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Biden's broken promise on pardoning his son Hunter is raising new questions about his legacy WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s decision to go back on his word and pardon his son Hunter wasn't all that surprising to those who are familiar with the president's devotion to his family. But by choosing to put his family first, the 82-year-old president has raised new questions about his legacy. Biden has held himself up as placing his respect for the American judicial system and rule of law over his own personal concerns. It was part of an effort to draw a deliberate contrast with Republican Donald Trump. Now, both his broken promise and his act of clemency are a political lightning rod. Some Democrats are frustrated over Joe Biden reversing course and pardoning his son Hunter ATLANTA (AP) — Already reeling from their November defeat at the polls, Democrats now are grappling with President Joe Biden's pardoning of his son for a federal felony conviction — after the party spent years slamming Donald Trump as a threat to democracy who operates above the law. The White House on Monday struggled to defend the pardon, claiming the prosecution was politically motivated — a page out of Trump's playbook. That explanation did not satisfy some Democrats who are angry that Biden’s reversal could make it harder to take on Trump. Hezbollah fires into Israel-held area after multiple Israeli strikes in Lebanon since truce began JERUSALEM (AP) — Hezbollah fired into a disputed border zone held by Israel after multiple Israeli strikes inside Lebanon since a ceasefire took hold last week. The militant group said the volley, its first during the truce, was a warning shot in response to what it called repeated Israeli violations. Israeli leaders threatened to retaliate, further straining the fragile U.S.- and French-brokered ceasefire. Israeli strikes in recent days, including a string of hits on Monday, have killed at least four people in Lebanon. U.S. officials said the ceasefire was largely holding. Key players in Syria's long-running civil war, reignited by a shock rebel offensive BEIRUT (AP) — Syria’s civil war has exploded back onto the world stage after insurgents poured out of their main bastion in northwestern Syria and seized large parts of nearby Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, and dozens of nearby towns and villages.. The insurgents offensive triggered the heaviest clashes in the country since a March 2020 cease-fire brokered by Turkey and Russia, who back rival sides in the conflict. Five countries have military presence in Syria including the U.S. that has troops deployed in the country’s east, Turkey that controls parts of northern Syria, Israel that has presence in the Golan Heights and Russia and Iran that have been a main backer of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Great Lakes region gets yet more snow after a weekend of snarled Thanksgiving travel Some storm-weary residents of the Great Lakes region saw additional snow and faced the prospect of even more accumulations this week. Lake-effect snow continued to fall on parts of western New York that were already blanketed with a foot or more over the past four days. Lake-effect snow warnings were in effect through Tuesday night in parts of Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania. Snow showers fell in western Michigan overnight, and heavier, persistent snow of up to a foot was expected to follow Monday. Stock market today: Rising tech stocks pull Wall Street to another record NEW YORK (AP) — Technology stocks pulled Wall Street to another record amid mixed trading. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% Monday after closing November at an all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite gained 1%. Super Micro Computer, a stock that’s been on an AI-driven roller coaster, soared after saying an investigation found no evidence of misconduct by its management or the company’s board. Retailers were mixed coming off Black Friday and heading into what’s expected to be the best Cyber Monday on record. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market. A top Fed official leans toward December rate cut but says it depends on economic data WASHINGTON (AP) — A top Federal Reserve official says he is leaning toward supporting an interest rate cut when the Fed meets in two weeks but that evidence of persistent inflation before then could cause him to change that view. Speaking at George Washington University, Christopher Waller, a key member of the Fed’s Board of Governors, said he was confident that inflation is headed lower and that the central bank will likely keep reducing its key rate, which affects many consumer and business loans. But he noted that there’s a risk that inflation “may be getting stuck above” the Fed’s 2% target, which would support an argument for keeping the Fed’s rate unchanged this month. More than 3 million travelers screened at US airports in a single day. That's a record Travelers heading home after the Thanksgiving holiday are setting a record. The Transportation Security Administration says that it screened nearly 3.1 million travelers on Sunday, breaking the previous record by about 74,000. That mark was set on July 7, also a Sunday after a holiday, July Fourth. Hundreds of thousands of travelers were delayed or had their flights canceled. FlightAware says more 6,800 flights were delayed on Sunday, with the highest numbers at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. Panic among spectators at soccer game kills at least 56 in the West African nation of Guinea CONAKRY, Guinea (AP) — Officials and witnesses say chaos erupted at a soccer game in Guinea after fans protested a referee’s call and thousands of panicked spectators tried to flee the stadium, leaving at least 56 people dead in the West African nation. Local news website Media Guinea reported that security forces used tear gas. A journalist covering the game for a local sports website tells The Associated Press many of the dead were crushed as they tried to escape through the stadium gates. The world’s latest sports crowd disaster unfurled Sunday in the second-largest city in the military-run nation. Information there is sparse and government-controlled at the best of times. It was not immediately clear how much the death toll could grow.South Sudan's President Salva Kiir held an urgent meeting of top security brass on Friday after a shootout at the home of powerful former spy chief Akol Koor, who was sacked almost two months ago amid rumours of a coup plot. Gunfire erupted on Thursday evening in the capital Juba, sparking concerns about the stability of the world's youngest country that is already plagued by power struggles, ethnic infighting and a deep economic malaise. The shooting around the home of Koor, who was fired by Kiir in early October and placed under house arrest, caused panic among local residents before it was contained after about an hour. Following the meeting, South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) spokesman Lul Ruai Koang said the incident took place after a "misunderstanding" between security forces attempting to relocate the ex-head of the National Security Services. Koang said Koor had now agreed to the relocation "with his dear wife, one bodyguard, and a cook" elsewhere in the city. He would be provided with additional army protection at his new residence, but Koang emphasised he was not under "their (army) detention." He said four people, two civilians and two soldiers, had been killed during the confrontation. The meeting convened by Kiir included the heads of defence, police, national security and military intelligence. A source in the presidency press unit said Koor was also present. The Sudans Post newspaper quoted a security official as saying the meeting had "resolved all outstanding tensions" and that the spy chief and his family "have been assured of their safety". In an alert to its staff on the ground on Thursday, the United Nations in South Sudan had said the shooting was linked to the arrest of the former spymaster and advised people to take cover. Koang told AFP that Koor "remains at his house", and denied claims circulating on social media that he had fled to the UN compound in Juba. There was a heavy deployment of military forces around his home in the Thongpiny district, an AFP correspondent said, but traffic has resumed and people were going about their daily business. Police spokesman John Kassara said the situation was now calm but that Thongpiny remained sealed off and residents "should remain vigilant". Koor became head of the feared National Security Services (NSS) after South Sudan's independence in 2011 but was sacked in October leading to widespread speculation he had been planning to overthrow Kiir. After his dismissal from the NSS, Koor was appointed governor of Warrap State, Kiir's home state, but this was abruptly revoked by the president before he took the oath of office. Koang said there had been a "misunderstanding" between two security services forces present at Koor's residence when a third unit arrived for the relocation. "That was the start of the armed confrontation that you heard," he said. Four people, two servicemen and two civilians, were killed in the incident, he said, and two civilians were wounded. Koor's sacking came just two weeks after Kiir again postponed by two years, to December 2026, the first elections in the nation's history. The delay has exasperated the international community, which has been pressing the country's leaders to complete a transitional process, including unifying rival armed forces and drawing up a constitution. The NSS was at the centre of controversy in July when parliament approved amendments to legislation allowing the agency to continue to arrest -- without a warrant -- anyone accused of offences against the state, raising alarm among rights groups and South Sudan's international partners. The country has struggled to recover from a brutal civil war between forces loyal to Kiir and his now deputy Riek Machar from 2013 to 2018 that killed about 400,000 people and drove millions from their homes. It remains one of the poorest and most corrupt countries on the planet and continues to be plagued by chronic instability and climate disasters. str-txw-rbu/giv
LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Jimmy Carter was honored with a moment of silence before the Atlanta Falcons’ game at the Washington Commanders on Sunday night, hours after the 39th president of the United States died at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia. Beyond being a Georgia native who led the country from the White House less than 8 miles (12 kilometers) away during his time in office from 1977-81, Carter was the first president to host the NFL's Super Bowl champions there when he welcomed the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1980. Falcons owner Arthur Blank in a statement released by the team before kickoff said he was deeply saddened by the loss of his dear friend and mentor, calling Carter “a great American, a proud Georgian and an inspirational global humanitarian.” “He lived his life with great civic responsibility and took it upon himself to be the change he wished to see amongst other,” Blank said, recalling meeting Carter at The Home Depot. “President Carter’s kind and uniting spirit touched so many lives. He was a man of deep faith, and did everything with principal and grace, doing things the right way for the right reasons." AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl( MENAFN - Brazil-Arab News Agency (ANBA)) Muscat – Oman, an Arab country in the Gulf, will host one of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) 4.0 industry centers. A cooperation agreement on this matter was signed on Monday (16) between the WEF and the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information technology of Oman, supported by the country's Ministry of Economy, according to a news report published by state news agency ONA . Called C4IR, referring to the term Fourth Industrial Revolution, also used to describe Industry 4.0, the center will be the sixth of its kind established in the Middle East in cooperation with the World Economic Forum-the 22nd globally. The center is scheduled to start operating in the first quarter of next year, according to ONA. The center is an initiative by the WEF to drive the development and application of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, in countries. It operates in a network, collaborating with governments, businesses, academia, and civil society for the responsible adoption of technologies. The agreement was signed by Ali Amer Al Shidhani, undersecretary of Oman's Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for communications and information technology, and Sebastian Buckup, head of networks and partnerships and member of the Executive Committee at the WEF. Al Shidhani said the move constitutes a step forward in the ministry's ongoing efforts to transfer knowledge, localize technology and consolidate Oman's position as a regional hub for technology and innovation. Read more: Oman seeking Brazilian firms for free trade zones Translated by Guilherme Miranda The post Oman to establish center for 4IR appeared first on ANBA News Agency . MENAFN16122024000213011057ID1109000141 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.
PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump joined SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son to announce plans by the Japanese company to invest $100 billion in U.S. projects over the next four years. Trump announced the planned investments, which are expected to focus on artificial intelligence, at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Monday, with Son at his side, along with Howard Lutnick, head of investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and Trump’s pick for commerce secretary. “He’s doing this because he feels very optimistic about our country,” Trump said. The president-elect said that since his election, people have expressed interest in “coming in with tremendous amounts of money.” The investments by SoftBank, Trump said, are “a monumental demonstration of confidence in America’s future.” Son said he wanted to “celebrate the great victory of President Trump” and that he will “bring the world into peace again.” “I am truly excited to make this happen,” he said. After the president-elect noted the $100 billion was double an investment pledge Son made in 2016 on the eve of Trump’s first administration, the technology mogul said he was doubling down. Trump, appearing to joke, asked him at the microphone if he would double the investment again: “Would you make it $200 billion?” Trump has in the past announced deals with companies overseas with much fanfare, though some companies in the end failed to deliver on those promised investments. Foxconn Technology Group, a Taiwanese company best known for producing Apple iPhones, won Trump’s praise after announcing plans in 2017 to build a $10 billion complex that would employ 13,000 people in a small town just south of Milwaukee. But Foxconn’s investment has been scaled back to a fraction of that after the COVID-19 pandemic. Monday’s announcement, however, is a win for Trump, who has used the weeks since the election to promote his policies, negotiate with foreign leaders and try to strike deals. He had already threatened steep tariffs for Mexico and Canada, which prompted a visit from Canada’s prime minister aIn a post on his Truth Social site last week, Trump said anyone making a $1 billion investment in the United States “will receive fully expedited approvals and permits, including, but in no way limited to, all Environmental approvals.”nd a call with Mexico’s president. SoftBank was founded in 1981 by Son, a brash entrepreneur who studied at the University of California, Berkeley. SoftBank makes investments in a variety of companies that it groups together through its capital venture fund. The company’s investment portfolio includes search engine Yahoo, Chinese retailer Alibaba, and artificial intelligence company Nvidia . Earlier this year, it joined a partnership with Saudi Arabia to build a robot factory in Riyadh. After Trump won the White House the first time in 2016, he met with Son before taking office. Son then announced plans to create 50,000 jobs and invest $50 billion in U.S. startups, which Trump celebrated on social media, saying it never would have happened if he hadn’t won the election. Not all investments have panned out. The most notorious was SoftBank’s massive stake in the office-sharing company WeWork which sought bankruptcy protection last year. It also invested in the failed robot pizza-making company Zume. Monday’s announcement comes days after Trump vowed to expedite federal permits for energy projects and other construction worth more than $1 billion.Travel Market , 39% Of Growth To Originate From APAC, Technavio
LAUSANNE , Switzerland , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ADC Therapeutics SA (NYSE: ADCT), a commercial-stage global leader and pioneer in the field of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), today announced that the Company has made grants of options to purchase an aggregate of 34,900 of the Company's common shares to three new employees on December 2, 2024 (each, a "Grant"). The Grants were offered as material inducement to the employees' employment. The grants were approved by the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors pursuant to the Company's Inducement Plan to motivate and reward the recipients to perform at the highest levels and contribute significantly to the success of the Company. The Grants were made in reliance on the employment inducement exemption under the NYSE's Listed Company Manual Rule 303A.08. The Company is issuing this press release pursuant to Rule 303A.08. The Grants shall vest and become exercisable 25% on the first anniversary of the grant date, and 1/48th of the aggregate number of shares subject to the award on each monthly anniversary of the grant date thereafter, such that the entire award will be vested as of the fourth anniversary of the grant date, subject to continued employment with the Company. About ADC Therapeutics ADC Therapeutics (NYSE: ADCT) is a commercial-stage global leader and pioneer in the field of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). The Company is advancing its proprietary ADC technology to transform the treatment paradigm for patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. ADC Therapeutics' CD19-directed ADC ZYNLONTA (loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl) received accelerated approval by the FDA and conditional approval from the European Commission for the treatment of relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy. ZYNLONTA is also in development in combination with other agents and in earlier lines of therapy. In addition to ZYNLONTA, ADC Therapeutics has multiple ADCs in ongoing clinical and preclinical development. ADC Therapeutics is based in Lausanne (Biopôle), Switzerland , and has operations in London and New Jersey . For more information, please visit https://adctherapeutics.com/ and follow the Company on LinkedIn . ZYNLONTA ® is a registered trademark of ADC Therapeutics SA. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "would", "expect", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict", "potential", "seem", "seek", "future", "continue", or "appear" or the negative of these terms or similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results to differ materially from those described. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: the expected cash runway into mid-2026 the Company's ability to grow ZYNLONTA ® revenue in the United States ; the ability of our partners to commercialize ZYNLONTA ® in foreign markets, the timing and amount of future revenue and payments to us from such partnerships and their ability to obtain regulatory approval for ZYNLONTA ® in foreign jurisdictions; the timing and results of the Company's or its partners' research and development projects or clinical trials including LOTIS 5 and 7, ADCT 602 as well as early research in certain solid tumors with different targets, linkers and payloads; the timing and results of investigator-initiated trials including those studying FL and MZL and the potential regulatory and/or compendia strategy and the future opportunity; the timing and outcome of regulatory submissions for the Company's products or product candidates; actions by the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities; projected revenue and expenses; the Company's indebtedness, including Healthcare Royalty Management and Blue Owl and Oaktree facilities, and the restrictions imposed on the Company's activities by such indebtedness, the ability to comply with the terms of the various agreements and repay such indebtedness and the significant cash required to service such indebtedness; and the Company's ability to obtain financial and other resources for its research, development, clinical, and commercial activities. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements is contained in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company's other periodic and current reports and filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, achievements or prospects to be materially different from any future results, performance, achievements or prospects expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company cautions investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this document. CONTACTS: Investors Marcy Graham ADC Therapeutics Marcy.Graham@adctherapeutics.com +1 650-667-6450 Media Nicole Riley ADC Therapeutics Nicole.Riley@adctherapeutics.com +1 862-926-9040 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/adc-therapeutics-makes-grants-to-new-employees-under-inducement-plan-302320100.html SOURCE ADC Therapeutics SATHE world is complex, even chaotic, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated at one of the hubs of South Korea’s brightest minds, Seoul National University, during his official visit. This is where an oxymoron fits to a T: a “world order” that is helter-skelter thanks to geopolitical and geo-economic fissures which are getting deeper and wider. Aggressive trade and investment policies exacerbate an environment of uncertainty. Trade wars and protectionist rivalries cast doubts on institutions of global governance that, 80 years after the Bretton Woods institutions were established, have demonstrated a sheer inability to adapt to a multipolar world.
DETROIT (AP) — Starting in September of 2027, all new passenger vehicles in the U.S. will have to sound a warning if rear-seat passengers don't buckle up. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday that it finalized the rule, which also requires enhanced warnings when front seat belts aren't fastened. The agency estimates that the new rule will save 50 lives per year and prevent 500 injuries when fully in effect, according to a statement. The new rule will apply to passenger cars, trucks, buses except for school buses, and multipurpose vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds. Before the rule, seat belt warnings were required only for the driver's seat. Under the new rule, outboard front-seat passengers also must get a warning if they don't fasten their belts. Front-center seats will not get a warning because NHTSA found that it wouldn't be cost effective. The agency said most vehicles already have warnings for the outboard passenger seats. The rule also lengthens the duration of audio and visual warnings for the driver's seat. The front-seat rules are effective starting Sept. 1 of 2026. Rear passengers consistently use seat belts at a lower rate than front passengers, the agency says. In 2022, front belt use was just under 92%, while rear use dropped to about 82%. About half of automobile passengers who died in crashes two years ago weren’t wearing belts, according to NHTSA data. The seat belt rule is the second significant regulation to come from NHTSA in the past two months. In November the agency bolstered its five-star auto safety ratings to include driver assistance technologies and pedestrian protection. Safety advocates want the Department of Transportation, which includes NHTSA, to finish several more rules before the end of the Biden administration, because President-elect Donald Trump has said he’s against new government regulations. Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, urged the department to approve automatic emergency braking for heavy trucks and technology to prevent impaired driving.( MENAFN - GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) CAPE COD, Mass., Dec. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When it comes to modern healthcare, technology is transforming the field of general dentistry, and Harris dental is leading the charge in delivering innovative, patient-focused care. Known for providing comprehensive services, including preventive dentistry , Harris Dental is revolutionizing routine procedures with cutting-edge Technology designed to enhance patient comfort, improve diagnostic accuracy, and streamline treatments. As dental technology advances, Harris Dental has embraced a range of modern tools and techniques that ensure a seamless and comfortable experience for every patient. From routine checkups to advanced gum disease treatment , the practice is committed to delivering the highest quality care for Cape Cod residents. Digital Diagnostics Streamline Preventive Care At Harris Dental, the future of general dentistry starts with advanced diagnostic tools that make routine checkups more effective. Traditional X-rays have given way to digital radiography, offering clearer images while exposing patients to significantly less radiation. This allows the team to identify cavities, bone loss, and other potential issues early, helping to prevent more serious dental problems down the road. In addition to routine adult care, Harris Dental specializes in pediatric dentistry , ensuring that young patients receive compassionate and thorough care tailored to their needs. With the latest technology and a welcoming environment, the practice helps children develop positive dental habits from an early age. Enhanced Comfort Through Cutting-Edge Treatment Methods For patients seeking general dental care, comfort is key. Harris Dental employs laser dentistry to provide minimally invasive treatments for common issues such as gum disease and cavities. Lasers reduce discomfort, shorten recovery times, and often eliminate the need for anesthesia, making even routine procedures more convenient and less stressful for patients. The practice also offers emergency dentistry services , providing immediate care for patients dealing with dental emergencies such as severe pain, injuries, or infections. With a focus on rapid, effective solutions, Harris Dental ensures that patients get relief when they need it most. Personalized Dental Care Through Digital Integration Beyond diagnostics and treatments, digital records and advanced software allow Harris Dental to offer a more personalized approach to general dentistry. Each patient's dental history, preferences, and specific needs are easily accessible to the team, allowing for more effective and streamlined care during routine visits. Intraoral cameras give patients the chance to see exactly what the dentist sees during an examination, creating a collaborative approach to oral health. Patients are empowered to take an active role in their dental care, understanding their diagnosis and treatment options in real-time. Sustainability Meets High-Quality Dental Care Harris Dental is also making strides in sustainability within general dentistry. The practice has transitioned to digital records and imaging, reducing paper waste and the need for disposable materials. This commitment to environmentally friendly practices aligns with their mission to provide top-notch care while minimizing their ecological footprint. Moreover, the practice's use of energy-efficient equipment and materials further supports the goal of running an eco-conscious dental office, making Harris Dental a leader in sustainable healthcare practices. The Future of General Dentistry at Harris Dental As general dentistry continues to evolve, Harris Dental remains at the forefront, integrating the latest technology to improve patient outcomes and comfort. Whether it's preventive dentistry, restorative treatments, or cosmetic procedures, Harris Dental is committed to offering the best in modern dental care to Cape Cod residents. MENAFN16122024004107003653ID1108999680 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
By JULIE CARR SMYTH AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Before the November presidential election, Ohio’s secretary of state and attorney general announced investigations into potential voter fraud that included people suspected of casting ballots even though they were not U.S. citizens. Related Articles National Politics | Trump says he will ‘look at’ pardon for embattled New York mayor Eric Adams National Politics | Japan’s Softbank plans to invest $100 billion in US projects over the next four years National Politics | 2024 was big for bitcoin. States could see a crypto policy blitz in 2025 in spite of the risks National Politics | Biden, Harris thank major Democratic donors and urge them to stay engaged after tough loss to Trump National Politics | US agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer says It coincided with a national Republican messaging strategy warning that potentially thousands of ineligible voters would be voting. “The right to vote is sacred,” Attorney General Dave Yost, a Republican, said in a statement at the time. “If you’re not a U.S. citizen, it’s illegal to vote -– whether you thought you were allowed to or not. You will be held accountable.” In the end, their efforts led to just a handful of cases. Of the 621 criminal referrals for voter fraud that Secretary of State Frank LaRose sent to the attorney general, prosecutors have secured indictments against nine people for voting as noncitizens over the span of 10 years — and one was later found to have died. That total is a tiny fraction of Ohio’s 8 million registered voters and the tens of millions of ballots cast during that period. The outcome and the stories of some of those now facing charges illustrate the gap — both in Ohio and across the United States — between the rhetoric about noncitizen voting and the reality: It’s rare , is caught and prosecuted when it does happen and does not occur as part of a coordinated scheme to throw elections. The Associated Press attended in-person and virtual court hearings for three of the Ohio defendants over the past two weeks. Each of the cases involved people with long ties to their community who acted alone, often under a mistaken impression they were eligible to vote. They now find themselves facing felony charges and possible deportation. Among them is Nicholas Fontaine, a 32-year-old precision sheet metal worker from Akron. He was indicted in October on one count of illegal voting, a fourth-degree felony. Fontaine is a Canadian-born permanent resident who moved to the U.S. with his mother and sister when he was 2 years old. He is facing a possible jail term and deportation on allegations that he voted in the 2016 and 2018 elections. He recalls being a college student when he was approached on the street about registering to vote. “I think in my young teenage brain, I thought, ‘Well, I have to sign up for the draft, I should be able to vote,’” Fontaine said in an interview. Permanent residents such as Fontaine are just one of several categories of immigrants who must register for a potential military draft through the Selective Service but who cannot legally vote. Fontaine said he received a postcard from the local board of elections in 2016 informing him of his polling place. He voted without issue. He even showed his ID before receiving his ballot. “No problems. Went in, voted, turned my voter stuff in, that was it,” he said. “There was no, like, ‘Hey, there’s an issue here,’ or, ‘There’s a thing here.’ Just, here’s your paper (ballot).” Fontaine said a Department of Homeland Security official visited him at his home in either 2018 or 2019, alerted him to the fact that his votes in 2016 and 2018 had been illegal and warned him not to vote again. Since then, he never has. That’s one reason why his indictment this fall came as a shock. He said he never received notice that he was indicted and missed his court hearing in early December, being informed of the charges only when an AP reporter knocked on his door after the scheduled hearing and told him. Fontaine said he was raised in a household where his American stepfather taught him the value of voting. He said he would never have cast an illegal vote intentionally. “I don’t know any person, even like Americans I’ve talked to about voting, who would consider illegally voting for any reason,” he said. “Like, why would you do that? It doesn’t make sense. They’re going to find out — clearly, they’re going to find out. And it’s turning one vote into two. Even doing that, can you get a hundred? There’s how many millions of voters in America?” Faith Lyon, the Portage County election director, said local officials in the county where Fontaine is charged would not have had any way to independently verify his immigration status. Each voter registration form includes a checkbox asking whether a person is a U.S. citizen or not and explaining that people cannot vote unless they are, she said. In two other illegal voting cases moving through the Ohio courts, the defendants left that box unchecked, according to their lawyers, believing the omission would result in the election board not registering them if they were indeed ineligible. Yet they were registered anyway, and now face criminal prosecution for voting. A day before Fontaine’s scheduled hearing, one of those defendants, 40-year-old Fiona Allen, wept outside a Cleveland courtroom when a public defender explained the charges she faced. She had moved to the U.S. from Jamaica nine years ago. After turning in the voter registration form and receiving her registration, Allen voted in 2020, 2022 and 2023, prosecutors say. The mother of two, including a son in the U.S. Navy, and her husband of 13 years, a naturalized citizen who also is a serviceman, declined to comment at the courthouse. Allen has pleaded not guilty. Another, 78-year-old Lorinda Miller, appeared before a judge over Zoom last week. She appeared shell-shocked about facing charges. Her attorney said Miller, who arrived in the U.S. from Canada as a child, is affiliated with an Indigenous tribe that issued her paperwork identifying her as “a citizen of North America.” She was told that was sufficient to allow her to register and vote. She’s even been called for jury duty, said lawyer Reid Yoder. He plans to take the case to trial after Miller pleaded not guilty to the charges. “I think the integrity of the vote should be protected, wholeheartedly,” Yoder said. “I think the intent of the law is to punish people who defrauded the system. That is not my client. To really defraud the system, you have to know you’re doing it. My client’s nothing like that. She believes in the sanctity of the vote, which is why she participated. She didn’t know she was doing anything wrong.” The Ohio cases are just one example of what is true nationally — that the narrative of widespread numbers of immigrants without the necessary legal documents registering to vote and then voting is simply not backed up by the facts, said Jay Young, senior director of the Voting and Democracy Program for Common Cause. State voter rolls are cleaned regularly, he said, and the penalties for casting an illegal ballot as a noncitizen are severe: fines, the potential for a prison sentence and deportation. He said the role of such immigrants and their potential to sway the election “was the most enduring false narrative that we saw throughout this election.” But he also said it served a purpose, to keep the country divided and sow distrust in the election system. “If your guy doesn’t win or you’re a candidate that doesn’t win, you have an excuse that you can tell yourself to justify it,” he said. Associated Press writer Gary Fields in Washington contributed to this report.
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians to be patient with the Federal Government, saying that the various reforms introduced were aimed at revitalising and repositioning the economy. Speaking on behalf of the Senator Kashima, the Secretary Adviser on economic financial inclusion in the office of the Vice President Dr. Nurudeen Abubalkar, at the Bayero University Kano,class of 2004′ reunion held at BUK convocation hall. He said the message from the Vice President was basically about collaboration, corporation and exploring available opportunities under this administration. “Though we have some challenges, which underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the systemic inequalities faced by women and other marginalised groups. “With every challenge comes an opportunity, as for the Federal Government under our amiable President, you as Ambassadors we can leverage strengths, resources, networks, and technical expertise to develop innovative solutions, and this is precisely why we participate in today’s reunion. I therefore implore all of us to contribute towards making our country great again. “As we all know that when this administration came on board ,came on board with ambition policy, programme and do a lot of reforms in order to support the Nigeria’ s economy. “Since the beginning of this administration, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the renewed hope agenda was launched to ensure that every economically active Nigeria is not left behind. “The centrality to this is the inclusivity, access to capital, food security and employment generation among others as a landmark commitment of this regime. “As stakeholders in this journey, we have made significant strides in advancing our shared vision, including bringing together key players across Nigeria to discuss, to reunite and share joy and pain. We believe together we will achieve a lot. “The theme of today’s gathering embodies the essence of an unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable growth, inclusivity, and collaboration for the economic empowerment of all. “Our mission is clear: to create an environment where every Nigerian has equal opportunity to thrive and have access to the infrastructure, education, resources, and opportunities needed to contribute meaningfully to our nation’s economic prosperity, “Central to this mission is the power of partnerships. By bringing you together as representatives of the government agencies, private sector leaders, bilateral and multilateral agencies, civil society, and local and international organisations. “We aim to forge a unified and impactful pathway toward the economic transformation of ALL, especially underserved demographics like women and youth in Nigeria. “I am particularly delighted to welcome you all, who have demonstrated inspiring support, passion, and dedication to this cause. “Your presence here today reaffirms our collective resolve to achieve comprehensive reunion and chat a course for the betterment of all Nigerians. “In addition, we are proud that many initiatives were introduced including the gender and youth focused initiatives as a holistic response to addressing socio-economic challenges that have militated against gender mainstreaming and inclusion in economic and financial landscape of Nigerian. “This is built on critical pillars of fostering education and literacy for women and youth, improving healthcare, addressing gender-based violence, and creating opportunities for women’s economic participation by promoting inclusion for all, thereby creating pathways and opportunities for women to participate fully in the economy. Our implementation plan is ambitious yet achievable, with a goal to impact all the 774 local governments in Nigeria. “Contributions of Bayero University Kano in providing quality education for all Nigerians and its track record of unbiased admission polity accross the country devoid of religion and ethnicity is really commendable. “This administration recognises that government efforts alone can not achieve economic Potentials of Nigeria. Consequently, this gathering emphasises the critical role of future leaders and partners, particularly from the private sector, in ensuring the successful implementation and sustainability of our programs, projects, and initiatives “We seek your collaboration and contributions, guided by an evidence-based approach, to identify new programs and policies that will drive impactful change in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “In conclusion, let us seize this opportunity to exchange best practices, design innovative strategies, and explore groundbreaking/emerging oppotunities such as technologies that can drive meaningful change. Together, we must define and strengthen our roles, establish impactful partnerships, and create unique, community-driven initiatives and interventions. In his own speach Dr. Abubalkar then called on the 2004 BUK ‘ alumni by key into various reforms been introduced by the present administration,adding that there are a lot of economic available in these reforms that they can beniffited from,” he said. He also urged them to strive and assist others saying that most of them have attained a remarkable feet in life, hence the need to lifted others from grass to grace. “We also call for firm commitment and support for our shared vision of this administration as we remain steadfast our commitment to translating the outcomes of this reunion into tangible actions. I look forward to the recommendations of your deliberations. Together, we shall forge a brighter economic future for Nigeria where no one will be left behind,” he added. ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE Shettima launches 2024 Nigeria Economic Report Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more. 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Moment of silence for former President Jimmy Carter held before the Falcons-Commanders gameGoogle has named Debbie Weinstein, a senior executive for the tech giant in the UK, as its president in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Until now, Ms Weinstein has been the US firm’s vice president and managing director in the UK and Ireland, having previously worked at Unilever. She said her focus will be on “unlocking AI-powered growth for everyone”, calling the current AI boom a “pivotal” time for the tech giant. Google has joined many of its rivals in launching a string of high-profile generative AI products in recent times, led by the firm’s generative AI-powered assistant, Gemini. “Europe, the Middle East and Africa is an amazingly diverse and varied region, but the enormous growth opportunity that AI can create is universal,” she said. “My focus will be on unlocking that AI-powered growth for everyone – users, businesses, partners and governments across every part of the region. “I’m excited to be stepping into this role at a pivotal time, in a company where I’ve spent the last ten years and leading a region where I’ve spent much of my life.” Google employs more than 29,000 people across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with 56 offices across 35 countries in those regions working on many of the firm’s largest products, including its search engine, the Android mobile operating system and its Chrome web browser. Its AI research arm, at Google DeepMind, is also led from London. Philipp Schindler, Google senior vice president and chief business officer, said: “This is the AI era and we are only just beginning to see its transformative impact on business and society. “In such a pivotal moment for technology, I’m thrilled we’ve appointed a visionary leader to be our President of Google EMEA. “Debbie brings a track record of unlocking growth that benefits everyone, alongside the passion and focus needed to help our customers succeed, as we bring the best of Google’s Gemini-era to everyone across EMEA.”
D ear Heloise: I wanted to write in concerning not using rugs and towels at animal shelters. I have to wonder what sort of “shelter” is being offered to dogs and cats where it gets so cold and wet that the cloth can freeze. Not to mention the possibility of the poor animal freezing to death! Are they saying these indoor animals are being kept outside? Or are their facilities not being properly heated and dry? This is shocking to me! I hope they can explain themselves. — Frank F., Ventura, California Frank, the letter was referring to feral cats and other outdoor animals. Shelter cats and dogs usually have a better situation than those that are born wild or mistreated by their owners. In my opinion, no animal should be kept outside in the winter if they have owners with a warm house. Sadly, there are too many abandoned cats and dogs that have no one to look after them, making their existence difficult and their lives short. Straw is the best solution to helping these animals stay warm, provided that there is plenty of straw to snuggle in for warmth inside of some type of enclosure. There are a variety of such houses for animals online, and most aren’t expensive. — Heloise Dear Heloise: I often use paper-towel rolls and toilet-paper rolls to keep artificial flower stems together. I also cut them lengthwise to put on gift-wrapping paper rolls. If the paper roll is too thin to keep a cardboard roll on, then I use a rubber band to secure the roll. Your readers have given me so much I can use. I thank you and thank them, too. — Jackie, Colorado Springs, Colorado Jackie, I like your cardboard roll ideas. Lately, I’ve received several letters stating that readers use the cardboard roll in paper towels and toilet paper to start a fire in their fireplace. Some also use a toilet roll of cardboard to gather a number of loose cords together. Others use a paper-towel roll to wrap tree lights around when putting them into storage. All of these are great ideas, as well. — Heloise Dear Heloise: Our glass pie plates wouldn’t get clean, so my husband had the successful idea to use a ceramic cooktop cleaner! The pie plates are sparkling now! — Connie B., Universal City, Texas Dear Heloise: My mom was never really happy with any gift I gave her. Since she relied on Social Security, money was tight, so I started to give her a goody box. I usually used an empty paper box and filled it with toiletries and products that I knew she used. I also included postage stamps and gift cards for car washes. She would love her goody box and looked forward to it every year. One year, my aunt was visiting from the old country at Christmas, so I made up a smaller box for her. I found out that she loved a certain brand of canned corn, so I included six cans. She was over the moon! It was also easy for me, as I would add things to the box all year long, making it easier on my time and budget. — Liz N., via email Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!Novak Djokovic breaks his silence on tennis doping scandals - and reveals what he really thinks of Nick Kyrgios's tough stance Djokovic slams governing bodies for lack of transparency Tennis rocked by anti-doping controversies this year By ED CARRUTHERS FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 21:51 GMT, 29 December 2024 | Updated: 21:51 GMT, 29 December 2024 e-mail View comments Novak Djokovic has unloaded on tennis's governing bodies for their lack of transparency over the doping cases that have rocked the sport this year - echoing the stance of his former rival turned friend Nick Kyrgios . Specifically, the 24-time Grand Slam champion claimed that tennis players had been 'kept in the dark' in relation to Jannik Sinner 's case. The Italian had been found to have failed two doping tests in March, but had been found not to be at fault. Despite that, Sinner, 23, still faces the threat of a possible suspension, with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) set to appeal the International Tennis Integrity Agencies' (ITIA) decision that this year's Australian Open winner bore 'no fault or negligence' in relation to his positive tests for clostebol. Fellow Grand Slam winner, Iga Swiatek has also served a one-month ban for testing positive for a banned substance in August, while Aussie star Max Purcell accepted a suspension last week, after he admitted to breaching doping rules. Kyrgios has been outspoken on the situation for some time, claiming that the recent issues gave off a 'disgusting' look for tennis . Novak Djokovic has echoed Nick Kyrgios's comments condemning tennis's governing bodes over the doping scandals that have hit the sport recently A furious Kyrgios has been outspoken about Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek's alleged breaches of doping rules Sinner (pictured) allegedly failed two doping tests back in March but was cleared by the ITIA. WADA are now appealing that decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport 'I just think that it's been handled horrifically in our sport,' Kyrgios, 29, said. 'Two world number ones is disgusting for our sport. 'It's a horrible look.' Djokovic and Kyrgios are set to partner up for the men's doubles at this year's Brisbane International, with their first match coming on Monday night at the Pat Rafter Arena against Alexander Erler and Andrewa Mies. But on Sunday, Djokovic provided his thoughts on the doping scandals that have rocked tennis and sided with Kyrgios. 'It's not a good image, not a good look for our sport,' he told Sky Sports. 'I believe that in the last 20-plus years that I've been playing on the professional tour that we've been one of the cleanest sports. 'I'm just questioning the way the system works really and why certain players are not treated the same as the other players. The issue is the inconsistency, the transparency.' Djokovic has blasted the lack of transparency on doping, particularly around the Sinner case Kyrgios, meanwhile, took to social media to back Djokovic's claims, writing: 'Goat has spoken' Kyrgios had previously slammed the decision not to suspend Sinner as 'ridiculous'. His comments have ignited a fiery feud with the men's World No 1, with Kyrgios claiming that he felt 'people were trying to sweep Sinner's situation under the rug.' Djokovic, meanwhile, said: 'We've been kept in the dark with Jannik's case. I'm not questioning whether he took the banned substance intentionally or not. 'I believe in the clean sport, I believe the player will do everything possible to be playing fair and I've known Jannik since he was very young - he doesn't strike me as somebody that would do such a thing. 'But I've been really frustrated, as most of the players (have), to see that we've been kept in the dark for five months.' The 10-time Australian Open champion's comments were subsequently backed by Kyrgios on social media, with the Aussie star taking to X to back Djokovic on Sunday night. He wrote 'Goat has spoken' in response to a post that had detailed Djokovic's comments on doping in tennis. Kyrgios, meanwhile, is set to make his long-awaited return to the court on Monday, with the Australian having only played once competitively in the past two years. Djokovic and Kyrgios will partner up this week in the men's doubles at the Brisbane International Read More Novak Djokovic opens up on 'strange' experience of working with new coach Andy Murray The 29-year-old had feared he'd never play again after having undergone wrist reconstruction surgery this year. Prior to that, he had also overcome knee and ankle ligament issues that had derailed his 2023 season. 'Even to get back on the court from the surgery I had was a miracle, to be honest,' Kyrgios said. Kyrgios is preparing to play at this summer's Australian Open, claiming that he is taking one step at a time to get back to full fitness. 'I just take it day by day, doing everything I can to get back out on the court and have some success.' He also spoke out on how he and Djokovic came to the revelation that they should partner up for the Brisbane International this week. 'We spoke earlier, at Wimbledon, about playing together when he is back on tour,' Kyrgios told reporters. 'Now we have the first chance right away in the first week of the season, should be fun.' Kyrgios, who won the Australian Open men's doubles event in 2022 alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis, who has pulled out of this week's tournament. On Tuesday, Kyrgios will take on Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in his first singles match back from injury in the opening round of the men's singles at The Queensland Tennis Centre. Jannik Sinner Novak Djokovic Nick Kyrgios Share or comment on this article: Novak Djokovic breaks his silence on tennis doping scandals - and reveals what he really thinks of Nick Kyrgios's tough stance e-mail Add comment
Power planners have found nuclear energy does not stack up for Australia even after considering new parameters, with large-scale solar and big batteries still the lowest-cost option. In the draft generation cost update released on Monday, scientists and energy officials warn taxpayers will need deep pockets and a lead time of at least 15 years to develop nuclear energy generation. For the seventh straight year, renewables were the lowest-cost of any new-build electricity-generating technology. After a global energy crisis and equipment supply crunch several years ago, large-scale solar and lithium battery storage have weathered the inflationary period the best of all technologies. The cost of batteries recorded the largest annual reduction, with capital costs down by one-fifth. Rooftop solar costs are also coming down. The draft GenCost 2024-25 Report comes as the coalition pushes for an end to Australia’s nuclear ban and promises to have reactors online in as soon as 10 years if elected in 2025. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, eyeing sites in seven regional centres, has pledged to release the coalition’s nuclear costings “this week”. But nuclear energy generation would be 1.5 to two times more expensive than large-scale solar, according to the analysis released by the national science agency CSIRO and the Australian Energy Market Operator. A one-gigawatt nuclear plant has a price tag of roughly $9 billion, but the bill would double to $18 billion as the first of its kind. Operators would also need to establish new connection points to safely supply the national electricity grid, experts warn. Advocates have demanded greater recognition of the potential cost advantages of nuclear’s long operating life compared to solar panels and wind turbines, but CSIRO chief energy economist and GenCost lead author Paul Graham said he found none. “Similar cost savings can be achieved with shorter-lived technologies including renewables, even when accounting for the need to build them twice,” Mr Graham said. Nuclear’s capacity factor – referring to how much of a year a reactor could operate at full tilt – remains unaltered at 53-89 per cent based on verifiable data and consideration of Australia’s unique electricity generation needs. Nor would the often-touted United Arab Emirates example of a relatively quick 12-year nuclear construction time-frame be achievable here, the report found, because Australians require consultation. An increase in gas generation costs in the update included a premium for hydrogen readiness that was not included in previous data. All new gas turbine projects, including Kurri Kurri in NSW, are expected to include the capability for hydrogen blending and eventual conversion to hydrogen firing when supply becomes more readily available. The draft report is open for feedback until February 11, with a final version due in the second quarter of 2025.Google names UK executive as president for Europe, Middle East and AfricaTrudeau told Trump Americans would also suffer if tariffs are imposed, a Canadian minister says