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Tag: election news.

  • “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.

  • Nearly One-Quarter of Canadians Work in the Gig Economy: Poll

    Nearly One-Quarter of Canadians Work in the Gig Economy: Poll

    A recent report from insurance provider Securian Canada reveals a significant trend among Canadians turning to gig work as a means to supplement their income amid rising living costs. The poll, conducted in collaboration with the Angus Reid Institute, indicates that nearly 25% of respondents are engaged in gig work, which is characterized by short-term jobs or tasks that do not provide steady employment.

    This shift toward gig employment suggests that traditional jobs may be struggling to keep pace with financial pressures, prompting many to seek additional income sources. Cheryl Loh, a freelance graphic designer from Vancouver, exemplifies this trend. She transitioned from the traditional workforce to freelance graphic design, stating, “I get to determine how I spend my day, and there’s no limit to the income I want to make. It’s all up to me.”

    Initially, Loh entered the gig economy to pursue a passion project of designing greeting cards, which she sold in her spare time. However, during the pandemic, she shifted her focus to freelance work, finding that it has become more profitable than a standard full-time job. “It’s very difficult for me to imagine going back to a traditional job because I feel like I have so much more ownership of my time,” she noted.

    Statistics Canada defines gig workers as individuals engaged in casual work arrangements with employers, such as short-term contracts or specific task agreements, often facilitated through apps for ride-hailing and food delivery services. The Securian survey, which involved 1,515 Canadians from the Angus Reid Forum, sought to determine how many individuals earn income outside of conventional employer-employee relationships.

    “This is a rapidly emerging segment of the workforce that isn’t well understood,” commented Nigel Branker, CEO of Securian Canada. The survey revealed that younger individuals are more likely to participate in gig work, with 30% of respondents aged 18 to 34 engaged in the gig economy. Conversely, only 16% of those over 55 reported participation.

    Additionally, the survey highlighted disparities among racialized populations, with 32% of racialized respondents participating in gig work compared to 20% of white respondents. A follow-up survey of 505 Canadian gig workers found that 30% offered specialized services such as consulting or photography, while 26% sold items on platforms like Amazon or Etsy, and 21% provided freelance services like graphic design or tutoring. Notably, food delivery workers made up 8% of respondents, and ride-hailing drivers constituted 3%.

    Branker expressed surprise at the number of gig workers also holding traditional jobs, noting that over half of those surveyed indicated they took on gig work alongside a full-time or part-time position.

    Source: Swifteradio

  • Geoffrey Hinton and John Hopfield were Awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for Machine Learning Breakthroughs

    Geoffrey Hinton and John Hopfield were Awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for Machine Learning Breakthroughs

    In a landmark achievement for artificial intelligence, Geoffrey Hinton of the University of Toronto and John Hopfield of Princeton University have been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics. This prestigious recognition is bestowed upon them for their groundbreaking discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning within artificial neural networks, according to an announcement from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

    Geoffrey Hinton, a British-born scientist, has dedicated over a decade to advancing AI technologies while balancing his role as a computer science professor at the University of Toronto and working with Google’s deep-learning team. In 2023, Hinton announced his resignation from Alphabet, citing ethical concerns over AI’s potential risks. Expressing his astonishment at receiving the Nobel Prize, he stated, “I’m flabbergasted. I had no idea this would happen. I’m very surprised.”

    Ellen Moons, a member of the Nobel committee, highlighted the significant contributions of both laureates, stating that they utilized fundamental concepts from statistical physics to develop artificial neural networks that serve as associative memories capable of discerning patterns within large datasets. She noted the profound impact of these networks on various fields, including advancements in physics, facial recognition technology, and language translation systems.

    Hopfield’s work focused on creating an associative memory capable of storing and reconstructing images and other data patterns, while Hinton developed methods for autonomously identifying properties in data, such as pinpointing specific elements in images.

    Reflecting on the future of AI, Hinton compared its transformative effects to the Industrial Revolution, predicting substantial productivity gains and efficiencies across multiple sectors, including healthcare. “It’s going to be fantastic, which is why progress is not going to be stopped,” he remarked. However, he cautioned against the potential unintended consequences of AI technologies, particularly those that possess the capability to write their computer code. “We have no experience of what it’s like to have things smarter than us,” he warned.

    With numerous accolades, Hinton previously received the prestigious A.M. Turing Award for his exceptional contributions to computer science and was appointed a companion of the Order of Canada for developing innovative learning algorithms that enable machines to recognize speech and interpret complex data structures.

    The Nobel Prize carries a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately CAD 1.44 million), which will be shared between the winners. The awards will be presented during a ceremony on December 10, coinciding with the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.

    As the Nobel Prize announcements continue, anticipation builds for upcoming categories, including the chemistry and literature prizes, followed later this month by the Nobel Peace Prize and the economics award.

    Source: Swifteradio

  • Israel Expands Ground Offensive in Southern Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions with Iran

    Israel Expands Ground Offensive in Southern Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions with Iran

    Israel’s military has intensified its ground operations in southern Lebanon, marking a critical escalation in its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. This new phase of the military campaign comes after a year of increasing hostility, triggered by an initial attack from the Palestinian armed group Hamas on southern Israel.

    Ground Incursions Target Hezbollah Strongholds

    On Tuesday, Israeli forces launched a series of ground operations in southwest Lebanon, extending beyond earlier incursions at the southeast border. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) described the operations as “localized and targeted,” focusing on eliminating Hezbollah militants embedded near the border. Israel’s airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs have already claimed the life of senior Hezbollah operative Suhail Hussein Husseini, responsible for the group’s budgeting and logistics.

    The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has been one of Israel’s main adversaries in the region. The conflict between the two escalated over the past year, with Hezbollah supporting Hamas in its fight against Israel. The targeted killing of Husseini follows a string of assassinations, including the death of Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah in a recent Israeli airstrike.

    Iran Warns of Retaliation Amid Regional Tensions

    Iran has entered the fray, sending a strong message to Israel following its barrage of missiles last week. On Tuesday, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, warned Israel against any attack on Iranian infrastructure. Tehran’s missile strikes have heightened tensions, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it a “big mistake,” vowing retaliation.

    Araqchi plans to visit Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern nations in a diplomatic push to halt Israeli “crimes” in Gaza and Lebanon, according to Iran’s ISNA news agency. Meanwhile, Gulf states have reassured Iran of their neutrality in the conflict, aiming to avoid entanglement in the ongoing hostilities.

    Calls for Ceasefire Grow as Hezbollah Signals Possible Shift

    Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, supported ceasefire efforts in Lebanon. In a televised address, he backed the efforts of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to secure a halt to the escalating violence, omitting any mention of a Gaza truce deal as a precondition for stopping Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel.

    The United Nations has also expressed concern over the escalating conflict, noting the severe humanitarian toll. In a joint statement, UN officials said their calls for restraint over the past year have gone unheeded, with Israeli airstrikes displacing over 1.2 million people in Lebanon. The situation in the region is becoming increasingly dire as Israeli operations ramp up along the Lebanese coast and inland.

    Conclusion

    As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah deepens, with Iran’s involvement intensifying the stakes, regional diplomacy efforts are struggling to keep pace with the military escalation. The future of this ongoing conflict remains uncertain, as the humanitarian crisis worsens and global attention turns to the volatile situation in the Middle East.

     

    Source: Swifteradio