Is Enron back? If it’s a joke, some former employees aren’t laughingThe iPhone 15 Pro Max , discontinued following the launch of the iPhone 16, is now available on Amazon at an unbeatable price. Originally priced at ₹1,54,000, this premium device is currently offered at ₹1,15,900—a 25% discount—making it a fantastic opportunity for tech enthusiasts to own one of Apple’s flagship smartphones at a more accessible cost. Released on September 22, 2023, the iPhone 15 Pro Max stands out with its robust build and advanced features. It flaunts a glass front and back (Corning-made) encased in a lightweight yet durable titanium frame. The device is IP68-certified, offering dust and water resistance for up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. Depending on their region, users can choose between Nano-SIM, eSIM, or dual SIM configurations. The smartphone boasts a stunning 6.7-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and an impressive peak brightness of 2000 nits. With a resolution of 1290 x 2796 pixels, the display is protected by Ceramic Shield glass, ensuring durability alongside top-tier visuals. Under the hood, the iPhone 15 Pro Max runs on the Apple A17 Pro chipset, built using a cutting-edge 3nm process. Its Hexa-core CPU and 6-core Apple GPU deliver exceptional performance, making it ideal for multitasking, gaming, and heavy applications. The device has iOS 17 pre-installed and is upgradable to iOS 18.1 for the latest features and security updates. In terms of storage, users can select options ranging from 256GB to a massive 1TB, paired with 8GB RAM, ensuring lightning-fast performance thanks to NVMe technology. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the triple rear camera setup, featuring a 48MP wide lens, a 12MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. The TOF 3D LiDAR scanner enhances depth sensing, while the 12MP front camera offers top-tier selfies and video recording capabilities. The phone supports advanced connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, and Ultra Wideband. Its 4441 mAh battery supports rapid charging, with 50% power restored in 30 minutes using wired or MagSafe wireless charging. With its exceptional features and sleek Titanium colour options, the iPhone 15 Pro Max remains a top-tier smartphone. Amazon’s reduced pricing makes it a perfect time to grab this iconic device.
Trump team signs agreement with Justice Department for background checks for administration picksA Tennessee man is convicted of killing 2 at a high school basketball game in 2021
Natixis Advisors LLC reduced its stake in Ford Motor ( NYSE:F – Free Report ) by 45.9% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 477,377 shares of the auto manufacturer’s stock after selling 404,807 shares during the quarter. Natixis Advisors LLC’s holdings in Ford Motor were worth $5,041,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Olistico Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of Ford Motor during the second quarter worth about $25,000. Family Firm Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Ford Motor during the second quarter worth about $26,000. Quarry LP bought a new stake in shares of Ford Motor during the second quarter worth about $27,000. Ridgewood Investments LLC bought a new stake in shares of Ford Motor during the second quarter worth about $28,000. Finally, Kimelman & Baird LLC bought a new stake in shares of Ford Motor during the second quarter worth about $30,000. 58.74% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Ford Motor Price Performance NYSE:F opened at $11.18 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $44.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.70, a P/E/G ratio of 2.01 and a beta of 1.62. Ford Motor has a 52-week low of $9.49 and a 52-week high of $14.85. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $10.83 and a 200 day moving average of $11.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.34, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a current ratio of 1.15. Ford Motor Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 2nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 7th will be paid a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.37%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 7th. Ford Motor’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 68.18%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have recently commented on F shares. Sanford C. Bernstein downgraded shares of Ford Motor from an “outperform” rating to a “market perform” rating and set a $11.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Thursday, November 7th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on shares of Ford Motor from $10.00 to $9.00 and set an “underweight” rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, September 10th. StockNews.com raised shares of Ford Motor from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Barclays reduced their price objective on shares of Ford Motor from $14.00 to $13.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 29th. Finally, Evercore ISI raised shares of Ford Motor to a “hold” rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $12.02. View Our Latest Analysis on Ford Motor About Ford Motor ( Free Report ) Ford Motor Company develops, delivers, and services a range of Ford trucks, commercial cars and vans, sport utility vehicles, and Lincoln luxury vehicles worldwide. It operates through Ford Blue, Ford Model e, and Ford Pro; Ford Next; and Ford Credit segments. The company sells Ford and Lincoln vehicles, service parts, and accessories through distributors and dealers, as well as through dealerships to commercial fleet customers, daily rental car companies, and governments. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding F? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ford Motor ( NYSE:F – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Ford Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ford Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Illinois (8-3, 5-3 Big Ten) was down 31-30 when it sent long kicker Ethan Moczulski out for a desperation 58-yard field goal with 14 seconds to go. Rutgers coach Greg Schiano then called for a timeout right before Moczulski’s attempt was wide left and about 15 yards short. After the missed field goal was waved off by the timeout, Illinois coach Bret Bielema sent his offense back on the field. Altmyer hit Bryant on an in cut on the left side at the 22, and he continued across the field and scored untouched in a game that featured three lead changes in the final 3:07. Rutgers (6-5, 3-5) gave up a safety on the final kickoff return, throwing a ball out of bounds in the end zone as players passed it around hoping for a miracle touchdown. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll
B.C. cabinet minister Grace Lore diagnosed with cancer
Leadership is often seen as a fragile bridge of trust; built with vision, maintained with integrity, and, most times, tested by the actions of others. His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, is an example of the strength needed to overcome such tests. His leadership in Kogi State broke barriers, empowered ordinary people, and set a “New Direction” for governance. Yet, it was not without its share of betrayals, challenges, and eventual redemption. From the beginning of his administration, Bello’s leadership was focused on empowering the average Kogite. He broke away from the old system of privilege, and gave opportunities to those who might never have had a chance to rise to prominence. By trusting these individuals with important responsibilities, Bello redefined governance and opened doors for many. This vision brought beautiful results. Many of those Yahaya Bello empowered became successful leaders, and proved his ability to recognise and nurture potential. Their success is a product of his uncommon foresight that hasn’t been talked about enough. However, not all could handle the weight of responsibility. Some misused the trust given to them, and turned it into a means to serve themselves instead of the people. These individuals worked to protect their new positions by creating a false image of loyalty. To the public, they were not fair in their dealings most times, but they tried to appear as dedicated servants with no fault. But to their principal, they reported a distorted version of events and provided proofs that aligned with their stories. They treated Bello’s kindness as a personal treasure to keep for themselves. For a time, they managed to mask their intentions and seemed indispensable, but their actions slowly began to undermine the ideals of the administration. Too many lies were told to and against their principal to uphold a status quo that they established. But, how could they think it would go unnoticed forever? As the saying goes, the truth always comes out. Over time, their real value began to fade, and their betrayals came to light. While they failed to notice their declining relevance, the “New Direction” government continued its work in building a secure, prosperous, and united Kogi State. Bello, always watchful, saw through the games being played, and prepared for the key decision of choosing a successor. The question of succession brought its own set of challenges. As the New Direction government matured, the good, the bad and the ugly within the administration sought to take over leadership. Some believed their closeness to Bello gave them the right to succeed him, while others relied on the influence they felt they had built. Yet, Bello had always said that his choice would go beyond personal loyalty and focus on what was best for Kogi State. In a bold and unexpected move, Bello endorsed His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, as his successor. This decision surprised many and was met with resistance from some quarters. Those who had played their games now acted like victims, and claimed they had been unfairly treated. But Bello’s decision was clear; it was about securing the future of Kogi State, not pleasing individual ambitions. When Ododo took office, there was doubt about whether Bello’s decision had been right or wrong. Critics questioned his capability, and those who felt betrayed spun a narrative to discredit him. The ethnic and emotional cards that accompanied the 2023 Kogi State gubernatorial made it easy for them to push their narratives on the common man, but Ododo’s early achievements already proved them wrong. His performance silenced critics and keeps setting a high standard for leadership in Kogi State. Who said those who could manipulate the emotions of Kogites for long and even play their own principal to take a fall would have ever come close to this? Ododo’s leadership strengthened the foundations of the “New Direction” government. By keeping its principles alive and adding fresh ideas, he has shown his commitment to the welfare of all Kogites. His practical approach to governance has improved the state and changed public perception, proving Bello’s decision was the right one. However, not all lessons from the “New Direction” era have been fully learned, as His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, continues to face challenges, even beyond his time in office. Loyalties can quickly shift in politics. It won’t be wrong to say some of those who once benefited from his leadership have now turned against him, working with outside forces to damage the legacy they once saw as theirs too. These former allies, believing they know Bello better than anyone else, have used their insider knowledge to try and weaken the system he built. But, knowing Bello like they claim, should make them understand that he won’t break. Driven by a sense of entitlement, these individuals have tried to destabilise Bello’s influence. They fail to understand that the success of the “New Direction” government was never dependent on them alone but on shared values of service, unity, and progress. Teaming up with outside forces, they have shown an unwillingness to let go of the power they once enjoyed. But, will they ever enjoy the trust of average Kogites again? Did they tell their new allies and the EFCC that, even as they work against him, Bello remains firm. As he holds onto the principles that guided his leadership and the progress he achieved for Kogi State, I wish he could get to do a tell-it-all about these individuals someday. The claims of victimhood made by those who tried to undermine Bello’s benefaction are now losing ground completely. Their efforts look hollow against the successes of Ododo’s administration. Without the influence they once held, their relevance has faded, and Bello’s vision remains the driving force behind Kogi State’s progress. Thank you His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for setting Kogi on the path to greatness. The most striking result of this story that I will keep telling whoever cares to listen is how Ododo’s success has confirmed Bello’s legacy. The achievements of his administration have silenced critics and proved the enduring strength of the values of service and strong will. His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s leadership is one that has been tested by dishonesty and strengthened by wise choices, and it’s a definition of what true governance means. He is a leader who focused on the collective good rather than personal gain, and he ensured the values of his administration would last beyond his time in office with the blessing in the “Chief Servant of Kogi State”, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo. In the end, it’s not just about the achievements of Bello’s “New Direction” administration, but about the lasting principles that guided it and the impact it will have on tomorrow. The ability to tower above betrayal and focus on the greater good has left a lasting mark on Kogi State. Time will tell the real Bello’s story as one of a will too strong in the face of betrayal, and the strength to keep mute and watch the oppressor play the victim cards. In leadership, as in life, it is not the games people play that define us but the choices we make in response to them. Thank you, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for those choices have secured your place as a builder of leaders in the history of Kogi State. Thank you for all that you have given. ...Mohammed Lawal is a media practitioner and public affairs analyst based in LokojaBank of America signs again with FIFA for US-hosted Club World Cup that still has no TV deals
WASHINGTON — The House Ethics Committee's long-awaited report on Matt Gaetz documents a trove of salacious allegations, including sex with an underage girl, that tanked the Florida Republican's bid to lead the Justice Department. Citing text messages, travel receipts, online payments and testimony, the bipartisan committee paints a picture of a lifestyle in which Gaetz and others connected with younger women for drug-fueled parties, events or trips, with the expectation the women would be paid for their participation. President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., closes a door to a private meeting with Vice President-elect JD Vance and Republican Senate Judiciary Committee members, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. The former congressman, who filed a last-minute lawsuit to try to block the report's release Monday, slammed the committee's findings. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing and has insisted he never had sex with a minor. And a Justice Department investigation into the allegations ended without any criminal charges filed against him. "Giving funds to someone you are dating — that they didn't ask for — and that isn't 'charged' for sex is now prostitution?!?" Gaetz wrote in one post Monday. "There is a reason they did this to me in a Christmas Eve-Eve report and not in a courtroom of any kind where I could present evidence and challenge witnesses." Here's a look at some of the committee's key findings: The committee found that between 2017 and 2020, Gaetz paid tens of thousands of dollars to women "likely in connection with sexual activity and/or drug use." He paid the women using through online services such as PayPal, Venmo and CashApp and with cash or check, the committee said. The committee said it found evidence that Gaetz understood the "transactional nature" of his relationships with the women. The report points to one text exchange in which Gaetz balked at a woman's request that he send her money, "claiming she only gave him a 'drive by.'" Women interviewed by the committee said there was a "general expectation of sex," the report said. One woman who received more than $5,000 from Gaetz between 2018 and 2019 said that "99 percent of the time" that when she hung out with Gaetz "there was sex involved." However, Gaetz was in a long-term relationship with one of the women he paid, so "some of the payments may have been of a legitimate nature," the committee said. Text messages obtained by the committee also show that Gaetz would ask the women to bring drugs to their "rendezvous," the report said. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., attends the cocktail hour of New York Young Republican Club's annual gala at Cipriani Wall Street, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in New York. While most of his encounters with the women were in Florida, the committee said Gaetz also traveled "on several occasions" with women whom he paid for sex. The report includes text message exchanges in which Gaetz appears to be inviting various women to events, getaways or parties, and arranging airplane travel and lodging. Gaetz associate Joel Greenberg, who pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges in 2021, initially connected with women through an online service. In one text with a 20-year-old woman, Greenberg suggested if she had a friend, the four of them could meet up. The woman responded that she usually does "$400 per meet." Greenberg replied: "He understands the deal," along with a smiley face emoji. Greenberg asked if they were old enough to drink alcohol, and sent the woman a picture of Gaetz. The woman responded that her friend found him "really cute." "Well, he's down here for only for the day, we work hard and play hard," Greenberg replied. The report details a party in July 2017 in which Gaetz is accused of having sex with "multiple women, including the 17-year-old, for which they were paid." The committee pointed to "credible testimony" from the now-woman herself as well as "multiple individuals" who corroborated the allegation. The then-17-year-old — who had just completed her junior year in high school — told the committee that Gaetz paid her $400 in cash that night, "which she understood to be payment for sex," according to the report. The woman acknowledged that she had taken ecstasy the night of the party, but told the committee that she was "certain" of her sexual encounters with the then-congressman. There's no evidence that Gaetz knew she was a minor when he had sex with her, the committee said. The woman told the committee she didn't tell Gaetz she was under 18 at the time and he didn't ask how old she was. Rather, the committee said Gaetz learned she was a minor more than a month after the party. But he stayed in touch with her after that and met up with her for "commercial sex" again less than six months after she turned 18, according to the committee. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., center, attends the cocktail hour of New York Young Republican Club's annual gala at Cipriani Wall Street, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in New York. In sum, the committee said it authorized 29 subpoenas for documents and testimony, reviewed nearly 14,000 documents and contacted more than two dozen witnesses. But when the committee subpoenaed Gaetz for his testimony, he failed to comply. "Gaetz pointed to evidence that would 'exonerate' him yet failed to produce any such materials," the committee said. Gaetz "continuously sought to deflect, deter, or mislead the Committee in order to prevent his actions from being exposed." The report details a months-long process that dragged into a year as it sought information from Gaetz that he decried as "nosey" and a "weaponization" of government against him. In one notable exchange, investigators were seeking information about the expenses for a 2018 getaway with multiple women to the Bahamas. Gaetz ultimately offered up his plane ticket receipt "to" the destination, but declined to share his return "from" the Bahamas. The report said his return on a private plane and other expenses paid by an associate were in violation of House gift rules. In another Gaetz told the committee he would "welcome" the opportunity to respond to written questions. Yet, after it sent a list of 16 questions, Gaetz said publicly he would "no longer" voluntarily cooperate. He called the investigation "frivolous," adding, "Every investigation into me ends the same way: my exoneration." The report said that while Gaetz's obstruction of the investigation does not rise to a criminal violation it is inconsistent with the requirement that all members of Congress "act in a manner that reflects creditably upon the House." The committee began its review of Gaetz in April 2021 and deferred its work in response to a Justice Department request. It renewed its work shortly after Gaetz announced that the Justice Department had ended a sex trafficking investigation without filing any charges against him. The committee sought records from the Justice Department about the probe, but the agency refused, saying it doesn't disclose information about investigations that don't result in charges. The committee then subpoenaed the Justice Department, and after a back-and-forth between officials and the committee, the department handed over "publicly reported information about the testimony of a deceased individual," according to the report. "To date, DOJ has provided no meaningful evidence or information to the Committee or cited any lawful basis for its responses," the committee said. Many of the women who the committee spoke to had already given statements to the Justice Department and didn't want to "relive their experience," the committee said. "They were particularly concerned with providing additional testimony about a sitting congressman in light of DOJ's lack of action on their prior testimony," the report said. The Justice Department, however, never handed over the women's statements. The agency's lack of cooperation — along with its request that the committee pause its investigation — significantly delayed the committee's probe, lawmakers said. Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. FILE - Former Rep. Doug Collins speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Kash Patel spent several years as a Justice Department prosecutor before catching the Trump administration’s attention as a staffer on Capitol Hill who helped investigate the Russia probe. Patel called for dramatically reducing the agency’s footprint, a perspective that sets him apart from earlier directors who sought additional resources for the bureau. Though the Justice Department in 2021 halted the practice of secretly seizing reporters’ phone records during leak investigations, Patel said he intends to aggressively hunt down government officials who leak information to reporters. Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Trump said Atkins, the CEO of Patomak Partners and a former SEC commissioner, was a “proven leader for common sense regulations.” In the years since leaving the SEC, Atkins has made the case against too much market regulation. “He believes in the promise of robust, innovative capital markets that are responsive to the needs of Investors, & that provide capital to make our Economy the best in the World. He also recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The commission oversees U.S. securities markets and investments and is currently led by Gary Gensler, who has been leading the U.S. government’s crackdown on the crypto industry. Gensler, who was nominated by President Joe Biden, announced last month that he would be stepping down from his post on the day that Trump is inaugurated — Jan. 20, 2025. Atkins began his career as a lawyer and has a long history working in the financial markets sector, both in government and private practice. In the 1990s, he worked on the staffs of two former SEC chairmen, Richard C. Breeden and Arthur Levitt. Jared Isaacman, 41, is a tech billionaire who bought a series of spaceflights from Elon Musk’s SpaceX and conducted the first private spacewalk . He is the founder and CEO of a card-processing company and has collaborated closely with Musk ever since buying his first chartered SpaceX flight. He took contest winners on that 2021 trip and followed it in September with a mission where he briefly popped out the hatch to test SpaceX’s new spacewalking suits. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. President-elect Donald Trump tapped former Sen. David Perdue of Georgia to be ambassador to China, saying in a social media post that the former CEO “brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China.” Perdue lost his Senate seat to Democrat Jon Ossoff four years ago and ran unsuccessfully in a primary against Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Perdue pushed Trump's debunked lies about electoral fraud during his failed bid for governor. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Guilfoyle is a former California prosecutor and television news personality who led the fundraising for Trump's 2020 campaign and became engaged to Don Jr. in 2020. Trump called her “a close friend and ally” and praised her “sharp intellect make her supremely qualified.” Guilfoyle was on stage with the family on election night. “I am so proud of Kimberly. She loves America and she always has wanted to serve the country as an Ambassador. She will be an amazing leader for America First,” Don Jr. posted. The ambassador positions must be approved by the U.S. Senate. Guilfoyle said in a social media post that she was “honored to accept President Trump’s nomination to serve as the next Ambassador to Greece and I look forward to earning the support of the U.S. Senate.” Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Customs and Border Protection, with its roughly 60,000 employees, falls under the Department of Homeland Security. It includes the Border Patrol, which Rodney Scott led during Trump's first term, and is essentially responsible for protecting the country's borders while facilitating trade and travel. Scott comes to the job firmly from the Border Patrol side of the house. He became an agent in 1992 and spent much of his career in San Diego. When he was appointed head of the border agency in January 2020, he enthusiastically embraced Trump's policies. After being forced out under the Biden administration, Scott has been a vocal supporter of Trump's hard-line immigration agenda. He appeared frequently on Fox News and testified in Congress. He's also a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Former Rep. Billy Long represented Missouri in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2023. Since leaving Congress, Trump said, Long “has worked as a Business and Tax advisor, helping Small Businesses navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations.” Former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler was appointed in January 2020 by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and then lost a runoff election a year later. She started a conservative voter registration organization and dived into GOP fundraising, becoming one of the top individual donors and bundlers to Trump’s 2024 comeback campaign. Even before nominating her for agriculture secretary, the president-elect already had tapped Loeffler as co-chair of his inaugural committee. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Trump says he’s picking Kari Lake as director of Voice of America, installing a staunch loyalist who ran unsuccessfully for Arizona governor and a Senate seat to head the congressionally funded broadcaster that provides independent news reporting around the world. Lake endeared herself to Trump through her dogmatic commitment to the falsehood that both she and Trump were the victims of election fraud. She has never acknowledged losing the gubernatorial race and called herself the “lawful governor” in her 2023 book, “Unafraid: Just Getting Started.” Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. James Blair, deputy chief of staff Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Marty Makary, Food and Drug Administration Makary is a Johns Hopkins surgeon and author who argued against pandemic lockdowns. He routinely appeared on Fox News during the COVID-19 pandemic and wrote opinion articles questioning masks for children. He cast doubt on vaccine mandates but supported vaccines generally. Makary also cast doubt on whether booster shots worked, which was against federal recommendations on the vaccine. Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, Surgeon General Nesheiwat is a general practitioner who serves as medical director for CityMD, a network of urgent care centers in New York and New Jersey. She has been a contributor to Fox News. Dr. Dave Weldon, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Weldon is a former Florida congressman who recently ran for a Florida state legislative seat and lost; Trump backed Weldon’s opponent. In Congress, Weldon weighed in on one of the nation’s most heated debates of the 1990s over quality of life and a right-to-die and whether Terri Schiavo, who was in a persistent vegetative state after cardiac arrest, should have been allowed to have her feeding tube removed. He sided with the parents who did not want it removed. Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Ron Johnson, Ambassador to Mexico Johnson — not the Republican senator — served as ambassador to El Salvador during Trump's first administration. His nomination comes as the president-elect has been threatening tariffs on Mexican imports and the mass deportation of migrants who have arrived to the U.S.-Mexico border. Johnson is also a former U.S. Army veteran and was in the Central Intelligence Agency. Tom Barrack, Ambassador to Turkey Barrack, a wealthy financier, met Trump in the 1980s while helping negotiate Trump’s purchase of the renowned Plaza Hotel. He was charged with using his personal access to the former president to secretly promote the interests of the United Arab Emirates, but was acquitted of all counts at a federal trial in 2022. Trump called him a “well-respected and experienced voice of reason.” Andrew Ferguson, Federal Trade Commission Ferguson, who is already one of the FTC's five commissioners, will replace Lina Khan, who became a lightning rod for Wall Street and Silicon Valley by blocking billions of dollars worth of corporate acquisitions and suing Amazon and Meta while alleging anticompetitive behavior. “Andrew has a proven record of standing up to Big Tech censorship, and protecting Freedom of Speech in our Great Country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding, “Andrew will be the most America First, and pro-innovation FTC Chair in our Country’s History.” Jacob Helberg, undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment Dan Bishop, deputy director for budget at the Office of Budget and Management Leandro Rizzuto, Ambassador to the Washington-based Organization of American States Dan Newlin, Ambassador to Colombia Peter Lamelas, Ambassador to Argentina Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug useNFL Insider: Arizona coach finds out playing for field goals isn’t good enough against Vikings
Leadership is often seen as a fragile bridge of trust; built with vision, maintained with integrity, and, most times, tested by the actions of others. His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, is an example of the strength needed to overcome such tests. His leadership in Kogi State broke barriers, empowered ordinary people, and set a “New Direction” for governance. Yet, it was not without its share of betrayals, challenges, and eventual redemption. From the beginning of his administration, Bello’s leadership was focused on empowering the average Kogite. He broke away from the old system of privilege, and gave opportunities to those who might never have had a chance to rise to prominence. By trusting these individuals with important responsibilities, Bello redefined governance and opened doors for many. This vision brought beautiful results. Many of those Yahaya Bello empowered became successful leaders, and proved his ability to recognise and nurture potential. Their success is a product of his uncommon foresight that hasn’t been talked about enough. However, not all could handle the weight of responsibility. Some misused the trust given to them, and turned it into a means to serve themselves instead of the people. These individuals worked to protect their new positions by creating a false image of loyalty. To the public, they were not fair in their dealings most times, but they tried to appear as dedicated servants with no fault. But to their principal, they reported a distorted version of events and provided proofs that aligned with their stories. They treated Bello’s kindness as a personal treasure to keep for themselves. For a time, they managed to mask their intentions and seemed indispensable, but their actions slowly began to undermine the ideals of the administration. Too many lies were told to and against their principal to uphold a status quo that they established. But, how could they think it would go unnoticed forever? As the saying goes, the truth always comes out. Over time, their real value began to fade, and their betrayals came to light. While they failed to notice their declining relevance, the “New Direction” government continued its work in building a secure, prosperous, and united Kogi State. Bello, always watchful, saw through the games being played, and prepared for the key decision of choosing a successor. The question of succession brought its own set of challenges. As the New Direction government matured, the good, the bad and the ugly within the administration sought to take over leadership. Some believed their closeness to Bello gave them the right to succeed him, while others relied on the influence they felt they had built. Yet, Bello had always said that his choice would go beyond personal loyalty and focus on what was best for Kogi State. In a bold and unexpected move, Bello endorsed His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, as his successor. This decision surprised many and was met with resistance from some quarters. Those who had played their games now acted like victims, and claimed they had been unfairly treated. But Bello’s decision was clear; it was about securing the future of Kogi State, not pleasing individual ambitions. When Ododo took office, there was doubt about whether Bello’s decision had been right or wrong. Critics questioned his capability, and those who felt betrayed spun a narrative to discredit him. The ethnic and emotional cards that accompanied the 2023 Kogi State gubernatorial made it easy for them to push their narratives on the common man, but Ododo’s early achievements already proved them wrong. His performance silenced critics and keeps setting a high standard for leadership in Kogi State. Who said those who could manipulate the emotions of Kogites for long and even play their own principal to take a fall would have ever come close to this? Ododo’s leadership strengthened the foundations of the “New Direction” government. By keeping its principles alive and adding fresh ideas, he has shown his commitment to the welfare of all Kogites. His practical approach to governance has improved the state and changed public perception, proving Bello’s decision was the right one. However, not all lessons from the “New Direction” era have been fully learned, as His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, continues to face challenges, even beyond his time in office. Loyalties can quickly shift in politics. It won’t be wrong to say some of those who once benefited from his leadership have now turned against him, working with outside forces to damage the legacy they once saw as theirs too. These former allies, believing they know Bello better than anyone else, have used their insider knowledge to try and weaken the system he built. But, knowing Bello like they claim, should make them understand that he won’t break. Driven by a sense of entitlement, these individuals have tried to destabilise Bello’s influence. They fail to understand that the success of the “New Direction” government was never dependent on them alone but on shared values of service, unity, and progress. Teaming up with outside forces, they have shown an unwillingness to let go of the power they once enjoyed. But, will they ever enjoy the trust of average Kogites again? Did they tell their new allies and the EFCC that, even as they work against him, Bello remains firm. As he holds onto the principles that guided his leadership and the progress he achieved for Kogi State, I wish he could get to do a tell-it-all about these individuals someday. The claims of victimhood made by those who tried to undermine Bello’s benefaction are now losing ground completely. Their efforts look hollow against the successes of Ododo’s administration. Without the influence they once held, their relevance has faded, and Bello’s vision remains the driving force behind Kogi State’s progress. Thank you His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for setting Kogi on the path to greatness. The most striking result of this story that I will keep telling whoever cares to listen is how Ododo’s success has confirmed Bello’s legacy. The achievements of his administration have silenced critics and proved the enduring strength of the values of service and strong will. His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s leadership is one that has been tested by dishonesty and strengthened by wise choices, and it’s a definition of what true governance means. He is a leader who focused on the collective good rather than personal gain, and he ensured the values of his administration would last beyond his time in office with the blessing in the “Chief Servant of Kogi State”, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo. In the end, it’s not just about the achievements of Bello’s “New Direction” administration, but about the lasting principles that guided it and the impact it will have on tomorrow. The ability to tower above betrayal and focus on the greater good has left a lasting mark on Kogi State. Time will tell the real Bello’s story as one of a will too strong in the face of betrayal, and the strength to keep mute and watch the oppressor play the victim cards. In leadership, as in life, it is not the games people play that define us but the choices we make in response to them. Thank you, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for those choices have secured your place as a builder of leaders in the history of Kogi State. Thank you for all that you have given. ...Mohammed Lawal is a media practitioner and public affairs analyst based in Lokoja
( ) is a digital healthcare company focusing on developing technology and services that could aid healthcare professionals in delivering positive patient outcomes. The company has witnessed healthy buying this year, with its stock price rising by 84.4%. Its solid quarterly performances and continued acquisitions have boosted its financials. Let’s assess whether WELL Health offers buying opportunities at these levels by looking at its third-quarter earnings and growth prospects. WELL Health’s third-quarter performance Last month, WELL Health reported an impressive third-quarter performance, with its growing by 27% to $251.7 million. Organic growth of 23% and acquisitions over the last four quarters drove its sales, while the divestments offset some of the growth. It had around 1.48 million patient visits and 2.24 patient interactions during the quarter, representing a year-over-year growth of 41% across both metrics. Amid the topline growth, its gross profits grew by 19%. However, its adjusted gross margin contracted by 150 basis points to 44.6% amid increased contributions from lower-margin recruiting revenue from the acquisition of CarePlus. The digital healthcare company’s adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization) grew 16% to $32.7 million. However, the adjusted EBITDA to WELL’s shareholders rose by 10% to $25.1 million. Its adjusted net income stood at $13 million, slightly improving from $12.9 million in the previous year’s quarter. The company generated $16.2 million of adjusted free cash flow during the quarter, supported by its comprehensive cost-cutting program, which it implemented earlier this year. Now, let’s look at its growth prospects. WELL Health’s growth prospects Given their accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and convenience, more people are adopting digital healthcare services. Technological advancements and improving internet penetration have also contributed to the rising popularity of virtual services, thus expanding the addressable market for WELL Health. Meanwhile, the company continues to invest in advancing AI (artificial intelligence)-powered tech enablement for care providers, which could strengthen its position in the digital healthcare sector. The company’s acquisition pipeline looks solid, with 17 signed LOIs (letters of intent) and definitive agreements. Also, the company’s cost-cutting program would continue to improve its . Moreover, WELL Health has rebranded its subsidiary WELL Provider Solutions Group as WELLSTAR Technologies. This pure-play software-as-a-service (SaaS) technology company offers high-quality technology and services to around 37,000 healthcare providers to improve patient care. The company is also working on spinning out WELLSTAR, thus providing investors with an attractive investment opportunity in healthcare technology SaaS. It expects to complete the spinoff by the end of next year. WELLSTAR recently acquired two healthcare-focused technology companies, which could contribute $15 million in annualized revenue, thus raising its 2025 pro forma revenue to $70 million. Also, its gross margins could remain above 80% while its EBITDA margin would be around 20%. Considering all these factors, I believe WELL Health’s growth prospects look healthy. Investors’ takeaway Despite the substantial increase in its stock price, WELL Health’s valuation looks attractive. Its next-12-month and NTM multiples stand at 1.6 and 24.2, respectively. Given its solid growth prospects, improving profitability, and attractive valuation, I expect WELL Health to deliver superior returns over the next three years.Is Enron back? If it’s a joke, some former employees aren’t laughingProtected personal information of more than 1 million people — including about 4,700 Social Security numbers — was accessed from Illinois Department of Human Services files in April, the agency confirmed last week. State agencies are required under the Illinois Personal Information Protection Act to notify the news media of certain reportable breaches of security. In a statement, the Illinois Department of Human Services said it experienced a privacy breach on April 25 when a phishing campaign was used to access a number of employee accounts and the files associated with the accounts. Phishing involves sending seemingly legitimate requests for personal or sensitive information such as passwords or account numbers. IDHS said the files that were accessed included Social Security numbers for 4,704 people. In addition, public assistance account information was accessed for more than 1.1 million people. While that information did not include Social Security numbers, it did have names, public assistance account numbers and some combination of addresses, birthdate, Illinois State Board of Education Student Information System identification numbers and cellphone numbers. "Upon learning of the phishing incident, IDHS worked in partnership with the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology to investigate the extent of the breach and to determine which individuals were included," according to the statement. "This was an in-depth forensic analysis, followed by a manual review of all compromised files to determine the nature of the breach. IDHS continues to train its employees on how to avoid and report phishing attempts." Written notices were sent to those whose Social Security numbers were involved and whose current address was on file. Those notices provide details about available actions, including credit monitoring. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! 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Lamar Jackson plans to skip halftime meeting to watch Beyoncé performance: ‘Sorry, Harbaugh’
LONDON/CAIRO/DUBAI (Reuters): Famine in Sudan has expanded to five areas and will likely spread to another five by May, the global hunger monitor reported Tuesday, while warring parties continue to disrupt humanitarian aid needed to alleviate one of the worst starvation crises in modern times. Famine conditions were confirmed in Abu Shouk and al-Salam, two camps for internally displaced people in al-Fashir, the besieged capital of North Darfur, as well as in residential and displaced communities in the Nuba Mountains, according to the Famine Review Committee of the Integrated Food Phase Classification (IPC). The committee also found that famine, first identified in August, persists in North Darfur’s Zamzam camp. The five-member review committee vets and verifies famine findings produced by technical analysts. In its Tuesday report, the review committee predicts famine will expand to five additional areas in North Darfur — Um Kadadah, Melit, al-Fashir, Tawisha and al-Lait — by May. The committee identified another 17 areas across Sudan at risk of famine. The IPC estimated about 24.6 million people, about half of all Sudanese, urgently need food aid through May, a sharp increase from the 21.1 million originally projected in June for October through February. The findings were published despite the Sudanese government’s continued disruption of the IPC’s process for analyzing acute food insecurity, which helps donors and humanitarian groups direct aid where it is most needed. On Monday, the government announced it was suspending its participation in the global hunger-monitoring system, saying the IPC issues “unreliable reports that undermine Sudan’s sovereignty and dignity.” The IPC is an independent body funded by Western nations and overseen by 19 large humanitarian organizations and intergovernmental institutions. A linchpin in the world’s vast system for monitoring and alleviating hunger, it is designed to sound the alarm about developing food crises so organizations can respond and prevent famine and mass starvation. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) are engaged in a civil war with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and are adamantly opposed to a famine declaration for fear it would result in diplomatic pressure to ease border controls and lead to greater foreign engagement with the RSF. In a Dec. 23 letter to the IPC, the famine review committee and diplomats, Sudan’s agriculture minister said the latest IPC report lacks updated malnutrition data and assessments of crop productivity during the recent summer rainy season. The growing season was successful, the letter says. It also notes “serious concerns” about the IPC’s ability to collect data from territories controlled by the RSF. Under the IPC system, a “technical working group,” usually headed by the national government, analyzes data and periodically issues reports that classify areas on a one-to-five scale that slides from minimal to stressed, crisis, emergency and famine. In October, the Sudanese government temporarily stopped the government-led analysis, according to a document seen by Reuters. After resuming work, the technical working group stopped short of acknowledging famine. The Famine Review Committee report released today said the government-led group excluded key malnutrition data from its analysis. A recent Reuters investigation found that the Sudanese government obstructed the IPC’s work earlier this year, delaying by months a famine determination for the sprawling Zamzam camp for displaced people where residents have resorted to eating tree leaves to survive. The civil war that erupted in April 2023 has decimated food production and trade and driven more than 12 million Sudanese from their homes, making it the world’s largest displacement crisis. The RSF has looted commercial and humanitarian food supplies, disrupted farming and besieged some areas, making trade more costly and food prices unaffordable. The government also has blocked humanitarian organizations’ access to some parts of the country. “We have the food. We have the trucks on the road. We have the people on the ground. We just need safe passage to deliver assistance,” said Jean-Martin Bauer, director of food security and nutrition analysis for the U.N.’s World Food Program. In response to questions from Reuters, the RSF said the accusations of looting were “baseless.” The RSF also said millions of people in areas it controlled were facing “the threat of hunger,” and that it was committed to “fully facilitating the delivery of aid to those affected.” The government said that problems delivering aid were caused by the RSF. The IPC report says both parties to the conflict have imposed “bureaucratic procedures and approval processes” that “severely limit both the reach and scale of humanitarian efforts.” Only 10% of people in the areas the IPC reviewed received food assistance in the last three months, the IPC report says. At least a dozen aid workers and diplomats contacted by Reuters for this story said tensions increased between the Sudanese government and humanitarian aid organizations after the IPC determined Zamzam was in famine in August. The sources said the government is slowing the aid response. The government’s general and military intelligence services oversee aid delivery, subjecting international aid approvals to the SAF’s political and military goals, the sources said. The government is slow to approve visas for aid workers, and several aid workers said it has discouraged NGOs from providing relief in the hard-hit Darfur region, which is largely controlled by RSF forces. The government has told aid organizations “there are no legitimate needs in Darfur, so you should not work there, and if you continue to respond to needs there, you should not expect visas,” said one senior aid official, who asked not to be named. The number of visa applications awaiting approval for non-UN aid workers has skyrocketed in the last four months, and the percentage approved has plummeted, according to data maintained by Sudan’s INGO Forum, which represents and advocates for international non-governmental organizations in the country. The government didn’t respond to specific questions about the blocking of visas. In the past, it has said that the majority of visa requests are approved. In October, the Sudanese government pressured the U.N. to remove the top humanitarian aid official for Sudan’s embattled Darfur region after the person traveled there without government authorization, three sources told Reuters. Requests for authorization had stalled, the sources said. The government told the U.N. it would throw the official out if he was not withdrawn, the sources said. The U.N. complied. The government didn’t respond to questions about the aid official’s removal. A U.N. spokesperson said the organization doesn’t comment on staff “working arrangements.”Starting next fall, the University of Pennsylvania will expand its financial aid program in a move intended to make the college more affordable for students from middle-income families. There will be two changes to how Penn determines students' financial aid packages, school officials announced this week. The university will no longer consider the value of a family's primary home when calculating a student's financial aid eligibility, and Penn will raise the household income threshold for students eligible to receive full-tuition scholarships to $200,000, up from $140,000. Students qualifying for tuition scholarships will still need to pay for housing, dining and other expenses. The effort to make college more affordable follows a national trend as colleges throughout the United States are recognizing the financial burden that high tuition costs puts on middle class families. Other schools that also announced new affordability initiatives this week include Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, University of Texas, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brandeis University in Massachusetts and St. John's College, which has campuses in Maryland and New Mexico. An article NPR published about the plans at those schools noted that while college acceptance rates have risen , the sizes of incoming freshman classes have declined . It also cited a Pew Research study from last year that found only one-quarter of adults feel a four-year college degree is important to getting a well paying job. Penn calls its new initiative the Quaker Commitment. The financial aid changes will apply to incoming students in the fall and all of the university's current undergraduate students who are enrolled next fall. Penn has nearly 10,000 undergrads, of which 46% receive financial aid. School officials said approximately 900 students will benefit from excluding families' home values from aid calculations, increasing grant packages by about $4,000 each. Another 180 students will get an additional $10,000 in tuition assistance as a result of the higher income threshold. "This bold new initiative expands financial aid for more families in alignment with our commitment to have Penn's financial aid package meet 100% of families' demonstrated need with no loans," Penn Interim President J. Larry Jameson said . Penn expects this will cost about $6 million each year and plans to seek donations to fund it. In 2023, the university made students from families earning less than $75,000 – up from $65,000 – eligible to receive aid covering the full cost of tuition, housing and dining, plus an option for work-study. About 200 students got an average of $16,000 more assistance as a result of this change. On average, Penn financial aid packages offer $70,579 per student, covering 76% of total costs. According to the university, this is a significant increase from its packages in 2008, which offset 57% of the sticker price. MIT is making the same change to its income thresholds as Penn, the college in Cambridge, Massachusetts, announced Wednesday, waiving tuitions for students from families making less than $200,000, up from $140,000.
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