Paradise News

Tag: General News

  • Fact Check: Fact-checking Ron DeSantis in New Hampshire on education, economy and drugs

    MANCHESTER, N.H. — During a visit to New Hampshire, Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he would be a commander-in-chief who unreservedly supports allies, such as Israel, and takes dramatic steps to oppose groups harming Americans.

    “We are being invaded by these cartels,” referring to drug traffickers in Mexico, DeSantis said during an Oct. 13 address at the “Politics & Eggs” speaker series at Saint Anselm College in Manchester. “They are bringing poison in and they’re killing our people. So as commander-in-chief, you have the right to respond when American lives are being taken”

    DeSantis also criticized the field’s front-runner, former President Donald Trump, for missing the GOP’s First in the Nation two-day summit sponsored by the New Hampshire Republican Party. All other candidates attended.

    “Republicans need to stop making excuses,” DeSantis said. “We’re not going to get a mulligan on the 2024 election. We’re either going to get the job done, we’re going to be able to chart a better path for this country, or we’re going to continue to dig ourselves deeper and deeper into a hole.”

    If Trump wins the nomination, DeSantis said, “I think you’re gonna see down-ballot effects that are going to make holding the House very difficult.”

    DeSantis also said Trump shouldn’t be criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for Israeli security lapses in the wake of the Hamas attacks.

    With Israel now at war against Hamas in Gaza, “that is not how you treat an ally,” DeSantis said. “It’s not how I would treat an ally.”

    Here are a few things DeSantis said in Manchester, along with our fact-checks. 

    Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addresses an audience at St. Anselm College as part of the “Politics & Eggs” speaker series. (Louis Jacobson/PolitiFact)

    Economy

    Inflation “was government-induced by (Joe Biden’s) response to COVID, which was a total disaster, by borrowing and printing trillions and trillions of dollars, acting like that wasn’t going to cause disruptions in the economy.”

    Biden’s economic response accelerated inflation, but there were other factors, too.

    Economists say the Biden-backed 2021 American Rescue Plan Act worsened inflation by putting more money in Americans’ hands after the pandemic began to wane; this meant too much money was chasing too few goods.

    However, COVID-19-related labor market disruptions and supply-chain difficulties are what initially drove up inflation. The war in Ukraine, which started in February 2022, led to a spike in gasoline prices and increased inflation, too. 

    In Florida, “we have the second lowest per-capita tax burden in the entire country.”

    Some analyses say this.

    There are different ways of calculating a state’s tax burden. One ranking that backs up DeSantis’ assertion was conducted by USAFacts, a nonprofit organization that reports on government data. Using 2020 data, the organization ranked Florida as the second lowest tax burden state.  

    One Florida’s tax rates are relatively low, but a leading measurement of state-by-state tax burdens — published annually by the Tax Foundation — ranked Florida as having the 11th-lowest tax burden of any state. Alaska and Wyoming ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively.

    But regardless of the method, Florida ranks relatively low for its tax burden in the commonly cited studies.

    Drugs

    “I think (Florida is) the only state in the country that actually had a decline in overdose deaths outright.”

    We asked DeSantis’campaign where he got the data, but did not hear back.

    According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Florida had a slight increase in overall overdose deaths between 2020 and 2021, from 7,231 to 7,827. 

    The large majority of states also saw increases in the same period, with the exception of Hawaii and Maryland, which saw nominal decreases; and Nebraska, which showed the same figure.

    “We had a situation in Florida, a family was renting an Airbnb unit, and an 18 month old baby was crawling on the carpet. There happened to be residue from fentanyl from the previous tenant, and the baby died just by coming in contact with that fentanyl.”

    That’s what a March lawsuit alleges.

    Enora Lavenir, a 19-month-old visiting Wellington, Florida, died Aug. 7, 2021, at an Airbnb rental where her family was staying.

    The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the toddler died of acute fentanyl toxicity, NBC News reported when the lawsuit was filed. The family, which was visiting from France, filed a wrongful death lawsuit that said the Florida property had a history of being used for parties. 

    NBC News reported that a sheriff’s incident report showed investigators interviewed the prior renter, who said cocaine and marijuana were used during his stay, but not fentanyl. The sheriff’s office said the death is listed as accidental and the case is closed.

    Attorneys for the prior renter and the property owner, who were named in the suit, told NBC they denied fault, alleging negligence by the parents or others who were at the property, such as cleaners.

    Florida “finished third and fourth, respectively, in fourth grade reading and fourth grade math.”

    This is accurate, according to the 2022 results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress. 

    Known as the nation’s report card, the NAEP tests fourth and eighth graders on key academic subjects. The 2022 report, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic, found that Florida’s fourth graders placed third and fourth in the U.S. in average scores for reading and math. 

    DeSantis said the results are because his administration is “fully invested in parental choice.” However, the fuller picture shows that some of these test results have worsened since he’s been governor, while others stayed the same. 

    In 2017, the year before DeSantis won his first term, Florida’s fourth graders had an average reading score of 228. In 2019, that dropped to 225, where it remained in the 2022 assessment.  The NAEP notes that changes above or below .05 are “statistically significant.” These scores are considered below “proficiency” — but are above the national average, which dipped to 216 in 2022. 

    For math, Florida fourth graders in 2017 had an average score of 246. This stayed the same in 2019, but dropped to 241 in 2022. These levels are also considered below proficiency, but are higher than the national average.

    In all, Florida fared better than many other states. The report showed significant declines in math and reading proficiency that affected students in every state and region, with academic progress believed to be largely derailed over disruptions from the pandemic. 

    “Florida currently ranks No. 1 for economy by CNBC. No. 1 for education by U.S. News and World Report.”

    He’s right about CNBC, and partially right on the U.S. News and World Report assessment.

    In July, CNBC ranked Florida first in states that are “running the best economies.”

    U.S. News and World Report ranked Florida No. 1 for higher education, but 14th for pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. Florida’s combined rating for the two categories ranked 10th overall among states.

    The higher education rankings were based on several factors, including the share of citizens holding college degrees, college graduation rates, the cost of in-state tuition and fees and the burden of student debt.

    PolitiFact Copy Chief Matthew Crowley contributed to this report.



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  • 49ers WR Deebo Samuel injures shoulder vs. Browns

    Deebo Samuel injured his shoulder on the 49ers’ third drive of Sunday’s game in Cleveland and will not return, the team confirmed after halftime.

    The 49ers’ do-it-all receiver went into the locker room late in the first quarter after spending a few minutes in the injury tent on the San Francisco sideline. He did not emerge until after halftime, when he was wearing a hoodie and beanie cap, rather than his pads and uniform.

    It was not immediately clear how Samuel suffered the injury. He had two carries for 11 yards and was targeted once by Brock Purdy.

    Later in the game, Christian McCaffrey missed the 49ers’ second possession of the third quarter with an oblique injury. He returned briefly on the next drive facing a 13-10 deficit, running for six yards on a play negated by penalty, but immediately went back to the sideline and eventually to the locker room at the end of the quarter. He is questionable to return.

    The Niners’ offense has struggled since Samuel’s injury: San Francisco drove 84 yards for a touchdown on its first possession, then only picked up a first down on two of their next eight possessions, excluding a kneel-down to end the first half. Jordan Mason’s touchdown on the ninth drive after Samuel’s injury came after Deommodore Lenoir intercepted a pass and returned it to the Cleveland 8-yard line.

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  • Putin Speaks On ‘Possible War’ Between U.S., Russia, China

    Russian President, Vladimir Putin, Sunday, reacted to developments in the Middle East crisis and suggestion of war between Moscow, China and the United States.

    A panel of the United States Congress had during the past week advised the President Joe Biden administration to continue expanding U.S. conventional forces
    in preparation for any possible wars with Moscow and China.

    On Saturday, the US Government made the second deployment of military ships and warplanes to the Mediterranean sea to forestall countries that may want to get involved in the Israeli war against Hamas.

    “The Eisenhower CSG will join the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which arrived earlier this week. The Ford CSG includes the USS Normandy, USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt. Earlier in the week, the U.S. Air Force announced deployment to the region of squadrons of F-15, F-16 and A-10 fighter aircraft.

    “The increases to U.S. force posture signal the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s security and our resolve to deter any state or non-state actor seeking to escalate this war,” the US Defense had said in a statement.

    Putin, who is billed to visit China soon, said suggestions of war between Moscow and the U.S is nonsense and should not be contemplated.

    Putin opined that the US and China are only scaring each other with cold wars.

    “I don’t think these are healthy thoughts in the minds of healthy people, because to say that the United States is preparing for war with Russia; well we are all preparing for war because we follow the ancient principle: if you want peace, get ready for war.

    “But we want peace, moreover, to fight with both Russia and China, it is nonsense – I don’t think it is serious,” Putin said, as quoted by Reuters.

    Furthermore, Putin warned that the US-Russia war will be a different ball game from other wars since both countries have nuclear capabilities.

    “And if they want to fight with Russia then it will be a completely different war – it will not be carrying out a special military operation. Look at the Middle East – is that a special military operation – can you compare them? If we talk about a war between great nuclear powers, then it would be a completely different story. I don’t think that people in their right minds can think about such a thing, but if such a thought does come to them, then it can only cause us to be wary,” Vladimir Putin said.

    Russia’s position on the escalation in the Middle East has been a “ceasefire” between Israel and Hamas.

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  • McCaffrey extends TD streak after pregame fight

    The 49ers look to keep their perfect start intact Sunday in Cleveland, where they’ll face the NFL’s No. 1 overall defense, but won’t see starting quarterback Deshaun Watson.

    Follow along here as we track the action:

    6:50, 1Q – 49ers 7, Browns 0: Jake Moody’s first missed field goal attempt of the season ended the 49ers’ second drive. After Fred Warner picked off P.J. Walker in 49ers territory and returned it to the Cleveland 26, the San Francisco offense lost 10 yards before Moody’s 54-yard attempt.

    12:16, 1Q – 49ers 7, Browns 0: The Niners marched 84 yards on their opening drive, which was capped by a Christian McCaffrey shovel-pass touchdown from Brock Purdy to extend the running back’s scoring streak to 15 games (second in NFL history). The drive was keyed by a 27-yard run by McCaffrey and two 15-yard penalties on the Browns.

    Below are our notes from pregame:

    CLEVELAND — A brief but feisty brawl erupted along the 49ers sideline as players came out for warmups, about 40 minutes before kickoff against the host Browns.

    About 15 players from both teams gathered near midfield, and Trent Williams was the first to rush in to shove Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore away from 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel. Moore’s helmet came off upon Williams’ side impact.

    No punches were visible, and officials did not appear to eject any players for their actions. It appeared that Aiyuk and Samuel initially riled up the Browns, then pushing and shoving ensued. Aiyuk had to be pulled back by Fred Warner and Colton McKivitz.

    The 49ers huddled up as a team shortly thereafter, and it wasn’t just Fred Warner in the middle as usual but an animated Aiyuk hyping up his teammates.

    Once pregame warmups concluded 10 minutes later, the 49ers filed down the sideline toward their locker room, and Browns linebackers Anthony Walker and Matthew Adams stood nearby with their arms crossed, and with officials serving as a barrier between them and the 49ers.

    GREENLAW OUT, MITCHELL IN 

    Dre Greenlaw will miss his first game this season, but the 49ers will welcome back running back Elijah Mitchell for today’s game at the Browns.

    Mitchell, after missing the previous two games, returned to practice Thursday, two weeks after getting hurt in practice. He’s only played in two games, including an 11-carry, 42-yard effort in the home opener against the Giants.

    The 49ers (5-0) surely will miss Greenlaw’s speed and tenacity, to an extent. The Browns (2-2) will start practice-squad callup P.J. Walker in place of the injured Deshaun Watson.

    Greenlaw’s 37 tackles are second only to fellow linebacker Fred Warner’s 54; Greenlaw notched his first sack of the season to close out last Sunday night’s first half in the 42-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

    Linebacker Curtis Robinson was elevated Saturday from the practice squad, a signal that the 49ers would be without Greenlaw, who aggravated a hamstring injury in Thursday’s practice and was limited Friday; he missed the entire preseason because of a hamstring issue through camp. Robinson played 18 special-teams snaps in the season opener.

    OTHER INACTIVES



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  • Nwodo Calls For Ban, Imprisonment Of Election Offenders

    Among the ways to curb election malpracices and certificate forgery in the Nigerian electoral system are outright banning of electoral offenders from politics and their imprisonment for at least six months.

    Chief Charles Agadenyi Nwodo, former National Chairman of the Progressives Action Congress, PAC, stated this in an interview with THE WHISTLER in Abuja on Sunday. He also called for the determination of all election matters at courts before the eventual winners are sworn-in.

    He said, “The only way forward is outright ban of electoral offenders from all political activities in Nigeria with at least six months in prison. Again all electoral litigations must be determined before swearing-in.”

    Nwodo is of the view that swearing-in candidates declared winners by the Independent National Electoral Commission, and whose victories are being contested give unjustified advantages to ‘election thieves’.

    Speaking on the same matter, Hon Charles Anike, National Chairman of the Eastern Union, a pro-democracy group, said Nigeria’s institutions had performed below average in service delivery, especially in screening election candidates and conducting credible elections.

    Anike told our reporter that, “Nigerian institutions have so far performed below average. Otherwise we will not be where we are today; we wouldn’t have all these scandals and embarrassing situations we witnessed in the past, and the biggest mess we are currently battling with.

    “It is obvious that the leaderships of those institutions usually compromise and certainly don’t even care to peruse through the documents submitted by politicians, who are already aware of the porous nature of our institutions and easily have their ways.

    “Our citizens in foreign countries are now being subjected to another level of thorough screening and scrutiny of their documents submitted to the authorities of their schools and work places.

    “Our system has so collapsed to the extent that the leaders of those institutions saddled with the responsibilities of scrutinizing the documents submitted by the candidates don’t care, and to them it doesn’t matter even if it’s NEPA bills that are being submitted, so long as their hands are greased.

    “It’s only because of the extent of decadence that many are still going on air to defend certificate forgers as well as encouraging that academic qualifications and certificates should no longer be a prerequisite to occupy political offices.”

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  • Wildcat Weekend finale gathers alumni with current, prospective students – Paradise Post

    CHICO — It was the ideal mix: people who’ve earned their degrees from Chico State, and young people still trying to decide whether to attend the institution.

    The final day of the second annual Wildcat Weekend on the university’s campus offered a chance for prospective students, and their families, to see the school and community and how it might fit with their education plans.

    Based on the enthusiasm most attendees demonstrated Saturday, Chico State appeared to make a favorable impression. The trick now, according to President Steve Perez, is to convert those “leads” to “sales” — enrolling these soon-to-be freshmen and transfers.

    “This is a great turnout. It’s up from last year,” Perez said, pausing as he strolled through the festivities with his wife, Tanya. “We’re seeing a lot of prospective students and a lot of former Chico State people. We’re hoping alums are coming back home and that students considering enrolling here can see what we offer them.”

    There’s some work ahead to get the school’s enrollment numbers back up. Chico State had an all-time high enrollment of 17,789 in 2017, but it plunged to approximately 13,880 for the fall 2023 semester — largely due to COVID’s effects on college enrollments, not just in Chico.

    Perez said his informal goal is “to add 500 students next year, then 500 more, then 500 more.”

    Is it the spectacularly beautiful campus? Is it the community, with many natural and cultural attractions in and around it? Whatever the attraction, Chico State officials hope prospective students come here and get the full benefits of the difficult-to-quantify “Chico experience” so many current and former students often mention.

    Alums involved

    That was one of the things the Chico State Alumni Association hoped to accomplish — welcoming former students and describing the school’s and community’s virtues to those considering Chico.

    “This is really for recruitment,” said Mark Hendry, the association’s president. “We want people to see the affordability and the excellent education Chico State offers.”

    Hendry said there were approximately 1,000 people signed up to attend, though he expected 1,200. His organization represents the approximately 183,000 people who have earned degrees in some fashion since the school opened for classes 134 years ago.

    While most of the activities took place on campus — including a barbecue, live music, lawn games, and displays and booths from many university organizations and service providers — there were numerous people in Chico State attire visible in the adjacent downtown area. The weekend was clearly going to be a boon for merchants, restaurateurs and innkeepers.

    The Prieto family of Riverside was in town to visit Rey Prieto III, a freshman. He checked out a few other universities, but liked the construction management program here — plus, an intangible the school wants others to experience.

    “I came here and felt very much at home,” he said. His father, Rey Prieto Jr., and his grandparents, Rey and Debra Prieto, nodded approvingly as the student spoke. They had all finished posing for a photo under an arch of balloons in front of Kendall Hall.

    That was the same sentiment for Bennett Wadley, a freshman from Ridgecrest, about 115 miles east of Bakersfield. Wadley is studying mechanical engineering and weighed enrolling at five other schools from the California State University and University of California systems.

    “I liked the engineering program here, and I thought the campus was really nice,” he explained after visiting.

    His father, Matt Wadley, said he and his wife “highly encouraged” their son to attend Chico State, but “we kind of left it up to him. At the end of the day, it was his decision.”

    ‘Great resource’

    A stroll around the festival area provided students — both prospective and current — with a range of services, clubs and opportunities.

    With increased awareness on student mental health these days, the university offers a place of respite and support for those who believe their mental health may need a boost.

    Kealy Morrissey, a fourth-year student from Dublin, held a large sign urging people to check out The Well, a place inside the Bell Memorial Union designed to provide relaxation and counseling for students feeling the effects of school-related stress.

    “The Well is a place for student wellness,” Morrissey explained. “It’s a place for students to go to chill out. It offers yoga, massages, hydro massages, and a nap room if people (for example) have 30 extra minutes and could use a nap.”

    She also described the “opportunity for students to talk to counselors — to talk and relax — if they need to balance the work/life/school” obligations.

    “It’s really a great resource,” Morrissey said.

    Nearby, Ariella Hecker of Torrance held a sign to encourage folks to visit the WREC — the Wildcat Recreation Center — near the western edge of the campus. It has a weight room, like most athletic clubs, but Hecker said there’s also group exercise classes, a student swimming pool and an indoor track.

    “There’s an array of classes there,” she said, adding that the place provides employment for Chico State students as well. Best of all, membership is free for students and faculty.

    One of the most important services available at the tables on site was University Housing, and its assistance for students in finding living quarters within a mile and a half of campus.

    University Housing official Megan Kurtz pointed to a service with which the university contracts called College Pads. It serves as a “matchmaker” between landlords and college students who are prospective residents — providing prices, apartment or house details such as the number of bedrooms and the square footage, and even a way for individuals to find roommates.

    Unlike residential units in super-expensive areas such as Berkeley and other Bay Area college towns, Kurtz said Chico students appreciate being able to have more living space.

    “Students in Chico like having one person per bedroom,” Kurtz said. “In Berkeley, you might have four people living in a one-bedroom place.”

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  • LAGOS: 3 Die, Others Injured As Commercial Bus Rams Into Moving Truck

    Three passengers of an 18-seater bus have died, while others sustained various degrees of injuries after their bus rammed into a moving truck from behind in Lagos State.

    According to the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, in a statement on Sunday, the incident happened at Charlie Boy bus stop in the Gbagada area of the state.

    It was gathered that the fully loaded bus was heading to Ajah from the Oshodi area of the state, when the incident happened.

    “Following a distress call received at 22:01hrs through the agency’s 112/767 toll-free lines, LASEMA activated the Lagos State Emergency Response Plans with an arrival time of 22:17hrs,” the statement read.

    “Upon arrival of the Agency’s LRT at the incident scene, it was observed that a white Mazda, an 18-passenger commercial bus, registration number JJJ-844YA, loaded to capacity, headed for Ajah from Oshodi, lost control while on motion and rammed into a moving truck from behind.

    “Three of the 18 passengers (2 adult males and 1 adult female), immediately lost their lives to the incident, while others sustained various degrees and categories of injuries.

    “Out of the injured seven, three of the passengers were promptly administered Pre-Hospital care and ferried to Gbagada General Hospital for further treatment by the agency’s paramedics.”

    The statement added that the corpses of the deceased “have been bagged”, waiting to be conveyed to the morgue by the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit.

    .

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  • Lacking size, how the Warriors can use preseason to sharpen their defense

    LOS ANGELES –The Warriors put together a veteran-laden roster in the offseason at a slight expense: They’re short on size and, with some lineups, athleticism.

    All that smart basketball with future Hall of Famers is expected to fill the gaps, where they can combat youth and speed with the most feared NBA players of the last decade orchestrating fast-paced and intuitive offense. That strategy should pay off in the aggregate of a regular season, but being small can come back to bite defensively — especially against a team built like the Los Angeles Lakers.

    All the defensive miscues that plagued the Warriors last year have come into play in their two preseason games against the Lakers. Seven-footer Anthony Davis’ presence in the paint has historically sent the Warriors offense into a tizzy, but they’ve had just as many issues containing Davis, LeBron James, Austin Reaves and a mosaic of players shooting open 3s on kick-outs.

    If the Warriors are vying for a championship run by outsmarting the rest, they’ll also have to play smarter defensively to make up for their athletic disadvantage. They’re not off to a good start, particularly with Saturday’s defense against the Lakers starters. Overall Golden State committed 27 personal fouls and was slow on defensive rotations.

    “Not much to like to this point. We’re not anywhere close to being a top 10 defense,” coach Steve Kerr said on Friday. “At halftime, all the key areas we talked about in camp, we didn’t hit any of them. They shot 21 free throws, we had 11 turnovers. We had one offensive board. All those areas where we’re looking to improve, we hadn’t gotten to yet. We did in the fourth quarter, our young guys did a good job. But we have a lot of improvement to make. The fouling was too much and the turnovers, some unforced, we have to clean up those areas.”

    A lot of this can be attributed to Draymond Green’s absence due to injury. Green is the Warriors’ primary defensive anchor and orchestrator who erases a ton of defensive blunders as the team’s free safety, providing help defense or fixing broken defensive plays.

    The defensive issues can also be attributed to the date: The Warriors starters are learning to incorporate Chris Paul into the starting five. That may not be permanent, it may be, but in any event Paul and his new teammates are still learning how to play together.

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  • Reject Bill To Regulate Social Media, SERAP Tells Akpabio, Abbas

    Akpabio-and-Abbas

    The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas to reject the recently reintroduced social media regulation bill.

    SERAP noted that if passed it would unduly restrict the rights to freedom of expression and privacy of Nigerians.

    The organisation called on Akpabio and Abbas to request the administration of President Bola Tinubu to drop any ongoing efforts to put pressure on Google, YouTube, TikTok and other social media companies to “unduly restrict these fundamental human rights.”

    According to SERAP, the bill would “criminalize the legitimate and lawful exercise of human rights.”

    The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) last week reportedly stated that, “one of Nigeria’s major problems now is social media”, and described the social media as “a monster”.

    In a letter dated October 14, 2023 and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, which was made available to THE WHISTLER on Sunday, the organisation said the social media is neither Nigeria’s problem nor a monster, adding that any regulation of it would have arbitrary and excessive effects, and “cause incalculable damage, both in material and human rights terms.”

    SERAP maintained that any move to regulate social media would be inconsistent and incompatible with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international human rights obligations.

    SERAP further stated that the proposed bill raises serious concerns about the rights to freedom of expression and privacy, and would lead to “digital siege.”

    The letter, read in part, “Rather than rushing to pass the social media regulation bill, the National Assembly should encourage the Federal Government to maximize opportunities around social media access, and address the growing social and economic inequalities in the country.”

    “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are immediately taken upon the receipt and/or publication of this letter. SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions against the National Assembly and the Federal Government if the social media regulation bill is ever passed into law.”

    “We urge you to request the administration of President Bola Tinubu to publish the details of any ongoing discussion and engagement with Google, YouTube, TikTok and other social media companies.”

    “The reintroduction of the social media regulation bill would lead to deterioration of the human rights situation in the country and carry major economic costs for all sectors, as well as exacerbate social and economic inequalities.”

    “It would effectively deepen digital divides in the country and seriously undermine the Tinubu administration’s expressed commitment to develop this sector.”

    “Under international law, all restrictions on the operation of social media companies and other intermediaries must comply with the requirements of legality, legitimacy and necessity.”

    “The regulation of social media may be incompatible with the services of major social media and private messaging intermediaries, negatively impacting the free flow of information and ideas, and affecting economic and social activities.”

    “The National Assembly should put pressure on the Federal Government to comply with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 and the country’s international human rights obligations regarding the rights to freedom of expression, privacy and participation.”

    “Access to social media is widely recognized as an indispensable enabler of a broad range of human rights. It is central to freedom of expression and the realization of many other human rights including education, freedom of association and assembly, access to information, and participation.”

    “The Federal Government has the legal obligations to promote and facilitate the enjoyment of human rights, and to take all steps necessary to ensure that all individuals have meaningful access to social media. The authorities should refrain from unduly interfering with access to digital communications platforms.”

    “If the 2023 social media regulation bill which has reportedly passed the first reading before the National Assembly is the same as the 2019 bill, it would impose disproportionate penalties on Nigerians solely for exercising their human rights.”

    “According to our information, the newly reintroduced social media regulation bill seems to be the replica of the version of the Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulation Bill 2019, with provisions empowering the authorities to unilaterally order the shutdown of the internet.”

    “A similar bill to regulate social media was considered by the National Assembly in 2015 but failed to pass into law after public outcry.”

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  • Dominic West, take the high road

    CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Dominic West, 54; Vanessa Marcil, 55; Emeril Lagasse, 64; Sarah Ferguson, 64.

    Happy Birthday: Emotions will surface due to situations you have left unfinished. You can ignore what needs to be done or embrace a new era and clear the way for what you want to achieve. Procrastination is the enemy, but your intellect is your saving grace. Take the high road and set your sights on the mission that will help you pursue the happiness you deserve. Your numbers are 5, 18, 21, 29, 32, 41, 46.

    ARIES (March 21-April 19): Question everything before making a move. Having things in order will put your mind at ease, allowing you more time to use your imagination to tweak your ideas and turn them into things that have your signature embedded in the outcome. Be true to yourself. 3 stars

    TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You’ll gain momentum and the assistance you require to reach your full potential. You’ll thrive on change that sparks your imagination and encourages you to discover and explore the possibilities. Networking functions will promote new contacts and opportunities. 3 stars

    GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Be careful who you trust. Someone will use manipulative tactics to push you in a direction that’s not right for you. Be innovative, research and discover what makes you happy before proceeding. Don’t give in; act on your behalf. 3 stars

    CANCER (June 21-July 22): Reflecting on the past will help you progress. Consider your choices and make changes that allow you to use your strengths diversely. Stepping outside your comfort zone will push you in a direction that helps you discover your true calling. 5 stars

    LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Don’t underestimate your ability to persuade others to see things your way. When faced with opposition, offer incentives to ensure you maintain control. Anger will hold you back, and charm and benevolence will push you forward. Make home, finances and health your priorities. 4 stars

    VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Consider what’s working for you and redesign how you move forward. A learning expedition will help you update and streamline your plans to suit your situation. Progress takes initiative, ingenuity and networking. Do your part, and positive change will happen. 3 stars

    LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Bask in the light and let your glow inspire others to follow your lead. Speak up, share your ideas and gravitate toward those with something to contribute. A demonstrative approach will command attention and ensure you maintain a leadership position. 3 stars

    SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Compassion, understanding and discipline will bring about change that sets you free and allows you the time and space to follow your heart. Stop dreaming and start the ball rolling. Think outside the box and turn your ideas into a reality. Romance is favored. 3 stars

    SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Reach out to someone you respect, and you’ll gain insight into how to turn something meaningful into a guide for others. Be prepared to do the work to prevent an outsider from taking over. What you reap is what you sow. 3 stars

    CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Altering your living space to accommodate an opportunity you want to pursue will motivate you to follow through. Do your homework to find a practical way to start something without going into debt. Discipline and hard work will lead to success. 4 stars

    AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Play fair, but play to win. Make your presence felt, but have an endearing attitude that grabs attention and positive support that can carry you to the finish line. Know your limits, keep the peace and enjoy the ride. 2 stars

    PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Change will require an open mind, discipline and abiding by the rules and regulations. Look to those you respect for guidance. You can cut corners saving money and time. Don’t let uncertainty cause you to miss an opportunity to excel. 5 stars

    Birthday Baby: You are proactive, impatient and talkative. You are determined and distinctive.

    1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

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