The United Way of Lamar County (UWLC) announced today that a very special and unique fundraiser is coming to Paris! The Credit Union of Texas will be hosting a Goat Yoga Fundraiser on Saturday, May 11th at Bywaters Park. All proceeds will benefit the United Way of Lamar County.

Three one-hour sessions will be held. Each session led by Rockwall Goat Yoga includes 45 minutes of yoga and 15 minutes of playtime with the goats. Sessions are being offered at 10am, 11am and noon. Space is limited to 25 people per session. Tickets are $30 and include a free breakfast from theCUTX food truck.

Tickets may purchased athttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/goat-yoga-fundraiser-tickets-881508484607

UWLC Executive Director Jenny Wilson stated, We are so grateful to the Credit Union of Texas for offering to do this fundraiser for us! And we are so excited to try goat yoga. We hope everyone who attends finds this to be a memorable and unique experience with lots of laughter and relaxation!

The United Way of Lamar County funds 19 partner agencies, runs rent and utility assistance programs, distributes free diapers, has mini food pantries and libraries, and offers several youth programs including Read to the Future, Kids Marathon, Texas Scholars and awards four college scholarships annually. For more information call the UWLC office at 903-784-6642.

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Goat Yoga fundraiser to benefit United Way of Lamar County - MyParisTexas.com

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH)

The City of Columbia, in collaboration with the Black Maternal Health Collective, recently announced a series of events for the inaugural Black Maternal Health Week. This initiative, aligned with the Black Mama's Matter Initiative, aims to raise awareness, promote activism, and foster community-building regarding Black maternal health issues in the United States.

One of the key events scheduled for Sunday, April 7, is "Yoga In the Park with Balloon Release." The session will take place at MLK Park, 2300 Greene Street, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Led by an instructor, this yoga session is dedicated to mothers and families impacted by losses due to maternal health inequities. It offers a peaceful environment for reflection and remembrance. Additionally, the event will feature a Balloon Release to honor those who have experienced loss and to foster community connections and mutual support.

At a press conference, officials highlighted the week's objectives, which include sparking conversations about Black maternal health, amplifying community-driven solutions, centering the voices of Black mothers and families, and providing a platform for Black-led efforts on maternal health and reproductive justice.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals concerning statistics about Black maternal health in the U.S. In 2021, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women stood at 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is 2.6 times higher than the rate for non-Hispanic White women. Moreover, Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women. Alarmingly, CDC reports that over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.

The Black Maternal Health Week events aim to shed light on these disparities and mobilize efforts towards improving maternal health outcomes for Black mothers and families.

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Columbia initiates Black Maternal Health Week with yoga in park - WACH.com

In the latest development in the $4 billion OneCoin cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme, the companys Head of Legal and Compliance, Irina Dilkinska, has been sentenced to four years of imprisonment in the United States. She was ordered to pay over $111 million in restitution.

The sentencing, which took place yesterday (Wednesday), followed Dilkinska's admission of guilt to wire fraud and money laundering charges filed by US federal prosecutors in November last year. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 5 years of imprisonment, meaning Dilkinska was looking at a maximum of 10 years in prison.

The 42-year-old Bulgarian citizens plea to avoid jail and return to her home country was denied by the US Judge, and she has been sentenced to one month of supervised release.

During the sentencing, United States District Judge Edgardo Ramos pointed out that Dilkinska is a woman of great intelligence and a woman who ought to have known better of the consequences of her involvement in the fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme.

Keep Reading

I honestly do not understand what prevented her from leaving the scheme before the point when it was brought down, the Judge added.

Although Dilkinska was responsible for ensuring that OneCoin complied with the law, she laundered $110 million for the multi-billion dollar crypto scam through an entity in the Cayman Islands.

OneCoin is purported to be the largest cryptocurrency scam ever pulled, as victims around the globe invested over $4 billion. Based in Bulgaria, it operated as a multi-level marketing scheme, defrauding victims even in the remotest Pacific islands. According to available records, OneCoin generated more than 4 billion in sales revenue between the fourth quarter of 2014 and the fourth quarter of 2016, earning over 2.7 billion in profits.

Ruja Igantova, aka 'Cryptoqueen', was the mastermind behind the massive fraudulent scheme. However, she disappeared from public view in October 2017 after reaching Greece on a commercial flight from Bulgaria. Her name is now on the FBI's top ten "Most Wanted" person list, with a reward of $100,000 for any information leading to her arrest. In addition, she is on the list of Europe's most wanted fugitives.

Earlier this year, Mark Scott, a lawyer who laundered $400 million for OneCoin, was sentenced to ten years in prison. The US prosecutors took action against a few other top individuals associated with the fraudulent scheme, including Karl Greenwood, the Co-Founder, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

In the latest development in the $4 billion OneCoin cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme, the companys Head of Legal and Compliance, Irina Dilkinska, has been sentenced to four years of imprisonment in the United States. She was ordered to pay over $111 million in restitution.

The sentencing, which took place yesterday (Wednesday), followed Dilkinska's admission of guilt to wire fraud and money laundering charges filed by US federal prosecutors in November last year. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 5 years of imprisonment, meaning Dilkinska was looking at a maximum of 10 years in prison.

The 42-year-old Bulgarian citizens plea to avoid jail and return to her home country was denied by the US Judge, and she has been sentenced to one month of supervised release.

During the sentencing, United States District Judge Edgardo Ramos pointed out that Dilkinska is a woman of great intelligence and a woman who ought to have known better of the consequences of her involvement in the fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme.

Keep Reading

I honestly do not understand what prevented her from leaving the scheme before the point when it was brought down, the Judge added.

Although Dilkinska was responsible for ensuring that OneCoin complied with the law, she laundered $110 million for the multi-billion dollar crypto scam through an entity in the Cayman Islands.

OneCoin is purported to be the largest cryptocurrency scam ever pulled, as victims around the globe invested over $4 billion. Based in Bulgaria, it operated as a multi-level marketing scheme, defrauding victims even in the remotest Pacific islands. According to available records, OneCoin generated more than 4 billion in sales revenue between the fourth quarter of 2014 and the fourth quarter of 2016, earning over 2.7 billion in profits.

Ruja Igantova, aka 'Cryptoqueen', was the mastermind behind the massive fraudulent scheme. However, she disappeared from public view in October 2017 after reaching Greece on a commercial flight from Bulgaria. Her name is now on the FBI's top ten "Most Wanted" person list, with a reward of $100,000 for any information leading to her arrest. In addition, she is on the list of Europe's most wanted fugitives.

Earlier this year, Mark Scott, a lawyer who laundered $400 million for OneCoin, was sentenced to ten years in prison. The US prosecutors took action against a few other top individuals associated with the fraudulent scheme, including Karl Greenwood, the Co-Founder, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Read more here:

OneCoin's Legal and Compliance Head Gets 4 Years in Prison - Finance Magnates

Boulder, Colorado, nestled in the foothills of the Rockies, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant wellness culture. As one of the most active and health-conscious cities in the United States, Boulder offers a plethora of opportunities for outdoor activities, including yoga.

Whether youre a seasoned yogi or just beginning your yoga journey, Boulders diverse yoga scene has something for everyone. In this article, well explore the top yoga studios in Boulder, Colorado, and the unique outdoor yoga experiences this picturesque city has to offer.

In conclusion, Boulder, Colorado, is a haven for yoga enthusiasts seeking a harmonious blend of urban sophistication and natural splendor. Whether youre delving into the dynamic yoga scene at The Yoga Pod, embracing outdoor yoga adventures amidst the Rockies, or finding solace and community at The Little Yoga Studio, Boulders yoga offerings cater to diverse preferences and aspirations. As you explore the top yoga studios in Boulder and immerse yourself in the citys outdoor yoga experiences, youll discover a profound sense of zen and rejuvenation in this captivating mountain town.

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Boulder Yoga Sanctuary: Discover the Highest-Rated Studios | About Boulder County Colorado - Visitor and Local ... - About Boulder

To improve traceability and detect and protect organic integrity across the supply chain, the United States Department of Agriculture created the National Organic Program (NOP) Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule, which will become effective on March 19, 2024. This means all organic imports into the United States must be declared as such and contain an associated NOP import certificate. Importers and exporters of organic products who sell, process, treat, pack, containerize, repackage, label or store agricultural products, regardless of the product packaging, must have organic certifications and be listed on an NOP import certificate. Food and beverage companies must take note and address this new rule.

Each certificate must have a unique identification number to provide an auditable record trail of the import, supporting traceability and verification of organic integrity as products travel from a certified organic exporter outside the U.S. to a certified U.S. importer. Certificates must contain detailed information about the quantity and origin of organic products being imported into the U.S. The importer or its customs broker must enter the NOP import certificate number into the U.S. Customs and Border Protections Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system to associate the shipment details in ACE with the import certificate information.

Pursuant to 7 CFR 205.101 of the rule, the following operations are exempt from these requirements but must still comply with organic production and handling as well as applicable labeling requirements:

To obtain certification, the exporter must request an NOP import certificate from their certifier. They must identify products as organic on all export documents such as invoices, packing lists, bills of lading and U.S. Customs entry data and provide the NOP import certificate to the importer. The exporter must also verify that the product has not been exposed to a prohibited substance, treated with a prohibited substance because of fumigation, or treated with ionizing radiation at any point in the products movements across the country border.

Similarly, importers must ensure that they have accurate NOP import certificates and ensure products are identified as organic on all import documentation and customs entry data. They must maintain import documents and provide them during inspections. Importers also must verify that shipments do not come into contact with prohibited substances or be exposed to ionizing radiation since export and have a documented organic control system to conduct this verification.

U.S. food and beverage importers should take immediate action to comply with the SOE rule by taking the following steps:

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Are you ready for USDA's new organic certification requirements? - RSM US

Insider Brief

During a day that brought together the quantum ecosystem at the French National Library, Sbastien Lecornu, Minister of the Armed Forces, represented by the General Delegate for Armament, Sylvie Retailleau, Minister of Higher Education and Research, Franck Riester, Minister in charge of Foreign Trade, Attractiveness, Francophonie and French Nationals Abroad, and Marina Ferrari, Secretary of State for Digital Affairs with Bruno Bonnell, General Secretary for Investment, presented on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, the concrete results of the national quantum strategy, three years after its launch by President Emmanuel Macron. On this occasion, the launch of the PROQCIMA program was announced. PROQCIMA aims to have two prototypes of universal quantum computers of French design by 2030.

Considering the stakes of economic growth and sovereignty, and following the lead of major world powers like the United States, China, the United Kingdom, or Germany, the President launched, in January 2021, an ambitious national strategy on quantum technologies in France, endowed with cumulative state funding, including France 2030, of about 1 billion over four years, for a total public-private commitment of 1.8 billion.

This strategy is structured around 6 strategic objectives:

The ongoing second quantum revolution since the late 20th century will multiply our computing capacities by making calculations that are currently impossible accessible, allow us to perceive our environment with unprecedented precision, and explore new ways of transmitting information. Moreover, these technologies promise to enable precise navigation in locations where the GPS network is not accessible and make MRI machines portable. They will also drastically accelerate medical research and the discovery of new materials with exceptional properties.

Making France a Leader in Quantum Technologies

According to government estimates, quantum startups have raised over 350 million to date, making France the leading European country and the third worldwide behind the United States and Canada in terms of fundraising, and second with Canada in terms of valuation.

French startups are also in second place with Canada in terms of talent attractiveness and are responsible for about 20% of the machines sold or ordered at this stage worldwide, making France one of the leading manufacturers and exporters.

Quantum strategy in numbers:

Launching the PROQCIMA Program

The Government is launching the PROQCIMA program, inspired by the ULTRA program (launched by the British during World War II) in the era of quantum computing. The goal of this program is to have at least two prototypes of universal quantum computers with 128 logical qubits by 2030, extending to 2048 logical qubits by 2035.

France is one of the few countries worldwide with a solid foundation in upstream research and technology, as well as the industrial capability to seriously explore the feasibility of a Fault Tolerant Quantum Computer (FTQC).

The development program in France for a universal quantum computer faces two major challenges due to the high uncertainties in scientific, technological, and industrial aspects:

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France 2030: Progress Update Three Years After the Launch of the National Quantum Technologies Strategy and the ... - The Quantum Insider

Margareta Thomson, a professor of educational psychology in the NCState College of Education, recently released an edited book focused on motivation and engagement from an interdisciplinary perspective.

The book, entitled Motivation and Engagement in Various Learning Environments Interdisciplinary Perspectives and published by Information Age Publishing (IAP), brings together research studies from different domains related to students motivation, engagement and learning; parents experiences; and teachers involvement with novel interdisciplinary programs. The book compiles research on motivation and engagement in various domains, including STEM, literacy, design and computer science with a particular focus on interdisciplinarity as learning occurs across multiple domains and in various contexts, such as formal and informal education.

The book provides examples of studies discussing different modalities in designing and implementing innovative educational programs, inquiry-based learning and novel applications for instruction. Motivation and Engagement in Various Learning Environments appeals to a wide audience, including researchers, teachers, parents, students and education specialists, Thomson said.

In addition to chapters co-authored by Thomson, the book features chapters from contributing authors from around the world including the United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Indonesia, Romania and the United States. The studies and projects described in the book were implemented in different countries and focus on how motivation is explored in various domains, taking into account several perspectives, specifically those of students, teachers and parents.

The projects can serve as models for similar studies and build a foundation for further research into interdisciplinary work, Thomson said.Thomsons research investigates teachers and students development, motivations and beliefs, particularly related to STEM learning. Work from her research has been published in major peer-review journals, and her research has been supported by prestigious funding agencies, such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She is a recipient of the University Faculty Scholars Award at NCState University, and a Fulbright Scholar Award from the U.S. Fulbright Commission.

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Professor Margareta Thomson Explores Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Motivation and Engagement in Edited Book - NC State College of Education News

Rematches can often take on a more personal feeling than other boxing matches, and Josh Taylor vs. Jack Catterall 2 certainly appears to be highly a personal affair to the fighters involved.

The duo were involved in a contentious battle for Taylor's undisputed super-lightweight crown in Feb. 2022, with Taylor claiming victory by split decision.

The "Tartan Tornado" has sincerelinquished the WBC, IBF and WBA titles and lost the WBO belt to Teofimo Lopez last year, but the lack of titles will not put a damper on Taylor's rematch with Catterall, which will be shown live worldwide(excluding the United States)on DAZNon April 27.

For Taylor, the bout is less about getting himself back into the title conversation and more about getting one over on a rival.

"I could retire today and have had a career one in 65 million, because Im the only undisputed champion in the four-belt era in the UK," Taylor said at a press conference on Monday."I could be happy, but this fight, Im right up for.

"Forget titles, championships, belts, I just want to fight this guy, and Im up for it in training and enjoying it. The ambition and hunger are there. There are bragging rights, its right up there and I cant wait."

After both men were deducted points for infractions in the later rounds of their first bout, Taylor expects another scrappy battle against his opponentwhen they meet inLeeds in April.

"The last time his tactics were to spoil and hold and steal the fight which is what he tried to do, and the judges didnt like it, so if he comes to fight, great, the referee this time doesnt allow the holding," Taylor said.

"You lost, why dont you go and phone the police again? Write a letter to your MP again, you grass."

Needless to say, there is no love lost between the two fighters, as Taylor so succinctly explained.

"I dont hate anyone," he said, "but I dont like this guy and I cant wait to smash his brains in, what little brains hes got."

Live on DAZN: Haney vs. Garcia on April 20.Click here for details.

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Josh Taylor explains motivation ahead of Jack Catterall rematch - dazn.com

Troubled cryptocurrency exchange Binance.US continues to face pressure from regulators in the United States in the aftermath of the former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhaos guilty plea.

Regulators in Florida and Alaska have told Binance.US that the crypto exchange can no longer serve its residents, The Wall Street Journal reported on Jan. 25.

The Alaska Division of Banking and Securities reportedly denied a renewal of Binance.USs license in January 2024. Cointelegraph approached the agency for a comment regarding the denial but did not receive a response at the time of publication.

Floridas Office of Financial Regulation has also issued an emergency suspension order against Binance.USs money transmitter license. The suspension reportedly came a week after Binances founder and former CEOZhao, also known as CZ, pleaded guilty to charges of violating U.S Anti-Money Laundering policies on Nov. 21, 2023.

In December 2023, a U.S. federal court subsequently accepted Zhaos guilty plea to one count of Bank Secrecy Act violations. As part of the settlement deal, Zhao stepped down as Binance.US chair and transferred his voting rights through a proxy agreement, removing his influence on the firms governance.

Despite the U.S. governments action against the global Binance exchange, its local business, Binance.US, continued to operate in the country. We remain fully operational and are committed to continuing to serve our customers with the same products and services as we always have, the U.S. exchange wrote on Nov. 28.

Related: Binance and SEC lawyers present arguments on crypto as a security: Report

In late December, regulators in Arkansas, Illinois and South Dakota reportedly reached an agreement with Binance.US that would allow it to keep operating in those states. As part of that, Binance.US must make the transfer of Zhaos voting rights irreversible.

After pleading guilty, Zhao has attempted to pledge his $4.5 billion stake in Binance.US as security to be permitted to travel to his home in the United Arab Emirates. According to the court records, Judge Richard Jones denied his request in a private hearing on Dec. 29.

Zhao is set to be sentenced on Feb. 23, 2024 and faces up to 18 months in prison.

Magazine: Coinbase fights SEC in court, SBFs parents seek lawsuit dismissal, and Bitcoin ETFs: Hodlers Digest, Jan. 14-20

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Binance.US gets the cold shoulder in Alaska and Florida - Cointelegraph

Last updated: January 27, 2024 07:47 EST | 3 min read

The legal battle between Binance and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues to intensify as court documents shed light on the clash over evidence production and witness depositions in the SECs case against the leading cryptocurrency exchange.

According to a joint status report filed on January 25, the SEC alleges that BAM Trading Services, the parent company of Binance.US, has not fully complied with its information requests. The regulatory body seeks detailed insights into the custody and liquidity of assets, expressing concerns that Binance.US might have undisclosed control mechanisms over customer funds, reminiscent of the FTX scandal.

BAMs attorneys vehemently refute these allegations, asserting that the company has adhered to all document production requirements stipulated in the consent order and the expedited recovery request. They argue that the SECs methods, including issuing a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and pursuing expedited discovery, have imposed an undue burden on BAM.

At that point, BAM believes it will have more than reasonably complied with its obligations under the Consent Order and requests that expedited discovery be deemed complete as to BAM, particularly given how much harm and burden the SECs TRO and approach to expedited discovery has caused BAM over the past seven months.

Initially established to govern the SECs investigation, the consent order has become a focal point of contention. BAM contends that the SEC is exceeding the agreed terms, expanding its probe beyond the safety and accounting of customer assets. The company claims that the SEC is now delving into a broad examination of BAMs custody policies and practices. This assertion adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate legal battle.

The regulator is reportedly seeking evidence related to concerns that Binance.US may have had a backdoor allowing potential control over customer assets, akin to the situation with FTX. Attorneys for BAM assert that they have fully complied with document production requirements as specified in the consent order and expedited recovery request.

The report further highlights pending requests for depositions from BAM Trading Services former CEO and CFO, believed to be Brian Shroder and Jasmine Lee.

BAM Trading Services, the parent company of Binance.US, argues that additional depositions from its current or former personnel are unnecessary. The company points to the SECs prior deposition of numerous witnesses during the expedited discovery phase, asserting that the regulator has already gathered sufficient information.

BAM attorneys stated that the SECs motion does not identify any evidence that Shroder and Lee are involved in the day-to-day management details concerning the custody and transfer of customer assets at Binance.US.

BAMs CEO and CFO have no unique knowledge regarding facts relevant to the limited topics identified in the consent orders expedited discovery provision, the lawyers said. The attorneys also said that BAM has offered many other witnesses who have more insights about BAMs operations, including BAM chief information security officer Erik Kellogg.

BAM does not believe that the SEC is entitled to any additional depositions from current or former BAM personnel because, among other reasons, the SEC has already deposed a dozen witnesses during expedited discovery.

The lawyers noted the burden imposed by these depositions far outweighs their potential benefit, and the discovery sought is disproportionate to the needs contemplated by the consent order.

In September, the SEC and Binance agreed on a protective motion requiring parties to file confidential information under seal. The plaintiff and the defendants submitted a joint motion pledging to file confidential and non-public information as protected materials, restricting access to parties such as the judge, attorneys, plaintiffs, and defendants.

Another point of contention is the potential examination of Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao. Disagreements persist over the specifics of Zhaos deposition, including its scope, timing, and location. Zhao resigned as CEO of Binance in November 2023, following a $4.3 billion settlement with U.S. regulators.

His sentencing is scheduled for February 23, 2024, while the next status report on the case is expected by February 15. Zhao is currently free on a $175 million bond in the United States, facing a potential 18 months in prison.

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Binance and SEC Clash Over Evidence Production and Witness Depositions in Ongoing Legal Battle - Cryptonews