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AGNC Investment Corp. Declares Monthly Common Stock Dividend of $0.12 per Common Share for December 2024Kerala has achieved the highest increase in forest cover outside the recorded forest area in India over the past decade, as reported in the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023. Between 2013 and 2023, the State’s total forest cover also increased by 133.42 sq.km, a growth of 19.99%, marking one of the highest growth rates in the country. The ISFR 2023, compiled by the Forest Survey of India and released by Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav a day ago, also highlights that Kerala ranks third in terms of maximum tree cover relative to the total geographical area, at 7.48%. Compared to the 2021 assessment, Kerala records the third-highest increase in forest cover outside the recorded forest area (95.19 sq.km.), following Gujarat and Bihar. The forest cover within recorded forest area grew by 38.23 sq.km., and the State’s overall forest and tree cover increased by 13.76 sq. km. Growing stock The report further states that Kerala has the second-highest per hectare growing stock in forest, with 179.78 cubic metres. (Growing stock refers to the total volume of living trees in a given area of forest, serving as a key metric for forest management, sustainability and timber production.) Kerala’s recorded forest area spans 11,522 sq.km., making up 29.66% of its notified geographical area of 38,852 sq.km. The State’s mangrove cover has expanded marginally by 0.02 sq.km (since 2021), now covering 9.45 sq.km., while the bamboo-bearing area has grown by 1.62%, extending across 2,443 sq.km. Among the districts located along the Western Ghats, the forest cover in the eco-sensitive areas of Idukki has decreased by 97.94 sq.km, while Kozhikode has seen the highest increase of 124.21 sq.km, followed by Malappuram with an increase of 99.98 sq.km. Published - December 22, 2024 08:45 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit forests / KeralaThe Onion's rejected purchase of Infowars in an auction bid supported by families of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting dealt them a new setback Wednesday and clouded the future of Alex Jones' conspiracy theory platform, which is now poised to remain in his control for at least the near future. What's next for Infowars and Sandy Hook families' long-sought efforts to hold Jones accountable over calling one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history a hoax was unclear, after a federal judge in Houston late Tuesday rejected The Onion's winning bid for the site . U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston said he did not want another auction but offered no roadmap over how to proceed. One possibility includes ultimately allowing Sandy Hook families — who comprise most of Jones' creditors — to return to state courts in Connecticut and Texas to collect on the nearly $1.5 billion in defamation and emotional distress lawsuit judgments that Jones was ordered to pay them. “Our hope is that when this process ends, and it will end, and it will end sooner rather than later, is that all assets that Alex Jones has available are paid to the families, and that includes Infowars, and that as a result of that process Alex Jones is deprived of the ownership and control of the platform that he’s used to hurt so many people,” Christopher Mattei, an attorney for the Sandy Hook families, said in a phone interview Wednesday. The families, meanwhile, were preparing the mark the 12th anniversary of the Dec. 14 shooting. The sale of Infowars is part of Jones’ personal bankruptcy case , which he filed in late 2022 after he was ordered to pay the $1.5 billion. Jones was sued for repeatedly saying on his show that the 2012 massacre of 20 first graders and six educators was staged by crisis actors to spur more gun control. Lopez said there was a lack of transparency in the bidding process and too much confusion about The Onion's bid. He also said the amount of money offered in the only two bids was too low and there needed to be more effort to try to raise as much money possible from the selling of Infowars' assets. The Onion's parent company, Global Tetrahedron, submitted a $1.75 million cash offer with plans to kick Jones out and relaunch Infowars in January as a parody . The bid also included a deal with many of the Sandy Hook families for them to forgo $750,000 of their auction proceeds and give it to other creditors. Lopez called it a complex arrangement that led to different interpretations of the bid's actual value as well as last-minute changes to a proposed sale order. The other bidder was First United American Companies, which runs a website in Jones’ name that sells nutritional supplements and planned to let Jones stay on the Infowars platforms. It offered $3.5 million in cash and later, with Jones, alleged fraud and collusion in the bidding process. Lopez rejected the allegations, saying that while mistakes were made there was no wrongdoing. Christopher Murray, the trustee who oversaw the auction, said he picked The Onion and its deal with the Sandy Hook families because it would have provided more money to Jones' other creditors. The next steps remained unclear Wednesday. The judge directed Murray to come up with a new plan to move forward. Murray and representatives of The Onion did not immediately return messages seeking comment. The judge said there was a possibility there could be a trial in 2025 to settle Jones' bankruptcy. He said Murray could try to sell the equity in Infowars' parent company. He also said Murray could abandon the efforts, which could allow the Sandy Hook families to return to the state courts where they won their lawsuits against Jones and begin collection proceedings against him. The judge said he wanted to hear back from Murray and others involved in the bankruptcy within 30 days on a plan to move forward. Mattei, who represented the Sandy Hook families in the Connecticut lawsuit, said everyone is waiting to see what plan the trustee comes up with. Jones, meanwhile, continued to allege fraud and collusion on his show Wednesday and threatened legal action over what he called an attempted “rigged auction.” On the social media platform X, he called the judge's ruling a “Major Victory For Freedom Of The Press & Due Process." “I don’t want to have to go after these people, lawsuit-wise, but we have to because if you don’t then you’re aiding and abetting and they do it to other people. They made some big mistakes," he said. It's a solemn and heartbreaking week for relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. The 12th anniversary is Saturday, and some of the victims' relatives were traveling to Washington, D.C., to attend the annual National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence on Wednesday evening. The families usually mark the anniversary out of the public eye. Many of the families said their lawsuits against Jones bought back the unbearable pain of losing their loved ones, as well as the trauma of being harassed and threatened by believers of Jones' hoax conspiracy. Relatives said they have been confronted in public by hoax believers and received death and rape threats. Robbie Parker, whose 6-year-old daughter Emilie was killed, testified at the Connecticut lawsuit trial in 2022 that the decade of abuse his family suffered made them move across the country to Washington state, and even there he was accosted in person. The families have not received any money from Jones since winning the trials. Jones has been appealing the $1.5 billion in judgments, and has since conceded that the shooting did happen. Last week, a Connecticut appeals court upheld most of the judgment in that state but reduced it by $150 million. Associated Press writer Juan A. Lozano in Houston contributed to this report.
Australia is unleashing gene-editing technology like CRISPR across agriculture, medicine, and biology, revolutionising everything, from horses to humans. For the uninitiated, CRISPR technology is a gene-editing tool that allows scientists to alter DNA sequences. It works like molecular scissors, cutting DNA at specific locations and enabling modifications to correct genetic errors or enhance desired traits. Bill Gates and the World Economic Forum (WEF) champion CRISPR as a solution to pressing global issues, such as food insecurity and deadly diseases. When figures like Gates and the WEF enter the conversation, scepticism is unavoidable. The potential for this powerful technology to be hijacked for profit or control is a legitimate concern. Sobering Study A recent study on editing the NCF1 gene—a gene crucial for helping immune cells fight infections—has raised serious concerns that should make everyone, from scientists to patients to policymakers, take notice. The study shows that editing the NCF1 gene, surrounded by nearly identical pseudogenes, often causes unintended and serious disruptions in chromosomes. Pseudogenes are like broken-down copies of normal genes. They look similar to regular genes, but they don’t work properly because they’ve lost the ability to produce functional proteins. Think of them as genetic "fossils,” leftover pieces from our evolutionary past. They’re often harmless, but when they sit close to working genes, like in the case of the NCF1 gene, they can cause problems during genetic editing, leading to mistakes like unintended cuts or rearrangements. CRISPR is like a surgical scalpel, sharp and precise but easily thrown off by small errors. In cases like NCF1, where similar DNA sequences cluster closely together, CRISPR can mistakenly cut in the wrong spot. Large chunks of chromosomes may be deleted, duplicated, or rearranged. These mistakes could have profound and potentially devastating effects on real patients. Potential Scenarios Imagine a young Australian child suffering from CGD (chronic granulomatous disease), a rare genetic disorder that weakens their immune system and leaves them vulnerable to life-threatening infections. Parents are offered hope with cutting-edge gene therapy that uses CRISPR to fix the faulty gene. While the treatment might successfully repair the immune defect, it could unintentionally cause new problems. Chromosomal errors could lead to other serious conditions, such as an increased risk of leukemia or developmental disorders. For the family, what seemed like a cure becomes a risky gamble with consequences they never imagined. Now broaden the scope. Australia, like many countries, is investing in biotechnology as a key driver of its medical research sector. CRISPR-based therapies are being developed to treat everything from rare diseases to blindness. But if the risks highlighted in this study aren’t addressed, Australia could face ethical and regulatory challenges. What happens when unintended consequences emerge years after treatments are rolled out? Who will be held accountable for long-term harm in patients? These are important questions that must be answered sooner rather than later. The Bigger Picture Beyond the impact on individual patients, the broader societal consequences are worth discussing. Just as AI has sparked fears of systems operating beyond human control, CRISPR’s rapid advancement could spiral into uncharted territory. Lawsuits against biotech companies might flood the courts as unforeseen side effects wreak havoc on lives. This could leave governments and healthcare systems scrambling to impose regulations on an industry that accelerates faster than they can react. The problem is painfully familiar. AI and CRISPR are both advancing at breakneck speed, but lawmakers—many of whom barely grasp the basics of these technologies—are hopelessly behind. Most legislators couldn’t explain the difference between a gene and a pseudogene, much less articulate how generative AI operates. Many struggle with even the most basic distinctions, like recognising the difference between a man and a woman. This knowledge gap allows industries to outpace regulation, creating a dangerous environment where innovation races forward with little to no oversight. Like AI, biotech is a double-edged sword. Rogue scientists, unethical corporations, or even state actors could exploit CRISPR for darker purposes. For example, engineered pathogens could be designed to target and even kill specific groups of people. Genetic modifications might also widen the gap between the rich and the poor, with wealthy nations or individuals gaining access to enhancements for intelligence, physical ability, or disease resistance. This could create a genetic underclass while the privileged few move into an entirely different level of biological advantage. This is not hyperbolic fearmongering. This is the world that awaits us. Playing God The ethical debates are also worth considering. Critics might contend that humanity has no right to rewrite the blueprint of life, to tinker with creation itself, or to play God. This perspective warns of hubris, suggesting that altering the genetic code—the very foundation of existence—risks unforeseen and irreversible consequences. Are we claiming the authority to correct nature’s mistakes, or are we crossing a line that was never ours to cross? Others, however, might argue that failing to embrace progress would be equally immoral, as it denies life-saving treatments to those who desperately need them. Whatever your thoughts, this study is a wakeup call for anyone concerned about the future of medicine and humanity itself. CRISPR holds extraordinary promise, but it’s no miracle cure. The risks are real, the stakes are high, and the consequences—particularly for nations like Australia that aspire to lead in biotech—could reshape society. Whether it becomes a tool for salvation or destruction depends entirely on how we wield it. The question isn’t whether we can play God—it’s whether we should.
‘Ghost gun’: What to know about the weapon found on CEO shooting suspect
By Kemberley Washington, CPA, Bankrate.com The IRS Direct File program, which lets taxpayers file their federal income tax return directly with the IRS for free, is doubling its reach to 24 states for the 2025 tax season, up from 12 states in 2024, the program’s pilot year. The Direct File program will also accept more types of tax situations for the 2025 tax season. While taxpayers who used the system in 2024 could claim a handful of tax credits, including the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit , that list is expanding in 2025 to include the child and dependent care credit , among others. An estimated 30 million taxpayers will qualify for the Direct File program in 2025, the IRS says. More than 140,000 taxpayers filed their federal tax returns through the Direct File program in 2024. About 90% of users said their experience was excellent or above average, according to a survey of about 11,000 Direct File users in 2024, conducted by the General Services Administration. “We’re excited about the improvements to Direct File and the millions more taxpayers who will be eligible to use the service this year,” said Danny Werfel, the IRS commissioner, in a statement. “Our goal is to improve the experience of tax filing itself and help taxpayers meet their obligations quickly and easily.” The IRS says that taxpayers can use Direct File when the 2025 tax season kicks off in January, and it will be available until Oct. 15, 2025. But the program’s future is somewhat unclear: In December, 29 Republican lawmakers sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump, calling for him to end the Direct File program on his first day in office. Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives also introduced legislation in July to end the Direct File program. For now, here’s what you need to know about how the IRS Direct File program works, and how to qualify for it. The Direct File program is a new initiative, about to enter its second year, that allows taxpayers to file their federal tax returns electronically with the IRS. The no-cost tool guides taxpayers through every part of their federal income tax return. Taxpayers can file using a smartphone, computer or tablet. One of the program’s advantages is that, if you have questions as you’re working on your return, you can get live support directly from the IRS via chat or phone. IRS representatives can answer basic tax questions and help with technical issues in English and Spanish. The Direct File program has income limits, as well as limits on the types of income, deductions and credits you can enter on your tax return. For the 2025 tax season: To be eligible for Direct File, your income can come from the following sources: But if you’re self-employed, or have business or rental income, you can’t use Direct File . Same goes for IRA contributions or distributions: If you have either, you can’t use Direct File. You can use the IRS Direct File program only if you claim the standard deduction — the program isn’t available to people who itemize. But you can claim certain above-the-line deductions: student loan interest , educator expenses and health savings account contributions . You can’t use Direct File if you want to deduct your IRA contributions. The Direct File program allows for the following tax credits in 2025: However, if you want to claim education credits , credits for energy efficient home upgrades or the adoption expense credit , you can’t use the Direct File program. More taxpayers will have access to the IRS Direct File program in 2025. In 2024, the IRS kicked off the program with only 12 states; that number has expanded to 24 states for the 2025 tax season. For some of the states that participate in the IRS Direct File program, your federal return information will be transferred automatically to the state tax website, but in some cases you’ll have to re-enter your information. Visit this IRS Direct File page to get the details for your state. Here is a list of the participating states: If you don’t qualify for the IRS Direct File program, you may have other options to file your tax return for free. In addition to Direct File, the IRS offers the Free File program, in which it partners with online tax software providers to provide free federal income tax return filing. Some providers also allow you to file a state income tax return. For the 2024 tax season, your adjusted gross income had to be less than $79,000 to qualify for the Free File program. That dollar threshold is likely to rise slightly for the 2025 tax season. The IRS also offers the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides certified volunteers to prepare basic tax returns if you earn less than $67,000 a year, are disabled, or speak limited English. You can find a site near you by visiting this IRS page . ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Old friends Corey Conners and Brooke Henderson usually have to keep tabs on each other from afar, but this week they'll get to see one another up close. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Starting at $14.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527. Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! Old friends Corey Conners and Brooke Henderson usually have to keep tabs on each other from afar, but this week they'll get to see one another up close. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Old friends Corey Conners and Brooke Henderson usually have to keep tabs on each other from afar, but this week they’ll get to see one another up close. Conners and Henderson will team up once again at the Grant Thornton Invitational, a unique event where some of the best golfers from the PGA and LPGA Tours compete as pairs. The tournament is quickly becoming an annual reunion for the two graduates of Golf Canada’s junior program. “Since turning professional, our careers have gone separate ways, and we haven’t been able to cross paths too much,” said Conners, who finished the men’s season 39th on the FedEx Cup standings. “I’m always cheering her on from afar, and always have my eye on the LPGA Tour leaderboard when she’s playing.” Henderson, likewise, has been keeping tabs on Conners’s exploits. “It’s just been really fun to watch his career and cheer him on,” said Henderson, who finished 13th in the women’s tour’s rankings. “I think this event has reconnected us, in a way, and it’s been really special and great to be able to know his family and just to watch this game and be his partner here is really cool.” Both were on Team Canada back in 2013 when they won the Copa de las Americas along with Albin Choi and Augusta James. Conners and Henderson also represented Canada at the last two Olympics but due to COVID-19 restrictions they didn’t get to interact at the Tokyo Games in 2021. The men’s and women’s tournaments were on different weeks at the Paris Games this past summer. The two Canadians finished second at the inaugural Grant Thornton Invitational last year with a combined score of 25 under, a shot behind New Zealand’s Lydia Ko and Australia’s Jason Day. “It’s been great to be able to share some experiences like the Olympics and this event last year and spending more time together has been awesome,” said Conners, who is from Listowel, Ont. “She’s this amazing person, amazing golfer, and a fun partner at this event.” The stacked leaderboard will see 16 pairs tee off on Friday at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Fla. American Tony Finau withdrew from the event on Wednesday afternoon. He was replaced as top-ranked Nelly Korda’s partner by Daniel Berger. “I feel like we make a great team, and I’m excited for Friday to tee it up and hopefully make some birdies and be inspired by (Conners’s) great shots,” said Henderson, who is from Smiths Falls, Ont. PGA TOUR — Six Canadians are vying for a PGA Tour card at the PGA Tour Q-School this week. Roger Sloan of Merritt, B.C., Edmonton’s Wil Bateman, Myles Creighton of Digby, N.S., Toronto’s Sebastian Szirmak, as well as Matthew Anderson and Sudarshan Yellamaraju of Mississauga, Ont., will all be in the field at Dye’s Valley Course and Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., this week. LPGA TOUR — Hamilton’s Alena Sharp and Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Sherbrooke, Que., both earned full status on the LPGA Tour for 2025 after solid showings at the final qualifying stage of the Q-Series on Monday. Sharp tied for 21st at 7 under and Leblanc tied for 24th at 6 under. The top 25 finishers in the tournament earned their status. GOLFZON TOUR — A team of five golfers from the Greater Toronto Area will be competing in the GOLFZON Tour, a golf simulator league that features 12 teams from North America and the United Kingdom. Team Toronto will play its GOLFZON Tour quarterfinal match at a Golfplay location in Waterloo, Ont., on the virtual Old Course at St. Andrews against Team Orlando on Dec. 19. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 11, 2024. Advertisement AdvertisementTesla's Market Cap Nears Half Of Global Auto Industry
By Funsho Arogundade T he Grand Ball Room of the prestigious Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos was electrified on Thursday, December 19 as Segilola Olasubulumi, the beautiful daughter of Mogaji Wole Arisekola tied the knots with her beloved heartthrob, Samuel Osereme Aisabokhae at a spectacular nuptial celebration. The traditional wedding ceremony captivated all who attended. From the moment guests arrived, they were greeted by an atmosphere of elegance with lavish decorations featuring intricate floral arrangements, shimmering lights, and exquisite table settings that reflected a grand vision of beauty and sophistication. It was evident that no detail had been overlooked in the planning of this momentous occasion. The traditional wedding drew hundreds of guests from all corners of the globe with some flying in from the United States, Dublin and London. It was a gathering of high-profile dignitaries and influential personalities from various sectors —business, media, politics, and social circles. Esteemed friends and family of both the bride and groom mingled harmoniously, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultures and connections. Culinary delight featuring a diverse array of sumptuous dishes and premium beverages that showcased the rich flavour of Nigerian cuisines were served throughout the evening. The highlight of the ceremony was the couple’s grand entrance. Segilola and Samuel left the audience in awe as they emerged from a luxury Rolls-Royce which glided onto the stage. The crowd erupted in applause as the cinematic entrance defined the evening’s elegance. As the night wore on, top musical artists took turns on the stage to entertain guests with the celebratory vibe. Laolu Gbenjo, Fuji maestro Saheed Osupa, Beejay Sax, and DJ Kulet brought the audience to their feet. Famous chanter Sulaiman Ayilara Aremu known as Ajobiewe, delivered lyrical tribute to the couple while Master Compere Gbenga Adeyinka handled the proceedings with class and panache that resonated throughout the ballroom.Linking science, academia, and industry key to Pakistan's progress: Experts
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Set near Calne in an “idyllic position... with stunning views over neighbouring countryside” this sounds more like a resort than a house in the West Country. The four-bedroom house has been put up for sale by Strakers for £700,000. (Image: Strakers) Not only would it be great for a holiday, but imagine how this house with its garden office could change your work-from-home life - walking from your desk in your lunch break, across “large gardens” to take a dip. The house itself is described as a “spacious, beautifully presented, semi-detached house with large, well-maintained gardens”. The house is open-plan with “large” French doors opening onto the swimming pool and deck area with an outdoor dining table. (Image: Strakers) This outdoor table is protected from the elements by a wood-panelled canopy with skylights to avoid it being gloomy. This would be perfect for summer storms, sitting watching the rain fall while enjoying a drink in the dry. The agent is particularly keen on the gardens. They write: “One of the outstanding features of this impressive property is large, mature garden which is incredibly private and sides onto a field. (Image: Strakers) “The garden is divided into a number of sections including a superb, raised paved patio seating area with glass balustrade, extensive lawned area, well-stocked beds and ornamental bushes.” According to estate agent Strutt and Parker, a third of Brits want an indoor swimming pool - topping the list of features that people want in their own homes. Research from Ocean Finance reveals that 36 per cent of homeowners, or over 18 million people, crave an indoor swimming pool which they can call their own. (Image: Strakers) Meanwhile, 23 per cent of people want a jacuzzi or hot tub in their dream house. The house is located in the hamlet of Studley between Chippenham and Calne. The neighbouring village of Derry Hill offers a primary school, post office shop, church and the Lansdowne Arms pub. The pub is “a gabled, rural stone inn with 2 gardens and valley views”, according to its website, with strong reviews. The house was last listed for sale in 2012 for £395,000 when it looked radically different inside, but much the same outside with its pool. Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/subscribe/ As a digital subscriber, you will get:
Drive into 2025, slowly, oh-so-carefullyIndia's Lakshya Sen bowed out in the semifinals of the inaugural King Cup International Badminton Open, suffering a straight-game loss to reigning world junior champion Hu Zhe'an of China in the men's singles in Shenzhen on Saturday. ( More Badminton News ) The 23-year-old from Almora fought hard but couldn't overcome the relentless Hu, losing 19-21, 19-21 in a thrilling contest. The match saw both shuttlers locked in a tight battle, with little separating them throughout. Hu took a slender one-point advantage at the break after Lakshya's backhand went into the net. The 18-year-old Hu, who made his international debut in 2022, continued to press on and clinched the opening game when Lakshya hit wide. The second game followed a similar pattern, with the score tied at 6-6 before Hu surged ahead to 12-10. Lakshya managed to fight back, taking a three-point lead at 19-16, but Hu showcased his attacking prowess with powerful smashes and delicate drops, ultimately sealing the win. BY PTI Lakshya, who had earlier won the Syed Modi International Super 300 title this month, had defeated Hong Kong's Angus Ng Ka Long in the quarterfinals of the three-day event, which offers a prize purse of approximately USD 152,000. The tournament was launched by two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan of China.