As one faces the intimidating prospect of a criminal defense case hearing in Louisiana, it becomes imperative to understand the intricacies of this legal process. The significance of securing a seasoned attorney, developing a robust understanding of Louisiana’s unique legal nuances, and acquiring skills to manage the inevitable courtroom anxiety can’t be overstated. Yet, these represent only a fraction of the preparatory steps necessary for such a scenario. What else might we need to contemplate, and how could these elements influence the outcome of your case? The answers to these questions hold the potential to alter the trajectory of your legal journey. The labyrinth of Louisiana’s criminal law, steeped in both civil and common law traditions, is a unique fusion that demands your understanding for a robust defense. Familiarizing yourself with Louisiana statutes, legal terminology, and the criminal procedure is paramount. Firstly, acknowledging the different trial phases is essential in comprehending the trajectory of your case. From the initial arraignment to potential appeals, each phase offers its unique challenges and defense strategies. Additionally, understanding evidence rules can greatly impact your defense. These rules govern what evidence is admissible in court, shaping the narrative that the jury will hear. Speaking of the jury, the jury selection process in Louisiana is an intricate dance of legal strategy. The composition of your jury can considerably influence the outcome of your case. Thus, understanding the selection process is integral to your defense. Furthermore, knowing the sentencing guidelines that apply to your case provides a sobering perspective on potential outcomes. These guidelines, based on Louisiana statutes, outline the potential penalties if convicted. How does one go about choosing a competent legal representative in a criminal defense case? The process of choosing representation requires careful thought and due diligence. It’s not just about hiring a lawyer; it’s about hiring the right lawyer. Attorney qualifications should be at the forefront of your considerations. In Louisiana, a trusted criminal defense attorney in Louisiana will have an extensive understanding of state and federal laws, courtroom procedures, plea bargain strategies, and will have expertise in examining legal evidence. They will also have a well-established reputation for ethical and professional conduct. Experience is another essential factor. A seasoned attorney will have a proven track record in managing cases similar to yours. They should be able to navigate the complexities of the legal system, minimize penalties, or possibly secure a case dismissal. Preparation is key when it comes to gathering relevant case documents for a criminal defense case. This process, often referred to as evidence collection, is an essential component of building a compelling defense strategy. The documents may include police reports, witness statements, photographic evidence, and any other records that may have a bearing on the case. The task of evidence collection involves not only obtaining these documents but also understanding their significance in the context of the case. This requires a keen eye for detail, as seemingly minor elements within these documents could potentially have a major impact on the outcome of the case. After collecting the necessary documents, it’s equally important to organize them effectively. Document organization enables easy access to information when needed, facilitating a streamlined and efficient defense. This could mean categorizing documents based on their type, date, or relevance to particular aspects of the case. When heading into a criminal defense case, your personal testimony can make a substantial difference. The process of testimony preparation is important to guarantee that your narrative is coherent, persuasive, and credible. It is not merely about recounting the events, but rather about presenting them in a manner that strengthens your defense and bolsters your position in the eyes of the court. Testimony preparation begins with a thorough review of the facts and circumstances surrounding the case. A careful analysis of the evidence at hand can help identify key points that need to be emphasized in your testimony. Rehearsal is another essential aspect of preparation. Discussing your testimony with your attorney, and practicing it repeatedly, can help eliminate any inconsistencies or ambiguities. Witness credibility, another important factor, can be greatly influenced by your demeanor, composure, and the consistency of your statements. It is necessary to answer all questions honestly, directly, and succinctly. Remember, every word you utter can either reinforce or undermine your credibility. Therefore, while preparing your testimony, focus on truthfulness, clarity, and consistency to enhance your credibility and increase your chances of a favorable outcome. Aside from preparing a robust testimony, another vital consideration in a criminal defense case is plea bargaining. This process, often overlooked, constitutes a significant portion of the legal landscape in Louisiana. Plea bargaining, fundamentally, is a negotiation between the defense and prosecution, where the accused agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge, in exchange for a more lenient sentence or the dismissal of other charges. Implementing effective plea negotiation strategies is paramount, as it directly impacts the outcome of the case. It requires a keen understanding of the legal framework, the specifics of the case, and the potential implications of different plea options. The defense attorney needs to critically evaluate the evidence, assess the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s case, and use this information to negotiate the best possible deal. The benefits of plea deals are manifold. They can expedite the legal process, reduce the uncertainty associated with jury trials, and, most importantly, minimize the potential penalties. However, plea bargaining should never be taken lightly. It requires careful deliberation and strategic planning, as its outcome can profoundly impact an individual’s life and future. How does one navigate the often turbulent waters of pre-trial publicity in a criminal defense case? The answer lies in a careful, strategic approach that considers the wide-reaching effects of media influence, public perception, and social media. Managing pre-trial publicity involves a well-balanced defense strategy. Controlling case visibility and information leaks is paramount to minimize potential jury bias. This requires a solid understanding of press relations and the ability to effectively utilize social media for reputation management. Public perception can greatly impact the outcome of a case. Hence, it is essential to construct a narrative that is both truthful and favorably positions the defendant. This involves carefully crafting public statements, controlling the dissemination of information, and promptly addressing any negative publicity. As the case gains visibility, it’s important to maintain courtroom decorum. The court’s environment must remain neutral and free from external influences. This can be achieved by adhering to strict protocols in and out of court, limiting interactions with the media, and practicing discretion on social media platforms. In managing pre-trial publicity, the goal is to preserve the integrity of the legal process, ensuring a fair trial for everyone involved. Facing the anxiety inherent in a court hearing is a significant aspect of any criminal defense case. To effectively manage this stress, it is essential to explore a range of techniques that can help maintain composure in the courtroom. In the following sections, we will examine the nature of hearing day anxiety, present proven stress management strategies, and discuss how to stay composed throughout the court proceedings. The anxiety that grips a defendant’s heart as the hearing day approaches is not unusual. This emotion, often referred to as hearing anxiety, is a common response to the uncertainty and pressure associated with a pending legal proceeding. The combination of anticipation, fear of the unknown, and the gravity of the situation can create a maelstrom of emotions that can be overwhelming. Courtroom nerves, another aspect of hearing anxiety, arise from the formal and often intimidating environment of the courtroom. This can be amplified by the presence of the judge, attorneys, court clerks, and possibly a jury. The formal procedures, legal jargon, and the potential life-altering outcomes can contribute to a heightened sense of anxiety and stress. Understanding hearing day anxiety is essential for defendants. It is not a sign of weakness or an indication of guilt. Rather, it is a human response to a high-stress situation. By recognizing and acknowledging this form of anxiety, defendants can take the first step towards managing their stress levels and preparing mentally and emotionally for their hearing day. Maneuvering the intricate labyrinth of hearing day stress requires an all-encompassing understanding of effective stress management techniques. Traversing this emotional terrain involves a multifaceted approach, where the application of mindfulness practices and breathing exercises comes to the fore. Mindfulness practices are an essential component of stress management. These practices are not only useful for managing stress but also for fostering a sense of tranquility in the midst of chaos. Regular mindfulness practice can help you stay focused and calm, allowing you to respond to stressful situations rather than react impulsively. This method can be as simple as taking a few moments each day to consciously observe your thoughts and feelings without judgement. Breathing exercises, on the other hand, provide an immediate sense of relief. These exercises involve slow, deep breaths that can reduce your heart rate, lower blood pressure, and promote relaxation. Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can bolster your resilience to stress and improve your overall wellbeing. Amid the high-stakes atmosphere of a courtroom, maintaining your composure can be a formidable challenge. Your courtroom demeanor plays a critical role in how you are perceived by the judge, jury, and opposing counsel. The way you present yourself can influence the outcome of your case, making emotional control an essential skill to master. To maintain composure, begin by understanding the court proceedings. Familiarize yourself with the etiquette required in a courtroom setting and work with your defense attorney to anticipate possible scenarios. This preparedness can help to alleviate anxiety, enabling you to exhibit a composed demeanor. Next, practice emotional control. This doesn’t mean suppressing your feelings, but rather managing them in a way that doesn’t negatively impact your case. If you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to steady your breathing and refocus your thoughts. Keep in mind that it’s okay to show emotion, but excessive display may be perceived as a lack of control or credibility. The typical length of a criminal defense case hearing in Louisiana is not fixed. It hinges on hearing duration and case complexity, which can range from a few hours to multiple days or even weeks. In Louisiana, the jury selection process begins with assembling a diverse jury pool. Jurors are then given instructions and questioned by attorneys to guarantee impartiality, leading to the final selection of unbiased jury members. In Louisiana courts, appropriate courtroom attire and a professional demeanor are essential. Dress should be conservative and respectful, avoiding casual clothes. Maintain a polite and calm demeanor, showing respect for the court’s proceedings and officials. Yes, in Louisiana, you can request a venue change for your hearing. However, significant legal grounds must exist for this request. Consult with your defense attorney to assess the feasibility and strategy for this action. In Louisiana, a conviction can considerably impact employment prospects due to employment discrimination and mandatory background checks, potentially limiting access to certain jobs and creating hurdles in career advancement.The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) proudly participated in the Caribbean Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). This premier event, renowned for bringing together hospitality and tourism professionals from across the Caribbean, featured expert-led sessions, the Exchange Hub showcasing allied member displays, and the prestigious CHIEF Awards. During this year’s forum, the GHTA was honoured to receive the 2024 CHIEF Award for Social Responsibility, a recognition of its unwavering commitment to community welfare and resilience. In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, the GHTA demonstrated exceptional leadership by providing essential updates, wellness checks, and relief items to those affected. Their proactive approach ensured the safety and awareness of the community during a challenging time, exemplifying the power of collaboration and support in the tourism sector. The GHTA was also the first runner-up for the 2024 CHIEF Award for Environmental Sustainability. “We are incredibly proud to have been recognised for our efforts in social responsibility,” said Arlene Friday, CEO of GHTA. “This award reflects our dedication to not only promoting tourism in Grenada but also ensuring the well-being of our community. Our response during Hurricane Beryl was a testament to the strength and resilience of our members and the importance of standing together in times of crisis.” The CHIEF forum serves as a vital platform for exchanging ideas, networking, and exploring innovative strategies to enhance the Caribbean tourism experience. GHTA’s participation underscores its commitment to engaging with industry leaders and stakeholders to drive sustainable growth and development within the region. As GHTA continues to champion the interests of Grenada’s tourism sector, it remains focused on fostering collaboration and resilience in the face of challenges. The association looks forward to leveraging insights gained from CHIEF to further enhance the tourism landscape in Grenada. GHTA
Stock market today: Rising tech stocks pull Wall Street to another recordAlphabet Inc. ( NASDAQ:GOOGL – Get Free Report ) traded up 0% on Thursday . The company traded as high as $196.33 and last traded at $196.17. 3,427,217 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 88% from the average session volume of 27,552,244 shares. The stock had previously closed at $196.11. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts have commented on the stock. China Renaissance raised shares of Alphabet from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, October 31st. Seaport Res Ptn upgraded Alphabet from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 29th. Robert W. Baird reiterated an “outperform” rating and issued a $205.00 target price on shares of Alphabet in a report on Tuesday, December 10th. BMO Capital Markets restated an “outperform” rating and set a $217.00 price target (up from $215.00) on shares of Alphabet in a report on Wednesday, October 30th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of Alphabet from $190.00 to $205.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 30th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirty-one have issued a buy rating and four have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $206.69. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Alphabet Alphabet Stock Performance Alphabet ( NASDAQ:GOOGL – Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 29th. The information services provider reported $2.12 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.83 by $0.29. The firm had revenue of $88.27 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $72.85 billion. Alphabet had a net margin of 27.74% and a return on equity of 31.66%. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.55 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Alphabet Inc. will post 8.01 EPS for the current year. Alphabet Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 9th were issued a dividend of $0.20 per share. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.42%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 9th. Alphabet’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 10.61%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Alphabet news, Director Kavitark Ram Shriram sold 10,500 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $180.78, for a total value of $1,898,190.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 330,466 shares in the company, valued at $59,741,643.48. This trade represents a 3.08 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink . Also, Director John L. Hennessy sold 1,500 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $164.95, for a total value of $247,425.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 26,324 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,342,143.80. This represents a 5.39 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold 161,455 shares of company stock worth $28,462,960 over the last quarter. 11.55% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Christopher J. Hasenberg Inc lifted its position in Alphabet by 75.0% during the second quarter. Christopher J. Hasenberg Inc now owns 140 shares of the information services provider’s stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares during the last quarter. LMR Partners LLP bought a new stake in shares of Alphabet during the 3rd quarter worth $32,000. Kings Path Partners LLC purchased a new position in Alphabet in the second quarter worth $36,000. Denver PWM LLC bought a new position in Alphabet in the second quarter valued at $41,000. Finally, Quarry LP purchased a new stake in Alphabet during the second quarter valued at about $53,000. Institutional investors own 40.03% of the company’s stock. About Alphabet ( Get Free Report ) Alphabet Inc offers various products and platforms in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia-Pacific, Canada, and Latin America. It operates through Google Services, Google Cloud, and Other Bets segments. The Google Services segment provides products and services, including ads, Android, Chrome, devices, Gmail, Google Drive, Google Maps, Google Photos, Google Play, Search, and YouTube. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Alphabet Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alphabet and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
Our top photos from the MHSAA D2 football semifinal between East Lansing and Byron CenterLauren is a thought leader in Digital Journal’s Insight Forum ( become a member ). Accuracy, fairness, and independence have long defined journalistic standards. As newsrooms embrace data-driven processes with open arms, human judgment, independence, and expertise are confronted by algorithmic systems that prioritize optimization over traditional journalistic values. The rise of algorithms has reshaped journalism, raising urgent questions about journalistic authority and who controls the narrative. Journalistic language is evolving — from informing audiences to appeasing search engines — where traditional values now bow to production demands. With an increased access to information comes an increased competition to be found , trusted and read . The grounding of human judgment, independence and expertise is now confronted by clouded algorithmic requirements in order to get a journalist’s perspective front and centre. What difference, if any, do these human standards make when machines become essential members of the news-production team? How are these principles transformed when algorithms are introduced into journalism, influencing everything from story selection to content distribution? From story selection to distribution, algorithms now shape every stage of the news cycle, guided by audience-engagement metrics. While technology is often seen and understood as objective, algorithms are fundamentally influenced by the values of their human creators and the datasets they have selected. This becomes particularly controversial when these algorithms are then introduced as a way to prioritize content in the newsroom based on predictions of potential audience engagement. Social media platforms have become gatekeepers of news, with algorithms deciding what content gets seen. This reliance forces newsrooms to prioritize algorithm-friendly content, often at the expense of journalistic integrity and independence. The prioritization of sensationalism over depth, or even fact, as well as the offer of personalization, become unintended consequences of adopting an “objective” technology, slowly but surely eroding journalistic integrity in favour of click-driven content. The algorithmic landscape’s first substantive challenge to journalistic standards lies in exacerbating an already complex tension: the aspiration for impartiality versus the need for engagement. With algorithms dictating publication and distribution, journalists face mounting pressure to craft stories that inform — and captivate. This balancing act is further complicated by the ways algorithms shape not just distribution but also the content itself. When it comes to the actual articles we read, the impact of algorithms becomes more concerning still as we are seeing a new trend in automated articles created by large language models and algorithmic compilations of content. Automated journalism excels at summarizing data but lacks the nuance, depth, and critical perspective that define high-quality reporting. This of course can lead to fears of replacing journalists and eroding diverse human perspectives. In a surprising turn of events, it is precisely the human bias, the lack of perceived objectivity, that gives journalism the edge over tech-generated content. It is human judgment, contextual understanding and the ethical considerations of journalists that the algorithms cannot replicate. Consider, for example, a breaking news story about a local protest. An algorithm might prioritize articles based on engagement metrics — boosting headlines that feature sensational phrases like “clashes erupt” or “violent riots.” However, a journalist on the ground brings a nuanced perspective: they can recognize the protest’s underlying social and economic issues, interview participants to understand their motivations, and ensure that the coverage reflects diverse voices, not just the most clickable angles. Algorithms lack the ability to question the narratives it promotes or to see beyond the data. This is where human judgment is indispensable — it ensures that the story isn’t reduced to a sensational headline but instead provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the event, fostering informed discourse rather than polarization. Maintaining this positionality in light of the previous argument for click-based sensationalism then becomes a challenge to journalistic authority and authenticity — is it still journalism if accuracy and public interest are challenged by engagement-based models? Transparency and disclosure have emerged as central themes in our analysis. As algorithms become more embedded in journalism, the need to openly acknowledge their influence on news production finds itself rising to the forefront. Despite its growing influence, the industry struggles to disclose algorithmic involvement to audiences. Without proper disclosure, the lines between human editorial judgment and algorithmic decision-making blur, raising serious ethical questions. We have all heard at this point that bias and transparency are not exactly strong points for algorithms, especially given that they are trained on historical (and historically biased) data. The perpetuation and exacerbation of societal biases and inequalities then becomes even more prevalent in the magnifying glass that is large data models and artificial intelligence. Disclosure of use of algorithms and AI to generate content and push it to readers is not something that is yet regulated which puts the responsibility back on the company and its readership to determine accountability for transparency and erosion of the human in the loop. To me, the human in the loop represents more than just oversight — it’s about maintaining a vital connection between technology and humanity. It’s the journalist’s ability to apply ethics, context, and critical thinking to ensure the stories we consume reflect the complexity of the world, not just the calculations of an algorithm and the priorities of the people who created it. Without this human element, journalism risks losing the empathy and insight that make it more than just a delivery system for information — it becomes the soul of storytelling itself. We are now living in an era where perception often is reality, especially in journalism and media. The way stories are framed, the headlines we scroll past, and the platforms that surface them shape what audiences believe to be true. Algorithms, designed to optimize for engagement, have exacerbated this phenomenon by prioritizing content that aligns with existing biases, incites strong emotions, or simply keeps users scrolling. In this system, the loudest voices and most sensational stories dominate, while nuance and context are often left behind. The danger is clear: when algorithms amplify perception over fact, they don’t just distort the narrative—they redefine it entirely. Consider the rise of “fake news” during election cycles or the selective visibility of certain voices in social movements. An algorithm prioritizing divisive content because it drives clicks might inadvertently tilt public perception, making a fringe viewpoint appear mainstream or a misleading headline go viral. In this reality, perception is not just shaped by the truth — it becomes the truth for many consumers. Without human judgment to interrogate these narratives, journalism risks becoming a tool of manipulation rather than a force for accountability. The human in the loop, then, isn’t just a safeguard; it’s the last line of defense against a world where algorithms define reality. The key question isn’t what to do about journalism’s changing landscape — it’s how these shifts reshape news-reporting standards. When algorithms dictate content visibility, core journalistic principles like accuracy, independence, and public trust are forced to adapt. Can these values survive in an engagement-driven system, or must they evolve? As technology continues to dominate, journalism faces a crossroads: reconcile traditional ideals with algorithmic realities, or risk losing its relevance and authority. Dr. Lauren Dwyer is an Assistant Professor with Mount Royal University's Information Design undergraduate program researching the role of emerging technologies in communication studies. Dr. Dwyer holds a PhD from Toronto Metropolitan University and York University’s joint Communication and Culture program, where she explored how social robots can be designed to enhance human communication and emotional experiences. Formerly SAIT’s Academic Chair for Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, she oversaw the development of programs that focus on utilizing data and AI to drive innovation in various fields. Her research interests currently lie at the intersection of emerging technology and human communication, particularly in relation to social robots and artificial intelligence. By approaching these complex topics through a communication studies lens, she has been able to shed new light on the potential impact of technology on human emotions and social connections. Lauren is a member of Digital Journal's Insight Forum.
Aidan O'Connell shows in loss to Chiefs that he is the Raiders' QB for the rest of season
MAA Announces Regular Quarterly Preferred DividendNEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans tight end Taysom Hill is likely to miss the rest of the season after injuring his knee in the Saints' loss to the Los Angeles Rams. “It looks like an ACL tear,” interim coach Darren Rizzi said Monday. “He’ll probably get a second opinion, but it looks like it will be season-ending.” Hill, who is listed at tight end but plays a variety of roles, was carted off the field after taking a hard hit to his left knee while converting a fourth down on a direct snap in the Saints’ 21-14 loss Sunday to the Rams. The injury came one game after he'd posted a career-best 138 yards rushing and scored three touchdowns in a victory over Cleveland. He also has lined up at quarterback and running back, as well as playing special teams. “It means everybody else has to step up,” Rizzi said. “He fills so many roles, so there are going to be a lot of different guys that have to be a part of the solution there. It’s hard to sit here and tell you we are going to replace Taysom. You can’t. He’s a phenomenal person, player, leader and captain. It’s a big loss." Hill is the third key offensive player the Saints have lost. He joins leading wide receivers Chris Olave, who suffered a concussion in Week 9 and has not played since, and Rashid Shaheed, who is out for the year after tearing a meniscus in Week 7. Rizzi said guard Nick Saldiveri also might miss the remaining five games after injuring his left knee in the fourth quarter one series before Hill. Without Hill, though, the Saints’ quest to get back in the NFC South race became even tougher. At 4-8, they trail Atlanta and Tampa Bay by two games. Hill has 99 catches, 437 carries, 302 passes, 44 touchdowns, 19 tackles and one blocked kick in seven years with the Saints. “I don’t know if I can compare Taysom to anybody else that I’ve ever coached,” Rizzi said. “There’s not a guy that comes to mind that has been able to do all the different things he’s been able to do just in one game, forget about his career." Alvin Kamara had his third 100-yard rushing game of the year and is 106 yards away from the first 1,000-yard season of his eight-year career. He needs only 39 more yards to set a career high. His 206 carries are the third most in his career. Los Angeles averaged 5.4 yards per carry, finishing with 156 yards. Rams running back Kyren Williams said they knew at halftime they would win if they stuck to the ground game, and he carried seven times on the opening series of the third quarter as they took the lead. The Saints have allowed 5.1 yards per carry for the season — tied for last with the New York Giants. Signed in late October after Shaheed’s season-ending surgery, Marquez Valdes-Scantling has become Derek Carr’s go-to receiver for big plays. His 28-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter was the Saints’ longest gain of the day and his fourth score in the past three games. Tight end Foster Moreau, a reliable performer all year, could not handle Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse on the Saints’ final offensive snap, allowing him to hit Carr as he released a pass on fourth-and-3 from the Los Angeles 9 with New Orleans trailing by 7. Although the news was bad for Hill and Saldiveri, Rizzi said he expected starting center Erik McCoy to play Sunday against the Giants. McCoy was scratched against the Rams after aggravating a groin injury two weeks earlier versus Cleveland in his first game back since missing seven in a row. Rizzi said oft-injured running back Kendre Miller, who has played in two games this year, might return from a hamstring injury Sunday. 2 — The number of sacks for the Saints, not enough to keep Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford from finding his rhythm in the second half. In the Rams’ last five losses, he has been sacked 20 times. In their last five wins, he has been sacked three times. With their NFC South hopes on life support, the Saints travel to face the reeling Giants, who have lost seven in a row. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
NEW YORK, Dec 3 (Reuters) - Alex Mashinsky , the founder and former CEO of cryptocurrency lender Celsius Network, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to two counts of fraud. Mashinsky, 59, was indicted on July 13, 2023, on seven counts of fraud, conspiracy and market manipulation charges. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan said he misled customers of Celsius to persuade them to invest, and artificially inflated the value of his company's proprietary crypto token. He pleaded not guilty later that day. On Tuesday, during a hearing before U.S. District Judge John Koeltl, Mashinsky said he pleaded guilty to two out of the seven counts he was initially charged with: commodities fraud, and a fraudulent scheme to manipulate the price of CEL, Celsius’ in-house token. In court, Mashinsky admitted to giving Celsius customers “false comfort” by giving an interview in 2021 in which he said Celsius had received approval from regulators for its “Earn” program, which it had not. He said he also failed to disclose that he had been selling his holdings of CEL, the platform’s in-house token. “I know what I did was wrong, and I want to try to do whatever I can to make it right,” Mashinsky said. As part of his plea deal with prosecutors, Mashinsky agreed not to appeal any sentence of 30 years or less - the maximum he faces for the two counts. Mashinsky was one of several crypto moguls to be charged with fraud after a slump in crypto prices in 2022 caused a number of companies, including now-bankrupt exchange FTX, to collapse. Prices for digital assets like Bitcoin have since surged, in part due to optimism about U.S. President-elect Donald Trump 's expected policies friendly toward cryptocurrency. Founded in 2017, Celsius filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in July 2022 after customers rushed to withdraw deposits as crypto prices fell. Many were initially unable to access their funds. The company exited bankruptcy on Jan. 31, and has pivoted to Bitcoin mining. Crypto lenders such as Celsius grew rapidly as crypto prices surged during the COVID pandemic. They promised easy loan access and eye-popping interest rates to depositors, then lent out tokens to institutional investors, hoping to profit from the difference. Celsius was among the first in a series of bankruptcies in the cryptocurrency sector in 2022 as token prices cratered amid rising interest rates and stubbornly high inflation. It filed for bankruptcy shortly after Singapore-based crypto hedge fund Three Arrows Capital and rival crypto lender Voyager Digital did so. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan accused Mashinsky and Celsius' former chief revenue officer, Roni Cohen-Pavon, with manipulating the market for the company's crypto token, known as Cel. Cohen-Pavon pleaded guilty in September 2023 and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors' investigation. Prosecutors have said Mashinsky also personally reaped approximately $42 million in proceeds from selling his holdings of the Cel token. FTX's founder Sam Bankman-Fried was convicted of stealing roughly $8 billion from the exchange's customers in November 2023 and sentenced in March to 25 years in prison. Sign up here. Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Additional reporting by Dietrich Knauth in New York; Editing by Noeleen Walder, Will Dunham and Deepa Babington Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab Thomson Reuters Reports on the New York federal courts. Previously worked as a correspondent in Venezuela and Argentina.
TXNM Energy and Public Service Company of New Mexico Declare Quarterly Dividends ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of TXNM Energy TXNM today voted to increase the company's annual dividend payment by $0.08 , a 5.2% increase, to an indicated annual rate of $1.63 per share of common stock. The board has declared the resulting quarterly stock dividend of $0.4075 per share, payable February 14, 2025 , to shareholders of record at the close of business January 31, 2025 . Also today, the Board of Directors of Public Service Company of New Mexico , wholly owned subsidiary of TXNM Energy, declared the regular quarterly dividend of $1.145 per share on the 4.58 percent series of cumulative preferred stock. The preferred stock dividend is payable January 15, 2025 , to shareholders of record at the close of business December 31, 2024 . Background: TXNM Energy TXNM , an energy holding company based in Albuquerque, New Mexico , delivers energy to more than 800,000 homes and businesses across Texas and New Mexico through its regulated utilities, TNMP and PNM. For more information, visit the company's website at www.TXNMEnergy.com . Contacts: Analysts Media Lisa Goodman Corporate Communications (505) 241-2160 (505) 241-2743 Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Statements made in this news release for TXNM Energy, Inc. ("TXNM"), Public Service Company of New Mexico ("PNM"), or Texas-New Mexico Power Company ("TNMP") (collectively, the "Company") that relate to future events or expectations, projections, estimates, intentions, goals, targets, and strategies, including the unaudited financial results and earnings guidance, are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned that all forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and estimates and apply only as of the date of this report. TXNM, PNM, and TNMP assume no obligation to update this information. Because actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, TXNM, PNM, and TNMP caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements. TXNM's, PNM's, and TNMP's business, financial condition, cash flow, and operating results are influenced by many factors, which are often beyond their control, that can cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of risk factors and other important factors affecting forward-looking statements, please see the Company's Form 10-K, Form 10-Q filings and the information included in the Company's Forms 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which factors are specifically incorporated by reference herein. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/txnm-energy-increases-common-dividend-302321617.html SOURCE TXNM Energy, Inc. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Australia's prime minister said Sunday he was ready to "engage" with billionaire X owner Elon Musk over his criticism of the government's ban on under-16s joining social media. Anthony Albanese hailed the parliament's Thursday passage of landmark legislation requiring social media firms to take "reasonable steps" to prevent young teens from having accounts. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba becoming key offensive option
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