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Dec 31, 2024 Breah Crissler, left and DaNae Jones, right, both dental assisting students at the new Center for Technical Education practice with dental molds Sept. 11. Several years of planning and development culminated on July 19 with the cutting of the ribbon on a new career and technical education center in downtown Minot. The concept for a Center for Technical Education came during development of the City of Minot’s application in the National Disaster Resilience competition following the 2011 flood. Awarded in 2016, the NDR grant earmarked $3.5 million of the $74.3 million total award for a technical training center. The city added $800,000 from the MAGIC Fund for a building purchase and $1.84 million from its state Hub City funds toward construction. A grant obtained from the North Dakota Department of Commerce through the Minot Area Chamber EDC also helped the CTE project come to fruition under the direction of Dakota College at Bottineau, in partnership with Minot State University in a former Trinity Health building. The building on Burdick Expressway, is leased to DCB, which also invested in curriculum development. The building has been renovated with classrooms, a simulation laboratory, equipment sterilization space, 12 dental stations,locker rooms, study/meeting room and offices. The dental assisting program is fully accredited. The facility opened for its first full day of classes in dental assisting on Aug. 27. Eight students who finished prerequisite courses made up the CTE’s first class. It is a 10-month program that finishes with an eight-week experience in dental offices. The CTE center has additional students in prerequisite courses for its dental hygiene program expected to start next year. Jill Schramm/MDN Minot State University President Steve Shirley prepares to cut the ribbon as Dakota College at Bottineau Campus Dean Carmen Simone watches at right and Dr. Mark Hildahl, dental adviser, observes at left. Gathered are red-coated members of the Minot Area Chamber EDC Ambassadors. “The vision for this facility has been years in the making and has included so many partners getting us here to this day. It is a great example of collaboration and what is truly possible in the Magic City,” MSU President Steve Shirley said at the ribbon cutting. “I”m speaking on behalf of dentists, in western North Dakota especially, who have been trying to deliver dental services to our patients for many years while trying to fill our positions in our staffs,” Dr. Mark Hildahl, dental adviser on the project, said at the event. “I can tell you that all of us in western North Dakota – on behalf of all the dentists in the Dental Association – are very excited about this.” The downtown CTE building also hosts allied health classes and computer information technology classes. Allied health includes pre-nursing, medical coding and medical administration. The classes are taught online through DCB, but students can choose to participate at the CTE building. Other ideas for classes in the CTE building are being developed, DCB Campus Dean Carmen Simone said this fall. One that DCB wants to bring online quickly is a dental office manager certificate program. Maggie Backen, DCB-Minot programs director, also said last fall that additional technology programs that build on existing programs are being looked at for the CTE facility, such as artificial intelligence and software development. Bringing community CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) courses to the center also is an option under consideration. A DCB-Minot advisory board meets twice a year to consider CTE needs in the community.
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Bitcoin traders are watching several technical levels. (Photo illustration by Chesnot/Getty Images) Bitcoin traders who leverage technical analysis have been monitoring important levels of support and resistance, singling out $100,000 in particular as being psychologically significant. The world’s most prominent digital currency appears to be following a downward trend since reaching an all-time high of more than $108,000 on December 17, Coinbase data from TradingView reveals. On Monday, December 30, the cryptocurrency fell below $91,500, reaching its lowest level since late November, additional Coinbase figures show. In spite of this recent price activity, bitcoin is still in a strong, upward trend that has propelled it to multiple fresh, all-time highs over the last several months. Several analysts have noted this strong performance, including the TikTok influencer who goes by Wendy O. The market observer emphasized such developments in emailed comments, stating that “We are still in a crypto bull market, even though it feels a bit different than previous cycles and we will see a lot of bullish price action in the crypto markets, primarily with Bitcoin.” “Closing 2024 Bitcoin is currently in a downtrend on the daily chart since hitting all-time high of $108,000 on 12/17/2024,” she noted. “I’m personally watching psychological levels like $100,000 and $90,000. These areas are important as most are not trading full-time and passive investors,” Wendy O clarified. “Those numbers spark excitement.” “When we look at $100,000 as resistance, it seems to be an area the masses may see as a good value to sell, and that could also be why we have been in a downtrend since hitting all-time high of $108,000,” she stated. Further, the analyst emphasized the strong institutional demand stemming from both BlackRock and MicroStrategy, and noted that as countries grow increasingly interested in using bitcoin as a strategic reserve, the digital asset’s price could easily push higher. Joe DiPasquale, CEO of cryptocurrency hedge fund manager BitBull Capital, also weighed in, highlighting several technical levels. “On the downside, support could emerge around the $85,000–$86,000 zone, followed by the $80,000 level, and deeper at $75,000 if the market continues to decline,” he noted via emailed comments. “On the upside, resistance is likely to be encountered near $95,000–$96,000, with the $100,000 mark acting as a significant psychological barrier,” said DiPasquale. “If Bitcoin manages to break above $100,000, the $105,000 area could become the next key resistance level,” he pointed out. “Traders should also monitor volume around these levels to gauge the strength of any price action, while broader macroeconomic factors and sentiment will play a crucial role in shaping Bitcoin’s medium-to-long-term direction,” the analyst emphasized. Tim Enneking, managing partner of Psalion, offered a different point of view. “Bitcoin has been truly range-bound, while showing more action to the downside, since December 20, three days after the most recent ATH,” he stated via email. “Counting today, it’s bounced off the $92k area three times. That level is also the bottom of a channel which started in November 2022, which has provided major support in the past (although not without fail),” said Enneking. “If $90k breaks, and the odds are about even that it will, there is some support of $88k, but the next bottom will probably be lower (although almost certainly still with an ‘8’ handle),” he stated. “By the time that plays out, inauguration euphoria will probably kick in with Bitcoiners licking their chops at the prospect of a pro-crypto administration and BTC turning into a reserve asset (N.B. Not a reserve currency) – and BTC will be primed for the next ATH,” Enneking predicted. Disclosure: I own some bitcoin, bitcoin cash, litecoin, ether, EOS and SOL.
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The year’s last rocket launch from SpaceX is set to blast off from Florida’s Space Coast early Tuesday morning. SpaceX is targeting a 12:39 a.m. Tuesday launch of its Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. The rocket will carry 21 Starlink internet satellites, including 13 with direct-to-cell capabilities. The launch window is open for a little under an hour, with opportunities available until 1:28 a.m. Tuesday morning. This will be the 16th flight for the Falcon 9 first stage booster supporting this mission. A few highlights on the rocket booster’s resume include the Crew-6 and BlueBird-1 launches. SpaceX is planning to land the rocket booster on a ship in the Atlantic Ocean. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
BusinessDay Kingsley Ndubueze Ayozie December 31, 2024 In most advanced economies such as America, the UK, Europe, and parts of Asia, the usage of paper currency in business transactions is often viewed with surprise. When it does occur, it is typically in smaller quantities compared to developing economies, where transacting large amounts in paper currency remains common practice. Conducting business with paper currency as opposed to digital currency has significant disadvantages, such as being prone to theft and highly susceptible to financial fraud. Additionally, paper currency can be easily destroyed and is vulnerable to inflationary pressures that diminish the investment purchasing power of domestic currencies.
“Other challenges include the high cost of minting new currency, skyrocketing handling charges, and security threats to the holder.”
“Other challenges include the high cost of minting new currency, skyrocketing handling charges, and security threats to the holder.” Paper currency is also highly flammable, posing a great risk to the environment and human safety. Other challenges include the high cost of minting new currency, skyrocketing handling charges, and security threats to the holder. Furthermore, it lacks the portability and convenience of digital currency. Financial fraud: A menace
Financial fraud has become a pervasive issue, affecting individuals, organizations, workplaces, and professional associations. It is an ill wind that benefits no one and leaves widespread damage in its wake. Recently, a massive financial fraud was reported at one of Nigeria’s banking institutions, with a grievous impact on its financial stability. Definition of financial fraud The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines financial fraud as “wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.” Ayozie (2016) describes it as a deliberate deception carried out to obtain unfair or unlawful financial benefits. Financial fraud involves criminal motives to gain illegal monetary advantages and can manifest as fraudulent financial reporting or misappropriation of financial assets. Read also: Addressing the alarming surge in financial fraud in Nigeria Financial fraud risk factors
Risk factors for financial fraud include events, conditions, or circumstances that incentivize or provide opportunities for fraudulent activities. Common scenarios include: -Weak or non-existent internal control systems. -Absence of internal audit functions. -Poor working conditions. -High turnover of key account staff.
-Inadequate working capital due to declining profitability. -Dominance of management by one person or a small group. -Transactions involving related parties. Impact of financial fraud The consequences of financial fraud are disastrous, affecting individuals, organizations, and society. The negative implications include financial losses, emotional and psychological stress, eroded public trust, and damaged reputations.
Measures to curb financial fraud To mitigate financial fraud and money laundering, financial practitioners advocate measures such as the NOCLAR principle (Non-Compliance with Laws and Regulations), whistleblowing policies, forensic audits, and the introduction of digital currency platforms. Digital currency: A remedy Digital currency is an electronic form of fiat currency used to pay for goods and services by individuals and organizations with digital wallets. In Nigeria, the digital currency platform, referred to as the e-Naira, was introduced on October 25, 2021, to complement physical currency. Digital currency encompasses cryptocurrencies, e-currency, and digital tokens. The role of the government
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), recently announced plans to release e-Naira version 2.0, touting it as a faster and cheaper payment system. The CBN highlighted its potential to reduce financial fraud and fraudulent activities, as stated in its publication, “Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade, and Exchange Policy Guidelines for Fiscal Years 2024–2025.” Applications Digital currency can be used for various purposes, including purchasing airtime, paying utility bills, facilitating peer-to-peer transactions, organizational transfers, and international trade. Challenges Despite its benefits, digital currency faces challenges such as regulatory compliance issues, susceptibility to scams, unstable pricing, network fluctuations, human resistance to innovation, and the need for specialized IT platforms.
Benefits Digital currency offers numerous advantages, including: -Ease of accessibility and faster transactions. -Reduced handling and transaction costs. -Enhanced payment efficiency and financial inclusion.
-Reduced risk of theft and fraud. -Promoted financial stability and transparency. -Environmental benefits by reducing reliance on physical currency. Digital currency has the potential to act as a buffer for the growing digital economy and serve as an effective tool in curbing financial fraud. With proper implementation and adaptation, it can drive financial transparency, efficiency, and stability, paving the way for a more secure and inclusive financial system. Kingsley Ndubueze Ayozie, KJW, MSc (Finance) Lagos, MBA, BSc, ACSI (UK), FCTI, FCAFinance Enthusiast and Chartered Accountant, writes from Lagos
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This week the spotlight shone brightly on the music, culinary, and sports worlds for people of color. In Aspen, Jeremy Pope turned heads at the glamorous St. Regis Snow Polo World Championship, donning a stunning fur coat against a backdrop of thrilling matches and luxury. Meanwhile, Beyoncé delivered a dazzling halftime performance on Christmas Day at NRG Stadium, where Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul marching band, Blue Ivy, and Shaboozey joined her for a show-stopping display of musical brilliance. In Atlanta, Rick Ross captivated audiences at Atlanta Symphony Hall with Rick Ross: A Holiday Affair, merging hip-hop and orchestral grandeur in a performance that included hits like “BMF” and a stirring collaboration with CeeLo Green. And in Baltimore, entrepreneur Pinky Cole Hayes brought her Slutty Vegan and Bar Vegan brands to the Baltimore Peninsula, marking a milestone in the city’s cultural renaissance. Let’s take a look at some of the celebrity sightings from coast to coast.
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