‘Immense loss for nation’: Top BJP leaders pay tributes to Manmohan Singh
President-elect Trump slammed President Biden on Tuesday for commuting the death sentences of 37 federal prisoners in an act of holiday clemency. Trump said relatives of victims are angry that Biden spared the lives of some of the “worst killers in our country,” including inmates convicted in the slayings of police and military officers, as well as murders involved in deadly robberies and drug deals. “When you hear the acts of each, you won’t believe that he did this. Makes no sense,” Trump wrote on his social media site. Relatives and friends are further devastated. They can’t believe this is happening!” Trump, a vocal death penalty advocate, won’t be able to reverse the commutations. But he vowed to aggressively push for future federal death sentences when he returns to the White House Jan. 20. “As soon as I am inaugurated, I will direct the Justice Department to vigorously pursue the death penalty to protect American families and children from violent rapists, murderers, and monsters,” Trump wrote. Biden commuted the death sentences of 37 out of 40 federal death row inmates. They will instead face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. He left three inmates on federal death row: Dylann Roof, who killed nine Black parishioners at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of life Synagogue in 2018; and Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. Biden explained his decision by noting that his administration has imposed a moratorium on federal executions except in cases of “terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder.” “I cannot stand by and let a new administration resume executions that I halted,” Biden tweeted. Relatives of most, but not all the victims, denounced Biden’s Christmas week decision to spare the killers. Tim Timmerman, whose daughter, Rachel, was thrown into a Michigan lake in 1997 to keep her from testifying in a rape trial, said Biden’s decision to commute the killer’s sentence offered families “only pain.” “Where’s the justice in just giving him a prison bed to die comfortably in?” Timmerman said. But Donnie Oliverio, a retired Ohio police officer whose partner, Bryan Hurst, was murdered, said the killer’s execution “would have brought me no peace.” “The president has done what is right here,” Oliverio said in a statement. Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the ACLU, said in a statement that Biden has shown “the brutal and inhumane policies of our past do not belong in our future.”Stocks wavered on Wall Street in afternoon trading Thursday, as gains in tech companies and retailers helped temper losses elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 was down less than 0.1% after drifting between small gains and losses. The benchmark index is coming off a three-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 6 points, or less than 0.1%, as of 1:52 p.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq composite was down less than 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened after the Christmas holiday. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.9%, Micron Technology was up 1% and Adobe gained 0.8%. While tech stocks overall were in the green, some heavyweights were a drag on the market. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, slipped 0.1%. Meta Platforms fell 0.7%, Amazon was down 0.6%, and Netflix gave up 1.1%. Tesla was among the biggest decliners in the S&P 500, down 1.9%. Health care stocks helped lift the market. CVS Health rose 1.7% and Walgreens Boots Alliance rose 3% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Several retailers also gained ground. Target rose 2.8%, Best Buy was up 2.2% and Dollar Tree gained 2.7%. Retailers are hoping for a solid sales this holiday season, and the day after Christmas traditionally ranks among the top 10 biggest shopping days of the year, as consumers go online or rush to stores to cash in gift cards and raid bargain bins. U.S.-listed shares in Honda and Nissan rose 4% and 16%, respectively. The Japanese automakers announced earlier this week that the two companies are in talks to combine. Traders got a labor market update. U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week , though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years, the Labor Department reported. Treasury yields turned mostly lower in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.57% from 4.59% late Tuesday. Major European markets were closed, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Trading was expected to be subdued this week with a thin slate of economic data on the calendar. Still, U.S. markets have historically gotten a boost at year’s end despite lower trading volumes. The last five trading days of each year, plus the first two in the new year, have brought an average gain of 1.3% since 1950. So far this month, the U.S. stock market has lost some of its gains since President-elect Donald Trump’s win on Election Day, which raised hopes for faster economic growth and more lax regulations that would boost corporate profits. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Even so, the U.S. market remains on pace to deliver strong returns for 2024. The benchmark S&P 500 is up roughly 26% so far this year and remains near its most recent all-time high it set earlier this month — its latest of 57 record highs this year. Wall Street has several economic reports to look forward to next week, including updates on pending home sales and home prices, a report on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity. AP Business Writers Elaine Kurtenbach and Matt Ott contributed.
Can't get your kid off their screen? Here's what to doArizona (7-8) at Los Angeles Rams (9-6) Saturday, 8:15 p.m. EST, NFL Network BetMGM NFL odds : Rams by 6 1/2. Against the spread: Cardinals 9-6; Rams 8-7. Series record: Rams lead 50-41-2. Last meeting: Cardinals beat Rams 41-10 in Glendale, Ariz. on Sept. 15. Last week: Cardinals lost to Carolina 36-30, OT; Rams beat New York Jets 19-9. Cardinals offense: overall (11), rush (5), pass (20), scoring (14). Cardinals defense: overall (20), rush (22), pass (13), scoring (T-13). Rams offense: overall (15), rush (20), pass (13), scoring (17). Rams defense: overall (24), rush (25), pass (19), scoring (21). Turnover differential: Cardinals minus-4; Rams plus-5. WR Marvin Harrison Jr. has had a relatively productive rookie season with 51 catches for 726 yards and seven touchdowns. But it’s also true that he hasn’t always looked like the true franchise changing force the Cardinals expected when they took him with the No. 4 overall pick. Arizona might be out of the playoff race, but Harrison’s development continues to be a major focus for the team down the stretch. RB Kyren Williams is coming off his best game of the season after rushing for 122 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries to help Los Angeles grind out a win at the Meadowlands. He hardly factored into the first meeting against Arizona, a game the Rams trailed 14-0 halfway into the first quarter and 24-3 at halftime, getting 12 carries and running for 25 yards and a touchdown behind a battered offensive line. Cardinals QB Kyler Murray vs. Rams defensive line. Los Angeles had no answers for Murray in September as he threw for 266 yards and three touchdowns without an interception and added 59 yards rushing. But their defensive front is much more cohesive than it was in the second week of the season, with rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske proving to be menaces in the backfield. If Murray feels that pressure and can’t keep his eyes downfield, the Rams will be in much better shape to limit Arizona’s passing game. The Cardinals have been beat up over the past two games. Both of the starting tackles — Paris Johnson Jr. (knee) and Jonah Williams (knee) — are out for the season after they were put on injured reserve this week. Others such as RB James Conner (knee), LB Baron Browning (neck), LB Mack Wilson Sr. (concussion) and DL Darius Robinson (calf) have been limited during practice. ... The Rams are in good shape, a far cry from where they were to start the season. RT Rob Havenstein was the only name on their injury report through Wednesday, when he was limited because of a shoulder injury. Arizona has not swept the season series since 2014 when the Rams were playing in St. Louis. ... The Rams and Cardinals have split the past four meetings. Arizona had dropped 11 of the previous 12 in the series. ... Los Angeles is 3-2 against Arizona since moving into SoFi Stadium in 2020, kickstarting its run to the Super Bowl after the 2021 season with a 34-11 win in an NFC wild-card game. The Cardinals have lost four of their past five games and were eliminated from the playoff race after last week’s 36-30 loss to the Carolina Panthers. The Cardinals have made the playoffs just once over the past nine seasons. That was in 2021 ... Harrison had four catches for 130 yards and two TDs vs. the Rams in Week 2. All of that production came in the span of seven plays in the first quarter. ... The Cardinals are No. 5 in the NFL with 145.8 yards rushing per game. They also rank No. 2 with 5.28 yards per carry. ... Chad Ryland has made 25 field goals since his debut in Week 5, which ranks fourth in the NFL over that span. ... Safety Budda Baker has a career-high 148 tackles this season, which broke his previous high of 147 set in 2019. ... James Conner has 1,500 yards from scrimmage this season, including 1,090 rushing and 410 receiving. ... Trey McBride has caught 91 passes this season, which is a franchise record at tight end for the Cardinals. ... The Rams can clinch a playoff spot with a win and either a Seahawks loss or tie or a series of results elsewhere to secure the strength of victory tiebreaker. ... Rams QB Matthew Stafford threw for 110 yards against the Jets. Los Angeles has won all four games this season where Stafford has finished with fewer than 200 yards through the air. ... WR Puka Nacua had a record-setting rookie season, but Arizona was the one team that kept him in check. Nacua made four catches in each of the two meetings in 2023, finishing with 26 and 27 yards. ... The Rams didn’t have LT Alaric Jackson (suspension), LG Steve Avila (knee) or Nacua (knee) in the Week 2 game against the Cardinals. ... Los Angeles has run for at least 132 yards in four straight games, with Williams accounting for at least 87 yards in each outing that span. Cooper Kupp likely sank many a fantasy title push with his limited production over the past month, and the Rams WR should remain on benches this week for any owners still in the mix. Kupp has topped 44 yards receiving once in his past five games against Arizona. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Texas Enhances Border Security as Governor Abbott Overseeing Installation of New Marine Barriers on Rio GrandeBy HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH, Associated Press For Makenzie Gilkison, spelling is such a struggle that a word like rhinoceros might come out as “rineanswsaurs” or sarcastic as “srkastik.” The 14-year-old from suburban Indianapolis can sound out words, but her dyslexia makes the process so draining that she often struggles with comprehension. “I just assumed I was stupid,” she recalled of her early grade school years. But assistive technology powered by artificial intelligence has helped her keep up with classmates. Last year, Makenzie was named to the National Junior Honor Society. She credits a customized AI-powered chatbot, a word prediction program and other tools that can read for her. “I would have just probably given up if I didn’t have them,” she said. Artificial intelligence holds the promise of helping countless other students with a range of visual, speech, language and hearing impairments to execute tasks that come easily to others. Schools everywhere have been wrestling with how and where to incorporate AI , but many are fast-tracking applications for students with disabilities. Getting the latest technology into the hands of students with disabilities is a priority for the U.S. Education Department, which has told schools they must consider whether students need tools like text-to-speech and alternative communication devices. New rules from the Department of Justice also will require schools and other government entities to make apps and online content accessible to those with disabilities. There is concern about how to ensure students using it — including those with disabilities — are still learning. Students can use artificial intelligence to summarize jumbled thoughts into an outline, summarize complicated passages, or even translate Shakespeare into common English. And computer-generated voices that can read passages for visually impaired and dyslexic students are becoming less robotic and more natural. “I’m seeing that a lot of students are kind of exploring on their own, almost feeling like they’ve found a cheat code in a video game,” said Alexis Reid, an educational therapist in the Boston area who works with students with learning disabilities. But in her view, it is far from cheating : “We’re meeting students where they are.” Ben Snyder, a 14-year-old freshman from Larchmont, New York, who was recently diagnosed with a learning disability, has been increasingly using AI to help with homework. “Sometimes in math, my teachers will explain a problem to me, but it just makes absolutely no sense,” he said. “So if I plug that problem into AI, it’ll give me multiple different ways of explaining how to do that.” He likes a program called Question AI. Earlier in the day, he asked the program to help him write an outline for a book report — a task he completed in 15 minutes that otherwise would have taken him an hour and a half because of his struggles with writing and organization. But he does think using AI to write the whole report crosses a line. “That’s just cheating,” Ben said. Schools have been trying to balance the technology’s benefits against the risk that it will do too much. If a special education plan sets reading growth as a goal, the student needs to improve that skill. AI can’t do it for them, said Mary Lawson, general counsel at the Council of the Great City Schools. But the technology can help level the playing field for students with disabilities, said Paul Sanft, director of a Minnesota-based center where families can try out different assistive technology tools and borrow devices. “There are definitely going to be people who use some of these tools in nefarious ways. That’s always going to happen,” Sanft said. “But I don’t think that’s the biggest concern with people with disabilities, who are just trying to do something that they couldn’t do before.” Another risk is that AI will track students into less rigorous courses of study. And, because it is so good at identifying patterns , AI might be able to figure out a student has a disability. Having that disclosed by AI and not the student or their family could create ethical dilemmas, said Luis Pérez, the disability and digital inclusion lead at CAST, formerly the Center for Applied Specialized Technology. Schools are using the technology to help students who struggle academically, even if they do not qualify for special education services. In Iowa, a new law requires students deemed not proficient — about a quarter of them — to get an individualized reading plan. As part of that effort, the state’s education department spent $3 million on an AI-driven personalized tutoring program. When students struggle, a digital avatar intervenes. More AI tools are coming soon. The U.S. National Science Foundation is funding AI research and development. One firm is developing tools to help children with speech and language difficulties. Called the National AI Institute for Exceptional Education, it is headquartered at the University of Buffalo, which did pioneering work on handwriting recognition that helped the U.S. Postal Service save hundreds of millions of dollars by automating processing. “We are able to solve the postal application with very high accuracy. When it comes to children’s handwriting, we fail very badly,” said Venu Govindaraju, the director of the institute. He sees it as an area that needs more work, along with speech-to-text technology, which isn’t as good at understanding children’s voices, particularly if there is a speech impediment. Sorting through the sheer number of programs developed by education technology companies can be a time-consuming challenge for schools. Richard Culatta, CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education, said the nonprofit launched an effort this fall to make it easier for districts to vet what they are buying and ensure it is accessible. Makenzie wishes some of the tools were easier to use. Sometimes a feature will inexplicably be turned off, and she will be without it for a week while the tech team investigates. The challenges can be so cumbersome that some students resist the technology entirely. But Makenzie’s mother, Nadine Gilkison, who works as a technology integration supervisor at Franklin Township Community School Corporation in Indiana, said she sees more promise than downside. In September, her district rolled out chatbots to help special education students in high school. She said teachers, who sometimes struggled to provide students the help they needed, became emotional when they heard about the program. Until now, students were reliant on someone to help them, unable to move ahead on their own. “Now we don’t need to wait anymore,” she said. The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was fined $11,255 for a late hit after Isaiah Likely’s fumble in last Sunday’s 18-16 win over the Baltimore Ravens, according to the NFL’s operations page . Fitzpatrick and left guard Patrick Mekari were flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct on the play, for offsetting penalties, but only Fitzpatrick got fined. Minkah Fitzpatrick jumped into the pile at the conclusion of the play and got into a skirmish with Mekari. The league office must have thought that Fitzpatrick initiated it, hence why Mekari was not fined. The confrontation between Fitzpatrick and Mekari continued after Patrick Queen ran into the end zone to celebrate his force fumble and recovery. Members of both teams had to separate the two. This is the first time this year that the league has fined Fitzpatrick. Steelers S Minkah Fitzpatrik was fined $11,255 for this late hit on Ravens OL Patrick Mekari. pic.twitter.com/o7tFhj8Mot — Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) November 23, 2024 Ravens All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton also received a fine from last Sunday’s heated AFC North battle. He was docked $11,255 for taunting after a hit on Steelers running back Najee Harris . Hamilton stood right over Harris and was talking trash. He was not flagged on the play. Ravens S Kyle Hamilton was fined $11,255 for taunting after this hit on Steelers RB Najee Harris. pic.twitter.com/u7jrqGQM76 — Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) November 23, 2024 The Steelers-Ravens game was an emotional and physical battle. Steelers right tackle Broderick Jones and even kicker Chris Boswell got into post-play skirmishes. That AFC North intensity continued in the Steelers’ Thursday night game against the Cleveland Browns. Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was involved in a fight with Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II in the end zone after the final whistle in Thursday night’s 24-19 loss. A fan at Huntington Bank Field recorded the entire scene. Pickens and Newsome were going back and forth on the Hail Mary play and then got into a skirmish near the front row. The fight wasn’t captured during the broadcast, but Pickens was seen being held back by security near the stands. It will not be surprising if Pickens receives another fine from the league for his latest action. George Pickens fighting Greg Newsome during the Hail Mary LMFAO pic.twitter.com/1QT1sN1w5o — Clay Fink (@clay_fink) November 22, 2024 This article first appeared on Steelers Now and was syndicated with permission.
Sacramento Kings fire head coach Mike Brown months after giving him extensionDemocracy is widely heralded as the ideal form of governance, promising freedom, equality, and representation. However, history and contemporary events reveal that democracy can sometimes devolve into a “tyranny of democracy.” This term describes situations where democratic principles or practices lead to oppression, marginalization, or inefficiency. French political thinker Alexis de Tocqueville first articulated the concept of the “tyranny of the majority” in Democracy in America (1835). He warned that in a democracy, the majority could impose its will on minorities, disregarding their rights and interests. This imbalance could lead to social injustice and the erosion of fundamental freedoms. Plato argued in The Republic that democracy, with its emphasis on freedom and equality, could lead to chaos and the rise of demagogues. He believed that unchecked populism could destabilize society and pave the way for tyranny. The inherent flaws in democratic systems, such as majoritarianism, populism, and the potential for political gridlock, create opportunities for oppression and inefficiency. In the United States of America, Post-Civil War Southern states employed democratic mechanisms to enforce racial segregation and disenfranchisement. Although African Americans constituted a significant portion of the population, white majorities used their voting power to uphold oppressive laws. The Reign of Terror (1793–1794) unleashed during the French Revolution, demonstrated how revolutionary democratic ideals could devolve into authoritarianism. Leaders like Robespierre used the rhetoric of equality and liberty to justify executions and suppress dissent. In Germany, the democratic Weimar Republic (1919–1933) failed to withstand the rise of extremist parties, including the Nazis, who exploited electoral processes to dismantle democracy itself. In the modern era, leaders use elections to legitimize their rule while suppressing opposition. These regimes exploit democratic structures to entrench power, marginalize minorities, and stifle dissent. The rise of populist leaders in the United States, and Brazil highlights how democratic systems can amplify division. Leaders often appeal to the majority’s fears and prejudices, sidelining minority rights and fostering social discord. India’s democracy, the largest in the world, has faced criticism for majoritarian policies under the leadership of nationalist parties. These policies have allegedly marginalized religious minorities and suppressed dissent. The Brexit referendum illustrates how democratic decisions, shaped by misinformation and populist sentiment, can have long-term detrimental consequences for a nation. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter have become breeding grounds for misinformation and polarization. Algorithms favor sensationalism, often amplifying the voices of extremist groups and undermining democratic discourse. In many democracies, advanced surveillance technologies are used to maintain control over the population, raising concerns about how democratic tools like public participation could be manipulated. In recent years, the notion of democracy as a beacon of fairness and freedom has been increasingly challenged. Across the globe, democratic institutions and processes are being leveraged by powerful actors to consolidate authority, often undermining the very principles they are meant to uphold. This phenomenon—sometimes called the “tyranny of democracies”—raises profound concerns about the trajectory of governance in the 21st century. Populist leaders like Donald Trump in the United States have demonstrated how democratic frameworks can be used to advance authoritarian tendencies. Donald Trump’s presidency revealed how fragile democratic norms could be in the face of a leader willing to exploit them for personal gain. From questioning the legitimacy of elections to polarizing rhetoric, Trump’s tenure highlighted the susceptibility of democracies to populist waves that prioritize the leader over institutions. Even post-presidency, his influence continues to shape U.S. politics, with his grip over the Republican Party serving as a testament to how populism can redefine democratic landscapes. In India, government has been criticized for eroding secular and pluralistic traditions enshrined in the country’s constitution. In Pakistan, the military has consistently overshadowed democratic institutions, often justifying its interventions as necessary to protect national interests. While civilian governments come and go, the military’s grip remains steadfast. This quasi-democratic facade undermines voter representation and perpetuates a cycle of governance where real power lies outside elected bodies. The ousting of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the military’s central role in controlling the political narrative serve as stark reminders of democracy’s vulnerability in hybrid regimes. South Korea, a robust democracy, has faced challenges where democratic processes sometimes seem to enable populist agendas or partisan divides. The recent impeachment of presidents, societal polarization, and the overreach of political elites raise questions about the health of democratic institutions. Though South Korea remains a strong democracy, the tension between political factions often stymies governance and reflects broader global trends of using democratic mechanisms to assert dominance. The examples of Trump, Pakistan’s military, and South Korea illustrate a disturbing trend: democracies can serve as vehicles for tyranny when leaders and institutions manipulate them for personal or partisan power. Leaders or factions undermine checks and balances, eroding trust in judiciary, media, or electoral bodies. Political divides are exacerbated to rally a loyal base, sidelining pluralism. The will of the majority is often imposed at the expense of minorities, threatening the social fabric. While democracy remains a powerful ideal, its implementation is increasingly fraught with challenges. The rise of authoritarian tendencies within democratic systems suggests that vigilance is necessary to safeguard freedoms and rights. Whether this is a temporary phase, or a long-term shift depends on the resilience of civil society, the integrity of institutions, and the ability of global citizens to demand accountability from their leaders. This growing tension underscores the need to rethink how democracy operates in a complex and polarized world. Mufti Showkat Farooqi, Attorney at Law, New York, USA.
AP News Summary at 2:04 p.m. ESTMan accused in burning death of a woman on New York subway appears in court
Toronto, Ontario, Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Capstone Infrastructure Corporation (TSX: CSE.PR.A) (the “Corporation” or “Capstone”) today released its first Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) Report since its transition to a dedicated, renewables-focused independent power producer. “As a fast-growing company in an increasingly complex and dynamic world, our ESG program has been developed and integrated across the organization to help ensure we repeat and improve the “Capstone Way” of doing things – quality and integrity in our endeavours, protecting people and the environment, and building the value of our company,” says David Eva, Chief Executive Officer of Capstone. The release of the inaugural ESG Report highlights Capstone’s dedication to its core values amidst this rapid growth: the company’s ESG program defines, measures, and sets goals for key ESG factors that support our mandate to drive the energy transition forward in North America. A full copy of the 2023 ESG Report is available on Capstone’s website at: Capstone is generating our low-carbon future, driving the energy transition forward through creative thinking, strong partnerships, and a commitment to quality and integrity in how we do business. A developer, owner, and operator of clean and renewable energy projects across North America, Capstone’s portfolio includes approximately 885 MW gross installed capacity across 35 facilities, including wind, solar, hydro, biomass, and natural gas power plants. Please visit for more information. Certain of the statements contained within this document are forward-looking and reflect management’s expectations regarding the future growth, results of operations, performance and business of Capstone Infrastructure Corporation (‘Capstone’ or the ‘Corporation’) based on information currently available to the Corporation. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of presenting information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. These statements use forward-looking words, such as “anticipate”, “continue”, “could”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “believe” or other similar words. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements and, accordingly, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. The forward-looking statements within this document are based on information currently available and what the Corporation currently believes are reasonable assumptions. The forward-looking statements within this document reflect current expectations of the Corporation as at the date of this document and speak only as at the date of this document. Except as may be required by applicable law, the Corporation does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. This document is not an offer or invitation for the subscription of or a recommendation of securities. It does not take into account the investment objectives. Financial situation and particular needs of any investors. Before making an investment in the Corporation, an investor or prospective investor should consider whether such investment is appropriate to their particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances and consult an investment advisor if necessary.Man accused in burning death of a woman on New York subway appears in courtMicrosoft outage affects Outlook, Teams, other apps
Long summer days can turn into a nightmare for parents forced to wrestle devices off their children and fight over screen time. While many parents understand the need for restrictions on the use of TV, computers, mobile phones, tablets and other devices — enforcing these can be difficult. Paediatrician Dr Anthea Rhodes of The Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, who is also a mother of four, says it's normal for there to be resistance or difficulty in sticking to rules. "There is, unfortunately, no silver bullet here. It's hard work, and it's about trying your best to strike a balance that keeps your young person safe and healthy whilst acknowledging that digital media use is absolutely part of daily life." Rhodes says time limits on screen use work best if the rules can be discussed and agreed upon with children, especially if they are older. SBS News has previously looked at the recommendations for kids' screen use and produced the quiz below to help parents better understand whether it's problematic. Screen time tips for younger children Dr Mary Brushe is a researcher at the Kids Research Institute Australia, whose work focuses on screen use among children under five years old. Her tips for reducing the amount of screen time include: If no one is watching the screen, turn it off . Leaving a TV on in the background is quite common for many families, but for young children, this can be quite distracting and get in the way of other activities. Start small when you're setting boundaries. For example, if you don't want screens at mealtime, make this a boundary for the whole family and use it as a chance to connect and bond. Get outside in nature . Whether it’s finding a new local park to explore or a walk around the block, you and your kids will enjoy the benefits of physical activity and being outside. Young kids love getting attention from the caregivers in their lives. Make sure you spend some time talking, playing, reading and singing with them. A South Australian initiative — Words Grow Minds — has some excellent resources for free and tips to build these activities into your routine. Remember, not every day will be perfect and that's okay. Don't be too hard on yourself and know that you can always try again tomorrow. Source: SBS News / Rosemary Vasquez-Brown Tips for older children and teenagers Involving children in setting screen limits makes it more likely they will cooperate. A plan could include setting time limits for particular websites or games and storing devices out of reach overnight. Fun visual aids, such as charts, can also help younger children understand and follow the rules. It's also important for children to understand what the consequences will be for not sticking to limits and that there is consistency in enforcing this. When trying to find alternatives to screen use, psychology research fellow Dr Nandi Vijayakumar of Deakin University and the Murdoch Children's Research Institute suggests reflecting on why your child is engaged with screens. She recommends trying to recreate some of the online activities they enjoy in real life. "Engaging children in this process and brainstorming together can help distract them and encourage creativity." Youth mental health used to be relatively stable. About a decade ago, things changed When it comes to adolescents, Vijayakumar says they are often interested in connecting with their peers online. "They might be more receptive to hanging out with their friends in person or participating in extracurricular activities that also involve their friends." The type of content can make a difference Vijayakumar says educational and interactive content is more likely to have a positive impact on development if consumed in moderation. However, caution should be used for some video games and social media platforms, which are specifically designed to keep children engaged for long periods, partly through offering rewards such as positive comments or the chance to earn tokens. "Such constant stimulation can sometimes lead to problematic outcomes and even dependency on these digital experiences," she says. Can they 'have it all'? How Australia's class of 2024 feels about their futures The use of social media is also more likely to lead to social comparisons, feelings of being left out and cyberbullying. "For most kids though, some amount of screen time is okay for their development and health." Pasi Sahlberg, a professor in educational leadership at The University of Melbourne, says the use of digital devices at a very young age should come with a clear purpose. "They could be linked to playing some memory games, reading or learning numbers, but with very close supervision of the parents." How some parents are reducing kids' screen time Caroline Maxwell is a lactation consultant who has a background in early childhood education, and has four children who range in age from five to 14 years old. She says her children are expected to complete certain tasks around the house before they are allowed screen time and must ask her first. There are no screens during meals and no devices after dinner. Maxwell often uses holidays to introduce digital detoxes. She also once disconnected her household's only TV for an entire school term and says it made her kids calmer. Source: SBS, Supplied / Rosemary Vasquez-Brown "They were getting probably an hour more sleep ... they were reading more ... they weren't fighting or bickering as much," Maxwell says, adding that the only downside was the extra Lego and toy cars left scattered around the house. She acknowledges that living on a farm in regional NSW, where her children have plenty of space for physical activity, makes it easier to avoid screens, but she still finds it difficult to maintain the rules day in and day out. Children have a tendency to push boundaries, and it can feel exhausting to constantly reinforce rules, she says. Take an interest in what your kids do online Sahlberg urges parents to show an interest in what their child is doing in the digital space so that it's not seen as a "separate universe". If a child is reluctant to share their activities, this could be a sign there is something the parent should know about and discuss with them, Sahlberg says. "The earlier we build this type of relationship and expectations with our kids, the more likely it is that that will sustain and continue when they grow older."
JEFFERSON CITY — A Republican-backed law requiring Missouri voters to present a photo ID at their polling places survived a second court challenge Monday. In a 39-page decision, Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem again rejected a lawsuit challenging the voting law . A separate lawsuit on other provisions of the measure is still pending. The law, which was approved by the GOP-led Legislature and signed by Republican Gov. Mike Parson two years ago, has been touted by supporters as ensuring clean elections, even though there have been few examples of voter fraud. Beetem said the individuals and groups that filed the lawsuit could not prove the law had injured them in their right to vote. He had previously dismissed their lawsuit and ruled similarly after it was amended and went to trial. “The individual plaintiffs have failed to establish an injury to any protected interest,” Beetem wrote. “Their claim that their provisional ballots may be rejected is purely speculative.” Beetem also said the plaintiffs had been able to vote during the most recent election and in elections prior to his ruling. The decision was praised by Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey. “We went to court, we put on the evidence and radical activists working to undermine our elections failed. This is a huge win for election security,” Bailey said in a social media post. The photo ID law was included in a larger “voter integrity” law approved by lawmakers following former President Donald Trump’s unfounded claims that the 2020 election was rigged against him. Attorneys representing the Missouri League of Women Voters and the NAACP brought the lawsuit, arguing that voters without IDs will be left unable to cast ballots. Under the photo ID provision, people without a government-issued ID can cast provisional ballots to be counted if they return later that day with a photo ID or if election officials verify their signatures. The law requires the state to provide a free photo identification card to those lacking one to vote. Beetem also said the Secretary of State’s office, which conducts Missouri elections, has spent more than $100,000 in attempting to educate voters about the law. At the state level, the case was handled by Assistant Attorney General Jason Lewis, who was named a St. Louis County judge by Gov. Mike Parson last week. There are 36 states that request or require identification to vote, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
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Illustration: Liu Rui/GT As former regional leader of the island of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen was invited to attend the Halifax International Security Forum held in Canada, where the so-called China threat was a key topic discussed during the conference, experts said on Sunday that Canada's alignment with the US, especially on Taiwan question, could lead to negative consequences for Canada itself. The 16th Halifax International Security Forum was held in Canada from Friday to Sunday, with dignitaries, senior generals, experts and scholars attending from more than a dozen countries and regions, including the US, Canada and the UK, focusing on current regional conflicts and defense hotspots, according to media reports. Former leader of China's Taiwan region Tsai Ing-wen came to Canada to participate in the annual conference and accepted the so-called "John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service" conferred by the Forum. According to media report, the forum also focused on Canadian military spending and support for Ukraine. However, "China" was unsurprisingly the high-frequency word of the international defense conference, and the topic of China was mentioned frequently throughout almost the entire conference, with many participants criticizing the so-called China threat to the "free world." China firmly opposes any "Taiwan independence" elements visiting any country that has diplomatic ties with China under any name, a spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Canada said on Saturday. China urges the countries concerned to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. By inviting and presenting award to the "Taiwan independence" element, the Halifax International Security Forum seriously violates the one-China principle, and China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this, the spokesperson said. China urges the Halifax International Security Forum to fully recognize the extreme importance and high sensitivity of the Taiwan question and stop sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, according to the statement. Tsai Ing-wen's behavior sends misleading signals that supporters of Taiwan independence interpret as proof of international support, and they are likely to exploit this narrative to generate hype and shape media perceptions, Xin Qiang, director of the Taiwan Studies Center at Fudan University, told the Global Times on Sunday. Canada, influenced and even manipulated by the US, seeks to align itself with American interests, which is especially evident in its stance toward the island of Taiwan, Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Sunday. Canada, under the guise of promoting regional peace and stability, is following the US' lead by leveraging the Taiwan question to exert pressure on China, Xin added. However, such actions made by Canada do not provide any real benefits to Canada beyond satisfying certain political needs, Xin added. From a practical standpoint, it negatively impacts China-Canada economic and trade relations, as well as cooperation between the two countries in various areas. As Canada busies itself meddling in China's internal affairs, its government is facing more than enough troubles at home. Anti-NATO and pro-Palestinian protests broke out in downtown Montreal on Friday night, as delegates from NATO members and partner states are meeting in the Canadian city from Friday to Monday. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday condemned the violence, and police used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd and arresting three people, Reuters reported.Toronto, Ontario, Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capstone Infrastructure Corporation (TSX: CSE.PR.A) (the "Corporation" or "Capstone") today released its first Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) Report since its transition to a dedicated, renewables-focused independent power producer. “As a fast-growing company in an increasingly complex and dynamic world, our ESG program has been developed and integrated across the organization to help ensure we repeat and improve the “Capstone Way” of doing things – quality and integrity in our endeavours, protecting people and the environment, and building the value of our company,” says David Eva, Chief Executive Officer of Capstone. The release of the inaugural ESG Report highlights Capstone’s dedication to its core values amidst this rapid growth: the company's ESG program defines, measures, and sets goals for key ESG factors that support our mandate to drive the energy transition forward in North America. A full copy of the 2023 ESG Report is available on Capstone’s website at: https://capstoneinfrastructure.com/about/esg About Capstone Infrastructure Corporation Capstone is generating our low-carbon future, driving the energy transition forward through creative thinking, strong partnerships, and a commitment to quality and integrity in how we do business. A developer, owner, and operator of clean and renewable energy projects across North America, Capstone’s portfolio includes approximately 885 MW gross installed capacity across 35 facilities, including wind, solar, hydro, biomass, and natural gas power plants. Please visit www.capstoneinfrastructure.com for more information. Notice to Readers Certain of the statements contained within this document are forward-looking and reflect management’s expectations regarding the future growth, results of operations, performance and business of Capstone Infrastructure Corporation (‘Capstone’ or the ‘Corporation’) based on information currently available to the Corporation. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of presenting information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. These statements use forward-looking words, such as “anticipate”, “continue”, “could”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “believe” or other similar words. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements and, accordingly, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. The forward-looking statements within this document are based on information currently available and what the Corporation currently believes are reasonable assumptions. The forward-looking statements within this document reflect current expectations of the Corporation as at the date of this document and speak only as at the date of this document. Except as may be required by applicable law, the Corporation does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. This document is not an offer or invitation for the subscription of or a recommendation of securities. It does not take into account the investment objectives. Financial situation and particular needs of any investors. Before making an investment in the Corporation, an investor or prospective investor should consider whether such investment is appropriate to their particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances and consult an investment advisor if necessary. Attachment Capstone's 2023 ESG ReportAkola: Five persons suffered minor injuries after a private bus carrying 49 persons fell off a bridge into a dry riverbed in Akola district of Maharashtra on Thursday evening, police said. The incident occurred around 7 pm on the bridge over Bhikund river in Balapur taluka, they said. “The private bus was going from Bhusawal (in Jalgaon district) to Washim when it fell off the bridge. A total of 49 passengers were travelling in it and five of them suffered minor injuries. Fortunately, there was no loss of life in the incident,” a police official said. The driver lost control and the vehicle fell into the dry riverbed due to the absence of a guardrail on the bridge. Soon after being alerted, local citizens rushed to the spot. The police and other authorities carried out a rescue operation with their help, he said. The injured passengers were later admitted to a government hospital in the district, the official said.The top free apps in the App Store hint at what gifts were popular for the holidays this year. Meta Horizon, a social platform for Meta's Quest headset, topped the charts. Digital frames were also popular this year, with Frameo and Aura Frames taking third and fourth place. 'Tis the season of gift-giving, and if you're curious about what presents people bought this year, the App Store's Top Charts is full of clues. Advertisement Apple's Top Charts features the most downloaded apps and it fluctuates frequently. While popular apps like TikTok, YouTube, Spotify, and ChatGPT often top the charts, the top five free App rankings on Thursday morning were all tied to products — and they offer a hint at which gifts were popular over the holidays. Apple's top charts in the App Store on Thursday morning. screenshot/App Store Meta Horizon, the company's social platform for the metaverse, topped the charts for the free app category. It's used to set up the Meta Quest mixed-reality headsets , which are similar to Apple's Vision Pro headset but significantly cheaper. The platform also offers access to apps, tools, and services. Advertisement Amazon Alexa scored the second spot, indicating that Amazon Echo devices were a popular gift this year. Alexa is the voice-assistant technology that powers Amazon Echo devices, which are Amazon's collection of smart home speakers. Users can use the app to manage Echo devices, control music, track reminders, and set alarm clocks. Digital photo frames also seemed to be a popular Christmas gift this year. A Frameo smart photo frame. Frameo Frameo and Aura Frames took third and fourth place on Apple's top charts. Both companies are digital photo frame systems and rely on apps to send and share photos digitally to other frames. Advertisement Mytonies took fifth place in the top charts, suggesting that Tonies and Tonieboxes were under many Christmas trees this year. The screen-free devices are child-friendly audio systems for listening to stories, music, and educational content. Tonies CFO Jan Middelhoff and CEO Tobias Wann pictured with one of the screen-free toys. tonies A Toniebox is a portable audio player for children, while Tonies are collectible toy figures preloaded with audio content. The app manages all the Tonies in your household and allows owners to add songs or stories to the devices. Beyond the top five apps, the rankings become more varied and reflective of more usual app trends. However, the PlayStation App secured the No. 10 spot, suggesting plenty of PlayStation 5 game consoles were unwrapped and set up, and the Xbox app also made it into the Top Charts, landing in 22nd place. Advertisement Bose clocked in at No. 15, suggesting people were purchasing Bose headphones or speakers this season. While it's not a comprehensive breakdown of the most popular gifts of the year, Apple's list of the top free downloaded apps is a good indicator of where consumer spending went over the holidays. It's also a good reminder that for many gifts, the setup doesn't stop once it's unwrapped and plugged in — there's often an accompanying app for that too.
Elon Musk's surprising connection to Love Actually has been revealed – leaving fans shocked. Thomas Brodie-Sangster , renowned for his role as Sam in the 2003 Christmas film has recently married Talulah Riley , who was previously married to Elon Musk . The romantic comedy follows intertwined love stories during the holiday season in London. Brodie-Sangster plays Sam , a 10-year-old boy who learns to drum to impress his crush, Joanna. Brodie-Sangster, now 34, has built a diverse acting career with notable performances in The Maze Runner series, Game of Throne and The Queen’s Gambit. Riley, 39, began her acting career with appearances in Agatha Christie’s Poirot and Marple, later securing a leading role in E4's Nearly Famous. Her film credits include Pride and Prejudice, St Trinian's and The Boat That Rocked. Riley's personal life drew public attention due to her marriages to Elon Musk; the couple married in 2010, divorced in 2012, remarried in 2013, and ultimately divorced again in 2016. In the summer of 2023, Thomas took to Instagram to announce his engagement to Elon's ex. Thomas shared a photo of himself and Talulah, with her seated on the boat, showing off her engagement ring while gazing out at the river, as the actor stood behind her, paddling. He captioned the post: "Happy to announce that Talulah and I are engaged. Love is all around X." Fans flocked to the comment section gushing with excitement, with one penning: "They look very cute," alongside red heart emojis. Another wrote: "CONGRATULATIONS THOMAS, IM SOOO HAPPY FOR U." A third fan, who had just discovered the link to Elon commented: "How did I not know that the kid from Love Actually was married to Elon Musk’s ex???? Am I the only one shocked by this? CUTE COUPLE THOUGH. Wishing you love and happiness!!" Thomas and Talulah had lavish wedding in 2024. Thomas looked a million miles away from his baby-faced character in the hit romcom fans know and love him for. The pair met on the set of the Disney+ show Pistol. Talulah and Thomas played on-screen lovers in the Sex Pistols miniseries on Disney+, with Talulah playing fashion designer Vivienne Westwood and Thomas playing Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren. But they didn't get into a relationship until after filming had finished. They tied the not at St George's Church in Hertfordshire, with Talulah wearing a stunning white gown, while Thomas looked suave in a blue tux. Speaking of their first date in a BBC documentary , Talulah said: "My first impressions were that he was very sweet, he seemed quite shy. He said 'may I put my hand on your knee' and I said, 'OK go on then', I thought it was quite sweet that he asked." She continued: "He said I don’t usually do this but I'd love to see you tomorrow can we meet for breakfast. So we had breakfast. And at the end of breakfast he said would you come and have lunch with me so we went for lunch. And then he said would you come for dinner." Follow Mirror Celebs on Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .