Latest news with #CarlosRuiz
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
UN appoints Mexican diplomat as new chief of shrinking Haiti office
By Sarah Morland MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Mexican diplomat Carlos Ruiz as the organization's special representative to Haiti and head of the U.N.'s office in the embattled Caribbean nation, that office, known as BINUH, said on Thursday. Ruiz had worked as special representative for Colombia since 2019, BINUH said, adding that he has monitored the implementation of the country's peace agreement and worked on recent peace talks between the government and armed guerrilla groups. The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti is referred to as BINUH, the French acronym for the mission's full name. Ruiz is set to succeed Ecuador's Maria Isabel Salvador as head of the shrinking U.N. office as Haiti faces a worsening conflict fueled by powerful, heavily armed gangs that have driven nearly 1.3 million people from their homes and are expanding to new areas despite efforts from national police. A voluntary U.N.-backed force has also partially deployed to Haiti to boost local police but has struggled to make headway, hampered by shortages of troops, funds and equipment. BINUH's work includes advising the government as well as tracking and monitoring human-rights abuses and security trends, including the evolution of gangs' territorial control, killings, kidnappings and civilian displacements. In a July 1 letter to the U.N. Security Council seen by Reuters, Guterres said he planned to re-evaluate the office's 2026 budget in view of a smaller headcount following repeated evacuations due to the "dire security situation" in Haiti. "Established in 2019, BINUH was not designed, nor does it have adequate evacuation and security assets, to operate in such a hostile environment," Guterres said in the letter. "Consequently, the Secretariat and BINUH have undertaken a review of the mission concept to achieve a more focused, smaller, yet impactful, mission." The U.N. since last November has had a maximum authorized capacity of 133 international staff in Port-au-Prince, the letter added, including 17 from BINUH - a limit based on its current extraction capacity of a single helicopter. Many U.N. staff operate from abroad. On Wednesday, Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca told a meeting of the Security Council that the cost of additional resources needed to boost BINUH's security and evacuation capabilities in 2026 would be offset by a smaller local footprint.
Reuters
2 days ago
- Politics
- Reuters
UN appoints Mexican diplomat as new chief of shrinking Haiti office
MEXICO CITY, July 3 (Reuters) - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Mexican diplomat Carlos Ruiz as the organization's special representative to Haiti and head of the U.N.'s office in the embattled Caribbean nation, that office, known as BINUH, said on Thursday. Ruiz had worked as special representative for Colombia since 2019, BINUH said, adding that he has monitored the implementation of the country's peace agreement and worked on recent peace talks between the government and armed guerrilla groups. The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti is referred to as BINUH, the French acronym for the mission's full name. Ruiz is set to succeed Ecuador's Maria Isabel Salvador as head of the shrinking U.N. office as Haiti faces a worsening conflict fueled by powerful, heavily armed gangs that have driven nearly 1.3 million people from their homes and are expanding to new areas despite efforts from national police. A voluntary U.N.-backed force has also partially deployed to Haiti to boost local police but has struggled to make headway, hampered by shortages of troops, funds and equipment. BINUH's work includes advising the government as well as tracking and monitoring human-rights abuses and security trends, including the evolution of gangs' territorial control, killings, kidnappings and civilian displacements. In a July 1 letter to the U.N. Security Council seen by Reuters, Guterres said he planned to re-evaluate the office's 2026 budget in view of a smaller headcount following repeated evacuations due to the "dire security situation" in Haiti. "Established in 2019, BINUH was not designed, nor does it have adequate evacuation and security assets, to operate in such a hostile environment," Guterres said in the letter. "Consequently, the Secretariat and BINUH have undertaken a review of the mission concept to achieve a more focused, smaller, yet impactful, mission." The U.N. since last November has had a maximum authorized capacity of 133 international staff in Port-au-Prince, the letter added, including 17 from BINUH - a limit based on its current extraction capacity of a single helicopter. Many U.N. staff operate from abroad. On Wednesday, Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca told a meeting of the Security Council that the cost of additional resources needed to boost BINUH's security and evacuation capabilities in 2026 would be offset by a smaller local footprint.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps learns an old lesson: Don't mess with Audie Murphy
Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Carlos Ruiz was just doing what many senior enlisted Marines do: Looking out for uniform standards. Instead, he stepped into a hornet's nest. In a since-deleted Instagram post, Ruiz used an old picture to make a point about uniform standards, blurring out the face of a soldier wearing a medal-strewn, World War II-era uniform. 'Uniform standards have entered the group chat!' Ruiz wrote on two slides. 'Exhibit A: This is what it looks like when we don't have a standard. Make sure to check out MCO 1020.34H for all uniform guidance!' However, the photo was of Audie Murphy, the single most decorated American soldier of World War II and one of the most decorated American service members of all time. The image was quickly taken down after soldiers and Marines on the services' respective Reddit boards had a field day as they united online in confusion and sarcasm to (lightly) roast the top-enlisted Marine. Ruiz, who seems to be well-liked as a senior Marine who has kept his focus on issues of importance to junior Marines, whether they be serious or just plain funny, quickly deleted the post and appeared to issue a full apology on Instagram. 'Earlier today I posted a picture of a great American hero, Audie Murphy,' Ruiz wrote in an Instagram story. 'In poor taste, I linked his uniform to today's regulations. My sincere apologies, as I meant no disrespect. There is a history linked to that photo and why his decorations are where they are. It shouldn't have happened and there are no excuses.' Separately, a spokesperson for the Marine Corps told Task & Purpose the post was an 'unforced error where the message being sent should have used a Marine as an example.' It said that there was no intent to 'disparage a great American soldier.' In light of all this, we felt it might be handy to create a simple and easy-to-follow primer for any other sergeants major or first sergeants out there who may want to harken back to history for examples of why the Corps is so hardcore on uniform regulations. Next time, leave Audie Murphy out of it and just use a photo like this: The Air Force fitness test may soon include 2-mile runs twice a year 'War Thunder' continues to live up to its reputation for OPSEC violations Guardsmen sent to LA are 130 miles east of the city doing drug busts Lightning Carriers: The Marines' secret weapon in the Pacific Pentagon releases details of 'Midnight Hammer' strikes against Iran
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
4 Ways To Minimize Your Tax Refund and Save Money Next Year
Many Americans look forward to receiving a tax refund, but a large one often means they've given the government an interest-free loan all year. Check Out: For You: Instead, taxpayers can adjust their financial strategy to keep more of their money in each paycheck — without risking a big tax bill the following spring. From adjusting withholdings to making accurate estimated payments, here are four smart ways to minimize your tax refund and hold on to more of your income throughout the year. Taxpayers can use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to ensure that the right amount is withheld from their paychecks. 'Most people fill out their W-4 once and never touch it again,' said Carlos Ruiz, founder and principal advisor at Pivot Wealth Advisors. 'But that's a mistake. Adjusting it to reflect your real life — mortgage interest, student loans or charitable donations — can shrink your refund and boost your take-home pay.' Individuals who consistently receive large refunds may want to update their withholdings to avoid overpaying throughout the year. 'If you are getting a $10,000 refund, it basically means you are over withholding by over $800 per month,' said Ashley Morgan, a debt and bankruptcy lawyer. 'If your income is fairly consistent, then you could adjust your W-4 with your employer to take out less money each pay period to prevent getting a huge refund.' Morgan also noted that a significant life change could warrant a withholding adjustment. 'For example, if you get a large raise or promotion, then you could be under withholding,' Morgan said. 'Similarly, if you work a gig job or get a second job, even for a few months, it can noticeably change your tax balances.' Find Out: Morgan emphasized the importance of understanding your tax refund, since it reveals how much you've paid the IRS during the year. 'At the end of the day, even if you use a preparer, you are responsible for what your tax return says,' Morgan said. 'If you are getting a refund, you should understand why.' For example, if your refund is due to over withholding, you can adjust for the following year. But if your refund stems from a credit — like the Child Tax Credit — and your child is turning 18, that benefit may no longer apply. 'Similarly, if your large refund is due to a one-time situation, like electrical vehicle credits or significant health care expenses from an illness, then adjusting withholding does not make sense,' Morgan said. While many recognize the benefits of tax-advantaged accounts, they don't always incorporate them into their withholding strategy. 'Use pre-tax contributions to your advantage,' Ruiz said. 'Increasing 401(k), HSA or FSA contributions lowers taxable income, meaning less gets withheld without the risk of a surprise tax bill.' Accurate estimated tax payments help avoid underpayment penalties and year-end surprises. Morgan often advises her clients to pay more frequently than the law requires. 'While the law requires quarterly estimated taxes, it doesn't prohibit more frequent payments,' Morgan said. 'If you are monitoring your income and expenses monthly, you are more likely to notice income tending up or down and can adjust accordingly. By making estimated tax payments monthly, you are better able to limit overpaying and underpaying.' Ruiz added that business owners and retirees can better manage refunds by making the right payments at the right time. 'Business owners can win the tax refund game by making accurate estimated tax payments instead of blindly overpaying,' he said. 'Similarly, retirees can minimize their tax refund by withholding taxes directly from their Social Security or IRA withdrawals.' 'The goal isn't to get zero back — that's a risky game,' Ruiz said. 'A small refund is usually the sweet spot. It's enough to cover surprises, but not so much that you've been loaning the IRS your hard-earned money.' More From GOBankingRates 5 Types of Vehicles Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying 12 SUVs With the Most Reliable Engines 4 Things You Should Do if You Want To Retire Early 6 Big Shakeups Coming to Social Security in 2025 This article originally appeared on 4 Ways To Minimize Your Tax Refund and Save Money Next Year Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
05-02-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
United States Marine Corps Kicks Off 250th Birthday Celebration at Super Bowl LIX
New Orleans will be the First in a Series of Year-Long Events to Honor USMC's Service to the Nation NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The United States Marine Corps kicks off a year-long celebration of its 250th birthday at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans this week. The festivities include a one-of-a-kind multi-media booth at the NFL's Super Bowl Fan Experience, participation in media interviews on Radio Row to commemorate the NFL's Military Appreciation Day, a flyover during the inaugural Super Bowl Mardi Gras parade, and a historic flyover during the Super Bowl Pre-Game Show, the world's most-watched live event. Authorized by an act of the Second Continental Congress, Captain Samuel Nicholas set up the first Marine Corps recruiting headquarters at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, PA. on November 10, 1775. This year, the Marine Corps will celebrate 250 years since its founding. 'For two and a half centuries, Marines have forged a path of honor and courage, and stood resolute in the face of adversity,' said SgtMaj Carlos Ruiz, the Marine Corps' top enlisted Marine. 'We all carry the weight of our incredible history and must ensure the ideals of our freedom endure for the next 250 years.' Today, the Marine Corps is stronger than ever. On any given day, nearly 38,000 Marines are forward deployed around the globe, enabling the Corps to be first on scene, first to help, first to contain a brewing crisis and, if required to do so, first to fight anywhere for as long as it takes. Marines stand always ready! To commemorate 250 years of Marines serving with distinction in every clime and place, the Marine Corps will hold events across the nation. These events are an opportunity to honor the legacy and tradition of service, celebrate Veterans, connect with fellow Americans, and inspire the next generation of leaders to wear the cloth of the nation. The Marine Corps' 250th birthday celebration will include five Marine Weeks and two other large-scale events, beginning with Super Bowl LIX this week and culminating in November with the celebration of the Marine Corps' birthday worldwide. Visual Opportunities in New Orleans during Super Bowl week: One-of-a-kind multi-media booth at the NFL's Super Bowl Fan Experience (rendering above). The 20-foot wide by 14-foot tall red and blue booth, with a main sail and mid sail, features custom LED video panels, physical engagement opportunities, and the iconic yellow footprints replicating the ones where every Marine's journey begins. Media engagements on NFL's storied Radio Row to commemorate the NFL's Military Appreciation Day on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. SgtMaj Carlos Ruiz and leaders from the Marine Corps will be on site, as well as the pilots that are slated to flyover the Superdome on Sunday. Flyover in the inaugural Super Bowl Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans's iconic French Quarter on Saturday, February 8, 2025. Historic flyover of two Marine Corps F-35Bs and four MV-22B aircraft during the Pre-Game Show of Super Bowl LIX, the world's most-watched live event. This is the first time F-35s and MV-22Bs have conducted an integrated flyover of a sporting event. Additional community engagements throughout the New Orleans area; list available upon request. Primary Media Contact: Capt. Ryan Bruce [email protected] (301) 752-5923 cell
