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7 penal code WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers, meet your latest lobbyists: online influencers from TikTok. The platform is once again bringing influencers to Washington, this time to lobby members of Congress to reject a fast-moving bill that would force TikTok's Beijing-based parent company to sell or be banned in the United States. On Tuesday, some influencers began a two-day advocacy event in support of TikTok, which arranged their trip ahead of a House floor vote on the legislation on Wednesday. But unlike a similar lobbying event the company put together last March when talks of a TikTok ban reached a fever pitch, this year’s effort appeared more rushed as the company scrambles to counter the legislation, which advanced rapidly on Capitol Hill. Summer Lucille, a TikTok content creator with 1.4 million followers who is visiting Washington this week, said if TikTok is banned, she “don’t know what it will do” to her business, a plus-sized boutique in Charlotte, North Carolina. “It will be devastating,” Lucille said in an interview arranged by the platform. In an unusual showing of bipartisanship, a House panel unanimously approved the measure last week. President Joe Biden has said he will sign the legislation if lawmakers pass it. But it’s unclear what will happen in the Senate, where several bills aimed at banning TikTok have stalled. The legislation faces other roadblocks. Former president and current presidential candidate Donald Trump, who holds sway over both House and Senate Republicans, has voiced opposition to the bill, saying it would empower Meta-owned Facebook, which he continues to lambast over his 2020 election loss. The bill also faces pushback from some progressive lawmakers in the House as well as civil liberties groups who argue it infringes on the First Amendment. TikTok could be banned if ByteDance, the parent company, doesn’t sell its stakes in the platform and other applications it owns within six months of the bill’s enactment. The fight over the platform takes place as U.S.-China relations have shifted to that of strategic rivalry, especially in areas such as advanced technologies and data security, seen as essential to each country’s economic prowess and national security. The shift, which started during the Trump years and has continued under Biden, has placed restrictions on export of advanced technologies and outflow of U.S. monies to China, as well as access to the U.S. market by certain Chinese businesses. The Biden administration also has cited human rights concerns in blacklisting a number of Chinese companies accused of assisting the state surveillance campaign against ethnic minorities. TikTok isn’t short on lobbyists. Its Beijing-based parent company ByteDance has a strong lobbying apparatus in Washington that includes dozens of lobbyists from well-known consulting and legal firms as well as influential insiders, such as former members of Congress and ex-aides to powerful lawmakers, according to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew will also be in Washington this week and plans to meet with lawmakers, according to a company spokesperson who said Chew’s visit was previously scheduled. But influencers, who have big followings on social media and can share personal stories of how the platform boosted their businesses — or simply gave them a voice — are still perhaps one of the most powerful tools the company has in its arsenal. A TikTok spokesperson said dozens of influencers will attend the two-day event, including some who came last year. The spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions about how many new people would be attending this year’s lobbying blitz. The company is briefing them ahead of meetings with their representatives and media interviews. Lucille, who runs the boutique in North Carolina, says has seen a substantial surge in revenue because of her TikTok page. The 34-year-old began making TikTok content focusing on plus-sized fashion in March 2022, more than a decade after she started her business. She quickly amassed thousands of followers after posting a nine-second video about her boutique. Because of her popularity on the platform, her business has more online exposure and customers, some of whom have visited from as far as Europe. She says she also routinely hears from followers who are finding support through her content about fashion and confidence. JT Laybourne, an influencer who also came to Washington, said he joined TikTok in early 2019 after getting some negative comments on videos he posted on Instagram while singing in the car with his children. Laybourne, who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, said he was attracted to the short-form video platform because it was easy to create videos that contained music. Like Lucille, he quickly gained traction on the app. He says he also received more support from TikTok users, who reacted positively to content he produced on love and positivity. Laybourne says the community he built on the platform rallied around his family when he had to undergo heart surgery in 2020. Following the surgery, he said he used the platform to help raise $1 million for the American Heart Association in less than two years. His family now run an apparel company that gets most of its traffic from TikTok. “I will fight tooth-and-nail for this app,” he said. But whether the opposition the company is mounting through lobbyists or influencers will be enough to derail the bill is yet to be seen. On Tuesday, House lawmakers received a briefing on national security concerns regarding TikTok from the FBI, Justice Department and intelligence officials. AP Journalist Didi Tang contributed to this report. This story was originally published on March 12, 2024. It was updated on December 23, 2024 to clarify a quote by TikTok content creator Summer Lucille.Noodles and wine are the secret ingredients for a strange new twist in China's doping saga

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (AP) — Marcus Johnson scored 20 points as Bowling Green beat Aquinas (Michigan) 87-62 on Monday. Johnson went 8 of 10 from the field (3 for 5 from 3-point range) for the Falcons (5-7). Derrick Butler scored 18 points and added five rebounds. Jamai Felt had 13 points and shot 5 of 6 from the field and 3 for 4 from the line. Jadakiss Lewis led the Saints in scoring, finishing with 15 points and two steals. Caden Pokorzynski added 12 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Bowling Green led 43-25 at halftime, with Johnson racking up 15 points. Butler scored a team-high 13 points after intermission. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Nittany Lions regulars sustain serious leg injuries at MinnesotaWall Street shrugs off weak data as Big Tech stocks rally

NoneDubai Weeklys Unveils Highlights of Winter City Expo 2024 and New Year's Eve 2025 12-23-2024 11:46 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/uploads/a4393255be8082162fbe418ef3aba899.jpg Dubai, renowned for its innovation and grandeur, is set to host the Winter City Expo [ https://dubaiweeklys.com/winter-city-dubai-2024-at-expo-city/ ] from December 6 to December 31, 2024, at Expo City Dubai. This annual event transforms the city into a winter wonderland, offering a blend of cultural festivities, technological showcases, and family-friendly entertainment. Event Highlights * Dates and Timings: The Expo runs daily from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, providing ample opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the festive spirit. * Venue: Expo City Dubai, a state-of-the-art location that previously hosted Expo 2020, serves as the backdrop for this festive celebration. * Winter Wonderland Experience: Visitors can enjoy artificial snow, ice sculptures, and interactive snow-themed activities, creating an authentic winter atmosphere in the heart of the desert. * Festive Markets: The Expo features Christmas markets offering a variety of handcrafted goods, festive foods, and unique souvenirs, perfect for holiday shopping. * Live Performances: Attendees can look forward to carol performances, theatrical shows, and musical acts that add to the festive ambiance. * Family-Friendly Activities: With dedicated zones for children, the Expo offers workshops, games, and entertainment suitable for all ages. * Pricing: Entry fees start at AED 40 online, with various packages available to enhance the visitor experience. * Purchase Options: Tickets can be purchased online through official platforms, ensuring a seamless entry process. Attractions and Activities Ticket Information New Year's Eve 2025 in Dubai: A Spectacular Celebration As the year draws to a close, Dubai prepares to host some of the most extravagant New Year's Eve celebrations [ https://dubaiweeklys.com/new-year-in-dubai-2025-what-to-expect/ ] worldwide. Here's what to expect as you welcome 2025 in this vibrant city. Iconic Fireworks Displays * Burj Khalifa: The world's tallest building is renowned for its breathtaking fireworks and light shows, attracting spectators globally. * Atlantis The Palm: This luxury resort hosts a grand fireworks display, often accompanied by live performances and gala dinners. * The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah: Offering a waterfront view, The Pointe provides a stunning backdrop for fireworks, complemented by dining and entertainment options. * Gala Dinners: Many of Dubai's luxury hotels and restaurants offer exclusive New Year's Eve gala dinners, featuring gourmet cuisine, live entertainment, and views of the city's fireworks. * Beach Clubs and Yacht Parties: For those seeking a lively atmosphere, beach clubs and yacht parties provide music, dancing, and a festive environment to ring in the new year. * Global Village: This multicultural festival park offers family-friendly New Year's Eve celebrations, including fireworks and cultural performances. * Dubai Festival City Mall: Known for its impressive IMAGINE laser and fountain shows, the mall provides a family-oriented environment to celebrate the new year. * Accommodation: Given the influx of tourists during the festive season, it's advisable to book accommodations well in advance. * Transportation: Dubai's public transport operates extended hours during New Year's Eve, but due to high demand, consider arranging private transportation or arriving early at your chosen venue. * Dress Code: While Dubai is relatively liberal, it's recommended to adhere to a smart-casual dress code, especially when attending upscale events. * Crowd Management: Authorities implement crowd control measures to ensure public safety during large gatherings, particularly around popular areas like Downtown Dubai. * Health Precautions: Stay informed about any health advisories or requirements, such as mask mandates or vaccination proof, that may be in place during your visit. Exclusive Events and Parties Family-Friendly Celebrations Planning Your Visit Safety Measures Conclusion Dubai's Winter City Expo 2024 and New Year's Eve in Dubai 2025 celebrations offer a unique blend of cultural experiences, entertainment, and luxury. Whether you're exploring the winter-themed attractions at the Expo or witnessing the city's iconic fireworks displays, Dubai provides an unforgettable setting to conclude the year and usher in new beginnings. Follow Dubai weeklys [ https://dubaiweeklys.com/ ] to explore more about Dubai Media Contact Company Name: Dubai Weeklys Contact Person: Andrew Jackson Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=dubai-weeklys-unveils-highlights-of-winter-city-expo-2024-and-new-years-eve-2025 ] City: Dubai Country: United Arab Emirates Website: https://dubaiweeklys.com/ This release was published on openPR.Dimopoulos shines in double OT and Northern Illinois beats Fresno State 28-20 in Idaho Potato Bowl

David Coote will not appeal against the termination of his contract by referees’ body PGMOL, the PA news agency understands. Coote was sacked earlier this month after the emergence of a video in which he made derogatory remarks about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp. Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) said that a thorough investigation had concluded he was “in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable”. “Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare,” PGMOL’s statement on December 9 added. Coote had the right to appeal against the decision but PA understands the Nottinghamshire referee has decided not to. The video which triggered PGMOL’s investigation into Coote’s conduct first came to public attention on November 11. In it, Coote is asked for his views on a Liverpool match where he has just been fourth official, and describes them as “s***”. He then describes Klopp as a “c***”, and, asked why he felt that way, Coote says the German had “a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown” and had accused him of lying. “I have got no interest in speaking to someone who’s f****** arrogant, so I do my best not to speak to him,” Coote said. Later in the video, Coote again refers to Klopp, this time as a “German c***”. The Football Association opened its own investigation into that video, understood to be centred on that last comment and whether Coote’s reference to Klopp’s nationality constituted an aggravated breach of its misconduct rules. The investigation by PGMOL which led to Coote’s contract being terminated is also understood to have looked at another video which appeared to show Coote snorting a white powder, purportedly during Euro 2024 where he was one of the assistant VARs for the tournament. European football’s governing body UEFA also appointed an ethics investigator to look into the matter.

American living in UK absolutely ‘grossed out’ by this one thing in a supermarketAncient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Mid Penn Bank’s next move: expanding its footprint while deepening community ties

Hawkins stock soars to all-time high of $135.7 amid robust growthNew Delhi Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday said disinformation, misinformation, mal-information, and fake news have such power that they are always ready to tear the social fabric with the use of the latest technology. Delivering the 37th Intelligence Bureau Centenary Endowment Lecture in New Delhi, Shah said, “Divisive forces are still active in the country today. Disinformation, misinformation, mal-information, and fake news have such power that they are always ready to disrupt the social fabric of our society with the help of new technology.” Addressing the gathering, the Union minister said that attacks on critical infrastructure, cyberattacks, information warfare, psychological warfare, chemical warfare, and the radicalization of youth have emerged as intensified challenges. Also read | Insult to Ambedkar: Congress to submit memo seeking Amit Shah’s removal Shah also stressed the need to develop an intelligence coordination strategy with friendly nations to detect anti-India organisations and networks. “He said merely sharing information is not enough; we must also ensure that we receive vital intelligence from them. He highlighted the need to take prompt and decisive action against hoax calls and fake emails, as enemies of the country are successfully creating an atmosphere of fear and terror among the public through these means,” a Press Information Bureau(PIB) statement quoted the minister as saying. He said that till five years back, the country faced three long-standing issues, Northeast, left-wing extremism (LWE), and Kashmir, which challenged the country’s peace, law and order, security, and future. Shah said if challenges such as left-wing extremism, terrorism, organised crime, divisive forces, communalism, narcotics, and antisocial elements are to be fully controlled, ensuring the security of society is of paramount importance. Also read | Ukraine drones strike buildings in heart of Russia in 9/11 style attack The aviation sector has been severely hit by hundreds of hoax calls about bombs in airplanes and airports. While a few cases in which the calls were made by students or those without any terror links, have been solve, the probe has hit road block in majority of the cases because the calls were made using virtual private networks. According to government data, 680 hoax calls were received, in October alone, impacting tens of thousands of passengers and causing losses to the airlines and operators. Such hoax calls about bombs have also been received at schools, malls and hospitals too. A government spokesperson, Shah’s address during the lecture also spoke on the other challenges. “He pointed out that challenges such as using misinformation to provoke separatism, communal riots, drug trade via social media, cyber espionage, and cryptocurrency-related issues have now emerged as unique challenges. He emphasized that in order to tackle these challenges, we must prepare our agencies with new methods, stepping beyond traditional approaches. He stressed that we need to think out of the box to find solutions, because as the challenges evolve, our strategies must also change,” the PIB statement said. Also read | CISF updates protocols to deal with hoax threat menace targeting airlines The home minister in his address said that till five years ago, the country faced three long-standing issues - the Northeast, Left-Wing Extremism, and Kashmir, that challenged its peace, law and order, security, and future. “He added that due to the strict policies and tough decisions of the Modi government, the upcoming generations no longer need to worry about these three threats, as we have achieved almost decisive victory over them. He mentioned that violent incidents in these three regions have dropped by 70%, and fatalities have reduced by approximately 86%...... He pointed out that with just one click of a computer, any country’s critical and digital infrastructure can be damaged. He stressed that we need to broaden the Intelligence Bureau’s concept of security and prepare for the challenges of the future,” the PIB statement said. The Intelligence Bureau is responsible for the country’s internal security. The current IB chief is Tapan Deka, a 1988 batch IPS officer. Unlike other forces, the IB is a shadow organisation and does not speak to the press or give statements but works in the background. The home minister during this work reiterated the importance of the IB, its work over the years, and its tradition of sacrifice and dedication—where credit is often passed on to others—have kept the country safe today. The IB does not have the power to arrest or investigate and always passes on its tip-offs to other agencies. “By identifying and eliminating threats in a timely manner, the intelligence ecosystem helps maintain trust and stability within society.... if we are to fully control challenges such as Naxalism, terrorism, organized crime, divisive forces, communalism, narcotics, and antisocial elements, ensuring the security of society is of paramount importance,” Shah said according to the IB statement.

GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman (AP) — Noah Farrakhan scored 24 points and sealed the victory with a jump shot with 46 seconds left as Hampton defeated Duquesne 64-59 on Monday. Farrakhan also had five rebounds for the Pirates (3-4). Daniel Johnson shot 4 for 6, including 1 for 3 from beyond the arc to add nine points. Jake DiMichele led the Dukes (0-6) in scoring, finishing with 13 points. Jakub Necas added nine points for Duquesne. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

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SAGINAW, MI — The Saginaw County Board of Commissioners could reprimand one of its members in the aftermath of a social media-based controversy . Officials said the county’s 11-member governing board will weigh a vote to censure Rich Spitzer during a special meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Saginaw County Governmental Center, 111 S. Michigan in Saginaw. A censure is a board action expressing the group’s disapproval of one of its own members. A vote to censure Spitzer would not remove or reduce the Republican’s voting powers as a commissioner. The board could consider other measures limiting Spitzer’s powers, though, said Christopher Boyd, the board’s chairman. Boyd said the board also will vote Tuesday on a measure to remove Spitzer from county subcommittees that vote on recommendations forwarded to the larger board for consideration. However, commissioners this month could only strip Spitzer of his membership to those subcommittees for the remaining three weeks of 2024, Boyd said. And none of the eight subcommittees featuring Spitzer are scheduled to meet again during that timeframe, Boyd said. The board typically reshuffles subcommittee memberships each January, in part to accommodate new commissioners voters elected into office the previous November. Boyd said it’s possible commissioners next month could vote to limit Spitzer’s participation in the 2025 cycle of subcommittee assignments. “But that’s a decision for another day,” Boyd said. County commissioners are required to sit on at least two county subcommittees, the Democrat said. The Tuesday special meeting was called in response to community backlash relating to a since-deleted social media post Spitzer uploaded last month . Spitzer, 70, on his Facebook page shared the post of an individual who uploaded images of a woman in provocative poses. That individual was named Amaya Bradley, which was also the name of a woman who won a seat on the Saginaw Township Board of Trustees in November. In the Facebook post, Spitzer included his own commentary that read, “Election results are official, time to get to know one of your newly elected Saginaw Township Trustees.” Despite sharing the same name and both appearing as Black women, the Amaya Bradley referenced in Spitzer’s post was not the Amaya Bradley who won a Saginaw Township trustee seat. Spitzer said he learned he had misidentified the woman within minutes of uploading the post. Spitzer deleted the post and apologized, saying he was “devastated” about the case of mistaken identity. Still, community members — as well as Lisa Coney, a Democrat on the county Board of Commissioners — have called on Spitzer to resign. Some — including Trustee Bradley — have said Spitzer’s Facebook post amounted to racism and misogyny. Spitzer, who won his second term on the board in November, has said he does not plan to resign. He said he is neither a racist or a misogynist. Boyd said Spitzer’s Facebook post was “not representative of Saginaw County, and certainly not representative of the Saginaw County Board of Commissioners.” Last month, officials tasked the county’s administrative staff and attorneys to explore ways the board could reprimand Spitzer. State law prevents the public from organizing a recall effort until one year into Spitzer’s new term. That means he could not face a recall until next fall. Boyd said the board does not have the power to remove one of its own commissioners. Spitzer represents the county’s District 3 , which includes a slice of western Saginaw Township as well as part of eastern Thomas Township. About 18,000 people reside in the district, county records show. Another twist in the story: Bradley won one of four Saginaw Township trustee seats in the November election, resulting in the fifth-place finisher — Republican incumbent Connie Reppuhn — losing her place on the board by a slim, 13-vote margin. Reppuhn is Spitzer’s wife. Want more Bay City- and Saginaw-area news? Bookmark the local Bay City and Saginaw news page or sign up for the free “ 3@3 ′′ daily newsletter for Bay City and Saginaw.Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen suffered fractured ribs, lacerated spleen in fall from horse

UN: Haitians slain over voodoo practice were abducted, hacked to deathHouston Astros general manager Dana Brown revealed that discussions with free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman were at a standstill, which led to the team exploring other options. "I won't get into specifics but I feel like the negotiations stalled," Brown said on Monday, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic. "I feel like we made a really competitive offer and showed that we wanted him back. But we had to pursue other options. We couldn't just sit there." On Dec. 13, the Astros traded outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for a package that included third baseman Isaac Paredes. The team subsequently signed first baseman Christian Walker to a three-year, $60 million contract. This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis. For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sports world, check out our B/R app , homepage and social feeds—including Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok .What is a VPN and how does it work?

Syria's Druze hope for better future without Assad

As TikTok bill steams forward, online influencers put on their lobbying hats to visit Washington