NEW YORK , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Halper Sadeh LLC, an investor rights law firm, is investigating the following companies for potential violations of the federal securities laws and/or breaches of fiduciary duties to shareholders relating to: Patterson Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ: PDCO)'s sale to Patient Square Capital for $31.35 in cash per share. If you are a Patterson shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options . NeuroMetrix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NURO)'s sale to electroCore, Inc. If you are a NeuroMetrix shareholder, click here to learn more about your legal rights and options . Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: PWOD)'s sale to Northwest Bancshares, Inc. for 2.385 shares of Northwest common stock for each share of Penns Woods common stock. If you are a Penns Woods shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options . Cara Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CARA)'s merger with Tvardi Therapeutics, Inc. Upon completion of the proposed transaction, Cara shareholders are expected to own approximately 17.0% of the combined company. If you are a Cara shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options . Halper Sadeh LLC may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures and information concerning the proposed transaction, or other relief and benefits on behalf of shareholders. We would handle the action on a contingent fee basis, whereby you would not be responsible for out-of-pocket payment of our legal fees or expenses. Shareholders are encouraged to contact the firm free of charge to discuss their legal rights and options. Please call Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or email sadeh@halpersadeh.com or zhalper@halpersadeh.com . Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors all over the world who have fallen victim to securities fraud and corporate misconduct. Our attorneys have been instrumental in implementing corporate reforms and recovering millions of dollars on behalf of defrauded investors. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Halper Sadeh LLC Daniel Sadeh, Esq. Zachary Halper, Esq. (212) 763-0060 sadeh@halpersadeh.com zhalper@halpersadeh.com https://www.halpersadeh.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shareholder-investigation-halper-sadeh-llc-investigates-pdco-nuro-pwod-cara-on-behalf-of-shareholders-302338483.html SOURCE Halper Sadeh LLPIsrael and Lebanon's Hezbollah agree to a ceasefire after nearly 14 months of fighting JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel has approved a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon’s Hezbollah militants, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire is set to take hold at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday. Israeli warplanes have carried out the most intense wave of strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs since the start of the conflict amid a record number of evacuation warnings. At least 42 people were killed in strikes across Lebanon, according to local authorities. President Joe Biden said his administration now would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. What both sides are saying about the ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah A ceasefire deal that could end more than a year of cross-border fighting between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group won backing from Israeli leaders. The truce that is set to take effect early Wednesday raised hopes and renewed difficult questions in a region gripped by conflict. Hezbollah leaders also signaled tentative backing for the U.S.-brokered deal, which offers both sides an off-ramp from hostilities But the deal does little directly to resolve the much deadlier war that has raged in Gaza since Hamas militants attacked southern Israel last October. Cheap Ozempic? How millions of Americans with obesity may get access to costly weight-loss drugs WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of obese Americans would get access to popular weekly injectables that would help them shed pounds quickly if a $35 billion proposal from the Biden administration is blessed by President-elect Donald Trump. The rule, unveiled Tuesday by the Health and Human Services Department, would require Medicare and Medicaid to cover weight-loss drugs like Wegovy or Zepbound for a large segment of Americans who are obese. But it’s unclear if the proposal, which would not go into effect until after Trump takes office, will have support from his new administration — including from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an opponent of the drugs who has been tapped by the president-elect to serve as head of HHS. Trump vows tariffs over immigration. What the numbers say about border crossings, drugs and crime. WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is threatening tariffs on Mexico and Canada as he seeks to portray them as responsible for illegal immigration and drug smuggling. Over its tenure, the Biden administration has struggled with growing numbers of migrants arriving at the southern border. But this year, the number of people crossing the border without documents has actually been falling. That's due in part to stricter enforcement by Mexican authorities as well as asylum restrictions announced earlier this year by the Biden administration. When it comes to fentanyl smuggling, much of the deadly supply comes from Mexico though statistics show more than 86% of those sentenced for fentanyl trafficking crimes in the 12 months ending September 2023 were U.S. citizens. AP finds that a Pentagon-funded study on extremism in the military relied on old data Early this year, Pete Hegseth told a Fox News audience a new, Pentagon-funded study proved that the number of military service members and veterans involved in the Jan. 6 insurrection did not indicate a wider problem in the armed forces. Hegseth, Donald Trump's pick to head the Department of Defense, wasn’t alone. The Wall Street Journal’s opinion page highlighted the same report as evidence that extremists in military communities were “phantoms” created by a “false media narrative.” The X account for Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee posted that the study showed the focus on extremism in the military was a “witch hunt.” But The Associated Press has found that the study relied on old data, misleading analyses and ignored evidence that pointed to the opposite conclusion. How Trump's bet on voters electing him managed to silence some of his legal woes WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith move to abandon two federal cases accusing Trump of endangering American democracy and national security does away with the most serious legal threats Trump was facing as he returns to the White House. It was the culmination of a monthslong defense effort to delay the proceedings at every step and use the criminal allegations to Trump's political advantage, putting the final word in the hands of voters instead of jurors. The move just weeks after Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris underscores the immense personal stake Trump had in the campaign in which he turned his legal woes into a political rallying cry. Walmart's DEI rollback signals a profound shift in the wake of Trump's election victory NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart’s sweeping rollback of its diversity policies is the strongest indication yet of a profound shift taking hold at U.S. companies that are re-evaluating the legal and political risks associated with bold programs to bolster historically underrepresented groups in business. The changes announced by the world’s biggest retailer on Monday followed a string of legal victories by conservative groups that have filed an onslaught of lawsuits challenging corporate and federal programs aimed at elevating minority and women-owned businesses and employees. The retreat from such programs crystalized with the election of former President Donald Trump, whose administration is certain to make dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs a priority. Brazil’s Bolsonaro planned and participated in a 2022 coup plot, unsealed police report alleges SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro was fully aware of and actively participated in a coup plot to remain in office after his defeat in the 2022 election, according to a Federal Police report that has been unsealed. Brazil’s Federal Police last Thursday formally accused Bolsonaro and 36 other people of attempting a coup. They sent their 884-page report to the Supreme Court, which lifted the seal. Bolsonaro called a meeting in December 2022, during which he presented a draft decree to the commanders of the three divisions of the armed forces, that would have declared the vote fraudulent, to justify a possible military intervention. Bolsonaro has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. New rule allows HIV-positive organ transplants People with HIV who need a kidney or liver transplant will be able to receive an organ from a donor with HIV. That's according to a new rule announced Tuesday by U.S. health officials. Previously, such transplants could be done only as part of research studies. The new rule takes effect Wednesday. It's expected to shorten the wait for organs for all, regardless of HIV status, by increasing the pool of available organs. The practice is supported by a decade of research, during which 500 transplants of kidneys and livers from HIV-positive donors have been done in the U.S. Surveillance tech advances by Biden could aid in Trump's promised crackdown on immigration 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. 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.
Published 5:37 pm Tuesday, November 26, 2024 By Associated Press NEW YORK — Chuck Woolery, the affable, smooth-talking game show host of “Wheel of Fortune,” “Love Connection” and “Scrabble” who later became a right-wing podcaster, skewering liberals and accusing the government of lying about COVID-19, has died. He was 83. Mark Young, Woolery’s podcast co-host and friend, said in an email early Sunday that Woolery died at his home in Texas with his wife, Kristen, present. “Chuck was a dear friend and brother and a tremendous man of faith, life will not be the same without him,” Young wrote. Woolery, with his matinee idol looks, coiffed hair and ease with witty banter, was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978. In 1983, Woolery began an 11-year run as host of TV’s “Love Connection,” for which he coined the phrase, “We’ll be back in two minutes and two seconds,” a two-fingered signature dubbed the “2 and 2.” In 1984, he hosted TV’s “Scrabble,” simultaneously hosting two game shows on TV until 1990. “Love Connection,” which aired long before the dawn of dating apps, had a premise that featured either a single man or single woman who would watch audition tapes of three potential mates and then pick one for a date. A couple of weeks after the date, the guest would sit with Woolery in front of a studio audience and tell everybody about the date. The audience would vote on the three contestants, and if the audience agreed with the guest’s choice, “Love Connection” would offer to pay for a second date. Woolery told The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2003 that his favorite set of lovebirds was a man aged 91 and a woman aged 87. “She had so much eye makeup on, she looked like a stolen Corvette. He was so old he said, ‘I remember wagon trains.’ The poor guy. She took him on a balloon ride.” Other career highlights included hosting the shows “Lingo,” “Greed” and “The Chuck Woolery Show,” as well as hosting the short-lived syndicated revival of “The Dating Game” from 1998 to 2000 and an ill-fated 1991 talk show. In 1992, he played himself in two episodes of TV’s “Melrose Place.” Woolery became the subject of the Game Show Network’s first attempt at a reality show, “Chuck Woolery: Naturally Stoned,” which premiered in 2003. It shared the title of the pop song in 1968 by Woolery and his rock group, the Avant-Garde. It lasted six episode and was panned by critics. Woolery began his TV career at a show that has become a mainstay. Although most associated with Pat Sajak and Vanna White, “Wheel of Fortune” debuted Jan. 6, 1975, on NBC with Woolery welcoming contestants and the audience. Woolery, then 33, was trying to make it in Nashville as a singer. “Wheel of Fortune” started life as “Shopper’s Bazaar,” incorporating Hangman-style puzzles and a roulette wheel. After Woolery appeared on “The Merv Griffin Show” singing “Delta Dawn,” Merv Griffin asked him to host the new show with Susan Stafford. “I had an interview that stretched to 15, 20 minutes,” Woolery told The New York Times in 2003. “After the show, when Merv asked if I wanted to do a game show, I thought, ‘Great, a guy with a bad jacket and an equally bad mustache who doesn’t care what you have to say — that’s the guy I want to be.’” NBC initially passed, but they retooled it as “Wheel of Fortune” and got the green light. After a few years, Woolery demanded a raise to $500,000 a year, or what host Peter Marshall was making on “Hollywood Squares.” Griffin balked and replaced Woolery with weather reporter Pat Sajak. “Both Chuck and Susie did a fine job, and ‘Wheel’ did well enough on NBC, although it never approached the kind of ratings success that ‘Jeopardy!’ achieved in its heyday,” Griffin said in “Merv: Making the Good Life Last,” an autobiography from the 2000s co-written by David Bender. Woolery earned an Emmy nod as host. Born in Ashland, Kentucky, Woolery served in the U.S. Navy before attending college. He played double bass in a folk trio, then formed the psychedelic rock duo The Avant-Garde in 1967 while working as a truck driver to support himself as a musician. The Avant-Garde, which tourbed in a refitted Cadillac hearse, had the Top 40 hit “Naturally Stoned,” with Woolery singing, “When I put my mind on you alone/I can get a good sensation/Feel like I’m naturally stoned.” After The Avant-Garde broke up, Woolery released his debut solo single “I’ve Been Wrong” in 1969 and several more singles with Columbia before transitioning to country music by the 1970s. He released two solo singles, “Forgive My Heart” and “Love Me, Love Me.” Woolery wrote or co-wrote songs for himself and everyone from Pat Boone to Tammy Wynette. On Wynette’s 1971 album “We Sure Can Love Each Other,” Woolery wrote “The Joys of Being a Woman” with lyrics including “See our baby on the swing/Hear her laugh, hear her scream.” After his TV career ended, Woolery went into podcasting. In an interview with The New York Times, he called himself a gun-rights activist and described himself as a conservative libertarian and constitutionalist. He said he hadn’t revealed his politics in liberal Hollywood for fear of retribution. He teamed up with Mark Young in 2014 for the podcast “Blunt Force Truth” and soon became a full supporter of Donald Trump while arguing minorities don’t need civil rights and causing a firestorm by tweeting an antisemitic comment linking Soviet Communists to Judaism. “President Obama’s popularity is a fantasy only held by him and his dwindling legion of juice-box-drinking, anxiety-dog-hugging, safe-space-hiding snowflakes,” he said. Woolery also was active online, retweeting articles from Conservative Brief, insisting Democrats were trying to install a system of Marxism and spreading headlines such as “Impeach him! Devastating photo of Joe Biden leaks.” During the early stages of the pandemic, Woolery initially accused medical professionals and Democrats of lying about the virus in an effort to hurt the economy and Trump’s chances for reelection to the presidency. “The most outrageous lies are the ones about COVID-19. Everyone is lying. The CDC, media, Democrats, our doctors, not all but most, that we are told to trust. I think it’s all about the election and keeping the economy from coming back, which is about the election. I’m sick of it,” Woolery wrote in July 2020. Trump retweeted that post to his 83 million followers. By the end of the month, nearly 4.5 million Americans had been infected with COVID-19 and more than 150,000 had died. Just days later, Woolery changed his stance, announcing his son had contracted COVID-19. “To further clarify and add perspective, COVID-19 is real and it is here. My son tested positive for the virus, and I feel for of those suffering and especially for those who have lost loved ones,” Woolery posted before his account was deleted. Woolery later explained on his podcast that he never called COVID-19 “a hoax” or said “it’s not real,” just that “we’ve been lied to.” Woolery also said it was “an honor to have your president retweet what your thoughts are and think it’s important enough to do that.” In addition to his wife, Woolery is survived by his sons Michael and Sean and his daughter Melissa, Young said.MILAN (Reuters) - Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi applauded his side after they held on for a slender 1-0 home win against RB Leipzig on Tuesday to go top of the Champions League standings. An own goal by RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba put Inter in front in the 27th minute before the Italian champions let their guard down in the second half and the visitors threatened an equaliser. "We are satisfied, we knew the importance of tonight's match," Inzaghi told Sky Sport. "We were playing against a valuable team, who until Sunday had the best defence in the Bundesliga. We played a great game, we were always balanced and it's not easy with them. "It's a shame we didn't score the second goal, but the team suffered relatively little." Denzel Dumfries misfired when presented with a good chance just after the restart and Henrikh Mkhitaryan thought he had doubled Inter's lead in stoppage time, but the goal was ruled out for a foul in the buildup. "There is clearly satisfaction, but to get into the top eight we still need a small step," Inzaghi said. Inter top the table with 13 points from five games, one point above second-placed Barcelona and third-placed Liverpool, who host defending champions Real Madrid on Wednesday. The top eight teams in the competition's new league phase qualify automatically for the last 16, and the next 16 go into a two-legged playoff to join them. "We've had an excellent run, four consecutive victories and five games without conceding a goal," Inzaghi added. "I was afraid of tonight's game, but the team is mature and knew not to be influenced by Leipzig's zero points." Leipzig, who are third in the Bundesliga, have not won a game in November and are still searching for their first European points after five consecutive defeats. (Reporting by Anita Kobylinska in Gdansk; Editing by Toby Davis)Full Trailer: “Squid Game” Season 2
NonePRAGUE, Czech Republic (AP) — When the referee whistled for the free kick just outside the area, Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez quickly picked up the ball and moved in position to take the shot. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * PRAGUE, Czech Republic (AP) — When the referee whistled for the free kick just outside the area, Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez quickly picked up the ball and moved in position to take the shot. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? PRAGUE, Czech Republic (AP) — When the referee whistled for the free kick just outside the area, Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez quickly picked up the ball and moved in position to take the shot. “When I saw the free kick, I told Rodri (Rodrigo De Paul) that I felt confident with the shot,” Álvarez said. “And it was a great goal.” Álvarez, Atletico’s main signing in the offseason, has not been lacking confidence lately. The Argentina forward curled in the free kick shot in the 15th minute for the first of his two goals in the team’s 6-0 rout of Brest in the Champions League on Tuesday — the team’s biggest ever away win in European competitions. “We’ll keep rotating who takes the free kicks,” said Álvarez, who also found the net in the 59th. It was Álvarez’s seventh goal in the last 10 matches, and third in his last three games across all competitions. The 24-year-old had a slow start to his first season with Atletico, scoring twice in 10 matches. “It was a matter of time before we started connecting well with each other,” said Álvarez, who joined Atletico after two seasons at Manchester City. “We have to stay on this path to keep improving.” Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Ángel Correa also scored two goals for Atletico, with Marcos Llorente and Antoine Griezmann adding one each. “We know that in this format of the competition we need to keep adding the three points and scoring goals,” Álvarez said. “It’s important to get the points and the goals.” Atletico was sitting in 13th place in the 36-team league standings. ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer Advertisement AdvertisementAustralia Senate committee backs bill to ban social media for children
Hannah Kobayashi's family react to Mexico sighting bombshell as mystery around 'disappearance' deepens By MELISSA KOENIG FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 18:10 EST, 3 December 2024 | Updated: 18:56 EST, 3 December 2024 e-mail 1 View comments Hannah Kobayashi's family has surprisingly called for the search for the missing Hawaii woman to continue after she was seen crossing the US-Mexico border , and warned against 'speculative conclusions.' Kobayashi, 30, was reported missing after she flew from her home state to Los Angeles on November 8 for a connecting flight to New York City that she never boarded. Security footage later captured her leaving the airport , carrying only a backpack. She was then spotted several times throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area in the days that followed - before she stopped responding to messages on November 11. The aspiring photographer then went to Union Station that day and used her passport to buy a ticket to the border. The LAPD announced on Monday that Kobayashi was seen alive on footage from the border near Tijuana on November 12 and 13 - about 11 days before her father took his own life . Her relatives have now addressed the update, saying the search for her is 'far from over, and they are committed to doing everything possible to bring her home safely'. 'We are deeply grateful for the urgency and dedication law enforcement has shown in investigating Hannah's disappearance,' they said in a statement shared online by NewsNation correspondent Brian Entin. 'Our family remains hopeful that Hannah is safe and urges everyone to continue the search. Hannah Kobayashi, 30, was seen crossing the US-Mexico border on November 12, as her family reported her missing The family has long claimed they were worried she may be in danger 'We want answers and a resolution that ensures Hannah's safety and urge law enforcement and the public to stay focused on finding her and to avoid speculative conclusions. 'Spreading awareness and sharing verified information about her case is crucial, and we deeply appreciate your continued support in these efforts.' They have repeatedly shared their concerns that Hannah may be in danger, with her sister, Sydni saying that even if she decided to go off-grid, she would have reached out after her father took his own life during the search efforts. 'With my father's passing, with it being everywhere, in her right state of mind, she would have never thought to not reach out to anybody,' she told Hawaii News Now. Sydni also shared similar sentiments with NewsNation . 'Intuitively knowing her and being so close to her my entire life, I just know this is absolutely not like her,' the worried sister said. She went on to say she is convinced Hannah would not have ran away and was 'an amazing and beautiful person.' Kobayashi was seen leaving Los Angeles International Airport, carrying only a backpack, as police say she 'intentionally' missed her connecting flight to New York City The family has also claimed that they received a string of strange text messages from Kobayashi that seemed to suggest she was in trouble and someone had stolen her money. In the messages, she claimed she had recently undergone a 'spiritual awakening,' after she was due to meet family in New York. In another, she claimed: 'Deep Hackers wiped my identity, stole all of my funds, & have had me on a mind f**k since Friday.' A third text message to a friend said she was 'tricked pretty much into giving away all my funds for someone I thought I love.' Kobayashi had also sent some unusual Venmo payments following her disappearance. Kobayashi's family argued that she was acting unusually in the days after she missed her flight to New York, citing odd text messages and Venmo payments One payment was sent at 6:25pm on November 9 to a person named Veronica Almendarez for an unknown amount, with the description of the payment only showing a drawn bow and arrow emoji. The second was made less than an hour later to someone called Jonathan Taylor, also for an undisclosed amount, with the description only saying: 'Reading.' Family members said the did not recognize either name, and have noted hat Kobayashi's phone has been off since November 11, with her last pinned location being the Los Angeles International Airport. But the LAPD has since determined that Kobayashi 'intentionally' missed her connection to the Big Apple on November 8, and are now classifying her disappearance as 'voluntary.' Police noted there is no evidence of human trafficking of foul play, and claimed that she seemed to have wanted a less complicated life. 'The investigators noted that before departing Maui, Kobayashi expressed a desire to step away from modern connectivity,' the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement. The authorities added they will not further their investigation of Kobayashi but will be notified if she returns to America and they encourage her to contact police or the American Embassy in Mexico to 'confirm her well-being'. Amid the search efforts, Kobayashi's father, Ryan Kobayashi, took his own life Police say they will not further their investigation of Kobayashi but will be notified if she returns to America Ahead of the news, Kobayashi's family shut down the Facebook page devoted to her search efforts - claiming they were receiving death threats. The Help Us Find Hannah page was removed from the social media site on Sunday, and Kobayashi's sister, Sydni, and her mother, Brandi Yee, said they have been reporting the threats to the FBI. There are now also questions around the GoFundMe the family set up now that Kobayashi has been determined to not be a victim of foul play. Many donors to the fundraiser, which raked in more than $47,000, are demanding refunds . The fundraiser was set up on November 15 with a $50,000 goal. As of Tuesday, it was at 94 percent of the way there. According to the GoFundMe, the money was to be used for food and hydration for search teams, transportation, communication devices and technology, a media campaign, 'temporary accommodations for essential personnel' and on-site support for the family. On November 26, the family updated the fundraiser to add funeral costs for Kobayashi's father to its scope. A spokesman for GoFundMe confirmed that the fundraiser remains within its terms of service at this time. Hannah Kobayashi disappearance timeline November 8-9 - After missing her connecting flight in Los Angeles from Maui to New York City, Hannah Kobayashi is spotted both days at the popular shopping mall The Grove at some time between the middle of the day and 3pm November 10 - Kobayashi is seen in the background of a Nike event starring NBA legend LeBron James at around 3:30pm November 11 - The 30-year-old was spotted getting on the LAX Metro C line at Aviation/Century Station, a short ride from the airport. Kobayashi was reported missing to law enforcement this same day. November 12-13 - Law enforcement sources claim Kobayashi is seen entering Mexico at the border near Tijuana November 15 - The LAPD Missing Persons Unit takes over the case November 24 - Hannah's father, Ryan, is found dead at a building near LAX, one of the last places Hannah was seen. November 25 - It is revealed Ryan Kobayashi took his own life, with family saying he 'died of a broken heart' over Hannah's disappearance November 26 - LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said 'the investigation determined' that Hannah's missed connection 'was intentional' at an LAPD Board of Commissioners meeting November 27 - LAPD attempts to locate a man and a woman Kobayashi paid on Venmo shortly after she missed her connecting flight on the 11th December 2 - An LAPD source claims Hannah is 'an adult and she can choose to be missing' and don't suspect any foul play in her disappearance Los Angeles Mexico Share or comment on this article: Hannah Kobayashi's family react to Mexico sighting bombshell as mystery around 'disappearance' deepens e-mail Add comment
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia's House of Representatives passes bill banning children younger than age 16 from social media.
(From left) Danggang, Noraini, Martin, Judson and Sengiang take their oath as KDC councillors. KAPIT (Dec 4): Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association (PVATM) Kapit chairman Martin Bilun was sworn in Monday as Kapit District Council (KDC) deputy chairman. Martin fills the vacancy left by Watson Awan Jalai, who was appointed as a political secretary to the Sarawak Premier in April this year. The oath-taking ceremony, witnessed by KDC chairman Lating Minggang and secretary Kelimbik Sibat, among others, also saw the swearing-in of four new councillors. They are Judson Jarrau, Sengiang Anjan, Noraini Abdullah, and Danggang Ugik. In his speech, Lating reminded all councillors to work closely with each other and council staff in discharging their duties. “As a councillor, you must know your role, tasks and responsibilities. Each of you have been assigned specific tasks to carry out for the benefit of the people,” he said. With the new additions, KDC now has a total of 32 councillors for the 2023-2025 term. The council is currently having its fourth-quarter meeting until Dec 6.
Former Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Declares World War III 'Has Begun'PHC 0 St George’s 2 St George’s Colts captain Kashae Hall’s first-half penalty and substitute Jahron Dickinson’s late goal ended their side’s three-match winless streak, dealing Premier Division defending champions PHC a second consecutive defeat last night. Hall put the East Enders ahead from the penalty spot in the 39th minute after Ne-Jai Tucker was brought down in the box by Eusebio King-Mills. Dickinson, who replaced Senoj Mitchell in the 67th minute, sealed the victory two minutes from time, slotting home from a Tucker pass. The second win of the season lifted St George’s to fifth in the standings with eight points, while PHC remained third on 12 points. Hall attributed the victory to improved unity in a side that had recently shown signs of fracturing when results went against them. Before last night’s triumph, St George’s last tasted victory on 6 October, with a 3-1 win over Young Men’s Social Club. “We stayed positive throughout the whole game,” Hall told The Royal Gazette. “Before, we were too negative with each other, but today we encouraged each other and stayed positive. “I missed a couple of chances, but our defensive work was strong and helped us secure the win. This result gives us great motivation for our next match against Devonshire Colts. We’re going into that game feeling strong.” PHC coach Quincy Hunt backed his team to recover from the defeat, which saw them miss an opportunity to keep pace with title rivals North Village. “It’s not a setback for us; we just need to regroup,” Hunt said. “We were in the same position last season, so it’s not like we don’t know what we’re doing. We just have to refocus. “Congratulations to St George’s – they came to play, and they won the game. As coach, I take full responsibility for the loss. Being rescheduled didn’t make a difference. We were at home, and we should have performed better.” St George’s started brightly, with their captain forcing Quinaceo Hunt into a good save seven minutes into the match. Jahiem Iris came close for PHC in the 19th minute when he charged at goal but failed to generate enough power to trouble Jahquill Hill. Blaize Hall had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock in the 21st minute. Jonas Schroder drew Hunt off his line, but with the goal gaping, the Bermuda forward sent his effort wide. Six minutes before the break, St George’s silenced the home crowd when Hall confidently converted from 12 yards. The visitors continued to trouble PHC in the second half, with Hall narrowly missing out on a brace in the 54th and 63rd minutes. As PHC fought for an equaliser, Tucker displayed excellent ball control before setting up Dickinson, who finished clinically to secure all three points for the visitors. SCORERS St George's Colts : K Hall 39 pen, Dickinson 88 PHC (4-2-3-1): Q Hunt 6 – D Usher 6, D Lodge 6, E King-Mills 6, D Smith-Lightbourne 6 – D Smith Davis 6 (sub: S Trott, 68), K Abraham 6 – T Showers 5 (sub: J Ebbin, 68), H Eve 5 (sub: E Russell, 59) J Iris 6 – Wade 5 (sub: D Wainwright, 59). Substitutes not used : R Simmons, K Bean, J Hasell. Booked : Eve St George's Colts (4-3-3): J Hill 7 – J Bassett 6 (sub:, A Simons, 82), O Bascome 6, J Schroder 7, N Paynter 7 – K Minors 5 (sub: C Neal, 82), Q Maynard 6, K Hall 8 – B Hall 8 (sub: M Simmons, 87), S Mitchell 6 (sub: J Dickinson, 67), N Tucker 8. Substitutes not used : I Gibbons, T Tucker, D Lodge. Booked : Maynard, Bassett, Hill, Simmons Referee : N Keito (Jamaica)
China Debuts World’s Fastest High-Speed Train, The CR450 Prototype
The judges of Colorado's federal trial court have voted to give themselves the power to refer lawyers for discipline — potentially resulting in suspension or disbarment — simply for violating individual courtroom protocols. Without explanation, the U.S. District Court amended its local rules effective Dec. 1 to permit judges to impose "additional standards of professional conduct" beyond those contained in the rules of conduct governing the legal profession in Colorado. Previously, Colorado Politics reported that none of the other district courts falling within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit has adopted such a broad grant of power for its judges. Attorney Matthew Skeen, U.S. District Court Judges Gordon P. Gallagher and S. Kato Crews, retired U.S. Magistrate Judge Kristen L. Mix and attorney Kevin Homiak speak on a panel about pro bono opportunities for lawyers at Colorado's federal trial court on May 8, 2024. Former U.S. Magistrate Judge Kristen L. Mix, who was on the bench for 16 years before retiring in 2023, said she could understand the desire to enforce more concrete expectations of courtroom professionalism. "Judges get tired of unethical — or borderline unethical — conduct in their courtrooms, especially as the years go by," she said. Colorado's district court sets forth a lengthy list of local rules governing topics as diverse as case assignments, criminal pleas and communications with judges. In addition, each district judge and magistrate judge has practice standards addressing their individual courtroom procedures. But in the latest round of revisions to the local rules, one unidentified district judge proposed empowering each member of the court to set forth their own rules via practice standards that would be grounds for discipline if violated. The proposed change to the U.S. District Court’s local rules in red During the brief window in October for public input, the court received no comments in support and two statements critiquing the proposal in detail. The U.S. Attorney's Office, which handles criminal prosecutions and also represents the federal government in civil cases, warned that lawyers would be subject to "a new set of unpredictable rules" established unilaterally by the two dozen district judges and magistrate judges on the court's bench. Further, it is currently unclear which portions of a judge's practice standards fall into the category of "professional conduct" subject to discipline. "After this amendment, all the judges could, without any process, adopt their own individual practice standards or orders setting professional practice standards," the office argued. "Conduct might be subject to discipline before one judge under that judge’s practice standards even if the same conduct in another courtroom would be permitted." The U.S. Attorney's Office pointed to a related complication: The rule change also lowers the threshold for disciplining lawyers from "clear and convincing evidence" to "a preponderance of the evidence." Taken together, the new rules could encourage the submission of "marginal complaints" that would be harder to dismiss. "We recognize that the Court may have good reasons for seeking additional tools to ensure appropriate behavior by attorneys appearing before the Court, and we don’t wish to interfere with that goal. We believe, however, that additional consideration of the best means to achieve this goal is warranted," the office concluded. Courtesy of U.S. District Court The Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse in downtown Denver. Damon Davis, an attorney in Mesa County, noted judges can already enforce their expectations by holding people in contempt of court, imposing financial sanctions or ordering attorneys to re-file a motion properly. He called those options a "far more appropriate way" for judges to enforce their expectations compared to a disciplinary process that may result in an attorney's suspension or disbarment. "I would welcome a rule change that allows a judge to impose reasonable sanctions in an individual case, while I oppose a rule that allows an attorney’s entire career to be impacted by the idiosyncratic rule of a single judge found in their practice standards," he wrote. Davis raised further concerns not addressed by the rule change: What happens if a case is reassigned? Could the new judge pursue discipline for conduct that occurred prior to the reassignment? Given the consequences to an attorney's career, rules of conduct "should be well known, well publicized, and universal so that attorneys can be sure of their obligations," he added. At the same time the court updated its local rules, several judges posted amended versions of their individual practice standards. No judge appears to have delineated specific conduct that will be grounds for discipline in their courtrooms. The active and semi-retired senior district judges voted on the court's rule changes. The amendments also clarify that a defendant being sued by a self-represented plaintiff need not respond to a complaint until a judge screens the filing and determines that it states a claim.