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GEO Group, one of the nation’s largest private prison contractors, filed a federal lawsuit last month against California officials to strike down a state law allowing local public health officials to inspect immigration detention facilities. The Florida-based company argued in a filing that California’s law , signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in August, is unconstitutional because it steps on the federal government’s authority to manage detention centers. By extension, GEO claimed intergovernmental immunity as a contractor. “This case involves the latest in a string of attempts by the State of California to ban federal immigration enforcement in the state, or so significantly burden such efforts as to drive federal agencies and contractors involved in that constitutionally mandated national security function from California,” according to the lawsuit filed in the U.S District Court for the Eastern District of California. GEO spokesperson Christopher Ferreira did not respond to requests for comment. The lawsuit names Newsom, state Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Kern County health officer Kristopher Lyon as defendants. All three declined to comment. A first hearing is scheduled for February. GEO Group could expand its grip on immigration detention facilities now that former President Donald Trump won a second term. Trump has promised a mass deportation of immigrants living in the U.S. without authorization, and investors sense Trump’s policies will create a boon for private prison companies such as GEO. GEO’s stock skyrocketed, increasing 75% , after Trump’s victory. People and groups associated with the private prison giant spent roughly $5.6 million on lobbying and donations this past election cycle, much of it going to conservative political action committees, including $1 million to Make America Great Again Inc., according to OpenSecrets, a nonprofit that tracks campaign finance and lobbying data. César García Hernández, an immigration law professor at Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, said a judge will most likely block implementation of the California law while litigation is pending. In March, a federal judge blocked Washington state from enforcing most of a law to increase oversight and improve living conditions at that state’s only private immigration detention facility. “GEO has been rather successful in turning to the courts in order to block access to its facilities,” García Hernández said. “The private prison company is trying to insulate itself by taking cover under the fact that it is operating this facility under contract with the federal government.” California’s bill grants local public health officers, who routinely inspect county jails and state prisons, the ability to inspect private detention facilities, including all six federal immigration centers in California. Detainees have complained of health threats ranging from covid-19, mumps, and chickenpox outbreaks to contaminated water, moldy food, and air ducts spewing black dust. State lawmakers have attempted to regulate immigration facilities with mixed results. In 2019, Newsom, a Democrat, signed a measure banning private prisons and detention facilities from operating in California. But a federal court later declared the law unconstitutional, saying it interfered with federal functions. In 2021, California lawmakers passed a bill requiring private detention centers to comply with state and local public health orders and worker safety and health regulations. That measure was adopted at the height of the covid-19 pandemic, as the virus tore through detention facilities where people were packed into dorms with little or no protection from airborne viruses. Under the new law, public health officers will determine whether the facilities are complying with environmental rules, such as ensuring proper ventilation, and offering basic mental and physical health care, emergency treatment, and safely prepared food. Unlike public correctional facilities, which are inspected every year, health officers will inspect private detention centers as they deem necessary. Supporters say public health officers are well positioned to inspect these facilities because they understand how to make confined spaces safer for large populations. But GEO argued that California health codes and regulations aren’t always consistent with federal standards. The lawsuit pointed out, for instance, that California requires detainees at risk of self-harm or suicide to be transferred to a mental health facility. But Immigration and Customs Enforcement rules grant detention centers more discretion, allowing them to transfer a detainee to a mental health facility or keep them in suicide-resistant isolation at the detention center through monitoring every 15 minutes. GEO also warned in its complaint that implementing the law could cost up to $500,000. Immigrant advocates say the federal government has done a poor job ensuring health and safety. In a paper published in June , researchers showed that immigration officials and a private auditor conducted inspections infrequently — at least once every three years — and provided limited public information about deficiencies and if or how they were addressed. In response, detainees have filed suits alleging crowded and unsanitary conditions ; denial of adequate mental and medical health care; medical neglect ; and wrongful death by suicide. “Why shouldn’t they let an inspector go inside the facilities if they are abiding by the standards,” said Jose Ruben Hernandez Gomez, who was detained for 16 months and released in April 2023. “If they have nothing to hide, they shouldn’t be filing a lawsuit.” Hernandez Gomez went on a hunger strike for 21 days after filing dozens of grievances alleging abusive treatment and poor sanitation. Last month, eight members of California’s congressional delegation urged the Department of Homeland Security to end its contracts with two GEO-operated immigration centers, Golden State Annex and Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center, where multiple hunger and labor strikes were held this year. Strikers demanded an end to inadequate medical and mental health services, poor living conditions, and solitary confinement. Advocates fear GEO’s legal victories could be dangerous for the health of immigrants. After Washington state’s Department of Health was denied access to the Northwest ICE Processing Center, the state’s only immigration center, two people died in the facility, including one in October. This article was produced by KFF Health News , which publishes California Healthline , an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation . ( KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs of KFF — the independent source for health policy research, polling and journalism.) ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Random Forays | The rudeness index: Improving one’s score
Flag football scours nation with talent camps to uncover next wave of starsATHENS, Ohio (AP) — AJ Clayton scored 16 points as Ohio beat Robert Morris 84-68 on Saturday. Clayton had seven rebounds for the Bobcats (3-5). Victor Searls scored 14 points and added seven rebounds. Jackson Paveletzke and Aidan Hadaway both scored 11 points. The Colonials (6-3) were led by Josh Omojafo, who recorded 15 points. Antallah Sandlin'El added 14 points for Robert Morris. Alvaro Folgueiras finished with 12 points and seven rebounds. The loss ended a six-game winning streak for the Colonials. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .OpenAI Aiming to Eliminate Microsoft AGI Rule to Boost Future Investment
Trump will ‘most likely' pardon Capitol rioters on day one and says Jan. 6 committee members should be jailedCome winters, people generally tend to feel the shivers and their tempers subside a bit as well. Summers are seething and people’s moods are often inflammable. Yet, here are some who are perennial shouters, while others are born to be calm. Circumstances make us what we are, of course. Company matters. So do the vibes that surround us. A huge amount of will power is needed to stay upbeat when the going gets rough or when one is surrounded by perpetrators of diatribe! Some people evolve and others devolve, of course. Various knocks and jolts make the latter cynical and prone to venting out their angst often. A Hollywood actor has subtitled her Instagram account as “old hag” and since she looks anything but old or like a hag, she definitely means it in the wicked sense. Becoming wicked and caustic by nature is not a choice that is easily made. But it is ultimately a decision taken by a potentially balanced human being, who could have chosen to be otherwise, no matter what the circumstances. There are millions who have made the opposite choice. To remain civil and amiable despite grave challenges and even dastardly conditions. Mother Teresa once went to a hutment colony where the poorest of the poor subsisted. She was handing over small bags of rice to them. One truly impoverished lady expressed her extreme gratefulness upon receiving the said offering from the messiah. But Mother Teresa was bowled over by the lady’s next few words. “I will hand over half the rice to my friend in another colony. Her family needs it even more than mine!” The poor and needy cannot afford to be rude. They are often heartbroken but never harsh, unless circumstances are beyond their control. Rudeness is the exclusive prerogative of the high and mighty. A rather well-off family was to travel by a flight and the airline announced a delay due to weather conditions. The poor airline representative at the airport had to face the brunt of boorish behaviour from the said pompous family. And to make matters worse, most of the other passengers started misbehaving with the little lady as well. Security had to be called in, and neutral onlookers were pleased to see that the security incharge gave such a scolding to the head of the said family that he quickly forgot his pomposity thereafter! Our conduct is a matter of choice. It is we who decide how we are to behave on a given day. Some people are mercurial while others are consistent. Our moodiness often gets the better of us and we succumb. We might then speak with a certain lack of finesse or to put it bluntly, with acerbic iciness that surpasses all acceptable norms, particularly if we “lose it” in public. A study on rudeness at work places, led by Binyamin Cooper of Carnegie Melon University, states this: “While small insults and other forms of rude behaviour might seem relatively harmless compared to more serious forms of aggression, our findings suggest that they can have serious consequences.” It is a matter of fact that one caustic word uttered by a boss, a teacher or a parent, in unbridled anger, might harm the recipient’s psyche for a long time to come. Those in positions of power in society are meant to be even more responsible than others for each little fragment of their conduct. If they are unable to rein in their tendency to lose control, they are sure to cause much more harm than good in whatever capacity they are operating. A wise man once said, “Words once spoken cannot be recalled!” There is also a saying in a lighter vein that advises people to sort out small arguments through fisticuffs instead of hurting other people with deeper wounds through venomous words! Not to be taken seriously of course. The impatient nature of life itself in this era means that many people are short-fused anyway. Social media has exacerbated rudeness. We must focus on physical fitness, creative pursuits, and meditation in order to calm our minds. The rudeness index hasn’t been invented yet. Let’s hope it never sees the light of day! vivek.atray@gmail.com
CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 13, 2024-- Krispy Kreme, Inc. (NASDAQ:DNUT) (“Krispy Kreme” or the “Company”), today announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.035 per share of common stock, in accordance with the Company’s dividend policy. The dividend was declared today, December 13, 2024, and will be paid on February 5, 2025 to shareholders of record on January 22, 2025. About Krispy Kreme, Inc. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Krispy Kreme is one of the most beloved and well-known sweet treat brands in the world. Our iconic Original Glazed ® doughnut is universally recognized for its hot-off-the-line, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Krispy Kreme operates in 40 countries through its unique network of fresh doughnut shops, partnerships with leading retailers, and a rapidly growing digital business with more than 15,500 fresh points of access. Our purpose of touching and enhancing lives through the joy that is Krispy Kreme guides how we operate every day and is reflected in the love we have for our people, our communities, and the planet. Connect with Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at www.KrispyKreme.com and follow us on social: X , Instagram and Facebook . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241211058746/en/ CONTACT: Investor Relations IR@krispykreme.comFinancial Media Edelman Smithfield for Krispy Kreme, Inc. KrispyKremeIR@edelman.com KEYWORD: NORTH CAROLINA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RETAIL FOOD/BEVERAGE ORGANIC FOOD SOURCE: Krispy Kreme, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/13/2024 04:30 PM/DISC: 12/13/2024 04:30 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241211058746/enBy SARAH PARVINI, GARANCE BURKE and JESSE BEDAYN, Associated Press President-elect Donald Trump will return to power next year with a raft of technological tools at his disposal that would help deliver his campaign promise of cracking down on immigration — among them, surveillance and artificial intelligence technology that the Biden administration already uses to help make crucial decisions in tracking, detaining and ultimately deporting immigrants lacking permanent legal status. While immigration officials have used the tech for years, an October letter from the Department of Homeland Security obtained exclusively by The Associated Press details how those tools — some of them powered by AI — help make life-altering decisions for immigrants, including whether they should be detained or surveilled. One algorithm, for example, ranks immigrants with a “Hurricane Score,” ranging from 1-5, to assess whether someone will “abscond” from the agency’s supervision. The letter, sent by DHS Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer Eric Hysen to the immigrant rights group Just Futures Law, revealed that the score calculates the potential risk that an immigrant — with a pending case — will fail to check in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The algorithm relies on several factors, he said, including an immigrant’s number of violations and length of time in the program, and whether the person has a travel document. Hysen wrote that ICE officers consider the score, among other information, when making decisions about an immigrant’s case. “The Hurricane Score does not make decisions on detention, deportation, or surveillance; instead, it is used to inform human decision-making,” Hysen wrote. Also included in the government’s tool kit is a mobile app called SmartLINK that uses facial matching and can track an immigrant’s specific location. Nearly 200,000 people without legal status who are in removal proceedings are enrolled in the Alternatives to Detention program, under which certain immigrants can live in the U.S. while their immigration cases are pending. In exchange, SmartLINK and GPS trackers used by ICE rigorously surveil them and their movements. The phone application draws on facial matching technology and geolocation data, which has been used before to find and arrest those using the app. Just Futures Law wrote to Hysen earlier this year, questioning the fairness of using an algorithm to assess whether someone is a flight risk and raising concerns over how much data SmartLINK collects. Such AI systems, which score or screen people, are used widely but remain largely unregulated even though some have been found to discriminate on race, gender or other protected traits. DHS said in an email that it is committed to ensuring that its use of AI is transparent and safeguards privacy and civil rights while avoiding biases. The agency said it is working to implement the Biden administration’s requirements on using AI , but Hysen said in his letter that security officials may waive those requirements for certain uses. Trump has publicly vowed to repeal Biden’s AI policy when he returns to the White House in January. “DHS uses AI to assist our personnel in their work, but DHS does not use the outputs of AI systems as the sole basis for any law enforcement action or denial of benefits,” a spokesperson for DHS told the AP. Trump has not revealed how he plans to carry out his promised deportation of an estimated 11 million people living in the country illegally. Although he has proposed invoking wartime powers, as well as military involvement, the plan would face major logistical challenges — such as where to keep those who have been detained and how to find people spread across the country — that AI-powered surveillance tools could potentially address. Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump, did not answer questions about how they plan to use DHS’ tech, but said in a statement that “President Trump will marshal every federal and state power necessary to institute the largest deportation operation” in American history. Over 100 civil society groups sent a letter on Friday urging the Office of Management and Budget to require DHS to comply with the Biden administration’s guidelines. OMB did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Just Futures Law’s executive director, Paromita Shah, said if immigrants are scored as flight risks, they are more likely to remain in detention, “limiting their ability to prepare a defense in their case in immigration court, which is already difficult enough as it is.” SmartLINK, part of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program, is run by BI Inc., a subsidiary of the private prison company The GEO Group. The GEO Group also contracts with ICE to run detention centers. ICE is tight-lipped about how it uses SmartLINK’s location feature to find and arrest immigrants. Still, public records show that during Trump’s first term in 2018, Manassas, Virginia-based employees of BI Inc. relayed immigrants’ GPS locations to federal authorities, who then arrested over 40 people. In a report last year to address privacy issues and concerns, DHS said that the mobile app includes security features that “prohibit access to information on the participant’s mobile device, with the exception of location data points when the app is open.” But the report notes that there remains a risk that data collected from people “may be misused for unauthorized persistent monitoring.” Such information could also be stored in other ICE and DHS databases and used for other DHS mission purposes, the report said. On investor calls earlier this month, private prison companies were clear-eyed about the opportunities ahead. The GEO Group’s executive chairman George Christopher Zoley said that he expects the incoming Trump administration to “take a much more aggressive approach regarding border security as well as interior enforcement and to request additional funding from Congress to achieve these goals.” “In GEO’s ISAP program, we can scale up from the present 182,500 participants to several hundreds of thousands, or even millions of participants,” Zoley said. That same day, the head of another private prison company told investors he would be watching closely to see how the new administration may change immigrant monitoring programs. “It’s an opportunity for multiple vendors to engage ICE about the program going forward and think about creative and innovative solutions to not only get better outcomes, but also scale up the program as necessary,” Damon Hininger, CEO of the private prison company CoreCivic Inc. said on an earnings call. GEO did not respond to requests for comment. In a statement, CoreCivic said that it has played “a valued but limited role in America’s immigration system” for both Democrats and Republicans for over 40 years.
RichLegg With Black Friday weekend now in the rearview mirror, payment technology companies are releasing their insights from the traditional start of the holiday shopping season. Here's what payment companies are highlighting: Fiserv ( NYSE: FI ): The company's SpendTrend data from Nov. 27-Dec. 2Will Jamaal Williams Play in Week 13? NFL Injury Status, News & UpdatesNone
Winners and losers from CFP, bowl selections: The Big Ten’s smooth ride, SEC angst, cold-weather dreams, letdowns for UW, USC and more
Published 4:38 pm Friday, December 13, 2024 By Data Skrive The UCLA Bruins versus the Long Beach State Beach is one of six games on the college basketball slate on Saturday that includes a ranked team on the court. Watch women’s college basketball, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up. Catch tons of live women’s college basketball , plus original programming, with ESPN+ or the Disney Bundle.Reforms in Nigeria will improve Africa’s economic prospects – Tinubu
Paula Abdul Settles Sexual Assault Suit Against ‘American Idol’ Producer Nigel LythgoeIn the ever-evolving crypto market, few projects manage to stand out as true game changers. Rexas Finance (RXS) is one such contender, offering a revolutionary approach to asset tokenization. Unlike Solana (SOL) or Ripple (XRP), Rexas Finance bridges real-world assets (RWAs) and blockchain technology, creating new opportunities for investors. With its presale already in its tenth stage and a remarkable fivefold price increase, RXS is poised to become a top-tier project with the potential to multiply investments dramatically. If you are holding $1000, this could be your entry ticket to turning it into $100,000. Rexas Finance Rises With Real-World Asset Tokenization Rexas Finance transforms how people invest by enabling ownership of real-world assets such as real estate, commodities, and even collectibles through blockchain technology. 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The real estate industry, worth trillions globally, becomes more inclusive as RXS opens the doors for fractional ownership. Commodities like gold and oil are now easily tradable in fractions, giving investors flexible options. Additionally, the art market, valued at over $65 billion, is experiencing a shift as tokenization democratizes ownership of high-value items. The possibilities with RXS are virtually endless, ensuring its relevance across multiple sectors. Presale Success and Unparalleled Growth Potential Rexas Finance has already raised over $26.6 million, with its presale stages selling out swiftly. The current price of $0.150 per token reflects a fivefold increase from its initial price, and investors at this stage are positioned for a 1.33x return upon launch. With a total supply of one billion tokens, the distribution prioritizes accessibility, allocating 42.5% to presale and 22.5% to staking pools, ensuring robust community engagement. Unlike many projects that rely on venture capital funding, Rexas Finance opted for a public presale, providing everyday investors the chance to join the revolution. The team’s transparent approach is further validated by a CertiK audit, underscoring the platform’s security and reliability. Additionally, its listing on CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko boosts its visibility among the global crypto audience, attracting investors and enhancing liquidity. To sweeten the deal, Rexas Finance has launched a $1M Giveaway, offering 20 winners $50,000 USDT each. Participants can boost their chances by completing actions and referring friends, ensuring broad community participation. Such initiatives reflect RXS’s commitment to rewarding its growing investor base and building a loyal following. Final Thoughts: The Path to $100,000 Starts Here Rexas Finance’s potential to deliver significant returns lies in its innovative approach to asset management. By merging blockchain technology with RWAs, RXS has created a platform that caters to both traditional and crypto investors. Its growing ecosystem, robust presale performance, and unique tools solidify its position as a top contender in the crypto market. With projections suggesting RXS could reach $10+ by early 2025, representing a 50x to 150x increase from current prices, now is the time to act. Whether you are looking to invest in real estate, commodities, or collectibles, Rexas Finance offers a seamless way to grow your wealth. Take the leap today—your $1000 could be the start of an extraordinary journey. Website: https://rexas.com Win $1 Million Giveaway: https://bit.ly/Rexas1M Whitepaper: https://rexas.com/rexas-whitepaper.pdf Twitter/X: https://x.com/rexasfinance Telegram: https://t.me/rexasfinance Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.Big Ten slate features Indiana-Ohio State showdown and Penn State-Minnesota matchup Things to watch this week in the Big Ten Conference: No. 5 Indiana (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten, No. 5 CFP ) at No. 2 Ohio State (9-1, 6-1, No. 2 CFP), Saturday, noon ET (Fox) This marks the 98th matchup between these two teams, but it's only the fourth time both teams have been ranked. Although Indiana is unbeaten, its soft schedule means the Hoosiers aren't assured of making the 12-team field if they lose this game. The only team with a winning record that Indiana has beaten is Washington (6-5). Ohio State needs a win to have a realistic shot at a rematch with top-ranked Oregon in the Big Ten championship game. Ohio State has beaten Indiana 28 straight times since the Hoosiers posted back-to-back victories in 1987-88. No. 4 Penn State (9-1, 6-1, No. 4 CFP) at Minnesota (6-4, 4-3), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. (CBS) This is likely Penn State's biggest obstacle on its way to a potential playoff berth. The Nittany Lions' lone remaining regular-season game is a Nov. 30 home matchup with Maryland (4-6, 1-6). Minnesota has had an extra week to prepare this game since its 26-19 loss at Rutgers on Nov. 9, which snapped a four-game winning streak. Penn State and Minnesota have split their last four meetings, with the home team winning each time. Penn State DE Abdul Carter has multiple tackles for loss in each of his last three games. He ranks second among all Bowl Subdivision players in tackles for loss (17 1⁄2). Southern California RB Woody Marks rushed for a career-high 146 yards in a 28-20 win over Nebraska. Marks has six 100-yard rushing performances this season. Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai is the first Scarlet Knight to rush for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons since Ray Rice did it three straight years from 2005-07. Monangai has run for 1,028 yards this season and rushed for 1,262 yards last year. Oregon OLB Matayo Uiagalelei recorded a sack and had a game-clinching interception as the top-ranked Ducks won 16-13 at Wisconsin last week. He has 8 1⁄2 sacks this season to rank second in the Big Ten. Four of the top seven Bowl Subdivision quarterbacks in passer rating are from the Big Ten. Indiana's Kurtis Rourke is second, Ohio State's Will Howard is third, Penn State's Drew Allar is fifth and Oregon's Dillon Gabriel is seventh. ... Illinois QB Luke Altmyer has thrown 18 touchdown passes with only three interceptions. The only Power Four quarterback with a better touchdown/interception ratio while throwing at least 10 touchdown passes is Clemson's Cade Klubnik, who has 26 touchdowns and four interceptions. ... Rutgers' three Big Ten wins matches its largest total since joining the league in 2014. Rutgers also had three conference wins in 2014, 2017, 2020 and 2023. A victory Saturday over No. 24 Illinois would give Rutgers three straight Big Ten wins for the first time. ... Washington's 31-19 win over UCLA was its 20th straight home victory, representing its second-longest such streak in school history. The Huskies won 45 straight home games from 1908-17. ... Wisconsin heads to Nebraska this week having won its last 10 matchups with the Cornhuskers. Penn State justifiably is favored on the road against Minnesota, but Bet MGM's 12 1⁄2-point spread seems way too big. Expect this game to have a single-digit margin. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. 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