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Chris Christie quits 2024 presidential race

By
Gemma Iso
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0
chris-christie-quits-2024-presidential-race
Chris Christie quits 2024 presidential race

Christie, Debating prowess

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie quits from the 2024 presidential race, signaling the end of a campaign that played a pivotal role as a self-appointed counterbalance to former President Donald Trump.

Christie, addressing supporters in New Hampshire on Wednesday evening, conceded, “It’s clear to me that there isn’t a path for me to win the nomination. Which is why I’m suspending my campaign.”

Chris Christie quits 

“I am going to make sure that in no way do I enable Donald Trump to ever be president of the United States again, and that’s more important than my own personal ambition,” emphasized Christie, underscoring his commitment to preventing a Trump resurgence.

Despite focusing his efforts primarily in New Hampshire, recent polling from the University of New Hampshire/CNN indicated that among Christie’s supporters in the state, 65% identified Nikki Haley as their second choice.

Analysts believe Christie’s departure now increases the likelihood of Haley gaining traction.

“It’s a big deal and sets the stage for a two-person race here between Haley and Trump. New Hampshire is tightening, and it’s about to get a bit more snug,” commented New Hampshire GOP strategist Jim Merrill.

The decision

Christie’s decision to withdraw was, in part, influenced by the pleas of New Hampshire voters, who, during numerous town hall meetings, urged him to exit the race and throw his support behind Nikki Haley.

Many feared that Christie’s presence would split the anti-Trump vote, potentially leading to a Trump victory.

While Christie did respond to these calls by exiting the race, he stopped short of endorsing Haley. “She’s going to get smoked, and you and I both know it,” he said.

As the race narrows, all eyes are now on the impending Haley-Trump showdown, which promises to be a defining chapter in the 2024 presidential contest.

Read More news

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Cover Photo: YouTube

The post Chris Christie quits 2024 presidential race appeared first on The Independent News.

Baywatch alum Nicole Eggers, 51 diagnosed with breast cancer

By
The Independent
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0
baywatch-alum-nicole-eggers,-51-diagnosed-with-breast-cancer
Baywatch alum Nicole Eggers, 51 diagnosed with breast cancer

Eggers

Nicole Eggert, known from “Baywatch,” announced she has stage 2 breast cancer, initially mistaking symptoms for menopause. After discovering a lump, delays in specialist appointments led to a late November diagnosis. The cancer’s spread isn’t confirmed yet.

Facing surgery, she awaits treatment guidance from her oncologist. The urgency to remove the lump stems from its growth. Despite the rough journey, she remains optimistic, finding strength in inspirational quotes.

Photo: Instagram/Nicole Eggert

Being a single mother, her biggest fear is not being there for her daughters, especially her 12-year-old. Her determination to fight amplified when she saw her child’s reaction to the news.

Eggers holding on

Eggert, known for her role in “Charles in Charge,” worries about the impact on her daily life, trying not to let this situation overwhelm her.

She mentioned her routine mammograms and expressed regret about past breast implants, related to pressures while filming “Baywatch.”

Financially burdened by upcoming medical costs, a friend set up a GoFundMe page, highlighting Eggert’s resilience but acknowledging the strain this battle brings. The plea is for support in covering medical bills and ensuring stability for Eggert’s family during this trying period.

In other news, back in June last year,  Nicole Eggert appeared noticeably different from her “Baywatch” days when she was recently seen in Los Angeles, marking her first public appearance in 18 months.

Casual outfit

The 51-year-old was spotted handling household chores, seemingly organizing her garage alongside one of her daughters.Sporting a relaxed attire, she wore an oversized brown T-shirt paired with light grey sweatpants, opting for white trainers to aid in moving boxes. Her accessories included a gold watch, a matching bracelet, and a delicate necklace.

Known for her role as Summer Quinn in seasons three and four of “Baywatch,” Eggert chose to step away from her Hollywood career. Encountering financial difficulties some years ago, she reportedly faced significant debts, leading to her filing for bankruptcy. However, Eggert made a comeback, notably announcing her new profession as an ice cream truck driver in 2014.

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Cover Photo: IG

 

The post Baywatch alum Nicole Eggers, 51 diagnosed with breast cancer appeared first on The Independent News.

“Child psychologist” claiming four year old kids know if they’re “non-binary” or transgender 

By
Asir F
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0
“child-psychologist”-claiming-four-year-old-kids-know-if-they’re-“non-binary”-or-transgender 
“Child psychologist” claiming four year old kids know if they’re “non-binary” or transgender 

Non-Binary conservatives, child

The heavily debated subject of the non-binary and transgender community regarding how valid a child’s gender identity is one talked about most frequently. A “child psychologist” claims that children are able to know their gender identity when they reach around four years old. 

Furthermore, conservatives are always vehemently against making kids think about their gender identity as they are still not of age yet. 

The UK’s National Health Service even has updated tips on how parents should deal with their non-binary children. They claim that children would explore their gender identity by seeking a new favorite color or toys that are made for another gender. 

Oddly enough, they state that parents should seek help if your child’s gender exploration causes distress.The Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) can assist, offering emotional support and resources. They add that acceptance and communication are crucial; connecting with support groups can be beneficial for both parents and children navigating this journey.

Conservative X users react to statement made by “child psychologist” 

Following that, X users state that tomboys have always been a thing, especially among children. These kids would be more masculine than other girls but it is just them being kids. Conservatives state that this has nothing to do with someone wanting to be a non-binary individual. 

Furthermore, X users are vehemently against teachers talking to kids about intercourse and gender problems. They feel that if there are teachers who openly discuss these topics among children they should be terminated from their employment. There is a time and place to discuss certain things. 

 

Another user claims that when they were four years old, they thought they were a princess. However, as an adult now, according to this “psychologist,” their identity is valid as they were four years old and thought they were a member of a royal family. 

Read More News

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The post “Child psychologist” claiming four year old kids know if they’re “non-binary” or transgender  appeared first on The Independent News.

Ivanka Trump sparks outrage on social media

By
Gemma Iso
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0
ivanka-trump-sparks-outrage-on-social-media
Ivanka Trump sparks outrage on social media

Ivanka Trump, outrage

Ivanka Trump sparks outrage on social media and gets criticized over her praise for her husband Jared Kushner. The eldest daughter of former President Donald Trump is receiving criticism for a post related to her husband.

Trump born into wealth, is under fire for a recent social media post praising Kushner’s optimistic views on success.

The video clip

In the clip, recorded in October, Kushner talked about the importance of a go-getter attitude to podcaster Lex Fridman.

Kushner said that he believes it’s a matter of determination. According to him, many individuals, he noticed, tend to complain about the actions of others, citing challenges or deeming tasks impossible.

Ivanka praised her husband’s discussion, but it didn’t sit well with real-world users who highlighted their privileged upbringing.

Critics slamming inherited wealth

Critics on social media called out the couple for their inherited wealth, even though they earned millions as White House advisers.

Ivanka‘s attempt to showcase Kushner’s determination received backlash, with comments disabled on X/Twitter.

Mary Trump, Donald Trump’s estranged niece, sarcastically referred to Kushner’s $2 billion in Saudi funding, questioning the source of his optimism.

The New York Times reported that Kushner secured the funding after leaving the White House and is now set to invest in businesses in Israel.

Despite the funding, The Wall Street Journal revealed he has yet to make any investments, collecting substantial management fees each year.

Questions on $2B funding

However, social media users remained critical, questioning the moral compass of accepting $2 billion from Saudi Arabia.

One X user remarked, “Two nepotism babies with 24-carat gold spoons in their mouths funded by $2 billion in Saudi money want to give success advice.”

Criticisms mounted, with an attorney and CNN legal analyst suggesting that taking $2 billion may be “easy money when you’re willing to trade your soul.”

Read More News

Opposing views from Black voters as Biden appeals for 2024 race

Cover Photo: YouTube

The post Ivanka Trump sparks outrage on social media appeared first on The Independent News.

Singapore stocks rise on Thursday’s open

By
Mary Alavanza
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0
SGX
Photo: Facebook/SGX Singapore Exchange

SINGAPORE: Singapore stocks rose on Thursday’s open (11 Jan), mirroring the overnight upward trend in global equity markets. This is as investors eagerly anticipate the release of crucial US inflation data later this week, The Edge Singapore reports.

The Straits Times Index (STI) showed resilience, advancing by 0.3%, or 10.52 points, reaching 3,190.48 at 9:02 am. In the broader market, gainers outpaced losers, with 70 stocks in the green against 39 in the red. Noteworthy was the exchange of 49.2 million securities, totaling S$53.9 million.

Seatrium emerged as the most actively traded stock by volume, maintaining stability at S$0.111 with 6.1 million shares changing hands.

Thai Beverage Public Company remained steady at S$0.535, recording six million shares traded. Meanwhile, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding rose by 0.7%, or S$0.01, closing at S$1.56, with 2.6 million shares traded.

Banking stocks displayed mixed performance during early morning trade. DBS climbing 0.8%, or S$0.27, to reach S$32.78. UOB added 0.7%, or S$0.19, closing at S$28.42. In contrast, OCBC experienced a marginal decline of 0.1%, or S$0.01, settling at S$12.82.

Wall Street echoed the rise in Singapore stocks pulling into positive territory on Wednesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 0.5% higher at 37,695.73, while the S&P 500 rose by 0.6%, reaching 4,783.45. The Nasdaq Composite Index ended with a 0.8% gain, closing at 14,969.65./TISG

Gerald Giam: Efforts to become ‘smart nation’ will come to nothing unless Govt better protects from scams

By
Anna Maria Romero
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0
Photo: Youtube screengrab / MCI Singapore

SINGAPORE: Echoing the sentiments expressed by his Workers’ Party (WP) colleagues Sylvia Lim and Jamus Lim in Parliament, Aljunied GRC MP Gerald Giam has called for stronger actions from the government to protect Singaporeans from scams and asserted that the Smart Nation movement will come to nothing if such a stance is not taken.

“Unless the authorities address the issue of scams more effectively and establish stronger consumer protections, our extensive efforts to transition all our citizens into a digitally empowered society will come to nought,” the MP said in a speech on Wednesday (10 Jan).

Mr Giam noted with some degree of alarm that “Singaporeans from all walks of life” have been victimized by scammers online. While many victims, in the past, were older and less tech-savvy individuals, even younger people with more digital know-how have fallen prey to scammers, often with financially devastating results, as scams continue to grow in sophistication.

Some of the residents Mr Giam has met have lost their complete life savings, with some even losing the funds in their fixed deposit accounts. Others lost the money held in joint accounts, “doubling the impact on families,” Mr Giam said, noting later in his speech that an average of 87 scams take place daily in Singapore.

“These incidents demonstrate a concerning vulnerability that affects us all. While I consider myself relatively tech-savvy, I have to admit that even I feel the looming threat of becoming a victim one day,” he added.

Financial institutions have been helpful toward scam victims but while some have offered goodwill payments, these do not fully cover losses. Other people have been told by police that their money had been transferred to accounts overseas and could therefore no longer be retrieved.

Mr Giam expressed particular concern for seniors, many of whom have told him that they are afraid to carry out digital transactions as they might end up getting scammed. And despite its convenience, he now hesitates suggesting the use of digital banking to these seniors because of “the real risk of them losing their entire life savings” to scammers.

Calling on the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to “assertively and decisively tackle the problem of scams in the banking system to protect consumers,” Mr Giam recommended:

  • Increased protection for consumers from banks, including providing physical tokens to customers.
  • A more active role played by MAS in determining responsibility for scams carried out on banks’ digital platforms and supporting victims.
  • Fully operationalising the Online Criminal Harms Act.
  • Greater accountability from the government toward tech companies for the security of their platforms and devices.
  • The establishment of a central anti-scam agency to oversee and be accountable for the government’s anti-scam efforts.

The WP MP added that Singapore stands “at a critical juncture in the battle against scams. Our actions in the face of this scourge will define our commitment to protecting our citizens in the digital age. Let’s act swiftly and decisively to protect our people and, indeed, ourselves.”

Read his speech in full here. /TISG

Read related: Josephine Teo takes issue with Sylvia Lim’s use of the words “crisis of confidence” in Parliament

In Parliament: Jamus Lim makes case for scam victims to only bear S$100 to S$500 in losses

By
Anna Maria Romero
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0
Jamus Lim
Photo: Youtube screengrab / MCI Singapore

SINGAPORE: In the discussion on digital safety in Parliament on Wednesday (Jan 10), Workers’ Party MP Jamus Lim said that the victims of digital scams should only bear a maximum of S$100 to S$500 in losses, with the rest being shouldered by banks and telecommunications companies.

The Sengkang GRC MP said this in the context of discussing the Shared Responsibility Framework (SRF) for phishing scams proposed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) last October.

The SRF says that banks and telcos that breached their duties of mitigating phishing scams must reimburse scam victims. However, if banks and telcos are found to have fulfilled their duties, the full burden of the scam falls on the victim.

In his speech, Assoc Prof Lim called the framework “fundamentally unfair,” given that financial institutions are not only larger but have greater power. This is why the government needs to empower citizens with a “more robust set of laws that offer financial protection to consumers,” he added.

Such laws would cause financial institutions to take more care to monitor and catch phishing and fraudulent schemes since they would have to bear a share of the losses incurred. They would also have a stronger incentive to run after transfers made to suspicious counterparties and “no longer condone unauthorized purchases made with ill-gotten money.”

Assoc Prof Lim compared the situation to co-payments with insurance plans. If scam victims are required to “absorb at least some reasonable amount of loss” of  S$100 or S$500, they would be motivated to practice good cyber hygiene and so they would not get easily scammed.

And while he acknowledged that the loss-sharing framework proposed by the government is a measure toward helping establish liability for financial fraud, he does not believe that it fulfils its promise of being “fair.”

Like his fellow WP MP Sylvia Lim (Aljunied GRC) he noted that there has been a “ a steady erosion of trust in digital transactions, one that—if not addressed expeditiously—could result in a crisis of confidence over online payments and digital finance.”

One vital step toward rebuilding trust makes it necessary for financial institutions and telcos to absorb losses, with consumers shouldering only a maximum of S$500 when scams occur.

“This will not only be fair but will help evolve the system into a more robust one,” he added.

Watch Assoc Prof Lim’s speech in full here. /TISG

Read also: In Parliament: Sylvia Lim urges more protection against scams for Singaporeans

Malaysia and Singapore agree to collaborate on the Special Economic Zone development

By
Mary Alavanza
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0

SINGAPORE: Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to collaborate on the Special Economic Zone development in the southern Malaysian state of Johor. The goal of this initiative is to attract investments and facilitate the movement of goods and people between the two countries, Yahoo Finance reports.

The agreement, aimed at fostering economic growth, includes plans for a comprehensive pact covering areas such as renewable energy and streamlining business procedures from approvals to border clearances. Malaysia’s Economy Minister, Rafizi Ramli, emphasised the potential for cross-border trade enhancement and economic benefits for both nations through the SEZ.

The signing ceremony for the agreement took place in Johor, attended by the leaders of Malaysia and Singapore.

According to the statement, Singapore was the second-largest foreign investor in Johor from Jan to Jun 2022, contributing approximately 70% of the state’s total foreign direct investment in manufacturing.

Earlier on the same day, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong celebrated the completion of a connecting span for a 4-kilometre (2.5-mile) light rail link between Johor Bahru and Singapore.

The project, estimated to cost around 10 billion ringgit ($2.2 billion), is expected to ease traffic congestion on the causeway, one of the world’s busiest land crossings. The rail link is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

This collaboration is significant as thousands of Malaysians commute daily to Singapore for work and school./TISG

Josephine Teo takes issue with Sylvia Lim’s use of the words “crisis of confidence” in Parliament

By
Anna Maria Romero
-
0
Photo: Facebook screengrab/ The Workers Party (Mediacorp)

SINGAPORE: Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo took exception to some opposition Members of Parliament, such as the Workers’ Party’s (WP) Sylvia Lim, using the phrase “crisis of confidence” in the House on Wednesday (Jan 10), to illustrate how many fear being scammed.

Ms Teo had said she was not sure what the purpose was of describing the problem as a “crisis of confidence.” She went on to liken the agencies dealing with scams with firefighters dealing with a fire while bystanders are “instead of praying for them, encouraging them, are saying to them, ‘You should, be doing this, you should be doing that,’ pontificating.”

“And then when they do manage to put out some fires, the very same bystanders say, ‘Thank goodness I said that.’ I say to members, have a care. This is a tough fight…So let’s cheer them on,” said Ms Teo.

Ms Lim, who is also chairperson of the WP, clarified that she had not intended to create panic or politicize the issue but asserted that her use of the phrase reflects “the current sentiment in significant sections of the public.”

Citing an Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) report released last month, which said that 99 per cent of people aged 60 and above are worried about becoming scam victims, Ms Lim stressed: “That’s almost a hundred per cent of people in this age group.”

She then mentioned a point that had been brought up earlier in the sitting, that some residents have ignored official communications because they could not tell the difference between a message from the government and a scammed message, with messages to enroll in HealthierSG having gone ignored.

Another reason why Ms Lim refers to the situation as a “crisis” is the high statistics of scam losses alongside a campaign to raise awareness of scams. “As (Ms Teo) herself pointed out, the fact that there’s so much public education now may lead to feelings of anxiety in the public, which I think are very real,” she said.

The Aljunied MP also said that she dubbed the issue a crisis as members of the public have told her that they want to take their accounts offline, including retirees with CPF transactions.

She added that the purpose of setting up the new task force on the resilience and security of digital infrastructure and services is to oversee matters of public confidence, saying: “So I would argue that there is a serious issue with public confidence.”

While Ms Lim said the WP has acknowledged and appreciated the work the agencies involved have already done, she added, “I believe I am entitled to my opinion, just as the Minister is entitled to her opinion.”

/TISG

Read also: In Parliament: Sylvia Lim urges more protection against scams for Singaporeans

Woman living in Singapore for 20 years shares 5 tips to save money as a tourist in SG

By
Mary Alavanza
-
0
Botanic Gardens Singapore
Photo: Freepik/tawatchai07 (for illustration purposes only)

SINGAPORE: Singapore, alongside Zurich, ranked the world’s most expensive city in 2023, as reported by the Economist Intelligence Unit. With this, tourists seeking to make the most of their budget in Singapore may find it difficult. Marielle Descalsota, a woman living in Singapore for 20 years shares five tips to save money as a tourist in SG on Business Insider.

1. Dine at hawker centres outside the city center

Local food remains a budget-friendly option in Singapore, particularly at hawker centres. Even at the most frequented spots, dishes rarely exceed US$5. Travelers can further stretch their budget by exploring hawker centres in residential areas.

For instance, Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown offers chicken rice for around S$5(US$3.75), while Changi Village Hawker Centre in the east provides an economical option at S$3.

This not only saves money but also introduces visitors to a more laid-back side of Singapore beyond the bustling city center.

2. Choose kopi over pricey coffees

To avoid the high costs of coffee at trendy cafes which can cost around S$6, tourists can opt for kopi, a locally brewed and hand-roasted coffee available at hawker centres and traditional coffee shops.

With prices averaging S$1.20, kopi provides an affordable and aromatic alternative. Consider a breakfast set, including kopi, toast with coconut jam, and soft-boiled eggs, for just S$3, steering clear of tourist-heavy spots for better prices.

3. Explore alternative coasts beyond Sentosa

While Sentosa Island attracts many tourists, its beach clubs often come with inflated prices.

A bottle of Corona at Tanjong Beach Club, for instance, costs S$16. Tourists seeking budget-friendly options can explore Changi Beach in eastern Singapore, where Stella Lounge offers beers on tap for as little as S$13.

Additionally, nearby hawker centres provide a variety of affordable food options under S$10, allowing visitors to enjoy a picnic on the beach without breaking the bank.

4. Consider backpacker hotels for accommodation

For budget-conscious travelers, backpacker hostels and hotels present a cost-effective alternative to luxury hotels.

Hotel 81, one of the popular chains, offers a night’s stay for as low as S$95. These accommodations, known for cleanliness, spaciousness, and central locations, often provide private bathrooms, offering a comfortable stay at a fraction of the cost of high-end hotels.

5. Explore free galleries and performances

While Singapore boasts popular attractions with hefty admission fees, there are numerous budget-friendly alternatives.

  • Gillman Barracks and NUS Museum offer free admission to art enthusiasts.
  • The Esplanade hosts free outdoor concerts, providing entertainment without the price tag.
  • Nature lovers can explore the Botanic Gardens, offering free guided tours, and enjoy the light and water show at Marina Bay Sands at no cost.

With these tips from Marielle, an SG local, tourists can enhance their travel experience while staying mindful of their budget./TISG

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