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A man fatally stabbed his coworker — a father and high school football coach — during an argument at a Kroger distribution warehouse in Memphis, family and police said. Anderson Todd, 55, is charged with second-degree murder following the death of Jarcoby Hopson on Dec. 26, according to an arrest affidavit filed in Shelby County, Tennessee. That morning, witnesses saw and heard the two men arguing, but the fight later turned physical, police said. One witness said the men began pushing and shoving each other, then Todd began stabbing Hopson as Hopson yelled for him to stop, according to police. Another coworker intervened and stopped the fight, but then Hopson collapsed as Todd walked away, police said. A paramedic pronounced Hopson dead shortly before 9:30 a.m. Hopson was an assistant football coach at Lake Cormorant High School in Mississippi, where he coached one of his sons, a standout recruit headed to college, The Clarion Ledger reported. I thank you for everything you did for me pops you was my role model made sure I was always good and knew the game you was there for me forever i know u going to stay with me why I’m on my journey love you dad #LLPOPS I love you pops pic.twitter.com/sOv4oKrUj8 Jarcoby Hopson Jr., who recently signed with Ole Miss as a linebacker, took to social media to share the news of his father’s death. “I thank you for everything you did for me pops you was my role model,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Made sure I was always good and knew the game...” Hopson Jr. joins his older brother, Jarnorris Hopson, on the Ole Miss team , a feat their father proudly celebrated. “I’m trying hard to hold my tears,” the dad wrote on Facebook on Dec. 4, when his younger son signed to the school. Those who knew Hopson said he was dedicated to his children and the students he coached, with one friend sharing a recent memory highlighting his character. “Sat at the bar all night talking about our boys and their futures,” the friend wrote on Facebook. “He loved his kids.” Hopson received an outpouring of support on social media from loved ones and those who knew him through his coaching. “ Coby Hopson was always full of life and really cared about the kids,” one person wrote on Facebook. “‘The Swamp’ won’t be the same, I’m definitely going to miss him on the sideline.” The Gators are Lake Cormorant’s mascot. “Thanks for believing in our boys and pushing them to be the greatest,” another Facebook user wrote. “I will never forget what you taught my boy and told him to be the best he could be on that field , they will truly miss you.” Postal worker shoots and kills co-worker at facility in Texas, cops say. ‘Senseless’ Co-workers beat Jimmy John’s employee in fight about petting service dog, PA cops say ‘Armed and dangerous’ McDonald’s worker kills DoorDash driver in dispute, NC reports say Employee stabs company president with knife during meeting, Michigan police sayThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday that it has approved an injectable version of Bristol Myers Squibb’s BMY-N blockbuster cancer drug, Opdivo. Opdivo is part of a class of drugs called PD-1 inhibitors, which enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer by removing its natural brakes. Like other PD-1 drugs such as Merck’s Keytruda, it was previously available through infusions and patients received it via an intravenous drip in a health office. The new injectable form is expected to be more convenient for patients and could help shield the company from erosion of sales when the patent for the intravenous version expires later this decade. The injection, branded as Opdivo Qvantig, has been approved to treat all previously approved adult, solid tumor indications, either on its own, as maintenance therapy or in combination with chemotherapy. The drug will be available in early January, and will be priced at parity with the list price of the IV version, Adam Lenkowsky, Bristol’s chief commercialization officer, told Reuters ahead of the approval. The IV version of the drug has a list price of $7,635 per infusion for two weeks for the lower dose and $15,269 per infusion for four weeks for the higher 480-milligram dose. The approval was based on data from a late-stage study, which showed that the subcutaneous form of the drug was not inferior to the intravenous formulation in patients with advanced kidney cancer who have received prior systemic therapy. The drugmaker is relying on newer treatments like Opdivo Qvantig to drive growth as patents on older drugs, such as cancer drug Revlimid and blood thinner Eliquis, expire later this decade. Opdivo Qvantig was co-formulated with Halozyme Therapeutics’ drug delivery technology, which helps reduce treatment administration from hours-long IV infusions to subcutaneous injections delivered in minutes.
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Bluesky finds with growth comes growing pains — and botsThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday that it has approved an injectable version of Bristol Myers Squibb’s BMY-N blockbuster cancer drug, Opdivo. Opdivo is part of a class of drugs called PD-1 inhibitors, which enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer by removing its natural brakes. Like other PD-1 drugs such as Merck’s Keytruda, it was previously available through infusions and patients received it via an intravenous drip in a health office. The new injectable form is expected to be more convenient for patients and could help shield the company from erosion of sales when the patent for the intravenous version expires later this decade. The injection, branded as Opdivo Qvantig, has been approved to treat all previously approved adult, solid tumor indications, either on its own, as maintenance therapy or in combination with chemotherapy. The drug will be available in early January, and will be priced at parity with the list price of the IV version, Adam Lenkowsky, Bristol’s chief commercialization officer, told Reuters ahead of the approval. The IV version of the drug has a list price of $7,635 per infusion for two weeks for the lower dose and $15,269 per infusion for four weeks for the higher 480-milligram dose. The approval was based on data from a late-stage study, which showed that the subcutaneous form of the drug was not inferior to the intravenous formulation in patients with advanced kidney cancer who have received prior systemic therapy. The drugmaker is relying on newer treatments like Opdivo Qvantig to drive growth as patents on older drugs, such as cancer drug Revlimid and blood thinner Eliquis, expire later this decade. Opdivo Qvantig was co-formulated with Halozyme Therapeutics’ drug delivery technology, which helps reduce treatment administration from hours-long IV infusions to subcutaneous injections delivered in minutes.
Former PM Manmohan Singh Passes Away At 92C hilly weather and early nights make the winter months ideal for cuddling up with your favorite games. Relaxing board games are great for a lazy afternoon with friends or an after-dinner activity. They often feature cooperative play or minimal competition, beautiful artwork and straightforward gameplay ideal for all ages. Here are some games that can provide a whimsical escape for you or a crowd. Patchwork is a chill two-player puzzle game where you and your opponent compete to create the best quilt. The tactile experience and cozy results are relaxing on a chilly day. If you have more than two players, try Calico instead, where you’ll create quilts for cats. In Carcassonne, players compete to build Medieval cities and fields by laying tiles. The game takes a bit of strategy and luck, and it will generate some friendly competition among children and adults alike. The charming artwork also will transport you on a road trip from the comfort of your home. For those looking for longer gameplay, Everdell will have you playing as cute forest creatures building new cities during a game that averages a little over an hour. Flamecraft is another delightfully whimsical game where players try to attract dragons to improve the reputation of their shops. Each of these games is simple to pick up and, with every playthrough offering something new, they’ll get you through the season. Everdell and Flamecraft can also be single-player games if you need a break from socialization. If having everything in its place provides calm in the chaos, you’ll love Unpacking. This puzzle game, available on Switch, PC and Xbox, has you unpacking boxes and putting items away. Playing games like Unpacking can be a meditative experience. Other puzzle games like A Little to the Left and Spiritfarer blend stories into the gameplay. Maintaining a virtual farm or building a make-believe castle from your sofa can be a great stress reliever. Stardew Valley is a quintessential farming game surrounded by charming townspeople. Palia, a massively multiplayer online game, features farming, quests and community building with other players. It’s also free. For those with a Nintendo Switch, the Animal Crossing series has you interacting with other animal players in a peaceful village. With multiplayer modes, these games are great options for playing with friends and family from afar. For a single-player escape, try the recently released Tiny Glade on PC where you’ll build castles. This cozy game’s detailed artistry and conflict-free gameplay will bring hours of relaxation. Or build a world from tiles in Dorfromantik. The game can be entirely chill or provide a bit of strategy if you want to go for a high score. A pack of cards is reliable entertainment at any gathering. From classics to innovative new card games, having a few in your collection can be worthwhile. Card games can range from simple to complex, a few minutes to a few hours and single-player to dozens of players. If you have a standard deck of playing cards, Blitz is a great option for any number of players. Also known as Thirty One, this game gives every player three cards and lets them trade out a card on each turn, trying to get a value of thirty-one. President is another simple social card game where players race to get rid of their cards in ascending order. Some people play it as a drinking game. For a two-player card game, try The Fox in the Forest. This trick-taking card game features cozy graphics, and its fast, simple gameplay is perfect for a winter date night. For two to four players, Arboretum has darling tree graphics on its cards. Players lay cards down with the goal of creating a beautiful garden.
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Kendrick Lamar on Friday released a new album 'GNX' with an apparent tripute to Tupac Shakur and a recall to Snoop Dogg. The release comes months after Lamar beefed with Drake. The rapper addressed the feud on the opening track of the 12-song album, 'wacced out murals'. He rapped: “Snoop posted 'Taylor Made,' I prayed it was the edibles/ I couldn't believe it, it was only right for me to let it go.” He also sampled Tupac’s 'Made Ni**az' on 'Reincarnated'. Lamar referenced to Snoop Dogg sharing Drake’s diss track aimed at him, 'Taylor Made Freestyle', on Instagram earlier this year. Snoop later clarified that he would not pick a side in the feud. Read More: Kendrick Lamar's GNX Album Drop Triggers Flurry Of Drake Memes Reacting to the references, one social media user wrote: "Kendrick Lamar samples Tupac’s song Made Niggaz on his new album GNX in the song Reincarnated." "reincarnated by kendrick from the beat down to the flow, def channeling Tupac," another one added on X, platform formerly known as Twitter. "Reincarnated by Kendrick is giving Tupac to me for some reason!!!!" a third one said on the Elon Musk-led platform. Read More: Kendrick Lamar Drops 'GNX' Album: Are Taylor Swift, Drake A Part Of The Project? Lamar posted a teaser on YouTube. He could be seen getting out of a car in a garage. "I'm carryin' heavier hearts right now / I can power lift with Olympians too / I'm carryin' various darts right now / I desert this bitch like tiramisù / See, we gon' body for body, I hand you a body / I'm probably a better masseuse / I really don't bother nobody but they run it by me if I got to clear out the r—," he raps. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US Buzz, World and around the world.RIYADH: The Saudi-Yemeni Business Council has announced six key initiatives aimed at enhancing trade and investment ties between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, while also supporting Yemen’s ongoing economic development. The initiatives were unveiled during a joint council meeting held in Makkah on Sunday, attended by over 300 Saudi and Yemeni investors, according to Al-Ekhbariya. Abdullah bin Mahfouz, chairman of the Saudi-Yemeni Business Council, which is part of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, disclosed that agreements had been made to establish three new Saudi-Yemeni companies. The first company will focus on renewable energy, with an initial capital investment of $100 million, to generate solar-powered electricity for Yemen. The second venture will operate in telecommunications, utilizing Starlink satellite networks. The third company will organize exhibitions and conferences in Yemen to promote Saudi products and support the country’s reconstruction efforts, as reported by the Saudi state-owned channel. In addition to these initiatives, the council has proposed upgrading the infrastructure at border crossings between the two countries, improving logistics services to facilitate smoother trade. The trade volume between Saudi Arabia and Yemen currently stands at SR6.3 billion ($1.6 billion), with Yemeni imports from Saudi Arabia accounting for just SR655 million. However, sectors such as mining, agriculture, livestock, and fisheries in Yemen remain largely underdeveloped and present significant growth opportunities. Among the key recommendations is the establishment of quarantine centers to inspect Yemeni livestock, agricultural products, and seafood, aimed at increasing Yemen’s exports to Saudi Arabia. There are also plans to create “smart food cities” in border regions to bolster food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices through advanced resource management and technology. Addressing banking and credit challenges is another priority. The council has called for improvements to Yemen’s banking infrastructure, including better collaboration with Saudi banks and the development of Yemen’s exchange sector, to facilitate smoother financial transactions for traders from both countries. A significant proposal also includes the creation of a Yemeni Investors Club in Saudi Arabia, designed to encourage joint investments and foster business partnerships between the two nations. Abdulmajid Al-Saadi, co-chairman of the Yemeni Business Council, commended Saudi Arabia’s recent reforms in investment regulations, highlighting that Yemeni capital, estimated at SR18 billion, has increasingly been channeled into Saudi markets. This places Yemen third among foreign investors in the Kingdom. For over 23 years, the Saudi-Yemeni Business Council has played a pivotal role in fostering economic relations between the two countries, organizing forums, identifying trade and investment opportunities, and promoting bilateral business exchanges. The targeted sectors for cooperation include renewable energy, agriculture, livestock, telecommunications, and trade development, in line with regional and global food security challenges. In 2023, trade between Saudi Arabia and Yemen amounted to SR6.2 billion, with Saudi exports totaling SR5.6 billion, which included dairy products, fuels, and vegetables. Yemeni imports from Saudi Arabia reached SR661.9 million, consisting of fruits, seafood, and printed materials. Saudi Arabia has provided significant financial support to Yemen over the past few decades, including over $50 billion in funding for central bank deposits, government budgets, and development projects.BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP) — One of Colombia’s legendary drug lords and a key operator of the Medellin cartel has been deported back to the South American country, after serving 25 years of a 30-year prison sentence in the United States. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP) — One of Colombia’s legendary drug lords and a key operator of the Medellin cartel has been deported back to the South American country, after serving 25 years of a 30-year prison sentence in the United States. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP) — One of Colombia’s legendary drug lords and a key operator of the Medellin cartel has been deported back to the South American country, after serving 25 years of a 30-year prison sentence in the United States. A short while later, Fabio Ochoa was again a free man. Ochoa arrived in Bogota’s El Dorado airport on a deportation flight on Monday, wearing a grey sweatshirt and carrying his personal belongings in a plastic bag. After stepping out of the plane, the former cartel boss was met by immigration officials in bullet proof vests. There were no police on site to detain him. Colombia’s national immigration agency promptly posted a brief statement on the social media platform X, saying Ochoa was “freed so that he could join his family” after immigration officials took his fingerprints and confirmed through a database that he is not wanted by Colombian authorities. Ochoa, 67, and his older brothers amassed a fortune when cocaine started flooding the U.S. in the late 1970s and early 1980s, according to U.S. authorities, to the point that in 1987 they were included in the Forbes Magazine’s list of billionaires. Living in Miami, Ochoa ran a distribution center for the cocaine cartel once headed by Pablo Escobar. Escobar died in a shootout with authorities in Medellin in 1993. Ochoa was first indicted in the U.S. for his alleged role in the 1986 killing of Barry Seal, an American pilot who flew cocaine flights for the Medellin cartel, but became an informant for the Drug Enforcement Administration. Along with his two older brothers, Juan David and Jorge Luis, Ochoa turned himself in to Colombian authorities in the early 1990s under a deal in which they avoided being extradited to the U.S. The three brothers were released from prison in 1996, but Ochoa was arrested again three years later for drug trafficking and was extradited to the U.S. in 2001 in response to an indictment in Miami naming him and more than 40 people as part of a drug smuggling conspiracy. He was the only suspect in that group who opted to go to trial, resulting in his conviction and a 30-year sentence. The other defendants got much lighter prison terms because most of them cooperated with the government. 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. Ochoa’s name has faded from popular memory as Mexican drug traffickers take center stage in the global drug trade. But the former member of the Medellin cartel was recently depicted in the Netflix series Griselda, where he first fights the plucky businesswoman Griselda Blanco for control of Miami’s cocaine market, and then makes an alliance with the drug trafficker, played by Sofia Vergara. Ochoa is also depicted in the Netflix series Narcos, as the youngest son of an elite Medellin family that is into ranching and horse breeding and cuts a sharp contrast with Escobar, who came from more humble roots. Richard Gregorie, a retired assistant U.S. attorney who was on the prosecution team that convicted Ochoa, said authorities were never able to seize all of the Ochoa family’s illicit drug proceeds and he expects that the former mafia boss will have a welcome return home. “He won’t be retiring a poor man, that’s for sure,” Gregorie told The Associated Press earlier this month. 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Winston's performance in snowy win over Steelers adds new layer to Browns' quarterback conundrumMusic fans should be easy to shop for this holiday season, right? Wrong! What do you pick up for the friend who knew about that rapper months before the rest of the world? What about the audiophile, whose listening habits are particular and immovable? Your sister loves Taylor Swift, but surely she already owns everything the pop star has ever released, right? Here's a gift guide for the audio lover in your life — from a can't-miss box set for the Elvis Costello obsessive to a set of wine glasses that will be music to everyone's ears. Play it by ... wine Major Scale Musical Wine Glasses Chances are, you've seen someone play water glasses before — rubbing the rim of a glass with a finger can produce musical notes, which change depending on how full the glass is. Uncommon Goods has taken the idea a step further: What if, instead of water glasses, you used wine? And what if there was a way to determine which notes could be produced, by marking each glass like a measuring cup? Well, that's exactly what they did. Compose a symphony of one with these wine glasses. $68 People are also reading... Clear the way Herschel Classic Crossbody Clear bag A recent trend in venue security is the clear-bag policy. The goal is to streamline bag checks upon entry, making the process safer and faster. If you're looking for a great gift for a loved one who plans their life around stadium and arena shows, look no further. The clear bag is an alternative to shoving everything in your pockets and clutching your smartphone to your palm. Herschel has a few reasonably priced bags that are practical, stylish and will meet most venue guidelines. $35 Elvis Costello has entered the building “King Of America & Other Realms” by Elvis Costello A new six-disc Elvis Costello box set, " King Of America & Other Realms ," has what you'd expect from a revisit to Costello's 1986 "King of America" album — a remastered version of the original, demos of most songs, a live concert from the era, even some newly recorded takes. The "Other Realms" is what sets it apart. Building on the original album's roots-based theme, half of the set explores other Costello recording adventures in the United States — many from the 2000s — with alternate versions and previously unreleased tracks. Inventive and full of buried treasures, the box is an enriching look back — and a great gift. $139.98 Learn Korean! "Learn! Korean with BTS" There's no better gift to give or receive than one that expands horizons. In " Learn! Korean with BTS ," K-pop fans can discover a new language through their love of BTS and members Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook. The book package teaches Korean consonants and vowels, using the names and songs of BTS. A workbook is supplemented by video and other media. What could be better — or more rewarding — for the K-pop fan? $44.49 Loud and proud Bose QuietComfort Headphones A decent pair of headphones is step one on the journey to true bliss for the audiophile. However, carrying around a studio set may not always be in the cards. But a noise-canceling pair? That's necessary. Bose's QuietComfort Headphones are a solid investment, all high-fidelity audio perfect for a long plane ride or a daily commute in equal measure. $229 For the Swifties Gold-plated chain link bracelet, featuring the logo for Taylor Swift's album, "The Tortured Poets Department" Everyone knows someone who loves Taylor Swift. But what do you give the superfan who already owns all her albums in every colorway? Unisex jewelry, maybe? In honor of this year's release of "The Tortured Poets Department," get them the official gold-plated, stainless-steel, chain-link bracelet featuring the "TTPD" logo on the pop star's website . It comes in two sizes: a small/medium option, 7.5 inches long, and a large/extra-large option, 8.5 inches long. $40 For the soul "High and Rising: A Book About De La Soul" by Marcus J. Moore Music books are always a good idea. For the hip-hop expert, a new text from the critic Marcus J. Moore, " High and Rising: A Book About De La Soul ," is a necessary cultural history of the hip-hop trio of Kelvin "Posdnuos" Mercer, Dave "Trugoy the Dove" Jolicoeur and Vincent "Maseo" Mason, who changed music forever. The book covers their ascent, and the ways in which the group defied expectations and defined a new Black alternative music, as well as the legal troubles they faced. $27.89. Get up and go Varieties of Green Day's coffee brand Punk Bunny Coffee, from left, Dookie Roast, American Idiot Roast and Fancy Sauce Roast. Pop-punk band Green Day's coffee brand, Punk Bunny Coffee , is ideal for fans of their palm-muted power chords and political anthems — and for those who prefer their morning brew to be organic, fair trade and delicious. This holiday season, they're offering a few limited-edition roasts, including some themed after their best-known albums, like "Dookie" and "American Idiot." If coffee isn't preferable, no worries! They've got a limited-edition hot cocoa, too. $13.99-$17.99 Take a trip to West Germany "Neu Klang: The Definitive History of Krautrock" by Christoph Dallach Let's be honest: True music lovers enjoy all different genres and styles. Those with the deepest knowledge are insatiable; they want to learn as much as they can about a variety of different subcultures and niches. For those real ones, the best gift this holiday season is the first ever oral history of Krautrock, Christoph Dallach's " Neu Klang: The Definitive History of Krautrock ," featuring German bands like Can, Neu!, Amon Düül, Popul Vuh, Tangerine Dream, Faust, Cluster and, of course, Kraftwerk. $29.80 2024 holiday mailing tips: Deadlines, packaging advice and more things to know Small, luxury foods are great as stocking stuffers or other gifts. Ideas for under $50 Why your favorite catalogs are smaller this holiday season Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!Giants release quarterback Daniel Jones just days after benching him EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The Daniel Jones era in New York is over. The Giants quarterback was granted his release by the team just days after the franchise said it was benching him in favor of third-stringer Tommy DeVito. New York president John Mara said Jones approached the team about releasing him and the club obliged. Mara added he was “disappointed” at the quick dissolution of a once-promising relationship between Jones and the team. Giants coach Brian Daboll benched Jones in favor of DeVito following a loss to the Panthers in Germany that dropped New York's record to 2-8. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
CLEVELAND (AP) — Even after leaving Cleveland, Carlos Santana remained a fan favorite and was warmly welcomed back as a visitor. He's home again. Santana signed a one-year, $12 million contract and returned Monday for his third stint with the Guardians, who have an opening at first base after the AL Central champions traded Josh Naylor to Arizona on Saturday. Santana can earn an additional $1.2 million in bonuses for plate appearances: $200,000 for 500 and each additional 25 through 650. The 38-year-old Santana spent last season with Minnesota, batting .238 with 23 homers and 71 RBIs in 150 games. He also won his first Gold Glove, becoming the oldest position player to win the honor for the first time. Santana previously was with Cleveland from 2010-17. He returned in 2019, made his first All-Star team and spent two seasons with the club before signing as a free agent with the Kansas City Royals. The switch-hitter is second in club history in walks (881), tied for sixth in homers (216) and is eighth in extra-base hits (503). Over 15 major league seasons, Santana has 324 homers and 1,082 RBIs in 2,080 games. Santana has been remarkably consistent, driving in at least 60 runs and playing a minimum of 130 games in each of his 13 full seasons. He also has played for Philadelphia, Seattle, Pittsburgh and Milwaukee. The well-respected Santana will be Cleveland's primary first baseman in 2025 after the Guardians sent Naylor to the Diamondbacks for right-hander Slade Cecconi and a competitive balance draft pick. Story continues below video The Guardians have other options at first base, including Kyle Manzardo and Jhonkensy Noel. But there's no need to rush those players with Santana around, and it's entirely possible he could be signed beyond 2025. With the Naylor deal, the Guardians have completely overhauled the right side of their infield this winter. Cleveland previously traded Gold Glove second baseman Andrés Giménez to Toronto as part of a three-team swap with Pittsburgh. It feels somewhat risky — and maybe unnecessary — for an established team, but president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti was quick to point out that both Naylor and Giménez arrived in Cleveland via trades. “Very difficult trades,” he said. "In terms of how we have to operate moving forward, there are times when we have to make difficult decisions involving very good players, but our goal continues to be how do we find a way to field competitive teams both in the near term and long term and that sometimes necessitates difficult decisions. “To be clear, our goal in 2025 is to try to find a way to win the American League Central.” AP MLB: https://apnews.comDad stabbed to death in argument with Kroger coworker, TN cops say. ‘My role model’Supreme court judge Dr Esther Kitimbo Kisaakye has fled to exile, fearing for her life due to ongoing threats, according to documents obtained by URN. The documents, including a series of emails, written by Washington-based law firm Covington & Burling LLP outline the situation in which Kisaakye is living. “Justice Kisaakye continued to live in fear for her life based on reports of threats she continued to receive,” reads one of the documents. It adds Kisakye fled the country out of fear for her life and now lives in exile. The acquired materials added that in July 2023, Kisaakye received a report of an imminent threat to her life from her lawyer, which they had received from a person who identified himself as a member of one of the security agencies in Uganda. The materials received, addressed to several organizations including the Centre for Human Rights, International Bar Association Human Rights Institute, International Commission of Jurists, Lawyers for Lawyers, and the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, reveal ongoing efforts to raise awareness about Kisaakye's situation. The law firm is mobilizing support and coordinating initiatives to bring attention to her plight as a judge in exile who is facing retaliation for fulfilling her judicial responsibilities, with her safety still at risk. Kisaakye’s challenges date back to 2021 when she disagreed with eight justices over decisions related to the presidential election petition filed by former candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine challenging the election of President Yoweri Museveni for the sixth term. Kyagulanyi had sought the court’s permission to amend and also introduce new evidence to support his election petition. However, the eight justices, led by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, dismissed the application, citing the strict timelines for determining presidential election petitions, which, they argued, could not be amended. Kisaakye accused the chief justice of attempting to suppress her constitutional right to deliver a minority judgment in which she disagreed with the rest of the panel. She claimed her judgment was confiscated. Despite this, using a duplicate copy, Kisaakye delivered her minority judgment. With the lights and speakers switched off, she sat alone on the bench, as the eight other justices and the respondents’ lawyers had left the room. According to materials from Covington & Burling LLP, these events were followed by two and a half years of persecution, discrimination, and retaliation against Kisaakye by the chief justice and other Supreme court staff. The retaliation took different forms which included; removing her as an administrative judge, denying her any new work, removal of her research officer, denying of leave and medical benefits, and falsely accusing her of failure to write judgments in appeals when she was not a member of the coram or the designated judge to originate the lead judgments. In April 2021, the Uganda Judicial Service Commission initiated an inquiry into Kisaakye's conduct. Two months later, the permanent secretary of the judiciary suspended her salary and benefits for two and a half months, citing ongoing covert investigations by the Commission. By October 2022, after failing to resolve her issues through internal processes within the Ugandan judiciary and other relevant institutions, Kisaakye filed a petition in the Constitutional court. In her petition, she sought several declarations stating that the actions and omissions of five respondents—namely the chief justice of Uganda, the permanent secretary of the judiciary, the Judicial Service Commission, the attorney general, and the chief registrar and commissioner of Human Resources, violated her rights under Uganda's Constitution and undermined judicial independence. Despite her petition, the Judicial Service Commission continued its work, and in February 2023, it issued a report recommending that the President of Uganda establish a tribunal to investigate whether Kisaakye should be removed from office for alleged misconduct that occurred on March 18 and 19, 2021. As a lawyer, Kisaakye took action by filing another petition to quash the commission's report and to postpone the appointment of the tribunal until her initial petition was resolved. however, her case has never been granted any hearing dates. In the set of documents received by URN, it is indicated that; “Unofficially, Justice Kisaakye received information that the deputy chief justice, who will be retiring at the end of the year, is not willing to cause list her Petitions and applications, and that many judges at the Constitutional court were also not ready to hear her Petitions and applications either, because of the political sensitivities involved.” With more than seven years left on her term serving on the Supreme court bench, Kisaakye sought to bring an early end to her career by informing the appointing authority, the President, of her decision in a letter dated July 18. In her letter, she challenged the constitutionality of various administrative actions taken against her, including being investigated on allegations without the disclosure of specific offences, the freezing of her salary, and her removal as head of administration of the Supreme court. Kisaakye’s resignation came five months after the Judicial Service Commission recommended her removal from office due to alleged misconduct and a verbal confrontation with Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo regarding the 2021 presidential election petition. In response to her resignation and the letter from the Judicial Service Commission, President Museveni chose to reject her resignation. He stated that while he could not obstruct her wishes, her decision to resign would "preempt the work of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry or the tribunal." Kisaakye has also since filed another petition in the Supreme court challenging the legality of the president’s decision to stop her from taking early retirement. She noted that despite the refusal to accept her retirement, she has not been given any work in the judiciary since. “Whereas my early retirement was unconstitutionally denied by the President, I have also been denied any judicial work at the Supreme court and as a result, I have been kept in a state of being neither a serving justice nor as a retired justice of the Supreme court,” Kisaakye’s affidavit in support of her application reads in part. When contacted, Covington & Burling LLP, confirmed assisting Kisaakye with her advocacy efforts in promoting the rule of law, good governance, and judicial independence in Uganda and beyond. “In 2022 and 2023, Justice Kisaakye filed two constitutional petitions with the Constitutional Court of Uganda seeking to protect judicial independence and halt the Judicial Service Commission’s unconstitutional inquiry. Thus far, the Constitutional court has failed to follow its duties to hear constitutional cases expeditiously and in the order in which they have been received, as other cases filed after Justice Kisaakye’s have been adjudicated. We are aware that Justice Kisaakye has now filed a third constitutional petition seeking the Ugandan Government’s recognition of her retirement from the Supreme Court and the full payment of her retirement benefits,” an email signed by Amanda Reisinger from the law firm reads in part. The spokesperson of the Judiciary Ereemye Mawanda didn’t respond to our messages and phone calls to his known telephone. [loadposition inarticle}
LUMBERTON — The Empty Stocking Fund, which hopes to bring Christmas to 1,532 Robeson County children this year, is still well short of its goal. In past years, the spirit of giving shown by business leaders, political leaders and the wonderful individuals in the community, have come together to fund the project Donations help fund a $60 voucher per eligible child. The project is administered by the Lumber River United Way in Lumberton in partnership with The Robesonian and the Robeson County Department of Social Services. While this year’s total to date has a way to go before reaching the demand expected, local United Way Director Tate Johnson, said there’s still time to accomplish the $91,920 goal, which is slightly higher than last year’s mark. The fund saw some notable increases in recent days from several local individuals, including a $1,000 donation in “loving memory of Walt and Marie Townsend” from Cheryl Sessome. The Lumberton Rotary club stepped up to give $500 to the fund. And William and Mary Tubbs made a contribution of $600 to the Empty Stocking Fund in memory of “Mayme & Bill Tubbs.” A small handful of $100 donors also contributed to grow the fund, including a check from the Inquirers’ Club and another from Daniel and Carol Prevatee. The Empty Stocking Fund was established in the late 1970s to help children who might otherwise not have any presents to open on Christmas Day. Since 1996, the fund has raised close to $1.8 million, enough to help more than 36,000 children. How to donate : There are four ways to donate: by visiting The Robesonian at 2175 Roberts Ave. in Lumberton between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; sending donations to Lumber River United Way, c/o The Empty Stocking Fund, 301 N Water St, Lumberton, N.C., 28358; by using a credit card and calling either Linda Currie at 910-816-1980 or Clarissa Jackson at 910-416-5235; or online by going to www.lumberriveruw.org, clicking the donate button, filling out the necessary information and selecting Empty Stocking Fund-Robeson County. David Kennard is the executive editor of the Robesonian. Reach him by email at dkennard@robesonian.com.