Author: Eric Mawuli DJIRACKOR

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 – Meet the Medieval Cast | IGN First  IGN
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Congress averts government shutdown as Senate passes funding bill  The Washington Post
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Coin Master free spin and coin links for today (December 17, 2024)  Sportskeeda
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YEAR IN REVIEW: When breaking news breaks downtown  Rome Sentinel
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Four students from Missouri State University’s College of Education have been selected to receive money to return to their hometowns or another rural setting, to begin their teaching careers.
They will be part of the Ozarks Teacher Corps, a scholarship program funded by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
For their part, the future teachers commit to teaching in a rural district for at least three years after graduation.
As part of the corps, they gain professional development and are able to finish their degrees without financial pressure. The program is open to all college juniors and seniors in the region.
This slate of scholarship recipients include:
The Ozarks Teacher Corps was launched in 2010-11 as part of the CFO’s Rural Schools Partnership, an initiative driven by the belief that “public education is a linchpin issue in rural economic development.”
Crumm, who is from Marshfield, enrolled at Missouri State in fall 2023 after earning an associate degree in teacher education at Ozarks Technical Community College.
“Returning home to teach is something I’m looking forward to because I understand the specific needs and culture of my community,” she said, in a release. “I want to give back to the community that shaped who I am today.”
More:‘Tremendous interest’ exists in provost job at Missouri State as interim steps in
Rhonda Bishop, co-director for the Center for Rural Education at Missouri State, said public schools serve as the hub of the community. “The impact teachers have on the parents and children they serve is incredibly powerful.”
Bishop graduated from a rural high school and was an educator in rural districts for 29 years. “To know we’re sending some of the best into rural situations is what makes me the proudest.”
Applications for the Ozarks Teacher Corps Scholarship will open Jan. 1, 2025. The CFO provides about $1.7 million in scholarships every year for students from central and southern Missouri.
For more information, go to cfozarks.org/applyforscholarships.

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Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew formally inaugurated the 4th International Ecological Well-Being Conference, titled “Artificial Intelligence, Technoethics, and Youth,” on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the Marasleio School. The conference, organized by the Laboratory of Applied Philosophy of the Department of Philosophy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, is held under the auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
In his speech, the Ecumenical Patriarch highlighted that the topic of artificial intelligence had been thoroughly examined during the recent Synaxis of the Hierarchy of the Ecumenical Throne, where Archbishop Makarios of Australia delivered a highly insightful presentation. He also referenced the recent scientific conference organized by the Synodal Committee on Bioethics of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as well as the significant conference hosted by the Theological School of Athens, both of which contributed to a deeper understanding of this critical issue.
As the Ecumenical Patriarch stated, this demonstrates that “the Orthodox Church and its theology are not indifferent to the modern world, cultural and scientific developments, social events, or the historical conditions shaping the lives of the faithful.”
The Ecumenical Patriarch, among other things, pointed out:
“The Orthodox tradition is an inexhaustible source of vital principles and truths for humanity and the world. Naturally, the remarkable theological texts do not contain ready-made answers to address contemporary problems. Instead, they require study and serious theological effort to articulate the proposal of life, freedom, and the universal values of Orthodoxy. For this reason, we are pleased to see theology engaging with the topic of ‘artificial intelligence.’”
It reaffirmed its role as a “theology of dialogue” and highlighted the sanctity of the human person and the commitment to its full respect. Theology will persist in exploring the sources and monuments of our faith, drawing inspiration and nourishment from the Truth, which for Christians is not merely an “idea” but a “person”—the incarnate Word of God. He is both the foundation and the horizon of our freedom, encompassing its worldly expression and eternal dimension.
He will address modern humanity, conveying the salvific Gospel of Christ in a timely manner, always in relation to the central questions of human existence, the signs of the times, and humanity’s engagement with the culture and civilizations of our world.
In light of the remarkable advancements in science and technology, we affirm our conviction that these achievements, when used responsibly and ethically, can contribute to genuine progress without compromising fundamental moral and spiritual principles and values. We do not regard the conflict between faith and science as inevitable.
Such a perspective arises from a misunderstanding of the essence and purpose of these two profound spiritual forces, which together serve humanity. The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church (Crete 2016) underscored this harmony, stating that “for the Orthodox Church, the capacity for scientific research of the world is a God-given gift to man” (The Mission of the Orthodox Church in the Modern World, VI, § 11).”
Elsewhere in his speech, the Ecumenical Patriarch stressed:
“Your conference – our conference – also focuses on young people, whose lives will inevitably unfold within the environment shaped by the dynamic integration of artificial intelligence into our daily existence.
Obviously, the new generation is neither technophobic nor indifferent to new technologies, as these are integral to the core of their lives. The Church, while advocating for the responsible use of artificial intelligence, encourages young people to cultivate “spiritual intelligence” by exploring and embracing the invaluable spiritual and cultural treasures of our Orthodox Tradition. This aligns with the invitation extended to them by the Council of Crete in its Message: “The Orthodox Church addresses young people, who seek a life of fullness enriched by freedom, justice, creativity, and love.
It invites them to consciously connect with the Church of Christ, who is the Truth and Life, and to actively engage with the ecclesiastical body, bringing their energy, concerns, aspirations, and expectations. Young people are not merely the future of the Church; they are its dynamic and creative presence, both locally and globally” (§ 11).
Childhood and adolescence are the most formative stages of life, offering the ideal opportunity to instill in young minds and hearts a profound respect for the sanctity and beauty of the human person, as well as a deep concern for the integrity of creation.
We humbly acknowledge that, more often than not, young people teach us through their sensitivities, ideas, and visions. They display a greater concern than adults for the protection of the natural environment, the pursuit of justice, the promotion of peace, and the cultivation of a culture of solidarity. In this sense, many young people today, even if not actively engaged in the liturgical life of the Church, serve as carriers, advocates, and practitioners of its communal and social ethos.”
Previously, Professor Evangelos Protopapadakis, Director of the Laboratory of Applied Philosophy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the MSc program Animals: Ethics, Law, Welfare, addressed the audience. Additionally, during the inaugural session, Archon Konstantinos Delikostantis, Professor Emeritus of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, delivered a speech.
The inaugural meeting was attended by Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos, clergy, Consul Athanasia Iliaki, representative of the Consul General of Greece in Constantinople, university professors and participants in the Conference.
The speech of the Ecumenical Patriarch begins at 52:20:
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Sweepstakes casinos serve as an alternative to real money casinos as they are entirely free and can be enjoyed without spending real money. Even if you are in a market that has yet to legalize online casinos, free-to-play sweepstakes casinos are an option in most markets.
While also being free to play, these casinos offer sweepstakes casino no deposit bonuses, or no purchase bonuses. There are bonuses you can get only with purchases, but the best sweepstakes casinos offer no purchase bonuses as well. These bonuses range from bonuses granted for creating an account to daily log-in bonuses and more.
These are the best sweepstakes casinos with no purchase bonuses.
Sweepstakes casinos are entirely free to play. If you elect to purchase more coins, the option is there but it is not a requirement. The entire library of games is accessible entirely without ever having to spend money. With no purchase bonuses, you can see an increase in the digital currencies for top sweepstakes casinos.
The only thing you need to do to claim a no purchase bonus is to sign up and log-in daily. These promos are available for everyone who signs up, and the daily bonuses are issued every 24 hours. See the table below for details on the best no purchase bonuses at the top sweepstakes casinos:
There are two currencies used at popular sweepstakes casinos. Those currencies are gold coins (GCs) and sweepstakes coins (SCs). Both currencies can be used to play games at popular sweeps sites, but there are some important differences to note.
GCs can be used only to play games and cannot be withdrawn or redeemed for real cash prizes. While GCs are obtainable for free, sweepstakes casinos offer the option to purchase more GCs via the sweepstakes store.
What makes SCs different is that you cannot directly purchase SCs from sweepstakes stores. SCs can be collected through winning games or as bonuses included in GCs purchases. SCs can be redeemed for cash prizes and gift cards at sweepstakes casinos.
When you accumulate a specific amount of sweepstakes coins, you will be able to redeem them for cash prizes or gift cards. The amount required to redeem is different depending on the sweepstakes casino. Redeeming SCs is as simple as clicking the redeem option while on the sweepstakes casino’s main site.
When you select redeem, you can then convert the SCs into your selected prize. This is how you can win real money with sweepstakes coins. Play games at popular sweepstakes casinos and win. Collect enough SC and convert them into cash prizes. Remember SCs can be collected for free and cannot be purchased SC.
Sweeps casinos are legal in most US states despite not being regulated like real money online casinos. While the games and layout of sweeps casinos are similar to real money casinos, the business model is completely different.
Sweepstakes casinos operate under sweepstakes laws, and are not regulated by state gambling laws. At sweepstakes casinos, you can play for free and cannot withdraw gold coins for cash. With real money casinos, you are wagering real cash to win real money.
Online casinos work the same as brick-and-mortar casinos and are regulated by the same gaming commissions in each state.
Since sweepstakes casinos are free-to-play, they are not required to obtain gambling licenses to operate. In the same manner that video games offer digital currencies that players can earn or pay for benefits in the game, sweepstakes casinos offer digital currencies.
You do not have to spend any money to access all of the social casino gaming options at popular sweepstakes sites. They are legal and accessible through local sweepstakes laws. That is why sweepstakes casinos are legal without gaming licenses.
See more: Alabama sweepstakes casinos
Claiming a sweepstakes casino no purchase bonus is as easy as creating a new account at the sweeps casino of your choice. Follow these steps:
LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234
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With more people in need this festive season, charities, too, are appealing for extra help
The British public is expected to give more than £1bn to charities this month as the festive season acts as a reminder of the increasing number of people who are in need of help. But charities say that the number of people who regularly give has declined, and some have appealed for extra help.
The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) says that although the public is more motivated to give at Christmas, at the same time, “more and more” people are in need.
“We hope that those who can afford to, give, either in the form of a donation, or things they don’t need, or by volunteering their time for good causes,” says Philippa Cornish, head of charities at the CAF.
So what are some of the ways to support a charity at Christmas, and, perhaps, throughout the year?
Christmas gifts and merchandise offered by charities and aid agencies have evolved a long way from boxes of greetings cards, calendars and diaries. Many offer “virtual gifts” that can help change the lives of people around the world – from paying for a child to go to school in a developing country, to providing warm clothes in a cold climate.
Some charities offer an e-gift card which you can personalise and send on to a relative or friend, while with others you buy the gift in their name and the recipient gets a personalised e-card or certificate.
Here’s a few last-minute ideas:
Oxfam’s Unwrapped e-gift cards start at £5. Causes that can be supported include helping people access clean water; assisting activists as they push for change; funding new energy systems in areas affected by adverse weather; and pushing for equal pay.
Save the Children’s school bag kits cost £12 and include pens, pencils, rulers and other essentials. These are aimed at children who, for example, have had to flee their homes due to war or a natural disaster. In the shop there are toys for £8; five mosquito nets for those at risk of malaria cost £21; and £38 gets a water filter in an area where the supply is filthy.
WaterAid has a Shop for Life which offers “handwashing stations” for three families (£24), a “bog in a bag”, which is a bag of cement that produces a latrine (£10), and a pair of water taps (£20).
Impact, which aims to help disabled people in impoverished countries, sells gift tokens that help fund cleft lip surgery, and care packages for new mothers and children.
The amount of waste at Christmas has prompted many to want to buy in a more sustainable way.
Lucy Willoughby set up Bristol-based Good Things to sell gifts that support charities and “give back to people and the planet”. “By buying these, I know my money is making a difference in the world and supporting causes that matter – not just the profits of big business,” she says.
Among the things it sells are accessories, such as bags and wallets by the upcycler Lost in Samsara.
UK charity Arthouse Unlimited represents artists with learning and physical disabilities, while Gogo Olive offers handmade toys which have been knitted by women who have been imprisoned in Zimbabwe.
Other options include the ShelterBox Book Club, where members get to vote on books they would like, with the winning title posted to them every six weeks. Funds raised are used to help people suffering from the effects of natural disasters. The suggested donation for six months is £60.
Migrateful hosts cooking evenings run by refugees, who teach people about dishes from their home country. Classes are held in London, Bristol and Brighton.
Winter is the busiest time for food banks, and there has been an urgent appeal for donations from Trussell, the charity which acts as a community hub for 1,400 food banks. A donation of £25 can provide food for two, while £50 can feed a whole family, and £150 can help respond to increased need for a week.
“As temperatures plummet and bills rise, people will be forced into making impossible choices between eating or heating,” says Trussell’s director of public engagement, Sophie Carre.
“Help make sure food banks continue to provide warm, compassionate, practical support and advice this winter by donating food, or money to Trussell’s winter appeal.”
Food donations should be long-life and in date, and toiletries such as shampoo are welcome.
Simply contributing cash is the easiest way to help. This also gives charities the flexibility to use the funds how they wish, says Donal Watkin of the Association of Charitable Organisations (ACO).
“Structured giving, such as setting a budget or planning regular donations, can help spread generosity throughout the year, allowing charities to plan ahead and sustain their services,” says Watkin.
Whether it is large national organisations or smaller local groups, there is often a need for volunteers who can help out at Christmas and over the winter.
Among many others, Crisis looks for people to help with packing presents, hosting get-togethers, bring people meals and running activities. And the Salvation Army asks volunteers to help prepare and deliver food, wrap and deliver gifts, and support community events.
Those giving to charity this Christmas have been warned to watch out for fraud. A campaign has been launched by the Fundraising Regulator, the Charity Commission for England and Wales, and Action Fraud to ensure people do not fall victim to criminals. Their advice is:
Check the charity’s name and number on the Charity Register, where most charities with income of over £5,000 are registered.
Work to understand how a charity is spending the funds raised.
Look for the “Fundraising Badge” logo, which means they are registered with the regulator.
A face-to-face fundraiser should have a licence from the local authority, or the police in London.

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OAKLAND — A 53-year-old Brentwood man who misrepresented his marijuana distribution business as a nonprofit to obtain $300,000 in COVID-19 relief funds was sentenced Thursday to just over three years in federal prison, according to prosecutors.

Thanh Duy Nguyen previously pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a news release.
Nguyen ran and was the sole officer of T&A Distribution, an unlicensed interstate marijuana trafficking scheme with grow houses around the Bay Area, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors said Nguyen used the business to secure two Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act authorized the SBA to provide EIDL loans to small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruption because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nguyen filed the first loan application in April 2020 and the second in June 2020. In both, he certified he was not involved in any unlawful activity even though he knew his marijuana distribution business was illegal under federal law, according to prosecutors. He also purportedly lied about T&A Distribution’s gross revenues, cost of operations and employee count.
In the first application, Nguyen claimed T&A Distribution was a nonprofit in the business of “antiques/collectibles,” and in the second, he misrepresented T&A Distribution as a nonprofit in the business of “miscellaneous services,” prosecutors said.
Nguyen ultimately received about $300,000 in EIDL funds, which he largely used for his marijuana distribution business and for gambling, according to prosecutors.
In addition to a 37-month prison term, Nguyen was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay $300,000 in restitution, prosecutors said. Nguyen will begin serving his sentence on Feb. 28.
Copyright © 2024 MediaNews Group

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Who doesn’t dream of striking it rich playing the North Carolina Education Lottery? For some Wilmington-area residents, the dream really did come true in 2024. Here’s a look at some of those winners.
Ricky Todd’s scratch-off ticket purchase turned into a major prize in November. The Leland resident scored on a $20 ticket with a $100,000 prize.
Todd bought his lucky $2,000,000 Diamond Deluxe ticket from the Food Lion on Village Road in Leland.
After required tax withholdings, he took home $71,506.
A $10 scratch-off ticket proved lucky for Rosa Sanchez of Rocky Point.
In October, Sanchez bought her lucky 50X The Cash ticket from PMG PM on N.C. 210 in Rocky Point and won a $1 million top prize.
She had the choice of receiving an annuity of $50,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $600,000. She chose the $600,000 and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $429,003.22.
Every time he plays the lottery, John Ross picks up his phone. No, he’s not making a call — he’s using the phone as a tool.
“I just close my eyes and point at random numbers,” Ross said in a news release from the North Carolina Lottery.
The strategy paid off as he was playing the Lucky for Life game. Ross bought the lucky $2 ticket using Online Play, and won his prize by matching all five white balls in the July drawing.
“The day of the drawing was actually my wife’s birthday,” Ross said. “It’s hard to believe.”
Ross, 56, said he likes to play Lucky for Life the same way each time, purchasing a single ticket.
Ross had the choice of receiving $25,000 a year for the rest of his life or a $390,000 lump sum. He chose the $390,000 lump sum and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $278,851.
“This will help get me to where I need to be for retirement,” he said.
Ross said he also planned to use his winnings to pay bills and donate to charity.
By keeping a tradition alive, William Bon Viso came out a winner.
Bon Viso usually receives scratch-offs as a Father’s Day gift from his aunt. But this year instead of any scratch-offs, he received $20 cash. He kept the tradition and bought the tickets himself.
“A $20 Father’s Day gift became a blessing,” Bon Viso said.
When the Wilmington man checked his ticket, he started shaking because he couldn’t believe how much he won — $250,000.
“I was like in another world,” he recalled. “I was on a cloud.”
Bon Viso bought his lucky 20X The Cash ticket from the Walmart on Sigmon Road in Wilmington.
“Life is just all about timing,” Bon Viso said. “It just shows you have to always follow your gut.”
More:Who are the highest paid local government employees in the Wilmington area?
In June, John Robbins won the lottery for the second time in just two years.
Robbins took home a $100,000 prize from a $30 Black Titanium scratch-off ticket. In May 2022, he won a $2 million prize from an Ultimate 7’s ticket.
Robbins’ second winning ticket was purchased from the Han-Dee Hugo’s on North College Road in Wilmington — the same store where his first winning ticket was purchased.
“I was told lightning can’t strike twice but I guess it can,” Robbins said in the release. “I was definitely excited because I have some dreams I want to work on.”
After state and federal taxes, Robbins took home a total of $71,509.
“My dream is to make a difference in Wilmington,” Robbins said in a news release. “I want to give back to people here who are less fortunate. I want to do something to help change that.”
Avid golfer Jack Romans Jr. won a $100,000 scratch-off prize.
The Calabash resident bought a $2,000,000 Diamond Deluxe ticket from RM Mart on Seaside Road Southwest in Sunset Beach.
“I’m going to get a new set of irons,” Romans said.
After required federal and state tax withholdings, he took home $71,506.
“It’s my birthday in a week,” he said in May when he claimed his prize. “This is a nice early birthday present.”
Romans said he also plans to pay some bills with his winnings.
From the archives:This home on Figure Eight Island is the most expensive one ever sold in North Carolina
Stacey Miller won more than $100,000 from a $40 Carolina Keno ticket.
The Southport woman purchased her ticket at Eshangi BP on Southport Supply Road in February.
The $40 ticket played for five shares. She drew a 5X multiplier for a $4,500 prize, bringing her win to a total of $112,500.
After federal and state taxes, she took home $80,686.
George Rongotes Jr. spent $5 on a Fast Play lottery ticket and scored a $154,166 jackpot win.
The Wilmington man bought his ticket from the Ludas Social Club, a bar he owns, on Carolina Beach Road.
He purchased his Double Win ticket on Jan. 3, when the jackpot stood at $308,332.
He received 50% of the progressive jackpot since he had purchased a $5 ticket. After state and federal tax withholdings, he took home $99,051.
Hipolito Berrocales spent $1 on a Cash 5 lottery ticket and took home a $491,290 jackpot.
Berrocales purchased his ticket from the Han-Dee Hugo’s on Northwest Road in Leland.
With odds of 1 in 962,598, Berrocales matched all five numbers on his ticket.
The Leland resident took home $351,273 after state and federal taxes.

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