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Tag: battleground states

  • Kathy Bates Reflects on Her 1991 Oscar Speech: A Heartfelt Revelation

    Kathy Bates Reflects on Her 1991 Oscar Speech: A Heartfelt Revelation

    In a recent interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Oscar-winning actress Kathy Bates reminisced about her emotional acceptance speech at the 1991 Academy Awards, where she won Best Actress for her iconic role in Misery. This candid discussion highlighted a surprising revelation about her feelings of forgetting to thank someone pivotal in her life: her mother, Bertie.

    1. A Mother’s Perspective:
    During the interview, Bates recalled her mother’s reaction to her Oscar win. Bertie, who passed away in 1997, famously remarked, “I don’t know what all the excitement [is] about, you didn’t discover the cure for cancer.” This reflects her mother’s humble view of achievements, reminding Bates of the sacrifices made throughout her life.

    2. The Surprising Discovery:
    While discussing her acceptance speech, Bates expressed regret over not acknowledging her mother. However, host Ben Mankiewicz played a clip from the event, revealing that Bates had thanked her mother during her speech. Bates’s emotional response—“Thank you. Why did I think I didn’t thank her?”—underscores the deep connection and appreciation she has for her late mother.

    3. A Lasting Legacy:
    Bates shared her wish for her mother’s spirit to be with her, stating, “I wanted her spirit to come into me and enjoy everything I was enjoying because of what she’d given up.” This poignant sentiment highlights the enduring influence of family on her career and personal life.

    4. Looking to the Future:
    As Bates promotes her new series, Matlock, she has indicated that this role may mark her retirement from acting, concluding a remarkable career that has left an indelible mark on the film industry.

    Kathy Bates’s reflections serve as a reminder of the emotional depth that characterizes her journey in Hollywood, offering fans a glimpse into the personal experiences that shape an acclaimed career.

    For more on Kathy Bates and her impactful career, be sure to watch the full interview on CBS Sunday Morning.

    Source: Swifteradio

  • (VIDEO) Bala Mustafa Takes Over As New Rivers Police Boss

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    The new Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Bala Mustafa, has assumed duty as the 46th Commissioner of Police in the oil-rich Nigerian state.

    CP Mustafa took over from Olatunji Disu. He outlined his plans for the command and residents of Rivers State while addressing journalists at the state police command in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State.

    He said his primary objective is to restore calm in the Local Government Areas where incidents of violence and arson have occurred in recent days.

    He said he is commited to work with state and non-state actors, as well as all critical stakeholders, to address these challenges. The CP also said that he has reviewed the current security situation, and outlined his vision and strategies to ensure the safety and security of communities and residents across the state.

    Bala Mustafa – Commissioner of Police, Rivers State

    Source: Swifteradio.com

  • Is Disney World Still Open as Hurricane Milton Strengthens to a Category 5?

    Is Disney World Still Open as Hurricane Milton Strengthens to a Category 5?

    As Hurricane Milton intensifies into a Category 5 storm, Florida is bracing for its impact. The storm is expected to make landfall on Wednesday, prompting officials to urge widespread evacuations across the state.

    1. Evacuations Underway: Florida authorities are advising residents to evacuate as Hurricane Milton approaches. Roads are heavily congested, and residents are fleeing the hurricane zone in anticipation of the storm’s arrival.
    2. Preparations Intensify: Local officials emphasize the importance of preparing homes and businesses for Milton. The International Space Station captured stunning images of the massive storm as it moves toward Florida.
    3. Disney World Update: Despite the approaching storm, Walt Disney World Resort remains open as of 6 p.m. ET Monday. The resort is operating normally but is making adjustments based on weather forecasts. However, some accommodations, such as the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, will temporarily close starting Wednesday.
    4. Cancellation Policy: For guests with reservations who may be reconsidering their plans due to the storm, Disney is waiving cancellation fees. If a hurricane warning is issued for the Orlando area within seven days of a guest’s scheduled arrival, they can reschedule or cancel without incurring fees【12:50】.

    Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 35 counties, including Orange County, home to Disney World. Should the park temporarily close due to the hurricane, it would mark only the 12th closure in its 53-year history.

    Source: Swifteradio

  • “Trump vs. Harris 2024: Harris Maintains Lead in Latest Polls”

    Harris Leads Trump in Multiple Polls as Race Tightens Ahead of 2024

    Vice President Kamala Harris holds a narrow lead over former President Donald Trump in several recent national polls, signaling a close race as the 2024 election approaches. According to a four-day Reuters/Ipsos poll concluded on Monday, Harris is ahead with 46% of the vote compared to Trump’s 43%. This reflects a tightening race, as Harris led Trump by six points in a similar poll conducted from September 20-23.

    In another survey released Tuesday by The New York Times/Siena College, Harris leads 49% to 46%, marking the first time she has surpassed Trump in their polling since July. Morning Consult’s latest weekly poll also showed Harris with a consistent five-point advantage over Trump, echoing last week’s results.

    Recent polling trends suggest Harris is maintaining momentum. She was ahead in three surveys released last week: leading Trump 50% to 48% in an Emerson poll, 49% to 44% in a Susquehanna poll, and holding a three-point edge in an Economist/YouGov poll. These results closely mirror previous findings from late September.

    Over the past month, some polls have shown a tighter race. A Quinnipiac survey, along with a New York Times/Siena poll and a CNN/SSRS poll, indicated a tie between the two candidates. However, Harris continues to hold a slim but consistent lead in the majority of national polls.

    Harris Narrows Trump’s Lead Since July

    Since announcing her candidacy on July 21, Harris has managed to erase Trump’s lead over President Joe Biden, according to FiveThirtyEight’s weighted polling average. While her lead peaked at 3.7 points in late August, it has slightly decreased over the past two months, reflecting a highly competitive race.

    A poll from NBC News, conducted from September 16-23, revealed that Harris still leads Trump among Latino voters, though the margin is shrinking. The NBC News/Telemundo/CNBC poll showed 54% of Latino voters support Harris, compared to 40% for Trump, with 6% undecided. While Harris’ support among Latinos is higher than Biden’s during the 2020 election, it still falls short of the overwhelming margins Democrats have historically held with this demographic.

    Impact of the Debate on Polling

    Harris’ post-debate performance appears to have stabilized her polling numbers. Surveys conducted before and after the debate indicate that while a majority of respondents believe Harris won, the overall race between her and Trump remains largely unchanged. A New York Times/Siena poll released on September 19 found that 67% of voters felt Harris performed well in the debate, compared to just 40% for Trump. An ABC News/Ipsos poll taken shortly after the debate showed Harris leading 52% to 46% among likely voters, consistent with her pre-debate standing.

    Tightening Race in Key Battlegrounds

    In key battleground states, Harris is also making gains. Notably, she has significantly narrowed Trump’s lead in Iowa from 18 points in June to just four points in a Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa poll conducted in early September. The poll was led by well-regarded pollster Ann Selzer, known for her accuracy in predicting election outcomes.

    With several months left before the 2024 election, Harris maintains a slim but steady lead over Trump in national polls, positioning the race as a highly competitive contest as voters head into the final stretch.

    Source: Swifteradio.com

  • (VIDEO) Police to Provide Watertight Security for Plateau Election

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    Civil servants in Plateau State are working half-day on Teusday in observance of the public holiday declared by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, aimed at enabling residents to fully participate in the upcoming local government elections

    While people are going about their lawful activities, the main road leading to the headquarters of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission in Jos has been secured by officers of the Nigeria Police

    This has caused slight traffic congestion and diversions around the Plateau Specialist Hospital, which is along one of the key routes to the Plateau State House of Assembly Complex and Ahmadu Bello Way, the business district in Jos.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in Plateau State, DSP Alfred Alabo, explained that the heightened presence is to ensure the safety of personnel, electoral materials, and other assets of the electoral body.

    ALFRED ALABO
    PRO, Plateau Police

    Video: News Central

  • Beware of Scams During Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days: Cybersecurity Experts Warn Shoppers

    Beware of Scams During Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days: Cybersecurity Experts Warn Shoppers

    As Amazon gears up for its annual Prime Big Deal Days, which take place this Tuesday and Wednesday, cybersecurity experts are sounding the alarm about a surge in scams targeting online shoppers. With millions of consumers seeking out the best deals, it’s crucial to stay vigilant against potential fraud.

    In the 30 days leading up to this major sales event, Check Point Software Technologies reported over 1,000 newly registered Amazon-related web domains, 88% of which were identified as malicious or suspicious. This alarming statistic suggests that scammers are increasingly using similar domain names to trick unsuspecting consumers into divulging sensitive information.

    Robert Falzon, head of engineering at Check Point in Canada, stated, “They’re almost indiscernible from the real Amazon domain. With all these domains registered that look so similar, it’s tricking a lot of people. And that’s the whole intent here.”

    This spike in fraudulent activity is not uncommon during significant online shopping events like Prime Day. Scammers often deploy phishing emails, masquerading as legitimate Amazon communications to offer “outrageous” deals and entice consumers to click on harmful links. Over the past two weeks, Check Point has identified and blocked 100 unique Amazon Prime-themed scam emails targeting both consumers and organizations.

    In addition to emails, scammers are also making unsolicited calls to Prime members, falsely claiming urgent account issues and requesting payment information. “It’s like Christmas for them,” Falzon remarked, emphasizing that many consumers are susceptible to scams during sales events where significant savings are expected. As the saying goes, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

    The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported that as of June 30, 2024, Canadians lost a staggering $284 million to fraud, impacting over 15,941 victims. Unfortunately, many cases go unreported, as some individuals may feel embarrassed or unsure about how to report scams.

    To protect themselves while shopping during Prime Days, Check Point recommends that Amazon customers take several precautions:

    1. Verify URLs: Always check the web address for authenticity.
    2. Create Strong Passwords: Use unique and complex passwords for online accounts.
    3. Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Do not disclose sensitive information such as birthdays or social security numbers.
    4. Look for HTTPS: Ensure that the website uses “https” at the beginning of the URL, indicating a secure connection.
    5. Use Credit Cards: Prefer credit cards over debit cards for online purchases, as they provide better protection against fraud.

    By staying informed and vigilant, online shoppers can navigate Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days safely and enjoy the savings without falling victim to scams.

    Source: Swifteradio

  • (VIDEO) Nigeria Gets $1.5 Million to Advance AI Development

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    Nigeria is set to receive $1.5 million from Luminate over three years to enhance its AI capabilities.

    This funding supports the newly launched Nigeria AI Collective, which aims to create an inclusive AI ecosystem.

    Speaking at the launch of Nigeria AI Collective, with the theme: “Shaping an Inclusive AI Ecosystem for Nigeria” Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani emphasized that collaboration among government, academia, and civil society is essential for ethical AI development.

    The minister highlighted the transformative potential of AI across multiple sectors, stressing the importance of ensuring that its deployment in Nigeria aligns with ethical standards.

    Earlier in his remarks, Stephen King, the Chief Executive Officer of Luminate assured of commitment in supporting AI Collective in Nigeria to ensure it strives and takes the leadership role.

    With this support, Nigeria is poised to lead in responsible AI innovation across Africa and beyond.

    -Bosun Tijani-Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy

    -Stephen King-CEO, Luminate

    -Kristen Mack-VP, Communications, MacArthur Foundation

    Source: Swifteradio.com

  • Tampa Bay Faces Direct Hit from Hurricane Milton: Are You Prepared?

    Tampa Bay Faces Direct Hit from Hurricane Milton: Are You Prepared?

    As Hurricane Milton approaches, residents of Tampa Bay are bracing for a potentially historic storm. With winds reaching up to 145 mph (230 km/h), Milton threatens to deliver a once-in-a-century direct hit to this densely populated region, which has not experienced a major hurricane since 1921. Authorities are urging residents to evacuate as the storm strengthens, having already been classified as a Category 4 hurricane.

    Hurricane Milton’s Impact on Florida

    Florida officials have declared a state of emergency for 51 counties, warning residents of severe storm surges and the possibility of 10- to 15-foot (3- to 4.5-meter) tidal waves. Evacuation orders are in place for areas adjacent to Tampa Bay and all mobile homes. Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the importance of evacuation, reassuring residents that they don’t need to travel far to ensure their safety.

    “We can evacuate tens of miles; you don’t have to evacuate hundreds of miles away,” he stated during a press briefing. With over 200 healthcare facilities evacuated and 36 shelters opened statewide, Florida is mobilizing resources rapidly to mitigate the storm’s potential impact.

    Preparations in Tampa Bay

    In anticipation of Hurricane Milton, lifeguards have removed beach items that could become dangerous projectiles in strong winds. Residents are busy securing their properties, with reports of vehicles fleeing north toward the Florida Panhandle and heavy traffic clogging highways as people heed evacuation orders.

    Despite the storm weakening slightly, the National Hurricane Center warns that Milton still poses a serious threat. As the storm churns in the Gulf of Mexico, forecasters predict it will remain highly dangerous upon landfall, which is expected on Wednesday night. Rainfall could exceed 18 inches (20 cm) in some areas, further exacerbating flood risks.

    Recovery from Previous Storms

    The aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida less than two weeks ago, is still visible in the region. With the community recovering from that disaster, residents express frustration over the debris that remains, fearing that it could turn into dangerous projectiles during Milton’s assault. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has reiterated the severity of the situation, stating, “If you want to take on Mother Nature, she wins 100% of the time.”

    President Joe Biden has approved an emergency declaration for Florida, and reports indicate that 7,000 federal workers are mobilized to assist in the response to Hurricane Milton.

    Conclusion

    As Hurricane Milton approaches, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of Florida residents. With past storms leaving scars on the community, the time to act is now. Residents are urged to evacuate and prepare for the potential impact of this unprecedented storm.

    Source: Swifteradio

  • Live Updates: Hurricane Milton Strengthens, Urgent Evacuations in Florida

    Live Updates: Hurricane Milton Strengthens, Urgent Evacuations in Florida

    Hurricane Milton is rapidly intensifying as it approaches Florida, with forecasters warning of destructive winds, dangerous storm surges, and severe flooding throughout the week. The Category 5 storm, currently moving from the Yucatan Peninsula, is expected to make landfall on Florida’s west coast by Wednesday night.

    The U.S. National Hurricane Center has described the situation as “extremely life-threatening,” urging residents in the hurricane zone to evacuate immediately. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency across 51 counties and is imploring residents to leave their homes as soon as possible to avoid heavy traffic congestion and ensure their safety.

    Traffic and Evacuation Updates

    In a press conference Tuesday morning, Governor DeSantis reported that traffic on major interstates has increased significantly, with northbound traffic on Interstate 25 averaging around 20 mph. Residents are advised that shelters are available within a reasonable distance, eliminating the need for extensive travel to escape the storm.

    To facilitate evacuations, tolls have been suspended, and highway shoulders are being utilized to accommodate the surge in vehicles. Uber is also offering free rides to and from shelters using the promo code “MiltonRelief.”

    Airline Disruptions and Shelter Availability

    Tampa International Airport announced it would suspend flights at 9 AM EDT on Tuesday, and Orlando International Airport will close at 8 AM EDT on Wednesday. These closures are expected to impact flights to and from Canadian airports, with Toronto Pearson monitoring the situation closely.

    Residents are reminded that power outages are likely once Milton makes landfall. They should ensure their devices are charged and make necessary preparations for shelter.

    Recovery from Hurricane Helene

    Florida is still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which claimed at least 230 lives and caused significant destruction along the Gulf Coast. Many communities are in the process of recovering from the devastation as Hurricane Milton looms on the horizon.

    Heavy rain has already begun in parts of Florida, with reports indicating that Hurricane Milton could bring severe storm surges and additional flooding.

    Source: Swifteradio

  • Canadian Teens with Type 1 Diabetes Face Increased Health Risks, Study Finds

    Canadian Teens with Type 1 Diabetes Face Increased Health Risks, Study Finds

    Canadian adolescents living with Type 1 diabetes are experiencing significant health challenges, with a recent study revealing that they are twice as likely to require hospitalizations compared to younger children. The findings underscore the urgent need for healthcare providers to address the unique complexities of diabetes management in teens.

    The study, published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, highlights the struggles many teens face as they juggle school, social lives, and the demands of diabetes care. Researchers, including Dr. Meranda Nakhla from the Montreal Children’s Hospital, found that the burnout associated with managing the chronic condition often leads to lapses in insulin administration, resulting in severe complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

    “Adolescents may feel overwhelmed by their diabetes management, leading to insulin omissions that could land them in the emergency room,” Dr. Nakhla noted. DKA, characterized by high acidity in the blood, poses serious health risks and may require intensive care.

    The study utilized health data from Quebec to assess the risk of complications among children under 10 and young adults up to age 23. The results showed a 1.8 times increase in diabetes-related emergency visits for those aged 14 to 15 and nearly a 2.4 times increase for those aged 22 to 23 compared to younger children.

    Supporting Autonomy in Diabetes Management

    A significant challenge for both teens and their families is the transition of diabetes management from parental control to adolescent autonomy. Max Lagrange, a 15-year-old with Type 1 diabetes, shared his experience of managing his condition independently. “Balancing school and diabetes management can be tough,” he said. “Sometimes, it’s hard to prioritize checking my blood sugar while hanging out with friends.”

    Experts suggest that parents should take a step back and allow their teens to take more responsibility for their diabetes care. Dr. Nakhla emphasized that focusing on mental health support could be pivotal in helping adolescents better manage their condition.

    A Call for Improved Healthcare Strategies

    The Quebec study also revealed a concerning lack of engagement with healthcare services among teens, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to diabetes care. Dr. Rayzel Shulman, a pediatric endocrinologist, indicated that innovative strategies such as text message reminders and AI-driven support could play a crucial role in improving health outcomes for young patients.

    The challenges faced by teens with Type 1 diabetes necessitate a holistic approach to their care, one that emphasizes mental health alongside effective diabetes management. As experts continue to investigate these issues, the hope is to foster a more supportive healthcare environment for Canadian youth living with chronic conditions.