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Carbon CreditsDecember 9, 2024 dialog This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source written by researcher(s) proofread by Yuan Meng Skyrmions , recognized for their intricate spin configurations, have captivated researchers as topological quasiparticles with vast potential in data storage and information technology. Recently, optical skyrmions —light-based counterparts of these quasiparticles—have emerged as a promising avenue for developing advanced optical systems with unique topological properties. Existing methods for generating optical skyrmions typically require bulky and complex spatial light modulation setups, limiting their scalability and practical deployment. While approaches using evanescent or magnetic fields have been proposed, these methods are constrained to optical near fields , making detection challenging and long-distance free-space propagation nearly impossible. Achieving subwavelength optical skyrmions without relying on cumbersome systems has been a persistent challenge so far. Metafibers for Stokes skyrmions To address this challenge, we developed a flexible metafiber device capable of generating optical skyrmions with customizable topological textures and unprecedented subwavelength polarization features (Fig. 1). Inspired by lab-on-fiber technology, this metafiber platform incorporates metastructures directly onto fiber tips, enabling the creation of structured light fields with precisely tunable topological characteristics. Our study is published in the journal Nature Communications . As illustrated in Fig. 2, the metafiber design comprises a polarization-maintaining single-mode fiber (PSF), an expansion section, and a metasurface at the fiber tip. By combining orthogonally polarized Bessel beams (zeroth- and first-order) with orbital angular momentum (OAM), the device produces Stokes skyrmions. Adjustments to the metasurface design allow for the creation of various skyrmion types, including Néel-, Bloch-, and anti-skyrmions. This work can provide a new avenue in optical skyrmion research synergizing meta-photonics and optical fiber technology, offering a versatile and ultracompact device for creating structured light. With its ability to produce high-quality skyrmions with diverse topologies, the metafiber platform opens up exciting possibilities for optical communications, data storage , and beyond. Summary and outlook Optical skyrmions are topological light structures with extraordinary characteristics. We introduce metafibers as compact, integrated devices for generating photonic skyrmions with designer topologies and subwavelength polarization control. These advancements offer a practical path to realize structured light for advanced optical technologies. Future work may explore additional functionalities, such as spin skyrmions and reconfigurable metasurfaces powered by phase-change or 2D materials , further broadening the scope of topologically engineered light fields. The application of meta-structured fibers highlights the transformative potential of exploring structured light, electromagnetic spin, and sophisticated light field topology, paving the way for further practical applications of optical skyrmions and other applications in optical physics, and nanophotonics. This story is part of Science X Dialog , where researchers can report findings from their published research articles. Visit this page for information about Science X Dialog and how to participate. More information: Tiantian He et al, Optical skyrmions from metafibers with subwavelength features, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-54207-z Journal information: Nature Communications Yuan Meng, received a PhD in Optical Engineering at Tsinghua University and is currently a postdoctoral associate at Washington University in St Louis.
ST. THOMAS – Kansas claimed its first-ever Paradise Jam trophy Saturday, rallying from a double-digit deficit in the second half to defeat Auburn 61-60 in the final game to take the Island Division crown. S’Mya Nichols hit two free throws with less than 14 seconds left to put the Jayhawks (7-1, 3-0 in Paradise Jam) in the lead to stay. But they had to hold off the Tigers’ last-second chance to finish undefeated in the division. Nichols – named the Island Division’s most valuable player – finished with a game-high 28 points, with Laia Conesa adding 11 points for Kansas. Celia Sumbane led Auburn (5-2, 2-1 in Paradise Jam) with 16 points. Kaitlyn Duhon and Taylen Collins added 10 points each, and DeYona Gaston pulled down a game-high 15 rebounds. The Tigers led 40-28 at the half, but the Jayhawks turned things around in the second half, tying the score twice in the third quarter before taking a 48-47 lead at the end of the period. The fourth quarter turned into a back-and-forth affair, with six lead changes and three ties. The fifth lead change saw Auburn pull ahead 60-54 on Sumbane’s layup with 1 minute, 4 seconds left. But a pair of free throws by Conesa with 49 seconds left, followed by Nichols’ 3-pointer 18 seconds later pulled Kansas within 60-59. The Tigers had a chance to add to their cushion, but Mar’shawn Bostic missed a pair of free throws with 29 seconds left, with the Jayhawks’ Wyvette Mayberry getting the rebound. Kansas head coach Brandon Schneider then put the ball in Nichols’ hands, and she was fouled by Collins while driving for a layup with 14 seconds left. Nichols then hit both free throws to put the Jayhawks ahead. Auburn had the time to put in a game winner itself, but Bostic’s running jumper from along the baseline bounced off the edge of the backboard in the final second. All-tourney In addition to Nichols earning MVP honors, four players were named to join her on the Island Division’s all-tournament team – Kansas teammate Elle Evans, Auburn’s Sumbane and Gaston, and Northern Iowa’s Kayba Laube.The legendary Hermitage has moved to a brand-new location at No 33, D.M. Colombage Mawatha, Nawala. Barely 200 meters from the main Nawala road, the new Hermitage is extensively stocked with a brand-new collection of hand-picked antique and artisanal furniture, art, collectibles and crafts adding to a treasure trove of ethnic and tribal silver jewellery and jewellery inlaid with coloured semi-precious stones. Travel the oceans and discover the secrets of the Indus Valley, Central Asia and the Orient. Listen to tales of maharajas, nawabs, and bandits, relive the saga of tribes and the fables of ancient crafts and weave tapestries in your mind whilst you explore the myths and legends of yore. As always, Hermitage presents an unusual collection carefully gathered from enthralling regions of South and Southeast Asia. The renowned, signature, hand-picked antique and artisanal furniture – with a focus on accents, compliments a stunning collection of silver jewellery and an eclectic, whimsical and sometimes outrageous range of curated collectibles, maps, miniature Indian art, out of print books, vinyls, stamps, old currency, postcards and prints, gift stationery and much more. The jewellery has the added distinction of having being hand-picked by the two creative minds behind the Hermitage Brand, Safiya and Yasmin. Their travels have taken them into the very hearts and hearths of jewel craft in India and beyond. The range of furniture is focused on accent pieces with an extensive range of painted Rajasthani furniture, doors, panels, coffee and centre tables, antique chests and boxes, consoles, mirror frames and other unusual one-of-a-kind pieces. With a view to promoting Sri Lankan artists and craftsmen, Hermitage is in the process of providing design input and quality control to craftsmen working with reed, cane, clay and other materials. This has seen a select range of hand painted porcelain by Basil Cooray being showcased at Hermitage. What began as a hobby has now transformed itself into a wondrous, whimsical space of masterpieces, artifacts and stories. Safiya and Yasmin literally bring to life the words of John Keats when he said in Endymion “A thing of beauty is a joy forever, its loveliness increases, it will never pass into nothingness”.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has fired back at the former governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili, saying that “an elder statesman should not be a trader and a sycophant all the time.” Wike, who was speaking at the Special Thanksgiving Service organised by Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, at the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Oro-Igwe/Eliogbolo Archdeaconry Church of the Holy Spirit, Eliozu Parish, Port Harcourt on Sunday, said it was unfortunate that somebody who is supposed to be seen as an elder statesman and called a father can reduce himself to a sycophant and a trader. A press statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister (Public Communications and New Media), Lere Olayinka, said Wike questioned what the former governor was looking for, warranting his unguarded utterances. He asked; “Must you be a trader all the time? As governor for eight years, what else are you looking for?” The Minister said further; “You know, I didn’t want to say anything. But somebody called me last night, and told me what someone said in the social media. I said until I read it myself. This morning, I read in the newspapers, what our former Governor, Sir Dr Peter Odili said. “What did he say? He said that the present governor has been able to stop one man who wanted to convert Rivers State to his personal estate. “Between him and myself, who has turned Rivers State to his personal estate? His wife is a Chairman of Governing Council, his daughter is a commissioner, his other daughter is a judge and he is the general overseer. Who has now turned Rivers State to his private estate? I am sure if care is not taken, if there is a chance, he can even arrange a marriage for the governor. “It was his nephew, his late senior brother’s son that was recommended for commissioner. He took the slot and gave it to his own daughter. Someone who didn’t remember to stand for the son of his late elder brother, is that an elder statesman?” Speaking further, the FCT Minister said it was painful that Dr Odili, out of political sycophancy, has forgotten all that he said in the past, adding that; “All of you here remember when I was governor, this same Odili praised me to high heaven. In fact, he said then that all past governors in Rivers State combined did not do better than me. “In 2007 after he left office, he couldn’t come near power in the state because Amaechi was the governor then. He was gone! “Like somebody said that God will use someone to lift up someone. When I came in as governor in 2015, I won’t use the word resurrected, but I brought him back to life. “All of us know about PAMO University. But for us, there wouldn’t have been anything called PAMO University. Rivers State was sponsoring 100 students per session and for every semester, each of the students was paying nothing less than N5m. Then, Rivers people were attacking me up and down. “I personally called Julius Berger to build a mansion for him to live. He was calling everyone to the house then, telling them, come and see what Wike has done for me. Wike has shown me love. He was taking them round the house. “Now, because you have organised a Christmas Carol for the governor, I didn’t say you should not do your Christmas Carol. But why reduce yourself to such a laughing stock. People will still see it on television how he was telling the whole world then how God used me to bring him back to life politically. “Why not do your Christmas Carol, collect what you can collect and leave me alone? “The governor that all of us made has not spent one year in office and the same Odili was already saying that the governor has beaten the records of all the past governors of Rivers State. “When I was there, he said I had surpassed the records of all the past governors, including himself. What can he even show that he did in his eight years as governor? But a governor has not spent one year, you are saying he has done more than all the past governors. “You spent eight years as governor and someone who hasn’t spent one year has surpassed your records, what manner of elder talk like that? Is that what an elder statesman should be known for? “When I was governor, my pictures were everywhere in his house. Sitting room, bedroom, kitchen, even in the toilet, my picture was everywhere. But today, all the pictures have been removed.” Asking what can be learned from such a sycophantic elder statesman, Wike said; “What can I learn from this kind of elder? What kind of advice can one get from him. This moment you are saying something, the next moment you are saying something else. “You see, if your children begin to ask you, is this not the same man you were praising before? What would you tell them?” On the state governorship issue, the Minister asked; “When I was plotting who will be governor after me, was he (Odili) there? Then, he was complaining about this governor, saying that he couldn’t stand before the public to talk. But today, he is organising Christmas Carol for the same governor he was against then. “He has forgotten all that he said in the past. I named this after you, I named that after your wife. What have I not done? “You said we should not be part of the government, we have left. We are managing, you have taken assembly money, they are not dying of hunger and they will not die of hunger. We are okay. I’m focusing on my job in Abuja and all these sycophancy won’t take him to the level I have attained. “This is a man who wanted to run for president then, he didn’t have the balls, he chickened out. Simply because Obasanjo said no, he will not contest, he ran away. Because of him, I never invited Obasanjo to Rivers State to commission projects. I felt it will humiliate him.”Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Learn more about how we select deals SAVE $100: As of Dec. 12, the Ultenic T10 Elite robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $269.99 at Ultenic. Use code 2024XMAS at the checkout to bring the price down to $229.50 — $100 off its usual $329.99 price. Ultenic T10 Elite is a solid robot vacuum solution for anyone looking to make household chores less of a chore. With its self-emptying base, this robot vacuum provides 45 days of hands-free cleaning, so you can set it and forget it. Unlike standard vacuums, which require constant attention, the T10 Elite empties its dustbin after every cleaning session, keeping it ready for whatever mess comes next. What sets the T10 Elite apart is its precise laser navigation technology. This feature allows the vacuum to... 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Revolutionary Single-Layer Film Eliminates Helmet Changes, Enhancing Driver Safety and Performance LAS VEGAS , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Racing Optics®, the global leader in high-performance tearoff visor film technology, proudly unveils its latest innovation: the Twilight Tearoff . This groundbreaking single-layer tearoff is engineered to elevate driver visibility during late-afternoon and early-evening races, providing superior glare reduction and contrast enhancement. The Twilight Tearoff redefines race-day performance by allowing drivers to maintain focus and adapt seamlessly to changing light conditions, eliminating the need for disruptive helmet changes. This innovation represents a significant leap forward in racing vision technology, delivering immediate and measurable benefits to professional drivers and teams alike. "The Twilight Tearoff solves one of racing's most persistent challenges—ensuring optimal visibility as lighting transitions rapidly during twilight races," said Chris Colton , Chief Applications Engineer at Racing Optics . "Our dedication to driver safety and performance drives every innovation, and the Twilight Tearoff is no exception." Transforming Racing at Twilight Racing teams are already embracing the Twilight Tearoff as a game-changing solution for twilight and low-light racing conditions. One racing team manager shared their experience: "In a recent twilight race, the Twilight Tearoff gave our drivers unmatched visual clarity. Transitioning from glaring sunlight to artificial lighting without pausing to change helmets was a decisive advantage that kept us competitive." By streamlining the driver experience, the Twilight Tearoff enhances safety and helps maintain uninterrupted race momentum—a critical edge in the high-stakes world of motorsports. Exclusive Debut at PRI Show 2024 The Twilight Tearoff will make its debut at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show , held December 12–14, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana . This highly anticipated event marks Racing Optics' 25th anniversary , celebrating a legacy of trailblazing innovations in motorsports safety and performance. Availability The Twilight Tearoff is now available for purchase at RacingOptics.com and through authorized dealers. Teams and drivers looking to gain a competitive edge are encouraged to explore this latest advancement. About Racing Optics For 25 years, Racing Optics has led the field in racing vision technology, delivering innovative solutions that enhance safety and performance. With a commitment to collaboration and innovation, the company continues to push the boundaries of motorsports protective equipment. For additional information, please visit RacingOptics.com . Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2577485/Racing_Optics_Logo.jpg
Both houses of North Carolina's state legislature voted to curtail the powers of newly elected Democrats in the state after overriding the Governor's veto . The GOP-led House of Representatives voted 72-46 on Wednesday to override Gov. Roy Cooper's veto. The Senate, where Republicans also have a majority, had also approved the measure, according to NPR. The bill in question aims to provide relief to victims of Hurricane Helene with $227 million. However, the funding bill also included clauses aimed at curtailing the authority of the state's newly elected Democratic officials. The bill undermines the Governor's powers by transferring the ability to appoint State Board of Elections members to the state auditor instead, a position that will soon be assumed by Republican Auditor-elect Dave Boliek. The bill also curtails the authority of the state's attorney general, a position to be assumed by Democrat Jeff Jackson, by restricting which stances they can take and which consumers they may advocate on behalf of. Republicans currently hold the exact amount of seats they need to use a supermajority to override vetoes, though this will soon change as the state's GOP lost its supermajority in the state legislature this election year. The state's outgoing Governor, Roy Cooper, has been vocal in his criticisms of the efforts. "This legislation is a sham," Cooper wrote in his veto message, obtained by WRAL . "It does not send money to Western North Carolina but merely shuffles money from one fund to another in Raleigh." "This legislation was titled disaster relief but instead violates the constitution by taking appointments away from the next Governor for the Board of Elections, Utilities Commission and Commander of the NC Highway Patrol, letting political parties choose appellate judges and interfering with the Attorney General's ability to advocate for lower electric bills for consumers," Cooper continued. Democratic Governor-elect Josh Stein has also voiced his frustrations at the state's GOP representatives. "Many people and communities are hurting and need our help, but instead of stepping up, the Republicans in the General Assembly are grabbing power and exacting political retribution," Stein posted to social media Tuesday. "How about they do their jobs so we can do ours? North Carolina deserves better." I spent today with local leaders, business owners, and volunteers in western North Carolina. Many people and communities are hurting and need our help. But instead of stepping up, the Republicans in the General Assembly are grabbing power and exacting political retribution. How... Originally published by Latin Times.
GREETING cards are a lovely gesture at Christmas – and they’re even better with a personal touch. If you want to send a special note this festive season, here’s how to keep costs down . . . GET PERSONAL: Many retailers have bulk offers on personalised cards, where you add a photo and a tailored message. A5 cards start at £2.99 each on cardfactory.co.uk, but you get 50 per cent off when buying four or more, which works out at £5.98 for four. Note that you’ll also need to pay for them to be posted to you (£2.70 for four). At vistaprint.co.uk, you can add your own photo to basic designs, plus a personalised message, for as little as 60p per card. Alternatively, if you bulk buy up to 50, the cost is 56p each. Postage for economy delivery is £4.50 if you are spending less than £40. READ MORE MONEY SAVING TIPS DIY DESIGNS: Craft your own cards and indulge in some creativity. A pack of 50 plain white cards with envelopes is £7.50 from Hobbycraft, or buy two packs and get 100 cards for £10. Keep it simple if you’re planning on making a lot. Look for spare materials you have at home, such as ribbon or coloured paper. Two buttons, for example, can be stacked with a scarf and hat to give the impression of a snowman. KID CRAFTS: If you’ve got little ones, making Christmas cards using their foot or hand prints is a very sweet send. Plus you’ll always have the memory of how little they once were. A small footprint in brown paint can be the basis of a reindeer head — just draw antlers out the top and a big red nose on the bottom. There are loads more ideas on social media . Most read in Money Or keep the kids entertained by getting them to make up some cards for you. Draw a simple outline of a Christmas tree in black marker and they can decorate it as they like, perhaps by dipping their fingers in paint to create baubles. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. Deal of the day BAG four full-sized Clinique products, including mascara and moisturising lotion, worth £116.50, in this beauty gift set with a price tag of £43.50 from Boots . SAVE: £73 Cheap treat ADD an easy festive touch to your home with a mini potted poinsettia, £1.99 from Lidl . KEEP little ones happy with this “decorate your own” gingerbread tree kit, £2.55, new in at Tesco. Top swap PARTY in these silver platform heels, £45.50 from Monsoon. Or dance the night away in these versions, £22, George at Asda . SAVE: £23.50 BUY an H&M giftcard for at least £30 and get a free £5 gift voucher for yourself. Offer runs online and in store until Boxing Day. Shop & save FILL your home with the scent of amber and spice. This copper leaves Yankee Candle is down from £21 to £15 at onlinehomeshop.com. SAVE: £6 Hot right now REGISTER on the Greene King Sport app to get 20 per cent off selected drinks this week as you watch live Premier League footie. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. READ MORE SUN STORIES Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!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. 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, 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.” Sanz is a former Associated Press reporter.
Currently a 100 per cent council tax premium is applied to homes that have been empty for two years in Huntingdonshire, but the district council has now agreed to apply the premium earlier. (Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire) Sign up to our free email newsletter to receive the latest breaking news and daily roundups More Newsletters Subscribe Please enter a valid email Something went wrong, please try again later. More Newsletters We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info Thank you for subscribing! We have more newsletters Show me See Our Privacy Notice See Our Privacy Notice × Group 28 Sign up to our free email newsletter to receive the latest breaking news and daily roundups Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign Up No thanks, close We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info × Group 28 Thank you for subscribing! We have more newsletters Show Me No thanks, close See our Privacy Notice Council tax bills for homes that have been left empty for a year in Huntingdonshire are set to double from 2026. It is hoped the tax increase will encourage the homeowners to bring the properties back into use and “go someway to easing the housing crisis”. Huntingdonshire District Council is also planning to double council tax for second homes in the area. The new charges are due to be introduced from April 1, 2026, after councillors voted to support the change at a full council meeting this week (December 11). Currently the owners of empty homes in Huntingdonshire only have to start paying extra council tax after the property has been empty for two years, at which point a 100 per cent premium is applied. After a property has been empty for five years a 200 per cent premium is added and after 10 years a 300 per cent premium is added to the council tax bill. In August the empty homes council tax premium was applied to 143 properties, 29 of which had been empty for between five to 10 years, and 19 had been empty for over 10 years. The district council said as of August 1, there were 269 properties classed as second homes in the area, with 34 per cent of their owners living either outside of the district or abroad. A number of exemptions to the council tax premiums have been proposed, including a 12 month exemption for properties undergoing probate, or homes that are actively being marketed. Properties that are undergoing major repairs will also be exempt from the empty homes premium. Job-related homes where a person is required to live in a specific place as part of their work, and seasonal homes where people are not allowed to live year-round, will be exempt from the second home premium. Councillor Stephen Ferguson (Independent), executive councillor for resident services and corporate performance, said the number of empty homes in the country was increasing, which he said had “a number of negative consequences”. He said: “Reduced housing supply drives up local prices, especially in the rental market, making it difficult for people to enter the property market, this contributes to the housing crisis and, to a certain extent, economic stagnation. “In areas where there are a large number of empty houses it can contribute to neighbourhood decline and reduce community cohesion, and obviously empty properties are easy targets for crime in terms of vandalism, arson, and squatting, which reduces community safety. “When you consider there are 1.3million people on the social housing waiting list in England and Wales and there are 1.3million unfurnished empty properties in the country, it is easy to conclude that making more of these homes habitable will go someway, but obviously not the whole way, to easing the housing crisis.” Concerns about unintended consequences of the council tax changes were raised by some councillors. Councillor Ross Martin ( Conservative ) said the core aims of the plans to incentivise people to bring empty homes back into use and to manage the number of second homes in the area was “positive”. However, he said it was important to assess any potential impacts of the change to make sure it was “effective and equitable”. Cllr Martin raised the question on whether the increased council tax bills might “inadvertently create financial strain on those unable to comply due to genuine reasons [such as] probate, or legal complexities”. Councillor Paul Hodgson-Jones (Conservative) said he had concerns that the council tax premium might not apply to people who rent a second home in Huntingdonshire. He said the district council should not “penalise people for owning property as opposed to those people who rent properties for their purposes to avoid having to buy a property and pay a premium on it”. However, Councillor Nathan Hunt ( Liberal Democrat ) said there was a “housing crisis in Britain" and shared hopes the council tax changes could help. He said: “Encouraging empty properties into use by reducing the time taken for the empty home premium to apply and placing a council tax premium on second homes are two of the levers the council can pull to alleviate this crisis. They are not the whole solution, but they are part of a viable solution.” He highlighted there were proposed exemptions when there was a legitimate reason for the property being empty. Cllr Ferguson said he heard the concerns that had been raised by some councillors and said they had his commitment that these would be addressed. He added that they would also treat all exemptions "compassionately and fairly” to make sure no one was “unfairly taxed”. Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 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Brainy, 'normal guy': the suspect in US insurance CEO's slayingDuring a recent appearance on The View, former US President Bill Clinton actually discussed the possibility of US President Joe Biden preemptively pardoning his wife named Hillary Clinton amidst threats of further investigations from US President- elect Donald Trump ally Kash Patel , reported Daily Beast. According to Daily Beast, Bill Clinton eventually emphasized on the fact that Hillary Clinton did nothing wrong at all regarding the email controversy while noting that the State Department of Donald Trump actually found no evidence of her sending classified emails from her personal device. He also expressed his severe skepticism about the need for a pardon while suggesting that any accusations made by Kash Patel would likely be fabricated. Also Read: This is why Olivia Wilde received death threats while portraying a character in medical drama series ‘House’ While he was open to discussing the matter with US President Joe Biden, at the same time, Bill Clinton stated that he would prefer not to give any sort of public advice on the use of pardon power while calling it a personal decision, asserted Daily Beast. 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This conversation comes at a time when political tensions are actually high specifically with the anticipated return of Donald Trump to office in the month of January and thus the implications of such a pardon could eventually hugely influence public perception and the political landscape as investigations loom. Also Read : As the Eras tour ended, here's what Taylor Swift has lined up next FAQs: What was the recent discussion done by Bill Clinton in an appearance on The View? During a recent appearance on The View, former US President Bill Clinton actually discussed the possibility of US President Joe Biden preemptively pardoning his wife named Hillary Clinton amidst threats of further investigations from US President- elect Donald Trump ally Kash Patel. What did Bill Clinton put an emphasis on while talking about pardoning Hillary Clinton by US President Joe Biden? Bill Clinton eventually emphasized on the fact that Hillary Clinton did nothing wrong at all regarding the email controversy while noting that the State Department of Donald Trump actually found no evidence of her sending classified emails from her personal device. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
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