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President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Samuel Agbeluyi, recently had an interactive session with members of the Finance Correspondent Association of Nigeria (FICAN), during which he shed some light on President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills and also explained why the proposals are for the overall good of the country’s economy. Tony Chukwunyem reports President Tinubu’s tax reform bills, currently before the National Assembly, have sparked a lot of controversy among various groups in the country, with some critics questioning the President’s decision to send the bills to the lawmakers at this time. What is your take on the issue? I’m not here to say whether the timing of the tax reform bills is right or wrong. I even believe that it is right and that we need those amendments passed as quickly as possible so that the Nigeria can actually benchmark its economy against other countries’. As we are speaking, a lot of people want to invest in Nigeria. The President is going all over the world, marketing the country. It is good to market the country, but the people who are coming into Nigeria, will do their background check; they will still do all the necessary findings before they come because you are just one of several countries in the world. So for them to come, there has to be certainty on what they want to put on the table. I will give you an example. Taxation is a major point; it is a major variable that they must be sure of before they come in. So for tax professionals, how do you advise an American or a French person that we have about 65 types of taxes; how do you explain that? You are already demarketing the country yourself. And if you don’t say it, you are telling lies and as a professional you are not supposed to tell lies. These 60 or 65 taxes, depending on the state you are visiting, exclude the activities of non-state actors; those ones who would come to your shop and ask you to do something (part with your money) otherwise they would disrupt your business. You are carrying goods from one point to another and they are not allowing you to do that. So for tax professionals we have been longing for this kind of bill so that we will have certainty of the law guiding and administering the tax arrangement in the country. Also, statistics reveal that only nearly five different types of taxes that we have among the 60 or 65, are actually bringing in over 90 per cent of our tax revenue. Now how do you bother the system, disturb a business, disturb a company, disturb the personnel working with company with about 60 different types of taxes that are not helping the country? If revenue is by the number of taxes that you collect, Nigeria’s tax to GDP will be over 30 per cent. So why are we struggling with a low tax to GDP ratio? So, it means that we just have those things as nuisance tax as we call them. You are not helping the system. President Tinubu mentioned his dislike for multiple taxation immediately after he assumed office and he walked the talk and set up a committee and we are where we are today. So to me, that we are bringing sanity to the tax space is a great thing. Imagine the fact that companies receive letters from local government that they want to check their books; states will write that they want to check their books for various tax responsibilities; FIRS will also write. The laws that set up these tax laws and responsibilities allow for audit. So you can’t say FIRS don’t come and audit me. FIRS can call you for audit and they can do investigation. The state has the same power. So when you subject somebody who is operating in a very hostile business environment to this kind of tax administration, you are not helping that system. And after sometime, people don’t want to do business again. They will prefer to put their money in treasury bills. They would say, let me invest somewhere else and I won’t need to bother myself with diesel, generator and these people coming from revenue office. That is not helping us because you can only create employment when people do business; when they set up companies. So the benefits of the tax reform bills are enormous. You have the benchmark for the threshold for small business being raised from 25 per cent to 50 per cent; that is a major move. What they are saying is that, have more money in your hand; go and do your business; once you are prosperous enough, then you can visit us or we can visit you. But if you are still operating between the 25 and 40 per cent threshold, most likely, your working capital will be impaired. And you know getting money from the banks, particularly for SMEs in Nigeria, is a tall order. Also, you know that you can’t drive economic activities with taxation because without economic activities there will be no taxation. The moment you put too much pressure on companies, they will fold up and they will not be there tomorrow for you to collect anything. Can you share your views on the debate over the proposed derivation of Value Added Tax (VAT) based on consumption? We have talked so much about derivation as if it is the only thing in the VAT bill. If you buy equipment, before now, the money you expend to put the infrastructure for the equipment and the like in place, let’s say N200 million, by virtue of what we have as at today, depending on the nature of that equipment, you can’t retrieve your money until five or 10 years. But what is being proposed in this bill is that your equipment, the amount you spend on assets, will be zero rated. Zero rated means that you can claim the input. So that in that year, you will claim the input and that is all and of course your turnover or whatever it is that is your output. Another aspect of the benefit of this bill is that before now, once you do the differential and government needs to refund money to you, under this bill, the process for refund is made simpler. But as we speak and I have been in practice for quite some time, no company can get refund from the FIRS until they subject you to another round of audit and that will take years. So the amount of relief that is being given to the tax payer under this proposal is enormous. And again I repeat that the derivation principle, if it would pose a problem, then it can dropped. Everybody must be carried along. If state A is not doing well the fall out of not doing well will get to the state that is doing well. So beyond economic activity you also need to look at the social aspects of the bill and the political balancing, that is fair. How would you react to the view that the reason there is so much controversy about the tax reform bills is that the Presidency didn’t consult widely enough before sending them to the National Assembly? There was a lot of consultation among tax professionals within the six geo political zones in the country, but evidently it is not enough. And I think it won’t be enough. What we tax professionals need to know is that we have talked to ourselves and those who were not part of the consultation have all the facilities to read what was going on. But for the political leaders, I was expecting a lot of consultations and buyin, because without buy in, this massive change will look strange to some people and that is what we are seeing. I expect that consultation at this level to be led by the President himself. This is because Nigeria has a lot to gain once this thing is successful and we have a lot to lose should it not be successful-God forbid. So I expect the Presidency, the political leaders to lead the consultations. Let’s not be carried away; and that is why as an Institute, we are sticking to the technical points. The political leaders know how they can actually talk to themselves. So we recommend that this should be done immediately so that everybody will be on the same page. Won’t low income earners be adversely affected by these bills as it appears they are not being consulted? I don’t see how it will adversely affect them. Even at the point of deliberation on the bill some state internal revenue chairmen asked questions about who would be paying personal income tax in form of PAYE in the their states under the new minimum wage. Now, let’s work with the statistics. What do you actually receive from somebody receiving N30, 000? In any country, the big people are the ones who actually pay personal income tax and statistics have shown that they are under 10 per cent. So we have all the big people in the country so what they need to do is to be good. Now there is another school of thought that says don’t exempt anybody; once they pay N1 or N2 into the pocket of the government it gives them the moral right; a sense of belonging. But ‘sense of belonging’ for somebody who is dying? So, I think that the voice for exception for low earners should be louder. Years ago, I represented this Institute-I was not the President then- at a public hearing held by the National Assembly on minimum tax. As an Institute we have spoken against minimum tax. This is because, minimum tax is capital erosion. Somebody has done his business for a year, he didn’t make profit (because you are supposed to subject his profit to tax computation), but he didn’t make profit and you say he must do minimum tax. Where is he getting the money from? From his capital. So you are eroding the capital. And in Nigeria, we have gone through a lot of trails, if I can use that word. As the President said: ‘Let the poor breathe’. If we must follow that slogan, then exempt the low earner so that Nigeria will be better. What is likely to be the impact of the tax reform bills, if passed, on financial inclusion? I will go back to the cashless economy policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and its naira redesign programme. For those of us who have travelled outside this country, how often do you see people carrying cash? God help you if you are a black man and you get to any store in London and you bring out 100 pounds or 50 pounds. I have met a Briton who said he has never sighted 50 pounds in his life time. And we are carrying cash up and down in Nigeria. Who benefits? I’m speaking to the benefits of cashless economy and the naira redesign programme. Whatever the immediate past CBN Governor has done right, we acknowledge; whatever he has not done right, we isolate and deal with it on its merit and not to throw everything into the dustbin. So let’s take the very reasonable conclusion on the cashless economy: many people should have access to banking services. However, to do that, you also need to talk to CBN. The outrageous charges are also one of the things driving people away from the banks. Thank God for the fintechs; those ones are doing better. And I say to the established banks; they’d better wake up on time before they drive all of us to the fintechs. I have entered major hotels in this country and I bring out my debit card and I see Moniepoint or Opay and I say, where are the big banks of this world? Let it not be like NITEL and the experience we are having now. So don’t drive away people from the banking sector through outrageous charges. Once you don’t do that many people will come into that space and of course it will be easy to trace transactions. Furthermore, government must hold consultations on the tax reform bills at a very senior level; it should not be left to technocrats alone. When they are in a meeting and there are aspects that are not too clear to them, they can bring in technocrats to make our presentations and we leave the hall for them. They understand their language; they know how to talk to themselves. They need to do that at this time. But the most important thing is this. Let us assume that all the issues are resolved and the bills become an Act. If we give our money in terms of our tax payments to the government and we still see this kind of lifestyle shown by Local government chairmen, spouses of local government chairmen, state governors and by the leadership at the Federal level, it will be difficult for you to have voluntary compliance. I say this with all emphasis. So we appeal to our political leaders- it is a fiduciary duty to the nation-before you leave large go and be a Dangote. And the Dangote himself is not even living large. So as a political leader stop living large at our expense; tone down the opulence. Once you do this, you will restore the trust deficit that has been lost. Once the trust deficit is restored then there will be voluntary compliance, once there is voluntary compliance, cost of collection will go down and revenue will go up. This is the way to go; this is what we recommend to government. We won’t be tired of giving our recommendations. This is because we are the ones advising people to go and pay your taxes; it’s the right thing to do; its what will make Nigeria great and so on. The Economic stabilisation bills, which we pray will turn into an Act, will not on its own make Nigeria an el dorado. What will make Nigeria an el dorado is very good usage of tax revenue.Campco demands studies on arecanut through ICMR, ICAR3 Killed, 30 Injured in Protest Against Mosque Survey in UP's Sambhal; Internet SuspendedNEW DELHI: Researchers at Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Lucknow, Amritsar and Kashipur have combined to develop a new framework to guide the country's capital market players and banking sectors in adopting technologies that would enable them to use software without installing them. Referred to as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) technologies, these are cloud-based services that deliver software applications over the Internet, eliminating the need for organisations to install and maintain software on their own servers. While SaaS is widely used globally, its adoption in India, particularly among regulated industries, has been slow. The research delves into the reasons for this hesitation and offers insights into how firms can assess risks involved in adopting SaaS. The research has been published in the prestigious Journal of Organisational Computing and Electronic Commerce. "Popular SaaS applications include Google Drive and Microsoft 365. While SaaS offers cost savings and flexibility, its adoption in India has been slow, especially in highly regulated industries, due to concerns over data security, privacy, and compliance with stringent regulations," said IIM Lucknow professor Arunabha Mukhopadhyay, who led the research. "The research addresses these concerns by introducing a risk-based IT governance framework, designed to help organisations in regulated sectors assess the risks associated in using cloud-based software. The framework focuses on how top management makes these decisions, especially about data security, loss of control, and regulatory compliance," he told PTI. Other members of the team included Swati Jain from IIM Amritsar and Shubhendu Dutta from IIM Kashipur. The team found that decisions about adopting SaaS in regulated industries depend largely on how leadership views and manages risks. The researchers developed a model that considers factors such as the organisation's risk tolerance, security measures, and internal processes. If the perceived risks are deemed too high, the model suggests taking steps to mitigate them before adopting SaaS. If the risks are manageable, the organisation can proceed with the adoption. "Our study, which includes a case study of a capital market firm, shows that organisations make decisions about SaaS adoption not just by evaluating the technology itself but by carefully assessing the risks involved. We emphasise the importance of managing risks related to data security and regulatory compliance," Mukhopadhyay said. "The framework we developed helps organisations evaluate these risks and make more informed decisions about whether to adopt SaaS. The practical implications of the study are significant. SaaS providers can leverage these findings to tailor their offerings to better meet the needs of companies in regulated industries, addressing their security and compliance concerns. "For organisations, especially in banking and capital markets, understanding how to evaluate and manage risks will help them adopt SaaS solutions more confidently. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing technology adoption, particularly in sectors where regulatory requirements and security concerns are paramount," he added.
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The hitman who killed a young U.S. Navy officer in Newport News 17 years ago was among the 37 death row inmates whose sentences were commuted by President Biden on Monday. David Anthony Runyon was found guilty in 2009 in the murder-for-hire slaying of Cory Allen Voss outside a Langley Federal Credit Union on Jefferson Avenue in the Oyster Point section of Newport News. Voss, 30, was a well-liked officer aboard the USS Elrod , a frigate based at the Norfolk Naval Station. The father of two was shot and killed in April 2007 in what was designed to look like a robbery gone bad. It turned out the plot was organized by Voss’ wife, Catherina “Cat” Voss, and her boyfriend, Michael Draven. Their goal: Collect $500,000 in insurance proceeds and live happily ever after. Prosecutors said Cat Voss sent her husband to the ATM off Jefferson Avenue, where Runyon — a former U.S. Army soldier — was waiting. He entered Voss’ pickup, forced him to drive around nearby before shooting him five times at close range. The trial, held for several weeks in U.S. District Court in Norfolk in the summer of 2009, was the last federal death penalty trial in Hampton Roads. The jury’s foreman later told the Daily Press that a handwritten note scrawled on a map that police found in Runyon’s pickup truck was a “devastating” piece of evidence against him. The map, found in the truck’s center console, had several notations about Cory Voss. It also had notes referencing the location of the Langley Federal Credit Union and a description of the gray pickup Voss would be driving. “That was one of the things that pushed it over — and the fact that he couldn’t explain it,” foreman Jeff Fink told the Daily Press in late 2009. Recorded phone calls, intercepted text messages and other evidence also played a role. The 12-member jury sentenced Runyon to death , and he’s been on death row in Terre Haute, Indiana, ever since. The Morgantown, West Virginia, native was 36 years old at the time of the killing and is now 53. But on Monday, Biden commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 inmates on federal death row inmate, giving them life sentences without the possibility of parole. “Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for all the families who have suffered unimaginable and irreparable loss,” Biden wrote in a statement. “But guided by my conscience and my experience as a public defender” and his roles in the Senate and as president, “I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level.” “In good conscience, I cannot stand back and let a new administration resume executions that I halted,” Biden added. Aside from Runyon, Biden also commuted the sentences of five other death row inmates in federal murder cases from Virginia. That includes two from Richmond, and one each from Alexandria, Lee County and Mount Vernon. Biden said he would leave on death row those inmates whose cases arose from terrorism and “hate-induced mass murder.” Still on death row are the man who carried out the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, the killer of nine at a historically Black church in South Carolina in 2015, and a man who killed 11 at a Pittsburgh Synagogue in 2018. Incoming President Donald Trump had promised to increase the pace of federal executions in his administration, with Trump sharply criticized the commutations in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday. “Joe Biden just commuted the Death Sentence on 37 of the worst killers in our Country,” Trump wrote. “When you hear the acts of each, you won’t believe that he did this. Makes no sense. Relatives and friends are further devastated. They can’t believe this is happening!” In an interview Tuesday, Voss’ sister, Kristen Smith, 44, of Monroe, Michigan, said the jury’s death sentence against Runyon should have stayed in place. “My take on it is, if someone is going to purposely take another life, they forfeit the right to their own,” Smith said. “If you take yourself out of the laws of civilization and don’t act like a civilized person, then you take yourself out outside of that.” “My brother didn’t die because of an accident,” Smith said, saying Runyon “did this purposely for personal gain.” Voss’ mother, Barbara Wilson, 72, also of Michigan, said she learned about Biden’s commutations on the radio Monday, then got a call from Managing Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa McKeel, one of the federal prosecutors on the Newport News case. Wilson said she’s normally “philosophically opposed to the death penalty” because of the chance of executing an innocent person. But she was in favor of the death penalty in her son’s case. That’s not only because Cory “was an eye for an eye kind of guy” and would have supported it, she said, but also because of the overwhelming evidence that Runyon killed her son. “In this case it’s very much warranted,” Wilson said. Still, though she would “prefer he be on death row, I’m kind of OK with life in prison without parole.” Runyon’s lead 2009 trial attorney, Lawrence H. Woodward Jr. of Virginia Beach, declined to comment on the commutation Monday. Runyon’s current attorneys, Kathryn Ali with Ali & Lockwood LLP in Washington and Elizabeth J. Peiffer and Robert Edward Lee Jr. with the Virginia Capital Representation Resource Center in Charlottesville, could not be immediately reached Tuesday. Litigation over the Runyon case has been active over the past several years, with the inmate’s attorneys having pressed hard for a new sentencing hearing. Among other things, they contended that one of Runyon’s lawyers at the 2009 trial, the late Steve Hudgins, failed to adequately explore evidence that Runyon was suffering from brain damage when he killed Voss in 2007 If jurors knew about that brain damage — possibly caused by child abuse and being later hit head-on by a drunk driver while serving in the Army — they might have spared Runyon’s life, his lawyers contended. In December 2020, the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the claim had merit . They told the original Norfolk trial judge to conduct an evidentiary hearing to further explore the issue. Senior U.S. District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith did just that, finally holding a 15-day evidentiary hearing on the issue in November 2023, with Runyon’s attorneys pitted against the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Seven months later, in June 2024, Smith handed down 100-page ruling saying a new sentencing is unwarranted. “The court will not set aside the jury’s unanimous verdict by imposing an impossibly high standard for the performance of death penalty trial counsel some fifteen years after-the-fact,” Smith wrote. The trial attorney’s performance, she wrote, was “eminently reasonable at the time” and as such didn’t violate Runyon’s right to effective counsel. Smith’s ruling meant the 2009 jury’s death sentence would stand. But with Biden’s commutations Monday, that ruling is now moot. Runyon now gets several life sentences without the possibility of parole, which is what his lawyers have been pushing for more than a decade. Runyon now has identical sentences as both Catherina Voss and Draven. Voss, 49, is locked up at a federal prison in Alabama, while Draven, 44, is at a federal prison in California. Peter Dujardin, 757-897-2062, pdujardin@dailypress.com Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Police identify Hampton man found dead at Great Dismal Swamp Police identify Hampton man found dead at Great Dismal Swamp 45 years ago, a Virginia Beach woman was killed. Her family is still waiting for answers. 45 years ago, a Virginia Beach woman was killed. Her family is still waiting for answers. Hampton considers accessory dwelling units as solution to housing shortage Hampton considers accessory dwelling units as solution to housing shortage Man sentenced to life in prison for drug-robbery slaying of popular skateboarder Man sentenced to life in prison for drug-robbery slaying of popular skateboarder David Teel: Why Norfolk State? For Michael Vick, the 757 is home David Teel: Why Norfolk State? For Michael Vick, the 757 is home Williamsburg regional sports complex gets new name Williamsburg regional sports complex gets new name Seven Poquoson football players take Class 2 all-state honors Seven Poquoson football players take Class 2 all-state honors Live: Michael Vick introduced as Norfolk State’s coach Live: Michael Vick introduced as Norfolk State’s coach Virginia Beach Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent ‘friendly fire’ incident; recovered alive Virginia Beach Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent ‘friendly fire’ incident; recovered alive Public records: Hampton EDA buys Kelly’s Tavern building, restaurants and retailers sign leases Public records: Hampton EDA buys Kelly’s Tavern building, restaurants and retailers sign leases Trending Nationally U.S.-imposed tariffs on Canada would be ‘devastating’ for Massachusetts economy, Gov. Healey says NYPD arrests man suspected of lighting homeless woman on fire in Brooklyn subway car, killing her Surgery for boy after drones fell from sky during Florida holiday show Chicago girl helps make scientific discovery of molecule with cancer-fighting properties in goose poop California No. 1 for crazy, pretentious residents, poll saysThe King and the Prime Minister have paid tribute to Jimmy Carter following the former US president’s death on Sunday aged 100. In a message to the American people, the King expressed “great sadness” at the news of Mr Carter’s death, describing him as “a committed public servant” who “devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights”. He added: “His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977. “My thoughts and prayers are with President Carter’s family and the American people at this time.” Mr Carter, a former peanut farmer, served one term in the White House between 1977 and 1981 and spent his post-presidency years as a global humanitarian, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Carter had “lived his values in the service of others to the very end” through “decades of selfless public service”. Praising a “lifelong dedication to peace” that saw him win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Sir Keir added: “Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad.” Tributes to Mr Carter followed the announcement of his death by his family on Sunday, more than a year after he decided to enter hospice care. His son, Chip Carter, said: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love.” Very sorry to hear of President Carter’s passing. I pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) US President Joe Biden, one of the first elected politicians to endorse Mr Carter’s bid for the presidency in 1976, said the world had “lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian”. He said: “Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. “With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us.” Vice President Kamala Harris said Mr Carter “reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion”. “His life and legacy continue to inspire me — and will inspire generations to come,” she said. “Our world is a better place because of President Carter.” Other UK politicians also paid tribute to Mr Carter. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said he was “an inspiration” who “led a truly remarkable life dedicated to public service with a genuine care for people”. Scottish First Minister John Swinney described the former president as “a good, decent, honest man who strove for peace in all that he did”, while Welsh First Minister said he was “a remarkable man” and “a humanitarian and scholar”. Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair said Mr Carter’s “life was a testament to public service”. He added: “I always had the greatest respect for him, his spirit and his dedication. He fundamentally cared and consistently toiled to help those in need.” Gordon Brown, another former prime minister, said it was a “privilege” to have known Mr Carter, who “will be mourned, not just in America, but in every continent where human rights are valued”. Mr Carter is expected to receive a state funeral featuring public observances in Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington DC before being buried in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. A moderate democrat born in Plains in October 1924, Mr Carter’s political career took him from the Georgia state senate to the state governorship and, finally, the White House, where he took office as 39th president in the wake of the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War. His presidency saw economic disruption amid volatile oil prices, along with social tensions at home and challenges abroad including the Iranian revolution that sparked a 444-day hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran. But he also brokered the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, which led to a peace treaty between the two countries in 1979. After his defeat in the 1980 presidential election, he worked more than four decades leading The Carter Centre, which he and his late wife Rosalynn co-founded in 1982 to “wage peace, fight disease, and build hope”. Under his leadership, the Carter Center virtually eliminated Guinea Worm disease, which has gone from affecting 3.5 million people in Africa and Asia in 1986 to just 14 in 2023. Mrs Carter, who died last year aged 96, had played a more active role in her husband’s presidency than previous first ladies, with Mr Carter saying she had been “my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished”. Earlier this year, on his 100th birthday, Mr Carter received a private congratulatory message from the King, expressing admiration for his life of public serviceAllar puts critics on mute, keeps winning for Penn State
Saquon Barkley ninth player with 2,000-yard rushing seasonKing and PM honour former US president Jimmy Carter after his death aged 100
Rico Carty, who won the 1970 NL batting title when he hit a major league-best .366 for the Atlanta Braves, has died. He was 85. , the players’ association and the Braves paid tribute to Carty on social media on Sunday. No further details on Carty’s death were provided. “Carty was one of the first groundbreaking Latino stars in the major leagues, and he established himself as a hero to millions in his native Dominican Republic, his hometown of San Pedro de Macoris, and the city of Atlanta, where he was a beloved fan favourite,” the players’ association said . The Braves said Carty left on the organization. “While his on-field accomplishments will never be forgotten, his unforgettable smile and generous nature will be sorely missed,” the team said in its statement. Carty made his big league debut with the Braves in September 1963. He batted .330 with 22 homers and 88 RBIs in his first full season in 1964, finishing second to Dick Allen in voting for NL Rookie of the Year. The Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta after the 1965 season, and Carty got the franchise’s first hit in its new home on April 12, 1966, against Pittsburgh. Carty had his best year in 1970, batting .366 with 25 homers and a career-best 101 RBIs. He started the All-Star Game after he was elected as a write-in candidate, joining Willie Mays and Hank Aaron in the NL outfield. Carty batted .299 with 204 homers and 890 RBIs over 15 years in the majors, also playing for Cleveland, Toronto, Oakland, Texas and the Chicago Cubs. He retired after the 1979 season.Was 2024 indeed better than last year for the big boys of Indian IT?
NEW YORK — The last of the crystal triangles that make up this year's Times Square New Year's Eve ball were installed Friday morning. It's the first time in 10 years that all 2,688 were replaced at once. Rapper Pitbull and inventor Joy Mangano were among those on hand to help the organizers of the celebration put the final pieces in place atop One Times Square, the skyscraper from which the 11,875-pound geodesic sphere drops to mark the new year. A New Year's Eve ball was first dropped in Times Square in 1907. Built by a young immigrant metalworker named Jacob Starr, the 700-pound, 5-foot diameter ball was made of iron and wood and featured 100 25-watt lightbulbs. Six newer versions of the ball were featured in the century-plus since that first celebration. The only years no ball drop occurred were 1942 and 1943, when the city instituted a nightly "dimout" during World War II to protect itself from attacks. Crowds instead celebrated the new year with a moment of silence followed by chimes rung from the base of One Times Square. As the new year approaches, many people begin thinking about their resolutions—typically focusing on physical health, saving money, or spending more time with family. One area that often gets overlooked is mental health. The pressure to "get fit" or "eat better" is well-known, but taking care of mental well-being is just as important as improving physical health, especially since mental health impacts every aspect of life. At first glance, mental health goals can seem intangible and subjective, but there are scientifically-proven ways to set achievable, measurable, and personalized mental wellness goals that will help anyone thrive in 2025. Vivian Chung Easton, a mental health therapist at Blueprint , a company focused on building AI-powered tools to help therapists, shares recommendations for setting mental health resolutions. Prioritize Self-Compassion and Resilience Building One of the most important mental wellness goals for 2025 is to prioritize self-compassion and resilience. In a culture that often celebrates hustle and perfection, it's easy to push yourself too hard, setting unrealistic expectations that only add to stress and anxiety. But research shows that self-compassion and resilience are critical factors in coping with stress and maintaining long-term mental well-being. A 2021 study by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer highlights that self-compassion—treating yourself with kindness when things don't go as planned—can reduce emotional distress and improve resilience. Instead of criticism for not meeting a goal or making a mistake, practice affirmations or positive self-talk. A simple goal, like being kinder to yourself during setbacks, can help reduce stress and boost mental wellness. A goal can look something like this: Create 10 positive affirmations (like "It's ok, I'm doing the best I can") to use for positive self-talk when you make a mistake. Practice mindfulness for 10 minutes a day, five days a week. Practicing mindfulness doesn't have to just mean meditating, being present in the moment can look different for everyone. The goal of mindfulness is to do one thing and only that thing—not multi-tasking. Whether reading, stretching, or washing the dishes, do what makes sense for your life. Use three coping strategies during stressful situations each week, like grounding exercises, breaking things down into smaller tasks, or rethinking a challenge positively. This can improve your ability to handle different situations with resilience and self-compassion. Making room for self-compassion this year can be a transformative step toward building resilience and enhancing overall mental health. Incorporate Social Connections Into Your Mental Health Goals Social connection is one of the most important factors in mental wellness, yet it's often overlooked in favor of individual self-improvement goals. Physical isolation can lead to loneliness, but social isolation is also strongly linked to mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, according to a study by Juliannee Holt-Lundstad. Meaningful relationships and community support can improve how satisfied you feel in your life on a day-to-day basis. This year, make it a goal to strengthen and nurture social connections, whether that means reconnecting with old friends, regularly scheduling family time, or joining social groups and clubs—like a book club, gym, or church group. For example, a social wellness goal can look like: Reconnect with a friend or family member once a month. Join a support group to build a community of people who understand individual challenges. Attend social events (virtual events count too) to foster a sense of belonging. Building mental wellness isn't just about managing thoughts and feelings; it's also about fostering a strong support network. Social connections are integral to building emotional resilience. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques as a Foundation Just as physical fitness is associated with physical health, mindfulness is often associated with mental fitness. However, practicing mindfulness is just as important as going for a run or lifting weights when it comes to mental wellness. Mindfulness-based practices—such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises—have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve focus, and boost emotional well-being according to research by Stefan Hofman in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Incorporating mindfulness into a routine doesn't have to be time-consuming or difficult. Start small by committing to 5–10 minutes of mindfulness practice a few times a week . Focus on breath, practice guided meditation, or even engage in mindful walking or eating. A simple goal might be: Meditate for five minutes daily . Practice mindful eating by turning off electronic devices, like your phone, TV, and computer when eating. These exercises are called a practice for a reason: doing them consistently and often can strengthen your ability over time. These practices not only reduce stress in the moment but also help to build resilience over time, making it easier to handle future challenges. Set Realistic and Achievable SMART Goals Whatever New Year's resolution you might have, a large obstacle is setting goals that are too ambitious or unrealistic. Whether it's aiming to exercise every day or cutting out all sugar, overambitious goals can lead to burnout and disappointment when progress isn't immediate. This is especially true for mental health goals, which often require patience and consistency. Using these suggestions for mental health goals, focus on how to personalize them to make them realistic and achievable for your life. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that people are more likely to succeed in their resolutions when they set realistic and incremental goals. Instead of vague, broad goals like "be happier" or "stress less," focus on small, concrete actions that can lead to big changes over time. One effective approach is to use SMART goals—goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example: Instead of resolving to "be happier," aim to journal for 10 minutes every morning, identifying one thing that brought you joy that day . Instead of "reduce stress," try committing to eating one meal without your electronic devices . Rather than "improve mental health," set a goal to find activities that lead to better mental health for you—like hiking or meeting a friend for coffee—and do it once a month. These specific, measurable actions make it easier to track progress and feel a sense of accomplishment along the way. Plus, they're more realistic and achievable, which increases your chances of success. Monitor Progress and Adjust Mental Health Goals Throughout the Year It happens every year—gyms always seem to empty out before spring starts. One of the challenges of New Year's resolutions is that many people abandon their goals as early as January. However, mental health goals require ongoing attention and flexibility. Unlike weight loss or fitness goals, mental wellness is a journey, not an endpoint. Regularly tracking progress is essential. By setting aside time to evaluate personal progress, it's easier to adjust your goals and make necessary changes to keep things on track. Research shows that regular goal check-ins increase the likelihood of long-term success. Consider setting quarterly check-ins with yourself to assess your mental health goals: Have you been practicing mindfulness regularly? Are you feeling more self-compassionate during setbacks? Are you meeting your social connection goals? If you're not meeting your targets, adjust them to make them more realistic. Mental health progress doesn't always follow a straight line, so it's important to be flexible and forgiving with yourself. Your Resolutions are Personal and Evolving The new year is inherently a time of change, and that can be a helpful mindset in seeing new potential for growth and taking action. As you set your resolutions for 2025, don't forget to prioritize mental wellness. By focusing on achievable, realistic goals—you're setting yourself up for a healthier, more fulfilling year. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and nurturing it can help to reach other goals more effectively. Even if, in a month or two, you feel like you're falling behind—mental health goals can and should be flexible and adaptable. You can always adjust your approach if things aren't serving you, and check in with yourself regularly to stay on track. Goals are personal, and you're always in control. Here's to a year of growth, balance, and emotional well-being in 2025. This stor y was produced by Blueprint and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. PeopleImages.com - Yuri A // Shutterstock Photo Credit: Alberto Menendez Cervero / Shutterstock As anyone who’s ever started a business knows, getting one off the ground is not for the faint of heart. Entrepreneurs face numerous challenges in the early years, from solidifying business plans to navigating the complexities of hiring employees and acquiring licenses and insurance. These hurdles often determine the fate of a startup, making the journey from an idea to a successful enterprise both difficult and uncertain. Each year, millions of Americans file new business applications , but only a fraction of these ventures transition to hiring employees. Among those that do, surviving the critical first few years can still be an uphill battle. However, survival rates differ significantly by location, influenced by a variety of factors such as economic conditions, state policies, and industry-specific demand. The good news is that businesses that weather the initial hurdles see a much greater likelihood of long-term success. This analysis explores the states where new businesses are most likely to survive their earliest years based on the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The findings reveal important insights into how location and time impact the chances of business success. Alberto Menendez Cervero Washington & California lead the country in new business survival rates Source: Simply Business analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data | Image Credit: Simply Business New business success varies widely across the United States, with some states providing a more favorable environment for startups to thrive. Based on survival rates for the first three years of operation, Washington and California stand out as the nation’s leading states. Washington claims the top spot, with businesses in the state enjoying an 86.4% chance of surviving their first year, 89.3% in their second year, and an impressive 91.8% in their third year. These figures highlight Washington's robust support for young businesses, likely fueled by its thriving tech ecosystem and a generally favorable economic climate. California ranks second, with survival rates of 86.0% in the first year, 89.8% in the second, and 91.4% in the third. Despite challenges such as high costs of living and regulatory complexities, California’s strong economy, innovation hubs, and access to venture capital contribute to its high ranking. Outside of the West Coast, West Virginia —whose economy is deeply rooted in energy production, natural resources, and manufacturing—ranks third, boasting the highest third-year survival rates at 91.9%. North Carolina —a major banking center and home of the Research Triangle—follows closely with similar numbers. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Minnesota businesses face the toughest challenges in their early years, with only 72.3% surviving their first year and 80.2% their second. These regional differences highlight the importance of local economic conditions in shaping a startup's odds of success. For entrepreneurs planning their next move, this analysis offers insight into where businesses are thriving and where challenges are more pronounced. Factors like industry presence, regulatory environments, and access to resources can create opportunities—or hurdles—that significantly affect survival rates in the critical early years. Choosing the right location isn’t just about personal preference; it can mean the difference between failure and success. This analysis was conducted by Simply Business —an online insurance marketplace for small businesses—using 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For complete results, see the original post: States Where New Businesses Are Most Likely to Succeed . Photo Credit: Alberto Menendez Cervero / Shutterstock The data in this report comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Business Employment Dynamics . To determine the states where new businesses are most likely to succeed, researchers at Simply Business developed a business survival index. This index is based on a weighted average of the most recent survival rates for private-sector establishments during their first, second, and third years of operation, as of March 2024. The survival rates were calculated using sequential benchmarks. The first-year survival rate is the percentage of businesses still active one year after opening. The second-year rate is the percentage of those first-year survivors that remained operational for another year. Similarly, the third-year rate is the percentage of second-year survivors that continued into the following year. The data focuses exclusively on private-sector businesses with at least one employee. For complete results, see States Where New Businesses Are Most Likely to Succeed on Simply Business. Alberto Menendez CerveroDTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) Shares Purchased by Caprock Group LLC
Texas will look to win its fourth straight game and carry a measure of momentum into its inaugural season as a member of the Southeastern Conference when it hosts Northwestern State on Sunday afternoon in Austin, Texas. It's the final tune-up before the SEC gauntlet for the Longhorns (10-2), who roll into Sunday's game with 10 days of rest and after a 98-62 win over New Orleans on Dec. 19. Justin Pope led Texas with a career-high 42 points, the most for a member of the Longhorns since Reggie Freeman had 43 against Fresno State in 1996. Arthur Kaluma added 15 points and Chendall Weaver scored 12 for Texas, which played without star freshman guard Tre Johnson for the second straight game. Johnson has been listed as day-to-day for a return but would be a likely participant to get at least some playing time before the Longhorns' SEC opener at No. 13 Texas A&M on Jan. 4. Texas coach Rodney Terry is looking for focus on the defensive end from his team as it heads into league play. "We want to be playing Texas basketball defensively," Terry said. "We try to protect the paint, we try to keep the guys off the glass, (and be) physical (with our) block outs. Then try to get out and play to a strength of ours. We're a fast team but you've got to be able to get stops to be able to do that and play in transition." Northwestern State (5-6, 2-0 Southland Conference) heads to Austin after an 89-79 win at home over Southern-New Orleans on Dec. 20. Addison Patterson turned in a career performance in the win with 33 points, 10 rebounds and four assists as the Demons won for the third time in four games. The Demons have played four teams from power conferences -- Texas Tech, Oklahoma, LSU and, most recently, Cal on Dec. 14 -- and have lost by at least 16 points in each game. "Our guys are always ready to play," Demons coach Rick Cabrera said. "We had a really good Christmas break to decompress and recuperate. They are just ready and willing to play anyone regardless of conference. Texas is extremely talented, and we are looking forward to competing with one of the top programs in the country." The contest against Texas is the final non-conference game for Northwestern State, which returns to Southland Conference play at home against Nicholls on Jan. 4. The Longhorns have won all five previous games with Northwestern State, most recently a 105-57 victory at home in November 2017. --Field Level Media
CENTURION: Kagiso Rabada turned batting hero as he and Marco Jansen took South Africa to a dramatic two-wicket win over Pakistan on the fourth day of the first Test at SuperSport Park on Sunday. Needing 148 to win, South Africa crashed to 99 for eight against superb bowling by Mohammad Abbas. The 34-year-old Abbas took a career-best six for 54. But Rabada, so often a match-winner as a bowler, went on the attack as a batsman, hitting an unbeaten 31 off 26 balls, while Jansen provided solid support in making 16 not out. Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad rock South Africa at start of chase Abbas bowled unchanged for 19.3 overs – four of them on Saturday when he took his first two wickets – in a spell of unremitting accuracy on a pitch which gave seam bowlers help throughout the match. It was a remarkable comeback for Abbas, whose previous Test appearance was against the West Indies in Kingston in August 2021. But it was not quite enough for Pakistan, seeking their first win in South Africa in 18 years. The result ensured qualification for South Africa in the final of the World Test championship final in England next year. Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma batted solidly at the start of the day after resuming on 27 for three. Markram and Bavuma put on 43 for the fourth wicket, with Bavuma surviving on 14 – and getting six runs – when he hooked Abbas to fine leg, where Naseem Shah stepped over the boundary in catching the ball. Markram looked secure but was bowled by Abbas for 37 by a virtually unplayable ball which kept low and seamed back off the pitch. Bavuma and David Bedingham added another 34 runs until Bavuma uncharacteristically charged down the pitch at Abbas and was given out caught behind for 40. He walked off immediately but Ultra Edge technology showed the only ‘spike’ was when the ball brushed his trouser pocket. It was the first of four wickets which fell for three runs in 12 balls. Naseem Shah bowled Kyle Verreynne and Abbas had Bedingham and Corbin Bosch caught behind off successive deliveries. Rabada and Jansen saw South Africa through to lunch at 116 for eight – then polished off the match in just 5.3 overs after the interval, with each stroke cheered by the home spectators.Illinois data breach exposes 1M records, 4,700 Social Security numbersFinal crystal triangles installed on Times Square ball ahead of New Year's Eve
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