#jlbet
Sri Lanka should be vigilant about the Adani power project in the island, experts said, after Federal prosecutors in New York indicted Group Chairman Gautam Adani and seven others on multiple counts of fraud. Sri Lanka has often seen cases of significant corruption in the country being exposed in other jurisdictions, according to Nishan De Mel, Executive Director of Verité Research, a Colombo-based think tank. He referred to the allegations of bribery in Sri Lankan Airlines’ purchase of aircraft from Airbus, which surfaced in a United Kingdom-based investigation a few years ago, and to the Pandora Papers that threw up names of local politicians and businessmen. “It is very important for Sri Lanka to redouble its efforts against corruption, to ensure that we are protected from corrupt deals,” he told The Hindu. After news on the alleged bribery scheme of the Adani Group surfaced on Thursday, many citizens and activists in Sri Lanka took to social media and called for greater scrutiny of the Group’s power project on the island. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who won the Presidency this September, and his National People’s Power [NPP] alliance, which secured a historic, two-thirds majority in the November 14 general election, have pledged to root out corruption. Days before his election win, Mr. Dissanayake vowed to cancel the “corrupt Adani deal” if his government came to power. Subsequently, Foreign Minister and Cabinet spokesperson of the interim administration said the government would “review” the project after the Parliamentary polls. The International Monetary Fund, too, in its ongoing programme with Sri Lanka, has underscored the need to arrest “corruption vulnerabilities”. Controversial deal Adani Green Energy is investing $442 million in a wind power project in Mannar and Pooneryn in northern Sri Lanka. From the time the former Gotabaya Rajapaksa government roped in the firm in 2022, the project has remained controversial. The main political opposition accused the conglomerate of “backdoor entry”, in the absence of an open call for tenders. The same year, a top Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) official told a Parliamentary panel that the project was given to the Adani Group after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi “pressured” President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The official subsequently resigned, after withdrawing his original statement. Regardless, the Ranil Wickremesinghe administration went ahead with the project, amid questions from corruption watchdogs. When the Adani Group came under the global spotlight in early 2023, and its stocks plummeted in the wake of U.S. short seller Hindenburg accusing it of pulling the “largest con in corporate history”, then Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Ali Sabry said the Wickremesinghe administration was “very, very confident” of the future of the project, which it saw as a “government-to-government” deal with India. Earlier this year, environmentalists and Mannar residents moved Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court, challenging the project on grounds of potential environmental impact and “lack of transparency”. The case was taken up by a five-member Bench and the next hearing is scheduled on March 18 and 19, 2025, according to sources familiar with the proceedings. The renewable energy project is one of two projects that the Adani Group is executing in Sri Lanka. Its other major investment is the Adani Ports-led container terminal project in Colombo. In November 2023, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced a $553-million investment in the project, a $700-million joint venture among Adani Ports, Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), and Sri Lankan conglomerate John Keells Holdings. --Agencies
Sale Runs Through February 28, 2025 FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Princess Cruises, the most iconic cruise brand in the world, today unveiled its Come Aboard Sale, offering fantastic savings on cruises across the globe. Now is the perfect time to plan a dream vacation with up to 40% off cruise fares, free room upgrades, $99 deposits, and free sailings for 3rd and 4th guests in the same stateroom. The Come Aboard Sale runs through February 28, 2025 , and promises something for everyone, with incredible perks on select 2025, 2026 and 2027 cruises, including*: "No matter what you love, you'll find it on a Princess cruise - from our award-winning cuisine, awe-inspiring adventures in port and entertainment that wows, to our friendly crew who make you feel at home and always welcome," said Terry Thornton , Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer. "Princess provides a timeless cruise experience, and our 'Come Aboard Sale' makes is easier than ever to book a dream vacation on 'The Love Boat.'" Whether exploring the wilds of Alaska , the fairytale villages of Europe , the beckoning beaches of the Caribbean , and many more destinations, options abound for every preference. Example Come Aboard Sale fares include: Save $1,400 or more when booking a Sanctuary Collection Suite, Mini-Suite or Balcony on the all-new Sun Princess and the soon-to-debut Star Princess, now through Feb. 28, 2025 . The promotion is applicable to more than 250 cruises in 2025 and 2026 with itineraries in Alaska , California Coast, Caribbean , Europe , Panama Canal, and Transatlantic voyages. Plus, guests can book with confidence knowing the Better than Best Price Guarantee has been extended through December 15, 2025 . If guests find a better cruise fare on Princess.com for the same Princess cruise, stateroom category, and sail date at any time before their final payment, Princess will provide 120% of the difference in the form of an onboard credit. Princess also features the line's exclusive MedallionClass technology offering personalized, premium service, reinforcing Princess Cruises' reputation for delivering exceptional vacations. The Come Aboard Sale runs now through 11:59 pm PT on February 28, 2025 , and is available to residents of all 50 United States, Canada , Puerto Rico , Mexico , Bermuda and the District of Columbia . More details and exclusions can be found at https://www.princess.com/en-us/cruise-deals-promotions/limited-time-offer . Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com . About Princess Cruises Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world's most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean , Alaska , Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe , South America , Australia / New Zealand , the South Pacific, Hawaii , Asia , Canada /New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. Sun Princess, the brand's new, next-level Love Boat named Condé Nast Traveler's Mega Ship of the Year, introduces the groundbreaking Sphere Class platform and will be joined by sister ship, Star Princess, in Fall 2025. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK). *Come Aboard Sale Limited Time Offer Disclaimer GENERAL TERMS APPLICABLE TO ALL OFFERS IN THIS ADVERTISEMENT("Offer(s)"): Offers only available to legal residents of North America . Offers only available for new bookings, on select cruises, on a limited availability, are capacity controlled (regardless of stateroom availability), and may not be combined with other offers or promotions (aside from those listed herein). Other exclusions may apply; void where prohibited. Changes or refunds may not be permitted. Offers and their parts (if any) are not transferable, not substitutable, and not redeemable for cash. Princess Cruise Lines , Ltd. ("PCL") is not responsible or liable for any errors, including printing or other errors. PCL may change or revoke Offers at any time. A deposit is required for all stateroom guests. All values quoted in USD. Offers valid on bookings made 12/16/24 - 2/28/25 . Please refer to princess.com for terms, conditions, and details that apply to all bookings. Fares are per guest and apply to minimum lead-in categories on a space available basis at time of booking. Fares for other categories may vary. Fares are non-air, cruise- or cruisetour-only, based on double occupancy and apply to the first two guests in a stateroom only. These fares do not apply to singles or third/fourth-berth guests. All cruise fares are inclusive of government-imposed taxes and fees. Government-imposed taxes and fees include but are not limited to any and all fees, tolls and taxes imposed by a governmental authority such as wharfage, head taxes, dockage, Panama canal tolls, US Customs fees, immigration and naturalization fees, government inspection fees, hotel or VAT taxes as part of a land tour, air taxes, and similar government-imposed taxes and fees for the performance of the cruise. Government-imposed taxes and fees are subject to change and PCL reserves the right to collect any increases in effect at the time of sailing even if the fare has already been paid in full. Up to 40% off fares Offer - Discount based off applicable Launch Fare, which fare excludes government-imposed taxes, fees and expenses. Offer available on a space-available basis at time of booking, on select categories and sailings. Discount applies to cruise standard fare element only and is based on destination and stateroom category and does not apply to Princess Plus or Premier packages, or any cruise tour and/or land tour elements, even when included in the cruise fare. Discount only applies to first two guests in a stateroom. Free Room Upgrade Offer applies to booking the stateroom location you wish to sail in for the price of the lowest non-guarantee category within that stateroom type during this Offer only and is subject to availability. Offer is based on availability in like-to-like stateroom types (Interior to Interior, Oceanview to Oceanview, Balcony to Balcony, Mini-Suite to Mini-Suite). Offer excludes upgrades on select categories, including but not limited to Sancturary Collection, premium categories and suites. Offer does not apply to land portion of a cruisetour. In order to take advantage of the upgrade, guest must select and book the upgraded room type during checkout, but cannot select the highest cabin category for such stateroom type as a part of the upgrade. Guests that book a lower room type in a stateroom category may not be upgraded, even if there is availability for the upgrade. Guests that book the highest cabin classification of stateroom category will be charged the full category fare and will NOT receive the lowest fare for such category. Guests will only see (and pay for) the lowest fare within the selected room type and will not see any discounted amount at checkout. If you are unable to book an eligible upgraded room type, the upgrade is not available on such room for that category or cruise. Free 3rd & 4th guest offer applies to cruise fare only for recipient and guests covered by the complimentary offer (if any) and excludes Government Taxes & Fees, and the Required Cruise Fees & Expenses. Also excludes required deposit (if any) and other cruise-related expenses and travel expenses. Actual amounts owed by recipient and applicable guests may vary and shall be calculated at the time of booking. First or Second guest in stateroom will be responsible for their cruise rates as well as the free guest's out of pocket charges and expenses. Offer only applies: (i) to Offer recipient and guests covered by the complimentary cruise Offer (if any) and (ii) to the third or fourth guests booked in the same stateroom as the first and second guests. Approximate value of free sailing for 3rd and 4th guests varies from $99 to $6,759 USD per person. There is no guarantee of Free Offer availability at time of booking. Offer is available on select voyages and guest will know if their selected voyage is available for free 3rd/4th guests if, when selecting to travel with 3rd or 4th guests, whether the fare summary page lists $0 or whether it lists an actual cruise fare amount for such guests. $99 Deposits applies to full, standard deposits only and shall not further reduce already reduced or discounted deposits. Offer not available on World Cruises, Full suites, Sanctuary Collection categories, cruises 45 days or longer, and cruises in which final payment is required. Voyages eligible for select Instant Savings offers require a non-refundable $99 deposit. Princess Cruise Lines LTD's ("PCL") Better Than Best Price Guarantee (the "Guarantee") is only available to legal residents of the 50 US/DC or Canada . If a guest books a cruise between December 16, 2024 and December 15, 2025 for any 2025, 2026, or 2027 cruise departure (the "Original Booking") and such guest finds an active, publicly available (as explained below), and lower Cruise Fare for the identical verified booking on the Princess Cruises' website (Princess.com) prior to the final payment of the cruise (the "Located Cruise Fare"), they can submit a Guarantee claim form and PCL will give the guest an On Board Credit with a value of 120% of the difference between what the guest actually paid for the Original Booking and the Located Cruise Fare. The Located Cruise Fare must be a publicly and currently available Cruise Fare, available on Princess.com , and consist of the identical details as the Original Booking (including but not limited to, on the same ship as the Original Booking, the same sail dates, the same stateroom category, the same number of guests, same bundle (Princess Plus or Princess Premier Package) and be booked under the same conditions) to be eligible. 'Publicly available' means that the Cruise Fare must be available to all guests, without any additional eligibility or required qualifications to qualify; 'publicly available' does not include unpublished, negotiated Cruise Fares with corporations, travel agencies, groups, associations, or other Cruise Fares that are specifically agreed upon by PCL and for a specified and limited group. PCL will only consider/compare the Cruise Fare from the Original Booking against the Cruise Fare from the Located Cruise Fare; no credits or other incentives will be considered. Determination as to whether the Located Cruise Fare is identical to the Original Booking will be in PCL's sole discretion. Located Cruise Fare must be in the same currency that Original Cruise Fare was booked (USD or CAD) and must be live/available for purchase for US/Canadian residents. To submit a Guarantee claim, Guest must fill out a claim form with all required information, including providing screenshot proof of qualifying lower Located Cruise Fare. The form must be submitted prior to the final payment date of the Original Booking's time/date of booking to be considered. Cruise fares on websites that require a password or paid membership to complete the booking, except Princess.com , are also ineligible. Guarantee claim will be denied if PCL is unable to independently verify the Located Cruise Fare and may be rejected if it is incomplete or is submitted in a language not used on Princess.com . PCL may deny claims relating to a time during which there is an outage, technical issue or circumstance beyond PCL's reasonable control. If PCL verifies the guest's Guarantee claim, and PCL awards the guest an OBC, PCL will apply the OBC to the guest's onboard folio. OBC must be used on the Original Cruise, expires at the end of such cruise, and may not be used in the casino . Limit: One (1) Guarantee submission per booking and one (1) OBC per person/booking/stateroom for the Original Booking; such OBC's value cannot exceed $2,000 . OBC will be awarded in the same currency as the currency onboard such cruise. OBC is non-refundable, non-transferable, and has no cash value. All decisions and factors regarding this Guarantee and any claim will be determined by PCL in its sole discretion. PCL reserves discretion for applying this Guarantee and awarding a make good, if any, to a guest. PCL is not responsible for any errors in connection with this Guarantee, including any typos or printing or technology errors. PCL may modify, end, or withdraw this Guarantee or any of its terms for any reason, with or without prior notice. Other restrictions and exclusions may apply. Ships of Bermudan and British Registry. Offer expires: Friday, February 28, 2025 ( 11:59 pm PST ) View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/family-friendly-perks-and-huge-discounts-highlight-princess-cruises-come-aboard-sale-on-2025--2027-sailings-302332930.html SOURCE Princess CruisesGTWI Agrees to Provide GME Hydro LP its Patented Natural Gas to Hydrogen Conversion Process
The House is broken. These Democrats have a plan to fix it
72 hours in Las Vegas: More pomp and circumstance, than fear and loathing
Elon Musk vows to fight as his record-breaking £80bn Tesla pay deal is rejected again
What to know about Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump’s pick for labor secretaryRuud van Nistelrooy gets off to a flying start with Leicester City as Julien Lopetugui’s West Ham future looks shaky
Is Enron back? If it’s a joke, some former employees aren’t laughingTAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are determined to not get ahead of themselves. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are determined to not get ahead of themselves. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are determined to not get ahead of themselves. Sunday’s 30-7 rout of the New York Giants began a six-game, regular season-ending stretch in which the Bucs (5-6) will face five opponents that currently have losing records. The victory coming out of the team’s bye week stopped a four-game skid and moved the three-time defending NFC South champions within one game of first-place Atlanta in the division. The Falcons swept the season series, so the Bucs essentially trail the Falcons by two games with six remaining. They’re in a good position to chase their fifth consecutive playoff berth, but can hardly assume they’ll benefit from having an easy remaining schedule. “We’re hoping it builds confidence. We have belief that we’re still sitting and controlling our own destiny,” quarterback Baker Mayfield said of beating the Giants. “But it’s not just going to happen,” Mayfield added. “So, we have to take it one week at a time. And you find the recipe for success within your work week. ... You try to emulate that week after week and continue to build it.” The Los Angeles Chargers, who entered Monday night’s game against Baltimore at 7-3, are the only opponent remaining on Tampa Bay’s schedule that currently has a winning record. The Bucs will face division rival Carolina (3-8) twice in the next six weeks. They’ll also host Las Vegas (2-9) and New Orleans (4-7) and play the Chargers and Dallas Cowboys (4-7) on the road. “We can’t get comfortable,” rookie running back Bucky Irving said. “We just got to keep our foot on the gas and keep running.” What’s working The offense continues to put up big numbers, finishing with 450 yards against the Giants. It’s the fifth time Tampa Bay has gained more than 400 yards this season. The Bucs have now scored 30-plus points six times, second in the NFL behind Buffalo’s eight. What needs help There wasn’t a lot to fault in the team’s performance against the Giants, although coach Todd Bowles said both the offense and defense could have been done a better job closing out the game late. “For the most part we executed on both sides of the football,” Bowles said. “Still like to have finished the game a little better, but they came back (from the bye week) mentally tougher, and they came ready to play.” Stock up Irving averaged more than 7 yards per carry in rushing for 87 yards on 12 attempts. He also had six receptions for 64 yards, finishing with a season-high 151 yards from scrimmage. Stock down Just when it looked as if the defense was beginning to trend the right way health-wise, the Bucs lost safety Jordan Whitehead (pectoral) and linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (ankle) to injuries on Sunday. Injuries Bowles said Monday he was still awaiting an update on the severity of Whitehead’s injury. Tryon-Shoyinka has an ankle sprain. LT Tristan Wirfs (knee) sat out against the Giants and his status will be evaluated as the week progresses. Key number 11. With wide receiver Mike Evans back on the field after missing three games with a hamstring injury, Mayfield completed passes to 11 different players, tying a team record. “He obviously changed the game, even when he’s not getting the ball,” Mayfield said. “It’s huge that we have him in.” Next up Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. At Carolina, the second of three consecutive games vs. last-place teams the Bucs will face during their stretch run. They’ll also host the Panthers on Dec. 29. “It’s an NFC South battle, and all of them are going to be hard. None of them are going to be easy,” Bowles said. “I think (coach) Dave (Canales) has done an excellent job taking on that team and it’s taking over his personality right now,” Bowles added. “They’re playing pretty good football. ... It’s going to be a tough battle.” ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Advertisement Advertisement
Wagner 81, Springfield 46
Mae Sot's sour trafficking recordFARMINGTON — On Wednesday, Nov. 13, MaineHealth Franklin Hospital held an award ceremony to celebrate their Emergency Medical Services [EMS] for becoming certified “pediatric ready.” The ceremony took place at the hospital in the Bass Room. EMS for Children and Maine EMS Program Manager Marc Minkler presents the Maine EMS for Children Program award and shakes the hand of RN and Charge Nurse Michelle Cuva on Nov. 13 at MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington. Cuva held a vital role in the process of bringing the program to the hospital. Also seen behind, from left, are Emergency Department Director Dr. Jodi Conrad, RN Blake Hotchkiss, Hospital President Barb Sergio, and Pediatrics Dr. Gabe Civiello. Leo Goddard/Franklin Journal President of the hospital Barb Sergio began the event by saying how proud she was of the EMS team for this accomplishment before handing it off to Marc Minkler, program manager at Maine EMS . EMS for Children and Maine EMS Program Manager Marc speaks at the Maine EMS for Children Program award ceremony on Nov. 13, at MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington. Leo Goddard/Franklin Journal Minkler began his speech by telling the audience that he was going to start by saying something controversial. “We all hate children,” he said, pausing for effect before finishing his sentence. “It’s really important to follow it up by saying we all hate children that are sick, ill, or injured.” He went on to explain that no medical staff hope to see patients filling the hospital, and that no parent wants their child to be in pain. He pointed out the reality that unfortunately, these things do happen. MaineHealth Pediatrics Doctor and Representative of Maine American Association of Pediatrics Gabe Civiello spoke as well, saying that although pediatric emergencies are less frequent, it is important to be prepared rather than having to send the children to larger hospitals when time is of the essence. Michelle Cuva, RN and charge nurse with a pediatric background, played a vital part in bringing the program to Maine Health Franklin Hospital. During her speech, she said that before anything else, she is a mom and a member of the community. She said that her son plays dangerous sports. “At the end of the day, it very well may be my child,” Cuva said. “This program offers the opportunity for all hospitals in the state of Maine to continue to collaborate.” Part of becoming a pediatric ready hospital is being aware of the ever-growing and changing science and medical practices including updated equipment, said Minkler. He pointed out that a 15-year-old child is a much different size than a 15-month-old and that medical equipment needs to be able to accommodate that difference. Another big qualification that Minkler pointed out is policies, making sure that there are updated policies in place on how to deal with things like family reunification, death notifications, and being prepared for unexpected situations. RN and Charge Nurse Michelle Cuva speaks at the Maine EMS for Children Program award ceremony on Nov. 13 at MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington. Leo Goddard/Franklin Journal The qualifications for becoming a pediatric ready hospital stem from a collaboration between multiple nation-wide and federal associations. In order to achieve the status, hospitals must go through an EMS for Children program that includes education on the topics that Minkler listed as well as spending time and money on updating their services. Cuva said that the process took around two years to complete. It started with taking an extensive survey that assessed the equipment, policies, and procedures of the EMS system at MaineHealth Franklin Hospital. Cuva shared that over the two years, the process included a lot of continued education that took place before, during, or after shifts. It took many forms including articles, YouTube videos, and shift simulations. She said that one of the biggest challenges was finding funding and space for supplies. “When we look at what [MaineHealth] Franklin Hospital has done, they have committed to this and they’ve done it very very well,” said Minkler. He also recognized that becoming pediatric ready is not required by any means. “It is completely voluntary,” he said. “[MaineHealth] Franklin Hospital did not have to do this. They will not be able to bill higher, they’re not going to get reimbursement for this. They have dedicated teams, dedicated staff that said ‘this is important to us.'” RN Michelle Cuva holds the Maine EMS for Children Program award on Nov. 13 at MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington. Behind her from left is Program Manager Marc Minkler, Dr. Jodi Conrad, RN Blake Hotchkiss, Hospital President Barb Sergio, and Pediatrics Dr. Gabe Civiello. Leo Goddard/Franklin Journal We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Sun Journal account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . Your commenting screen name has been updated. Send questions/comments to the editors. « Previous Next »