Latest news with #Schedule
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Alleged Baton Rouge drug dealer arrested after investigation
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A man was arrested after a drug bust in Baton Rouge on Wednesday. According to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office, deputies conducted a multimonth investigation into a suspected drug dealer, Johnny Richardson, 38. During the investigation, agents were able to identify a location in the 4900 block of Mobile Drive that is believed to be associated with Richardson's alleged narcotics operation. Agents managed to purchase crystal meth from Richardson. EBRSO noted that Richardson left the home before the purchase and returned immediately after. A search warrant was granted for Richardson's home and vehicle. On Wednesday, deputies conducted a traffic stop of his vehicle. After searching the home and vehicle, investigators seized the following: 6.13 ounces of crystal meth 5.8 grams of powder fentanyl (58 lethal doses) 4.5 pounds of THC edibles 29.8 grams of marijuana 159.5 dosages units of Amphetamine pills 122 dosage units of Alprazolam pills 5 dosage units of Oxycodone pills 1 dosage unit of Triazolam digital scale box of plastic bags money counter $11,302 Richardson was arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on charges of: two counts of possession with the intent to distribute Schedule I drugs six counts of possession with the intent to distribute Schedule II drugs two counts of possession with the intent to distribute Schedule IV drugs two counts of controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a juvenile possession of drug paraphernalia Richardson was convicted of unrelated drug charges in 2018. Louisiana bill on Baton Rouge blight moves forward More people speak out against Clinton tax preparer accused of fraud AI may cut drug discovery time, says scientific software leader Keeping pets safe in the summer heat: Local experts share tips May Street closures in effect, Baton Rouge residents concerned with traffic congestion Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Assam group claims victory after ADB cancels loan for solar project
A group representing three indigenous communities has claimed its sustained campaign led to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) cancelling a controversial solar project in Assam's Karbi Anglong district. The ADB, however, stated that the decision to cancel the $434.25 million loan and the accompanying technical assistance of $1 million from the Clean Energy Fund under the Clean Energy Financing Partnership Facility followed a request for withdrawal from the Ministry of Finance on May 23. The ADB approved the loan for the Assam Solar Project on October 24, 2024, 'to support the construction of a large-scale solar photovoltaic facility integrated with a battery energy storage system pilot project'. The technical assistance, it said, was designed to build the capacity of the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited in renewable energy, develop a solar project pipeline for private investment, and promote renewable energy skills and livelihoods. 'The loan and project agreements were not signed. The ADB received a letter from the Ministry of Finance requesting the withdrawal of the loan,' the ADB said, adding that the loan was cancelled after the government's request. The Karbi Anglong Solar Power Project Affected People's Rights Committee stated that the project, intended to generate 500 megawatts of power, was to be established on 2,400 hectares of land, displacing approximately 20,000 Adivasi, Karbi, and Naga families. The committee represented these communities that refused to give up their ancestral lands. The committee said the project was poised to become one of the largest land grabs in Assam's history. 'These are primarily agricultural, forest, and customary lands with deep cultural, spiritual, and livelihood significance for the indigenous communities, protected under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India,' it added. 'Constitution within Constitution' The committee said that the ADB approved the investment in October 2024 despite opposition from the affected indigenous communities and in violation of their constitutional safeguards. It said that the ADB failed to obtain free, prior, and informed consent from the stakeholders by holding consultations in only nine of the 23 villages that would have been impacted. 'Key documents like the Initial Environmental Examination and the Resettlement and Indigenous Peoples Plan were not publicly disclosed or translated into local languages, denying access to critical information. Community members also reported intimidation and threats, including fraudulent land claims by outsiders seeking compensation,' the committee said. 'The Sixth Schedule is a constitution within the Constitution of India, giving rights to us indigenous people, but here, we saw how the authorities violated the basics of the Sixth Schedule. The ruling government used political clout to repress and illegally change laws and rights forcefully,' Bikram Hanse, a Karbi Anglong resident and general secretary of the All-Party Hills' Leader Conference, said. 'Our people have shown their strength, and this united struggle will continue,' he asserted. The committee said that the authorities manipulated documents to claim only 8.2% (195 hectares) of the 2,400 hectares marked for the project were customarily owned by the indigenous communities. Environmentally, the solar park would have endangered bamboo forests essential to elephant migration, polluted water bodies, and disrupted biodiversity near the Deopani and Nambor wildlife sanctuaries. Environment and human rights groups said the victory of the indigenous communities against the Assam Solar Project could stimulate movements against hydropower and mining projects elsewhere in the country. There has already been a weakening of environmental and social safeguards for large solar and other projects across the country, they said.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Why new cannabis companies face high barriers to entry
Listen and subscribe to The Big Idea on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts. Securing financing for a small business is no easy feat, but it's even harder for those in industries where there's evolving legislation. On Yahoo Finance's The Big Idea podcast, Erin Gore, the founder of cannabis company Garden Society, detailed the extra hoops those in her industry have to jump through to build a company. 'What we don't have is access to credit, and what we don't have is services around it," Gore told podcast host Elizabeth Gore, who is also her sister-in-law. "So, like, we cannot get a 401(k) — we keep getting denied for 401(k)s for our employees because of the federal illegality of it. We can't get a line of credit for payroll. We can't access any financing services, like equipment financing or mortgages. Our personal bank accounts get shut down.' This embedded content is not available in your region. The cannabis industry was estimated to be worth $38.5 billion in 2024, and marijuana is currently legal for medical use in 39 states and for recreational use in 24 states. However, because marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I drug federally, traditional financial institutions often avoid working with cannabis companies due to the risk of federal penalties and running afoul of anti-money-laundering regulations. One piece of legislation introduced in the House of Representatives in 2023, known as the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act, would offer protections to federal financial institutions that offer banking services to cannabis companies in states where it's legal. But the bill has stalled in Congress. As a result, while an industry with this much capital and growth may seem like a prime opportunity for some budding entrepreneurs, these owners face significant financial hurdles. Without usual lines of financing, Gore has had to get creative to ensure her business can continue growing. Cash flow has been essential to keeping her company afloat. She shared that a potential investor once asked her what her cash-to-cash cycle time was, meaning how quickly she saw a return after investing in a product. Gore said the cash cycle is around 160 days for Garden Society-branded products, 'on a best-case scenario.' But she found that by manufacturing cannabis products for other companies, she could have those firms pay for materials and manufacturing up front, drastically reducing that cash-to-cash cycle timeline and bolstering her profits while diversifying her company's streams of income. "I shortened my cash-to-cash cycle time, which covered my overhead," Gore said. "It allowed me to invest in my brand. I all of a sudden had different revenue channels that offset my business and put a lot of resiliency and cash flow and profitability into my business." Even with these adjustments, which increased her company's cash flow and made Garden Society one of California's biggest cannabis companies, Gore still faces significant risk without the additional protections other businesses can get. "In cannabis, you have no bankruptcy protection," she said, explaining that this became a problem when one of her distributors went out of business unexpectedly while it owed her almost half a million dollars. "I don't have credit," she explained. "I'm dependent on that cash to pay my payroll, pay my employees. I can't go to a bank and ask for help. I'm only dependent on investor contributions." With almost a decade in the industry under her belt, Gore has also spent a fair amount of time lobbying for policy changes on the local, state, and national levels. "Nobody's better suited than the business owner to build policy and build the rules," she said. "But like we always say in the industry, we're building the plane and flying it at the same time." Though she's seen some progress, there are still plenty of challenges in the industry. 'You have to be so resilient and creative and nimble,' she continued. 'And I think people underestimate how opportunistic and open to change you need to be.' Every Thursday, Elizabeth Gore discusses real-life stories and smart strategies for launching a small business on The Big Idea podcast. You can find more episodes on our video hub or watch on your preferred streaming service. Click here for in-depth analysis of the latest stock market news and events moving stock prices
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First Post
7 days ago
- Business
- First Post
Ketamine, ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms: Report claims Musk's drug use intensified while advising Trump
Elon Musk regularly used drugs, including frequent ketamine consumption that reportedly led to bladder issues, and travelled with a daily supply of around 20 pills while serving as a close adviser to President Trump, according to a report read more World's richest man Elon Musk regularly used drugs, including frequent ketamine consumption that reportedly led to bladder issues, and travelled with a daily supply of around 20 pills while serving as a close adviser to US President Donald Trump, according to a report. According to New York Times investigation, citing anonymous sources familiar with his activities, Musk regularly consumed ketamine, ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms during his rise to political prominence. His drug use reportedly intensified after he donated $275 million to Trump's presidential campaign and took on a powerful role leading the so-called 'Department of Government Efficiency,' or Doge, added the Times report. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Musk announced he was stepping down from his government role on Wednesday, after months of unusual behavior, including insulting cabinet members and making a Nazi-style salute at a political rally. Ecstasy is a Schedule I drug with no approved medical use, meaning it's completely banned for federal workers. However, Musk was labeled a 'special government employee,' so he wasn't held to the same strict rules as regular staff, reported The Guardian. Ketamine, a Schedule III drug, can be legally prescribed, but using it recreationally or combining it with other substances likely breaks federal workplace policies. According to sources cited by the New York Times, the Doge leader developed a serious ketamine habit, using the powerful anesthetic as often as daily — far more than the 'small amount' taken 'about once every two weeks' he claimed in interviews. 'If you've used too much ketamine, you can't really get work done, and I have a lot of work,' Musk previously told journalist Don Lemon in March 2024, downplaying his consumption. According to the report, by spring of last year, Musk was telling associates that his ketamine use was impacting his bladder, a known side effect of long-term use of the drug, which has psychedelic effects and can cause dissociation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It's unclear whether Musk was under the influence while at the White House, where he participated in sensitive meetings with foreign leaders and had influence over federal budget decisions. The White House did not respond to questions about whether Musk was subject to drug testing, despite his access to classified information. Although SpaceX enforces a strict drug-free policy due to its government contracts, insiders told the New York Times that Musk was often given advance notice of random drug tests, undermining their effectiveness. With inputs from agencies
Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Oppn slams PM over silence on key issues
Patna: The opposition INDIA bloc launched a sharp attack on the NDA govt in Bihar, accusing it of continuously harping on past administrations due to a lack of achievements of its own. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The criticism came after , during a rally in Bikramganj on Friday, took an indirect swipe at former CM Lalu Prasad. Leader of the opposition in the state assembly, , posted on X, "The 20-year NDA govt has nothing to give an account of its work, so those who cry about the 15 years of the govt formed 35 years ago should first give an account of their own 20 years." Tejashwi's elder brother, Tej Pratap Yadav, recently expelled from the RJD for six years by his father and party chief Lalu Prasad, reposted the same comments, criticising the NDA govt led by CM Nitish Kumar. Tejashwi accused the NDA of ignoring pressing issues. "Bihar has record-breaking unemployment, poverty and migration given by the 20-year NDA govt, which never discusses these burning issues. The PM visits Bihar only in the election year and keeps repeating the same by laying the foundation stone and inaugurating the projects and announcements going on since 2015," he wrote on X. Later, at a joint press conference of the INDIA bloc, RJD national spokesperson Manoj Kumar Jha criticised the PM for not addressing employment or law and order in Bihar. "Capital is invested in Gujarat and politics is done in Bihar," he said. He also questioned why the PM had not spoken about including the 65% reservation system in the Ninth Schedule. K D Yadav of the CPI(ML) accused both the central and Bihar govts of ignoring the rights and entitlements of farmers. "You come and make empty promises and go away," he said. Awadhesh Kumar of the CPI(M), V K Singh of the VIP, and Nivedita Jha of the CPI, among other leaders from the opposition alliance, also spoke on the occasion.
