free download casino slots Students who left high school without a diploma because they didn’t pass their MCAS exams will get a second chance under new state guidance issued this week. The retroactive guidance, released Dec. 11 by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, says former students “must be afforded a process” to earn their “competency determination” based on their successful completion of required classwork, not their MCAS scores. “District processes must allow former students who satisfactorily completed the relevant coursework to earn a CD,” the guidance stated. The guidance only applies to students who met all local graduation requirements but did not earn their competency determination because of the three 10th-grade MCAS tests previously required for a diploma. State education officials have said about 700 students a year don’t graduate solely because of MCAS. In November, voters passed Question 2 , which eliminated the requirement that public school students must achieve certain scores on their 10th-grade English language arts, math and science MCAS tests to achieve a diploma. MCAS tests will still be administered as usual and the state will continue to collect the same data. In the two months since the election, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has been tasked with issuing guidance for school districts moving forward. Now that voters have had their say, advocates and opponents of Question 2 want the state to create a new statewide graduation requirement so that all public school students are held to core standards no matter where they’re enrolled. Until then, districts must develop their own competency determinations. That process, DESE says, should be aligned with the new statute language created by Question 2; be approved by the governing board of the district, shared with all students, families/guardians, and district stakeholders' and be publicly available in multiple languages. Districts should certify that students have “satisfactorily completed coursework aligned with state academic standards and curriculum frameworks in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and at least one Science discipline (Biology, Introductory Physics, Chemistry, or Technology/Engineering),” the agency said. In regards to former students, that means school districts will also have to develop their own processes for determining that students previously met the “competency determination” outside of their MCAS scores. MORE ON MCAS

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Political fallout from synagogue arson

RALEIGH, N.C. -- North Carolina lawmakers on Wednesday enacted a law over the governor's veto that would diminish the powers afforded to his successor and other other Democratic statewide winners in the Nov. 5 elections. In a 72-46 vote, the GOP-dominated House overrode Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's veto a week after the Republican-controlled Senate voted to do the same. Like during the Senate vote, opponents to the power-shifting bill sat in the gallery and disrupted the chambers' floor proceedings. More than 150 people gathered on the third floor — more than the House gallery could seat. They chanted “shame” as the override vote completed and continued to yell as they were escorted out. After warning disruptors they would face arrest if they didn't quiet down and leave the building, General Assembly police arrested one woman who refused to leave, said police Chief Martin Brock, adding that she would face charges of trespassing, resisting arrest and violating building rules. Many provisions within the 132-page law seek to diminish powers afforded to Gov.-elect Josh Stein, incoming attorney general Jeff Jackson, the next Democratic lieutenant governor and the schools superintendent. They all take office early next month. One of the most significant changes shifts the power to appoint State Board of Elections members from the governor to the state auditor, who will be a Republican next year. For decades, the governor has selected its five members, with the governor’s party usually taking three seats. The enacted law transfers that power to the state auditor starting in spring. This in turn, means Republicans will likely hold majorities on the state board and the county election boards. The legislation also weakens the governor’s authority to fill vacancies on the state Court of Appeals and Supreme Court and prevents the attorney general from taking legal positions contrary to the General Assembly in litigation challenging a law’s validity. Several post-election deadlines will move up under the law after Republican complaints that counties took too long to count provisional and absentee ballots, especially in light of an extremely close Supreme Court race . The veto override took place in the final days of a lame-duck General Assembly session where Republicans hold exactly the number of seats necessary to override vetoes without help from Democrats. That won’t be the case much longer — barring a successful election protest that would flip a race’s result — after Democrats picked up one more House seat in the general elections. Despite ultimately succeeding in their override, House Republicans had some difficulty staying unified. Some GOP lawmakers from western North Carolina — where Hurricane Helene caused historic flooding — initially voted against the measure. But all three — Reps. Mike Clampitt, Karl Gillespie and Mark Pless — ended up voting to override the veto. Part of the criticism levied against the bill centered on the $252 million of Helene recovery funds attached to it, most of which can’t be spent until the General Assembly acts again. In his veto message , Cooper called the bill a sham in which Republicans used Helene and “disaster relief” in its title to mask unconstitutional political power grabs — a message repeated by House Democrats and Stein. “It is despicable for the Republicans in the General Assembly to use folks’ incredible need for aid to cloak their political pettiness,” Stein said in a statement after the vote. Other opponents to the bill said at a Wednesday news conference that GOP lawmakers weren’t serving western North Carolinians and instead were undermining democracy. “Western North Carolina is not a toy to be played with. It is not an opportunity to exploit. It is not a place to be so violently disrespected,” said Sam Stites, a Transylvania County staff member from advocacy group Just Economics of Western North Carolina. Republicans point out they had already allocated more than $900 million to Helene relief since October, with plans for more funding next session. Caldwell County Republican Rep. Destin Hall, who is expected to be the House speaker next year, further defended the bill's executive power shifts as the legislature's constitutional right. “This body is entirely committed to helping folks in this state with storm relief,” he said. “So, in my opinion, what's happened is political football has been made out of this bill.” It's likely the new law will be mired in litigation — just like eight years ago, after Republicans passed laws weakening Cooper’s powers just before he took office. The House also secured for the November 2026 statewide ballot a proposed constitutional amendment to require all North Carolina voters show photo identification before voting. The constitution currently only specifies that it’s required for in-person voting. ID exceptions are afforded now and would continue with the amendment.Following is a summary of current sports news briefs. Nolan Arenado Next Team Odds: Powerhouse favorites flip With a dearth of attractive power-hitting corner infielder options on the free agent market, the news that St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado is available has piqued the interest of numerous needy teams. Arenado's agent saying that his client is open to moving from third to first base only increased the options -- and demand -- for the 33-year-old slugger. Rangers add right-handed reliever Jacob Webb to roster The Texas Rangers agreed to terms with right-handed relief pitcher Jacob Webb on a one-year contract on Wednesday. Webb, 31, became a free agent after last season, when he set career bests for innings pitched (56.2) and strikeouts (58) in his first full season with the Baltimore Orioles. Iowa State coach Matt Campbell gets new 8-year deal Iowa State and Matt Campbell are in agreement on a new eight-year contract after the head coach led the Cyclones to their first 10-win season ever. The new deal runs through the 2032 season. Financial terms were not disclosed by the school Wednesday. Any day but Tuesday: KC, Patrick Mahomes bracing for three games in 11 days At a time when the Kansas City Chiefs want to be sprinting to the finish line, quarterback Patrick Mahomes fears the physical toll of playing three games in a span of 11 days will derail the two-time Super Bowl champions. "You never want to play this amount of games in this short of time. It's not great for your body," said Mahomes of Kansas City's upcoming Sunday-Saturday-Christmas Day (Wednesday) schedule combination. "But at the end of the day, it's your job, your profession, you have to come to work and do it." Bigger Dance? NCAA Tournament expansion gaining support President Charlie Baker set a timeline of early April to determine whether the NCAA Tournament would expand in 2026. Speaking at a sports business conference in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Baker described growing support to increase the number of teams in the NCAA Tournament from 68 by up to eight. Reports: Red Sox acquire LHP Garrett Crochet from White Sox The Boston Red Sox acquired All-Star left-hander Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday in exchange for four highly touted minor league prospects. The Red Sox are sending catcher Kyle Teel, outfielder Braden Montgomery, infielder Chase Meidroth and right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez to Chicago, both teams confirmed. CB Jaire Alexander leads cavalry of Packers back at practice Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander is off the injury report and on the practice field in Green Bay. Alexander was a full participant in practice on Wednesday. Chargers QB Justin Herbert dealing with ankle injury, leg contusion Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert sustained two injuries -- a leg contusion and an ankle issue -- in their loss Sunday night to the host Kansas City Chiefs. Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh revealed the ankle injury in meeting with reporters on Wednesday. He said it is a separate ailment from the high ankle sprain that Herbert played through earlier in the season. Cavaliers F Max Strus (ankle) to make season debut Friday Cleveland Cavaliers forward Max Strus is expected to make his season debut on Friday after battling an ankle injury, RG first reported Tuesday. The Cavaliers, 21-4 without Strus, host the Washington Wizards on Friday. Strus will play barring any setbacks, ESPN added Wednesday. Commanders WR Noah Brown sustained internal injuries Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown could miss the rest of the season with an internal injury, coach Dan Quinn confirmed Wednesday. Initial reports said Brown had sustained a rib injury in Washington's 42-19 win against the Tennessee Titans on Dec. 1. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Grand Opening of the Rees Jones "Woods" golf course announced at Boca Woods Country Club( MENAFN - Newsfile Corp) Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 13, 2024) - Impact Development Group Inc. ( TSXV: IMPT ) (" Impact ", or the " Company "), a leading Panamanian developer of affordable housing solutions, would like to provide updates on its activities in the Republic of Panama in connection with the Housing Solidarity Subsidy (the " Program ") which governs subsidies issued in connection with homes built for social interest purposes. On July 1st, 2024 the Ministry of Housing and Land Management (" MIVIOT ") commenced a comprehensive review of the Program and other subsidies issued in connection with homes built for social interest purposes. MIVIOT has since paused the approval of subsidies in connection with the building and delivery of new homes, and the Program has lapsed effective June 30, 2024. Since August, MIVIOT has maintained a working group with housing developers across the country, generating several proposals for alternatives to the Program, all of which remain under review and have not yet been implemented. There has been no indication from the government of Panama that the Program will be resumed. MIVIOT is currently continuing to honor payments for homes that received certification pursuant to the Program prior to June 30, 2024. As of the date of this news release, the Company has a total of 125 homes that are pending subsidy payments or certification under the Program and 171 homes in inventory, either completed or under construction, that have not yet received MIVIOT subsidy certification under the Program. It is unclear if 171 of those homes will ever receive MIVIOT certification to receive subsidies pursuant to the Program. Given the current circumstances, the Company has been evaluating its strategic objectives as they relate to its operations in Panama to focus on the delivery of existing inventory, pause all new development, and consider opportunities to diversify the Company's business. In alignment with this proposed strategy, the Company recently completed the acquisition of Fusion Software, LLC (" Fusion Software "), a leading US-based platform for managing low-income housing tax credit portfolios for housing developers, syndicators and investors. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Impact's commitment to affordable housing solutions and expands the Company's capabilities in other markets. For further details regarding the acquisition of Fusion Software, please see the Company's news release dated October 25, 2024. To continue growing and diversifying the business, the Company is evaluating initiatives peripheral to building affordable homes under the Program. This includes evaluating options to expand into new residential or commercial development activities outside of the Program. Any new initiative pursued by Impact will seek to leverage its core competencies developed over the 11 years of its operational success in Panama. Other strategies currently under evaluation by the Company's management include geographic expansion to adjacent markets with similar programs and the diversification into new technology-enabled revenue streams in affordable housing. Any material change to the business following the conclusion of the Company's evaluations will be conducted in accordance with applicable securities laws and regulations of the TSX Venture Exchange. ABOUT IMPACT Impact is a Panamanian based real estate developer that provides affordable housing solutions to Panama's growing middle-class and has historically been supported by longstanding subsidized government programs in Panama. The vision of the Company is effectuated by a vertically integrated model which coordinates all services necessary to develop high-quality residential and commercial buildings, including land acquisition, financing, architectural, engineering, off-site manufacturing, general contracting, property management, and administration. Impact also operates, through its subsidiary, Fusion Software LLC, an innovative software platform designed to streamline the administration of low-income housing tax credits for asset managers, developers and syndicators. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For further information, please contact: Tom Wenz, Director and CEO Phone: + 1 (702) 329-8038 Email: ... FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" that reflect the Company's current expectations and projections about its future results. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the Company's business activities in Panama; the Company's plans to continue growing and diversifying the business; the Company's 125 homes pending disbursement of the subsidy or approvals from the Program; and the Company's plans to evaluate its business in light of the recent changes to the Program. The forward-looking statements, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the Company being able to carry out its business plan as contemplated; the Company's ability to grow and diversify its business; the Company's 125 homes pending receipt of disbursements of subsidies or approvals under the Program; and the Company's plans to evaluate its business in light of recent changes to the Program. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, they can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company. Risks and uncertainties exist that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied in the forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others: the limited business history of the Company; the Company's reliance on key management; risks related to the Company's growth strategy, including that previous and future acquisitions do not meet expectations or potential acquisitions cannot be completed; the Company's 125 homes not receiving disbursements of subsidies or approvals under the Program; the business of the Company being subject to broader economic and political factors, including but not limited to decisions made by the government of Panama; disruptions or changes in the credit or security markets; financial results of the Company's operations; unanticipated costs and expenses; and general market and industry conditions. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit SOURCE: Impact Development Group Inc. MENAFN13122024004218003983ID1108991791 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

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NANOBIOTIX to Introduce Vision for Transforming Drug Design and Development with Next Nanotherapeutic Platform on 19 December 2024MONTRÉAL , Dec. 17, 2024 /CNW/ - In an effort to keep the population safe this Holiday season, Montréal's fire department (SIM) would like to remind residents of the fire safety tips to follow during the Holidays. The following are some of the fire department's recommendations to reduce the risk of fires and the resulting damages, injuries or death. Christmas tree (natural or artificial) Set up your Christmas tree away from heat sources (baseboards, space heaters, fireplace, etc.) Turn off the Christmas lights when you go to sleep or leave your home. Cut approximately 1cm off the base of your Christmas tree before placing it in a water-filled stand. Make sure there is always water in the stand of your natural tree, in order to prevent it from drying out. Store your natural tree outside, in the shade after the Holiday period, in order to prevent it from drying out until it can be collected by the city. Keep the dry tree away from buildings, balconies, exits, flammable materials. Candles and lights Turn off Christmas lights and decorations indoors and outside before you go to bed or when you leave your home. Keep candles out of the reach of children or pets and place them where they are not at risk of being tipped over. Contain flames using a fireproof container. Turn off all candles when you go to bed or leave your home. Use a certified multiple outlet extension cord with power surge protection in order to plug several devices or light garlands. Opt for battery-operated candles and LED lights. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources such as light bulbs, light garlands, space heaters, etc. Never place any open-flame candles in a Christmas tree. Kitchen Use a timer so as not to forget a meal cooking on your stovetop or in a cooking appliance. Always keep an eye on your stove or cooking appliance when preparing a meal. Invite your guests to join you in the kitchen so as to avoid leaving your cooking appliances unattended. Make sure to turn off your stove or cooking appliance when you leave your home. Make sure to keep a functioning fire extinguisher on hand. Fire escapes Ensure that all fire escapes, including balconies and windows are visible, accessible and that the snow has been cleared. When choosing where to place your tree, make sure it does not obstruct any means of egress. Always keep your entrances clear (free of any cumbersome items near your doors.) Smoker's items Provide ashtrays outdoors for your guests. You may improvise one using a tin can containing humid sand and place it on a fireproof surface, shielded from the wind. Remember to empty the ashtrays regularly in order to avoid the accumulation of cigarette butts. Use of technological devices (lithium-ion batteries): A growing number of appliances used daily are operated by lithium-ion batteries. Few people realize that such devices as laptop computers, smartphones, tablets, scooters or electric bikes can start fires. Here are some tips regarding these devices: Make sure that the battery is not damaged. When replacing batteries, store the old ones away from heat sources, in fireproof containers. Make sure to recycle hazardous waste at ecocentres. Use chargers that comply with Canadian electrical standards and are certified for use with the type of device you are charging. Protect batteries from extended exposure to heat sources and from contact with water. Remain present while a device is charging in your home and observe the maximum charging times as directed. Read the manufacturer's instructions and comply with them. Smoke alarms Make sure you have a smoke alarm installed on every floor of your home, and that it is in good working order. This includes basements. It is the occupant's responsibility to maintain smoke alarms in their dwelling unit and to ensure they work. All residential buildings built prior to 1985 that are not equipped with electric smoke alarms must have smoke alarms operated by a non-removable, long-lasting 10-year battery. Buildings built after 1985 must be equipped with electric smoke alarms. The city's fire department strongly recommends the installation of smoke alarms in bedrooms and more specifically where people sleep with their doors closed. The city's fire department (SIM) encourages all Montrealers to remain vigilant during this time of festive gatherings, because fires can have a significant impact on people and their homes. Montréal's fire department would like to take this opportunity to wish all Montrealers a Happy Holiday Season! The fire department's spokesperson is available for media interviews on this subject from December 18 to 23 . Media outlets wishing to request an interview must contact the city's press relations at media.sim@montreal.ca . For more information, go to web page regarding recommendations for a safe Holiday season. SOURCE Ville de Montréal - Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2024/17/c7559.html © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Lockheed Martin is undertaking a series of changes in its corporate leadership team amid the pending retirements of three current members at the end of this year and in mid-January. Maria Demaree, a 34-year Lockheed veteran and current national security space leader, will move up to become chief information officer for the corporation. Demaree will also begin work as senior vice president of enterprise business and digital transformation on Jan. 1, Lockheed said Monday. Demaree will report to Chief Operating Officer Frank St. John and is taking up the role currently held by Yvonne Hodge, who is retiring from the company after 22 years there. Hodge is responsible for developing strategies and implementing solutions for transforming Lockheed’s operations through technology, culture, and processes to deliver business-based outcomes. Hodge also leads the corporation’s digital transformation and enterprise IT teams, plus the office of Lockheed’s chief data and analytics officer that comprises roughly than 5,200 professionals worldwide. Dave Young will succeed Demaree as vice president and general manager of the national security space line of business, also on Jan. 1. Rod Makoske, Lockheed’s chief engineer and senior vice president of engineering and technology, is retiring with his responsibilities slated to be divided up between two executives. John Clark, vice president and general manager of the famed Skunk Works advanced development arm, has been appointed senior vice president for technology and strategic innovation. Clark’s new responsibilities will also include Lockheed Martin Ventures, the company’s arm for investing in promising technology startups. Dr. Tony DeSimone, current vice president of enterprise engineering, was promoted to senior VP of enterprise engineering. Clark will report to CEO Jim Taiclet. OJ Sanchez, currently vice president of the integrated fighter group, will succeed Clark as Skunk Works’ leader on Jan. 1. Kevin O’Connor will succeed the retiring Maryanne Lavan as senior VP, general counsel and corporate secretary on Jan. 13. O’Connor is joining Lockheed from Carrier, where he most recently worked as chief legal officer.