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A video posted to social media by a Texas lieutenant in the Department of Public Safety shows a young girl at the U.S.-Mexico border standing alone. She has traveled from El Salvador, and holds just a Post-It note with a phone number on it. "How old are you?" a trooper asks. The girl holds up two fingers. A second video posted by the same lieutenant shows 60 migrant children who journeyed by themselves to the U.S. arriving in Eagle Pass, Texas. Another image shows an accused smuggler running across the border with a 5-year-old in his arms, reportedly paid to bring the girl to her mother already in the states. The Texas Department of Public Safety, under Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, openly supports President-elect Donald Trump's push to dramatically tighten immigration. Lt. Chris Olivarez began posting photos and videos of child migrants around the time Tom Homan, Trump's point-person on the border, visited Eagle Pass. "I guarantee some are in forced labor, some are in sex trades," Homan said. "We're going to save those children." RELATED STORY | Trump announces former acting ICE Director Tom Homan as new 'border czar' The arrival of unaccompanied minors is not a new phenomenon. Thousands have journeyed across the Mexican border each year, including during the first Trump term, according to a Scripps News review of data from the Department of Health and Human Services. The flow of unaccompanied minors, however, reached record highs during the first years of the Biden administration, as undocumented immigration soared. The numbers have fallen since 2022 but remain elevated today. The federal government tries to quickly place child migrants with a sponsor already in the country, usually a parent or other close family member. The sponsor pledges to care for the minor while ensuring they go through immigration proceedings. However, it is an approach that does not always work. RELATED STORY | Trump's mass deportation plan targets specific groups of immigrants A 2023 joint investigation by Scripps News and the Center for Public Integrity found many children end up disappearing from their sponsor homes. Thousands of unaccompanied minors run away, some winding up in dangerous illegal child labor jobs, or worse. "They've simply vanished into a dark underworld of sex and drug trafficking, forced labor, gang activity and crime," said Rep. Tom McClintock, R-California, during a November congressional hearing. McClintock and other Republicans say the Department of Health and Human Services is to blame for failing to properly vet sponsors. A 2023 report by a Florida grand jury obtained by Scripps News found some sponsor addresses were in fact empty lots or a strip club. One address listed 44 kids assigned to it. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra says they are doing the best they can with a limited budget. "What we don't do is short-change the vetting process," Becerra said at a November hearing on Capitol Hill. "We make sure that we follow best practices in the child welfare field. "We do background checks on every individual," he added. RELATED STORY | The struggle to locate migrant children missing from US homes Just how many migrant children have disappeared from their sponsors is in dispute. Becerra says a frequently cited estimate of 85,000 missing kids is too high and doesn't account for many children who are safe but just not reachable by HHS officials who make three attempts to contact them. "They may be at school, they may be at a doctor's appointment, they may not have a phone working anymore," Becerra said. Homan and the rest of the Trump administration have not yet laid out what their policy will be for those children who make the perilous journey to the U.S. alone.E-commerce and tech giant Amazon is reportedly planning to donate about $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump’s forthcoming inauguration, drawing a mixed reaction from retail investors on Stocktwits. Amazon reportedly plans to donate $1 million in cash and another $1 million in-kind donation by streaming the event on Amazon Video, CNN reported. According to media reports, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos plans to visit Trump in person at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, the latest Silicon Valley technology exec attempting to woo the new president. Bezos also reportedly had a word with Trump following the first assassination attempt leading up to the November election, for which he was heaped with praise by the president-elect. Retail sentiment on the stock turned ‘bearish’ from ‘bullish’ a day ago. However, some users appeared optimistic. Google has also similarly tried to cement ties with Trump with CEO Sundar Pichai also visiting Trump earlier this week. According to The Information, the company avoided “direct overtures” about the company’s antitrust troubles at that meeting, the NYT reports. Meta has also reportedly donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund, AP reported earlier. AMZN stock is up 52% year-to-date. For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.<

In a major boost to the operations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Nigerian capital market, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has passed the Investments and Securities Bill 2024. The Investments and Securities Bill, meant to repeal the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Act, was passed on the floor of the Senate Wednesday. During the consideration of the report on the Bill from the committee on Capital Market, Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno stated that it will protect investors and eliminate fraudulent dealings in the capital market. Leading the debate, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Market, Senator Osita Izunaso said the bill sought to repeal the Investments and Securities Act, of 2007 and enact the Investments and Securities Act, 2024 stating that the ISB is capable of transforming the capital market, encourage the influx of foreign investors as well as boost investors’ confidence, among others. Izunaso said: “The Bill seeks to repeal the existing Investments and Securities Act 2007, and to establish a new market infrastructure and wide-ranging system of regulation of investments and securities businesses in Nigeria especially in the areas of derivatives, systematic risk management, financial market infrastructure and Ponzi scheme and platforms. He said, “It was meant to establish the Securities and Exchange Commission as the apex regulatory authority for the Nigerian Capital Market. It will be a regulation of the Market to ensure capital formation, the protection of investors, maintenance of fair, efficient and transparent market, and reduction of systemic risk.” Izunaso further said the main objective of the bill was to enact legislation that aligned with global dynamics as they relate to the regulation of capital market through the provision of an innovative regulatory framework. “It will protect the integrity of the security market against all forms of market abuse and insider dealing. It will prevent unauthorised, illegal, unlawful, fraudulent and unfair trade practices, relating to securities and investments.” Speaking recently, Director General of the SEC Dr. Emomotimi Agama said the Bill is pushing for harsher penalties on Ponzi scheme operators through the proposed Investments and Securities Bill (ISB) 2024, which mandates a minimum fine of N20 million or up to 10 years in prison, or both. Agama explained that the bill explicitly prohibits Ponzi and pyramid schemes, fortifying protections for investors against illegal fund managers adding that it aims to shield Nigerian investors from fraudulent schemes and enhance the capital market’s global competitiveness. A notable amendment in the Bill would allow the Investor Protection Fund (IPF), established by securities exchanges, to cover investor losses linked to the deregistration of brokerage firms, extending beyond the current coverage of bankruptcy or negligence cases. Agama also noted the need for updates to the existing ISB 2007 to reduce ambiguities and align Nigeria’s capital market regulations with international standards. “This bill’s passage would be pivotal in setting Nigeria on the path to a world-class capital market,” he stated, underscoring the role of a robust capital market in economic diversification. The ISB 2024 also introduces regulatory frameworks for Commodity Exchanges and Warehouse Receipts, essential steps for developing Nigeria’s commodities sector.It’s looking more and more likely the Vikings will be without veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore for a second straight game. He hasn’t played since suffering a hamstring injury against the Arizona Cardinals a couple of weeks ago. ADVERTISEMENT Though he has an extra 24 hours to prepare this week with the Vikings set to host the Chicago Bears on Monday night at U.S. Bank Stadium, the fact that Gilmore still hasn’t practiced in any capacity isn’t a good sign. After not participating in the walkthrough on Thursday afternoon at TCO Performance Center, Gilmore was listed as a non participant in practice on Friday afternoon. It would make sense for the Vikings to be cautious with Gilmore considering how important he’s been to the secondary this season. They want to make sure he’s back at 100 percent for the playoffs. In the absence of Gilmore, veteran cornerback Fabian Moreau has logged more playing time. There also has been more responsibility placed on fellow cornerbacks Byron Murphy Jr. and Shaq Griffin, with safety Josh Metellus also mixing in at nickel. ADVERTISEMENT It appears that edge rusher Pat Jones II is getting closer to making his return given that he was listed as a full participant in practice on Friday afternoon. He has been working through a knee injury and missed last Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. Having Jones back would be a major boost for the Vikings on defense, as he has found a role as a situational pass rusher. He has a career high 7.0 sacks this season while showcasing the ability to apply pressure off the edge or up the middle. In response to his philanthropy near and far, safety Cam Bynum has been named the NFLPA Community MVP for Week 15. Not only has Bynum regularly used his platform in the NFL to help with natural disaster relief in the Philippines, he has continued to spread joy in and around the Twin Cities through charitable events hosted by his Bynum Faith Foundation. ADVERTISEMENT The NFLPA will donate $10,000 to his foundation or charity of choice. In turn, Bynum will take part in a special visit to a local school, children’s hospital, or community center. The recognition also makes Bynum eligible for the Alan Page Community Award, the NFLPA’s highest player honor, which includes an additional $100,000 donation to the winner’s charities. The rest of the injury report was good news for the Vikings as running back Aaron Jones (back), tight end Josh Oliver (wrist/ankle), and edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel (hip) were all listed as full participants. ADVERTISEMENT ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .

HullWiper’s sustainable hull cleaning solution is coming to Singapore. The company has signed a lease agreement with Unidive Subsea to bring its eco-friendly Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) hull cleaning technology to PSA terminals, Seatrium Yards and Singapore’s inner anchorages. Plans are also in place to expand services to FPSOs, FSOs and semi-submersibles under contracts with regional oil and gas companies. Singapore’s maritime industry is a key contributor to its economy, driven by its strategic location at the intersection of major maritime trade routes. Unidive Subsea provides diving and ROV services, supporting leading oil and drilling companies in Singapore. In partnership with HullWiper Ltd, they are focused on integrating cutting-edge technologies while promoting sustainable growth within the shipping industry. Set to launch in January 2025, HullWiper’s sustainable hull cleaning solution will support the country’s Maritime Singapore Decarbonisation Blueprint which aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 through responsible and safe maritime practices. “Innovation is key to success, and with Singapore’s maritime sector being a lynchpin to our country’s economic growth, having HullWiper in this region opens up new opportunities,” says Jeremiah Chen, Unidive Subsea’s Director. “It allows us to refine traditional service methods and adapt to the ever-evolving demands of this dynamic industry.” Singapore has long been a leader in advocating for sustainable alternatives, with the Maritime and Port Authority actively driving initiatives to promote sustainable shipping practices through policy, technological innovation and international collaboration. HullWiper aligns with this commitment by offering an eco-friendly hull cleaning solution that minimises downtime for vessels in the busy waterways of Singapore. The ROV technology enables cleaning operations to occur day or night, in most weather conditions, and while cargo or bunker fuel operations are underway. The use of ROVs not only improves safety by reducing the risks associated with traditional diver-based cleaning but also ensures that residues and contaminants are collected and filtered through environmentally responsible processes, protecting marine life and water quality. “HullWiper’s ROV technology offers an eco-conscious approach to hull cleaning,” says John Armstrong, HullWiper Managing Director. “It makes hull cleaning more efficient, safe and environmentally friendly, allowing vessels to operate at peak performance while reducing fuel consumption and lowering GHG emissions.” Since its launch in late 2013, HullWiper has expanded from its first base in Dubai to key locations across the Middle East, as well as ports in Australia, South Korea, Mauritius, Panama, Denmark, and Sweden. HullWiper has completed over 2,000 hull cleans for vessels worldwide. Source: HullWiper

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Ian Schieffelin had 18 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in leading Clemson to a 75-67 win over Penn State on Tuesday and the championship of the Sunshine Slam Beach Division. Chase Hunter added 17 points, Chauncey Wiggins 14 and Del Jones 10 for the Tigers (6-1), who shot 44% and made 9 of 19 3-pointers led by Hunter's three. Ace Baldwin Jr. scored 20 points and had 11 assists, Yanic Konan Niederhauser added 14 points and Nick Kern Jr. 11 for the Nittany Lions (6-1), who shot 46% and were just 4 of 18 from the arc. Neither team had a double-digit lead in the game and it was tied with seven minutes to go. But Penn State had a six-minute drought without a field goal while committing three turnovers and the Tigers went up by six. A hook shot from Schieffelin with a minute to go made it a five-point lead and free throws sealed it from there. The eight-point final margin was the largest of the game. Konan Niederhauser's dunk to open the second half tied the game but a Hunter 3-pointer gave the lead back to Clemson. Penn State took its first lead of the second half on a 9-0 run, seven coming from Baldwin, to go up 57-54 with midway through the period. Penn State had its largest lead of seven in the first half but three consecutive 3s put Clemson ahead with three minutes to go and the Tigers led at 38-36 at halftime. Clemson had a 16-9 edge on points off turnovers. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballHoliday shopping doesn't have to be stressfulSchieffelin has 18 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists as Clemson hands Penn State first loss 75-67

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