The husband-wife legal team working on two of today's biggest criminal cases
Oxford: Owner of Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer and Johnny Was Reports Third Quarter ResultsTo pitch a ‘My Turn’ guest column, email jdalessio@news-gazette.com . To subscribe, click here. To submit a letter to the editor, click here. Want to purchase today’s print edition? Here’s a map of single-copy locations. Sign up for our daily newsletter here ‘Tis the season for best-of, worst-of and other assorted year-end honors, including our annual callout for Person of the Year nominees. Picking up where we left off in Tuesday’s Town Hall section, here’s the case 10 other community members made for their choices. Emily Van Duyn EMILY VAN DUYN, associate professor of communication, University of Illinois “Yet again, this year’s presidential election featured high voter turnout and a contentious political atmosphere. It was also a difficult one for the sanctity of voting as conspiracies of voter fraud called into question the legitimacy of the voting process and as threats of violence against polling locations across the country aimed to depress voter turnout. “Yet POLL WORKERS — average citizens from both sides of the aisle volunteering their time — showed up to handle the equally mundane but important task of counting us all. “As we enter into a new presidential administration in the coming year that will bring its fair share of fear and uncertainty, the presence and perseverance of poll workers in this year’s election despite partisan efforts to dissuade them, reminds me that democracy isn’t dictated by the people at the top, it’s both created and continued by all of us.” Jeffrey and Lauren Brokish LAUREN BROKISH, owner, Central Illinois Bakehouse, Martinelli’s Market, Pekara Bistro and Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery “ LISA MICELE has been a steady and compassionate guide for students and families in our community for years. As the college counselor at Uni High and Academy High, she brings not only her expertise but also a genuine warmth that makes such a difference during what can be a stressful time for students. “My daughter, who is graduating this year, has been so fortunate to have Lisa by her side, offering guidance and encouragement every step of the way. She truly cares about each student and goes out of her way to support them, making the college process feel manageable and even exciting. Lisa Micele “What makes Lisa even more special is how deeply she connects with people. When my husband Jeffrey walked into her office, over 20 years after she had been his counselor, she remembered him instantly. That kind of care and attention is just who Lisa is — someone who leaves a lasting impact on everyone she meets. ”Her kindness, wisdom and dedication to helping students and their families are incredible, and she has touched so many lives in our community. Lisa is truly one of a kind, and we’re so lucky to have her.” Alejandra Aguero ALEJANDRA AGUERO, Champaign-based government administrator, Illinois Department of Employment Security “Every single day that I’ve had a meal this year, my thoughts lingered not just on the taste of asparagus, per se, but on the hands that brought it to my plate. The hands of the AGRICULTURAL WORKERS OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY . “This wasn’t an easy year for anyone, and the challenges faced by those who work the land often go unseen. From the unpredictable weather patterns that threatened crops to the long hours under the relentless summer sun, these individuals faced a daily grind that demands both physical strength and unwavering dedication. They are the backbone of our local food system, the unsung heroes who ensure we have access to fresh, healthy produce. “I think of the early mornings they spend in the fields, the dew still clinging to the rows of vegetables. I imagine the careful hands that harvest each tomato, ensuring it’s perfectly ripe and ready for market. I picture the backbreaking work of tending to fields of lettuce and spinach, the foundation of countless summer salads. Every crisp leaf, every juicy bite, is a testament to their labor. “This spring, summer and fall, I strolled through farmers’ markets, admiring the vibrant colors and enticing aromas and considered the journey each piece of produce, herb and flower had taken. It’s a journey that begins with the tireless efforts of agricultural workers, who plant, nurture and harvest the food that nourishes our community. “I’ve made a conscious effort to appreciate the hard work that goes into every meal. Every time I enjoy a salad bursting with fresh greens, a roasted poblano pepper or those first precious spears of asparagus, I’m reminded of the dedication and resilience of the agricultural workers in Champaign County. They are the true stewards of our land, the providers of our sustenance and the embodiment of selfless service. “Therefore, I wholeheartedly nominate the agricultural workers of Champaign County for recognition for their selfless work in 2024. Their tireless efforts, often performed under challenging conditions, provide us with the essential sustenance that nourishes our bodies and connects us to the land. They deserve our deepest gratitude and recognition for their vital contributions to our community. ”They are the reason we can enjoy tasty meals that bring friends and family members together, allowing us to enjoy cultural holidays and other celebrations that involve fresh produce from the farm to the kitchen or grill and finally to the table. My utmost admiration and respect goes out to the farm worker.” Mia Hernandez MIA HERNANDEZ, attorney, Webber & Thies “My choice is University of Illinois Chancellor ROBERT J. JONES . Chancellor Jones is a trailblazer and, under his leadership over the past eight-plus years, UIUC has launched numerous notable advances including, but not limited to, establishment of: “Carle Illinois College of Medicine: First engineering-based medical school in the world. “Illinois Commitment: Free tuition program for any Illinois resident whose family income is below $75,000. “Largest philanthropic campaign in UIUC’s history: $2.7 billion, including two of the largest private gifts ever received. UI Chancellor Robert Jones interacts with students. “The creation of the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science and Siebel Center for Design. “Recently, it was publicly announced that Chancellor Jones would step down as UIUC chancellor at the end of the current academic year. Chancellor Jones’ leadership has been invaluable to UIUC and the community at large. It is my hope that his successor will positively build upon his momentum and legacy.” Stu and Susan Meacham STU MEACHAM, chief operating officer, Cozad Asset Management “Given the time of the year, my thoughts aren’t directed to anyone of ‘significance to the world.’ In fact, I don’t expect many will even know the person I’m about to describe. “But first, I must say at this stage of my life, my thoughts are more focused on the next generation who will lead, and hopefully, love people into becoming all that they were intended to be. So this year I happened to meet a young African American, GABE CARTER , a former high school shot putter from Indiana and recent college graduate who has made quite an impression in the short time I’ve known him. “In August he started in a resident’s program at church, where he is provided lodging and a monthly stipend while he receives a holistic education as he considers a life in ministry. Gabe relates to everyone — from every tribe and nation. He drives high school graduates being trained up in the trades to and from work. He hosts breakfast at his home for a gap-year discipleship group of high school graduate students taking a year off before heading to college. “Wherever he is, there are always people around him, looking up to him. In just living in our town for one-third of the year, two college graduates have already asked Gabe to baptize them. “Gabe’s servant-leadership embodied by his boldness, gentleness, reliability, self-control and maturity beyond his years are something to behold — and remindful of how each one of us should see everyone as a child of God.” Kathryn Williams KATHRYN WILLIAMS, director, OLLI at Illinois “My vote is not a single individual but all the LOCAL MUSICIANS who keep live music readily available in this area. “Whether performing at festivals, in bars, at Krannert, in the streets, in parks, or simply playing music together with friends at the mall, in back yards or around a piano, local musicians make this great community a very special and joyful place to live and are most worthy of recognition and celebration.” Peggy Prichard DANA SCHAUMBURG, community relations coordinator, Eastern Illinois Foodbank “I would vote for PEGGY FRASCA PRICHARD . Peggy is a dedicated community leader, who recently retired but continues to devote time to important causes in the Champaign-Urbana area. “She positively has impacted others through her work with Braver Angels, a group that allows conservatives and liberals to get past the destructive stereotypes so we can have civil conversations about real issues that lead to productive problem-solving. Dana Schaumburg “She also volunteers through other community organizations and recently became a member of the Rotary Club of Champaign, where she can expand her involvement in the community. “I consider her a mentor and a friend, and her ability to work with many different groups focused on providing positive outcomes is an inspiration to me.” Alexei Navalny SARAH ZEHR GANTZ, UI senior assistant vice president for academic initiatives and policies “I would vote for ALEXEI NAVALNY . It takes a lot of courage to stand up for what you believe in when you live in a place where you risk your health, your safety and your life by doing so. Unfortunately, Navalny lost all three, but it did not stop him. Sarah Zehr Gantz “I remember thinking that after he was poisoned in 2020 that he would probably have to continue his campaign from afar. But he returned, knowing fully that he would likely be arrested and suffer in retaliation for his actions. I am pretty sure I would not be brave enough to go back. “Despite his suffering and the tragic loss of his life, he did manage to communicate his message loudly and clearly to the world. That is an example of a true leader.” Angi Franklin DAN DITCHFIELD, executive agent and owner, Horace Mann Dan Ditchfield “I’d like to nominate ANGI FRANKLIN , assistant superintendent of human resources for the Urbana school district. She’s an awesome person, and pours everything she has into the employees and children of the district. We are very lucky to have her in our community.” Tami Adams MEGAN WOLF, senior director of development, UI College of LAS “ TAMI ADAMS would be my choice. As executive director of Campus Middle School for Girls, she has created a community of strong, independent young women that provides an accelerated curriculum in a nurturing environment. “Because of Tami’s leadership, CMS is a place where girls’ strengths are celebrated and amplified, and their challenges are met with compassion and support. Megan Wolf “In addition to her role as executive director, Tami is a skilled teacher who develops enthusiasm for math among her students. Tami’s dedication to her teachers and students is felt throughout the school and woven into the fabric of CMS. ”She is known by her students to be thoughtful and caring, and she challenges students to be the best version of themselves.”All the 2025 showbiz dates you need to know from Sabrina Carpenter’s tour to Brit Awards and Glastonbury
Former Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah has already found a new program in Duke, while Mississippi State's Michael Van Buren Jr., Wisconsin's Braedyn Locke and Cal's Fernando Mendoza are exploring changes of their own in the transfer portal. Mensah, a redshirt freshman with three years of eligibility remaining, told ESPN on Wednesday he has transferred to Duke. He attended the Blue Devils men's basketball game against Incarnate Word on Tuesday night. The Blue Devils (9-3) will face Mississippi in the Gator Bowl, but without 2024 starting quarterback Maalik Murphy and backup Grayson Loftis, who also entered the portal. Mensah, viewed as one of the top players in the portal, threw for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns and completed 65.9% of his passes. He led the Green Wave to a 9-4 record and the American Athletic Conference championship game, where they lost 35-14 to Army. Tulane will play Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl on Sunday. Van Buren, Mendoza and Locke announced on social media they had entered the portal. Van Buren started eight games as a true freshmen for the Bulldogs. He threw for 1,886 yards on 55% passing with 16 total touchdowns and seven interceptions for the Bulldogs (2-10, 0-8 Southeastern Conference). He took over as the starter when Blake Shapen suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in a 45-28 loss to Florida on Sept. 21. Shapen has said he plans to return next season. Van Buren, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound passer from St. Frances Academy in Maryland, had two 300-yard performances for the Bulldogs, including 306 yards and three touchdown passes in a 41-31 road loss against Georgia. Mendoza threw for 3,004 yards in 2024 with 16 TDs, six interceptions and a 68.7 completion percentage. "For the sake of my football future this is the decision I have reached," he posted. Locke passed for 1,936 yards with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for Wisconsin this season. He said he will have two years of eligibility remaining at his next school. ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan cornerback Will Johnson has joined defensive tackle Mason Graham in the NFL draft. Johnson declared for the draft on Wednesday, one day after Graham decided he would also skip his senior season with the Wolverines. Both preseason All-America players are expected to be first-round picks. Johnson was limited to six games this year due to an injury. He had two interceptions, returning them both for touchdowns to set a school record with three scores off interceptions. Johnson picked off nine passes in three seasons. Graham played in all 12 games this season, finishing with 3 1/2 sacks and seven tackles for losses. He had 18 tackles for losses, including nine sacks, in his three-year career. Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson is The Associated Press offensive player of the year in the Southeastern Conference and South Carolina defensive lineman Kyle Kennard is the top defensive player. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was voted the top newcomer on Wednesday while the Gamecocks' Shane Beamer is coach of the year in voting by the panel of 17 media members who cover the league. Sampson led the SEC and set school records by rushing for 1,485 yards and 22 touchdowns. He is tied for third nationally in rushing touchdowns, recording the league's fifth-most in a season. Sampson was chosen on all but two ballots. Mississippi wide receiver Tre Harris and his quarterback, Jaxson Dart, each got a vote. Kennard led the SEC with 11-1/2 sacks and 15-1/2 tackles for loss. He also had 10 quarterback hurries and forced three fumbles. Beamer led the Gamecocks to just their fifth nine-win season, including a school-record four wins over Top 25 opponents. They've won their last six games and ended the regular season with a win over eventual ACC champion Clemson. South Carolina plays Illinois on Dec. 31 in the Citrus Bowl. Pavia helped lead Vandy to its first bowl game since 2018 after transferring from New Mexico State. He passed for 2,133 yards and 17 touchdowns with four interceptions. He ran for another 716 yards and six touchdowns, directing an upset of Alabama. AMES, Iowa — Matt Campbell, who led Iowa State to its first 10-win season and became the program's all-time leader in coaching victories, has agreed to an eight-year contract that would keep him with the Cyclones through 2032. University president Wendy Wintersteen and athletic director Jamie Pollard made the announcement Wednesday, four days after the Cyclones lost to Arizona State in the Big 12 championship game. “Given all the uncertainty currently facing college athletics, it was critical that we moved quickly to solidify the future of our football program,” Pollard said. “Matt is the perfect fit for Iowa State University and I am thrilled he wants to continue to lead our program. Leadership continuity is essential to any organization’s long-term success." The Cyclones won their first seven games for their best start since 1938 and are 10-3 heading into their game against Miami in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 28. BRIEFLY FLAG PLANT: Ohio Republican state Rep. Josh Williams said Wednesday on social media he's introducing a bill to make flag planting in sports a felony in the state. His proposal comes after the Nov. 30 fight at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry football game when the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 13-10 and then attempted to plant their flag at midfield. MALZAHN: Gus Malzahn, who resigned as UCF’s coach last month to become Mike Norvell’s offensive coordinator at Florida State, said he chose to return to his coaching roots rather than remain a head coach distracted by a myriad of responsibilities. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
🎅SantaCons in NJ, NYC 🚆Drink ban on NJ Transit 🎄Attendees urged to be 'nice' not naughty In addition to family friendly holiday fun, this is also the season of sauced Santas gathering en masse in New Jersey and its neighboring states. NJ Transit has preemptively banned all beverages on its trains, light rail vehicles and buses on Saturday, Dec. 14 — to coincide with this year’s SantaCon event in New York City. “No beverages of any kind, in any type of container, open or closed, will be permitted on board trains, buses or light rail vehicles during this time. This policy will be strictly enforced,” the transit agency said on Tuesday. There will be roving packs of revelers on this side of the Hudson River, too. Seaside Heights and Morristown both have SantaCon events planned on Saturday. For Seaside, there has been an effort to clean up the event’s image. “SantaCon is not a bar crawl. Every time you call it that, a sugarplum fairy dies,” according to the Seaside SantaCon website. Instead, it starts with donations of non-perishable food items and an unwrapped toy for local charity. Last year, SantaCon Seaside Heights raised over $6,800, collected 254 toys and 477 food items for donation, according to event organizers on social media. Morristown has a different approach, using the pub crawl as its anchoring event for this upcoming Saturday. Atlantic City also has a SantaCon event listed for Saturday, with tickets selling on eventbrite. SantaCon season has been staggered, as Hoboken will see its influx of Santas on Dec. 21. NJ Transit will enact the same all-day beverage ban on its trains, light rail and buses all day. There was already one such festive gathering in Mercer County — Princeton SantaCon appeared to be cheerful as it unfolded last weekend. NYC Video Tours caught the sea of Santa suits in Manhattan last December, as shared to Youtube. New and classic favorites: The best dive bars in New Jersey The term "dive bar" used to be something derogatory. Nowadays it's more of a badge of honor to say to own one, go to one, or work at one. We started in South Jersey, stopped A LOT in Central Jersey and ended in North Jersey. We left out the Jersey Shore bar because there are just too many to choose from. If your favorite isn't on the list, don't be offended, just tell us about it. Here we go... Gallery Credit: Dennis Malloy Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom How to prepare for winter in NJ: 11 essential gear tips Because you never know what may happen in the bipolar type of winter we have here, you should always be prepared. Do you want to get through the season without freezing? I’m going to give you the 11 must-have cold-weather items to survive a New Jersey winter. Gallery Credit: Judi Franco/New Jersey 101.5
Luigi Mangione, 26, was charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Following his arrest, various claims about him circulated online, including speculation about an online manifesto that allegedly explained his motive for the killing. The post, attributed to "LM" on the blog site Substack, is titled “The Allopathic Complex and Its Consequences" and has been shared in various social media posts crediting Mangione as the author. This is allegedly Luigi Mangione’s manifesto. pic.twitter.com/uOFsGA6Nki VERIFY reader Tony texted us asking if the manifesto published to Substack is real. THE QUESTION Is the viral online post on Substack appearing to be written by Luigi Mangione real? THE SOURCES Substack spokesperson Dec. 9 press conference hosted by New York City Mayor Eric Adams The Wayback Machine archives of the Substack blog Commonwealth of Pennsylvania court records Various news reports on the handwritten document recovered by police THE ANSWER No, the viral online post published to Substack appearing to be written by Luigi Mangione isn’t real. WHAT WE FOUND Luigi Mangione had a three-page document with him when he was arrested that police say speaks to his alleged motive at the time of the killing, but claims the manifesto posted online was authored by Mangione are false. VERIFY analyzed excerpts of the handwritten document and found it doesn't match any of the language in the fake online manifesto. Substack also said it removed the account because it violates the platform’s content guidelines, “which prohibit impersonation.” During a Dec. 9 press conference , New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the handwritten document Mangione had on his person when arrested “speaks to both his motivation and mindset.” When asked if the handwritten document was posted online, the New York Police Department’s Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said, “Don’t know if it's online. As of right now, it's a handwritten three-page document.” While police haven’t publicly released the handwritten document, excerpts have been reported by various news outlets such as the Associated Press , The New York Times and CBS . According to these reports, the document was either independently reviewed or described to reporters by sources close to the investigation. The New York Times summarized the excerpts they reviewed, saying the handwritten document called Thompson’s killing a “symbolic takedown” of the healthcare industry and also referenced corruption and “power games.” CBS reported Mangione criticized the disparity between U.S. healthcare costs and life expectancy rates. We compared the quoted excerpts from the reports to the Substack manifesto posted online and found none of the language from the handwritten document appears in the manifesto. The fake manifesto also lacks any reference to healthcare costs or life expectancy rates. Substack didn’t provide details on when the account was removed from the platform, but VERIFY was able to use archived pages captured on The Wayback Machine to determine the account was likely created while Mangione was in police custody. The Wayback Machine allows users to view and access snapshots, or screenshots, of websites. This screenshot archive from The Wayback Machine of the Substack account attributed to Mangione was captured at 9:43 p.m. ET on Dec. 9. Text on the Substack page archived indicates it was created about two hours earlier, during the time Mangione would have been in custody. At around 1:45 p.m. on Dec. 9 , the NYPD announced Mangione had been arrested as a person of interest in Thompson’s murder. He was arraigned on Dec. 9 around 6:30 p.m., according to court records. Related Articles Yes, Trump will have the authority to pardon Jan. 6 rioters No, Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush did not pardon family members VERIFYING claims related to Luigi Mangione after his arrest in the UnitedHealthcare CEO killing The VERIFY team works to separate fact from fiction so that you can understand what is true and false. Please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter , text alerts and our YouTube channel . You can also follow us on Snapchat , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok . Learn More » Follow Us YouTube Snapchat Instagram Facebook TikTok Want something VERIFIED? Text: 202-410-8808GERMANTOWN, Tenn. , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc., or MAA MAA , today announced a full quarterly dividend of $1.0625 per outstanding share of its 8.50% Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. The dividend is payable on December 31, 2024 , to shareholders of record on December 13, 2024 . About MAA MAA is a self-administered real estate investment trust (REIT) and member of the S&P 500. MAA owns or has ownership interest in apartment communities primarily throughout the Southeast, Southwest and Mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S. focused on delivering strong, full-cycle investment performance. For further details, please refer to the "For Investors" page at www.maac.com or contact Investor Relations at investor.relations@maac.com . Forward-Looking Statements Certain matters in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended with respect to our expectations for future periods. Such statements include statements made about the payment of preferred dividends. The ability to meet the payment of preferred dividends in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements could differ materially from the projection due to a number of factors, including a downturn in general economic conditions or the capital markets, changes in interest rates and other items that are difficult to control such as increases in real estate taxes in many of our markets, as well as the other general risks inherent in the apartment and real estate businesses. Reference is hereby made to the filings of Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, reports on Form 8-K, and its annual report on Form 10-K, particularly including the risk factors contained in the latter filing. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/maa-announces-regular-quarterly-preferred-dividend-302319993.html SOURCE MAA © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Mike McDaniel stepped in to keep Dolphins from trading veteran DT Calais Campbell to Ravens
Customs officials in New Zealand are reporting the arrest of a Canadian woman who is alleged to have been caught with 10.2 kilograms of methamphetamine found inside her baggage and wrapped as if it belonged under a Christmas tree. The New Zealand Customs Service issued a news release Tuesday saying the woman took a flight from Vancouver to Auckland, arriving in the North Island city on Dec. 8. The individual was questioned after landing in Auckland, the customs service said. Officers searched her bag and allegedly found the drugs inside it. On social media, the customs service identified the accused as a Canadian national . But she was not identified by name in that posting, nor in the news release. The customs service said the woman faces "charges of importation and possession for supply of a Class A controlled drug" and that she appeared in Auckland's Manukau District Court on these same charges and has since been remanded into custody. Global Affairs Canada did not immediately provide a response on Tuesday to an emailed inquiry about the reported arrest of the Canadian in New Zealand. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority — the Crown corporation responsible for security screening at more than 80 Canadian airports, including Vancouver International Airport — told CBC News in an email that it "not aware" of the investigation in New Zealand and as such has no information about it. CBC Investigates Australian police say illicit drugs being snuck in via Canada The New Zealand Customs Service has reported at least two prior incidents this year involving Canadians flying out of Vancouver, landing in New Zealand, and then being arrested on allegations they were ferrying methamphetamine to the island country. One case involved a 27-year-old male who travelled overseas in August , while another involved a 27-year-old female who flew to Auckland in late October . The customs service had directly referred to the individuals in the prior cases as being alleged drug couriers. In the current case, it said only that it works closely "with our Canadian partners and collaborate with them closely to, in some cases, stop the drug couriers even before they board a flight here." Canadians have also allegedly been caught with methamphetamine inside their luggage Down Under in recent months, according to the Australian Federal Police . In separate cases in October, a 59-year-old man was arrested at an airport in Brisbane and a 38-year-old man was arrested in Sydney . Both had flown to Australia from Vancouver and both had multiple kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in their luggage, according to police.
None-- Shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Email Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned that the world’s richest man having the ear of President-elect Donald Trump could pose massive concerns for American democracy. The center-right German politician sparred with Trump during his first administration, defending NATO from Trump's attacks and bashing his exit from global climate commitments. In an interview with Der Spiegel on Friday, Merkel was asked if there was a difference between Trump's first term and today. She answered that Elon Musk’s sway with the president-elect was a troubling breakdown of barriers between the government and private businesses. “There is now a visible alliance between him with the big companies from Silicon Valley, which have enormous power through capital,” she told the German newspaper. “If a person like [Musk] is the owner of 60% of all satellites orbiting in space, then that must be a huge concern for us along with the political issues.” Musk joined Trump regularly on the campaign trail and helped finance his final push. Since Election Day, the CEO has spent time at Mar-a-Lago participating in calls with foreign leaders and vetting staffing choices. He's been tasked with co-leading the Department of Government Efficiency , an as-yet nonexistent agency, alongside Vivek Ramaswamy. Related Trump and the money men: Billionaires are repeating the Hitler mistake The German leader of over 16 years said Trump’s partnership with Musk threatened to strain the guardrails the government should be imposing on big business. Merkel said that the government should act as a "final authority" over private businesses that can "straighten things out." “If this final authority is too strongly influenced by companies, whether through capital power or technological capabilities, then this is an unprecedented challenge for us all,” Merkel said. Read more about Elon Musk Trump busts the myth behind the MAGA rich Musk and Ramaswamy are banking on the Supreme Court letting Trump unilaterally slash spending A viral blog post from a bureaucrat exposes why tech billionaires fear Biden — and fund Trump MORE FROM Griffin Eckstein Advertisement:
Shimla, Dec 28 (IANS): With potatoes contributing around 20 per cent of the state’s vegetable cultivation, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Saturday said the government is planning to establish a potato processing plant in Una district with an outlay of Rs 20 crore, that will also help growers of Punjab, another prominent grower state. The plant, with a minimum processing capacity of 500 kg per hour, will primarily focus on producing potato flakes and the Agricultural Department has been directed to formulate the detailed project report for the facility. Agriculture accounts for 14 per cent of Gross State Domestic Product, with potatoes being a key crop. Potato yields approximately 238,317 metric tons sown 16,960 hectare. The establishment of the potato processing plant will not only help ensure better remunerative prices for farmers but also boost the local economy by creating employment opportunities both in the factory and agricultural sector, an official statement quoting the Chief Minister said. Sukhu said, “By processing potatoes into value-added products like flakes, the plant will help stabilize the potato market and reduce the vulnerability of farmers to price fluctuations in the fresh potato market. Potato flakes are made by cooking, mashing, and drying the potatoes to create flat, dehydrated chunks, which are then packaged for sale.” He said the potato processing industry is an industrialized, technologically advanced, and market-driven sector. He said Una district, with its production of approximately 54,200 metric tons of potatoes from 3,400 hectares across both seasons (autumn and spring), is well-positioned to support such a plant. Additionally, the neighbouring state, Punjab, also produces a significant quantity of potatoes, ensuring a steady supply of raw material for the processing industry. He said one of the key advantages of potato cultivation in Himachal Pradesh is the ability to harvest potatoes during the rabi season, which typically occurs in March. However, due to market conditions, farmers often face distressing sales during this period. The proposed processing unit will offer farmers an opportunity to sell their potatoes at better prices, preventing price fluctuations and ensuring a year-round demand for potatoes. Sukhu said the state’s climatic conditions are ideal for producing high-quality, disease-free seed potatoes, which are highly valued across India. He said the demand for processed potato products, such as flakes, is rapidly growing in India, driven by changing consumer preferences and the expanding processing industry. Besides Una district, the table potato is also cultivated in Bilaspur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Kullu districts. The Lahaul Valley in Lahaul-Spiti district is known for producing virus-free seed potatoes that mainly find a market for plantation. The potato cultivation in Lahaul goes back to 1854 when missionary A.W. Hide from Germany established a farm near Keylong, the district headquarters town. The seed potatoes are in great demand in states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Karnataka. Vegetable production in the state is generating revenue of Rs 3,500-Rs 4,000 crore annually and has emerged as an alternate economic activity in the agriculture sector. The returns on off-season vegetable cultivation are very high compared to traditional food crops, say experts.