Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has hailed President Bola Tinubu for creating South East Development Commission. Kalu, while speaking during an empowerment programme organised by the lawmaker representing Ukwa east/Ukwa west federal constituency, Chris Nkwonta, on Saturday, noted that Tinubu’s administration has shown more supports than any President in 54 years. The deputy speaker said that the commission will meet the infrastructure needs of the region. He said: “The president has tried for Ndigbo. He is still trying for Ndigbo. He is the only man that remembered Ndigbo after 54 years that a promise of reconstruction, reconciliation and rehabilitation was made to Ndigbo. READ MORE: 2027: “Tinubu Is Doing Well, All Alliances Against Him Will End In Futility” – Doyin Okupe Tells Opposition Groups “He came with the spirit of equity and fairness. He is a leader who believes in development. He signed the SEDC bill into law so that the damage caused by the civil war will be rebuilt. “As the leader of our party, he has asked us to galvanise the grassroots and bring them closer to the politics of development that he is bringing to Igbo land. “For taking this decision to join APC, it shall be well with you. APC has come closer to the people. “On behalf of our party, we welcome you. We know who you are and what you are capable of doing. “When these calibre of people left PDP and other parties and joined the APC, what again is left? The parties have collapsed. Everybody is here. We will empower you to empower others.”4. How has China responded to these challenges and what are the potential implications?
Recently, China's state broadcaster CCTV has exposed the virtual live streaming industry chain, revealing the truth behind the "factory" of green screen synthesis. This investigative report has shed light on the deceptive practices within the virtual live streaming industry, highlighting the widespread use of green screens and virtual sets to create false realities that deceive audiences.Immigration will return to the Department of Justice’s control and may be headed up by a new ‘super junior’ minister, the Irish Mail on Sunday has learned. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are also in favour of recreating standalone departments of Transport and Energy in a ‘carve-up’ of multi-faceted ministries held by outgoing Green Party members. And as talks between the two main parties and the Regional Group of Independents resume this week , senior Fine Gael sources said deputy leader Helen McEntee will remain on as Minister of Justice ‘if she wants’. There is likely to be a backlash from Fianna Fáil if Ms McEntee does want to stay on the job. The party – which has 10 more seats than its Fine Gael rivals – has been strongly critical of Ms McEntee’s Justice ministry. In a pre-election interview in this newspaper, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he wanted to run Justice, in coalition with Fine Gael, to ‘make our cities safe again’. In the election campaign, veteran Fianna Fáil TD Willie O’Dea infuriated Fine Gael leadership when he publicly called Ms McEntee ‘the worst Justice Minister in the history of the State’. Despite this, senior Fine Gael figures this weekend insisted it is ‘Helen’s call’ on the portfolio. One party source told the Irish Mail on Sunday: ‘Helen is at the heart of the [Taoiseach Simon] Harris project. The start may have been uncertain but politically they are joined at the hip. ‘If Helen wants to stay in Justice, she stays in Justice. If she wants to move, then she gets the ministry of her choice, outside perhaps of Finance,’ they said. Another source close to the coalition formation talks said: ‘Justice could be a real sticking point. Some ministries such as Finance will be a straight swap between [outgoing Public Expenditure Minister] Paschal [Donohoe] and [outgoing Finance Minister] Jack [Chambers], but if Helen wants to stay in Justice there could be a real problem.’ Whoever does take the top job in Justice is likely to be joined by a ‘super junior’ minister with responsibility for immigration, according to sources. It is widely acknowledged within Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael that the crucial portfolio was ‘lost’ in Green leader Roderic O’Gorman’s multi-layered Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. A source told the MoS said: ‘Integration will return to Justice; it is lost in Roderic’s department.’ Another Government source added: ‘Departmental structures are too complicated in some cases. ‘We need to erase the quadruple-barrelled ministries and return to single-issue ministries like Health and Housing and Finance. Integration will be returned to Justice. It needs the clout of a fully-fledged minister and a Department like Justice instead of being stranded in the Children’s brief.’ Other sources noted Fianna Fáil has, ‘displayed a strong interest in a standalone Department of Energy’ as part of a more concerted push to make the country energy self-sufficient. They also said Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are in favour of a return to a single Department of Transport to drive key road projects that were stalled during outgoing Green Minister Eamon Ryan’s tenure. A Fianna Fáil source said: ‘There are a lot of roads needing to be built. We need to reverse the damage done by the Greens.’ The interdepartmental reshuffle is likely to see the dismantling of Mr Ryan’s department, which spanned Transport and the Environment, Climate and Communications portfolios. Party colleague Catherine Martin’s Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media could also be broken up, with some portfolios transferred to Ministers of State. One senior Cabinet source told the MoS: ‘The ministries held by Eamon Ryan, Roderic O’Gorman and Catherine Martin will be dismantled. They are too big.’ Meanwhile, both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are against giving a full seat at Cabinet to an Independent coalition ally. Referring to the pre-Christmas appointment of Verona Murphy to the €255,000 Ceann Comhairle role, a coalition source said: ‘When it comes to full ministries, we [Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael] are going to scoff the lot. The Regionals got their full ministry with the appointment of Verona.’ Another Coalition source said the two parties – who are just shy of an overall majority – will confine the ambitions of their Independent allies to ‘a couple of junior ministers’. They told the MoS: ‘Christmas came early to the Independents with Verona.’ There is an acknowledgement that the Independents will get the politically attractive Department of Rural and Community Affairs, but not a senior ministry. A source involved in the coalition talks said: ‘It is taken that [outgoing Minister] Heather’s [Humphreys] Rural and Community Affairs brief will go to the Independents as some form of super junior. That is their bread and butter. ‘They can have their pick of ministries, but they won’t be [senior] ministers.’
2024 a year of development
An Israeli hospital says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery. Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center said his prostate was removed late Sunday. Netanyahu was placed under full anesthesia for the procedure. Doctors said he was awake and recovering Sunday night. Netanyahu’s office had said Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, would serve as acting prime minister during the procedure. Doctors ordered the operation after detecting an infection last week. Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is having his prostate removed on Sunday, his office said, a procedure that comes as he manages multiple crises including the war in Gaza and his trial for alleged corruption . Netanyahu, who has had a series of health issues in recent years, has gone to great lengths to bolster a public image of himself as a healthy, energetic leader. During his trial this month, he boasted about working 18-hour days, accompanied by a cigar. But as Israel's longest-serving leader, such a grueling workload over a total of 17 years in power could take a toll on his well-being. Netanyahu, 75, is among older world leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden, 82 , President-elect Donald Trump, 78 , Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva , 79, and Pope Francis , 88, who have come under scrutiny for their age and health issues. Netanyahu's latest condition is common in older men, but the procedure has had some fallout. The judges overseeing his trial accepted a request from his lawyer on Sunday to call off three days of testimony scheduled this week. The lawyer, Amit Hadad, had argued that Netanyahu would be fully sedated for the procedure and hospitalized for “a number of days.” Netanyahu's office said Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, would serve as acting prime minister during the procedure. With so much at stake, Netanyahu’s health in wartime is a concern for both Israelis and the wider world. A turbulent time in the region As Israel’s leader, Netanyahu is at the center of major global events that are shifting the Middle East . With the dizzying pace of the past 14 months, being incapacitated for even a few hours can be risky. Netanyahu will be in the hospital at a time when international mediators are pushing Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and as fighting between Israel and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensifies . Prostate issues are common and in many cases easily treatable. Still, the procedure puts a dent in Netanyahu’s image of vigor at a time when he would want to project strength more than ever, both to an Israeli audience navigating constant threats as well as to Israel’s enemies looking to expose its weaknesses. Previous health issues, including a heart condition Netanyahu insists he is in excellent health. His office releases footage of him touring war zones in full protective gear flanked by military officers, or meeting with defense officials on windswept hilltops in youthful dark shades and puffer jackets. But that image was shattered last year when Netanyahu’s doctors revealed that he had a heart condition , a problem that he had apparently long known about but concealed from the public. A week after a fainting spell, Netanyahu was fitted with a pacemaker to control his heartbeat. Only then did staff at the Sheba Medical Center reveal that Netanyahu has for years experienced a condition that can cause irregular heartbeats. The revelation came as Netanyahu was dealing with massive anti-government protests. The news about a chronic heart problem stoked further anger and distrust during extreme political polarization in Israel. Last year, Netanyahu was rushed to the hospital for what doctors said likely was dehydration . He stayed overnight, prompting his weekly Cabinet meeting to be delayed. Earlier this year, Netanyahu underwent hernia surgery , during which he was under full anesthesia and unconscious. Levin served as acting prime minister during the operation. Recovery can be quick According to Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli leader was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection on Wednesday stemming from a benign enlargement of his prostate. The infection was treated successfully with antibiotics, but Sunday's procedure will remove his prostate. Complications from prostate enlargement are common in men in their 70s and 80s, Dr. Shay Golan, head of the oncology urology service at Israel’s Rabin Medical Center, told Israeli Army Radio. Golan spoke in general terms and was not involved in Netanyahu’s care or treatment. He said an enlarged prostate can block proper emptying of the bladder, leading to a build-up of urine that can lead to an infection or other complications. After medicinal treatment, doctors can recommend a procedure to remove the prostate to prevent future blockages, Golan said. In Netanyahu’s case, because the prostate is not cancerous, Golan said doctors will likely perform an endoscopic surgery, carried out by inserting small instruments into a body cavity, rather than making surgical cuts in the abdomen to reach the prostate. The procedure lasts about an hour, Golan said, and recovery is quick. He said that aside from catheter use for one to three days after the procedure, patients can return to normal activity without significant limitations.
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The annual "Best of What's New" Honors 50 groundbreaking products across 10 categories NEW YORK , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Popular Science is proud to announce its annual Best of What's New Awards , the most innovative and groundbreaking products that debuted the past year. Now in its 37th year, the Best of What's New Awards spans 10 essential categories: Gadgets , Entertainment , Aerospace , Personal Care , Auto , Engineering , Sports & Outdoors , Home , Emergency Services , and Health . "Since 1988, Popular Science has honored the innovations changing our world with the Best of What's New Awards. We're thrilled to celebrate the year's groundbreaking ideas that are improving our everyday lives and shaping our futures. From pioneering medical procedures to sustainable engineering solutions, and from advancements in space exploration to jaw-dropping gadgets, this year's list truly represents the Best of What's New in 2024." Each winner represents a significant technological advancement in its field and provides a service that makes our lives safer, better, or more accessible. From mosquito protection technology to the first spacewalk by a private agency and a smart hairdryer that optimizes scalp and hair health to a transparent OLED TV, this year's list highlights a dynamic and exciting collection of products and services. CATEGORY WINNERS Aerospace : Joby Aviation's Hydrogen-powered VTOL taxi Auto : Lincoln's Nautilus Emergency Services & Defense : Google Research's FireSat wildfire detection system Engineering : Electrified Thermal Solutions Joule Hive Entertainment : Zildjian Alchem-E Electronic drums Gadgets : Apple's Vision Pro (Innovation of the Year) Health : Guardant Health's Shield Home : General Electric's Indoor Smoker Personal Care : Oura Ring 4 Sports & Outdoors : Saga's HoloBike Other winners include : Olaplex's Bond ShaperTM Curl Rebuilding Treatment; Sony's A9 Mark III, Weber's Slate griddle; Ecoflow's Delta Pro 3; New York University and FDNY's C2SMARTER Digital Twin AI model; Samsung's Glare-free OLED; Limelight Steele's Limelight laser furnace; NASA/Lockheed Martin's X-59 Quiet Supersonic Jet; Ford's Superbelt; and Patagonia's M10 Collection. More information about the 2024 Best of What's New Awards can be found on popsci.com . ABOUT POPULAR SCIENCE Established in 1872, Popular Science is one of America's oldest and most trusted science brands. Popular Science has a legacy of bringing readers groundbreaking innovations and discoveries, demystifying the world, and examining everything from the marvels of deep space to the secret lives of everyday staples. Popular Science makes science and tech engaging, approachable, and inclusive to keep readers, listeners, and viewers plugged into and excited about the world around them. Popular Science is part of Recurrent Ventures, a privately held media company that includes brands such as Futurism , The Drive , Outdoor Life , and Task & Purpose . ABOUT BEST OF WHAT'S NEW Every year since 1988, the editors of Popular Science have reviewed thousands of products in search of the top innovations—breakthrough products and technologies that represent significant advancements in their categories. Best of What's New Awards are presented to five products and technologies in 10 categories: Aerospace, Automotive, Engineering, Entertainment, Gadgets, Health, Home, Personal Care, Sports & Outdoors, and Emergency Services. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/popular-science-announces-the-best-innovations-of-2024-302326601.html SOURCE Popular ScienceGoldman Sachs analyst sees starting point for year-end S&P 500 rally - TheStreet
OTTAWA - First Nations leaders are split over next steps after a landmark $47.8-billion child welfare reform deal with Canada was struck down, prompting differing legal opinions from both sides. The Assembly of First Nations and a board member of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society have received competing legal opinions on potential ways forward. Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict says the chiefs he represents are still hoping the agreement that chiefs outside the province voted down two months ago is not moot. Chiefs in Ontario are interveners in the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal case that led to its realization. He added there are also concerns that some of the elements in the new negotiation mandate outlined by chiefs in an October assembly go beyond the current governance structure of the Assembly of First Nations. “There will have to be action by the Assembly of First Nations in the very near future to advance these positions, but you also need willing partners,” Benedict said. “We’re still considering what our options are.” Those options are also being debated in legal reviews commissioned by the Assembly of First Nations and a board member of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, which are both parties to the human rights case, along with Nishnawbe Aski Nation. Khelsilem, a chairperson from the Squamish Nation who penned a resolution that defeated the deal in October, critiqued the stance of Ontario First Nations by saying they negotiated a “bad agreement” for First Nations outside the province and now that chiefs want to go back to the table for a better deal, they want to split from the process entirely. “It potentially undermines the collective unity of First Nations to achieve something that is going to benefit all of us,” he said. The $47.8-billion agreement was struck in July after decades of advocacy and litigation from First Nations and experts, seeking to redress discrimination against First Nations children who were torn from their families and placed in foster care. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal said Canada’s underfunding was discriminatory because it meant kids living on reserve were given fewer services than those living off reserves, and tasked Canada with reaching an agreement with First Nations to reform the system. The agreement was meant to cover 10 years of funding for First Nations to take control of their own child welfare services from the federal government. Chiefs and service providers critiqued the deal for months, saying it didn’t go far enough to ensure an end to the discrimination. They have also blasted the federal government for what they say is its failure to consult with First Nations in negotiations, and for the exclusion of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, which helped launched the initial human rights complaint. In October at a special chiefs assembly in Calgary, the deal was struck down through two resolutions. The Assembly of First Nations sought a legal review of those resolutions by Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP — a firm where the former national chief of the organization, Perry Bellegarde, works as a special adviser. In the legal review from Fasken, it appears as though the assembly asked for direction on how to get “rid” of two resolutions used to vote down the deal, with an employee of the firm saying they can review the resolutions together if they want them both gone, or they can “leave room for compromise” with one of the resolutions. In a statement, the Assembly of First Nations said the review was conducted to assess the legal, technical and operational aspects of the resolutions to ensure their “effective implementation.” “The opinions formed by external counsel are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of the AFN,” said Andrew Bisson, the chief executive officer, who added it’s not unusual for the organization to seek such reviews. Bisson did not address the language used by a Fasken employee to “get rid” of resolutions, but said “the legal and technical reviews were conducted in good faith, not to undermine the chiefs’ direction. The chiefs have provided clear direction, and the AFN is committed to following that direction.” The legal reviews from Fasken, dated Nov. 15, argue that the October resolutions on child welfare require a significant review of who voted for them, along with changes to the organization’s charter should they be implemented. Resolution 60 called for a rejection of the final settlement agreement, and for the establishment of a Children’s Chiefs Commission that will be representative of all regions and negotiate long-term reforms. It also called for the AFN’s executive committee to “unconditionally include” the Caring Society in negotiations. Fasken said that commission is contrary to the AFN’s charter, and the law, because the AFN’s executive committee doesn’t have the power to create one, and that the executive committee “alone” has the authority to execute mandates on behalf of the assembly. It adds there are no accountability measures for the new negotiation body, and that it will represent regions that are not participants in the AFN. Resolution 61, which built upon resolution 60, is similarly against the charter for the same reasons, the review says. As such, it says, the resolutions can’t be implemented. The firm also wrote that there were alleged conflicts of interest during the October vote, saying “numerous proxies were also employees, shareholders, directors, agents or otherwise had a vested interest” in the First Nations child and family service agencies whose interests were the subject of the resolutions. Chief Joe Miskokomon of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation in southwestern Ontario called that “political deception.” In response to that review, a board member of the Caring Society, which has been a vocal critic of the July deal, sought their own. The review penned by Aird Berlis for Mary Teegee and dated Dec. 2 stated it was “inappropriate for the AFN to seek, and not disclose, legal opinions which are then cited to attempt to second-guess decisions already made by the First Nations in Assembly.” It also states that while the AFN’s vice-president of strategic policy and integration, Amber Potts, raised concerns with the movers and seconders of the resolutions, the entirety of the legal opinion the assembly sought was not shared with them. Teegee’s review challenges that of the AFN’s by saying the resolutions are consistent with the AFN’s charter, and that nothing restricts First Nations in assembly from expressing their sovereign will by delegating authority to another entity. “AFN’s role and purpose at all times is to effect the sovereign will of First Nations, however it is expressed, on ‘any matter’ that they see fit,” the review from Aird Berlis reads. “It is too late to attempt to question the resolutions. They are now final.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 9, 2024.Benitec Biopharma stock soars to 52-week high of $12.95
NEW YORK , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Halper Sadeh LLC, an investor rights law firm, is investigating the following companies for potential violations of the federal securities laws and/or breaches of fiduciary duties to shareholders relating to: Liberty Broadband Corporation (NASDAQ: LBRDA)'s sale to Charter Communications, Inc. for 0.236 of a share of Charter common stock per share of Liberty Broadband common stock. If you are a Liberty shareholder, click here to learn more about your legal rights and options . CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: CFB)'s sale to First Busey Corporation for 0.6675 shares of Busey common stock for each share of CrossFirst common stock. Upon completion of the proposed transaction, CrossFirst's shareholders will own approximately 36.5% of the combined company. If you are a CrossFirst shareholder, click here to learn more about your legal rights and options . Nabors Industries Ltd. (NYSE: NBR)'s merger with Parker Wellbore. Per the terms of the proposed transaction, Nabors would acquire all of Parker's issued and outstanding common shares in exchange for 4.8 million shares of Nabors common stock, subject to a share price collar. If you are a Nabors shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options . Halper Sadeh LLC may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures and information concerning the proposed transaction, or other relief and benefits on behalf of shareholders. We would handle the action on a contingent fee basis, whereby you would not be responsible for out-of-pocket payment of our legal fees or expenses. Shareholders are encouraged to contact the firm free of charge to discuss their legal rights and options. Please call Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or email sadeh@halpersadeh.com or zhalper@halpersadeh.com . Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors all over the world who have fallen victim to securities fraud and corporate misconduct. Our attorneys have been instrumental in implementing corporate reforms and recovering millions of dollars on behalf of defrauded investors. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Halper Sadeh LLC Daniel Sadeh, Esq. Zachary Halper, Esq. (212) 763-0060 sadeh@halpersadeh.com zhalper@halpersadeh.com https://www.halpersadeh.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shareholder-investigation-halper-sadeh-llc-investigates-lbrda-cfb-nbr-on-behalf-of-shareholders-302325145.html SOURCE Halper Sadeh LLPCaprock Group LLC Boosts Stock Holdings in Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:KEYS)