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A pair of New England senators are calling on the Biden administration to make it clear that the U.S. military should not be used against U.S. citizens except under the most dire circumstances. U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said in a letter that it’s imperative that President Joe Biden and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin issue a policy directive informing U.S. troops of their obligations to disobey unlawful orders and laying out when a president may lawfully order the troops to act against their fellow Americans. “It’s long been the law that the military should not be used on U.S. soil, except under extraordinary circumstances. Donald Trump campaigned on using our military to go after the ’ enemy from within ,’ so it’s important for President Biden to clarify the Defense Department’s policies. The Trump administration will need to justify any expansion of the military’s role against its fellow citizens,” Warren told the Herald. In the letter, the pair say that Biden’s directive should make clear that U.S. law “prohibits the mobilization of active duty military or federalizing National Guard personnel to be deployed against their fellow Americans unless specifically authorized.” Use of federal troops in domestic law enforcement operations is outlawed under the Posse Comitatus Act , unless authorized by Congress or the president invokes the Insurrection Act . There too, the senators write, Biden should clarify to the troops what that law permits. “We urge you to issue a policy directive that makes clear that the narrow application of the Insurrection Act should be limited to instances when State or local authorities are so overwhelmed and that the chief executive of the State requests assistance or attacks against the U.S. government overwhelm State or local authorities,” they wrote. Even if troops are called to duty under presidential authority, the current president should explain that they still must follow “the Standing Rules for the Use of Force and cannot violate the writ of habeas corpus, federal law, or where applicable, federal or state law.” The pair say their letter serves as direct acknowledgment of the incoming Trump administration. “President-elect Trump’s comments have indicated he could invoke the Insurrection Act ‘on his first day in office’ He has called his political opponents ‘the enemy from within’ and said they ‘should be very easily handled by — if necessary, by National Guard, or if really necessary, by the military.’ When asked to clarify these remarks in late October, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance reiterated that President-elect Trump would use force against Americans,” they wrote. Trump, the senators write, has a history of attempting to turn the military against civilians in response to protests or “to advance the president’s political interests,” and the only barriers in the way during his last term were members of his administration and their allegiance to the rule of law. Now, however, the U.S. Supreme Court has made clear that a president is immune from criminal liability for “official acts.” Not immune from prosecution, the senators say, are the members of the military who might be ordered to carry out unlawful acts. After the high court’s decision, what precisely would constitute an unlawful order is an open question, and Biden should provide some clarification before he’s not in a position to offer it anymore. “Given the disagreement amongst scholars on the serious implications of the recent Supreme Court decision, it is reasonable to assume that service members, other DoD personnel, and the broader military community may not be aware of or fully understand their rights and responsibilities. If unaddressed, any ambiguity on the lawful use of military force, coupled with President-elect Trump’s demonstrated intent to utilize the military in such dangerous and unprecedented ways, may prove to be devastating,” they wrote. A policy directive issued by Biden could be overturned by Trump when he takes office. ©2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at bostonherald.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Hunter got the full Nixon, prosecute the other Bidens and other commentary( MENAFN - Newsroom Panama) You're witnessing a seismic shift in the entertainment industry, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. The metaverse is projected to generate up to $5 trillion in value by 2030, with over 50% of live events expected to occur within this immersive digital realm. Data-driven diversity and inclusion initiatives are influencing box office success and consumer engagement. Strategic partnerships and M&A activity highlight the importance of collaboration in adapting to changes in content distribution. Personalization through AI-driven technologies can boost revenues by 15%, while intuitive interfaces promote natural interactions with entertainment. Embrace these trends to stay competitive in the evolving global entertainment landscape. Two key trends are driving the future of entertainment: the rise of the metaverse and the growing demand for immersive experiences. As the metaverse is projected to generate up to $5 trillion in value by 2030, it's clear that this virtual reality landscape will play a significant role in shaping how we consume and interact with content. You can expect over 50% of live events to occur within the metaverse by 2030, signaling a major shift towards digital transformation in the entertainment industry. Content creators and companies investing in metaverse-related technologies will be at the forefront of innovation, redefining how we experience entertainment. The integration of gaming and filmed entertainment will blur the lines between passive and interactive content consumption, creating new opportunities for immersive experiences. With the virtual reality industry expected to reach $22 billion by 2025, it's evident that the demand for immersive entertainment will continue to grow. Embracing these trends will be crucial for staying relevant and competitive in the rapidly evolving entertainment landscape, as the metaverse and immersive experiences become the new norm. Alongside the metaverse and immersive experiences, data-driven diversity and inclusion initiatives are transforming the entertainment industry, including Canadian IPTV . Authentic representation in films significantly impacts box office success, with movies featuring fewer than 11% underrepresented actors underperforming by 20%. Additionally, 64% of consumers report being influenced by diverse advertisements, highlighting the importance of representation in marketing strategies. However, companies face challenges in effectively recording Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) data: Despite these challenges, 59% of executives have increased their investments in DEI initiatives over the past year, reflecting a growing commitment to fostering inclusive environments in the media and entertainment industry. As the industry evolves, data-driven diversity and inclusion will play a crucial role in shaping personalized content and ensuring authentic representation across all platforms, ultimately driving the future of entertainment. Strategic partnerships and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are transforming the entertainment industry as companies adapt to the rapidly evolving content and distribution landscape. In the realm of entertainment, storytelling formats are undergoing a profound transformation, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. Modern creators are leveraging mixed reality, participatory storytelling, and immersive theater to engage audiences in unprecedented ways. This shift is evident in: As technology continues to progress, the lines between creator and consumer will blur further, giving rise to even more interactive and personalized forms of storytelling. This evolution will not only reshape the entertainment landscape but also redefine how we connect with narratives and each other. The future of entertainment lies in the seamless integration of diverse formats, fostering deeper engagement and more meaningful experiences for audiences worldwide. Personalization and intuitive interfaces are poised to revolutionize the entertainment landscape, as AI-driven technologies and immersive experiences continue to shape consumer expectations. You'll find that personalization, powered by machine learning, can boost revenues by 15% through tailored customer experiences. Intuitive interfaces, such as gesture and voice recognition, will promote more natural interactions with entertainment, moving beyond traditional controls. As you demand more relatable content, immersive experiences designed with character recognition and emotional responsiveness will enhance your engagement. By 2030, your wearable devices will seamlessly integrate social, work, and entertainment environments, creating a personalized consumption experience. The rise of virtual reality and mixed reality technologies will redefine storytelling, allowing for personalization that enhances your interaction and engagement with narratives. Artificial intelligence will play a crucial role in driving these advancements, enabling entertainment providers to deliver highly customized content and experiences. As personalization and intuitive interfaces become the norm, you can expect a more immersive and engaging entertainment landscape that adapts to your preferences and behaviors, ultimately transforming the way you consume and interact with content in the future. You'll witness a transformation in entertainment, driven by content diversity and personalized experiences. Streaming competition will intensify, while virtual reality and AI redefine audience engagement. Prepare for a future of immersive storytelling and global cultural exchange. You'll witness streaming dominance, immersive experiences, and diverse content driving audience engagement. Virtual reality and cultural exchange will reshape entertainment, while data-driven insights and forward-looking strategies will be essential for success in this evolving landscape. You'll experience immersive entertainment through virtual reality and AI-driven storytelling on streaming platforms. Interactive media and personalized content, powered by advanced technologies, will reshape how you engage with and consume entertainment in the future. Globalization has transformed entertainment through cultural exchange and audience diversity. Streaming platforms now offer regional content, fostering global collaborations. As language barriers diminish, you can access a wealth of international films, shows, and creators like never before. MENAFN24122024000218011062ID1109028674 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
By ALEXANDRA OLSON and CATHY BUSSEWITZ NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart’s sweeping rollback of its diversity policies is the strongest indication yet of a profound shift taking hold at U.S. companies that are revaluating the legal and political risks associated with bold programs to bolster historically underrepresented groups in business. The changes announced by the world’s biggest retailer followed a string of legal victories by conservative groups that have filed an onslaught of lawsuits challenging corporate and federal programs aimed at elevating minority and women-owned businesses and employees. The risk associated with some of programs crystalized with the election of former President Donald Trump, whose administration is certain to make dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs a priority. Trump’s incoming deputy chief of policy will be his former adviser Stephen Miller , who leads a group called America First Legal that has aggressively challenged corporate DEI policies. “There has been a lot of reassessment of risk looking at programs that could be deemed to constitute reverse discrimination,” said Allan Schweyer, principal researcher the Human Capital Center at the Conference Board. “This is another domino to fall and it is a rather large domino,” he added. Among other changes, Walmart said it will no longer give priority treatment to suppliers owned by women or minorities. The company also will not renew a five-year commitment for a racial equity center set up in 2020 after the police killing of George Floyd. And it pulled out of a prominent gay rights index . Schweyer said the biggest trigger for companies making such changes is simply a reassessment of their legal risk exposure, which began after U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June 2023 that ended affirmative action in college admissions. Since then, conservative groups using similar arguments have secured court victories against various diversity programs, especially those that steer contracts to minority or women-owned businesses. Most recently, the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty won a victory in a case against the U.S. Department of Transportation over its use of a program that gives priority to minority-owned businesses when it awards contracts. Companies are seeing a big legal risk in continuing with DEI efforts, said Dan Lennington, a deputy counsel at the institute. His organization says it has identified more than 60 programs in the federal government that it considers discriminatory, he said. “We have a legal landscape within the entire federal government, all three branches — the U.S. Supreme Court, the Congress and the President — are all now firmly pointed in the direction towards equality of individuals and individualized treatment of all Americans, instead of diversity, equity and inclusion treating people as members of racial groups,” Lennington said. The Trump administration is also likely to take direct aim at DEI initiatives through executive orders and other policies that affect private companies, especially federal contractors. “The impact of the election on DEI policies is huge. It can’t be overstated,” said Jason Schwartz, co-chair of the Labor & Employment Practice Group at law firm Gibson Dunn. With Miller returning to the White House, rolling back DEI initiatives is likely to be a priority, Schwartz said. “Companies are trying to strike the right balance to make clear they’ve got an inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome, and they want to get the best talent, while at the same time trying not to alienate various parts of their employees and customer base who might feel one way or the other. It’s a virtually impossible dilemma,” Schwartz said. A recent survey by Pew Research Center showed that workers are divided on the merits of DEI policies. While still broadly popular, the share of workers who said focusing on workplace diversity was mostly a good thing fell to 52% in the November survey, compared to 56% in a similar survey in February 2023. Rachel Minkin, a research associated at Pew called it a small but significant shift in short amount of time. There will be more companies pulling back from their DEI policies, but it likely won’t be a retreat across the board, said David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at New York University. “There are vastly more companies that are sticking with DEI,” Glasgow said. “The only reason you don’t hear about it is most of them are doing it by stealth. They’re putting their heads down and doing DEI work and hoping not to attract attention.” Glasgow advises organizations to stick to their own core values, because attitudes toward the topic can change quickly in the span of four years. “It’s going to leave them looking a little bit weak if there’s a kind of flip-flopping, depending on whichever direction the political winds are blowing,” he said. One reason DEI programs exist is because without those programs, companies may be vulnerable to lawsuits for traditional discrimination. “Really think carefully about the risks in all directions on this topic,” Glasgow said. Walmart confirmed will no longer consider race and gender as a litmus test to improve diversity when it offers supplier contracts. Last fiscal year, Walmart said it spent more than $13 billion on minority, women or veteran-owned good and service suppliers. It was unclear how its relationships with such business would change going forward. Organizations that that have partnered with Walmart on its diversity initiatives offered a cautious response. The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, a non-profit that last year named Walmart one of America’s top corporation for women-owned enterprises, said it was still evaluating the impact of Walmart’s announcement. Pamela Prince-Eason, the president and CEO of the organization, said she hoped Walmart’s need to cater to its diverse customer base will continue to drive contracts to women-owned suppliers even if the company no longer has explicit dollar goals. “I suspect Walmart will continue to have one of the most inclusive supply chains in the World,” Prince-Eason wrote. “Any retailer’s ability to serve the communities they operate in will continue to value understanding their customers, (many of which are women), in order to better provide products and services desired and no one understands customers better than Walmart.” Walmart’s announcement came after the company spoke directly with conservative political commentator and activist Robby Starbuck, who has been going after corporate DEI policies, calling out individual companies on the social media platform X. Several of those companies have subsequently announced that they are pulling back their initiatives, including Ford , Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s and Tractor Supply . Walmart confirmed to The Associated Press that it will better monitor its third-party marketplace items to make sure they don’t feature sexual and transgender products aimed at minors. The company also will stop participating in the Human Rights Campaign’s annual benchmark index that measures workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees. A Walmart spokesperson added that some of the changes were already in progress and not as a result of conversations that it had with Starbuck. RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, senior director of the HRC Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program, said companies that “abandon” their commitments workplace inclusion policies “are shirking their responsibility to their employees, consumers, and shareholders.” She said the buying power of LGBTQ customers is powerful and noted that the index will have record participation of more than 1,400 companies in 2025.MINNEAPOLIS — Malik Monk had 27 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, De'Aaron Fox added 26 points, eight assists and eight rebounds, and the Sacramento Kings rode a gritty performance underneath both baskets to a 115-104 victory against the scuffling Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Monk and Fox combined to outscore the Timberwolves 17-2 over the final five minutes. Domantas Sabonis had 27 points and 12 rebounds as Sacramento snapped a four-game losing streak. Led by Sabonis, Sacramento outscored Minnesota 64-36 in the paint. The Kings also had 12 offensive rebounds to four for the Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 29 points but went 9 for 24 from the field. After reaching the 2024 Western Conference finals and starting 6-3 this season, the Wolves have lost four in a row and seven of nine. Takeaways Kings: Monk appears to have fully recovered from the right ankle sprain that kept him out of seven games. The 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year finalist made back-to-back 3-pointers with less than four minutes remaining as Sacramento erased a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Timberwolves: Even with Mike Conley back in the lineup after missing three games with a toe sprain, Minnesota continues to struggle with chemistry. The Karl-Anthony Towns trade haul of Julius Randle (21 points, nine rebounds) and Donte DiVincenzo (five points) has yielded mixed results as they attempt to gel with Edwards, Rudy Gobert and the rest of the Timberwolves' core. Key moment Jae Crowder, a 12-year NBA veteran who signed with the Kings earlier Wednesday, started in his first game since the 2024 playoffs with Milwaukee. His 3 at the first-quarter buzzer cut an early Wolves lead to 33-31; Crowder pointed at the home team's bench before joining his new teammates for the break. Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) elevates to shoot against Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) while Kings center Alex Len, right, looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Minneapolis. Credit: AP/Ellen Schmidt Key stat Edwards made his first four 3s and had 14 points in the first nine minutes. He entered Wednesday leading the NBA with 4.8 made 3s per game. Up next Both teams have NBA Cup group play games Friday night: Sacramento at Portland, and Minnesota at home against the Los Angeles Clippers.
AP News Summary at 5:51 p.m. ESTA recent health initiative by the health-tech start-up, Knoxxi Health Ghana, at Mallam Market has uncovered concerning health trends among local traders. Over 70% of the traders in the market were found to have various stages of high blood pressure, with many of them unaware of their condition. This revelation came after a month-long community health program, where Knoxxi Health, in collaboration with the Ablekuma North Health Directorate, provided free health check-ups to market women. The program, which benefited over 1,580 women, aimed at promoting wellness and encouraging early detection of health issues, especially non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The results were striking. Only 28.3% of the participants had normal blood pressure, while the remaining 71.7% were affected by hypertension at varying levels, from stage one to crisis stage. Notably, 31.9% had stage one hypertension, 22.9% had stage two hypertension, and 14.9% were in an elevated blood pressure range. Alarmingly, 2.09% of the women were found to be at crisis level hypertension, with the majority of these cases occurring in individuals aged 65 and above. However, some traders aged between 25 and 64 also exhibited signs of crisis-level hypertension. Knoxxi Health’s founder and CEO, Michael Amankwa, described the situation as “alarming,” pointing out that, prior to the screenings, 78% of the women had confidently claimed they were not affected by high blood pressure. This disparity highlights a critical gap in health awareness, especially in underserved communities where market traders often prioritize their livelihoods over regular health check-ups. Beyond hypertension, the health screenings also uncovered concerning levels of blood sugar. While not as alarming as the hypertension findings, over 47% of the traders exhibited fasting blood sugar results indicating possible prediabetes or diabetic conditions, with 15% showing diabetic and prediabetic conditions after meals. The health checks, which were offered at a subsidized fee after the free screening phase, included blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar tests, oxygen levels, body temperature, body mass index (BMI), and mental health assessments. These vital signs were tracked and analyzed using Knoxxi Health’s digital platform, which collects data, provides actionable insights, and offers real-time health tips to the participants. The platform does not diagnose diseases but helps individuals monitor their health and take timely actions based on the data collected. One of the most significant findings from the initiative was the traders’ reluctance to seek medical help despite knowing their health was at risk. Many expressed concerns about missing out on profits by leaving their stalls for medical consultations. As a result, Knoxxi Health worked closely with the Ablekuma North Health Directorate to dispatch medical doctors to the market, ensuring that urgent cases received attention on-site. The program also highlighted the potential of technology in healthcare, as Knoxxi Health’s digital solutions enabled continuous monitoring and early intervention. By analyzing trends in vital signs, the platform helps healthcare professionals identify risks before they escalate into serious health conditions. This proactive approach aligns with the goals of Ghana’s Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Policy, which focuses on strengthening early detection and prevention to reduce the burden of chronic diseases. Dr. Valerie Ida Osei-Tutu, a Public Health Physician Specialist at the Ablekuma North Health Directorate, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. She noted that the use of technology in monitoring health metrics allows for early intervention and more effective management of NCDs. Similarly, Jemima Adiyiah Obeng, Principal Nursing Officer at the Directorate, highlighted how the Knoxxi Health platform enables healthcare providers to detect early warning signs in real-time, allowing for timely intervention. The market women themselves expressed gratitude for the continuous support provided by the Knoxxi Health team and the Ablekuma North Health Directorate. Many said they felt more empowered to take charge of their health as a result of the regular screenings and educational insights. Looking ahead, Knoxxi Health plans to expand its services to other markets, including Madina Market in Accra. Several companies are also preparing to integrate Knoxxi Health’s solutions into their workplace wellness programs, recognizing the value of frequent health monitoring and insights in maintaining the overall health of employees. Through its innovative approach to preventive healthcare, Knoxxi Health is paving the way for a healthier future for underserved communities across Ghana, ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations have access to affordable and accessible health services.Biden should spell out rules for using U.S. troops against their fellow citizens, Dems say
AP News Summary at 5:35 p.m. EST