treasures of aztec

treasures of aztec We all see how the rise of misinformation — whether intentional or accidental — has become a crisis we can no longer ignore. It threatens our relationships, our trust in institutions, and, as you can see, the very stability of our global society. And there’s only one single tool in our diplomatic toolkit that can fight fire with fire, that can truly match the speed and scale of the problem: digital diplomacy. Global crises fuelled by misinformation have been erupting with alarming frequency, from election meddling to pandemic conspiracies and these are not isolated incidents anymore. Who could forget the disinformation campaigns that swirled around the US presidential elections? Or the barrage of false health information that worsened the global pandemic response? These aren’t just minor glitches in our systems; they are full-scale attacks on the very trust that holds societies together. Think about it: when misinformation goes unchecked, it spreads like wildfire, igniting tensions, dismantling trust, and eroding the foundation of international co-operation. When nations act on false premises, the stakes are high — think of the disastrous consequences of military escalation, trade disputes, or even the collapse of international co-operation on issues like climate change or public health. In this information age, a single tweet or viral post can be more powerful than the speeches of 1,000 seasoned diplomats. If misinformation is a poison, then digital diplomacy is the antidote. This is not to say that traditional diplomacy no longer has a place. Far from it. It is vital as ever, especially in face-to-face negotiations where relationships are built and trust is cultivated. Considering the magnitude of misinformation, I only think that the traditional methods are no longer enough to tackle the scale of misinformation we face. Governments need to harness the power of social media, data analytics, and digital communications platforms to stay ahead of the curve. Digital diplomacy is the global megaphone we need. It has the power to amplify authentic voices, truthful narratives, and engage the global population in ways that traditional diplomacy never could. Imagine this: world leaders, public officials, and diplomats working in concert, responding to misinformation not with a slow, bureaucratic process, but with agility, transparency, and strategic digital engagement. This is the future of diplomacy! But here’s a sobering thought: In this digital age, the threat is always one click away, but so is the solution. The question is: Will we be proactive or reactive in defending the truth? To protect our societies, our relationships, and the stability of global governance, it’s time to turn the digital space into our most valuable asset. Digital diplomacy is not just an option — it is the most powerful response to the digital age’s biggest challenge. The world needs it now more than ever. Let’s make sure we answer the call. It’s time to make digital diplomacy our first line of defence. • Laura Iancu is an international strategist with over 15 years of experience across diverse industries, including telecommunications, semiconductors, digital marketing, event management, education, and diplomacy, in both the private and public sectors. As the founder of Diplomats.Digital, Laura regularly contributes to publications focused on digital diplomacy, highlighting its crucial role in today’s global landscape. IG handle: https://www.instagram.com/diplomats Related Story Qatar joins Global Coalition for Digital Safety 'Our screens are a platform for constructive dialogue, expression'Philadelphia takes on Vegas after overtime win

Riding a 3-game win streak, the Bengals cling to playoff hopes with the Broncos next

Former Geary, Oklahoma, Police Department Chief Alicia Ford says the entire department resigned last month after they were refused help from city leaders. A South Carolina community is without a police force after the entire department resigned, including the chief of police. On Friday, McColl Mayor George Garner confirmed that the town no longer had any police officers and told WMBF News that the community is in a "difficult situation." "We're actively working to hire a new police chief and more officers," Mayor Garner said. Garner said Police Chief Bob Hale put in his resignation first and the other officers then followed suit. ENTIRE POLICE DEPARTMENT RESIGNS AFTER TOWN'S 'FAILURE' TO MEET LAW ENFORCEMENT NEEDS: FORMER CHIEF A South Carolina community is without its police force after several resignations, including the chief of police. (WMBF News) In a public Facebook post, Hale stated his resignation was due to alleged repeated harassment and personal attacks and "hostile work environment" by an unnamed member of the city council. "It is with a heavy heart that I do confirm my resignation as Chief of Police of the McColl Police Department along with all four of my fellow officers," Hale wrote. "My personal decision to step away from the McColl Police Department can be attributed to repeated acts of harassment, personal attacks on my character, and the overall creation of a hostile work environment perpetuated by a specific Councilman." Hale added that the actions of the unnamed councilman made it impossible for the department to function effectively. "For months, I have endured unwarranted and malicious behavior aimed at undermining my integrity and leadership," Hale continued in the post. "These actions have not only affected me personally but have also created a toxic atmosphere that has hindered the department’s ability to function effectively. Despite our efforts to address these issues professionally and through appropriate channels, the harassment and hostility have persisted." In his statement, Hale also alleged that money was cut from the police department’s budget and that other critical police needs were not being fulfilled. TOP COP RESIGNS AMID TURMOIL FROM SEXUAL HARASSMENT LAWSUITS, SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER ARREST "I also can't help but feel that these consistent negative acts were strategically used to inhibit the continued growth and success of the department. A significant amount of money was cut from our already depleted budget by the same Councilman upon his arrival to his elected position. Despite repeated appeals for funding to modernize equipment, enhance training, and increase staffing levels to meet the needs of our community, those critical needs went unmet. This lack of investment hampered our ability to operate at the standard the citizens of the Town of McColl rightfully expect and deserve. The safety of the residents and the well-being of the officers should have been prioritized by committing the necessary resources to build a department capable of addressing the complexities of 21st-century policing. Sadly, this was not the case and the majority of my tenure as Chief of Police was spent clearing the names of my officers as well as myself, from the numerous falsehoods that were made against us," - Former McColl Police Chief Bob Hale Hale said the decision to resign was not made lightly, and he deeply regrets the impact it may have on the community they have dedicated themselves to serving. "I believe that stepping away is the only way to shed light on the severity of these issues and call for accountability and change. I remain hopeful that the Town of McColl will come together to address these challenges, prioritize ethical leadership, and create an environment where those in public service can perform their duties free from undue interference and hostility," Hale wrote. One McColl resident told WMBF now that the town is without a police department, he worries that residents could be at risk. FRESNO POLICE CHIEF RESIGNS FOLLOWING SCANDAL OVER ‘INAPPROPRIATE RELATIONSHIP’ The town of McColl is without a single police officer on duty, as the entire police force, including the chief, has resigned. (Town of McColl Facebook) "Say if someone were stabbed or shot or whatever – without police enforcement, they would have to come from the sheriff’s office in Bennettsville," said McColl resident, William Groom. "We’re talking ten or fifteen minutes and someone could possibly expire in that amount of time. Without police enforcement, it’s definitely a bad situation." Despite Hales' statement, Garner told WMBF that Hale was not leaving the town on bad terms. "I hate to see them go. They were a great group. But we gonna continue on," Garner said. Garner added that he has asked the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office and other nearby agencies to help cover the town in the meantime. He also enlisted the help of the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division for additional help. The McColl Police Department is now accepting applications for Chief of Police and Garner said applications can be picked up at McColl Town hall. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Back in October, another community experienced a similar situation to the town of McColl. The entire Geary Police Department in Oklahoma, including their chief of police, resigned citing political leaders for failing to meet the police department's needs. Fox News Digital reached out to Mayor Garner but did not immediately receive a response.S. Dakota St. 75, Missouri St. 55Detroit Red Wings (8-10-2, in the Atlantic Division) vs. New York Islanders (8-8-5, in the Metropolitan Division) Elmont, New York; Monday, 7:30 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The New York Islanders host the Detroit Red Wings after Kyle Palmieri scored two goals in the Islanders’ 3-1 win against the St. Louis Blues. New York has an 8-8-5 record overall and a 3-3-2 record in home games. The Islanders have a 2-3-1 record when they commit more penalties than their opponent. Detroit is 8-10-2 overall and 4-5-1 on the road. The Red Wings have gone 3-3-2 in games their opponents serve fewer penalty minutes. The teams meet Monday for the third time this season. The Red Wings won the last meeting 2-1. TOP PERFORMERS: Bo Horvat has five goals and nine assists for the Islanders. Maxim Tsyplakov has over the last 10 games. Alex DeBrincat has eight goals and nine assists for the Red Wings. Albert Johansson has over the past 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Islanders: 4-3-3, averaging 2.7 goals, 4.7 assists, 2.6 penalties and 5.5 penalty minutes while giving up 2.6 goals per game. Red Wings: 4-5-1, averaging 2.2 goals, 3.5 assists, 2.2 penalties and 4.4 penalty minutes while giving up 2.5 goals per game. INJURIES: Islanders: None listed. Red Wings: None listed. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Matvei Michkov doesn't turn 20 for a couple of weeks, but he continues to play well above his years for the Philadelphia Flyers. Fresh off his second overtime goal in the last five games, Michkov leads the Flyers into Monday's home game against the Vegas Golden Knights. Philadelphia's first-round pick in 2023, Michkov joined the NHL prior to this season and has made a major impact on the young Flyers. He ranks second on the squad in goals (seven) and assists (nine) and has been earning more playing time under coach John Tortorella. Michkov scored in overtime Nov. 14 against the Ottawa Senators and turned the trick again Saturday, netting the decisive tally in a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. "There's not many moments you're going to get," Michkov said through an interpreter. "When you get the moment, you have to be cold-blooded and finish it." Saturday's OT goal was particularly notable as it capped a late-game comeback for the Flyers, who trailed 2-0 in the third period. Sean Couturier and Noah Cates scored down the stretch to set the stage for Michkov's goal off a perfect feed from Travis Konecny. "We kept our patience," Tortorella said. "I don't think we played poorly by any means, but when we're down 2-0, we had chances, we couldn't finish. ... I appreciate how the guys just stayed together, kept on playing." Philadelphia has spent the last month digging out of a 1-5-1 hole to begin the season. The Flyers can get back to .500 with a win Monday in the finale of their five-game homestand. "We got frustrated at times, but we stuck together and stuck to the same style of play," Couturier said. "We came back, showed some character in the third and capitalized on our chances and found a way to get the two points." Vegas earned two points in its most recent contest, as well, riding a five-goal second period to a 6-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Ivan Barbashev and Jack Eichel each registered a goal and two assists for the Knights, who have been consistently up-and-down over the last 10 games. During that stretch, the team has won two in a row, lost two consecutive games, then won two straight before losing two straight and then winning two in a row again. That inconsistency was on display against the Canadiens, as the Knights dominated the second period before allowing two goals in a third period that disappointed coach Bruce Cassidy. "Let's face it, in the third period we got off our game, they pushed us," Cassidy said. "I know it's late, but at the end of the day, good on (the Canadiens) to make a play." Still, Vegas finished with its highest goal total since scoring seven times Oct. 26 against the San Jose Sharks. "It's just our style of play," forward Keegan Kolesar said. "We wear teams down. We were able to capitalize on a couple of mistakes they made and we sent our nose to the net. ... That results in some goals for us." The Flyers and Knights have split 12 all-time meetings. The teams will meet again in Las Vegas on Jan. 2. --Field Level Media

In a political moment where voters across the globe are in the mood for change, Premier David Eby’s government, after days of dramatic recounts, was returned to office for a second mandate. Recognizing these are challenging times for incumbents, the premier was quick to announce the reorganization of the government he inherited from former premier John Horgan just two years earlier. Major changes were made to both the organizational structure of the natural resource ministries and the people in charge of it. The new ministry of energy and climate solutions is a smart move, where accountability for all things energy and climate rests with Minister Adrian Dix, a seasoned political veteran with a reputation for getting things done. The new ministry reflects the reality that the world now almost twice as much in clean energy as it does in fossil fuels. In 2024, global energy investment is set to exceed US$3 trillion, with US$2 trillion going to clean energy technologies and infrastructure. Spending on renewable power, grids and storage is now higher than total spending on oil, gas and coal, with clean energy employment that of fossil fuels globally in 2021. Creating a combined energy and climate ministry reflects an important fact: climate and energy are two sides of the same coin. Similarly, the creation of the new ministry of mines and critical minerals acknowledges the province’s mineral wealth and ability to both mine and process these materials in B.C. Helping meet clean-energy-driven demand for critical minerals is a major economic opportunity for the province. Indeed, the global battery market is set to in size from US$120 billion in 2023 to US$330 billion in 2030. What’s yet to come, however, are the minister’s mandate letters that will spell out the government’s detailed agenda. It will be tempting to look south of the border at the incoming Trump administration and the political winds of change blowing here in Canada as indicators of where the global economy is headed. But the Eby government must not lose sight of the global picture, where countries around the world are accelerating the deployment of clean energy and technologies. In fact, even the incoming Trump administration is being by the automotive and fossil fuel industries to keep the U.S. in the Paris Climate Agreement and maintain U.S. President Joe Biden’s clean energy tax credits and EV incentives. Combine this pressure with state-led leadership from California and others, and it’s unclear whether “drill, baby, drill” will indeed become the U.S.’s prevailing economic narrative. Fortunately, the Eby government took some bold first steps in its previous mandate to align B.C.’s economy with this new reality. During his two years as premier, Eby has taken the province’s clean energy future seriously, implementing a number of , such as increasing energy infrastructure and providing a credible vision for how the province can best leverage its clean energy advantages. What’s required now is largely the implementation of Eby’s first-term commitments, including the development of an oil and gas emissions cap and support for household clean technologies that help drive down both home energy bills and emissions (often adding cooling to homes that now need it). The new government also needs an action plan to implement the government’s energy strategy, , to ensure B.C. has sufficient clean electricity for the years ahead. It should prioritize streamlining permitting and regulatory processes for clean energy projects while advancing Indigenous reconciliation and environmental protection. B.C. is poised to prosper. The province’s clean technology sector — currently to seven of the world’s 100 most promising cleantech firms — will be in high demand as the global market for solar, wind, EVs, batteries, electrolysers and heat pumps is set to from US$700 billion in 2023 to more than US$2 trillion by 2035, which is close to the value of the world’s crude oil market in recent years. This, again, is where the world is headed even without further speeding up the clean energy transition. What’s more, analysis from Clean Energy Canada that, in a world where Canada and B.C. remain on track to net zero by 2050, over 400,000 clean energy jobs would be created in the province, up from some 83,000 in 2025, representing an annual growth rate of six per cent. Eby has set the province on a path to an affordable, prosperous future, but the journey has only just started. Developments south of the border provide an opportunity for B.C. to step up and fully align its economy with where the global market is headed.Trump’s tariffs in his first term did little to alter the economy, but this time could be different

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The data show tariffs never fully delivered on Trump's promised factory jobs. Nor did they provoke the avalanche of inflation that critics feared.None

Senegal's ruling party, PASTEF, achieved a landslide victory in the legislative elections, capturing 130 of 165 seats, as per the provisional results declared by the national vote counting commission on Thursday. This triumph provides newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye with a decisive mandate to enact the ambitious reforms he championed during his campaign. These include battling corruption, overhauling the fishing industry, and optimizing benefits from Senegal's natural resources. The former President Macky Sall's opposition coalition managed to secure only 16 seats. Sall extended his congratulations to PASTEF via a post on X, in acknowledgment of their success, and two major opposition leaders conceded defeat shortly after Sunday's election results were announced. (With inputs from agencies.)None

INVESTIGATION ALERT (NYSE: IIPR): Dicello Levitt LLP Is Investigating Investor Claims Against Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. And Encourages IIPR Investors With Losses To Contact The Firm

Federal prosecutors alleged Monday that ex-Calumet Township Trustee Kim Robinson used $11,200 in township funds to pay her Gary rent. Robinson, 57, pleaded guilty Monday in the U.S. District Court in Hammond to one count of wire fraud. As part of the deal, she resigned Friday . If a judge accepts the plea deal, Robinson will serve one year of probation, have to repay $11,200, plus an $8,700 fine. Her attorney Arlington Foley, Sr. declined comment. In a statement she provided to the Post-Tribune Sunday, Robinson expressed her “deepest gratitude to each and every one” of her constituents for “the trust and support” they’d extended to her while she was in office. She didn’t give a reason for her resignation but said it was important to issue a statement as people “may begin to hear information related” to it. “As I step away from this role, I remain hopeful for our township’s future. I am leaving the Township’s operating fund in the black with cash reserves of over $2 million in a rainy-day fund. Additionally, I have every confidence in the leadership that will follow me, and I wholeheartedly support the process of selecting a new trustee who will continue our mission of progress and community service.” A sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge Gretchen Lund will be scheduled later. Court documents in the case allege Robinson filled out applications for rental assistance for “Individual A,” saying they had no income. In reality, the person didn’t live there, and had no knowledge of her actions, prosecutors alleged. The Township Trustee’s Office approved fraudulent monthly vouchers for $800. Robinson personally used the vouchers from April 2020 to May 2021 to pay rent at her Gary address, which court records do not list. Robinson lived there since 2018, paying rent to “Landlord A,” documents show. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phillip Benson and Kevin Wolff are assigned. Robinson becomes the third consecutive Calumet Township Trustee to face federal charges. Robinson was elected in 2014 after defeating incumbent Trustee Mary Elgin in the primary amid the shadow of an FBI and IRS probe of the office. She previously served as a former Gary City Probation officer, Gary Councilwoman for the city’s 5th District from 2008 to 2014, and the Lake County Treasurer’s Office. In December 2014, Elgin and her co-defendants — Elgin’s son, Steven Hunter, and former Calumet Township employees Ethel Shelton and Alex Wheeler — were indicted, alleging the four committed conspiracy to defraud; wire fraud; conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud; honest service wire fraud; and conspiracy to commit extortion. Prosecutors said they used township employees and offices to run political campaigns and raise money for Elgin’s fundraisers. Elgin was sentenced in 2018 to a year and a day in prison, followed by one year of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution to the trustee’s office and $6,311 to the IRS. In 2007, Dozier Allen, who served as trustee for 32 years, was indicted — five years after he lost to Elgin — on charges that he and three employees steered $120,000 of grant money meant for the township to themselves. A jury found him guilty in April 2009, and he was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Robinson’s mother, Wanda Joshua, served as Allen’s top deputy and was also sentenced in that case. Joshua, who received a 15-month sentence, was defended by former Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson. mcolias@post-trib.com akukulka@chicagotribune.com Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.EL SEGUNDO — Running back J.K. Dobbins suffered a sprained knee during the Chargers’ loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night and is likely to be sidelined for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. Coach Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday he “didn’t really know how to categorize” the injury, however. “He’s working through something with his knee,” Harbaugh added. The NFL Network, citing an unnamed source, said Dobbins would be out this week. Dobbins gained 40 yards on six carries before he was sidelined in the second quarter of the Chargers’ 30-23 loss on Monday. The Chargers turned to Gus Edwards and Hassan Haskins in Dobbins’ absence in the second half, but relied almost exclusively on their passing game after trailing 14-13 at halftime. The Chargers (7-4) rushed only five times in the second half. Overall, Edwards had nine carries for 11 yards and one touchdown and Haskins had one carry for 3 yards. Quarterback Justin Herbert rushed four times for 29 yards and one touchdown, a 5-yard scramble on the Chargers’ first drive of the game. Edwards’ 1-yard touchdown run came on their final possession. “Gus is heating up,” Harbaugh said. “Great to have him back in there.” Edwards has rushed for 206 yards and one touchdown on 63 carries in seven games, spending four games on injured reserve because of an ankle injury. Harbaugh was uncertain whether Dobbins’ injury would force him onto the injured reserve list and a minimum of a four-game layoff. “Don’t know that yet,” Harbaugh said of the possibility of Dobbins going on IR. Haskins has rushed for 26 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries, primarily playing an impactful role on special teams. Rookie Kimani Vidal, another possible replacement for Dobbins, has rushed for 44 yards on 18 carries and caught three passes for 49 yards and one touchdown. Dobbins has rushed for a team-leading 766 yards (fourth in the AFC) and eight touchdowns on 156 carries. He and Edwards signed with the Chargers in the offseason as free agents after starting their careers with the Ravens. Dobbins, 25, has had an injury-plagued career, but hasn’t missed a game so far this season. His 2023 season ended early after he sustained a torn Achilles tendon in the Ravens’ season opener. Herbert is the Chargers’ second-leading rusher with 211 yards and two touchdowns on 45 carries, most coming on scrambles away from on-rushing defenders. He set a career-high with a 38-yard scramble in the first quarter of the Chargers’ 26-8 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 27. Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. hasn’t played since the Chargers’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3, placed on injured reserve because of a shoulder injury. Harbaugh declined to speculate whether Samuel would be sidelined for the remainder of the season, referring questions to Samuel. Samuel isn’t required to speak to reporters while on IR. So, his extended absence has been something of a mystery. However, his absence has opened the door for rookies Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still to move into the starting lineup. Hart is sidelined by an ankle injury that required him to wear a protective boot while watching Monday’s game from the sideline. Still has been a reliable fill-in with 33 tackles and one interception. “No, I don’t expect him back this week,” Harbaugh said of Samuel. In somewhat related moves, the Chargers placed cornerback Eli Apple on injured reserve because of a hamstring injury suffered against the Ravens. They also claimed safety Marcus Maye off of waivers. Maye played 11 games this season with the Miami Dolphins, who cut him earlier this week. Maye started three games and had 30 tackles overall for the Dolphins. Wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. started the season on injured reserve, but he hasn’t cracked the lineup consistently after recovering from a hip injury. Chark was active for only one game this season, the Chargers’ Nov. 10 victory over the Tennessee Titans , and he was on the field for only one snap. “The opportunity is there, the opportunity is there,” Harbaugh said of Chark, a seven-year NFL veteran. “I really like what I see. Every week, there’s an opportunity. Opportunities are guaranteed, and DJ has the license and opportunity to take advantage of that opportunity.”