The declaration made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that his Government will reopen all cases of murders of journalists that have hitherto gone unresolved, is a matter for gratification. This will gladden the hearts of not just the journalistic fraternity in the country but also of all citizens who are thirsting for justice and fair play. “Killing the messenger” had been quite a common practice in other countries too, even in advanced Western democracies. Sri Lanka too appears to have caught on, given the number of journalists killed over the past few decades. These were mostly journalists who exposed the corrupt deals and other misdemeanors, including acts of murder and abductions committed, allegedly, at the behest of the country’s past rulers or their minions. These scribes were killed in cold blood by hit squads. A standout victim in this connection was Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunga who took on the Government of the day and their rulers with boldness and with no let or hindrance. Needless to say, the accusing finger for the cold-blooded broad daylight murder was pointed directly at the top echelons of the ruling party at the time. However, after the initial brouhaha and agitations by local and international journalists’ bodies and the public to bring to book the person or persons responsible, the matter eventually petered out tamely and without a whimper. At one time, several men were arrested and then released without any explanation. For all intents and purposes, Lasantha remains a forgotten person today. Only the members of his extended family and close journalistic colleagues may be feeling the loss. Even to this day Ahimsa, the daughter of Wickrematunga who lives in Australia has been appealing to all Governments to ascertain the truth behind the murder of her father, and, more importantly, who was really behind the killing. The same fate befell well-known columnist Sivaram a.k.a. Taraki who was abducted while having dinner at a hotel in Bambalapitiya and whose body was found in the vicinity of Parliament in Kotte, the following day. The disappearance of political cartoonist and journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda on the eve of the 2010 Presidential Election still remains a mystery. There are several journalists belonging to Tamil publications in the North including Nirmalarajan of the Uthayan who suffered the same fate, after expsosing the doings of a well-known Northern politician. All political leaders who were elected as the President since, have offered to probe the killings of journalists but hardly any headway was made which, no doubt, buttressed the claims of the involvement of politicians. No doubt, President Dissanayake will want to be different. He should leave no stone unturned to find out who the perpetrators were and dispense justice against them. After all, he received a lot of support from the journalist fraternity on the road to his election to the highest office in the land. This, no doubt, should give him that added impetus to do justice by the slain journalists. President Dissanayake also mentioned that he would also launch a probe into rugby star Wasim Thajudeen’s murder which had all the hallmarks of a political killing. He should also ascertain the course the Police investigations took into these murders and if there was any indifference or foot dragging on the part of any officers, and ascertain at whose behest. If so, action should also be taken against all such officers for attempting to stifle the cause of justice so that this would send a clear message to all those men in khaki who have been working to the dictates of politicians all this while. The President should also ensure openness and transparency in all Police investigations that are being conducted under his watch. The general public has lost all trust and confidence in the Police who are widely seen as doing the bidding of politicians, or bought over by interested parties. He should do everything in his power to repose the public faith and trust in the country’s premier law enforcement agency. It is only through this means that public cooperation will be forthcoming to Police that would make its job easier. The decision taken by the President to re-open all the bribery cases that were closed is also another move in the right direction. All cases involving mostly politicians and those with political links were inexplicably suspended even while they were being argued in the Courts or rejected on flimsy technical grounds. Needless to say, the Attorney General’s Department which is an arm of the Government with all its officers receiving their salaries from the Government did not exactly put its heart and soul in effectively prosecuting the culprits , thus allowing them to creep through the loopholes that were more or less deliberately created. Hence, it is only right that the President revisits all such cases and take a fresh look at all these cases and do the needful where necessary. After all, the Bribery Commission is maintained with public funds and ought to function effectively to justify this expense. It should be made to function effectively rather than simply exist in name only.Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100 ATLANTA (AP) — Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died. He was 100 years old and had spent roughly 22 months in hospice care. The Georgia peanut farmer served one turbulent term in the White House before building a reputation as a global humanitarian and champion of democracy. He defeated President Gerald Ford in 1976 promising to restore trust in government but lost to Ronald Reagan four years later amid soaring inflation, gas station lines and the Iran hostage crisis. He and his wife Rosalynn then formed The Carter Center, and he earned a Nobel Peace Prize while making himself the most internationally engaged of former presidents. The Carter Center said he died peacefully Sunday afternoon in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. Jimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’ PLAINS, Ga. (AP) — The 39th and longest-lived U.S. president, James Earl Carter Jr., died Sunday at the age of 100. His life ended where it began, in Plains, Georgia. He left and returned to the tiny town many times as he climbed to the nation’s highest office and lost it after four tumultuous years. Carter spent the next 40 years setting new standards for what a former president can do. Carter wrote nearly a decade ago that he found all the phases of his life challenging but also successful and enjoyable. The Democrat's principled but pragmatic approach defied American political labels, especially the idea that one-term presidents are failures. Jet crash disaster in South Korea marks another setback for Boeing WASHINGTON (AP) — A machinists strike. Another safety problem involving its troubled top-selling airliner. A plunging stock price. 2024 was already a dispiriting year for Boeing, the American aviation giant. But when one of the company’s jets crash-landed in South Korea on Sunday, killing all but two of the 181 people on board, it brought to a close an especially unfortunate year for Boeing. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and aviation experts were quick to distinguish Sunday’s incident from the company’s earlier safety problems. Alan Price, an airline consultant, said it would be inappropriate to link the incident Sunday to two fatal crashes involving Boeing’s troubled 737 Max jetliner in 2018 and 2019. South Korean authorities seek warrant to detain impeached President Yoon in martial law probe SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean law enforcement officials have requested a court warrant to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol as they investigate whether his short-lived martial law decree this month amounted to rebellion. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, which is leading a joint investigation with police and military authorities into the power grab that lasted only a few hours, confirmed it requested the warrant on Monday. Investigators plan to question Yoon on charges of abuse of authority and orchestrating a rebellion. Tornadoes in Texas and Mississippi kill 2 and injure 6 as severe weather system moves east HOUSTON (AP) — A strong storm system is threatening to whip up tornadoes in parts of the U.S. Southeast, a day after severe weather claimed at least two lives as twisters touched down in Texas and Mississippi. Strong storms moving eastward Sunday are expected to continue producing gusty, damaging winds, hail and tornadoes through Sunday. That is according to National Weather Service meteorologist Frank Pereira. So far, the line of severe weather has led to about 40 tornado reports from southeastern Texas to Alabama, Pereira said, but those reports remain unconfirmed until surveys of damage are completed. Israeli hospital says Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — An Israeli hospital says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery. Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center said his prostate was removed late Sunday and that he was recovering. Netanyahu’s office had said Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, would serve as acting prime minister during the procedure. Doctors ordered the operation after detecting an infection last week. Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days. With so much at stake, Netanyahu’s health in wartime is a concern for both Israelis and the wider world. Azerbaijan's president says crashed jetliner was shot down by Russia unintentionally Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev says the Azerbaijani airliner that crashed last week was shot down by Russia, albeit unintentionally. Aliyev told Azerbaijani state television on Sunday that the aircraft was hit by fire from the ground over Russia and rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare. He accused Russia of trying to “hush up” the issue for several days. The crash on Wednesday killed 38 of 67 people on board. Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to Aliyev on Saturday for what he called a “tragic incident” but stopped short of acknowledging Moscow’s responsibility. Croatia's incumbent president gains most votes for re-election, but not enough to avoid a runoff ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Croatia’s incumbent President Zoran Milanovic has swept most votes in the first round of a presidential election, but will have to face a runoff against a ruling party candidate to secure another five-year term. With 99% percent of the vote counted Sunday, Milanovic won 49% while his main challenger Dragan Primorac, a candidate of the ruling HDZ party, trailed far behind with 19%. Pre-election polls had predicted that the two would face off in the second round on Jan. 12, as none of the eight presidential election contenders were projected to get more than 50% of the vote. A fourth infant dies of the winter cold in Gaza as families share blankets in seaside tents DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A fourth infant has died of hypothermia in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by nearly 15 months of war are huddled in tents along the rainy, windswept coast as winter arrives. The baby's father says the 20-day-old child was found with his head as “cold as ice” Sunday morning in their tent. The baby’s twin brother was moved to the intensive care unit of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Their father says the twins were born one month premature and spent just a day in hospital, which like other Gaza health centers has been overwhelmed and only partially functions. Syria's de facto leader says it could take up to 4 years to hold elections BEIRUT (AP) — Syria’s de facto leader has said it could take up to four years to hold elections in Syria, and that he plans on dissolving his Islamist group that led the country’s insurgency at an anticipated national dialogue summit for the country. Ahmad al-Sharaa, who leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group leading the new authority in Syria, made the remarks in an interview Sunday. That's according to the Saudi television network Al-Arabiyya. It comes almost a month after a lightning insurgency led by HTS overthrew President Bashar Assad’s decades-long rule, ending the country’s uprising-turned civil war that started back in 2011.
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CHEYENNE — Cheyenne’s fourth annual Nativity Blessing at the state Capitol drew its largest crowd yet Thursday, attended by state and local elected officials, a couple of religious leaders and members of the public. Gov. Mark Gordon, who has spoken at all three previous Nativity Blessings, was unable to attend this year due to a scheduling conflict. However, other public officials, including Secretary of State Chuck Gray, Cheyenne Republican lawmaker Rep. Daniel Singh and local pastor Nathan Winters offered their remarks for the roughly 30 people who sat in the Capitol rotunda. A towering Christmas tree decorated with handmade ornaments dominates the center of the room, with glittering wrapped presents sitting at its base. A wooden Nativity scene was placed in front of the tree, facing the Capitol’s main front doors, and seats were provided for guests near the entrance. The Cathedral of St. Mary’s Children’s Choir performed a few select pieces and, at the end of the event, led the audience in a rendition of “Silent Night.” This year, there was a theme of unity and hope that was inspired by the growing political divide in this country, said event organizer Steven Malia. “After all these elections, I mean, there’s just a lot of division and a lot of tension,” Malia told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. “If we can have healing and cooperation and work together, maybe we can have a more peaceful union.” Politics mixed in with the meaning of Christmas as speakers reflected on the lack of cooperation among certain politicians. One repeated message was for people to not look to the government for hope, but rather God and Jesus Christ. In his message during the ceremony, Gray said society focuses too much on the “fake power” of government, such as the Roman empire. “Look at the obsession around the ‘Gladiator’ films. I mean, we got ‘Gladiator II’ out, and there’s so much focus on it,” Gray said. “But that’s fake power.” He said the “fake power of government” is what prevents people from reaching their full potential as citizens. As the new 68th Legislature gets ready to convene in a month for the 2025 general session, he said lawmakers will face their own obstacles. But they should all remember that Jesus is the truth, Gray said. “We ask for his blessing to keep us where the light is, to bless the work in this wonderful historic building, and that it will be a beacon of your true power,” Gray said. The Rev. Seth Hostetler of the Cathedral of St. Mary said hope is fundamental to society — it equips people to pursue good when times are hard. Christmas is remembering to live with hope and to seek it in God — not in elected leaders or grand technology, he said. “The problem we face now, even among Christians, is the growing fascination with our own power. ‘God helps those who help themselves’ is not in the Bible,” Hostetler said. As society progresses with majestic buildings, advanced technologies and choosing politicians to lead the way, “we start looking to ourselves for hope,” he said. It’s important to remember this Christmas season where blessings truly come from: Jesus. “How many of us during the election season spend more time watching the news than reading our Bibles? How many of us have talked more about politicians than about Jesus Christ?” Hostetler said. Former First Baptist Church of Thermopolis Pastor Nathan Winters recalled that Jesus was born to a “blue-collar couple ... on the edges of an empire known for its cruelty.” In a world of suffering and strife, he reminded members of the public to look toward heaven. “Remember the star of Bethlehem, something larger than us all,” Winters said. “Today ... we celebrate a Christmas tree pointing our way toward home, a place where we’ll all be well if we trust in Christ.” Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, sports, arts & entertainment, state legislature, CFD news, and more.David Friedman: 'Hezbollah is not fighting the IDF, it's targeting civilians'Broncos can take step toward breaking playoff drought with a win over Colts
Rohit Sharma scripts ignominious record after Melbourne double failure as merciless fans say 'happy retirement'A married woman from Nabarangpur’s Jharigaon area was allegedly trafficked to Maharashtra, where she endured 14 days of captivity and sexual abuse. The victim, subjected to severe physical and emotional trauma, claimed she was forced into sexual acts with multiple men. The woman alleged that she was kidnapped and trafficked with the intent of being sold. With remarkable courage, she managed to contact her husband, who rescued her with the assistance of a team of civil society organisation members. According to sources, the accused, identified as Basudev Kalar, a resident of the same locality as the victim, first took her to Raipur in Chhattisgarh before moving her to Nagpur, Maharashtra. There, she was held in captivity and allegedly forced into prostitution. During her ordeal, the accused reportedly raped her and coerced her to engage with other men in the area. Despite her dire circumstances, the victim managed to escape and alert her husband. He had earlier reported her disappearance to the Umerkote police and has now filed a formal complaint of kidnapping, trafficking, and sexual assault. The rescue operation was significantly aided by a local non-governmental organization (NGO), Matru Ashram, based in Nabarangpur. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with demands for a thorough investigation and swift action against the perpetrators. Social activist Kadambini Tripathy expressed shock over the incident: "While trafficking cases involving young girls are tragically common, it is appalling to see a married woman subjected to such unbearable trauma. This case underscores the need to dismantle well-organized trafficking rackets operating in the region." She further urged authorities to act swiftly, warning of public protests if the accused are not apprehended immediately.UW men dominate NJIT in nonconference finale
onversational artificial intelligence (AI) tools may soon "covertly influence" users' decision making in a new commercial frontier called the "intention economy", University of Cambridge researchers warned in a paper published Monday. The research argues the potentially "lucrative yet troubling" marketplace emerging for "digital signals of intent" could, in the near future, influence everything from buying movie tickets to voting for political candidates. Our increasing familiarity with chatbots, digital tutors and other so-called "anthropomorphic" AI agents is helping enable this new array of "persuasive technologies", it added. It will see AI combine knowledge of our online habits with a growing ability to know the user and anticipate his or her desires and build "new levels of trust and understanding", the paper's two co-authors noted. Left unchecked, that could allow for "social manipulation on an industrial scale", the pair, from Cambridge's Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence (LCFI), argued in the paper published in the Harvard Data Science Review. It characterizes how this emergent sector -- dubbed the "intention economy" -- will profile users' attention and communicative styles and connect them to patterns of behavior and choices they make. With exclusive interviews and in-depth coverage of the region's most pressing business issues, "Prospects" is the go-to source for staying ahead of the curve in Indonesia's rapidly evolving business landscape. By registering, you agree with 's Please check your email for your newsletter subscription. "AI tools are already being developed to elicit, infer, collect, record, understand, forecast, and ultimately manipulate and commodify human plans and purposes," co-author Yaqub Chaudhary said. The new AI will rely on so-called Large Language Models -- or LLMs -- to target a user's cadence, politics, vocabulary, age, gender, online history, and even preferences for flattery and ingratiation, according to the research. That would be linked with other emerging AI tech that bids to achieve a given aim, such as selling a cinema trip, or steer conversations towards particular platforms, advertisers, businesses and even political organizations. Co-author Jonnie Penn warned: "Unless regulated, the intention economy will treat your motivations as the new currency." "It will be a gold rush for those who target, steer, and sell human intentions," he added. "We should start to consider the likely impact such a marketplace would have on human aspirations, including free and fair elections, a free press, and fair market competition, before we become victims of its unintended consequences." Penn noted that public awareness of the issue is "the key to ensuring we don't go down the wrong path".Magic’s Franz Wagner suffers torn right oblique — same injury as Paolo Banchero
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