lottery prayer answered
2025-01-06   

BRUSSELS , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In an upcoming EU Reporter interview , M. Shigeo Katsu , Founding President of Nazarbayev University (NU) and a key architect of Kazakhstan's education reforms, will address the escalating scandal surrounding financial mismanagement at the country's flagship higher education institution. The crisis gained public attention following the announcement of the state audit results of Nazarbayev University. The revelations have sparked widespread concerns about transparency and oversight at one of Central Asia's most prestigious universities. Adding to the controversy are allegations of financial mismanagement involving the New Generation Foundation, the Jusan Group — entities originally established to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of NU and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS). Questions have also been raised about the state of affairs at NU's Social Development Fund. Reports suggest that funds may have been misappropriated, triggering outrage from students, educators, and civil society. In response, a student initiative group from Nazarbayev University issued an open letter demanding the release of both the state audit and NU's internal audit of the Social Development Fund. The letter also calls for greater accountability, enhanced transparency, and the protection of students' rights. This appeal reflects mounting frustration with the university's leadership and a growing demand for immediate corrective action. Shigeo Katsu's interview will shed light on these unfolding developments. As a former leader of NU, Katsu is uniquely positioned to analyze the root causes of the crisis, critique the university's response, and discuss the broader implications for Kazakhstan's education sector. The full interview can be found here: https://www.eureporter.co/kazakhstan-2/2024/12/23/the-battle-for-nazarbayev-universitys-future-shigeo-katsu-on-financial-mismanagement-and-accountability/ The Battle for Nazarbayev University's Future: Shigeo Katsu on Financial Mismanagement and Accountability In light of recent controversies surrounding the financial governance of Nazarbayev University (NU) and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS), an open letter from concerned students has surfaced, addressing the troubling mismanagement of funds and alleged conflicts of interest. The letter highlights a series of financial decisions that led to the unraveling of key institutions meant to ensure the long-term stability of NU and NIS. The students are particularly concerned about the fate of the Jusan Group and the Nazarbayev Fund (NGF), which were once positioned to secure the financial future of these two leading educational institutions. Instead, they allege that significant funds were misappropriated and whole organizations lost, leading to the collapse of what was once a promising financial structure. In response, Shigeo Katsu , the Founding President of Nazarbayev University, has also written an open letter , received by EU Reporter, addressing the ongoing crisis and providing his perspective on the unfolding situation. In his letter, Katsu outlines the rationale of engagement in the financial sector and the erosion of the initial vision for NU, highlighting the role of key financial institutions like Jusan Bank and the NGF in securing a stable future for the university and NIS. He draws attention to the series of decisions that led to the loss of the former and calls for urgent remedial actions to prevent further damage to the institutions' credibility and financial stability . In this exclusive interview with EU Reporter , Shigeo Katsu , the Founding President of Nazarbayev University, sheds light on these pressing issues. He discusses the audit findings, the role of Jusan Bank , and what must be done to restore trust and secure the future of NU and NIS. Bio: Mr. Shigeo Katsu is the Founding President of Nazarbayev University. He held the position of President from December 2010 until June 2023 . He was Chair of the Board of Trustees of an affiliated secondary school system, the Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools, and of the University's hospital system. Prior to the assignments in Kazakhstan , over the course of a 30-year career at the World Bank, Mr. Shigeo Katsu held various positions including leading financial sector reform support for China , Director for Cote d'Ivoire , and Vice President for Europe and Central Asia . After his retirement from the World Bank, he served for a few years on the US board of a youth-oriented international development NGO. Between 2011 and 2015 he was an Advisory Panel member of the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO). Questions: - We have exclusively published your open letter and anticipate that it will generate a significant response. What drove you to write it, particularly in light of the misuse of funds intended to ensure the long-term financial stability of Nazarbayev University (NU) and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS)? The decision to write the open letter was not made lightly. It was driven by a profound sense of responsibility to the students, faculty, and broader community of Nazarbayev University (NU) and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS). These institutions were established with a vision to create world-class educational hubs in Kazakhstan and establish a center of excellence for academic research. Ensuring their financial independence and long-term stability is a core requirement to achieve the two institutions' mission. However, recent developments revealed through state and internal audits have exposed serious breaches of trust. The misuse of funds from entities like the University's Social Development Fund, New Generation Foundation, and Jusan Group directly threatens the sustainability of NU and NIS. These funds were meant to build up and guarantee the financial security of the institutions. Instead, we now see signs of embezzlement, mismanagement, and a concerning lack of accountability. The role played by key figures like the directors and executives of NGF, of Aslan Sarinzhipov (Executive Vice President of NU, a former Minister of Education) and Kadisha Dairova (Vice President for Student Affairs and International Cooperation, Nazarbayev University) only adds to the gravity of the situation. By writing the letter, my goal was to bring transparency to the issue and to mobilize public attention and international scrutiny. NU and NIS were founded on principles of meritocracy, transparency, and academic freedom. If we allow these values to be compromised, we risk undoing more than a decade of progress. The letter serves as a call for accountability, reform, and most importantly, protection of the future of Kazakhstan's youth. - Many students and alumni of NU have expressed their concern over the lowering of admission standards and the shift away from international standards. How do you assess these changes, and do you see them as diverging from the original vision for NU? NU was conceived as a model of excellence , designed to meet international standards in research, teaching, and governance. One of its founding principles was merit-based admission , which ensured that students were selected solely based on their ability and potential. This meritocratic foundation was not only an academic principle but a reflection of NU's mission to transform Kazakhstan's education system. Students, alumni, faculty and staff have worked hard to build NU's name. Now students, alumni and parents are rightly concerned that the lowering of admission standards undermines this mission and risks eroding the university's reputation both domestically and internationally. Such changes create the perception that NU is moving away from its original vision of being a world-class institution. To restore confidence, NU must reaffirm its commitment to international standards, transparency, and academic rigor. Reverting to merit-based admissions and prioritizing excellence will send a clear message that the institution remains steadfast in its mission. In the Open Letter, I stated that in theory, a policy of opening the entry door wider, but then be resolutely strict in terms of progression and graduation based on academic integrity and merit could work. There are some cases globally. However, it can only work if there is a full commitment to integrity and merit, openness and transparency, and NU's original values are upheld. But unfortunately, what I have observed and heard about recent developments at NU does not make me optimistic. While administration is supposedly in a belt-tightening mode, new senior positions were created and filled with scant regard for a proper hiring process and qualification. Conflict of interest and restrictions on hiring family members have been discarded. These are just a few of the institutional changes that will inevitably bleed over into the academic fabric as well. Is this the example that senior management wants to present to our students? - Do you believe the current situation, where the financial foundations like the Social Development Fund and New Generation Foundation were mismanaged, reflects a broader crisis within Kazakhstan's governance and democracy? Absolutely, but to be fair, this corporate governance crisis is not just limited to Kazakhstan . The findings of the internal audit conducted by NU on the Social Development Fund (SDF) reveal a systemic absence of check and balances and accountability that extends beyond these institutions. Mismanagement and theft, such as those involving Aslan Sarinzhipov , have not only undermined NU and NIS but also shaken public trust in Kazakhstan's leadership. The financial institutions linked to NU and NIS—Nazarbayev Fund, New Generation Foundation, and Jusan Group — were designed to guarantee long-term financial stability for education in Kazakhstan , securing the futures of NU and NIS for decades. However, NGF and Jusan Group's systematic depletion and dismantling highlight the country's struggle with accountability and the need for deep structural reform. This mismanagement reflects broader governance failings—particularly a lack of oversight, transparency, and mechanisms to prevent conflicts of interest. I cannot pronounce myself on the current status of the NF, but I would not be surprised if one discovers similar shortcomings there as well. I had called for an audit for some time until my departure but was not successful. The impact extends beyond education, affecting the economic and social fabric of Kazakhstan . Addressing these issues requires not just reforms within these organizations but also a renewed commitment to governance, accountability, and emphasis on establishing the rule of law. - With the financial stability once promised by entities like the NGF now in jeopardy, how do you envision NU's future without those foundational guarantees? The original intent of the Nazarbayev Fund, New Generation Foundation, and Jusan Group was to provide NU and NIS with long-term financial stability. These entities were carefully designed to ensure that Kazakhstan's leading educational institutions could eventually operate in a manner less affected by state budget fluctuations. However, as the audits reveal, these institutions have been systematically mismanaged and looted, jeopardizing the financial future of NU and NIS. NU's survival and success now depend on a bold and transparent strategy. The first step is to rebuild trust with the public, students, and alumni by publishing the findings of both the state audit of NU and the internal audit of SDF. Then, those responsible are held accountable. Financially, NU must re-establish a diversified funding model. This includes rebuilding its endowments and enhancing additional revenue streams, such as a logical and sound tuition policy, executive education and collaboration with industry and business in the form of contract research. Transparency and governance reform will be key to attract donors and investors who believe in NU's mission and potential. - The Supreme Audit Chamber of Kazakhstan , in its state audit, reported the mismanagement of 73.5 billion tenge at Nazarbayev University , as well as allegations of half a billion tenge being used illegally. What is your opinion on this, and how should the university address governance and corruption issues? I have not had the opportunity to access the state audit report, thus it is difficult to comment. If the cited amount in mismanagement of 73.5 billion tenge over six years is true, it is scandalous. However, we do not know what the auditors' definition and criteria of mismanagement is. So, let's first find out what the report actually says. What is clear, however, is the outcome of a 2023 internal audit of NU's Social Development Fund (SDF) , and it is sobering. This SDF audit reveals a blatant disregard of corporate governance principles, where individuals entrusted with university resources prioritized personal gain over the mission of NU. The audit revealed that SDF management led by current NU Executive Vice President Aslan Sarinzhipov constructed an intricate web of subsidiary entities, including abroad, to systematically evade the oversight and control of the University. Funds ( over 14 billion tenge ) meant to assist students and faculty were used for personal gains of Aslan Sarinzhipov and questionable deals. Unfortunately, NU senior officials such as Vice President Kadisha Dairova participated in such schemes. When I voiced my concern earlier over the developments at NU, it is largely because of the track record of senior officials there. For NU to move forward, it must adopt zero-tolerance policies for corruption, demand accountability from those responsible, and reform its governance structures to ensure transparency. - Why do some claim there is a lack of funds for NU and NIS, despite the promises of financial stability from their endowment funds? The claim of a lack of funds is a direct consequence of the systematic looting of resources from the New Generation Foundation and Jusan Group. These entities were explicitly designed to contribute to NU and NIS' long-term financial sustainability against the backdrop of reduced state funding. However, as I described in my Open Letter, these innovative financial structures have been undermined by mismanagement, and outright theft. For instance: Rebuilding financial stability will require recovering stolen assets, reforming governance structures, and restoring public trust through full transparency and accountability. - Given the scale of financial mismanagement, what steps are necessary to ensure accountability for those involved, including senior officials? Accountability must begin with transparency. First, all findings from the audits should be made public, and independent investigations should be conducted to identify those responsible. No individual, regardless of rank or influence, should be above scrutiny. Second, legal consequences must follow where wrongdoing is found. Kazakhstan's legal system must demonstrate its independence and commitment to justice by prosecuting those who exploited these funds. Finally, governance reforms are essential. NU and its associated entities must implement stricter checks and balances, including external audits, whistleblower protections, and oversight committees with independent members. These steps are not just about rectifying past mistakes—they're about ensuring a future where such mismanagement cannot happen again. - The audit findings were just the beginning of uncovering deeper issues. Is there more information you can share about how these financial foundations were exploited and what this means for the future of NU and NIS? The patterns that have emerged—opaque transactions, conflicts of interest, and questionable settlements—are deeply troubling. For instance, the transfer of assets to private hands under unclear terms raises red flags about the intentions behind such decisions. This exploitation puts the futures of NU and NIS at risk. These institutions were designed to be financially independent, insulated from political and economic volatility. The weakening of their financial foundations erodes their ability to deliver on their missions and betrays the trust of the Kazakhstani people, who have invested in these institutions through their taxes. The way forward requires not just recovering lost assets but rebuilding the governance systems that allowed this exploitation to occur. - Nazarbayev University was founded with a mission to serve as a model for higher education in Kazakhstan , supported by funds like those from the Nazarbayev Fund and New Generation Foundation. What was your original vision for the university, and how did these funds play a critical role in realizing that vision? The vision for NU was bold: to create an institution that could compete with the best universities in the world while serving as a model for higher education reform in Kazakhstan . From day one, we envisioned NU as a hub for innovation, research, and leadership development—a place where the brightest minds could come together to solve the challenges of tomorrow. However, one should not forget that universities, in particular research universities, are a long-term endeavor. They are meant to educate and develop generations upon generations of leaders and professionals in a broad range of sectors, and thus contribute to the scientific, economic, and societal wealth of countries. Building a strong institution that can meet the test of time requires long-term and unwavering commitments to foundational values such as integrity, meritocracy, excellence, openness and transparency. But of course, strong financial support from government and other stakeholders is needed, especially in the first decades. Thus, it was understood that NU would be dependent on state funding (through education grants and capital investments) for the initial decades of its existence, while in the meantime it would develop other sources of financing such as through endowment funds, tuition, and contract research. The Nazarbayev Fund, NGF and the Jusan Group were integral parts of this vision. This overall construct allowed us to recruit world-class faculty, develop state-of-the-art facilities, and provide scholarships to talented students, many from underprivileged backgrounds. These resources weren't just financial—they were a vote of confidence in NU's mission and a recognition of the transformative power of education. The loss of these resources is a significant setback, but I do hope that NU can recover. The university must focus on rebuilding trust with its stakeholders—students, faculty, alumni, and the public. This starts with transparency in financial management and governance. Diversifying funding sources will be crucial. This includes rebuilding its endowments, engaging with the philanthropic community, and developing innovative revenue streams. But most importantly, NU must stay true to its mission and values. Financial stability is important, but it must never come at the cost of compromising the university's integrity or academic excellence. Restoring NU's credibility begins with transparency. For instance, the university must share the audit report with stakeholders, and openly address any major shortcomings highlighted in the audit, including financial mismanagement and governance failures. An independent investigation, followed by public disclosure of findings, will demonstrate a commitment to accountability. Next, an affirmation of NU's commitment to its foundational values and principles is needed. Next, institutional reforms are essential. This includes introducing stronger oversight mechanisms for financial and administrative processes, ensuring that governance boards are staffed with individuals of the highest integrity and independence, and that management, faculty and staff are recruited on the basis of transparency and merit. Fourth, NU must recommit itself to its founding mission of academic excellence. This means maintaining rigorous admission standards, prioritizing high-quality faculty recruitment, and fostering research that addresses national and global challenges. And finally, engaging the NU community—students, faculty, alumni, and parents—in shaping the university's path forward is critical. A transparent, inclusive process will rebuild trust and reaffirm NU's position as a leader in higher education. Educational reform is not just critical—it is foundational to Kazakhstan's economic recovery and long-term stability. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in education systems worldwide, but it also underscored the importance of adaptability, innovation, and resilience. For Kazakhstan , investing in education means investing in the future. A well-educated population is essential for diversifying the economy, attracting foreign investment, and fostering innovation. Institutions like NU and NIS must lead the way by setting benchmarks for quality and demonstrating the value of education in driving economic progress. Moreover, reform must focus on equity. Expanding access to high-quality education for students from socially vulnerable backgrounds will ensure that economic recovery benefits all segments of society, not just the privileged few. - How do you see the role of institutions like NU and NIS in not only providing quality education but also contributing to economic growth in Kazakhstan , especially when financial stability is threatened? NU and NIS are more than educational institutions—they are catalysts for economic growth and social development. By equipping students with critical thinking skills, technical expertise, and a global perspective, they prepare the workforce needed to diversify Kazakhstan's economy. Their impact extends beyond classrooms. NU's research contributes to solving national challenges in areas like energy, healthcare, and technology. Meanwhile, NIS fosters innovation and leadership at the secondary education level, creating a pipeline of talent that benefits universities and industries alike. To sustain this role, NU and NIS must secure their financial stability. This includes strengthening governance, diversifying funding sources, and forging partnerships with the private sector and international organizations. These institutions are vital to Kazakhstan's future, and their success is intertwined with the country's broader economic ambitions. - Could the model used by NU and supported by the Nazarbayev Fund be applied in other countries, or does it require a uniquely Kazakh approach to work effectively? The NU model is innovative, but its core principles—integrity, meritocracy, autonomy, and a focus on global best practices—are universally applicable. Many countries could benefit from establishing institutions that prioritize excellence and align with international standards. That said, successful implementation depends on adapting the model to local contexts. Kazakhstan's approach benefited from strong initial financial and political backing, and a vision that emphasized independence from political and state bureaucratic interference. Replicating this requires careful consideration of governance structures, funding mechanisms, autonomy and other values, and cultural factors. In countries where philanthropic traditions or financial resources are limited, the model may need to rely more on public-private partnerships or international collaborations. Ultimately, the NU experience demonstrates that ambitious goals in education are achievable with the right vision, leadership, and long-term commitment support. - What lessons do you hope others will learn from the experience of the NGF, Jusan Bank , and the financial turmoil at NU? The story of NU and its financial affiliates offers a critical lesson: no institution, no matter how noble its mission, is immune to mismanagement and corruption without strong governance. NU and NIS' financial pillars, namely the Nazarbayev Fund, NGF, Jusan Group, but also the SDF and NIS' Corporate Development Fund were designed to guarantee long-term financial sustainability, yet their exploitation demonstrates how quickly trust can be eroded when transparency and accountability are neglected. For any endowment fund or financial institution, the following lessons are clear: NU's experience is a cautionary tale but also an opportunity. By addressing these failures head-on, NU can emerge as a model for how institutions can learn from adversity and rebuild stronger than before. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nazarbayev-university-crisis-shigeo-katsu-demands-audit-transparency-302338886.html SOURCE EU ReporterIf you have room in your income portfolio for a new addition or two, then check out the ASX dividend shares listed below. They have recently been named as buys by brokers and tipped to provide good . Here's what you need to know: The first ASX dividend share for income investors to consider buying is Cedar Woods. It is one of Australia's leading property companies with a portfolio that is diversified by geography, price point, and product type. The team at Morgans is positive on the company. After being pleased with Cedar Woods' performance in FY 2024, the broker believes there's more to come this financial year. This is thanks to the positive operating conditions the company is experiencing in key markets. It said: CWP announced FY24 NPAT of $40.5m, up 28% (vs pcp) and above both the guidance range of $36m – $39m and our prior forecast of $37.8m. The key contributor was the sale of the William Land Shopping Centre, with lot revenue and gross profit broadly stable. Looking forward, the signs are positive, with guidance for +10% NPAT growth in FY25, supported by favorable operating conditions in most key states. In respect to income, Morgans is forecasting dividends per share of 27 cents in FY 2025 and then 31.7 cents in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $5.51, this equates to 4.9% and 5.8% dividend yields, respectively. The broker currently has an add rating and $6.50 price target on its shares. ( ) Over at Goldman Sachs, its analysts think that Super Retail could be an ASX dividend share to buy. It is the owner of popular store brands BCF, Supercheap Auto, Macpac, and Rebel. The broker is a fan of Super Retail due to its belief that it has both a space and sales productivity lever to pull. Goldman also highlights its attractive valuation. It explains: While we believe that the nature of SUL's categories in Rebel Sports, Camping and Outdoor Wear is more discretionary compared to Electronics, Tech and Home, SUL is one of the few retailers in Australia that has both a space and sales productivity lever that we expect the company to be able to pull. It is trading on 14x FY25 P/E vs 4% FY24-27e EPS CAGR, a better value within our Discretionary Retail coverage vs. peers, in our opinion. Goldman expects Super Retail to pay fully franked dividends per share of 67 cents in FY 2025 and then 73 cents in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $15.62, this will mean yields of 4.3% and 4.7%, respectively. The broker has a buy rating and $17.60 price target on its shares.Xi Jinping Signs 37 Deals with Socialist Brazil, Cementing Economic Stranglehold on Latin AmericaSimon Harris said he has apologised to a woman for not giving her enough time to speak about carers and disability services while he was out canvassing in Cork on Friday. The Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader said he spoke to Charlotte Fallon, a worker with St Joseph’s Foundation, on the phone on Saturday after a clip of an exchange between them on Friday went viral. Advertisement RTÉ footage posted to the social media site X shows Mr Harris on a canvass in Kanturk when Ms Fallon tells the Taoiseach carers “were ignored” and the Government has “done nothing for us”. “The disability sector is a joke,” she says. “You’ve done nothing for us, our people are suffering. I’m very passionate about my job.” Mr Harris responds by saying: “No, not at all,” and: “I’m very passionate about disability too.” Ms Fallon says: “But there’s no mention of (them in the) Budget. You ignored them, you ignore the carers,” to which Mr Harris says: “That’s not true,” several times before shaking her hand and walking away. Advertisement While out canvassing at a Christmas market in Rathfarnham in Dublin on Saturday afternoon, Mr Harris said he was annoyed with himself and had called Ms Fallon to apologise. “I called Charlotte this morning because she was absolutely owed an apology from me,” he said. “We had a very good conversation, a very good conversation. I was very grateful to her for her time and her kindness. Advertisement “We spoke about a number of issues, we spoke about disability services, we spoke about the issue of pay parity for people in Section 39 organisations, and we also spoke about the issue of the means test for carers. “I was grateful to have a chance to listen to Charlotte and also talk through with her some of my own plans and views and vision in relation to disability services. Really grateful for the conversation, learned a lot from it, and I’ve also said that I’d love to call in to where she works in Cork in the coming weeks, and she said I’d be very welcome. “I’m annoyed with how I didn’t give that person, Charlotte, the time last night, she deserved that time. Advertisement Mr Harris said he had called to apologise over the encounter (Fine Gael/PA) “I’ve been around the country and I’ve had hundreds of conversations some days, and I’ve learned a lot and always learned a lot from listening to people and I’m very sorry that didn’t happen last night.” Asked what happened last night, he said: “There’s no excuse for it, I’m annoyed with myself in relation to it, disability is what makes me tick. “It will always be my passion, and it’s Charlotte’s passion too, and I’m really grateful to her for giving me the opportunity to speak with her today.” Advertisement Asked whether he thought people would doubt his sincerity on wanting to reform the State’s disability services after seeing the video, Mr Harris said: “I hope not. “All I can do is really double my efforts to convince people of the facts that we have a plan for the future of this country, and very much at the heart of that plan is better services, better delivery and better empowerment of people with disabilities. “I’ve tried to bring a focus to it since I’ve become Taoiseach, and it’s something that I will continue to work on intensively and even more intensively as a result of this.” On Saturday morning, Mr Harris posted a video on Instagram where he said he was spurred on to become a politician after seeing his parents fight for access to services for his brother Adam, who has autism. He said the interaction happened at the end of a “very long day” and he felt “really bad” about it. Mr Harris said the encounter had come at the end of a long day (Grainne Ni Aodha/PA) Mr Harris then outlined his party’s plans for carers and the disability sector, including removing the means testing for the Carers’ Allowance and to ensure that there are therapies in special schools and special classes. Sinn Féin’s housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin said that Mr Harris’ reaction “showed the true face of Fine Gael” and showed “a contempt for working people”. Speaking at a press event in Dublin on Saturday, Fine Gael ministers Helen McEntee and Paschal Donohoe defended their party leader. Ireland Taoiseach praises Nikita Hand after win in civil c... Read More “I think the Taoiseach himself has been very clear that he wished the encounter had gone differently. It had been the end of a very, very long day,” Ms McEntee said. “What he said very clearly is that he should have given her more time, and should have engaged for longer with her, but this is the reason he got into politics.” Mr Donohoe said: “In the course of an election campaign, in all the interactions that we have with people, of course, we sometimes feel within ourselves ‘that could have gone differently’ and ‘could have gone better’. I think it’s particularly the case for somebody who is so committed to looking at how we can support those who need more.”lottery prayer answered 。

Love, lust and billion-dollar trust funds: How one of Australia's richest dynasties is about to have its dirty laundry aired for all to see - and then there is bombshell nude pics row... Late billionaire Richard Pratt's daughter at war with ex-husband Heloise Pratt suing Alex Waislitz over alleged business dealings Heiress dating Jodhi Meares' former fiancé, rock star Jon Stevens Also locked in legal tussle with her father's lovechild, Paula Hitchcock Waislitz engaged to pop singer and actress Rebekah Behbahani Couple being sued by Behbahani's Real Housewives sister Venus All comes in the midst of an unrelated sordid nude photo extortion scandal By STEVE JACKSON FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 21:40, 29 December 2024 | Updated: 21:40, 29 December 2024 e-mail View comments The dirty laundry of one of Australia's richest dynasties is set to be exposed in a series of explosive court cases after a vicious feud erupted between billionaire divorcees Héloise Pratt and Alex Waislitz. The former couple have begun trading barbs in the Supreme Court of Victoria, with the legal action threatening to expose all their juicy romantic and financial secrets. The sensational tussle centres around control of the $1.3bn stock investment empire run by Mr Waislitz which is co-owned by Ms Pratt. But the estranged lovers now also find themselves engaged in fierce legal battles on multiple fronts. And it comes in the midst of a sordid nude photo 'sextortion' scandal involving one of their new lovers. Ms Pratt is the eldest daughter of late billionaire cardboard king Richard Pratt, chair of the philanthropic Pratt Foundation and, according to the 2024 Forbes Rich List, the country's 29th richest person with a personal net worth of $1.93b. She is also the sister of Donald Trump-confidante Anthony Pratt, who recently donated $15million to the president-elect's campaign earlier this year. Ms Pratt, 62, married Mr Waislitz in 1994, with the businessman turning $1.15m lent to him by his Rich List father-in-law into a billion-dollar funds management company and a personal net worth of $1.48b. Although the couple officially separated in 2015, they initially maintained amicable relations over joint ownership of Thorney Investments, and their shared custody of their three children, Jake, Milly and Joseph. They both moved on romantically following their split, with Ms Pratt coupling up with newly-single rock star Jon Stevens, who had just broken up with fiancée Jodhi Meares. Billionaire socialite Heloise Pratt is now in a relationship with rock star Jon Stevens Billionaire businessman Alex Waislitz is engaged to singer Rebekah Behbahani The former Noiseworks singer's 18-month engagement to James Packer 's first wife ended in a torrid row at their mansion in Sydney 's eastern suburbs in February 2015. Meares, now 53, had Stevens, 63, charged with common assault and domestic-related assault, and slapped with an apprehended violence order, following the argument, with the allegations effectively confirming the end of their relationship. Police eventually dropped the charges, which Stevens described as 'ridiculous', two months later - but by then the singer had been booted out of his new band, the Dead Daisies, and had more than 30 appearances cancelled as a result of the accusations. Around the same time, Mr Waislitz was spotted in Ibiza with UK nightclub singer Vanessa Von Tain but, despite calling the Melbourne investor her 'loved one' on social media during the trip, the romance soon fizzled out. Mr Waislitz, 66, has now found a new partner in the arms of 34-year-old singer and actress Rebekah Behbahani. The couple moved in together in February 2019 and welcomed a daughter, Storm, later that year before briefly breaking up. They are now being sued by Ms Behbahani's sister, former Real Housewives of Melbourne star Venus Behbahani in Victoria's Supreme Court. The 40-year-old lawyer and mother-of-four claims her younger sibling promised to gift her a townhouse in Melbourne's exclusive Toorak in exchange for helping her launch her pop career and caring for her and her daughter throughout her brief estrangement with Mr Waislitz. Heloise, with brother Anthony, is the eldest child of late cardboard king Richard Pratt Jon Stevens was engaged to Jodhi Meares until their acrimonious split in 2015 Meares is the first wife of billionaire James Packer Stevens rocking with his band the Dead Daisies According to court documents, Venus Behbahani claims Mr Waislitz agreed to give Rebekah two townhouses and $2.5m as part of a separation agreement after they broke up in October 2019. She alleges her sister agreed to then give her one of the homes as part of a Deed of Gift and Confidentiality agreement they drew up that December. However, Mr Waislitz and Rebekah ended up reconciling a couple of months later in February 2020 and their separation agreement was never enforced. They instead went on to announce their engagement in November that year. Despite the couple's reconciliation, Venus maintained her sister's promise to gift her the Toorak townhouse still stood and commenced legal action against them last year after placing a caveat on the property. In their defence filed with the Supreme Court, Rebekah claimed she was in a distressed state when she signed the agreement with her sister while Mr Waislitz denies they have any obligation to give Venus anything. In a counterclaim, Mr Waislitz accused his soon-to-be sister-in-law of living in the home with her family without permission since November 15, 2022 and sought orders to force her out and have the caveat she placed on the property removed. That case has been listed for trial on May 27 and is expected to run for 15 days. In the meantime, Ms Pratt has also launched legal proceedings against her ex-husband, filing her own explosive claim in the Victoria's Supreme Court last month. She has accused Mr Waislitz of 'acting 'dishonestly' by paying himself and his charitable foundation $1.147m without her knowledge or approval. Sisters Venus Behbahani and Rebekah Behanhani are fighting over a Toorak townhouse Venus Behbahani starred in season four of The Real Housewives of Melbourne Read More Ex-Real Housewives of Melbourne star is dragged into messy court battle with her sister over luxury house in one of Australia's wealthiest suburbs Ms Pratt also accused him of withholding board documents and financial information from her in relation to Thorney Investments, which Mr Waislitz runs and she co-owns, and their other related companies. The heiress commenced the action following a breakdown in their one-time friendly relationship after finalising their divorce and spending much of the past two years trying to divide their financial interests through lawyers. Mr Waislitz hit back at his ex-wife on Christmas Eve when he filed his defence with the Supreme Court furiously rejecting her allegations. In it, he described her case against him as 'embarrassing' and insisted she had failed to involve herself with their business and that her claims against him were liable to be struck out. Like Mr Waislitz and his fiancé, Ms Pratt is also fighting a separate legal battle with a sibling. The socialite's half-sister, Paula Hitchcock, won a small legal battle in her separate fight to claim a slice of the Pratt family's vast multi-billion-dollar fortune in October The 27-year-old love child of Ms Pratt's late father and his mistress Shari-Lea Hitchcock is suing her half-siblings, Ms Pratt, her brother Anthony Pratt and sister Fiona Geminder, after being cut out of the Pratt Family Trust. Ms Hitchcock has asked the NSW Supreme Court to nullify a deed of exclusion that prevented her from claiming inheritance as a Pratt child under the terms of the Trust. She argued she was always acknowledged and accepted as a full family member by both her late father and his wife, Jeanne. Paula Hitchcock is suing her half-siblings for a share of the vast Pratt family fortune Ms Hitchcock is the love child of late billionaire Richard Pratt and mistress Shari-Lea Hitchcock Richard Pratt and wife Jeanne both acknowledged Ms Hitchcock as his daughter Jeanne Pratt with her three children, Anthony, Heloise and Fiona She claimed Mrs Pratt assigned a bedroom to her at the couple's family homes, regularly invited her to attend the weekly family Shabbat and that the couple had listed her as their financial dependent in 2007. Her half-siblings argued Ms Hitchcock's case should be dismissed because she was not a child of both their parents as required under the Trust and insisted their mother's acceptance of Ms Hitchcock didn't 'convert' her into Mrs Pratt's child. However, Justice Michael Meek rejected their argument and granted Ms Hitchcock time to amend her claim that she fits the criteria of a 'child' of the Pratt family. 'I reject the siblings' submission that there is no rational basis to conclude that (Ms Hitchcock) being acknowledged by Mr Pratt as a member of his family implies that she could be considered as a 'child' of Mrs Pratt,' he determined. 'What seems to be relatively clear is that the definition of 'child' ... is cast in broad terms that may include a child who is not the biological child of both Mr Pratt and Mrs Pratt'. Meanwhile, on yet another unrelated legal front, Rebekah Behbahani was forced to call in police earlier this year after a trove of 'intimate images' of her were posted online on June 20 by an anonymous social media account without her permission. A second cache was uploaded by the account the following day before the profile disappeared, with Ms Behbahani telling police she was the victim of an 'extortion' attempt. There is no suggestion that any members of the Pratt family, Ms Behbahani's sister or Mr Waislitz were responsible for posting the images. 'I am deeply distressed by this malicious invasion of my privacy. No one deserves to be subjected to such appalling acts,' Ms Behbahani said in a statement at the time. 'This unlawful conduct is part of a long running and escalating campaign which is now the subject of investigation by the police. 'It has been a living nightmare. We will not give in to the extortion. I trust that the perpetrators will face the full force of the law.' Share or comment on this article: Love, lust and billion-dollar trust funds: How one of Australia's richest dynasties is about to have its dirty laundry aired for all to see - and then there is bombshell nude pics row... e-mail Add commentQatar tribune Agencies The European Union and South America’s Mercosur trade bloc on Friday agreed to terms for a long-anticipated free trade deal, which now, however, faces a tortuous battle for approval in Europe, where there is stiff opposition from France. After negotiations spanning over 20 years, and five years on from an initial deal, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and her Mercosur counterparts announced an agreement had been reached in the Uruguayan capital Montevideo. The deal aims to create one of the largest free trade zones in the world, covering over 700 million people and nearly 25% of global gross domestic product (GDP). Much like the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement, its goal is to reduce tariffs and trade barriers, making it easier for businesses on both sides to export goods. Mercosur comprises Brazil – the lion’s share of the bloc’s territory, economic output and population – along with Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia, the newest member. Venezuela’s membership has been suspended indefinitely. “This is a win-win agreement,” von der Leyen said in a press conference in Montevideo alongside the presidents of the Mercosur nations. “This agreement is not just an economic opportunity, it is a political necessity,” she added. “I know that strong winds are coming in the opposite direction, toward isolation and fragmentation, but this agreement is our near response.” The deal is not the end of the story for the Europeans. France leads a group of member countries who still have objections to the pact, and all 27 member countries must endorse it for the agreement to enter force. In remarks aimed at her “fellow Europeans,” and perhaps those more skeptical like farmers in France and elsewhere, von der Leyen said it would have a positive impact on around 60,000 companies that export to the Mercosur region. She said they will “benefit from reduced tariffs, simpler customs procedures and preferential access to some critical raw materials. This will create huge business opportunities.” “And to our farmers,” she said, “we have heard you listen to your concerns, and we are acting on them. This agreement includes robust safeguards to protect your livelihoods.” Reaching a deal has been a protracted process, dating back to a summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1999. Negotiations quickly stalled due to different economic priorities, tariffs, regulatory standards and agricultural policies on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. For about a decade, the EU sought to protect its agricultural sector while Mercosur aimed to increase access to its agricultural products. Some momentum came after 2010, when both sides focused on eliminating tariffs, though issues for agriculture remained. The peak of that movement was a political agreement in June 2019, when negotiators announced a deal that included provisions for tariff reductions and commitments to environmental standards. Since then, the two sides have struggled to ratify a deal. European concerns over deforestation in the Amazon, particularly during the Jair Bolsonaro presidency in Brazil until the end of 2022, held up an agreement. Left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Bolsonaro’s successor, initially opposed an agreement more than two decades ago. But since returning to power in 2023, his administration has pushed for progress. “After more than two decades, we have concluded negotiations on the agreement,” Lula wrote on social media platform X. The outgoing government of Argentina, the bloc’s second-biggest economy, opposed the agreement, but President Javier Milei, who took office last year, has supported a deal. France, the most vociferous critic of the deal, has branded it as “unacceptable.” Underscoring the obstacles it now faces, French Trade Minister Sophie Primas pledged to resist its next stages, citing environmental and farming concerns. Copy 09/12/2024 10Canada’s ‘flagpoling’ ban in effect: what is it and why is Ottawa cracking down?Solar costs in India set to rise as China ends rebate on panels

Jacinta Allan under fire over ‘disgraceful’ act days after synagogue firebombingTributes have been paid to a 'true giant' of local politics. Flags at Bury town hall are being flown at half-mast in honour of the late John Smith. John served as the town's mayor and also held senior positions within Bury council, including acting as its deputy leader. A former teacher, he was first elected as a councillor in Bury's Church ward in 1994. He later represented Redvales ward from 1999 until 2015 when he stood down from the post. READ MORE : Tragedy at Christmas as man, 60, hit by van as he walked across the road dies John, who passed away yesterday, became the Mayor of Bury in 2002. During his time in the council he held a number of positions including the cabinet member for finance, chair of the healthier communities scrutiny committee, chair of Bury East area board and he was also a member of the Greater Manchester joint health overview and scrutiny committee. His wife Stella was also a councillor, and he acted as her mayoral consort when she became Bury's 'first citizen' in 2015. The couple have four grown up children. One of them, Lucy Smith, is also a councillor and currently serves as the council’s cabinet member for children and young people. Pictured together when his wife Stella became the Mayor of Bury in 2015 (Image: Bury Council) Coun Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, said: “John was a true giant on the Bury political scene. His contribution to public service was immense, as mayor and deputy leader of the council, and he was hugely respected across the board by the many people he knew and helped. "He will be sorely missed, and our deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones.” The current Mayor of Bury, Coun Khalid Hussain, said: “I and Carol are saddened to learn of the passing of John Smith, former councillor and past Mayor of Bury. “John’s dedication to public service and commitment to our community have left a lasting impact. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Saints QB Derek Carr injures left hand on dive in 4th quarter of win over Giants EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr injured his left hand late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 14-11 victory over the New York Giants when he went airborne while trying for a first down and crashed to the turf. Tom Canavan, The Associated Press Dec 8, 2024 3:23 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks off the field after an injury during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson) EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr injured his left hand late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 14-11 victory over the New York Giants when he went airborne while trying for a first down and crashed to the turf. Carr tried to leap over a Giants tackler and landed at the New Orleans 39-yard line, extending his non-throwing hand to break his fall. He was on the turf for a minute or two before walking to the medical tent. He was examined and slowly walked to an area where X-rays are done. “A phenomenal effort trying to make a first down,” interim coach Darren Rizzi said of the play that happened with the Saints leading 14-11 and just under four minutes remaining. Carr missed three games earlier this season with an oblique injury. Tight end Juwan Johnson, who had a TD catch on Sunday, said it looks like the QB will miss more time. Carr was not available to speak to reporters after the game. “He’s just been having a rough go. We’re behind him,” Johnson said. “He’s still Derek Carr, aside from the football field. You just have to be there for him, emotionally, spiritually and physically.” The injury could hurt the already slim playoff hopes of the Saints (5-8), who trail Tampa Bay by two games and Atlanta by one in the weak NFC South. Rizzi was asked whether Carr would enter the concussion protocol after his jarring impact with the turf, but the coach could not confirm that. Johnson said Carr had told teammates it was time to lay it on the line before he got hurt. “And that’s the true example of laying out on the line. The dude just cares about his team a lot,” Johnson said. Carr finished 20 of 31 for 219 yards with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Johnson in the third quarter. He also led a 98-yard drive that Kendre Miller capped with a 6-yard run in the first quarter as New Orleans won for the third time in four games under Rizzi, who took over last month when Dennis Allen was fired. Jake Haener replaced Carr and handed off to Miller, who was stopped on third-and-1 by Giants linebacker Micah McFadden. The Saints punted. After an interception by New Orleans' Demario Davis, Haener went three-and-out on the next series. The Giants got the ball back with 1:21 to play and came within a thumb of forcing overtime. New York drove to the Saints 12-yard line and defensive tackle Bryan Bresee got a thumb on Graham Gano's game-tying 35-yard field goal attempt. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Tom Canavan, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Football (NFL) Tua Tagovailoa's TD pass to Jonnu Smith gives Dolphins 32-26 overtime win over Aaron Rodgers, Jets Dec 8, 2024 3:25 PM Wilson throws for 2 touchdowns as Steelers cruise past mistake-prone Browns 27-14 Dec 8, 2024 3:05 PM Saquon Barkley sets Eagles season rushing record and has Dickerson's NFL mark in his sights Dec 8, 2024 2:55 PM

‘General Hospital’ Alum Ingo Rademacher Reignites Legal Battle With ABC After Steve Burton’s Return

{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "NewsArticle", "dateCreated": "2024-12-08T21:51:20+02:00", "datePublished": "2024-12-08T21:51:20+02:00", "dateModified": "2024-12-09T10:05:42+02:00", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/22444/news/featured/featured-rwanda-celebrates-10-startups-transforming-srh-across-africa-through-technology", "headline": "FEATURED: Rwanda celebrates 10 startups transforming SRH across Africa through technology", "description": "The Ministry of ICT and Innovation celebrated 10 outstanding Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) startups that emerged with innovative,...", "keywords": "", "inLanguage": "en", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/22444/news/featured/featured-rwanda-celebrates-10-startups-transforming-srh-across-africa-through-technology" }, "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/thenewtimes/uploads/images/2024/12/08/65914.jpg", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/thenewtimes/uploads/images/2024/12/08/65914.jpg" }, "articleBody": "The Ministry of ICT and Innovation celebrated 10 outstanding Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) startups that emerged with innovative, technology-driven solutions that have significantly improved access to healthcare services across Sub-Saharan Africa. The event held on December 6, at Norrsken. Kigali’s premier innovation hub and marked the successful conclusion of flagship startups participating in the HangaPitchFest’s SRH programme launched in October 2023. The occasion also celebrated their achievements in leveraging technology to address critical sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges. This initiative was conceived in 2022 as part of HangaPitchFest, aiming to leverage technology startups for improved Sexual & Reproductive Health outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa. 20 startups from across Sub-Saharan Africa selected to participate. After a rigorous selection and funding process, 10 standout ventures progressed to the acceleration phase. The SRH programme targeted key challenges such as maternal mortality, unsafe abortion, gender-based violence, unmet need for contraception , and limited access to youth-friendly SRH services. Through technology and innovative approaches, the startups provided impactful solutions that break traditional barriers. ALSO READ: Hanga Pitchfest, a path to innovation-led opportunities Esther Kunda, the Director General of Innovation and Emerging Technologies at the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, pointed out that the private sector faces significant challenges, particularly in the health sector, despite its substantial contributions to improving healthcare in Africa. Particularly in Rwanda, issues like teenage pregnancy, limited access to youth friendly services continue to persist. “Our main goal when we started the program was to start seeding these companies in tackling such issues. We worked with partners such as ‘Brink innovations’ to successfully deliver the program,” she said. As noted by Kunda, the programme has already demonstrated significant impact including funding, where ventures raised approximately $1.5million from venture capitalists and foundations. Additionally, they generated $55,000 through sales of products and services. The startups also reached out to over 33,500 individuals who benefited directly from these solutions. Job creation is another milestone celebrated where more than 130 jobs have been created across various regions. Kunda said; “We’re very happy where the success of this program has gone and we hope that in the subsequent years, we're going to be able to understand how we continue building sustainable ventures within this challenging sector. We've seen good partners and we hope that more partners can come onboard to support programs at these ventures.” She assured that the Ministry will continue to engage in this space, supporting innovators and closely monitoring their progress. She also noted that all supported ventures have been able to secure scale up funding from various partners including the Rwanda-based ventures who will be supported by UNFPA Rwanda to ensure their growth and sustainability. “We are proud of this cohort’s journey and their impactful contributions to SRH. As they transition to independence, we will continue to offer advisory and technical support where necessary,” she added. ALSO READ: A look at Hanga Pitchfest progress through the eyes of past winners The Hanga SRH, Program Manager, Annet Mwizerwa noted that from the moment these ventures were selected, they embarked on a journey of transformation. “Initially, some of these start-ups came to us with only a model or a minimum viable product (MVP). Today, they have successfully moved from concept to live solutions, scaling their operations and creating meaningful impact.” She added: “The Hanga SRH Showcase represents not just an opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievements of these ventures but also to ignite new possibilities for collaboration, investment, and growth in the SRH sector. The challenges we face in sexual and reproductive health are complex, but as these ventures have shown us, innovation, collaboration, and determination can overcome even the most significant obstacles.” Highlights from the flagship startups The Advancing Access to Safe Abortion Platform (AASAP), founded by Richard Mbazumutima, is Rwanda's first telehealth initiative for safe abortion. It provides real-time, accurate information about facilities offering legal and safe abortion services, ensuring girls and young women have access to essential care in a safe, legal, and stigma-free environment. “Through our AASAPFinder web- based platform we offer a safe, legal, and acceptable channel that effectively guides and connects girls and young women to health facilities where they can specifically access legal safe abortion services without delays, stigma, judgement, or discrimination, guided by the Rwandan ministerial order determining conditions to be satisfied for a medical doctor to perform an abortion,” said Mbazumutima. He added: “Over the past year, we have raised approximately $68,000 which has enabled us to support over 4,000 young girls and women in accessing these services. Additionally, we are working to reduce stigma by training healthcare providers on value transformation and qualification standards to ensure they address stigma effectively within the community.” Malaica, founded by Dr. Lorraine Muluka from Kenya, is dedicated to making pregnancy safe and joyful for millions of African women. The organization leverages technology to deliver proven interventions through dedicated nurse-midwives, ensuring a safe and fulfilling pregnancy journey. “The program connects pregnant women with registered nurse- midwives via WhatsApp, providing support throughout pregnancy, including counseling services for pregnancy loss,” explained Dr. Muluka. What sets Malaica apart is its hybrid (online and in- person) asset-light model; instead of building its own facilities, Malaica partners with existing healthcare providers. This approach enhances the care journey for pregnant women while enabling the program to scale rapidly and sustainably. “Definitely, embracing technology in the SRH is what we need to do to address the challenges that we have in this sector. I'm really honored to have been part of this program. We’re really thankful for the Ministry of ICT and Innovation,” she added. Tafadzwa K. Munzwa, a Zambian entrepreneur, is the founder of “Dawa Health”, an AI-powered clinic that democratizes access to maternal care. By training and supporting local health workers, Dawa Health provides essential maternal health and reproductive services. This ensures that women and girls in underserved communities in Zambia receive the information, care, and products they need, exactly when they need them. “Dawa Health offers offline and online solutions include mobile clinic vans making maternal healthcare accessible in marginalized Zambian areas, the DawaMom Al app offering tailored maternal services, a hybrid retail pharmacy selling SRH products like birth kits with delivery services available through eBikes and eTricycles addressing transportation barriers in marginalised communities,” explained Tafadzwa K Munzwa. “We are scaling rapidly in Zambia, growing by more than 50 per cent each month. With a team of over 15 workers, we have already reached more than 7,000 patients. Our goal is to continue expanding and reach 25,000 to 30,000 patients by 2025. We are truly grateful for the support we’ve received from the Ministry of ICT,” he said. Another outstanding venture is “JoCare”, a Rwandan based project that provide SRH information and service accessible to young people with disabilities Specifically, it provides tailored sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information, easy-to-use tools, and private support designed for people with disabilities. This helps everyone make informed health decisions, no matter their physical or cognitive abilities. JoCare provides a user-friendly mobile app that includes online medical consultations. The app focuses on being inclusive, involving the community, and using data to improve services.", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Frank Ntarindwa" }, "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/" } }Quest Partners LLC acquired a new position in Essential Utilities, Inc. ( NYSE:WTRG – Free Report ) during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund acquired 16,334 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $630,000. Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its stake in shares of Essential Utilities by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 2,754,099 shares of the company’s stock worth $102,811,000 after buying an additional 9,822 shares during the last quarter. Tandem Investment Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in Essential Utilities by 0.5% during the third quarter. Tandem Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 2,034,497 shares of the company’s stock worth $78,471,000 after acquiring an additional 10,560 shares in the last quarter. Boston Trust Walden Corp boosted its position in Essential Utilities by 117.3% during the third quarter. Boston Trust Walden Corp now owns 1,962,692 shares of the company’s stock valued at $75,701,000 after purchasing an additional 1,059,320 shares during the last quarter. Empower Advisory Group LLC grew its stake in Essential Utilities by 5.6% in the third quarter. Empower Advisory Group LLC now owns 1,585,475 shares of the company’s stock valued at $61,152,000 after purchasing an additional 84,596 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its position in shares of Essential Utilities by 18.6% during the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,500,150 shares of the company’s stock worth $56,002,000 after purchasing an additional 234,857 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.78% of the company’s stock. Essential Utilities Stock Performance NYSE WTRG opened at $39.55 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $10.86 billion, a PE ratio of 19.77, a P/E/G ratio of 3.08 and a beta of 0.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.17, a quick ratio of 0.39 and a current ratio of 0.55. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $39.04 and a 200-day moving average of $38.84. Essential Utilities, Inc. has a 52-week low of $33.57 and a 52-week high of $41.78. Essential Utilities Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 2nd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 12th will be issued a $0.3255 dividend. This represents a $1.30 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.29%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 12th. Essential Utilities’s dividend payout ratio is 65.00%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Bank of America reissued a “buy” rating and issued a $45.00 target price on shares of Essential Utilities in a research note on Friday, September 20th. Robert W. Baird lifted their price objective on shares of Essential Utilities from $45.00 to $46.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 6th. Evercore ISI upped their target price on shares of Essential Utilities from $42.00 to $45.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Jefferies Financial Group cut Essential Utilities from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating and reduced their price target for the stock from $44.00 to $41.00 in a report on Thursday, November 7th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on Essential Utilities from $45.00 to $43.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $44.00. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on WTRG Essential Utilities Company Profile ( Free Report ) Essential Utilities, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates regulated utilities that provide water, wastewater, or natural gas services in the United States. The company operates through Regulated Water and Regulated Natural Gas segments. It offers water services through operating and maintenance contract with municipal authorities and other parties. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WTRG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Essential Utilities, Inc. ( NYSE:WTRG – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Essential Utilities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Essential Utilities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

The NFL's security division is warning players to be aware of professional burglars targeting the homes of pro athletes. The Athletic reported Thursday that the NFL sent a memo to teams that outlines the threat. "The homes of professional athletes across multiple sports leagues have become increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups," read the memo, which was obtained by The Athletic. "Law enforcement officials have noted these groups appear to exploit team schedules to target athletes' homes on game days." NBC News reported Wednesday that law enforcement is working to figure out whether an international crime syndicate is involved. The Athletic reported that the memo includes tips for home security and also gives recommendations about the use of social media, such as not posting photos of items that would attract thieves. Players also learned via the memo how homes are targeted and how burglars enter. Mahomes hasn't said much about the burglary, other than to call it "disappointing" and "frustrating." "I can't get into too many of the details because the investigation is still ongoing," he said. "But obviously something that you don't want to happen to really anybody, but obviously yourself." It's not clear what was stolen from Mahomes' home in Belton, Mo., during the Oct. 6 incident. But Kelce apparently lost $20,000 in cash in the burglary at his home in Leawood, Kan., the following day when the Chiefs played the New Orleans Saints on "Monday Night Football," according to a police report. The burglary at the home of Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis in River Hills, Wis., occurred Nov. 2 during the Bucks' home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He said the perpetrators "took most of my prized possessions" and is offering a reward for the return of his property. "Any info that leads to the return of any of my belongings will be rewarded handsomely," Portis said. "Let me know, thank you." --Field Level MediaHALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP) — The first woman to command Canada’s military called out a U.S. senator on Saturday for questioning the role of women in combat. Gen. Jennie Carignan responded to comments made by Idaho Republican Sen. Jim Risch , the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who was asked on Friday whether President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth , should retract comments that he believes men and women should not serve together in combat units. “I think it’s delusional for anybody to not agree that women in combat creates certain unique situations that have to be dealt with. I think the jury’s still out on how to do that,” Risch said during a panel session at the Halifax International Security Forum on Friday. Carignan, Canada’s chief of defense staff and the first woman to command the armed forces of any Group of 20 or Group of Seven country, took issue with those remarks during a panel session on Saturday. “If you’ll allow me, I would first like maybe to respond to Senator Risch’s statement yesterday about women in combat because I wouldn’t want anyone to leave this forum with this idea that women are a distraction to defense and national security,” Carignan said. “After 39 years of career as a combat arms officer and risking my life in many operations across the world, I can’t believe that in 2024, we still have to justify the contribution of women to their defense and to their service, in their country. I wouldn’t want anyone to leave this forum with this idea that this is that it is some kind of social experiment.” Carignan said women have participating in combat for hundreds of years but have never been recognized for fighting for their country. She noted the women military personnel in the room. “All the women sitting here in uniform, stepping in, and deciding to get into harm’s way and fight for their country, need to be recognized for doing so,” she said. “So again, this is the distraction, not the women themselves.” Carignan received a standing ovation at the forum, which attracts defense and security officials from Western democracies. Hegseth has reignited a debate that many thought had been long settled: Should women be allowed to serve their country by fighting on the front lines? The former Fox News commentator made it clear, in his own book and in interviews, that he believes men and women should not serve together in combat units . If Hegseth is confirmed by the Senate, he could try to end the Pentagon’s nearly decade-old practice of making all combat jobs open to women. Hegseth’s remarks have generated a barrage of praise and condemnation. Carignan was promoted to the rank of general during the change-of-command ceremony this past summer, after being chosen by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government to become Canada’s first female defense chief. Carignan is no stranger to firsts. She was also the first woman to command a combat unit in the Canadian military, and her career has included deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Syria. For the last three years, she has been the chief of professional conduct and culture, a job created as a result of the sexual misconduct scandal in 2021. Her appointment this year comes as Canada continues to face criticism from NATO allies for not spending 2% of its gross domestic product on defense. The Canadian government recently said that it would reach its NATO commitment by 2032. Risch said Friday Trump would laugh at Canada’s current military spending plans and said the country must do more.

Bills clinch the AFC's No. 2 seed with a 40-14 rout of the undisciplined Jets

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Celta Vigo gave 10-man Barcelona a shock by scoring two late goals and snatching a 2-2 draw at home in the Spanish league on Saturday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Celta Vigo gave 10-man Barcelona a shock by scoring two late goals and snatching a 2-2 draw at home in the Spanish league on Saturday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Celta Vigo gave 10-man Barcelona a shock by scoring two late goals and snatching a 2-2 draw at home in the Spanish league on Saturday. Barcelona was minutes away from a win to pad its league lead after Raphinha and Lewandowski had put Barcelona in control. But the game dramatically swung after Barcelona defensive midfielder Marc Casadó was sent off with a second booking in the 81st. Moments later Jules Koundé’s poor control of a ball in his area allowed Alfon González to pick his pocket and give the hosts hope in the 84th minute. Celta poured forward at Balaidos Stadium and Hugo Álvarez rifled in the 86th-minute equalizer with Barcelona unable to mark the extra man. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer AdvertisementTrader Joe’s shopper shares ‘favorite way’ to elevate seasonal dessert dip – and fans are ‘obsessed’ with the recipe

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