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The release on parole of convicts in the rice scandal case one after another has sparked speculation about the prospective return of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who fled the country to avoid imprisonment in the same case. Previously, ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, formerly a convict on parole, had said his sister could return before the Songkran festival. The discreet release of Boonsong Teriyapirom, former commerce minister in the Yingluck cabinet, from prison for "health reasons" has aroused public suspicion that the process to facilitate Yingluck's return is underway. The former PM was sentenced to five years imprisonment for dereliction of duty concerning burgeoning corruption in the rice-pledging scheme that cost the country enormous economic losses. She fled the day the court issued the ruling. On the same day, Boonsong was handed 48 years in prison for his role in the scheme. Before his release early this month, he had spent only seven years and three months behind bars. With several royal pardons, he was supposed to be in jail until April 2028. But, due to old age and poor health, he could walk out, albeit with an electronic ankle monitoring (EM) bracelet, under an imprisonment suspension programme. As Boonsong's discharge hit the headlines, the public was shocked by reports that two other convicts, former deputy commerce minister Poom Sarapol and Apichart "Sia Piang" Chansakulporn, former top executive of rice exporting firm Siam Indica, had discreetly been released from prison under the same programme. It's an embarrassment for the Department of Corrections. As the agency later confirmed the reports, the way it has handled the cases has drawn heavy criticism. Like Boonsong, Sia Piang was handed 48 years, but according to the Department of Corrections, he was well-behaved and considered an outstanding inmate, and he got five pardons altogether. After serving 12 years and one month, he had 22 more years in prison but was eligible for probation because of his old age and multiple health conditions, including chronic kidney failure. The reduction of hefty jail terms for Boonsong, Apichart and Poom, imposed by the court for such severe corruption cases, raises doubt about the correctional system in Thailand. The public is also curious if it will all set a bad precedent and if the practice compromises the rule of law. Unscrupulous officials could observe it and take note, thinking they could easily get away with such acts, giving more encouragement for them to break the law. Now that the preparation of a new regulation involving detentions outside prison is in its final stages -- it may be in effect by the first quarter of next year -- it's enough to imagine Yingluck coming home before this Songkran, as her brother mentioned. Taking a look at the regulation and its criteria, it seems Yingluck is well qualified, ie she's a first-time convict, has a short sentence time, and has a low possibility of repeating the crime. The government is trying to explain that the regulation, which they say is aimed at alleviating prison overcrowding, has nothing to do with Yingluck's privilege, saying it's the work of the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration. That would sound convincing unless we realise that Somsak Thepsutin, then justice minister, pushed for this regulation. Mr Somsak and Suriya Jungrungreangkit left Palang Pracharath. They returned to Pheu Thai shortly before Gen Prayut dissolved parliament amid speculation that their old boss, Thaksin, was about to return to Thailand. It's believed that Mr Somsak's role in the new regulation earned him a cabinet position as deputy PM and health minister in the Pheu Thai-led coalition. To put it bluntly, it's a political bonus from Thaksin, who influences Pheu Thai. This is also the most convenient time for Yingluck as her niece, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is in office. Therefore, it's no exaggeration to say that Yingluck will probably enjoy the same prison privileges as her brother, who did not stay a single day behind bars but remained on the 14th floor of the police hospital for six months after returning to Thailand in August last year. It could be said that this coming Songkran will be a happy time for the Shinawatras, with a family reunion. But does not bode well for the country and the rule of law? Definitely not. It will impose a heavy cost on the country's justice system. Chairith Yonpiam is an assistant news editor at Bangkok Post.South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds, who introduced legislation last month to eliminate the Department of Education, told ABC News closing the agency could take "a couple of years." "We want to do it right," Rounds said, making it unlikely the department will see major changes on Day 1 of the next administration. "This is not just a 'make noise' bill. This is a serious [bill]. It's taken us a year and a half to write this bill." Rounds' "Returning Education to Our States" bill builds on one of President-elect Donald Trump's key campaign promises. It has a road map to elimination, sending block grants to states and redistributing major federal funding to other agencies, but it needs 60 votes in the Senate to pass and then be signed into law. "We've tried to set this up so that some of it could be done within reconciliation. Some of it we'll have to gain consensus on by executive order, some of which may very well take 60 votes. So we might not get everything we want," Rounds acknowledged. Rounds said he has not met with or discussed the bill with Linda McMahon, Trump's education secretary pick . Meanwhile, Rounds insisted that federal programs affecting vulnerable students and those with special needs will not be gutted. MORE: Congressional Republicans continue to introduce bills eliminating the Department of Education "We don't want to lose the specific offices that deliver particular congressionally directed funds, such as special education, IDEA and so forth," said Rounds, referencing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. "All of that is included in a redirection to other locations, but all those offices still remain with the focus of sending that money back [to the states]." Earlier this week, Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a member of the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, told ABC News that reaching a 60-vote threshold to pass legislation that dismantles the agency would be "very difficult." "We need to downsize it," Tuberville said. "More money needs to go back to the states, every state, and you know, we can have a group up here that can -- they can supposedly be the Department of Education, but to have [4,000] or 5,000 people up here makes no sense. I mean, we need to take as much money as we can, put it back in the states, put it back in the schools and give these students a chance." Augustus Mays, vice president for partnerships and engagement at the advocacy group The Education Trust, said block grants could disproportionately affect marginalized students. "If you were to take away, or block grant, the funding that goes towards IDEA, then you will have a situation where students with disabilities may not be getting the support they need towards a free and appropriate public education, which is required by law," Mays told ABC News. "That could be $34 billion from the federal government that would be going out to all these states to support those needs, and states would be picking up that bill. ... [Lawmakers] need to understand what that would actually mean if they were to eliminate Department of Ed," he warned. However, if the president-elect and his Cabinet picks start firing federal employees, education experts suggest it would be too tall a task for a diminished department to administer Education Department funds to states and have states distribute them to school districts. Clare McCann at American University said that is something skilled employees at the Department of Education would be equipped to do. "There's a reason the Department of Education was created, and it was to have this kind of in-house expertise and policy background on these [education] issues," McCann told ABC News. "The civil servants who work at the Department of Education are true experts in the field." North Carolina Sen. Ted Budd, a Republican, said he disagreed with McCann's stance. "The goal is more education, right?" he said. "And do you need a massive government bureaucracy to do that? Probably not." Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie told ABC News he will also be bringing forward legislation to abolish the Department of Education within the "first few weeks" of the 119th Congress. "There'll be one sentence -- only thing that will change is the date: The Department of Education shall terminate on December 31, 2026," Massie told ABC News. However, experts have told ABC News that Massie's one-sentence bill may not be realistic as all the funding that currently goes to the department will have to be redirected. "The Department of Education administers a whole lot of laws," said Neal McCluskey, an education analyst at the libertarian think tank The Cato Institute. "Those laws have to be changed about who runs student aid and who is tasked with making decisions about cancelling student debt and who decides or who administers Title I and lots of these other federal programs."
What Do An Owl And A Cloud Have In Common? Check Out IBD 50, Big Cap Leaders, Other Best Stocks ListsChinese money given to the Duke of York is being investigated by the security services, The Telegraph can disclose. Prince Andrew’s business venture is understood to have received money from Chinese donors with links to an alleged Communist party spy. The disclosure comes after it emerged on Thursday that the alleged spy, in court documents, had been banned from the UK on national security grounds. In his first comments on the scandal on Friday night, the Duke insisted that he “ceased all contact” with after concerns were raised, with “nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed”. However, the case over how he funds a lavish lifestyle that includes the upkeep on Royal Lodge, his 30-room home at Windsor, and The Telegraph can disclose that Buckingham Palace has no way of including the money used for the upkeep of Royal Lodge, which is owned by the Crown Estate. Sources said the palace had “no power, authority or legal right” to do so and that all palace officials could do was seek assurances that the Duke’s money was “legitimately earned”. It can also be revealed that the King was made aware of the MI5 investigation into his brother and his links to the alleged Chinese agent before the bombshell judgment which exposed their friendship. The latest scandal to beset the Duke is likely to have contributed to the King’s decision earlier in the year Buckingham Palace declined to say when the King was told about the MI5 investigation into the alleged spy but royal sources pointed out that the Duke was “no longer privately supported by the King”. It is likely that the domestic intelligence agency informed the Royal household through who was Lord Chamberlain up until a month ago and before that MI5’s director general. The alleged spy, known only as H6, is a former junior civil servant in China who is accused of working for the United Front Work Department (UFWD), an arm of the Chinese state used to gather intelligence, recruit agents and buy influence abroad. Whitehall sources have told The Telegraph that the UFWD used financial inducements to gain access and buy influence in the West, engaging in “deceptive” acts. A source said: “The UFWD does influence. This is much more than just gathering sensitive information.” The Telegraph has been told that money received by Prince Andrew was being investigated. The alleged Chinese spy was also invited into Buckingham Palace by the Duke of York, according to reports. The suspected spy attended the Palace on two occasions. He also attended a function at St James’s Palace and an event at Windsor Castle, reported. The Prince launched an initiative across China called which ran Dragons’ Den-style business competitions operated for profits. The Telegraph can disclose that H6 was connected to Pitch@Palace’s Chinese operations. Any profits made from the business venture are subject to scrutiny by the security services. Prince Andrew launched Pitch@Palace in the UK on a not-for-profit basis in 2014. Two years later, he launched overseas versions, including in China, which were run to make to money. It is unclear when he met H6. But sources have pointed to a series of speeches and comments given by Prince Andrew in which he encouraged H6 was so close to Prince Andrew that he had been told he could act on the Duke’s behalf when dealing with potential investors in China, according to court documents. He was even invited to the Duke’s birthday party in 2020, and was described by the judges overseeing the case as a “close confidant of the Duke”. Buckingham Palace has let its despair be known over the latest scandal. Royal sources said they were made aware of the court case against H6 and that his close association with the Duke was eventually going to emerge. The King was told “at the appropriate juncture through appropriate government channels”. The cost of maintenance on Royal Lodge and Prince Andrew’s security bill is thought to add up to millions of pounds a year. The Duke has had longstanding money problems, including the convicted child sex offender who killed himself while awaiting trial on fresh charges in 2019. On Friday night, a statement was released from the Duke’s office insisting he had cut off all contact with H6 after receiving advice from the Government. It said: “The Duke of York followed advice from HMG [the Government] and ceased all contact with the individual after concerns were raised. “The Duke met the individual through official channels, with nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed. He is unable to comment further on matters relating to national security.” The Home Office decided to ban H6, who is 50, from the UK in July 2023 after MI5 deemed him to be an agent who had engaged in “covert and deceptive activity” on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and that he likely posed a threat to national security. Two judges for the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) on Thursday ruled that the Home Office was justified in keeping him out of the country. H6 is contesting that decision and denies he is a spy or agent for the CCP. However, his identity has remained secret. SIAC initially granted H6 anonymity but this was lifted by the judges to take effect from Thursday. H6 appealed the lifting of the anonymity order and was granted “interim relief”, meaning the High Court could decide at a future date whether he should be named. A hearing could be as early as next week. On Friday night, senior Tories including Suella Braverman, the former Home Secretary, Mrs Braverman was Home Secretary when H6 was barred from entry in 2023. Mrs Braverman said: “We know that China is using all means necessary, particularly espionage and exploiting vulnerabilities in the UK to get access to state secrets and other sensitive information that can harm our national security. “So disclosing the identity of this person will have a deterrent effect on others taking part in similar activities but it will also ensure full transparency is afforded to this issue of utmost national security importance.” The Duke’s precarious position was further undermined when Tom Tugendhat, the former security minister, said his involvement with H6 was , and demonstrated how the Chinese state was trying to seek influence and interfere in Britain’s affairs. “The United Front Work Department, which is a branch of the Communist Party, is seeking influence across the UK in everything across social, academic, financial, industrial, and various other ways,” Mr Tugendhat said. A spokesman for the Chinese embassy said: “Some people in the UK are so keen on making up all kinds of spy stories against China. This again is a typical case of the thief crying ‘catch thief’. Their purpose is to smear China and sabotage normal people-to-people exchanges between China and the UK. We strongly condemn this.”
Syria's newly appointed foreign minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, told Iran on Tuesday not to spread chaos in Syria but to respect the Syrian people's will and the country's sovereignty. In a post on X, Shibani said: "Iran must respect the will of the Syrian people and the country's sovereignty and security. We warn them from spreading chaos in Syria and we hold them accountable for the repercussions of the latest remarks." He did not specify the remarks he was referring to. In a televised speech on Sunday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on Syrian youth to "stand with firm determination against those who have orchestrated and brought about this insecurity." "We predict that a strong and honorable group will also emerge in Syria because today Syrian youth have nothing to lose. Their schools, universities, homes, and streets are unsafe," Khameini said. He added: "Therefore, they must stand firmly with determination against the planners and executors of insecurity and prevail over them." Syrian rebels ousted President Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8 after a 13-year civil war. Iran spent billions of dollars propping up Assad during the war and deployed its Revolutionary Guards to Syria to keep its ally in power. Assad's overthrow is widely seen as a major blow to the Iran-led "Axis of Resistance" political and military alliance that opposes Israeli and U.S. influence in the Middle East. (Reporting by Menna Alaa, Jaidaa Taha and Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Leslie Adler and Howard Goller)
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Who are the favorites to win Golden Globes? | Streamed & Screened podcastNo. 24 UCLA is seeking its eighth straight win on Saturday against an Arizona team that is trying to right the ship after dropping four of its last six games. The game is being played in Phoenix, billed as part of the Hall of Fame Series. It's the first meeting between the storied ex-Pac-12 rivals since the conference's collapse last year and will be the first time the teams have met in a nonconference matchup since 1977. UCLA (8-1) is off to a surprisingly hot start after a nightmarish last season. The Bruins have won seven in a row after falling to New Mexico on Nov. 8. They're coming directly off a 73-71 victory over No. 12 Oregon on Sunday on a game-winning 3-pointer by Dylan Andrews with 0.3 seconds remaining. Eric Dailey Jr. led the way with 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting. The Bruins sit at 2-0 in conference play in their first season as a member of the Big Ten. "My analysis early of the Big Ten is that it's so deep," UCLA coach Mick Cronin said. "I know it probably always was that way, but now it's deeper. You've just got to get better. "I also coach at UCLA where we get the most titles and (have been to) the second-most finals. I didn't come to UCLA to win regular-season games. For us, it's about progression and getting better. "We were able to win (against Oregon) but I thought we got a lot better. We came together. We got more cohesive. The guys played with confidence." Tyler Bilodeau leads UCLA in scoring and rebounding, averaging 13.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Bilodeau played his first two collegiate seasons at Oregon State, although his maiden voyage at UCLA is only his second season as a regular starter. Dailey, a transfer from Oklahoma State, doesn't trail too far behind in either category, averaging 12.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. USC transfer Kobe Johnson leads the Bruins with 3.2 assists while also tallying 7.3 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. The Wildcats (4-4) are in the midst of a dreadful start, needing a 102-66 win over Southern Utah to nurse themselves back to .500. Before that, Arizona was just one for its last five. The Wildcats are winless against fellow power-conference opponents, suffering double-digit losses to Wisconsin and Duke. Arizona also absorbed a five-point loss to Oklahoma and a seven-point overtime loss to West Virginia at the Battle 4 Atlantis. "Great programs are going to stumble once in a while," Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd said. "The response is the key. Learning from it and coming back stronger is the objective and that's the challenge. We obviously have been challenged early in the season. "(The emphasis needs to be on) Arizona basketball, because here's the deal: UCLA is a good program. If we go in and all we're worried about is UCLA and we assume that we're going to show up and play well, we're going to get our ass kicked." The Wildcats are led by Caleb Love, who returned for a second season at Arizona and a fifth in college overall after he played his first three seasons at North Carolina. Love is averaging 14.1 points per game on 37.2 percent shooting, down from 18 points per game a season ago. Aside from Love, Arizona has four more players averaging in double figures for the season: Jaden Bradley (12.0 ppg), Trey Townsend (11.3), KJ Lewis (10.3) and Anthony Dell'Orso (10.0). --Field Level MediaPREP FOOTBALL= IAHSAA State Playoffs= Class 3A= Championship= Wahlert, Dubuque 49, Humboldt 14 Class 2A= Championship= West Lyon, Inwood 42, Spirit Lake 7 Some high school football scores provided by ,Spain's solar power poised to surpass wind power as top renewable energy source
When he leads the Tribe against the Spiders (9-2) at Robins Stadium in Richmond at noon Saturday, it will mark the 19th time London has been part of what is formally known as the Capital Cup. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Trump chooses Pam Bondi for attorney general pick after Gaetz withdraws Trump chooses Pam Bondi for attorney general pick after Gaetz withdraws Meet the Fort Monroe Authority’s new CEO Meet the Fort Monroe Authority’s new CEO Court documents: 3-year-old grabbed dad’s gun off kitchen counter and accidentally shot himself Court documents: 3-year-old grabbed dad’s gun off kitchen counter and accidentally shot himself Army-Navy 2024: Navy specialty uniforms to honor Jolly Rogers aviation squadron Army-Navy 2024: Navy specialty uniforms to honor Jolly Rogers aviation squadron Here’s what development around the Virginia Beach Convention Center could look like Here’s what development around the Virginia Beach Convention Center could look like 2 injured after vehicle failed to stop at Suffolk railroad crossing, police say 2 injured after vehicle failed to stop at Suffolk railroad crossing, police say Newport News’ first Saladworks combines former doctor’s passions for health and business Newport News’ first Saladworks combines former doctor’s passions for health and business Bike shop in Midtown Row rebrands, coffee shops celebrate and more business news from the Historic Triangle Bike shop in Midtown Row rebrands, coffee shops celebrate and more business news from the Historic Triangle Virginia live election results Virginia live election results Entertainment venue Uptown Alley no longer coming to Williamsburg Entertainment venue Uptown Alley no longer coming to Williamsburg Trending Nationally Castle Rock school bus driver who left 40 kids at busy intersection “didn’t know what to do” A ‘horrific accident’: 2 deputies who died, 1 injured in Palm Beach County crash identified Illinois high court overturns Jussie Smollett’s convictions in allegedly staged hate crime San Diego toddler’s backyard snake bite bills totaled more than a quarter-million dollars Trump chooses Pam Bondi for attorney general pick after Gaetz withdrawsAI Ease Unveils Free AI Background Generator for Effortless Image Enhancement 12-24-2024 06:34 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire In the digital world, great visuals are a must for standing out, be it for professional photographers, e-commerce sellers, or content creators. However, creating the perfect background for your images can be time-consuming and costly. Thankfully, with the power of AI, you can create stunning backgrounds without the hassle. The article explains how to make an AI background online using the ai background generator online [ https://www.aiease.ai/ai-background/ ]. This tool is 100% free, AI-powered, has no limit on usage and does not require any account creation. Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/uploads/35116d754bd8ae72a951a9835ed1f32d.jpg Step 1: Upload and Remove To begin with the AI background generator, you are to upload the image to edit. Be it a portrait, a product photo, or any other kind of image, just click the "Upload" button on the AI Ease platform. Once uploaded, the tool instantly starts working to remove the existing background from the image in a matter of seconds. This happens automatically and makes the preparation of your image for further steps easy. The AI-powered tool works remarkably well with the most minute detail at AI Ease. It automatically detects the foreground subject and lets you perfect the background without having to mess around with the edges or fine details of your subject. This step will eliminate the need to manually remove the background, saving you time and effort. Step 2: Creating AI-generated Backgrounds After removing the background, it is time to select a new backdrop for your image. AI Ease provides two strong modes to generate AI backgrounds: AI Scenes and Custom. * AI Scenes You can choose any of the background templates available the moment you enter "AI Scenes" mode. Among the most common backdrops for AI scenes, you will find marble, wood, texture, indoor settings, and more. From a simple neutral background for product photography to an artistic scene that would improve your portrait, everything will be at your disposal. With an AI background generator, all background scenes are created professionally in style, well-chosen, and match your subject. Such scenes will suit users when they want to accomplish a certain goal fast without any compromise on image quality that of an e-commerce product photography solution, a personal portrait shoot, or otherwise. * Custom Mode Those who would love a personal tone would like the "Custom" mode in AI Ease. It is a text-to-AI background for those cases when one needs exactly what he or she sees, be it product imagery with unique sceneries or some personalized background for other creative work. All you have to do now is describe the background you intend to use. For example, say, "a vintage wooden desk with soft natural light filtering in," and let AI magically create an image for what you have typed. Then, this custom mode used a large language model full of state-of-the-art text-to-image algorithms. 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AI-Powered Technology for Better Results The background generator at AI Ease is driven by advanced AI algorithms to ensure that every background it generates is visually stunning and professionally crafted. It works in the background to ensure smooth processing, accuracy, and quality results. With the added advantage of being completely free, users can generate unlimited high-quality backgrounds with no subscriptions or sign-ups required. Elevate with AI Background Templates Perhaps one of the greatest strengths of the AI background generator by AI Ease is the wide array of background templates it will offer. The variety of marble, wood, and textured backdrops within these AI background templates is designed to answer the most in-demand needs concerning visual content. Whether you shoot products, create artwork, or capture portraits, AI scenes from AI Ease guarantee that the most professional, stable, and visually pleasing backgrounds are literally at your fingertips online. These templates are designed to complement your images, not overwhelm the subject. Each scene is carefully composed to provide a balanced backdrop that will let your subject be the focal point while the background sets the perfect setting. Try for Free One of the best features of the AI background generator by AI Ease is that it's completely free. Whether a professional photographer, a businessman, or just a hobbyist, one can generate high-quality AI backgrounds for his/her images without spending even a single penny. Just pay a visit to the website of AI Ease, upload your image, and get started with generating backgrounds. Because the tool is user-friendly, there are no special skills or prior experiences with photo editing software needed to work with it. Whether for your website, social media, or e-commerce store, AI Ease gives you an easy way of adding oomph to your images in a very fast and efficient manner. Personalize from Text Prompts The full customization option is a whole new dimension introduced by the AI Background Generator. You will be able to create backgrounds that are unique for your images with text prompts. Be it simple, elegant, complex, or artful, the "Custom" mode generates a background that fits your requirements to the dot. The features that make it useful for the enhancement of product photography include providing an effect of background that suits either your brand or your product in question. Thanks to this great functionality provided by AI Ease, backdrops can be easily created to fit with one's vision without too much work and resource input compared to traditional photo shoots or very expensive stock images. Make Products Shine The quality of product images can make or break a sale for any e-commerce business. For e-commerce sellers, AI Ease's free online AI background generator is something that completely revolutionizes their selling game. Using either "AI Scenes" or "Custom" mode, the sellers can add professional-looking backgrounds to the photos of their products and present their merchandise in a visually appealing way. The tool elevates your product images, creating a distinction with competitors for the attention of prospective buyers. Be it fashion clothes, accessories, or other in-home products that one sells, this AI-powered software makes it an easy approach to generating fabulous product images that will surely impress your customers' senses. Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/uploads/59d715f2c41d9cd802f1c3f53454a2f6.jpg Conclusion AI Ease's AI background generator makes creating quality backgrounds for your images a whole lot easier. This is a no-cost, AI-powered utility that can be used with either pre-set scenes or custom-created backgrounds using a text prompt. Be it photography, e-commerce, or content creation, AI Ease makes the job look all that easy and efficient. All one has to do to achieve professional-quality images is go through a few simple steps: upload your image, pick or customize your AI-generated background, and finally download the result. Added to this factor of free, unlimited, and easy to use, AI Easy turns out to be very helpful for anyone who desires to make AI backgrounds online. Media Contact Company Name: Aiease Contact Person: Mike Hasy Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=ai-ease-unveils-free-ai-background-generator-for-effortless-image-enhancement ] State: New York Country: United States Website: https://www.aiease.ai/ This release was published on openPR.Settling a footnote
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New Orleans (4-8) at New York Giants (2-10) Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, Fox Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a weekTORONTO, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rogers Communications (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) (NYSE: RCI) today announced it has received clearance from the Competition Bureau to proceed with the acquisition of Bell’s 37.5% stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. Rogers and Bell received a "no-action letter" on December 12, 2024, from the Bureau, indicating that the Commissioner of Competition does not intend to challenge Rogers acquisition of Bell’s interest in MLSE. The deal is subject to league approvals and approval from the CRTC. “This reflects an important step in securing approvals and expanding our ownership of MLSE, one of the most prestigious sports and entertainment organizations in the world,” said Tony Staffieri, President and CEO, Rogers. “As Canada’s leading communications and entertainment company, live sports and entertainment are a critical part of our core business strategy.” In September, Rogers announced a deal to acquire Bell’s stake in MLSE for C$4.7 billion to become majority owner of MLSE. About Rogers Communications Inc Rogers is Canada’s leading communications and entertainment company and its shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For more information, please visit rogers.com or investors.rogers.com . For further information: Media Relations media@rci.rogers.com 1-844-226-1338 Investor Relations investor.relations@rci.rogers.com 1-844-801-4792
TEHRAN- Imagine the sharp scratch of pen on paper, sketching scenes of war, displacement, and resilience. The panels come alive, telling stories too raw for photographs and too complex for a headline. This is the world of Joe Sacco, a pioneer who turned the ink-stained pages of comics into a medium for journalism as vivid as it is visceral: Comics Journalism. For decades, Sacco has redefined what journalism can be, using the medium of comics to plunge readers into the lived realities of those caught in warzones. From the Israeli crimes in "Palestine" (1996) and "Footnotes in Gaza" (2009) to the horrors of ethnic cleansing in Bosnia in "Safe Area Goražde" (2000) and "The Fixer" (2003), Sacco’s work has consistently paired meticulous research with gut-wrenching art. His unique style not only documents events but humanizes them, placing individual voices at the forefront of historical and political turmoil. Sacco's illustrations, which place the audience directly and objectively within the depicted conditions, challenge the world's perception of events in Palestine and the crimes of Israel. As the audience turns each page of Sacco's comics, they accompany him on a journey in search of the truth, uncovering the dystopia of the occupied territories that biased media often avoid revealing. After years, Sacco takes up his pen again, this time to address Israel's bloody genocide in Gaza. Titled “The War on Gaza,” this series has been published in installments on The Comics Journal’s website (TCJ.com), with the print version released by Fantagraphics on December 17. In an interview with the Tehran Times, Sacco explained why he created the comic, saying that he was shocked by the events of October 7 and then even more shocked by Israel’s ruthless attack on Gaza, which right from the start seemed to be going to a very dark place. “I knew I had to respond, but I was still unable to gather my thoughts properly. It was the plea from a friend in Khan Younis who endured the relentless bombing that finally pushed me to put pen to paper. He told me, ‘Please lift up your voice,’” he added. The comic journalist stated that he prefers to report — going to a place, interviewing people, and letting them speak for themselves—but there was no chance to do that in this case, and there still isn’t. Sacco mentioned that since he lives in America, its role in the destruction of Gaza became his focus in "War on Gaza". “Clearly, the United States is actively participating in this genocide. It is providing the bombs and diplomatic cover for Israel’s actions.” Born in Malta in 1960 to an engineer father and a teacher mother, Joe Sacco spent part of his childhood in Australia before moving with his family to the United States at the age of 12. While living in Berlin in the early 1990s, curiosity and a feeling that he was not hearing the whole story— “American coverage of the Middle East is very shallow”—propelled him to Gaza. On a page from "War on Gaza", Sacco writes about the brutal crimes of the Zionist regime: “Is it genocide, or is it self-defense? Let’s make everyone happy and say it is both. In that case, we’ll need new terminology. I propose ‘genocidal self-defense.’” Explaining the use of this new term, he told the Tehran Times that we have to interrogate what the words ‘self-defense’ means. “Are they carte blanche for any response, one without limits, including genocide? This seems to be what Israel means by ‘self-defense.’ Does ‘self-defense’ absolve a nation or group of compliance with hard-won international laws or basic decency? I don’t think so.” The American-Maltese journalist stated that he would like the audience of "War on Gaza" to be aware that Israel is committing a genocide in Gaza. “I would like people to understand that killing tens of thousands of people, destroying universities and hospitals, targeting journalists and aid workers, blowing up entire neighborhoods, ruining agricultural land, forcing people to move from one location to another and attacking them anyway — that these things are intended to make life in Gaza impossible. And that much of the Western world is complicit and is even participating in these crimes.” The pioneer of comics journalism noted the impact of this medium, which combines journalism and comic books, that like all the visual media, comics has the ability to immediately make an impression, within seconds. “I use comics in a journalistic sense to take the reader to the places I have been and to meet the people I have met. If I do my research well, I can also take the reader into the past, into historical events.” In 1992, Sacco published his report of this trip in a nine-issue graphic novel "Palestine". The book, which was the result of interviews with Palestinians and the occupiers and narrated the history of the expulsion of the Palestinians and the beginning of the intifada, was able to win the 1996 American Book Award and was highly praised. For this early work, Sacco spent two months in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and Occupied territories between 1991 and 1992, during the first Intifada. Travelling from taxi to taxi and camp to camp, Sacco — who holds a BA in Journalism from the University of Oregon — collected the voices of the people, incorporating them with notes on the region's history and his reflections. Gary Groth, co-founder of Fantagraphics, which published the graphic novel, told the Guardian that after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 and the subsequent bombing of Gaza demand for the book had soared. Following "Palestine", Sacco traveled to Bosnia to document the truth of the Bosnian war, resulting in the creation of two novels, "Safe Area Goražde" and "The Fixer." "Safe Area Goražde" focuses on Goražde, which is a Bosnian Muslim area. The journalist then returned to Palestine to cover the story of Rafah and Khan Yunis massacre by Israel in 1956 in 400-page "Footnotes in Gaza". After the publication of "Footnotes in Gaza", the Israeli newspaper Haaretz accused Sacco of distortion, bias and hyperbole. In a report from this newspaper, leading Israeli military historian Meir Pail stated, “It's a big exaggeration. There was never a killing of such a degree. Nobody was murdered. I was there. I don't know of any massacre.” In response to the Tehran Times, Sacco shared his opinion on the negative feedback from Zionists, explaining that because he does not have a large social media presence, he is not very aware of it. “Also, I am very clear in my own mind that this is a genocide, so it really does not matter what negative feedback I might get,” the journalist added referring to "War on Gaza". In his stories, Sacco appears in a caricatured form, wearing a cable-knit jumper and round glasses (which stand in for his eyes). He even depicted the hospitality of the Palestinian people in his graphic novels. The comic journalist explained what he remembers the most is the hospitality of the Palestinian people. “They always welcomed me even when they questioned whether talking to me would do them any good at all.” Sacco stated that Palestinians have almost always expressed their appreciation for his work. “They have never made me feel that it was inappropriate for a white Westerner to write and draw about their lives and struggle.” Joe Sacco’s "War on Gaza" stands as a powerful testament to the ability of art to confront uncomfortable truths and give voice to the silenced. Through his masterful storytelling and evocative illustrations, Sacco not only documents the devastating realities of Gaza and Zionist regime’s crimes but also challenges global complicity and the narratives perpetuated by biased media. As with his previous works on Palestine, Bosnia, and other war-torn regions, Sacco’s latest comic journal transcends the boundaries of traditional journalism, urging readers to take a deeper look at the truth of the Zionist regime's genocide in Gaza and the United States' contributions to this horrific crime. Sacco writes, intelligently and sarcastically, about the repetitive conclusion of such Western crimes at the end of his graphic novel: “We know how this ends: The war-mongers will recast themselves as peacemakers and humbly nominate themselves to the Nobel committee for its prize.” AH/SAB
Shaking sensor continuously monitors inflammationJulia Purvy recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds to go along with three assists and three steals as host Souderton cruised to the final of Jim Church Classic. Alaina Picard connected on three 3-pointers in scoring 11 points for the Indians (2-1), who led 32-16 at halftime then outscored Dock Mennonite 29-12 in the third quarter. Olivia Herron and Madison Bealer both had seven points with Bealer collecting four assists. Dana Delamater had 16 points for the Pioneers (0-2). Abby Arnold finished with 14 points and six rebounds as host Methacton used a strong second quarter to earn a victory in the Lady Warrior Classic. Olivia Organtini added nine points for the Warriors (2-0), who outscored Ridley 17-5 in the second quarter to lead 29-14 at halftime. Morgan Smith paced Ridley with eight points. Kenna Winland finished with 20 points as Plymouth Whitemarsh outscored Agnes Irwin 21-9 in the second quarter to lead 29-21 at the break the held off the Owls in the second half of their Lower Merion Tip-Off contest. Eliza Meersman scored eight of her 12 points in the second quarter for the Colonials (2-0). Liv Patete had 11 rebounds and three points. Simone Harvey had 14 points for Agnes Irwin. Nico Vacchiano, Mason Stelzer and Grant Ajemian had clutch buckets as Wissahickon held off host North Penn. Vacchiano finished with 24 points, nine rebounds and four steals for the Trojans (2-0), who led 23-12 at halftime before North Penn pulled to within four late. Ben Schwartz had 10 points, Michael Maltin grabbed nine rebounds while Stelzer had seven points and five assists. Lee Hammond scored 11 points for the Knights (2-3). Dock Mennonite made 7-of-10 free throws in the fourth quarter with a defensive stop helping the Pioneer earn a win at State College’s Skip Coleman Tip-Off Tournament. Tony Martin scored 23 points for Dock while Marques Brown, Ethan Kratz and Koby Rollerson all contributed to the victory. Tyler Nolan scored 12 of his game-high 20 points in the fourth quarter as Germantown Academy rallied past host Abington Friends. Bryce Presley chipped in 13 points for the Patriots (3-1). Zamir Parker-Barnes had 15 points for AFS while Kamani Healey contributed 14 points. Central Bucks East trailed 45-40 at halftime before outscoring William Tennent 17-9 in the third as the Patriots went on to claim a win at the Pennridge Memorial Tip-Off Tournament. Nolan Behm scored a game-high 24 points and collected eight rebounds for East (1-0). Shane O’Hara-Jamison added 15 points, five rebounds and four assists, Connor Mekanik had 13 points while Graham Smith recorded nine points and seven assists. Jayden Bright paced Tennent (0-2) with 20 points. Tre Stracuzzi hit four 3-pointers in finishing with 19 points. Ayden Wise had 18 points as Pope John Paul II used a strong third quarter to beat Sankofa Freedom at the City of Basketball Love Winter Classic at Exeter Township. Jason Green collected 14 points for the Golden Panthers (3-0), who led 23-20 at halftime before outscoring Sankofa 20-10 in the third. The Souderton boys and girls swim teams both took second in a tri-meet with Parkland and Quakertown. In the boys meet, Parkland was first with 158 points, Souderton had 126 points with Quakertown posting 39 points. The Parkland girls had 160 points, Souderton with 99 points and Quakertown at 66. Souderton had several District 1 qualifying efforts. On the boys side, Gian Carlo Bocchino in the 200 individual medley (2:01.22) and 100 free (48.51), Ryan Christie in the 100 fly (52.37) and the Indians’ 200 free relay of Christie, Kelly Moody, Nathan Kleppinger and Bocchino (1:29.29). For the girls, Julianna Yaglenski in the one-meter diving (212.50) and Riley Weikel in the 100 fly (58.95).
CLEVELAND (AP) — Shortly after doing a face-down snow angel, firing a few celebratory snowballs and singing “Jingle Bells” on his way to the media room, Jameis Winston ended his postgame news conference with a simple question. “Am I a Brown yet?” he asked. He is now. And who knows? Maybe for a lot longer than expected. Winston entered Cleveland football folklore on Thursday night by leading the Browns to a 24-19 win over the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers, who had their five-game winning streak stopped. Winston's performance at Huntington Bank Field, which transformed into the world's largest snow globe, not only made him an instantaneous hero in the eyes of Browns fans but added another wrinkle to the team's ever-changing, never-ending quarterback conundrum. In his fourth start since Deshaun Watson's season-ending Achilles tendon injury, Winston made enough big plays to help the Browns (3-8) get a victory that should quiet conjecture about coach Kevin Stefanski's job. Some wins mean more than others. In Cleveland, beating the Steelers is as big as it gets. But beyond any instant gratification, Winston has given the Browns more to consider as they move forward. Watson's future with Cleveland is highly uncertain since it will still be months before the team has a grip on whether he's even an option in 2025, his fourth year since signing a $230 million, fully guaranteed contract that has proven calamitous. It's also possible the Browns will cut ties with Watson. They signed Winston to a one-year contract to be Watson's backup. But the unexpected events of 2024 have changed plans and led to the possibility that the 30-year-old Winston could become Cleveland's full-time QB or a bridge to their next young one. So much is unclear. What's not is that Winston, who leaped into the end zone on fourth-and-2 for a TD to put the Browns ahead 18-6 in the fourth quarter, is a difference maker. With his larger-than-life personality and the joy he shows whether practicing or throwing three touchdown passes, he has lifted the Browns. A man of faith, he's made his teammates believe. Winston has done what Watson couldn't: made the Browns better. “A very, very authentic person,” Stefanski said Friday on a Zoom call. “He’s the same guy every single day. He's the same guy at 5 a.m. as he at 5 p.m. He brings great energy to everything he does, and I think his teammates appreciate that about him.” Winston, who is 2-2 as a starter with wins over the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, has a knack for inspiring through fiery, preacher-like pregame speeches. But what has impressed the Browns is his ability to stay calm in the storm. “He doesn’t get rattled,” said Myles Garrett, who had three sacks against the Steelers . “He’s just tuned in and focused as anyone I’ve seen at that position. Turn the page. There was a turnover, came back to the sideline, ‘Love you. I’m sorry. We’re going to get it back.’ He was already on to the next one, ‘How can we complete the mission?’ “I have a lot of respect for him. First was from afar and now seeing it on the field in front of me, it’s a blessing to have someone who plays a game with such a passion and want-to. You can’t ask for a better teammate when they take those things to heart and they want to play for you like we’re actually brothers and that’s what we have to attain. That brotherhood.” Winston has done something else Watson couldn't: move the offense. The Browns scored more than 20 points for just the second time this season, and like Joe Flacco a year ago, Winston has shown that Stefanski's system works with a quarterback patient enough to let plays develop and unafraid to take shots downfield. The conditions certainly were a factor, but the Browns were a miserable 1 of 10 on third down, a season-long trend. However, Cleveland converted all four fourth-down tries, including a fourth-and-3 pass from Winston to Jerry Jeudy with 2:36 left that helped set up Nick Chubb's go-ahead TD run. RT Jack Conklin. Garrett outplayed Steelers star T.J. Watt in their rivalry within the rivalry partly because Conklin did a nice job containing Pittsburgh's edge rusher, who was held without a sack and had one tackle for loss. Conklin has made a remarkable comeback since undergoing reconstructive knee surgery last year. Owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam. Their desire to build a dome is well intended, but an indoor game could never come close to matching the surreal setting of Thursday night, when snow swirled throughout the stadium and covered nearly all the yard lines and hash marks. “It was beautiful,” Winston said. WR Cedric Tillman is in the concussion protocol. He had two catches before taking a big hit on the final play of the third quarter. 9 — Consecutive home wins for the Browns in Thursday night games. Three of those have come against Pittsburgh. An extended break before visiting the Denver Broncos on Dec. 2. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLRepublican Protests in Close North Carolina Races Dismissed by Elections Board
EPA grant could fund multi-million dollar 'recreation and resiliency' hub in ButteFacebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save WESTERVILLE, Ohio — More than 400 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, in a historically dry town on the edge of the Hoover Reservoir, parents, students and advocates clashed anew this year over an old fault line: Prayer in school. Or at least prayer outside of school but during school hours, a long-standing option that has a decades-old Supreme Court precedent on its side, but which has seen renewed urgency as part of a national push to form Bible study classes for public school students. As local districts, including Ocean City, consider whether to allow Bible lessons during school hours, the battle lines drawn in Ohio could be a glimpse of public fights to come. In a recent vote, the school district in the Columbus suburb of Westerville voted to end student participation in Bible study programs during the day. The decision came after a crowded and lengthy meeting , at which supporters described the classes as a right of families and students, while opponents described it as religious indoctrination. Body matching description of missing 84-year-old found in Galloway Township 1 injured in Egg Harbor Township crash Absecon police detain suspect in dollar store robbery Pentagon refutes Van Drew Iran claims as New Jersey officials meet to discuss mystery drones Work on Mike Trout's Vineland golf course completed, but play still more than a year away Could American Airlines bus program lead to more flights at Atlantic City airport? Atlantic City now has more weed shops than casinos with dozens more on the way These South Jersey bars and restaurants have transformed into holiday wonderlands Latest on New Jersey mystery drones: White House officials say there is no threat LGBTQ+ restaurant the ByrdCage to open in Atlantic City in January Questions about Gillian’s Wonderland finances draw angry response from Mita Egg Harbor Township installing 4-way stop signs at troubled intersections Large drones spotted in Philadelphia area as FBI investigates mysterious drone sightings in NJ Egg Harbor City church celebrates its inspiration with 1,700-year-old artifact Bridgeton nursing home barred from Medicaid after NJ comptroller finds fraud and abuse Westerville Board of Education President Kristy Meyer said students could still participate in religious instruction before or after school, but classroom time was too important to allow students to leave each day. “We have such limited time with the students, and there is a lot that needs to happen,” she said during the meeting. That includes time for electives like art and music, and recess, which she described as also important for student development. There was one abstention on the board, but the vote in September was otherwise unanimous. With that, Westerville joined other communities in blocking school-day religious instruction, but that option could be removed under a Republican-backed bill in the Ohio Legislature that would require districts to adopt policies allowing the practice. That would open the door to any religious instruction. The Satanic Temple, based in Salem, Massachusetts, has promised to bring the Hellions Academy of Independent Learning, or HAIL, to Marysville, Ohio, and organizations for and against are campaigning on the issue. Episode 171: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss the many proposals to integrate religious teachings and symbols into public school curricula and the debates over the role of faith in education. In Texas, the state board of education recently approved an optional "Bible Literacy" curriculum that provides financial incentives for districts to adopt Bible-based lessons. Meanwhile, a federal court temporarily blocked a Louisiana law that mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in every classroom. These initiatives, largely driven by Republican-led state governments, raise ethical questions about fairness and inclusion, Kyte said. "Religion is really bound up in defining what a culture is," Kyte explains. "You can't separate religion and culture, so trying to exclude it from public institutions is challenging." Rada raises questions about the true intent behind these curriculum changes. He questions whether the focus is on conveying the Sermon on the Mount's message of caring for the less fortunate or simply on displaying more punitive biblical edicts. Kyte acknowledges the delicate balance, noting the importance of teaching religious literacy without indoctrination. He suggests integrating faith-based concepts into subjects like history, literature and political science, rather than mandating standalone Bible courses. About the hosts Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)." Similar efforts are in the works across the country, including in South Jersey. Joel Penton, a former defensive lineman for Ohio State University, formed LifeWise Academy in 2018 with a mission to bring Christian education to public schools. With its headquarters in Hilliard, about a half-hour drive from Westerville, the organization grew fast, with thousands of Ohio students participating and new programs launching throughout the country. An effort is underway in Ocean City, where a steering committee has reached out to the school district about creating a school policy to allow students to participate off campus during the school day. Called released time, the model would have the private group transport the students during elective classes, with no charge to parents or cost to the district. The transportation, instruction and materials would be covered by private donations. So far, LifeWise appears to have plenty of those. A tracker of nonprofit donations maintained by ProPublica shows $13.8 million in donations in 2023, up significantly from the $6.5 million raised the year before. Donations have increased steadily each year since its foundation, the report shows. Critics of the group cite ties to Project 2025, a controversial roadmap outlining goals and tactics to allow a new Donald Trump administration to significantly reshape the federal government. Organizations critical of LifeWise say the Family Research Council and the Heritage Foundation are promoting LifeWise’s efforts. “We believe parents should be able to decide what’s best for their own children,” LifeWise CEO Penton told the Westerville school board in September. “It is neither new nor controversial.” The program looks to a Supreme Court decision from 1952, which found that released-time programs did not violate the establishment clause of the First Amendment. The separation of church and state ensures that all people are treated equally, regardless of their religious beliefs no matter what faith or denomination, Pamela Womble writes. “At this moment, the families, the parents of Westerville have a particular liberty called released-time religious instruction,” Penton said. “Please do not take that away from them tonight.” A former student who addressed the board, who described herself as Muslim, said many Muslim youth pursue their religious education on weekends, outside of public school hours. Speakers said the existing released-time program clearly favors evangelical Christianity, excluding other faiths. Westerville joined other Ohio districts in ending the practice. But Ohio Senate Bill 293 would change a single word in state law, switching a “shall” for a “may.” “This legislation requires, rather than permits, a school district to adopt a policy authorizing a student to be excused from school for religious released-time instruction,” Republican Ohio state Sen. Al Cutrona said in prepared testimony about the bill. He said the bill does not mandate what that policy will be, just that a policy is required. The bill is in committee and has yet to come up for a full Senate vote. If approved by both houses, it would need the signature of Republican Gov. Mike DeWine. The current status of efforts in Ocean City and other New Jersey districts are unclear. At the most recent Ocean City Board of Education meeting, several parents and community members decried any proposal to allow religious instruction during school hours. The board had nothing on its agenda related to the proposal. District officials have confirmed that a local LifeWise Academy steering committee had reached out, but did not comment further. Parents and community members called on the Ocean City Board of Education to reject a proposal to offer Bible study during school hours, with some describing it as a violation of the principles of the separation of church and state. Carly Pasquarosa, one of the people in contact with the district, said this week that she is no longer on the steering committee, and said she could not provide any further information. Another person, identified by LifeWise as part of the local effort to establish a program in Ocean City, did not respond to emails requesting comment. A page on the LifeWise website dedicated to launching a program in Ocean City shows 82 signatures in support, of a goal of 100. Attempts to arrange an interview with the national organization were also unsuccessful. A public relations firm instead sent a statement from Penton supporting the establishment of a new state law. He states that districts ending released-time policies are taking away rights, saying close to 40,000 students in multiple states already participate. “Without delay, Ohio lawmakers must pass legislation that requires school districts to allow for released time religious instruction, providing more clarity to communities that want to implement such a program. Many states already have such legislation in place,” he said in the statement. Proponents say they trust parents more than they trust school districts. Parents or a student’s guardian would have to sign off on allowing the student to attend religious instruction. Constitutionally, that would require released-time programs for Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Mormon and, yes, Satanist education, although there are no national efforts for non-Christian beliefs analogous to LifeWise. There are Latter-Day Saint programs in some Western states, and in New York City, a Jewish program includes more than 1,000 students. Sources indicate about 1,000 released-time programs are in operation nationwide. A Republican Ohio lawmaker who helped sponsor a bill on religious education told The Columbus Dispatch he thought the Satanic Temple proposal was a publicity stunt, with no chance of actually happening. There was no response from the Satanic Temple to a request for an interview. The temple, which is a separate organization from the earlier Church of Satan, states that members do not believe in the devil or in the supernatural, and instead promotes secularism and empathy. The group has successfully challenged a Tennessee school district for supporting a Good News Club while obstructing efforts to form an After School Satan Club. In what could be the latest lightning rod for controversy in the Ocean City school district, a local group wants to offer Bible study to students during the school day, off campus. A 72-year-old Supreme Court decision says it is allowed. Republican Ohio Sen. Michele Reynolds, the sponsor of Senate Bill 293, did not respond to a request for an interview. Efforts similar to the one in Ocean City are underway in other school districts, including in the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District, which also has a petition posted . That district superintendent had little to say about those efforts. “Nothing to report at this time. Thank you,” Superintendent James Reina, who oversees Absegami, Oakcrest and Cedar Creek high schools, wrote in a recent email. Several groups have either formed in opposition to LifeWise or have come out in opposition to the plans, including an active Facebook group called Parents Against Lifewise. Officials with the Westerville school district also declined to comment for this story on behalf of Board President Meyer, although they did forward a video of the school board meeting where the matter was decided. In testimony prepared for the Senate bill, Meyer cited safety, school resources, educational priorities and logistics for school staff. She implored the Senate to leave the matter to local districts. “Each community in Ohio is different, and school districts should have the flexibility to make policies that fit their needs,” she said. “Mandating this policy would detract from schools’ mission of educating students, create additional safety risks for students, and impose unnecessary burdens on public schools, diverting resources away from education.” Contact Bill Barlow: 609-272-7290 bbarlow@pressofac.com Twitter @jerseynews_bill Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Author email {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Rashad King led Northeastern with 19 points, including the game-winning layup with three seconds remaining, and the Huskies beat Florida International 60-58 on Friday. King added eight rebounds for the Huskies (4-1). Harold Woods added 12 points while shooting 5 of 11 from the field and 2 for 4 from the line while he also had five rebounds. Vianney Salatchoum led the way for the Panthers (1-4) with 14 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Woods put up eight points in the first half for Northeastern, who led 30-27 at the break. King led Northeastern with 12 points in the second half. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
- Signaling a new era of service to the congregation and the community with renewed commitment and the addition of beautifully renovated spaces - BERGAMO, Italy, and LOS ANGELES, Calif., Dec. 24, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Nestled between Lake Como and Lake Iseo in the north of Italy, the city of Bergamo is an architectural gem of medieval charm and breathtaking beauty. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its landmarks take visitors on a journey through history, from the 12th-century Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore to the famous 16th-century walls that surround the upper city, through the museum that honors the beloved operas of Bergamo’s own Gaetano Donizetti, to today’s trendy bistros, bakeries and gelaterias. And in the heart of the city are the expanded new facilities of the Ideal Church of Scientology Mission of Bergamo . Scientology Missions form the vanguard of the Scientology religion, providing the full array of basic and introductory Scientology services and Scientology auditing (spiritual counseling). The Ideal Church of Scientology Mission in Bergamo is designed to serve as the physical embodiment of Scientology technology in helping all to attain spiritual freedom. It was a joyous Sunday afternoon, November 10, when community leaders and parishioners celebrated the anniversary and expansion of the Ideal Church of Scientology Mission of Bergamo. Those joining Mission Director Marta Riva for this milestone celebration included Ms. Nilupa Warnakulasooriya, Representative of the Sri Lanka North Italy Community; Mr. Franco Ravaglioli, Vice President of the Universal Peace Federation of Italy; Mr. Daniel Sigua, Founder and CEO of TCG News Italia; and Mr. Gabriele Riva, an intercultural advocate and a lieutenant of the Alpini, an elite mountain infantry corps of the Italian Army known for its volunteerism and humanitarian activities. Stepping to the podium, Ms. Warnakulasooriya thanked the mission for helping her achieve her humanitarian objectives. She spoke of her passion for ensuring Sri Lankan children living in Italy can adapt to the culture and thrive in their new home. Growing up in a foreign culture can be daunting. Children have to contend with customs and struggle with a new language, which can set them apart and create friction. When Ms. Warnakulasooriya discovered L. Ron Hubbard’s The Way to Happiness she found the practical skills and moral values that can prepare these youths to become the leaders of tomorrow . “L. Ron Hubbard provided a great gift by giving us The Way to Happiness ,” she said, “a gift that allows us to create harmony and respect among people of all races, religions, ages and genders.” Vice President of Universal Peace Federation of Italy Mr. Franco Ravaglioli believes in the unique and essential role religions play in promoting a world of lasting peace in which people of all nationalities, ethnicities and cultures can live together in harmony. “I appreciate the Scientologists I’ve come to know—they are open, willing to work together, and committed to creating real change. We will continue together on this path to create a better world,” he said, “for I believe that one day, we can achieve what Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard envisioned with the Aims of Scientology: ‘A world without insanity, without criminals and without war.’ In other words, a world of peace.” TCG News Italia CEO Mr. Daniel Sigua is dedicated to the human rights of the Latin American diaspora in Italy. “Today, we have a community that is more aware and educated about human rights, thanks to your Spanish-language resources and materials promoting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” He thanked the Church for its firm commitment to promoting values of unity and collaboration. “Thanks to your support, we will be able to carry out important initiatives for human rights and the growth of our community.” The final speaker, Lt. Riva, has long served in the Alpini’s legendary Giulia Mountain Brigade. “Those experiences—despite their hardships—have remained with me for a lifetime,” he said. “In the early 1980s, I was offered the opportunity to host 40 young university students from the Philippines who were touring around the world. In my small hamlet of about 1,000 people, convincing my fellow villagers to open their homes and hearts to strangers from a country so different from ours was a feat. But hospitality and generosity are values we lived by back then—values that, sadly, have faded over the years, even in my own little town.” Last winter, after the long interruption of the pandemic, the students from the Filipino choir reached out again, and Mr. Riva turned to the Scientology Mission of Bergamo. “It is thanks to all of you—your willingness, your help, and your incredible efficiency—that this choir was able to perform here in Bergamo. They sang in honor of the many families touched by the pandemic, families who have shown strength and resilience. This experience brought new life to my village. I want to express my deepest gratitude for the Church of Scientology’s invaluable role as a champion of ‘cooperation between different cultures for the common good.’” Mission director Marta Riva shared a brief history of her Mission, its services, and its humanitarian goals. “The 2020 pandemic was one of the hardest times our city ever experienced,” she said. “Our staff and parishioners immediately responded to help the many families affected by the tragedy. Today, our Scientology community has grown to such an extent that we needed to expand our premises, where we stand ready to serve not only Scientologists but all of Bergamo.” Visitors to the Ideal Bergamo Mission are welcome to tour the Public Information Display, featuring multimedia presentations of the basic beliefs and practices of Dianetics and Scientology as well as the life and legacy of L. Ron Hubbard. As an Ideal Church of Scientology Mission, Bergamo is equipped with every facility needed to provide the full array of introductory Scientology services. These include the popular Life Improvement Courses through which anyone may find workable solutions to common challenges of everyday life—such as how to improve a marriage, successfully raise children, increase personal motivation, and set and achieve goals. The Mission also offers seminars on a wide range of topics, including personal efficiency. The Hubbard Dianetics Seminar is based on Mr. Hubbard’s watershed work Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health , the bestselling book that reveals the source of one’s nightmares, unreasonable fears and irrational behavior—the reactive mind—and how to conquer it. Additionally, the Mission provides spiritual counseling, known as auditing , and the Purification Program , developed by Mr. Hubbard to free individuals from the mental and spiritual damage caused by drugs and toxins. November 10 also saw the Grand Opening of the new Ideal Church of Scientology Mission of McMinnville, Oregon, and the Ideal Scientology Mission of Chiayi, Taiwan. It was followed on November 16, with the Grand Opening of the Ideal Scientology Missions of Taichung, Taiwan, and Santo André, Brazil. The new Ideal Scientology Mission of Osaka, Japan, will open on November 30. Many more Ideal Scientology Missions are planned across North and South America, Europe and Asia in the coming year. The Scientology religion was founded by author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard. Mr. David Miscavige is the Scientology religion’s ecclesiastical leader . The first Church of Scientology was formed in Los Angeles in 1954 and the religion has expanded to more than 11,000 Churches, Missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 167 countries. LEARN MORE: https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/ https://bergamasca.scientologymissions.org/ VIDEO: https://youtu.be/j-2euFXXbfc?si=rxRaPmCZR7EyCsLi PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/24-1224-s2p-COSBergamo-300dpi.jpg PHOTO CAPTION: Celebrating the anniversary and expansion of the Ideal Scientology Mission of Bergamo. TAGS: #IdealScientologyMission #Bergamo NEWS SOURCE: Church of Scientology International Keywords: Religion and Churches, Ideal Scientology Mission, BERGAMO, Italy This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Church of Scientology International) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire . Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P123038 APDF15TBLLI To view the original version, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/celebrating-the-25th-anniversary-and-the-expansion-of-the-ideal-scientology-mission-of-bergamo/ © 2024 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.Lakers’ LeBron James, Warriors’ Stephen Curry adding another chapter to rivalry on Christmas Day
