D. Brooks Smith, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, will deliver the Penn State Law in University Park 2020 commencement address on May 16 in Eisenhower Auditorium.

French OMer Andre experiences that prayer can change the hearts of authorities regarding victims of human trafficking.

A competition-record crowd of 32,510 watched Krasnodar take Real Madrid to penalties in their UEFA Youth League play-off, the Spanish side eventually winning 3-0 on spot-kicks.

Fin24's Matthew le Cordeur spoke with Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba after his maiden mini budget speech in Parliament on Wednesday. Watch.

Fin24 reporter Moeshfieka Botha gives a rundown of the key elements in the finance minister's maiden mini budget, which he earlier presented to Parliament.

Budget 2018 initiatives to stimulate industrialisation in various sectors of the economy is a welcome issue, says Zweli Mkhize, former ANC treasurer general.

Economic growth prospects are better and Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba has made the right choices about where to spend the money, says ANC national chair Gwede Mantashe.

Watch our live studio analysis as Fin24's Moeshfieka Botha unpacks the 2018 Budget Speech with a number of prominent political commentators and analysts.

Finance Minister Tito Mboweni is delivering his mini budget, just days after being appointed to the post. What his speech live.

By Bishop Arthur Serratelli

On January 18, 2019, a video of Covington Catholic High School student Nick Sandmann went viral. He was at the Lincoln Memorial standing face to face with a Native American man during the March to Life in Washington, D.C. On the basis of that picture, a frenzy of condemnations from reporters, commentators and politicians were heaped upon this student, accusing him of prejudice and hatred. Misinformation and lies spread like wild fire. Finally, when the facts were uncovered, the high school student was exonerated of any wrong-doing, even though much wrong had been done to him and his family. It was a rush to judgment. 

On January 29, 2019, American actor and singer Jussie Smollett reported that two masked men attacked him at 2 AM near his apartment in Chicago. He claimed that the attack was racist and homophobic. After Smollett’s initial report, friends and fans, celebrities and politicians expressed outrage at this hate crime. Twitter and Instagram fueled the frenzy of self-righteous indignation. However, in just three weeks, it was discovered that the whole event had been orchestrated by Smollett. Yet, before the facts were fully known, there was the rush to judgment and much chatter.

Gifted with reason, we are wired to make judgments. Discerning the good from the bad, the beautiful from the ugly, the right from the wrong, and virtue from vice: this is an essential part of our being human. However, every judgment must be founded on truth, not rumor; on fact, not fiction; on substance, not appearance. And every judgment must always be tempered with compassion. Albeit from opposite directions, the Sandmann and Smollett incidents show how quick we are to believe or disbelieve, to accuse or defend and how easily we pick a side and draw a line in the sand. And, all the while, truth grows ever more fragile.

Today’s rush to judgment gathers speed along the newly constructed digital highway. We get information instantaneously and, because we want solutions just as fast, we are quick to judge. As a result of this incessant communication about other people’s lives, we live on the edge between truth and falsehood. What years ago was whispered between a few people now goes viral and can never be retrieved. As a result, in this environment, deliberately passing on stories that destroy other people’s good names is nothing less than cyber bullying.

There is no area of modern society that is exempt from someone passing on false information, half-truths or blatant, deliberate lies. In a society of fast-paced information sharing, gossip has become so commonplace that people justify it as a way to right wrongs, correct others and unseat those whom they deem unfit for their chosen work. However, unlike the surgeon’s scalpel that removes the cancer, gossip is the arrow that destroys the other. 

As a statement sometimes attributed to Mark Twain says, “a lie can travel halfway around the world before the truth can get its boots.” In a similar vein, Jonathan Swift once wrote, “if a lie be believ’d only for an hour, it has done its work, and there is no further occasion for it. Falsehood flies, and the truth comes limping after it; so that, when men come to be undeceiv’d, it is too late…the tale has had its effect” (Jonathan Swift, The Examiner, Number 15, November, 1710).  For this reason, people of good faith should be slow to judge others. And never should they gossip. People who constantly judge or criticize others truly lack compassion.

Sadly, making negative judgments on others on the basis of appearances and then spreading those judgments to others is found among those who consider themselves Church-going people. It is especially found among those who set themselves as crusaders for a just cause and, then by their lack of charity, become unjust themselves. The fondness to judge and criticize others may well be a way of not facing one’s own sins. "It is often easier or more convenient to see and condemn the faults and sins of others than it is to see our own” (Pope Francis, Angelus, March 3, 2019).

In speech after speech, Pope Francis has been courageously warning us of the evil of gossip. “Gossip is a weapon and it threatens the human community every day; it sows envy, jealousy and power struggles… We might welcome someone and speak well of him the first day but little by little that worm eats away at our minds until our gossip banishes him from good opinion. That person in a community who gossips against his or her neighbor is, in a sense, killing him.” (Pope Francis, Homily, Domus Sanctae Marthae, September 2, 2013).  

Few things can match the harmful effects of gossip, whether it be slander or detraction. Defamation inflicts grave harm on the individual and destroys the community. It is against charity and, since God is love, it is against God himself. Charles Spurgeon, one of the most popular Baptist preachers of the 19th century, summed up the evil of talking about other people by saying, “the tale-bearer carries the devil in his tongue, and the tale-hearer carries the devil in his ear.” Gossip makes the devil laugh!

One woman’s risk of exploitation decreased when she learnt to read and write through OM's adult literacy programme in Bangladesh.

Finance Minister Tito Mboweni has announced that transfer duty will no longer apply to properties that cost R1 million or less.

South African banks are holding off on any further layoffs as they prepare to help the shrinking economy survive a potential jobs bloodbath.

Dell has some Doorbuster Deals that will not last long. Also, the Instant Pot DUO60 is back at $49.99. Plus, Prime members can grab a Ring Video Doorbell Pro and Echo Dot for $169.

The Dell PowerEdge T30 is back at $299, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X is just $382, and the 55-inch LG B8 OLED 4K TV is only $1,047.

Use the coupon code below to get this $788 server for less than $300.

A community-based organization's partnership with researchers creates a 'knowledge neighborhood' supporting after-school programs.

Ridgeline plots are useful for visualizing changes in the shapes of distribution over multiple groups or time periods. Let us look at an example of how we can create this plot using the SGPLOT procedure that is part of the ODS Graphics Procedures. For this example, we will plot the [...]

The post Ridgeline Plots using SGPLOT appeared first on Graphically Speaking.

It's probably a joke, but at CES, you never know. The Charmin GoLab features a Bluetooth-enabled toilet paper delivery robot, a porta-potty VR headset, and a smell sensor that tells you when it's safe to enter the bathroom.

Today's low-cost laptops can handle everyday computing (and often more) with aplomb, and many of our top picks ring up below $400. Here's how to achieve the perfect balance of price and features in a budget laptop.

Hedge funds: Better long-term returns at less risk.

Prison time for other defendants on murder, weapons, racketeering, drug, and sexual abuse charges The operator of a criminal enterprise run out of several massage parlors he owned throughout the state, was found liable of 3 violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (R.I.C.O.) statute. The State alleged that Da Zhong Wang, 55, formerly […]

Wilmington man sentenced for 2017 killing in city A Bridgeville man who turned himself into police three days after fatally shooting another man in 2018 will spend the rest of his life in prison. A Sussex County Superior Court jury convicted Mcarthur Risper, Jr. of Murder First Degree, Conspiracy First Degree, and Possesion of a […]

THE MEZZANINE GALLERY TO EXHIBIT TERRANCE VANN’S “EDGE OF DESTINY” PAINTINGS Wilmington, Del. (February 23, 2018) – Edge of Destiny will be on view in the Mezzanine Gallery from March 2-29, 2018. A free opening reception to meet the artist will be held on Friday, March 2 from 5-7 p.m. Live music will be provided by […]

Hallowed grounds believed to be the final resting place of some two dozen American soldiers who perished in the only major battle of the Revolutionary War fought in Delaware will soon become property of the state’s historic preservation agency, according to an agreement announced today.

WILMINGTON, DE – Ten Delaware small businesses were recognized Wednesday as the awardees of the first-ever EDGE Grants from the state Division of Small Business. Gov. John Carney and Division Director Damian DeStefano announced the companies at an event at the Carvel State Office Building in Wilmington. The grant recipients, located across the state, represent […]

Deadline for Spring 2020 EDGE Grants is February 28, 2020 WILMINGTON, Del. – A bio-based materials company, a maker of wearable medical sensors, and a bakery-café were among the 10 Delaware small businesses recognized Thursday as awardees of the second round of EDGE Grants from the state Division of Small Business. Governor John Carney, Secretary […]

OTT platforms are sexing up their original content library with bigger budgets, foreign locales and slick production values

Mi 10 price in India starts at Rs. 49,999, and that means it takes on OnePlus 8, OnePlus 8 Pro, iPhone 11, iPhone SE (2020), iPhone 11, Realme X50 Pro, and iQoo 3. We talk about Xiaomi's premium phone...

US President Donald Trump on Monday nominated an Indian-American attorney to a federal court in New York.

दोन वर्षांत शौचालय बांधण्याचा निर्धार

The Delaware Office of Management and Budget will be holding three public hearings to gather public comment on regulations under Governor Markell’s Executive Order 36, a statewide review by all agencies to identify and remove regulatory hurdles.

Governor Markell ordered flags to be lowered between March 7 and 11 as a mark of respect for the passing of former Delaware Judge and civil rights leader Leonard Williams.

Governor Jack Markell unveiled a balanced budget proposal that promotes increased job and educational opportunities, supporting the theme of his State of the State address last week when he focused on ways to unleash the potential of all Delawareans.

Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags lowered on Thursday, October 22, in honor of Family Court Judge Alan N. Cooper and his many years of public service to the State of Delaware.

Director Ann Shepard Visalli will conclude her tenure leading Delaware’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) next month following more than seven years leading the Markell Administration’s efforts to balance challenging budgets while making key investments that have strengthened the economy, improved the education system, and enhanced quality of life throughout the state.

Governor Markell today announced that he will nominate Brian Maxwell, Deputy Director at the Office of Management and Budget for more than three years, to lead the agency when Director Ann Visalli departs next month. Visalli will end her more than seven years in the position when she becomes Chief Operating Officer at St. Andrew’s School in May. Markell will submit Maxwell for consideration by the State Senate when the General Assembly returns to session.

Long-term plan addresses Delaware’s structural budget challenges DOVER, Del. – Governor Carney on Thursday presented his plan to close a $385 million structural budget shortfall and balance the Fiscal Year 2018 state budget through an equal mix of budget reductions and new revenues. Governor Carney’s budget proposal – combined with the plan to study long-term […]

“Responsible Investment” plan advances priorities outlined in State of the State including public education, state workforce DOVER, Del. – Governor Carney on Thursday presented his Fiscal Year 2019 Recommended Budget, sending the General Assembly a balanced $4.2 billion financial plan that will make important investments in Delaware’s economy, workforce, and public schools – while ensuring […]

Action will create benchmark budgeting mechanism and promote fiscal sustainability DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Saturday signed Executive Order 21 to implement recommendations of the advisory panel to DEFAC to study potential fiscal controls and budget smoothing mechanisms. The Order will create a benchmark budgeting mechanism, and a Budget Stabilization Fund for budget […]

Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Delaware Forestry Association (DFA) will present its 2017 “Tree Farmer of the Year” award on Thursday, March 23 at its annual banquet and meeting at the Bridgeville Fire Hall, 311 Market Street, Bridgeville, Delaware 19933, (302) 337-7272. Tickets are $27 for adults and free for children under 12. Reservations are kindly requested by March 17. Forms are available at delawareforest.com

The Delaware Forestry Association (DFA) will present its 2018 “Tree Farmer of the Year” award on Thursday, March 22, at its annual banquet and meeting at the Bridgeville Fire Hall, 311 Market Street, Bridgeville, Delaware 19933, (302) 337-7272. Tickets are $27 for adults, $13.50 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children 6 and under. Reservations are kindly requested by March 16. The Delaware Forestry Association is also offering its annual $1000 scholarship to a student who chooses forestry or a related major at a two-year or four-year accredited college or university. Applications are due by April 1 and the winner will be notified by May 1.

Douglas R. Simpson of Bridgeville has been named the 2018 Delaware Tree Farmer of the Year for his longtime dedication to forest conservation and landowner education. The award recognizes landowners who practice exceptional management and promote sustainable forestry. Simpson is a Delaware native who owns tree farms on approximately 700 acres in Sussex County, which were first certified in 1995. The award was given at the annual meeting and banquet of the Delaware Forestry Association at the Bridgeville Fire Hall.

Woodbridge High School's FFA took the top spot at the 2018 Forestry Career Development Event (CDE) held in Camden, Delaware this week.  Woodbridge was followed by Middletown, Smyrna, and Sussex Central. Woodbridge will now go on to represent Delaware at the 91st Annual FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis from October 24 to 27, 2018. For the first time, the 2018 challenge included a total of eight middle and high school teams competing in separate events at the same location. Smyrna Middle School's FFA took first place in their event, beating out teams from Walters Middle School (Appoquinimink), Meredith Middle School (Appoquinimink) and Millsboro Middle School.

Delaware Harness Racing Commission Executive Director, Mark Davis announced today that the Commission has named Brian Manges, Presiding Judge, and two Associate Judges, Norman Short and Brent McLaren, to the judges’ stand.

NEW CASTLE (March 13, 2019) – To reduce hardships on families and individuals in Delaware and to help households budget their monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, the Department of Health and Social Services is announcing that it will issue all April food benefits on April 13 rather than staggering them across a three-week […]

NEW CASTLE (March 26, 2019) – As a new support for individuals and families impacted by the effects of mental health and substance use disorders, the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) and its partners have opened the Bridge Clinic near New Castle to provide screening and referrals to treatment, as well as […]

NEW CASTLE (July 11, 2019) – As a new support for individuals and families impacted by the effects of mental health and substance use issues, the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) officially will open the Sussex County Bridge Clinic on July 15 at the Promise Access Center in Georgetown, providing screening and […]

Newport --

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that their contractor Pennoni will be inspecting the bridge in Newport with lane closures on March 25, 2020 and March 26, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., pending weather.

Bridge on Route 141 over Christina River

Wednesday, March 25, 2020: Alternating lane closures on Route 4 Westbound/ East Justis Street from North Augustine Street to North James Street.

In addition, the left turn lanes will be closed on Route 4 Eastbound and on Marshall Street. [More]