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No. 9 SMU aims to improve playoff odds vs. CalDo you know who Austen Pleasants or Charlie Heck are? Don’t worry about it. Before this week, I didn’t either, and knowing practice-squad-level offensive linemen is my thing. Either way, we’ll likely hear their names often on Monday Night Football, as one of those newcomers will be protecting 49ers’ quarterback Brock Purdy’s blindside against the Lions. The other might be bookending him at the opposite tackle spot. Best of luck out there, 13! But that’s not all, folks. By extrapolating the way the season has gone for the 49ers into Monday, don’t be surprised if we see a third offensive-line newcomer — interior lineman Matt Hennessy — against the Lions. Yes, a bad situation first turned worse for the 49ers, and now it’s turned downright cruel, with potentially three players who were acquired (on waivers and poached from practice squads) protecting their potentially $60 million man. And with the 49ers having nothing to play for in the standings, it’s enough to make you wonder if Kyle Shanahan should even bother playing Purdy — or any of the Niners’ other top players, for that matter — this week or next. After all, if these next two weeks are, effectively, preseason football for 2025, shouldn’t the 49ers head coach treat them as such? (As a refresher, Shanahan hates the preseason and would, in an ideal world, not play anyone who could potentially make the 53-man roster.) This is the first time the 49ers have faced truly meaningless games in years — going back to the pandemic 2020 season — so it’s a fair question. But I think it should be saved for the season’s final week, when both the Cardinals and 49ers will play a game that both teams would be better off losing. Yes, so long as there is one team in a game with something to play for in the standings — for the Lions, that’s a shot at the No. 1 seed in the NFC – it’s incumbent on the 49ers to maintain a code of professionalism and put something close to their best out on the field. So unless you’re injured, you’re going into harm’s way. “Welcome to the reality of the world,” Shanahan said Thursday. The game might not always mean anything as it releases to the playoffs, but the beauty of the NFL is that every game — no, every snap — is an opportunity to show your worth. “This is your job... Teams all over the league are in this situation. You’ve still got to go out there and perform the same way.” “You get 17 checks for 17 games.” And, for the record, Purdy said this week that he’s “100 percent healthy.” So, yes, he’s playing. And that should remain the case until the Lions open up an insurmountable lead on Monday. (We might not have to wait long.) Not just because of the code of professionalism or pride but also because there is still something to be gleaned from Purdy’s performance. As I wrote a few weeks back, the season’s final games would be a referendum on Purdy . The 49ers will sign him this offseason, but how the team and fan base feel about that new contract will be determined by what Purdy has done for the 49ers lately. I don’t need to tell you that the fan base isn’t too keen on Purdy signing a record-breaking, market-setting deal. Reaching that standard might never happen — the mere concept of a $60 million quarterback has folks’ heads spinning (even though with recent-season salary-cap growth, it’d be the equivalent of Jimmy Garoppolo’s record-setting contract from 2018). But Purdy performing at a high level on Monday could sway at least the rational amongst us. Not only would he be doing that with a makeshift (if that) offensive line and a second-string receiver group (we’ll see if Deebo Samuel shows up again on Monday), but he’d have done it against the kind of defense that has stymied him this entire season. The way to beat the 49ers and Purdy is to play man coverage and blitz in strange and confusing ways. The Lions play more man coverage than anyone else in the NFL and have been blitzing like crazy in recent weeks. It all makes Monday something close to a perfect data point. Yes, the circumstances are hardly ideal for Purdy, but a $60 million quarterback is expected to smooth at least some of the issues the Niners will face. And wouldn’t it be good to know if Purdy can beat man-to-man coverage? Monday’s game would leave zero doubt if he flails and be one hell of a negotiating point for him if he succeeds. And beyond all of that, the Niners quarterback needs to develop some rhythm, chemistry, and verve with this offense heading into next season. It’s not all his fault that the Niners have regressed to the point where this game is meaningless for San Francisco, but he needs to be part of the solution. Can he get something going with Ricky Pearsall? Can he keep George Kittle in that deserved first-team All-Pro spot? Can he help buy another year of Deebo Samuel in Niners’ red? Can he help one of these new offensive linemen land a job with the Niners (or another team) next season? If the risk of injury is deemed too high, then we might as well never practice or play football again. Call the NFL and ESPN and tell them the game is canceled—the Niners can’t win the Super Bowl, so they’re taking their ball and staying home. Because above everything else, it does comes down to professionalism. Is this effectively the preseason? Sure. But you’re not paid for the preseason — you merely earn a per diem for those games. On Monday night, everyone will receive a handsome check for their services. Even Purdy, the lowly-paid quarterback, will earn close to $60,000 for his work week. That’s enough to pay off two-thirds of one of those new trucks he bought his offensive linemen. Yes, being in the NFL is a great job, if you can get it. And the surest way to lose it is to take it for granted. ©2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at mercurynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Oilers Biggest Rivals Reportedly Offer Sheeted Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway

NoneJimmy Carter's 1977-1981 presidency included successes like the Camp David peace accords, but also enough controversy for US voters to see him as weak -- and send him packing after only one term. Carter's legacy however was largely built on his post-presidency, the longest in US history. Here are a few key moments in the life of Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100. During his first year in office, Carter went back on a campaign promise and decided to hand back management of the Panama Canal -- which had been in US military control since its construction at the start of the 20th century. "Fairness, and not force, should lie at the heart of our dealings with the nations of the world," he said at the signing of the canal treaties with Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos on September 7, 1977. Carter was ridiculed for the move, which gave Panama control over the canal linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans at the end of 1999. History, however, has looked upon the deal as a deft bit of diplomacy. Giving Panama a meatier role in the canal's management in the run-up to the transfer allowed for stability, and broke with America's image as an overbearing imperialist power in Latin America. Reacting to Carter's death on Sunday, President Jose Mulino said the former US leader helped Panama achieve "full sovereignty of our country." Upon his arrival in the Oval Office, Carter looked to distance himself from the realpolitik practiced by his predecessors -- a vestige of the Cold War -- and placed human rights at the heart of his agenda. "Our principal goal is to help shape a world which is more responsive to the desire of people everywhere for economic well-being, social justice, political self-determination and basic human rights," he said in a 1978 speech at the US Naval Academy. In concrete terms, Carter notably signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 1977. It was eventually ratified by the United States in 1992 after being blocked for years by the Senate. In September 1978, Carter invited Israeli premier Menachem Begin and Egyptian president Anwar Sadat to Camp David, the presidential retreat outside Washington. After 13 days of secret negotiations under Carter's mediation, two accords were signed that ultimately led to a peace treaty the following year. The diplomatic triumph was cited when Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In the summer of 1979, the economy rocked by inflation and his approval rating in free fall, Carter addressed the American people in a nationwide televised speech on July 15. In that half-hour, he responded to his critics on his lack of leadership, instead laying the blame on a national "crisis of confidence." "The erosion of our confidence in the future is threatening to destroy the social and the political fabric of America," he said. The speech was poorly received and would come back to haunt him. Five cabinet members resigned that week. The hostage crisis -- more than 50 Americans were held for 444 days at the US embassy in Tehran from November 1979 to January 1981 -- was the death knell for Carter's presidency. A failed military rescue mission in April 1980 all but extinguished his chances of reelection later that year. Operation Eagle Claw was thwarted by sandstorms and mechanical problems -- eventually, the mission was aborted. In the subsequent withdrawal, two American aircraft collided, killing eight servicemen. In the following days, then secretary of state Cyrus Vance resigned, and the mission's failure symbolized Carter's inability to resolve the crisis. The hostages were eventually freed on the same day that Republican Ronald Reagan took office, after thumping Carter at the polls in November 1980. Carter remained extremely active into his 90s despite his retirement from political life. In 1982, he founded the Carter Center, which has focused on conflict resolution, promoting democracy and human rights, and fighting disease. Carter -- often viewed as America's most successful former president -- traveled extensively, supervising elections from Haiti to East Timor, and tackling thorny global problems as a mediator. Carter was also a member of The Elders, a group of former world leaders founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007 to promote peace and human rights. Fellow Nobel peace laureates South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu (who died in 2021), former Liberian president Ellen Sirleaf Johnson and the late UN secretary general Kofi Annan also belonged to the group.

CONWAY, Ark. (AP) — Elias Cato scored 22 points as Central Arkansas beat Southwestern Christian 87-69 on Sunday night. Cato also contributed 11 rebounds and three blocks for the Bears (4-9). Layne Taylor scored 15 points while shooting 6 for 14, including 3 for 10 from beyond the arc and added three steals. Brayden Fagbemi had 13 points. The Eagles were led by Deondre Dunn, who posted 26 points, six rebounds and three steals. George McCurdy added 14 points for Southwestern Christian. Chris Fetuga had 13 points, seven rebounds and five steals. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .NEW YORK (AP) — Minnesota pitchers Justin Topa and Brock Stewart agreed to one-year contracts ahead of Friday's tender deadline along with fellow right-hander Triston McKenzie of Cleveland and Cole Sulser of Tampa Bay. Agreements and non-tenders reduced players eligible for arbitration to 169 from 238 at the start of last week. Teams and players are to exchange proposed arbitration salaries on Jan. 9, 2025, and those who don’t reach agreements will be scheduled for hearings from Jan. 27 through Feb. 14, 2025, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Topa was guaranteed $1,225,000 as part of a deal that included a $1 million salary for 2025 and a $2 million team option for 2026 with a $225,000 buyout. Stewart agreed to an $870,000 salary and can earn $30,000 in bonuses for days on the active roster: $10,000 for 112 and $20,000 for 142. McKenzie agreed to a $1.95 million, one-year contract and Sulser to a one-year deal that pays $900,000 in the major leagues and $450,000 while in the minors. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLBMaryland sues maker of Gore-Tex over pollution from toxic 'forever chemicals'

Rays push back on county ultimatum: Stadium agreement ‘in effect’Dina Boluarte Congreso Dólar en Perú Interbank Bono 200 soles Armonía 10 Javier Milei Feriados Estado de emergencia Minedu Gratificación Horóscopo ÚLTIMAS NOTICIAS POLÍTICA ECONOMÍA SOCIEDAD MUNDO PERÚ DEPORTES ESPECTÁCULOS DATEC DÓLAR NEWSLETTERS Últimas Noticias Mexican criminal organizations have turned to terrorist communication channels to orchestrate plans against former U.S. President Donald Trump, according to intelligence reports. In a chilling new development, Mexican drug cartels and criminal groups are reportedly using terrorist communication channels to plot assassination attempts against former U.S. President Donald Trump . These plans, allegedly coordinated with the help of international terror networks, have raised serious concerns among U.S. security agencies. As the U.S. government tightens its efforts to prevent such threats, intelligence agencies are struggling to trace the exact extent of the connections between organized crime and global terrorist cells. The involvement of Mexican gangs in such activities highlights a disturbing shift in how transnational organized crime operates, blurring the lines between drug trafficking, gang violence, and terrorism. With the threat of violence against high-profile individuals increasing, experts warn that this could set a dangerous precedent for future attacks on U.S. figures both at home and abroad. The role of mexican gangs in the plot against Trump Mexican cartels, traditionally known for their narcotic trade, have been increasingly drawn into political violence. According to confidential reports from U.S. intelligence agencies, some criminal groups are now using sophisticated encryption and terrorist networks to coordinate assassination attempts. This unprecedented development comes after intelligence surfaced indicating that cartel leaders, along with certain terrorist factions, have discussed the use of such communication methods to evade detection. The cartels involved are primarily from the Sinaloa and Jalisco Nueva Generación groups, two of the most powerful organizations in Mexico's underworld. These cartels, previously focused on drug trafficking, have recently expanded their operations into international violence, with reports suggesting they are now involved in broader forms of political instability. The use of terrorist communication networks The rise of encrypted communication channels, once reserved for extremist groups, has allowed criminal organizations to coordinate in ways previously thought impossible. These methods, often tied to terrorist activity, now serve as a lifeline for Mexican gangs who seek to carry out covert operations. Authorities have pointed to the use of encrypted apps and underground forums where these plots are discussed and planned. Intelligence suggests that such communication tools are particularly useful for Mexican cartels and their affiliates. They provide a safe space to arrange actions without the risk of being intercepted by law enforcement. In fact, these networks have been identified as a critical link between the cartels and terrorist groups, leading to a significant shift in how these violent entities operate globally. The threat is not just theoretical. In recent months, several high-ranking U.S. officials have been targeted by international assassination plots, with some traces of these communications leading back to Mexico. This suggests that while the networks may initially have served terrorism purposes, their reach is now expanding into organized crime with devastating consequences. Implications for U.S. National Security This troubling alliance between Mexican gangs and terrorist networks is forcing U.S. intelligence agencies to reconsider their security protocols. Experts warn that the increasing complexity of these plots could significantly impact U.S. diplomatic efforts and its ability to protect key figures. The government has already begun reinforcing security measures for Trump and other potential targets, but the evolving nature of these threats presents new challenges. The situation is further complicated by the growing scope of cartel power. With vast resources at their disposal, these criminal groups can carry out intricate operations on a scale that mirrors state-sponsored activities. U.S. authorities are concerned that without stronger international cooperation, combating this new wave of threats could become impossible. Carlincatura de hoy lunes 02 de diciembre de 2024 Edición Impresa - La Republica | Lima - Lunes 02 de Diciembre del 2024 CINEPLANET: 2 entradas 2D + 2 bebidas grandes + Pop corn gigante. Lunes a Domingo Donald Trump Estados Unidos Terribles noticias para inmigrantes en EE. UU.: las 5 razones que te harán perder tu ciudadanía americana Malas noticias para inmigrantes: estas son las 3 reformas migratorias que Trump aplicará como presidente de EE. UU. Empleada de Walmart se vuelve millonaria tras ser llamada a trabajar en su día libre en Estados Unidos Últimas Noticias Terribles noticias para inmigrantes en EE. UU.: las 5 razones que te harán perder tu ciudadanía americana Malas noticias para inmigrantes: estas son las 3 reformas migratorias que Trump aplicará como presidente de EE. UU. Empleada de Walmart se vuelve millonaria tras ser llamada a trabajar en su día libre en Estados Unidos ¿Comenzaron las deportaciones masivas en EE. UU.? Expulsaron a inmigrantes de 5 países de América Latina Alerta, inmigrantes en Estados Unidos: desde esta fecha de 2025 serán deportados por el nuevo gobierno de Trump Salario mínimo en California para 2025: nuevo monto revelado tras el rechazo de la Proposición 32 en Estados Unidos Cheque de estímulo en Virginia: realiza este único paso y podrás recibir pagos de US$600 en EE. UU. desde diciembre La pésima noticia para inmigrantes en USA: por esta única razón podrías perder tu TPS bajo el gobierno de Trump Atención, jubilados de Seguro Social USA: 3 pasos para cobrar todo tu dinero antes de que Trump asuma en 2025 Carlincatura de hoy lunes 02 de diciembre de 2024 Edición Impresa FIFA quitó puntos a Venezuela tras caer goleado ante Chile de Gareca: así quedó la tabla Melgar sorprende en el mercado tras contratar a ex Alianza Lima: "Nos complace anunciar" Fiestas de Año Nuevo 2025 en Perú: los mejores shows y conciertos para despedir el 2024 Confirman los feriados largos oficiales 2025: ¿cuándo caen y cuantos fin de semana largo son? Consulta con tu DNI si estás en EsSalud y cobra el bono de S/820 para diciembre 2024 DESCUENTOS en Tottus con hasta el 50% en electrodomésticos desde el 28 de noviembre ¿El arroz recalentado es más saludable? CINEPLANET: 2 entradas 2D + 2 bebidas grandes + Pop corn gigante. Lunes a Domingo CINEMARK: 2 Entradas + 2 gaseosas + cancha mediana o grande (validación ONLINE o física) PERULANDIA: Full day + Piscinas + s/ 30 de vale de consumo incluido + Perusaurus y más ALMUERZO O CENA BUFFET + Postre + 1 Ice tea de Hierba luisa en sus 4 LOCALES LA FABULOSA CASA DE PAPÁ NOEL: Casona Mágica de Miraflores y Jockey Plaza del 7 al 23 de DICIEMBRE REVISION TECNICA VEHICULAR FARENET. Locales a elegir. Lunes a Domingo. Últimas noticias Política Economía Sociedad Deportes Espectáculos Cine & Series Mundo Tendencias Tecnología Cultura Asiática Loterías y sorteos Datos LR Columnistas Verificador Argentina México Venezuela Horóscopo chino Visita también larepublica.pe podcast.larepublica.pe elpopular.pe libero.pe libero.pe/esports wapa.pe lol.larepublica.pe buenazo.pe larepublica.pe/verificador perulegal.larepublica.pe lrmas.larepublica.pe perubazar.pe cuponidad.pe ©TODOS LOS DERECHOS RESERVADOS - 2024

Faruqi & Faruqi Reminds AMMO Inc Investors of the Pending Class Action Lawsuit with a Lead Plaintiff Deadline of January 13, 2025 - ASML

Evans scores again as Canadiens down Lightning 5-2

Revolutionary AI Technology Set to Transform Audio CreationAs the quest for decentralised police system gathers momentum in the country, Deji Elumoye revisits a Bill for the Creation of State Police sponsored in the Eight and Ninth National Assembly by former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, highlighting the major provisions, including safety valves against possible abuse The quest for state police got a boost recently when the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, announced its endorsement by most of the 36 states, while the National Economic Council (NEC) is set to deliberate on the matter in January 2025. This is also coming in the face of existential threats to Nigeria by all manner of criminal gangs – terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, etc. It has become obvious, even the blind, that Nigeria’s current policing system will never work. Thanks also to President Bola Tinubu’s federalist dispositions. Before him, successive presidents played the ostrich mostly because they wanted to be “in total control.” Ex-president Muhammadu Buhari took the “total control syndrome” a notch higher by not only retaining the unsuitable centralised police system, but by equally appointing most of the heads of security and paramilitary agencies from a particular part of the country. The Director-General of the Depart of State Services (DSS), Lawal Duara, was Buhari’s kinsman. Even in his second tenure, only two – General Leo Irabor, who was the Chief of Defence Staff and Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, who was the Chief of the Air Staff) – out of 16 heads of security and related agencies were from the South. Interestingly, the North was the hardest hit by insecurity under Buhari’s watch. Predatory bandits made games of the people and chased them away from farming, which is the mainstay of the northern economy. In May 2019, the District Head of Duara, Alhaji Musa Umar, also said to be the father-in-law of Buhari’s Aide-de-camp (ADC), Col. Mohammed Abubakar, was abducted and held in captivity for over two months. So, obviously, something is fundamentally wrong with our security architecture. Yet, the warnings by well-meaning Nigerians, among them the former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, fell on deaf ears. I had the opportunity of reading Ekweremadu’s lecture entitled “Nigerian Federalism: A Case for a Review”, being the Sixth Annual Oputa Lecture on Governance in Africa, which he delivered on April 11, 2012 at the Osgoode Hall, Law School, York University in Toronto, Ontario Canada. Here, he identified unitary policing and what he christened “feeding bottle federalism” as the greatest threats to Nigeria, which, if not addressed, would destroy the nation socially and economically. How prophetic! In that lecture, he reminded that Nigeria did not actually start off with a centralised police system, which was introduced by the General Yakubu Gowon Regime, ironically in line with General Johnson Aguyi-Ironsi’s Unitary Decree and Policy. The Native Authority Ordinance (No. 4 of 1916) vested the responsibility of the maintenance of law and order in the Native Authorities. The Protectorate Laws (Enforcement) Ordinance No. 15 of 1924 accentuated their powers. A Nigeria Police Force with national jurisdiction was only created in 1930 and coexisted with the Native Authority and the Local Administration police until the fall of the First Republic. However, Ekweremadu’s advocacy did not stop at just talking. He sponsored in the Eighth and Ninth Senate a Bill, which addresses the issues of structure, standardisation, control, armament, disciplinary action, co-existence with federal police, and importantly, the usual fear about possible abuse by state governors. In doing so, he drew inspirations from best practices across the globe, including the USA, Canada, and Brazil. The Bill proposes the establishment of the Federal Police, State Police, National Police Service Commission, National Police Council, and State Police Service Commissions. The Federal Police shall be responsible for the maintenance of public security, preservation of public order and security of persons and property throughout the federation to the extent provided for under the constitution or by an Act of the National Assembly, while the State Police, shall be organised and administered in accordance with such provisions as may be prescribed by a Law of the House of Assembly of a State subject to the framework and guidelines established by an Act of the National Assembly. Ekweremadu’s Bill proposes a Commissioner of State Police, who shall be appointed by the governor of the state on the advice of the National Police Service Commission, subject to confirmation of such appointment by the House of Assembly of the State. The Commissioner shall be in office for a period of five years only or until he/she attains a retirement age prescribed by law, whichever is earlier. So, the governor is not the sole appointer. Again, the governor may give lawful directives to the CP with respect to the maintenance and securing of public safety and public order as he may consider necessary, but the commissioner of police shall only comply to the extent that those directives or order are neither unlawful nor contrary to general policing standards or practice. If he finds them so, he may request that the matter be referred to the State Police Service Commission for review and the decision of the state Commission shall be final and shall not be inquired into by any court. The Bill equally provides enough autonomy for Commissioners of State Police. For instance, a commissioner shall only be removed by the governor upon the recommendation of the National Police Service Commission on the grounds of misconduct in the performance of his official duties; serious breach of policing standards; conviction of any offence by a court of law or tribunal (including administrative tribunals set up by the police authorities for internal disciplining of police officers); indictment by a judicial body or tribunal for corruption, fraud, embezzlement or other unacceptable conducts in office; bankruptcy; mental incapacity; and participation in political activities of any kind either within or outside the state and including sponsoring or giving aid to any political group of movement. But importantly, such removal shall be subject to approval by two-thirds majority of the State Assembly. Furthermore, an Act of the National Assembly may prescribe a periodic review of the activities of each State Police Service by the National Police Service Commission after which it may be recertified so long as its operations adhere to set standards and regulations and do not undermine national integrity, promote ethnic, tribal or sectional agenda or marginalise any segment of the society. The composition of each State Police Service Commission, as membership, is drawn from critical segments of the society, making it extremely difficult to pocket or manipulate the Commission. Chairman is to be appointed by the governor subject to the confirmation of the State House of Assembly; a representative of the Federal Government to be appointed by the National Police Service Commission, two members, who must be indigenes of the respective state and to be appointed by the National Human Rights Commission; a representative of the Public Complaints Commission; a representative of the Labour to be appointed by the Chairman of the state branch; three retired police officers from three senatorial districts to be appointed by the governor subject to confirmation of the State House of Assembly; a lawyer-representative of the Nigerian Bar Association and a representative of the Nigerian Union of Journalists to be appointed by their respective branch chairmen. The mandates of the Commission include recommending the appointment of a Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police and Assistant Commissioner of Police to the National Police Service Commission; appointment, disciplining and removal of members of the state police below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police; and other functions and powers of the commission as may be specified either in the Constitution or a Law of the House of Assembly of a State. It is noteworthy that in recommending the appointment of a Commissioner of State Police, the Commission shall propose three qualified candidates to the National Police Service Commission. The National Police Service Commission, on the other hand, shall comprise a Chairman to be appointed by the President subject to the confirmation of the Senate; two members representing the National Human Rights Commission; one representative of the Labour; six retired police officers not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police representing each of the Geo-Political zones of the country to be appointed by the President subject to confirmation of the Senate; a representative of the NBA to be appointed by the NBA President; a representative of the NUJ to be appointed by the NUJ President; and the Attorney-General of each state. The National Police Service Commission shall be responsible for the appointment of persons to offices (other than office of the Inspector-General of Police) in the Federal Police; exercising disciplinary control over members of the Federal Police; recommending to the Governor of a State the appointment of the Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioners of Police and Assistant Commissioners of Police of the State Police based on a list submitted to it by the State Police Service Commission of the relevant state and subject to confirmation by the House of Assembly of the State; recommending to the Governor, the discipline and removal of the Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioners of Police and Assistant Commissioners of Police of the State Police; supervising the activities of the Federal Police and State Police to the extent provided for in this constitution or by an Act of the National Assembly; and prescribing standards for all police forces in the country in training, criminal intelligence databases, forensic laboratories and render assistance to State Police in areas as may be requested by such State Police. Ekweremadu’s Bill was shot down by parliament twice. But today, not only has the idea rebounded with buy-in by its worst critics, it remains the nation’s biggest guide to state police, resurrecting substantially in various Bills on the subject currently before the National Assembly. In a television interview a few months back, a former federal lawmaker, Senator Ita Enang, confessed, “Senator Ike Ekweremadu was very vehement that we should have state police. He sponsored a bill. I was one of those who vehemently opposed him and campaigned against it. I went out of my way to say that the way the governors exercise power over the electoral process, if you give them the control over security, they would kill everybody. But now, it is no longer the question of the governors. State police is an idea, which time has come.”Iowa officials certify Miller-Meeks’ narrow win, other election results

Knights silence Flames for 6th straight winTaiwan board game invites players to imagine Chinese invasion

Boys Town Nebraska, Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boys Town today announced the filing of patents for two groundbreaking AI-integrated innovations in virtual training & mixed reality technology. Boys Town is a leader in changing the lives of children and families across the country. Boys Town's success comes with teaching caregivers researched-based strategies to effectively change the behaviors of at-risk children. Boys Town is also a leader in helping children with hearing loss and communication disorders. This new AI model will help to effectively teach more caregivers across the country and aid those using American Sign Language (ASL). "Boys Town is known for its groundbreaking research informed care that serves children and families nationwide," said Rod Kempkes, CEO. "This new technology will help us share the Boys Town mission with even wider audiences across the world and sets Boys Town apart as a thought leader in the nonprofit sector." The first system is an AI-driven training application designed to instruct individuals on effectively implementing the Boys Town Model for teaching social skills to children. This new technology can help train caregivers how to respond when working with children. The system features AI-powered characters designed to simulate children's behavior, enabling realistic and dynamic interactions. Users can engage with these AI characters through natural language while the system leverages computer vision to interpret and respond to user cues. These teachings can then be used when dealing with real world scenarios and provide AI-driven feedback on how the interactions were handled. The second technology facilitates seamless communication between individuals using American Sign Language (ASL) and those communicating verbally. It translates ASL into speech and converts spoken language into text, which is displayed as captions on smart eyewear, allowing both parties to communicate effortlessly. Boys Town is a leader in communication disorders research along with treating those with hearing loss. This technology will be an asset to helping children and families navigate communication barriers. About Boys Town: ​​​​​For over a century, Boys Town has been a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of America's children and families through innovative youth, research, and healthcare programs. Boys Town provides compassionate, research-proven education, prevention, training, and treatment for behavioral and physical problems in multiple locations throughout the United States, with a comprehensive array of services. In 2023, more than 715,000 children and families across the United States were impacted by Boys Town programs. You can find more information about Boys Town online at www.boystown.org . Attachments Artificial Intelligence in Training Boys Town Reality Coach © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Ashlon Jackson scored a career-high 30 points and No. 13 Duke defeated No. 9 Kansas State, 73-62 on Monday, in the semifinals of the Ball Dawgs Classic. The Blue Devils (6-1) overcame an early 11-point deficit behind Jackon’s shooting hand to advance to Wednesday’s championship game against the winner of the game between No. 8 Oklahoma and DePaul. Jackson, who has scored in double figures in all six of Duke’s games, shot 12 of 19 (63.1%) from the floor, including 6 of 9 (66.7%) from 3-point range. Reigan Richardson added 16 points for the Blue Devils. Kansas State (5-1) was led by Ayoka Lee, who had 16 points. Serena Sundell scored 15 and Kennedy Taylor came off the bench to add 11 for the Wildcats. Kansas State: With her 16-point performance, Lee needs 48 points to pass Kendra Wecker (2001-05) for the Kansas State career scoring record. Wecker scored 2,333 points. Lee, the 2024-25 Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year, is averaging 15.3 points. Duke: Jackson hit her season average of 13.3 points by the 3:54 mark of the second quarter when her pull-up jumper gave her 14. The junior guard was 8 of 11 from the floor, including 4 of 5 from 3-point range, and had 20 points by halftime. With the Blue Devils trailing by six midway through the second quarter, Jackson triggered a 15-0 run with 13 of the team’s points to help Duke take a lead they’d never relinquish. Duke will face the winner of No. 8 Oklahoma-DePaul on Wednesday in the championship game, while Kansas State will face the loser in the consolation game. Get poll alerts and updates on AP Top 25 basketball throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketballPrime Ministers Mostafa Madbouly of Egypt and Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani of Qatar co-chaired a meeting to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors. The meeting, held at the Council of Ministers headquarters in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, focused on boosting trade, investment, and joint projects. The Egyptian delegation included Kamel El-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport; Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning and Economic Development and International Cooperation; Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development; Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration and Egyptians Abroad Affairs; and Ambassador Ihab Fahmy, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Arab Affairs. The Qatari delegation comprised Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, Minister of Municipality; Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry; Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Tariq Ali Faraj Al Ansari, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Egypt; and several other officials. Madbouly expressed appreciation for the Qatari Prime Minister’s visit, highlighting the two countries’ commitment to increased communication and coordination on regional matters. He emphasised building upon the progress in political, economic, and investment relations. “Welcome to Egypt, your second home,” Madbouly said. “We are delighted to host you at the Council of Ministers in the New Administrative Capital.” Madbouly noted that a prior meeting between President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and the Qatari Prime Minister reinforced both nations’ desire to strengthen cooperation. He cited a significant North Coast real estate project as a key area for collaboration, highlighting the expertise of Qatari construction companies, particularly their experience gained during the FIFA World Cup. He also mentioned opportunities for partnerships with Egyptian companies working on projects in Africa. Both sides expressed a desire to improve trade exchange rates, with Madbouly assuring cooperation with Qatari authorities to achieve this goal. He highlighted Qatari interest in manufacturing collaborations and presented Egypt’s diverse industrial investment opportunities. He proposed using Egypt as a gateway to the African market and countries with free trade agreements. Further discussions included potential Qatari investment in North Coast tourism and hospitality, with similar opportunities in Greater Cairo and the New Administrative Capital. These involved possibilities for acquisition or partnership with Egyptian private-sector companies. Cooperation in ports, logistics, and data center development was also discussed, with Madbouly mentioning projects in New Alamein and Greater Cairo. He also noted that Khaled Abbas, Chairperson of the New Administrative Capital Company, had previously presented real estate and tourism sector investment opportunities in Doha during October 2023 at the Qatar Real Estate Forum. Madbouly reiterated Egypt’s dedication to the Egypt-Qatar Investment Forum, the first session of which took place in Cairo last November. He expressed hope for another session in the first quarter of 2025. Al Thani expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and highlighted a productive meeting with President Al-Sisi. He commended Madbouly’s comments on strengthening bilateral ties and investment opportunities, reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to enhanced cooperation. He underscored Qatar’s intention to strengthen investment cooperation with Egypt in various sectors, mentioning the success of Qatari real estate companies in Egypt and opportunities to significantly increase trade exchange rates. He instructed relevant Qatari government agencies to establish targets for increased trade and confirmed ongoing collaboration with Qatari investors in Egypt’s industrial sector. He further discussed potential cooperation on humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Madbouly emphasised the importance of joint efforts to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza, expressing hope for a swift resolution to the conflict and collaboration on post-conflict reconstruction. Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, the Qatari Minister of Municipality, described the North Coast real estate project as highly important, and plans were made to consult with the Egyptian project team. Madbouly immediately offered to begin these consultations to expedite the project. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, the Qatari Minister of Commerce and Industry, stated his commitment to working towards increased trade exchange rates and industrial integration between the two countries. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, the Qatari Minister of State for International Cooperation, discussed developmental and humanitarian projects with Rania Al-Mashat, expressing hopes for rapid progress. Kamel el-Wazir confirmed substantial agreement on manufacturing collaboration, highlighting investment opportunities and suggesting a designated industrial zone for Qatari factories or participation in existing factories. He mentioned opportunities in aluminum and iron, along with potential cooperation in ports and logistics. He stressed that any North Coast investment would benefit from Egypt’s existing infrastructure. Al-Mashat expressed appreciation for discussions with her Qatari counterpart on development projects focusing on employment and youth empowerment, aiming for a rapid implementation plan. The Minister of Local Development highlighted investment opportunities in various governorates. Badr Abdelatty emphasised the importance of humanitarian cooperation regarding Gaza and planned participation with Doha in an upcoming international conference. Finally, Madbouly announced the creation of a smaller working group to implement agreements reached, with immediate action within days.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A 93-year-old former Catholic priest sentenced to life in prison earlier this month for raping a teenage boy has died, Louisiana authorities and his lawyer confirmed Friday. Less than two weeks after being sentenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars, Lawrence Hecker died of natural causes at 3 a.m. Thursday at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, according to Ken Pastorick, Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections communications director. Hecker had pleaded guilty to charges including first-degree rape and aggravated kidnapping shortly before jury selection for his long-delayed trial had been scheduled to begin earlier this month, with other victims prepared to testify against him. The survivor of the assault to which Hecker pleaded guilty had said that Hecker raped him after offering to ahead of tryouts for a school team in the mid-1970s. “The only prayer I can come up with I hope he spends eternity in hell after God’s judgment of him,” the survivor said in a written statement provided by his attorney, Richard Trahant. “Now after his death I feel vindicated and free,” he said. The Associated Press does not identify those who say they have been sexually assaulted. Hecker’s trial had been delayed for months partly because of questions around his mental competency. Hecker had suffered from dementia, his lawyer Bobby Hjortsberg said. Hecker had been ordained as an archdiocesan priest in 1958 and remained in this position even after facing an undisputed complaint of child molestation in the late 1980s, according to . Hecker left the ministry in 2002. Hecker’s conviction occurred amid a against the Catholic church in New Orleans, many resurfacing from decades ago. The fallout has left the Archdiocese of New Orleans embroiled in bankruptcy negotiations. ___ Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96 ___ This story has been updated to clarify that Hecker died at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center. Authorities had previously stated he died at a Baton Rouge hospital.Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles make their second-to-last road trip of the regular season Sunday to face Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens. The NFC East-leading Eagles (9-2) have won seven in a row and play four of their final six games in Philadelphia, traveling only about 125 miles to visit the Ravens (8-4) this weekend and the Washington Commanders in Week 16. Sunday's game features the NFL's two leading rushers. Barkley (1,392 yards) and Henry (1,325) are far ahead of Green Bay's Josh Jacobs (944) in third place. Henry leads the league with 13 rushing touchdowns. Barkley (10) is tied for fourth and Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts (11) tied for second. The matchup also features two of the top candidates for Most Valuable Player honors entering Week 13 in Barkley and Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson, who won his second MVP award last season. Their competition includes quarterbacks Josh Allen of Buffalo and Jared Goff of Detroit, with Allen widely considered the favorite. "Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are phenomenal football players that help their team win football games, and Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley are phenomenal football players that help their team win football games," Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. "Excited about the opportunity this week because it's our next one. It will be a really good opponent, really well coached, good players, good atmosphere that will be there. Excited about the opportunity this week. And we're going to have to be on it against a really good team." The showdown at M&T Bank Stadium also pits Baltimore's No. 1 offense (426.7 yards per game) and No. 2 scoring offense (30.3 points per game) against Philadelphia's No. 1 defense (274.6) and No. 6 scoring defense (18.1). The Eagles have held seven consecutive opponents to under 300 total yards, while the Ravens have gained at least 329 yards of offense in all 11 games. Philadelphia is coming off a 37-20 road win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night in which Barkley smashed the franchise record with 255 rushing yards. Baltimore also earned a prime-time win in Los Angeles, defeating the Chargers 30-23 in the "Harbaugh Bowl" on Monday night behind Jackson's three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing). Jackson said he's looking forward to the Barkley and Henry show. "I've known Saquon from high school. We were in the all-star game together and he jumped over somebody's head," Jackson recalled Wednesday. "So I've pretty much seen him before I even got to the league, college, anything. I've been knowing about Saquon, but Derrick Henry -- King Henry -- I'm with him every day and I'm seeing what he's capable of, so it's going to be a great matchup." Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith practiced Wednesday after sitting out Monday with a hamstring issue. Nose tackle Michael Pierce (calf) was designated to return from injured reserve. Tight end Charlie Kolar (broken arm) is out for several weeks and cornerback Arthur Maulet (calf) did not practice. The Eagles lost veteran defensive end Brandon Graham to a season-ending triceps injury Sunday. Wideout DeVonta Smith (hamstring) missed the win over the Rams and did not practice Wednesday. Neither did cornerbacks Darius Slay (concussion) or Kelee Ringo (calf). Philadelphia is 5-1 away from home this season -- 6-1 if you count their season-opening "home" victory against the Packers in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Baltimore is 4-1 at home. The Ravens hold a 3-2-1 lead in the series with the Eagles. They haven't met since Baltimore's 30-28 win in Week 6 at Philadelphia in 2020. --Field Level MediaNEW YORK (AP) — Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster, has died from cancer, according to a statement from family released by CBS on Friday. He was 78. “He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten,” his wife Marcy Gumbel and daughter Michelle Gumbel said in a statement. In March, Gumbel missed his first NCAA Tournament since 1997 due to what he said at the time were family health issues. Gumbel was the studio since returning to the network from NBC in 1998. Gumbel signed an extension with CBS last year that allowed him to continue hosting college basketball while stepping back from NFL announcing duties. In 2001, he announced Super Bowl XXXV for CBS, becoming the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship. David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, described Greg Gumbel as breaking barriers and setting standards for others during his years as a voice for fans in sports, including in the NFL and “A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time,” said Berson. Gumbel had two stints at CBS, leaving the network for NBC when it lost football in 1994 and returning when it regained the contract in 1998. He hosted CBS’ coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics and called Major League Baseball games during its four-year run broadcasting the national pastime. But it was football and basketball where he was best known and made his biggest impact. Gumbel hosted CBS’ NFL studio show, “The NFL Today” from 1990 to 1993 and again in 2004. He also called NFL games as the network’s lead play-by-play announcer from 1998 to 2003, including Super Bowl XXXV and XXXVIII. He returned to the NFL booth in 2005, leaving that role after the 2022 season.