c2stories

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How does the rest of the NBA In-Season Tournament work? Schedule, prize money, how to watch | The Athletic

In-Season Tournament 101: Rules, format and how it works | NBA

NBA in-season tournament quarterfinal matchups set | ESPN

NBA in-season tournament: Knockout stage field set as Celtics, Kings, Bucks all notch group-sealing wins | Yahoo Sports 

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Gunna and Young Thug’s “Pushin P” Referenced in YSL Trial, Lawyer Tells Court 'P' Means 'Positivity' | Complex

Young Thug’s attorneys say prosecution is misrepresenting evidence and lyrics in racketeering trial | CNN

Young Thug trial live: Defence insists YSL lyrics are ‘art’ not evidence | Yahoo News   

Young Thug's YSL RICO Trial: What to Know | NYT 

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Live Updates: Suspect arrested in shooting of students of Palestinian descent in Vermont

Police arrest suspect in the shooting of 3 men of Palestinian descent near the University of Vermont

Suspect arrested in the shooting of 3 Palestinian students in Vermont ordered held without bail - CBS News

"Unprecedented surge" in anti-Arab, anti-Muslim bias incidents reported in U.S. since Israel-Hamas war, advocacy group says - CBS News

US antisemitic incidents up about 400% since Israel-Hamas war began, report says | Reuters

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Hamas to release 13 Israelis, 7 foreigners for 39 Palestinians after hours-long delay, mediators say

Israel-Hamas war live updates: Release of second group of hostages back on

Second group of Hamas-held hostages released after hours-long delay; Gaza cease-fire holds

Hamas releases more Israeli, foreign hostages on second day of Gaza truce | Reuters

How the hostage deal came about: Negotiations stumbled, but persistence finally won out

Hamas releases third group of hostages as part of truce and says it will seek to extend the deal

The biggest rivalry in college football comes to a head this Saturday.

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Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao Agrees to Step Down, Plead Guilty | WSJ

Binance's Zhao to plead guilty, step down to settle US illicit finance probe | Reuters

Binance CEO agrees to step down, plead guilty in $4B settlement | New York Post 

Live Updates: FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Found Guilty of Fraud | Wired 

On November 19th, 2023, after an impactful life, Ex-First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a tireless advocate for mental health and humanitarian causes, passed away at the age of 96.

Rosalynn Carter, alongside her husband, the 39th President Jimmy Carter, was a formidable force for good. Together, they founded The Carter Center in Atlanta, a beacon for peace, disease control, and hope. Rosalynn's individual efforts were highlighted in her creation of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving at Georgia Southwestern State University, focusing on support for those dealing with disabilities and illnesses.

Recognized for their extraordinary contributions, both Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999 from President Bill Clinton, who praised them as unparalleled in their global impact.

While Jimmy Carter's presidency was marked by significant events like the Israel-Egypt peace agreement, Rosalynn was a constant, influential presence, offering guidance and support. Their post-presidential years were no less active, with travels to Cuba, Sudan, and North Korea, highlighting their commitment to eradicating diseases like Guinea worm, an effort that contributed to Jimmy Carter's Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

The upcoming ceremonies at The Carter Center and the private funeral at Plains Methodist Church in Georgia, the same location she married Jimmy, are a testament to Rosalynn's indelible impact. Tributes from current First Lady Jill Biden and former presidential families like George and Laura Bush underscore her remarkable influence on mental health, caregiving, and women's rights.

Jimmy Carter described Rosalynn as his equal partner and his greatest source of support and love. Their story, a true American narrative, speaks of a partnership that transcended politics, deeply rooted in mutual respect and shared values.

Rosalynn's advocacy for mental health was deeply personal, shaped by her experiences and the voices she encountered throughout her life. Her efforts led to significant reforms and greater awareness, reducing the stigma around mental illnesses. As a political partner to Jimmy Carter, she was involved in crucial decision-making, exemplifying the evolving role of the First Lady.

Their return to Plains, Georgia, post-presidency marked the beginning of a new chapter, where they continued to make profound contributions through The Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity. Rosalynn's life, characterized by her strength, grace, and unwavering commitment to service, leaves an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire for generations to come.

Thank you for listening to this current2 story and let us know your thoughts on this story!

Sources

Rosalynn Carter, mental health activist, humanitarian and former first lady, dies at 96 | CNN

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, wife of the 39th president and advocate for mental health care, dies at 96 | ABC News

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OpenAI's Sam Altman exits as CEO because 'board no longer has confidence' in his ability to lead

OpenAI investors push to bring Altman back as CEO one day after he was ousted by board

OpenAI board in discussions with Sam Altman to return as CEO - The Verge

ChatGPT-maker OpenAI fires CEO Sam Altman, the face of the AI boom, for lack of candor with company

This week was all work, no play for US president Biden as he met up with China’s President Xi [shee] Jinping the day  before the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco. 

It’s been a contentious year since the two world leaders last met, with the severing of military communications causing the US to shoot down a Chinese spy balloon in February and continued economic competition between the two nations. But the meeting on Wednesday seems like a glimmer of unity as Xi and Biden pledged to reopen military communications, work together to curb climate change, and slow the flow of fentanyl into the US. China also declared that they’d used their influence with Iran to help curtail the expansion of the war in Gaza; however, the US and China still remain in conflict about Taiwan. Xi sought Biden’s support for a quote “peaceful unification” with the island, but Biden is throwing his weight behind Taiwan’s sovereignty. By the end of the meeting, both Xi and Biden felt that they’d made a lot of progress in bridging the US-China divide, just in time for the APEC meeting.

The annual conference brings together the heads of many nations and other big economic and diplomatic leaders, and this year, Biden announced his commitment to successful trade and partnerships that will benefit many countries across the Pacific. 

Global trade has historically been about keeping prices low, accessing new markets, and maximizing profits, but in recent years, these efforts have struggled. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the weakness of supply chains, climate change often led to the shutdown of factories, and new technology reshaped company and worker operations. The violence in Ukraine and Gaza has also increased the financial risks for the countries in APEC, furthering the vulnerability of our global economy. 

And yet, there may be hope. 

Overall, APEC members have invested $1.7 trillion dollars in the US economy, and in return the US has invested roughly $1.4 trillion in APEC countries. It seems these relationships will not only continue, they will also grow.

Biden announced to business leaders at the summit that the US would be expanding their economic ventures outside of China, aiming to quote “de-risk and diversify” but not “decouple” from Beijing. He asserted that the US and China do not see eye-to-eye on maintaining a fair and level economic atmosphere and protecting intellectual property. Biden also praised the work of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework established in 2022, which stands on four main pillars: supply chains, climate, anti-corruption, and trade. He said this initiative allowed for speedier trade negotiations, which will certainly serve to strengthen US ties to the region, a key issue at the summit on Wednesday. 

Another topic of concern was climate change, but don’t worry because Biden was on it. He spoke of his efforts to improve sustainability, address climate change, and bolster clean energy in the US. 

And if that’s not enough good news, Xi Jinping agreed to send a few more giant pandas to the US from China! Overall, a successful APEC summit!

Thanks for tuning in to today’s C2 Story, and don’t forget to let us know how excited you are for pandas!

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Live updates: Biden attends APEC summit after Xi Jinping meeting

China's agreement expected to slow flow of fentanyl into US, but not solve overdose epidemic | AP News

Fresh off meeting with China's Xi, Biden is turning his attention to Asia-Pacific economies

Biden says 'real progress' made after meeting with China's Xi Jinping

Highlights: Joe Biden and Xi Jinping talk military cooperation, climate and Tawain

On November 14th, shortly after 9 a.m., devastating news struck Licking County, Ohio, as a tragic car collision unfolded, killing six and leaving 18 others sent to a nearby hospital. 

This catastrophic chain-reaction crash unfolded on Interstate 70 in Licking County, Ohio between a school bus, a tractor-trailer truck and three passenger cars. A total of 57 individuals, including students, chaperones, and drivers, were onboard the bus. They were en route to an Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus, when all of a sudden, the collision occurred.

In the aftermath of the collision, at least three vehicles erupted in flames, creating a scene of unimaginable chaos and destruction. The cause for the crash is currently under investigation, but witnesses claim the tractor trailer had rear-ended the school bus, leading to a devastating chain reaction. Emergency services swiftly responded, with local hospitals treating 15 students, the charter bus driver, and two additional wounded individuals from one of the other vehicles.

Sadly, three students on the charter bus lost their lives in the crash, two were only 18 years old and the other even younger at 15 years old. Even worse, three adults from one of the passenger vehicles perished as well. The close-knit community of Tuscarawas Valley now faces the painful task of mourning the loss of these cherished lives.

As the wreckage is painstakingly cleared from Interstate 70, the investigative process begins. Governor Mike DeWine declared the crash a state tragedy, ordering flags at half-staff as a solemn tribute to the victims. Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, anticipates a comprehensive investigation that could take 12 to 18 months to complete.

In the wake of this devastating news, the Ohio School Boards Association announced the cancellation of the remaining day of their annual conference. Superintendent Derek Varansky expressed his sorrows stating, "Our focus is on providing support to Tuscarawas Valley. Our Trojan family is strong, and it will take that strength and love to get through these coming challenging days."

Current2’s love and prayers goes out to the entire community of Tuscarawas Valley during this difficult time.

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At least 6 dead after Ohio chain-reaction crash involving a bus carrying students | NBC News

Ohio crash: What we know about the charter bus, truck collision leaving 6 dead, 18 injured | USA Today
Six dead, 18 sent to hospitals after Ohio highway crash | Reuters