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Dez White scores 26 and Missouri State beats UCSB 68-56The sports broadcasting world has lost one of its most respected and indelible figures. Longtime CBS Sports anchor and play-by-play announcer Greg Gumbel has died at the age of 78 , with his wife and daughter confirming the news Friday. “He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer,” Marcy and Michelle Gumbel said in a statement . “Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity. He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten. Greg's memory will forever be treasured by his family, dearest friends, colleagues and all who loved him.” REQUIRED READING: Longtime CBS Sports broadcaster Greg Gumbel dies at 78 after battle with cancer The older brother of Bryant Gumbel, Gumbel was a beloved figure over the course of his 52-year broadcasting career, someone whose mere on-screen presence was associated with some of the biggest events in sports. He became synonymous with the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, particularly its selection show, and had a lengthy run as an NFL play-by-play broadcaster. In 2001, he became the first Black man to do play-by-play for a major American sports championship when he called Super Bowl 35. As news of Gumbel’s death spread, outpourings of emotion and support flooded social media, with many fondly recalling his career and the impact it had on them. Here’s a sampling of the social media reaction to Gumbel’s passing: Social media pays tribute to Greg Gumbel
By Jasper Ward and Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Treasury Department may need to take "extraordinary measures" by as early as Jan. 14 to prevent the United States from defaulting on its debt, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told lawmakers in a letter on Friday. Yellen urged lawmakers in the U.S. Congress to act "to protect the full faith and credit of the United States." U.S. debt is expected to decrease by about $54 billion on Jan. 2 "due to a scheduled redemption of nonmarketable securities held by a federal trust fund associated with Medicare payments," she added. She said: "Treasury currently expects to reach the new limit between January 14 and January 23, at which time it will be necessary for Treasury to start taking extraordinary measures." Under a 2023 budget deal, Congress suspended the debt ceiling until Jan. 1, 2025. The U.S. Treasury will be able to pay its bills for several more months, but Congress will have to address the issue at some point next year. Failure to act could prevent the Treasury from paying its debts. A U.S. debt default would likely have severe economic consequences. A debt limit is a cap set by Congress on how much money the U.S. government can borrow. Because the government spends more money than it collects in tax revenue, lawmakers need to periodically tackle the issue -- a politically difficult task, as many are reluctant to vote for more debt. Congress set the first debt limit of $45 billion in 1939, and has had to raise that limit 103 times since, as spending has consistently outrun tax revenue. Publicly held debt was 98% of U.S. gross domestic product as of October, compared with 32% in October 2001. (Reporting by Jasper Ward and Kanishka Singh; Editing by Chris Reese and Rosalba O'Brien)NoneFox News host Rachel Campos-Duffy blatantly misgendered Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-Del.) while interviewing anti-transgender crusader Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) during Sunday’s episode of “Fox & Friends Weekend.” Campos-Duffy casually referred to McBride, a trans woman who will be the first openly trans member of Congress, as “he,” while Mace appeared on the show to promote her campaign to ban McBride and other trans women from using female restrooms on Capitol Hill. When Mace called her mission to block trans women from using the bathrooms a “winning” political message, Campos-Duffy noted that “that trans member of Congress” has said she “will actually abide by the rules and not use the women’s restroom in Congress.” Doubling down on the bigotry moments later, Campos-Duffy took aim at Rachel Levine , President Joe Biden’s assistant secretary of health. Levine, also a trans woman, is the first openly trans federal official in the United States’ history. “I’ve seen Rachel Levine. I know that’s not a woman, so I don’t understand this idea,” the Fox News anchor proclaimed as Mace nodded in agreement. "I know that's not a woman" -- Nancy Mace is on Fox & Friends and the person interviewing her is referring to Sarah McBride and other trans women as "he." Mace agrees. These people do not think trans people exist. pic.twitter.com/cEhZpRKLIe — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 24, 2024 This past Monday, Mace introduced a resolution to prohibit any lawmakers and House employees from “using single-sex facilities other than those corresponding to their biological sex.” Asked if she was specifically targeting McBride with the proposed rule while speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the South Carolina congresswoman said, “Yes and absolutely, and then some.” “I’m absolutely 100% going to stand in the way of any man who wants to be in a women’s restroom, in our locker rooms, in our changing rooms,” she added. “I will be there fighting you every step of the way.” Since Mace began her battle to exclude trans women from Congress’ women’s bathrooms, McBride has tried to stay above the fray. In a Monday night post on X , formerly called Twitter, she said, “Every day Americans go to work with people who have life journeys different than their own and engage with them respectfully, I hope members of Congress can muster that same kindness.” McBride called the controversy an “attempt to distract” Americans from real issues during a Sunday appearance on “Face the Nation.” “Every single time we hear them say the word ‘trans,’ look what they’re doing with their right hand,” she said. “Look at what they’re doing to pick the pocket of American workers, to fleece seniors by privatizing Social Security and Medicare.” Nancy Mace Fumes Over Journalist's 'Insulting' Challenge To Her Anti-Trans Fixation 'Daily Show' Spots 4 Major Flaws In Nancy Mace's 'Performative' Anti-Trans 'Bulls**t' Nancy Mace’s Former Aide Rips Her Anti-Trans Bill As Thirsty ‘Ploy To Get On Fox News’
Denver, Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Denver, Colorado - Split Simple, a leader in Denver's divorce mediation services, proudly announces Daydrianna Jeffries as the 2024 recipient of its Social Work Scholarship. This annual scholarship supports students dedicated to social work, a field critical to promoting well-being and resilience in communities affected by hardship and trauma. Jeffries, a senior at the University of Louisville, brings remarkable drive and compassion to her studies. With a vision shaped by a commitment to addressing social disparities, Jeffries has focused her studies on promoting healing and resilience in communities affected by systemic challenges. "My aspiration to study social work stems from a commitment to addressing these disparities and fostering healing," she explains. Jeffries' goal is to serve as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, focusing on mental health support, trauma care, and advocacy within marginalized communities. During her studies, Jeffries took part in the "Navigating Racialized Institutions for Family and Collective Healing" project, an initiative supporting trauma processing in Black families. "This experience reinforced my commitment to developing culturally sensitive support for families in crisis," Jeffries shared. Split Simple's scholarship was established to encourage aspiring social workers who share a commitment to healing and support. Applicants are selected based on their academic dedication, financial need, and commitment to creating positive change. For Jeffries, this scholarship represents "an invaluable opportunity to further my education" and achieve her mission of advocacy and support for those facing trauma. The Social Work Scholarship is part of Split Simple's broader dedication to building stronger communities through thoughtful support and cooperative solutions. More details on the scholarship can be found on Split Simple's website . Traditional divorce methods often result in lengthy and costly court battles. However, SplitSimple's mediation service focuses on cooperation and communication. This allows couples to find outcomes that better address their needs and concerns. Not only does this save time and money, but it also helps maintain a respectful relationship between the partners as they separate. Divorce can be emotionally taxing, and minimizing conflict is beneficial during this period. By opting for mediation, couples can work towards an amicable separation. This is especially crucial when children and shared assets are part of the equation. Families can avoid the harsh impact of drawn-out legal fights, which helps foster a stable environment In the end, SplitSimple's divorce mediation service is a step forward in simplifying the divorce process. Through solutions that focus on amicable resolutions, the company is changing the expectations around divorce proceedings. By decreasing hostility and encouraging collaboration, SplitSimple is fostering a future where divorce can be more about respectful changes and less about bitter endings. For more details on their services, those interested may visit their website. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVFBgjhfss8 Recent News: SplitSimple Offers 2024 Scholarship for Aspiring Social Workers ### For more information about SplitSimple, contact the company here: SplitSimple Chris Griffith (855)665-9920 [email protected] 1624 Market St #202 Denver, CO 80202 CONTACT: Chris GriffithMutual of America Capital Management LLC Acquires New Holdings in Schneider National, Inc. (NYSE:SNDR)
As PTI convoys from across the country were enroute to Islamabad on Sunday for the party’s much-touted powershow — despite a court order and government warnings against it — the party claimed its workers were being arrested and dispersed using teargas. On Nov 13, Imran Khan issued a “ final call ” for nationwide protests on Nov 24 (today), denouncing what he described as the stolen mandate, the unjust arrests of people and the passage of the 26th amendment, which he said has strengthened a “dictatorial regime”. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ruled that PTI’s planned protest is unlawful and directed the federal government to take all necessary measures to maintain law and order in Islamabad without disrupting public life, particularly as the Belarusian president is scheduled to arrive over the weekend with a high-profile delegation. As PTI supporters, who had set off on their journey earlier in the day, began reaching Islamabad despite government warnings of arrests, the party claimed the police was detaining its workers and using teargas to disperse them. In a post on X at 7:10pm, the PTI shared what it said were “visuals of the extreme shelling by fascist regime against own citizens at Islamabad Express”. Earlier, a Dawn.com correspondent in Islamabad said mobile internet services were down across the city, while major roads, including motorways, were blocked with containers. Pictures shared by the correspondent showed mostly deserted roads and people on motorbikes making their way from a narrow corner of a road blocked by trucks. Trucks block a road in Islamabad. — photo by Umar Bacha “These constant protests are destroying the economy and creating instability ... we want the political leadership to sit together and resolve these matters,” Muhammad Asif, 35, a resident of Islamabad told Reuters in front of a closed market. Separately, in a notification seen by Dawn.com , the office of the district magistrate in Islamabad ordered the closure of all public and private educational institutions in the capital territory tomorrow. The PTI, in a post on X , claimed that the convoy of National Assembly opposition leader Omar Ayub was targeted near Taxila and shells were fired at it. PTI MNA Sher Afzal Marwat shared a video of his brother Khalid Latif Khan saying his convoy was stopped at Daud Khel and was fired at with “strict teargas shelling”. However, he asserted, “We will reach D Chowk in any circumstance.” In another video , Khalid said that police had been shelling the convoy for over an hour and a half. “We had to face heavy shelling for an hour-and-a-half to two hours,” he said. “Thankfully now, the path has been cleared and we should leave (for D Chowk) within an hour-and-a-half to two hours.” Earlier today, the PTI claimed a “family that had reached D Chowk last night” had been arrested, sharing a video of a woman speaking from inside a prisoner van while another was taken inside too. The woman asked for the reason for being detained, saying, “Okay, we can say sorry that we should not have come to this area.” In another post, the PTI shared a video without specifying the location, saying: “The fascist regime has started, as expected, tear gas shelling against peaceful Pakistanis.” Speaking at D-Chowk, the final destination of PTI’s main convoy, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said, “One option is that we let them come and [...] paralyse Islamabad. The other option is to protect Islamabad. “The area where they (the PTI) have called the protest is a protected area of Islamabad, monitored by the IG and DIG,” Naqvi said, referring to the Red Zone. “Any protesters who enter that area will be arrested,” he warned. View this post on Instagram Despite the security apparatus in place, Naqvi maintained that the blockades were “not as bad as last time” and that the government was trying to give as much relief as possible to those inconvenienced. Referring to the arrival of a Belarusian delegation in the capital, Naqvi said PTI supporters were coming on to the route through which the delegation was supposed to pass. He criticised the PTI for organising protests today instead of attending the funerals being held in Kurram, referring to violent clashes there in the past few days. Addressing the PTI demonstrators, he said: “If you wish to protest, that is your right, but you know exactly who is coming and you have been blocking off roads and causing trouble.” Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said a “comprehensive security plan” had been formed to prevent mischief. Police personnel align before being deployed near a Red Zone area blocked with shipping containers to hinder a rally by members of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s PTI demanding his release, in Islamabad on Nov 24, 2024. — AFP “If a road is closed, a lane has been kept open along it,” the IG said while speaking to the media, stressing that the purpose of the security plan was to secure the people’s lives and property. “There are obstacles, but the movement of people has not been stopped,” he claimed, adding that action would be taken against people carrying weapons or prohibited items. In a post on X earlier today, the Islamabad police said Rawat T Cross was closed for traffic on both sides and only one lane was open at Chungi No.26 for traffic heading both ways. “However, internal roads are partially open for traffic in Islamabad which can be used in case of extreme need,” the police said, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel. In a separate post , the police shared pictures of its personnel stationed at various points to “ensure the imposition of Section 144”, which prohibits gatherings. State broadcaster PTV News shared a post on X pointing out how there were “neither any people nor any flags” on Lahore’s Liberty Chowk, compared to previous instances “when the PTI used to hold its musical shows every other night”. Punjab, especially Lahore, came to a grinding halt on Saturday after the entire intercity bus operation — particularly routes leading to Islamabad and Rawalpindi — were suspended. The security at the Lahore railway station was also beefed up after a huge number of passengers thronged it in a bid to reach their destinations. Internet tracking monitor Netblocks said WhatsApp backends have been restricted in Pakistan, according to a post on X at 1:07am. “Live metrics show WhatsApp backends have been restricted in Pakistan corroborating reports of media sharing issues; the measure comes as authorities tighten security ahead of protests planned by opposition party PTI calling for the release of former PM Imran Khan,” Netblocks said. View this post on Instagram Addressing the media later today, interior minister Naqvi said: “Mobile services are working. The internet has been shut down.” A day ago, the interior ministry said that WiFi and mobile internet services would be suspended only in areas with “security concerns” and remain operational as normal in the rest of the country. In a televised statement, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar termed the PTI responsible for Islamabad’s closure and for “causing damage to businesspeople and the economy”. He asserted that while some routes in the city were closed, others were still open. “The main highway is closed, but despite that people are out and about,” Tarar said. The minister added, “When a party tries to spread division, they do so through violence and property damage. We saw it during the 2014 sit-in, PTV was set on fire and the gates of Parliament were broken down.” Separately, while speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said “PTI’s act will be exposed today”. “I am sure their act will be exposed today [...] why are they spreading anarchy? “Barrister Gohar said [the protest was to] release Imran Khan but he hasn’t been arrested by a deputy commissioner, [through] detention orders or any administrative orders [...] the cases are in the courts and he will have to get himself cleared in those cases.” “If he thinks he is innocent that doesn’t mean you start causing destruction, it means you face your cases in court and tell your lawyers to get the cases disposed quickly,” he said, referring to Imran’s legal challenges. Rallies from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the PTI is in power, left for Islamabad early in the morning, according to the Dawn.com correspondent. MPAs and MNAs of their respective constituencies were leading their convoys and would join the rallies at Burhan near Hazara interchange, the correspondent said, citing PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai. View this post on Instagram However, a heavy police contingent was present on GT Road and motorway at Attock’s Hassanabdal to stop the procession from reaching Islamabad. Several convoys are en route to the capital, PTI shared in multiple posts on X. According to a post on X , a main convoy led by KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur departed from CM House in Peshawar. CM Gandapur, expected to lead the largest convoy into Islamabad, earlier called on people to gather near the entrance of the city’s red zone, known as “D Chowk”. And aerial view of the PTI convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on November 24. — Photo by Umar Bacha Another video posted by the PTI showed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s convoy approaching Colonel Sher Khan Interchange outside of Mardan. The video showed a top-down view of the convoy which stretched over some distance. Islamabad’s red zone houses the country’s parliament building, important government installations, as well as embassies and foreign institutions’ offices. “[Imran] Khan has called on us to remain there till all our demands are met,” he said in a video message yesterday. A post on PTI MNA Asad Qaiser’s X account said his convoy will reach Swabi’s Ambar Interchange, where it will join CM Gandapur. Supporters led by Omar Ayub also set off on their journey from Haripur, the PTI said. Rehana Dar , mother of former PTI leader Usman Dar and who contested the Feb 8 general elections against PML-N’s Khawaja Asif, also set off with her convoy from Sialkot. Other convoys include those of PTI’s Peshawar president Irfan Saleem , KP health minister Pakhtunyar Khan’s convoy from Bannu, KP minister Dr Amjad Ali and law minister Advocate Aftab Alam . In a post on X , former KP minister Taimur Khan Jhagra said: “To assume that unjust laws should just be followed, that try to protect state capture and make the judiciary subservient, is wrong.” However, he appealed to all protesters: “Stay peaceful. At all costs. Do not let anyone sabotage your protest.” Another post showed a convoy led by PTI South Punjab president Senator Aoun Abbas and MNA Zartaj Gul had departed for Islamabad. A video shared by the party showed Gul standing atop a vehicle, waving a white flag and chanting “Imran Khan Zindabad. Release, release Imran Khan”. A convoy led by the president of PTI’s Balochistan chapter was also on its way to Islamabad. View this post on Instagram A convoy led by PTI leaders Usama Mela and Ansar Iqbal Haral also departed from Sargodha’s Kot Momin. A post by the PTI on X called for protesters to carry signs and placards in English “in order to amplify our message globally.” “Let our voices echo loud and clear as we stand united for justice, democracy, and a constitutional Pakistan!” PTI leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, the Punjab Assembly opposition leader, had earlier said protesters would not leave Islamabad until their demands were accepted. Since Imran’s arrest in August 2023 on several counts, his party has been holding protests across the country for his release and against the alleged rigging of the Feb 8 elections. The last protest in Islamabad by the PTI in early October turned violent with one policeman killed, dozens of security personnel injured and protesters arrested. Both sides accused the other of instigating the clashes. Also on Saturday, the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) issued an alert for possible terrorist attacks during the PTI’s march towards Islamabad, reliable sources told Dawn . According to sources, the alert was issued after “technical and human” intelligence gathered by the apex counter-terrorism body revealed that terrorists were planning “major activities” in big cities of Pakistan. Multiple sources confirmed “necessary preparations” by the terrorists in Afghanistan, who “entered into Pakistan” on the night between Nov 19 and 20. They were expected to station themselves in big cities, the sources added. The terrorists, whom the government and the military refer to as Fitna-al-Khawarij , will possibly target the PTI’s protest “for their vested interest”, as per the sources. Nacta has suggested authorities ensure extreme vigilance and heighten security measures to prevent the attack. The government has vowed to suppress the power show with full force, deploying massive security forces, enforcing a sweeping ban on gatherings, blocking highways and motorways and launching a crackdown on leaders and workers of the opposition party. Paramilitary soldiers stand guard at the Red Zone area blocked with shipping containers ahead of a protest rally by PTI in Islamabad on November 24. — AFP The capital police have prepared a list of over 1,500 PTI leaders and workers in Islamabad and constituted 27 teams to arrest them so they could not participate in the protest. The police also arrested 350 other workers of the party, including leader Nafisa Khattak as well as a nephew and brother-in-law of the party’s Islamabad chapter president Amir Mughal. An overnight crackdown was also launched in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where some elected councillors were among those held. Besides Muzaffarabad police arresting 26 people , the houses of various leaders were also raided, including of AJK Assembly’s opposition leader Khawaja Farooq Ahmed. The government has also put all public sector hospitals in Islamabad on high alert in order to meet any emergency situation. Among methods to curtail the protest is the closure of various motorways and key arteries of Punjab, severing paths to Islamabad at multiple points. The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) announced that six key motorways would be closed for all types of traffic “due to maintenance” from Friday night, advising travellers to avoid unnecessary travel during this period. The motorways closed to traffic are: M1 from Peshawar to Islamabad, M2 from Lahore to Islamabad, M3 from Lahore to Abdul Hakeem, M4 from Pindi Bhattian to Multan, M11 from Sialkot to Lahore, and M14 from Yarik to Hakla. Meanwhile, local authorities blocked bridges over the Chenab and Jhelum rivers in Gujrat district to restrict PTI protesters’ movement towards Islamabad. The closure caused significant inconvenience to commuters who found themselves stuck in long queues of trucks and other vehicles on both sides of the rivers. Heavy containers and trolleys were parked on both sides of the bridges. More to follow Additional input from Reuters
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) Jay Ashcroft, Missouri's 40th secretary of state, will not be seeking reelection and will leave office on Jan. 13. In an interview Friday with ABC 17 News, Ashcroft said he does not see himself running again. "The people, they wanted me to stop, and I've done my eight years, so I just don't see that I'm going to run again," Ashcroft said. "I feel like I've done my time and there should be opportunity for other people." Ashcroft was elected secretary of state in 2016 and again in 2020. He ran for governor in 2024 but ultimately lost in the Republican primary to Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe . Kehoe ultimately won the election and will be inaugurated next month. Ashcroft graduated from the Missouri University of Science and Technology with a degree in engineering management. Soon after, he moved to West Plains, Missouri, to work for an engineering company that specialized in developing instruments used by the Air Force. In 2000, Ashcroft moved to St. Louis and began teaching technology and engineering courses at St. Louis Community College. After teaching there for eight years, Ashcroft graduated from St. Louis University Law School and practiced law in St. Louis County. Ashcroft said he's happy with the work he's done on election integrity over his eight years in office. "Frankly, our elections are good because the people of the state of Missouri do a good job of showing up in person to vote," he said. "I'm very happy with what we were able to do. We at one time moved Missouri from being ranked 10th in the nation with regard to how we run our elections to being in the top three." Ashcroft said that at the end of his time in office, he wanted to look back on the past eight years and keep his promises. "The thing that I was most concerned about was that when all was said and done with me being in politics, but I'll still be able to look myself in the mirror and say, 'you did what you said you were going to do,'" he said. Ashcroft partially attributes him staying true to his roots to visiting every county in the state every year. "Our government is not supposed to be about the bureaucracy or the elected officials," he said. "The highest office in the land is that a citizen. It needs to be about public service and not about politics." Ashcroft said his parents taught him the importance of service from a religious perspective. His father, John Ashcroft, was a Missouri governor and ascended to U.S. attorney general. "That's what I was taught as a child by my father and my mother," Ashcroft said. "The greatest thing you can do in that time between, because we're all born, we all die, what do you do in between is to serve other people, to increase their ability or their opportunity to, to really maximize their God-given potential." Faith plays a key role in Ashcroft's life and political decision-making. He spoke about times when he had to make decisions that weren't easy, but also about times when he had to regard the law above his personal convictions. "There were times, because of my faith, I had to make decisions that I didn't want to make," he said. "But the law was clear and the law said, this is how you have to act, this is what's supposed to happen." After he leaves office on Jan. 13, Ashcroft says he will focus on his family and has a few options open. They will remain in Jefferson City because his wife, Katie, will work as the chief of staff for incoming Lt. Gov. David Wasinger. "I've looked at some things in the law, I've looked at some things in academia, I've looked at some things in the bureaucracy at the federal level, we'll just we'll see what happens," Ashcroft said. Ashcroft will be replaced by fellow Republican Denny Hoskins, who currently represents part of Mid-Missouri in the state Senate.
Sitharaman: Some Accustomed to Spreading Propaganda Labelling Govt ‘Anti-Tamil’