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60 per cent terrorists killed by security forces in Jammu-Kashmir in 2024 are Pakistanis: Army officials

Global economies urged to embrace digital future for sustainable growth, report reveals

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has acquitted a man in a POCSO case, saying the use of the phrase ‘physical relations’ by the minor survivor cannot automatically mean sexual assault. A bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Amit Sharma allowed the appeal by the accused, who was awarded imprisonment for the remainder of his life, and observed that it was unclear how the trial court concluded that there was any sexual assault when the survivor had voluntarily gone with the accused. The court asserted that the leap from physical relations or ‘samband’ to sexual assault and then to penetrative sexual assault must be established by evidence and cannot be deduced as an inference. “The mere fact that the survivor is below 18 years cannot lead to a conclusion that there was penetrative sexual assault. The survivor, in fact, used the phrase ‘physical relations,’ but there is no clarity as to what she meant by using the said phrase,” the court said in the judgement passed on December 23. “Even the use of the words ‘samband banaya’ is not sufficient to establish an offence under Section 3 of the POCSO Act or under Section 376 IPC. Though consent would not matter if the girl is a minor under the POCSO Act, the phrase ‘physical relations’ cannot be converted automatically into sexual intercourse, let alone sexual assault,” it held. The court said the benefit of the doubt ought to be in favour of the accused and, therefore, ruled, “The impugned judgement completely lacks any reasoning and also does not reveal or support any rationale for the conviction. Under such circumstances, the judgement is liable to be set aside. The appellant is acquitted.” The complaint in this case was lodged in March 2017 by the minor girl’s mother, alleging that her 14-year-old daughter had been lured and kidnapped from her home by an unknown person. The minor was found in Faridabad along with the accused, who was arrested and subsequently convicted for the offence of rape under IPC and penetrative sexual assault under POCSO in December 2023 and later awarded imprisonment for the remainder of his life.Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. Plans Quarterly Dividend of $0.42 (NYSE:HASI)

NEW YORK — Bitcoin has topped the $100,000 mark as a massive rally in the world's most popular cryptocurrency sparked by the election of Donald Trump rolls on. The milestone comes just hours after the President-elect signaled a lighter regulatory approach to the crypto industry when he said he intends to nominate cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to be the next chair the Securities and Exchange Commission. Bitcoin has soared to unprecedented heights since Trump won the election Nov. 5. The cryptocurrency has climbed dramatically from $69,374 on Election Day and rose as high as $103,713 Wednesday, according to CoinDesk. Just two years ago, bitcoin dropped below $17,000 following the collapse of crypto exchange FTX. How long bitcoin will stay above the $100,000 mark is uncertain. As with everything in the volatile cryptoverse, the future is impossible to predict. And while some are bullish on future gains, other experts continue to warn of investment risks. Here’s what you need to know. Stay in the know on jobs, retail and all things business across Long Island. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . Back up. What is cryptocurrency again? Cryptocurrency has been around for a while now. But, chances are, you’ve heard about it more and more over the last few years. In basic terms, cryptocurrency is digital money. This kind of currency is designed to work through an online network without a central authority — meaning it’s typically not backed by any government or banking institution — and transactions get recorded with technology called a blockchain. Bitcoin logos are displayed at the Inside Bitcoins conference and trade show on April 7, 2014, in New York. Bitcoin has topped the $100,000 mark. Credit: AP/Mark Lennihan Bitcoin is the largest and oldest cryptocurrency, although other assets like ethereum, tether and dogecoin have also gained popularity over the years. Some investors see cryptocurrency as a “digital alternative” to traditional money, but the large majority of daily financial transactions are still conducted using fiat currencies such as the dollar. Also, bitcoin can be very volatile, with its price reliant on larger market conditions. Why is bitcoin soaring? A lot of the recent action has to do with the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. Trump, who was once a crypto skeptic, has pledged to make the U.S. “the crypto capital of the planet” and create a “strategic reserve” of bitcoin. His campaign accepted donations in cryptocurrency and he courted fans at a bitcoin conference in July. He also launched World Liberty Financial, a new venture with family members to trade cryptocurrencies. Crypto industry players have welcomed Trump’s victory, in hopes that he would be able to push through legislative and regulatory changes that they’ve long lobbied for — which, generally speaking, aim for an increased sense of legitimacy without too much red tape. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at the Bitcoin 2024 Conference July 27, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. Credit: AP/Mark Humphrey Trump made a move in that direction Wednesday when he said he intends to nominate Paul Atkins to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission. Atkins was an SEC commissioner during the presidency of George W. Bush. In the years since leaving the agency, Atkins has made the case against too much market regulation. He joined the Token Alliance, a cryptocurrency advocacy organization, in 2017. Under current chair Gary Gensler, the SEC has cracked down on the crypto industry, penalizing a number of companies for violating securities laws. But he’s also faced criticism from industry players in the process, like the chief legal officer of Robinhood, who described Gensler’s approach toward crypto as “rigid” and “hostile.” Gensler will step down when Trump takes office. One crypto-friendly move the SEC did make under Gensler was the approval in January of spot bitcoin ETFs, or exchange trade funds, which allow investors to have a stake in bitcoin without directly buying it. The Spot ETFs were the dominant driver of bitcoin's price before the election — but, like much of the crypto’s recent momentum, saw record inflows postelection. What are the risks? History shows you can lose money in crypto as quickly as you’ve made it. Long-term price behavior relies on larger market conditions. Trading continues at all hours, every day. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, bitcoin stood at just over $5,000. Its price climbed to nearly $69,000 by November 2021, during high demand for technology assets, but later crashed during an aggressive series of rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. And the late-2022 collapse of FTX significantly undermined confidence in crypto overall, with bitcoin falling below $17,000. Investors began returning in large numbers as inflation started to cool — and gains skyrocketed on the anticipation and then early success of spot ETFs. But experts still stress caution, especially for small-pocketed investors. And lighter regulation from the coming Trump administration could mean less guardrails. “I would say, keep it simple. And don’t take on more risk than you can afford to,” said Adam Morgan McCarthy, a research analyst at Kaiko, adding that there isn’t a “magic eight ball” to know for certain what comes next. What about the climate impact? Assets like bitcoin are produced through a process called “mining,” which consumes a lot of energy. Operations relying on pollutive sources have drawn particular concern over the years. Recent research published by the United Nations University and Earth’s Future journal found that the carbon footprint of 2020-2021 bitcoin mining across 76 nations was equivalent to the emissions from burning 84 billion pounds of coal or running 190 natural gas-fired power plants. Coal satisfied the bulk of bitcoin’s electricity demands (45%), followed by natural gas (21%) and hydropower (16%). Environmental impacts of bitcoin mining boil largely down to the energy source used. Industry analysts have maintained that clean energy has increased in use in recent years, coinciding with rising calls for climate protections

In no ‘rush’ to hire Tony White replacement, Matt Rhule wants to keep 3-3-5 defensive scheme

FORMER President Jimmy Carter has died at age 100. Carter , the 39th president of the United States , died today after nearly two years in hospice care. 10 Former President Jimmy Carter has died Credit: Getty - Contributor 10 Jimmy Carter's death comes months after the death of his wife and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter Credit: Rex 10 Jimmy Carter served as the 39th president of the United States Credit: Getty - Contributor 10 Jimmy Carter pictured at the funeral service of his wife, Rosalynn Carter, on November 29, 2023 Credit: Getty His son Chip Carter confirmed the former president died on Sunday around 3:45 pm ET. Carter died peacefully surrounded by his family who paid an emotional tribute to the former leader. His son Chip said: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. Read more on Jimmy Carter TOUCHING TRIBUTE President Jimmy Carter's heartbreaking tribute to wife Rosalynn "The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.” Public events will commemorate Carter in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. and a state funeral will be held, The Carter Center confirmed. The former president decided to live out the remainder of his days at his home in Plains, Georgia . Carter, the beloved Democrat and Nobel Peace Prize winner, had experienced several health issues in recent years including melanoma that spread to his liver and brain. Most read in The US Sun baby joy Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan announce she's pregnant with first baby NEIL BY MOUTH Moment Rangers hero says he needs RESCUED on live TV during Motherwell clash GER OUT Moment raging Rangers fans BOO their own players and say 'go away' at Motherwell WELL 2 GERS 2 Shambolic display leaves Clement on brink as horror Christmas week continues He became the longest-living president and the first to make it 100 years old. Carter's death came over a year after the death of his wife, Rosalynn Carter , who died on November 19, 2023, at age 96. Two days before her death, Rosalynn joined her husband in hospice care at their home in Georgia. The former first lady and fierce advocate for mental health was diagnosed with dementia in early 2023. Before his death, Jimmy Carter was the first to pay tribute to his wife of 77 years, "Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished. "She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me." During Rosylann's service in late November 2023, Amy, the Carters' daughter, read her father's love letter he dedicated to his wife while he was in the Navy. "My darling, every time I have ever been away from you, I have been thrilled when I returned to discover just how wonderful you are," Carter penned more than 70 years ago. "While I am away I try to convince myself that you really are not, could not, be as sweet and beautiful as I remember. "But when I see you I fall in love with you all over again. Does that seem strange to you? It doesn't to me. "Goodbye darling, until tomorrow, Jimmy." Jimmy Carter is survived by his four children, James, Donnel, Amy, and Jack, as well as 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. PRESIDENT CARTER Carter served in the White House from 1977 to 1981. Prior to his presidency, he served as a Georgia State Senator from 1963 to 1967 and as the 76th governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. Carter was considered a longshot for the presidency when he announced his presidential campaign in December 1974. As a dark-horse candidate, Carter was not well-known outside of the home state of Georgia. However, Carter's two-year campaign trail paid off when he won the Democratic nomination and narrowly defeated incumbent Republican president Gerald Ford during the 1976 presidential election. Carter, who entered office in January 1977, took over a nation that was still reeling from the events of the Vietnam War, where approximately 59,000 US troops died on the frontlines. Two days after being sworn in as president, Carter famously pardoned all the draft evaders from the Vietnam War. But, his presidency was marred by rising energy costs, mounting inflation, and continuing tensions with foreign adversaries, including the threat of nuclear war with the Soviet Union. Carter's hopes for reelection eventually crumbled due to the Iran hostage crisis. On November 4, 1979, a group of militarized Iranian college students stormed the US Embassy in Tehran and took 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage. The American public turned on Carter for his soft approach to the crisis, which lasted 444 days. The hostage crisis paralyzed his presidency and hampered his efforts at a second term. Carter would eventually lose the 1980 presidential election in a landslide to Republican presidential candidate Ronald Reagan. 10 Jimmy Carter served as president from 1977 to 1981 Credit: AP:Associated Press 10 Carter's final year in the White House was married by the 1979 Iran hostage crisis Credit: Getty 10 Carter lost the 1980 presidential election in a landslide to Republican presidential candidate Ronald Reagan Credit: AP LIFE AFTER THE WHITE HOUSE After leaving the Oval Office, Carter devoted his life to diplomacy and human rights work . He founded the Carter Center in 1982, an organization with a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering, according to their website. The non-profit has worked to improve the quality of life for people in countries all over the world. In 2002, Jimmy Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work seeking peaceful resolutions to global conflicts, advancing human rights and democracy, and promoting economic and social development. The Carter Center also devoted some resources to ensuring free and fair elections and monitored the 2020 elections in the United States . Carter had mostly retired from the public eye in recent years, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and a cancer diagnosis in 2015. While Carter lived a more private life in his latter years, he was vocal in his opposition to certain political moves of the presidents who followed him. He disagreed with Reagan’s handling of peace in the Middle East and was opposed to the Iraq War under George W Bush. Carter criticized the Trump administration but also disagreed with his fellow Democratic president, Barack Obama, regarding the use of drone strikes against suspected terrorists. On his 96th birthday , the former president was honored with a parade of golf carts and other vehicles by local residents, which he and his wife observed from their residence while wearing masks due to the Covid-19 pandemic. During the 2020 presidential election, Carter endorsed Joe Biden at the Democratic National Convention and said via video, "Joe Biden was my first and most effective supporter in the Senate ... For decades, he’s been my loyal and dedicated friend." To mark his first 100 days in office, Biden and First Lady Jill Biden visited Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter at their home in Plains, Georgia. "We sat and talked about the old days," Biden told reporters afterward. Jimmy Carter was the longest-lived US president in history, surpassing George HW Bush, who was 94 at the time of his death. Read more on the Scottish Sun GHOST TOWN Former Scots shopping hotspot 'decaying' as multimillion pound revamp ‘failing’ VAX HORROR Striken Scots 'gaslit' by health bosses after complications from Covid vaccine 10 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter and their four children Credit: Getty - Contributor 10 Jimmy and Rosalynn were college sweethearts Credit: The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum 10 Jimmy Carter's love letter, which he penned more than 70 years ago, was read at Rosalynn Carter's service in late November 2023 Credit: Getty - Contributor More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos . Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSunhas said that “very few” businesses want to invest in Sir Keir Starmer’s Britain. The tech tycoon blamed “the current administration” for putting off wealth creators in remarks that will come as a blow to the Prime Minister. He made the comments in response to a letter from Scottish politicians who want his car firm Tesla to in the country. “Very few companies will be willing to invest in the UK with the current administration,” the tech tycoon replied on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, which he owns. Sir Keir has made attracting more businesses to Britain central to his economic plan as he battles low growth following the Budget tax rises. In September he said he would welcome cash from Tesla after a row broke out over his failure to invite Mr Musk to the . The tech mogul, who is the world’s richest man, was reportedly snubbed by No 10 because of his social media posts in which he criticised Labour. He responded: “I don’t think anyone should go to the UK when they’re releasing convicted pedophiles in order to imprison people for social media posts.” Mr Musk has been an outspoken critic of Sir Keir, accusing him of orchestrating a crackdown on free speech in Britain. During the summer’s far-Right riots he branded the Prime Minister “two-tier Keir” and criticised the punishments handed out to those involved. Out of curiosity, is this the same who himself criticized policing protests in 2021? What a hypocrite! — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) After a man was apparently arrested over comments he had made on Facebook, Mr Musk asked whether the country was “Britain or the Soviet Union”. When the police , a journalist at The Telegraph, over a year-old post on X, he declared that “Britain is turning into a police state”. He also used X to suggest that “civil war is inevitable” in Britain, prompting a rebuke from No 10 which said there was “no justification” for the comments. Last month he waded into the row over Labour’s inheritance tax raid on farmers, saying it showed that Britain was going “full Stalin” under Sir Keir. Britain is turning into a police state — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) Mr Musk owns some of the world’s biggest companies including Tesla, the electric car manufacturer, SpaceX and social media site X. Ash Regan, the Holyrood leader of nationalist party Alba, had written to Mr Musk urging him to open a new Tesla gigafactory in Scotland. Jeremy Hunt, the former Tory chancellor, has claimed the billionaire was considering building a new car plant in Britain before Labour won the election. “He told me last year he was planning a new car plant in Europe and had not decided where but the UK was a candidate,” he told the BBC. Mr Musk has openly backed Reform online and is said to be considering giving a sizeable donation to . Sir Keir has repeatedly said that international firms are upbeat about Britain and hailed the £50 billion pledged at October’s investment summit. He responded to Mr Musk’s criticisms of his Government by saying that they were “in stark contrast” to the attitude of other business leaders.President-elect Trump expected to offer Kelly Loeffler secretary of AgricultureAP Sports SummaryBrief at 3:01 p.m. EST

The Philadelphia Eagles ruled wide receiver DeVonta Smith out for Sunday night's game at the Los Angeles Rams due to a hamstring injury. Smith did not practice all week and will miss his second game of the season and just the third of his four-year NFL career. He was inactive in a Week 4 loss at Tampa Bay due to a concussion. Smith, 26, leads the Eagles with 41 receptions and four touchdown catches ands ranks second with 516 receiving yards in nine starts this season. The former Heisman Trophy winner has 281 catches for 3,694 yards and 23 scores in 59 games (58 starts) since the Eagles drafted him with the 10th overall pick in 2021. NFC East-leading Philadelphia (8-2) takes a six-game winning streak to Los Angeles (5-5), which has won four of its last five games. --Field Level MediaHOLIDAY shoppers can score the best deals of the season at Dollar Tree, which has a host of festive finds for a great price. The discount chain is selling five perfect stocking stuffers for just $1.25 each. With Christmas just weeks away, consumers are frantically hitting the aisles to find gifts for everyone on their list. Holiday shopping , however, does not need to break the bank. Dollar Tree is offering a variety of stocking stuffers for just $1.25, ideal for shoppers on a budget . BEAUTY BUYS The discount chain is selling two $1.25 products perfect for the beauty lovers in your life. Read More on Holiday Deals First is the BPure Body Lotion , which is eight ounces and comes in three varieties. Shoppers can choose between an illuminating vitamin C lotion, revitalizing collagen lotion, or hydrating hyaluronic acid lotion. The body lotion will leave skin "feeling fresh and looking radiant," per the product description. Dollar Tree shoppers are raving over the lotion, which has five stars on the chain's website. Most read in Money One customer called the product "absolutely amazing" while a second said they were "impressed." "This makes my over-washed hands feel so soft. For the price I began to use for entire body. Game changer. My skin is thanking me. One of the best products you can buy at the store," praised another shopper. Another beauty stocking stuffer from Dollar Tree is the Mini Nail Files with Cases for just $1.25. Shoppers can manicure their nails on the go with the adorable mini files, which come in packs of two and measure 3.5 inches. They are assorted among three fun patterns. "Great for leaving one in your purse and one in your car, or sharing one with a friend!" reads the product description. AFFORDABLE ARTISTRY In addition to its beauty bargains, Dollar Tree is selling a variety of cheap stocking stuffers for all the artists out there. For example, shoppers can score Jumbo Christmas Coloring and Activity Books for just $1.25 each. Each book is 128 pages long and includes four song downloads, filled with fun for any age. "While the adults are cleaning up after dinner, these Christmas coloring books will keep the littles entertained until we move onto more fun and games. At $1 each, I can afford to spoil all my grandkids!" shared a five-star review. Dollar Tree shoppers can also score Christmas Pencils for just $1.25. "These Christmas Pencils from Christmas House are the perfect tool for composing all your naughty or nice lists," reads the product description. The festive pencils come in packs of 16 with assorted Christmas designs, including snowmen, candy canes, snowflakes, Christmas trees, penguins, and nutcrackers. "Good value! These pencils are perfect stocking stuffers for children!" wrote one happy shopper. "I buy these for every holiday and give them out to my students!" shared a teacher. COZY COMFORT Dollar Tree is also the retail destination for cozy winter essentials. The chain is selling Christmas Crew Socks for $1.25, a soft stocking stuffer sure to bring a smile to the recipient's face. The fun and affordable socks are assorted among five festive holiday styles, including Christmas trees, Santa, polar bears, reindeer, and elf socks. The socks are flexible and breathable yet durable enough to endure cold weather and frequent use, according to the product description. Dollar Tree customers are praising the socks for how soft, comfortable, and festive they are. Read More on The US Sun BPure Body Lotion, $1.25 - buy here Jumbo Christmas Coloring & Activity Book, $1.25 - buy here Mini Nail Files with Cases, $1.25 - buy here Christmas Pencils, $1.25 - buy here Christmas Crew Socks, $1.25 - buy here Dollar Tree is also selling three winter staples to spruce up your home for Christmas – and they’re all under $5. Plus, the chain's $1.25 viral Christmas bathroom essential has sent shoppers on a search.

Australian NBA star Ben Simmons’ role is up in the air after the Brooklyn Nets made a trade for prodigal son D’Angelo Russell. Average of 9 LIVE Regular Season games per week plus the best of the NBA Playoffs, including every game of the NBA Conference Finals & NBA Finals LIVE on ESPN, available via Kayo New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. Brooklyn shipped veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith and backup guard Shake Milton — who was coming on of late — to Los Angeles for three second-round picks, Maxwell Lewis and former Net D’Angelo Russell. The Nets will get the Lakers’ second-rounders in 2027, 2030 and 2031. The news was first reported by ESPN, and confirmed by The Post. Russell — averaging 12.4 points and 4.7 assists — was a key linchpin of general manager Sean Marks’ first rebuild in Brooklyn, before being moved in a sign-and-trade for Kevin Durant. It remains to be seen if he’ll be around for this second rebuild. And if he still harbors any hard feelings over being traded away the first time. In Finney-Smith, the Nets traded away their toughness on the court and the grownup in the room. Having one of the best seasons of his career, he was a team-leading plus-41, when no other Net was better than plus-2 coming into Sunday’s game in Orlando. Finney-Smith is shooting a career-high 44 percent from 3-point range. But he had a player option for next year that he was unlikely to pick up, meaning he could’ve left for nothing in unrestricted free agency in the summer. Marks and Nets owner Joe Tsai had an offer of two first-round picks for Finney-Smith as soon as they acquired him from Dallas for Kyrie Irving. But they were trying to compete behind Mikal Bridges at the time, and had no interest in a tear-down rebuild. But times have changed. Now they’re rebuilding, and once again Russell could be part of it. They’d acquired the young point guard from the Lakers and molded him into an All-Star. He helped guide them into the 2018-19 playoffs, but was traded in the summer of 2019 as part of the deal to bring in Durant. Asked in 2021 if he was extra motivated playing against the Nets, he said no but would certainly be if Marks was suiting up. “Maybe if Sean Marks was in a jersey, then there’d be something different,” Russell told The Post. “But he’s not. “It’s part of the league. Obviously I was traded before that, so I’m sure I could be traded again. I try not to get too comfortable. You know, I know any day you can wake up and get that call, so my bags are packed.” Russell is on an expiring contract that will pay him $18.7 million. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent in the summer. Brooklyn currently starts Ben Simmons at point guard, on a $40 million expiring deal. Originally published as Fresh NBA problem for Ben Simmons after surprise trade Read related topics: Ben Simmons NBA Don't miss out on the headlines from NBA. Followed categories will be added to My News. More related stories Sport Golden hauls, spats, tears: Top 100 sporting moments of 2024 From Australia’s record golden haul at the Paris Games to controversies that split the sporting world – we look back at 100 moments that shaped the sporting calendar. Read more NBA ‘First since MJ’: Aussie’s absurd history Josh Giddey has etched his name into the record books after delivering a jaw-dropping display in his first game back on the court. Read more

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ATLANTA — Fulton County prosecutors didn’t even take a weekend after the conclusion of the longest trial in Georgia history before they started gearing up for a second trial in the gang and racketeering “Young Slime Life” case. Prosecutors said in a filing on Friday they are planning to take the remaining five defendants in the case to a jury in February. The request for a trial comes days after a jury rendered a verdict of not guilty on the most serious charges for the two defendants left standing in the first trial in the sprawling case on Tuesday. Prosecutors dropped charges against six other defendants on Wednesday. The judge had asked the parties to work out plea negotiations by Dec. 17. In a motion on Friday requesting the trial, Chief Deputy District Attorney Adam Abbate said prosecutors intend to go to trial against Christian Eppinger, Miles Farley, Damekion Garlington, Demise McMullen and Tenquarius Mender. The DA’s office is asking Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker to set trial proceedings to commence on Feb. 24. “This request is made to ensure adequate time for the resolution of any outstanding motions that may be filed by the five remaining defendants, as well as to facilitate the coordination of witness appearances and transportation,” prosecutors said. Unlike the previous trial, which involved Atlanta rapper Young Thug and five other alleged associates and became the longest trial in Georgia’s history, prosecutors expect this next trial to last around three months. In the first YSL trial, prosecutors called more than 175 witnesses and spent more than a year presenting evidence. Jury selection began January 2023, lasting 10 months and included some of the remaining defendants before they were removed from the case. Eppinger is facing 14 charges, including violating the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, armed robbery and attempted murder. He is accused of shooting an Atlanta police officer in February 2022 while on probation. He was granted bond on that case but never released. He was severed from the original case after it was revealed he had an “inappropriate relationship” with a courtroom deputy . Officials alleged Eppinger was using his attorney’s laptop to message the deputy on social media. The attorney’s laptop was seized as a result and Eppinger was removed from the case. Farley, who is the alleged creator of the “Make America Slime Again” clothing line, has been on house arrest while awaiting trial after he was granted bond at $625,000 . He remains the only defendant indicted in the case that received a bond. He faces five charges including RICO and murder in the 2022 death of Shymel Drinks. Farley was removed from the case after his attorney, Anastasios Manettas, was arrested in April 2022 after he allegedly entered the courtroom with some of his prescription medication . Manettas said his client is innocent and prepared to go to trial. Similar to Farley, Garlington faces murder charges in relation to the Drinks’ murder . Shannon Stillwell was acquitted of Drinks’ murder on Tuesday, while Quamarvious Nichols had his murder charge dropped after taking a plea deal in October. Garlington and Eppinger are also charged with the stabbing of Rashawn “YFN Lucci” Bennett, a rapper and alleged rival gang member, inside the Fulton County Jail. McMullen remains the lone defendant still charged in the 2015 murder of Donovan Thomas Jr. after Stillwell and Deamonte Kendrick were acquitted and prosecutors said they would drop charges against Justin Cobb and Javaris Bradford. Garlington and McMullen were removed from the case in December 2022 because they didn’t yet have attorneys. Mender, who faces RICO and gang charges, rejected a plea deal in December 2022 but was later severed from the case because his attorney, Nicole Fegan, was pregnant , which raised issues related to the unknown timetable for jury selection. Whitaker, who was the third judge to oversee the first YSL trial before its verdict, is expected to preside over the trial against the remaining five defendants. ©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Alberta working to get money's worth on Turkish medication deal after two yearsJapan is set to kick off discussions on raising the basic tax-free income allowance in effective permanent tax cuts worth up to $51 billion, a step that could also help ease constraints on part-time workers amid intensifying labour shortages. The government’s plan, which will be mentioned in an economic stimulus package to be announced on Friday, comes as the ruling coalition yielded to a push by a key opposition party whose cooperation is crucial for the coalition to stay in power. If the income tax threshold is lifted from the current 1.03 million yen ($6,674) per year to 1.78 million yen as demanded by the opposition Democratic Party for the People (DPP), tax revenue would drop by 7 trillion yen ($45.36 billion) to 8 trillion yen, according to a government estimate. While the new threshold level has yet to be discussed, policymakers say a full increase to 1.78 million yen is unlikely. DPP argues that 1.03 million yen has also served as constraining student part-time workers as their parents lose a tax deduction treatment if their dependent minors earn beyond the level. Daiwa Research Institute estimates that about 610,000 students currently voluntarily limit their working hours to avoid hitting the threshold. An increase in the deduction threshold to 1.8 million yen would boost labour supply by about 330 million hours, workers’ compensation by 456 billion yen and increase private consumption by 319 billion yen, according to Daiwa estimates. But critics are sceptical about the impact on labour supply, pointing out that there are other barriers that prevent from such workers from working longer. Raising the income tax threshold would also keep Japan an outlier among advanced nations that had mostly phased out pandemic-mode stimulus. “This is effectively a dole-out policy disguised as a labour issue,” said Saisuke Sakai, senior economist at Mizuho Research and Technologies. “Japan’s goal of running a primary budget surplus in the next fiscal year would be absolutely impossible. With no one caring about the fiscal discipline, concerns about Japan’s debt could intensify among investors,” he added. In the stimulus package to be approvedlater on Friday, the government will spend 13.9 trillion yen from its general account to fund measures aimed at mitigating the impact of rising prices on households. The focus will now shift to how to fund the budget. JPMorgan said in a report to clients that it expects about 10 trillion yen in additional new government bonds for the latest package. However, the outlook for the budget for the next fiscal year from April is growing unclear as the outcome of the discussions on the tax revision would impact tax revenue for the year. Fixing tattered public finances has emerged as a more imminent task for Japan as its central bank moves to exit years of ultra-easy monetary policythat had kept borrowing costs ultra low. Japan’s public debt stands at more than twice the size of its economy, by far the biggest among industrialised economies. Source: Reuters (Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Kim Coghill)