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"VyStar Credit Union Earns Top 3 Nationally on Computerworld's 2025 Best Places to Work in IT List"The Biden administration's decision to engage with all Syrian groups represents a significant diplomatic initiative that carries both risks and opportunities. On the one hand, engaging with the Assad regime and other controversial actors may face criticism from those who view them as illegitimate or responsible for human rights violations. On the other hand, dialogue and engagement can help build trust, foster communication, and lay the groundwork for a sustainable peace process.
Finally arriving at their destination, the group set to work on liberating the frozen pig's head from its icy confines. With tools in hand and teamwork in full swing, they successfully cracked open the frozen block, revealing the prized delicacy within. The sight was both thrilling and satisfying - a testament to their unwavering resolve.Zelda Books For 50% Off: Tears Of The Kingdom Guide, Two Breath Of The Wild Books, And More
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As the news of the Lee family's financial predicament spreads, it has sparked a broader conversation about the importance of financial literacy, especially among the elderly population. Many retirees, like the Lees, may be susceptible to overspending on insurance products due to misinformation, fear of uncertainty, or pressure from aggressive sales tactics.In the realm of contemporary politics, the rise of populist leaders has become a prevailing trend that captures the attention of both scholars and the general public. One such leader who made a significant impact during his tenure as President of the United States is Donald J. Trump. With the end of his presidency in 2021, discussions and speculations about the potential emergence of a "Trump 2.0" figure have been circulating widely. However, Professor Ouyang Hui, a renowned political analyst, warns against falling into four common misconceptions regarding this hypothetical scenario.Millicom (Tigo) updates on Interim Dividend and intended SDR delisting from Nasdaq StockholmIn conclusion, while the prospect of young Chinese players moving to Europe holds great promise for their development and advancement in the football world, the adaptation process is a critical factor that cannot be overlooked. By recognizing the challenges and implementing proactive strategies to support and nurture these players, Chinese football can maximize the potential benefits of foreign aid and pave the way for a brighter future for its aspiring talents on the global stage. Embracing diversity, fostering inclusivity, and prioritizing the well-being of young players are essential steps towards achieving success in the international football arena.
Akamai Technologies Inc. stock underperforms Wednesday when compared to competitors despite daily gains
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2 House Republicans seek to stop IVF expansion in defense billWTW has issued its latest Political Risk Index which highlighted the maritime threat as just one identified emerging risk from ‘grey zone aggression’, meaning any action used to weaken a country by means short of war. This edition of the index was developed with input from WTW’s marine and aerospace teams, sectors notably vulnerable to grey zone attacks, alongside support from the WTW Research Network and the crisis management team, both experts in addressing grey zone aggression and global security risks. The index follows WTW’s annual political risk survey published earlier this year, which found that 69 percent of respondents were impacted by geopolitically related supply chain disruptions in 2024, including grey zone attacks on global shipping. Samuel Wilkin, director of political risk analytics, WTW said: “Without insurance, many ships will not sail, and planes will not fly, so improving our understanding of gray zone risks is vital for the protection of people and assets and the health of global commerce. “These attacks appear to have soared in recent years, for many reasons. One reason is that countries that are deeply interconnected by globalisation increasingly find themselves in adversarial relationships, and these deep interconnections offer many avenues for grey zone action, especially actions directed at globalised businesses. “Another reason is that new technologies have enabled gray zone actions, including cyber-attacks and remote attacks by drones. Hybrid warfare is likely to continue to rise and evolve, so insurers need to be able to understand the implications of ambiguous gray zone activities to properly assess risk.” WTW’s research identifies three primary types of grey zone flashpoints, military conflicts, and rivalries (e.g., Ukraine, South China Sea), fragile states (e.g., Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, Iraq), and ideological polarisation (e.g. political interference in Latin American elections). Examples of hybrid warfare include destruction of critical infrastructure, state cyber-attacks, weaponisation of migration, sponsorship of violent non-state actors, disinformation campaigns, and declared or undeclared economic sanctions. The report also observes an increasing trend in gray zone activities, partly driven by rising middle powers operating with limited military budgets. Other findings include:One possible scenario for the future of Syria is a negotiated political settlement that leads to a transition of power away from the Assad regime. International efforts to broker a peace deal, such as the Geneva peace talks, have so far been unsuccessful in ending the conflict. However, there is still hope that a compromise could be reached that paves the way for a new government to take charge.
From Harpswell family tradition to festive business ventureThe University of Michigan announced it will no longer require applicants for faculty jobs, promotions and tenure to submit statements on their commitment to diversity. Provost Laurie McCauley made the decision following a recommendation from an eight-member faculty group, according to the school. The group reviewed “public literature” on the topic and analyzed nearly 2,000 responses to a faculty survey on the matter. “Most responding faculty agreed that diversity statements put pressure on faculty to express specific positions on moral, political or social issues,” the university said of the survey. “Slightly more disagreed than agreed that diversity statements allow an institution to demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by cultivating DEI in the faculty.” The diversity statements were criticized for the way they potentially “limit freedom of expression and diversity of thought on campus,” the school wrote. “Diversity, equity and inclusion are three of our core values at the university. Our collective efforts in this area have produced important strides in opening opportunities for all people,” McCauley wrote in a statement on the school’s decision. “As we pursue this challenging and complex work, we will continuously refine our approach.” Though the university had not previously issued strict rules about requiring diversity declarations, it noted they arose due to a “decentralized and heterogeneous culture” surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts on campus. “Critics of diversity statements perceive them as expressions of personal identity traits, support of specific ideology or opinions on socially relevant issues, and serve as a ‘litmus test’ of whether a faculty member’s views are politically acceptable,” the faculty group’s report reads. “Thus, as currently enacted, diversity statements have the potential to limit viewpoints and reduce diversity of thought among faculty members.” The working group also recommended the school incorporate DEI content into “research and service statements” and provide faculty members with training on how to write these materials. The university did not implement those recommendations, it said. “The provost’s office will continue to work with campus leaders and faculty to identify ways to help foster a welcoming and inclusive environment in classrooms, labs and performance spaces,” the school added. The move comes amid sweeping changes to diversity initiatives across higher education. The University of Kentucky and University of Nebraska in August each disbanded their diversity offices. Other schools have also abandoned their diversity statement requirements this year, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Content from The National Desk is provided by Sinclair, the parent company of FOX45 News.Sorry, Gavin. This time you’re going to have to settle for the bronze.
Biden on Tuesday ducked questions about his son, ignoring calls for him to explain his reversal as he was making his first presidential trip to Angola . He dismissed shouted questions about the matter with a laugh during a meeting with Angolan President João Lourenço at the presidential palace, telling the Angolan delegation: “Welcome to America.” Biden was not scheduled to take questions from the press during his trip to Africa, and he has largely avoided interactions with reporters since President-elect Trump’s victory last month. Biden’s decision to offer his son a blanket pardon for actions over the past 11 years has sparked a political uproar in Washington, after the president repeatedly had said he would not use his extraordinary powers for the benefit of his family. Biden claimed that the Justice Department had presided over a “miscarriage of justice” in prosecuting his son, using some of the same language that Trump uses to describe his own legal predicaments. Biden's reversal drew criticism from many Democrats , who are working to calibrate their approach to Trump as he prepares to take over the Oval Office in seven weeks. There is concern the pardon — and Biden's claims that his son was prosecuted for political reasons — will erode their ability to push back on the incoming president’s legal moves. And it has threatened to cloud Biden's legacy as he prepares to leave office on Jan. 20. Hunter Biden is the closest presidential relative ever to be granted clemency, but other leaders have pardoned family members and close friends. Bill Clinton pardoned his brother Roger for drug charges after Roger Clinton had served his sentence. By the time Trump left office after his first term, he had issued 144 pardons, which included Charles Kushner , the father of his son-in law, Jared Kushner. He also pardoned fervent supporters Steve Bannon, Roger Stone, Paul Manafort, Michael Flynn and other people convicted in special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation. In the months after the 2020 election, Trump and his allies were trying to overturn his loss, a failed effort that culminated in the violent riot by his supporters at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. There were discussions at the time over whether Trump would preemptively pardon some of those involved in the effort — and maybe even himself — before he left office. But that never happened. Now, Democrats are having similar discussions about preemptive pardons on their side because of Trump's rhetoric on the campaign trail. He's made no secret of his desire to seek revenge on those who prosecuted him or crossed him. He talks about "enemies from within." He's circulated social media posts that call for the jailing of Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former Vice President Mike Pence and Sens. Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer. He's also taken aim at Liz Cheney, a conservative Republican who campaigned for Harris, promoting a social media post that suggested he wanted military tribunals to punish her because she was guilty of treason. Sen. Ed Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, said last week on Boston Public Radio that Biden might consider broad pardons to protect people against whatever wrath Trump may seek, but also as a way to move the country past this acrimonious and divided time. “I think that without question, Trump is going to try to act in a dictatorial way, in a fascistic way, in a revengeful first year at least of his administration toward individuals who he believes harmed him,” Markey said. Presidents enjoy expansive pardon powers when it comes to federal crimes . That includes granting clemency to people who have not yet been charged, as President Gerald Ford did in 1974 when he pardoned his predecessor, Richard Nixon, over the Watergate scandal. The decision at the time caused an uproar but has been seen in the ensuing decades as a move that helped restore order. Markey cited Ford's pardon as a way for the country “just to close that chapter and move on to a new era.” Biden could do the same, Markey said, to help the country move on “to an agenda that deals with the ordinary families.” Sen. Joe Manchin, the Democrat-turned-independent from West Virginia, took it a step further and suggested Biden should even pardon Trump for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, federal charges that are now evaporating with Trump's upcoming return to the White House. “Why don't you go ahead and pardon Donald Trump for all his charges?" he said in an interview with CNN. “It would have gone down a lot more balanced. I'm just saying, wipe them out.” At the same time, Democratic lawmakers and criminal justice reformers are pushing Biden to grant pardons to broad groups of Americans. Democrats Ayanna Pressley, Jim Clyburn and Mary Gay Scanlon wrote to Biden on Nov. 20, asking him to use his clemency powers to "address longstanding injustices in our legal system, and set our nation on the path toward ending mass incarceration.” The letter, also signed by 61 others, suggested Biden could use his powers to send a powerful message of criminal justice reform and "rectify unjust and unnecessary criminal laws passed by Congress and draconian sentences given by judges.” “We encourage you to use your clemency powers to help broad classes of people and cases, including the elderly and chronically ill, those on death row, people with unjustified sentencing disparities, and women who were punished for defending themselves against their abusers,” they wrote. So far, Biden has pardoned 25 people. Most presidents tend to grant a flurry of clemency requests at the end of their terms, and it's likely Biden will do the same. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has said Biden is “thinking through that process very thoroughly.”HOUSTON (AP) — An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort to resurrect Enron, the Houston-based energy company that exemplified the worst in American corporate fraud and greed after it went bankrupt in 2001. If its return is comedic, some former employees who lost everything in Enron’s collapse aren’t laughing. “It’s a pretty sick joke and it disparages the people that did work there. And why would you want to even bring it back up again?” said former Enron employee Diana Peters, who represented workers in the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. Here’s what to know about the history of Enron and the purported effort to bring it back. Once the nation’s seventh-largest company, Enron filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 2, 2001, after years of accounting tricks could no longer hide billions of dollars in debt or make failing ventures appear profitable. The energy company's collapse put more than 5,000 people out of work, wiped out more than $2 billion in employee pensions and rendered $60 billion in Enron stock worthless. Its aftershocks were felt throughout the energy sector. Twenty-four Enron executives , including former CEO Jeffrey Skilling , were eventually convicted for their roles in the fraud. Enron founder Ken Lay’s convictions were vacated after he died of heart disease following his 2006 trial. On Monday — the 23rd anniversary of the bankruptcy filing — a company representing itself as Enron announced in a news release that it was relaunching as a “company dedicated to solving the global energy crisis.” It also posted a video on social media, advertised on at least one Houston billboard and a took out a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle In the minute-long video that was full of generic corporate jargon, the company talks about “growth” and “rebirth.” It ends with the words, “We’re back. Can we talk?” Enron's new website features a company store, where various items featuring the brand's tilted “E” logo are for sale, including a $118 hoodie. In an email, company spokesperson Will Chabot said the new Enron was not doing any interviews yet, but that "We’ll have more to share soon.” Signs point to the comeback being a joke. In the “terms of use and conditions of sale” on the company's website, it says “the information on the website about Enron is First Amendment protected parody, represents performance art, and is for entertainment purposes only.” Documents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office show that College Company, an Arkansas-based LLC, owns the Enron trademark. The co-founder of College Company is Connor Gaydos, who helped create a joke conspiracy theory that claims all birds are actually surveillance drones for the government. Peters said that since learning about the “relaunch” of Enron, she has spoken with several other former employees and they are also upset by it. She said the apparent stunt was “in poor taste.” “If it’s a joke, it’s rude, extremely rude. And I hope that they realize it and apologize to all of the Enron employees,” Peters said. Peters, who is 74 years old, said she is still working in information technology because “I lost everything in Enron, and so my Social Security doesn’t always take care of things I need done.” “Enron’s downfall taught us critical lessons about corporate ethics, accountability, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Enron’s legacy was the employees in the trenches. Leave Enron buried,” she said. This story was corrected to fix the spelling of Ken Lay’s first name, which had been misspelled “Key.” Follow Juan A. Lozano on X at https://x.com/juanlozano70
Dumont's announcement has been met with an outpouring of love and support from fans, fellow actors, and advocacy groups. Her courage in speaking out about her gender identity serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance. In a world where acceptance and understanding are still evolving, Dumont's story is a beacon of hope for those who may be struggling with their own identities.