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The O.N. Jonas Foundation announces this year’s Arts-in-Education grant recipients. The foundation oversees two major grant entities: the Seretean Foundation grants for elementary schools and the Lorberbaum Foundation grants for middle and high schools. Teachers in Dalton, Murray County and Whitfield County schools may apply for grants to expand and enhance arts instruction in visual arts, music, theater or dance. Students at Westwood, Valley Point and Chatsworth elementary schools will benefit from this year’s Seretean grants. Megan Walker’s Westwood students will create silhouettes of children at play. Under the direction of Kaylee Fissel, additional barred instruments will be incorporated into Valley Point students’ music education. Sheri Carr’s Chatsworth students will create arts and crafts for a Celebration of Cultural Diversity. The Seretean grants began in 2011. Due to their success in enhancing arts learning in area elementary schools, in 2021 the Lorberbaum Foundation established grants for middle and high school arts. Students at Dalton High School, Northwest Whitfield High School and Murray County High School will benefit from this year’s Lorberbaum grants. The addition of a classroom music technology studio will provide Rodney Gipson’s students at Dalton High with hands-on experience and practical knowledge to prepare them for a career in music production. Josh Ruben’s students at Northwest Whitfield High will produce masque theatre — they will construct masks, research storytelling traditions, write scripts and perform short plays. An additional trailer at Murray County High will provide increased storage capacity for Holly Kinsey’s band students, allowing prop and technology inventory to increase. Submitted by the O.N. Jonas Foundation.
Qatar Foundation (QF) has wrapped up the World Math Team Championship 2024, with a closing ceremony attended by Vice Chairperson and CEO HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani. Qatar, the first in the Middle East to host this event, supported by its destination partner, Visit Qatar welcomed 800 math students, including 443 international participants, fostering cultural exchange and academic excellence. Over the three days, the Qatar National Convention Centre hosted the championship, celebrating the legacy of the Muslim scholar al-Khwarizmi, known as the 'Father of Algebra,' under the theme 'Algebra and Balancing.' The event emphasised principles of balance and fairness among nations, blending collaboration and competition in an educational environment that fosters both challenge and learning while strengthening cultural connections among participants. Professors from Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, a QF partner university, played a pivotal role in the success of the championship. Hasan Demirkoparan, Layan El Hajj, Niraj Khare, Anthony Weston, and Zelealem Yilma brought their expertise and dedication to crafting the competition’s questions, ensuring high-quality academic rigour and intellectual depth. After the rounds, top-performing students across all three categories were recognised for their achievements, both as individuals and as teams, receiving multiple medals and awards. The honours covered the junior, intermediate, and advanced levels, celebrating their outstanding performance throughout the event. Among the winners, several Arab and Qatari students distinguished themselves with remarkable accomplishments, earning awards that highlight the growing mathematical talent in the region. Abeer al-Khalifa, president of Pre-University Education, QF, said: "We are honoured to host this prestigious global event in Qatar, which continues to solidify its position as a global hub for innovation and scientific excellence. "We take pride in embracing the cultural diversity of the outstanding mathematics students who have come from all over the world to compete with a spirit of positivity and showcase their exceptional talents." Al-Khalifa explained that for over two decades, QF has been a pioneer in supporting local, regional, and international efforts aimed at unlocking human potential and building a knowledge-based, innovation-driven society. During the trip, students had the opportunity to visit some of Qatar's most prominent tourist and heritage sites, as well as participate in unique events, including the Al-Ghorrah activity. This event featured a series of activities that allowed students to gain new insights into Qatar's rich heritage and culture. It also highlighted various cultural and social aspects of the country, offering them a valuable opportunity to explore Qatar's unique blend of deep-rooted traditions and modern development. Related Story QU launches 4th World Congress on Engineering and TechnologyWhen Kim Kardashian held hands with a Tesla Robot, the internet went wild. On November 19, Kardashian posted a series of photos of her with a one-of-a-kind gold Tesla Optimus AI Robot. Why did the internet go wild? These are not just any photos, Kardashian's photoshoot is almost like how people get photographed with their partners. She can be seen holding the robot's hands and even sitting on its lap inside a Tesla Cybercab. Netizens after looking at this photo are going back to the 2016 tweet by The Sun, which said: "Women will be having more sex with ROBOTS than men by 2025". Many are saying that the prophecy is fulfilled and the prediction is now true. But What Does It Really Mean? We asked Ruchi Ruuh, a relationship counsellor why specifically the prediction focuses on women's relationship with a robot, whereas it could be men too. "Robots could offer women a kind of "perfect" partner that might offer predictability and consistency that they might feel are missing in men in general," she explains. Is it because women are unwilling to invest emotionally? " It’s not necessarily that women are unwilling to invest emotionally, but robots may provide a safer alternative without rejection or betrayal. This choice could symbolize a deeper desire to feel safe and secure with the partner," explains Ruuh. She also points out that women are creatures who primarily look for safety and when the world around them seems unsafe, whether physically, sexually, or emotionally, they would be driven to a robot or any alternative that makes them feel safe. Having said that, Ruuh also points out that robots can never replace men or real people. However, the "fatigue from giving too much without reciprocation" is leading to the speculation that women may consider robots as a "less complex and a more manageable solution." "While most people are taking it like a literal sexual intimacy, it's much more than that. It is about safety," point What was the 2016 prediction? Dr Ian Pearson, a futurologist suggested that women will soon be "getting busy with robots rather than men," reports The Sun. Ian's prediction comes from how sexual exploration has evolved around women's body. Women are now more able to have a connection and relationship with their bodies. Also Read: Ministry Of Sex: Russian Government Is Entering Your Bedroom, Wants You To Have More Sex! Toys and massagers, which used to be taboo earlier are now an integral part of women's magazines. A lot of people will still have reservations about sex with robots at first but gradually as they get used to them, as the AI (artificial intelligence) and mechanical behaviour and their feel improve, and they start to become friends with strong emotional bonds, that squeamishness will gradually evaporate," he said in the report, commissioned by Bondara. In fact, there have been cases reported earlier where many have fallen in love with their AI-assistant. Robosexuality Is More Complex Than You Think A new research titled Technically in love: Individual differences relating to sexual and platonic relationships with robots, published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships reveals that robosexuality is an attitude towards and interest in sexual relationship with robots. The study found that there are three broad attitudes which can lead to robosexuality including a sociosexual orientation where someone can invest in a sexual relationship without emotional attachment. The second attitude is called hostile sexism, where people view gender relations as competitive and full of conflict, so choose something that is neither a man nor a woman, so there exists no concept of control over one another. The third attitude is social dominance orientation, which measures a person's desire to support and maintain a ranking of different groups. This means supporting the idea that people from different racial groups or social classes having a certain sexual orientation should be ranked below others. These three measuring units were used to study the role of robosexuality that plays in people's lives. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Relationships, Lifestyle and around the world.
Discover unparalleled hospitality at Centara Reserve Samui, where every moment is tailored to inspire, indulge, and create lasting memories. Experience a New Era of Luxury Centara Reserve Samui invites you to embark on a journey of personalised luxury at its reimagined resort on the tranquil shores of Chaweng Beach. As the first property in Centara’s curated luxury collection, Centara Reserve Samui blends colonial charm with contemporary elegance, offering an idyllic retreat just 15 minutes from Samui International Airport. With 184 luxurious rooms, suites, and villas, this beachfront haven caters to every traveller. Whether it’s a Deluxe Garden Room with lush views, a Deluxe Ocean Room with breathtaking vistas, or a Beachfront Pool Villa, each space comes with a private terrace or balcony and the personalised service of Reserve Hosts, Centara Reserve’s modern butler experience. Tailored Experiences for Every Guest At Centara Reserve Samui, every detail is designed to immerse you in the beauty of Koh Samui while indulging your senses. Culinary Delights Explore an array of one-of-a-kind dining experiences, including: • Act 5, offering high-end cuisine in an elegant setting. • Salt Society, a beach bar and kitchen serving fresh seafood. • Sa-Nga, where you can savour Thai tapas. • The Terrace, delivering comforting classics. For an extra touch of indulgence, unwind with 35 house-made gins at The Gin Run or enjoy a bespoke In-Room Kitchen Table menu tailored to your taste. Wellness & Relaxation Pamper yourself at Reserve Spa Cenvaree, where treatments rejuvenate both body and mind. Stay active at the Yoga Pavilion, join pilates classes, or take a refreshing dip in one of two stunning swimming pools. Younger guests can enjoy endless fun in the technology-free Kids Zone, complete with a wet playground. Unforgettable Events Whether hosting an intimate gather- ing or a grand celebration, the resort features a pre-function area, four flexible meeting spaces for up to 200 guests, and outdoor venues, including beachfront and poolside locations, accommodating up to 250 guests. A Destination Beyond Compare Centara Reserve Samui is more than a luxury resort—it’s a story waiting to be written. From indulgent spa experiences to vibrant dining and the unmatched beauty of Chaweng Beach, every moment invites discovery, relaxation, and connection. Reserve your escape today and let the magic of Centara Reserve Samui create memories that last a lifetime.FORT WORTH, Texas — Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker continues to get pushback on Tuesday’s council vote to name the next city manager. Parker believes former deputy city manager Jay Chapa, the single finalist for the job , is the right choice despite criticism about the process. Instead of hiring an independent search firm Parker supported the city's human resource department to conduct a nationwide search. "We had over 150 applicants," said Parker, "Let me make it really clear, our process was flawless, and we ended up with the very best manager in the country. It just so happens that Jay Chapa already lived in Fort Worth.” But the selection process is coming under fire by Council members Chris Nettles, and Dr. Jared Williams, along with dozens of Forth Worth community leaders calling it flawed. Now they want the council vote confirming Jay Chapa put on hold. “This process has been flawed from the start to the finish with predetermined decisions made behind closed doors without meaningful conversation, input from our public, our community, and our faith leaders," Councilman Nettles said. Nettles spearheaded an online petition through change.org about postponing the vote signed by community leaders across Fort Worth and Tarrant County. By Tuesday afternoon the petition had more than 170 signatures towards the goal of 200 signatures. As Deputy City Manager Chapa played a huge role in several big projects for the city including Dickies Arena. Before retiring in January 2022, Chapa served as deputy city manager. He started his consulting business facilitating the multi-million-dollar deal on the Texas A&M downtown campus in Fort Worth. As the new city manager Chapa would make $435,000.00 a year, which is $120 thousand more than the current city manager. His employee benefits would include a $600 monthly car allowance. WFAA reached out repeatedly to Mayor Mattie Parker for a response to the request to delay the vote on hiring Jay Chapa but has yet to receive a response. Despite pushback from the community, If Mayor Parker and the council move forward confirming their only finalist for the job, Chapa would start on January 27, 2025. Related Articles Ennis interim city manager resigns two weeks into the job, mayor appoints police chief to fill in Fort Worth poised to replace its longest-serving city manager with first Hispanic city manager Selection process for Fort Worth City Manager comes under fire after the council narrows down the final candidateNEW YORK, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Boards of Trustees/Directors of the PIMCO closed-end funds below (each, a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”) have declared a monthly distribution for each Fund’s common shares as summarized below. The distributions are payable on January 2, 2025 to shareholders of record on December 12, 2024, with an ex-dividend date of December 12, 2024. Fund Distribution Information as of October 31, 2024: Distribution rates are not performance and are calculated by annualizing the current distribution per share announced in this press release and dividing by the NAV or Market Price, as applicable, as of the reported date. A Fund’s distribution rate may be affected by numerous factors, including changes in realized and projected market returns, Fund performance, and other factors. There can be no assurance that a change in market conditions or other factors will not result in a change in a Fund’s distribution rate at a future time. Distributions may be comprised of ordinary income, net capital gains, and/or a return of capital (“ROC”) of your investment in a Fund. Because the distribution rate may include a ROC, it should not be confused with yield or performance. Average Annual Total Returns Based on NAV and Market Price (“MKT”) of Common Shares as of October 31, 2024: Performance for periods of more than one year is annualized. Past performance is not a guarantee or a reliable indicator of future results. There can be no assurance that a Fund or any investment strategy will achieve its investment objectives or structure its investment portfolio as anticipated. An investment in a Fund involves risk, including loss of principal. Investment return and the value of shares will fluctuate. Shares may be worth more or less than original purchase price. Due to market volatility, current performance may be lower or higher than average annual returns shown. Returns are calculated by determining the percentage change in net asset value (“NAV”) or market price (as applicable) of the Fund’s common shares in the specific period. The calculation assumes that all dividends and distributions, if any, have been reinvested. NAV and market price returns do not reflect broker sales charges or commissions in connection with the purchase or sales of Fund shares and includes the effect of any expense reductions. Returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized. Returns for a period of more than one year represent the average annual return. Performance at market price will differ from results at NAV. Although market price returns typically reflect investment results over time, during shorter periods returns at market price can also be influenced by factors such as changing views about a Fund, market conditions, supply and demand for a Fund’s shares or changes in Fund dividends and distributions. Additional Information Distributions from PMF, PML, PMX, PCQ, PCK, PZC, PNF, PNI and PYN are generally exempt from regular federal income taxes (i.e., excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes but not necessarily exempt from the federal alternative minimum tax). In addition, distributions from PCQ, PCK and PZC are also generally exempt from California state income taxes, and distributions from PNF, PNI and PYN are generally exempt from New York State and city income taxes. There can be no assurance that all distributions paid by these Funds will be exempt from federal income taxes or applicable state or local income taxes. Distributions may include ordinary income, net capital gains and/or a return of capital. Generally, a return of capital occurs when the amount distributed by a Fund includes a portion of (or is comprised entirely of) your investment in the Fund in addition to (or rather than) your pro-rata portion of the Fund’s net income or capital gains. A Fund’s distributions in any period may be more or less than the net return earned by the Fund on its investments, and therefore should not be used as a measure of performance or confused with “yield” or “income.” A return of capital is not taxable; rather it reduces a shareholder’s tax basis in his or her shares of a Fund. If a Fund estimates that a portion of a distribution may be comprised of amounts from sources other than net investment income, as determined in accordance with its internal accounting records and related accounting practices, the Fund will notify shareholders of the estimated composition of such distribution through a Section 19 Notice. For these purposes, a Fund estimates the source or sources from which a distribution is paid, to the close of the period as of which it is paid, in reference to its internal accounting records and related accounting practices. If, based on such accounting records and practices, it is estimated that a particular distribution does not include capital gains or paid-in surplus or other capital sources, a Section 19 Notice generally would not be issued. It is important to note that differences exist between a Fund’s daily internal accounting records and practices, the Fund’s financial statements presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and recordkeeping practices under income tax regulations. For instance, a Fund’s internal accounting records and practices may take into account, among other factors, tax-related characteristics of certain sources of distributions that differ from treatment under U.S. GAAP. Examples of such differences may include, among others, the treatment of paydowns on mortgage-backed securities purchased at a discount and periodic payments under interest rate swap contracts. Accordingly, among other consequences, it is possible that a Fund may not issue a Section 19 Notice in situations where the Fund’s financial statements prepared later and in accordance with U.S. GAAP and/or the final tax character of those distributions might later report that the sources of those distributions included capital gains and/or a return of capital. Please visit www.pimco.com for the most recent Section 19 Notice, if applicable, and most recent shareholder reports for additional information regarding the estimated composition of distributions. Final determination of a distribution’s tax character will be provided to shareholders when such information is available. The tax treatment and characterization of a Fund’s distributions may vary significantly from time to time because of the varied nature of the Fund’s investments. For example, a Fund may enter into opposite sides of multiple interest rate swaps or other derivatives with respect to the same underlying reference instrument (e.g., a 10-year U.S. treasury) that have different effective dates with respect to interest accrual time periods for the principal purpose of generating distributable gains (characterized as ordinary income for tax purposes) that are not part of the Fund’s duration or yield curve management strategies. In such a “paired swap transaction”, the Fund would generally enter into one or more interest rate swap agreements whereby the Fund agrees to make regular payments starting at the time the Fund enters into the agreements equal to a floating interest rate in return for payments equal to a fixed interest rate (the “initial leg”). The Fund would also enter into one or more interest rate swap agreements on the same underlying instrument, but take the opposite position (i.e., in this example, the Fund would make regular payments equal to a fixed interest rate in return for receiving payments equal to a floating interest rate) with respect to a contract whereby the payment obligations do not commence until a date following the commencement of the initial leg (the “forward leg”). A Fund may engage in investment strategies, including those that employ the use of derivatives, to, among other things, seek to generate current, distributable income, even if such strategies could potentially result in declines in the Fund’s NAV. A Fund’s income and gain-generating strategies, including certain derivatives strategies, may generate current income and gains taxable as ordinary income sufficient to support monthly distributions even in situations when the Fund has experienced a decline in net assets due to, for example, adverse changes in the broad U.S. or non-U.S. equity markets or the Fund’s debt investments, or arising from its use of derivatives. Because some or all of these transactions may generate capital losses without corresponding offsetting capital gains, portions of a Fund’s distributions recognized as ordinary income for tax purposes (such as from paired swap transactions) may be economically similar to a taxable return of capital when considered together with such capital losses. The tax treatment of certain derivatives in which a Fund invests may be unclear and thus subject to recharacterization. Any recharacterization of payments made or received by a Fund pursuant to derivatives potentially could affect the amount, timing or character of Fund distributions. In addition, the tax treatment of such investment strategies may be changed by regulation or otherwise. The common shares of the Funds trade on the New York Stock Exchange. As with any stock, the price of a Fund’s common shares will fluctuate with market conditions and other factors. If you sell your common shares of a Fund, the price received may be more or less than your original investment. Shares of closed-end investment management companies, such as the Funds, frequently trade at a discount from their net asset value and may trade at a price that is less than the initial offering price and/or the net asset value of such shares. Further, if a Fund’s shares trade at a price that is more than the initial offering price and/or the net asset value of such shares, including at a substantial premium and/or for an extended period of time, there is no assurance that any such premium will be sustained for any period of time and will not decrease, or that the shares will not trade at a discount to net asset value thereafter. The Funds’ daily New York Stock Exchange closing market prices, net asset values per share, as well as other information, including updated portfolio statistics and performance are available at pimco.com/closedendfunds or by calling the Funds’ shareholder servicing agent at (844) 33-PIMCO. Updated portfolio holdings information about a Fund will be available approximately 15 calendar days after such Fund’s most recent fiscal quarter end, and will remain accessible until such Fund files a shareholder report or a publicly available Form N-PORT for the period that includes the date of the information. A Fund’s shares do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution, and are not insured by the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency. You may lose money by investing in a Fund. Certain risks associated with investing in a Fund are summarized below. An investor should consider, among other things, a Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. A Fund’s annual report contains (or will contain) this and other information about the Fund. A word about risk: Investing in the bond market is subject to risks, including market, interest rate, issuer, credit, inflation risk, and liquidity risk. The value of most bonds and bond strategies are impacted by changes in interest rates. Bonds and bond strategies with longer durations tend to be more sensitive and volatile than those with shorter durations; bond prices generally fall as interest rates rise, and low interest rate environments increase this risk. Reductions in bond counterparty capacity may contribute to decreased market liquidity and increased price volatility. Bond investments may be worth more or less than the original cost when redeemed. Mortgage and asset-backed securities may be sensitive to changes in interest rates, subject to early repayment risk, and their value may fluctuate in response to the market’s perception of issuer creditworthiness; while generally supported by some form of government or private guarantee there is no assurance that private guarantors will meet their obligations. Investing in foreign-denominated and/or -domiciled securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations, and economic and political risks, which may be enhanced in emerging markets. Corporate debt securities are subject to the risk of the issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest payments on the obligation and may also be subject to price volatility due to factors such as interest rate sensitivity, market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity. Bank loans are often less liquid than other types of debt instruments and general market and financial conditions may affect the prepayment of bank loans, and as such the prepayments cannot be predicted with accuracy. There is no assurance that the liquidation of any collateral from a secured bank loan would satisfy the borrower’s obligation, or that such collateral could be liquidated. Contingent Convertible (“Coco”) Bonds are bonds that are converted into equity of the issuing company if a pre-specified trigger occurs. Co-cos are subject to a different type of risk from traditional bonds and may result in a partial or total loss of value or may be converted into shares of the issuing company which may also have suffered a loss in value. Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs) may involve a high degree of risk and are intended for sale to qualified investors only. Investors may lose some or all of the investment and there may be periods where no cash flow distributions are received. CLOs are exposed to risks such as credit, default, liquidity, management, volatility, interest rate, and credit risk. Convertible securities may be called before intended, which may have an adverse effect on investment objectives. Floating rate loans are not traded on an exchange and are subject to significant credit, valuation and liquidity risk. A Fund may invest without limit in below investment grade debt securities (commonly referred to as “high yield” securities or “junk bonds”), including securities of stressed and distressed issuers. High-yield, lower-rated, securities involve greater risk than higher-rated securities; portfolios that invest in them may be subject to greater levels of credit and liquidity risk than portfolios that do not. Real estate investment trusts (or REITs) are subject to risk, such as poor performance by the manager, adverse changes to tax laws or failure to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income. Investments in residential/commercial mortgage loans and commercial real estate debt are subject to risks that include prepayment, delinquency, foreclosure, risks of loss, servicing risks and adverse regulatory developments, which risks may be heightened in the case of non-performing loans. Investing in distressed loans and bankrupt companies is speculative and the repayment of default obligations contains significant uncertainties. Distressed and Defaulted Securities involve substantial risks, including the risk of default. Such investments may be in default at the time of investment. In addition, these securities may fluctuate more in price, and are typically less liquid. Commodities contain heightened risk, including market, political, regulatory and natural conditions, and may not be appropriate for all investors. Many energy sector master limited partnerships (or MLPs) and other companies in which PDX may invest operate natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined products, coal, or other facilities within the energy sector and will be susceptible to adverse economic, environmental, or regulatory occurrences affecting the sector including sharp decreases in crude oil or natural gas prices. Energy Sector Risk. PDX will be concentrated in the energy sector, and will therefore be susceptible to adverse economic, environmental, or regulatory occurrences affecting that sector. Private credit involves an investment in non-publicly traded securities which may be subject to illiquidity risk. Portfolios that invest in private credit may be leveraged and may engage in speculative investment practices that increase the risk of investment loss. A Fund will also have exposure to such risks through its investments in mortgage and asset-backed securities, which are highly complex instruments that may be sensitive to changes in interest rates and subject to early repayment risk. Income from municipal bonds is exempt from federal income tax and may be subject to state and local taxes and at times the alternative minimum tax; a strategy concentrating in a single or limited number of states is subject to greater risk of adverse economic conditions and regulatory changes. Structured products such as collateralized debt obligations are also highly complex instruments, typically involving a high degree of risk; use of these instruments may involve derivative instruments that could lose more than the principal amount invested. Sovereign securities are generally backed by the issuing government, obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities are supported by varying degrees but are generally not backed by the full faith of the U.S. Government; portfolios that invest in such securities are not guaranteed and will fluctuate in value. Concentration of assets in one or a few sectors may entail greater risk than a fully diversified portfolio and should be considered as only part of a diversified portfolio. Investing in foreign-denominated and/or -domiciled securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations, and economic and political risks, which may be enhanced in emerging markets. Leveraging transactions, including borrowing, typically will cause a portfolio to be more volatile than if the portfolio had not been leveraged. Leveraging transactions typically involve expenses, which could exceed the rate of return on investments purchased by a fund with such leverage and reduce fund returns. The use of leverage may cause a portfolio to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so. Leveraging transactions may increase a fund’s duration and sensitivity to interest rate movements. Derivatives may involve certain costs and risks, such as liquidity, interest rate, market, credit, management and the risk that a position could not be closed when most advantageous. Investing in derivatives could lose more than the amount invested. Each of PDO, PNF and PYN is non-diversified, which means that it may invest its assets in a smaller number of issuers than a diversified Fund. Limited Term Risk. With respect to PDX, PDO and PAXS (each, for purposes of this paragraph only, a “Limited Term Fund”), unless the limited term provision of a Limited Term Fund’s Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration of Trust”) is amended by shareholders in accordance with the Declaration of Trust, or unless a Limited Term Fund completes a tender offer, as of a date within twelve months preceding the Dissolution Date (as defined below), to all common shareholders to purchase 100% of the then outstanding common shares of such Limited Term Fund at a price equal to the NAV per common share on the expiration date of the tender offer (an “Eligible Tender Offer”), and converts to perpetual existence, such Limited Term Fund will terminate. PDX will terminate on or about January 29, 2031; PDO will terminate on or about January 27, 2033; and PAXS will terminate on or about January 27, 2034 (each such termination date, a “Dissolution Date”). No Limited Term Fund is a “target term” fund whose investment objective is to return its original net asset value on the Dissolution Date or in an Eligible Tender Offer. Because the assets of each Limited Term Fund will be liquidated in connection with the dissolution, such Limited Term Fund will incur transaction costs in connection with dispositions of portfolio securities. The Limited Term Funds do not limit their investments to securities having a maturity date prior to the applicable Dissolution Date and may be required to sell portfolio securities when they otherwise would not, including at times when market conditions are not favorable, which may cause such Limited Term Fund to lose money. In particular, a Limited Term Fund’s portfolio may still have large exposures to illiquid securities as its Dissolution Date approaches, and losses due to portfolio liquidation may be significant. Beginning one year before the applicable Dissolution Date (the “Wind-Down Period”), a Limited Term Fund may begin liquidating all or a portion of its portfolio, and may deviate from its investment strategy and may not achieve its investment objectives. As a result, during the Wind-Down Period, a Limited Term Fund’s distributions may decrease, and such distributions may include a return of capital. A Limited Term Fund’s investment objectives and policies are not designed to seek to return investors’ original investment upon termination of such Limited Term Fund, and investors may receive more or less than their original investment upon termination of such Limited Term Fund. As the assets of a Limited Term Fund will be liquidated in connection with its termination, such Limited Term Fund may be required to sell portfolio securities when it otherwise would not, including at times when market conditions are not favorable, which may cause such Limited Term Fund to lose money. Closed-end funds, unlike open-end funds, are not continuously offered. After the initial public offering, shares are sold on the open market through a stock exchange. Closed-end funds may be leveraged and carry various risks depending upon the underlying assets owned by a fund. Investment policies, management fees and other matters of interest to prospective investors may be found in each closed-end fund annual and semi-annual report. For additional information, please contact your investment professional or call 1-844-337-4626. About PIMCO PIMCO was founded in 1971 in Newport Beach, California and is one of the world’s premier fixed income investment managers. Today we have offices across the globe and 3,000+ professionals united by a single purpose: creating opportunities for investors in every environment. PIMCO is owned by Allianz S.E., a leading global diversified financial services provider. Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements. These statements may involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including the performance of financial markets, the investment performance of PIMCO’s sponsored investment products and separately managed accounts, general economic conditions, future acquisitions, competitive conditions and government regulations, including changes in tax laws. Readers should carefully consider such factors. Further, such forward-looking statements speak only on the date at which such statements are made. PIMCO undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statement. This material has been distributed for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission. PIMCO is a trademark of Allianz Asset Management of America LLC in the United States and throughout the world. PIMCO Investments LLC, 1633 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, is a company of PIMCO. ©2024, PIMCO. For information on PIMCO Closed-End Funds: Financial Advisors: (800) 628-1237 Shareholders: (844) 337-4626 or (844) 33-PIMCO PIMCO Media Relations: (212) 597-1054
Photo: Flckr-BC Goct FILE. Transit A program that provides Central Okanagan residents with bus passes has grown. United Way B.C. and the City of Kelowna said in a Tuesday press release, they're nearly doubling the number of bus tickets they offer those in need and launching a pilot program for monthly passes, through the Emergency Transportation Assistance Program. Since 2012, they have distributed 10,200 tickets annually to residents of Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, Lake Country, and Westbank First Nation. Now nearly 5,550 tickets are being distributed quarterly and 100 monthly passes distributed each month in the program. "I'm one of the many who was fortunate enough to benefit from this new program," Mark Arvesu said in a press release. "These are challenging times in my life, and it gave me a sense of comfort knowing that we live in a community where we are genuinely here for each other, and I felt it more-so when I was blessed with the bus pass. I'm truly grateful." A Syrian refuge the United Way has called Rita to protect her anonymity has a similar story, according to the United Way. She moved to Kelowna after fleeing persecution and genocide in Syria in 2020. Her husband is looking for work every day, but learning English is proving difficult at the age of 45. She takes her children to school every morning and then walks home, where rent costs over 80 per cent of their income. To feed her children, she also walks to the various free food programs across Kelowna, often for upwards of one to two hours, and carries the heavy food items home. She cannot afford the transit fare of $2.50 per trip. "The Emergency Transportation Assistance Program has been incredibly successful at making transit accessible for those who cannot afford fares but need reliable transportation to access services, and opportunities for employment, education, and social connection," Mike Kittmer, Transit and Programs Manager, City of Kelowna, said. "Expanding this program is an important part of the City's ongoing work to support our community's most vulnerable and improve social wellness for all."
NoneWall Street inches higher to set more records
By Kaushalya Perera Sri Lankans love their educational qualifications. Qualifications permit envious comparisons of value, similar to the ownership of gold jewellery, an expensive watch or a branded pair of shoes, resulting in exactly the same questions of provenance, worth and authenticity, but from a much higher moral ground. For the past two weeks we, the people, have watched as allegations that the (now) ex-Speaker’s educational qualifications were faked, proliferated across the news and social media. We waited for him to prove otherwise, all the while observing how his party and his current place of work (the Parliament) seemed to have neither the will nor the means to verify these claims. As I write, the ‘qualifications war’ has turned into an Absurd play. Why were the ex-Speaker’s qualifications so important? This is a two-fold problem related to the unhealthy relationship that Sri Lankans have with qualifications, coupled with NPP’s self-branding as a ‘clean’ party. Let’s take the second part first. One of the NPP’s pledges was that they would give ‘sudussata sudusu thaena’, i.e., appropriate positions to suitable individuals. This was a constant thread of their election rhetoric and it was accepted as a counter to the rampant nepotism and cronyism we have been seeing. After the (ex) Speaker stepped down, the Prime Minister said in Parliament that her Party includes members with no certificates, as well as those with many qualifications; that all are equally valued because her party values all types of knowledge; and that knowledge cannot be understood narrowly. I fully agree. It is the kind of vision I expect from a Minister of Education. At the same time, it cannot be denied that the NPP knowingly played the qualifications game during their long drawn-out campaign. The JVP’s image—associated in public discourse with ragging, student protests and workers’ strikes—was subsumed into the NPP’s much-vaunted membership of professionals, academics and artists. And the reason why the ‘qualifications game’ was so effective as election currency is precisely because Sri Lankans value qualifications so highly, in such a problematic way. It provided legitimacy to the NPP’s portrayal of themselves as a party standing against a host of corrupt charlatans. This brings us to the first part of the problem – our love of qualifications. In the education sectors, we’re all familiar with that little line: ‘A certificate will be provided’, which is included to increase participant numbers. Also familiar are instances of people registering for a specific course disappearing from the actual class and turning up at the ‘certificate-awarding ceremony’. Further, degrees are often demanded in some sectors for jobs that do not require one. This love of qualifications is not a new phenomenon. In an interesting article, titled ‘The growth of foreign qualification suppliers in Sri Lanka’, published in 2005, Angela W. Little and Jane Evans describe the growth of the ‘qualification marketplace’ in Sri Lanka. They found that advertisements by ‘qualification-suppliers’ in three national newspapers (Sinhala, Tamil and English) grew steeply over three decades, rising from 15 qualification-suppliers in 1965 to 153 in 2000. One can only imagine what a post-2000 study would reveal! The authors chart the rise of the qualifications industry in parallel with the economic liberalisation and economic growth that occurred post-1980. Though they did not make this link, we can connect this rise to the failure to expand higher and vocational education to a growing population and a fast-changing economy, during two decades of political upheaval. During this period, public funds for education declined, and declined even more sharply post-2000, despite large loans from international financial organisations. This is the context for both the deterioration of public education and the rise of privately-funded education, which is symbolised by the desire for a qualification, rather than an education. Qualification versus education Re-creating a society that values learning and education over a certificate of qualification would involve a protracted and difficult journey. It would require a few decades of high quality, widely-accessible education as well as moral re-socialisation: a simple-sounding solution, yet one that is very difficult to initiate and achieve. Indeed, it would be illogical to expect any kind of moral or ethical socialisation from an underfunded and damaged education system, embedded in a decaying society. The fact remains that the education sector desperately needs actual physical resources. Today, while a small proportion of schools in Sri Lanka contemplate installing computer labs, other schools are deprived of the basics; school meals, electricity, running water, uniforms, chairs, desks and books. We also need more and better paid teachers, plus national regulations and explicit minimum standards for the teaching profession, regardless of whether they are in the state, private or international sectors. A larger issue that is not discussed is that we actually do not know enough about our own education system. Our attention has for too long been focused on the state education system, resulting in a lack of attention towards other sectors, e.g., early education, private and international education. The education ecosystem in the country needs urgent study, and researchers across disciplines can contribute to this need. And while the education sector has accepted multiple donations and loans, it is not at all clear if these funds are used in a manner that best fits the purpose. In summary, it is vitally important that the fundamentals must be fixed. But we need to also re-think the way we over-estimate the value of a qualification, as against a wholesome education. A re-examination of values and ethics The fact that we value qualifications rather than an education has been apparent for a long time now. The prevalence of forged certificates and honorary doctorates is not the only indicator. Long before ChatGPT arrived, newspapers and social media were advertising ghostwriting services, i.e., the writing of assignments and dissertations for a fee. This is a business that is clearly unethical and must surely be illegal, but it is now so common that both the suppliers and their clients appear to consider it perfectly normal. We have come to value quantity over quality: two degrees simultaneously, more qualifications, promotions and rankings based on numerical criteria and so on. Start somewhere It is obvious that ethics socialisation has not happened through education in Sri Lanka. This is a major problem that has no simple or quick solution. When the Parliament that is supposed to be discussing the interim budget of a financially distressed country spends that time trading accusations with each other about each other’s educational qualifications; when an MP is unable to prove – even after a week – the qualifications he claims to possess and then imagines that it is sufficient to resign from his position but not from his seat in Parliament; when a party that has pledged immediate action on corruption-related issues takes several days to effect a resignation from a powerful position; and when the Prime Minister and Cabinet Spokesperson are angered when questioned about matters of veracity and authenticity – we know we still have a long way to go to re-socialise a population into ethical beliefs and conduct. It is not enough to prevent bribes and reduce wasteful spending. We also need to start looking at providing meaningful and broad-based public education, where learning and integrity go hand in hand. (Kaushalya Perera teaches at the Department of English, University of Colombo.) Kuppi is a politics and pedagogy happening on the margins of the lecture hall that parodies, subverts, and simultaneously reaffirms social hierarchies.GENEVA (AP) — World Cup sponsor Bank of America teamed with FIFA for a second time Tuesday, signing for the Club World Cup that still has no broadcast deals just over six months before games start. Bank of America became FIFA’s first global banking partner in August and sealed a separate deal for a second event also being played in the United States, two days before the group-stage draw in Miami for the revamped 32-team club event . It features recent European champions Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea. “FIFA is going to take America by storm and we’re going to be right at their side,” the bank’s head of marketing, David Tyrie, said in a telephone interview Tuesday. Bank of America joins 2026 World Cup sponsors Hisense and Budweiser brewer AB InBev in separately also backing the club event, and more deals are expected after Saudi Arabia is confirmed next week as the 2034 World Cup host. While games at the next World Cup, co-hosted with Canada and Mexico, will be watched by hundreds of millions globally mostly on free-to-air public networks, the Club World Cup broadcast picture is unclear. FIFA has promised hundreds of millions of dollars in prize money for the 32 clubs to share but is yet to announce any broadcast deals for the month-long tournament. It is expected to land on a streaming service. “You have to think about how you are going to connect with these fans,” Tyrie told the Associated Press from Boston. “TV is one, sure, social media is a big avenue. “The smart marketing capabilities are able to say ‘Hey, we need to tilt this one a little bit more away from TV-type marketing into social-type marketing.’ We have got a pretty decent strategy that we’re putting in place to do activation.” Engaging Bank of America’s customers and 250,000 employees are key to that strategy, Tyrie said. “It’s going to be for our clients, and entertainment, it’s going to be for our employees in creating excitement. All of the above.” The Club World Cup will be played in 12 stadiums across 11 cities, including Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C, and Lumen Field where the hometown Seattle Sounders play three group-stage games. European powers Madrid, Man City and Bayern Munich lead a 12-strong European challenge. Teams qualified by winning continental titles or posting consistently good results across four years of those competitions. The exception is Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, who FIFA gave the entry reserved for a host nation team in October based on regular season record without waiting for the MLS Cup final. LA Galaxy hosts New York Red Bulls playing for that national title Saturday. Messi’s team opens the FIFA tournament June 15 in the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium and will play its three group games in Florida. “The more brand players you bring in, the bigger the following you have got,” Tyrie acknowledged, though adding Messi being involved was “not a make or break for the event.” The Club World Cup final is July 13 at Met Life Stadium near New York, which also will host the World Cup final one year later. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerIn his first public words since a five-day search ended with his arrest at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania, Luigi Nicholas Mangione emerged from a patrol car shouting about an “insult to the intelligence of the American people” while deputies pushed him inside a courthouse. The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family is fighting attempts to extradite him to New York so that he can face a murder charge in the Manhattan killing of Brian Thompson , who led the United States’ largest medical insurance company. A law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press said that at the time of his arrest, Mangione was carrying a handwritten document expressing anger with what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed and power. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive health care system in the world and that profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin. In social media posts, Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski — who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology — a “political revolutionary,” according to the police bulletin. Mangione remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was initially charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Manhattan prosecutors were beginning to take steps to bring Mangione to New York, but at a brief hearing Tuesday, defense lawyer Thomas Dickey said his client will not waive extradition and instead wants a hearing on the issue. Mangione was denied bail after prosecutors said he was too dangerous to be released. He mostly stared straight ahead at the hearing, occasionally looking at papers, rocking in his chair or looking back at the gallery. At one point, he began to speak to respond to the court discussion but was quieted by his lawyer. “You can’t rush to judgment in this case or any case,” Dickey said afterward. “He’s presumed innocent. Let’s not forget that.” Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 230 miles west of New York City, after a McDonald’s customer recognized him and notified an employee, authorities said. Images of Mangione released Tuesday by Pennsylvania State Police showed him pulling down his mask in the corner of the McDonald’s while holding what appeared to be hash browns and wearing a winter jacket and beanie. In another photo from a holding cell, he stood unsmiling with rumpled hair. New York police officials have said Mangione was carrying a gun like the one used to kill Thompson and the same fake ID the shooter had used to check into a New York hostel, along with a passport and other fraudulent IDs. A law enforcement official who wasn’t authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said a three-page, handwritten document found with Mangione included a line in which he claimed to have acted alone. “To the Feds, I’ll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn’t working with anyone,” the document said, according to the official. It also said, “I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.” Thompson, 50, was killed last Wednesday as he walked alone to a Manhattan hotel for an investor conference. From surveillance video, New York investigators determined the shooter quickly fled the city, likely by bus. Mangione was born into a life of country clubs and privilege. His grandfather was a self-made real estate developer and philanthropist. Valedictorian at his elite Baltimore prep school, he went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a spokesperson said. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media late Monday by his cousin, Maryland Del. Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” From January to June 2022, Luigi Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. “There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, from surfing to romance, Ryan said. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago.
Two Held For Attacking Car Driver In BhopalHome and neighborhood environments impact sedentary behavior in teens globally(The Center Square) – American taxpayers may provide a loan of more than $7.5 billion to a joint venture involving automaker Chrysler that plans to build electric vehicle batteries in Indiana. On Monday, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Program Office revealed that StarPlus Energy has received a “conditional commitment” for the multi-billion dollar loan. If approved, teh money would help the collaboration between FCA US and Samsung SDI Co. construct two lithium-ion battery plants in the Kokomo 50 miles north of Indianapolis. The loan announcement comes after the Indiana Economic Development Corp. pledged hundreds of millions of dollars in state tax credits and incentives to the project. Stellantis, FCA’s parent company, and Samsung first announced plans to build an electric vehicle battery plant in Kokomo in May 2022. Then, in October 2023, the partners announced they would construct a second plant. According to Monday’s announcement, the project is expected to create up to 3,200 construction jobs as well as 2,800 plant jobs. The batteries built in Kokomo are forecasted to power about 670,000 electric cars each year. Stellantis would purchase the batteries for the vehicles marketed in the United States. An Energy Department fact sheet indicates that the interest rate for the loan would be the “applicable U.S. Treasury rate for the term of the loan with no credit spread.” No details on the term were immediately available. “This project reinforces President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to onshore and reshore domestic manufacturing technologies,” the Energy Department’s statement said. The loan would come through the federal government’s Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, which was first established through the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. It would be the second Indiana plant to receive program funds. Last month, the Biden administration announced the finalization of a $1.3 billion loan to ENTEK, which is constructing a factory in Terre Haute to make separators used in lithium-ion batteries. The Biden administration and StarPlus must still complete some requirements before the loan can be finalized. Among them, StarPlus must create a Community Benefits Plan that demonstrates how the company will work with local officials and labor groups. The battery plants are being built using workers from local trade unions. Administration officials are also expecting StarPlus to participate in the Justice40 Initiative, which calls for 40% of the benefits produced from the government’s investment to boost communities that are considered underinvested “and overburdened by pollution.”
Bitter in-fighting has broken out between the tech billionaire Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s hardline Make America great again (Maga) base after the US president-elect chose an Indian-born entrepreneur to be his adviser on artificial intelligence. The row has pitted Musk and his fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy against diehard supporters including the far-right activist Laura Loomer and Matt Gaetz, the former Congress member and abortive nominee for attorney general. The spat threatens to open up a chasm among Trump’s supporters over immigration, a key issue in his election victory. Presaging what has been called a “Maga civil war”, Musk went on the offensive after Loomer attacked the choice of Sriram Krishnan, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist, as the nascent administration’s AI policy adviser as “deeply disturbing”. Loomer, a renowned anti-immigration provocateur widely credited for persuading Trump to highlight false rumors about Haitian immigrants eating pets in last September’s presidential debate with Kamala Harris, criticised Krishnan on social media for supporting the extension of visas and green cards for skilled workers. She said it was in “direct opposition” to Trump’s agenda. Her comments provoked a riposte from Musk, the Space X and Tesla billionaire who is Trump’s most influential supporter and himself an immigrant from South Africa. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent. It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley,” Musk posted on X, the social media platform he owns, on Christmas Day. In a later post , he wrote: “It comes down to this: do you want America to WIN or do you want America to LOSE. If you force the world’s best talent to play for the other side, America will LOSE. End of story.” Musk’s stance was supported by Ramaswamy, his partner in the fledgling “department of government efficiency” (Doge), an informal agency Trump claims he will create, under which the two men will be charged with the task of cutting government spending. In a lengthy social media post, Ramaswamy – the son of immigrants from India – argued that the US was doomed to decline without high-skilled foreign workers and suggested American culture had become geared towards “mediocrity”. “The reason top tech companies often hire foreign-born & first-generation engineers over ‘native’ Americans isn’t because of an innate American IQ deficit,” he wrote. “A key part of it comes down to the c-word: culture. “Our American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long. That doesn’t start in college, it starts YOUNG. “A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers. ‘Normalcy’ doesn’t cut it in a hyper-competitive global market for technical talent. And if we pretend like it does, we’ll have our asses handed to us by China.” The arguments were met by a fierce backlash from Maga exponents, led by Loomer, who delved into racist arguments. “ @VivekGRamaswamy knows that the Great Replacement is real,” she wrote. “It’s not racist against Indians to want the original MAGA policies I voted for. I voted for a reduction in H1B visas. Not an extension. “The tech billionaires don’t get to just walk inside Mar-a-Lago and stroke their massive checkbooks and rewrite our immigration policy so they can have unlimited slave laborers from India and China who never assimilate. “You don’t even know what MAGA immigration policy is.” Ramaswamy’s argument also came under fire from the pro-Trump podcaster Brenden Dilley, who posted: “I always love when these tech bros flat out tell you that they have zero understanding of American culture and then have the gall to tell you that YOU are the problem with America.” And even Nikki Haley, the former Republican presidential contender and Trump critic whose parents were also Indian immigrants, posted: “There is nothing wrong with American workers or American culture. All you have to do is look at the border and see how many want what we have. We should be investing and prioritizing in Americans, not foreign workers.” The arguments appeared to portend a battle for the ear of Trump, who has based his political appeal on an anti-immigration message and who, during his first presidency, restricted access to the H-1B visas, arguing they were open to abuse. But in his recent presidential campaign, the president-elect indicated that he was open to the legal immigration of educated workers, saying he wanted to grant permanent residence status to foreign nationals who graduate from university in the US. “If you graduate or you get a doctorate degree from a college, you should be able to stay in this country,” he told the All In podcast last June. Samuel Hammond, a senior economist at the Foundation for American Innovation, said the row flagged up the likelihood of future conflict within Trump’s administration. “It’s a sign of future conflicts,” he told the Washington Post . “This is like the pregame.”TherapeuticsMD Inc. stock underperforms Monday when compared to competitorsLOS ANGELES — Los Angeles has so far this year recorded double-digit percentage declines in homicides, non-fatal shootings and slayings stemming from gang feuds, according to police data released Tuesday. City officials touted the numbers as proof that public safety is improving after concerns about crime motivated voters in November’s election. Mayor Karen Bass highlighted the numbers Tuesday at an early morning at Watts Labor Community Action Committee Center, a jobs and social services nonprofit. Bass said that through the first week of December, there were 266 people killed citywide, a decline of 15% compared to the number slain the same period in 2023. The decrease was even more dramatic — a 28% drop — when measured against numbers from 2022, when violence ebbed after the first two years of the pandemic. The latest figures show that shootings in which someone was struck but not killed fell by nearly 19% when compared to 2023, while gang-related homicides fell by more than 50%. The mayor attributed the declines to growing collaboration between LAPD officers and community members in neighborhoods hit by violence. She also credited proactive enforcement efforts, such as the creation of a smash-and-grab retail crime task force that has led to hundreds of arrests and the recovery of more than $60 million in stolen merchandise. “What we’ve shown this year is that when a crime is committed here in the city, we don’t wait, we take action,” Bass said, also praising the work of interventionists and community programs such as Summer Night Lights that work to quash gang beefs and prevent violence. New LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said he was heartened by the declining crime statistics, which come despite the department’s staffing woes. “These numbers represent lives saved, families preserved and communities being given the opportunity to heal and thrive,” he said. Watts Gang Task Force president Donny Joubert said that the sustained levels of calm were being particularly felt in some of the area’s public housing developments, where briefings by police leaders that used to be dominated by updates on recent gun violence are now focused on more mundane crimes. “We talk about maybe a couple cars got broken in, that’s huge. No shootings,” he said. Similarly dramatic declines in violent crime from early pandemic highs were reported in nationwide surveys and data from 500 to 1,000 local police departments. Even with statistics that show killings and other serious crimes trending downward, recent election results show the public remains concerned about safety — or the perception that cities are unsafe. Voters ousted progressive prosecutors in L.A. and Alameda counties after campaigns where crime was a central issue, and also resoundingly approved the tough-on-crime measure Proposition 36, which extends prison sentences for some thefts and drug offenses. Criminologists point out that the reasons why crime rises and falls are complex, with police data only offering a snapshot in time. LAPD officials have themselves cautioned that year-over-year comparisons are nearly impossible for certain types of crimes since the department switched over to a new record-keeping system earlier this year. ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands (AP) — Javohn Garcia scored 16 points as McNeese beat Illinois State 76-68 on Friday. Garcia also contributed seven rebounds for the Cowboys (3-2). Brandon Murray shot 4 of 10 from the field and 5 for 7 from the line to add 13 points. Sincere Parker shot 4 for 8 (2 for 5 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line to finish with 13 points. Ty Pence led the way for the Redbirds (3-2) with 14 points and six rebounds. Malachi Poindexter added 13 points for Illinois State. Logan Wolf had 11 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Logan Paul has been told to "start training" by John Fury after Tyson and Tommy's father expressed his desire to take on the 29-year-old in a bout that could feature on the undercard of Tommy potential rematch with Logan's brother, Jake. John Fury, who hadn't been in the public eye since Tyson's defeat to Oleksandr Usyk earlier on this year, recently caused a stir at the press conference for Tommy's now-cancelled fight with Darren Till. Following Tommy's withdrawal from the fight due to Till's threat to kick him in the head if he was losing, John has challenged the Paul brothers via social media. Last year, Tommy secured a points victory over Jake, and now John has suggested he's keen to step into the ring himself. READ MORE: Fury's brutal instruction after dad's appearance at Till press conference READ MORE: 'You know where I am' - Fury calls out Paul after pulling out of Till fight "This is a message to Logan Paul," said John on social media. "You keep going on about Tommy Fury not wanting to fight your brother. Here's one for you my friend. He does want to fight your brother and I'll tell you what else... I will fight you on the undercard. As soon as possible... ASAP. I'm sick of people saying 'I won't do this and I won't do that.' I will show you how I'll do." "Tommy will fight your brother as early as end of February or end of January and I'll fight you on the undercard. You're a lot younger than me, we know that. You're a 15st man, but I won't do as other fighters do... I will let my punches go at you. I'm sick of the critics saying; 'I won't do this' or 'I won't do that and I'm a coward'. "I will show you how much of a coward I am, I will fight you anywhere in the world - except America - on your brother and Tommy's undercard. Get back to me if you're interested... I will fight you Logan Paul and I will throw punches at you." "I will let my hands go and I won't s*** myself. I'll let my f****** hands go. "So, if you're interested, let me know and then I'll fight you on your brother and Tommy's undercard wherever it may be in the world." Logan has now responded to John Fury's call-out on Instagram, responding with a short message: "Start training". Logan - despite being well-known in the world of WWE - also has some experience inside the ring, as per reports from The Mirror .
ITHACA, N.Y. (AP) — Jack Daugherty helped lead Illinois State over Cornell with 16 points off of the bench in an 80-77 victory on Sunday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * ITHACA, N.Y. (AP) — Jack Daugherty helped lead Illinois State over Cornell with 16 points off of the bench in an 80-77 victory on Sunday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? ITHACA, N.Y. (AP) — Jack Daugherty helped lead Illinois State over Cornell with 16 points off of the bench in an 80-77 victory on Sunday. Daugherty went 5 of 8 from the field (4 for 7 from 3-point range) for the Redbirds (8-4). Chase Walker scored 14 points while shooting 4 of 7 from the field and 6 for 8 from the line and added seven rebounds. Logan Wolf shot 4 for 5, including 3 for 3 from beyond the arc to finish with 13 points. Nazir Williams led the Big Red (7-4) in scoring, finishing with 19 points and seven rebounds. Cornell also got 19 points, six rebounds and four assists from AK Okereke. Guy Ragland Jr. had 12 points. Daugherty scored 12 points in the first half and Illinois State went into the break trailing 45-43. Illinois State used a 12-2 second-half run to erase a four-point deficit and take the lead at 70-64 with 5:48 left in the half before finishing off the victory. Wolf scored 13 second-half points. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. AdvertisementPresident-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers urge judge to toss his hush money conviction
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The standard Lorem Ipsum passage, used since the 1500s "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.American taxpayers tied to potential funding of $7.5B loan