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Unicharm (OTCMKTS:UNICY) Hits New 1-Year Low – Here’s WhyEileen Mitchell said her 19-year old sister, Katie - who is non-verbal, autistic and has learning difficulties - was removed from a branch of the second-hand electronics shop CEX in Lisburn on December 19. After the incident was shared online, several political representatives expressed concern. This afternoon, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said her party had contacted police on the matter. “Many will be aware of a very troubling incident recorded in Lisburn before Christmas,” she said. “Many have contacted me, sending the clip and expressing serious concerns. "Please be assured, we have reached out and also have contacted the PSNI in relation to the incident.” Earlier, explaining what happened, Ms Mitchell said her sister had entered the shop after she spotted a DVD she wished to purchase, but was told by staff that a sale was not possible as the registers had been taken off due to closing. She shared an image of Kate standing at the till, alongside a video in which she is being carried by several police officers out the front door of the shop. Watch: Police remove autistic girl from Lisburn shop The post has nearly 10,000 likes and over 8,000 shares, while the group NI Disability and Carers shared the post saying they “have no words” and tagged Chief Constable Jon Boutcher asking him if the response from the officers in the video was acceptable. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Eileen said Katie didn’t understand the situation which occurred after she spotted a DVD she wished to purchase of her favourite cartoon series Thomas the Tank Engine, and hit out at how it was handled by the retailer. “It’s shocking, it’s like something you would have expected 20 years ago, but it’s coming into 2025 and things like this are still happening to vulnerable people,” said Eileen who said she believes it was her parents who called the police in the hopes of helping de-escalating the situation. CEX has been contacted for comment. “To be honest, Katie was very traumatised over this for a long time, it was the shock of it. We don’t know what long term impact it will have, we’re scared Katie will now react if she sees a police officer when out shopping, or if she sees another one of these shops. “I don’t think we can take her shopping in Lisburn either, it’s so traumatic for her. “You just assume that you can call the police in a crisis, and they’ll be able to help and be aware of how to handle vulnerable people, and help the situation.” After the incident, Eileen claims her sister was carried outside of the shop, before she was set down. The police and shop staff then left, as Katie and Eileen’s father attempted to help her. She also said her father stepped in after the incident because he was concerned that due to her low weight, Katie would be hurt when being carried by the officers. “The worst part of it was that she was just left outside the store and everyone just walked off,” she added. “We did hear from the police on Christmas Day who contacted us who told us that it was basically my mum and dads fault - as well as Katie’s fault. They were blaming them.” The family said they have not received any further response from the police. “I shared the video because of how my parents and Katie have been since, they’re really in shock about it all. The fact that several police officers needed to remove a young girl because of a £2 DVD. At the time when Katie wanted to buy it, my mum also said she begged with the shop to do anything that would help, like bringing back the DVD the next day to scan it, or letting them keep the box so the sale could be processed in the morning. “I think we just need more common sense, and a better approach for disabled and vulnerable adults.” The incident comes weeks after the . An aspect of the training was to “focus on understanding and responding to the needs of autistic members of the public whilst on duty.” At the time, Autism NI praised the partnership and said it was “ great to see” the organisation's “commitment to supporting both autistic members of the public and autistic staff members”. A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police were called to assist in a shop in the Bow Street area of Lisburn at 6.15pm last Sunday, 22nd December. Officers attended and removed a 19-year-old female from the shop." Sinn Féin councillor Gary McCleave said he had contacted the PSNI over the incident. “I have made contact with the PSNI regarding this incident,” he said. “This incident highlights the importance that shops and people who work in the public sector receive appropriate training. “I will be speaking with my colleagues who will be raising it with the policing board.” Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood also said she had contacted the family. "Folks, regarding a video of an incident last week in Lisburn, I've made contact with all parties concerned this evening,” she said. “In order to respect privacy and process, I will not be commenting further. Please rest assured that we are supporting the family and will be following through.”blackjack table 。

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York state government agencies will have to conduct reviews and publish reports that detail how they're using artificial intelligence software, under a new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York state government agencies will have to conduct reviews and publish reports that detail how they're using artificial intelligence software, under a new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York state government agencies will have to conduct reviews and publish reports that detail how they’re using artificial intelligence software, under a new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul. Hochul, a Democrat, signed the bill last week after it was passed by state lawmakers earlier this year. The law requires state agencies to perform assessments of any software that uses algorithms, computational models or AI techniques, and then submit those reviews to the governor and top legislative leaders along with posting them online. It also bars the use of AI in certain situations, such as an automated decision on whether someone receives unemployment benefits or child care assistance, unless the system is being consistently monitored by a human. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. State workers would also be shielded from having their hours or job duties limited because of AI under the law. State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, a Democrat who sponsored the bill, called the law an important step in setting up some guardrails in how the emerging technology is used in state government. Advertisement

An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalition( MENAFN - Khaama Press) A recent viewing of Mir Khan Moqori's interview on Gulshunbay prompted a reflection on the broader issue of Afghan artists' public conduct. While I admire his rendition of“Bulbula Waya Salamona,” a song deeply resonant with patriotic sentiment and evocative of a lost Afghanistan, the interview itself proved disappointing. I approached it with modest expectations, hoping to glean insights into the inner world of this emerging artist, son of the revered Abdullah Moqori. However, his simplistic language and pronouncements revealed a troubling disconnect between artistic talent and public presentation. My initial disappointment stemmed from Mir's apparent linguistic shortcomings. I acknowledge that Dari may not be his first language. However, I maintain that fluency in both Dari and Pashto is non-negotiable-a baseline for anyone representing our nation's art and culture. As a matter of fact, this standard applies to all Afghans. My concern deepened and disappointment peaked when he recounted his father's discouragement from a musical career, claiming that“words fall on deaf ears” or“words have no impact on Afghans.” This statement, interpreted as an indictment of Afghan receptiveness and intelligence, felt deeply offensive. It not only undermined the legacy of his father but also implied a disdainful view of the very audience that had embraced his music. While acknowledging the harsh reality of Afghans' continued struggles despite artistic calls for peace, attributing such a dismissive sentiment to Abdullah Moqori felt like a betrayal of the profound connection he shared with his audience, risking the tarnishing of his legacy and suggesting a contemptuous view of his admirers. Further exacerbating the situation was Mir's anecdote concerning President Ashraf Ghani. In recounting a patriotic performance at the Ministry of Defense, he stated that the former president had personally offered congratulations and an embrace. Mir then quoted his father's response to this recognition:“My son should sing in a way that would compel even the president to rise to his feet.” While parental pride, however exaggerated and effusive, is understandable, public figures, in particular, bear the responsibility of ensuring that such expressions do not detract from the dignity of others. Mir's public recitation of this private sentiment, intended to aggrandize himself, instead inadvertently diminished the former president, revealing a lack of both tact and humility. Mir's case is not an isolated incident, though. A recurring theme amongst many Afghan artists is a deficiency in public speaking and articulate self-expression. Often lacking formal education and refined communication skills, they struggle to navigate the complexities of public discourse. This inadequacy becomes painfully apparent in interviews and public appearances, damaging not only their personal image but also, regrettably, the perception of their artistic endeavors. While formal education outside their artistic field may not be strictly necessary for artistic excellence, maintaining a public persona, especially in the age of social media, demands strong communication skills. Artistic excellence requires talent and dedication, but sustaining celebrity status necessitates more-an ability to articulate thoughts with clarity, depth, and decorum. In today's social media-driven world, where every utterance is amplified, an artist's reputation hinges as much on their words as on their creations. The constant influx of media attention demands that artists articulate their thoughts with clarity and nuance. When this ability is lacking, silence becomes a more prudent course. Restraint in public appearances can cultivate an air of mystique, enhancing public interest in their work. An enigmatic and less accessible artist often engenders greater curiosity and admiration. Conversely, increased visibility, verbosity, and ill-conceived pronouncements risk exposing the limits of their knowledge, intelligence, and insight, potentially causing irreparable damage to their reputation. The pursuit of humor,“coolness”, or an air of detachment, if not executed with the finesse of figures like Dr. Nashenas or Zahir Huwaida, often results in embarrassing gaffes. An artist's public image, shaped by their words and actions, can often overshadow their artistic contributions. The delicate balance of maintaining a public persona is akin to holding sand: too tight, it slips away; too loose, it dissipates in the wind. This phenomenon is further exemplified by Ariana Sayeed, a prominent singer and undeniable crowd-puller renowned for filling venues beyond the reach of many Afghan artists. Her financial resources afford her greater investment in her artistic output-lyrics, compositions, arrangements, and music videos. She is also jokingly referred to as the“Silicon Valley of Afghanistan” due to the numerous cosmetic procedures she has undergone in an attempt to maintain a youthful appearance. However, her forays into social commentary and activism are often marred by controversial, insensitive, and poorly conceived statements. She once made disparaging remarks about the hijab, crudely suggesting that wearing it made women smell“like seven donkeys died together”-an offensive implication of unhygienic practices among veiled women. This comment is comparable to saying something smells “like a dead animal left out in the sun” or “like a backed-up sewer.” Incredibly, despite this shocking statement, she addressed the plight of Afghan women at a NATO Engages event in London in 2019, demonstrating a profound disconnect between her personal biases and the complex realities faced by Afghan women. Her capacity for genuine empathy with a group she seemingly disparages is highly questionable. Moreover, as a judge on a singing competition, she aggressively bullied contestant Fahim Fana, even resorting to verbal abuse-calling him an“asshole” on live television-ultimately contributing to Fahim's decision to flee the country for Tajikistan. While her musical talent has garnered her a substantial following, these ill-considered public pronouncements risk alienating her audience and undermining her artistic legacy. Ariana epitomizes the Afghan celebrity who, excelling in one domain, seeks to dabble in others without adequate knowledge or preparation. While her musical talent has the potential to propel her career even further, her ventures into unfamiliar territory risk revealing gaps in her knowledge and alienating her fanbase. My critique extends beyond public interactions to personal experiences illustrating the self-centeredness of some artists. A personal anecdote involving an Afghan artist I will call“Joe” exemplifies this. I once invited Joe to join a visiting classmate and me for dinner. His inconsiderate behavior-making us wait outside his home for forty minutes, offering only sparkling water upon our arrival, and dictating our plans to suit his own convenience-transformed what should have been a pleasant evening into an ordeal. His blatant disregard for my time and his discourtesy revealed a profound lack of consideration, leaving an indelible bitter impression and highlighting how inflated egos can erode basic courtesy. This incident underscores the importance of fundamental social graces, regardless of artistic stature. Dishonorable mentions abound. Figures like Saleem Shaheen, whose on-screen presence often involves aggressive and confrontational behavior, struggle to project a refined public image. He often makes an unflattering impression even before uttering a word. His onscreen antics, where he melodramatically threatens villains with over-the-top bravado, leave little room for nuance or grace. A scene in which he shoves a gun into a villain's stomach and threatens to“blow his brains out” exemplifies the difficulty of reconciling his roles with refined public conduct. In conclusion, while artistic talent is a gift to be celebrated, it is incumbent upon artists to cultivate the skills necessary to navigate the public sphere with grace and intelligence. Effective communication, thoughtful discourse, and respectful treatment of others are essential components of a well-rounded public persona. Without these qualities, even the most talented artists risk diminishing their achievements and tarnishing their legacy through ill-conceived words and actions. Cultivating both artistic talent and personal refinement is crucial for sustained success and enduring respect. The essence of celebrity lies not only in artistic creation but also in the grace with which one carries oneself. Afghan artists, many of whom possess immense talent, must recognize the weight of their words and actions. A single misstep in public discourse can overshadow years of artistic brilliance, eroding hard-earned respect. Unfortunately, when artists lack finesse, they risk normalizing the abnormal and influencing youth to emulate their behavior. This can be profoundly detrimental to any society. Artists, whether they embrace the role or not, are often seen as role models, especially by younger generations. When they exhibit indecency, whether through crude language, disrespectful behavior, or ill-considered pronouncements, they inadvertently normalize such conduct. What was once considered aberrant can become accepted, even imitated, eroding societal standards of decency. Conversely, when artists embody grace, humility, and thoughtful engagement, they elevate the public discourse and inspire positive change. They demonstrate that success and talent can coexist with respect and refinement, setting a positive example for their followers. The path to lasting fame is not paved solely with skill but also with humility, thoughtfulness, and restraint. In an age where every utterance is scrutinized, Afghan artists would do well to let their art speak louder than their words-and when in doubt, embrace the power of silence. After all, the sands of stardom are fleeting, slipping quickly through the fingers of those who fail to hold them with care DISCLAIMER – The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of The Khaama Press News Agency . We welcome opinions and submissions to Khaama Press Opinions/Exclusives – Please email them to ... . MENAFN27122024000228011069ID1109036167 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. 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Who Is Pam Bondi, Trump’s Nominee for Attorney General?NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES TORONTO, Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Water Ways Technologies Inc. (TSXV: WWT) (FRA: WWT) (" Water Ways " or the " Company "), a global provider of Israeli-based agriculture technology, providing water irrigation solutions to agricultural producers, announces that further to the press release of December 11, 2024, the Company is awaiting TSXV approval to confirm the effective date. A further press release will be disseminated advising of the effective date once the TSXV has provided their approval to the consolidation. About Water Ways Technologies Inc. WWT through its subsidiaries, is a global provider of Israeli-based agriculture technology, providing water irrigation solutions to agricultural producers. WWT competes in the global irrigation water systems market with a focus on developing solutions with commercial applications in the micro and precision irrigation segments of the overall market. At present, WWT's main revenue streams are derived from the following business units: (i) Projects Business Unit; and (ii) Component and Equipment Sales Unit. WWT is capitalizing on the opportunities presented by micro and smart irrigation, while also making a positive mark on society by making these technologies more widely available, especially in developing markets such as Africa and Latin America and developed markets such as China and Canada. WWT's irrigation projects include vineyards, Cotton fields, Apple and Orange orchards, Blueberry, Medical Cannabis growers, fresh produce cooling rooms and more, in over fifteen countries. For more information, please contact Ronnie Jaegermann Director T: +972-54-4202054 E: [email protected] https://www.water-ways-technologies.com/ https://www.hg-wwt.com/ Twitter: @WaterWaysTechn1 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. The words "may", "would", "could", "should", "potential", "will", "seek", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to Water Ways. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Such statements reflect Water Ways' current views and intentions with respect to future events, and current information available to Water Ways, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Material factors or assumptions were applied in providing forward-looking information. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information to vary from those described herein should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize. Should any factor affect Water Ways in an unexpected manner, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ materially from the results or events predicted. Any such forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Moreover, Water Ways does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and Water Ways undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable law. Water Ways' results and forward-looking information and calculations may be affected by fluctuations in exchange rates and its own share prices. All figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.A number of Australia's leading brokers have been busy running the rule over a collection of ASX dividend stocks recently. Three that have come out with buy ratings are listed below. Here's why they could be great options for income investors: ( ) A recent note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have put a buy rating and $2.75 price target on Aspen's shares. It is a leading provider of quality affordable accommodation across residential, land lease, and holiday park communities. Bell Potter likes this ASX dividend stock due to its strong track record, high insider ownership, and its high return on equity focus on sub-sectors that are non-fungible and repeatable over time. The broker is expecting this focus to support the payment of dividends per share of 10 cents in FY 2025 and then 10.3 cents in FY 2026. Based on the current Aspen share price of $2.50, this will mean of 4% and 4.1%, respectively. ( ) Goldman Sachs has put a buy rating and $7.50 price target on IPH's shares. It notes that the global intellectual property (IP) services provider is well-positioned to deliver stable and defensive earnings with modest organic growth. Another positive with this ASX dividend stock is that it has one of the best dividend track records on the Australian share market. IPH has increased its dividend each over the past decade, even during the COVID pandemic. The good news is that Goldman Sachs expects this trend to continue, forecasting fully franked dividends of 36 cents per share in FY 2025 and 39 cents per share in FY 2026. At the current share price of $5.08, this implies dividend yields of 7.1% and 7.7%, respectively. ( ) Bell Potter is also bullish on SRG Global and has a buy rating and $1.55 price target on the ASX dividend stock. SRG Global is a diversified industrial services group that provides multidisciplinary construction, maintenance, production drilling and geotechnical services. Bell Potter is very positive on the company's outlook. It highlights that SRG Global's "short-to-medium term outlook is reinforced by Government-stimulated construction activity." The broker believes this will underpin the payment of fully franked dividends of 5 cents in FY 2025 and then 6 cents in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $1.28, this will mean dividend yields of 3.9% and 4.7%, respectively.

Thermal Rifle Scopes Market Set for Exceptional Growth from 2024 to 2032Throughout 2024, the meme coin sector continued to blow up, and while the prices have often struggled, meme coins were among the first to bounce back whenever the market allowed it. Now, with the recent price surges starting on November 6, which caused the entire crypto market to start a sharp recovery, new meme coins are emerging faster than ever. However, if you are looking for the best crypto to buy for 2025, you must still carefully select what coin or token to buy. One of the most recent additions to the industry is a new Solana-based crypto called Solaxy (SOLX) , which is actually Solana’s first Layer-2 project. Solaxy launched its ICO only yesterday, and it immediately blew up, raising over $600k in a day. In fact, as at December 17, at 8 a.m. EST, the project’s total amount raised sits at $659k, showing that it is already closer to its next milestone at $700,000. As mentioned, this is Solana’s first L2 project, meaning that it is the first meme coin in Solana’s ecosystem to have its own blockchain. Choosing to launch on a Layer-2 chain rather than Solana’s Layer-1 blockchain is expected to bring a number of benefits to the project. JOIN THE SOLX ICO NOW AND BENEFIT FROM ITS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY Why Buy Solaxy? Compared to Ethereum, Solana is much faster and cheaper to use, however, it too experiences certain pain points, such as network congestion, failed transactions, scalability limitations, and alike. Switching to a Layer-2 chain can allow Solaxy to avoid such issues, while still benefitting from Solana’s speed and low fees. With that said, Solaxy was designed to be a multi-chain cryptocurrency that will run on Solana and Ethereum, which means that it will enrich both ecosystems with its benefits. More importantly, it will be available for purchase on both of these two chains’ DEXes, making it more available and accessible. And, with its enhanced speed, power, scalability, and low fees, Solaxy will be a perfect solution for meme coin traders. The ability to run on both chains will also be good for the project, as Solana is known for becoming a home for explosive meme coins, while Ethereum operates the largest and by far the most liquid ecosystem in the industry. But, its own technological benefits will allow it to bypass the issues plaguing the two chains, including both the outdated Ethereum and Solana, which is often plagued by congestion. As for the project’s native cryptocurrency, SOLX, it is currently selling for only $0.00156, and it can be bought with ETH, USDT, BNB, or credit/debit cards. However, anyone who decides to buy the token should be aware that its price will still see regular scheduled boosts, as its ICO continues to move from one stage to the next. JOIN THE SOLAXY ICO BEFORE ITS NEXT PRICE SURGE So, while its price currently sits at $0.00156, this will not be the case for long, as the project is scheduled to see its next increase in only two days. In the end, Solaxy might be the best crypto to buy for 2025 not only because of the demand or the potential to see a major price increase, but because it could be a bridge to the future of DeFi, connecting two massive blockchains, and delivering much better and more advanced technology to the users of both of these ecosystems.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Ethics Committee on Monday accused Matt Gaetz of “regularly” paying for sex, including once with a 17-year-old girl, and purchasing and using illicit drugs as a member of Congress, as lawmakers released the conclusions of a nearly four-year investigation that helped sink his nomination for attorney general. The 37-page report by the bipartisan panel includes explicit details of sex-filled parties and vacations that Gaetz, now 42, took part in from 2017 to 2020 while the Republican represented Florida's western Panhandle. Congressional investigators concluded that Gaetz violated multiple state laws related to sexual misconduct while in office, though not federal sex trafficking laws. They also found that Gaetz “knowingly and willfully sought to impede and obstruct” the committee's work. “The Committee determined there is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress,” the report said. Before the report came out, Gaetz denied any wrongdoing and criticized the committee's process. “Giving funds to someone you are dating — that they didn’t ask for — and that isn’t ‘charged’ for sex is now prostitution?!?” he posted on X, the website formerly known as Twitter. “There is a reason they did this to me in a Christmas Eve-Eve report and not in a courtroom of any kind where I could present evidence and challenge witnesses.” Gaetz , who was first elected in 2017, spent the majority of his time in Washington enmeshed in scandals that ultimately derailed his selection by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Justice Department . Gaetz abruptly resigned from Congress last month. His political future is uncertain, although Gaetz has indicated interest in running for the open Senate seat in Florida. The committee painted a damning portrait of Gaetz's conduct, using dozens of pages of exhibits, including text messages, financial records, travel receipts, checks and online payments, to document a party and drug-fueled lifestyle. The committee said it compiled the evidence after issuing 29 subpoenas for documents and testimony and contacting more than two dozen witnesses. In addition to soliciting prostitution, the report said Gaetz “accepted gifts, including transportation and lodging in connection with a 2018 trip to the Bahamas, in excess of permissible amounts.” That same year, investigators said, Gaetz arranged for a staffer to obtain a passport for a woman with whom he was sexually involved, falsely telling the State Department that she was his constituent. In some of the text exchanges made public, he appeared to be inviting various women to events, getaways or parties, and arranging airplane travel and lodging. At one point he asked one woman if she had a “cute black dress” to wear. There were also discussions of shipping goods. One of the exhibits was a text exchange that appeared to be between two of the women concerned about their cash flow and payments. In another, a person asked Gaetz for help to pay an educational expense. Regarding the 17-year-old girl, the report said there was no evidence Gaetz knew she was a minor when he had sex with her. The woman told the committee she did not tell Gaetz she was under 18 at the time and that he learned she was a minor more than a month after the party. But Gaetz stayed in touch with her after that and met up with her for “commercial sex” again less than six months after she turned 18, according to the committee. Florida law says it is a felony for a person 24 or older to have sex with a minor. The law does not allow a claim of ignorance or misrepresentation of a minor's age as a defense. Joel Leppard, who represents two women who told the committee that Gaetz paid them for sex, said the findings “vindicate” the accounts of his clients and “demonstrate their credibility.” “We appreciate the Committee’s commitment to transparency in releasing this comprehensive report so the truth can be known,” Leppard said in a statement. At least one Republican joined all five Democrats on the committee earlier this month in voting to release the report despite initial opposition from GOP lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, to publishing findings about a former member of Congress. While ethics reports have previously been released after a member’s resignation, it is extremely rare. On behalf of the Republicans who voted against making the report public, the committee chairman, Rep. Michael Guest of Mississippi, wrote that while the members did not challenge the findings, “we take great exception that the majority deviated from the Committee’s well-established standards,” to drop any investigation when a person is not longer a member of the chamber. Guest added that releasing this report sets a precedent that “is a dangerous departure with potentially catastrophic consequences.” But Maryland Rep. Glenn Ivey, a Democratic member of the committee, said that for transparency, it was crucial for the public and Congress as an institution to read the findings. "I think that’s important for my colleagues here in the House to know how the committee reviews certain acts," he told The Associated Press. "Some of these were obviously conduct that crossed the line, but some of them weren’t.” Mounting a last-ditch effort to halt the publication of the report, Gaetz filed a lawsuit Monday asking a federal court to intervene. He cited what he called “untruthful and defamatory information” that would “significantly damage” his “standing and reputation in the community.” Gaetz’s complaint argued that he was no longer under the committee’s jurisdiction because he had resigned from Congress. The often secretive, bipartisan committee has investigated claims against Gaetz since 2021. But its work became more urgent last month when Trump picked him shortly after the Nov. 5 election Day to be the nation's top law enforcement officer. Gaetz resigned from Congress that same day, putting him outside the purview of the committee's jurisdiction. But Democrats had pressed to make the report public even after Gaetz was no longer in the House and had withdrawn from consideration for Trump's Cabinet. A vote on the House floor this month to force the report’s release failed; all but one Republican voted against it. The committee detailed its start-and-stop investigation over the past several years, which was halted for a time as the Justice Department conducted its own inquiry of Gaetz. Federal prosecutors never brought a case against him. Lawmakers said they asked the Justice Department for information about its investigation, but the agency refused to hand over information, saying it does not disclose information about investigations that do not result in charges. The committee then subpoenaed the department for records. After a back-and-forth between department officials and the committee, the department only handed over “publicly reported information about the testimony of a deceased individual,” according to the committee's report. The report said Gaetz was “uncooperative" throughout the committee's investigation. He provided “minimal documentation” in response to the committee’s requests, it said. “He also did not agree to a voluntary interview.” ___ Associated Press writer Alanna Durkin Richer contributed to this report.Zoe Saldaña Hopes Star Trek 4 Gets Done Soon

BOSTON — The Celtics will be shorthanded as they take on the Pacers, looking to snap their first losing streak of the season. Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday were both downgraded to out on the injury report for the 7:30 p.m. Friday game at TD Garden. Porzingis hurt his left ankle early in the loss to the 76ers on Christmas Day . He played through the ankle issue, but he didn’t come out of the locker room for the second half before being downgraded to out. Holiday will miss his second straight game with right shoulder impingement. The Celtics are looking to bounce back after hitting their first losing streak of the season, dropping their last two games. They’ve battled inconsistency, as C’s coach Joe Mazzulla put it , losing three of their last four games. The Pacers should be a test as they’ve been playing basketball of late, though they’re also shorthanded. The Pacers will be without rotation players like Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith and Obi Toppin for Friday’s game. Indiana got off to a hot start against the Thunder on Thursday before eventually losing that game. So the Pacers will also be on the second game of a back-to-back. Indiana has given Boston some trouble even in the East Finals, which ended up a Celtics sweep despite close games during that series. More Celtics contentNone(The Center Square) – Paula Scanlan is hopeful the narrative around gender ideology is shifting, especially as Republicans prepare for majorities in both chambers of the 119th Congress and a seat in the White House. “I am hopeful that with the majorities now that we will be able to get across the finish line,” Scanlan told The Center Square on Thursday, speaking of more legislation on the way to protect women's spaces. “Obviously, this goes beyond sports ... So ideally, I think that the biggest thing would be to federally pass something that says this is what a woman is.” Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.