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Elon Musk has emerged as a key player in US politics, with his actions already starting to influence major decisions in Washington. His role in derailing a bipartisan Congress deal to prevent a government shutdown has highlighted his sway over the Republican Party and Donald Trump’s incoming administration. While recognised as the world’s wealthiest individual, Musk is being dubbed as "President Musk" by Democrats, reflecting their concern over his outsized political clout. Musk has been tapped by Trump to run the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) agency, but the billionaire is throwing his weight around even before the president-elect takes office on January 20. On Wednesday, shortly after 4:00 am, the hyperactive owner of Tesla and SpaceX used his social platform X to attack the budget bill hammered out by Republicans and Democrats in Congress to keep the federal government operating. "This bill should not pass," the 53-year-old Musk wrote in the first of what became a barrage of posts. "Kill the bill," he exhorted Republican members of the House of Representatives. "This bill is criminal." A number of Republican lawmakers quickly fell in line, with some even engaging in a bit of flattery. "In five years in Congress, I’ve been awaiting a fundamental change in the dynamic," Representative Dan Bishop commented on an X post by Musk. "It has arrived." Other right-wing members of Congress even went so far as to suggest that the South African-born Musk should take over as House speaker. Trump himself joined the budget battle later in the day. The 78-year-old president-elect denounced the spending bill as "ridiculous and extraordinarily expensive." The dramatic developments left the country facing a government shutdown just days before Christmas. Musk rejoiced after the bill was torpedoed. "The voice of the people was heard," he said. "This was a good day for America." He followed up by reposting a picture of himself in front of an American flag with the words "VOX POPULI" and "VOX DEI," a Latin phrase which translates to "the voice of the people is the voice of God." After the intervention, Republicans in Congress on Thursday came up with a new funding package that satisfied Trump -- and Musk. Democrats have painted the tech billionaire as unstable and a megalomaniac, and hope calling him "President Musk" will needle Trump. "Democrats and Republicans spent months negotiating a bipartisan agreement to fund our government," Senator Bernie Sanders said. "The richest man on Earth, President Elon Musk, doesn’t like it. "Will Republicans kiss the ring?" Sanders asked. "Billionaires must not be allowed to run our government." Democratic Representative Jim McGovern said "at least we know who’s in charge." "He’s president and Trump is now vice president," McGovern said.NBA fines another player for floppingFORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — TCU leading scorer Frankie Collins will miss the rest of the season because of a broken bone in his left foot, the school said Friday. The 6-foot-2 senior guard, in his first season at TCU after spending the past two at Arizona State, is scheduled to have surgery Tuesday in Dallas. Collins leads the Horned Frogs (5-4) with 11.2 points and 4.4 assists per game. He also averages 4.4 rebounds per game. TCU said Collins broke his foot in the first half of its 83-74 loss to Vanderbilt last Sunday. He still played 35 minutes, finishing with six points and seven assists. Collins played 31 games as a freshman for Michigan's NCAA Sweet 16 team in 2021-22 before transferring to Arizona State. He started all 32 games last season for the Sun Devils, averaging 13.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. He could potentially get another college season through a medical redshirt. Arizona State is in its first Big 12 season. It will host TCU on Feb. 15. AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll

This may seem an exaggeration, but there is an ongoing isolation pandemic. The current wave of loneliness, along with the decreasing number of family members; and even the growth of pet care businesses are signs of this problem. As a parent and teacher, I see this growing problem among my sons' peers and in my classrooms. While we seem to be growing more connected to things (internet, devices and services), we are disconnecting with people. This lack of personal connection is starting more at a younger age and deepening through generations with significant negative social impact on society and individuals. To prevent future personal and societal problems, families, schools and workplaces need to encourage and foster personal connections through meaningful friendship. Reading and understanding books becomes harder. Students with few friends or siblings will have issues with books from Charles Dickens, Enid Blyton, or even the Wimpy Kid series; all focus on relationships. These books have been regularly used to teach the love of reading, building imagination and understanding society. The ability to get a deeper meaning or relate to the author's message is lost. This deeper understanding becomes even harder with business text, which requires reading at different levels to apply concepts innovatively or address new conditions. Understanding how various people use words is an essential skill, ideally with foundations built when learning to talk at home. The quality of friendships is vital in addressing social ills. More quality friends reduce the need for social media and the documented associated extremes. Physical interaction gives the same dopamine hit that social media provides but in better dosage and longer duration. By focusing on quality friends, depression and other social ills can be reduced as people share their feelings, grow, and interact in a positive manner. For students, having genuine friends helps with studying and learning from schoolwork. There are more exchanges and explanations of ideas in a positive environment. Research supports that talking with others builds stronger relationships than text messages. Thus, for students, more trustworthy contacts help them develop as individuals. I see many university students struggle in class because they have few people they call friends. Students struggle with mental health problems because the structure that existed before and provided help is not there. Parents assume that students are connecting because of online interactions, but that cheap substitute for real friendship is not working. More friends means less dependence on one person; hence, relationships are better. Young adults have fewer people to interact with, resulting in intense interactions. Thus, there are more strains or demands on fewer relationships. For example, if someone has one friend, they discuss ten items with their one friend, requiring much of that one friend's time and energy. Therefore, the friend may start limiting interaction as the relationship requires a lot of energy and the person talking feels less fulfilled. Two unhappy people. However, if someone has five friends, then they can discuss two items with each other; and so the friends are happy to interact more because the relationship requires less energy. Ironically, by having more friends, individuals develop better relationships. The principle applies even at the workplace because if someone can relate to a wider number of people in the office, they can get more done and contribute to better productivity. Workplaces have always seen the need for friendship at work, though it may not be referred to as such. In offices, teamwork, openness, and psychological safety are terms that have similar meaning to authentic human interaction. Work-from-home advocates prioritise interacting with people at home, whereas return-to-office advocates prioritise interacting with people in the office. However, generational problems and the lack of interpersonal experiences, real and perceived, highlight the difficulty of communicating various needs and desires by the individual. It comes as no surprise that communication is one of if not the most valuable skills for the workplace. Companies have to spend time developing workers' abilities in talking with each other because that particular skill may not have been fully developed at home or in school. Having real friends helps individuals and society by reducing loneliness and business inefficiencies caused by employees' mental distractions. A sense of belonging starts with family interactions followed by schools and grows into society. Mariano Miguel Carrera, PhD, is a lecturer at the International College at King Mongkut's University of Technology, North Bangkok.

An ex-detective accused of abusing women died in an apparent suicide as his trial was startingSainsbury’s shoppers have branded new security measures introduced at stores across the UK as "utterly ridiculous". Customers have flocked to social media to vent that yellow sticker items were scanning at full price on self-service tills at Sainsbury's stores. To get the correct discount, they had to call over a Sainsbury's staff member to approve it. READ MORE: Wilko and The Range issue urgent recalls over popular Christmas products One customer, who described themselves as a "reduced stock shopper", wrote on Reddit: "The last three times I've been to a Sainsbury, the reduced barcode doesn't scan and an employee has to come and help me - is this a national thing and if so, what's happening?" Other shoppers responded by sharing that they had experienced the same thing in their local supermarket store. One Sainsbury's shopper said: "Happened to me several times recently too, utterly ridiculous. I am now avoiding Sainsbury's, it is going down the plughole." And a second added: "It’s a massive headache and I hate it." Another shopper shared on Mumsnet: "I picked up some reduced smoked salmon in Sainsbo's today, but at the self-checkout, it came up as full price. "An assistant altered it and told me they have to do it manually as people are able to make their own yellow sticker barcodes and are using them on self-checkouts. Unbelievable!" A second person commented: "Yes, yellow reduced stickers don’t work in Sainsbury's anymore, which is really annoying when you self-checkout." Sainsbury's confirmed to the Mirror that they have been rolling out these new anti-fraud measures to its self-service tills in response to a surge in the use of fake coupons across its stores so the new security measures are not new. Earlier this year, a viral Tiktok "hack", dubbed "The Sainsbury’s method", allowed people to share screenshots of genuine Sainsbury’s discounts on full-price products. A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: "We have range of security measure in place in our stores, including processes to prevent fraud. We continue to accept genuine coupons, vouchers and reductions and are sorry for the inconvenience this slightly longer checkout process may cause." The new security measures for the self-service tills specifically target yellow sticker items and coupons. When you scan the item now, shoppers are presented with an error message and need to wait for a Sainsbury's worker to manually process the discount. They are unable to proceed with the rest of their shop until the item has been approved, and the process has to be repeated for each item.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Trae Young might be the NBA's biggest enigma. Young's fans can point to numbers and say he's an elite player. His detractors can point to numbers and say he's overrated. Both arguments have validity. To some, his cocky ways are endearing. To others, they're infuriating. This can't be argued: He's helping Atlanta author one of the season's surprise stories. The Hawks are in the NBA Cup semifinals, set to play Milwaukee on Saturday before the other semifinal between Oklahoma City and Houston. The title game is Tuesday night. “When we talk about Trae, the word I like to use is evolution,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said. “And every player evolves. They just evolve in different ways. He's been an important part of our young guys' growth and being able to elevate them.” The Hawks haven't had a ton of big moments in Young's seven seasons. But he has shown a propensity for rising to the occasion: ousting New York in the 2021 playoffs, ousting the Knicks from the quarterfinals of this tournament to get to Las Vegas — and now comes another chance on national TV on Saturday, facing the Bucks with a chance to play for a trophy. “I feel like this team has been embracing the challenge each and every night from the beginning of the season,” Young said. “We haven’t looked too far ahead in any moment. We’re just taking it day by day. Even though early on in the season we may have had some struggles and some bumps in the road and some guys out, we stuck with the process and focus on each day." Here's part of the pro-Young argument: He's averaging 21 points and 12 assists something that only Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas have done over a full season, and he's on pace to lead the league in assist average for the first time. Here's part of the anti-Young argument: Among the 220 players with at least 50 3-point attempts this season he ranks 189th at 30.8%, and of the 248 players with at least 100 field goal attempts this season he ranks 231st at 38.4%. Choose your side. They're both valid. But it's clear that Young — who made no secret that he was upset over not being picked for the team that won gold for USA Basketball at the Paris Olympics this past summer — is growing and maturing. “He’s doing a better job on both ends of the floor,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “Defensively he’s figured out a way of keeping himself out of actions. I know that sounds easy. That’s hard to do, and he’s brilliant at it, he really is. ... He must be really studying the game on both ends of the floor, and you can see that in his play. And he’s earned the trust of his players. This team likes playing with him, that’s obvious. I couldn’t say that in the past, but now they love playing with him.” Hawks forward Jalen Johnson doesn't deny that point. “He’s so good, man,” Johnson said. "It’s crazy, like just seeing it in person and on TV prior to me playing with the Hawks and getting drafted by the Hawks, it was crazy just watching it. A guy that’s undersized, being able to score at will, being able to make any pass at will. And then next thing you know you’re his teammate and you’re on the receiving end of those passes. “Watching those clutch late game buckets, it’s a joy to watch. It’s a gift that he has that’s very special and not many people have had it at that elite of a level. It’s been great being his teammate. It’s been a blessing.” Saturday is an opportunity. The semifinals are the only games on the NBA calendar for that day; the title game Tuesday — which doesn't count in the standings — is the only game on the NBA slate that night as well. Young will have tons of eyeballs on him Saturday and would have tons more on him Tuesday if the Hawks find a way to win another big game against the Bucks. They're 3-1 against Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland and Boston already this season, 1-0 against Milwaukee. The potential is clear for the Hawks. The potential for Young has always been clear as well. Only now, it's starting to be realized. “The narrative about me not being able to do certain things or being too mad or frustrated about certain things is — I mean, just aren’t true,” Young said. "I think you’re just now being able to see like with the young team we have, just some of the different things we’ve been doing this year, I think just now you’re starting to kind of see it because the results are showing and we’re winning now. We’re here in this final four of the Cup, and it’s a big deal.” AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

Article content While Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland insists Canada’s economy is performing strongly and the fact Canadians don’t appreciate this is causing a “vibecession,” the actual numbers from Statistics Canada released Friday tell a different story. Recommended Videos It reported Canada’s real GDP per capita – widely accepted as a measure of prosperity and our standard of living – fell 0.4% in the third quarter of this year. This means that while the overall economy grew by an annualized rate of 1% in the third quarter, down from 2.2% in the second quarter, it contracted on a per-person basis, which is the much more significant issue. Statistics Canada said this was the sixth consecutive quarterly decline in per-capita GDP, part of a longer-term contraction of our economic growth that’s getting worse. It means the growth of Canada’s economy is not keeping up with population growth. As some economists describe it, it means that while Canada’s economic pie is getting bigger, the slice that every Canadian gets is getting smaller. It also means the Trudeau government’s recent reckless policy of dramatically increasing Canada’s population by hiking immigration levels, while it boosted the overall size of the economy, simultaneously made all Canadians poorer. That’s why the federal government recently lowered its immigration targets going forward. In defending Canada’s economic record last week after Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre mockingly asked Freeland during question period, “What’s her message to people who are hungry and homeless after nine years of her government – they just need to get with the vibe?” the Finance Minister shot back, “Mr. Speaker, my message to the leader of the Conservatives is to be a little more economically literate.” She referred to a recent upward revision to Canada’s GDP growth by Statistics Canada that retroactively increased it to 1.5% in 2023 from 1.2%, to 4.2% from 3.8% in 2022 and to 6% from 5.3% in 2021, adding this “showed a good result for Canada in per-capita GDP” and the fact Canada avoided a recession is “something to celebrate.” RECOMMENDED VIDEO Freeland has also boasted Canada today has the strongest economic growth in the G7. But she knows the real problem is Canada’s declining per-capita GDP. She warned us about it in her 2022 budget, linking it to Canada’s low productivity rates. Low productivity does not mean Canadian workers are lazy compared to other countries. It means they aren’t being give access to the education, training and technologies they need to work more efficiently, because of a lack of business investment in Canada. “Most Canadian businesses have not invested at the same rate as their U.S. counterparts,” Freeland’s budget said. “Unless this changes, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development projects Canada will have the lowest per-capita GDP growth among its member countries” from 2020 to 2060. Freeland called Canada’s low productivity crisis “the Achilles heel of the Canadian economy” in her 2022 budget, adding “productivity matters because it is what guarantees the dream of every parent – that our children will be more prosperous than we are. This is a well-known Canadian problem – an insidious one. It is time for Canada to tackle it.” RECOMMENDED VIDEO What Freeland didn’t say was that this is in part the result of the Trudeau government’s high tax, big deficit and regulatory policies being perceived by many potential investors as hostile to business – for example its campaign to downsize Canada’s oil and gas sectors, a lynchpin of Canadian prosperity, as part of its climate change agenda. What the latest data from Statistics Canada shows is that the government isn’t tackling the issue of declining per-capita GDP effectively – granted the problem existed prior to the Trudeau government taking power in 2015, but it is getting worse under it – and that tackling it is similar to turning around the Titanic, before it hit the iceberg. Everyone from the Bank of Canada – whose deputy governor Carolyn Rogers, recently called Canada’s low productivity a “break the glass” emergency – to the Fraser Institute, has sounded the alarm about this. RECOMMENDED VIDEO How bad could things get? University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe, writing recently in The Hub , said that real GDP per capita in the U.S. is about $66,300 (in 2015 dollars) compared to $44,400 in Canada, with the U.S. economy on track to produce almost 50% more per person than Canada this year. “A longer historical perspective reveals a striking reality,” Tombe wrote. “The gap between the Canadian and American economies has now reached its widest point in nearly a century. If this continues, we’ll have not persistently seen this wide of a gap since the days of John A. Macdonald ... This stunning divergence is unprecedented in modern history.” In other words, the “vibes” are really bad. lgoldstein@postmedia.comIDEX Biometrics ASA – Preliminary result of the Subsequent OfferingThe closer a Prince Rupert woman looked at the deer in her yard, the stranger things became for her. “It was the first time I’ve seen anything like that; it was pretty bizarre,” said Joan Dudoward. Dudoward is a senior residing on 11th Avenue East in Prince Rupert. A flash of movement caught her eye as she scrubbed her breakfast plates on a typical Wednesday morning. Peeking out the window above her sink, she gasped— a majestic buck with massive antlers stood gracefully in her yard. “As soon as I noticed the huge buck, I ran and grabbed my camera to photograph it. I’ve been taking photos since I was a teenager...I photograph everything,” she said. She says he cozied up to lie on the grass and stayed for about half an hour. “He was wiggling his ears so I zoomed in and noticed a tag clipped on him,” she said. “I thought, why is this dear clipped? I got very concerned.” Dudoward, driven by her curiosity, noted that one side of the clip was labelled “BC WILDLIFE 06-529,” while the other read “CALL RAP: 877-952-7227.” It was suspicious because the number displayed is very similar but different from the official number of B.C.’s Conservation Officer Service, which is 1-877-952-7277. Also, the legitimate acronym for their hotline, Report All Poachers and Polluters, is “RAPP,” not “RAP,” as indicated on the tag. She called the number on the neon green tag to inquire about the buck, but reached a woman who spoke to her very hurriedly, she said. The woman, who identified herself as Jessica, wanted to send Dudoward a “free medical alert device” that she could wear around her neck. “We’re very excited to tell you about a special promotion for select callers,” Dudoward recalls the woman saying. She was then asked questions such as her age to check eligibility. Jessica then explained that as a senior, the device would help her in emergencies, such as falls, by alerting her immediate contacts. To proceed with delivery, she said she needed some personal information from Dudoward, such as her address. Then, Dudoward was abruptly transferred to another agent who continued the call. But when she tried to ask her about the buck and why the agency had clipped its number on his ear, they wouldn’t respond but instead continued to promote their products “That’s just cruelty to animals. They are targeting seniors for sure, and hurting the deer in the process,” said Dudoward. She wondered how they must have handled the wild animal to dart him. She questioned, “Did they sedate him? What exactly happened there?” She was absolutely shocked. Dudoward couldn’t comprehend why B.C. Wildlife, a legitimate organization, would have put this company’s number on the buck's ear. The incident reminded her of this continued pattern of companies attempting to target elderly and vulnerable individuals. “I also have my mother’s old number, and it gets scam calls all the time,” she said. “How can they do that? Especially to seniors. They are trying to decide if they should pay the rent or get medication,” said Dudoward in frustration. She proceeded to contact the legitimate conservation officer’s number, who, like the local RCMP, didn’t pay much heed to her situation, she said. The next day, Dudoward called the agency’s number on the tag again, and the conversation took a completely different turn. Now, the agent asked if she was 18 and was promoting products aimed at youth. They informed her that she needed to pay $3 through a call paywall to proceed to the next step, during which she would be directed to the free products for which she was eligible. “The message keeps changing; this is so strange,” said Dudoward. investigated the call and found that it was an intricately designed AI automated voice call. The system guides the caller through different phases by detecting both their spoken responses and the number keys they press. Contrary to Dudoward’s initial belief, it wasn’t a live human speaking to her, but a pre-recorded one. In fact, similar cases of fraud involving medical alert devices have happened in the U.S. before, prompting the and the to issue cautionary alerts for consumers regarding these “robocalls.” The authorities advised seniors to immediately hang up, not press any keys when prompted, and avoid sharing personal information. “Fraud is the number one crime against older Canadians. Though people of all ages can be victims of fraud, older people get targeted more than others,” states the Canadian Government on its The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) says that there have been 40,623 reports of fraud this year up to Oct. 31, resulting in a loss of $503 million. Vishing is a social engineering technique that uses voice communication technology. It involves fraudulent phone calls to trick the victim into revealing personal data. The CAFC advises caution during phone calls. They urge people not to hesitate to say no if something feels off and not to feel pressured by urgency or time limits. They also encourage taking enough time to research before sharing personal information. contacted the B.C. Wildlife Federation for a comment regarding the tag on the buck. “The Conservation Officer Service darted this deer Nov. 5 to remove wires wrapped around its antlers. The tag is legitimate, but unfortunately has the wrong number on it for RAPP. The new versions of the tag have the correct number and COS will stop using these older tags,” said Jesse Zeman, executive director at B.C. Wildlife Federation. Although the exact cause of this mistake is unclear, anyone who suspects fraud should contact CAFC at 1-888-495-8501 or their local police.

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However, until...", "keywords": "", "inLanguage": "en", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/22724/news/featured/featured-introducing-faranga-a-new-app-transforming-mobile-money-in-rwanda" }, "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/thenewtimes/uploads/images/2024/12/19/66790.jpg", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/thenewtimes/uploads/images/2024/12/19/66790.jpg" }, "articleBody": "Financial inclusion, financial literacy, and consumer empowerment have long been established as a pillar of economic development. However, until recently, few solutions were developed to ensure that no one is left behind, in a world where payments may have all been digitalised, but not necessarily been made easier for all. If you’ve ever had to make a quick payment while waiting in line at the store or delivered the payroll of staff via mobile money, you know that for all the reliability of the process, it can be lengthy and difficult to track. You know the hassle of sending to the wrong business codes, or inputting the wrong digits to an otherwise carefully saved contact and struggling to obtain a reversal. Rummaging through payment confirmation messages will give you a basic idea of your expenditure, but will require more effort than new technology now requires you to invest in managing your money. Faranga, launched in 2024 and available on both the App Store and Google Play Store, is here to revolutionise how mobile money is used, allowing the solid but complex technology of USSD codes, to translate into the rapid, clean and carefully monitored payment process of leading banking solutions across the world. There is no re-inventing the wheel, but rather, solidifying it Founded by Jonathan Sack, a young Rwandan national with a background in software engineering and sales, Faranga’s development is a testament to the local will to secure greater leadership in tech entrepreneurship across the continent. Faranga is an improved version of its pre-cursor PressPay (which is currently the highest-rated Rwandan application on the App Store). It simultaneously makes a case for complete, hassle-free reliance on mobile money payments in an increasingly cashless economy, and for safe, responsible spending. Faranga offers features like real-time transaction tracking, budgeting tools, and improved security, which go beyond the capabilities of USSD systems. This shift to an app-based platform supports Rwanda’s efforts to promote digital transformation and financial inclusion, helping users manage their financial needs with ease. The app, tried, tested, and perfected for easy and intuitive use, will leverage the momentum of a successful switch to a digital economy and a fertile ground for homegrown fintech solutions, to cement itself as the most reliable facilitator of mobile money solutions. Supporting Rwanda’s economic transformation Rwanda’s mobile money ecosystem, led by platforms like MTN Mobile Money, has grown significantly, creating a strong foundation for future innovation. The Rwf10 trillion transacted in 2021 highlights the country’s potential to lead the region in digital financial services. Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) prioritises innovation, job creation, and financial inclusion as key drivers of economic growth. Faranga supports these objectives by offering tools that help users make informed financial decisions and manage their money more effectively. Features like transaction tracking and budgeting are designed to foster a more financially aware society, contributing to NST2’s vision for economic transformation. Faranga also aims to streamline financial operations for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which are critical to Rwanda’s economy. By simplifying financial management, Faranga helps entrepreneurs focus on growing their businesses, supporting the creation of productive jobs and driving industrial development. Aligning with Rwanda’s fintech vision Rwanda’s fintech strategy seeks to position the country as a regional leader in financial innovation. Faranga aligns with this vision by offering solutions that give users greater transparency and control over their finances. Its tools are designed to build trust in digital financial systems and make financial services more accessible to all. Rwanda’s Vision 2050 aims to achieve high-income status and a high quality of life for its citizens. With the rapid growth of mobile money usage and a clear focus on digital finance, Rwanda is well-positioned to set an example for the region and beyond. Faranga, launched in 2024, seeks to support this vision by promoting a cashless economy and encouraging financial independence. Its emphasis on simplicity, transparency, and efficiency helps equip Rwandans to thrive in a rapidly digitising world. Faranga’s role in Rwanda’s future Faranga’s journey, led by Jonathan Sack, reflects the power of homegrown innovation in achieving national goals. Sack’s leadership highlights Rwanda’s commitment to fostering local talent and developing solutions that address the country’s unique needs. As Rwanda continues its journey towards sustainable growth and digital transformation, Faranga seeks to contribute meaningfully to the country’s ambitious vision. Try it for yourself! Download Faranga now on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enjoy faster, trackable payments, as well as precise spending insight, at no additional Mobile Money cost!", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "The New Times" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "The New Times", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/", "sameAs": ["https://www.facebook.com/TheNewTimesRwanda/","https://twitter.com/NewTimesRwanda","https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZbZj6DF9zWXpdZVceDZkg"], "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "/theme_newtimes/images/logo.png", "width": 270, "height": 57 } }, "copyrightHolder": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "The New Times", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/" } }10 Most Affordable Cities in India to Buy a House The Pros and Cons of Investing in Value Stocks Most Visited Monuments in India Investing in Small-Cap Stocks: Top 10 Tips for Absolute Beginners 10 Ways to Earn Money Online by Selling Physical Products Richest Cricket Players Across the World 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Warren Buffett’s Investment Process Top 10 Benefits of Investing in Small-Cap Stocks Priyanka Chopra Net Worth: Know How Rich is Global Actress How to Make Money Online With Writing and Blogging? 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Stronger privacy protections will be put in place to protect the identities of Australians online when a world-first teen social media plan is legislated, as the Coalition works to soothe backbench worries about over-regulation of the internet. Peter Dutton is determined to work with Labor this week to secure passage of the bill banning children under 16 from social media sites, but a growing number of backbenchers including former LNP ministers Keith Pitt and Matt Canavan and MP Garth Hamilton have been expressing concerns about handing over identifying documents to tech giants. In parliament on Monday, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said she welcomed opposition MPs’ assessment of the bill and Labor sources said they were open to good faith amendments from Coalition communications spokesman David Coleman, who first floated the ban in an interview with this masthead in April and who has been working closely with Labor in recent weeks. Labor has played down the prospect of a digital ID but Coalition MPs were told in a joint party room meeting that amendments would be made to the bill to explicitly rule out the use of a digital ID and documents such as passports. Several Coalition MPs in the Canberra party room meeting, speaking anonymously to disclose confidential discussions, confirmed the Coalition had been working on stronger privacy protections with Labor. MPs including leading moderate Bridget Archer, shadow assistant minister Paul Scarr and Canavan expressed concern in the meeting about rushing the bill. This masthead revealed earlier on Monday that a growing number of Coalition MPs were uneasy with Dutton’s intention to go along with Labor’s bill, which many experts, the Greens and teals have described as rushed. MPs were only given three hours to scrutinise the bill in a condensed inquiry on Monday. Experts who appeared at the inquiry were mixed in their views on the extent of social disharmony and mental ill health caused by teens’ use of social media. Leaders of mental health group Headspace said being online affected how teens felt about themselves but the communities they found on digital platforms were also invaluable.Hezbollah attack draws Israeli strikes on Lebanon, killing 11 people and testing ceasefire's limits

LANSING, Mich. — Republican Michigan state Rep. Josh Schriver said Monday that gay marriage should be "illegal again," voicing opposition to a U.S. Supreme Court decision that set the standard for the nation and spurred same-sex weddings across the country nine years ago. Schriver of Oxford made his statement on the social media platform X, 27 days after the Nov. 5 election, in which the Michigan GOP won back control of the state House, and 30 days before their majority takes office. Because gay marriage is legal in Michigan and elsewhere through a court ruling, Schriver can't alter the policy in his position in the state House. But his remarks likely shine light on how one member of the new majority caucus in the House will approach LGBT legislation. "Make gay marriage illegal again," Schriver wrote Monday. "This is not remotely controversial, nor extreme." However, he received a swift backlash from Michigan Democrats, including Attorney General Dana Nessel, who previously represented the two Hazel Park women who were part of a landmark lawsuit that opened the door for all same-sex couples to legally marry in the United States. Nessel is also married to a woman, Alanna Maguire. The couple married in 2015. "Please explain how dissolving my marriage, or that of the hundreds of thousands of other same-sex couples living in America, provides a benefit to your constituents or anyone else," Nessel wrote on X in response to Schriver Monday. "You’re not interested in helping Michiganders. You want only to hurt those you hate. Shame on you." In addition, Rep. Jason Morgan, D-Ann Arbor, who also is gay, posted on social media that Schriver was "saying my marriage to the man I love should be illegal." "This is definitely both controversial and extreme, along with anti-family," Morgan said. "I grew up believing I'd never be able to get married and I'm not going back." In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage across the country on June 26, 2015, citing the due process and equal protection clauses of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. "The court now holds that same-sex couples may exercise the fundamental right to marry," wrote then-Justice Anthony Kennedy. "No longer may this liberty be denied." Unlike in 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court now has a 6-3 conservative majority. Asked why he wants to ban gay marriage, Schriver, who's in his first House term, responded to The Detroit News by referencing a series of Bible passages. "Jesus defines marriage as between a man and a woman," Schriver wrote, while citing verses in the book of Matthew . In a text message Monday evening, Schriver noted the U.S. Supreme Court has "the power to overturn a past ruling." Schriver also posted on social media Monday a 2004 clip of Democrat Barack Obama discussing marriage being "between a man and a woman." "America only 'accepted' gay marriage after it was thrusted into her by a perverted Supreme Court ruling," Schriver wrote in a comment on the video. Obama came out in support of same-sex marriage in 2012, while he was president . Schriver, who won a second term in November with 68% of the vote, has made controversial comments in the past on social media. In February, Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit, stripped Schriver of his office staff and budget and committee assignment for sharing a racist population conspiracy theory on social media . His posts about gay marriage Monday came after another message on Nov. 25, in which he said he was turning off his social media devices for seven days and going on a trip with family. ©2024 The Detroit News. Visit detroitnews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Lil Wayne, GloRilla, Camila Cabello to perform at College Football National ChampionshipTCU leading scorer Frankie Collins will miss rest of season after breaking left foot

Roivios Initiates Landmark Study to Demonstrate Safety and Efficacy of an Innovative Renal Assist Device for Cardiac Surgery Patients With Kidney Disease NASSAU, Bahamas , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Roivios , a pioneering clinical-stage medical device company dedicated to revolutionizing kidney health, proudly announces that its research and development arm, 3ive Labs, has secured approval for an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) from the FDA. This approval paves the way for a pivotal trial of the JuxtaFlow Renal Assist Device (RAD), marking a transformative step forward in enhancing outcomes for cardiac surgery patients with renal insufficiency. The GRADIENT ( G roundbreaking R enal A ssist D evice I ntervening to EN hance cardio T horacic surgery outcomes) trial is designed to address the critical need for renal support among cardiac surgery patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). These patients often face increased risks of postoperative complications, such as worsening renal dysfunction, which can lead to extended ICU stays and increased mortality. "The GRADIENT Trial offers an invaluable opportunity to further explore renal support during cardiac surgery," said Dr. Evelio Rodriguez , a renowned heart surgeon at Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville, TN , and the National Principal Investigator of the GRADIENT trial. "The JuxtaFlow device offers new hope for some of our most vulnerable patients." JuxtaFlow RAD is an innovative device designed to potentially improve kidney function during times of acute stress. By applying a gentle suction to the kidney's outlet, it aims to enhance blood filtration more efficiently. This groundbreaking approach was recognized with an FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in April. The GRADIENT study will be a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label trial that plans to enroll patients with renal insufficiency (eGFR 15-60 ml/min) undergoing elective or urgent cardiac surgery requiring CPB. The study seeks to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the JuxtaFlow RAD to sustain or enhance renal function during and following CPB surgery. "Achieving Breakthrough Device Designation was instrumental in securing IDE approval," noted John Erbey , Chief Executive Officer at Roivios. "This initiative is the culmination of a decade of technological and clinical advancements in addressing kidney disease management challenges. Our ongoing dialogue with the FDA is paving the way for more effective management, empowering patients to thrive. We are eager to commence IDE enrollment and explore the JuxtaFlow RAD's potential to improve surgical outcomes and enhance patient quality of life." For more information about Roivios and the JuxtaFlow Renal Assist Device, please visit Roivios.com . About JuxtaFlow RAD The JuxtaFlow RAD is a pioneering investigational device set to transform kidney support therapy. Acknowledging the harmful effects of fluid accumulation and pressure on the kidneys, Roivios has advanced beyond traditional blood filtration methods that can further stress the kidneys. By applying mild, controlled negative pressure within the kidney's collecting system, the device has the potential to maintain and improve filtration and support recovery. This novel approach holds promise for a compelling value proposition by preserving kidney function and expediting patient recovery, ultimately reducing hospital stays and associated costs. Equipped with a proprietary specialized catheters and pump, the device optimizes kidney function during critical recovery periods, such as post-surgery. Currently, the JuxtaFlow RAD is under investigation and is not available for sale in any geography. About Roivios Roivios is a clinical-stage medical device company committed to pioneering solutions for kidney health. Our lead product, the JuxtaFlow Renal Assist Device (RAD), is designed to preserve kidney function and offer a proactive approach to managing kidney disease. We aim to demonstrate improved renal outcomes, potentially reducing the need for dialysis, and lowering healthcare costs. Holding proprietary patents in key kidney technologies, we aim to revolutionize kidney disease management. With plans to extend its application beyond kidney disease to various medical settings, Roivios is preparing for a transformative U.S. launch, aiming to redefine kidney disease management and improve patient quality of life. Discover more at roivios.com . This release contains forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ significantly. Media Contact : Kelly Krueger , Krueger PR, kelly@kruegerpr.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fda-grants-ide-approval-for-the-pivotal-trial-of-the-juxtaflow-renal-assist-device-rad-302336698.html SOURCE Roivios, ltdBrazilian police formally accused Bolsonaro of an attempted coup. What comes next?COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Missouri State Highway Patrol said Monday evening that Highway 50 had to be closed east of Tipton because of an RV fire. The patrol's Troop F posted on social media just before 6 p.m. that an RV was "fully engulfed" in flame and had a large amount of propane on it. The road was closed in both directions, the message states. Troopers were asking drivers to avoid the area. 🚠̈U.S. 50 Closed East Of Tipton🚠̈ Troopers are on scene of a fully engulfed RV containing a large amount of propane. Both directions of US 50 are closed at this time. Please avoid the area and use an alternate route. pic.twitter.com/mCMi6EfsSs Check back for updates.

Stronger privacy protections will be put in place to protect the identities of Australians online when a world-first teen social media plan is legislated, as the Coalition works to soothe backbench worries about over-regulation of the internet. Peter Dutton is determined to work with Labor this week to secure passage of the bill banning children under 16 from social media sites, but a growing number of backbenchers including former LNP ministers Keith Pitt and Matt Canavan and MP Garth Hamilton have been expressing concerns about handing over identifying documents to tech giants. LNP senator Matt Canavan. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen In parliament on Monday, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said she welcomed opposition MPs’ assessment of the bill and Labor sources said they were open to good faith amendments from Coalition communications spokesman David Coleman, who first floated the ban in an interview with this masthead in April and who has been working closely with Labor in recent weeks. Labor has played down the prospect of a digital ID but Coalition MPs were told in a joint party room meeting that amendments would be made to the bill to explicitly rule out the use of a digital ID and documents such as passports. Several Coalition MPs in the Canberra party room meeting, speaking anonymously to disclose confidential discussions, confirmed the Coalition had been working on stronger privacy protections with Labor. MPs including leading moderate Bridget Archer, shadow assistant minister Paul Scarr and Canavan expressed concern in the meeting about rushing the bill. This masthead revealed earlier on Monday that a growing number of Coalition MPs were uneasy with Dutton’s intention to go along with Labor’s bill, which many experts, the Greens and teals have described as rushed. MPs were only given three hours to scrutinise the bill in a condensed inquiry on Monday. Experts who appeared at the inquiry were mixed in their views on the extent of social disharmony and mental ill health caused by teens’ use of social media. Leaders of mental health group Headspace said being online affected how teens felt about themselves but the communities they found on digital platforms were also invaluable. Dr Danielle Einstein said the few studies used by social media advocates were flawed, outdated and being used to make disingenuous claims and muddy the waters. Schools were becoming more hostile places as teens took the easier option of making connections online and shunning real-world interactions, she added. “I don’t think the evidence actually shows benefit when you look really carefully,” she said. LNP senator Matt Canavan asked a representative for Meta and other social platforms, DIGI’s Sunita Bose, whether Australians could get around the laws by using a VPN to make it appear they were in another country. Bose said this was “certainly” a risk. “I reckon my 10-year-old could figure it out,” Canavan said. “It’s great we are rushing this.” Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter .Hezbollah attack draws Israeli strikes on Lebanon, killing 11 people and testing ceasefire's limits

Trae Young, Hawks hoping to win big in Vegas at the NBA Cup semifinalsATLANTA , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- APCU/Center Parc Credit Union (APCU/Center Parc) is excited to announce an agreement with MarkIII (MKIII) to enhance credit access for its members. Through this collaboration, APCU/Center Parc will streamline loan approvals, confidently approve more borrowers, and achieve key goals like ROA targets, capital relief, and new member growth. "Working with MKIII is a key step in enhancing our ability to serve our members," said John Anderson , Chief Lending Officer at APCU/Center Parc. "Their technology will enable us to approve more loans confidently and efficiently, ensuring our members receive the financial support they need. This collaboration directly aligns with our mission to help our members and community achieve their financial goals." MKIII's embedded lending enablement platform will deliver seamless, automated loan applications and improved decision-making capabilities. A key feature of the MKIII platform is its "insurability API," allowing credit unions to assess which loans are insurable instantly. By connecting APCU/Center Parc with A-rated insurance carriers, they'll have protection against loan losses. With MKIII's scalable platform, APCU/Center Parc can meet the evolving demands of its diverse membership and community. Will Rose , CEO and Co-founder of MKIII, echoed Anderson's enthusiasm, stating, "We're excited to support APCU/Center Parc lead the charge in credit union innovation. Our platform is designed to enable credit unions to make smarter, faster lending decisions that benefit both the credit union and its members." APCU/Center Parc has been a cornerstone of financial services for postal employees and consumers throughout Georgia and in North Carolina . The credit union's commitment to innovation and service makes this relationship with MKIII a perfect fit to continue its tradition of member-focused solutions. MKIII's technology and capabilities are designed to help credit unions grow responsibly. As APCU/Center Parc continues to grow, this relationship represents an exciting next step in its ability to meet the needs of a diverse and dynamic membership. About APCU/Center Parc At APCU/Center Parc, providing our members first-class service has always been our priority. We're a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative committed to helping hardworking people save money and prosper. For almost 100 years, we've stayed true to these beliefs. As Georgia's oldest credit union, we're proud of our tradition of service. Over the years, APCU/Center Parc assets have grown from an initial investment of $2,505 to more than $2.3 billion . Today, we're one of the largest credit unions in the country. We're proud to serve more than 105,000 members nationwide with a full complement of financial products and services designed to save them money. For more information, visit www.apcu.com . This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. About MarkIII To learn more about partnering with MKIII, you can email partners@mkiii.ai or visit www.mkiii.ai and follow on LinkedIn for updates. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/apcucenter-parc-credit-union-joins-with-markiii-to-expand-access-to-credit-for-members-302336692.html SOURCE APCU/Center Parc Credit Union

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AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:31 p.m. ESTThe White Falcons were perfectly content to be grounded on Friday. Wahama rushed on 40 of its 46 offensive plays and picked up all four of its touchdowns on the ground in a 29-22 win over Cameron in the WVSSAC Class A football state championship game at University of Charleston Stadium at Laidley Field. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Photos: 2024 Class A high school football championship: Wahama 29, Cameron 22 Prep football Class A final: Wahama completes steady climb back to top VIDEO: Highlights - Class A Football Championship: Wahama vs. CameronMILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo was available for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Washington Wizards Saturday night after missing one game with swelling in his left knee. Antetokounmpo sat out the Bucks' 106-103 NBA Cup victory at Miami on Tuesday. The two-time MVP had been listed as probable with tendinopathy in his right patellar tendon. “He's good,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said before the game. Antetokounmpo entered Saturday as the league's leading scorer at 32.4 points per game. He ranked fifth in rebounds (11.9) and 20th in assists (6.4). AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nbaMILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo was available for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Washington Wizards Saturday night after missing one game with swelling in his left knee. Antetokounmpo sat out the Bucks' 106-103 NBA Cup victory at Miami on Tuesday. The two-time MVP had been listed as probable with tendinopathy in his right patellar tendon. “He's good,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said before the game. Antetokounmpo entered Saturday as the league's leading scorer at 32.4 points per game. He ranked fifth in rebounds (11.9) and 20th in assists (6.4). AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba