Russian officials have designated a nonprofit organization behind major anti-corruption investigations as a foreign agent in a move that is likely to hinder their activities.The Russian Justice Ministry said in a statement Wednesday that it has put the Foundation for Fighting Corruption on the foreign agents’ list. Russian officials have previously used the law to stigmatize various nonprofits, including highly respected human rights organizations.The foundation’s director, Ivan Zhdanov, said Wednesday that it has not accepted any foreign funding and said the listing is aimed at stifling the organization.The group founded by opposition leader Alexei Navalny rose to prominence thanks to its investigations into official corruption. In recent years it has grown into a nationwide network of Navalny’s supporters who have been investigating local officials and staging opposition rallies in their regions. … [Read more...] about Russia lists Navalny’s group as foreign agent
Texas do not call list
Texas records 1st death linked to e-cigarette use
Health officials in Texas say the state has recorded its first death associated with vaping-related lung illnesses.The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed Wednesday that an older woman in north Texas died last week from a lung disease associated with using electronic cigarettes. The agency says the state has also identified 95 confirmed or probable cases of lung illnesses linked to vaping.The agency says those illnesses affect patients as young as 13, with a median age of 22. The department also says that among the illnesses, nearly 90% of patients reported vaping marijuana or THC, the high-producing ingredient in marijuana.According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 1,000 confirmed or probable vaping illnesses have been reported nationwide as of last week. … [Read more...] about Texas records 1st death linked to e-cigarette use
No. 24 Texas A&M hosts No. 1 and untested Alabama
No. 1 Alabama (5-0, 2-0 SEC) at No. 24 Texas A&M (3-2, 1-1) Saturday at 3:30 p.m. EDT (CBS).Line: Alabama by 17.Series record: Alabama leads 9-2.WHAT’S AT STAKE? Alabama has risen to the top of the poll without facing a ranked team. Now, the Crimson Tide gets its first Top 25 test, on the road. The Aggies could make a huge statement with a win after a disappointing start that includes a 24-10 loss to No. 2 Clemson.KEY MATCHUPTexas A&M’s defense against Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa and his dangerous group of wide receivers. The Aggies are giving up just 17.8 points and 299.8 yards per game. The Tide ranks third nationally in passing offense and fourth in scoring offense. Tagovailoa and WR DeVonta Smith are coming off a huge game against Mississippi.PLAYERS TO WATCHAlabama: S Xavier McKinney. The Tide gave up 109 rushing yards to Mississippi quarterback John Rhys Plumlee before an open date. McKinney made a career-high 13 tackles in that game and leads the team in that … [Read more...] about No. 24 Texas A&M hosts No. 1 and untested Alabama
The Ultimate Holiday Packing List
No matter where you’re headed this holiday season, you’re going to need to pack smart. After all, overweight and oversized bags could cost you dearly (and who wants to cut into the presents-and-eggnog fund?). That’s why you need this holiday packing list. With this this handy list, ever again will you overpack. No longer will the TSA confiscate your beautifully wrapped gifts. Simply click on the image below (it’ll pop out into a new screen). Then edit as needed or print it out to consult it while you pack. Happy holidays—and, of course, happy travels from all of us at SmarterTravel! Download the Holiday Packing List P.S. You can shop our Amazon holiday packing list here. And view the SmarterTravel holiday shopping store here. Like this holiday packing list? Check out our other packing lists here: The Ultimate Packing List Carry-On Bag Packing List The Essential Beach Packing List Holiday Travel Outfits Women’s Down & Feather Winter Jacket … [Read more...] about The Ultimate Holiday Packing List
At 3-3, Texas A&M and Fisher stuck in neutral
Texas A&M’s $75 million plan with Jimbo Fisher is stuck in neutral.The Aggies are 3-3 and out of the Top 25 for the first time this season after losing 47-28 at home to No. 1 Alabama. And while two of those losses have come against top-ranked teams, the Aggies appear no closer to emerging as a contender in the SEC West in Year 2 under Fisher than they were before.The schedule has been brutal and Saturday’s crowd of 106,000-plus has so far been willing to follow Fisher’s calls to “trust the process,” but they eventually will expect to win some of those games, not just put up a good fight in a loss.Life in the SEC is tough, but that’s what Texas A&M wanted when it made what former school President Bowen Loftin called the “100-year decision” to move from the Big 12. There are three teams from the state of Texas ranked in the AP Top 25 and Texas A&M isn’t one of them. To be fair, with just six seniors, the Aggies have one of … [Read more...] about At 3-3, Texas A&M and Fisher stuck in neutral