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Man starts soup company with a heart for community
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MITCHELL — After months of classes, studying, athletic and activities practices and even part-time jobs, students at Dakota Wesleyan University are ready to embrace some time off as Thanksgiving arrives. With Thanksgiving break starting Nov. 25, many students have already departed campus to head back to their hometowns to visit family and friends and take in the traditional meal while getting a little chance to decompress from the routine. ADVERTISEMENT But not every student. “We have an increasing population of foreign-born students, especially our soccer team, which has a significant number of them. I believe we have 21 internationals this year,” Clifford Chamberlain, a business professor at Dakota Wesleyan, told the Mitchell Republic recently. “So, just logistically, it’s very difficult for students to go home both (for Thanksgiving and Christmas), especially if they’re flying internationally.” That leaves a significant number of students without a destination over Thanksgiving break. Instead of packing up and fighting traffic heading off to whatever part of the country they come from, those students are spending their time on campus in Mitchell this week. It also leaves them without specific meal plans, as the campus cafeteria is closed until Dec. 1. That led Chamberlain, in his fourth year at Dakota Wesleyan, to step in and help fill a need for those students. He is spearheading a project to see that those students without a specific place to go have plenty of good food and company in what could otherwise be a very lonely time of year. Chamberlain is coordinating a set of volunteers to transform Dakota Hall, a residence hall on campus, into the “Dakota Kitchen,” where students remaining on campus can pick up ingredients to cook up hearty meals or even stop in to grab a fully-cooked meal. “Our cafeteria has not had enough people to justify having it open over the break because most people until this point were going home. So it was a cost-saving benefit thing. So these students were having to fend for themselves for essentially the entire week,” Chamberlain said. “The cafeteria closes on Friday, and then it doesn’t reopen until Sunday night. That’s a long time. That’s what prompted it, and I was wanting to do something.” ADVERTISEMENT He put out feelers to school staff and faculty for anyone who was willing to lend a hand, either with donations or hands-on help. He arranges for students staying over the holiday to have their key fobs updated to allow them access to the facilities hosting the meals. Willing volunteers are able to prepare a full meal, which is designated specifically for evening meals that run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The business department at the school recently whipped up soup for the students to enjoy, none of which remained at the end of the evening. In addition, Chamberlain has purchased groceries to serve a continental-style breakfast in the mornings. The pantry at Dakota Hall is also stocked with ingredients, so students can put together their own meals. Eggs and other fresh items are turned into breakfast sandwiches. “The pantry is stocked, and literally you just take what you need and go from there. And there is lunch stuff, too,” Chamberlain. He has also connected with local churches such as First United Methodist in Mitchell, where he and students from the school were Monday night enjoying a dinner of hot soup. In addition to the international students on hand, members of the Tigers men's basketball team were also present to take advantage of the ad hoc program. Later in the week, Thanksgiving Day to be specific, Chamberlain expected to haul any interested students down to RiverTree Church for its annual free Thanksgiving meal, which feeds hundreds of people every year. The Kiwanis Club is also taking part in the effort. The project is only in its first year, but it has already received praise from both the students who utilize it and the volunteers who give of their time or cooking skills to contribute to it. Chamberlain said the need is there with the school’s growing international student body, and it is the time of year to be helpful and giving, with the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays coming up soon. ADVERTISEMENT It’s about more than just a hot meal for students who can’t go home for the holiday. It’s also about embracing a sense of community – both at the university and the Mitchell community itself – and sharing that with those students. A sense of belonging is important, and the new project is as much about sharing personal time with those students as it is a tasty dinner. “It’s the season for it. There is a significant need, and we understand that this is a time that people really need to be around family. And because of logistical reasons, these students are in a situation where they can’t be,” Chamberlain said. “I think it drives it home a little bit more than at other times during the year. But I also think it speaks to our identity as a university. There was a need presented and they rose to the occasion.” The church basement at First United Methodist Church on Monday night in downtown Mitchell was bustling with various Dakota Wesleyan students. Quiet chatter filled the room as students gathered around bowls of hot soup. The crowd features several athletes and international students, including members of the men’s basketball team, which had a game scheduled Tuesday against Briar Cliff at the Corn Palace. That means several players are hanging around campus instead of heading home for Thanksgiving. Kevin Williamson, head coach for the men’s basketball team, was also on hand with members of his team. With the campus cafeteria closed and several players far from home, the dinner option at the church and through Chamberlain’s efforts have been helpful. It not only helps with dinner plans during a holiday week, it’s also a chance to connect with the community itself. “It’s great that people in town care enough to want to take care of our college students and student athletes, and obviously men’s basketball is here during the break when many other people are not, and it’s good that they’re putting stuff on for student athletes so they get a chance to hang out and go to different environments that aren’t just their dorm rooms,” Williamson said. “They get to go out and meet people and have different experiences that a lot of other people don’t get in college.” ADVERTISEMENT Juan Gomez seated himself with some friends, ready to dig into a bowl of soup. The senior business and finance major from Columbia tries to make it home every year for Christmas, but usually finds himself staying in Mitchell during Thanksgiving. Having formerly attended college in Iowa during his freshman year, he appreciates the gesture of Chamberlain and groups like the United Methodist Church and other volunteer groups. “This is really great. I spent my freshman year in Iowa, and I remember we had to cook our meals for ourselves. It was pasta and tuna for an entire week,” said Gomez, who is also a member of the school’s men’s soccer team. “We appreciate it, especially us internationals. We are so far from home.” For Chamberlain, the project is a way to give back, to get to know his students better and to share in the community spirit Mitchell brings to life during the holidays. That community feeling doesn’t stop with the meals, either. Sometimes, it’s just fun. “Personally, I get a lot out of it. Just interacting with the students,” Chamberlain said. “Last night I was playing Rummy with the kids, and I haven’t played Rummy in 20 years. It was really fun, and I’m already planning on doing it next Thanksgiving.” With its early success, there will likely be more, similar projects at other points during the year. Chamberlain said he was also planning to host a similar project during the school’s spring break in March, which also sees a fair amount of students linger on campus instead of heading out to warmer climates. ADVERTISEMENT For those who remain on campus, there will be hot food and warm camaraderie available from Chamberlain and his fellow volunteers at Dakota Wesleyan University and the Mitchell community in general. “It’s been amazingly well-received. The people that are doing it, they’ve had fun,” Chamberlain said.
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On Sunday, Nov. 24 at 1 p.m. ET, the Kansas City Chiefs will meet the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Our computer model predicts that the Chiefs will win — keep scrolling for more info, regarding the point spread, total and final score. Looking for NFL tickets? Head to StubHub today and see your team live. On defense, the Chiefs have been a top-five unit, ranking fifth-best by giving up only 297.5 yards per game. They rank 16th on offense (337.9 yards per game). The Panthers have been outplayed on both offense and defense this season, ranking third-worst in points (16.7 per game) and worst in points surrendered (31 per game). BetMGM is one of the most trusted Sportsbooks in the nation. Start with as little as $1 and place your bets today . Ready to make your pick? Head to BetMGM using our link and start betting today. Watch this game on Paramount+ (Regional restrictions may apply) Rep your favorite NFL players with officially licensed gear. Head to Fanatics to find jerseys, shirts, hats, and much more. Catch every NFL touchdown with NFL RedZone on Fubo. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .Smerconish says the ‘T’ was missing from LGB ... Q this week
The starts may not look like locks at first, but they should come through in Week 13. Conversely, I’ve included some players who might otherwise seem like safe plays to avoid as well. Start: Sam Darnold, Vikings vs Cardinals Darnold had a rough patch a few weeks ago, but he’s back in good form, putting up five combined TDs in his past two games. Even against the Bears top-notch pass defense last week, Darnold threw for a season-high 330 yards to go along with his two scores. His opponent this week, the Cardinals, have a decent secondary, but they pale in comparison to Chicago’s. Other locks: —Jalen Hurts at Ravens —Baker Mayfield at Panthers —CJ Stroud at Jaguars —Justin Herbert at Falcons Avoid: Jared Goff, Lions vs Bears Goff doesn’t force the ball through the air if he doesn’t have to and he would be remiss to do so against a top rated Bears secondary that will be looking to vindicate themselves after giving up some big plays to Sam Darnold last week. He’s also got the best 1 and 2 punch in football in his backfield. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are a force and they’ll likely have a much easier time finding holes in Chicago’s run defense than Goff will in the passing game. Start: Chuba Hubbard, Panthers vs Buccaneers Hubbard fantasy owners were anxious last week, upon hearing the news that rookie running back Jonathon Brooks would be seeing his first game action this season. Fears were assuaged when Brooks only got two carries the entire game for 7 yards. Brooks’ carries could increase as he gets more comfortable in the offense, but Hubbard should have at least one more week as the starter in Carolina. It will come against a Buccaneers run defense that is a top-10 matchup for opposing runners in Week 13. Other locks: —Bucky Irving at Panthers —Jonathan Taylor at Patriots —Josh Jacobs vs Dolphins —Tyrone Tracy Jr., at Cowboys Avoid: James Conner, Cardinals at Vikings The Week 11 bye didn’t do Conner any favors as he only ran for 8 yards on seven carries in his Week 12 return. He was able to salvage his day through the air, catching five passes for 41 yards, but it was an underwhelming game from a fantasy perspective against the Seattle run defense. He’ll face a Vikings defense that ranks as a top-two run stopper going into Week 13 — Conner only gained 25 combined yards against Detroit’s top-three run defense in Week 2. Trey Benson is also gaining steam in the Arizona offense. It’s best to fade Conner this week, if you have that luxury. Start: DJ Moore, Bears at Lions Moore is finally starting to make waves again in fantasy, after slumping from Weeks 6 to 10. He’s had his best two-game stint of the season thus far in Weeks 11 and 12 though, going for a season-high 119 combined yards and a score in the latter game. New offensive coordinator Thomas Jones has sparked the offense and Moore has been a prime beneficiary. The Bears will have fits trying to run at the Lions’ stout run defense, so they could attack them through the air. Moore is a prime contender to keep up his recent run in Week 13. Other locks: —Ladd McConkey at Falcons —Puka Nacua at Saints —Jaxon Smith-Njigba at Jets —Jakobi Meyers at Chiefs Avoid: Quentin Johnston, Chargers vs Ravens Johnston is the definition of boom or bust, either scoring double-digit fantasy points or gaining fewer than 25 yards in nearly every game he’s appeared in this season. On "Monday Night Football," he had zero catches on five targets. Johnston has a great matchup this week, but there’s no guarantee he’ll capitalize on it. Johnston is anything but a lock this week. Start: Luke Schoonmaker, Cowboys vs Giants Schoonmaker had three catches for 55 yards and a score against Washington in a thrilling game. Schoonmaker provided another dependable option to QB Cooper Rush. Jake Ferguson is still in concussion protocol and it’s a short week as Dallas is playing on Thanksgiving, so Schoonmaker is likely to start once again. With CeeDee Lamb nursing nagging injuries as well, look for Rush to lean heavily on Schoonmaker this week. Other locks: —Jonnu Smith at Packers —Trey McBride at Vikings —Taysom Hill vs Rams —Dallas Goedert at Ravens Avoid: Sam LaPorta, Lions vs Bears LaPorta just can’t find any consistency in the Detroit offense, going weeks between decent fantasy outings at times. He had just three catches for 19 yards in Week 12 after missing Week 11 with a shoulder injury and things aren’t looking up for him this week as the Lions are playing a stalwart Chicago defense on short rest. Look for the Lions to go run heavy this week, taking the onus off LaPorta and the rest of the Lions receiving group. This column was provided to The Associated Press by RosterWatch, www.rosterwatch.com .
Former President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. The 39th president of the United States was a Georgia peanut farmer who sought to restore trust in government when he assumed the presidency in 1977 and then built a reputation for tireless work as a humanitarian. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Carter died Sunday, coming up on two years after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia. At age 52, Carter was sworn in as president on Jan. 20, 1977, after defeating President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 general election. Carter left office on Jan. 20, 1981, following his 1980 general election loss to Ronald Reagan. Here's the latest: Carter's state funeral will be Jan. 9 President Joe Biden has scheduled a state funeral in Washington for former President Jimmy Carter on Jan. 9. Biden also declared Jan. 9 as a National Day of Mourning across the U.S. Carter, the longest-lived former president, died Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100. Biden also ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days from Sunday. Guterres' remembrance focuses on Carter's contributions to peace United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday praised Carter for his significant contributions to international peace through the Camp David Accords, the SALT II Treaty and the Panama Canal treaties. “President Carter’s commitment to international peace and human rights also found full expression after he left the presidency,” Guterres said in a statement. "He played a key role in conflict mediation, election monitoring, the promotion of democracy, and disease prevention and eradication. These and other efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 and helped advance the work of the United Nations. “President Carter will be remembered for his solidarity with the vulnerable, his abiding grace, and his unrelenting faith in the common good and our common humanity,” Guterres said. Reflections from King Charles III King Charles III joined leaders from around the world in issuing their condolences and sharing their reflections on the former president. “It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of former President Carter," the king said in a public statement. “He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights. His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977." Biden remembers Carter for his decency President Joe Biden broke from his family vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands to remember Carter, recalling his predecessor as a role model and friend. America and the world lost a “remarkable leader” with Carter’s death, Biden said, adding that he had spoken to several of the former president's children and was working with them to formalize memorial arrangements in Washington. Speaking for roughly 10 minutes, Biden remembered Carter as a humanitarian and statesman, someone he couldn't imagine walking past a person in need without trying to help them. He represented “the most fundamental human values we can never let slip away,” Biden said. The president repeatedly praised Carter's “simple decency” and his values, saying some will see him as a man of honesty and humility from a bygone era. “I don’t believe it’s a bygone era. I see a man not only of our time, but for all times,” Biden said. “To know his core, you need to know he never stopped being a Sunday school teacher at that Baptist church in Plains, Georgia.” Egyptian president notes historic Camp David Accords Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said on X that Carter's significant role in achieving the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel "will remain etched in the annals of history.” He went on to say Carter's “humanitarian work exemplifies a lofty standard of love, peace, and brotherhood.” Carter will be remembered as “one of the world’s most prominent leaders in service to humanity,” el-Sissi said. Biden to speak on Carter's death President Joe Biden will speak about Carter Sunday evening. The president will make his address from a hotel in St. Croix, from the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he is on a holiday vacation with his family. Carter’s relationship with his wife Rosalynn spanned a near-lifetime Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter had one of the great love stories and political partnerships in U.S. presidential history. The former president sometimes called his wife, who died Nov. 19. 2023, “Rosie,” which is a good way to remember how her name actually is pronounced. It is “ROSE-uh-lyn,” not, repeat NOT, “RAHZ-uh-lyn.” They were married more than 77 years but their relationship went back even further. Jimmy’s mother, “Miss Lillian,” delivered Eleanor Rosalynn Smith at the Smith home in Plains on Aug. 18, 1927. The nurse brought her eldest child back a few days later to visit, meaning the longest-married presidential couple met as preschooler and newborn. She became his trusted campaign aide and White House adviser, surprising Washington by sitting in on Cabinet meetings. Then they traveled the world together as co-founders of The Carter Center. Most of the nation saw the former president for the last time at Rosalynn Carter’s funeral. Grandson Jason Carter says Plains kept his grandparents humble Jason Carter is now the chairman of The Carter Center’s board of governors. He said his grandparents “never changed who they were” even after reaching the White House and becoming global humanitarians. He says their four years in Washington were just one period of putting their values into action and that the center his grandparents founded in Atlanta is a lasting “extension of their belief in human rights as a fundamental global force.” Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter traveled the world advocating for democracy and fighting disease, but Jason Carter said they weren’t motivated by pity, or arrogance that a former American president had all the answers — they ventured to remote places because they could “recognize these people.” They too were from “a 600-person village” and understood that even the poorest people “have the power ... the ability ... the knowledge and the expertise to change their own community.” President Biden mourns his predecessor As reaction poured in from around the world, President Joe Biden mourned Carter’s death, saying the world lost an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” and he lost a dear friend. Biden cited Carter’s compassion and moral clarity, his work to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless and advocacy for the disadvantaged as an example for others. Biden said he is ordering a state funeral for Carter in Washington. Pelosi says Carter’s life ‘was saintly’ in devotion to peace Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is remembering Carter as a man steeped “in devotion to public service and peace.” The California Democrat said in a statement Sunday that Carter was committed to “honoring the spark of divinity within every person,” something she said manifested in “teaching Sunday school in his beloved Marantha Baptist Church, brokering the landmark Camp David Accords to pave the way to peace or building homes with Habitat for Humanity.” Pelosi also said Carter led “perhaps the most impactful post-presidency in history.” Historical praise from the United Kingdom British Prime Minister Keir Starmer noted in a post on X the special contribution Carter made by brokering the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt and through his work with the Carter Center. “Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad,” Starmer said. Commemoration in New York City To commemorate Carter’s death, officials with the Empire State Building said in a post on social media that the iconic New York City landmark would be lit in red, white and blue on Sunday night, “to honor the life and legacy” of the late former president. The Obamas recall Carter's Sunday services In a statement issued Sunday, former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama said Carter’s beloved Maranatha Baptist Church “will be a little quieter on Sunday,s” but added that the late former president “will never be far away -- buried alongside Rosalynn next to a willow tree down the road, his memory calling all of us to heed our better angels.” Noting the “hundreds of tourists from around the world crammed into the pews” to see the former president teach Sunday school, as he did “for most of his adult life,” the Obamas listed Carter’s accomplishments as president. But they made special note of the Sunday school lessons, saying they were catalysts for people making a pilgrimage to the church. “Many people in that church on Sunday morning were there, at least in part, because of something more fundamental: President Carter’s decency.” A somber announcement The longest-lived American president died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023 , spent most of their lives. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” The Carter Center said in posting about his death on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. A Southerner and a man of faith In his 1975 book “Why Not The Best,” Carter said of himself: “I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry.” A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. After he left office and returned home to his tiny hometown of Plains in southwest Georgia, Carter regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world. Former Vice President Gore remembers Carter for life "of purpose” Former Vice President Al Gore praised Jimmy Carter for living “a life full of purpose, commitment and kindness” and for being a “lifelong role model for the entire environmental movement.” Carter, who left the White House in 1981 after a landslide defeat to Ronald Reagan. concentrated on conflict resolution, defending democracy and fighting disease in the developing world. Gore, who lost the 2000 presidential election to George W. Bush, remains a leading advocate for action to fight climate change. Both won Nobel Peace Prizes. Gore said that “it is a testament to his unyielding determination to help build a more just and peaceful world” that Carter is often “remembered equally for the work he did as President as he is for his leadership over the 42 years after he left office.” During Gore’s time in the White House, President Bill Clinton had an uneasy relationship with Carter. But Gore said he is “grateful” for “many years of friendship and collaboration” with Carter. The Clintons react to Jimmy Carter's death Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, remember Carter as a man who lived to serve others. “Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others — until the very end." The statement recalled Carter's many achievements and priorities, including efforts “to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David." After he left office, the Clinton statement said, Carter continued efforts in "supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn’s devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity — he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world,” the statement said.Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100 ATLANTA (AP) — Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died. He was 100 years old and had spent roughly 22 months in hospice care. The Georgia peanut farmer served one turbulent term in the White House before building a reputation as a global humanitarian and champion of democracy. He defeated President Gerald Ford in 1976 promising to restore trust in government but lost to Ronald Reagan four years later amid soaring inflation, gas station lines and the Iran hostage crisis. He and his wife Rosalynn then formed The Carter Center, and he earned a Nobel Peace Prize while making himself the most internationally engaged of former presidents. The Carter Center said he died peacefully Sunday afternoon in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. Jimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’ PLAINS, Ga. (AP) — The 39th and longest-lived U.S. president, James Earl Carter Jr., died Sunday at the age of 100. His life ended where it began, in Plains, Georgia. He left and returned to the tiny town many times as he climbed to the nation’s highest office and lost it after four tumultuous years. Carter spent the next 40 years setting new standards for what a former president can do. Carter wrote nearly a decade ago that he found all the phases of his life challenging but also successful and enjoyable. The Democrat's principled but pragmatic approach defied American political labels, especially the idea that one-term presidents are failures. Jet crash disaster in South Korea marks another setback for Boeing WASHINGTON (AP) — A machinists strike. Another safety problem involving its troubled top-selling airliner. A plunging stock price. 2024 was already a dispiriting year for Boeing, the American aviation giant. But when one of the company’s jets crash-landed in South Korea on Sunday, killing all but two of the 181 people on board, it brought to a close an especially unfortunate year for Boeing. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and aviation experts were quick to distinguish Sunday’s incident from the company’s earlier safety problems. Alan Price, an airline consultant, said it would be inappropriate to link the incident Sunday to two fatal crashes involving Boeing’s troubled 737 Max jetliner in 2018 and 2019. South Korean authorities seek warrant to detain impeached President Yoon in martial law probe SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean law enforcement officials have requested a court warrant to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol as they investigate whether his short-lived martial law decree this month amounted to rebellion. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, which is leading a joint investigation with police and military authorities into the power grab that lasted only a few hours, confirmed it requested the warrant on Monday. Investigators plan to question Yoon on charges of abuse of authority and orchestrating a rebellion. Tornadoes in Texas and Mississippi kill 2 and injure 6 as severe weather system moves east HOUSTON (AP) — A strong storm system is threatening to whip up tornadoes in parts of the U.S. Southeast, a day after severe weather claimed at least two lives as twisters touched down in Texas and Mississippi. Strong storms moving eastward Sunday are expected to continue producing gusty, damaging winds, hail and tornadoes through Sunday. That is according to National Weather Service meteorologist Frank Pereira. So far, the line of severe weather has led to about 40 tornado reports from southeastern Texas to Alabama, Pereira said, but those reports remain unconfirmed until surveys of damage are completed. Israeli hospital says Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — An Israeli hospital says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery. Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center said his prostate was removed late Sunday and that he was recovering. Netanyahu’s office had said Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, would serve as acting prime minister during the procedure. Doctors ordered the operation after detecting an infection last week. Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days. With so much at stake, Netanyahu’s health in wartime is a concern for both Israelis and the wider world. Azerbaijan's president says crashed jetliner was shot down by Russia unintentionally Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev says the Azerbaijani airliner that crashed last week was shot down by Russia, albeit unintentionally. Aliyev told Azerbaijani state television on Sunday that the aircraft was hit by fire from the ground over Russia and rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare. He accused Russia of trying to “hush up” the issue for several days. The crash on Wednesday killed 38 of 67 people on board. Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to Aliyev on Saturday for what he called a “tragic incident” but stopped short of acknowledging Moscow’s responsibility. Croatia's incumbent president gains most votes for re-election, but not enough to avoid a runoff ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Croatia’s incumbent President Zoran Milanovic has swept most votes in the first round of a presidential election, but will have to face a runoff against a ruling party candidate to secure another five-year term. With 99% percent of the vote counted Sunday, Milanovic won 49% while his main challenger Dragan Primorac, a candidate of the ruling HDZ party, trailed far behind with 19%. Pre-election polls had predicted that the two would face off in the second round on Jan. 12, as none of the eight presidential election contenders were projected to get more than 50% of the vote. A fourth infant dies of the winter cold in Gaza as families share blankets in seaside tents DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A fourth infant has died of hypothermia in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by nearly 15 months of war are huddled in tents along the rainy, windswept coast as winter arrives. The baby's father says the 20-day-old child was found with his head as “cold as ice” Sunday morning in their tent. The baby’s twin brother was moved to the intensive care unit of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Their father says the twins were born one month premature and spent just a day in hospital, which like other Gaza health centers has been overwhelmed and only partially functions. Syria's de facto leader says it could take up to 4 years to hold elections BEIRUT (AP) — Syria’s de facto leader has said it could take up to four years to hold elections in Syria, and that he plans on dissolving his Islamist group that led the country’s insurgency at an anticipated national dialogue summit for the country. Ahmad al-Sharaa, who leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group leading the new authority in Syria, made the remarks in an interview Sunday. That's according to the Saudi television network Al-Arabiyya. It comes almost a month after a lightning insurgency led by HTS overthrew President Bashar Assad’s decades-long rule, ending the country’s uprising-turned civil war that started back in 2011.Shares of are in focus on Monday morning after the wind energy solutions provider in a filing to stock exchanges said it has received highest ratings for its short-term facilities. Inox Wind said it received 'ACUITE A1+’, the highest rating for short term bank facilities, covering Inox Wind's non-fund based limits, which primarily include letter of credits (LC) and bank guarantees (BG). This is the highest possible rating for such facilities ascribed by Acuité to corporates in India, it said. Besides, Inox Wind received ‘ACUITE A+' with 'Stable' rating assigned on its long term bank facilities. Inox Wind said since its balance sheet is already net cash positive, such facilities are rarely utilised for cash management purposes only. Acuité's ratings on Inox Wind facilities factor in an established track record of operations, healthy order book, and improved financial performance, thereby reducing the risk profile of the company substantially, the company informed stock exchnages. Inox Wind's robust order book of 3.5 GW is supported by a strong order pipeline, higher project execution, as well as its expertise in manufacturing and technology, and provides large growth visibility in revenue and profitability going ahead, Acuité Ratings said. Inox Wind is a fully integrated player in the wind energy market with four manufacturing plants in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, where blades, tubular towers and Hubs & Nacelles are manufactured. Inox Wind's subsidiary, Inox Green Energy Services Ltd, is the only listed wind O&M services company in India. Through its other subsidiary, Resco Global Wind Services Pvt Ltd, Inox WInd provides EPC services for wind projects and develops common infrastructure, including power evacuation infrastructure, for renewable projects. Inox Wind recently bagged a 60 MW order from Serentica Renewables (Serentica), a leading C&I focused renewable energy company in India. This order is for the supply of 3 MW class turbines to be delivered within H1 CY25. The NOXGFL Group, recently announced its foray into solar manufacturing through Inox Solar, a privately held entity by the promoters. Aiming to be one of the fastest growing solar platforms in the country, Inox Solar is targeting an initial capacity of 5 GW of solar modules and 2.5 GW of solar cell manufacturing capacity by 2026, at an outlined capex of Rs 1,500 crore. The company will also provide turnkey EPC solutions, including land acquisition & power evacuation, through its group company Inox Renewable Solutions Ltd (Resco Global Wind Services Ltd.). Additionally, it will offer post commissioning O&M services through another group company Inox Green Energy Services.
As Aotearoa grapples with its founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, I decided to have a look at our own founding document, our constitution and what it says regarding what some have determined, our Christian Nation and where this is upheld in our founding document as a democracy Looking through our constitution I got past the preamble which clearly states our Christian heritage and the Sabbath but nowhere in our constitution does it implicitly protect it or highlight Christianity. In fact, it clearly says: Fundamental human rights and freedoms 64 (1) It is hereby recognised and declared that in the Cook Islands there exist, and shall continue to exist, without discrimination by reason of race, national origin, colour, religion, opinion, belief, or sex, the following fundamental human rights and freedoms. Muslim Prayer Room? Looking at it again I saw the date 1964, and realised only then that this was written a year before we became self-governing, so who did write our constitution and where was it enacted into Law and what if any was our input into this document that has shaped our country since its democratic inception in August 1965? The Cook Islands Constitution was written primarily under the guidance of external advisers appointed by the New Zealand government. These advisers included Professor Aikman, Professor Davidson, and Mr. Wright. Their recommendations though shaped through discussions with the Cook Islands Legislative Assembly, it is clear members had varying levels of understanding regarding constitutional law. Ultimately, the drafting was finalised by New Zealand's legal draftsman, based on these recommendations and subsequent, quick, short and time pressured consultations with the Assembly from 1962 to 1964. A fair question for us all to ask, is what or how was the input of Cook Islanders into the Constitution which from a number of articles at the time I have read, clearly show it was limited by several factors. First, there was a lack of widespread understanding of the constitutional process among many Assembly members and the general populace and secondly, the complexity of constitutional law meant that much of the drafting relied on the expertise of New Zealand-appointed advisers, This invariably led to critiques that the process did not fully reflect the will of the Cook Islands people. Additionally, although the Assembly approved the recommendations, there were reports of members not fully grasping the implications of certain provisions. Concerns were raised that the Constitution's content leaned heavily on Western legal and political frameworks, potentially sidelining our perspectives, around our Traditional Leaders, the use of the term Premier, and the eligibility of candidates like Sir Albert Henry – that would be remedied in subsequent amendments. Immediately I wondered why a referendum on something so critical was not put to the people, Again on reading reports at the time, a referendum was not held during the Constitution's construction due to a combination of logistical and political reasons. New Zealand's government appeared eager to expedite the Cook Islands' transition to self-government to align with international decolonization pressures, particularly those emanating from the United Nations. And there was also a perception among some New Zealand officials that the Cook Islands Legislative Assembly, as the elected body, was an adequate representative of the people's will. Critics argued that this decision bypassed a more direct and democratic means of gauging public opinion, leaving some Cook Islanders feeling excluded from the process, and leaving the formation of our founding document to the few and not the many. For something as critical as our constitution one would have thought the will of the people would have been tanatamount? In a 1956 report to the New Zealand government, Dr. Aikman, (yes, the same one who went on to be one of the three architects of our constitution) as a constitutional adviser, expressed reservations about the readiness of the Cook Islands for self-government. His report highlighted the unfamiliarity of Cook Islanders with Western standards of governance and social organization, a reflection of the gap between traditional Cook Islands governance structures and the modern, Western-style political systems being proposed. Six years later he is drafting our constitution on our path to self-governance and statehood. Part two next week.Ohio’s Bob Latta seeks chairmanship of powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee