VOA Mandarin: NBA games returning to China for first time in 6 years
No matter how much a financial system is fortified against scams, there is always a fraudster, a conman, or a swindler aiming to game that system. Financial crimes, a la white-collar crimes, are committed, interestingly, by those working closely with the system or those having the innate skill to justify the art through the framework of ‘fraud triangle’, that is in the terms of opportunity, incentive and rationalization. Scams, mainly the pecuniary ones, involve conduct of dishonest practices leading to perversion, depravity and debasement of the entire morals of the social fabric. Financial scandals, like any other scandal, have a story of their own and, of course, the denouement. The truth of the scandals appears to be a drama at times, and at times an enthralling thriller. Vijay Narayan Govind, in his book , promises to tell select 10 true stories of financial scams, spread across centuries and continents, and in his own words, “these frauds were significant enough at the time to send major ripples through the systems they challenged, with many of them serving as the catalyst for key legal and regulatory reforms.” The book introduces 10 swindlers, each with their own story of fraud in a separate chapter with a suitable story-title to it. In Govind’s fraudster tales, Hegestratos’s tale emerges as the ‘First Fraudster’, circa 300 BCE, in Athens. He, along with his crime partner Zenosthemis, working as ship merchants, planned to steal the cargos, sink the vessel, and con the vessel’s insurers of shipload of valuable goods through enforcement of the clauses of bottomry and respondentia contracts. However, the plans went awry due to the alert captain and crew members and Hegestra tos jumped and drowned himself in the sea. Zenos themis was arrested, tried and imprisoned in Athens for a long time. The author picks stories, random perhaps, from Athens and other countries, including India. Haridas Mundhra in the tale of ‘The Great Investor’ and Natwarlal in ‘The Master Manipulator’ are the two Indians figuring in the book. The Mundhra scandal, first of its kind in independent India, not only was embroiled with the stock markets and financial institutions but was an expose of the wicked nexus between political party, bureaucracy, ministers and business class, perhaps a prototype of ‘crony capitalism’. The conman Mudhra duped Life Insurance Company (LIC) by forging share certificates, using them as collateral for loans, and amassing huge loans to the tune of Rs 15.60 crore by the mid of 1957. It was Feroz Gandhi, the law maker, who brought this scam to public attention that led to nationalisation of LIC, resignation of TT Krishnamachari – then finance minister, indictment of finance secretary and some senior LIC officials, and, of course, sentencing of Haridas Mundhra to 22 years in prison. In the Mithilesh Kumar alias Natwarlal’s case, the story, though intriguing, is simple. From forging signatures and withdrawing money from banks, he graduated to nefarious crimes such as decamping cash from merchants and siphoning off goods from the cargo areas while using more than 50 aliases. Natwarlal even sold, impersonating himself as government official, the Taj Mahal thrice, the Red Fort twice, and the Rashtrapati Bhawan and Parliament once. He had developed this shrewd art of escaping prison, and one heard him saying quite often that ‘no jail is enough to hold me for too long’. Then, there is a story of how an expert William Chaloner counterfeited coins, notes, and lottery tickets, in the 1600s, but finally got caught by Sir Issac Newton, and sent to gallows for he was guilty of multiple currency frauds. Hugh Cameron’s story is about his conspiracy to cheat Royal British Banks and its customers, eventually which led to the Bank’s collapse. However, in due course, it triggered major legislative reforms in the corporate governance systems in Britain. Oscar Hartzell, a brazen rook, in another story, swindled millions of dollars from investors in a popularly known Sir Francis Drake estate scam. Another story, rather smutty and historical, called the ‘necklace scandal’, involves one French noble woman Jeanne de valois as the key conspirator. It became one of the scandals that led to French Revolution. US major Enron bankruptcy, led by Kenneth Lay, and the Ponzi scheme by Charles Ponzi, the two white-collar financial crimes, rocked the financial systems in the US. The 10 tales are fun, and a riveting read and, in the tales, the readers would find themselves in the murky world of scandals. The criminals of the stories have two things in common, one they dreamt of becoming filthy rich in a trice, and when caught they tried to justify that all is done in good faith, and second, all of them are caught and punished, which the author seems to lay down as the moral of the book.
Residents and relatives say at least nine people were killed during an attack in the Arsi Zone of the Oromia region of Ethiopia on Thursday. Adebebu Workineh is a resident of the Shirka Woreda — or district — in the Arsi Zone, about 250 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa. He told VOA his younger brother, Haile Workineh, was among the nine victims. "The perpetrators called him from his house and later killed him at a nearby river alongside others," Workineh said in Amharic. Among the dead were women and elders, he added. "During the raid I heard [about] the abduction by phone, but I thought they would ask for ransom as usual. They were carrying rifles, and we were afraid to confront them at the time," he said in Amharic. A second resident of Shirka, who would not give his name because of fear for his safety, said most of the victims were Christians. The whereabouts of four other people who were abducted are not known, he told VOA. Social media sites published purported video of nine bodies wrapped in white clothes being buried together. VOA was not able to independently verify the video. The Arsi Zone, a region known for agriculture, is now marred by violence and killing. Residents blamed the Oromo Liberation Army, an outlawed rebel group fighting against the Ethiopian government army, for the killings. Jiregna Gudeta, an adviser to the OLA commander, told VOA he has no detailed information about the incident and denied OLA was involved. Residents say local authorities do little to protect civilians. The ENAT Party, one of the opposition political parties in Ethiopia, has condemned the attack. "Our concern is not the dead ones, we [are] reaching out to the state officers for the people who are about to be the victim of such killing, we immediately call for the state to act," said Getnet Worku, secretary-general of the party. Oromia regional authorities declined to comment on the attack. Peace rallies were held in six zones in the Oromia region in mid-November. Participants of the demonstrations said the aim was to condemn OLA and demand peace in the region. Oromia region spokesperson Hailu Adugna said at the time that the rallies were organized by the local communities and that government officials had no role. But some witnesses told VOA that government officials were urging people to participate in the demonstrations. Jiregna, reacting to the demonstrations in mid-November, said their group is ready to resolve conflicts peacefully. He said it is doubtful whether the people or the government organized the rally for peace. A previous round of peace talks last year between Ethiopia's federal government and the OLA in Tanzania's semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar — has failed to end the violence. The two sides blamed each other for the failure of the talks. The government cited "unrealistic demands" by the armed group while OLA accused the government of failing to address "fundamental problems" facing the country, according to Reuters. This story originated in VOA's Horn of Africa Service.More than 72 million people are expected to shop during Cyber Monday, according to the National Retail Federation . The end-of-year shopping surge provides a major boost for retailers. "The last six weeks of the year makes a big difference," said Brian Miller, owner of Geppetto's Toys in San Diego. "It can make or break your year as a retailer." Retailers already got a major bump from Black Friday spending. Consumers spent a record $10.8 billion online on Friday, according to Adobe Analytics . That's up more than 10% from last year. "It's not only bonanza for the shoppers, but it's bonanza for the stores," said Professor Alan Gin of the University of San Diego's Knauss School of Business. "People have just gotten a misconception of what was happening. Yes, prices are up, but in this recent time period here, what we've seen is that wages have risen faster than prices have increased. So, people's real incomes have gone up." Last month, consumer confidence hit its highest level in more than a year, according to the Conference Board, a nonprofit that tracks business and consumer sentiment. RELATED STORY | 'Essentially, I just gifted a scammer $100': Gift card draining costing shoppers and retailers Americans are paying with plastic for a lot of their shopping. According to a survey from the National Retail Federation, 39% of shoppers said they plan to use credit cards for their holiday spending. More than one in four shoppers say they plan to take on some debt during the holidays — either by carrying a credit card balance or using a buy now, pay later service, according to Bankrate . American credit card debt hit a record $1.17 trillion in the third quarter of this year. Experts say setting a budget and sticking to it can help people from overspending and taking on debt during the holidays.
Florida 6, Carolina 0Saturday’s Ohio State-Michigan game ended in shock for many, but what happened after the final whistle is what most fans will likely remember most. Down their best offensive and defensive player in tight end Colston Loveland and cornerback Will Johnson, respectively, unranked Michigan went into Columbus and knocked off the No. 2-ranked Buckeyes. During their postgame celebration, the Wolverines gathered at midfield and planted their school flag at midfield, which started a brawl between the two teams. Things got out of hand quickly, and police were forced to use some pepper spray to keep things from escalating any further. Videos started going viral of several players with mace in their eyes on the sidelines after the brawl was broken up, and one of the players who was on the receiving end of it was Michigan defensive end Josaiah Stewart, who tweeted the details of exactly what happened to him before deleting it moments later. “Got maced, beer thrown at my face hit by a fan all in 5 min what a state 😂 #2-0,” Stewart wrote. It’s not known why Stewart deleted his tweet, but it likely had something to do with not drawing more negative attention to what transpired on the field, especially since many consider Michigan to be the instigator of what happened. While no one is disputing the legitimacy of what Stewart claims happened to him, the videos circulating on social media back up the mace part, but there were no videos (at least at time of publication) showing him getting struck by a fan or having beer thrown at him. Two other Michigan players — running back Tavierre Dunlap and linebacker Jason Hewlett — were seemingly maced as well, and multiple reports indicated that a few Ohio State players were maced as well.
Members of the Santa Clarita Valley Corvette Club gathered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sam’s Club to raise items for the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry on Saturday. From pasta to toothpaste, fliers were passed out to shoppers with a list of items that could help stock the food pantry during the holiday season.Vanguard, one of the largest money managers in the world, is hiring Canadian executive Joanna Rotenberg to lead its newly created advice and wealth management division. Money manager Vanguard has tapped Canadian Joanna Rotenberg, formerly an executive at BMO and Fidelity Investments, to lead a new division for advice and wealth management. Cole Burston/The Globe and Mail Ms. Rotenberg’s hiring is part of a restructuring led by Vanguard’s new chief executive officer, Salim Ramji, who is also Canadian. Mr. Ramji was hired from rival BlackRock Inc., where he ran the index investing business, and he is now putting his imprint on Vanguard, which manages US$10-trillion in assets. Historically, Vanguard was known for creating low-cost, exchange-traded funds that track major stock indexes and it has a strong following from do-it-yourself investors. In 2015, the company created a new business called Vanguard Personal Advisor Services to give investment advice to clients with assets of US$50,000 or more. That business has grown over the past nine years to manage US$900-billion, and Vanguard is now carving it out as a stand-alone division. Ms. Rotenberg most recently worked for Fidelity Investments, joining the U.S. wealth management giant in 2021 when it was transitioning away from being a company that was best known for actively managed mutual funds and star stock-pickers. Wealth management has evolved dramatically over the past two decades and Fidelity wanted to focus more on individual investors who have much more market knowledge than they used to. However, Fidelity divided the personal investing business into two units in 2023 – one for self-directed customers and another for retail investors who want advisory services – and Ms. Rotenberg left shortly after . In Canada, she is well-known on Bay Street, having worked at Bank of Montreal for 11 years, where she led the wealth management division and also held the roles of chief marketing officer and head of strategy. Before that, she spent nearly a decade at consulting giant McKinsey & Co., where she was a partner.The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) commends the pioneering effort of green hydrogen shipment from New Zealand to Fiji, coupled with the commissioning of an innovative hydrogen dual-fuel generator, launched at the Fiji Gas Lautoka Terminal. FCCC Chief Executive Officer, Joel Abraham, said the project – driven by Obayashi Corporation and Halcyon Power partnered with Fiji Gas and supported by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ), also demonstrates how global partnerships can drive transformative solutions that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. “The project marks a major step forward for sustainable energy solutions in Fiji and the Pacific, addressing the challenges posed by climate change and achieving Fiji’s national targets under the Paris agreement,” said Abraham. “FCCC has always been, and remains, committed to fostering sustainability through our advocacy for renewable energy adoption and innovation and it fills me with pride to see Fiji at the forefront, setting regional standards for sustainability.” “It shows that by embracing innovation and international collaboration, energy security for the nation is within reach, as we tackle climate change head-on, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and unlock cleaner, more efficient energy solutions.” The pilot project integrates a comprehensive green supply chain, utilising geothermal power from New Zealand – a renewable, carbon-neutral energy source – to produce ‘green’ hydrogen, which is then shipped to Fiji. At the Lautoka Terminal, the hydrogen is cautiously released upon arrival and used to run a dual-fuel generator. Both hydrogen and diesel can be used to power this generator, which greatly lowers greenhouse gas emissions while generating cleaner, more effective energy. By diversifying fuel sources, hydrogen technology also promotes energy security. Dual-fuel systems lessen dependency on imported fuels, saving money and fostering Fiji’s energy independence as the world’s energy markets grow more unstable. Abraham also expressed gratitude to the governments of Japan and New Zealand for their assistance. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the Government of Japan for its visionary support and the New Zealand Government for its critical role in producing and supplying green hydrogen. Your leadership inspires hope and determination for a cleaner, greener future for Fiji and the Pacific region,” said Abraham. In order to guarantee that Fiji remains at the forefront of sustainable development in the Pacific, FCCC looks forward to supporting and advancing additional green energy innovations. It also invites other stakeholders to be inspired by this initiative and work together on projects that tackle important problems like climate change, energy security, and economic development. “By embracing cutting-edge technologies, Fiji is paving the way for a greener future where progress and sustainability go hand in hand,” Abraham concluded
EDMONTON - Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government is eyeing a number of steps to challenge the proposed federal greenhouse gas emissions cap. Announcing an upcoming motion under her Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act on Tuesday, Smith said the government plans to challenge the cap in court when or if it becomes law, and that it will take the steps necessary to give the province exclusive authority and ownership of emissions data, ban federal employees from designated oil and gas facilities, and more. “We’ve been very clear that we will use all means at our disposal to fight back against federal policies that hurt Alberta, and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” she said. Under the sovereignty act, the government must first put a motion forward in the legislative assembly identifying a federal matter at issue and outlining potential steps the government should take to overcome it. Once the motion is passed in the assembly, the act stipulates that Smith’s cabinet will then determine the legality of the chosen measures before taking action. Smith said other steps the government will consider in response to the cap include instructing provincial authorities, such as the Alberta Energy Regulator, not to enforce it; declaring oil and gas facilities owned by Alberta “interest holders” as essential infrastructure; and beefing up the government’s ability to sell oil and gas on behalf of industry. “We are asserting our ownership over our oil and gas resources,” Smith told reporters, adding that she expects oil and gas companies to support the steps being considered. The proposed federal emissions cap, which is still in draft form, would require oil and gas companies to cut emissions by 35 per cent before 2030 to 2032. Smith has called the cap unconstitutional, and on Tuesday she said it would cripple Alberta’s oil and gas economy. She also said the cap would lead to a drop in production to the tune of one million barrels per day, which she said would lead to a five per cent loss in royalty revenues for Alberta. In a joint statement, federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault and Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson disputed Smith’s claims, saying they believe the emissions cap is constitutional and wouldn’t lead to a production cut. “The pollution cap will drive the industry to invest record profits back into the sector helping to fuel Canadian-made clean technologies and creating jobs in the process,” the statement reads. “Production and jobs will increase under this policy while pollution goes down – that’s a win-win-win.” Guilbeault and Wilkinson also said Smith is “manipulating and politicizing” emissions reporting. Eric Adams, a professor and constitutional law expert at the University of Alberta, said in an interview that this attempt at using the sovereignty act seems “more muscular” than the motion the government proposed nearly a year ago in response to the federal government’s draft net-zero electricity grid goals, although the act has yet to be tested in court. “It’s not simply declaring that a particular federal law is unconstitutional in the view of the Alberta legislature,” Adams said of Smith’s announcement Tuesday. He said some of the measures outlined by Smith likely wouldn’t stand in court, such as the ban on federal officers entering oil and gas facilities. However, he said the provincial government does have an argument for the cap intruding on provincial jurisdiction. “There’s arguments on both sides,” Adams said, explaining the province would likely argue jurisdictional points, while the federal government would counter that criminal law such as what’s being proposed under the emissions cap is within their authority NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi called the evocation of the sovereignty act performative, although he agreed the federal emissions cap would be harmful for Alberta. “It’s not good policy for Alberta,” he said, adding that he thought Alberta could have done more to work with the federal government to find a better solution. “We would never have got to this point if Alberta hadn’t been such an unwilling partner to actually take on this issue,” said Nenshi. Smith did not say when the motion will be put forward in the legislature. The federal government’s finalized regulations are expected to be published next spring. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024.Weekly Horoscope Your weekly horoscope is here to provide you with the insight and guidance you need to navigate the ups and downs of life. Get ready to discover what the stars have in store for you. Aries At the beginning of the week, you may be blessed with a positive moon, which can enhance your family life and keep you busy with family or social gatherings. You may feel happy and focused on your goals, boosting your confidence and status. You can solve some problems with the help of your communication skills. You will remain modest about your health. There may be a balance between your savings and expenses, potentially increasing your bank balance. Be mindful of your eating habits. Lovebirds may find support in their relationship regarding marriage. Students can expect positive results. In the last few days of the week, you may feel inner strength and positive energy around you. Your hard work will pay off, leading to profit in your business. You can make difficult decisions with the help of your subordinates and achieve success with minimal effort. New ideas may come to you, giving you an edge in the near future. You might plan to make some adjustments with your creative thinking. Taurus At the beginning of the week, you may be blessed with a positive moon, bringing you strength, health, and wisdom. You might enjoy yourself at work and at home and could even promote community rewards. A good business relationship is expected. Your religious convictions can help you make the right decisions for your work. You may anticipate changes in your current job, and job seekers are likely to find new opportunities. You may also need to pay for house repairs and could see some growth in your family business. It is advised to refrain from rushing while driving and to take care of your partner's health. In the last few days of the week, things should be positive. You may meet a new person or join a group that could be beneficial for your business and career in the future. Your network can help you expand your business. Property and sibling issues might now be resolved. A visit to a religious place could offer new insights. You may contribute to a spiritual or social organization, and home harmony should improve. You might enjoy quality time with your spouse or loved one. The last day of the week may not be as favorable; you could experience feelings of depression and anxiety. Gemini The start of the week may be challenging, with potential insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Health problems may affect both you and your parents. You could feel that your hard work is being directed toward the wrong things, creating negative energy around you. Losing patience might make you feel more nervous, so it is recommended that you control your words when speaking with others. Think twice before taking any action. Lovebirds should take extra care, as there may be a risk of division in relationships. In the latter part of the week, you may be busy with home affairs and your children's education. You might expect a short visit related to their education, which could bring some concern about their health. With blessings, you should be able to overcome this difficult period. There could be disruptions in your home life, so maintaining your integrity and managing your ego in relationships is crucial. Avoid disputes over trivial matters in partnerships; conflicts may arise, but patience can help you resolve them. Cancer At the start of the week, you will be blessed with a positive moon, bringing happiness. Your focus will be on achieving your goals, and you will be well-prepared to make quick decisions, which could result in financial gains in the near future. You will be able to add new ideas to your work and business, potentially investing more to support future growth. The money you earn may increase liquidity in your business. In your home life, you will be ready to resolve conflicts in relationships and may expect good news about a loved one’s wedding. In the last few days of the week, things will remain positive. You will continue to be blessed by the positive moon and will feel wise and strong. You may make smart plans and be prepared to execute them, but be careful to review documents before signing, as excitement could lead to mistakes. On the final day of the week, you will be able to take control of any hidden enemies or opponents. Your boss will cooperate with you, and you will maintain family harmony by focusing on your work to avoid unnecessary conflicts. Lovebirds should avoid issues of pride to prevent separation. Leo At the beginning of the week, a favorable moon can keep you busy at work. Your focus will be sharp, and you will be occupied with fulfilling plans for growth in your career and business. Your network can help you use your programs effectively. Your family will support you in making important family decisions. You will also be in a position to defeat opponents and hidden enemies. Unmarried individuals may find a soulmate, and lovebirds can make important marriage decisions with the help of friends. The last few days of the week may be challenging. You may feel lonely and sad and could experience health issues. Anxiety and restlessness may make you upset and cause you to waste time on trivial matters. You might find yourself gossiping or engaging in unproductive activities, and your hard work could feel futile. You may decide to visit a spiritual place for peace of mind, and the blessings of elders could guide you through this tough time. It is advised to avoid speeding and dangerous trips. Virgo At the beginning of the week, you will be blessed with a positive moon. Last week’s difficulties will come to an end, and you will start to see progress in your goals. It will be a good time to start any stalled or new projects. Your efforts may be rewarded, and you will look forward to spiritual travel. You may also take a work-related trip and decide to donate to a charity or other charitable organization. You will find ways to help those in need, and any previously stalled projects may start moving forward. In the last few days of the week, the positive moon will continue to bless you, and you will feel a surge of good energy. People around you will be supportive. Your income sources may increase, leading to a higher bank balance. You will create and effectively implement new business growth plans. Children’s health could improve, and students may have opportunities to study abroad. Investors are likely to see profitable returns in the future. Lovebirds will be able to build a long-lasting, loyal relationship. Libra At the beginning of the week, you will be under the influence of a negative moon, which may not be favorable. You may feel lonely and sad, and be troubled by an unknown concern. Your operations could be unexpectedly halted for no apparent reason, leading to potential losses. It is advised not to invest in a new business at this time, as your gains may turn into losses. Avoid worrying about conflicts, as it could reflect negatively on you. You may face health issues; however, the blessings of elders can provide protection. Be cautious to avoid creating conflicts in your home life and relationships. It is also recommended to avoid rushing while driving and dangerous journeys. In the last few days of the week, things will improve. A positive moon will keep you busy with your family and career. You will stay focused on work, which may lead to mental fatigue and limit your participation in social or family events. This could impact the health of your family, despite the support of your siblings. Be cautious while driving and avoid risky tours. Trust your instincts when answering important calls. Lovebirds can expect to make important decisions about marriage with the help of their family. Job seekers may hear good news about a suitable job opportunity with the assistance of friends. You may also hear positive news regarding children’s education. Couples could receive news of an impending addition to the family. Scorpio In the early part of the week, you may be blessed with a positive moon, bringing happiness and engagement with family and business tasks. You could experience peace of mind and feel healthier. You will be busy with home affairs and may enjoy quality moments with your spouse. The understanding between you and your spouse will strengthen, fostering domestic harmony. You might expect a new business partnership and be able to make quick business decisions, giving you an advantage in the near future. Investing in government assets could be profitable. In the last few days of the week, things will continue to be positive. You may be blessed by the guidance of elders, bringing happiness and calm. You could expand your work network and find that destiny helps you create new career plans for future success. You may decide to visit a close relative or plan a celebration. The last day of the week may bring joy in your professional life, as you could receive a good work order that boosts your business. Cooperation with your manager will improve, and you may be in line for a higher position within your organization. You could also plan a spiritual trip with a loved one. Sagittarius At the beginning of the week, you may be blessed by a positive moon, bringing happiness and good health. Any existing health issues may be resolved. You will be able to control your opponents and hidden enemies and could find yourself in a position to win any legal battles. Your supervisor may be pleased with your work, potentially leading to a promotion or recognition. Disputes with business partners should be resolved, indicating growth in your business. You may also enjoy romantic moments with your spouse, bringing harmony into your life. In the last few days of the week, things may not be pleasant. You could feel lonely and depressed, leading to anger and anxiety. Health issues might persist, so it's advised to avoid rushing while driving. Be cautious of potential conspiracies and hidden enemies. Try to avoid creating any controversy, as it could affect legal matters. You may find it difficult to focus, so avoid making important decisions. Lovebirds should practice patience to prevent unnecessary conflicts, which could lead to a breakup. By the evening of the last day of the week, things may improve, and you could take a trip to a spiritual place with your family for peace of mind. Capricorn At the start of the week, the positive moon can energize you, enhancing your health and sense of wealth. You may feel more inclined towards gaining knowledge and may be able to provide financial support to your family and loved ones. You might decide to make new investments in fixed assets or cash bonds. It is advised to maintain integrity, as this will affect your relationships with those around you. Lovebirds can enjoy happy moments together. Students and job seekers may hear wonderful news. In the last few days of the week, the positive moon will continue to bring happiness and good health. You will feel inclined to help the poor and needy. You may take time to analyze your relationship with your spouse and recognize past mistakes, which will boost your confidence in the relationship. Disputes within partnerships should be resolved. Students will be able to make quick decisions related to their work. Singles may find a soulmate. The last day of the week may be stressful and frustrating, so it is advised to avoid rushing while driving and dangerous tours. Aquarius At the beginning of the week, your planets may be negatively aligned, leading to obstacles in your normal activities. You may feel lonely and find yourself wanting to escape. It is advised to be patient and avoid taking emergency calls. Trust your intuition when making decisions related to love, finances, and family matters. Consult with elders or a counselor before making significant decisions. You might also consider relocating from your current residence. It is best to postpone real estate investments for now. Take care of your parents’ well-being. In the last few days of the week, you will be busy with work. Any withheld money will now be recovered, and you may find yourself in a position of power over rivals and business opponents. You could form a new bond in your career that will give you an advantage in the future. Your relationships with older individuals will improve. Recent health issues should now be resolved, and children’s health problems will be addressed. Students are encouraged to work hard toward their goals, and job seekers may finally get the job they have been pursuing. Pisces In the early part of the week, you may see good results from your hard work. You could resolve conflicts with relatives and decide to take a short business or work-related trip, which may prove helpful in the future. You will be able to make necessary decisions with the support of your subordinates and team members. Your relatives will be there to support your difficult decisions. Job seekers may find suitable employment opportunities. Children’s achievements will also be positive. Your diligence will pay off in the near future. In the last few days of the week, things will continue to be positive. Past investments may yield returns, and any withheld money should be recovered. Health problems related to your children or elders will be resolved. You can use your knowledge to help settle disputes in business and family matters. You may also make investment plans for your children's future, which could support career growth. Lovebirds should avoid arguments over irrational topics, as this could impact their relationship. Couples should be open about their past before making marriage decisions.Influencer Lauren Curtis reveals the shocking questions two men asked her when she pulled up to a petrol station in a Mercedes
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he wants real estate developer Charles Kushner , father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. Trump made the announcement in a Truth Social post, calling Charles Kushner “a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker." Kushner is the founder of Kushner Companies, a real estate firm. Jared Kushner is a former White House senior adviser to Trump who is married to Trump’s eldest daughter, Ivanka. The elder Kushner was pardoned by Trump in December 2020 after pleading guilty years earlier to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations. Charles Kushner arrives July 20, 2022, for the funeral of Ivana Trump in New York. Prosecutors alleged that after Charles Kushner discovered his brother-in-law was cooperating with federal authorities in an investigation, he hatched a scheme for revenge and intimidation. Kushner hired a prostitute to lure his brother-in-law, then arranged to have the encounter in a New Jersey motel room recorded with a hidden camera and the recording sent to Kushner's own sister, the man’s wife, prosecutors said. Kushner eventually pleaded guilty to 18 counts including tax evasion and witness tampering. He was sentenced in 2005 to two years in prison — the most he could receive under a plea deal, but less than what Chris Christie, the U.S. attorney for New Jersey at the time and later governor and Republican presidential candidate, sought. Christie blamed Jared Kushner for his firing from Trump’s transition team in 2016, and called Charles Kushner’s offenses “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted when I was U.S. attorney.” Trump and the elder Kushner knew each other from real estate circles and their children were married in 2009. Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. James Blair, deputy chief of staff Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. William McGinley, White House counsel McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.” Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
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The council brings together the experience and knowledge of fourteen leading policymakers, business leaders, academics, and civil society pioneers. Job creation is a center piece of Equity's Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan. Washington, DC USA – December 2, 2024 – The World Bank Group under its work on poverty, has established a High-Level Advisory Council on Jobs that gathers a global cross-section of eminent individuals to offer thought leadership and actionable, scalable policy and program recommendations for the Bank to explore, test and scale. The High-Level Advisory Council on Jobs was launched during the 2024 World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meeting, in October 2024 in Washington, DC, with the ethic that creating jobs is central to combating poverty, growing prosperity, and enhancing dignity. Having a job is one of the most meaningful yardsticks of success for individuals everywhere since with a job comes self-sufficiency, sustainability, and the ability to provide for yourself and family, offering a sense of belonging in society. Despite this fact, job creation remains an elusive goal in many countries around the globe, most especially for younger generations and women. The World Bank is sharpening its focus on job creation through the High-Level Advisory Council as it is estimated that over the next 10 years, an unprecedented 1.2 billion people in the Global South will become working age adults. Yet there will only be approximately 420 million jobs available for these same young people – leaving nearly 800 million without a clear path to prosperity. The Council will focus on youth and female employment opportunities in emerging and developing economies to help nations turn the challenge into an opportunity that powers the future. “Because this issue is so fundamental to our collective future, the established High-Level Advisory Council on Jobs will be co-chaired by an international panel of experienced practitioners who have demonstrated job creation in their own countries. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of Singapore and Former Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies, and Michelle Bachelet, Former President of Chile, and Head of Government for two terms will co-chair the council. The panel brings together the experience and knowledge of fourteen leading policymakers, business leaders, academics, and civil society pioneers,” noted Mr. Ajay Banga, President, World Bank Group. “We would be immensely grateful to benefit from your deep expertise, experience and unique perspectives as a member of the Council,” said Therman, Michelle and Ajay in Dr. Mwangi’s appointment letter. Dr. James Mwangi, the Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group Holdings is among the fourteen global leaders that have joined the World Bank Group High-Level Advisory Council on Jobs, recognizing his dedication and contributions to society that extend beyond the banking sector. Over the next decade the world is expected to experience significant demographic shift with one in four people on the planet being African, and more than a third of the world's young people residing in Africa, said Dr. Mwangi. These global demographic shifts are the result of progress on the African continent including life expectancy, per capita income, health, education and improving nutritional levels. An outcome of these developments has been rapid population growth. Effectively leveraging the demographic dividend in Africa could account for up to 15% of GDP growth and a 17% reduction in poverty by 2030. The Council will meet every two months for an initial period of up to two years and will interact directly with senior management of the World Bank Group, ensuring that the Council’s ideas are taken forward. I'm honored to have been asked to serve on the World Bank Global Jobs Council, in order to support the creation of jobs for the young people of Africa, said Dr. Mwangi. Young people are our future and the key to sustainable development for the continent. Equity's Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan seeks to create 50 million jobs in the region by 2030 and my intention is to utilize the learnings of the council to maximize this initiative. Other members of the council include Guy Ryder, Under Secretary General for Policy at the United Nations; Patrick Achi, the former Prime Minister of Cote d'Ivoire; Sebastien Bazin, Group Chairman and CEO of Accor Group; Nonkululeko Nyembezi, Chairman of Standard Bank Group; Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice President of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited; Mostafa Terrab, Chairman and CEO of OCP Group; Marianne Bertrand, Distinguished Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business; Madhav Chavan, co-founder and President of Pratham, the largest and most successful education organizations in India; Marcela Eslava, Professor of Economics at Universidad de Los Andes, Bogota, Colombia; Fang Cai, Chief Expert at the National Think Tank at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Nicola Galombik, Head of Yellowoods Group; Roxana Maurizio, researcher and professor at the University of Buenos Aires Institute of Economics; Denis Minev, an angel investor in Amazon projects; and Rohini Pande, the Henry j. Heinz II Professor of Economics and Director of the Economic Growth Center at Yale University. About Dr. James Mwangi, CBS Dr. James Mwangi is a career banker acclaimed for his strong commitment to inclusive finance. He is the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Equity Group Holdings Plc and Executive Chairman, Equity Group Foundation. He is one of Africa’s most renowned thought leaders, a visionary, a disruptive entrepreneur, and philanthropist. As a champion of sustainable social economic transformation, Dr. Mwangi believes that individuals and societies have the potential to solve their socio-economic challenges if they are given the opportunity and access to resources. Dr. Mwangi is credited with providing the leadership that saw a small and technically insolvent Building Society transform to Equity Group Holdings, one of the largest and most successful inclusive and integrated financial institutions in the world. Today, Equity Bank is known as the Strongest Banking Brand on the continent and the Second Strongest Banking Brand in the World by Brand Finance. Dr. Mwangi took over the leadership of the Bank when it was ranked last in the industry with an asset base of US$280,000, US$220,000 in deposits, US$120,000 in loans and accumulated losses of US$ 330,000. He introduced a revolutionary business model anchored on affordability, flexibility, and accessibility of financial services. Presently, Equity Group is the largest integrated financial services firm in the region with a market capitalization of USD 1.4 Billion. The Group has an asset base of USD 14 Billion, customer base of 22 million supported by a footprint of 397 branches, 82,936 Agents, over 1.1 million Pay with Equity (PWE) merchants, 44,794 Point-of-Sale (POS) Merchants, 889 ATMs and an extensive adoption of digital banking channel. The Group’s strong brand recognition, solid liquidity buffers and resilient funding profile, established domestic franchise and extensive adoption of digital and alternative distribution channels have earned it the honor of being the Second Strongest Financial Brand on Earth in 2024 by Brand Finance. It has also been recognized as the strongest financial brand in Africa by Brand Africa in 2024 and the most valuable brand in the region. Dr. James Mwangi was awarded the 2012 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year, becoming the first business leader from Sub-Saharan Africa to win this prestigious award. He was also among the finalists who were inducted to the Entrepreneur of The Year Hall of Fame and the World Entrepreneurship Academy. While presenting the award, Jim Turley, Global Chairman and CEO of Ernst & Young, said, “Over the past 26 years, entrepreneurs have done more than any other group to stimulate innovation, job creation and prosperity during both periods of growth and in challenging economic conditions. James epitomizes the vision and determination that set entrepreneurs apart and is very worthy of the title Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of The Year 2012.” He was also named among the Top 50 Emerging Market Business Leaders and the 20 most influential people in Africa in 2011; named the 2012 Forbes Africa Person of the Year by Forbes Africa magazine and was recently named in the Bloomberg 50 list of people who defined 2019 globally. He is an honoree of the 2020 Oslo Business for Peace Award, also described as the ‘Nobel Prize for Business’. He currently serves on several international bodies as a Chair or co-Chair and as an advisor and was appointed to the Nairobi Advisory Board of Columbia Global Centres. He is a member of the continent-wide PACT initiative, a Board member of the Economic Advisory Board of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Mastercard MEA Advisory Board, the Africa Leadership Academy in South Africa, the Global Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition. He is also a guest lecturer at Stanford, Columbia, MIT, Harvard, IESE and Lagos Business School. More than 40 case studies have been written about the Equity Bank Tri-Engine Business Model globally.is a case study. Locally, he served as the founding Chancellor Meru University of Science and Technology and the Chairman of the Health Committee of Kenya COVID-19 Fund Board. He is the Chancellor of Open University of Kenya.", "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/" } }
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