Thomas Frank unhappy with officials in game with Brighton
( MENAFN - APO Group) The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) today launched the report: The IMF and the Future of the Global financial Architecture , at the Ministerial Segment of the 5th Extraordinary Session of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Finance, Monetary Affairs, Economic Planning and Integration held in Abuja, Nigeria. Ms. Hanan Morsy, Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist at the ECA who supervised and guided the report, said it was prepared in consultation with the African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, the African Union, and the African Development Bank. It proposes a new work agenda for the International Monetary Fund (IMF)“to better respond to the challenges that African low- and middle-income countries are facing.” The Report is grounded on the work of the Africa High-level Working Group on the Global Financial Architecture , which is coordinated by the ECA. This Group comprises African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the African Union, the African Development Bank, Afreximbank, and the World Bank. It includes the participation of IMF staff and Executive Directors. The Report's key messages include: Global Financial Safety Net: The IMF should make Special Drawing Rights (SDR) allocation decisions in a rule-based analytical manner to reduce the discretionary and political nature of the allocation process and ensure that SDRs are directed to countries that require them. A New Global Debt Architecture: The IMF should propose reforms to overhaul the G20 Common Framework to be more effective, time-bound, and transparent, strengthen the International Debt Legal Framework, and review and update the IMF-World Bank Debt Sustainability Analysis to make it more SDG- and solvency-focused. The Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST) and a New Agenda for Green Development: The IMF should facilitate the scaling up of debt-swaps-for-nature, climate and adaptation, enable credit enhancement for green finance, support countries' efforts to design and implement frameworks to attract private finance, mobilize more resources for the RST to allow for increased IMF lending with longer maturities, and work together with partners to support the resilience of transition policies. A New Agenda for Market Access: The IMF should establish benchmarks based on macroeconomic fundamentals, support African countries in building capacity to regularly collect and publish high-quality data, expand the IMF African Regional Technical Assistance Centers (AFRITAC) mandate to include support on ESG investment and green capital markets, promote global financial stability by avoiding penalization of pre-emptive restructuring by Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs), support regulatory and oversight reforms, and support the establishment of Africa regional CRA. An IMF for the 21st Century: The IMF should recalibrate its operating model and lending instruments to better address global shocks and alleviate countries' liquidity needs in the short term and reform the quota formula to support more equitable access to SDRs, make permanent the higher access to the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT) and the General Resources Account (GRA), and expand IMF advocacy and policy work on global imbalances in the medium to long run. According to Ms. Morsy, the analytical work of this report has fostered a more productive dialogue with the IMF and has also been instrumental in catalysing tangible progress on several critical issues - these include increased concessional financing, a 50 per cent general quota increase, approval of the use of SDRs to purchase hybrid capital, advancing reforms to the RST to better serve vulnerable countries, enhanced representation for Africa on the IMF Executive Board through a third Chair, and reduction of IMF Surcharge. “Today's economic landscape demands a reimagined IMF that genuinely serves all its member countries. This report advocates for changes to empower vulnerable nations, fostering a more inclusive global financial system,” said Ms. Morsy, adding:“While substantial progress has been made, the report acknowledges that much work remains. The collaborative efforts among African nations and stakeholders will be crucial in pursuing an equitable and efficient financial architecture that addresses current challenges and future developments.” To download the report, please visit (English version) MENAFN30112024004934011406ID1108942026 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.
A THIEVING fox took a hairdresser’s lost mobile phone and buried it in a neighbour’s garden. The sly critter pounced after Helen Price unwittingly dropped her iPhone as she got out of her car. 2 A cheeky fox picked up a dropped phone and buried it in a neighbour's garden Credit: Alamy It carried the handset down the road and buried it ten inches down among the shrubbery. For two days, mum-of-one Helen, 59, was hunting high and low, even calling her hairdressing clients to see if they had it. Eventually, she used her Find My iPhone feature to trace it. She said: “The ground was vibrating whenever I called. READ MORE ON ANIMALS SURVIVAL INSTINCT Safari guide savaged by hippo feared he may die after beast chomped him FELINE SCARED? ‘Leopard’s LAIR’ inside pipe filled with rotting sheep carcasses found in UK "I could see the soil was fresh so I started digging with my hands. “The leather case was chewed and the attached lanyard ripped apart. It must have been stolen and buried by a fox.” When Helen wrote about it on social media, neighbours replied with their tales of the robber reynard — blaming it for running off with dog harnesses, toys and even shoes. Helen said: “It’s a right hoodlum.” Most read in The Sun RETAIL PAIN Scots retailer warns it's 'running out of cash' putting 1500 jobs at risk 'DISGUSTING' Festive fly-tippers slammed for dumping mountains of rubbish at Scots Asda KEEP CAM Celtic hero Cameron Carter-Vickers 'emerges as shock target for European giants' FOOTIE SHOCK Footage emerges of Hibs star in vow about 'Jambo b*******' before derby win Man gets close to a fox only to regret it when the animal steals his wallet 2 The lost phone was eventually recovered thanks to an online tracking app Credit:
Packers' improving run defense ready for challenge against NFC North-leading LionsSTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — In honor of those who have died, here is a compilation of obituaries posted on SILive . Viewing times and guest books can be seen here . Robert John (Bob) Moloughney, 82, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and uncle, died Saturday, Nov. 23 on Staten Island. The Jersey City native was married to his wife of 57 years, Kathy Murphy Moloughney. Bob graduated from Snyder High School in Jersey City and furthered his education at the Mechanics Institute in New York City, reads his obituary. “He dedicated 40 years of his career to Con Edison, where he retired as an Operating Supervisor in 2004. Bob was well-liked and respected by his colleagues and friends,” says his obituary, which can be read on SILive.com. RECOMMENDED • silive .com Staten Island obituaries for Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 Nov. 23, 2024, 8:15 a.m. Staten Island bishop closes church doors to organizers of new, inclusive St. Patrick’s Parade Nov. 22, 2024, 5:30 a.m. Robert William Bennett, 72, a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away Nov. 17. Read the full obituary on SILive . Charlotte Byrne, 85, of Westerleigh, a loving mother, grandmother and aunt, passed away Nov. 16. Born in Polizzi Generosa, Italy, she came to Staten Island as a teenager and graduated from St. John Villa Academy. She met her husband, Gerald Byrne, at the Staten Island Catholic Club. She loved being surrounded by people and activities, planning and hosting parties and outings. She was an active participant in political, social and civic affairs and contributed greatly to the Staten Island community. Read the full obituary on SILive . Longtime Rosebank resident Elizabeth (Eileen) Ferrie passed away on Nov. 19 after a short illness. Born in Brooklyn, she moved to the “Warren Manor” section of Staten Island as a young girl. She began working at the bakery in the Staten Island Ferry Terminal before its destruction by fire. Over the years, she lent her skills to Richmond Dry Goods and Engles Clothing, both in Stapleton, as well as Charles Weland and General Hardware in Manhattan. From there, she worked at JC Penney’s, EJ Korvettes and Joseph Pisarri on Staten Island. Her expertise also found a place at General Heating and AC, Artcraft Fence and ABC Service Station. She concluded her fulfilling career as the medical records secretary at the Nina Eaton Center of United Cerebral Palsy of New York State, where her dedication left a lasting impact. Read the full obituary on SILive .
North Texas Republican wants to zero out the budget for any Texas public university offering LGBTQ studies
(The Center Square) – The Illinois House speaker’s executive assistant has reported to the witness stand at former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial. Mika Baugher has worked for Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch, D-Hillside, since 2021. Baugher was Madigan’s executive assistant from 2017-2021. Madigan had been speaker for all but two years from 1983 to 2021. Baugher previously worked in the speaker’s office from 2001 to2010 and returned in 2013. U.S. government attorney Julia Schwartz introduced pages of Madigan’s schedules over a period of years, which included meetings and dinners with Madigan’s codefendant Michael McClain. The schedules also included meetings with Reyes Kurson law partner Victor Reyes, Madigan campaign worker Ed Moody, state Reps. Eddie Acevedo, D-Chicago, and Mike Zalewski, D-Riverside, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and others. AT&T Associate Director of Technology Jack Randall, who oversees wireless records for the company, took the stand Tuesday afternoon after former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis finished his testimony. Randall discussed AT&T’s wireless network with a focus on the years 2017 and 2018. Randall explained that any given call might not go through the network’s nearest processing center. Randall reviewed and verified six calls that had been presented as government exhibits. Prosecutors played several recordings of McClain Tuesday, including conversations with former Madigan chief of staff Tim Mapes. In a call with state Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island, McClain warned Rita about emails related to a gaming bill. McClain advised Rita not to put things in print and said, “The feds are gonna look at it.” Government attorney Sarah Streicher then played a series of calls related to gaming legislation. In one recording, McClain said he was a “Madigan’s agent” and that he was “guiding Rita.” Earlier Tuesday, McClain defense attorney John Mitchell resumed his cross-examination of Solis. After Mitchell asked Solis about his city pension of “approximately $100,000” per year, Solis said it was important to him as a government cooperator to keep his pension. Solis said he understood that his truthful cooperation could lead to the dismissal of his remaining bribery charge and thereby allow him to keep his pension. When asked by Mitchell, Solis affirmed that he was a well-respected alderman and Latino leader in Chicago. At times during Mitchell’s cross-examination of Solis, McClain had his elbows on the table in front of him with his head lowered against his clasped hands. Mitchell referred to a videotaped meeting at Solis’ City Hall office on Dec. 18, 2017, when Solis and McClain discussed the proposed development of state-owned land in Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood. During the conversation, Solis mentioned developers Eddie Ni and Ray Chin and then-Speaker Madigan. “Eddie and Ray, have always been, well, not Eddie, ‘cause he’s recently maybe the last five years, but Ray, for the 22 years I’ve been here, he’s always been a strong supporter. Listens to my advice and everything. And so, in the past, I have been able to steer some work to Mike. And these guys will do the same thing. And then, so I’m hoping whatever happens in this 2019, 2018 election that this is gonna go through,” Solis told McClain. The Chinatown project faced opposition from then-Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn, who served under Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. In undercover video former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis captured for federal investigators on Dec. 18, 2017, Solis meets with Michael McClain, codefendant in the corruption case against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. During the meeting with Solis, McClain expressed optimism that the project might still go through. McClain also offered a “dual path,” with Democrat J.B. Pritzker projected to defeat Rauner in the gubernatorial election the following year. “Instead of just keeping it quiet, if that’s what we think is happening, then we wanna get inside the Pritzker group. So in 2019, the Pritzker IDOT will say, “OK,” McClain told Solis. After Mitchell finished, government attorney Diane MacArthur asked for a sidebar discussion, which led to an early lunch break at Judge John Robert Blakey’s direction. MacArthur introduced a recording of a phone call from Oct. 10, 2014, before Solis began cooperating with the government in 2016. During the call, Madigan asked Solis for an introduction to developer Michael Chivini of The Pizzuti Companies. Madigan attorney Dan Collins asked Solis if, in cooperation with the government, he was investigating conduct or people. Solis said he thought he was investigating crimes. When Collins asked if he was asked to develop evidence against Madigan, Solis said, “I’m not sure how to answer that.” Collins pressed Solis about one of his visits to a massage parlor, which Solis said he did at the government’s instruction. MacArthur objected and called for a sidebar. Shortly after, Judge Blakey told Solis he could step down. In undercover video former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis captured for federal investigators on Dec. 18, 2017, Solis meets with Michael McClain, codefendant in the corruption case against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. The jury was not seated until 9:59 a.m. Tuesday, after Blakey met with prosecutors and defense attorneys over “legal matters.” The judge called for an early lunch shortly after 11 a.m., again due to “legal matters” that involved attorneys resolving several issues. Blakey allowed prosecutors to address Solis’ cooperation in other investigations, including the corruption trial of former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke. The judge, however, instructed government attorneys not to use Burke’s name during redirect testimony. Prosecutors agreed to defense attorneys’ request that Burke be referred to as a “high-ranking official” instead of a “high-ranking alderman.” Madigan’s defense team had earlier objected to potential testimony from AT&T's Randall. McClain’s defense team joined the objection, but attorneys from all sides resolved the issues before the jury returned from lunch. Connie Mixon, professor of Political Science and director of the Urban Studies Program at Elmhurst University, told The Center Square that government attorneys have a lot of material. “They have many counts. They’re hoping that at least some of those counts are going to stick, and (they) usually have built a solid foundation upon which to make their case,” Mixon explained. Madigan and McClain are charged with 23 counts of bribery, racketeering and official misconduct in connection with a scheme that federal prosecutors referred to as "Madigan Enterprise." Prosecutors allege that ComEd and AT&T Illinois gave out no-work or little-work jobs and contract work to those loyal to Madigan to get legislation passed that would benefit them in Springfield. Four ComEd executives and lobbyists were convicted last year in a related trial, and ComEd itself agreed to pay $200 million in fines as part of a deferred prosecution agreement with prosecutors. Madigan served in the Illinois House from 1971 to 2021. He was speaker for all but two years between 1983 and 2021. Madigan also chaired the Democratic Party of Illinois from 1998 to 2021. McClain was a longtime lobbyist who previously served as a state representative in Illinois’ 48th district from 1973 to 1982. The trial is scheduled to resume Wednesday at the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago.
No. 22 Xavier aims to keep its perfect record intact Monday night in Fort Myers, Fla., when it takes on South Carolina in the Fort Myers Tip-Off. The Musketeers (5-0) are coming off an 80-55 victory on Wednesday over Siena, while the Gamecocks (3-2) beat Mercer on Thursday 84-72. Against Mercer, South Carolina sank a season-best 12 3-pointers -- tied for the fourth-most in a single game under third-year coach Lamont Paris. Jamarii Thomas, a senior transfer from Norfolk State, had 19 points and swished 4 of 5 shots from behind the arc. "Thomas got some good, clean looks," Paris said. "It was good to see those guys make their shots. Hopefully it gets those guys going in the right direction." On the season, the Gamecocks are making 7.8 3-pointers per game and shooting 32.5 percent from deep. Senior guard Jacobi Wright makes a team-best 1.8 3-pointers per game and shoots 37.5 percent from behind the arc. At 13.0 ppg, he is second on the team behind Collin Murray-Boyles (15.8). Xavier is allowing eight makes from deep per game and is letting opponents shoot 38.5 percent from behind the arc, which ranks 337th in the country. And despite an undefeated record so far for the Musketeers, third-year coach Sean Miller is worried about his players developing bad habits. "We have a virus that everybody is looking at the stat sheet, trying to get as many points as they possibly can," Miller said after the win over Siena. "They want to win, but they really want to win and score. We need a couple of guys that are willing to rebound, defend, make the extra pass, play at a high level defensively and understand what makes a team great." Marcus Foster did a decent job of doing a little bit of everything for Xavier against Siena, piling up 12 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal. It was the first double-digit scoring outing for Foster -- a grad transfer from Furman -- in a Xavier uniform. Since 2008, Xavier is 25-11 against teams from the Southeastern Conference, but it hasn't played South Carolina in that stretch. --Field Level Media
Biden opens final White House holiday season with turkey pardons and first lady gets Christmas tree WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has kicked off his final holiday season at the White House, issuing the traditional reprieve to two turkeys who will bypass the Thanksgiving table to live out their days in Minnesota. The president welcomed 2,500 guests under sunny skies as he cracked jokes about the fates of “Peach” and “Blossom.” He also sounded wistful tones about the last weeks of his presidency. Separately, first lady Jill Biden received the delivery of the official White House Christmas tree. And the Bidens are traveling to New York later Monday for an early holiday celebration with members of the Coast Guard. Couple charged in ring suspected of stealing $1 million in Lululemon clothes MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Connecticut couple has been charged in Minnesota with being part of a shoplifting ring suspected of stealing around $1 million in goods across the country from upscale athletic wear retailer Lululemon.Jadion Anthony Richards and Akwele Nickeisha Lawes-Richards, both of Danbury, Connecticut, were charged this month with one felony count of organized retail theft. Both went free last week after posting bail bonds of $100,000 for him and $30,000 for her. They're also suspected in thefts from Lululemon stores in Colorado, Utah, New York and Connecticut. They're due back in court next month. Formula 1 expands grid to add General Motors' Cadillac brand and new American team for 2026 season LAS VEGAS (AP) — Formula 1 will expand the grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors. The approval ends years of wrangling that launched a federal investigation into why Colorado-based Liberty Media, would not approve the team initially started by Michael Andretti, who has since stepped aside. The 11th team will be called Cadillac F1 and be run by new Andretti Global majority owners Dan Towriss and Mark Walter. The team will use Ferrari engines its first two years until GM has a Cadillac engine built for competition in time for the 2028 season. US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is retiring from international soccer U.S. women’s national team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is retiring from international soccer. Naeher is on the team’s roster for a pair of upcoming matches in Europe but those will be her last after a full 11 years playing for the United States. Naeher was on the U.S. team that won the Women’s World Cup in 2019 and the gold medal at this year's Olympics in France. She’s the only U.S. goalkeeper to earn a shutout in both a World Cup and an Olympic final. Bah, humbug! Vandal smashes Ebenezer Scrooge's tombstone used in 'A Christmas Carol' movie LONDON (AP) — If life imitates art, a vandal in the English countryside may be haunted by The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Police in the town of Shrewsbury are investigating how a tombstone at the fictional grave of Ebenezer Scrooge was destroyed. The movie prop used in the 1984 adaption of Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol” had become a tourist attraction. The film starred George C. Scott as the cold-hearted curmudgeon who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve who show him what will become of his life if he doesn’t become a better person. West Mercia Police say the stone was vandalized in the past week. Megachurch founder T.D. Jakes suffers health incident during sermon at Dallas church DALLAS (AP) — The founder of Dallas-based megachurch The Potter's House, Bishop T.D. Jakes, was hospitalized after suffering what the church called a “slight health incident.” Jakes was speaking to churchgoers after he sat down and began trembling as several people gathered around him Sunday at the church. Jakes' daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts and her husband Touré Roberts said in a statement on social media late Sunday that Jakes was improving. The 67-year-old Jakes founded the non-denominational The Potter's House in 1996 and his website says it now has more than 30,000 members with campuses in Fort Worth and Frisco, Texas; and in Denver. At the crossroads of news and opinion, 'Morning Joe' hosts grapple with aftermath of Trump meeting The reaction of those who defended “Morning Joe” hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski for meeting with President-elect Trump sounds almost quaint in the days of opinionated journalism. Doesn't it makes sense, they said, for hosts of a political news show to meet with such an important figure? But given how “Morning Joe” has attacked Trump, its viewers felt insulted. Many reacted quickly by staying away. It all reflects the broader trend of opinion crowding out traditional journalist in today's marketplace, and the expectations that creates among consumers. By mid-week, the show's audience was less than two-thirds what it has typically been this year. Pilot dies in plane crash in remote woods of New York, puppy found alive WINDHAM, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say a pilot and at least one dog he was transporting died when a small plane crashed in the snowy woods of the Catskill Mountains, though a puppy on the flight was found alive with two broken legs. The Greene County sheriff’s office says Seuk Kim of Springfield, Virginia, was flying from Maryland to Albany, New York, when the plane crashed at about 6:10 p.m. Sunday in a remote area. Officials believe the pilot died from the impact. The surviving dog was hospitalized, while a third dog was not located. The flight was connected with a not-for-profit group that transports rescue animals. Warren Buffett gives away another $1.1B and plans for distributing his $147B fortune after his death OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Investor Warren Buffett renewed his Thanksgiving tradition of giving by handing out more than $1.1 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family's foundations Monday, and he offered new details about who will be handing out the rest of his fortune after his death. Buffett has said previously that his three kids will distribute his remaining $147.4 billion fortune in the 10 years after his death, but now he has also designated successors for them because it’s possible that Buffett’s children could die before giving it all away. Buffett said he has no regrets about his decision to start giving away his fortune in 2006. Pop star Ed Sheeran apologizes to Man United boss Ruben Amorim for crashing interview MANCHESTER, England (AP) — British pop star Ed Sheeran has apologized to Ruben Amorim after inadvertently interrupting the new Manchester United head coach during a live television interview. Amorim was talking on Sky Sports after United’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich on Sunday when Sheeran walked up to embrace analyst Jamie Redknapp. The interview was paused before Redknapp told the pop star to “come and say hello in a minute.” Sheeran is a lifelong Ipswich fan and holds a minority stake in the club. He was pictured celebrating after Omari Hutchinson’s equalizing goal in the game at Portman Road.