Two Democratic state senators re-elected on Nov. 5 are expected to resign on Jan. 9, prompting calls to reform the vacancy process for selecting replacements. Sen. Chris Hansen, D-Denver, is expected to resign on Jan. 9. Hansen won re-election with better than 80% of the vote. His only opponent for his Senate District 31 seat was a Libertarian. Hansen has been hired as the CEO of Durango-based La Plata Electric, a co-op that will pay him at least $500,000 annually. Sen. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, announced Thursday she will step down on Jan. 9. Buckner ran unopposed in the Nov. 5 election. She's retiring to focus on family and travel and mentor young community leaders. A third member of the state Senate, Sen. Kevin Van Winkle, R-Highlands Ranch, was elected to the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners on Nov. 5 but has not yet announced when he will step down. Vacancies in the state legislature are a growing problem. In the 2023-24 session, 28 lawmakers out of 100 gained their seats through the vacancy process at some point in their legislative history. That included Buckner, Hansen, and Van Winkle. The number of people on a vacancy committee that elected a new House or Senate member ranged from a low of four to a high of 95, with an average of about 40, according to a Colorado Politics analysis. House members represent about 89,000 constituents; Senate members represent about 165,000. As a result, the system lets a handful of party insiders choose who represents hundreds of thousands of Coloradans. Democrats and Republicans alike have criticized the vacancy process, although some also argued that, while it's not ideal, it's practical. Buckner was selected to replace her late husband, Rep. John Buckner, in 2015. Hansen was chosen for the Senate District 31 seat in 2020 after Sen. Lois Court stepped down due to illness. Van Winkle was appointed to his Senate seat in June 2022 to finish out the term of Sen. Chris Holbert of Douglas County. Van Winkle ran for and won the seat in the 2022 election. He did not return a call for comment. The announcements are raising eyebrows and generating concern over three more vacancies, which are unlikely to be filled until after the 2025 session starts on Jan. 8. In the 2024 session, Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch, hoped to address the problem with a concurrent resolution that would require voter approval to begin changing the vacancy process. Under House Concurrent Resolution 24-1004, any state representative or senator appointed by a vacancy committee would be prohibited from serving the term immediately following the term for which they were appointed, meaning they'd be barred from running for that seat in the following election. While the resolution won a bipartisan 7-4 vote from the House State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee, it died on the House calendar. Marshall said Thursday he'll run it again in the 2025 session. Marshall reacted to the latest announcement via X (formerly Twitter). Tweet by Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch, on the rash of vacancies in the state Senate due to resignations. Marshall is no longer alone in wanting to reform the vacancy process. Thursday, Democratic State Party Chair Shad Murib voiced his support for reform. A statement from the state party noted that both Democratic districts—Senate District 31 (Hansen) and Senate District 29 (Buckner)—are single-county districts, meaning the state party has a say in advising both the county parties and district leadership on how to administer their vacancy committees. The statement added that the Denver Democratic Party, which will handle the SD31 vacancy, will prioritize "transparency, accessibility, and fairness in this process and plans to host opportunities for the public to get to know the candidates, livestream the meeting, and promote candidate and vacancy information on its website." The SD 29 vacancy will be handled by the Arapahoe County Democratic Party, which, according to the statement, has "a proven track record of running excellent and accessible vacancy committees." He thanked Buckner and Hansen for their service and said the party places a "high premium on transparency, accountability and public access to the vacancy process." But the time for reform has come, Murib indicated. "The growing number of senators and representatives of both parties serving in office as a result of vacancy committee selections and not traditional elections should concern every Coloradan, and it certainly concerns me," he said. "Regardless of the high standards we place on ourselves to run as great a vacancy committee process as the law allows, the fact remains that vacancy committees are small and don’t provide for the same type of public input and scrutiny as a traditional election. In some cases, vacancies have preempted vigorous primary campaigns that allow Democrats, Republicans, and unaffiliated voters to choose Party nominees without anyone having the advantage of incumbency." State law and the state's "unique and prohibitive budget restrictions provide real logistical concerns regarding reform, including cost and the potential for districts to go unrepresented for months. Because of this, we have been hesitant to entertain conversations about transitioning to special elections or reforming this process." The time has come, he said, to make the process better. "Speculation that lawmakers strategize their resignations to hand-pick their replacements, or climb the ladder of elected office, is also a growing sentiment among the public. While we have worked hard to prevent this from ever occurring, it is incumbent on us to do everything we can to bolster trust in our democracy by acknowledging and addressing this issue proactively." Murib pledged to communicate with the governor’s office, the Secretary of State, and House & Senate leadership in the coming days to begin discussing reforms to the vacancy committee process. Marshall told Colorado Politics during the spring that "if you have a democratic form of government, having 30% chosen by a cloistered group of individuals runs counter to that entire idea or ideal." Marshall indicated that even allowing the governor to make those appointments would be better than the status quo since the governor is elected and held accountable by all the voters. He has also advocated for a special election process, although acknowledging it's expensive and could lead to even further delays in representation under the Gold Dome. In February, Marshall told Colorado Politics that he had been told a constituent wanted to be in the legislature but didn’t want to run for election. “I want a vacancy appointment!” the constituent said. “People are starting to think it’s the norm," Marshall said. "It’s not." Initiative 197, pushed in 2024 by former DaVita CEO Kent Thiry, would have required a special election for vacancy appointments unless there isn't enough time before a general election to do so. In that case, the governor would make the appointment for the vacancy. Thiry, however, abandoned that effort to focus on Proposition 131, his ranked-choice voting/open primary election measure. Voters rejected it by about six percentage points. The 2025 General Assembly will have at least 19 members who gained their seats through the vacancy process, with 11 in the House and eight in the Senate, including the replacements for Buckner, Hansen and Van Winkle. However, depending on whether current House members win those vacancies, that could add up to another three to the list of House members selected through the vacancy process.
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PARIS (AFP) – The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) raised yesterday its 2025 global growth forecast to 3.3 per cent but warned of the risk of protectionist measures to spark inflation and slow the economy. Just weeks before Donald Trump returns to the White House with pledges to slap tariffs on United States (US) trading partners the OECD said “increases in trade-restrictive measures could raise costs and prices, deter investment, weaken innovation and ultimately lower growth”. OECD, a Paris-based body that advises industrialised nations on policy matters, issues regular forecasts on the global economy and factors that could impact growth. The 0.1 percentage point increase in its 2025 global growth forecast, to 3.3 per cent, was primarily due to stronger US growth. But both France and Germany saw to 0.3 per centage point cuts to their 2025 growth forecasts, to 0.9 per cent and 0.7 per cent, as both countries face political crises amid mounting fiscal pressure. The downgraded forecast comes as France’s new minority government faces being brought down yesterday by lawmakers after it forced though the adoption of the social welfare budget.
Head to Head Review: Safestore (OTCMKTS:SFSHF) and Bonterra Energy (OTCMKTS:BNEFF)Beijing, China, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the crypto world, where narratives shape markets and cultural relevance fuels growth, meme coins have carved out a unique niche. While $PEPE reigns as the largest meme coin in the West, with a staggering valuation of $10 billion, the East has its own contender: $BIAO. Currently valued at just $20 million, $BIAO holds the potential to not only bridge this valuation gap but also become a global sensation. The Rise of Media-Driven Coins Crypto markets often thrive on media-driven narratives. We’ve seen it before with $PEPE’s meteoric rise, fueled by online hype and cultural resonance. Stocks like GameStop ($GME) surged in Q2 due to media attention, and other tokens have followed similar trajectories. The success formula is clear: when media and social platforms converge, they create a frenzy of speculation and investment. Why $BIAO Stands Out $BIAO isn’t just another meme coin—it’s a cultural phenomenon in the East, mirroring $PEPE’s role in the West. With a strong narrative foundation as “China’s Pepe,” $BIAO is uniquely positioned to capitalize on both cultural identity and global market trends. Moreover, speculation about China’s shifting stance on cryptocurrency has dominated conversations throughout 2024. Over the past two weeks, China has made significant moves, including unbanning various technologies and recently cutting crypto taxes for hedge funds. These developments suggest a warming attitude toward crypto, with many anticipating a full unbanning in Q4. The Opportunity Ahead When China officially embraces crypto, the resulting media coverage is expected to flood crypto-focused social platforms and news outlets. This will likely spark massive FOMO (fear of missing out) among investors, especially for tokens with strong ties to Chinese culture. $BIAO, as the region’s premier meme coin, could become a focal point of this movement. With a population of over 3 billion in the East, the potential for $BIAO is monumental. Investors are essentially front-running a wave of interest that could see $BIAO achieve valuations reminiscent of $PEPE’s success. Announcement We are thrilled to announce that BIAO has officially partnered with Wintermute, a leading global market maker in the cryptocurrency industry. This strategic partnership aims to enhance BIAO’s liquidity, optimize market efficiency, and strengthen its ecosystem to provide an unparalleled trading experience for our community. By joining forces with Wintermute, we are taking a significant step towards achieving our mission of becoming a prominent player in the crypto space. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey together! Conclusion As the East’s biggest meme coin, $BIAO stands at the crossroads of cultural significance, media-driven hype, and evolving regulatory landscapes. For those willing to recognize its potential, $BIAO represents more than just a speculative play—it’s a chance to ride the wave of a global meme coin revolution. Now is the time to watch closely, as $BIAO’s narrative unfolds and the East’s crypto market steps into the spotlight. Website: https://biaotoken.com/ Telegram: https://t.me/BIAOtokensol Twitter: https://x.com/biao_meme Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.SHOPPERS have come across a mega Christmas deal at a popular discount chain with a price that blows rivals out of the water. With the Christmas countdown nearly upon us, Brits are taking to the shops to find the best deals and prices for their festive treats. Taking to Facebook , one shopper revealed how they found a Christmas staple for just 99p at Home Bargains . They shared the Milkybar advent calendar deal on the Facebook Group Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK. "Found for 99p in Home Bargains I got 2," the delighted shopper wrote. "They also do a KitKat one for 99p I got 2 for my kids," another commented. read more on advent calendars "On our way," another excited shopper said in response to another post about the deal. The jaw-dropping deal beats the price of the advent calendar at rival stores by far. Here are some price comparisons: Aldi - £1.99 Morrisons - £2.50 Asda - £2.50 but a reward deal saw coupon holders get it for £1 Sainsbury's - £3.00 Ocado - Reduced from £3.00 to £2.50 until Tuesday. Most read in Money Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on shoppers to bag another festive favourite - the Cadbury advent calendar. The Sun has done the work for you, exploring which supermarket is the cheapest to buy the popular chocolate treat this week. Much like the above price comparisons, Alid comes out as a winner with the best offer for the 24-piece milk chocolate calendar for just £1.46. But, those who buy the calendar directly from Cadbury will pay a whopping £3.29. Tesco offers the firm favourite for £1.50 with a Clubcard while Sainsbury's , Ocado , and Waitrose have their prices at £1.75. Prices tend to fluctuate a lot in the run-up to the festive period, so it's worth keeping a close eye on your local stores for new deals. If you want something with something a bit extra than just white or milk chocolate why not try the Terry Chocolate Orange calendar? Currently, the best place to go for that is Morrisons or Sainsbury's where is it £2.50. Or, if Malteasers are more your thing, Aldi again comes out on top with the price set at £2.04. For those still making up their minds, here is a review by The Sun of all of the classic supermarket chocolate calendars . Even if chocolate is not what you fancy, or you want something a little more warming to count down to Christmas there are several rum advent calendars available. READ MORE SUN STORIES The Sun tested seven of this year's releases so you don't have to. Some calendars offer just 12 bottles while others do the full countdown.
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A strict vegetarian diet, alcohol abstinence and behavioural training are among the steps the Uttar Pradesh Police is taking to ensure its personnel act as "servants of faith" and create a pleasant experience for the devotees gathering in this holy city for the Maha Kumbh. The Maha Kumbh will commence on 13 January on the occasion of Paush Purnima and conclude on 26 February on Mahashivratri. Senior superintendent of police (Kumbh) Rajesh Dwivedi emphasised that the primary focus of the police, alongside maintaining security, would be to foster a welcoming environment for the pilgrims. He said, "Our aim is to ensure that the devotees have a pleasant experience, and the police behave with warmth -- not just as enforcers of the law but as servants of faith." Police personnel to be deployed for the Maha Kumbh are undergoing behaviour-focused training at a designated facility within the mela area. External trainers are also being invited to impart lessons in etiquette and public service. So far, 1,500 police personnel have completed the training. By the time the mela commences, 40,000 personnel will have completed the exercise. Atul Kumar Singh, the training programme in-charge, said 700 police personnel were receiving training at a time, following a 21-day module. The duration will gradually come down to 14 days as the mela draws closer, he added. Also Read: Ensure minimum sewage discharge in Ganga, Yamuna before Kumbh Mela: NGT tells UP Personnel such as Satish Kumar Yadav, a head constable from Mathura who will be deployed during the mela, expressed appreciation for the training. "I have learned the importance of courteous behaviour and how to assist the devotees during times of distress. The training also covered topics such as cybercrime prevention," he said. The force is also receiving expert instruction from the National Police Academy. Personnel trained there are now preparing trainers who, in turn, are equipping the larger police contingent for their role at the mela. In addition to behavioural training, the police are also being instructed to maintain the Maha Kumbh's sanctity. District police chief Dwivedi reaffirmed the Maha Kumbh's strict policies regarding food and drink and said non-vegetarian food or alcohol would not be permitted in the mela ground. "The food in the police mess is entirely vegetarian and we have instructed all personnel to act in a manner that respects the devotees' faith," he said. New technologies will also be deployed at the Maha Kumbh this time. An AI chatbot -- Kumbh Sahayak -- is being developed to assist the devotees with information in more than 10 languages via the Bhashini app. This initiative is designed to bridge language barriers and provide instant support to the vast number of devotees. The police will also deploy bilingual personnel and translators to assist non-Hindi speaking devotees. Mounted police on 160-170 horses will assist in crowd control, ensuring safety while maintaining a harmonious atmosphere. With cybercrime on the rise, the personnel were also briefed by domain expert Pawan Kumar. Security measures, including the use of cutting-edge technologies, are being incorporated to ensure both safety and a positive experience for the devotees. In preparing for the Maha Kumbh, the authorities are combining tradition with modern technology, ensuring that this once-in-a-lifetime gathering will be as safe, respectful and efficient as possible. Follow us on: Facebook , Twitter , Google News , Instagram Join our official telegram channel ( @nationalherald ) and stay updated with the latest headlines