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super free download ( MENAFN - PR Newswire) Accomplished Leader Brings Expertise in Finance and Tribal Governance SAN DIEGO, Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Indigenized Energy, a Native-led organization building sustainable solar energy systems with Tribes nationwide, has announced the appointment of Lorilee J. Morsette, MS, THRP as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Morsette previously served as President of National Accounts for Tribal Markets at Mutual of America financial Group and led HR operations for nearly 600 employees at the Nisqually Indian Tribe in Olympia, Washington. As COO, Morsette will oversee program delivery, finance, human resources, technology, and will ensure operational excellence. The newly created COO role is integral to scaling the organization's impact in 2025 and beyond. In April, Indigenized Energy, along with its partners the MHA Nation-Three Affiliated Tribes and the Tribal Renewal Energy Coalition, were awarded $135.5M in Solar for All funding by the EPA. A Suquamish and Chippewa-Cree from Rocky Boy, Montana, Morsette brings a visionary approach informed by the historical challenges faced by Indian Country. Morsette said, "Joining Indigenized Energy allows me to combine my expertise in financial services with my deep commitment to advancing opportunities for Native Americans. Our community's strength lies in our autonomy, and Indigenized Energy stands as a beacon of hope towards that goal. Together, we are Native-led, driven by our shared values, and contributing to a future where all voices and spirits thrive." Morsette's leadership adds depth to Indigenized Energy's executive team, which already excels in solar technology and tribal relations. Her presence is a milestone for Native women in leadership: women hold only 15% of C-suite roles in the finance sector and 18% in the solar industry, with Native American women representing a fraction of these figures. Cody Two Bears, Founder and CEO of Indigenized Energy said, "If we wrote a COO job description that called for expertise in corporate finance, management, Tribal governance, and values that align seamlessly with our own, and then looked for a Native American woman, we never would have found that. We cast a wider net and fortunately, connected with Lorilee at a time when she was open to a bold new leadership opportunity. Her appointment is a testament to the right timing and shared vision. I have no doubt." About Indigenized Energy With a mission focused on developing innovative and practical energy solutions, Indigenized Energy endeavors to support tribal autonomy, economic development, and environmental stewardship through clean energy initiatives. Indigenized Energy is registered as a charitable corporation in North Dakota and is a fiscally sponsored project of Mission Edge San Diego, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in San Diego. Our Federal Tax ID # 27-2938491. SOURCE Indigenized Energy MENAFN17122024003732001241ID1109004642 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. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Methane pyrolysis – the case for cleaner hydrogen with existing infrastructure Hydrogen has the potential to significantly decarbonize multiple sectors. Conventional wisdom says that we must build dedicated new hydrogen pipelines and processing infrastructure over the next decades to realize this potential. What if we already had an effective and efficient way to transport (and store) hydrogen across nearly all the United States? What if this system were able to help us reliably eliminate carbon emissions from existing hydrogen production, begin to displace diesel, jet fuel and shipping fuel, and help kick start demand for other new uses almost right away? And, at the same time, what if this system sustainably produced materials for cleaner products for the energy transition and reduced our dependence (at least somewhat) on mining? We do have such a system. Simply put, we can utilize existing infrastructure to transport (and store) natural gas across the country, as we currently do. At the point of use (e.g., an ammonia production facility or truck stop) in the system, we can convert the natural gas into hydrogen using thousands of deployable, easily maintained and operated methane pyrolysis units — an underdiscussed and relatively-mature production method that produces only hydrogen and solid carbon (e.g., carbon black, graphite, or carbon nanotubes) with no carbon dioxide emissions. Over the past 100 years, the United States has constructed around of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines to supply a wide swath of homes, businesses, factories and power plants. We have also invested in massive underground capacity, capable of balancing energy needs across seasons. We can continue to improve (i.e., replace aging pipes, repair leaks) and leverage this massive infrastructure investment to eliminate emissions from hydrogen production and begin to offset emissions in a host of other sectors. Importantly, the United States is endowed with a vast natural gas resource and a great deal of expertise in locating, accessing, and extracting it. A recent estimate put total at 692 trillion cubic feet (Tcf). For reference, we consume around annually. So, that’s more than 21 years’ worth. With a few exceptions over the past decade, this abundance of domestic natural gas has led to very . Yet, there’s a problem with current natural gas consumption; combusting it produces carbon dioxide, which is accumulating in our atmosphere, warming the planet, and creating dangerous climate change. Moreover, fugitive emissions from the production and distribution of natural gas are also a powerful, contributing source of greenhouse gas emissions. We must continue to mitigate fugitive emission, and we must combust less (unless we are capturing and sequestering or utilizing the carbon dioxide molecules). Methane pyrolysis (also known as “turquoise” hydrogen) has existed for decades, but due to high energy inputs and other technical challenges it is not as mature as steam methane reforming (SMR). SMR, which also converts natural gas into hydrogen, is an emissions intensive process that is responsible for 95 percent of today’s U.S. hydrogen production. While pyrolysis requires less than one-third of the consumed by electrolysis, it uses more natural gas than SMR per quantity of hydrogen produced. Additionally, scaling the technology to commercial levels has proved challenging. Generally, the International Energy Agency (IEA) grades existing methane pyrolysis technology designs from three to eight on its technological readiness level (TRL) scale – with a score of nine implying commercial readiness. A wide range of current analyses indicate that methane pyrolysis has a similar or slightly lower cost per unit of hydrogen produced than “blue” hydrogen (i.e., SMR with carbon capture), but it has nearly zero carbon dioxide emissions, does not need to sequester or transport captured carbon dioxide, and can be lower cost depending on the value of the solid carbon produced. The solid carbon in its several forms produced in pyrolysis offers additional revenue potential (above the hydrogen value), which can further incentivize companies pursuing this production pathway. Carbon black, a fine black powder, is already used in tire manufacturing, printing, plastics, asphalt, and coatings. Graphite, a more structured form of carbon, is mined in many countries for battery anodes, among other things. If it were produced as part of pyrolysis, it would reduce pressure on graphite mining – an environmental win. Carbon nanotubes are perhaps the most valuable form of solid carbon. They are exceedingly lightweight, yet orders of magnitude stronger than steel. As a substitute, they would offset highly emissions intensive steel production and iron mining (to an extent). Furthermore, utilizing nanotubes in structures increases strength and reduces weight (e.g., aerospace vehicles, planes, cars and trucks), making them more energy efficient. Finally, carbon nanotubes conduct electricity, potentially helping to make electric vehicle batteries lighter and reducing demand for other mined critical minerals. Companies are at various stages of development with pyrolysis. In 2021, Monolith, a Nebraska-based chemical and energy company, received a from the U.S. Department of Energy to expand its proprietary technology using natural gas and clean electricity; it plans to use the capital to expand clean hydrogen and carbon black production. Its produced hydrogen is used to make clean ammonia and fertilizer, which is used on nearby farms. Additionally, Monolith has partnered with a major , helping them reduce their emissions by with a source of low emission carbon black. A Washington-based company, Modern Hydrogen, has developed a , drop-in, “shipping-container” approach to scale hydrogen production volumes needed by end users. In Germany, the chemical company BASF has developed a proprietary process and constructed a in Ludwigshafen; currently, it is researching how to scale its production and is exploring economic uses for the solid carbon it creates. Additionally, U.S. chemical company is commercializing its exclusive pyrolysis technique that creates a more valuable solid carbon product in addition to hydrogen. Molten Industries, C-Zero, Aurora hydrogen, and Transform Materials are at earlier stages of development. Startup Molten Industries is focusing on producing (i.e., another form of solid carbon) for lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen for the chemical and steel industries. California-based is initially focusing on Asian markets. In Canada, Aurora Hydrogen recently received support for its scalable, modular microwave (i.e., electricity) pyrolysis technology, which produces hydrogen at the point-of-use, eliminating the need for hydrogen-specific transportation infrastructure. Similarly, Transform Materials produces hydrogen, and other valuable products using microwave energy and pyrolysis. Since hydrogen is an indirect greenhouse gas, producing it close to where it will be consumed can help minimize leaks and its impact on climate change. What should we be using the hydrogen for? There is wide agreement here. First, we should be replacing the current dirty hydrogen production (i.e., SMR) with cleaner methods as quickly as possible. Next, we should be focusing on hard to abate sectors like industry (e.g., ammonia production), heavy-duty long-haul transportation (e.g., trucks), and creating cheaper, scalable pathways to low carbon drop in fuels (e.g., sustainable aviation fuel). With a safe, efficient transportation and storage network already in place, we can start plugging in the additional elements of the methane pyrolysis production pathway almost right away. We don’t need to wait years or decades (and spend billions of additional dollars) to build out a 100 percent dedicated hydrogen transportation system in order to start realizing significant emission reductions. Our current infrastructure provides us with an extraordinary head start. The co-production of solid carbon (e.g., carbon black, graphite, and carbon nanotubes) provides an additional range of very compelling environmental and economic benefits. Methane pyrolysis is one of many clean hydrogen production pathways that we should strongly pursue. With respect to the continued use of fossil fuels, gains made with pyrolysis (or carbon capture) can be cancelled out or made worse without concerted stewardship. The natural gas industry must do better at removing emissions from all segments of product development (i.e., exploration, production, gathering, transmission, storage, and distribution). Additionally, negative impacts on nearby communities must be considered and improved. A group of innovative companies, leveraging existing infrastructure, and cheap, abundant natural gas, can reduce global emissions considerably in the next decade. Though some technical challenges remain, this pathway of least resistance should be supported and enabled to the fullest extent. the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Methane pyrolysis – the case for cleaner hydrogen with existing infrastructure, First Hydrogen (TM) Explores Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for Green Hydrogen Production Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – December 16, 2024) – First Hydrogen Corp. (TSXV: FHYD) (OTC Pink:... Gasunie – Seven questions about offshore hydrogen New offshore wind farms are going to generate a lot of sustainable electricity in the future. Some of that electricity will be converted to hydrogen and brought... DNV pioneers certification for safer, scalable hydrogen production The recently released standard sets requirements and establishes an industry benchmark for the safe design, construction, and operation of electrolyser...

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New Jersey fines firms $40K for sports betting violationsDetailed prison blueprints have been leaked, triggering a security alert at jails in England and Wales, it has emerged. The leak, first reported by the Times , involves prison layouts being shared on the dark web in the last fortnight, prompting an investigation by the National Crime Agency. The plans are understood to detail the location of cameras and sensors, sparking fears they will be exploited by criminals to smuggle drugs and weapons into prisons or to aid escapes. The leak emerged after prison officials who work at the jails were sent an internal email titled “security alert” to inform them of the breach. However, one Whitehall source played down the significance of the breach, saying cameras were regularly moved and could already be seen by drones. They said prison blueprints had been available on the internet for years and were visible on Google Earth. In the alert, prison officers were told that the breach could affect the security of the internal fences, which have technology installed that raises the alarm if there are attempted breaches. The staff memos reported that there had been a data loss which had led to “vulnerabilities” in these security systems. This meant there was a danger that members of the public had been made aware of information that put prisons’ perimeters “at risk”. This could be from people “attempting to convey items into the establishment/aid an escape”, the email warned. A government spokesperson said: “We do not comment on security matters.” The prisons watchdog warned on Friday that security was not keeping pace with technology , saying drones could deliver guns into jails riven by drug-related gang wars amid an “inadequate” response from the Prison Service. Charlie Taylor, HM chief inspector of prisons, told the Guardian that the surge in the use of large unmanned aerial vehicles was his “number one concern” and had increased the possibility that firearms would be used to settle turf wars or attempt escapes. Dealing with the prison system in England and Wales is a top priority for the government, after it inherited a crisis of overcrowding and poor conditions from the last government. No 10 signed off on emergency measures over the summer to deal with a lack of jail places, releasing thousands of prisoners early after they had served 40% of their sentences. In September, five of the most senior former judges in England and Wales said “radical solutions” such as the earlier release of killers and rapists on licence should be considered to ease the prison overcrowding crisis. They recommended a review at the halfway stage of the determinate sentences of all prisoners serving longer than 10 years. Other proposals include the release of all prisoners serving indeterminate sentences who are over tariff, and the removal of all those who are elderly, dying or who have dementia from prison. Shabana Mahmood, the justice secretary, is undertaking an urgent independent review of sentencing legislation and practice.Empowered Funds LLC Purchases 14,070 Shares of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ:SSP)

A historic and landmark Dublin pub, which featured in the season one finale of RTE’s hit crime drama Love/Hate, is set for demolition. Morton’s pub in Firhouse, South Dublin, has been closed since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020 but had been in business for nearly 60 years previously until sold to a developer. Offaly-based firm Bluemont Developments have planning permission to build 100 apartments and some retail units on the one acre site and pre-demolition work has already begun with the erection of hoardings. Morton’s The Firhouse Inn was established in 1963 but there’s thought to have been a tavern on the site stretching back to the turn of the 1800’s. The pub became famous in 2010 when the gripping closing scene of the Season One finale of hit RTE crime drama Love/Hate was shot outside the bar. In a tense exchange Darren (played by Robert Sheehan) meets with John Boy (Aidan Gillen) to shake hands and to put an end to their problems. Darren is then the victim of a drive-by shooting that was filmed 100 metres away at the M50 flyover and for many years afterwards they were regularly visited by fans of the show. News of the iconic pub’s imminent demolition was posted on the Firhouse Community News Facebook page, with the site saying: “The demolition of Morton's has finally started. The beginning of the end of a huge piece of social history of Firhouse. Many a pound and a euro crossed that bar!” It sparked over one hundred comments with many expressing sadness at the end of an era for the locality. One comment said: “So sad ...every Sunday my Mam and Dad would come over for their tea after that my husband, me and my Dad would go to Morton’s bar for a jar and a sing song he loved it.” Another added: “Sad to see it knocked. It was a well known landmark,” while one man commented: “Used to go there to watch Match of the Day in colour. Had late closing but you had to have chicken and chips. Early 1970’s if I remember rightly.” A second pub in Firhouse is also likely to face the wrecking ball soon with plans submitted to replace The Speaker Connolly pub with a development of 55 residential units. Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .

Global survey of healthcare risk and financial professionals highlights the need for integrated approaches to risk management to tackle emerging challenges. TORONTO, Dec. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The healthcare sector faces unprecedented risks, from skills shortages and cybersecurity threats to economic pressures and the unintended consequences of AI technologies. A new report by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) , Risk Cultures in Healthcare: The Role of Accountancy, underscores the growing recognition of the importance of a collaborative risk culture to navigate these complexities effectively. The study of nearly 100 healthcare professionals from across the world identified the integration of clinical, operational, and financial management as a critical step towards achieving enterprise risk management. This alignment fosters better decision-making and enables healthcare organizations to deliver quality patient care - the common purpose shared across the sector. Rachael Johnson, head of risk management and corporate governance for ACCA, said: "By collaborating and learning from each other, different departments in healthcare can meet shared objectives-of quality care, financial sustainability, and regulatory compliance-more effectively.” The report outlines key enablers of a strong risk culture, including effective communication, cooperative education, and a transparent environment. It also emphasizes cross-functional knowledge-sharing and ethical decision-making as essential practices for managing interconnected risks, from rising cybercrime and fraud to fast-changing workforce challenges. Mark Millar, former ACCA president and non-executive director at East Suffolk & North East Essex NHS Foundation Trust, warned against viewing risk management solely as a financial function. "Understand that risk in healthcare is far more than a financial issue. It is about life and death. Old cultural attitudes viewed people who raised the profile of risk as admitting to failure and they were therefore subject to criticism or censure. A more helpful culture is one that encourages the sharing of information willingly to address challenges and make improvements,” he said. The study also reveals regional nuances in risk priorities: As healthcare becomes increasingly complex, the role of accountancy professionals is pivotal. From promoting cross-departmental communication to embedding risk cultures, they provide the financial insights and strategic frameworks necessary to achieve resilient and patient-centric systems. This report is a call to action for the sector to break down silos and embrace a cohesive approach to risk management, aligning financial, clinical, and operational goals for the betterment of healthcare systems globally. Read it here . About ACCA We are ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a globally recognized accountancy body providing qualifications and advancing standards in accountancy worldwide. Founded in 1904 to widen access to the accountancy profession, we've long championed inclusion and today proudly support a diverse community of over 252,500 members and 526,000 future members in 180 countries. Our forward-looking qualifications, continuous learning and insights are respected and valued by employers in every sector. They equip individuals with the business and finance expertise and ethical judgment to create, protect, and report the sustainable value delivered by organisations and economies. Guided by our purpose and values, our ambition is to lead the accountancy profession for a changed world. Partnering with policymakers, standard setters, the donor community, educators and other accountancy bodies, we're strengthening and building a profession that drives a sustainable future for all. Find out more at: www.accaglobal.com ACCA is not affiliated with any Chartered Accountant (CA) organization or Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) organization. CONTACT: Matt Sollars Anat Gerstein, Inc. (on behalf of ACCA North America) 347-925-0101 [email protected]SinoHytec, Toyota co-invest 1,9 billion yen in joint fuel cell venture in China

Dear Eric: We live on a lake and love hosting our great-nieces and nephews on school breaks and the entire family on vacations. My husband and I have no children. Our niece’s families are dear to us. Our 11-year-old great-nephew has been gaming now for about a year. When he comes to visit, instead of reading or playing cards or board games with us, he wants to disappear with his video games. We feel vacated. How do we navigate this with his parents who think his being on a video gaming team at school is awesome and I think it is a bad omen? What is a fair place of compromise and balance? — Game Off Dear Game Off: Let his parents parent their child. The other night I re-watched the movie “Network” from 1977. In it, a character in his 60s dismisses a character played by Faye Dunaway by saying, “She’s the television generation. She learned life from Bugs Bunny. The only reality she knows is what comes to her over her TV set.” Every generation has anxieties about the ways that technology is changing social interactions or altering the minds of the generations below. While some of those concerns are valid, those of Faye Dunaway’s generation (now in their 70s and 80s) would argue that they’ve managed to stay quite well-rounded, despite TV. In moderation, video games have been shown to improve a child’s cognitive function and working memory. While your great-nephew’s gaming might not be your choice, it’s important that you not seek to undermine the research and thinking that his parents have done about it. What you’re really yearning for is a sense of togetherness as a family, so try talking to your niece and her spouse about group activities you can plan to meet your great-nephew where he is. Dear Eric: I eat at a local restaurant a couple times a week and tend to get one of three meals. This one waitress asks me what I want to eat, but then interrupts me to make guesses or tell me my choice. I just put my head down and nod yes or no to the guesses. It’s frustrating, but not life-threatening. She enjoys it. I hate it. However, if I were to say something, it would force her to make the choice of being herself, doing something she likes doing, or appeasing me so I can order the way I want to order. I don’t know if this is a big enough problem to have a “high road.” The answer will not change my life. She can easily change, and I can easily suffer. The question is who gets to be themselves? — Speaking Up Dear Speaking Up: I worked in the service industry for more than a decade. I loved it. I loved seeing regulars, meeting new people and carrying a lot of beverages in my hands at one time. The whole bit. I also loved knowing what people wanted, but I would always ask and confirm. That’s part of the job. She may think you’re a regular who likes to be known in this way. So, informing her that that’s not the case won’t be keeping her from being herself. It will be helping her to do her job better. You may not have the kind of temperament that easily or comfortably course-corrects in social situations. That’s just fine. But know you won’t be causing her suffering by saying something like, “I’ve already decided on my meal. Let’s skip the guessing today and I’ll just tell you.” This also clears the path for the two of you to talk about something else, if you want. Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com . Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Titans QB Mason Rudolph gets another chance at starting, this time against the JagsSmoltek – groundbreaking iridium solution for green hydrogen verified by leading expert Dr. Felix Büchi, a leading expert in PEM electrolyzer technology, emphasizes that Smoltek’s porous transport electrode (PTE) solution represents a breakthrough in electrode design for electrolyzers. In an interview with Smoltek Hydrogen’s President, Ellinor Ehrnberg, he shares insights into the technology’s groundbreaking benefits and market potential. says : “Smoltek’s PTE uses only 0.1–0.2 mg of iridium per square centimeter without compromising performance,” For electrolyzer manufacturers, reducing the use of iridium represents a significant opportunity to reduce costs and address supply constraints. Felix Büchi attests that Smoltek Hydrogen’s technology matches industry standards for performance while minimizing the need for precious metals, making it an attractive solution for commercial implementation. By reducing the amount of iridium by up to 95 percent compared to conventional technology, Smoltek Hydrogen addresses the critical challenge of the severely limited global supply of iridium, which only amounts to about 7 tons per year. A reduced consumption of iridium is a prerequisite for the technology in PEM electrolyzers to be able to be scaled up to the extent required to produce fossil-free (green) hydrogen in the amount required by the carbon-neutral energy transition. In addition, costs are significantly reduced, as the price of iridium already far exceeds the price of gold. Smoltek Hydrogen has developed a unique method to grow carbon nanofibers directly onto the porous titanium substrate (PTL), dramatically increasing the catalytic surface area of ​​the electrode. Iridium particles are then deposited in a thin layer onto the corrosion-protected carbon nanofibers. This enables the efficient use of iridium catalysts, even with minimal coating, providing high performance while significantly reducing iridium usage. says : President of Smoltek Hydrogen, says : “Dr. Büchi’s evaluation not only confirms that our technology works, but that it is also a key to cost-effective production of green hydrogen that can revolutionize the industry,” the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Smoltek – groundbreaking iridium solution for green hydrogen verified by leading expert, Dubai Green Hydrogen project produces 90 tonnes, sets regional benchmark Dubai’s pioneering Green Hydrogen project has produced 90 tonnes of green hydrogen since its launch, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority... ENOC’s Green Hydrogen Station wins IdeasUK – Idea of the year competition Award 2024 -Sustainability Category ENOC Group, a leading integrated global energy player, was honoured for its sustainability efforts... Global Green Hydrogen pioneers make Milford Haven their new HQ Haush Ltd, a green energy and technology company specialising in green hydrogen, has today officially announced Milford Haven as their new HQ as they press...

By Dr Abdullah Ahmed Alkayat KUWAIT: The regulation of the minimum age to engage in commerce in Kuwait has undergone significant transformations over the decades, reflecting both historical considerations and evolving societal dynamics. In the 1960s, Kuwait’s first commercial law no. 2 of 1961, established the age of commercial capacity — the minimum age at which an individual could lawfully engage in commerce or be recognized as a merchant — at 18 years. This decision aligned with prevailing international standards of the time and recognized that 18-year-olds, as legal adults, were capable of assuming commercial responsibilities. However, in the 1980s, Kuwait introduced a new commercial law, no. 68 of 1980, raising the age of commercial capacity to 21. This shift represented a more cautious approach, perhaps rooted in concerns about the maturity, experience, and preparedness of younger individuals to undertake the risks and obligations inherent in commercial activities. Today, the question of whether the age of commercial capacity should remain at 21 or revert to 18 is increasingly relevant. Around the world, many legal systems and jurisdictions have moved toward recognizing 18 as the age of legal capacity for various matters, including commercial activities. This shift reflects the broader acknowledgment that 18-year-olds are legally and practically adults, capable of entering into contracts, assuming obligations and participating fully in economic life. For instance, in many modern economies, lowering the age of commercial capacity to 18 has fostered entrepreneurship among youth, allowing them to innovate, start businesses, and contribute to economic development at an earlier stage. In the GCC countries (Gulf Cooperation Council), the age of commercial capacity is uniformly set at 18 years across all member states, except for Kuwait, where the age of commercial capacity remains at 21 years, reflecting a notable exception to the regional standard. This distinction highlights a divergence in the legal frameworks governing capacity within the GCC, as Kuwait continues to adhere to a higher age threshold for commercial transactions and related responsibilities. One of the benefits of maintaining the age of commercial capacity at 21 is the added layer of protection it provides to younger individuals who may lack sufficient experience, judgment or financial knowledge to navigate complex commercial transactions. Commerce, by its nature, involves risks, and raising the minimum age can serve as a safeguard against exploitation, impulsive decision-making or economic failure caused by inexperience. Additionally, it aligns with cultural perspectives in Kuwait that emphasize the gradual transition to adulthood and the readiness to take on significant responsibilities. From this perspective, the law serves as a means of protecting youth from entering into premature obligations that could have long-term financial or legal repercussions. On the other hand, proponents of lowering the age back to 18 argue that it better reflects modern realities. Today’s youth are more educated, informed, and exposed to the world of business and technology than ever before. Platforms for entrepreneurship, such as e-commerce and digital startups, often attract younger individuals, who possess the creativity and adaptability necessary to thrive in these sectors. Restricting the age of commercial capacity to 21 may hinder these opportunities and place Kuwait at a competitive disadvantage compared to jurisdictions that allow 18-year-olds to participate in commerce. Furthermore, lowering the age would align Kuwait’s commercial law with its civil and international commitments, as 18 is widely recognized as the age of majority across legal systems worldwide. In addition, the economic landscape has changed drastically in recent decades, particularly with the rise of technology-driven commerce. Many young individuals in Kuwait and globally are now capable of building successful businesses online through platforms like e-commerce, app development, and social media. These opportunities require minimal capital investment and are often driven by innovation and technological proficiency — skills that younger generations excel at. By maintaining the minimum age of commercial capacity at 21, the law risks limiting access to these opportunities, thereby stifling young entrepreneurs who could otherwise contribute to the national economy. Countries that embrace youthful entrepreneurship tend to benefit from a more dynamic, competitive, and forward-looking economic environment, a factor worth considering for Kuwait’s future. Overall, the debate over the age of commercial capacity in Kuwait reflects a tension between tradition and modernity. While maintaining the age at 21 offers a protective and cautious approach, lowering it to 18 would empower younger generations to contribute meaningfully to the economy, aligning with global norms and fostering entrepreneurial growth. As societal values, education, and economic opportunities evolve, Kuwait may need to reconsider whether the current law adequately serves the nation’s youth and economic future. Balancing maturity with opportunity is key, and finding that balance will determine the path forward for Kuwait’s commercial development. Kuwait can ensure that its legal framework supports both the protection and empowerment of its younger generations in an increasingly competitive global economy. NOTE: Dr Abdullah Ahmed Alkayat is a Commercial and Capital Markets Law Professor at Kuwait University School of Law.

NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of fatally setting a woman on fire inside a New York City subway train used his shirt to fan the flames, causing her to become engulfed in the blaze, a prosecutor said Tuesday. Sebastian Zapeta, 33, who federal immigration officials said is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally, made his first court appearance and was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court. He appeared briefly before a judge and wore a white jumpsuit over a weathered black hooded sweatshirt. He did not speak. He will remain jailed ahead of his next court date on Friday. The apparently random attack occurred Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Police said Tuesday that identification of the victim was still “pending at this time.” Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman, who was sitting motionless in the train car and may have been sleeping, and used a lighter to set her clothing on fire. Zapeta then used his shirt to fan the flames, leading to her becoming engulfed in the fire, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg said on Tuesday. Zapeta then sat at a bench on the subway platform and watched, according to police. Rottenberg added that under interrogation Zapeta said he didn’t know what happened, noting that he consumes alcohol. But he alleged that Zapeta identified himself to interrogators in images related to the attack. Video posted to social media appeared to show the woman standing inside the train ablaze as some people look on from the platform, and at least one officer walks by. NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta said Sunday that several officers had responded to the fire and one stayed to keep the crime scene “the way it’s supposed to be” while the others went to get fire extinguishers and transit workers. They were eventually able to douse the fire, but “unfortunately, it was too late,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said — the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Zapeta was taken into custody Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line after police got a tip from some teenagers who recognized him from images circulated by the police. A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support. The shelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Federal immigration officials said Zapeta had been previously deported in 2018 but at some point reentered the U.S. illegally. In a statement, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez called the attack a “gruesome and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman” that would be “met with the most serious consequences.” The crime — and the graphic video of it that ricocheted across social media — deepened a growing sense of unease among some New Yorkers about the safety of the subway system in a city where many residents take the subway multiple times each day. Overall, according to authorities, crime is down in the transit system this year when compared to last year — major felonies declined 6% between January and November of this year and in 2023, data compiled by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority show. But murders are up, with nine killings this year through November compared to five in the same period last year. Earlier this month, a Manhattan jury acquitted Daniel Penny in the death of an agitated subway rider that the former Marine placed in a chokehold last year. The case became a flashpoint in ongoing debates over safety, homelessness and mental illness on the system. Policing the subway is also difficult, given the vast network of trains constantly moving between the system’s 472 stations, with each stop containing multiple entry points and, in many stations, multiple floors and platforms. Other news outlets have retreated behind paywalls. At HuffPost, we believe journalism should be free for everyone. Would you help us provide essential information to our readers during this critical time? We can't do it without you. Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all. Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages. On Sunday, police at the station where the woman burned to death were patrolling a different area and responded after seeing and smelling smoke, authorities said. Related From Our Partner