The DEI movement – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – is on the wane nationally, yet Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont remains fully on board. Thursday, he named Mariana Monteiro, formerly Lockheed Martin’s executive director of global diversity and inclusion, as Connecticut’s chief equity and opportunity officer. The new agency, established by executive order in July and dubbed the Connecticut Office of Equity and Opportunity, will be tasked with “ensuring that Connecticut state government is a leader in equity and inclusion,” Gov. Lamont said, “with the goals of eliminating institutional and systemic barriers and creating opportunity and access for all those it serves and employs.” Back in the real world, on which Gov. Lamont seems to have turned his back, successful entities like Walmart are withdrawing from DEI programs. Nov. 26, Newsweek magazine produced a Who’s Who list of companies that have stepped back from DEI – among them, Ford, Toyota, John Deere, Stanley Black & Decker, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply, Bud Light, Molson Coors, and Harley-Davidson. Meanwhile, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on Dec. 11 blocked Nasdaq’s DEI rules, which “required thousands of public companies that trade on Nasdaq to have at least one woman, person of color or LGBTQ member on their boards unless they explained why they did not,” USA Today reported. These decisions may reflect a growing public disdain for “woke” mandates on business, government and education, but there’s much more to it than that. “Now, a compelling new study confirms that DEI fosters racial and group animosity, not tolerance,” according to the editors of National Review magazine in a Nov. 29 editorial. “The study released (Nov. 25) by Network Contagion Research Institute and Rutgers University Social Perception Lab ... found that participants exposed to DEI materials were more likely to perceive prejudice where none existed and were more willing to punish the perceived perpetrators.” In a bizarre but telling example, researchers found most subjects agreed with the sentiments of Adolf Hitler when the word “Jew” was replaced in his writings with “Brahmin,” an Indian term often used to describe “a socially or culturally superior person.” The editors noted: “Most, if not all, DEI-themed trainings promote a victimhood mentality by organizing society into a hierarchy of ‘oppressor’ and ‘oppressed’ on the basis of immutable traits, then demonize anyone who is supposedly sitting comfortably atop the totem pole.” A study last summer by Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon and the head of the University of Connecticut’s School of Public Policy found, much to their dismay, that Asian men and women, and white men, “are the highest earners (in state government) when compared to their colleagues.” This prompted Mr. Scanlon to call for a redoubling of efforts to “prioritize equity and diversity in our workforce.” He did not acknowledge that the high earners benefit not from their skin color or ancestry, but from their own educational attainment and work experience. Evidently, Gov. Lamont is on the same page as Mr. Scanlon – seemingly oblivious to the fact his constituents need solid, effective management in state government, based on merit, not a pathway for a few “diverse” individuals to secure jobs that other applicants could do better. Hopefully, Ms. Monteiro will hold to her promise to “enhance ... competition without compromising merit” in the state workforce, even though her new boss declined to utter that word in his announcement of her appointment.Stocks start week with gain of 282 points amid rally in banking sector KARACHI: Stocks closed higher by 282 points on Monday to new highs amid the rally in the banking sector on strong earnings outlook. The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) benchmark KSE-100 Index increased by 281.55 points or 0.29 per cent to 98,079.78 points against 97,798.23 points recorded in the last session. The highest index of the day remained at 99,317.48 points while the lowest level was recorded at 97,137.64 points. Analyst Ahsan Mehanti at Arif Habib Corp said that the combination of a favourable earnings outlook for banks and reduced political tension due to the court’s decision helped the stock market close on a higher note for the day. He said that upbeat economic indicators, rupee stability and surging FX reserves played a catalyst role in the bullish activity.However, mid-session challenges like volatility from futures rollover, political uncertainties related to PTI protests, and broader geopolitical concerns prevented the market from sustaining its momentum or gaining further. The KSE-30 index increased by 78.02 points or 0.26 per cent to 30,558.73 points against 30,480.71 points.Traded shares plunged by 609 million shares to 640.258 million shares from 1,249.092 million shares. The trading value dropped to Rs25.623 billion from Rs45.475 billion. Market capital expanded to Rs12.533 trillion against Rs12.518 trillion. Of the 460 companies active in the session, 220 closed in green, 185 in red and 55 remained unchanged. Naveed Nadeem, an analyst at Topline Securities, said the KSE-100 Index closed at 98,080, posting a gain of 282 points or 0.29 per cent. The market maintained a bullish trend, reaching an intraday high of 99,317. Investor confidence was buoyed by unconfirmed speculation that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) may offer relaxation to banks regarding minimum deposit rates for savers. Key contributors to the index’s rise included BAHL, UBL, MEBL, SYS, and MCB, which collectively added 555 points to the index.The highest increase was recorded in Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited, which rose by Rs117.14 to Rs19,132 per share, followed by Pakistan Services Limited, which increased by Rs46.11 to Rs941.47 per share. A significant decline was noted in PIA Holding Company Limited B, which fell by Rs95.96 to Rs902.28 per share; Rafhan Maize Products Company Limited followed it, which closed lower by Rs59.95 to Rs7,954.55 per share. Hascol Petrol remained the volume leader with 64.823 million shares which closed higher by Rs1.12 to Rs12.35 per share. Cnergyico PK followed it with 48.065 million shares, which closed higher by 22 paisas to Rs4.71 per share. Other significant turnover stocks included Fauji Foods Ltd, WorldCall Telecom, K-Electric Ltd., Sui South Gas, Treet Battery Ltd., BO Punjab, Waves Home App and Lotte Chemical.In the futures market, 310 companies recorded trading, of which 179 increased, 127 decreased and 4 remained unchanged.5jili 。

Musk causes uproar by backing German far-right party ahead of key electionsTravel Tuesday Poised to Outpace Black Friday & Cyber Monday 2024 Travel PurchasesNone

Musk causes uproar by backing German far-right party ahead of key electionsBY Associated Press3 minute read Drones for commercial and recreational use have grown rapidly in popularity, despite restrictions on who can operate them and where they can be flown. No-fly zones are enforced around airports, military installations, nuclear plants, certain landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, and sports stadiums during games. Not everybody follows the rules. Sightings at airports have shut down flights in a few instances. Reported sightings of what appear to be drones flying over New Jersey at night in recent weeks have created anxiety among some residents, in part because it is not clear who is operating them or why. Some state and local officials have called for stricter rules to govern drones. After receiving reports of drone activity last month near Morris County, New Jersey, the Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary bans on drone flights over a golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey, that is owned by President-elect Donald Trump, and over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base. The FAA says the bans are in response to requests from "federal security partners." Who regulates drones? The FAA is responsible for the regulations governing their use, and Congress has written some requirements into law. Who enforces the rules? With a 2018 law, the Preventing Emerging Threats Act, Congress gave certain agencies in the Homeland Security and Justice departments authority to counter threats from unmanned aircraft to protect the safety of certain... Associated Press

Brainy, 'normal guy': the suspect in US insurance CEO's slayingWith colder days upon us, now is the perfect time to stock up on warm, cozy essentials — and Columbia is your one-stop shop for cold-weather apparel. Even better? The outerwear brand is hosting an epic holiday sale with up to 50% off . Columbia's holiday sale has plenty of great deals to explore ranging from hoodies and fleeces to vests and jackets starting at just $25. Many of the items also make for perfect presents. In fact, I've already filled up my cart with gifts for everyone on my list. So whether you’re upgrading your winter wardrobe or snagging some last-minute holiday gifts , Columbia has you covered this season. Here are my top 15 picks from the sale! Quick Links Women's Columbia Deals Men's Columbia Deals

G7 foreign ministers push for Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire in final G7 of Biden administration

NEW YORK , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Light & Wonder, Inc. (NASDAQ: LNW) resulting from allegations that Light & Wonder may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. So What: If you purchased Light & Wonder securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=29678 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. What is this about: On September 24, 2024 , the Las Vegas Review-Journal published an article entitled "Slot manufacturer scores major win against Las Vegas -based rival." It stated that "Aristocrat Technologies Inc.'s request for a preliminary injunction in its trade-secret and copyright infringement lawsuit against Light & Wonder" had been granted, and that the "order prohibits [Light & Wonder] from the 'continued or planned sale, leasing, or other commercialization of Dragon Train,' which Aristocrat claims uses intellectual property developed for its Dragon Link and Lightning Link games." On this news, the price of Light & Wonder common stock fell 19.49% on September 24, 2024 . Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rosen-law-firm-encourages-light--wonder-inc-investors-to-inquire-about-securities-class-action-investigation--lnw-302314941.html SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.

Feeding off anger, fuelled by Russia... Enter Călin Georgescu, Europe’s latest radical populist | Simon Tisdall