circus jester
2025-01-09   

Tamil Nadu police have issued a warning about a new phishing scam targeting UPI users. Fraudsters are distributing a malicious app disguised as the " PM Kisan Yojna " app. Once installed, this app can gain control over users' SMS and device permissions, allowing scammers to intercept sensitive information and authorize unauthorized transactions . The malicious app collects personal data, including Aadhaar number, PAN, and date of birth, and uses it to register devices on UPI platforms. IPL 2025 mega auction IPL Auction 2025: Who went where and for how much IPL 2025: Complete list of players of each franchise This enables the scammers to initiate unauthorized transactions. "The fraudsters intercept SMS traffic and use it to manipulate UPI applications. They use the intercepted data to register devices on UPI platforms, enabling unauthorized transactions. It also collects sensitive personal data, such as name, Aadhaar number, PAN, and date of birth, through a web form," said a statement from state headquarters of cyber crime wing. It further added, "This sophisticated method of attack has caused financial and emotional distress to several individuals, with the scammers exploiting the trust associated with government benefit schemes and urgency." The Police warned users that multiple incidents of unauthorised bank transactions through UPI apps, particularly PhonePe, have been reported recently. "Upon investigation, it has been discovered that in all reported cases, the deducted amounts were transferred exclusively to Amazon Pay," the official release added. How to protect yourself from such scams To protect yourself, the police advise against downloading apps from unofficial sources, especially those shared via WhatsApp . Always use official government websites and apps downloaded from official App Stores for financial transactions. If you suspect any unauthorized activity, report it immediately to the authorities.The Roosters may have lost plenty of firepower this off-season, but they’ve kept one of their most important pieces with superstar fullback James Tedesco signing a new one-year deal that will keep him at the club until the end of 2026. Watch every ball of Australia v India LIVE & ad-break free during play in 4K on Kayo | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1 . Limited time offer. The news comes just weeks after they re-signed halfback Sam Walker, with the Roosters also reportedly in the market for NSW hooker Reece Robson. Tedesco, 31, made the move from the Wests Tigers to the Roosters in 2018 and enjoyed immediate success with back-to-back premierships. In his time at the club, he has won a record six Jack Gibson Medals – including five in a row – with Tedesco again named the best player at the Roosters this year after posting a career-high 30 try assists, 39 line-break assists and 167 tackle busts. He may have lost his Blues and Kangaroos jerseys, but the former representative captain didn’t let it affect him as he led an injury-ravaged Roosters side to the preliminary final. “The Roosters have been my home for the past seven years, and I’m excited to continue playing for this incredible club,” he said. “I’m proud to represent the Roosters and there’s a strong bond among the group we have here, so I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together in 2025 and beyond.” There had been talk of Joseph Manu or Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii eventually replacing him at fullback, but a positional move is off the table now that the pair are no longer at the club. The contract extension also means the 2019 Dally M Medal winner is on track to bring up 300 games in 2026, with Tedesco 49 matches away from the magical milestone. “James is not only a phenomenal player but also a leader who sets the standard for professionalism and performance, and I’m really pleased that his experience will continue to benefit the team around him,” Roosters coach Trent Robinson said.circus jester 。

AGNC Investment Corp. ( NASDAQ:AGNCM – Get Free Report ) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, December 11th, NASDAQ Dividends reports. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 1st will be paid a dividend of 0.5904 per share on Wednesday, January 15th. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 9.25%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 31st. AGNC Investment has increased its dividend payment by an average of 72.4% per year over the last three years. AGNC Investment Stock Performance Shares of AGNC Investment stock opened at $25.52 on Friday. The stock’s 50 day simple moving average is $25.19 and its 200-day simple moving average is $25.19. AGNC Investment has a 1-year low of $23.51 and a 1-year high of $25.85. AGNC Investment Company Profile AGNC Investment Corp. provides private capital to housing market in the United States. It invests in residential mortgage pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations for which the principal and interest payments are guaranteed by the United States government-sponsored enterprise or by the United States government agency. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for AGNC Investment Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AGNC Investment and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Ready for prime time?EDITORIAL: Canada reaps what politicians sowed

Donald Trump 's showering praise on the late Jimmy Carter ... saying he did his best to improve the lives of his fellow Americans -- and, the country owes him a debt. The president-elect posted to his social media platform, Truth Social, Sunday ... only about an hour after the Carter Center announced the former president had passed away at 100. In his message, Trump writes that anyone who has been president knows it's a very exclusive club ... and, only members in its ranks can understand the responsibility of leading the country. DJT says JC faced numerous issues when he was president ... and, he did everything he could to "improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude." Trump says he and his wife Melania are thinking of the Carter family at this difficult time ... and, he urges his followers to keep them in their prayers. It's a stark change to Trump and Carter's relationship while the latter was still alive ... just two months ago, on Carter's 100th birthday , Trump called Joe Biden the worst president ever -- before saying Jimmy was "the happiest man because Carter is considered a brilliant president by comparison.” Carter passed away surrounded by family Sunday night after spenging nearly two years in hospice care. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, passed away last year at the age of 96. Tributes from all over the political world are pouring in for Carter ... including from President Joe Biden who called him an "extradordinary leader" and former president Barack Obama who wrote Jimmy taught the world "what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service." It seems Jimmy's bringing people from all sides of the political spectrum together.

Medtronic announces cash dividend for third quarter of fiscal year 2025

Article content Every year, we compile a list of the most impactful food stories to highlight the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping Canada’s agri-food sector. From policy changes and economic pressures to technological advancements and consumer-driven shifts, these stories reflect the complexities of our food system and its broader societal implications. 2024 was no exception, offering a mix of triumphs and setbacks that defined the year for farmers, consumers, and businesses. As always, this list aims to provide a balanced perspective on the events that mattered most in the agri-food world, helping us understand where we’ve been and are headed. Enjoy! 10. The Loblaw boycott that wasn’t We were uncertain about including this story on the list since it never truly materialized. Despite significant online momentum, particularly on Reddit, the boycott, which initially targeted Canadian grocers like Loblaw, Sobeys, and Metro — while excluding American giants such as Walmart and Costco — failed to gain traction. Initially declared as a one-month protest starting May 1, it was later announced as indefinite. However, the boycott’s impact was negligible, as reflected in Loblaw’s shares soaring to $195—a remarkable 27% increase since the campaign’s launch. While the financial outcome left Loblaw unscathed, the campaign sparked important discussions around “greedflation,” corporate ethics, and the public image of Canada’s major grocers. The controversy exposed a critical gap in consumer confidence and intensified calls for greater transparency in pricing and competition practices. Addressing these issues will be essential for rebuilding trust and fostering a more equitable and competitive grocery landscape in the future. Recommended video 9. Capital gains tax changes impacting farmers The June 25 increase in the capital gains inclusion rate for profits exceeding $250,000 has alarmed the agricultural sector. Farmers, often asset-rich but cash-poor, face a 30% tax hike on average, according to the Grain Growers of Canada. With Canada already losing 700–1,000 farms annually, these changes exacerbate generational succession challenges and accelerate industry consolidation. Although the lifetime capital gains exemption has increased to $1.25 million, the higher tax rate disproportionately affects family-owned farms, posing a threat to the future of Canadian agriculture. 8. Endorsement of Grocer Code of Conduct by the “Big Five” The endorsement of the Grocer Code of Conduct by Canada’s largest grocers marked a milestone in addressing power imbalances between retailers and suppliers. By fostering fairer negotiations and reducing price volatility, the code is expected to enhance transparency and stabilize the food supply chain. However, questions remain about enforcement, and grocers must demonstrate their commitment to rebuilding consumer trust through fair practices. 7. Rise of GLP-1 drugs Like Ozempic The rise of GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic, marks a transformative moment in the pharmaceutical and health sectors, with the potential to impact millions worldwide. Initially developed for managing Type 2 diabetes, these drugs have gained widespread recognition for their effectiveness in promoting weight loss by suppressing appetite and slowing digestion. With global obesity rates continuing to rise, medications like Ozempic are being touted as game-changers, with experts predicting widespread adoption in the coming years. A pivotal moment in this shift occurred in February when Oprah Winfrey stepped down from the board of Weight Watchers, signalling a potential decline in traditional weight-loss programs as pharmaceutical solutions gain traction. While these drugs offer significant benefits, including improved metabolic health and reduced risks of obesity-related diseases, they also raise critical concerns. Affordability, long-term safety, and equitable access remain pressing issues. Additionally, the growing demand prompts questions about their impact on health-care systems and evolving societal attitudes toward weight loss and wellness. 6. The GST holiday and taxes on food debate Ottawa’s temporary GST/HST holiday on food and restaurant items sparked significant debate. While consumers will see minimal savings — roughly $5 at grocery stores — restaurants will benefit more, with families saving $60–$90. However, the logistical burden on retailers and regional disparities in tax rates and the possibility of opportunity pricing drew criticism. A permanent removal of GST on food would have been a more effective solution, fostering affordability without the instability of short-term policies. 5. Record food recalls and safety alerts Food recalls reached their fourth-highest level in 2024, driven by high-profile incidents involving cucumbers, bakery products, and plant-based beverages like Silk and Great Value brands. Tragically, these recalls were linked to three fatalities, emphasizing the importance of robust safety measures. This story sheds light on the ongoing challenges of managing food safety in complex supply chains, calling for stronger oversight and transparency in the agri-food industry. 4. Railway, grain, and port disruptions Labour disputes in Canada’s logistics sector disrupted the nation’s food supply chain in 2024, damaging its international reputation. With railways, ports, and other infrastructure under constant strain, these disruptions highlighted the critical importance of safeguarding the backbone of the Canadian economy. While protecting workers’ rights is vital, striking a balance to ensure uninterrupted supply chains is equally necessary. The year underscored the need for proactive labour policies to avoid holding the economy — and the food system — hostage. 3. Potential Tariffs with the Return of Donald Trump The return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency reignited fears of economic disruption, particularly in Canada’s agri-food sector, which sends 60% of its agri-food exports — $40 billion worth — south of the border. Proposed tariffs of up to 25% would devastate Canadian producers, already grappling with slim margins and the carbon tax. Ottawa faced mounting pressure to develop a long-term strategy to mitigate these risks and strengthen the agri-food sector’s competitiveness in an increasingly protectionist global landscape. 2. Carbon tax debate on food prices Carbon pricing remains a divisive issue in 2024, with peer-reviewed studies confirming that the policy increases production and transport costs, ultimately eroding the competitiveness of Canadian food systems. While grocers often mitigate impacts by importing cheaper goods, this approach masks the structural weaknesses created by rising operational costs. As such, studies looking at the impact of carbon pricing on food prices are generally flawed. Critics argue that many studies dismissing the tax’s effect on food prices are influenced by funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada, raising questions of bias. Policymakers must look beyond retail price fluctuations to understand the long-term implications of carbon pricing on Canada’s agri-food sector and food security. 1. Record number of visits to food banks In 2024, the HungerCount report revealed a record-breaking number of visits to food banks, alongside Canada’s food insecurity rate reaching an unprecedented 22.9%. These figures highlight a growing affordability crisis, driven by soaring food prices, stagnant wages, and broader inflationary pressures. While some have pointed fingers at immigration, such narratives overlook the complex economic dynamics at play and the humanity at the heart of this issue. Food banks, stretched beyond capacity, are emblematic of a broader social crisis. This story underscores the urgent need for robust social safety nets and policies that prioritize affordability and inclusivity. Honourable mentions: — Upcoming approval of cloned meat in Canada: Health Canada’s consideration of cloned meat approval has sparked heated debate. While advocates point to potential benefits like enhanced livestock genetics and improved food security, critics highlight concerns about transparency, ethical implications, and biodiversity. Without mandatory labelling, consumers are left in the dark about what’s on their plates, intensifying the call for stricter regulations and open communication. — Approval of methane-reducing feed for cattle and dairy: Bovaer, a feed additive approved in February, has the potential to significantly reduce methane emissions from cattle, offering an innovative solution for sustainable farming. However, its adoption remains limited, with no clear government communication or labelling guidelines. The lack of transparency echoes past controversies like Buttergate, leaving consumers uninformed about its broader implications. — Bill C-282 to protect supply management during trade deals: The advancement of Bill C-282, aimed at protecting supply management in future trade agreements, stands as one of the year’s most significant food policy developments. The bill seeks to safeguard Canada’s dairy, poultry, and egg sectors from trade concessions, ensuring industry stability and maintaining predictable prices for consumers. However, its progress has stalled in the Senate, casting doubt on whether it will pass before a new U.S. administration, potentially less favourable to Canada’s supply management system, takes office in January. Critics argue that the legislation could restrict Canada’s flexibility in broader trade negotiations. Nevertheless, supporters view it as essential for preserving food sovereignty and protecting Canadian farmers from an increasingly unpredictable global market. — Bill C-293: Canada’s “Vegan Act:” Originally focused on pandemic preparedness, Bill C-293 has sparked controversy for promoting alternative proteins and de-risking animal protein production. Proponents argue the bill aligns with sustainability goals and food innovation, while critics fear it marginalizes traditional farming. The ongoing debate highlights the tension between progressive food policies and the preservation of Canada’s agricultural heritage. — Ottawa’s tightening of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program: While changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program aimed to prioritize domestic hiring, they have exacerbated labour shortages in agriculture and food processing. While the policy seeks to address labour exploitation, it risks destabilizing sectors heavily reliant on foreign workers, calling for a more balanced approach to ensure workforce stability. Happy Holidays! — Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is the director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University and co-host of The Food Professor Podcast.

Stock market today: Wall Street slips to a rare back-to-back loss

A U.S. Supreme Court case on gender affirming care for teens will likely have major implications for transgender rights nationwide, but Montana’s unique state Constitution could safeguard protections nevertheless, an ACLU attorney says. In question at the nation’s highest court is a 2023 Tennessee state law that prohibits trans youth from receiving medical treatments prescribed to help them transition such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy. It’s very similar to from the last legislative session, which banned a slew of procedures and treatments used for gender dysphoria, the psychiatric condition that creates distress for a person whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth. SB 99, titled "Montana’s Youth Protection Act," was temporarily blocked by a Missoula district court judge last year, days before it was set to go into effect. asks whether the Tennessee transgender health care ban is tantamount to discrimination under the federal Constitution’s equal protection clause. President Joe Biden’s administration brought the legal challenge, arguing Tennessee’s law should be overturned on these grounds. Lawyers representing the state of Tennessee contend that though the law applies specifically to trans teens, it should not trigger the greater legal standard required to protect against sex-based discrimination. Supreme Court justices heard oral arguments on Tuesday. A decision is not expected until July, though it appears likely that the conservative majority will rule in favor of Tennessee. Trans rights advocates worry such a ruling could open the door to all kinds of targeted restrictions. Alex Rate, legal director for ACLU of Montana, said the outcome of the case should not directly impact ongoing efforts to overturn SB 99 because of the unique protections in the Montana Constitution that go beyond federal law. The federal Constitution sets the floor, “below which we cannot go,” Rate explains, but states have the power to determine the ceiling, which means they can grant individuals greater protections that expand on federal liberties. Abortion rights are an illustrative example of how these differences between state and federal law can play out. When overturned federal abortion protections, Montana’s constitutional right to privacy continued to ensure access to reproductive health care. Chase Scheuer, press secretary for Attorney General Austin Knudsen, urged the United States Supreme Court to uphold the Tennessee law. When Gov. Greg Gianforte signed SB 99 into law in April 2023, the ACLU promptly filed a lawsuit against it representing three families with transgender youth and two medical providers who work with transgender youth. The case, then resulted in a preliminary injunction against SB 99 from a Montana state district court judge, “is unlikely to survive any level of constitutional review” and “barring access to gender affirming care would negatively impact gender dysphoric minors’ mental and physical health.” According to Rate, Montana’s equal protection clause is more specific than its federal counterpart and has been interpreted by state courts to provide greater protections. Additionally, he argues the state’s robust right to privacy encompasses decisions made between parents, transgender teens and their health care providers. Scheuer had a different take. "The Supreme Court’s decision could undercut the ACLU’s similar attack on SB99 in Montana as well," he said in a statement to the Montana State News Bureau. Should a new U.S. Congress pass federal legislation banning gender affirming care for transgender youth, for example, that could negate the ability of Montana health providers to offer the care, despite the state Constitution. There’s not a lot of law on transgender rights in Montana, which means there isn’t a great amount of legal precedent at the state level. It’s possible Montana courts could defer to federal decisions at the Supreme Court or elsewhere when thinking about a legal framework for analyzing the constitutionality of SB 99 or other future laws. “One would hope that a faithful interpretation of our state Constitution would lead to a potentially different result than what’s happening at the federal end,” Rate said. Gianforte continues to support SB 99 and other restrictions on health care for transgender youth like the one in Tennessee. He filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in October urging justices to uphold the Tennessee law on the basis that it allows youth to “have the freedom to grow up unhampered by improper interests and agendas and with access to appropriate tools and resources to promote both their development and ultimate success in society.” The governor’s administration applied many of the same arguments in the amicus brief as it has when supporting SB 99. It argues that medical treatments for gender dysphoria are “permanent, invasive, and life-altering” and that the state doesn’t seek to limit them for adults, only minor children. As of Aug., 26 states, including Montana, had passed some kind of ban against gender dysphoria health care for high school-aged youth. A majority are either currently tied up in litigation or temporarily blocked by the courts. Gender affirming care is considered safe, effective and medically necessary by major professional health associations, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Endocrine Society. Oral arguments for are scheduled for June.KINGSTON, N.Y. — New York State Basketball Hall of Fame Coach Steve Garner can’t remember fielding a younger squad than his current Kingston High girls basketball team that will kick off the season on Tuesday, Dec. 3, with a non-league contest against Highland at the Kate Walton Field House.Though the 2024-25 team lost tons of [...]

LAS VEGAS — With a restructuring at Andretti Global that pushed Michael Andretti into a smaller role, the chances of his organization landing a Formula 1 team have substantially increased. So much so that F1 and Formula One Management could have a decision to grant the General Motors-backed entry a spot as the 11th team on the grid in the coming weeks. Dan Towriss, now the majority owner of the Andretti organization, was at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Thursday scoping his chances of entering the top motorsports series in the world. So was the FBI, allegedly, as part of a Department of Justice investigation into why F1 denied the Andretti organization expansion into the series. F1 currently has 10 teams that field 20 cars and only one — the organization owned by California businessman Gene Haas — is an American team. Las Vegas marks the third race this season in the United States, more than any other country, as F1 has exploded in American popularity over the last five years. Even so, Andretti could not get approval from F1 to enter the series. But, the situation changed in September when Andretti scaled back his role with his namesake organization. Now with Towriss in charge, talks have amplified, even though it is not clear what the name of an Andretti-less F1 team would even be. Cadillac would do the engines — but says it won't be ready until 2028 — which means a 2026 Towriss-led F1 team would be GM branded but with a partner engine supplier. Most of the existing teams have been largely opposed to an 11th team entering F1, citing a dilution in prize money and the massive expenses they've already committed to the series. But, Andretti among others believed the teams' position was personal in that they simply didn't like Andretti, who ran 13 races in the 1993 season. His father, Mario, is the 1978 F1 world champion. The Andretti application had already been approved by the FIA, which is F1's ruling body, but later denied by F1 itself. F1 promised to revisit the issue once General Motors had an engine ready to compete. The existing 10 F1 teams have no actual vote or say in if the grid is expanded, which Mercedes boss Toto Wolff reiterated Thursday when The Associated Press asked why the sudden chance of acceptance in a potential 11th team. "We have an obligation, a statutory obligation as directors, to present the standpoint that is the best for our company and for our employees, and we've done that," Wolff said. "I think if a team can add to the championship, particularly if GM decides to come in as a team owner, that is a different story. "And as long as it is creative, that means we're growing the popularity of the sport, we're growing the revenue of the sport, then no team will be ever against it. So I'm putting my hope in there." Wolff has been eager to hear from Towriss directly on what the plans for the organization are now that Andretti has a smaller role. "No one from Andretti or Andretti Global or whatever the name will be has ever spoken to me a single sentence in presentation of what the creative part is," he said. "But they don't need to because the teams don't decide. It is the commercial rights holder, with the FIA, we have no say. If I want to be invited to a party and go to the party, I'm sitting down at the table and telling who I am and why I'm really good fun and sitting here and everybody will enjoy my presence. "That hasn't happened, but you know, that's now my personal point of view, not a professional, because there's nothing we can do, nothing we can say," Wolff continued. "And I don't know the people. I've obviously spoken to Mario. I didn't speak to his son. I didn't speak to any other people that are behind that. I don't know who they are. So I know GM, GM is great." Fred Vasseur, team principal at Ferrari, said he's not opposed to another team if it adds value to F1. "The discussion is between FIA, the team, and FOM. It's not our choice," he said. "For sure, as Toto said, that if it's good for the sport, good for the show, good for the business, and adds value on the sporting side, that we are all OK." Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea's embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law , as most ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify public protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea, with a survey suggesting a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party, but it is also determined to oppose Yoon’s impeachment apparently because it fears losing the presidency to liberals. After the motion fell through, members of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party rallied inside the National Assembly, chanting slogans calling for Yoon's impeachment or resignation. The party's floor leader, Park Chan-dae, said it will soon prepare for a new impeachment motion. “We'll surely impeach Yoon Suk Yeol, who is the greatest risk to Republic of Korea,” party leader Lee Jae-myung said. “We'll surely bring back this country to normal before Christmas Day or year's end.” Despite escaping the impeachment attempt, many experts worry Yoon won’t be able to serve out his remaining 2 1⁄2 years in office. They say some ruling party lawmakers could eventually join opposition parties’ efforts to impeach Yoon if public demands for it grow further. On Saturday, tens of thousands of people densely packed several blocks of roads leading up to the National Assembly, waving banners, shouting slogans and dancing. Protesters also gathered in front of PPP’s headquarters near the Assembly, angrily shouting for its lawmakers to vote to impeach Yoon. A smaller crowd of Yoon’s supporters, which still seemed to be in the thousands, rallied in separate streets in Seoul, decrying the impeachment attempt they saw as unconstitutional. Impeaching Yoon required support from two-thirds of the National Assembly, or 200 of its 300 members. The Democratic Party and five other small opposition parties, which filed the motion, have 192 seats combined. But only three lawmakers from PPP participated in the vote. The motion was scrapped without ballot counting because the number of votes didn’t reach 200. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik called the result “very regrettable” and an embarrassing moment for the country’s democracy that has been closely watched by the world. “The failure to hold a qualified vote on this matter means we were not even able to exercise the democratic procedure of deciding on a critical national issue,” he said. Opposition parties could submit a new impeachment motion after a new parliamentary session opens next Wednesday. If Yoon is impeached, his powers will be suspended until the Constitutional Court decides whether to remove him from office. If he is removed, an election to replace him must take place within 60 days. Earlier Saturday, Yoon issued a public apology over the martial law decree, saying he won’t shirk legal or political responsibility for the declaration and promising not to make another attempt to impose martial law. He said would leave it to his party to chart a course through the country’s political turmoil, “including matters related to my term in office.” “The declaration of this martial law was made out of my desperation. But in the course of its implementation, it caused anxiety and inconveniences to the public. I feel very sorry over that and truly apologize to the people who must have been shocked a lot,” Yoon said. Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has struggled to push his agenda through an opposition-controlled parliament and grappled with low approval ratings amid scandals involving himself and his wife. In his martial law announcement on Tuesday night, Yoon called parliament a “den of criminals” bogging down state affairs and vowed to eliminate “shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces.” The turmoil resulting from Yoon’s bizarre and poorly-thought-out stunt has paralyzed South Korean politics and sparked alarm among key diplomatic partners like the U.S. and Japan. Tuesday night saw special forces troops encircling the parliament building and army helicopters hovering over it, but the military withdrew after the National Assembly unanimously voted to overturn the decree, forcing Yoon to lift it before daybreak Wednesday. The declaration of martial law was the first of its kind in more than 40 years in South Korea. Eighteen lawmakers from the ruling party voted to reject Yoon’s martial law decree along with opposition lawmakers. PPP later decided to oppose Yoon's impeachment motion. Yoon’s speech fueled speculation that he and his party may push for a constitutional amendment to shorten his term, instead of accepting impeachment, as a way to ease public anger over the marital law and facilitate Yoon’s early exit from office. Lee told reporters that Yoon’s speech was “greatly disappointing” and that the only way forward is his immediate resignation or impeachment. His party called Yoon’s martial law “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup.” Lawmakers on Saturday first voted on a bill appointing a special prosecutor to investigate stock price manipulation allegations surrounding Yoon’s wife. Some lawmakers from Yoon’s party were seen leaving the hall after that vote, triggering angry shouts from opposition lawmakers. On Friday, PPP chair Han Dong-hun, who criticized Yoon’s martial law declaration, said he had received intelligence that during the brief period of martial law Yoon ordered the country’s defense counterintelligence commander to arrest and detain unspecified key politicians based on accusations of “anti-state activities.” Hong Jang-won, first deputy director of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, told lawmakers in a closed-door briefing Friday that Yoon had ordered him to help the defense counterintelligence unit to detain key politicians. The targeted politicians included Han, Lee and Woo, according to Kim Byung-kee, one of the lawmakers who attended the meeting. The Defense Ministry said Friday it suspended three military commanders including the head of the defense counterintelligence unit over their involvement in enforcing martial law. Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho has told parliament that Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun ordered the deployment of troops to the National Assembly after Yoon imposed martial law. Opposition parties accused Kim of recommending to Yoon to enforce martial law. Kim resigned Thursday, and prosecutors imposed an overseas travel ban on him.‘We Shouldn’t Politicize Everything’ – TUC President Speaks On Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills

NEW YORK — Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs tried for a third time Friday to persuade a judge to let him leave jail while he awaits his sex trafficking trial, but a decision won’t come until next week. Judge Arun Subramanian said at a hearing that he will release his decision on Combs' latest request for bail after Combs’ lawyers and federal prosecutors file letters addressing outstanding issues. Those letters are due at noon on Monday, Subramanian said. Combs’ lawyers pitched having him await trial under around-the-clock surveillance either his mansion on an island near Miami Beach or — after the judge scoffed at that location — an apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Their plan essentially amounts to putting Combs on house arrest, with strict limits on who he has contact with. But prosecutors argue that Combs has routinely flouted jail rules and can't be trusted not to interfere with witnesses or the judicial process. “The argument that he’s a lawless person who doesn’t follow instructions isn’t factually accurate,” Combs lawyer Anthony Ricco argued. “The idea that he’s an out-of-control individual who has to be detained isn’t factually accurate.” Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he coerced and abused women for years with help from a network of associates and employees while silencing victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings. His trial is slated to begin May 5. The Bad Boy Records founder remains locked up at a Brooklyn federal jail, where he spent his Nov. 4 birthday. Two other judges previously concluded that Combs would be a danger to the community if he is released and an appeals court judge last month denied Combs’ immediate release while a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals weighs his bail request. Friday's hearing was the second time Combs was in court this week. On Tuesday, a judge blocked prosecutors from using as evidence papers that were seized from his cell during jail-wide sweep for contraband and weapons at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. As he entered through a side door, Combs waved to relatives including his mother and several of his children in the courtroom gallery, tapping his hand to his heart and blowing kisses at them. He then hugged his lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, before taking a seat at the defense table. He was not handcuffed or shackled and wore a beige jail uniform, occasionally pulling a pair of reading glasses from his pocket as he peered at papers in front of him. Prosecutors maintain that no bail conditions will mitigate the “risk of obstruction and dangerousness to others” of releasing Combs from jail. Prosecutors contend that while locked up the “I'll Be Missing You” artist has orchestrated social media campaigns aimed at tainting the jury pool. They allege that he has also attempted to publicly leak materials he thinks would be helpful to his case and is contacting potential witnesses via third parties. “Simply put, the defendant cannot be trusted,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik argued. Combs’ lawyer Teny Geragos countered that, given the strict release conditions proposed, “it would be impossible for him not to follow rules.” This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.Asia stocks mostly down after Wall St losses

A look back at 2024 in photosNone

Jimmy Carter , the longest-living former U.S. president , died at the age of 100 years old on Sunday. According to the Carter Center, Carter died in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family. The former president was in home hospice care since 2023, according to CNN . Carter served as the 39th president for one term, from 1976 to 1981, but lost his reelection to Ronald Reagan. In addition to being the longest-living former present, Carter has also had the longest post-presidency in the nation's history. Carter was raised on his family's peanut farm in Plains and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946, the same year he married his wife, Rosalynn Smith. They remained married until her death in November 2023. After graduation, Carter joined the Navy but returned home to take over his family's peanut farm after his father's death in 1953. He and his wife grew it into a lucrative business until Carter started his political career as Georgia's senator in 1962 before serving as the state's governor from 1971 until his presidential run. During his presidency, Carter successfully brokered peace talks between Israel and Egypt but his legacy was marred by a bad economy and the Iran hostage crisis. In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work, including Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center, a non-profit aimed at bettering the lives of people around the world. According to law enforcement, preparations for a state funeral are underway, per CNN.

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