Shettima commissions Nigeria’s Oriental Energy’s $315m oil facility in Dubai
NATCHITOCHES, La. (AP) — Addison Patterson's 33 points led Northwestern State over Southern University at New Orleans 89-79 on Friday. Patterson had 10 rebounds for the Demons (6-5). JT Warren scored 11 points, shooting 5 for 11, including 1 for 3 from beyond the arc. Landyn Jumawan went 2 of 7 from the field (2 for 5 from 3-point range) to finish with eight points. Tyon Thompson led the way for the Knights with 21 points, six assists and three steals. Jamal Gibson added 18 points, seven rebounds and three steals for Southern University at New Orleans. Tony White also recorded 10 points and three steals. NEXT UP Northwestern State visits Texas in its next matchup on December 29. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .From Cyberpunk to Precision: Mechtron Wins 2024 American Good Design Awards and French Design Awards with Bold Innovations
Antonio Pierce: Chiefs vs. Raiders is best team in football vs. worst team in football - NBC Sports
Serena Williams is exhausted as she reveals her real side every woman will recognize
, the legendary tennis player, recently shared on her social media , showing how she balances the glamour of high-profile events with the simplicity of her personal moments. The video begins with Serena getting ready for an appearance at an event for The New York Times, wearing a stunning green dress that highlights her elegance. , showing the simple and quick preparation for this public appearance. Afterwards, Serena boards a private plane accompanied by friends, where they toast together, reflecting the importance of camaraderie in her life. Arriving at her next destination, she changes into an elegant long black dress to attend an event for Audemars Piguet, the prestigious Swiss watchmaker for which she is an ambassador. At this event, Serena poses for the cameras, epitomizing the sophistication and luxury associated with the brand. showing moments of tranquility as she prepares to rest after a busy day. These scenes offer a glimpse into her everyday life, contrasting with the glitz of public events and highlighting her authenticity and simplicity. This behind-the-scenes look not only highlights Serena Williams' versatility in balancing multiple facets of her life, but also humanizes her, showing that, For many women, this portrait of Serena is identifiable. Whether they are businesswomen, entrepreneurs, mothers or grandmothers, and so on. Many experience equally exhausting days, balancing multiple responsibilities and roles at home and/or at their jobs. Like Serena, they end the day exhausted, having devoted time and energy to both work and caring for their families.
The cryptocurrency market continues evolving, offering investors innovation, growth potential, and transformative technologies. As the blockchain ecosystem expands into new realms like privacy-focused applications, interoperability, and artificial intelligence, certain projects are paving the way for the future of decentralised systems. Among the best cryptos to invest in now , Qubetics, Cosmos, and Bittensor TAO stand out for their groundbreaking advancements and unique contributions to the industry. These projects represent distinct facets of the blockchain revolution. Qubetics is redefining privacy and utility within the Web3 space, Cosmos is bridging the gap between blockchains with seamless interoperability, and Bittensor TAO is pushing the boundaries by merging artificial intelligence with blockchain. Together, they highlight the opportunities for forward-thinking investors seeking innovation and substantial returns. Let’s dive into what makes these cryptocurrencies must-watch contenders. Qubetics: Privacy-Driven Innovation and Decentralized Utility Qubetics spearheads privacy-focused innovation within the blockchain ecosystem by integrating a decentralised VPN (dVPN) into its platform. This key feature bolsters user privacy while enabling secure and private connections across the ecosystem. It is essential for applications such as decentralised finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and decentralised storage. By promoting autonomy and decentralisation, Qubetics aligns closely with the principles of Web3. The numbers behind Qubetics highlight its immense growth potential: Presale Phase 12 : $TICS tokens are currently priced at $0.031 , with a 10% price hike every week and a 20% increase at the final stage. 324M Tokens Sold : Reflecting strong investor confidence. $6M Raised : Indicating robust support for the project. 9,400+ Holders : A rapidly growing community. Analysts see a significant upside in Qubetics, driven by its innovative dVPN and strong presale momentum. Investors looking for high ROI opportunities should closely consider Qubetics, especially as its presale concludes and its mainnet launch approaches. Cosmos (ATOM): Driving Blockchain Interoperability Cosmos is often called the “Internet of Blockchains” , thanks to its groundbreaking Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol. This technology addresses one of the most pressing challenges in the blockchain industry—interoperability. By enabling seamless communication between blockchains, Cosmos facilitates the exchange of assets and data, unlocking a new era of collaboration in decentralised ecosystems. Cosmos empowers developers to create custom, interconnected blockchains tailored to specific use cases while benefiting from shared security and scalability. With the rise of DeFi, NFTs, and blockchain-based enterprises, Cosmos is becoming a cornerstone of the decentralised economy. Its critical role in ensuring blockchain interoperability makes it a top choice for investors seeking sustainable growth. Bittensor (TAO): Revolutionizing AI with Blockchain Technology Bittensor merges the worlds of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, addressing the growing demand for decentralised AI solutions. The project’s unique approach incentivises users to contribute computational resources and data to train AI models, creating a decentralised infrastructure for AI development. This innovative use of blockchain technology positions Bittensor at the forefront of the AI revolution. As industries increasingly adopt AI-driven solutions, Bittensor’s decentralised network offers scalability and efficiency while rewarding participants with TAO tokens. With a robust foundation and a focus on the future of AI, Bittensor is a promising investment for those interested in the intersection of AI and blockchain. Conclusion Qubetics, Cosmos, and Bittensor TAO, represent diverse and high-potential opportunities for investors seeking the best cryptos to invest in now. Qubetics leads with its privacy-driven dVPN and remarkable presale performance. Cosmos stands out for its role in blockchain interoperability, and Bittensor TAO pioneers the convergence of AI and blockchain technology. Each of these projects offers a unique value proposition and the potential for significant returns, making them standout investments in the ever-evolving cryptocurrency landscape. Qubetics: https://qubetics.com Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://x.com/qubetics Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.
BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romania’s defiant far-right presidential candidate, Calin Georgescu, on Sunday stood outside a closed polling station to denounce a top court’s unprecedented decision to annul the first round of the vote in which he emerged as the frontrunner. The Constitutional Court on Friday canceled the election after a trove of declassified intelligence alleged Russia organized a sprawling campaign across social media to promote Georgescu. “Today is Constitution Day and there is nothing constitutional in Romania anymore. I am here in the name of democracy,” Georgescu, 62, told media in Mogosoaia, outside Bucharest. “By canceling democracy, our very freedom is canceled.” The court cited the illegal use of digital technologies including artificial intelligence, as well as undeclared sources of funding. Without naming Georgescu, the court said one candidate received “preferential treatment" on social media platforms, distorting voters’ expressed will. Despite being a huge outsider who declared zero campaign spending, Georgescu topped the polls in the first round on Nov. 24 , and was due on Sunday to face reformist Elena Lasconi of the Save Romania Union party in a runoff. Thirteen candidates ran in the first round of the presidential race in the European Union and NATO member country, the aftermath of which was gripped by myriad controversies including a recount of the vote ordered by the same court. New dates will be set to rerun the presidential vote from scratch. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said in a statement marking Constitution Day on Sunday that “we find ourselves in a moment of profound responsibility toward the values that characterize us as a nation.” “The Romanian Constitution defines the framework within which the state and political life operate, serving as a shield against threats to democracy,” he said. “In turbulent times, state institutions are called upon to act with calm, wisdom and respect for the law, the Constitution and democracy.” George Simion, the 38-year-old leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, told reporters outside a closed polling station in Bucharest on Sunday that the annulment amounted to an attack against democracy, saying Iohannis should “take a step back and respect the Constitution, not mock it.” “It is Constitution Day. It is a day of significance for Romanians. It is a day when Romanians should have gone to vote freely,” he said, adding that “blood was shed for this 35 years ago,” referring to Romania’s revolution in December 1989 that overthrew communism. After Georgescu unexpectedly topped the polls in the first round, his success left many political observers wondering how most local surveys had placed him behind at least five other candidates before the vote. Many observers attributed his success to his TikTok account, which now has 6.2 million likes and 565,000 followers. But some experts suspected Georgescu’s online following was artificially inflated, while Romania’s top security body alleged he was given preferential treatment by TikTok over other candidates. On Saturday, Romanian prosecutors conducted raids at three properties in the central city of Brasov linked to Bogdan Peschir, who is suspected of illegally financing a campaign to promote Georgescu. The raids were based on suspicions of voter corruption, money laundering and cyber fraud, prosecutors said. The secret services alleged that Peschir paid $381,000 (361,000 euros) to TikTok users to promote Georgescu content on the Chinese-owned platform. Intelligence authorities said information they obtained “revealed an aggressive promotion campaign” to increase and accelerate Georgescu’s popularity. There is no clear link between Peschir and alleged Russian interference. Russia denies meddling in Romania. On Friday, Georgescu's would-be opponent Lasconi also strongly condemned the court’s decision to annul the elections, saying it was “illegal, immoral, and crushes the very essence of democracy” and that the second round should have gone forward.
Trump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise US prices and won't rule out revenge prosecutionsHENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Aidan O'Connell will start at quarterback when the Las Vegas Raiders visit their AFC West rival and two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on Friday. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce made the announcement Wednesday, saying O'Connell had progressed well after breaking his right thumb on Oct. 20 in a 20-15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams . “He’s been dialed in obviously throughout this time that he’s been on (injured reserve),” Pierce said. "He’s been at all the meetings. He’s been very encouraging on the sideline. He’s got that laser-eye focus right now. Great opportunity for him.” Gardner Minshew broke his left collarbone on Sunday in a game against the Denver Broncos and is out for the season . The Raiders could have gone with Desmond Ridder to replace Minshew. Las Vegas signed Ridder off Arizona’s practice squad on Oct. 21. He started 13 games for Atlanta last season, passing for 2,836 yards and 12 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. Pierce opted for O'Connell, who became the starter midway through last season and went 5-4 the rest of the way. Minshew beat him out for the job in the preseason but then struggled through five games. Pierce then put O'Connell in the starting lineup on Oct. 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. O'Connell completed 27 of 40 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown with an interception in the 32-13 loss . Then O'Connell was injured early the following week at Los Angeles and was placed on IR, sidelining him for at least four weeks. The Raiders on Monday designated him to return to practice, opening a three-week window in which O'Connell could be activated. That came this week. “He carried himself like a starter, even when he was on IR," Pierce said. "He did that when he was a backup. He did a great job of just being engaged with the players, engaged on the sideline, in meeting rooms. He’s the one speaking up, talking. You could just look at his eyes. You can look at his demeanor. "He wasn’t a guy like: ‘All right, I’m out for the season. I’m not going to play. No, I’ll be back. I’m ready to be back.’ And he worked his tail off to get back.” O'Connell has a short week to prepare, complicated further because the Raiders aren't having full practices. He was the last opposing quarterback to win at Arrowhead Stadium. Even though he didn't complete a pass after the first quarter, the Raiders walked away 20-14 winners in that Christmas Day game. Las Vegas can only play a little bit of a spoiler this week. The Raiders at 2-9 have lost seven consecutive games, and the Chiefs have their sights on becoming the first team to win three Super Bowls in a row. “Let’s call a spade a spade,” Pierce said. "The best team in football against the worst team in football. Let’s change the narrative, right? Let’s go out there and make it a dog fight. Let’s make it ugly. Let’s make it scrappy. It’s Black Friday. Let’s create a little chaos. Let’s get back to Raider football and have some fun and some personality. Let it loose.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Ava Everett vs. Delmi Exo Announced for MLW TV Tapings in New York City
TikTok’s future in the U.S. appeared uncertain on Friday after a federal appeals court rejected a legal challenge to a law that requires the social media platform to cut ties with its China-based parent company or be banned by mid-January. A panel of three judges on The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled unanimously that the law withstood constitutional scrutiny, rebuffing arguments from the two companies that the statute violated their rights and the rights of TikTok users in the U.S. The government has said it wants ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to divest its stakes. But if it doesn’t and the platform goes away, it would have a seismic impact on the lives of content creators who rely on the platform for income as well as users who use it for entertainment and connection. Here are some details on the ruling and what could happen next: What does the ruling say? In their lawsuit, TikTok and ByteDance, which is also a plaintiff in the case, had challenged the law on various fronts, arguing in part that the statute ran afoul of the First Amendment and was an unconstitutional bill of attainder that unfairly targeted the two companies. But the court sided with attorneys for the Justice Department who said that the government was attempting to address national security concerns and the way in which it chose to do so did not violate the constitution. The Justice Department has argued in court that TikTok poses a national security risk due to its connections to China. Officials say that Chinese authorities can compel ByteDance to hand over information on TikTok’s U.S. patrons or use the platform to spread, or suppress, information. However, the U.S. hasn’t publicly provided examples of that happening. The appeals court ruling, written by Judge Douglas Ginsburg, said the law was “carefully crafted to deal only with control by a foreign adversary.” The judges also rejected the claim that the statute was an unlawful bill of attainder or a taking of property in violation of the Fifth Amendment. Furthermore, Ginsburg wrote the law did not violate the First Amendment because the government is not looking to “suppress content or require a certain mix of content” on TikTok. What happens next? TikTok and ByteDance are expected to appeal the case to the Supreme Court, but it’s unclear whether the court will take up the case. TikTok indicated in a statement on Friday the two companies are preparing to take their case to high court, saying the Supreme Court has “an established historical record of protecting Americans’ right to free speech.” “We expect they will do just that on this important constitutional issue,” a company spokesperson said. Alan Morrison, a professor at The George Washington University Law School, said he expects the Supreme Court to take up the case because of the novelty of the issues raised in the lawsuit. If that happens, attorneys for the two companies still have to convince the court to grant them an emergency stay that will prevent the government from enforcing the Jan. 19 divestiture deadline stipulated in the law, Morrison said. Such a move could drag out the process until the Justices make a ruling. Tiffany Cianci, a TikTok content creator who has supported the platform, said she was not shocked about the outcome of the court’s ruling on Friday because lower courts typically defer to the executive branch on these types of cases. She believes the company will have a stronger case at the Supreme Court. “I believe that the next stages are more likely to produce a victory for TikTokers and for TikTok as a whole,” Cianci said. What about Trump? Another wild card is President-elect Donald Trump, who tried to ban TikTok during his first term but said during the recent presidential campaign that he is now against such action . The Trump transition team has not offered details on how Trump plans to carry out his pledge to “save TikTok.” But spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in a statement last month that he plans to “deliver” on his campaign promises. After Trump takes office on Jan. 20th, it would fall on his Justice Department to enforce the law and punish any potential violators. Penalties would apply to any app stores that would violate a prohibition on TikTok and to internet hosting services which would be barred from supporting it. Some have speculated that Trump could ask his Justice Department to abstain from enforcing the law. But tech companies like Apple and Google, which offer TikTok’s app on their app stores, would then have to trust that the administration would not come after them for any violations. Craig Singleton, senior director of the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said enforcement discretion — or executive orders — can not override existing law, leaving Trump with “limited room for unilateral action.” There are other things Trump could potentially do. It’s possible he could invoke provisions of the law that allow the president to determine whether a sale or a similar transaction frees TikTok from “foreign adversary” control. Another option is to urge Congress to repeal the law. But that too would require support from congressional Republicans who have overwhelmingly supported the prospect of getting TikTok out of the hands of a Chinese company. In a statement issued Friday, Republican Rep. John Moolenaar of Michigan, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, said he was “optimistic that President Trump will facilitate an American takeover of TikTok” and allow its continued use in the United States. Is anyone trying to buy TikTok? ByteDance has said it won’t sell TikTok . And even if it wanted to, a sale of the proprietary algorithm that powers TikTok is likely to get blocked under Chinese export controls that the country issued in 2020. That means if TikTok is sold without the algorithm, its likely that the buyer would only purchase a shell of the platform that doesn’t contain the technology that made the app a cultural powerhouse. Still, some investors, including Trump’s former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and billionaire Frank McCourt, have expressed interest in buying it. This week, a spokesperson for McCourt’s Project Liberty initiative, which aims to protect online privacy, said participants in their bid have made informal commitments of more than $20 billion in capital. The spokesperson did not disclose the identity of the participants.
Owensboro Racing & Gaming to open Feb. 12On Jan. 6, 2025, Betty Benulis, RN, will celebrate a half-century of employment at St. Luke’s Miners Campus, a milestone that no other employee of the Coaldale hospital is known to have reached. She admits she wouldn’t have predicted spending 50 years at any job but isn’t surprised she’s achieved it at St. Luke’s, which has managed the hospital since 2000, or half of her tenure there. “Time goes fast, and I like my work,” said Benulis, 71 and a long-time resident of New Philadelphia. She found her niche caring for the sick and recovering patients and never second-guessed her decision. And it doesn’t faze her that she has been employed at the Miners hospital longer than some of her coworkers have been on Earth. Becoming a nurse “When I graduated from Nativity BVM High School, in Pottsville, in 1971, my father told me I could go to college to become a teacher or to nursing school to become a nurse,” she recalls. She soon left the coal town, where she was born and raised, to attend Allentown’s Sacred Heart Hospital’s School of Nursing. “It had a really good reputation,” she said. “When I came out, in 1974, I was well-prepared.” After graduating, she returned to Schuylkill County, following a brief stint at the Hamburg Center, which until 2018 treated persons with physical and mental disabilities. Benulis served on general medical-surgical units, then the ICU, which she managed. Working part-time for a period, she and her husband, whom she married in 1974, raised their three sons. Later, after moving into cardiology, she helped introduce several innovations in heart diagnostic technology, one of them assisting the cardiologist and radiology technologist in performing the first nuclear stress tests at the hospital in the early 1990s. “It was nice seeing how patients benefitted from these advancements,” she said. In 1996, Benulis started working in the hospital’s cardiac rehab unit. She has been employed since 2012 in the cardiopulmonary rehab unit, where patients go to recover from a heart attack, cardiac bypass or valve surgery or find hope living with heart disorders. “I feel good that I can help people,” she says, observing that, “lots of the patients of my age come there.” She works part-time, appreciating the flexibility of having more time to spend with her husband, with whom she celebrated 50 years of marriage on Oct. 5, and to work out, walk her black lab and watch her seven grandchildren grow. With five decades of experience, Benulis says she would do it all again. And she would encourage graduate nurses to blaze their own paths in the profession. “As a nurse, you can get experiences in many different areas, treating patients with different diseases,” she said. “You can work five years or 50 years, and it will be challenging but also very rewarding.”