, today announced the launch of its Ultraply ribbons and self-adhesive labels range. With its innovative Print and Apply (P&A) labelers, the new range addresses growing demand for high-quality, phone scannable 2D barcodes driven by the exponential rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer (DTC) models. The Ultraply range is designed to optimize the use of Markem-Imaje P&A labelers, offering prime solutions from basic to complex case and pallet operations. In addition to delivering readable and durable 1D and 2D codes that are compliant with the most stringent food regulations, Ultraply consumables maximize printhead life, minimize waste and reduce resource use, all while being safe to handle. Among the four Ultraply solutions now available, Ultraply Premium ribbons and labels are ideal for the most exacting applications, such as those requiring high levels of rub or solvent resistance, and suited for synthetic label materials. Ultraply Performance consumables offer versatility to produce durable codes on a wide range of materials. Ultraply Prime provides a cost-effective solution with reliable code quality and optimized performance. Ultraply Direct self-adhesive labels deliver high-speed labeling without compromising quality. "E-commerce growth has made high-quality, phone scannable codes, such as QR codes, essential for faster production speeds and streamlined operations," says Andy Gray , Marketing Manager at Markem-Imaje. "The Ultraply consumables range perfectly caters to today's business demands while offering flexibility for different labeling needs and budgets." About Markem-Imaje: Markem-Imaje, a wholly owned subsidiary of the US-based Dover Corporation is a trusted world manufacturer of product identification and traceability solutions, offering a full line of reliable and innovative inkjet, thermal transfer, laser, and print and apply label systems. Markem-Imaje provides global reach to over 50,000 customers with 30 subsidiaries, 6 technology centers, several equipment repair centers and manufacturing plants with the most comprehensive marking and coding portfolio available in the marketplace. Visit www.markem-imaje.com for further information. About Dover: Dover is a diversified global manufacturer and solutions provider with annual revenue of over $7 billion . We deliver innovative equipment and components, consumable supplies, aftermarket parts, software and digital solutions, and support services through five operating segments: Engineered Products, Clean Energy & Fueling, Imaging & Identification, Pumps & Process Solutions and Climate & Sustainability Technologies. Dover combines global scale with operational agility to lead the markets we serve. Recognized for our entrepreneurial approach for over 65 years, our team of over 24,000 employees takes an ownership mindset, collaborating with customers to redefine what's possible. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois , Dover trades on the New York Stock Exchange under "DOV." Additional information is available at dovercorporation.com . Markem-Imaje Contact: Viktor Hermansson +34 627 80 86 10 [email protected] Dover Media Contact: Adrian Sakowicz, VP, Communications (630) 743-5039 [email protected] Dover Investor Contact: Jack Dickens , VP, Investor Relations (630) 743-2566 [email protected] SOURCE Dover49ers look to maintain 'urgency' against rival RamsA look at how some of Trump's picks to lead health agencies could help carry out Kennedy's overhaul Donald Trump's health team picks include a retired congressman, a surgeon and a former talk-show host. All could play pivotal roles in fulfilling an agenda that could change how the government goes about safeguarding Americans’ health, from health care and medicines to food safety and science research. In line to be Trump's health secretary is anti-vaccine organizer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He says his task is to “reorganize” federal health agencies. They employ 80,000 scientists, researchers, doctors and other officials, and effect Americans’ daily lives. Trump raced to pick many Cabinet posts. He took more time to settle on a treasury secretary WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump launched a blitz of picks for his Cabinet, but he took his time settling on billionaire investor Scott Bessent as his choice for treasury secretary. The Republican not only wanted someone who jibes with him, but an official who can execute his economic vision and look straight out of central casting while doing so. With his Yale University education and pedigree trading for Soros Fund Management before establishing his own funds, Bessent will be tasked with a delicate balancing act. Trump expects him to help reset the global trade order, enable trillions of dollars in tax cuts, ensure inflation stays in check, manage a ballooning national debt and still keep the financial markets confident. Israeli strikes in central Beirut kill at least 20 as diplomats push for a cease-fire BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) — Lebanese officials say Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 20 people and injured dozens in central Beirut, as the once-rare attacks on the heart of Lebanon’s capital continue without warning. Diplomats are scrambling to broker a cease-fire but say obstacles still remain. The current proposal calls for a two-month cease-fire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. Lebanon’s Health Ministry says Israeli attacks have killed more than 3,500 people in Lebanon in the months of fighting that have turned into all-out war. Voters rejected historic election reforms across the US, despite more than $100M push JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Election reform advocates had hoped for a big year at the ballot box. That's because a historic number of states were considering initiatives for ranked choice voting or to end partisan primaries. Instead, voters dealt them big losses in the November elections. Voters in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and South Dakota all rejected proposed changes to their voting systems. In Alaska, a proposal to repeal ranked choice voting appears to have narrowly fallen short. The losses in many states came even though election reform supporters raised more than $100 million, easily outpacing opponents. Supporters say they aren't giving up but plan to retool their efforts. The week that upped the stakes of the Ukraine war KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — This past week has seen the most significant escalation in hostilities Ukraine has witnessed since Russia's full-scale invasion and marks a new chapter in the nearly three-year war. It began with U.S. President Joe Biden reversing a longstanding policy by granting Kyiv permission to deploy American longer-range missiles inside Russian territory and ended with Moscow striking Ukraine with a new experimental ballistic weapon that has alarmed the international community and heightened fears of further escalation. US reels from rain, snow as second round of bad weather approaches for Thanksgiving week WINDSOR, Calif. (AP) — The U.S. is reeling from snow and rain while preparing for another bout of bad weather ahead of Thanksgiving that could disrupt holiday travel. California is bracing for more snow and rain while still grappling with some flooding and small landslides from a previous storm. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for California's Sierra Nevada through Tuesday, with heavy snow expected at high elevations. Parts of the Northeast and Appalachia are also starting the weekend with heavy precipitation. Meanwhile thousands remain without power in the Seattle area after a “bomb cyclone” storm system roared ashore the West Coast earlier in the week, killing two people. Even with access to blockbuster obesity drugs, some people don't lose weight Most people taking popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight have shed significant pounds. But obesity experts say that roughly 20% of patients — as many as 1 in 5 — may not see robust results with the new medications. The response to the drugs varies from person to person and can depend on genetics, hormones and differences in how the brain regulates energy. Undiagnosed medical conditions and some drugs can prevent weight loss. Experts say it can take experimentation to help so-called nonresponders find results. Fighting between armed sectarian groups in restive northwestern Pakistan kills at least 37 people PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — A senior Pakistani police officer says fighting between armed sectarian groups in the country's restive northwest has killed at least 37 people. The overnight violence was the latest to rock Kurram, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and comes days after a deadly gun ambush killed 42 people. The officer said Saturday that armed men torched shops, houses and government property overnight. Gunfire is ongoing between rival tribes. Although Sunnis and Shiites generally live together peacefully in Pakistan, tensions remain in some areas, especially Kurram. Hydrate. Make lists. Leave yourself time. And other tips for reducing holiday travel stress Travel, especially during the holiday season, can be stressful. But following some tips from the pros as you prepare for a trip can make for a smoother, less anxious experience. One expert traveler suggests making a list a week before you go of things you need to do and pack. Cross off each item as you complete it during the week. Another tip is to carry your comfort zone with you. That could mean noise-canceling headphones, playlists meant to soothe airport travelers, entertainment and snacks from home. Carry a change of clothes and a phone charger in case of delays. Stay hydrated. Leave extra time. And know your airline's rules. Downloading the airline's app can help with that. Andy Murray will coach Novak Djokovic through the Australian Open Recently retired Andy Murray will team up with Novak Djokovic, working with him as a coach through the Australian Open in January. Murray’s representatives put out statements from both players on Saturday. Djokovic is a 24-time Grand Slam champion who has spent more weeks at No. 1 than any other player in tennis history. Murray won three major trophies and two Olympic singles gold medals who finished 2016 atop the ATP rankings. He retired as a player after the Paris Summer Games in August.

Not for distribution to U.S. newswire services or dissemination in the United States TORONTO, Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NexGold Mining Corp. (“ NexGold ”) ( TSXV: NEXG; OTCQX: NXGCF ) and Signal Gold Inc. ( “ Signal Gold ”) (TSX: SGNL; OTCQB: SGNLF) are pleased to announce that, further to the companies’ joint news releases dated October 10, 2024, October 23, 2024 and November 6, 2024, Signal Gold has exercised its upsize option and on December 10, 2024 closed an additional tranche (“ Tranche 2 ”) of its previously announced oversubscribed concurrent financing of subscription receipts (“ Hard Dollar Financing ”). Tranche 2 consisted of an issuance of an aggregate of 3,044,228 subscription receipts (“ Subscription Receipts ”) at a price of $0.08705 per Subscription Receipt, for gross proceeds of $265,000.05. Together with the first tranche of the Hard Dollar Financing, the full Hard Dollar Financing consisted of an aggregate of 123,120,068 Subscription Receipts for aggregate gross proceeds of $10,717,601.92. The Hard Dollar Financing is being carried out in connection with the proposed plan of arrangement, pursuant to which NexGold will acquire all the shares of Signal Gold to create a near-term gold developer, advancing the Goliath Gold Complex Project (“ Goliath Project ”) in Northern Ontario and the Goldboro Project (“ Goldboro Project ”) in the historic Goldboro Gold District in Nova Scotia (the “ Transaction ”). In addition, Signal Gold and NexGold are pleased to announce that today, the necessary conditions were satisfied and the Subscription Receipts automatically converted into units of Signal Gold (“ NFT Units ”). Each NFT Unit is comprised of one common share of Signal Gold (a “ NFT Share ”) and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of Signal Gold (each whole warrant, a “ NFT Unit Warrant ”). Each NFT Unit Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one NFT Share at a price of $0.11818 for a period of 24 months following the date of issuance. The NFT Shares and NFT Unit Warrants will be adjusted in accordance with the Transaction, as applicable, for securities of NexGold. The net proceeds of the Hard Dollar Financing are expected to be used by the combined company to fund the retirement of certain debt, the exploration and advancement of the Goliath and Goldboro Projects and for working capital and general corporate purposes. In connection with the Hard Dollar Financing, Signal Gold paid finder’s compensation to certain eligible finders comprised of cash payments and the issuance of an aggregate of 2,227,395 non-transferable finder’s warrants (“ Finder’s Warrants ”) in respect of subscribers introduced to Signal Gold by such finders. The Finder’s Warrants are exercisable to acquire one NFT Share at a price of $0.11818 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. The securities offered in the Hard Dollar Financing have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ U.S. Securities Act ”), or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Debt Restructuring Further to the Companies’ news release dated October 10, 2024, NexGold has agreed to the final terms with Nebari to complete a restructuring of NexGold and Signal Gold’s respective debt facilities, which will significantly reduce the debt profile of the combined entity going forward, with the definitive documentation to be released from escrow immediately following the effectiveness of the Transaction. Pursuant to the transactions with Nebari, Signal Gold’s outstanding credit facility of approximately US$20.8 million with Nebari and NexGold’s US$6.2 million facility with Extract Capital will be repaid. A new US$12.0 million facility with Nebari will be implemented that will have a 30-month term with an interest rate of 11.4%, payable monthly in arrears and secured against both the Goliath and Goldboro Projects. Existing warrants associated with the Nebari facility with Signal Gold will be cancelled, and 3,160,602 new warrants will be issued to Nebari with an exercise price of $1.00 per NEXG Share with a term of 30 months. In addition, the transactions contemplate the granting of a 0.6% NSR on the Goldboro Project to Nebari for US$6.0 million, which includes a 100% buy-back right for the first 30 months at the Company’s option. If the royalty is not repurchased during the 30-month period, then the royalty rate shall increase to 2.0%. The repurchase amount of the royalty shall be US$7.2 million (if exercised within the first 12 months), US$8.4 million (if exercised within the second 12 months), or US$9.6 million (if exercised within the last 6 months), plus certain additional adjustments for taxes up to a maximum amount of US$600,000. Subject to the mutual agreement of NexGold and Nebari and the prior acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange, the repurchase may be satisfied by the issuance of common shares of NexGold (the additional adjustment for taxes may also be satisfied by the issuance of common shares of NexGold at NexGold’s election, provided it obtains the prior acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange). The proposed new loan and royalty, together with a proposed US$4.0 million equity placement with Nebari (the “ Equity Placement ”) and certain proceeds from the Hard Dollar Financing, will be used to retire the existing debt. The Equity Placement will be comprised of the issuance of an aggregate of 8,000,000 common shares of the Company at an issue price of C$0.70 per share. Please refer to the October 10, 2024, October 23, 2024, and November 6, 2024 news releases for additional details regarding the Transaction and proposed debt restructuring to be carried out in connection with the Transaction. About NexGold Mining Corp. NexGold Mining Corp. is a gold-focused company with assets in Canada and Alaska. NexGold’s Goliath Project (which includes the Goliath, Goldlund and Miller deposits) is located in Northwestern Ontario. The deposits benefit substantially from excellent access to the Trans-Canada Highway, related power and rail infrastructure and close proximity to several communities including Dryden, Ontario. For information on the Goliath Project, refer to the technical report, prepared in accordance with NI 43–101, entitled ‘Goliath Gold Complex – NI 43–101 Technical Report and Prefeasibility Study’ and dated March 27, 2023, with an effective date of February 22, 2023, led by independent consultants Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc. The technical report is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca , on the OTCQX at www.otcmarkets.com and on NexGold’s website at www.nexgold.com . NexGold also owns several other projects throughout Canada, including the Weebigee-Sandy Lake Gold Project JV, and grassroots gold exploration property Gold Rock. In addition, NexGold holds a 100% interest in the high-grade Niblack copper-gold-zinc-silver VMS project, located adjacent to tidewater in southeast Alaska. NexGold is committed to inclusive, informed and meaningful dialogue with regional communities and Indigenous Nations throughout the life of all our Projects and on all aspects, including creating sustainable economic opportunities, providing safe workplaces, enhancing of social value, and promoting community well- being. Further details about NexGold are available on NexGold’s website at www.nexgold.com . About Signal Gold Inc. Signal Gold is advancing the Goldboro Project in Nova Scotia, a significant growth project subject to a positive Feasibility Study which demonstrates an approximately 11-year open pit life of mine with average gold production of 100,000 ounces per annum and an average diluted grade of 2.26 grams per tonne gold. For further details, refer to the technical report entitled ‘NI 43-101 Technical Report and Feasibility Study for the Goldboro Gold Project, Eastern Goldfields District, Nova Scotia’ dated January 11, 2022, with an effective date of December 16, 2021. The technical report is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca , on the OTCQX at www.otcmarkets.com and on Signal Gold’s website at www.signalgold.com . On August 3, 2022, the Goldboro Project received its environmental assessment approval from the Nova Scotia Minister of Environment and Climate Change, a significant regulatory milestone, and Signal Gold has now submitted all key permits including the Industrial Approval, Fisheries Act Authorization and Schedule 2 Amendment, and the Mining and Crown Land Leases. The Goldboro Project has significant potential for further Mineral Resource expansion, particularly towards the west along strike and at depth, and Signal Gold has consolidated 28,525 hectares (~285 km 2 ) of prospective exploration land in the Goldboro Gold District. For more information on Signal Gold, please visit Signal Gold’s website at www.signalgold.com . Technical Disclosure and Qualified Persons Adam Larsen, B.Sc., P. Geo., Director of Exploration of NexGold, is a “qualified person” within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“ NI 43-101 ”) and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release regarding the Goliath Project on behalf of NexGold. Kevin Bullock, P. Eng., President, CEO and Director of Signal Gold, is a “qualified person” within the meaning of NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release regarding the Goldboro Project on behalf of Signal Gold. Contact: Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain information set forth in this news release contains "forward‐looking statements" and "forward‐looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and applicable United States securities laws (referred to herein as forward‐looking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained herein constitutes forward‐looking statements which includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: completion of the proposed Transaction, including receipt of all necessary court, shareholder and regulatory approvals, and the timing thereof; and the combined company’s intended use of the net proceeds from the Hard Dollar Financing. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "could", "would", "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "intend", "potential", "estimate", "budget", "scheduled", "plans", "planned", "forecasts", "goals" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of factors and assumptions made by management and considered reasonable at the time such information is provided. Assumptions and factors include: the successful completion of the Transaction (including receipt of all regulatory approvals, shareholder and third-party consents) and the debt restructuring documents being released from escrow; the ability of the combined company to complete its planned exploration programs; the absence of adverse conditions at mineral properties; and the price of gold remaining at levels that render mineral properties economic. Forward‐looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forward‐looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks related to the Transaction, including, but not limited to, the ability to obtain necessary approvals in respect of the Transaction and to consummate the Transaction and the debt restructuring; general business, economic and competitive uncertainties; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; and management's ability to anticipate and manage the foregoing factors and risks. Although the companies have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are advised to study and consider risk factors disclosed in NexGold’s and Signal Gold’s annual information forms for the year ended December 31, 2023, available on www.sedarplus.ca. There can be no assurance that forward‐looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The companies undertake no obligation to update forward‐looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are presented for the purposes of assisting investors in understanding the companies' plans, objectives and goals, including with respect to the Transaction, and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward‐looking statements. This news release also contains or references certain market, industry and peer group data, which is based upon information from independent industry publications, market research, analyst reports, surveys, continuous disclosure filings and other publicly available sources. Although NexGold and Signal Gold believe these sources to be generally reliable, such information is subject to interpretation and cannot be verified with complete certainty due to limits on the availability and reliability of raw data, the voluntary nature of the data gathering process and other inherent limitations and uncertainties. NexGold and Signal Gold have not independently verified any of the data from third party sources referred to in this news release and accordingly, the accuracy and completeness of such data is not guaranteed. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

HOUSTON (AP) — An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort to resurrect Enron, the Houston-based energy company that exemplified the worst in American corporate fraud and greed after it went bankrupt in 2001. If its return is comedic, some who lost everything in Enron’s collapse aren’t laughing. “It’s a pretty sick joke and it disparages the people that did work there. And why would you want to even bring it back up again?” said former Enron employee Diana Peters, who represented workers in the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. Here’s what to know about the history of Enron and the purported effort to bring it back. Once the nation’s seventh-largest company, Enron filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 2, 2001, after years of accounting tricks could no longer hide billions of dollars in debt or make failing ventures appear profitable. The energy company’s collapse put more than 5,000 people out of work, wiped out more than $2 billion in employee pensions and rendered $60 billion in Enron stock worthless. Its aftershocks were felt throughout the energy sector. Twenty-four , including , were eventually convicted for their roles in the fraud. Enron founder Ken Lay’s convictions were vacated after he died of heart disease following his 2006 trial. On Monday — the 23rd anniversary of the bankruptcy filing — a company representing itself as Enron announced in a news release that it was relaunching as a “company dedicated to solving the global energy crisis.” It also posted a video on social media, advertised on at least one Houston billboard and a took out a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle In the minute-long video that was full of generic corporate jargon, the company talks about “growth” and “rebirth.” It ends with the words, “We’re back. Can we talk?” Enron’s new website features a company store, where various items featuring the brand’s tilted “E” logo are for sale, including a $118 hoodie. In an email, company spokesperson Will Chabot said the new Enron was not doing any interviews yet, but that “We’ll have more to share soon.” Signs point to the comeback being a joke. In the “terms of use and conditions of sale” on the company’s website, it says “the information on the website about Enron is First Amendment protected parody, represents performance art, and is for entertainment purposes only.” Documents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office show that College Company, an Arkansas-based LLC, owns the Enron trademark. The co-founder of College Company is Connor Gaydos, who helped create a joke conspiracy theory that claims all birds are actually surveillance drones for the government. Peters said that since learning about the “relaunch” of Enron, she has spoken with several other former employees and they are also upset by it. She said the apparent stunt was “in poor taste.” “If it’s a joke, it’s rude, extremely rude. And I hope that they realize it and apologize to all of the Enron employees,” Peters said. Peters, who is 74 years old, said she is still working in information technology because “I lost everything in Enron, and so my Social Security doesn’t always take care of things I need done.” “Enron’s downfall taught us critical lessons about corporate ethics, accountability, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Enron’s legacy was the employees in the trenches. Leave Enron buried,” she said.Kroger Reiterates Its Commitment to Lower Prices and Initiates New $7.5B Share Buyback Program

THE mother of tragic Sara Sharif said yesterday: “It is not human to do this to your own child” after the ten-year-old’s dad was found guilty of her murder. Olga Domin, 38, lost a court battle to keep Sara from the clutches of evil Urfan Sharif, stepmum Beinash Batool and uncle Faisal Malik . She believes the trio, who will be sentenced on Tuesday, should suffer as much as Sara — and die in jail. Her body was found by police in her bunk bed on August 10, 2023. A post mortem uncovered 25 fractures and 71 external injuries, including six human bite marks, and burns from a domestic iron. Last night a friend of Olga said of Sharif: “How could social services ever give Sara to that man? READ MORE UK NEWS “He’s the worst of the worst. He treated her like a dog. Taxi driver Sharif, 43, throttled Sara and beat her with a cricket bat and metal pole, sometimes tying her hands and legs together with parcel tape. She was made to wear makeshift hoods during attacks and Sharif urged another child to hit her like a punchbag as if it was a game. Batool, 30, often called Sharif back from work saying Sara was being naughty and knowing he would beat her up . Most read in The Sun Meanwhile, Malik, 29, who lived with them in a flat then a cramped three-bedroom house in Woking, Surrey , failed to raise the alarm whenever Sara was attacked. Sharif hit Sara twice on the abdomen when she lay dying because he thought she was pretending to be ill. The brute refused to call for medical help and it is suspected the three jet-washed Sara’s body before fleeing to Pakistan , leaving her in the bottom bunk. She had started wearing a hijab to school to conceal injuries to her face and head. An Old Bailey jury yesterday found Sharif and Batool guilty of murder following an eight- week trial. Malik was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child. Polish national Olga said: “I still can’t believe what is going on, this situation. “It’s not human to do this stuff to your own child. I hope he will be dying in jail “I can’t believe he was hitting her belly when she was dying. I still can’t manage that. They should all get the same for what they were doing. Monster is too nice word for him anyway. “I hope he will be dying in jail.” Paying tribute to “angelic” Sara, who dreamed of being on The X Factor , Olga said: “She was always laughing, smiling. "She loved all the kids. She was always helping, and making videos. She was an amazing child. She was saying ‘I’ll be a model’. “I just don’t get why she is where she is.” Sara was living with Olga from 2015, when they fled to a domestic refuge to escape Sharif’s violence. He was having supervised contact at a Sure Start centre in Reading before a family court hearing in 2019 which ruled Sara should live with Urfan. It is understood Olga did not contest the ruling at the time. Friends say Sharif took accusations made against him and threw them back at Olga — and used the same tactic in his trial by blaming Batool for Sara’s murder, before admitting he too beat her up. Olga was allowed contact with Sara, supervised by Batool, but she said the couple blocked this a few years before Sara’s death. The youngster has been laid to rest in Poland in a grave bearing her mum’s surname and adorned with flowers. Olga visits daily. Newly released pictures show Sara playing with other children in a garden, and sitting in front of a teepee which Olga made for her. Olga also said in a statement released through Surrey Police: “My dear Sara, I ask God to please take care of my little girl, she was taken too soon. “Sara had beautiful brown eyes and an angelic voice. Sara’s smile could brighten up the darkest room. “Everyone who knew Sara will know her unique character, her beautiful smile and loud laugh. “She will always be in our hearts , her laughter will bring warmth to our lives. We miss Sara very much. Love you Princess.” Sharif also dished out horrific abuse to Olga, who said he did it all with “really evil eyes”. Sara had beautiful brown eyes and an angelic voice. Sara’s smile could brighten up the darkest room She said: “He choked me with a belt, he tried to set me on fire, he beat me with his fists. He was putting the oil on my body. His friend stopped him. He already had the lighter in his hand.” Olga said Sharif would sleep with money all the time and she had to plead for cash for food for the children. She added: “He told me that he dressed me and no one would help me if I left him because I don’t know the language and I have never worked here. “He said he didn’t like my friend. I wasn’t allowed to meet her. I went to pick up something from the shop and he wouldn’t let me out. I was working nights cleaning the pubs . "They kicked him out of McDonald’s (where he was a shift manager) because he was stealing money. He didn’t have a job. He took all the money from me. “He took £4,000 from (benefits back payment). I took £100 to buy clothes for my kids and he hit me because I took the money. “He would be cunning and would take my phone and he locked me out around three times. “When he did this he had evil eyes, really evil eyes. I was alone in a foreign country, without a language, without a family, until I finally realised that this was not the life I had and left.” Olga was taken to a domestic violence refuge in 2015 and their divorce was completed in 2017. Sick Sharif spent six days lying to Old Bailey jurors, claiming Batool was an “evil psycho” and the “true villain of the piece”. On his seventh day in the witness box, Sharif dramatically confessed to beating Sara with a cricket bat and pole and ultimately killing her. But the self-confessed coward could never bring himself to admit he had murdered Sara. At one point he told the court he beat her repeatedly and intended to cause her “really serious harm” — but he then went back on his testimony insisting he had never meant to hurt her ever. Police found a note by her body, written by Sharif, which said: “I legally punished her and she died.” He choked me with a belt, he tried to set me on fire, he beat me with his fists Once he landed in Pakistan, he called 999 to say: “I’ve killed my daughter. I legally punished her and she died.” Batool and Malik both refused to give evidence. Det Chief Insp Craig Emmerson, of Surrey Police, said the trio only sought to preserve their own interests and showed no remorse. Mr Emerson added: “Sara was a bright and lively little girl who loved singing and dancing. READ MORE SUN STORIES “Sara’s spirit and bravery and resilience in the face of the suffering that she endured has shone through from the vast inquiries that have been undertaken in this case. “Sara’s young life was brought to an end as a result of the brutal abuse and unspeakable violence inflicted on her by Sharif and Batool, which Malik did nothing to prevent.”Homeland Security shares new details of mysterious drone flights over New Jersey, lawmaker says A New Jersey lawmaker from part of the state where several mysterious drones have been spotted in recent week says the devices appear to avoid detection by traditional methods. Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia was among state officials who met Wednesday with representatives from the Department of Homeland Security. She says lawmakers were told the drones have dodged detection by helicopters and radio. Fantasia says DHS described the devices as up to 6 feet in diameter and sometimes traveling with their lights off. The Morris County Republican made the comments in a post on X shortly after she and several other state and local lawmakers met with state police and Homeland Security officials. Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell as he's named Time's Person of the Year NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is expected to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange for the first time and be named Time magazine's Person of the Year. Thursday's events will be a notable moment of twin recognitions for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who has long seen praise from the business world and media as a sign of success. Four people with knowledge of his plans told The Associated Press that Trump was expected to be on Wall Street on Thursday to mark the ceremonial start of the day's trading, while a person familiar with the selection confirmed that Trump had been selected as Time's Person of the Year. Rape allegation against Jay-Z won’t impact NFL's relationship with music mogul, Goodell says IRVING, Texas (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says a rape allegation against rapper Jay-Z won’t impact the NFL's relationship with the music mogul. Jay-Z's company Roc Nation has produced some of the NFL’s entertainment presentations including the Super Bowl halftime show. A woman who previously sued Sean “Diddy” Combs alleging she was raped at an awards show after-party in 2000 amended the lawsuit Sunday to include an allegation that Jay-Z was also at the party and participated in the sexual assault. Jay-Z says the rape allegation made against him is part of an extortion attempt. The NFL teamed up with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in 2019 for events and social activism. The league and the entertainment company extended their partnership a few months ago. Ohio politician proposes make flag planting a felony after fight in Michigan rivalry game An Ohio politician has seen enough flag planting. Republican state Rep. Josh Williams said Wednesday on social media he's introducing a bill to make flag planting in sports a felony in the state. His proposal comes after the Nov. 30 fight at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry football game when the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 13-10 and then attempted to plant their flag at midfield. A fight ensued and police had to use pepper spray to disperse the players. Former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield famously planted a flag in the middle of the field at Ohio State after the Sooners beat the Buckeyes in 2017. Gastineau confronts Favre in documentary for his 'dive' on Strahan's record-breaking sack Former New York Jets star Mark Gastineau confronted Brett Favre last year at a memorabilia show and angrily accused the Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback of deliberately going down on a record-breaking sack. The tense exchange is shown in the new ESPN 30 for 30 documentary “The New York Sack Exchange." It chronicles the Jets’ fearsome foursome defensive line of the 1980s that included Gastineau. Gastineau set an NFL record with 22 sacks in 1984, but Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan broke the mark when he sacked Favre in 2002 in a game between the Giants and Packers. Many have accused Favre of purposely taking the sack so Strahan could set the single-season record with 22 1/2. What happens next with Alex Jones' Infowars? No certainty yet after sale to The Onion is rejected Lawyers in the Alex Jones bankruptcy case are now in discussions on what could happen next after a federal judge in Texas rejected the auction sale of Jones’ Infowars to The Onion satirical news outlet. The next steps remained unclear Wednesday as the judge ordered the trustee who oversaw the auction to come up with a new plan. Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston rejected the bid late Tuesday, saying there was too much confusion about The Onion’s bid. The bankruptcy case was in the wake of the nearly $1.5 billion that courts have ordered Jones to pay for calling the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut a hoax. Sandy Hook families had backed The Onion’s bid. NFL and Nike extend their partnership with a 10-year deal, will focus on growing the sport globally IRVING, Texas (AP) — The NFL’s desire to become a global powerhouse is no secret. Nike is committed to helping the league continue expanding its worldwide reach. The league and the apparel giant announced Wednesday a 10-year partnership extension. The NFL and Nike will focus on working together to grow the game’s global reach, increase participation, develop new talent, and expand the football fan base. Nike, the world’s largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel, has been the NFL’s exclusive provider of uniforms and sideline, practice and base layer apparel for all 32 NFL teams for 12 years. George Kresge Jr., who wowed talk show audiences as the The Amazing Kreskin, dies at age 89 NEW YORK (AP) — George Joseph Kresge Jr., otherwise known to TV watchers as the mesmerizing entertainer and mentalist The Amazing Kreskin, has died at age 89. Kreskin’s friend and former road manager, Ryan Galway, says he died Tuesday at his home in Caldwell, New Jersey. Kreskin launched his television career in the 1960s and remained popular for decades, appearing with everyone from Merv Griffin to Johnny Carson to Jimmy Fallon. Fans would welcome, if not entirely figure out, his favorite mind tricks — whether correctly guessing a playing card chosen at random, or, most famously, divining where his paycheck had been planted among the audience. He also hosted a show in the 1970s, gave live performances and wrote numerous books. Albertsons sues Kroger for failing to win approval of their proposed supermarket merger Kroger and Albertsons’ plan for the largest U.S. supermarket merger in history has crumbled. The two companies have accused each other of not doing enough to push their proposed alliance through, and Albertsons pulled out of the $24.6 billion deal on Wednesday. The bitter breakup came the day after a federal judge in Oregon and a state judge in Washington issued injunctions to block the merger, saying that combining the two grocery chains could reduce competition and harm consumers. Albertsons is now suing Kroger, seeking a $600 million termination fee, as well as billions of dollars in legal fees and lost shareholder value. Kroger says the legal claims are “baseless.” Keynote Selena Gomez spotlights prioritizing mental health during Academy Women's Luncheon LOS ANGELES (AP) — While surveying a room packed with Hollywood’s most influential figures, “Emilia Pérez” star Selena Gomez took center stage at the Academy Women’s Luncheon to spotlight a critical issue: Prioritizing mental health and supporting underserved communities often left behind in the conversation. The singer-actor has been public about her mental health struggles, revealing she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Gomez was the keynote speaker Tuesday at the event held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures with attendees including Ariana Grande, Olivia Wilde, Amy Adams, Pamela Anderson, Rita Wilson, Ava DuVernay and Awkwafina.

NEW YORK — U.S. stocks tiptoed to more records during a mixed Tuesday of trading, tacking a touch more onto what’s already been a stellar year. The S&P 500 edged up 2 points, or less than 0.1%, to set an all-time high for the 55th time this year. It’s climbed in 10 of the past 11 days and is on track for one of its best years since the turn of the millennium. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 76 points, or 0.2%, while the Nasdaq composite added 0.4% to its own record set a day earlier. AT&T rose 4.6% after it boosted its profit forecast for the year. It also announced a $10 billion plan to send cash to its investors by buying back its own stock, while saying it expects to authorize another $10 billion of repurchases in 2027. On the losing end of Wall Street was U.S. Steel, which fell 8%. President-elect Donald Trump reiterated on social media that he would not let Japan’s Nippon Steel take over the iconic Pennsylvania steelmaker. Nippon Steel announced plans in December 2023 to buy the Pittsburgh-based steel producer for $14.1 billion in cash, raising concerns about what the transaction could mean for unionized workers, supply chains and U.S. national security. Earlier this year, President Joe Biden also came out against the acquisition. Tesla sank 1.6% after a judge in Delaware reaffirmed a previous ruling that the electric car maker must revoke Elon Musk’s multibillion-dollar pay package. The judge denied a request by attorneys for Musk and Tesla’s corporate directors to vacate her ruling earlier this year requiring the company to rescind the unprecedented pay package. All told, the S&P 500 rose 2.73 points to 6,049.88. The Dow fell 76.47 to 44,705.53, and the Nasdaq composite gained 76.96 to 19,480.91. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady after a report showed U.S. employers were advertising slightly more job openings at the end of October than a month earlier. Continued strength there would raise optimism that the economy could remain out of a recession that many investors had earlier worried was inevitable. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.23% from 4.20% from late Monday. Yields have seesawed since Election Day amid worries that Trump’s preferences for lower tax rates and bigger tariffs could spur higher inflation along with economic growth. But traders remain confident the Federal Reserve will cut its main interest rate again at its next meeting in two weeks. They’re betting on a nearly 3-in-4 chance of that, according to data from CME Group. Lower rates can give the economy more juice, but they can also give inflation more fuel. Get local news delivered to your inbox!WALTHAM, Mass. , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Syndax Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: SNDX), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company developing an innovative pipeline of cancer therapies, today announced that on December 1, 2024 the Company granted inducement awards to purchase up to 23,900 shares of common stock to two new employees under the Company's 2023 Inducement Plan. The stock options will vest over four years, with 25% of the underlying shares vesting on the one-year anniversary of the vesting commencement date and 1/48th of the underlying shares vesting monthly thereafter over 36 months, subject to the employee's continued service relationship with Syndax through the applicable vesting dates. About Syndax Syndax Pharmaceuticals is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company developing an innovative pipeline of cancer therapies. Highlights of the Company's pipeline include Revuforj ® (revumenib), an FDA-approved menin inhibitor, and NiktimvoTM (axatilimab-csfr), an FDA-approved monoclonal antibody that blocks the colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) receptor. Fueled by our commitment to reimagining cancer care, Syndax is working to unlock the full potential of its pipeline and is conducting several clinical trials across the continuum of treatment. For more information, please visit www.syndax.com or follow the Company on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn . Syndax Contact Sharon Klahre Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. sklahre@syndax.com Tel 781.684.9827 View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/syndax-pharmaceuticals-reports-inducement-grants-under-nasdaq-listing-rule-5635c4-302316942.html SOURCE Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc.In the recent closure of Alex Kamangila’s apparent war against judicial corruption, one of the most glaring issues to arise was the lack of concrete evidence to substantiate the corruption claims he made. Despite his high-profile social media posts and public accusations, Kamangila has failed to provide any verifiable evidence to back his accusations against various individuals, leaving his case without the weight it needs to resonate with both the public and the authorities. This raises an important question: Is Kamangila simply another social media figure seeking attention by exposing people without any real proof? The Rise of Attention-Seekers in the Social Media Era Kamangila’s case is not isolated. In te age of social media, there has been a growing trend of individuals using online platforms to air grievances and make accusations—sometimes without any real foundation. Whether it’s calling out corruption, injustice, or personal grievances, many individuals seem to feel that their voice is amplified online, even when their claims lack substance. In this case, Alex Kamangila appears to have followed a similar path, drawing attention by naming people he alleges to be corrupt but failing to provide any tangible proof. This phenomenon has become all too common on social media, where accusations can spread like wildfire. The platform, often unregulated and anonymous, gives people the ability to make sensational claims without fear of immediate consequences. However, the reality is that accusations made on social media without evidence or proper channels of accountability often end up damaging reputations and fostering distrust without any resolution. Alex Kamangila: The Social Media Carper? The lack of evidence in Kamangila’s claims suggests that his public declarations may be less about justice and more about garnering attention. Much like other social media figures who make sensational posts to fuel online discussion, Kamangila seems more interested in generating buzz than actually contributing to meaningful change. There’s an irony in the fact that, despite naming several individuals he alleges to be corrupt, Kamangila has never provided a single shred of evidence to support his claims. Instead, he repeatedly directs the public to “investigate” the accused, a statement which itself betrays his lack of preparedness or responsibility. While the call for investigations is not inherently wrong, it shows a disregard for the fact that, when serious allegations are made, they must be substantiated. If someone is truly interested in seeing justice done, they should come prepared with evidence, not just vague accusations. Unfortunately, this seems to be the pattern with Kamangila—pointing fingers without offering anything solid for the authorities to act upon. Social Media as a Tool for Accountability—or Distraction? The growing influence of social media has opened up new avenues for public scrutiny and accountability, but it has also created a platform for unfounded rumors and malicious gossip. In Kamangila’s case, his online presence seems more about stirring up controversy and playing the role of an online whistleblower rather than working constructively with the authorities or providing the public with the evidence necessary to understand the full picture. While there is no doubt that corruption exists in Malawi’s public and private sectors, and that figures like Kamangila may believe they are doing the public a service by calling out corrupt individuals, the problem is that accusations without proof only serve to further muddy the waters. In an environment where corruption is already an entrenched issue, fueling rumors without evidence makes it harder to distinguish between those who are genuinely trying to address the problem and those who are simply leveraging public sentiment to gain fame or social capital. Furthermore, when figures like Kamangila use social media to expose people without evidence, they play into the narrative of political and social instability, potentially causing harm to innocent individuals and distracting from the real work of rooting out corruption. This can have long-term consequences for the public trust and the integrity of institutions like the judiciary and law enforcement, which need solid evidence to act on any allegations. The Lack of Accountability in Social Media Accusations One of the most critical elements in the debate about online whistleblowing is the issue of accountability. Kamangila’s case, like many other online accusations, brings attention to the fact that individuals who make serious claims online are often not held accountable for their words. Social media allows people to voice opinions and allegations without facing any real consequences for spreading false or unsubstantiated claims. While platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have made significant strides in curbing misinformation, they still fall short in holding users accountable for defamation, spreading unfounded rumors, or making baseless accusations. This has opened the door for individuals like Kamangila to freely target people without any checks on their behavior. In the case of corruption, accountability becomes even more important. If someone makes an accusation against public figures or institutions, they should be held responsible for the truthfulness of those allegations. If no evidence is provided, as in Kamangila’s case, then the claims should be treated as conjecture—at best—and dismissed as an attempt to sow discord, at worst. The Real Work of Fighting Corruption While it is clear that corruption is a systemic problem in Malawi, the fight against it requires more than just public shaming on social media. It demands rigorous investigations, transparent legal processes, and, above all, a commitment to presenting hard evidence in order to hold those responsible accountable. Simply calling someone corrupt without providing proof doesn’t help solve the problem; it only adds noise to a conversation that already contains too much empty rhetoric. The role of civil society, investigative journalists, and the legal system cannot be overstated. They are the ones who should be tasked with gathering the evidence, conducting investigations, and ensuring that justice is served. Those like Kamangila, who claim to be “whistleblowers,” need to step back and ask themselves: If I want to truly contribute to the fight against corruption, am I providing concrete evidence, or am I simply fueling a spectacle? Conclusion: The Danger of Reckless Allegations In the end, Alex Kamangila’s case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of social media as a tool for exposing alleged corruption without backing up those claims with evidence. While social media can be an invaluable resource for mobilizing people and raising awareness about key issues, it can also be a double-edged sword when used recklessly. By exposing people without providing evidence, Kamangila—and others who follow in his footsteps—undermine the very cause they claim to support. Instead of contributing to meaningful change, they become part of the noise, distracting from real efforts to address corruption in a systematic and accountable way. For those genuinely committed to seeing justice done, it’s time to move beyond accusations without evidence and engage in the hard work of collecting facts, building cases, and, ultimately, demanding that those in power be held accountable for their actions. Sharing is caring!

Ireland’s premier has spoken to the Dublin woman who won a civil case against mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor to praise her courage. Taoiseach Simon Harris said he also wanted to tell Nikita Hand, a hair colourist from Drimnagh, that her case had prompted an increase in women coming forward to ask for support. Ms Hand, who accused the sportsman of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim against him for damages in a civil case at the High Court in the Irish capital on Friday. The total amount of damages awarded to Ms Hand by the jury was 248,603.60 euro (£206,714.31). Mr McGregor said in a post on social media on Friday that he intends to appeal against the decision. That post has since been deleted. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Mr Harris said he told Ms Hand of the support she has from people across Ireland. “I spoke with Nikita today and I wanted to thank her for her incredible bravery and her courage,” he said. “I wanted to make sure that she knew how much solidarity and support there was across this country for her bravery. “I also wanted to make sure she knew of what the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre had said yesterday – that so many other women have now come forward in relation to their own experiences of sexual abuse as a result of Nikita’s bravery.” The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said the case has had a “profound effect” on the people the charity supports, and that over the first 10 days of the High Court case, calls to its national helpline increased by almost 20%. It said that first-time callers increased by 50% compared to the same period last year, and were largely from people who had experienced sexual violence who were distressed and anxious from the details of case and the views people had to it. Mr Harris said: “I wanted to speak with her and I wanted to wish her and her daughter, Freya, all the very best night, and I was very grateful to talk with Nikita today. “Her bravery, her courage, her voice has made a real difference in a country in which we must continue to work to get to zero tolerance when it comes to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. “I don’t want to say too much more, because conscious there could be further legal processes, but I absolutely want to commend Nikita for her bravery, for her courage, for using her voice.” Justice Minister Helen McEntee praised Ms Hand’s bravery and said she had shown “there is light at the end of the tunnel”. She said: “I just want to commend Nikita for her bravery, for her determination and the leadership that she has shown in what has been – I’ve no doubt – a very, very difficult time for her and indeed, for her family. She added: “Because of wonderful people like Nikita, I hope that it shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel, that there are supports available to people, and that there is justice at the end of the day.” Ms Hand said in a statement outside court on Friday that she hoped her case would remind victims of assault to keep “pushing forward for justice”. Describing the past six years as “a nightmare”, she said: “I want to show (my daughter) Freya and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served.” During the case, Ms Hand said she was “disappointed and upset” when the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided not to prosecute the case after she made a complaint to the Irish police. In a letter to her in August 2020, the DPP said there was “insufficient evidence” and there was not a reasonable prospect of conviction. Ms Hand asked the DPP to review the decision, saying she felt she was being treated differently because one of the suspects was famous. Asked about the DPP’s decision not to prosecute, Mr Harris and Ms McEntee stressed the importance of the DPP’s independence on whether to prosecute. “There are obviously structures in place where the DPP can meet a victim and can outline to them their reasons for not taking the case,” Mr Harris said. “But there’s also always an opportunity for the DPP in any situation – and I speak broadly in relation to this – to review a decision, to consider any new information that may come to light, and I don’t want to say anything that may ever cut across the ongoing work of the DPP.” Ms McEntee stressed that there should “never be any political interference” in the independence of the DPP’s decisions. “I have, since becoming minister, given priority to and enabled a new office within the DPP to open specifically focused on sexual offences, so that this issue can be given the focus and the priority that it needs,” she said.

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VEVES: The dance of life depends on connectednessNone