Public Sector Pension Investment Board Sells 400 Shares of World Acceptance Co. (NASDAQ:WRLD)Donald Trump assigned Doug Burgum a singular mission in nominating the governor of oil-rich North Dakota to lead an agency that oversees a half-billion acres of federal land and vast areas offshore: “Drill baby drill.” A flare for burning excess methane, or natural gas, from crude oil production is seen at a well pad in Watford City, N.D., Aug. 26, 2021. That dictate from the president-elect's announcement of Burgum for Secretary of Interior sets the stage for a reignition of the court battles over public lands and waters that helped define Trump's first term, with environmentalists worried about climate change already pledging their opposition. Burgum is an ultra-wealthy software industry entrepreneur who grew up on his family's farm. He represents a tame choice compared to other Trump Cabinet picks. Public lands experts said his experience as a popular two-term governor who aligns himself with conservationist Teddy Roosevelt suggests a willingness to collaborate, as opposed to dismantling from within the agency he is tasked with leading. That could help smooth his confirmation and clear the way for the incoming administration to move quickly to open more public lands to development and commercial use. “Burgum strikes me as a credible nominee who could do a credible job as Interior secretary,” said John Leshy, who served as Interior's solicitor under former President Bill Clinton. “He’s not a right-wing radical on public lands,” added Leshy, professor emeritus at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. Frictions over lands The Interior Department manages about one-fifth of the country's land with a mandate that spans from wildlife conservation and recreation to natural resource extraction and fulfilling treaty obligations with Native American tribes. Most of those lands are in the West, where frictions with private landowners and state officials are commonplace and have sometimes mushroomed into violent confrontations with right-wing groups that reject federal jurisdiction. Burgum if confirmed would be faced with a pending U.S. Supreme Court action from Utah that seeks to assert state power over Interior Department lands. North Dakota’s attorney general has supported the lawsuit, but Burgum’s office declined to say if he backs Utah’s claims. U.S. Justice Department attorneys on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to reject Utah's lawsuit. They said Utah in 1894 agreed to give up its right to the lands at issue when it became a state. Turbines operate at the Block Island Wind Farm, Dec. 7, 2023, off the coast of Block Island, R.I. Trump's narrow focus on fossil fuels is a replay from his 2016 campaign — although minus coal mining, a collapsing industry that he failed to revive in his first term. Trump repeatedly hailed oil as “liquid gold” on the campaign trail this year and largely omitted any mention of coal. About 26% of U.S. oil comes from federal lands and offshore waters overseen by Interior. Production continues to hit record levels under President Joe Biden despite claims by Trump that the Democrat hindered drilling. But industry representatives and their Republican allies say volumes could be further boosted. They want Burgum and the Interior Department to ramp up oil and gas sales from federal lands, in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Alaska. The oil industry also hopes Trump’s government efficiency initiative led by billionaire Elon Musk can dramatically reduce environmental reviews. Biden’s administration reduced the frequency and size of lease sales, and it restored environmental rules that were weakened under Trump. The Democrat as a candidate in 2020 promised further restrictions on drilling to help combat global warming, but he struck a deal for the 2022 climate bill that requires offshore oil and gas sales to be held before renewable energy leases can be sold. “Oil and gas brings billions of dollars of revenue in, but you don't get that if you don't have leasing," said Erik Milito with the National Ocean Industries Association, which represents offshore industries including oil and wind. Trump has vowed to kill offshore wind energy projects. But Milito said he was hopeful that with Burgum in place it would be “green lights ahead for everything, not just oil and gas.” Conservation, drilling and grazing It is unclear if Burgum would revive some of the most controversial steps taken at the agency during Trump’s first term, including relocating senior officials out of Washington, D.C., dismantling parts of the Endangered Species Act and shrinking the size of two national monuments in Utah designated by former President Barack Obama. Officials under Biden spent much of the past four years reversing Trump's moves. They restored the Utah monuments and rescinded numerous Trump regulations. Onshore oil and gas lease sales plummeted — from more than a million acres sold annually under Trump and other previous administrations, to just 91,712 acres sold last year — while many wind and solar projects advanced. Developing energy leases takes years, and oil companies control millions of acres that remain untapped. Biden's administration also elevated the importance of conservation in public lands decisions, adopting a rule putting it more on par with oil and gas development. They proposed withdrawing parcels of land in six states from potential future mining to protect a struggling bird species, the greater sage grouse. North Dakota is among Republican states that challenged the Biden administration's public lands rule. The states said in a June lawsuit that officials acting to prevent climate change have turned laws meant to facilitate development into policies that obstruct drilling, livestock grazing and other uses. Oil production boomed over the past two decades in North Dakota thanks in large part to better drilling techniques. Burgum has been an industry champion and last year signed a repeal of the state's oil tax trigger — a price-based tax hike industry leaders supported removing. Burgum’s office declined an interview request. In a statement after his nomination, Burgum echoed Trump’s call for U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. The 68-year-old governor also said the Interior post offered an opportunity to improve government relations with developers, tribes, landowners and outdoor enthusiasts “with a focus on maximizing the responsible use of our natural resources with environmental stewardship for the benefit of the American people.” Under current Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the agency put greater emphasis on working collaboratively with tribes, including their own energy projects. Haaland, a member of the Pueblo of Laguna tribe in New Mexico, also advanced an initiative to solve criminal cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous peoples and helped lead a nationwide reckoning over abuses at federal Indian boarding schools that culminated in a formal public apology from Biden. Burgum has worked with tribes in his state, including on oil development. Badlands Conservation Alliance director Shannon Straight in Bismarck, North Dakota, said Burgum has also been a big supporter of tourism in North Dakota and outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. Yet Straight said that hasn't translated into additional protections for land in the state. “Theodore Roosevelt had a conservation ethic, and we talk and hold that up as a beautiful standard to live by," he said. “We haven't seen it as much on the ground. ... We need to recognize the landscape is only going to be as good as some additional protections.” Burgum has been a cheerleader of the planned Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox!
Scientists advise EU to halt solar geoengineeringWander through the gently curving path between two 28,110-gallon tanks in the Shedd Aquarium’s redesigned rotunda space, and the calming green hues of a freshwater ecosystem greet you on one side, while the electric blues, pinks and oranges of saltwater life form a vibrant palette just opposite. Together, the two habitats make up Wonder of Water, a new exhibit that opens Tuesday and represents the latest phase of an ongoing renovation leading up to the aquarium’s centennial in 2030. Returning visitors may recall the previous iteration of this space: a Caribbean-inspired reef that opened in 1971 and featured tropical fish, stingrays and sharks. Before that, the rotunda housed a rock garden and sunken tropical pool filled with native fish, turtles and frogs. Now, through Wonder of Water, the Shedd aims to provide a place for guests to pause and reflect on Earth’s biodiversity, while piquing their curiosity about the other animal and plant life to be explored at the aquarium. Unlike the former Caribbean exhibit, which used sculpted corals, the new saltwater habitat is home to living corals that the Shedd has acquired and cultivated over the past several years, along with over 1,500 fish. The updated Wonder of Water gallery with freshwater on the right and marine water on the left at the Shedd Aquarium on Dec. 6, 2024. (Tess Crowley/Chicago Tribune) “The corals in here act as an absolute ecosystem, so not only are they part of the beauty of this exhibit, (but) an integral part of the life support system as well,” said Keoki Burton, director of animal care and sustainability at the Shedd. Fans of “Finding Nemo” will easily spot the clown fish and anemones, but Burton pointed out that these aren’t the only symbiotic relationships that can be observed in the saltwater habitat. Several shrimp have established “cleaning stations” among the corals and rocks, where they perch and groom fish swimming by. Many of the fish are already displaying nesting and mating behaviors, too. These are examples of “the natural behaviors that we are able to elicit from these animals, because we’re providing them with such a dynamic ecosystem,” Burton said. In the freshwater habitat, more than 5,000 fish live among 50 species of plants, most of which are native to southeast Asia and have been cultivated by the Shedd for the past year and a half. Some of the plants have already grown from tiny leaflets into seven-foot stalks that are beginning to flower, and they are kept healthy and lush with a CO2 injection system and other advanced technologies that optimize the water flow, chemistry, filtration and lighting. Visitors can use periscopes to zoom in on details of both habitats and explore tactile models of the species represented in the exhibit. ADA-accessible seating will also provide a spot to relax and take in the maritime motifs in the rotunda’s ornate architecture. “There are moments when people want to lean in, they want to be more activated, and there are moments when people want to lean back and let the experience wash over them a bit more,” said Sarah Hezel, vice president of design and exhibits. “We tried to strike that balance here, so if you want to just be in this space and have it be a respite, you get that, and if you want to drill in and observe some of those incredible behaviors, that’s there, too.” In addition to the rotunda, several other spaces at the Shedd have been refreshed. The Amazon Rising gallery reopened in October after a renovation that added nearly 30,000 gallons in volume to its habitats — an expansion necessary to accommodate animals that continue to grow, such as an 11-foot anaconda and the arapaima, a South American fish that can reach up to 10 feet in length. Amazon Rising now features signage in English and Spanish — a change that will eventually be made throughout the aquarium — and new interactive activities such as a thermal imaging display that mimics how an anaconda senses its environment. The renovation also allows more sunlight to stream in through skylights, which not only helps visitors observe more details but also encourages natural behaviors from the animals. Tactile models are new in the Amazon Rising exhibit at the Shedd Aquarium on Dec. 6, 2024. (Tess Crowley/Chicago Tribune) In November, the Shedd unveiled its redesigned entryway, which offers improved accessibility, streamlined arrival procedures and more options for guests to choose their own route through the aquarium. The star of this upgraded space is a new art installation titled “The Once and Forever Lake Michigan,” designed by artist David Franklin in partnership with Kohler. The hanging sculpture features 1,600 individual fish representing Lake Michigan species, each carved from wood, molded and cast in vitreous china. The result is an elegant school of porcelain fish that shimmers in a blend of natural light and soft blue-green accents. A sculpture by David Franklin representing five different species of Great Lakes fish in the entranceway at the Shedd Aquarium on Dec. 6, 2024. (Tess Crowley/Chicago Tribune) People walk in the updated entranceway, featuring a sculpture by David Franklin representing five different species of Great Lakes fish, at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago on Dec. 6, 2024. (Tess Crowley/Chicago Tribune) Future upgrades slated to open in 2026 include expanded learning facilities; a redesign of the historic Great Hall; and reimagined exhibits about ecosystems in lakes, rivers and oceans. In the Changing Oceans gallery, visitors will learn about the impacts of global warming and ocean acidification, see the recreation of a California kelp forest and get a diver’s view of a coral reef in a new walk-through tunnel. Hezel assures anyone who misses the Caribbean reef animals from the old rotunda display that they will be able to see their favorites again in this much bigger space. These renovations represent one part of the Shedd’s centennial strategic plan, which also includes commitments to deepen community partnerships, expand experiential programs and digital engagement, and pursue advancements in animal care and aquatic research. Although the new Wonder of Water exhibit is just one phase of this years-long project, its location in the rotunda has special significance, Hezel said. “When people come in the new entrance, it’s their first animal experience. Because of the orientation of all the other galleries, all roads lead back here, so in many ways, this is the heart of Shedd Aquarium.” Emily McClanathan is a freelance writer. The Wonder of Water exhibit is included with admission to the Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; $35.20-$48.45 for adults, $26.45-$36.45 for children ages 3-11, $14.95-$19.95 for Chicago residents; more information at sheddaquarium.org or 312-939-2438From Desmond Mgboh, Kano Kano State Police Command have warned against obstruction of highways and disruption of public order in the name of content creation, insisting that offenders will be prosecuted henceforth. A statement on Monday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa regretted that these obstructions of highways and disruption of public order cause traffic congestion and poise a significant risk to public safety.. “Kano State Police have observed with concern the recent trend of youths blocking roads in Kano, engaging in dancing, washing, singing, and other activities in the name of social media content creation. These actions are not only causing unnecessary traffic congestion but also posing a significant risk to public safety.: he stated. “The Command wishes to remind the public that obstructing highways and disrupting public order are serious offenses under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Such actions can lead to accidents, injuries, and damage to property” the statement said According to the statement, ” Kano State Police Command hereby warns all individuals and groups involved in these activities to desist immediately. Parents and guardians are also advised to caution their wards against participating in such activities. “The Command is committed to maintaining public safety and order, and will not hesitate to take necessary measures to address this issue. This may include arresting and prosecuting offenders” the statement added The Command urged the public to report any instances of highway obstruction or disruption of public order to the nearest police station. End.
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THIBODAUX, La. (AP) — Byron Ireland's 22 points helped Nicholls State defeat New Orleans 73-70 on Saturday. Ireland had seven rebounds for the Colonels (6-4, 2-0 Southland Conference). Trae English scored 18 points while shooting 7 for 13 (1 for 5 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line. Robert Brown III shot 3 for 6 (1 for 3 from 3-point range) and 3 of 3 from the free-throw line to finish with 10 points. The Privateers (2-6, 0-1) were led by Michael Thomas, who recorded 16 points and nine rebounds. James White added 15 points for New Orleans. NEXT UP Nicholls State next plays Tuesday against Southern University at New Orleans at home, and New Orleans will visit Iowa on Sunday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Arcadium Lithium Announces Shareholder Approval of Proposed Rio Tinto Transaction and Provides Regulatory UpdateBiden's Bold Clemency Move: Halting Federal Executions
Algae-based method could help treat waste water in India, say researchersDespite battling a foot injury, Matthews had to put the pain out of his mind and do what he could to make sure MSU was going to get a victory. That did not look promising for the Bulldogs in the first half against Prairie View A&M at Humphrey Coliseum as they fell behind by as many as 15 points, but Matthews came off the bench, MSU was able to get the game tied by halftime 40-40 and survived for a 91-84 win. The Bulldogs wanted to rest Matthews and not have to use him, but head coach Chris Jans said there was a plan in place to put him in the game if necessary. Jans found out quickly that Matthews' services were going to be needed. For more on this story, read our news edition from Tuesday, December 10 or click here to subscribe to our e-edition.
Public Sector Pension Investment Board trimmed its holdings in Clearwater Paper Co. ( NYSE:CLW – Free Report ) by 3.8% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 35,336 shares of the basic materials company’s stock after selling 1,400 shares during the quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board owned 0.21% of Clearwater Paper worth $1,008,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Pacer Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Clearwater Paper by 45.2% in the 3rd quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 1,887,015 shares of the basic materials company’s stock worth $53,855,000 after purchasing an additional 587,043 shares in the last quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. grew its position in Clearwater Paper by 24.3% in the second quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 219,983 shares of the basic materials company’s stock worth $10,663,000 after buying an additional 42,935 shares during the last quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Clearwater Paper in the third quarter valued at $1,043,000. Victory Capital Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Clearwater Paper by 63.9% during the 3rd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 50,240 shares of the basic materials company’s stock valued at $1,434,000 after acquiring an additional 19,580 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Clearwater Paper by 39.1% during the 2nd quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 218,505 shares of the basic materials company’s stock worth $10,586,000 after acquiring an additional 61,366 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.98% of the company’s stock. Clearwater Paper Price Performance Shares of NYSE:CLW opened at $26.84 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $444.74 million, a P/E ratio of 31.21 and a beta of 0.33. The company’s fifty day moving average is $26.96 and its two-hundred day moving average is $37.27. The company has a quick ratio of 1.13, a current ratio of 1.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.72. Clearwater Paper Co. has a 12-month low of $24.17 and a 12-month high of $57.13. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on CLW shares. StockNews.com lowered Clearwater Paper from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 6th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an “outperform” rating and issued a $37.00 target price on shares of Clearwater Paper in a report on Tuesday, November 5th. Read Our Latest Analysis on Clearwater Paper Clearwater Paper Profile ( Free Report ) Clearwater Paper Corporation manufactures and supplies bleached paperboards, and consumer and parent roll tissues in the United States and internationally. It operates through Pulp and Paperboard, and Consumer Products segments. The Pulp and Paperboard segment manufactures and markets bleached paperboard; Solid Bleached Sulfate paperboard that is used to produce folding cartons, liquid packaging, cups and plates, blister and carded packaging, and top sheet and commercial printing items; and hardwood and softwood pulp, as well as offers services that include custom sheeting, slitting, and cutting. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CLW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Clearwater Paper Co. ( NYSE:CLW – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Clearwater Paper Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Clearwater Paper and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
A dedicated last 121 runs culminated in a video where a stick figure appears to dance on a map of his neighborhood. Duncan McCabe tracked 10 months of runs using Strava, an app that's part exercise tracker, part social media. McCabe posted his runs to Strava, which records metrics like distance, calories, time, and average space. Strava also outlines movement in each exercise session with an orange line on a map. McCabe's route took the intentional shape of a stick figure man wearing a cap, whose pose changed slightly every session. After 121 sessions, McCabe was ready to compile each route display into a masterpiece. "Strava art animation through the streets of Toronto!" reads the caption. "This took me 121 runs from January to October 2024." Set to music with a steady beat, the orange stick figure appears to dance across the map for 20 seconds. Over the summer of 2023, McCabe compiled a series of routes he ran in shapes that included dinosaurs, sharks, and even the letters to spell out Toronto. Eager fans will likely need to exercise patience until McCabe releases the next elaborate compilation in his running series.
Are Venezuelan Opposition Leaders REALLY Under Siege As They Seek Shelter In Embassy?SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) — A political party in North Macedonia on Saturday demanded authorities ban social networks whose content incites violence and self-destructive behavior after several young people were seriously injured in connection with the popular “Superman challenge” on TikTok. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) — A political party in North Macedonia on Saturday demanded authorities ban social networks whose content incites violence and self-destructive behavior after several young people were seriously injured in connection with the popular “Superman challenge” on TikTok. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) — A political party in North Macedonia on Saturday demanded authorities ban social networks whose content incites violence and self-destructive behavior after several young people were seriously injured in connection with the popular “Superman challenge” on TikTok. Health authorities said at least 17 students, ages 10 to 17, were brought to hospitals in the capital Skopje and other towns over the past week with broken bones, contusions and bruises. The children were injured after being thrown into the air by their friends to fly like superheroes and get applause on the internet. The Liberal-Democratic Party, which was part of the left-led coalition that ruled the country from 2016 to earlier in 2024, issued a press statement Saturday strongly condemning “the irresponsible spread of dangerous content on social media, such as the latest TikTok ‘challenge’ known as ‘Superman,’ which has injured six children across (the country) in the past 24 hours.” “The lack of adequate control over the content of social media allows such ‘games’ to reach the most vulnerable users,” the party statement said. It demanded the “immediate introduction of measures to ban content that incites violence and self-destructive behavior, increase surveillance, and sanction platforms that enable dangerous trends.” North Macedonia’s education minister Vesna Janevska said students should focus on education, not TikTok challenges. “The ban on mobile phones in schools will not have an effect. Phones will be available to children in their homes, neighborhoods and other environments,” she said. Psychologists have warned that the desire to be “in” with the trends on social networks, combined with excessive use of mobile phones, is the main reason for the rise in risky behaviors among children. They urged parents and schools to talk with students. AdvertisementBoxing Uproar
COMMERCE, Texas (AP) — Scooter Williams Jr. had 19 points in East Texas A&M's 68-67 victory over Abilene Christian on Wednesday. Williams added six rebounds and three steals for the Lions (2-10). Khaliq Abdul-Mateen added 17 points while going 3 of 8 and 11 of 12 from the free-throw line while he also had five assists and three steals. The Lions snapped a seven-game slide. Quion Williams led the Wildcats (7-5) in scoring, finishing with 17 points and seven assists. Leonardo Bettiol added 16 points and seven rebounds for Abilene Christian. Hunter Jack Madden had 13 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Structural health monitoring (SHM) is vital for safeguarding infrastructure by identifying and addressing damage risks. Traditional methods, however, often struggle to deliver accurate real-time data on high-stress areas, like crack tips, where failure is most likely. These regions require careful monitoring to predict and prevent catastrophic structural failure. Yet, capturing the complexities of stress concentrations at crack tips remains a significant challenge. This study addresses these shortcomings by proposing a novel solution to achieve real-time structural assessments of pre-cracked structures. Researchers from the National University of Sciences & Technology, Islamabad, and the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, have introduced an innovative contribution to the field of SHM, in the . Their study introduces a two-dimensional, six-node triangular inverse crack-tip element formulated to ensure strain singularities at the crack tip without compromising computational efficiency, enabling real-time health assessments of cracked structures. The study presents a two-dimensional, six-node triangular inverse crack-tip element, marking a significant advancement in SHM of through-thickness pre-cracked structures. The proposed crack-tip element integrates seamlessly with the inverse finite element method (iFEM) for shape-sensing and health assessment applications of engineering structures with and without preexisting cracks. A critical characteristic for accurate fracture analysis is maintaining strain singularities at the crack tip, accomplished by strategically repositioning mid-side nodes in this research. The element is adaptable to both structured and unstructured mesh discretization, making it highly versatile for modeling complex geometries, particularly in areas of high stress, such as crack tips. Rigorous validation confirms its effectiveness in shape-sensing and computing stress intensity factors (SIFs) across various crack geometries and loading conditions, highlighting its potential to revolutionize real-time monitoring of structures with preexisting cracks. Prof. Dr. Erkan Oterkus, the corresponding author and supervisor of the research, is of the view that "the formulation of the inverse crack-tip element represents a step forward in monitoring and the assessment of engineering structures with preexisting cracks. This approach enables precise shape-sensing capabilities and accurate reconstruction of critical fracture parameters, which are crucial for timely and informed decision-making regarding the maintenance and safety of critical infrastructure." This research has transformative potential across industries where structural integrity is paramount, notably in the aerospace and marine sectors. It enhances safety by detecting issues early, reduces maintenance costs through targeted repairs, and extends the lifespan of vital structures. Automating and streamlining the evaluation process minimizes downtime and operational disruptions, paving the way for more innovative, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure management.This holiday season, just show up, for others, for the downtrodden, for yourself. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Cause of underground fire at Williamsburg Premium Outlets still unknown — and may stay that way, fire chief says Cause of underground fire at Williamsburg Premium Outlets still unknown — and may stay that way, fire chief says Hampton’s superintendent just got a massive raise. Here’s how it compares. Hampton’s superintendent just got a massive raise. Here’s how it compares. John Hinckley Jr. nixes plans to open Williamsburg music store John Hinckley Jr. nixes plans to open Williamsburg music store VHSL state semifinal scoreboard: Oscar Smith, Maury, Phoebus advance to championship games VHSL state semifinal scoreboard: Oscar Smith, Maury, Phoebus advance to championship games Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination has echoes across the US Colonial Williamsburg's Grand Illumination has echoes across the US Hampton Roads native’s acting career grows with role on NBC’s ‘Brilliant Minds,’ airing Monday Hampton Roads native’s acting career grows with role on NBC’s ‘Brilliant Minds,’ airing Monday Williamsburg-area Democrats announce candidacy for House seats Williamsburg-area Democrats announce candidacy for House seats Mother of Navy corpsman killed by neighbor settles suits against government for $10.5 million Mother of Navy corpsman killed by neighbor settles suits against government for $10.5 million Poquoson’s Carter Jones, Lafayette’s Baum Hogge are sophomore stars in state semis Poquoson’s Carter Jones, Lafayette’s Baum Hogge are sophomore stars in state semis Norfolk residents against low-income housing project say Park Place community is overburdened Norfolk residents against low-income housing project say Park Place community is overburdened Trending Nationally Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass MAGA influencer Nick Fuentes charged with battery of woman he maced: report ‘America’s Got Talent’ comedian Kabir ‘Kabeezy’ Singh dead at 39 Police may search a vehicle based on the smell of raw cannabis, Illinois Supreme Court rules ‘Oppenheimer’ actor Emma Dumont comes out as transmasculine, changes name
Remember in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic when live audio was suddenly everywhere? The trend was made popular by the briefly viral phenomenon Clubhouse before seemingly every other online platform copied the feature for themselves. Since then, live audio has become mostly a footnote to a weird time when we were all stuck at home at the same time with nothing to do and listening to hours-long streams of strangers talking to each other passed as entertainment. Now LinkedIn, which was somewhat late to the live audio party in 2022 , has opted to get rid of its standalone live audio events. In an update , the company says it will no longer support native audio events beginning next month. Users will stop being able to create new events as of December 2, and previously scheduled events will no longer work after December 31. Instead, the company is “bringing together” audio events with its live-streaming feature, LinkedIn Live. LinkedIn Live, however, requires creators to use third-party tools to set up streams. So while audio-only streams will still be able to exist on LinkedIn, they will take a few extra steps. LinkedIn isn’t the only company to change course on live audio. Reddit , Facebook , Spotify and Amazon have all shuttered their pandemic-era live audio products.Even Clubhouse (which, yes, still exists) pivoted away from the format last year. The feature is, however going strong on X despite a few high-profile technical issues .NEW YORK , Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, James Carlyle West is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for his contributions to Leading Advocate for Clean Energy and Sustainability. James Carlyle West , a prominent figure in the clean energy sector, continues to drive innovation and growth in sustainable technologies. As the Senior Managing Director at Evercore, Mr. West plays a pivotal role in leading coverage analysis for oil field services and sustainable technologies, as well as heading energy equity research. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor's degree in Economics and a minor in History, Mr. West has dedicated 24 years to the industry. His expertise in equity and investment research has earned him recognition and named to the Institutional Investor All-America Research Team Hall of Fame in 2023. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. West is a passionate advocate for sustainability and clean energy. He actively contributes to the industry's growth and development by serving on the advisory board of the Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability. Additionally, he engages in charity work at Grace Church in Manhattan , demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact on society. In his leisure time, Mr. West enjoys spending quality time with his family and attending theater performances, fostering a well-rounded lifestyle. Looking ahead, Mr. West envisions continued growth and success in the clean energy sector. He is eager to explore opportunities in corporate roles at investment banks or in government, furthering his mission to drive positive change and innovation in sustainable technologies. Contact: Katherine Green , 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-inner-circle-acknowledges-james-carlyle-west-as-a-pinnacle-professional-member-302335243.html SOURCE The Inner Circle © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Long-maligned group of Steelers complementary WRs step up with George Pickens outFERGUS FALLS, Minn. (AP) — A jury convicted two men on Friday of charges related to human smuggling for their roles in an international operation that led to the deaths of a family of Indian migrants who froze while trying to cross the Canada-U.S. border during a 2022 blizzard. Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, 29, an Indian national who prosecutors say went by the alias “Dirty Harry,” and Steve Shand, 50, an American from Florida, were part of a sophisticated illegal operation that has brought increasing numbers of Indians into the U.S., prosecutors said. They were each convicted on four counts related to human smuggling, including conspiracy to bring migrants into the country illegally. “This trial exposed the unthinkable cruelty of human smuggling and of those criminal organizations that value profit and greed over humanity,” Minnesota U.S. Attorney Andy Luger said. “To earn a few thousand dollars, these traffickers put men, women and children in extraordinary peril leading to the horrific and tragic deaths of an entire family. Because of this unimaginable greed, a father, a mother and two children froze to death in sub-zero temperatures on the Minnesota-Canadian border,” Luger added. The most serious counts carry maximum sentences of up to 20 years in prison, the U.S. Attorney’s Office told The Associated Press before the trial. But federal sentencing guidelines rely on complicated formulas. Luger said Friday that various factors will be considered in determining what sentences prosecutors will recommend. Federal prosecutors said 39-year-old Jagdish Patel; his wife, Vaishaliben, who was in her mid-30s; their 11-year-old daughter, Vihangi; and 3-year-old son, Dharmik, froze to death Jan. 19, 2022, while trying to cross the border into Minnesota in a scheme Patel and Shand organized. Patel is a common Indian surname, and the victims were not related to Harshkumar Patel. The couple were schoolteachers, local news reports said. The family was fairly well off by local standards, living in a well-kept, two-story house with a front patio and a wide veranda. Experts say illegal immigration from India is driven by everything from political repression to a dysfunctional American immigration system that can take years, if not decades, to navigate legally. Much is rooted in economics and how even low-wage jobs in the West can ignite hopes for a better life. Before the jury’s conviction on Friday, the federal trial in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, saw testimony from an alleged participant in the smuggling ring, a survivor of the treacherous journey across the northern border, border patrol agents and forensic experts. Defense attorneys were pitted against each other, with Shand’s team arguing that he was unwittingly roped into the scheme by Patel. Patel’s lawyers, The Canadian Press reported , said their client had been misidentified. They said “Dirty Hary,” the alleged nickname for Patel found in Shand’s phone, is a different person. Bank records and witness testimony from those who encountered Shand near the border didn’t tie him to the crime, they added. Prosecutors said Patel coordinated the operation while Shand was a driver. Shand was to pick up 11 Indian migrants on the Minnesota side of the border, prosecutors said. Only seven survived the foot crossing. Canadian authorities found two parents and their young children later that morning, dead from the cold. The trial included an inside account of how the international smuggling ring allegedly works and who it targets. Rajinder Singh, 51, testified that he made over $400,000 smuggling over 500 people through the same network that included Patel and Shand. Singh said most of the people he smuggled came from Gujarat state. He said the migrants would often pay smugglers about $100,000 to get them from India to the U.S., where they would work to pay off their debts at low-wage jobs in cities around the country. Singh said the smugglers would run their finances through “hawala,” an informal money transfer system that relies on trust. The pipeline of illegal immigration from India has long existed but has increased sharply along the U.S.-Canada border. The U.S. Border Patrol arrested more than 14,000 Indians on the Canadian border in the year ending Sept. 30, which amounted to 60% of all arrests along that border and more than 10 times the number two years ago. By 2022, the Pew Research Center estimates more than 725,000 Indians were living illegally in the U.S., behind only Mexicans and El Salvadorans. Jamie Holt, a Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations, said the case is a stark reminder of the realities victims of human smuggling face. “Human smuggling is a vile crime that preys on the most vulnerable, exploiting their desperation and dreams for a better life,” Holt said. “The suffering endured by this family is unimaginable and it is our duty to ensure that such atrocities are met with the full force of the law.” One juror Kevin Paul, of Clearwater, Minnesota, told reporters afterward that it was hard for the jurors to see the pictures of the family’s bodies. He said he grew up in North Dakota and is familiar with the kind of conditions that led to their deaths. “It’s pretty brutal,” Paul said. “I couldn’t imagine having to do what they had to do out there in the middle of nowhere.”Lewis scores 18 as Toledo knocks off Defiance 111-49
