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Signing with Dodgers was really easy decision for 2-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell
Photos: Remembering Jimmy Carter, the 39th US presidentBurt died over the weekend, the Crocosaurus Cove reptile aquarium in Darwin, Australia, said. He was at least 90 years old. “Known for his independent nature, Burt was a confirmed bachelor – an attitude he made clear during his earlier years at a crocodile farm,” Crocosaurus Cove wrote in social media posts. The aquarium added: “He wasn’t just a crocodile, he was a force of nature and a reminder of the power and majesty of these incredible creatures. While his personality could be challenging, it was also what made him so memorable and beloved by those who worked with him and the thousands who visited him over the years.” A saltwater crocodile, Burt was estimated to be more than 16 feet long. He was captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River and became one of the most well-known crocodiles in the world, according to Crocosaurus Cove. The 1986 film stars Paul Hogan as the rugged crocodile hunter Mick Dundee. In the movie, American Sue Charlton, played by actress Linda Kozlowski, goes to fill her canteen in a watering hole when she is attacked by a crocodile before being saved by Dundee. Burt is briefly shown lunging out of the water. But the creature shown in more detail as Dundee saves the day is apparently something else. The Internet Movie Database says the film made a mistake by depicting an American alligator, which has a blunter snout. The Australian aquarium where Burt had lived since 2008 features a Cage of Death which it says is the nation’s only crocodile dive. It said it planned to honour Burt’s legacy with a commemorative sign “celebrating his extraordinary life and the stories and interactions he shared throughout his time at the park”.ATLANTA (AP) — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who tried to restore virtue to the White House after the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, then rebounded from a landslide defeat to become a global advocate of human rights and democracy, has died. He was 100 years old . The Carter Center said the 39th president died Sunday afternoon, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died in November 2023, lived most of their lives. The center said he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. A moderate Democrat, Carter ran for president in 1976 as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad grin, effusive Baptist faith and technocratic plans for efficient government. His promise to never deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter said. Carter’s victory over Republican Gerald Ford, whose fortunes fell after pardoning Nixon, came amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over race, women’s rights and America’s role in the world. His achievements included brokering Mideast peace by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at Camp David for 13 days in 1978. But his coalition splintered under double-digit inflation and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His negotiations ultimately brought all the hostages home alive, but in a final insult, Iran didn’t release them until the inauguration of Ronald Reagan, who had trounced him in the 1980 election. Humbled and back home in Georgia, Carter said his faith demanded that he keep doing whatever he could, for as long as he could, to try to make a difference. He and Rosalynn co-founded The Carter Center in 1982 and spent the next 40 years traveling the world as peacemakers, human rights advocates and champions of democracy and public health. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Carter helped ease nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiate cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, the center had monitored at least 113 elections around the world. Carter was determined to eradicate guinea worm infections as one of many health initiatives. Swinging hammers into their 90s, the Carters built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The common observation that he was better as an ex-president rankled Carter. His allies were pleased that he lived long enough to see biographers and historians revisit his presidency and declare it more impactful than many understood at the time. Propelled in 1976 by voters in Iowa and then across the South, Carter ran a no-frills campaign. Americans were captivated by the earnest engineer, and while an election-year Playboy interview drew snickers when he said he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times,” voters tired of political cynicism found it endearing. The first family set an informal tone in the White House, carrying their own luggage, trying to silence the Marine Band’s traditional “Hail to the Chief" and enrolling daughter, Amy, in public schools. Carter was lampooned for wearing a cardigan and urging Americans to turn down their thermostats. But Carter set the stage for an economic revival and sharply reduced America's dependence on foreign oil by deregulating the energy industry along with airlines, trains and trucking. He established the departments of Energy and Education, appointed record numbers of women and nonwhites to federal posts, preserved millions of acres of Alaskan wilderness and pardoned most Vietnam draft evaders. Emphasizing human rights , he ended most support for military dictators and took on bribery by multinational corporations by signing the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. He persuaded the Senate to ratify the Panama Canal treaties and normalized relations with China, an outgrowth of Nixon’s outreach to Beijing. But crippling turns in foreign affairs took their toll. When OPEC hiked crude prices, making drivers line up for gasoline as inflation spiked to 11%, Carter tried to encourage Americans to overcome “a crisis of confidence.” Many voters lost confidence in Carter instead after the infamous address that media dubbed his “malaise" speech, even though he never used that word. After Carter reluctantly agreed to admit the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979. Negotiations to quickly free the hostages broke down, and then eight Americans died when a top-secret military rescue attempt failed. Carter also had to reverse course on the SALT II nuclear arms treaty after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979. Though historians would later credit Carter's diplomatic efforts for hastening the end of the Cold war, Republicans labeled his soft power weak. Reagan’s “make America great again” appeals resonated, and he beat Carter in all but six states. Born Oct. 1, 1924, James Earl Carter Jr. married fellow Plains native Rosalynn Smith in 1946, the year he graduated from the Naval Academy. He brought his young family back to Plains after his father died, abandoning his Navy career, and they soon turned their ambitions to politics . Carter reached the state Senate in 1962. After rural white and Black voters elected him governor in 1970, he drew national attention by declaring that “the time for racial discrimination is over.” Carter published more than 30 books and remained influential as his center turned its democracy advocacy onto U.S. politics, monitoring an audit of Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results. After a 2015 cancer diagnosis, Carter said he felt “perfectly at ease with whatever comes.” “I’ve had a wonderful life,” he said. “I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” Contributors include former AP staffer Alex Sanz in Atlanta.
Photos: Remembering Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president
ATLANTA (AP) — the peanut farmer who tried to restore virtue to the White House after the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, then rebounded from a landslide defeat to become a global advocate of human rights and democracy, has died. . The Carter Center said the 39th president died Sunday afternoon, , at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, who died in November 2023, lived most of their lives. The center said he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. As reaction poured in from around the world, President Joe Biden mourned Carter’s death, saying the world lost an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” and he lost a dear friend. Biden cited Carter’s compassion and moral clarity, his work to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless and advocacy for the disadvantaged as an example for others. “To all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility,” Biden said in a statement. “He showed that we are a great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong.” Biden said he is ordering a state funeral for Carter in Washington. A moderate Democrat, as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad grin, effusive Baptist faith and technocratic plans for efficient government. His promise to never deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter said. Carter’s victory over Republican Gerald Ford, whose fortunes fell after pardoning Nixon, came amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over race, women’s rights and America’s role in the world. His achievements included brokering Mideast peace by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at Camp David for 13 days in 1978. But his coalition splintered under double-digit inflation and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His negotiations ultimately brought all the hostages home alive, but in a final insult, Iran didn’t release them until the inauguration of Ronald Reagan, who had trounced him in the 1980 election. Humbled and back home in Georgia, Carter said his faith demanded that he keep doing whatever he could, for as long as he could, to try to make a difference. He and Rosalynn co-founded in 1982 and spent the next 40 years traveling the world as peacemakers, human rights advocates and champions of democracy and public health. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Carter helped ease nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and and Sudan. By 2022, the center had monitored at least 113 elections around the world. Carter was determined to as one of many health initiatives. the Carters built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The common observation that he was better as an ex-president rankled Carter. His allies were pleased that he lived long enough to see biographers and historians and declare it more impactful than many understood at the time. Propelled in 1976 by voters in Iowa and then across the South, Carter ran a no-frills campaign. Americans were captivated by the earnest engineer, and while an election-year Playboy interview drew snickers when he said he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times,” voters tired of political cynicism found it endearing. The first family set an informal tone in the White House, carrying their own luggage, trying to silence the Marine Band’s traditional “Hail to the Chief” and enrolling daughter, Amy, in public schools. Carter was lampooned for wearing a cardigan and urging Americans to turn down their thermostats. But Carter set the stage for an economic revival and sharply reduced America’s dependence on foreign oil by deregulating the energy industry along with airlines, trains and trucking. He established the departments of Energy and Education, appointed record numbers of women and nonwhites to federal posts, preserved millions of acres of Alaskan wilderness and pardoned most Vietnam draft evaders. , he ended most support for military dictators and took on bribery by multinational corporations by signing the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. He persuaded the Senate to ratify the Panama Canal treaties and normalized relations with China, an outgrowth of Nixon’s outreach to Beijing. But crippling turns in foreign affairs took their toll. When OPEC hiked crude prices, making drivers line up for gasoline as inflation spiked to 11%, Carter tried to encourage Americans to overcome “a crisis of confidence.” Many voters lost confidence in Carter instead after the infamous address that media dubbed his “malaise” speech, even though he never used that word. After Carter reluctantly agreed to admit the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979. Negotiations to quickly free the hostages broke down, and then eight Americans died when a top-secret military rescue attempt failed. Carter also had to reverse course on the SALT II nuclear arms treaty after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979. Though historians would later credit Carter’s diplomatic efforts for hastening the end of the Cold war, Republicans labeled his soft power weak. Reagan’s “make America great again” appeals resonated, and he beat Carter in all but six states. Born Oct. 1, 1924, James Earl Carter Jr. in 1946, the year he graduated from the Naval Academy. He brought his young family back to Plains after his father died, abandoning his Navy career, and . Carter reached the state Senate in 1962. After rural white and Black voters elected him governor in 1970, he drew national attention by declaring that “the time for racial discrimination is over.” Carter published more than 30 books and remained influential as his center turned its democracy advocacy onto U.S. politics, monitoring an audit of Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results. After Carter said he felt “perfectly at ease with whatever comes.” “I’ve had a wonderful life,” “I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” ___ Sanz is a former Associated Press reporter. Bill Barrow And Alex Sanz, The Associated Press
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The US dollar is gradually falling from grace in the global financial architecture on account of rising distrust and diversification efforts made by countries that are ditching the hegemony of the greenback. Simultaneously, world's population is rising; therefore international trade in other currencies may augur well. The share of the US dollar in the global foreign exchange reserves has slid to its lowest in 29 years, according to the latest data published by the International Monetary Fund. Although the dollar is slowly losing its grip, it is still strong because of liquidity, stability and the established mechanism. The greenback's long-standing status as the world's dominant currency has been jeopardised in recent years amid concerns over the soaring US debt and its sanctions on rivals such as Russia, according to the RT news channel. As part of Russia sanctions that followed the escalation of Ukraine conflict in February 2022, the US cut off the country's central bank from dollar transactions. It later banned the export of dollar banknotes to the country and spearheaded a drive to freeze Russian assets abroad. Foreign Affairs magazine wrote in June that the sanctions on Russia had "undoubtedly left other central banks wondering whether their own dollar-denominated rainy-day funds would be locked up should their governments run afoul of Washington." In a speech at the BRICS summit in Kazan in October, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Washington's weaponisation of the dollar through sanctions and denying countries access to the Western financial system was a "big mistake" that would force them "to look for other alternatives, which is what is happening." Economic and public policy expert, corporate and management consulting firm Director Qanit Khalilullah said the global economy was witnessing increasing de-dollarisation as countries diversify their trade and foreign exchange reserves. "This trend is driven by US actions to weaponise the dollar, such as imposing sanctions and freezing reserves, as seen in the case of Russia." These actions have eroded trust and raised fears of over-dependence on the dollar. Additionally, rising calls for a multipolar economic world, regional trade blocs like BRICS and technological advancements in digital currencies have created alternatives. De-dollarisation reflects a desire for greater financial autonomy and reduced exposure to the US monetary policies, signaling a shift towards a more decentralised global monetary system. Countries are moving away from the US dollar to reduce vulnerability to geopolitical risks and sanctions. The US tendency to use the dollar as a political tool has alarmed nations, prompting them to seek monetary independence. Furthermore, reliance on the dollar exposes countries to the US Federal Reserve policy actions, which impact exchange rates and trade balances. Emerging economies are forming regional partnerships and adopting alternative currencies like the yuan or euro. Digital currencies and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) further enable nations to bypass dollar-based financial systems, secure sovereignty and facilitate localised trade settlements. "The decline in the dollar's share in global reserves to a three-decade low reflects a broader shift in the international monetary landscape. While this signals reduced dominance, it does not necessarily mean the dollar is falling from grace. Its role as a global reserve currency will remain strong due to its liquidity, stability and established infrastructure," Khalilullah said. "However, diversification into other currencies reflects diminishing reliance on the dollar amid geopolitical tensions and economic shifts. The dollar's status may gradually decline but will remain central to the global economy in the foreseeable future," he said. Although "non-traditional" currencies are gaining ground, despite the downward trend, the dollar has so far remained the pre-eminent reserve currency. On the one hand, it highlights a structural change in the global monetary system, where non-traditional currencies like the yuan and digital alternatives are gaining ground in trade and reserves. This signals an evolving multipolar world order. On the other hand, it underscores the enduring dominance of the US dollar, which continues to serve as the pre-eminent reserve currency due to its long entrenched use in international settlements, high liquidity, global trust and the absence of comparable alternatives. The distinction lies in recognising the growing diversification versus sustained reliance on the dollar's unique advantages. Rising sanctions have coerced Russia to de-dollarise. September data shows that Moscow and its allies in the BRICS group are making a better use of national currencies, which are utilised in 65% of mutual trade settlements. BRICS' growing use of national currencies signals significant progress towards de-dollarisation. This trend shows efforts to reduce dependence on the dollar, especially in light of the sanctions and geopolitical dynamics. However, the dollar's deeply entrenched role as a global reserve currency, supported by liquid markets and historical trust, is unlikely to be displaced substantially in the short term. Instead, the global economy may move towards a diversified system where the dollar coexists with regional currencies, fostering a multipolar monetary order where no single currency dominates entirely. International trade expert and economic analyst Aadil Nakhoda said there had been several instances of de-dollarisation throughout history, starting with the yen, then the euro, the yuan and now a currency being planned by BRICs. The yen and the euro have made a little impact. The availability of an alternative currency in the global market is a key factor in de-dollarisation. Rather than ditching the greenback, countries are trying to create their own narrative for dominance in the global market. With US policies becoming more trade restrictive, this narrative will likely grow. The trade deficit generated by the US results in higher supply of the US dollar in foreign markets. As efforts are made to curtail it, it may result in lower supply and consequently its reduced dominance. An international currency must not only be easily available but also involves less government intervention through policies. The yuan is heavily state-controlled while other currencies are unlikely to reach eminence. "We may see mutual agreements becoming more common as they reduce the risk involved with a third currency. However, trade between countries not involving BRICs is likely to continue in dollars. It is when these countries adopt other currencies, will we see non-dollar-based trade becoming more eminent. Consider how the dollar is prevalent in informal trade," Nakhoda said. The writer is a staff correspondent COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see ourEconomy Minister: Eliminating watchdog agencies doesn’t violate USMCA free trade dealBiglari (NYSE:BH.A) Shares Gap Down – What’s Next?
HOUSTON — Houston’s Azeez Al-Shaair was suspended by the NFL without pay for three games Tuesday for repeated violations of player safety rules following his violent hit to the head of Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, which led to a concussion. Al-Shaair’s punishment was announced by NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan. In his letter to Al-Shaair, Runyan noted that he has had multiple offenses for personal fouls and sportsmanship-related rules violations in recent seasons. Back in the starting lineup after missing two games with a sprained left shoulder, Lawrence scrambled left on a second-and-7 play in the second quarter of Houston’s 23-20 win on Sunday. He initiated a slide before Al-Shaair raised his forearm and unleashed on the defenseless quarterback. In his letter to Al-Shaair, Runyan called the hit “unacceptable and a serious violation of the playing rules.” “Video shows you striking the head/neck area of Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence after he clearly goes down in a feet-first slide,” Runyan wrote. “You led with your forearm and helmet and delivered a forceful blow to the head/neck area of your opponent when you had time and space to avoid such contact.” Al-Shaair is appealing the suspension, according to a person with knowledge of the decision. Houston general manager Nick Caserio defended Al-Shaair and said he doesn’t believe the league is using consistency in issuing punishments like these. “I probably speak for a lot of teams, not only the Houston Texans, but I think that’s all teams ask for is consistency from the league,” he said. “And I’d say in this situation, quite frankly, there’s no consistency at all relative to the level of discipline that’s been handed down.” Prolific receiver Sterling Sharpe and Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Holmgren have advanced to the final stage of voting for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. Sharpe was picked as one of three finalists in the Seniors category for players whose career ended in 1999 or earlier, along with Maxie Baughan and Jim Tyrer. Holmgren was picked as the lone finalist in the coaching category, and Ralph Hay, who helped found the NFL more than a century ago, was the finalist in the contributor category. BRIEFLY NFL: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has met with congressional leaders to speak to them about the ongoing security issue of drones on game days, according to an AP source. Unapproved drones have become a problem for various sports leagues. PANTHERS: Carolina team president Kristi Coleman was promoted to chief executive officer of Tepper Sports & Entertainment, owner David Tepper announced Tuesday, making her one of the highest-ranking females in the professional sports industry. COMMANDERS: Washington hired Mark Clouse as its new team president. He will oversee all facets of business operations. Clouse joins the NFL club after spending the past five years as president and CEO of the Campbell’s Company.
Neal Maupay: Whenever I’m having a bad day I check Everton score and smileTransMedics Reports Inducement Grants Under NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)
In the fast-paced world of digital gaming, innovation drives success and transformation. SMCI Now is poised to become a groundbreaking name in the gaming industry, introducing unexpected and bold advances that promise to reshape how gamers interact with their virtual worlds. This is more than just a technology update—it’s a redefinition of gaming experience as a whole. SMCI Now stands for Super Multi-Channel Interactivity , a cutting-edge platform that uses advanced AI and quantum computing to create immersive, multi-dimensional gaming environments. Not only does it enhance the current gaming experiences, but it also allows players to engage with games on an unprecedented scale. These environments are designed to be dynamically responsive to player actions, delivering seamless interaction unmatched by traditional gaming engines. One of the most exciting features of SMCI Now is its real-time adaptability to player strategies and preferences. By implementing AI-driven adjustments, the platform can customize challenges, storylines, and rewards based on unique player profiles and in-game decisions. This creates a tailor-made gaming experience for each user, bridging the gap between reality and digital simulation. Industry analysts believe that SMCI Now has the potential to set new standards in both competitive eSports and casual gaming sectors. This technological leap promises to attract not only new players but also entice developers to explore limitless creative potential for future game titles. As SMCI Now makes its debut, the gaming world eagerly anticipates how these technological advancements will influence and redefine the gaming landscape. Keep your controllers ready—the future of gaming is now, and it is going to be extraordinary. Discover the Future of Gaming with SMCI Now: Game-Changer or Industry Revolution? In the rapidly evolving world of digital gaming, Super Multi-Channel Interactivity (SMCI Now) is garnering attention as a potential game-changer. By integrating pioneering technologies like advanced AI and quantum computing, SMCI Now is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in digital entertainment. Here, we delve into the exciting innovations, features, and implications of this groundbreaking platform. Features and Innovations 1. AI-Driven Personalization : SMCI Now excels in offering an unparalleled, personalized experience. By dynamically adjusting game elements in real-time based on AI analysis of player behavior and decisions, it ensures each game session is unique. Unlike static environments, this technology provides a living, breathing world that adapts to its players. 2. Quantum Computing Integration : Leveraging the power of quantum computing, SMCI Now delivers complex data processing capabilities that significantly enhance graphical fidelity and interactivity. This translates to more realistic simulations and a seamless gaming experience. 3. Multi-Channel Interactivity : The essence of SMCI Now is its multi-channel approach, allowing gamers to interact with their environment through various inputs and outputs. This aspect redefines player engagement by enabling new forms of interaction, from voice commands to advanced sensory feedback. Use Cases and Market Potential The versatile capabilities of SMCI Now extend its reach beyond just traditional gaming. Here are some potential use cases: – eSports : By providing a more immersive and adaptive environment, eSports competitions can become even more thrilling, with games that adapt to competitive strategies in real-time. – Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) : SMCI Now’s integration with VR and AR technologies could create unmatched interactive experiences, blending physical and digital realms seamlessly. – Educational Simulations : The advanced interactivity and personalization of SMCI Now can be harnessed to create engaging educational tools that adapt to different learning styles and speeds. Limitations and Considerations While SMCI Now promises to revolutionize gaming, there are some considerations: – High Technical Requirements : The cutting-edge nature of SMCI Now means that not all devices will be able to support these innovations. This may create a barrier for gamers without access to high-end hardware. – Development Complexity : The advanced features require significant investment in development time and resources, which might limit its initial adoption to studios with adequate funding and technical expertise. Comparisons and Industry Impact When comparing SMCI Now to existing platforms, the most notable difference is its real-time adaptability and quantum integration, setting it apart in terms of potential and execution. The industry impact is expected to be significant, with ripple effects across eSports, VR/AR, and interactive storytelling. Predictions and Market Trends Analysts predict that if SMCI Now successfully integrates into the mainstream, we could see a shift in player expectations from static to dynamic gaming experiences. Trends suggest an increasing demand for personalized gaming environments, and SMCI Now seems poised to meet those demands. In conclusion, SMCI Now is more than just a technological advancement—it represents a fundamental shift in how games are developed, experienced, and perceived. As the platform rolls out, it will be crucial to watch how it influences the future of gaming and interactive digital experiences. For updates and insights into the gaming industry’s leading innovations, visit Gaming Industry .Ruud van Nistelrooy treated himself to a beer after enjoying a perfect start to his reign as Leicester manager. Van Nistelrooy’s first game in charge ended with a 3-1 win over West Ham, thanks to goals from Jamie Vardy, Bilal El Khannouss and Patson Daka. The Dutchman, who was out of work for just two weeks following his four-game spell as Manchester United interim boss, only started on Sunday so was happy to end a hectic three days in style. “Everybody was involved with that and helping, it was busy, long days, but worth it. I was focused on the game and what the game needed, the subs, the half-time talk, so focused on the moment, so I am going to get myself a little beer and reflect on the last three days.” He endured a dream start as Vardy scored after just 98 seconds with El Khannouss and Daka adding second-half goals. It was by no means one-way traffic, though, as West Ham – who scored a consolation through Niclas Fullkrug at the death – had 30 shots on goal. But Van Nistelrooy saw enough to think he can deliver on his objective of keeping the Foxes in the Premier League. “I am very happy, if you look at the result – and it is about the result – it was a great night, three points, three good goals and also very effective. “Overall the game of course we have seen and how dominant West Ham were at certain stages and what they created, that is a fact and something we have to look at. “Overall, what I expected of the players going forward was togetherness and hunger, energy and spirit in this team that is fighting for every inch. “Eleven players on the pitch who are fighting as a foundation to play the rest of the Premier League. I saw that completely with every single player that started and came on. “That’s the foundation we have to build on, without that it will be impossible to get where we want to go. I am very happy about that.” West Ham’s hierarchy will have seen what impact a managerial change can have as the jury remains out on Julen Lopetegui, with away fans making their feelings clear by chanting “You’re getting sacked in the morning”. Lopetegui expects to keep his job but forthcoming games against his former club Wolves, Bournemouth, Brighton and Southampton could determine the Spaniard’s future. “We have one month of December with a lot of matches and I am sure with this attitude we are going to achieve many more points. “I believe in the players. I am confident that tomorrow we are going to be ready to prepare the next match. “Understanding the question, but at the end of the season maybe we talk in another way. There are a lot of matches and points, a lot of things can happen. “I believe in these players and team, I am sure the position is going to be much better. They are only words but we have to work a lot to achieve this.”
Former Maryland governor and commissioner of the Social Security Administration Martin O’Malley has been called to testify before the House Oversight Committee next month about an agreement he signed to allow some Social Security employees to work remotely through 2029. O’Malley signed the agreement in late November, two days before leaving his Social Security Administration position. James Comer, a Republican representative from Kentucky who serves as the chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, wrote in a letter to O’Malley that his agreement with the American Federation of Government Employees to guarantee a minimum amount of telework for 42,000 Social Security employees through 2029 “will tie the hands of your successor at SSA for the duration of the next administration, and beyond.” O’Malley hasn’t commented publicly on the letter. Comer questioned O’Malley’s motives and how the move would serve the public. Comer’s letter implies the move was politically motivated, saying it was popular with AFGE members and other unions “that form a core constituency of the DNC that you are now running to chair.” O’Malley resigned from the Social Security Administration in November, around when he announced his run for chair of the Democratic National Committee. Comer claimed the administration’s nearly 60,000 employees have spent less than half their time in the office as disability claim processing times have increased since the pandemic. “We believe your testimony will shed light on why so much of the federal workforce is currently at home, and federal agency offices are largely vacant,” he wrote. “We also expect it will educate Members as to how federal collective bargaining law and practice has helped facilitate this situation.” The AFGE represents 800,000 federal and D.C. employees across 900 different local unions, according to its website. “We support telework where it delivers for both the taxpayers and the workers who serve them. Telework and remote work are tools that have helped the federal government increase productivity and efficiency, maintain continuity of operations, and increase disaster preparedness. These policies also assist agencies across the government, including the Social Security Administration, in recruiting and retaining top talent,” said AFGE president Everett Kelley in a statement Dec. 16. Kelley went on to dispel “rumors of widespread federal telework,” saying only 10% of federal employees are fully remote while hybrid employees spend over 60% of working hours in-office. However, the majority of federal employees, he said, were completely ineligible for remote work due to the nature of their jobs. The election for DNC chair amongst its 447 committee members will take place in early 2025, according to the New York Times . Have a news tip? Contact Racquel Bazos at rbazos@baltsun.com, 443-813-0770 or on X as @rzbworks.
Social media users are misrepresenting a Vermont Supreme Court ruling , claiming that it gives schools permission to vaccinate children even if their parents do not consent. The ruling addressed a lawsuit filed by Dario and Shujen Politella against Windham Southeast School District and state officials over the mistaken vaccination of their child against COVID-19 in 2021, when he was 6 years old. A lower court had dismissed the original complaint, as well as an amended version. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was filed on Nov. 19. But the ruling by Vermont's high court is not as far-reaching as some online have claimed. In reality, it concluded that anyone protected under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, or PREP, Act is immune to state lawsuits. Here's a closer look at the facts. CLAIM: The Vermont Supreme Court ruled that schools can vaccinate children against their parents' wishes. THE FACTS: The claim stems from a July 26 ruling by the Vermont Supreme Court, which found that anyone protected by the PREP Act is immune to state lawsuits, including the officials named in the Politella's suit. The ruling does not authorize schools to vaccinate children at their discretion. According to the lawsuit, the Politella's son — referred to as L.P. — was given one dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination clinic held at Academy School in Brattleboro even though his father, Dario, told the school's assistant principal a few days before that his son was not to receive a vaccination. In what officials described as a mistake, L.P. was removed from class and had a “handwritten label” put on his shirt with the name and date of birth of another student, L.K., who had already been vaccinated that day. L.P. was then vaccinated. Ultimately, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that officials involved in the case could not be sued. “We conclude that the PREP Act immunizes every defendant in this case and this fact alone is enough to dismiss the case,” the Vermont Supreme Court's ruling reads. “We conclude that when the federal PREP Act immunizes a defendant, the PREP Act bars all state-law claims against that defendant as a matter of law.” The PREP Act , enacted by Congress in 2005, authorizes the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to issue a declaration in the event of a public health emergency providing immunity from liability for activities related to medical countermeasures, such as the administration of a vaccine, except in cases of “willful misconduct" that result in “death or serious physical injury.” A declaration against COVID-19 was issued on March 17, 2020. It is set to expire on Dec. 31. Federals suits claiming willful misconduct are filed in Washington. Social media users described the Vermont Supreme Court's ruling as having consequences beyond what it actually says. “The Vermont Supreme Court has ruled that schools can force-vaccinate children for Covid against the wishes of their parents,” reads one X post that had been liked and shared approximately 16,600 times as of Tuesday. “The high court ruled on a case involving a 6-year-old boy who was forced to take a Covid mRNA injection by his school. However, his family had explicitly stated that they didn't want their child to receive the ‘vaccines.’” Other users alleged that the ruling gives schools permission to give students any vaccine without parental consent, not just ones for COVID-19. Rod Smolla, president of the Vermont Law and Graduate School and an expert on constitutional law, told The Associated Press that the ruling “merely holds that the federal statute at issue, the PREP Act, preempts state lawsuits in cases in which officials mistakenly administer a vaccination without consent.” “Nothing in the Vermont Supreme Court opinion states that school officials can vaccinate a child against the instructions of the parent,” he wrote in an email. Asked whether the claims spreading online have any merit, Ronald Ferrara, an attorney representing the Politellas, told the AP that although the ruling doesn't say schools can vaccinate students regardless of parental consent, officials could interpret it to mean that they could get away with doing so under the PREP Act, at least when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines. He explained that the U.S. Supreme Court appeal seeks to clarify whether the Vermont Supreme Court interpreted the PREP Act beyond what Congress intended. “The Politella’s fundamental liberty interest to decide whether their son should receive elective medical treatment was denied by agents of the State and School,” he wrote in an email to the AP. “The Vermont Court misconstrues the scope of PREP Act immunity (which is conditioned upon informed consent for medical treatments unapproved by FDA), to cover this denial of rights and its underlying battery.” Ferrara added that he was not aware of the claims spreading online, but that he “can understand how lay people may conflate the court's mistaken grant of immunity for misconduct as tantamount to blessing such misconduct.” John Klar, who also represents the Politellas, went a step further, telling the AP that the Vermont Supreme Court ruling means that “as a matter of law” schools can get away with vaccinating students without parental consent and that parents can only sue on the federal level if death or serious bodily injury results. — Find AP Fact Checks here: https://apnews.com/APFactCheck .
Cybercrime has also added to our vocabulary “digital arrest” is the latest. (Representative Image) Criminals have kept up with the times. In fact, they’ve taken to technology so quickly that law enforcers are constantly playing catch-up. Cyber crime has overtaken robbery, burglary and theft as a money-spinner. In Tamil Nadu alone this year, people lost more than Rs 1,100 crore to cyber fraudsters. Courier parcel scam, Trai phone scam, get-rich-quick online trading, easy-task-big-reward scam, lottery in your name, mistaken money transfer, KYC scam, bill scam, boss scam and tax refund scam – these are some of the tricks of the online fraudsters. Highspeed internet and mobile technology help them no end. From the garden variety scammers who make phone calls impersonating bank officials and get elderly victims to share their banking details to the more sophisticated scammers who bait victims with get-rich-quick schemes, the phone is their ‘akshaya patra’. Being a scammer is now a 9 to 5 job with a steady stream of replacements for every attrition due to arrests. Cybercrime has also added to our vocabulary “digital arrest” is the latest. So many people fell for this trick that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to talk about it in his Oct “Mann ki baat” speech. Senior citizens and retired govt employees are the primary targets of “digital arrest”, which is scamsters coming on video call and convincing people to isolate themselves -some even booked hotel rooms and shut themselves in and transfer money. It would be funny if it weren’t so tragic. In Tamil Nadu, there have been at least 300 registered incidents of “digital arrest” so far this year. Police say scammers choose targets using data available on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Claiming to be CBI or RAW officers and accusing targets of being involved in illegal activities, the scammers keep their targets talking on the phone and don’t allow them time to think or talk to anyone else. In Chennai, a senior railway engineer recently spent two days in isolation believing he was about to be arrested for a crime. Another money-spinner for cyber criminals is the online trading scam , where they play on the victim’s greed. People are lured by advertisements on social media to join WhatsApp or Telegram groups where handlers advise them to invest in shares promising exponential profits. Victims who approach police are generally those who have lost at least ₹1 crore. The psychological scars that these victims, many of whom who have lost their life’s savings at the click of a button, carry is yet to be studied nor has it become a matter of discussion. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss yearly career horoscopes 2025 for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces . Spread love this holiday season with these New Year wishes , messages , and quotes.Scientists Say They've Discovered the Shape of Individual PhotonsThis initiative is set to offer additional functionalities such as exclusive rights and digital identity authentication, aiming to transform the way digital assets are perceived and utilized. The decision to launch these innovative NFTs will be democratically made through a community vote scheduled from December 27 to December 30, 2024. BurgerCities is calling on its community members to actively participate in this crucial decision-making process. Voters will have the choice to either support the proposal, recognizing the potential for new opportunities in the digital market, or oppose it due to concerns over market volatility and potential technical challenges. The 2025 NFT series proposed by BurgerCities seeks to enrich the digital asset market by integrating sophisticated elements of art and technology. These NFTs aim to go beyond mere collecting; they are envisioned as a medium to appreciate digital art and leverage it for more practical applications like identity verification and exclusive access rights. This approach could potentially set a new standard for how NFTs are utilized, making them more than just collectible items but also functional assets that carry significant cultural and technological value. The outcome of the community vote will significantly influence the direction of this project and its potential impact on the digital asset landscape. BurgerCities emphasizes that the introduction of these art and technology-infused NFTs could revitalize the market and foster the development of a digital culture that celebrates technological innovation alongside artistic expression. The results of the vote will be announced promptly on various social media platforms following the conclusion of the voting period. BurgerCities aims to ensure transparency and community involvement in the evolution of its platform and the broader digital market.
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