Latest news with #GeneralAssemblies
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Study: NC sees rise of out-of-state abortion patients
CHARLOTTE, N.C. () – Newly released data from the Guttmacher Institute shows a growing number of people seeking abortions in North Carolina are coming from out of state amid growing restrictions in neighboring states. The pro-abortion rights group released its Monthly Abortion Provision Study, which shows the total number of abortions in the United States remained mostly unchanged from 2023 to 2024, rising less than 1%. It also found the proportion of people traveling across state lines to get a medical or surgical abortion decreased slightly from 16% to 15%. However, the proportion of people traveling to North Carolina increased. Data from licensed clinicians reveals that about 36%, or 16,700, of abortions in 2024 came from out of state, the majority of which came from South Carolina and Georgia. Charlotte mother charged with felony child abuse after 8-year-old found naked, injured: Documents That nearly doubles the figure from 2020, when approximately 17% of abortions were for out-of-state patients. States like Kansas, New Mexico, Illinois and Virginia saw similar increases. Data analysts in neighboring states with stricter constraints account for part of the rise in statistics. In mid-2023, North Carolina lawmakers instituted a 72-hour waiting period between an initial, in-person, required counseling appointment and the procedure. State legislators in and General Assemblies introduced bills during the session to impose further restrictions on abortions. North Carolina's HB804 aims to make abortion illegal after conception except if the mother's life is at risk, with no exceptions for rape or incest. South Carolina's H3457 would also ban the procedure at conception with few exceptions. Both bills are still going through the committee process and are unlikely to pass before the end of the current session. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Arab News
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Arab News
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem nominates Malcolm Wilson for deputy role
DUBAI: Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile, has nominated Malcolm Wilson, a leading figure in British motor sport, for the position of deputy president for sport. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The FIA, the global governing body for motor sport and advocacy group for motoring organizations, said on Wednesday that members will vote on the nomination during the federation's Extraordinary General Assemblies and Conference in Macau in June. Wilson is the managing director of M-Sport, which has operated Ford's World Rally program since 1997. Previously he was a highly successful rally driver, who won the British Rally in 1994. He is an honorary member of the British Racing Drivers Club, and in 2009 he was awarded an OBE for services to motor sport in the Queen's Birthday Honors list. Under his leadership, M-Sport won the FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers in 2006 and 2007 and 2017, and back-to-back driver and co-driver championships in 2017 and 2018. It also served as a technical partner with Bentley Motors, leading the design and development of the Continental GT3 race car, and in electric motor sport with Jaguar in the Ipace eTrophy event. The deputy president for sport, one of the most senior elected roles within the FIA, serves on the World Motor Sport Council and has a wide range of responsibilities, including development of global motor sport policies in collaboration with FIA commissions and national sporting authorities, and the promotion of safety, sustainability and innovation in the sport. Ben Sulayem said: 'I am delighted to nominate Malcolm Wilson OBE for the role of FIA deputy president for sport. Malcolm has had a distinguished career in global motor sport. 'For over 40 years he has competed at the highest level, both as a driver and technical partner to teams. This experience will be invaluable to the FIA and our member clubs as we continue to grow grassroots and professional motor sport, driving innovation in the sport to benefit fans, drivers and teams.' Wilson said: 'Having started my career in motor sport in the 1970s as a driver and then technical partner to teams, it is a great honor to be nominated for the role of FIA deputy president for sport. 'The FIA has played a central role in my career and I very much look forward to supporting the president and all the FIA family in its important mission. There has never been a more exciting time to be in motor sport, and I know first-hand the benefits the sport brings to families and communities across the world. 'I look forward to working with the president for the duration of his current term of office, bringing our sport to new audiences and ensuring we deliver the very best championships for all our competitors.'
India.com
22-04-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Can a woman be Pope? Who can become a Pope? Here is the mysterious way of choosing a new pope... The process is called... It involves...
Can a woman be Pope? What is the criteria to Pope? Here is the mysterious way of choosing a new pope... The process is called... It involves... Pope Francis breathed his last at the age of 88. Now a new Pope will now be elected by the cardinals. When the Pope dies or resigns, the rule of the Catholic Church goes to the College of Cardinals. Cardinals are bishops from around the world and Vatican officials, who are personally selected by the Pope. They are identified by their distinctive red robes. Let's break down the process of the election of the Pope. The position of the Pope began with St. Peter, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ. The Pope was initially elected by priests and worshippers, but later this responsibility was given to the College of Cardinals. To become Pope, it is necessary to get two-thirds of the votes. The practice of burning ballots lets the public know what has happened during the conclave. White smoke is a sign of a new Pope, while black smoke is a sign of unsuccessful ballots. The election of the Pope is a very mysterious process. Great care is taken to maintain the secrecy of the conclave. It is believed that the election of the Pope is a very important process. This process ensures that the most qualified person is chosen to lead the Catholic Church. The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church and the spiritual leader of millions of Catholics around the world. The College of Cardinals has 222 members, of which 120 are eligible to vote. The age limit for cardinals who can vote is 80 years. The conclave begins within 15 to 20 days of the departure of the previous pope. The cardinals are locked in the Sistine Chapel until a new pope is elected. It is very important to maintain the secrecy of the conclave. When the papacy is vacant, cardinals hold several meetings in the Vatican, called General Assemblies. They discuss the needs and challenges facing the Catholic Church globally. They also prepare for the upcoming papal election, called a conclave. Decisions that only the pope can make, such as appointing bishops or convening a synod of bishops, are on hold until a new pope is elected. According to information published on the United States Council of Catholic Bishops, four rounds of voting take place each day until a papal candidate receives two-thirds of the vote. In the past, 15 to 20 days after the papacy became vacant, cardinals would gather at St. Peter's Basilica to invoke the Holy Spirit's guidance in electing a new pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave. They are known as cardinal electors. For the conclave, cardinal electors go to the Sistine Chapel and take an oath of absolute secrecy before the doors are closed. The cardinals vote by secret ballot. One by one the cardinals go up to the painting of the 'Last Judgment' by Michelangelo, the great sculptor and painter of Italy, and pray. After this, they put the ballot paper folded twice into a large cup. Four rounds of voting take place every day until a candidate gets two-thirds of the votes. The result of each ballot is counted aloud and recorded by three cardinals designated as recorders. If no one receives the required two-thirds of the votes to elect a pope, the ballots are burned with a mixture of chemicals in a stove near the chapel to produce black smoke. When a cardinal receives the required two-thirds of the votes, the Dean of the College of Cardinals asks him if he accepts his election. If he accepts, he chooses a pope's name and puts on the pope's robes before going to the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. The final round of ballots are burned with chemicals to produce white smoke to signal the world that a new pope has been elected. After this, the new pope is formally announced. Whole process of election of Pope The process of choosing a new pope has historically been difficult and time-consuming, but today it is relatively quick, in some cases taking place in a single day. Election of cardinals: When the position of pope is vacant, cardinals are elected. These are the highest-ranking clergy of the Catholic Church. When the position of pope is vacant, cardinals are elected. These are the highest-ranking clergy of the Catholic Church. Papal conclave: Cardinals hold a secret meeting in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, called the papal conclave. Cardinals hold a secret meeting in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, called the papal conclave. Voting: Conclave members vote via paper ballots, in which they write their preferred candidate. Conclave members vote via paper ballots, in which they write their preferred candidate. Two-thirds majority: To elect a new pope, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority. To elect a new pope, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority. Smoke signal : To declare the results of the voting, a temporary furnace is erected inside the Sistine Chapel, with a chimney that belches out smoke. Black smoke indicates that the election is still in process and no majority has been obtained. On the other hand, white smoke indicates that a successful election has taken place. : To declare the results of the voting, a temporary furnace is erected inside the Sistine Chapel, with a chimney that belches out smoke. Black smoke indicates that the election is still in process and no majority has been obtained. On the other hand, white smoke indicates that a successful election has taken place. Acceptance: When a two-thirds majority is reached, the new pope is asked if he accepts the election. When a two-thirds majority is reached, the new pope is asked if he accepts the election. Proclamation: Once the new pope accepts, he chooses his papal name and then puts on papal robes. The new pope is presented to the world from the loggia overlooking St Peter's Square with the words 'Habemus Papam' (Latin for 'we have a pope'). Three cardinals are appointed to announce the results. These cardinals read the results of each ballot aloud. Only a man can become Pope. Can a woman become pope? No. As of now, no woman can become Pope as per the tradition of the Catholic Church. Women are also barred from becoming pastors or priests in the Catholic Church, which is necessary to become Pope. However, some time ago Pope Francis has allowed women to read and become readers of Holy Scripture, thereby increasing their role in the church. Women are not allowed to become pastors or priests in the Catholic Church. This tradition has been going on for centuries and is explained on the basis of theology and tradition. The Pope is elected by the College of Cardinals. The Pope must first be appointed as a bishop. Since women cannot become bishops, they cannot become Pope. What's the black and white smoke? Until 2005, the Vatican used to mix things like mulch for white smoke and tar for black smoke into the ballot papers. In 2013, the Vatican reported that in 2005 they used a mixture of potassium chlorate, lactose and conifer resin for white smoke and potassium perchlorate, anthracene and sulfur for black smoke. In 2013, four puffs of black smoke were seen before the white smoke appeared. A few hours before the white smoke came out, a lone white seagull sat on top of the chimney. People considered this a good sign that the wait for a new Pope was about to end. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (the current Pope Francis) was elected to the post by his peers.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ohio Republicans introduce measure to flatten income tax to 2.75%
(Getty Images) Ohio Republican lawmakers have introduced a bill to implement a flat income tax of 2.75%, claiming the measure would help Ohio compete with surrounding states and keep residents in the state. Policy advocates and Democratic legislators pushed back on that idea, saying the move wouldn't help relieve property tax struggles and would mean the loss of necessary government services due to lost revenue. State Reps. Adam Mathews, R-Lebanon, and Brian Lampton, R-Beavercreek, presented their plan to the Ohio House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday to phase in the 2.75% flat tax over the next two years, by way of House Bill 30. 'This bill builds upon the work of previous General Assemblies to simplify and reduce the tax burden on Ohioans and ensure our state remains a destination for businesses to grow and attract people wishing to work, raise a family and truly thrive here,' Lampton told the committee. Under the bill, 2025 non-business income tax would be reduced for the top income bracket – those making more than $102,400 – from 3.5% to 3.125%, with the bottom income bracket staying at 2.75%. In 2026, the top tax bracket is dropped further to 2.75%, matching that of the lower brackets. According to the Legislative Service Commission breakdown of the bill, the tax for business income would remain at 3%. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In comparison with Pennsylvania's 3.7% income tax and Indiana's 3% rate, lowering Ohio's rate as laid out in H.B. 30 would 'put Ohio in a position to lead the Midwest with a lower tax than our neighbors, thereby making us an economic model for the region,' Mathews said. Democrats on the committee questioned the move, especially as discussions of staggering property tax rates in the state are a top priority for constituents who reach out to their legislators. 'The one thing we are constantly hearing about is 'do something about property taxes,'' said state Rep. Daniel Troy, D-Willowick. 'This change of dropping the tax rate some more, it basically takes away the revenue that's needed for property tax relief.' Tax collections from the state General Revenue Fund feed the Public Library Fund as well, which has seen a $27 million drop in the last budget, and library systems are struggling to get by as they await the next budget decisions related to their state funds and potential federal cuts. State Rep. Elgin Rogers, D-Toledo, pointed to that loss as another way the flat tax could cause damage, along with cuts to other important government services. 'Everyone wants their taxes cut,' Rogers said. 'With that, there are cuts in government services and also, we want a strong Ohio that's educated, and it's my belief that this will have a a negative impact on the Public Library Fund.' Republicans on the committee seemed supportive of the bill, with state Rep. Steve Demetriou, R-Bainbridge Twp., laying out a different outlook on the tax changes. 'When we're talking about taxes, this money doesn't belong to anyone else except the taxpayer,' Demetriou said. 'It doesn't belong to the state, it doesn't belong to the libraries, it doesn't belong to the schools. It's their money, so we're just helping get more of that back into their pockets.' The think tank Policy Matters Ohio released information about House Bill 30 just before the measure had its first committee hearing. An analysis of the bill from the group found the bill would 'tax the income of everyday Ohioans at the same rate as the state's wealthiest households.' 'With H.B. 30, librarians and school teachers will pay the same tax rate as professional athletes and corporate CEOs,' according to Bailey Williams of Policy Matters Ohio. 'A flat tax is a handout to the most well-off among us – and it will devastate Ohio's ability to provide services that benefit everyone.' Citing the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, the think tank said H.B. 30's tax changes would cost the state an estimated $1.1 billion, with more than 98% of that going to Ohioans with income in the top 20%. The Public Library Fund and the Local Government Fund were both mentioned by Policy Matters as pots of money that would be reduced, thereby shifting the burden onto taxpayers through local property tax levies. Public libraries have been vocal about the need for more state support to keep up with inflationary costs and the rising demand for the many services Ohio libraries provide to their communities, from literature and materials to social services and tax help. Lampton told the committee the tax changes wouldn't necessarily mean a reduction in the overall General Revenue Fund, and 'to say it will cut library spending may or may not be a direct result of that.' H.B. 30 will be subject to further hearings in the House Ways and Means Committee, including opportunities for testimony for and against the measure. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
