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Fake Elon Musk pictures used for engagement scamsDrop in Boxing Day footfall ‘signals return to declining pre-pandemic levels’FROM Brat Summer to Bridgerton Boobs - it’s been a cracker of a year in the fashion world, says Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend. From best revenge dress to best trend setter, we reveal the winners of Fabulous' Fashion Awards. BODY POSITIVITY AWARD NICOLA COUGHLAN THE Bridgerton leading lady became an icon this year — and not just for those steamy sex scenes in series three of the hit Netflix period drama. During a press junket in June, the 37-year-old had a perfect response when told she was “very brave” for daring to bare her very normal-sized body on screen. “You know, it is hard because I think women with my body type — women with perfect breasts — we don’t get to see ourselves on screen enough,” she fired back, as ladies around the world fist-pumped in admiration. READ MORE ON FASHION Later speaking about her sex scenes, Nicola said it felt like the ideal retort to the endless conversation surrounding her size, and we couldn’t agree more. Her cleavage is so magnificent no wonder sales of balcony bras were boosted this year — up 61 per cent — as we all clambered to recreate Bridgerton Boobs. BEST REVENGE DRESS J-LO IN August, Bennifer called it quits for the second time, with Jennifer Lopez filing for divorce from Ben Affleck . Most read in Fabulous In September, she did what any self-respecting woman would do — and bounced back with a knockout revenge dress. Not content with posting a series of sexy snaps on social media, the 55-year-old actress wore a Tamara Ralph couture gown at the premiere of her film Unstoppable at the Toronto International Film Festival. The dress featured hundreds of small mirrored discs that made J-Lo shine like a disco ball. With large cutouts along each side held together by black velvet bows, it was a seri­ously show-stopping number. Even if Ben, 52, wasn’t seething with jealousy, we were — over how amazing she looked. SERVICES TO LINGERIE RIHANNA IN a year that saw the return of the legendary Victoria’s Secret catwalk show, after a six-year absence, Rihanna is still the queen of our smalls. Now a mum of two, the 36-year-old ­creator of undies brand Savage X Fenty has been refreshingly upfront about the changes her body has been through post-children. In April, she told Interview magazine: “You just see ripples coming from places you never knew, and it’s all in your thighs, because your thighs are carrying the weight of your baby and uterus.” Creating sexy lingerie for every body shape, the singer is single-handedly making us feel better about our own wobbly bits — one pair of knickers at a time. BEST TREND SETTER Charli XCX TIKTOK trends change faster than the weather , and this year we’ve seen everything from demure to “mob wife”. Reigning supreme, however, was the Brat look, named after Charli XCX’s sixth album, released in June with an iconic slime-green cover. A celebration of youthful hedonism, Brat Summer was about being carefree, cool, chaotic and unashamedly yourself. Think laddered tights, no bra, and what (slightly older) folk would call 90s grunge. The trend became so ubiquitous that MP Emily Thornberry played a song from the album during her Labour conference DJ set, and TikTok was taken over by Charli’s hit song Apple , which amassed over 1.4million #brat TikTok videos. BEST METHOD DRESSER ZENDAYA IT’S been one hell of a year for the 28-year-old American actress, with lauded roles in two of 2024’s biggest movies — sci-fi epic Dune, and sexy tennis romp, Challengers. But on the red carpet , she took things to a whole new level with what her stylist Law Roach dubbed “method dressing, kind of like method acting”, AKA wearing outfits inspired by her films. In February, to promote Dune, it was a futuristic hooded gown and cyborg catsuit by Mugler, while Challengers in April featured tennis whites and stilettos with tennis balls. Game, set and match to Zendaya . BEST MALE Paul Mescal FROM his off-duty Gaelic football shorts, to his fashion-forward red-carpet clobber, Irish heart-throb Paul Mescal , 28, reached style-god status this year. We had an inkling of his fashion power when Normal People hit screens in 2020, with Connell’s chain getting its very own Instagram account and sparking a wave of jewellery-wearing blokes. Come 2024, and the Gladiator II star is in a league of his own, rocking athleisure-wear and ankle-swinging tailored trousers with equal panache. And it’s not just us who think so — GQ crowned him their Most Stylish Person Of 2024, too BEST NEWCOMER LABOUR LAIDES LABOUR’S return to power in July saw Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s impeccably dressed wife Victoria thrust into the spotlight. The NHS worker loves British fashion brand ME + EM — which duly sold out of anything she wore. Deputy PM Angela Rayner swapped sensible suits for a series of block-colour looks from the brand. It turned out the 44-year-old had got the £2,000 haul for free. A shout-out goes to ex PM, Tory Rishi Sunak for nearly killing off the Adidas Samba trainer, when he wore a pair during a video promoting tax policies. HIGH STREET HERO ABBEY CLANCY THIS year, A-listers swapped Bond Street for the high street, with a slew of big-name collaborations. From Kate Moss at Zara to Victoria Beckham at Mango and Claudia Winkleman at Marks & Spencer , we’ve been blessed with a variety of price ranges and tastes. But it’s model Abbey Clancy who wins our High Street Honey award for her collections with F&F at Tesco . The 38-year-old mum of four released a Christmas capsule collection in October which quickly went viral. Sell-outs that shoppers couldn’t get in their trolleys quick enough included a sequin cardigan with black bow ties, £29.50, and a gold long-sleeved sequin mini dress, £35. More please, Abbey! LEGEND AWARD PAMELA ANDERSON FROM Baywatch to a critically acclaimed turn in new film The Last Showgirl — to say Pamela Anderson has come a long way is an understatement. Finally taken seriously as an actress, the 57-year-old has also found herself at the top of every invite list in fashion as she continues to ditch make-up and champion bare-faced beauty on the red carpet. This year, she has rocked impeccably chic looks from top designers including Elie Saab, Oscar de la Renta and Loewe. In November Beyonce dressed up as two of Pammy’s characters — from Baywatch and her 1996 flick Barbwire — with a platinum blonde wig and ’90s brows in an Instagram video. If that’s not the perfect homage, then we don’t know what is. BEST SLOBRITY KATIE HOLMES A-LISTERS including Jenni­fer Lawrence and Megan Fox embraced scruffy dressing (despite their bulging bank balances), as so-called slobrity style peaked. But it was Dawson’s Creek star Katie Holmes who really flew the flag for mums worldwide, by nailing laid-back style. When not on the red carpet, the 46-year-old actress was often spot-ted shuffling around New York in baggy jeans, with an oversized bag, clutch-ing a coffee and her packed lunch. Can we relate, or can we relate? Katie’s street-cred rose even further when she was spotted wearing some low-key arm candy from British high street brand Dune, this October. Needless to say, the XL Deliberate brown tote bag sold out before we could nab one. But we still salute Kate for making dressing-down look so good — and for being the reason our iron is now gathering dust. BEST TOURDROBE THE SWIFTIES TAYLOR SWIFT’s epic Eras tour boosted our economy by £1billion, and saw ticket-holders spend an average £56 on a new outfit to wear for it. If you were lucky enough to get to one of the 15 UK concerts between June and August, you would have seen a sparkly, bejewelled army of Swifties dressed for the occasion. READ MORE SUN STORIES Fans flocked to eBay to find pre-loved looks, with searches for “Eras Tour” seeing a 400 per cent increase, and a 60 per cent rise in online hunts for “sequin dress” in just a week. And it wasn’t just the kids — TikTok videos of “Taylor Swift Older Fan Outfit” amassed 9.7million posts, too. Swifties, we salute you.43 vipph 。

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Transcript: Conway Gittens: I’m Conway Gittens reporting from the New York Stock Exchange. Here’s what we’re watching on TheStreet today. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.Feeding with love: Area’s first free grocery market opens in Grove community

By Prince Charles Dickson The Latin axiom “Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges” rings painfully true for Nigeria. It translates to “the more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.” This adage seems to encapsulate the nation’s convoluted legal landscape, a labyrinth of statutes that often serve as tools for manipulation rather than instruments of justice. Nigeria, a nation blessed with abundant resources, has been plagued by endemic corruption for decades. This scourge has permeated every facet of society, from government institutions to the private sector. However, the problem isn’t merely the absence of ethical conduct; it’s also the overabundance of laws that are frequently ignored or selectively enforced. The Nigerian legal system is a complex web of statutes, regulations, and by-laws. The sheer volume of legislation can be overwhelming, even for legal professionals. So, let me address just one concern: our tax laws. The Nigerian government’s recent push for tax reform has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with proposed tax bills threatening to further burden an already struggling populace. The core of the issue lies in the perceived excessive taxation and the potential for increased government overreach. At the heart of the debate are several key bills, including the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. These bills aim to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system, with proponents arguing that they will modernize the system and boost government revenue. However, critics contend that these measures will disproportionately impact the middle class and small businesses, further stifling economic growth. One of the most contentious aspects of the proposed reforms is the expansion of the tax net to include previously exempt sectors and individuals. This has raised concerns about the government’s ability to effectively monitor and enforce these new taxes, potentially leading to increased corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency. Additionally, the proposed establishment of a new tax authority, the Nigeria Revenue Service, has sparked fears of increased surveillance and potential abuses of power. The timing of these proposed reforms has also come under scrutiny, with many arguing that they are ill-timed given the current economic climate. With rising inflation, unemployment, and poverty rates, many Nigerians fear that additional tax burdens will further erode their purchasing power and exacerbate social unrest. Meanwhile, sometime last week, a military convoy had an altercation with a civilian driving and overtaking. Whatever the real story was, the civilian was brutalized. Nigerians then went ahead especially those justifying the military right to brutality to reel out laws— Overtaking Military Convoy: Consequences Under Nigerian Law Overtaking a military convoy is a serious offense in Nigeria, punishable under various laws. This article examines the consequences of overtaking a military convoy under Nigerian law. Relevant Laws The Armed Forces Act (AFA) 2004: Section 119 prohibits obstructing or interfering with military operations, including convoys. The Road Traffic Act 2004: Section 35 prohibits reckless driving, including overtaking military convoys. The National Security Agencies Act 2004: Section 15 empowers security agencies to take necessary actions to maintain national security. Consequences of overtaking military convoy · Arrest and Detention: Security personnel may arrest and detain anyone who overtakes a military convoy. · Prosecution: Offenders may be prosecuted under the AFA, Road Traffic Act, or National Security Agencies Act. · Imprisonment: Conviction may result in imprisonment for up to 5 years (AFA) or 2 years (Road Traffic Act). · Fine: Offenders may be fined up to ₦50,000 (AFA) or ₦20,000 (Road Traffic Act). · Vehicle Confiscation: The vehicle used to overtake the convoy may be confiscated. · Tort Liability: Offenders may be liable for damages or injuries caused to military personnel or equipment. Court Rulings In Aoku v. State (2017), the Court of Appeal upheld a 5-year imprisonment sentence for overtaking a military convoy. Precautions to avoid consequences: Exercise caution when approaching military convoys; maintain a safe distance; follow traffic rules and regulations; avoid reckless driving. Overtaking a military convoy is a serious offense in Nigeria, carrying severe consequences under various laws. It is essential to exercise caution and respect military operations to avoid prosecution and punishment. Apart from the precautions everything in the piece is at best hogwash, some of those laws don’t even exist, but sadly it speaks to the legal proliferation I am referring to which leads to several unintended consequences. The nation suffers legal uncertainty as a result of conflicting laws. The sheer number of laws often leads to inconsistencies and contradictions, creating confusion and uncertainty for citizens and businesses alike. These laws have plenty overlapping jurisdictions and multiple agencies may have overlapping regulatory authority, leading to bureaucratic hurdles and delays. Whether it is LASTMA or FRSC and federal and local roads, or it is sharia or canon law. With selective enforcement, law enforcement agencies may prioritize certain laws over others, leading to selective justice and undermining the rule of law. These laws open the doors for corruption and abuse of power, as opportunities for bribery and extortion, corrupt officials to demand bribes or extort money from citizens and businesses. Leaving rooms open for Impunity for the Powerful as wealthy and influential can often use their connections to circumvent the law or delay legal proceedings. The sheer volume of laws can make it difficult to hold public officials accountable for their actions. Sometimes in corruption cases when citizens hear the judgments passed you wonder under which law. Do I need to emphasize how these laws stifle innovation and entrepreneurship, hindering economic growth, as a result of these regulatory burdens with red-tape, bureaucratic hurdles and delays that discourage foreign investment and hinder domestic businesses, we hardly make progress. All these laws make it difficult for businesses to plan and invest, leading to economic stagnation. When laws are not enforced or are selectively applied, citizens lose faith in the legal system and the government, leading to erosion of public trust, cynicism and distrust. Whether it is a tax law, or a traffic law, our laws need simplification and codification, we need to combine overlapping and contradictory laws into a more streamlined and coherent legal framework. There is need for loads of review and repeal by identifying outdated and unnecessary laws to reduce the regulatory burden. Currently, there is no effective enforcement. There is need to strengthen law enforcement agencies, with the resources and training they need to enforce the law effectively. Ensuring independence of the judiciary and protecting judges from political interference is paramount. Then we need robust accountability mechanisms to hold public officials accountable for their actions. Let me add that half of the problems of these laws are lack of public participation. Involve citizens in the law-making process to ensure that laws reflect their needs and concerns. Promote legal literacy to empower citizens to understand their rights and responsibilities, because just as the proposed tax bills have ignited a fierce debate across various sectors of Nigerian society, with civil society organizations, labor unions, and business groups voicing their concerns. The government continues to push for these reforms, the truth is that you cannot strike a balance between generating revenue and ensuring that the tax burden is distributed fairly and equitably with a populace that does not know what the law is about. By addressing the root causes of the problem, Nigeria can break free from the cycle of corruption and create a more just and equitable society. The path to progress lies in simplifying the legal framework, strengthening law enforcement, and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency, will Nigeria win these legal cycles—only time will tell. * Dr Dickson, a peace practitioner and policy analyst, writes from Jos, Plateau State. XXXToo early to celebrate – Arne Slot keeps leaders Liverpool focusedBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Justice Shoats had 18 points in Siena's 66-53 victory against Canisius on Sunday. Shoats shot 6 of 15 from the field, including 2 for 5 from 3-point range, and went 4 for 6 from the free-throw line for the Saints (5-5, 1-1 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference). Brendan Coyle scored 17 points and added nine rebounds. Major Freeman had 14 points and shot 5 for 9 (2 for 6 from 3-point range) and 2 of 3 from the free-throw line. Paul McMillan IV led the Golden Griffins (0-10, 0-2) in scoring, finishing with 22 points and four assists. Jasman Sangha added 11 points and two steals for Canisius. Tana Kopa finished with six points. The Golden Griffins have lost 11 consecutive games, dating to a 72-56 defeat at the hands of Quinnipiac in the 2024 MAAC Tournament. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Too early to celebrate – Arne Slot keeps leaders Liverpool focused

While the After-Christmas discounts we're seeing from retailers like Amazon and Newegg aren't as notable as Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, there are some diamonds in the rough waiting to be discovered. This particular deal caught my eye: 20% off the mechanical keyboard I use every day, and customize frequently. You can get the Keychron Q3 Max for $187.99 (was $234.99) at Best Buy until Tuesday, January 2nd. I'm a big fan of the stock typing feel here, and that's thanks to the pre-lubed Gateron switches and double-shot PBT keycaps. Those are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the pros on offer here. Today's best Keychron Q3 Max deal The Keychron Q3 Max is an 80% wireless keyboard with a phenomenal typing feel, a handy volume wheel, all the functionality you need, and the customization options that make mechanical keyboards worth using. The stock pre-lubed Gateron switches are great, but since this board is hot-swappable, you can customize everything but the CNC aluminum chassis. It's got RGB backlighting and trusty screw-in stabilizers - this board is the real deal. Especially at 20% off for Best Buy's New Year's sale. I'll just come right out and say it: I'm a mechanical keyboard nerd. I love testing new switches, and learning about the minute differences between screw-in and plate-mounted stabilizers...you get the idea. So I won't use just any typing piece as my daily driver. The Keychron Q3 Max earned my loyalty with its outstanding build quality, followed by the added features that keep me coming back no matter how many keyboards I get my hands on. You don't get a numpad at its 80% form factor, but that's alright by me since it frees up more desk space for my mouse to maneuver. The Q3 Max isn't just an eye-catching shell, either. When you dive under the surface, you see layers upon layers of engineering and love for the craft. Keychron assembled this board with silicone gaskets, layers of sound-dampening foam, and a quality PCB that handles N-key rollover and hot-swapping with ease. The only weak link here is QMK/VIA, the customization software for the Q3 Max's RGB lighting and macros. It's gotten better over the past few years of updates, but it's just not up to par with some personalization software like Logitech's G HUB. Still, once you get it up and running, you can set a few light effect hotkeys, and macros, then hardly have to touch it again. A very, very small price to pay for a fantastic wireless keyboard that's sure to bring your whole PC setup together, whether for work or play.(BPT) - Every year, roughly 20-30% of older Americans head to warmer climates for the colder winter months. Snowbirds are often retirees on fixed incomes, though flexible work environments now provide more opportunities for anyone to spend several months escaping the chill. Whether on a fixed income or an empty nester with disposable income, consumers are interested in saving money where they can. With this in mind, snowbirds can look to their AARP membership to take advantage of relevant discounts and offerings as they fluff their feathers and get ready for takeoff. From savory breakfast options while driving to your seasonal destination, to home and auto protection, and even resources to support mental and physical health, AARP member benefits offer deals and savings that will help snowbirds take flight this winter. "Spending winters in warmer places has so many benefits that come with being able to be outside more often. Warmth and sunlight not only increase serotonin levels , which can result in more positive moods and a calm, focused mental outlook, but they also stimulate vitamin D production and may even boost immunity ," said Elvira Christiansen, Director of Retail and Loyalty for AARP Services. "An AARP membership makes it even better by offering savings as you plan your trip, as well as at many dining, entertainment and retail locations you will come across in your winter getaway destination, helping you to enjoy it to the fullest." 1. Order Up Road trips are often the preferred way to travel to a winter home for the flexibility of having a car once there. Whether your drive will have you behind the wheel for hours or days, you'll want to make sure you have your meals planned out. Fill up with a tasty breakfast or lunch with a stop at Denny's, which is easy to spot from most major highways. AARP members can save when heading to Denny's . With over 1,500 locations nationwide, members save 15% on everything from diner classics to breakfast items every day; maximum discount not to exceed $10. Restrictions apply. 2. Primary Care from Almost Anywhere Feeling under the weather can put a damper on your winter travels, so it's a good idea to make sure you can access quality healthcare even when you're at your winter destination. If you are on Medicare, you can check whether there is an Oak Street Health primary care clinic near you. Oak Street Health , the only primary care provider to carry the AARP name, provides primary care for adults on Medicare and focuses on prevention with personalized care to help keep you healthy — physically, mentally and socially. Benefits include same-day/next-day appointments where available, convenient locations, a dedicated care team and a 24/7 patient support line. AARP membership is not required to visit an Oak Street Health clinic. 3. Wellness Checklist Once you check off primary care needs for your winter destination, don't overlook other priorities like maintaining your prescriptions and protecting your vision. Start by making sure your prescriptions are up to date before you head out of town. If you do need a refill while you're away, you have access to a free prescription discount card from AARP ® Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx ® that can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on FDA-approved medications. You do not need to be an AARP member to take advantage of these benefits, though AARP members receive additional perks, including deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, coverage for your dependents and more. If you're having trouble with your vision, want to update your sunglass prescription, or simply want to maintain your annual visits to an optometrist or ophthalmologist while away, AARP members have access to information on vision insurance options that offer individual and family plans, featuring a large doctor network, savings on frames, lens enhancements, progressives and more. 4. Home (Safety) Away from Home One thing that should always be a priority is keeping your home safe while you're away for the winter. While Neighborhood Watch is always helpful, long periods away from a home require additional security systems. With an AARP membership, homeowners can secure their homes for less. Members save 5% on monthly home security monitoring with ADT Home Security , which covers smart home security systems including intrusion monitoring, connected smoke and CO detection, and smart automation for video doorbells, security cameras and smart locks. 5. Pack Auto Coverage in Your Luggage Driving south for the winter? Utilize AARP member benefits to save on auto care so you can road trip worry free. AARP members save up to 20% on annual membership fees for Allstate Roadside Assistance plans, which provides access to assistance for towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, fuel delivery and more. Allstate Roadside plan benefits can be used 24/7 in any car you drive, including rented and borrowed ones. And, if you want to bring any personal items with you but don't have room to squeeze them in your car, Budget Truck Rental has a variety of trucks for you to choose from. AARP members can save 20% on local or one-way truck rentals on Sunday through Thursday and 10% on Friday and Saturday, plus receive a $10-per-day Physical Damage Waiver. Regardless of how you're traveling or spending your winter months, AARP member benefits can help you maximize your budget while you prioritize the things that matter. To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members to help you prepare for your relaunch, please visit aarp.org/save . AARP member benefits are provided by third parties. AARP receives a royalty fee for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions.

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (AP) — Dejour Reaves scored 19 points as Iona beat Saint Peter's 72-63 on Sunday. Reaves had four steals for the Gaels (3-8, 1-1 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference). James Patterson scored 18 points and added 11 rebounds and three steals. Adam Njie shot 5 of 13 from the field, including 1 for 5 from 3-point range, and went 5 for 7 from the line to finish with 16 points. Marcus Randolph led the Peacocks (4-5, 0-2) in scoring, finishing with 29 points. Armoni Zeigler added 11 points and six rebounds for Saint Peter's. Stephon Roberts had eight points. Iona takes on Colgate on the road on Sunday, and Saint Peter's hosts Delaware on Friday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Former President Jimmy Carter dies at age 100

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Five things to know about QB Brandon Allen, the 49ers’ starter against the Packers this weekend( MENAFN - GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) SARASOTA, Fla., Nov. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- trump media & technology Group (Nasdaq: DJT) ("TMTG") CEO Devin Nunes today issued the following statement following President-elect Trump's announcement of his intent to nominate TMTG board member Kash Patel as Director of the FBI: “An immensely talented lawyer and investigator with an unimpeachable devotion to our Constitution, Kash is a brilliant pick to serve as Director of the FBI. Kash and I worked closely together to expose the saboteurs within the Intelligence Community who perpetuated the Russia collusion hoax. Based on that experience, along with his service in key positions in the first Trump Administration, I know Kash has the intelligence and fearlessness to expose the corruption in the FBI, reverse its damaging politicization, and restore Americans' confidence in the Bureau's basic honesty. Those who denounce the darkness at the FBI can now rest assured that light will soon shine through.” About TMTG The mission of TMTG is to end Big Tech's assault on free speech by opening up the Internet and giving people their voices back. TMTG operates Truth Social, a social media platform established as a safe harbor for free expression amid increasingly harsh censorship by Big Tech corporations, as well as Truth+, a TV streaming platform focusing on family-friendly live TV channels and on-demand content. Investor Relations Contact Shannon Devine (MZ Group | Managing Director - MZ North America) Email: ... Media Contact ... MENAFN30112024004107003653ID1108942390 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.Tesla Just Unveiled a New Mezcal—and We Got a Taste

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage, and Culture, Attaullah Tarar, levelled serious allegations against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of exploiting fake visuals and misinformation campaigns on social media to mislead the public and create unrest in the country. Speaking at a press conference, the minister claimed that PTI used footage of Israeli atrocities in Gaza and old images from their own tenure to depict violence during protests in Islamabad’s D-Chowk. “The PTI’s entire narrative is built on deception. They are politicizing fabricated images and videos to cover up the embarrassment of their failed protests,” he stated. Tarar criticized the party for propagating “fake news” and alleged that they had linked irrelevant visuals to their political agenda. According to him, no direct evidence of the casualties claimed by PTI neither bodies nor hospital records have surfaced, despite their assertions of deaths caused by violence. “Not a single verified video or photograph of sniper fire or direct shooting has been provided by PTI. Their own videos show them fleeing the scene,” Tarar said, emphasizing that government hospitals, including PIMS and Polyclinic, had not received any such cases. In a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government resolved to ensure peace and order. The minister reiterated the government’s stance on maintaining national stability amidst what he described as PTI’s attempts to derail progress. Highlighting positive developments, Tarar said Pakistan’s economic indicators were showing improvement, including the stock market crossing 100,000 points and foreign reserves exceeding $11 billion. He also celebrated the reopening of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) European routes, which he said would revive the airline’s revenue and reputation. The minister accused PTI of attempting to sabotage these advancements. “While Pakistan is progressing, PTI continues its politics of anarchy and misinformation,” he asserted. Tarar also shed light on PTI’s “internal conflicts”, referring to tensions between party leaders, including Bushra Bibi, Ali Amin Gandapur, and others. He stated that their disunity reflected the party’s declining relevance and inability to connect with the public. “PTI has failed to mobilize significant public support, as even the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa rejected their call for protests,” he said. The minister claimed that PTI’s actions had led to a loss of Rs190 billion for local businesses and accused the party of damaging public property and government assets. Tarar warned those arrested during the protests would face speedy trials and be held accountable for their actions. “We will not let their lies destabilize the country,” he said, adding that the government had established a verification cell to counter misinformation and expose false narratives. Copyright Business Recorder, 2024Texas A&M-CC takes down Prairie View A&M 109-74Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. president who led the nation from 1977 to 1981, has died at the age of 100. The Carter Center announced Sunday that his father died at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family. His death comes about a year after his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, passed away. The Carter Center will provide updates about ceremonies and activities to honor the life of President Carter as they become available here and soon on the official Carter Family Tribute Site ( https://t.co/Tg5UZt7kPV ). Read our statement: https://t.co/CNBUBpffPz — The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) December 29, 2024 Despite receiving hospice care at the time, he attended the memorials for Rosalynn while sitting in a wheelchair, covered by a blanket. He was also wheeled outside on Oct. 1 to watch a military flyover in celebration of his 100th birthday. The Carter Center said in February 2023 that the former president and his family decided he would no longer seek medical treatment following several short hospital stays for an undisclosed illness. Carter became the longest-living president in 2019, surpassing George H.W. Bush, who died at age 94 in 2018. Carter also had a long post-presidency, living 43 years following his White House departure. RELATED STORY: Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter: A love story for the ages Before becoming president Carter began his adult life in the military, getting a degree at the U.S. Naval Academy, and rose to the rank of lieutenant. He then studied reactor technology and nuclear physics at Union College and served as senior officer of the pre-commissioning crew on a nuclear submarine. Following the death of his father, Carter returned to Georgia to tend to his family's farm and related businesses. During this time, he became a community leader by serving on local boards. He used this experience to elevate him to his first elected office in 1962 in the Georgia Senate. After losing his first gubernatorial election in 1966, he won his second bid in 1970, becoming the state’s 76th governor. As a relative unknown nationally, Carter used the nation’s sour sentiment toward politics to win the Democratic nomination. He then bested sitting president Gerald Ford in November 1976 to win the presidency. Carter battles high inflation, energy crisis With the public eager for a change following the Watergate era, Carter took a more hands-on approach to governing. This, however, meant he became the public face of a number of issues facing the U.S. in the late 1970s, most notably America’s energy crisis. He signed the Department of Energy Organization Act, creating the first new cabinet role in government in over a decade. Carter advocated for alternative energy sources and even installed solar panels on the White House roof. During this time, the public rebuked attempts to ration energy. Amid rising energy costs, inflation soared nearly 9% annually during Carter's presidency. This led to a recession before the 1980 election. Carter also encountered the Iran Hostage Crisis in the final year of his presidency when 52 American citizens were captured. An attempt to rescue the Americans failed in April 1980, resulting in the death of eight service members. With compounding crises, Carter lost in a landslide to Ronald Reagan in 1980 as he could only win six states. Carter’s impact after leaving the White House Carter returned to Georgia and opened the Carter Center, which is focused on national and international issues of public policy – namely conflict resolution. Carter and the Center have been involved in a number of international disputes, including in Syria, Israel, Mali and Sudan. The group has also worked to independently monitor elections and prevent elections from becoming violent. Carter and his wife were the most visible advocates for Habitat for Humanity. The organization that helps build and restore homes for low- and middle-income families has benefited from the Carters’ passion for the organization. Habitat for Humanity estimates Carter has worked alongside 104,000 volunteers in 14 countries to build 4,390 houses. “Like other Habitat volunteers, I have learned that our greatest blessings come when we are able to improve the lives of others, and this is especially true when those others are desperately poor or in need,” Carter said in a Q&A on the Habitat for Humanity website. Carter also continued teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown well into his 90s. Attendees would line up for hours, coming from all parts of the U.S., to attend Carter’s classes. Carter is survived by his four children.