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2025-01-24
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.NEW YORK — I’ll get you, my pretty! And your little pygmy hippo, too! Forgive us the shameless attempt to link the fantasy hit “Wicked” to the delightful Moo Deng. But, hear us out — there’s something the two have in common as the year draws to a close. Escapism. Whether we found it on the yellow brick road, or in videos from a Thailand zoo, or perhaps in unlikely Olympic heroes, we gravitated toward fantasy and feel-good pop culture moments this year. There were new trends, as always. “Brat summer” became a thing, as did “demure, mindful.” And for some inexplicable reason, we became obsessed with celebrity lookalike contests. People are also reading... There were breakups — Bennifer is, again, a thing of the past — and reunions: Oasis, please try to stay together for the tour. Yet some things stayed, remarkably, the same: Taylor Swift and Beyoncé kept on breaking records and making history. So, after a year where much changed but some things held steady, here’s our annual, very selective trip down pop culture memory lane: Lily Gladstone poses in the press room Jan. 7 with the award for best performance by an actress in a motion picture, drama for "Killers of the Flower Moon" at the 81st Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. Chris Pizzello, Associated Press January It starts as a cheery tweet from a beloved “Sesame Street” figure: “ELMO is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” The answers hint at something deeper and more worrisome. “Not great, Elmo. Not great,” says one milder reply. Doing much better is the viral phenomenon called “BARBENHEIMER,” which makes its awards season debut at the GOLDEN GLOBES. But perhaps the most poignant moment comes from neither film: LILY GLADSTONE, first Indigenous winner of best actress in a drama for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” begins her remarks in the language of her tribe, Blackfeet Nation. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) kisses Taylor Swift on Feb. 11 after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in overtime during the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game in Las Vegas. John Locher, Associated Press February Valentine’s Day — a perfect time to settle into a sweet love saga via TikTok. Only that’s not quite what we get with “Who TF Did I Marry?,” REESA TEESA’s depressing, fascinating, 50-part account of her disastrous marriage with a man who lied about absolutely everything. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a single week that encapsulates peak SWIFT cultural dominance, try this: she begins with the Grammys in Los Angeles (becoming the first artist to win album of the year four times AND announcing a new album), then heads to Tokyo for four tour dates, then jets back just in time for the Super Bowl in Las Vegas — where she shares a passionate smooch with boyfriend TRAVIS KELCE on the field of victory. Ryan Gosling performs the song "I'm Just Ken" from the movie "Barbie" on March 10 during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Chris Pizzello, Associated Press March “What was I made for?” BILLIE EILISH sings at the OSCARS, channeling BARBIE. And what was KEN made for? Not entirely clear — but it's clear RYAN GOSLING was made to play him. His singalong version of “I’m Just Ken” is one of the most entertaining Oscar musical moments in years. Still, Christopher Nolan's “OPPENHEIMER” prevails, a rare case of the top prize going to a blockbuster studio film. Will it happen again in 2025? CYNTHIA ERIVO and ARIANA GRANDE sure hope so; as presenters, they make a sly reference to their upcoming juggernaut, “WICKED.” Speaking of marketing, people are obsessed with that bizarre “DUNE” popcorn bucket. Beyonce Chris Pizzello, Associated Press And BEYONCÉ carves her space in country music with “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” which will make her the first Black woman to top the Billboard country chart. Taylor Swift performs June 21 at Wembley Stadium in London as part of her Eras Tour. Scott A Garfitt, Invision April Tennis, anyone? The game’s been around for centuries, but it’s having a cultural moment right now, helped mightily by “CHALLENGERS,” the sweaty romance triangle starring ZENDAYA, MIKE FAIST and JOSH O'CONNOR (40-love? More like 40-sex.) Elsewhere, a new era dawns: At midnight, SWIFT drops “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT," then drops another 15 songs two hours later. The fascinating and disturbing “BABY REINDEER,” the story of a struggling comedian’s extended encounter with a stalker, debuts on Netflix. Ben Affleck, left, and Jennifer Lopez arrive Feb. 13 at the premiere of "This Is Me ... Now: A Love Story" at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Jordan Strauss, Invision May It’s MET GALA time — or as it's known in 2024, another early marketing moment for “WICKED.” ERIVO and GRANDE make fashion waves on the carpet and then musical ones at dinner, with a soulful performance of “When You Believe.” If the “Wicked” tour is in full force, another one stops in its tracks: JENNIFER LOPEZ cancels her summer tour amid reports of both poor ticket sales and trouble in her marriage to BEN AFFLECK. It’s been an eventful year for J.Lo, who's released an album and movie called “THIS IS ME ... NOW" — both reflections on her renewed love with Affleck. June Welcome to BRAT SUMMER! CHARLI XCX releases her hit “Brat” album, with its lime green cover, and launches a thousand memes. Collins Dictionary defines “brat,” its word of the year, as “characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude.” At the celeb-heavy SWIFT shows in London, we see PRINCE WILLIAM shaking it off, which is either charming or cringe, you decide. Even better: KELCE dons a top hat and tux and performs for one night. At another stadium across the pond, METS infielder JOSE IGLESIAS delights the crowd with his cheery number “OMG.” Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack Stephen Nedoroscik is introduced June 29 at the United States Gymnastics Olympic Trials in Minneapolis. Charlie Riedel, Associated Press July Bonjour, it’s OLYMPICS time! In Paris! An audacious opening ceremony along the Seine is punctuated by a fabulous CELINE DION, perched on the EIFFEL TOWER, singing her heart out — in the rain, too. Controversy swirls over a scene critics feel mocks Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” (organizers say it does not). Olympic stars are born — including French swimming superstar LEON MARCHAND, rugby player ILONA MAHER, and bespectacled “Pommel Horse Guy” gymnast STEPHEN NEDOROSCIK, who nets two bronze medals and comparisons to Clark Kent. Baby pigmy hippo Moo Deng plays with a zookeeper Sept. 19 in the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand. Sakchai Lalit, Associated Press Also capturing hearts: yep, MOO DENG, born this month. Her name means “bouncy pork.” Australia's Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, competes Aug. 9 during the Round Robin Battle at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. Frank Franklin, Associated Press August This is them ... now: BENNIFER is no more. After two decades, two engagements and two weddings, J.Lo files for divorce. One union dissolves, another returns: OASIS announces a reunion tour. Everyone seems to want to get in on TikToker JOOLS LEBRON's “DEMURE, MINDFUL” act — even the WHITE HOUSE press team. Back at the Olympics, in the new sport of breaking, we meet Australia’s RAYGUN, arguably neither demure nor mindful with her “kangaroo” move. Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani brings his dog Decoy to the mound Aug. 28 before Decoy delivered the ceremonial first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Baltimore Orioles in Los Angeles. Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press Cute animal alert: SHOHEI OHTANI’s perky pooch DECOY does a great “first pitch” in his Major League Baseball debut. Chappell Roan performs "Good Luck, Babe" on Sept. 11 during the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. Charles Sykes, Invision September One of the year’s biggest breakout artists, CHAPPELL ROAN, withdraws from a music festival after speaking out about frightening fan interactions. And more on the price of fame: In an excruciating moment, “Bachelorette” JENN TRAN, the franchise’s first Asian American lead, is forced to sit through a painful viewing of her proposal to her chosen suitor, after tearfully explaining how he’d later dumped her over the phone. Tran is keeping busy though — she’s announced as part of the new “Dancing with the Stars” lineup. Also on the list: rugby player Maher, and Pommel Horse Guy! Also, ANNA SOROKIN, dancing with an ankle monitor. Online fandom, meanwhile, is shaken when X is temporarily suspended in Brazil and celebrity stan accounts post tearful farewells, revealing to many across the globe that their favorite accounts are run by Brazilians. Miles Mitchell, 21, wins of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest Oct. 27 near Washington Square Park in New York. Stefan Jeremiah, Associated Press October “Dune” Chalamets! “Wonka” Chalamets! Thousands gather in Manhattan for a TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET lookalike contest, and things really get interesting when Chalamet himself shows up. He doesn’t enter the contest, though, and with his mustache, he may not even have won. The trend continues with contests for JEREMY ALLEN WHITE, ZAYN MALIK and — in a very Washington version — Kennedy scion JACK SCHLOSSBERG, who's been gathering a following with some interesting social media posts. New York Liberty Kennedy Burke dances with the mascot, Ellie the Elephant, during an Oct. 24 ceremony after a parade in honor of the Liberty's WNBA basketball championship at City Hall in New York. Seth Wenig, Associated Press Turning to basketball, who’s that dancing with USHER? Why it’s ELLIE THE ELEPHANT, the now-viral NEW YORK LIBERTY mascot. Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, right, appears Nov. 2 with Maya Rudolph on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" in New York. Jacquelyn Martin, Associated Press November MAYA RUDOLPH does a pretty good KAMALA HARRIS laugh on “Saturday Night Live,” but you know who does it better? HARRIS herself. The Democratic candidate makes a surprise cameo three days before the U.S. presidential election, following in the footsteps of HILLARY CLINTON, SARAH PALIN and others. Elsewhere in television, Bravo announces that “VANDERPUMP RULES,” the Emmy-nominated reality show that has lived through countless scandals, is entirely recasting its 12th season — apart from namesake LISA VANDERPUMP. As for MOO DENG, she doesn't have her own TV series yet, but our favorite pygmy hippo is generating plenty of merch. And THAT brings us back to ... Ariana Grande, left, and Cynthia Erivo pose for photographers Nov. 11 prior to the premiere of "Wicked" at Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City. Fernando Llano, Associated Press December “WICKED”! Director JON M. CHU’s emerald-hued fantasy remains very very popular, to quote one of its buzzy show tunes, dancing through life and defying gravity at the multiplex. Moviegoers also come for “GLADIATOR II” and, in a veritable tidal wave, Disney's “MOANA 2,” which beckons us back to the seas of Oceania. Once again, 2024 seems to be telling us: Give people some whimsy, a place to escape, maybe some catchy tunes — and no one knows how far they’ll go. 2024 Year in Review What were the most popular Wikipedia pages of 2024? PHOTOS: The top sports images from 2024 PHOTOS: The top images of 2024 PHOTOS: The top images from the US in 2024 PHOTOS: The top images from the 2024 elections PHOTOS: The top entertainment images from 2024 How to sum up 2024? The Oxford University Press word of the year is 'brain rot' From Kamala to Chappell, here are some of the most mispronounced words of 2024 'Polarization' is Merriam-Webster's 2024 word of the year Stay up-to-date on what's happeningdive fishing

( MENAFN - Investor Brand Network) Audra Moran, the head of a global charity (“OCRA”) focused on researching ovarian cancer, says her area of expertise is underfunded and very deadly. Most cases of this disease originate within the fallopian tubes and spread to the ovaries. The problem is, by the time the malignancy spreads to the ovaries, there is a high likelihood that it has also spread to other parts of the body. This is why early detection is critical as life-saving interventions can be carried out. The life-changing window of detection is approximately 5 years before the onset of ovary cancer symptoms, but it is currently difficult to detect the condition within... Read More>> NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to MUX are available in the company's newsroom at About AINewsWire AINewsWire (“AINW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (“AI”), including the technologies, trends and trailblazers driving innovation forward. It is one of 70+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers : (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries ; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets ; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact ; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers ; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions . With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, AINW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists, and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today's market, AINW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. AINW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge. To receive SMS alerts from AINewsWire, text“AI” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only) For more information, please visit AINewsWire is powered by IBN MENAFN23122024000224011066ID1109025679 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Buccaneers are back to .500 and in position to control their playoff hopes down the stretchRCMP, CBSA Drawing List of Tech Purchases to Bolster Border Amid Tariff Threat: Minister

The Darnold-Jefferson connection is thriving for the surging Vikings Sam Darnold sensed the backside pressure as soon as he dropped back with Minnesota trailing by four points late in the fourth quarter in Seattle, so he moved into a safe space in the pocket and did precisely what the Vikings would prefer him to do wi Dave Campbell, The Associated Press Dec 23, 2024 3:40 PM Dec 23, 2024 4:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrate after a 5-yard touchdown catch by teammate wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear) Sam Darnold sensed the backside pressure as soon as he dropped back with Minnesota trailing by four points late in the fourth quarter in Seattle, so he moved into a safe space in the pocket and did precisely what the Vikings would prefer him to do with the game on the line. He threw the ball down the field to Justin Jefferson. The perfectly placed throw near the sideline beat double coverage for a 39-yard touchdown that put the Vikings back in front with 3:51 remaining in a 27-24 victory over the Seahawks on Sunday. “It was a great call,” said Jefferson, who had 10 receptions for 144 yards and two scores, all season highs. “I’m not going to say too much about that play, but something went on where me and Sam were on the same page, and he found me and we went up.” The Vikings were understandably coy about the context around the go-ahead touchdown , when Darnold made a difficult on-the-run pass just over cornerback Tariq Woolen that Jefferson deftly twisted to catch next to his backside hip so he could shield the ball from late-breaking safety Julian Love. Darnold saw Love's shoulders initially shaded inside just enough to believe he couldn't retreat fast enough to prevent Jefferson from getting the ball. Jefferson also applied some improvisation to his route that Darnold clearly and properly read during the play. “I want those guys to have some freedom in those moments,” coach Kevin O'Connell said. “We do a lot of things with Justin and Sam, seeing the coverage and then with some route opportunities to get to at the line of scrimmage, and I think those guys have just gotten so comfortable with that stuff.” Darnold's long-delayed breakout performance under O'Connell has been one of the stories of the NFL this season, one that wouldn't have unfolded as neatly for the third overall pick in the 2018 draft without such synergy between him and his superstar wide receiver. If the Vikings (13-2) win their last two games, they will not only be NFC North champions for the second time in three years but also get the No. 1 seed and the lone first-round bye in the NFC for the playoffs. “Every single game we’re finding different ways to overcome adversity, overcome the different stuff defenses have thrown towards us," Jefferson said. “Sam has done a great job being a leader.” What's working The pass rush was strong, with Andrew Van Ginkel recording two sacks and pressure leading to both interceptions of Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith. The Vikings were credited with eight hits on Smith. What needs help The Vikings converted only three of 12 third downs, their second-worst rate of the season. Stock up Theo Jackson, who saw significant playing time at safety with Harrison Smith out, had the game-sealing interception with 49 seconds left. Stock down Tight end Josh Oliver has played 47% of the snaps the last two games, his two lowest usage rates of the season. He dropped the only pass he was thrown on Sunday. Injury report The defense ought to get a big boost this week with the expected return of the 13-year veteran Smith from his first absence in two years when he was sidelined at Seattle with a foot injury. Linebacker Ivan Pace, who has missed four games on injured reserve with a hamstring strain, is also on track to be back with his return to practice. Backup defensive lineman Jalen Redmond, who didn't play against the Seahawks because of a concussion, has made progress through the protocol, O'Connell said. Backup cornerback Fabian Moreau, who was inactive at Seattle with a hip injury, will continue to be evaluated throughout the week. Key number 13.6% — That's the third-down conversion allowance rate for the Vikings over the last two games, with Chicago and Seattle combining to go just 3 for 22. The Vikings rank second in the NFL in third-down defense at 33.7% for the season and also rank second on fourth down at 36.7%. Up next The Vikings host Green Bay on Sunday, with the kickoff moved to the late afternoon showcase spot on Fox. If Minnesota loses to the Packers, the Lions will clinch the NFC North and the Vikings would open the playoffs on the road as the No. 5 seed at best. Even if the Lions were to lose at San Francisco on Monday night, the Vikings would need to win at Detroit on Jan. 5 to take the division title. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Dave Campbell, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Football (NFL) Aiming for top seed, Lions play 49ers on road before closing regular season at home against Vikings Dec 23, 2024 4:03 PM Nothing's guaranteed, but Bucs need to win out to give themselves best shot to make the playoffs Dec 23, 2024 3:55 PM NFL Inactive Report Dec 23, 2024 3:54 PM

Nigeria and South Africa on Tuesday agreed to finalise the five-year-old Memorandum of Understanding on the Early Warning Mechanism, which monitors threats of violence, acts of criminality, and reprisals involving nationals of both countries. The decision was revealed in a communiqué released at the end of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission in Cape Town. President Bola Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa co-chaired the meeting. Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement he signed Tuesday titled ‘Nigeria, South Africa set a deadline for signing MoU on early warning, agree on AUC Elections, joint position on the Middle East.’ In the wake of the attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, both countries agreed to establish an Early Warning Mechanism to prevent such attacks. Before the 11th BNC meeting, both parties agreed to harmonise all contentious areas, conclude and present during the 11th session of the BNC. The joint communique, read by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said the two leaders underscored the urgent need to finalise the MoU. “To this end, it was agreed that the MoU will be signed no later than March 2025, during the visit of the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation to Nigeria for political consultations,” Lamola said. Tinubu and Ramaphosa welcomed the ongoing negotiations to conclude other new agreements. According to the communique, both leaders renewed their commitment to work closely to broaden and sustain the two nations’ bilateral relationship to enhance strategic cooperation and partnership for mutual benefit. He said, “In this regard, the Heads of State and Government directed the various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to deepen their cooperation in the context of the BNC. “The Heads of State and Government welcomed the high levels of economic cooperation between the two countries. “In this regard, they welcomed the significant investments of South African companies in Nigeria and encouraged corresponding Nigerian investments in the South African economy.” The joint communique read, “The leaders recognised the need for the two countries to create an enabling business environment.” On the African Continental Free Trade Area, which both Nigeria and South Africa have ratified, the two leaders committed to working towards increased and balanced trade between the two countries by utilising the opportunities provided by the agreement. Nigeria and South Africa also agreed to collaborate on programmes that address mutual challenges in food and nutrition security, strengthen meaningful digital connectivity, and take leadership in developing artificial intelligence. Related News Nigeria, South Africa must strengthen ties for Africa’s development — Tinubu Nigerians don’t know their true worth Nigeria seeks South Africa’s support for G20, BRICS membership They also committed to expanding digital literacy initiatives and prioritising data protection and online safety for all citizens. Nigeria and South Africa affirmed their resolve to coordinate their positions on the upcoming African Union elections to ensure the election of candidates committed to advancing the continent’s development agenda. They reiterated their mutual support for equitable representation within African Union institutions that reflect the continent’s diverse perspectives. South Africa congratulated Nigeria on the reappointment of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, as both countries agreed to work closely together in international organisations. It also solicited Nigeria’s support for its candidate, Ms Swazi Tshabalala, for the position of President of the African Development Bank. Equally, Nigeria solicited South Africa’s support for the re-election of Ambassador Bankole Adeoye as the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security. The Heads of State and Government are committed to working closely with the African Union and each other to advance the African Agenda in pursuit of implementing Agenda 2063. Nigeria highlighted its efforts, as well as those of other members of the ECOWAS bloc, to foster and promote peace and security. South Africa also outlined the efforts undertaken by the Southern African Development Community to support peace initiatives in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and northern Mozambique. “The Delegations also underscored the need to redouble efforts to realize the African Union Agenda 2063 Aspiration to ‘Silence the Guns.’ “In this regard, the Heads of State and Government expressed concern at the devastating conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure and property, and a humanitarian crisis.” Similarly, the two presidents agreed to intensify support for the cause of Western Sahara for self-determination, freedom, and justice. Nigeria congratulated South Africa on its assumption of the G20 Presidency on December 1, 2024. It commended South Africa on its priorities: inclusive economic growth, industrialization, inequality reduction, food security, artificial intelligence, data governance, and innovation. On the escalating crisis in the Middle East, the two countries adopted a joint position calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomacy. They emphasised the importance of upholding international humanitarian law, ensuring the protection of civilians, and promoting sustainable peace in the region.

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California has enough problems without making people endure political stunts. That’s just what the California Air Resource Board did by providing a subsidy up to $2,000 to buy an electric bike, part of the California E-Bike Incentive Project. That’s the average price of a new e-bike, according to REI. The idea is to get people out of gas-guzzling cars and onto bikes to reduce climate change. Costing $3 million for just 1,500 grants, the application deadline was Dec. 18, but the website announced soon there will be new application windows. Applicants must apply online, be a California resident 18 or older and earn a household income less than the 300% of the federal poverty level, currently $93,600 for a family of four. According to the website of the program, “Applicants who either live in a disadvantaged community or low-income community” or who “have an income at or below 225% of” the federal poverty line will be prioritized for the subsidy. CARB is very proud of itself for this program. “By using e-bikes, people can get around and meet everyday needs while improving air quality,” said Steven Cliff, CARB’s executive officer, in a press release. “Prioritizing equity and access is key as we work to achieve our zero-emissions goals, and this incentive program will support those efforts by helping e-bikes be part of the solution.” For all the buzzwords, though, it’s obvious there isn’t really much to this program. The gimmick will bring “imperceptible impact on environmental outcomes,” Mark Scribner told us; he’s the senior transportation policy analyst at the Los Angeles-based Reason Foundation. “This is political posturing. It confers private benefits on recipients, but will fail a social cost-benefit test.” That’s right. Statista Market Insights estimates 1.6 million e-bikes were sold nationally in 2024. There’s no breakout, but equivalent sales in California could be 192,000. The 1,500 e-bike grants, if all are for purchases above that amount, would goose sales just 0.78%. Another issue is safety. A July study by UCSF found, “Electric Scooter and Bike Accidents Are Soaring Across the U.S.” From 2017-22, e-bike injuries doubled each year, while e-scooter injuries rose 45%. Co-lead author Adrian Fernandez, MD, chief resident with the UCSF Department of Urology, called the findings “an urgent need for added safety measures.” Last July, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1774, which banned devices to make the e-bikes go faster than the 28 mph limit currently allowed by law. But the devices could be brought in from other states. Another problem is kids riding e-bikes irresponsibly. Although underage for the grants, kids obviously will be driving many of the subsidized e-bikes. We’ll examine the new safety bills as they come. But CARB should put the brakes on subsidizing expensive e-bikes that won’t do anything for the climate but might help put a few more people in the hospital. If government officials want to spend their own money helping people buy e-bikes, fine. But government shouldn’t be wasting time and money with efforts like this.

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Follow The Baltimore Sun's live coverage of Monday night's NFL Week 12 game between the Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers.Dublin, Dec. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia Green Cement Market, By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2019-2029F" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Saudi Arabia Green Cement Market was valued at USD 2.07 Billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 2.98 Billion by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 6.10%. One of the prominent market trends in Saudi Arabia's Green Cement sector is the increasing demand for sustainable construction practices. As the kingdom continues to diversify its economy and prioritize environmental stewardship under initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030, there is a heightened focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting resource efficiency in the built environment. This shift towards sustainability is driven by both regulatory requirements and market preferences. Government policies aimed at achieving carbon reduction targets and aligning with international climate agreements incentivize developers and contractors to adopt Green Cement as a viable alternative to traditional Portland cement. These policies create a conducive environment for the growth of the Green Cement market by encouraging investment in sustainable building materials and technologies. Developers and investors in Saudi Arabia are increasingly recognizing the long-term benefits of Green Cement. Buildings and infrastructure constructed with Green Cement typically have lower lifecycle costs, reduced maintenance requirements, and improved resilience to environmental factors such as extreme temperatures and humidity. These attributes contribute to the attractiveness of Green Cement in the market, especially for projects seeking to achieve green building certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Heightened awareness among consumers and stakeholders about the environmental impact of construction activities is driving the demand for sustainable materials, including Green Cement. End-users are becoming more conscious of the carbon footprint associated with building materials and are actively seeking products that contribute to sustainable development goals. To capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable construction practices, cement manufacturers in Saudi Arabia are expanding their production capacities for Green Cement and investing in research and development to innovate new formulations and technologies. This proactive approach not only strengthens the competitiveness of Green Cement in the market but also positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in sustainable construction practices within the region and globally. Saudi Arabia has committed to building 1.5 million new homes by 2030, with an increasing focus on sustainable and energy-efficient construction practices. This includes integrating green building standards such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and Estidama. Key Attributes: Report Scope: Key Market Players Holcim Ltd Heidelberg Material AG CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V. Taiheiyo Cement Corporation Ecocem Ireland Ltd. (Ecocem Global) ACC Limited UltraTech Cement Ltd. Anhui Conch Cement Company Limited Saudi Arabia Green Cement Market, By Product Type: Fly Ash Based Slag Based Limestone-Based Silica Fume-Based Others Saudi Arabia Green Cement Market, By Application: Residential Commercial Industrial Others Saudi Arabia Green Cement Market, End Use: New Construction Repair and Maintenance Saudi Arabia Green Cement Market, By Region: Riyadh Makkah Madinah Eastern Province Dammam Rest of Saudi Arabia For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/lf2pcj About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Saudi Arabian Green Cement Market

The Pittsburgh Steelers will get four critical players back for their game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Cornerback Donte Jackson, wide receiver George Pickens, safety DeShon Elliott, and defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi are off the injury report and will return after missing games. Jackson missed just one game against the Baltimore Ravens with a pinched nerve in his lower back. Now, he will return this week as the Steelers hope he can play for a full four quarters without the injury flaring up. Elliott has missed the last two weeks with a hamstring strain. The Steelers missed his presence in the box, and his absence destroyed their communication. Their run defense has suffered badly. Pickens has missed the last three games with a grade 2 hamstring strain. The Steelers' offense has taken a sharp hit with their explosive play rate, and his return should allow them to get back to those ways. Meanwhile, Ogunjobi missed the last two games due to a groin strain. His return will give the Steelers a fully healthy defensive line for the first time since his injury. BETTING: Check out our guide to the best PA sportsbooks , where our team of sports betting experts has reviewed the experience, payout speed, parlay options and quality of odds for multiple sportsbooks. More Pittsburgh Steelers News Pittsburgh Steelers could get Justin Fields back against Chiefs Pittsburgh Steelers lose two key contributors for Chiefs game, including star cornerback Pittsburgh Steelers offense gets massive boost with return of star wide receiver Chiefs lose two starters for Steelers game, could be without star pass rusher Baltimore Ravens add dynamic former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver

DOVER, Del. (AP) — A Delaware judge has reaffirmed her ruling that Tesla must revoke Elon Musk’s multibillion-dollar pay package Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick on Monday 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. McCormick also rejected an equally unprecedented and massive fee request by plaintiff attorneys , who argued that they were entitled to legal fees in the form of Tesla stock valued at more than $5 billion. The judge said the attorneys were entitled to a fee award of $345 million. The rulings came in a lawsuit filed by a Tesla stockholder who challenged Musk’s 2018 compensation package. McCormick concluded in January that Musk engineered the landmark pay package in sham negotiations with directors who were not independent. The compensation package initially carried a potential maximum value of about $56 billion, but that sum has fluctuated over the years based on Tesla’s stock price. Following the court ruling, Tesla shareholders met in June and ratified Musk’s 2018 pay package for a second time, again by an overwhelming margin. Defense attorneys then argued that the second vote makes clear that Tesla shareholders, with full knowledge of the flaws in the 2018 process that McCormick pointed out, were adamant that Musk is entitled to the pay package. They asked the judge to vacate her order directing Tesla to rescind the pay package. McCormick, who seemed skeptical of the defense arguments during an August hearing, said in Monday’s ruling that those arguments were fatally flawed. “The large and talented group of defense firms got creative with the ratification argument, but their unprecedented theories go against multiple strains of settled law,” McCormick wrote in a 103-page opinion. The judge noted, among other things, that a stockholder vote standing alone cannot ratify a conflicted-controller transaction. “Even if a stockholder vote could have a ratifying effect, it could not do so here due to multiple, material misstatements in the proxy statement,” she added. Meanwhile, McCormick found that the $5.6 billion fee request by the shareholder’s attorneys, which at one time approached $7 billion based on Tesla’s trading price, went too far. “In a case about excessive compensation, that was a bold ask,” McCormick wrote. Attorneys for the Tesla shareholder argue that their work resulted in the “massive” benefit of returning shares to Tesla that otherwise would have gone to Musk and diluted the stock held by other Tesla investors. They value that benefit at $51.4 billion, using the difference between the stock price at the time of McCormick’s January ruling and the strike price of some 304 million stock options granted to Musk. While finding that the methodology used to calculate the fee request was sound, the judge noted that the Delaware’s Supreme Court has noted that fee award guidelines “must yield to the greater policy concern of preventing windfalls to counsel.” “The fee award here must yield in this way, because $5.6 billion is a windfall no matter the methodology used to justify it,” McCormick wrote. A fee award of $345 million, she said, was “an appropriate sum to reward a total victory.” The fee award amounts to almost exactly half the current record $688 million in legal fees awarded in 2008 in litigation stemming from the collapse of Enron. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Infant items needed for Mrs. Santa drive

Heavy travel day off to a rough start after American Airlines briefly grounds all flights

Delaware judge reaffirms ruling that invalidated massive Tesla pay package for Elon MuskNone

By Lauren Beavis An adorable little donkey named Wonder has received a new prosthetic leg to help her stand and walk - just in time for Christmas. Wonder was born with two deformed hooves leaving her unable to stand or walk. But since being fitted with a specialist prosthesis, the young mule is now able to walk "better than ever before". At a young age, she was admitted to Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire in the Netherlands - a center for neglected, abused, confiscated, sick or old donkeys . Wonder the donkey with its new leg. ( When veterinarians at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Ghent University heard about Wonder's condition, they got in touch with Wesley Michiels from Pet Orthopedics - a company that makes prostheses and braces for animals. Wesley Michiels, head of Pet Orthopedics , said: "The vets contacted us and explained that they wanted to amputate the leg - asking us how they could best go about it to ensure that the donkey would be able to walk again with a view to a prosthesis. "We were on site for about three weeks to carry out the measurements on Wonder." As the vets amputated her little hooves - the orthopedics were able to fit a prosthetic leg that grows as Wonder does. (Pet Orthopedics via SWNS) Wesley said: "The cooperation results in a perfect amputation stump so that the prosthetic device also fits perfectly. "Wonder is still a little donkey who still has to grow in the future, so the prosthesis is adaptive so we can adjust it when she grows. "In the beginning, she has to learn how to use the leg more - but with the prosthetic device she is now already walking better than before." (Pet Orthopedics via SWNS) Wesley says he has worked with donkeys before - but a full prosthesis for the species was a new task for him. He added the new technology has helped many species - from alpacas to dogs and now donkeys . Wesley said: "In the past, the legs of animals were completely amputated up to the shoulder or up to the hip for a problem with toes for example - then sometimes you couldn't do anything with one leg. "But now many vets first call us to ask for advice about the amputation, so that we can put a prosthesis afterwards."

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