Kenya is actively pursuing an e-mobility strategy to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The government, led by President William Ruto, is committed to transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, aligning with global climate change initiatives. The Kenya Roads Board (KRB) has outlined a strategic plan for 2023-2027 to ensure road maintenance sustainability, considering a shift from fuel levy to smart road user charges for all vehicle types. The plan includes raising funds through infrastructure bonds and enhancing oversight to ensure effective road maintenance.

The article covers the 16th Project Homeless Connect event in Denver, co-sponsored by the city and Mile-High United Way, providing services to the homeless. It highlights the story of Jordan Cooper, a young woman facing homelessness and the loss of her unborn child. The event, organized by Chris Conner, offered medical exams, employment advice, and other services. It also addresses the broader issues of homelessness, such as the lack of affordable housing, poverty, and mental illness. The article mentions the 'Housing First' approach as a successful strategy for treating mentally ill homeless individuals. The event saw community engagement, with many volunteers and successful assistance provided to those in need, including employment for some attendees.

Online sports betting is set to launch in North Carolina in 2024, and Rocky Mount leads in Google searches for sports betting, followed by Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Durham. The interest in sports betting is gauged by Google Trends data over the past 90 days. The cities' interest levels are scaled relative to Rocky Mount, which scored 100. Factors such as proximity to Virginia, where sports betting is legal, and the presence of sports-obsessed demographics like college students, contribute to the high search volumes in these cities.

North Carolina's Senate has amended House Bill 347 to allow in-person wagering at public venues associated with professional sports teams and organizations. The bill, which has passed the Senate, now returns to the House for concurrence on the amendments. The changes permit retail sports betting within a 1.5-mile radius of stadiums and arenas, limited to cash bets. The bill aims to attract casual bettors at sporting events and could legalize sports betting for various sports online by January 8. Venues that could host betting lounges include Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and others. The Senate's amendments include changes to the wording and provisions for places of public accommodation, allowing for sports wagers without the need for interactive accounts.

Seven residents of Zapata, Texas, were convicted for conspiring to conduct illegal gambling activities in Webb and Zapata counties. The convicted individuals, including Hilda Diana Guerra-Villarreal, Raul Rene Villarreal, and Alma Urania Garcia, operated illicit game rooms and made illegal cash payouts. The convictions resulted from a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, Laredo Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Webb County District Attorney’s Office. The Villarreal family, which has a history in the area, was also involved in money laundering. Guerra-Villarreal agreed to forfeit an estimated $2.6 million in assets. Sentencing by US District Judge Diana Saldaña is pending, with each individual facing up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The case highlights the ongoing issue of illegal gambling and associated crimes in south Texas.

North Carolina's House Bill 347 proposes allocating $300,000 annually to five in-state Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) from sports betting tax revenue. The bill, which is currently in the Senate Rules and Operations Committee, is expected to gain momentum following Crossover Day. If passed by the Senate and signed by Governor Roy Cooper, sports betting could launch in North Carolina by January 8, 2024. The bill has sparked debate, with some lawmakers like Rep. Abe Jones opposing the source of funding for educational institutions. HBCUs in North Carolina have historically faced challenges in competing athletically with predominantly white institutions, and the bill aims to support their athletic programs. The state's history with HBCUs dates back to the post-Civil War era, with institutions like Shaw University established to educate Black students.

The Texas House Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures heard two bills, HB 1601 by Gene Wu and HB 2345 by Ryan Guillen, aimed at bringing legal clarity to Texas's social card rooms but did not vote on either. HB 1601 proposes county-level regulation of poker rooms, while HB 2345 seeks to amend the gambling definition in the penal code to include social poker clubs. The committee heard testimonies from supporters and detractors, including a Harris County Fire Marshall spokesperson and Daniel Kebort, co-owner of Post Oak Social Club. On April 12, the committee advanced HB 2345 with an 8-2 vote and one abstention, moving it to the Calendars Committee for placement on the legislative calendar.

Texas is considering legislation, Senate Bill 715 and House Bill 1942, to legalize online sports betting with safeguards for responsible gambling. These include self-exclusion lists, age verification, geolocation services, and a problem gambling grant fund. The bills align with the American Gaming Association's guidelines but could further address issues like deceptive advertising language and monthly spending caps. Concerns are raised about the high risk of problem gambling among college students and the lack of university policies to address it. Some universities have policies prohibiting gambling, while others have entered into sponsorship deals with betting companies, raising transparency and ethical concerns. The legislation aims to set a high standard for responsible gaming regulation.

WinStar World Casino Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma, has partnered with Lucas Oil to open a new 6,500-seat concert venue named Lucas Oil Live. The expansion aims to attract visitors, especially from Texas, where casinos are illegal. The venue will double the current concert capacity and feature high-standard sound and technical capabilities. The Chickasaw Nation, which operates WinStar, anticipates the venue will become a hub for top-tier entertainment. The casino's recent developments, including the opening of the Spa Tower and the $600 million enhancement project, demonstrate its success, with over $2 billion in gross gaming revenue last year. The majority of the workforce for Lucas Oil Live is expected to come from Texas due to Thackerville's small population and proximity to major Texas cities.

Naskila Gaming, a casino owned by the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, injected $212 million into the economy of Polk County in 2022. The casino, which is one of only three legal casinos in Texas, has shown consistent economic growth since its opening in 2001. A study by TXP revealed that Naskila Gaming supports up to 400 direct jobs and 825 local jobs, with a significant portion of its clientele coming from outside the county. The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe is seeking to be governed under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act rather than the state's restrictive gambling laws, aiming for greater autonomy and the ability to expand gambling opportunities. Naskila Gaming operates as a Class II Indian gaming casino with electronic bingo-style slot machines and includes two restaurants on its premises.

Texas hosts both the men's and women's NCAA basketball Final Fours this year, with the men's games at Houston's NRG Stadium and the women's at Dallas' American Airlines Center. Texas sports betting remains illegal, with uncertain legislative prospects. The men's tournament begins March 14, and the women's on March 15, with teams vying for 32 automatic bids. Dallas and Houston are spotlighted as hosts, with tailgating encouraged in Houston but not Dallas. Top men's teams include Alabama, Houston, and Purdue, with three Texas teams in the top 8. The women's top 16 seeds feature South Carolina and Indiana, with Texas Longhorns as the potential sole Texas representative. The article recalls the 1980s Houston Cougars' 'Phi Slama Jama' era and notes a viewership increase for March Madness in 2022.

River Room Social Club, a new poker venue in Houston, opened on December 10 amid legal uncertainties for poker rooms in Texas. Despite poker's technical illegality in the state, the club operates under the 'private card games' rule, claiming legality by not taking a cut of proceeds. The club, featuring 60 tables and various amenities, aims to provide a premium gaming experience and improve the image of social clubs. During its soft opening, it supported the Houston Blue Santa Program with donations. The future of such establishments is uncertain with pending court cases and legislation seeking to clarify gambling laws.

Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan expressed openness to resort-style casinos in Texas, which could create jobs and enhance local lifestyles. A PlayTexas survey indicated Texan support for gambling expansion. The Texas Legislature, meeting biennially, began its 88th session on January 10, potentially setting the stage for gambling opportunities. PlayTexas provided potential salaries for various casino jobs, considering neighboring states' pay scales and Texas' cost of living. Legalizing casinos could instantly create thousands of jobs, with salaries varying across different positions and metropolitan areas. The median cost of living in Texas was $39,661 in 2022, with San Antonio being the most affordable and Dallas the most expensive among the major cities.

A woman named Paola Elizabeth Matias-Vasquez was arrested by Laredo Police on December 30 for her involvement in an illegal gambling operation at Golden Lion Amusement, now Lucky Train Amusement. The arrest followed a raid in May, where law enforcement received a tip about illegal payouts. Undercover officers observed illegal cash payouts, and during a search, $11,892 and 80 slot machines were seized. Eight-liners, or maquinitas, are only legal in Texas for amusement with payouts up to $5, but often exceed this, attracting crime. Despite legislative efforts, attempts to regulate eight-liners have not been successful.

Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan has expressed support for limited 'destination-style' casinos in Texas, aligning with voters' growing approval for expanded gambling options. Despite Texas' strict gambling laws, public opinion favors legalization, and Governor Greg Abbott has also shown openness to the idea. However, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick remains a significant obstacle to any legislative progress. The Texas Sports Betting Alliance, backed by prominent figures like Jerry Jones and Mark Cuban, is lobbying for legal sports betting. The political climate is evolving, with key Republicans showing signs of softening their opposition due to public sentiment and political contributions.

Texans must report gambling winnings and losses to the IRS by April 18, including money won in other states. All gambling income is taxable, and taxpayers must keep accurate records of their gambling activities. The IRS requires reporting of gambling income on Form 1040 and allows losses to be deducted up to the amount of winnings. Big winnings may have taxes withheld and reported on Form W-2G. Texans do not file a state income tax return, but winnings from other states may be subject to those states' taxes. Offshore betting income must also be reported, regardless of the site's legality.

Red Hawk Casino in Placerville, California, has opened the Apex Center, a family-friendly entertainment complex featuring indoor go-karts, a high-tech bowling alley, a virtual arcade, golf simulators, and a sports bar. The casino, operated by the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, aims to attract a broader demographic, including families and younger generations. The Apex Center is part of a trend among California casinos to offer more non-gaming entertainment options. Red Hawk Casino also plans to build its first hotel and hopes to add a sportsbook in the future, pending the legalization of sports betting in California.

Grandscape, a shopping and entertainment destination in North Dallas, has partnered with Choctaw Casinos & Resorts, owned by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, for brand promotion and sponsorship. Despite the partnership, gambling remains illegal in Texas. Choctaw will sponsor events at Grandscape, and reciprocal special offers will be available. Choctaw's influence in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is significant, including naming rights to the former Texas Rangers stadium. The Choctaw Nation recently expanded its Durant casino with the SkyTower. The partnership could be lucrative if Texas legalizes sports betting, with high demand indicated by a PlayTexas survey.

California Major League Soccer teams have players participating in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. A record 40 MLS players will represent their countries, with at least three from California clubs. LA Galaxy's Martín Cáceres, Los Angeles FC's Gareth Bale and Kellyn Acosta, and San Jose Earthquakes are mentioned, although no Earthquakes players are on the final roster. The article also provides historical context for the World Cup and details about the MLS's growth and contribution to international soccer.

Kenya's road sector faces a significant infrastructure funding deficit of approximately Sh600 billion. The Kenya Roads Board (KRB) relies on the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund and transit tolls, which are insufficient due to rising fuel prices and the shift to electric vehicles. The Finance Act, 2022, has introduced amendments allowing the KRB to allocate 50 percent of its funds to maintenance and the other half to secure additional financing through options like bonds. The National Assembly has also approved the Kenya Roads Board (General) Rules, 2022, to enhance coordination, accountability, efficiency, and transparency in road maintenance, rehabilitation, and development.

The Kenya Roads Board Act was amended in 2019 to allow the Board to borrow funds through the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund. Despite a setback in 2021 when the National Treasury halted a Sh150 billion infrastructure bond, new amendments in the Finance Act 2022 and the introduction of Kenya Roads Board (General) Rules, 2022 aim to boost the road sector. These changes allow for better funding mechanisms, including the issuance of bonds, and set detailed guidelines for road maintenance, rehabilitation, and development. The Board is optimistic that these measures will significantly improve road infrastructure in Kenya.

Dr. Anna Lembke, an addiction medicine specialist at Stanford University, has expressed concerns about California's Proposition 27, which would allow licensed tribes or gambling companies to offer sports betting. She warns that it could lead to an addiction crisis by making gambling more accessible. Lembke's views were shared in a political commercial and an op-ed for the San Jose Mercury News, citing increased calls to problem gambling hotlines in states with legalized online sports betting. The CEOs of DraftKings and FanDuel, supporters of Prop 27, are looking towards 2024 for the bill's passage. California's sports betting battle has become the most expensive in US history, with nearly $457 million spent on campaigns.

Kenya's consistent investment in road infrastructure is enhancing the country's competitiveness. The improvements in roads are seen as a significant factor in economic development, positioning Kenya more favorably in the region.

The article narrates the personal experience of the author with immigration challenges while trying to pursue higher education. Initially planning to study medicine at the University of Western Ontario, the author's student visa was denied due to his Somali nationality amidst the civil war in Somalia. Instead, he attended Ohio University in the U.S. and graduated with a Political Science degree. The story continues with the author facing another immigration issue when attempting to enter the U.S. for graduate school, this time due to a missing stamp on his document, post-9/11 security policies, and perceived religious profiling. The author is forced to return to Europe, reflecting on the journey and the unexpected support from a pastor he met on the flight back. The article touches on themes of immigration, education, and the impact of global events on individual lives.

The article discusses the US military response to the Syrian government's use of chemical weapons, as ordered by President Trump. It details the launch of 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles at a Syrian airbase and delves into the broader implications of US military strategy in Syria. The piece also explores the US's stance on Syrian refugees, contrasting the rigorous vetting process in the US with Europe's looser borders. It argues that despite fears of ISIS infiltration, the refugees are unlikely to pose a security threat and could contribute positively to American society. The article highlights the moral and strategic benefits of admitting Syrian refugees into the US, noting the country's history as a nation of immigrants and the current need for vigilance without turning away those in need.

The article recounts the personal experiences of the author with immigration challenges and the pursuit of education. Initially, the author shares a memory of being denied a student visa to Canada due to his Somali nationality, despite holding an Austrian passport. This setback led him to study in the United States instead. Years later, the author plans to attend graduate school in Florida but faces another immigration hurdle when he is denied entry into the U.S. because his university documents lack a required stamp. This incident occurs post-9/11, and the author is subjected to stricter immigration policies. He is fingerprinted, documented, and sent back on the same plane. During the return flight, he meets a pastor who provides comfort and spiritual guidance, helping him cope with the situation. The author's mother's relief upon learning of his return home reinforces the notion that knowledge and education transcend borders and that setbacks can have hidden purposes.

A Triceratops skull, unearthed by construction workers in Thornton, has sparked excitement at the Denver Museum of Natural Arts and Science. Thousands visited the museum to see the fossil being prepared. The discovery is significant as it's only the third Triceratops skull found in the area, with the first discovered in 1887. Nathalie Toth, a Fossil Preparator at the museum, highlighted the rarity of such finds in urban areas. The museum's volunteers, including former geologist Jim, contribute their expertise to the preparation process. The discovery also included a Tyrannosaurus Rex tooth, suggesting an encounter between the two species. Despite the excitement, the complete dinosaur fossil may not be recoverable due to the condition of the sediment.