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Western district candidates allege shady campaign finance activity as primaries wind down

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Western district candidates allege shady campaign finance activity as primaries wind down

In a comparatively quiet main season for Montana’s new western U.S. Home district, accusations of shady marketing campaign finance dealings are flying because the campaigns hit the ultimate stretch earlier than Election Day.

After an out of doors spending group lately started attacking Democratic candidate Cora Neumann as being extra Californian than Montanan, her marketing campaign has responded by portray her main opponent, Monica Tranel, as too intently tied to the political motion committee’s actions.

A disclosure report filed with the Federal Elections Fee final week confirmed that Tranel’s husband, doctor Gregor Lind, contributed $5,000 to Montanans for a Higher Congress, which spent $109,000 in Might on a political advert supporting Tranel and attacking Neumann and GOP candidate Ryan Zinke. As an excellent PAC, the group can elevate and spend limitless cash however should disclose its donors.

Individuals are additionally studying…

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Tranel’s marketing campaign supervisor, Sam Sterling, was fast to level out that nothing within the FEC guidelines forbids a candidate’s husband from contributing to an impartial PAC. Marketing campaign finance legal guidelines forbid campaigns from coordinating with exterior PACs on political actions. However that authorized threshold is predicated on the FEC’s “three-pronged take a look at,” which might require proof of interactions between the 2 entities.

“Monica had no consciousness of Greg’s involvement, and Greg has no involvement within the actions of the tremendous PAC,” Sterling mentioned. He added that Tranel’s husband is a long-time donor to Democratic teams and campaigns, and has not been concerned within the day-to-day operations of his spouse’s marketing campaign.

After the Neumann marketing campaign lately started airing advertisements referring to the surface group as “Monica Tranel’s Tremendous PAC,” Tranel lately responded with a letter to native tv stations asking them to tug the advert, which she referred to as “libelous” for suggesting unlawful coordination.

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That hasn’t stopped Neumann’s marketing campaign from persevering with to hammer on the tremendous PAC subject, although.

“Monica Tranel is benefitting from an excellent PAC operating TV advertisements stuffed with lies about Cora,” her marketing campaign supervisor, Emma Harris, mentioned in an emailed assertion Thursday. “This tremendous PAC … has been funded by her husband and donors with the categorical goal of serving to her win this seat.”

Tranel has additionally turned to marketing campaign finance studies for main ammunition.

“I am in a race proper now the place over 80% of my marketing campaign cash comes from Montana, and I am actually happy with that,” Tranel informed the Montana State Information Bureau in an April 6 interview. “I’ll Congress from Montana and Montanans are sending me there. And my opponents, each within the main and the final, are elevating virtually the inverse proportion from out of state. So whose curiosity do you serve?”

These percentages are troublesome to pin down precisely, with each Neumann and Tranel reporting a large quantity of their particular person contributions as non-itemized, that means the donors didn’t attain the $200 threshold requiring them to be listed on disclosure studies.

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For Neumann, meaning 20% of her complete quantity raised from people aren’t accompanied by the donors’ states of residency, as of the latest FEC studies due final week.

For these which might be itemized, 25% of her complete fundraising {dollars} have come from Montana donors, with 26% coming from contributors in California. However the marketing campaign says that a lot of the non-itemized the rest is coming from in-state.

“The No. 1 supply of our complete {dollars} and the variety of contributions is Montana, and that’s pushed by small-dollar, grassroots contributions from Montanans,” Harris mentioned Thursday.

Neumann additionally holds a considerable fundraising lead over Tranel, which her marketing campaign has argued will make her better-positioned to compete towards the large warfare chest that Zinke has been accumulating, ought to he be the Republican nominee.

Tranel has gotten 82% of her itemized contributions, dollar-wise, from Montanans. These account for about two-thirds of her contributions.

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Tom Winter, a former state lawmaker from Missoula, stays a distant third within the Democratic cash race, having raised slightly below $100,000.

The Republican main has additionally generated solutions of fishy monetary actions by the campaigns. Al Olszewski’s marketing campaign supervisor, Drew Zinecker, pointed reporters on Tuesday to a latest article revealed within the newspaper Roll Name, which detailed the spending patterns of SEAL PAC, a political committee run by GOP candidate Ryan Zinke.

The PAC is devoted to “electing conservative veterans to steer our nation,” based on its web site. The article, revealed Tuesday, particulars the PAC’s spending to help GOP candidates, a few quarter of that are nonveterans, based on Roll Name. The article additionally discovered that most of the incumbent candidates it supported voted towards a measure in Congress to increase well being care advantages to veterans sickened by publicity to toxins throughout their service.

Zinke marketing campaign spokeswoman Heather Swift didn’t dispute the details of the article in an e-mail, however wrote that the previous congressman and Navy SEAL “completely disagrees with the characterization of the article” and famous the PAC additionally helps nonveterans who “are sturdy advocates for veterans and America First protection insurance policies.”

Swift additionally supplied an announcement from Zinke noting that his marketing campaign isn’t related to the spending group.

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“The SEAL PAC acronym stands for Supporting and Electing American Leaders and we’re very clear that we help conservative veterans and different conservatives who help veterans,” he said. “Being a veteran is honorable and I am grateful for all who served. Nonetheless it isn’t the one standards used to find out an endorsement. In lots of instances veterans are operating towards veterans, or a veteran decides to run however has completely no path to victory or legitimacy.”

Olszewski’s marketing campaign supervisor additionally shared analysis that confirmed Zinke benefitting from PACs that had gotten contributions from SEAL PAC within the final two years. FEC information present Zinke’s marketing campaign obtained greater than $29,000 in complete contributions from PACs that had gotten an analogous mixed complete from SEAL PAC since 2021. The marketing campaign has additionally obtained $10,000 instantly from SEAL PAC, based on disclosure studies.

“It is no shock that different like-minded conservative and veteran-aligned PACs help Zinke,” Swift wrote in response. “The marketing campaign isn’t related to the PAC and has nothing to do with PAC giving.”

The opposite Republican candidate to report important fundraising, Mary Todd, loaned her marketing campaign over $250,000, based on the latest finance studies.

Two different Republican candidates who’ve filed for the western congressional seat haven’t reported any fundraising to date: Mitch Heuer of Whitefish and Matt Jette of Missoula.

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Whereas the western district primaries have seen few fireworks to date, Carroll School political science professor Jeremy Johnson mentioned sparring over marketing campaign finance points isn’t too uncommon for a high-profile Montana race.

“Marketing campaign finance has been a difficulty of significance to Montanans for years now,” Johnson mentioned. He singled out the high-profile controversies surrounding Western Custom Partnership, which years in the past helped gas a bipartisan backlash towards so-called “darkish cash” teams working within the state.

“Montana’s actually been on the entrance of a variety of marketing campaign finance points for over a decade now, so it doesn’t shock me that these points would come to the floor,” he mentioned.

However whether or not the last-minute mud-slinging will matter to voters is an open query, Johnson added. As of Thursday, 24% of registered voters had already solid their ballots. Montana’s general turnout for midterm primaries has usually been between 30% and 40% lately.

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Fed’s preferred inflation gauge highlights holiday-shortened trading week: What to know this week

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Fed’s preferred inflation gauge highlights holiday-shortened trading week: What to know this week

Stocks drifted higher leading into the shortened trading week that includes the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) gained nearly 2% for the week while the S&P 500 (^GSPC) and tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) added over 1.5%.

In the week ahead, a fresh reading on the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, will highlight the economic calendar. Updates on third quarter economic growth and housing activity are also on the schedule.

In corporate news, quarterly results from Zoom (ZM), Dell (DELL), Best Buy (BBY), CrowdStrike (CRWD), and Macy’s (M) are likely to catch investor attention.

Markets will be closed on Thursday for Thanksgiving, and Friday’s trading session will end early at 1 p.m. ET.

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Recent sticky inflation readings have raised questions about whether the Fed will cut interest rates in December and how much the central bank will lower rates over the next year.

Earlier this month, the “core” Consumer Price Index (CPI), which strips out the more volatile costs of food and gas, showed prices increased 3.3% in October for the third consecutive month. Meanwhile, the “core” Producer Price Index (PPI) revealed prices increased by 3.1% in October, up from 2.8% the month prior and above economist expectations for a 3% increase.

On Wednesday, Federal Reserve governor Michelle Bowman expressed concern that the Fed’s progress toward 2% inflation has “stalled” and the central bank should proceed “cautiously” when lowering interest rates.

“We have seen considerable progress in lowering inflation since early 2023, but progress seems to have stalled in recent months,” Bowman said in a speech at the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches.

Read more: Jobs, inflation, and the Fed: How they’re all related

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Economists expect more signs of that stalling in Wednesday’s Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) release. Economists expect annual “core” PCE — which excludes the volatile categories of food and energy — to have clocked in at 2.8% in October, up from the 2.7% seen in September. Over the prior month, economists project “core” PCE at 0.3%, unchanged from September.

Bank of America Securities US economist Stephen Juneau wrote in a research note that a print in line with expectations will “certainly lead Fed participants to reassess their inflation and policy outlook.”

“That said,” he added, “we still expect the Fed to cut rates by 25bp in December, but the risk appears to be tilting towards a shallower cutting cycle given resilient activity and stubborn inflation.”

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Weekly finance Horoscope November 24 to November 30, 2024: Aries find success in investments; Cancer sees long-held goals materializing – Times of India

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Weekly finance Horoscope November 24 to November 30, 2024: Aries find success in investments; Cancer sees long-held goals materializing – Times of India

Aries
Though things would get better with time, the first half of the week might not deliver any appreciable cash benefits. Some entrepreneurs could find now to be the perfect time to launch fresh projects. You might pay off a bank loan and even clear outstanding bills. Though be sure to have professional guidance, success is probably in the stock market and speculative projects, so it is a good time to think about major investments.
Taurus
Your financial condition will be strong, which will help you to reach significant targets. This is the right moment to proceed with ideas to buy a new car or house. Some ladies might also buy jewellery. Resolve any money issues with a friend or sibling in early part of the week. It’s also a good time to raise money for your company; entrepreneurs might come across chances to land financial agreements with promoters.
Gemini
Your financial situation will let you make wise selections. You probably will find riches arriving from many different sources. For sound financial management, think about speaking with a professional. Women might inherit land or pay off all outstanding debt. You could also have to budget for your child’s schooling. Before completing any new partnership agreements, business owners should wait one day or two.
Cancer
Today you will find a decent wealth flow. You could realize several long-cherished goals when money pours in. These days you might get a car as well as some electrical appliances. Good time to donate money to a charity is the second part of the day. Investors in stock, trade, and speculative company will make good profits.
Leo
Though there won’t be any major financial issues, you should nevertheless keep careful with your expenditure. Good returns on previous investments will let you employ this money to seize fresh prospects. Some Leos will work out a financial problem with a pal. Talk about money carefully with siblings to avoid possible conflicts. Business owners will be successful in today’s fund raising and clearing of all outstanding debts.
Virgo
You can run with small financial problems that might compromise wise financial decisions. Think of wise trade, stock, or land investments. You can also get an inheritance meant to help with your finances. For money management, speaking with a financial professional could help. A few Virgos will work out a financial dispute with a brother. Later in the day you could perhaps decide to buy a new house or renovate your current one.
Libra
You might have small financial problems, so you should control your expenditure closely. Steer clear of costly goods and be careful while handling money for others. Some Libras can come across family conflicts about land today. You might also donate money for charity, especially in the afternoon. Dealing with assets and investments, be deliberate and patient.
Scorpio
You will not run out of money, which will help you to readily handle daily problems. New commercial alliances will provide consistent financial flow. Your spouse’s family might provide financial help as well as probably approval for a bank loan. Now is a fantastic moment to follow your ideas for trying your luck in stocks or trade.
Sagittarius
Today your financial situation will be strong, which will let you think about purchasing or selling real estate. Donations for charities would be best during the second half of the day. Now is a great time to start trying your luck in stocks, trading, or speculative enterprise. Some women will take care of family finances. Those in business selling technology, fashion accessories, or transportation will find good profits.
Capricorn
Expect financial possibilities today with reasonable returns on past investments. Buying electronic gadgets is best done in the later part of the day. Though you should perform careful study before making any major decisions, think about investing in property or speculative projects. Usually with the aid of their partners, entrepreneurs will find money; clients may pay any outstanding debts, therefore relieving financial burden.
Aquarius
Feel free to buy basics like household appliances. Businesspeople might get money from overseas, and right now real estate is a good investment. Anticipate more costs; so, it would be advisable to see a professional financial advisor. You could also settle a legal matter; the later part of the day is appropriate for giving someone in need cash assistance. Get ready for potential legal issues that can call for a big financial outlay.
Pisces
Today you won’t run across any significant financial problems. Given your means, you could think about looking for jewellery or gadgets. Still, this is hardly the day for speculative business. You could buy or sell real estate; the later part of the day is good for helping a friend financially, provided you make sure the money will be returned right away. Using promoters, business owners will effectively raise money.
This article is written by, Sidhharrth S Kumaar, Registered Pharmacist, Astro Numerologist, Life & Relationship Coach, Vaastu Expert, Energy Healer, Music Therapist, and Founder of NumroVani.

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St. Augustine's says it will eliminate 50% university employees ahead of accreditation meeting

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St. Augustine's says it will eliminate 50% university employees ahead of accreditation meeting

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) announced Saturday it will eliminate several positions, including non-faculty and vacant, this month ahead of its significant accreditation meeting.

Last December, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commissioner on Colleges (SACSCOC) voted to remove SAU from membership due to its financial status. The university’s appeal was denied in February and then in July, the SACSCOC arbitration committee reversed the decision and reinstated SAU’s accreditation.

The SACSCOC board will vote on the next step for the university in December.

In a news release, SAU said to ensure compliance with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commissioner on Colleges and keep its accreditation, the school has reduced its expenses by approximately $17 million in fiscal year 2024 compared to 2023. Reductions, totaling 50% of university employees, include 67 staff positions (41% reduction); 37 full-time faculty positions (67% reduction); 32 adjunct faculty positions (57% reduction); and stopping several under-enrolled programs.

SEE ALSO | St. Augustine’s alumni hosts celebration amid canceled on-campus homecoming

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The university also said it will be actively settling outstanding balances with vendors and adjusting various contrasts.

SAU also reported completing four financial audits for fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, and restoring employee payroll and health insurance benefits.

The HBCU university — remaining millions of dollars in debt — secured a $7 million loan from Gothiuc Ventures with a high-interest rate. To get the loan, St. Aug’s put up much of the university’s main campus and off-campus properties as collateral.

Gothic Ventures tells ABC11 that the interest rate offered was determined by the financial difficulties faced by the university, which included a recent audit, historical revenue losses, and outstanding debt.

SEE ALSO | Saint Augustine’s University’s high-rate $7 million loan puts HBCU in jeopardy, finance experts say

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Many, including SAU alumni and finance experts, are concerned about this loan.

“We are concerned about the partnership between Gothic Ventures and Saint Augustine University because if for any reason Saint Augustine is unable to repay Gothic ventures, the land will be lost and the university as we know it will cease to be,” alum Bishop Clarence Laney said.

The lawsuit against the board of trustees by the SaveSAU Coalition was also recently dismissed.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The featured video is from a previous report.

Copyright © 2024 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.

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