McDonald’s has set off the New Year with an irresistible package offer for its budget conscious market segment through the launch of its new McValue menu, earlier this week.
McDonald’s New McValue Menu Key Insights:
The new McValue menu, provides a variety of budget-friendly meal options. The pricing begins from as low as $5 for a meal and has been available in their restaurants since mid-last year.
The deal features a choice of either a McDouble burger or McChicken sandwich, four Chicken McNuggets, a small order of fries, and a small soda. There is also an offer of ‘buy one and get an extra item at the cost of $1’throughout the days from breakfast to dinner meals.
If one pays the full price for a meal in the McValue menu, they can add any items at the cost of $1. For instance, they have an on-running promotion where customers get free medium fries for every purchase they make.
Popular McDonald’s foods such sandwiches, nuggets and burgers are included in this menu. Customers will receive the offers in the new menu real time through mobile app promotions, informing them of the irresistible offers of foods and drinks available in all their restaurants.
Today, the world bid farewell to a man who will forever remain etched in the history of the United States of America as the 39th President Jimmy Carter. He will be honored with state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral. He became U.S. president back in 1977 having won the office as the Democratic nominee by defeating incumbent Republican President Gerald Ford in the December 1976 election.
The cathedral began filling early this morning as mourners took their seats. Among them were various dignitaries and government officials gathered to celebrate the life of the former president, who passed away at the age of 100. He remains the longest-living former president in U.S. history.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were President Joe Biden, along with president-elect Donald Trump. Former President Barack Obama, George Bush, and Bill Clinton were also present. At the family’s request, President Biden delivered the eulogy for Carter. This marks a rare occasion, as the last time all former heads of state, including Donald Trump, gathered for an event was at the funeral of George H.W. Bush in December 2018. Since then, this will be the first time all four leaders have met in a one-on-one setting.
To pay tribute to Carter, President Biden proclaimed today a National Day of Mourning, with all flags being flown at half-mast in remembrance of the former president.
Jimmy Carter’s casket arrived at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday for a military tribute. A series of memorial services were held at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta and in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. Politicians and the public were invited to pay their respects ahead of today’s funeral. Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, joined the crowd to honor the life of the former president.
After today’s state funeral, the body will be returned to Georgia for a private ceremony and laid to rest in his final resting place in Plains.
Early Life and Family of Jimmy Carter
Carter was born in Georgia on October 1, 1924, and had three siblings. His father was a farmer, and his mother a shopkeeper. His parents named him James Earl Carter Jr. He graduated from the U.S. Navy in 1946 and briefly worked in a nuclear submarine program before quitting to run the family farm.
This is the same year he married his wife, Rosalynn, with whom he remained married for 75 years until her passing in 2023. Together, they had three sons and a daughter.
Jimmy Carter’s Presidency and Legacy
Carter served one term in office and was actively involved in resolving the Middle East crisis between Israel and Egypt. However, his presidency was not without challenges, particularly due to the poor economic situation. He faced growing unpopularity during his term, and the Iran hostage crisis became the final blow, making his last year in office especially difficult.
In an ironic turn of events, Carter became one of the most beloved former presidents after leaving office. In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian efforts. Following his White House years, he dedicated himself to charity work. In his final days, he spent time in hospice care due to old age and declining health.
Today, January 8, 2025, Shafi Shafat, President of the Somali American Chamber of Commerce, had a highly productive meeting with Ronald C. Todd II, Chief of Social Impact and Opportunity for the Ohio Department of Development. Ronald is a strategic leader dedicated to driving positive social change and fostering opportunities for growth throughout Ohio. With a diverse background in serving as the Minority Affairs Liaison for Governor Mike DeWine and as a Senior Advisor/Consultant to the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office, Jon Husted.
Ronald has a rich history of advocating for Ohio’s minority communities. He is also a third-generation entrepreneur, with experience as an independent insurance broker, professional speaker, consultant, and Certified NFL Players Association Contract Advisor. Raised in Dayton, Ohio, Ronald has an extensive track record of working to connect diverse communities to government services, ensuring that Ohioans have the support and resources needed for personal and professional success. He is an active member of numerous boards and commissions, including the Ohio Fatherhood Commission and the JobsOhio Black Founders Advisory Council, further demonstrating his commitment to strengthening Ohio’s communities.
During the meeting, Shafi and Ronald discussed several pressing issues affecting the Somali business community, including access to resources, regulatory challenges, and the need for stronger economic opportunities. They explored strategies to enhance and support small businesses across Ohio, focusing on fostering environments where minority-owned businesses, particularly in the Somali community, can thrive and contribute to Ohio’s economic prosperity.
As President of the Somali American Chamber of Commerce, Shafi Shafat employs a strategic and holistic approach to addressing economic struggles, crime, and social divides. The focus is on building a thriving community that prospers socially, economically, and in terms of public safety. Engagement with the youth through positive alternatives to steer them away from criminal activities is a central part of this mission. These efforts are driven by a genuine understanding of the community, informed by Shafi’s personal experiences. Through collaboration with leaders like Ronald Todd, the goal is to ensure that minority communities, particularly Somali-owned businesses, have the tools and support they need to succeed and contribute to Ohio’s broader economic growth.
A surge in human metapneumovirus, or HMPV cases has been witnessed in China despite the Chinese government assurance that the situation is under control, Reuters has reported.
While the number of cases are on an upward spiral, health officials have stated that the outbreak is still within manageable scope and does not present a considerable threat of developing into a pandemic like COVID-19.
In the United States, records from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that HMPV cases have been on the rise since last November. As of December 28, 1.94% of weekly testing had returned positive for the virus.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus, which is related to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), was first detected in 2001.
Here’s everything you need know about the virus and how to stay safe.
What is human metapneumovirus?
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold. While it is largely responsible for upper respiratory infections, it can occasionally cause more significant lower respiratory difficulties such as pneumonia, asthma exacerbations, or worsening chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
What Are the alarming Signs of HMPV You Need to Watch Out for?
Common symptoms of HMPV infection include: • Cough. • Fever. • Nasal congestion. • Difficulty breathing.
The typical incubation period for human metapneumovirus is between 3 to 6 days, and the duration of the illness can vary based on its severity, but it generally follows the same timeline as other viral respiratory infections.
Human Metapneumovirus Transmission and Prevention
HMPV spreads through direct contact with an infected person or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. In the U.S., the virus mostly spreads during the winter and spring seasons. HMPV can be prevented by following some of the guidelines recommended by the CDC. • Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. • Steer clear of close contact with individuals who are sick.
Can the virus be treated?
At the moment, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV.
African Debate Series: Shafi Shafat Advocates for Minority Support of the GOP
On November 1, 2024, the African Debate Series hosted a powerful and thought-provoking debate at 83 Gallery in Columbus, Ohio. The central question: “Does the Democratic Party represent the interests and values of the African diaspora?” Demba Ndiath of the Ohio Immigration Alliance argued against the motion, while Shafi Shafat, a former Republican State Representative candidate, presented his case in favor.
Throughout the debate, Shafi Shafat spoke directly to the concerns of minority communities, making a compelling case for why they should consider aligning with the Republican Party. Shafat argued that Republican values around family, community, entrepreneurship, and conservative social norms align with those of many African and minority communities. He highlighted the GOP’s focus on economic independence, religious values, and traditional family structures, aiming to resonate with those who feel their cultural values are not fully represented by the Democratic Party.
Shafat’s arguments left a strong impression on the audience, leading many to reconsider their political stance. The debate concluded in a 50/50 tie, illustrating the significant impact of Shafat’s message and suggesting a shift in political perception among minority communities. This balanced outcome reveals an evolving interest within the African diaspora—and minority communities at large—in exploring diverse political alignments, underscoring the potential for broader engagement with the Republican Party’s principles.
Somali Communities in Minnesota and Ohio Signal Strong Support for Donald Trump
The Somali communities in Minnesota and Ohio are making headlines as many have voiced strong support for Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Community members believe that Trump’s policies may offer solutions for issues that have impacted minority communities, particularly around economic growth, safety, and empowerment.
As we look toward the election, the Somali-American community’s decision could play a key role, especially with Trump gaining more ground among minority voters this season. We’ll continue following this development and hearing from our communities
More than 78 Million voters expected to cast their votes tomorrow
Millions of Americans will vote in person in the 2024 election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Check the times that polls open and close, since the hours vary by state, and 15 states have areas falling into two different time zones. States will begin reporting election results after their polls close.
Forty-seven states and the District of Columbia offer some form of early voting , and eight states along with D.C. allow a vote-by-mail system across the board. More than 78 million voters cast their ballots early this year.
What time do the first polls open on Election Day 2024?
The first poll opening times on the East Coast are in Vermont, where certain locations (but not all) open at 5 a.m. ET. Polling places in all or parts of five more states open at 6 a.m. ET. See a full list below.
Here’s when polls open in each state on Election Day:
Oregon is a vote-by-mail state, so it has no in-person polling locations.
As early as 5 a.m. ET
Vermont (Polls open between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m) 6 a.m. ET
Connecticut Kentucky (Polling sites in the west open at 7 a.m. ET) Maine (Polling locations open between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. depending on town population.) New Jersey New York Virginia 6:30 a.m. ET
North Carolina Ohio West Virginia 7 a.m. ET
Alabama Delaware District of Columbia Florida (8 a.m. ET in parts of the Florida Panhandle on Central time) Georgia New Hampshire (Opening times vary by county with the earliest starting at 7 a.m. ET) Illinois Indiana Kansas (Varies by county; check with your local election office for polling hours) Louisiana Maryland Massachusetts Michigan (Polling sites in four Upper Peninsula counties open at 8 a.m. ET) Missouri Pennsylvania Rhode Island (Polls in New Shoreham open at 9 a.m. ET) South Carolina Wyoming 8 a.m. ET
Arizona Iowa Minnesota (Counties with a population of less than 500 are not required to open until 11 a.m. ET) Mississippi Oklahoma North Dakota (Polls start opening at 8 a.m. ET and vary by county. ) South Dakota (Polling locations in the west open at 9 a.m. ET) Tennessee Texas (Polling sites in three western counties open at 9 a.m. ET) Wisconsin 8:30 a.m. ET
Arkansas 9 a.m. ET
Colorado Montana (Polling sites in counties with less than 400 registered voters can open as late as 2 p.m. ET) Nebraska Nevada (Polling sites open at 10 a.m. ET with the exception of City Hall in West Wendover) New Mexico Utah 10 a.m. ET
California Idaho (Polling locations in the north open at 11 a.m. ET) 11 a.m. ET
Washington (Most voting is done by mail, so times vary by county) Alaska (Polling sites open at 11 a.m. ET with the exception of Adak) 12 p.m. ET
Hawaii What time do the first polls close on Election Day 2024?
The first polls to close on the East Coast are in eastern counties of Indiana and Kentucky, at 6 p.m. ET, then the rest of those states, as well as Georgia, South Carolina, Vermont and Virginia, close at 7 p.m. ET.
Here’s when polls close in each state on Election Day:
7 p.m. ET
Georgia Indiana (Polls close at 6 p.m. ET in the 80 counties in Eastern time zone) Kentucky (Polls close at 6 p.m. ET for the 79 counties in the eastern part of the state) South Carolina Vermont Virginia 7:30 p.m. ET
North Carolina Ohio West Virginia 8 p.m. ET
Alabama Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida (Polls in Eastern time zone close at 7 p.m. ET; part of Panhandle are in Central time zone) Illinois Maine Maryland Massachusetts Mississippi Missouri New Hampshire (Polling hours vary by municipality and are listed by location ) New Jersey Oklahoma Pennsylvania Rhode Island Tennessee 8:30 p.m. ET
Arkansas 9 p.m. ET
Arizona Colorado Iowa Kansas (Polling locations close at 8 p.m. ET in all except four counties in the west) Louisiana Michigan (Polling locations close at 8 p.m. ET in all except four counties) Minnesota Nebraska New Mexico New York North Dakota (Polls close at 8 p.m. ET in all but eight counties) South Dakota (Polls close at 8 p.m. ET in the east) Texas (Polls close at 8 p.m. ET for most of the state except three counties in the west) Wisconsin Wyoming 10 p.m. ET
Montana Nevada (The polling location at City Hall in West Wendover closes at 9 p.m. ET) Utah 11 p.m. ET
California Idaho (Polling locations in the south close at 10 p.m. ET) Oregon (Polling locations in Malheur County close at 10 p.m. ET) Washington 12 a.m. ET
Hawaii 1 a.m. ET
Alaska (Polling locations close at 12 a.m. with the exception of Adak)
COLUMBUS — The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced its first-round football playoff pairings on Sunday.
All games will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday.
In Division III , Tri-Valley (10-0) earned the No. 3 seed and hosts No. 14 seed Carrollton (7-3) at Jack Anderson Stadium in Region 11. Unbeaten, top-ranked Columbus Watterson earned the No. 1 seed.
In Division IV , No. 3 seed New Lexington (9-1) welcomes No. 14 seed Canton South (4-6), while No. 11 Philo (6-4) visits No. 5 Circleville Logan Elm (7-3). Unbeaten Gnadenhutten Indian Valley is the top seed.
West Muskingum (8-2) earned the No. 7 seed and hosts No. 10 Columbus Africentric (7-3) in Division V , Region 19, where unbeaten Ironton is top seeded; Ridgewood (9-1) is the No. 3 seed and Buckeye Trail (6-4) the 13th seed in Division VI , Region 23. The Generals welcome No. 14 seed Mechanicsburg (7-3), while the Warriors head to fourth seed Fort Frye (7-3). Grandview Heights in the No. 1 seed.
Tri-Valley, 17-15 in the playoffs overall, is in the postseason for the 15th time, all since 2006. This marks the Scotties’ first 10-0 regular season since 2014.
New Lex, with nine wins for the first time since 2008, is making its 11th appearance and third straight; Philo is also making its 11th trip, with seven coming under coach Dirk Lincicome since 2013.
West M is in for the third straight year under coach Nathan Brownrigg, who led the school to its first playoff win in 2022. The Tornadoes have six playoff appearances all time.
Ridgewood continued its run of playoff berths under coach John Slusser, whose teams haven’t missed the postseason since 2017 and have 18 appearances in the postseason since 2003. Slusser has led them to 17 of those, highlighted by a state semifinal trip in 2009.
Does the Republican Party Truly Represent African Diaspora Values Better Than the Democratic Party?
On November 1st, Shafi Shafat, former Republican State Representative candidate, will take the stage at the African Debate Series to tackle this powerful question:
“The Republican Party DOES represent the interests and values of the African diaspora more than the Democratic Party.”
Don’t miss out on this chance to hear bold perspectives on what truly represents our community! Bring your voice, bring your passion, and let’s make an impact together!
Hosted by: • Ohio African Chamber of Commerce • Ohio State University • Somali American Chamber of Commerce
A controversial call during Ohio State’s win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers left cheerleaders running for cover on Saturday afternoon.
In the final few minutes of the game, Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola completed a pass to Jahmal Banks, who was hit hard by Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. The ball popped free, but officials ruled that targeting took place.
Following a review, officials confirmed targeting on the play and ejected Reese from the contest. A furious Ryan Day objected to the call and was flagged with a sideline warning, which was eventually rescinded.
Ohio State fans were so furious with the call on the field that they started launching anything they could find in the general direction of the officials. Everything from beer, to Fireball, to cups of cheese whiz were launched onto the field.
Unfortunately fans ended up throwing trash at their own cheerleading squad, which was forced to run for cover from the projectiles.
Thankfully no one appeared to be injured in the fracas, but it shows what can happen when a raucous crowd doesn’t get the call they’re looking for.
In the end, Ohio State walked out with a 21-17 win after Raiola threw a game-ending interception that allowed the Buckeyes to run out the clock.
