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Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal with the industry being squeezed by discount chains and other competition. Public companies are under a lot more scrutiny and if private, the Nordstrom may have more leeway in reviving a department store chain that has been attempting to reinvigorate sales for years. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Minister suspends 3 doctors In KulgamSingapore was the most actively traded cash market in Asean and among the Asia-Pacific developed markets. Therese Soh SINGAPORE - The Singapore Exchange’s (SGX) total securities market turnover value rose 51 per cent year on year (yoy) to $30.2 billion in November, based on the bourse operator’s monthly market statistics report released on Dec 9. This represented a 12 per cent rise from October’s $26.9 billion. November’s total market volume stood at 28.1 billion shares, up 12 per cent compared with 25.2 billion shares in the same month in the previous year, but down 10.9 per cent month on month from October’s 31.6 billion shares. Notably, the securities daily average value rose to $1.4 billion, up 51 per cent yoy from $952 million, and 17.3 per cent month on month from $1.2 billion in October. “Singapore was the most actively traded cash market in Asean and among the Asia-Pacific developed markets, with robust activity across all client segments in index stocks and real estate investment trusts (Reits) amid interest-rate expectations and following the US elections,” SGX said. The Straits Times Index, Singapore’s stock benchmark, emerged as Asean’s top performer. It led the region’s markets with a 17-year high for three consecutive days, advancing 5.1 per cent to 3,739.29 points in November from 3,558.88 in the month before. Its performance was fuelled by a rally of banking stocks amid strong quarterly results, the bourse operator said. It added that the turnover was further lifted by the addition of Yangzijiang Shipbuilding to the MSCI Singapore Index. SGX welcomed the secondary listing of Hong Kong-based electronics company PC Partner Group on its mainboard alongside two new listings on its Catalist board – karaoke operator Goodwill Entertainment and commercial interior decoration and engineering company Attika Group. November’s derivatives volume advanced 17 per cent on the year to 26.1 million contracts from 22.4 million across equities, foreign exchange (FX) and commodities. Equity index futures traded volume rose 17 per cent on the year to 14.5 million contracts, driven by a 34 per cent yoy rise in the volume of SGX FTSE China A50 Index Futures – the world’s most liquid international futures for Chinese equities. On the FX front, the total FX futures traded volume reached an all-time high of 6.1 million contracts, climbing 50 per cent yoy from 4.1 million. SGX KRW/USD FX Futures volume grew 40 per cent on the month to 550,895 lots, clocking a single-day record of 76,444 lots on Nov 13. On the commodities front, November welcomed the addition of the SGX Iron Ore 62 per cent contract into the Dow Jones Commodity Index from January 2025. “This marked a milestone for Asia’s first global commodity, reflecting the growing importance and recognition of iron ore in the international commodities market,” noted SGX. The traded volume of futures and options on SGX Sicom rubber – the global pricing benchmark for natural rubber – rose 30 per cent on the year, while the petrochemicals derivative volume climbed 52 per cent on the year. RHB’s call In a Dec 9 report, RHB maintained its “neutral” call on SGX as November’s securities turnover and derivatives trading volume tracked estimates. RHB analyst Shekhar Jaiswal said that his investment thesis remained unchanged. The boost to SGX’s securities turnover – a result of rising investor interest in Singapore equities alongside active trading in index stocks, especially banks and Reits – was “in line with expectations”. “Although the derivatives data was soft month on month, we expect markets to remain volatile for a few months and support strong derivative volumes,” he added, with the market anticipating the impact of US President-elect Donald Trump’s policies on economic growth, interest rates and geopolitics. THE BUSINESS TIMES Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel now
Ex-minister cites 'threat to security' for denying emergency passport to AbdelrazikNotice of Convening Hearing
Experts claim patience isn’t a virtue, but a coping mechanismBy HALELUYA HADERO The emergence of generative artificial intelligence tools that allow people to efficiently produce novel and detailed online reviews with almost no work has put merchants , service providers and consumers in uncharted territory, watchdog groups and researchers say. Related Articles National News | Mega Millions jackpot nears $1 billion ahead of Christmas Eve drawing National News | The Container Store, buffeted by rough housing market and competition, seeks bankruptcy protection National News | An ex-police officer is convicted of lying about leaks to the Proud Boys leader National News | Suicide rate among veterans held steady in 2022 with guns accounting for most deaths, VA’s latest report concludes National News | 2 US Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent ‘friendly fire’ incident, US military says Phony reviews have long plagued many popular consumer websites, such as Amazon and Yelp. They are typically traded on private social media groups between fake review brokers and businesses willing to pay. Sometimes, such reviews are initiated by businesses that offer customers incentives such as gift cards for positive feedback. But AI-infused text generation tools, popularized by OpenAI’s ChatGPT , enable fraudsters to produce reviews faster and in greater volume, according to tech industry experts. The deceptive practice, which is illegal in the U.S. , is carried out year-round but becomes a bigger problem for consumers during the holiday shopping season , when many people rely on reviews to help them purchase gifts. Fake reviews are found across a wide range of industries, from e-commerce, lodging and restaurants, to services such as home repairs, medical care and piano lessons. The Transparency Company, a tech company and watchdog group that uses software to detect fake reviews, said it started to see AI-generated reviews show up in large numbers in mid-2023 and they have multiplied ever since. For a report released this month, The Transparency Company analyzed 73 million reviews in three sectors: home, legal and medical services. Nearly 14% of the reviews were likely fake, and the company expressed a “high degree of confidence” that 2.3 million reviews were partly or entirely AI-generated. “It’s just a really, really good tool for these review scammers,” said Maury Blackman, an investor and advisor to tech startups, who reviewed The Transparency Company’s work and is set to lead the organization starting Jan. 1. In August, software company DoubleVerify said it was observing a “significant increase” in mobile phone and smart TV apps with reviews crafted by generative AI. The reviews often were used to deceive customers into installing apps that could hijack devices or run ads constantly, the company said. The following month, the Federal Trade Commission sued the company behind an AI writing tool and content generator called Rytr, accusing it of offering a service that could pollute the marketplace with fraudulent reviews. The FTC, which this year banned the sale or purchase of fake reviews, said some of Rytr’s subscribers used the tool to produce hundreds and perhaps thousands of reviews for garage door repair companies, sellers of “replica” designer handbags and other businesses. Max Spero, CEO of AI detection company Pangram Labs, said the software his company uses has detected with almost certainty that some AI-generated appraisals posted on Amazon bubbled up to the top of review search results because they were so detailed and appeared to be well thought-out. But determining what is fake or not can be challenging. External parties can fall short because they don’t have “access to data signals that indicate patterns of abuse,” Amazon has said. Pangram Labs has done detection for some prominent online sites, which Spero declined to name due to non-disclosure agreements. He said he evaluated Amazon and Yelp independently. Many of the AI-generated comments on Yelp appeared to be posted by individuals who were trying to publish enough reviews to earn an “Elite” badge, which is intended to let users know they should trust the content, Spero said. The badge provides access to exclusive events with local business owners. Fraudsters also want it so their Yelp profiles can look more realistic, said Kay Dean, a former federal criminal investigator who runs a watchdog group called Fake Review Watch. To be sure, just because a review is AI-generated doesn’t necessarily mean its fake. Some consumers might experiment with AI tools to generate content that reflects their genuine sentiments. Some non-native English speakers say they turn to AI to make sure they use accurate language in the reviews they write. “It can help with reviews (and) make it more informative if it comes out of good intentions,” said Michigan State University marketing professor Sherry He, who has researched fake reviews. She says tech platforms should focus on the behavioral patters of bad actors, which prominent platforms already do, instead of discouraging legitimate users from turning to AI tools. Prominent companies are developing policies for how AI-generated content fits into their systems for removing phony or abusive reviews. Some already employ algorithms and investigative teams to detect and take down fake reviews but are giving users some flexibility to use AI. Spokespeople for Amazon and Trustpilot, for example, said they would allow customers to post AI-assisted reviews as long as they reflect their genuine experience. Yelp has taken a more cautious approach, saying its guidelines require reviewers to write their own copy. “With the recent rise in consumer adoption of AI tools, Yelp has significantly invested in methods to better detect and mitigate such content on our platform,” the company said in a statement. The Coalition for Trusted Reviews, which Amazon, Trustpilot, employment review site Glassdoor, and travel sites Tripadvisor, Expedia and Booking.com launched last year, said that even though deceivers may put AI to illicit use, the technology also presents “an opportunity to push back against those who seek to use reviews to mislead others.” “By sharing best practice and raising standards, including developing advanced AI detection systems, we can protect consumers and maintain the integrity of online reviews,” the group said. The FTC’s rule banning fake reviews, which took effect in October, allows the agency to fine businesses and individuals who engage in the practice. Tech companies hosting such reviews are shielded from the penalty because they are not legally liable under U.S. law for the content that outsiders post on their platforms. Tech companies, including Amazon, Yelp and Google, have sued fake review brokers they accuse of peddling counterfeit reviews on their sites. The companies say their technology has blocked or removed a huge swath of suspect reviews and suspicious accounts. However, some experts say they could be doing more. “Their efforts thus far are not nearly enough,” said Dean of Fake Review Watch. “If these tech companies are so committed to eliminating review fraud on their platforms, why is it that I, one individual who works with no automation, can find hundreds or even thousands of fake reviews on any given day?” Consumers can try to spot fake reviews by watching out for a few possible warning signs , according to researchers. Overly enthusiastic or negative reviews are red flags. Jargon that repeats a product’s full name or model number is another potential giveaway. When it comes to AI, research conducted by Balázs Kovács, a Yale professor of organization behavior, has shown that people can’t tell the difference between AI-generated and human-written reviews. Some AI detectors may also be fooled by shorter texts, which are common in online reviews, the study said. However, there are some “AI tells” that online shoppers and service seekers should keep it mind. Panagram Labs says reviews written with AI are typically longer, highly structured and include “empty descriptors,” such as generic phrases and attributes. The writing also tends to include cliches like “the first thing that struck me” and “game-changer.” Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Virginia Beach Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent ‘friendly fire’ incident; recovered alive Virginia Beach Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent ‘friendly fire’ incident; recovered alive Police identify Hampton man found dead at Great Dismal Swamp Police identify Hampton man found dead at Great Dismal Swamp Williamsburg regional sports complex gets new name Williamsburg regional sports complex gets new name Hampton considers accessory dwelling units as solution to housing shortage Hampton considers accessory dwelling units as solution to housing shortage James City County police celebrate 2 furry additions for new K-9 unit James City County police celebrate 2 furry additions for new K-9 unit David Teel: Norfolk State is back in national headlines. It’s imperative Michael Vick gets support. David Teel: Norfolk State is back in national headlines. It’s imperative Michael Vick gets support. Larry Rubama: 16 years ago, a teenage football player was killed. His namesake — a rising star — just won a state title. Larry Rubama: 16 years ago, a teenage football player was killed. His namesake — a rising star — just won a state title. All things bright and beautiful: Annual Colonial Williamsburg wreath decorating contest brings out color All things bright and beautiful: Annual Colonial Williamsburg wreath decorating contest brings out color Live: Michael Vick introduced as Norfolk State’s coach Live: Michael Vick introduced as Norfolk State’s coach John Hinckley Jr. cancels plans to play free Newport News concert John Hinckley Jr. cancels plans to play free Newport News concert Trending Nationally Party City immediately closing all stores after 38 years in business Conflicting images of Luigi Mangione create dual narratives of UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting suspect Pilots start job searches as airline hiring slows and cutbacks hit Spirit, JetBlue Discount retail chain Big Lots to start ‘going out of business’ sales at all stores nationwide KFC’s new ‘Saucy!’ concept restaurant to open in FloridaJustin Baldoni was honored earlier this month by Vital Voices, a non-profit working with female business leaders, for his “vital role as a male [ally]” to women and using “his platform to inspire meaningful societal change.” The organization rescinded the Voices of Solidarity Award on Monday after Blake Lively filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against the “It Ends With Us” director. “The Voices of Solidarity Award honors remarkable men who have shown courage and compassion in advocating on behalf of women and girls. On December 9, 2024, we recognized Justin Baldoni with this award. On Saturday, December 21, we learned through news reports about a lawsuit brought by Blake Lively against Mr. Baldoni, his publicists, and others that is disturbing and alleges abhorrent conduct,” Vital Voices said in a statment on its website. “The communications among Mr. Baldoni and his publicists included in the lawsuit — and the PR effort they indicate — are, alone, contrary to the values of Vital Voices and the spirit of the Award. We have notified Mr. Baldoni that we have rescinded this award.” On Saturday, the New York Times reported that Lively filed a complaint that accused Baldoni of sexual harassment, fostering a toxic work environment and trying to tarnish her reputation with a targeted smear campaign on social media. Lively alleges that Baldoni’s behavior caused her and her family “severe emotional harm.” Baldoni’s lawyer Bryan Freedman called Lively’s complaint “shameful” and full of “categorically false accusations.” During the “It Ends With Us” press tour, rumors were rampant that Lively and Baldoni didn’t get along on set as the two leads of the film didn’t do press together and steered clear of each other at the New York City premiere. Lively faced a wave of online criticism ahead of the movie’s theatrical release for downplaying the domestic violence storyline (she plays a florist who finds herself in an abusive relationship) and using the media coverage to promote her new haircare line. “It Ends With Us” became a huge box office hit for Sony, earning $350 million at the worldwide box office against a $25 million budget. In wake of the lawsuit, famous faces such as Amy Schumer and Lively’s “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” co-stars America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel have spoken out in support of Lively. Colleen Hoover, the author of “It Ends With us,” also praised Lively for going public with allegations against Baldoni. “You have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met,” Hoover wrote on Instagram. “Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt.”
Bill Clinton, the former US president who has faced a series of health issues over the years, was admitted to hospital Monday in Washington after developing a fever, his office said. "President Clinton was admitted to Georgetown University Medical Center this afternoon for testing and observation after developing a fever," the 78-year-old's deputy chief of staff Angel Urena said on social media platform X, adding Clinton "remains in good spirits." Clinton was previously hospitalized for five nights in October 2021 due to a blood infection. In 2004, at age 58, he underwent a quadruple bypass operation after doctors found signs of extensive heart disease. He had stents implanted in his coronary artery six years later. The health scare motivated him to make lifestyle changes, including adopting a vegetarian diet, and he has since spoken publicly about his efforts. Clinton's health last made headlines in November 2022 when he tested positive for Covid-19. He said at the time that his symptoms were "mild" and he was "grateful to be vaccinated and boosted." Clinton, who led the United States for two presidential terms from 1993-2001, is the second-youngest living US president, after 63-year-old Barack Obama. He was born mere months after fellow former US president George W. Bush and President-elect Donald Trump. Though his prosperous time in office was marred by scandals, he has enjoyed a second life in the two decades after his presidency, which has seen him venture into numerous diplomatic and humanitarian causes. bur-jgc/aha
( ) shares are in the red today. Shares in the (ASX: XJO) logistics solutions company closed yesterday trading for $125.60. In morning trade on Wednesday, shares are changing hands for $124.14 apiece, down 1.1%. For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.1% at this same time. As you can see on the chart above, there have been some very volatile share price moves over the past two months. The big swings were initially driven by against CEO Richard White concerning inappropriate behaviours. Shares again came under pressure following a modest guidance downgrade on 22 November. Despite those bumps in the road, WiseTech shares remain up 83% since this time last year. And that doesn't include the 16.9 cents a share in fully franked eligible investors will have received over this time. But with this strong run behind it, should investors consider cashing in some gains? According to Dylan Evans of Catapult Wealth, taking some now is worth considering (courtesy of The Bull). "WiseTech develops and provides software solutions to the global logistics industry," said Evans, who has a sell recommendation on WiseTech shares. Commenting on the FY 2024 growth metrics that have spurred ASX 200 investor enthusiasm, Evans said: The company lifted total revenue by 28% in fiscal year 2024 when compared to the prior corresponding period. Statutory net profit after tax was up 24%. The shares have risen from $99.37 on October 24 to trade at $133.68 on December 5. High expectations are built into the shares, which are trading on a lofty price/earnings ratio. Any miss in expectations may significantly impact the share price. Since 5 December, WiseTech shares have dipped to $124.14 apiece, though that still puts the stock at a P/E ratio of about 160 times. With that in mind, Evans concluded, "Investors may want to consider cashing in some gains at these levels." A number of prominent analysts and brokers remain bullish on the outlook for WiseTech shares. Following the company's investor day on 3 December, Goldman Sachs reiterated its buy rating on the ASX 200 company. The broker noted: WTC hosted its investor day today and provided a detailed overview of its product roadmap and plans to become the operating system for global logistics, alongside highlighting the breadth and depth of its executive team. Goldman's three key takeaways from the presentation were: Goldman Sachs has a 12-month price target of $138.00 on WiseTech shares. That represents a potential upside of 11% from current levels.How Virtual Assistant Companies Can Simplify Your Daily Operations
Tim Royers, the new president of Nebraska’s teachers union, is sharing grim news as he travels Nebraska. “Ten years ago there were 130 unfilled teaching jobs in Nebraska. This spring there were 1,200 unfilled teaching positions. That’s an 800% increase,” said Royers. A former Millard West speech and debate coach who taught history, geography and civics, Royers is beginning a three-year term as president of the Nebraska State Education Association. On Thursday, Royers was in Grand Island before heading to Kearney on Friday. As if the raw numbers don’t underscore the state’s critical teacher shortage, the NSEA asked professional faculty what they think should be done, and the response was jarring. Twenty-eight percent of teachers surveyed said they’re unsure whether they’ll return to the classroom next year. “In my mind, addressing the teacher shortage needs to be our biggest priority. We need to retain teachers and bring more people into the profession,” Royers said, teeing up one of the major proposals the NSEA will pursue when state legislators return to Lincoln in January. “Given the radical increase in unfilled teacher positions, there needs to be a bold commitment to teachers," Royers said. His organization plans to lobby state senators to support the NSEA’s top legislative proposals to recruit and retain teachers for Nebraska classrooms. The NSEA’s plan addresses a chronic sore spot for teachers, who are allowed 10 days of paid family medical leave per year. NSEA wants to boost the leave to six weeks with teachers and school districts sharing the cost. Royers said teachers would pay a "modest payroll fee or tax." Their district would match teachers’ contributions, and that would feed about $40 per month per teacher into a fund to cover expenses of six weeks of family leave. “Given the radical increase in unfilled teacher positions, there needs to be a bold commitment to teachers,” Royers said. He believes that boosting family medical leave could be a game-changer, because the 10-day cap puts teachers in a difficult position. For example, some teachers delay having children because 10 days is not enough time to tend to and adjust to life with newborns. “No one should have to factor their major decisions into family leave,” Royers said. “Everywhere I’ve gone, teachers said this would be life-changing and it would allow us to recruit from neighboring states.” The NSEA is encouraged that voters supported public school teachers’ opposition to Nebraska’s school choice law and defeated it on Nov. 5. Royers said the Legislature will be the next battleground as teachers fight for their family leave proposal. Royers expects it will be difficult persuading lawmakers to support such a bold idea. “Teachers don’t really feel like the state cares about them. Do you think lawmakers care about teachers when they craft policy?” Royers said. Public school districts across the country are facing budget deficits as Covid-relief funds dry up, leading to staff cuts. mike.konz@kearneyhub.com Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox.
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Bill Clinton, the former US president who has faced a series of health issues over the years, was admitted to hospital Monday in Washington after developing a fever, his office said. "President Clinton was admitted to Georgetown University Medical Center this afternoon for testing and observation after developing a fever," the 78-year-old's deputy chief of staff Angel Urena said on social media platform X, adding Clinton "remains in good spirits." Clinton was previously hospitalized for five nights in October 2021 due to a blood infection. In 2004, at age 58, he underwent a quadruple bypass operation after doctors found signs of extensive heart disease. He had stents implanted in his coronary artery six years later. The health scare motivated him to make lifestyle changes, including adopting a vegetarian diet, and he has since spoken publicly about his efforts. Clinton's health last made headlines in November 2022 when he tested positive for Covid-19. He said at the time that his symptoms were "mild" and he was "grateful to be vaccinated and boosted." Clinton, who led the United States for two presidential terms from 1993-2001, is the second-youngest living US president, after 63-year-old Barack Obama. He was born mere months after fellow former US president George W. Bush and President-elect Donald Trump. Though his prosperous time in office was marred by scandals, he has enjoyed a second life in the two decades after his presidency, which has seen him venture into numerous diplomatic and humanitarian causes. bur-jgc/ahaSuspect in killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO struggles, shouts while entering courthouse
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — J.K. Dobbins will miss at least the next four games after the Los Angeles Chargers placed the running back on injured reserve Saturday. The team also placed safety Alohi Gilman on injured reserve and signed safety Tony Jefferson to the active roster. Dobbins sprained the MCL in his left knee late in the first half of the Chargers’ 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday. Dobbins is fourth in the AFC in rushing with 766 yards and averages 4.8 yards per carry, third highest among AFC running backs with at least 100 carries. He has been considered among the candidates for AP Comeback Player of the Year after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in last season’s opener. Gus Edwards will be counted on to be the lead back in Dobbins' absence. Edwards missed four games during the middle of the season because of an ankle injury and has 25 carries for 93 yards in three games since returning to the lineup. The Chargers are 7-4 and hold the sixth seed in the AFC going into Sunday's game at NFC South leader Atlanta (6-5). Los Angeles is at Kansas City (10-1) in a prime-time game on Dec. 8, hosts Tampa Bay (5-6) on Dec. 15 and Denver (7-5) on Dec. 19. Gilman suffered a hamstring injury in the loss to the Ravens. He has 47 tackles, which is fifth on the team, along with one sack. Los Angeles also elevated cornerback Dicaprio Bootle and linebacker Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste from the practice squad for Sunday’s game. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflEXCLUSIVE Lyle Menendez's wife reveals the pair have separated as she vows to stand by his side despite him 'wanting to marry' his blonde student love READ MORE: Menendez brother's prison romance with blonde British student By RUTH STYLES IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 23:06, 21 November 2024 | Updated: 23:10, 21 November 2024 e-mail 16 View comments Lyle Menendez's heartbroken wife has admitted that she and the convicted double murderer are separated after DailyMail.com's blockbuster exclusive telling how he is having a fling with 21-year-old student Milly Bucksey. Rebecca Sneed, 55, took to Facebook to break the news to followers of Lyle and his younger brother Erik. 'Guys! This is NOT a cheating scandal,' she wrote. 'Lyle and I have been separated for a while now but remain best friends and family.' She said she is continuing to run his Facebook page 'with input from him', and she is committed to fight on for the brothers. 'I will never stop fighting for them,' she added. Within hours of DailyMail.com's story posting, Sneed had posted a cryptic message saying 'Love, loyalty, family, and friendship change shape over time but still exist.' Several hours later she published her second message. Lyle Menendez's wife Rebecca Sneed, 55 wrote 'Guys! This is NOT a cheating scandal' on the Facebook page she runs in his name as she revealed the pair had been separated for 'a while' The 56-year-old convicted murderer has been having a months-long relationship with blonde Milly Bucksey, 21, after meeting her on the Facebook page Sneed runs in his name The 55-year-old wrote that she is continuing to run his Facebook page 'with input from him', and she is committed to fight on for the brothers She was not the only Menendez family member to comment following our exclusive that English student Milly Bucksey is the new woman in Lyle's life and that they have maintained contact through an illicit cellphone that Lyle has in prison in San Diego. Erik's stepdaughter Talia Menendez wrote: 'I want to make it clear that Erik and Lyle are two separate individuals. 'The decisions of one brother shouldn't overshadow the truth about the other,' she added. 'I'd appreciate it if people would consider my dad for who he is, and not based on the actions of someone else. Talia, 26, wrote: 'I want to make it clear that Erik and Lyle are two separate individuals. The decisions of one brother shouldn't overshadow the truth about the other. 'My family is going through a lot right now. And I'd appreciate it if people would consider my dad for who he is, and not based on the actions of someone else.' Talia is the daughter of Erik's wife Tammi who refers to him as 'dad'. Sources told DailyMail.com that Lyle, 56, is so besotted with blonde Milly Bucksey, 21, that he has told her he wants to divorce Sneed – who he married in 2003 the month before his new love was born. Erik's, 53, step-daughter Josie Rodriguez begged people not to confuse the behavior of her dad and uncle in a public social media plea on Facebook Milly, a student at the University of Manchester, made the 5,300-mile journey from her home to see him at the top security RJ Donovan Correctional Facility Bucksey changed the cover of her Facebook page to a picture of Ocean Beach in San Diego on September 17. The beach is just 20 miles from Imperial Beach where Sneed relocated to be closer to him Lyle has been hoping for an early release from his life sentence but the discovery of illicit cell phones and the replacement of LA district attorney George Gascon could complicate that 'Lyle adores Milly', an insider with knowledge of the romance told DailyMail.com. 'And she refers to him as her boyfriend even though he's married.' According to those familiar with the situation, after spotting her on the Facebook group, he initially approached her under an alias before confessing his true identity to the smitten student. Since then, their romance has spiced up and even led to Lyle getting busted by prison guards at the top-security Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, California , for possessing a contraband cell phone he was using to contact his new squeeze. Read More Moment Menendez brothers are asked when they decided to kill their parents - and their response A record of that incident was included in ousted Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón's resentencing memo , filed in Los Angeles at the end of October. It showed he was caught with the phone on March 15 in the cell he shares with 'multiple other people'. Despite being busted, DailyMail.com has learned that Lyle has since acquired a second illicit cell phone, which he has been using to stay in touch with the University of Manchester student. Photos, exclusively obtained by DailyMail.com, show the pair inside the prison. In one they pose in front of one of the distinctive murals in the prison yard with their arms wrapped lovingly around each other. In another, they pose with a large dog, and a third has Milly sitting on Lyle's knee. A time stamp on one picture shows it was taken on Saturday, September 14 – a date corresponding with the Friday to Sunday visiting hours at the lock-up and nine days before Milly's university started its fall semester. In what appears to be a loving gesture to her jailbird lover, Milly changed the cover photo on her Facebook page to a picture of Ocean Beach in San Diego on November 17. The beach in the laid-back surfer neighborhood has a distinctive palm-fringed promenade and cream lifeguard towers, both of which can be seen in Milly's photo. In an ironic twist, Ocean Beach is just 20 miles from Imperial Beach – the southern San Diego neighborhood where Sneed has lived since relocating from California's state capital of Sacramento in October 2020 to be closer to him. When DailyMail.com attempted to contact Milly at her home in England, her father Peter, 78, firmly closed the door. A spokesperson for the Menendez family did not respond to a request for comment. DailyMail.com obtained exclusive photos of the pair cozying up to each other in front of a large mural inside the prison Lyle (right) is now in prison in San Diego with his younger brother Erik Lyle is so besotted with blonde Milly that he has even told her he wants to divorce his wife to be with her, a source told DailyMail.com But this time, the stakes are higher for Lyle and his brother Erik, 53, who have become a cause célèbre following the smash-hit success of Ryan Murphy's biographical crime drama anthology, Monster: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story . Los Angeles County DA Gascón announced he was planning to pursue a lighter sentence for the brothers in October, telling reporters that the pair 'have paid their debt to society'. But he was voted out of office in this month's election and will step down on December 1. His replacement, Republican-turned-Independent Nate Hochman, 60, has thrown the brothers' bid for freedom into jeopardy by saying he plans to review Gascón's decision. The revelation that Lyle had a second contraband cell phone could also have implications for the case, particularly as California Governor Gavin Newsom this week declined to offer the brothers immediate clemency – instead saying he intends to wait for the outcome of Hochman's review. That won't happen until after Hochman takes office. A resentencing hearing scheduled for December 11 is likely to be postponed as a result. In a statement to CNN following his victory, Hochman said: 'Before I can make any decision about the Menendez brothers' case, I will need to become thoroughly familiar with the relevant facts, the evidence and the law.' The former federal prosecutor added: 'I will have to review the confidential prison files for each brother, the transcripts from both trials and speak to the prosecutors, law enforcement, defense counsel and the victims' family members. Milly lives in Altrincham, England with her parents Peter, 78, and Karen, 57, Bucksey Milly celebrated New Year's 2022 with a group of friends and balloons in the purple, gold and gray colors of the University of Manchester Lyle and Erik Menendez have been in prison for the shotgun murder of their parents José and Kitty Menendez since March 1990 and were convicted of the double homicide in a 1993 trial Former LA DA George Gascón initially said in October he was pursuing a lighter sentence for the brothers. But Gascón's ousting by the new DA Nate Hochman has put his initial decision in jeopardy, as Hochman declared he had to view the case in its entirety before making a decision 'If for some reason I need additional time, I will ask the court for that time.' The brothers have been locked up since March 1990 when they were arrested for the brutal 1989 shotgun slayings of their parents Kitty and José. Both confessed to the gruesome killings at the family home in Beverly Hills but said they snapped after enduring years of sexual abuse at José's hands. That argument fell flat at their 1993 trial with prosecutors successfully arguing that the murders were carried out for financial gain after the brothers went on a $700,000 spending spree in the weeks after the shootings. As a result, they were both handed life without parole and sent to separate prisons, although they were eventually reunited at the San Diego lock-up in 2018. 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Rebuilding from the rubble
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By . By Joshua Ocheja As I sit at my desk, fingers poised over the keyboard, I am reminded of the restless spirit that drives writers like me. Writers are restless beings, forever in turmoil, driven to express themselves. This inner conflict yields writing, a cathartic release from the burden of thoughts and emotions. Most writers will attest to this phenomenon. Writing stems from a deep-seated urge to inform, educate, or take a stance on issues that shape our daily lives. I discovered this truth when I began writing actively in 2008. Since then, I’ve known no peace, much like my fellow writers. The compulsion to make a statement is ever-present. As a young writer, I devoured the works of notable authors and was privileged to learn from some of the best in the country. This period was challenging, with memories of being tasked with analyzing articles from the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. I was baffled, my mind reeling with questions. One particular lesson stands out: the power of concise sentences and the art of suspenseful storytelling. These techniques have become essential tools in my writing arsenal. Several writers have influenced my writing. They come with unique writing styles for their audience. The interesting thing for me is their ability to hold their audience in suspense. Consequently, I attempted to describe the writing style of these writers, even though I knew I couldn’t do sufficient justice to the enterprise. It remains an attempt. I have listed them below in no particular order. Mahmud Jega: I liken him to a professor of social history. I wonder who would not read Mahmud Jega religiously. He is a storyteller. His writings are rich in content and informative. There is hardly any piece of his that does not come with a personal experience. When he writes, he takes you down history in a simplified way. His writings make you curious. You wonder how he gets his information. And his style of expression is brilliant. Simon Kolawole: Simon Kolawole is a witty writer. His writings make no distinction between friend and foe. He converts his audience easily with his style of writing. He is not afraid to be sarcastic but not lose the plot. He is not a critic. On an occasion when he criticises, he gets overwhelmed. He is one of the few writers in Nigeria who writes jokingly. Simple, yet effective. When you read his articles, a paragraph or sentence must give you reason to laugh. The “Four Other Things” segment of his column is where he jabs subtly. If you are fortunate enough to feature there, it means that he spared you. Little wonder the logo of his column is Simon Kolawole Live! Olusegun Adeniyi: Olusegun Adeniyi is a blitzing writer. His writings reflect an agitation and want to quickly put issues in proper perspective. That is The Verdict. He is sublime in his analysis. Most times, he concludes his writings with food for thought. You don’t want to find yourself on his wrong side. He won’t spare you, no matter how highly placed. He throws jabs easily. You can’t fault him most times because he writes with facts. Waziri Adio: Waziri Adio is a methodological writer. He is very conscious of his audience. He rarely banters in his writings or leaves any paragraph to the interpretation of the reader. He sounds like the title of his column Postscripts. He writes technically and mainly on policy and governance. He is not a storyteller, and if you are not intellectually minded, you might find his writing unappealing. His writings are well-researched and straight to the point. He remains one of the few writers who have been consistent in style and delivery. Monday Philips Ekpe: Monday Philips Ekpe is a reflective writer. He describes situations in a manner that makes the audience reflect. He is not hard in his analysis, an attribute that makes his writings unique. His standpoints are hinged on burning issues, often reflecting the reality on the ground. He advocates good governance and attempts to ignite a reflection on accountability. His titles give him away easily. You could easily tell his position from the title and the opening paragraph. Sunday Dare: Sunday Dare is a restless writer. He is bullish in his writings. His arguments are strong. You can sense the excitement in his writings. He takes a position and sustains it, not minding whose ox is gored. He writes very well and is also conscious of feedback. He writes mostly on appraisal of a policy or government position, and his verdict is mostly positive. His titles are usually long and less catchy. Tunde Olusunle: Tunde Olusunle is a lyrical writer. He romances words in his writings by giving them a meaning that resonates. His writings are lengthy, and he navigates them easily, often professorially. He can hold the audience for an extended period. He utilizes anecdotes and builds on them to a conclusion. His titles are sensational, and the enthusiasm resonates in his writings. He is a wordsmith, and his writings read like a novel. The above-mentioned writers are some of my favourites. Their writings give me insights into the dynamic world of writing. It also reminds me that there are no fixed rules in writing. Telling a great story varies among writers. The writing journey is a restless one, fueled by an insatiable urge to express ourselves. As writers, we must embrace this restlessness, harnessing it to create work that informs, educates, and inspires. Ocheja is an alumnus of the Nigerian Defence Academy Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You. NEWS UPDATE: Nigerians have been finally approved to earn Dollars from home, acquire premium domains for as low as $1500, profit as much as $22,000 (₦37million+). 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