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jiliace S ocial security pensions are grabbing headlines for the wrong reasons in Kerala. Towards the end of November, the State Finance Department published a list of 1,458 government employees, which included gazetted officers, assistant professors, and higher secondary teachers, who were drawing social security pension despite not qualifying for it. The list sparked outrage as the monthly payment of ₹1,600 per person is meant for the disadvantaged sections of society. A few days later, an audit by the State’s Finance Department revealed that many wealthy people, including owners of high-end cars, in Kottakkal municipality of Malappuram district, had snuck into the list of beneficiaries, presumably with the connivance of government officials. The Finance Department then issued instructions to government departments to initiate disciplinary action against all those who were fraudulently claiming pension and recover the money in full at a penal interest rate of 18%. Last week, the State Soil Survey and Soil Conservation Department suspended six employees who were illegally drawing social security pension. More departments are expected to follow suit in the following weeks. The government has also taken steps to weed out ineligible recipients from the list of beneficiaries. Over the years, Kerala has been a model State in the distribution of social security pension. The support system ensures that nearly 50 lakh people receive a monthly payment of ₹1,600. The beneficiaries include people who are 60 years or older, the disabled, widows, unmarried women above 50 years, and agriculture labourers. The government increased the pension amount from ₹600 per beneficiary in 2016 to ₹1,600 in 2017. A revised government order issued in 2017 was specific about ineligibility too, stating that income tax payers, service pensioners, and people with an annual family income of more than ₹1 lakh do not qualify for pension. According to the Economic Review published by the State Planning Board, the number of social security pensioners rose from 34 lakh in 2015-16 to 52.38 lakh in October 2022. It came down to 46.77 lakh in November 2023. If we add welfare fund board pension to this list, the number would be closer to 62 lakh. The latest Economic Review breaks up the categories as follows: 56.5% of the beneficiaries are those aged 60 years and above, 27.1% are widows, 7.8% are the disabled, and 6.8% are agricultural workers. A little more than 81,300 unmarried women are also among the recipients. Those who have been illegally drawing pension have been mostly doing so under the disability and widow category. These figures illustrate the enormous financial load on the Kerala government. The government needs more than ₹900 crore every month to pay social security and welfare fund board pension. Social security cesses on Indian-Made Foreign Liquor, petrol, and diesel, announced in the 2023-24 State Budget, scarcely cover even one month’s payment. The first two quarters of 2024-25 yielded just ₹549.71 crore from these levies. According to Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal’s office, the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front government, which came to power in 2021, has so far spent ₹33,800 crore on social security pension alone. The State government also claims that a Central share, albeit small, for which 5.88 lakh of the pensioners are eligible, is in arrears. All this means that the Kerala government, which is already battling a financial crunch, cannot overlook any leakage and pilferage in public funds. A January 2020 Finance Department circular indicates that the government was aware that government employees and service pensioners were illegally drawing social security support. The circular instructed them to return the money in full and get their names deleted from the beneficiary list. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India had also flagged the issue of ‘irregular disbursement’ of pensions to service pensioners and employees in a performance audit report for 2022. The latest developments yet again call for tighter surveillance on the outflow and utilisation of funds for social support schemes as well as periodic reviews and updates of the lists of beneficiaries. Further, action must be taken against government servants who were complicit in this. tiki.rajwi@thehindu.co.in Published - December 25, 2024 02:29 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Kerala / pension and welfare / wage and pensionBarinthus Bio Promotes SNAP-TI Co-inventor, Geoffrey Lynn, M.D., Ph.D. to Chief Scientific OfficerCould ‘Babygirl’ Have Been Made by a Male Director?

In recent years, the concept of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has gained significant attention from the international community, including the United Nations and the G20, as a new policy paradigm for development. But understanding the risks of DPI is crucial to ensuring that its potential benefits materialise. The risks stem from the fact that "digital public infrastructure" lacks a clear definition. The term encompasses the many digital technologies that serve as economic and social infrastructure, from digital identification and payment systems to data exchanges and health services. As a policy initiative, though, DPI refers to a vague vision of using these technologies to serve the public interest. This could result in the internet and technological innovation working for everyone -- or just as easily turn them into tools for political control. In discussions about DPI, policymakers often point to cases that highlight how technology and connectivity can spur development. They frequently cite India's Unified Payments Interface, which has expanded financial inclusion and reduced the costs of digital transactions for its hundreds of millions of users. It is also understood that such infrastructure is to be built with Digital Public Goods (DPGs), a concept that encompasses open-source software, open standards, and other non-proprietary components. This definition is partly intended to position DPIs as being "for the public" but also to enhance competition and mitigate concentrations of power in the global digital economy. Lastly, proponents point out that DPI could bolster international cooperation, particularly as the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) approaches. This important UN initiative has provided the framework for countries to collaborate on digital development. Although authoritarian states have previously sought to assert greater control over the internet's governance during these negotiations, a focus on promoting DPI could avoid this politicised debate and instead foster a constructive agenda to bridge digital divides. But basing policy on such an ill-defined concept poses significant risks. Ideally, governments would convene other stakeholders to create an enabling environment for DPI and safeguard users' rights and interests. It is easy to imagine, however, that some governments will place their own interests above civil liberties and fundamental rights, using this infrastructure for surveillance and targeting in the name of law enforcement or national security. An especially pernicious example could involve the monitoring and regulation of individual behaviour through dystopian social-credit systems. Moreover, while many proponents hope that DPI could chip away at Big Tech's outsize power, it has also been associated with narratives of digital sovereignty that could contribute to the internet's fragmentation -- a systemic threat to global communications. For example, one can imagine scenarios in which some governments challenge the multi-stakeholder model for governing global internet resources like IP addresses and domain names on the grounds that they constitute DPIs. In fact, we recently witnessed something similar in the European Union when it proposed an amendment to the Electronic Identification, Authentication, and Trust Services (eIDAS) regulation that would have empowered governments to mandate the recognition of digital certificates that did not adhere to stringent industry standards. This risked undermining the global governance model for browser security and could have allowed European governments to survey communications both within and beyond their borders. The policy vision of DPI will continue to evolve, and ongoing discussions, it is hoped, will help identify and clarify further opportunities and risks. Initiatives such as the UN's Universal DPI Safeguards Framework, which seeks to establish guardrails for DPI, are a promising start. But much more must be done. For example, the UN's framework has recognised the need for continuous learning to ensure that the right safeguards are in place. As the concept of DPI gains traction in the UN system and other multilateral organisations, vigorous and informed debate regarding its potential advantages -- and pitfalls -- will be essential. With clear-cut policy guidelines and protections, we can help prevent these technologies from becoming tools for surveillance and repression, ensure that everyone benefits from the burgeoning digital economy, and keep the internet open, globally connected, and secure. ©2024 Project Syndicate Carl Gahnberg is Director of Policy Development and Research at the Internet Society.Viktor Hovland suffers freak injury in bedroom days before PGA Tour season openerGROUPIRA Launches Cutting-Edge Platform to Transform IRA Rollovers with Microsoft Azure

Ask Lisi: Wild, distasteful stories on social media a reason to log off

Rebekah Vardy has issued yet another swipe at Coleen Rooney as she competes on I'm A Celebrity ...Get Me Out of Here! The WAG, who is married to Leicester footballer Jamie Vardy, hasn't held back her thoughts on Coleen following in her footsteps and taking part in the ITV show. Coleen famously accused Rebekah of leaking stories about her with an infamous social media post where she became dubbed Wagatha Christie. Rebekah has strongly denied all allegations. It emerged during the High Court libel trial her former agent, Caroline Watt, may have sold the stories as she had access to Rebekah's Instagram account. Rebekah, who appeared on I'm A Celebrity in 2017, kicked off high-profile libel battle but in July 2022 a judge at the High Court found the post was "substantially true". A judge decided last month that Rebekah would be slapped with an extra £100,000 cost on top of the £1.8 million she’s already been told to pay Coleen. Since this year's I'm A Celebrity started on Sunday, Rebekah has been giving a running commentary of her thoughts. She has already branded the campmates "dull and wet" and confessed her hopes of seeing Coleen eating "bull's penis and humble pie". When asked by the Sun who she wants to see do the next trial, Rebekah quipped: "Sorry it's going to have to be Coleen!" She also slammed BBC Radio 1 presenter Dean McCullough for "begging" for tickets to see McFly from campmate Danny Jones and predicted the camp niceties won't last much longer. Radio presenter Melvin Odoom faced the wrath of Rebekah as she banded him a "bore" when he confessed his crush on Carol Vorderman . "Melvin who? If Carol Vorderman has any sense then she will turning down that offer made of a date from the radio host," she told the publication. When Coleen entered camp, Rebekah posted a snap of herself bathing in a pink bikini with here eyes closed. Appearing relaxed in the photo, Rebekah teased: "The feeling when you are living rent free in people's heads." She added a laugh-crying emoji and a winking emoji to her post. After the first show of the series, Rebekah wrote in her column: “Coleen sank in the river twice. It's the gift that keeps on giving.” Rebekah has also given a harsh judgement on another campmate as she accused Dean McCullough of siding with Coleen. “Dean, Dean and his cosying up to Coleen. It’s so very obvious and, believe me, it is going to get tiresome. He absolutely loves to talk about Wagatha and when he does he knows he’s going to get airtime from it,” Rebekah raged in The Sun . Nicola McLean, who is friends with both of the women, thinks Rebekah would take every opportunity to watch Coleen and joyfully report on her failures in the show. "I admire strong women and both of these girls are strong in different ways. Can't wait to see Coleen in the jungle and can't wait to see what Rebekah Vardy has got to say about it,” she said. Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

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Dr. Arthur Kennedy, a veteran member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has issued a pointed critique of the party’s leadership, particularly targeting key figures such as Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO) and Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi). In a sharply worded open letter, Dr. Kennedy outlined his dissatisfaction with the direction the party has taken, which he believes has contributed to its electoral defeat in the 2024 general elections. “Ashanti, that used to be led by the likes of Donkor Fordjour, is now led by Wontumi! Prempeh College, that gave us Kufuor and Crabbe, now gives us Napo and Wontumi!” Dr. Kennedy lamented, juxtaposing the NPP’s current leadership with the legacy of past figures who were seen as pillars of the party. His statement reflects deep concern over the party’s apparent departure from the principles and values that once defined it. The open letter follows the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 elections, a loss that has prompted internal reflection and finger-pointing within the party. Dr. Kennedy’s critique underscores a broader sense of disillusionment with the current leadership, accusing them of losing sight of the party’s founding ideals. He pointed to what he sees as a growing prioritization of personal wealth over public service. “The party that was built by men who risked their liberty and spent their treasure to build it now has leaders who have not suffered and see it as a vehicle for amassing wealth,” Dr. Kennedy stated, highlighting the widening gap between the party’s original vision and the perceived motivations of its current leaders. In a particularly striking part of his letter, Dr. Kennedy alluded to what he described as an “unholy alliance of the Kyebi Mafia and Galamsey Incorporated.” This phrase appears to reference a network of individuals within the party who are accused of engaging in or benefiting from illegal mining activities (galamsey), which has been a contentious issue in Ghanaian politics. “We lent the party to an unholy alliance and got our comeuppance for doing nothing,” he remarked, suggesting that the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 elections was, in part, a direct consequence of the leadership’s failure to address the corruption and illegal practices allegedly associated with some of its members. Dr. Kennedy’s letter has sparked intense debate both within the NPP and among political analysts, with some agreeing with his assessment of the party’s leadership and others pushing back on his claims. Nonetheless, the letter serves as a powerful call for the NPP to reassess its values and direction in the wake of the electoral defeat. The sharp critique of figures like Dr. Prempeh and Chairman Wontumi, as well as the reference to internal corruption, marks a significant moment of reckoning for the party. Dr. Kennedy’s words serve as a reminder of the deep divisions that persist within the NPP, and the ongoing struggle for the party to reclaim its integrity and credibility in the eyes of the Ghanaian electorate.

Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC) has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, GWC Energy Services, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi Offshore Fabrication Company (OFC) to develop 100,000 square metres of Grade ‘A’ logistics facilities at Ras Al-Khair Industrial Port in Saudi Arabia. The MoU was signed by Matthew Kearns, Deputy CEO, GWC; and Fahhad Alharbi, CEO of OFC. Under this agreement, GWC Energy Services will develop OFC’s storage and logistics facilities, leveraging its expertise in logistics and energy supply chain solutions to ensure the facilities are optimised to serve the clients’ needs. Kearns said, “We are delighted to sign this new MoU with OFC, a distinguished leader in Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector. This collaboration represents a significant step in our expansion strategy and reinforces our commitment to strengthening our footprint in the Saudi market. “Recently, GWC has also signed a head of terms with GFH Financial Group (GFH) to develop 200,000 square metres of Grade ‘A’ logistics facilities across key locations in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.” He added: “Combining the expertise of GWC Energy Services with the capabilities of OFC will drive operational excellence and efficiency. This collaboration also underscores our dedication to strengthening our regional presence through strategic partnerships with leading companies, further cementing our position as a leading logistics and supply chain solutions provider across the region.” GWC Energy Services is fully committed to promoting innovation and excellence, providing cutting-edge solutions to clients in the energy sector. These efforts are geared towards enhancing operational efficiency and setting new benchmarks in integrated shipping, logistics, and marine services for companies in Qatar, across the GCC and globally. Alharbi stated: “Our partnership with GWC Energy Services is a strategic move that aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which seeks to establish the Kingdom as a global logistics hub connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe together. It also paves the way for delivering world-class supply chain solutions and services within the energy sector.” In 2022, Alharbi, CEO and founder, established OFC, as the first Saudi company specialising in manufacturing offshore rigs and providing comprehensive offshore logistics support to drilling contractors, offshore platforms, and subsea pipeline projects for Saudi Aramco and other key players in the Gulf region. Funded by Aramco’s Wa’ed Ventures and the Saudi Social Development Bank, OFC is strategically positioned at Ras Al-Khair Port, proximate to the world’s largest offshore field ‘Safaniyah’, and the King Salman International Complex for Maritime Industries and Services, the largest full-service marine yard in the Middle East. In May 2023, GWC launched its wholly owned subsidiary, GWC Energy, which provides expert logistics solutions for the entire energy cycle. Committed to supporting clients' business growth, GWC Energy places the strategic objectives and ambitions of its customers at the core of its operations. GWC Energy offers complete shipping, maritime, and logistics solutions that are customised for clients in the energy sector. Manpower, equipment, marine logistics, warehousing, supply base management, bunker supply and rig, and mob/demob assistance are among the core service. From humble beginnings in 2004, GWC has expanded its infrastructure to encompass half a million square metres of energy infrastructure, largely clustered in two dedicated hubs to the north and south. These include open yards for pipe laydowns, hazmat storage, and specialised equipment for repair and refurbishment. GWC's strategic placement of hubs, coupled with advanced tracking technology, ensures optimal efficiency in handling gas-related projects.

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Timeline: Jimmy Carter, 1924-2024DEAR ABBY: I have been happily single for most of my life, and I treasure the friendship and company of my other women friends. My question concerns a situation that happens frequently when one of them starts dating or marries. They seem to feel I should enjoy the company of BOTH of them together from then on. My response has been to refuse any invitations, but it feels rude and impolite. I would appreciate your advice, and thank you! -- SINGLE LADY IN THE MIDWEST DEAR SINGLE LADY: Running away isn’t the answer. Instead of cutting off these women without explanation when they become involved in a romantic relationship, it would make more sense to point out to them that women (and men) communicate differently when members of the opposite sex are present. It’s the truth. Couples don’t have to be joined at the hip 100% of the time, and, in fact, it’s healthier for their relationship when they sometimes socialize as individuals. *** Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. Latest Advice Columns Dear Abby: I wish my father’s ex didn’t send a shoebox full of mementos from their relationship to me Dear Annie: Happy Holidays to All December 24 birthday horoscope and your daily astrology Miss Manners: My sister-in-law was angry that my nephew saw ‘embarrassing things’ in my medicine cabinet Asking Eric: Since my dad and brother passed away, my mother has been increasingly mean, angry and rude

Owner and lawyer, GBC Law Age 35 Taking over GBC Law in 2022 was a defining career moment. It gave me the chance to breathe new life into an established firm by reshaping its mission, vision and core values to reflect a modern, people-centric approach. Balancing the demands of a busy law practice with learning the complexities of business ownership has pushed me to develop a new level of resilience and adaptability that I am very proud of. The transition into being a business owner has truly been a journey of personal and professional growth. Choosing to prioritize the firm’s needs over a loyal employee who had also become a close friend. Despite my emotional inclination to support them, I had to objectively assess the situation to protect the firm’s growth and team dynamics. Ultimately, I made the difficult choice to put the business’s long-term success first, even though it strained a personal relationship. I aim to lead with compassion by emphasizing the importance of growth and development within my team. Empathy is central to my approach, as I believe that understanding my team members’ perspectives fosters a supportive environment. I strive to be a good listener, ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued. Additionally, I adapt my leadership style based on the specific situation, recognizing that different challenges require tailored approaches. Your level of achievement is directly tied to your willingness and ability to confront the challenges that accompany it. I have learned that success does not eliminate problems; rather, it requires us to develop greater skills in managing them. Embracing this perspective has encouraged me to view challenges as essential opportunities for growth. Failing is critical to success. Each setback brings valuable lessons that help us grow. When we let go of the fear of failure and embrace it, we create space for innovation and creativity. Every misstep teaches us something new and leads us toward better choices and stronger strategies down the line. This perspective has really changed how I approach my goals and reminds me that every stumble along the way is just part of the journey to success. To me, success is about fulfillment and impact. Success means setting meaningful goals that align with my values and pursuing them with passion and integrity. It’s about building authentic relationships, both personally and professionally, and creating a positive impact on those around me. I believe success also involves continuous growth and learning, adapting to challenges and remaining open to new opportunities. Ultimately, it’s about finding balance and joy in the journey while making a difference in the lives of others. I am passionate about creating memorable experiences and sharing them with my friends and family—whether it’s a spontaneous weekend getaway, a milestone celebration or trying out a new restaurant for a dinner. I also have a deep love for travelling and learning about different cultures and perspectives. As well, I often seek out opportunities to get involved with my community. Currently, I am training my dog to be a certified St. John’s Ambulance therapy dog so that we can volunteer together. So much more. As I continue to learn and evolve as a business owner, I aim to have a positive and meaningful impact on both my clients and the community. I am committed to making a difference in the legal industry by advocating for people-centric and authentic leadership, fostering a positive work culture, and empowering employee growth and development. Thank you to my friends and family for their unwavering support during challenging times; your encouragement has meant the world to me. I also want to acknowledge my incredible team at GBC Law for their trust and collaboration. Your dedication and hard work inspire me every day. Lastly, a special thank you to our loyal clients—your confidence in us has been a driving force behind our firm’s success. I am truly grateful to have such a strong support network. If it’s meant to be, it will be BC SPCA Move my body, listen to good music and cuddle my dog Sea to Sky Highway Osterio Savio Volpe, Nightingale, Sushi Bar Maumi f Drinking a lot of water Kathy Kinloch Even though I was born and raised in Toronto, I could not speak a single word of English on my first day of kindergartenNone

Bill Reichart was honored with the Mayfly Award in recognition for his lifelong serviceto conservation. DOYLE DIETZ/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Dedicated flintlock muzzleloader deer hunters are willing to brave the elements to takepart in the special season that is in its 50 th year. DOYLE DIETZ/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Hunters are once again able to enjoy pheasant hunts at Martz’s Gap View Preserve whichovercame an outbreak of Avian Flu early this year. DOYLE DIETZ/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Anglers crowd the shore to find their favorite fishing spots on the opening day of theBetty Dietz-Bruce Schneck Memorial Fishing Event. DOYLE DIETZ/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Bill Reichart was honored with the Mayfly Award in recognition for his lifelong serviceto conservation. DOYLE DIETZ/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER There were many memorable outdoors-related events in 2024. In no particular order, hereis a look back at some of them. Bill Reichart presented with Mayfly Award Bill Reichart says his first ever “conservation project” was when he was 8 years old and agroup of locals tried to pump out the lower level at Auburn Desilting Dam in 1956 tosave the fish before they pumped the dredged material into the lower level when the damwas dredged.Since then he has spent his life dedicated to promoting clean water projects, including theworks of Schuylkill River Greenway and promoting efforts to improve the SchuylkillRiver Watershed. Some of his efforts that have had the most impact in our watershed are:Understanding, educating people on, and addressing water quality issues – especially inthe upper watershed; Leading the Porter Floodplain restoration project and associatedSchuylkill River Trail–Auburn Bridge connection that fills the gap in the SRT betweenBerks and Schuylkill counties; and The Schuylkill River Acts and Impacts YouthExpedition.This year Reichart was recognized for his lifelong work by the Pennsylvania AbandonedMine Reclamation when it presented the Schuylkill Headwaters Association presidentwith its annual Mayfly Award. A symbol of clean waters, the award is presented annuallyto someone who focuses on maintaining the health of local waterways.Anglers owe a debt of gratitude to Reichart being instrumental in getting a significantamount of fish habitat into Sweet Arrow Lake near Pine Grove. He got 100 porcupinecribs built and sunk, got many tons of rock installed by the Pennsylvania Fish and BoatCommission, had hundreds of posts for clusters installed and coordinated a mile of fishhabitat/stream bank improvements in Upper Little Swatara Creek. Martz’s Gap View Preserve recovers from Avian Flu outbreak to celebrate 70 years As the third-generation operator of Martz’s Gap View Hunting Preserve, Mike Martz hadbeen living the dream following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father.Unfortunately, that dream turned into the nightmare this year when Highly PathogenicAvian Influenza hit the business. HPAI was discovered in one of the pheasant pens at Martz’s, necessitating the ceasing ofall activities – including field hunts, Continental hunts and trap shooting. It was thehardest event to unfold on the third-generation farm, which caused the PennsylvaniaGame Commission to adjust its late-season pheasant stockings to help safeguard theagency’s pheasant program and better ensure it will continue next year in the 2024-25hunting seasons.Over the summer, however, Martz’s rebounded and opened for its 70 th year of business inSeptember. It is now once again providing field hunts and Continental hunts, as well astrap events. Steve Smith appointed new Pennsylvania Game Commission executive director Steve Smith, who had served as deputy executive director since February, was appointedto his new role of executive director by the Board of Game Commissioners in executivesession. Smith replaced Bryan Burhans, who served as the agency’s executive directorsince 2017. Burhans resigned his position, which was accepted by the board.“This is a critical time for the Game Commission and the future of hunting, trapping andthe conservation of wildlife,” Smith said. “The work we do now will have lasting impactsfor the generations to come, and ensure they will enjoy the same opportunities we havefor centuries. It is an honor to serve in this capacity.”A Berks County native, Smith graduated magna cum laude from West Chester Universitywith a degree in Political Science. He then received a law degree from the Penn StateDickinson School of Law. Smith joined the agency in 2008, after several years ofpracticing law. Hunters Sharing the Harvest continues to set record donations For Hunters Sharing the Harvest executive director Randy Ferguson hunter donations ofdeer this fall and early winter has created good news with another record on the horizonto the extent money is needed to pay processors for their role in the record-breakingnonprofit charitable organization.At the conclusion of last year’s hunting seasons Pennsylvania hunters broke their recordfor venison donations with 261,672 pounds of ground meat from 6,905 deer and six elkstatewide. That record resulted in more than 1 million individual servings of lean, high-protein venison, and Ferguson expects that record to fall again when the 2024-25 huntingseasons end.Hunters pay nothing to donate a deer at one of HSH’s 100-plus participating processorsacross the state. Instead, the organization reimburses those processors for every deerdonated, and last season, those reimbursement costs reached an all-time high ofapproximately $500,000.“While helping HSH feed more families, crop damage deer are the driving factor inHSH’s rising operational expenses, and a cause for increased financial need for theorganization,” Ferguson said “When I started in this role almost four years ago, we sawacouple hundred deer a year that we could identify as crop damage related.“Last year, that number was nearly 1,300 deer, and the crop damage category of donateddeer is doubling year over year. Deer donated during the regular archery and rifle seasonscontinue to grow at a healthy and manageable pace.” Swatara Cooperative Trout Nursery celebrates 25 years Bob Evanchalk, whose farm houses the Swatara Cooperative Trout Nursery, has spent 25years raising trout which are stocked in Sweet Arrow Lake and local Pine Grove Areastreams. In 25 years that comes to 139,866 trout — or about 5,600 trout per year.In 1999 a 50-foot long, 4-foot wide concrete raceway was constructed after thePennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission deemed the water source and site acceptable to house the nursery. The Schuylkill Conservation District applied to the Fish AmericaFoundation and was awarded $5,000 to make the nursery a reality.Sweet Arrow Lake and the main branch of Swatara Creek were two of the primarystocking locations as they were not on the PFBC trout stocking list. Later, the Upper (akaRoedersville) and Lower Little Swatara (aka Rock) Creeks were added.The PFBC supplies fingerling trout and technical assistance, and the nursery must findvolunteers and finances for expenses to raise the trout. Thanks to Evanchalk and somestalwart helpers the fish were in good hands, and the nursery was expanded to 90 feet in2000 and was covered with a metal lid to keep predators like herons, kingfishers, mink,snakes and other critters from enjoying an easy meal. Dietz-Schneck Memorial Fishing Event major attraction at Sweet Arrow Lake Planning is already underway for the 2025 Betty Dietz and Bruce Schneck MemorialFishing Event at Sweet Arrow Lake. Dean Skinner Ney has taken over administering theevent from Craig Morgan and Dean will also coordinate the food stand.Pioneer Pole Buildings last year of sponsorship is 2025, but Bob and Diane Green haveagreed to commit four more years at $2,500 per year match money. Also, the Friends ofSchuylkill Parks & Recreation have committed $5,000 in the past in matching funds.The Swatara Co-op Trout Nursery received $3,000 from the Sportsmen’s Advisory Boardlast year and this donation helps stock 2,000 really nice fish in the lake.The event is not a fundraiser, and it continues because of community support andparticipants, plus what Tevis Energy and Modern Comfort provide for Mentored YouthDay.DEP denies enhancement project for Sweet Arrow LakeIn 2022 the outdoors page of the Pottsville Republican Herald ran a feature article thattold of plans to enhance fish habitat and angler access to the resource at Sweet ArrowLake County Park. Since then, PennDOT was contacted about safer access through theguiderails, but the agency said nothing could be done.Also contacted was the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Lake Habitat Management sectionfor assistance. An on-site meeting and boat tour of the lake produced an updated fishhabitat improvement plan that included a number of stone deflectors which also improvedangler access to the resource. The Schuylkill Conservation District submitted the GeneralPermit-1, Fish Habitat Enhancement Structure application to the Northeast Office of theDepartment of Environmental Protection for review and approval.The permit was denied, although the original fish habitat plan for Sweet Arrow Lakeapproved in 2011 included stone deflectors. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commissiondesigned and many partners have installed hundreds of sawtooth deflectors inPennsylvania lakes.These sawtooth or stone deflectors are approved and used at lakes all over Pennsylvaniato prevent shore erosion, which according to DEP is not evident at Sweet Arrow Lake.However, DEP’s denial states that these deflectors are not approved for use in lakes.Clearly, this seems to be a case of double standards, especially when stone can be placedon lake banks to prevent erosion. PGC makes changes made in purchase of antlerless licenses When Pennsylvania resident hunters began purchasing hunting licenses this summer theywere able to also purchase their choice of antlerless licenses because of the changes madeby the Pennsylvania Game Commission. At that time antlerless licenses were availablefor only three Wildlife Management Units where demand is highest – WMUs 1B, 2G and3A.Licenses in these WMUs were sold on a first come, first serve basis until the allottednumber of licenses sells out, and only Pennsylvania residents may purchase antlerless licenses initially. Three days after sales opened on a Monday, antlerless licenses for theremaining 19 WMUs went go on sale to residents.Guaranteeing an antlerless license to a resident hunter for any other WMU from June 27to July 8 largely eliminates the need to stand in line, allows demand to be spread out overmore than a week and gives hunters greater flexibility to buy at a time that’s convenientfor them. Even then, there are sure to be plenty of licenses left in most WMUs. PGC tables plan to reintroduce American martens In a split vote the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the board of game commissionerstabled plans to reintroduce American martens into the state by a 6-3 vote. Voting fortabling the plan were commissioners Bob Schwalm, Scott Foradora, Allen Di Marco,Kristen Schnepp-Giger, Stanley Knick and Todd Pride, with commissioners DennisFredericks, Michael Mitrick and Haley Sankey voting for the plan.Schwalm, who represents Schuylkill County, said he still has questions about the merit ofthe plan even after PGC staff developed an American marten reintroduction andmanagement plan for Pennsylvania that outlines a long-term, 10-year strategy totranslocate the species back to the state. This would be followed by long-term monitoringto evaluate the reintroduction and includes strategies on communications, partnerengagement, costs and timelines. Flintlock season celebrates 50th year Pennsylvania remains the only state with a flintlock-only muzzleloader deer season, andthis is the 50 th year. According to Dave Ehrig, one of the people who wrote what becamethe Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations for the flintlock season and currenteditor oft he official National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association magazine “MuzzleBlasts,” the season came into existence without celebration and not a whole lot of interestin 1974 when the first year of this primitive deer hunt was held, being almost anafterthought.Just 65 deer – including four bucks – were taken with flintlock rifles in that inauguralyear of 1974 compared to 3,909 deer – including 1,572 bucks – taken by bowhunters.Back then there were only 30 State Game Lands statewide open to flintlock hunters, sothey were concentrated into specific areas where archery and rifle seasons had reducedthe available number of deer.In 1980 the season was one week, and flintlock stamp sales continued to rise.Pennsylvania was fielding 145,144 flintlock-only deer hunters, who took 8,069 deer–including 490 bucks. Flintlock season was then reduced to four days in 1982, and it wasadded to the end of the December 15-18 antlerless season.The current statewide season began Thursday, Dec 26, and runs through Saturday, Jan.20. (Dietz is a member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association) Contact the writer: outdoors@republicanherald.comLiverpool powered seven points clear at the top of the Premier League as the title favourites survived a scare in their 3-1 win against Leicester, while Bruno Fernandes was sent off in Manchester United's dismal 2-0 defeat at lowly Wolves. Erling Haaland missed a penalty as crisis-torn Manchester City failed to end their dismal run with a 1-1 draw against Everton, but it was United's travails and Liverpool's remarkable run that took centre-stage on Thursday. Arne Slot's side were shocked by Jordan Ayew's early strike at Anfield, but the leaders recovered their composure to equalise just before the interval through Cody Gakpo. England midfielder Jones marked his 100th top-flight appearance with the second goal soon after half-time. Mohamed Salah's 19th goal this term wrapped up Liverpool's 11th win in their last 13 games in all competitions. "We created enough, but because we went 1-0 down it was a game," Liverpool manager Slot said. "Then you saw how good we are and Leicester didn't want to come back into the game." Liverpool's comeback lifted them well clear of second-placed Chelsea, who were defeated 2-1 by Fulham earlier in the day. United suffered a third successive loss in all competitions to leave new boss Ruben Amorim with five defeats in his first 10 games. Fernandes was dismissed two minutes into the second half at Molineux for a second bookable offence. United's 10 men cracked in the 58th minute when Matheus Cunha's corner went straight in as goalkeeper Andre Onana flapped under pressure. Hwang Hee-chan compounded Amorim's misery when he tapped in with just seconds left. Losing to fourth-bottom Wolves was another bitter blow for United, who endured a humiliating 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth at Old Trafford last weekend after losing 4-3 in the League Cup at Tottenham. With his team marooned in 14th place -- just eight points above the relegation zone -- Amorim's woes might not be over, with United facing in-form Newcastle on Monday before travelling to Liverpool in their first game of 2025. "It's so tough to win games in this league with 11 men. With 10 men, it's more difficult," Amorim said. Champions Manchester City have just one victory in their last 13 games in all competitions as their Christmas schedule started in disappointing fashion. Bernardo Silva put City in front early on before Iliman Ndiaye salvaged a point for Everton. Seven minutes into the second half, Haaland had the chance to end his longest goal drought at the Etihad but Jordan Pickford denied him. City are languishing in seventh place and sit five points adrift of the top four, with their astonishing decline showing no sign of ending. "Of course we need results and we didn't get it. The team played really good again in all departments and unfortunately could not win," said City boss Pep Guardiola. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea were stunned by Fulham's late fightback in a dramatic west London derby. It was Chelsea's first home defeat against Fulham since 1979. Cole Palmer put Chelsea ahead after 16 minutes, the England forward drilling home from the edge of the area after weaving through the Fulham defence in dazzling style. But Fulham levelled with eight minutes left when Harry Wilson nodded in from close range. There was worse to come for the Blues when Rodrigo Muniz completed the turnaround in the 95th minute. Nottingham Forest climbed to third place after a 1-0 win against sputtering Tottenham at the City Ground. Forest's fourth successive win was sweet revenge for boss Nuno Espirito Santo, whose former club Tottenham had Djed Spence sent off in the closing moments for a second booking. Tottenham are stuck in 11th as the pressure mounts on boss Ange Postecoglou. Newcastle swatted aside 10-man Aston Villa 3-0, moving up to fifth place after winning three consecutive league games for the first time since 2023. Jarrod Bowen's 59th-minute goal gave West Ham a 1-0 win at bottom of the table Southampton after the visitors saw Guido Rodriguez's red card overturned by VAR. It was a frustrating start for new Saints boss Ivan Juric, who has replaced the sacked Russell Martin. Bournemouth and Crystal Palace shared a goalless draw at the Vitality Stadium. smg/nfNEW YORK — I’ll get you, my pretty! And your little pygmy hippo, too! Forgive us the shameless attempt to link the fantasy hit “Wicked” to the delightful Moo Deng . But, hear us out — there’s something the two have in common as the year draws to a close. Escapism. Whether we found it on the yellow brick road, or in videos from a Thailand zoo, or perhaps in unlikely Olympic heroes , we gravitated toward fantasy and feel-good pop culture moments this year. There were new trends, as always. “Brat summer” became a thing, as did “demure, mindful.” And for some inexplicable reason, we became obsessed with celebrity lookalike contests. There were breakups — Bennifer is, again, a thing of the past — and reunions: Oasis, please try to stay together for the tour. Yet some things stayed, remarkably, the same: Taylor Swift and Beyoncé kept on breaking records and making history. So, after a year where much changed but some things held steady, here’s our annual, very selective trip down pop culture memory lane: Lily Gladstone poses in the press room Jan. 7 with the award for best performance by an actress in a motion picture, drama for "Killers of the Flower Moon" at the 81st Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. It starts as a cheery tweet from a beloved “Sesame Street” figure: “ ELMO is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” The answers hint at something deeper and more worrisome. “Not great, Elmo. Not great,” says one milder reply. Doing much better is the viral phenomenon called “BARBENHEIMER,” which makes its awards season debut at the GOLDEN GLOBES . But perhaps the most poignant moment comes from neither film: LILY GLADSTONE , first Indigenous winner of best actress in a drama for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” begins her remarks in the language of her tribe, Blackfeet Nation. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) kisses Taylor Swift on Feb. 11 after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in overtime during the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game in Las Vegas. Valentine’s Day — a perfect time to settle into a sweet love saga via TikTok. Only that’s not quite what we get with “Who TF Did I Marry?,” REESA TEESA ’s depressing, fascinating, 50-part account of her disastrous marriage with a man who lied about absolutely everything. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a single week that encapsulates peak SWIFT cultural dominance , try this: she begins with the Grammys in Los Angeles (becoming the first artist to win album of the year four times AND announcing a new album), then heads to Tokyo for four tour dates, then jets back just in time for the Super Bowl in Las Vegas — where she shares a passionate smooch with boyfriend TRAVIS KELCE on the field of victory. Ryan Gosling performs the song "I'm Just Ken" from the movie "Barbie" on March 10 during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. “What was I made for?” BILLIE EILISH sings at the OSCARS, channeling BARBIE . And what was KEN made for? Not entirely clear — but it's clear RYAN GOSLING was made to play him. His singalong version of “I’m Just Ken” is one of the most entertaining Oscar musical moments in years. Still, Christopher Nolan's “OPPENHEIMER” prevails, a rare case of the top prize going to a blockbuster studio film. Will it happen again in 2025? CYNTHIA ERIVO and ARIANA GRANDE sure hope so; as presenters, they make a sly reference to their upcoming juggernaut, “WICKED.” Speaking of marketing, people are obsessed with that bizarre “DUNE” popcorn bucket. Beyonce And BEYONCÉ carves her space in country music with “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” which will make her the first Black woman to top the Billboard country chart. Taylor Swift performs June 21 at Wembley Stadium in London as part of her Eras Tour. Tennis, anyone? The game’s been around for centuries, but it’s having a cultural moment right now, helped mightily by “CHALLENGERS,” the sweaty romance triangle starring ZENDAYA, MIKE FAIST and JOSH O'CONNOR (40-love? More like 40-sex.) Elsewhere, a new era dawns: At midnight, SWIFT drops “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT," then drops another 15 songs two hours later. The fascinating and disturbing “BABY REINDEER,” the story of a struggling comedian’s extended encounter with a stalker, debuts on Netflix. Ben Affleck, left, and Jennifer Lopez arrive Feb. 13 at the premiere of "This Is Me ... Now: A Love Story" at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. It’s MET GALA time — or as it's known in 2024, another early marketing moment for “WICKED.” ERIVO and GRANDE make fashion waves on the carpet and then musical ones at dinner, with a soulful performance of “When You Believe.” If the “Wicked” tour is in full force, another one stops in its tracks: JENNIFER LOPEZ cancels her summer tour amid reports of both poor ticket sales and trouble in her marriage to BEN AFFLECK . It’s been an eventful year for J.Lo, who's released an album and movie called “THIS IS ME ... NOW" — both reflections on her renewed love with Affleck. Welcome to BRAT SUMMER ! CHARLI XCX releases her hit “Brat” album , with its lime green cover, and launches a thousand memes. Collins Dictionary defines “brat,” its word of the year, as “characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude.” At the celeb-heavy SWIFT shows in London, we see PRINCE WILLIAM shaking it off, which is either charming or cringe, you decide. Even better: KELCE dons a top hat and tux and performs for one night. At another stadium across the pond, METS infielder JOSE IGLESIAS delights the crowd with his cheery number “OMG.” Stephen Nedoroscik is introduced June 29 at the United States Gymnastics Olympic Trials in Minneapolis. Bonjour, it’s OLYMPICS time! In Paris! An audacious opening ceremony along the Seine is punctuated by a fabulous CELINE DION , perched on the EIFFEL TOWER , singing her heart out — in the rain, too. Controversy swirls over a scene critics feel mocks Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” (organizers say it does not). Olympic stars are born — including French swimming superstar LEON MARCHAND , rugby player ILONA MAHER , and bespectacled “Pommel Horse Guy” gymnast STEPHEN NEDOROSCIK , who nets two bronze medals and comparisons to Clark Kent. Baby pigmy hippo Moo Deng plays with a zookeeper Sept. 19 in the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand. Also capturing hearts: yep, MOO DENG , born this month. Her name means “bouncy pork.” Australia's Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, competes Aug. 9 during the Round Robin Battle at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. This is them ... now: BENNIFER is no more. After two decades, two engagements and two weddings, J.Lo files for divorce. One union dissolves, another returns: OASIS announces a reunion tour. Everyone seems to want to get in on TikToker JOOLS LEBRON 's “ DEMURE, MINDFUL ” act — even the WHITE HOUSE press team. Back at the Olympics, in the new sport of breaking, we meet Australia’s RAYGUN , arguably neither demure nor mindful with her “kangaroo” move. Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani brings his dog Decoy to the mound Aug. 28 before Decoy delivered the ceremonial first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Baltimore Orioles in Los Angeles. Cute animal alert: SHOHEI OHTANI ’s perky pooch DECOY does a great “first pitch” in his Major League Baseball debut. Chappell Roan performs "Good Luck, Babe" on Sept. 11 during the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. One of the year’s biggest breakout artists, CHAPPELL ROAN , withdraws from a music festival after speaking out about frightening fan interactions. And more on the price of fame: In an excruciating moment, “Bachelorette” JENN TRAN , the franchise’s first Asian American lead, is forced to sit through a painful viewing of her proposal to her chosen suitor, after tearfully explaining how he’d later dumped her over the phone. Tran is keeping busy though — she’s announced as part of the new “Dancing with the Stars” lineup. Also on the list: rugby player Maher, and Pommel Horse Guy! Also, ANNA SOROKIN , dancing with an ankle monitor. Online fandom, meanwhile, is shaken when X is temporarily suspended in Brazil and celebrity stan accounts post tearful farewells, revealing to many across the globe that their favorite accounts are run by Brazilians. Miles Mitchell, 21, wins of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest Oct. 27 near Washington Square Park in New York. “Dune” Chalamets! “Wonka” Chalamets! Thousands gather in Manhattan for a TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET lookalike contest, and things really get interesting when Chalamet himself shows up. He doesn’t enter the contest, though, and with his mustache, he may not even have won. The trend continues with contests for JEREMY ALLEN WHITE, ZAYN MALIK and — in a very Washington version — Kennedy scion JACK SCHLOSSBERG , who's been gathering a following with some interesting social media posts. New York Liberty Kennedy Burke dances with the mascot, Ellie the Elephant, during an Oct. 24 ceremony after a parade in honor of the Liberty's WNBA basketball championship at City Hall in New York. Turning to basketball, who’s that dancing with USHER ? Why it’s ELLIE THE ELEPHANT , the now-viral NEW YORK LIBERTY mascot. Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, right, appears Nov. 2 with Maya Rudolph on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" in New York. MAYA RUDOLPH does a pretty good KAMALA HARRIS laugh on “Saturday Night Live,” but you know who does it better? HARRIS herself. The Democratic candidate makes a surprise cameo three days before the U.S. presidential election, following in the footsteps of HILLARY CLINTON , SARAH PALIN and others. Elsewhere in television, Bravo announces that “VANDERPUMP RULES,” the Emmy-nominated reality show that has lived through countless scandals, is entirely recasting its 12th season — apart from namesake LISA VANDERPUMP . As for MOO DENG , she doesn't have her own TV series yet, but our favorite pygmy hippo is generating plenty of merch . And THAT brings us back to ... Ariana Grande, left, and Cynthia Erivo pose for photographers Nov. 11 prior to the premiere of "Wicked" at Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City. “WICKED” ! Director JON M. CHU ’s emerald-hued fantasy remains very very popular, to quote one of its buzzy show tunes, dancing through life and defying gravity at the multiplex. Moviegoers also come for “GLADIATOR II” and, in a veritable tidal wave, Disney's “MOANA 2,” which beckons us back to the seas of Oceania. Once again, 2024 seems to be telling us: Give people some whimsy, a place to escape, maybe some catchy tunes — and no one knows how far they’ll go. The stories and images that defined 2024. Searching for something? From queries about U.S. politics to cricket in India, Wikipedia has become a source of information for millions of people across the globe. From the Paris Olympics to the Super Bowl. From Simone Biles to Shohei Ohtani. And, of course, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. These are the sp... AP photographers assembled a visual catalog of our civilization as life in 2024 hurtled directly at us at every speed and in every imaginable ... In 2024, photographers captured glimpses of humanity, ranging from a deeply divisive presidential election, to hurricanes and fires that ravag... Associated Press photographers captured voters with raw emotions of joy, excitement, contemplation or sorrow. See entertainment's biggest moments in 2024, through the lens of Associated Press photographers. It beat five other finalists: demure, slop, dynamic pricing, romantasy and lore. News anchors, politicians and other public figures in the U.S. struggled with these words the most this year. Is it any surprise Merriam-Webster's word of the year is "polarization"? Here are the other words that rounded out the top 10 for 2024. 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