HUNTINGTON, W.V. (AP) — Marshall has withdrawn from the Independence Bowl after a coaching change resulted in much of its roster jumping into the transfer portal. The Thundering Herd were slated to play Army on Dec. 28 in Shreveport, Louisiana. But the Independence Bowl and Louisiana Tech announced on Saturday that the Bulldogs will take on the 19th-ranked Black Knights instead. Marshall said it pulled out “after falling below the roster minimum that was deemed medically safe.” The Herd (10-3) beat Louisiana-Lafayette 31-3 last weekend to win the Sun Belt Conference Championship for the first time. The program has won seven games in a row in the same season for the first time since 2020. “We apologize for the nature and timing of this announcement and for the turmoil it has brought to bowl season preparations for Army, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, the American Athletic Conference and ESPN,” Sun Belt Commissioner Keith Gill said in a statement. Coach Charles Huff left Marshall for Southern Miss last Sunday, and Tony Gibson, the defensive coordinator at North Carolina State, was announced as his replacement less than an hour later. By Thursday, at least 25 Marshall players had entered the transfer portal. Gibson held a meeting shortly after arriving on campus in Huntington to introduce himself to the team. He followed that up with phone calls, text messages and more meetings Friday and Saturday. “Any time coaches leave to take other jobs, it is emotional,” Gibson said at a news conference Thursday. “And kids that are 18-to-22 years old are going to make emotional decisions instead of just breathing for a day or two.” It's the first bowl for Louisiana Tech (5-7) since 2020. The Bulldogs have won two of their last three games, but they haven't played since a 33-0 victory over Kennesaw State on Nov. 30. “We are excited to accept the opportunity to play in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl against a fantastic and storied program as Army,” Louisiana Tech athletic director Ryan Ivey said in a release. “I believe our football program is moving toward positive structure and the opportunity to play in this bowl adds to that momentum. We are looking forward to being in Shreveport for this matchup.” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballItaly working 'tirelessly' to free journalist in Iran
Home Team tech agency ramps up hiring and keeps flexi-work amid global techlash
Tweet Facebook Mail Hannah Kobayashi, the missing Hawaii woman whose disappearance prompted a massive search , has been found safe, the Los Angeles Police Department said Wednesday. Kobayashi vanished last month in Los Angeles, and her disappearance prompted a massive search and a missing persons investigation . It was not immediately clear where she was found, but police previously said she had voluntarily crossed the border into Mexico. READ MORE: Users worldwide unable to access Facebook and Instagram amid outage Hannah Kobayashi has been found safe. (Nine) "We are happy to learn that Hannah has been found safe," the LAPD said in a statement. "Now that we have this new information, this has become a private matter and we will wrap up our investigation." Kobayashi, a budding photographer from Maui, was heading to New York City on November 8 for a new job and to visit relatives when she missed a connecting flight during a stop at Los Angeles International Airport. She told her family she was sleeping at the airport that night and texted them the next day to say she was sightseeing in Los Angeles. READ MORE: When are ATARs released and how do I access them? Kobayashi, a budding photographer from Maui, was heading to New York City when she went missing. (Courtesy Sydni Kobayashi via CNN Newsource) Her family reported her missing to law enforcement on November 11 after relatives received "strange and cryptic, just alarming" text messages, according to her aunt Larie Pidgeon. "Once the family started pressing, she went dark," Pidgeon told The Associated Press late last month. After the texts on November 11, her phone "just went dead," Pidgeon said. Family members, friends and local volunteers searched for Hannah in Los Angeles. Hannah's father, Ryan Kobayashi, was among those who flew in from Hawaii to help in the search. He was found dead on November 24 in a parking lot near LA International Airport, according to the county medical examiner. READ MORE: Fingerprints from health care CEO's killing scene match suspect Luigi Mangione's, police say Hannah's father, Ryan Kobayashi, was among those who flew in from Hawaii to help in the search. (CNN via CNN Newsource) Police said Kobayashi walked into Mexico at the San Ysidro border crossing about 201 kilometres southeast of Los Angeles on November 12, the day after her family reported her missing. Authorities made the announcement after reviewing security video from US Customs and Border Protection. Kobayashi disappeared voluntarily as she sought to "step away from modern connectivity," LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, the LA police chief, previously said. DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .
The Carbon Capture Dream Bumps Up Against Reality In TexasSaturday, December 14, 2024 Kenyan President William Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the country’s heritage sites and monuments as part of a bold initiative to elevate tourism numbers from 2 million to 5 million annually. During a ceremony in Nairobi, where the government celebrated its cultural heritage and the return of stolen artifacts from overseas museums, Ruto emphasized the economic and cultural significance of preserving Kenya’s globally recognized assets. Kenya’s eight UNESCO-listed heritage sites represent some of the most iconic cultural and natural landmarks in Africa. They include Fort Jesus in Mombasa, Lamu Old Town on the northern coast, the sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests in Kilifi County, the Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site in western Kenya, Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest, Lake Turkana National Parks, the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, and the recently inscribed Gedi Ruins in Kilifi County. These sites, celebrated for their historical and ecological significance, face a range of threats, including ecological degradation and human encroachment. Ruto highlighted the urgency of addressing these challenges to ensure their preservation for future generations. Also Read: Kenya Seeks To Capitalize On U.S. Travel Market Boom With New Tourism Strategies As part of the government’s strategy to revitalize cultural tourism, Ruto announced plans to allocate significant resources to protect and enhance heritage sites. Measures include building perimeter walls to prevent encroachment and rehabilitating roads to improve accessibility for tourists, researchers, and archivists. These infrastructural upgrades are expected to boost the sites’ appeal and promote sustainable tourism. “Our ongoing efforts to enhance the authenticity of heritage sites across the country aim to strengthen Kenya’s global stature as a premier tourist destination,” Ruto said. Kenya ranks fifth in Africa in terms of UNESCO-listed heritage sites, underscoring its cultural and ecological wealth. However, Ruto noted that these sites remain underutilized and hold untapped potential to transform rural livelihoods by attracting more tourists, creating jobs, and supporting local economies. By safeguarding and promoting these heritage sites, Kenya aims to leverage cultural tourism as a driver of sustainable development. Enhanced visitor experiences at sites like Mount Kenya National Park and the Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site can attract both domestic and international travelers seeking meaningful and immersive cultural experiences. Also Read: Barbados, Bhutan, Eswatini, Jordan, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan and Zimbabwe Soon to Get Simplified Visa Policy to Travel to Russia Heritage conservation initiatives have far-reaching benefits. They not only enhance Kenya’s global profile as a tourist destination but also foster national pride and community involvement. The return of stolen artifacts, celebrated during the Nairobi ceremony, underscores the importance of reclaiming Kenya’s cultural identity on the global stage. Moreover, the government’s efforts align with global tourism trends emphasizing authenticity, cultural preservation, and sustainable travel. These initiatives will position Kenya as a leader in cultural tourism while addressing the pressing need to protect vulnerable heritage sites. Despite Kenya’s commitment to heritage protection, challenges persist. Ecological degradation, unregulated urban development, and insufficient funding have threatened the integrity of UNESCO-listed sites. Ruto’s administration has pledged to tackle these issues through comprehensive conservation strategies, increased funding, and community engagement. The sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests, for instance, face threats from logging and agricultural expansion, while Lamu Old Town contends with modernization pressures that risk eroding its historical charm. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts involving government agencies, local communities, and international partners. Also Read: Kenya Airways Dominates as Africa’s Top Airline for Unmatched Service and Timely Operations In addition to infrastructure improvements, Kenya’s tourism strategy includes diversifying visitor experiences. Interactive cultural tours, educational programs, and eco-tourism activities are being developed to enrich the experience at heritage sites. For example, guided tours of the Gedi Ruins can offer insights into Swahili culture, while Mount Kenya National Park provides opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation. Investments in technology, such as virtual reality tours and digital storytelling, are also being explored to attract tech-savvy travelers and younger audiences. These innovations aim to make Kenya’s cultural heritage more accessible and engaging. Successful heritage conservation depends on active collaboration with local communities. By involving residents in tourism activities and decision-making processes, the government ensures that the benefits of tourism are equitably distributed. Community-based tourism initiatives empower locals to act as custodians of their heritage while earning a livelihood through cultural performances, handicrafts, and eco-tourism ventures. Programs to train local tour guides and entrepreneurs are already underway, enhancing their capacity to provide high-quality services and authentic experiences for visitors. These initiatives not only preserve cultural traditions but also foster community pride and ownership. Also Read: Kenya Airways and China Eastern Airlines Partnership Enhances Travel Flexibility Between Africa and China: What You Need to Know Kenya’s heritage protection efforts are part of a broader campaign to promote the country as a global tourism hub. Marketing initiatives targeting international audiences highlight the unique appeal of Kenya’s UNESCO sites, from the historical allure of Fort Jesus to the natural splendor of Lake Turkana National Parks. Collaborations with international organizations such as UNESCO and global travel agencies further amplify Kenya’s visibility. High-profile events and media campaigns showcase the country’s rich cultural and ecological assets, attracting tourists from diverse markets. With its strategic focus on heritage conservation and tourism development, Kenya is poised for significant growth in the travel sector. The government’s target of attracting 5 million tourists annually reflects its ambition to transform the industry into a cornerstone of the national economy. As global interest in cultural and sustainable tourism continues to rise, Kenya’s efforts to protect and promote its heritage sites will play a crucial role in achieving this vision. By addressing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities, Kenya can strengthen its position as a leading destination for heritage and cultural tourism. Also Read: Colorado, Thailand, Montreal, Puerto Vallarta, Kenya Surging Globetrotting Trends Which Five Destinations Are Captivating January Travelers Seeking Snow, Sun, and Adventure? In conclusion, President William Ruto’s commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s heritage sites underscores the vital role of cultural conservation in boosting tourism and economic development. Through strategic investments, community engagement, and global promotion, Kenya is paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive tourism industry. Read Travel Industry News in 104 different regional language platforms Get our daily dose of news, by subscribing to our newsletters. Subscribe here . Watch Travel And Tour World Interviews here . Read more Travel News , Daily Travel Alert , and Travel Industry News on Travel And Tour World only.
CMS Energy Corp. stock outperforms competitors despite losses on the dayAn online spat between factions of Donald Trump's supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump's movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump's Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer, a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer's comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks, whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar." Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government, weighed in, defending the tech industry's need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump's world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift. His presidential transition team did not respond to questions about positions on visas for highly skilled workers or the debate between his supporters online. Instead, his team instead sent a link to a post on X by longtime adviser and immigration hard-liner Stephen Miller that was a transcript of a speech Trump gave in 2020 at Mount Rushmore in which he praised figures and moments from American history. Musk, the world's richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect, was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump's movement but his stance on the tech industry's hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry's need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent," he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Trump's own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration, including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order, which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump's businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club, and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country" and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country," he told the “All-In" podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump's budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Marcus Dockery scored 27 points as Howard beat UNC Wilmington 88-83 on Saturday. Dockery added seven assists for the Bison (5-6). Blake Harper scored 18 points while shooting 5 for 11 (3 for 4 from 3-point range) and 5 of 8 from the free-throw line and added seven rebounds. Joshua Strong had 18 points and shot 4 of 7 from the field, including 4 for 6 from 3-point range, and went 6 for 6 from the line. The Seahawks (7-3) were led by Khamari McGriff, who recorded 34 points. Sean Moore added 13 points for UNC Wilmington. Harlan Obioha had 12 points. Howard used a 12-2 second-half run to erase a four-point deficit and take the lead at 82-76 with 2:14 remaining in the half before finishing off the victory. Harper scored 12 second-half points. Howard takes on Drexel at home on Tuesday, and UNC Wilmington hosts FGCU on Wednesday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .