OAKLAND — The race to be Oakland’s next mayor may have officially kicked off Monday, but the starting line is eerily quiet — and may continue to be until Rep. Barbara Lee makes up her mind about whether to run. Lee, the longtime East Bay congresswoman and stalwart of progressive politics, said late last week in a social media post that she will announce her decision in early January, noting the decision was “not one I take lightly.” In the meantime, Lee has held numerous private meetings with city officials about the issues affecting Oakland, from the ongoing budget crisis to homelessness to policing, two sources with direct knowledge of those conversations told this news organization. The policy “deep dive,” as a source not authorized to speak publicly put it, might offer reassurance to skeptics who worry that the retiring legislator, who has represented Oakland, Alameda, Berkeley and San Leandro in Congress since 1998, would struggle to adapt to running a city full-time. But the larger consequence of Lee’s decision-making timeline is that the run-up to the April 15 special election to replace Mayor Sheng Thao has largely stalled. Most candidates are holding off until Lee makes a move. Hours after the formal start on Monday of the candidate filing period, which lasts until Jan. 17, only two people had scheduled appointments to pull papers for the office — Peter Liu and Mindy Ruth Pechenuk , a pair of fringe prospects who are unlikely to make a dent in the race. Loren Taylor, the runner-up in the 2022 mayoral election, said Monday he plans to pull papers in the coming days, noting in an interview that his desire to help Oakland grow as a city won’t be affected by whom he’s running against. But others, such as former Councilmember Ignacio De La Fuente and lobbyist Isaac Kos-Read, have said they’re holding off. “To be candid, I’m getting a little restless — but out of respect I have to wait,” De La Fuente said Monday in an interview. “Hopefully, she’ll make a decision soon.” An open letter published last week by numerous Oakland leaders urging Lee to run included sign-offs from City Council members Nikki Fortunato Bas, Treva Reid and Dan Kalb, as well as prospective candidate Kos-Read. The letter included signatures from both labor leaders and local political figures who otherwise have often clashed on issues like crime and public spending. “We need someone who can bring the new ideas, policies, resources and opportunities that the people of Oakland deserve,” the letter read. “That person is Barbara Lee.” There are other examples of weighty political races symbolically put on hold amid “will they, won’t they” tension involving potential candidates, including late Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s indecision to run for California governor in 1998. But the upcoming special election in Oakland is unique in how strongly some local leaders seem to be thinking past the election entirely in their overtures to Lee, said political expert Dan Schnur. “These communities and business and labor leaders aren’t begging her to run because they think she’s the only one who can win,” Schnur said. “They think she’s the only one who can govern.” The clearest sign of how many in the city view Lee — who has often weighed in on local affairs to oppose Thao’s recall or support striking teachers or chastise the departing A’s — might be a billboard that popped up in recent weeks along Interstate 880 in East Oakland. “Thank You, Barbara Lee,” it reads, “for bringing over half a billion dollars of federal funds into Oakland in 2024!” The billboard, hoisted near the highway’s High Street exit, also links to a website, thankyoubarbaralee.com, which lists some of Lee’s accomplishments and includes a sign-up form “to add your name to our letter of gratitude!” Both the physical and digital ads were created by the East Oakland Youth Development Center. Selena Wilson, the nonprofit’s CEO, said the gesture had nothing to do with the upcoming special election and was solely intended to honor the congresswoman for her longtime support of the center. Nationally, Lee is perhaps best known for being the only member of Congress to oppose the use of military force following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Her entry into the race would bring a layer of gravitas to the top political office in Oakland, a city whose reputation took a hit after crime rose and the economy declined during the pandemic. But it may also bring back memories of the mayoral tenure of the late Rep. Ron Delllums, whose decorated legacy was hurt by the perception that he was an absentee leader during the Great Recession, or former Gov. Jerry Brown, whose time as mayor coincided with the infamous Riders police brutality scandal. Taylor, meanwhile, is steadfast about wanting to lead, an ambition that has not diminished in the two years since his loss to Thao by fewer than 700 ranked-choice votes. “I think the fact that the others are playing a game of political calculus,” he said, “is indicative of where their leadership commitment is and how confident they are in what they’re bringing to the table.”Colorado adds record insurance coverage for Sanders and Hunter before Alamo Bowl
Earlier in the year, the CBN gave Nigerian banks across various tiers directives to meet new capital base The bank capitalisation plan is seen by analysts as a timely economic growth stimulus for the industry Fidelity Bank, Access Holdings, GTCo and other banks have started making moves to increase their capital base CHECK OUT: Education is Your Right! Don’t Let Social Norms Hold You Back. Learn Online with LEGIT. Enroll Now! Legit.ng journalist Zainab Iwayemi has 5-year-experience covering the Economy, Technology, and Capital Market. Since March 29, 2024, when the banking recapitalisation exercise was announced, some banks have raised money by going to the stock market. Analysts view the bank capitalisation initiative as a timely catalyst for economic growth, noting that capitalisation requires banks to hold sufficient funds as a buffer against financial downturns. Legit.ng has highlighted the banks that made moves to recapitalise in 2024 : PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app! Fidelity Bank Fidelity Bank surpassed the N127.1 billion target set in its combined offer programme, as the bank concludes the programme. Read also Naira scarcity: House of Reps take action as CBN, banks set cash withdrawal limit In an email to investors, the Managing Director of the Bank, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe expressed appreciation, noting that the bank had surpassed the target set. The email read, “With the conclusion of the Combined Offer, I am delighted to announce that we have met and surpassed the capital-raise target we set for ourselves in the first phase of our capital-raise exercise. It is both gratifying and humbling to note this level of investor confidence in the bank.” Access Holdings Access Holdings Plc announced the commencement of its N351 billion capital raising through a rights issue, otherwise known as an offer for subscription. For the right issue, Access Holdings offered 17.772 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to existing shareholders at N19.75 per share. The offer opened on Monday, July 8, 2024. GTCo Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), recently revealed planned to raise nine billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo at an offer price of N44.50 per ordinary shares via public offer on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX). Read also BDCs finally react as CBN allows members to buy $25,000 weekly from NAFEM This translated into N400 billion ordinary shares the Group planned to raise from investing public through public offer. Zenith Bank With the goal of raising over N290 billion, Zenith Bank Plc proposed a hybrid rights issue and subscription offer. This action represents a big step toward fulfilling the CBN's new N500 billion minimum capital requirement. In order to achieve this criterion, Zenith Bank needs roughly N229.225 billion, which includes N255.047 billion for the share premium and N15.698 billion in issued and fully paid share capital. FCMB In April, Mr. Ladi Balogun, the group’s CEO, disclosed plans to raise N150 billion between April and September 2024 as part of its recapitalization efforts. Mr. Balogun, on September 9th, expressed gratitude to the CBN , SEC, and NGX for their contributions to the capital raise, stating that these regulatory bodies played crucial roles in facilitating the process. Jaiz Bank Read also CBN takes another step to crash dollar, permits BDCs to buy forex from NAFEM After receiving regulatory clearances from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), Jaiz Bank announced that it had successfully listed N10.04 billion from its private placement on the NGX. According to a statement from the bank, this achievement puts it in the minority of banks that have already fulfilled the CBN's updated capital requirements before the June 2026 deadline. According to the bank, its balance sheet is resilient, diverse, and well-structured, indicating that its financial position is still strong. First Bank In an attempt to raise an additional N150 billion, FBN Holdings Plc launched a rights issue, issuing 5.983 billion ordinary shares at 50k each to current shareholders at N25 per share. A one-for-six ratio—one new ordinary share for every six shares held—was the basis for the offering. Sterling Bank Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc announced the commencement of its N153 billion capital raising through a Rights Issue. This strategic initiative marks a significant milestone in its growth strategy, aimed at fortifying our financial foundation, enhancing capital adequacy, and fueling organic growth within its banking subsidiaries. Read also FG speaks on next step after MRS, TotalEnergies, others emerged winners of oil well The Company has obtained the approval the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘the Commission’) to execute a Rights Issue of Rights Issue of 7,197,604,531 Ordinary Shares of 50 kobo each at N4.00 per share, On the basis of One (1) new ordinary share for every Four (4) ordinary shares held as of 6th August 2024. CBN extends recapitalisation deadline for BDC operators Legit.ng reported that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has extended the deadline for the recapitalisation of Bureau of De Change (BDC) operators from December 3, 2024, to June 3, 2025. The president of the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Aminu Gwadabe, stated this at a virtual emergency meeting by ABCON members. Gwadabe explained that the apex bank extended the deadline by six months due to operators' low compliance with the recapitalisation requirements. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ng
The Los Angeles Dodgers may have won the World Series in 2024, but that does not mean they are content with their roster. They could look to bring in another impact bat in free agency. While making predictions for free agents this offseason, Bleacher Report's Erik Beaston predicted that the Dodgers will sign Willy Adames despite USA Today's Bob Nightengale revealing the Boston Red Sox are interested in him now as well. "It still feels like Adames is a better fit for the Dodgers given the world champs' need at the position, but the Red Sox appear determined to get free-agent signings done this year amid mounting frustration with their recent lack of success," wrote Beaston. The Boston Red Sox had not been linked to Adames earlier in the offseason, but a new report suggests they are looking to add him and move Rafael Devers from third base. "The Red Sox also have strong interest in All-Star free-agent shortstop Willy Adames, who is willing to move to third base," wrote Nightengale. "They have scheduled an upcoming meeting and have internally discussed moving Rafael Devers off third base." Adames is the best shortstop available, but moving him to third base is not out of the question. The Dodgers would not need Adames to change positions. They need a shortstop if they want Mookie Betts to play second base. The shortstop position was inconsistent, to say the least. Betts started the year there, but moved back to right field after a stint on the injured list. Adames started 161 games at shortstop last year during a career season. Spotrac projects him to sign a $152 million deal in free agency. He hit 32 home runs, tallied 112 RBIs and 21 stolen bases last year. More MLB: Dodgers All-Star could dump LA and join Braves in free agency
Why TikTok is one step closer to being ban in the USSwerv Dating Launches Ambassador Program To Accelerate Real-World Connections
ESTERO, Fla. (AP) — Al Green scored 19 points and Sean Newman Jr. added seven in the overtime as Louisiana Tech knocked off Southern Illinois 85-79 in a first-round contest at the Gulf Coast Showcase on Monday night. Green had three steals for the Bulldogs (5-0). Kaden Cooper scored 18 points and added 12 rebounds and four steals. Amaree Abram went 8 of 13 from the field to finish with 18 points, while adding six steals. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
A new report made in consultation with people who use drugs calls for federal decriminalization, expanded access to overdose prevention sites and several other measures designed to mitigate and eventually end the toxic drug crisis. Seven calls for action are laid out in the report by the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition, which over three years held 13 public consultations. The coalition said nearly 800 people were included in the meetings. Beeta Senedjani, the coalition's community policy and network co-ordinator, hopes the report will provide Canadians — and, crucially, policy makers — insight into the damage the crisis and a lack of available services are inflicting on communities. “I believe that in terms of the general public, there's a misunderstanding that what is happening is an increase in substance use, whereas really it’s the supply that's creating such devastating consequences. That's a nuance that I think is not fully understood.” The toxic drug supply, poisoned by an influx of fentanyl, has killed over 15,000 British Columbians since the provincial government declared a crisis in 2016, as well as over 47,000 Canadians. Data released by Statistics Canada on Dec. 4 shows B.C. led all provinces in deaths per 100,000 population in 2023, followed by Alberta and Saskatchewan. But the coalition's report also comes as federal and provincial governments backtrack from programs meant to confront the crisis. The B.C. NDP ended its decriminalization pilot program due to public outcry, and last month closed the addictions ministry while making the crisis the responsibility of new Health Minister Josie Osborne . Premier David Eby has also dismissed a call by former chief coroner Lisa Lapointe to add non-prescription drugs to its safe supply program. A decrease in federal funding has led to the closure of social sites such as Nelson's Coordinated Access Hub earlier this year. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has also promised to end funding for safe supply programs in favour of expanded treatment facilities if he is elected prime minister in next year's federal election. Senedjani criticized the politicization of the drug crisis. The coalition's report, she said, offers evidence instead of rhetoric. “Whenever the most marginalized people in our community are being targeted by politicians, we need to ask ourselves why, and really look at that with a critical view, because usually it's not in our best interest as a collective.” The report features 87 recommendations under seven calls to action. They include: 1. The collection of disaggregated statistics for drug fatalities and hospitalizations to better show how the crisis is impacting diverse communities such as Indigenous, African, Caribbean and Black peoples. Senedjani said current reporting typically focuses on age and gender, and doesn't include more specific demographics for communities that can be used to show how they are being impacted by the crisis in ways that differ from the rest of Canada. 2. Expansion of access to harm reduction services, which are designed for public use and don't feature specialized supports for racialized, Indigenous or LGBTQ2 peoples. Vancouver's SisterSpace, an overdose prevention site exclusive to women, is a model for how other services might cater to certain demographics. “We don't want to then further marginalize people who have multiple marginalized identities in being able to access services that are already so hard to access.” 3. Decriminalization of all criminal penalties for substance use. Senedjani said feedback heard during the consultations included people who were unable to receive healthcare because they had been labelled as seeking drugs by medical professionals, which also dismissed the validity of their health concerns. 4. The displacement of the toxic drugs with increased access to safe supply that includes drugs of known content and dosage. B.C.'s safe supply program distributes pharmaceutical opioids, which have been criticized as ineffective substitutes for alternatives such as lab-tested heroin. “We need to think about alternatives, and we need to think about ways to make this make sense and have this meet the needs of the devastating issue that we're facing today.” 5. Meaningful consultation, and compensation, with people who use drugs when developing policy. As an example, Senedjani referred to Reclaim Collection, an advocacy group made up of people with lived experience. 6. Expanded affordable housing availability as well as a more diverse range of options for people in need of services. Senedjani said the drug and housing crises in Canada are intertwined. “I think that people as individuals are being blamed for a housing crisis and a toxic drug crisis, when really these are structural, systemic issues that are happening clean across the country, and they require work at the same time on both of those prongs in order to improve social wellness and improve our communities well across the country.” 7. Expanded harm reduction services in housing and shelter settings. The consultations heard from shelter workers who were traumatized by finding people poisoned to death by drugs at their facilities. Senedjani said Toronto's Integrated Prevention and Harm Reduction Initiative, which was designed to address drug deaths in city shelters by including supervised consumption and mental health case management, is a model that other municipalities should consider. “It's important for shelter providers to look at developing proper harm reduction policies, because whether they like it or not it's going to happen, and so they might as well make it safe for everyone involved, including the person accessing the service and the people who are supporting them and trying to do their jobs in a in a proper way.”
SAN DIEGO, Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins LLP reminds investors that a class action was filed on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Zeta Global Holdings Corp. ZETA securities between February 27, 2024 and November 13, 2024. Zeta is a marketing technology company. For more information, submit a form , email attorney Aaron Dumas, Jr., or give us a call at (800) 350-6003. The Allegations: Robbins LLP is Investigating Allegations that Zeta Global Holdings Corp. (ZETA) Failed to Disclose it was Artificially Inflating Financial Results According to the complaint, on November 13, 2024, market research group Culper Research published a report entitled "Zeta Global Holdings Corp (ZETA): Shams, Scams, and Spam." The report alleged that the "integrity of the Company's data collection and reported financials" is severely undermined by two factors. First, the report alleged that "Zeta has formed ‘two-way' contracts with third party consent farms wherein the Company simultaneously acts as both a supplier and a buyer of consumer data," allowing the Company to "flatter reported revenue growth" and indicating possible "round-tripping" of revenue. Second, the report alleged that Zeta's collects the majority of its customer data from a network of "sham websites that hoodwink millions of consumers each month into handing their data over to Zeta under false pretenses." For example, the report alleged the Company and its subsidiaries operate a number of fake job boards which are designed to trick individuals into submitting personal data under the pretense of job applications. The report further alleged that the Company's "most valuable data" comes from these predatory websites, dubbed consent farms, which are "responsible for almost the entirety of the Company's growth." On this news, the Company's stock price fell $10.46, or 37.07%, to close at $17.76 per share on November 13, 2024. Plaintiff alleges that during the class period, defendants failed to disclose that: (1) Zeta used two-way contracts to artificially inflate financial results; (2) Zeta engaged in round trip transactions to artificially inflate financial results; (3) Zeta utilized predatory consent farms to collect user data; and (4) that these consent farms have driven almost the entirety of Zeta's growth. What Now : You may be eligible to participate in the class action against Zeta Global Holdings Corp. Shareholders who want to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must submit their application to the court by January 21, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here . All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses. About Robbins LLP : Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions; Robbins LLP does. A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002. Since our inception, we have obtained over $1 billion for shareholders. To be notified if a class action against Zeta Global Holdings Corp. settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today. Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact: Aaron Dumas, Jr. Robbins LLP 5060 Shoreham Pl., Ste. 300 San Diego, CA 92122 adumas@robbinsllp.com (800) 350-6003 www.robbinsllp.com https://www.facebook.com/RobbinsLLP/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/robbins-llp/ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a9e62a12-06db-424e-a9a1-12ca4ed447d5 © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Where Will Nvidia Stock Be in 3 Years? - The Motley Fool
Colorado adds record insurance coverage for Sanders and Hunter before Alamo BowlNone
Senate body to review issues of Qasr-e-Naz in KarachiIsrael launches new strikes on Lebanon as leaders draw closer to ceasefire with Hezbollah
Exp World Holdings' chief accounting officer Cheng Jian sells $258,879 in stockColorado adds record insurance coverage for Sanders and Hunter before Alamo Bowl
A leaked letter signed by 13 B.C. Conservative MLAs attacking a fellow caucus member has exposed a rift within the upstart party, just weeks after it became the Official Opposition following a swift rise from political obscurity. The group of MLAs, which comprises almost one-third of the 44-member B.C. Conservative caucus, sent a letter dated Nov. 29 to leader John Rustad raising concerns about public comments MLA Elenore Sturko made to CBC News on Nov. 23. Sturko, a former RCMP officer who represents Surrey Cloverdale, said she thought it was appropriate for the Vancouver Police Board to accept the resignation of vice-chair Comfort Sakoma-Fadugba following comments made on social media. In screenshots shared to Reddit, one of Sakoma-Fadugba's posts discusses how "mass immigration" and "a growing aversion to assimilation" are "transforming Canada into a place where a shared identity is disappearing." B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad speaks to reporters in late October. (Mike McArthur/CBC) Another post questions Diwali celebrations at schools, saying the "push for secular education isn't about religion — it's about erasing Christian values from the lives of our children." A third references "gender transitions" while criticizing a "woke culture that pits children against their parents." Vancouver Police Board vice-chair resigns following social media comments Sturko said the comments were offensive, particularly to the transgender community. However, many B.C. Conservatives have rallied behind Sakoma-Fadugba, saying she is a victim of "cancel culture" and has been attacked for supporting traditional family values. The party's president, Aisha Estey, wrote on social media: "Cancel culture is alive and well at the Vancouver Police Board. She should never have resigned and shame on those who pressured her to do it." B.C. Conservative party president Aisha Estey comments on the resignation of Vancouver Police Board vice-chair Comfort Sakoma-Fadugba. (X.com) MLAs call for written apology The MLAs' letter to Rustad says they believe Sturko spoke out of turn. "It is our view that the statements caused undue harm to Ms. Sakoma and called into question our commitment to the core values shared by Conservatives," they wrote. The MLAs also said under Rustad's leadership, the B.C. Conservative Party "has consistently denounced 'cancel culture' and stood for the Charter rights British Columbians enjoy to free expression and freedom of religion." Read the full letter from 13 B.C. Conservatives about Sturko's comments: Mobile users: View the document (PDF KB) (Text KB) CBC is not responsible for 3rd party content They called for Rustad to ask Sturko to send a written apology to Sakoma-Fadugba and "encourage the Vancouver Police Board to advance conciliatory discussions" with the former board member. The letter's signatories are: Tara Armstrong, Rosalyn Bird, Dallas Brodie, Brent Chapman, Reann Gasper, Sharon Hartwell, Anna Kindy, Jordan Kealy, Kristina Loewen, Macklin McCall, Heather Maahs, Korky Neufeld and Ward Stamer. B.C. Conservative MLAs convened virtually for an emergency caucus meeting Friday morning. Sturko told CBC News she won't comment, since the letter was addressed to Rustad. She added she has no plans to change her statement regarding Sakoma-Fadugba, nor has Rustad asked her to do so. Sturko said she first learned about the letter on Thursday. CBC News has contacted Rustad and Estey for comment but has yet to hear back. WATCH | Choices for shadow cabinet draw criticism: Some of B.C. Conservative shadow cabinet picks draw criticism 14 days ago Duration 2:33 B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad has announced his shadow cabinet -— the critics' portfolios meant to hold government ministers to account.But as CBC’s Katie DeRosa reports, some of the appointments are facing pushback. Rustad's party campaigned on socially conservative issues including what it calls parental rights. It voiced its opposition to sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI 123) guidelines in schools, saying parents should have more of a say in what's taught to their children. Rustad then created a new critic portfolio called parental rights and sports, signalling the issue will continue to be a priority for the party. B.C. Conservative leader names shadow cabinet, takes shots at NDP SOGI 123 is not a curriculum but provides guides and resources to help teachers address discrimination and bullying, create supportive and inclusive environments for 2SLGBTQ+ students and acknowledge varying genders and sexual orientations. Sturko, a former B.C. United MLA, crossed the floor in June to join Rustad amid poor polling numbers and flagging confidence in B.C. United Leader Kevin Falcon. B.C. United MLA Elenore Sturko defects to Conservatives A month later, Falcon made a deal with the B.C. Conservatives to suspend the party's election campaign and throw his support behind Rustad.Welsh: A&M will move to digital ticket pull system to prioritize student safety