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close video South Carolina wants new residents ‘to pay their fair share’: Sen. Stephen Goldfinch

Sen. Stephen Goldfinch, R-S.C., says the state’s ‘Yankee Tax’ would help pay for necessary infrastructure to accommodate a rising number of new residents.

South Carolina lawmakers began efforts Thursday to fire Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom after a $3.5 billion accounting blunder. The move comes one day after Eckstrom was strongly advised to quit or be fired.

The 74-year-old seasoned public accountant told senators in March he unintentionally exaggerated the state's cash position by $3.5 billion by overstating the amount sent to colleges and universities for approximately a decade, according to The Associated Press.

Eckstrom has been in his position for 20 years and spent four years during the 90s as the state treasurer.

Though the error was not in actual cash, it affects the way the state reports its balance sheets and could negatively impact South Carolina's credit rating. The error has also eroded confidence that many lawmakers across party lines had in the seasoned accountant, The AP reported.

ACCOUNTING ERRORS TO COST EXECUTIVES THEIR BONUSES UNDER SEC RULE

FILE – South Carolina Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom holds up a book he wanted to present to his new Chief of Staff James Holly during his introduction at the Budget and Control Board meeting, Aug. 13, 2009, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain, File)

"At least for a decade we know that he has signed his name, Richard Eckstrom, CPA, on our state's closing financial document and every year he has been wrong," said Republican Sen. Larry Grooms.

Grooms is the sponsor of a resolution introduced in the state legislature Thursday seeking a two-thirds vote from the House and Senate to trigger a state constitutional provision that would allow Gov. Henry McMaster to remove Eckstrom for "willful neglect of duty."

Of the state's 46 senators, 38 of them signed on to sponsor the proposal – and only 30 are needed to hit the two-thirds threshold. In the House, 83 out of 124 representatives need to sign on for the resolution to pass.

Grooms said the legislature needs to act because Eckstrom is not doing the "honorable thing" by refusing to resign.

According to The AP, McMaster said last week Eckstrom should be held accountable by voters instead of being impeached by lawmakers. His office said Thursday he had not changed his mind.

FIRST REPUBLIC BANK EXECUTIVES SOLD $12 MILLION IN STOCK IN MONTHS BEFORE CRASH

South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, left, administers the oath of office to state officers, from left, Secretary of State Mark Hammond, Treasurer Curtis Loftis, Attorney General Alan Wilson, Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom, Education Superint (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard, File)

The constitution allows Eckstrom a hearing in his own defense if that is what he wants, though the exact procedure isn't clear. Several senators also could not remember the process being used since it was added more than 50 years ago.

"We're consulting… right now to ensure we do the correct procedures," Grooms said. "He'll have an opportunity to rebut."

Eckstrom responded to the Wednesday Senate report by stating he isn't quitting, adding that his office worked "tirelessly" to find and fix the problem in 2013. The AP said the problem wasn't reported to lawmakers or government officials until months ago.

The error started as a $12 million coding error in 2007 and was compounded when the state switched accounting systems four years later in 2011, according to what Eckstrom has told senators at recent hearings.

It was discovered that state cash transferred to colleges and universities was being counted twice and Eckstrom allegedly ignored repeated warnings from auditors. He is also accused of waiting five years to conduct a full review of accounts that eventually assisted in uncovering the problem about a year ago.

Grooms said once Eckstrom is dealt with, he expects the Senate will take up other matters his subcommittee recommended like dismantling his agency and sending duties to other offices.

South Carolina Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Bonneau, introduces a resolution calling for the governor to remove state Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom from office if the House and Senate approve with a two-thirds vote. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)

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Eckstrom has run unopposed in the past two elections. He last had a challenger in the Republican primary in 2010.

He said he would support a constitutional amendment making his job one appointed by the governor, but in the meantime, he will be focusing on the job he was elected to do, adding that he will not be "distracted by anyone."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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YouTuber Jake Paul strikes defeat against former boxing champ Mike Tyson in Texas

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YouTuber Jake Paul strikes defeat against former boxing champ Mike Tyson in Texas

YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has defeated one of the greatest-ever fighters, former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson, who’s more than twice his age.

The bout was won on a unanimous points decision at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas – home of the Dallas Cowboys and the biggest NFL stadium in the US.

The fight was already controversial but then arguably failed to live up to the hype. Boos were heard from the crowd in the final two rounds, after a perceived lack of action.

Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Image:
The heavyweight boxing match took place in Arlington, Texas. Pic: AP

Boxing careers compared

This was not Paul’s first professional fight. The 27-year-old American YouTube star made his debut in 2020 with his most high-profile clash against Tyson Fury’s brother Tommy Fury last year, which he lost by a split decision.

The so-called “Problem Child” has since defeated former UFC contender Nate Diaz, professional boxer Andre August, former Gold Gloves champion Ryan Bourland and most recently MMA fighter Mike Perry.

In contrast, “Iron Mike” Tyson, 58, was ranked among the best heavyweight boxers of all time.

More on Jake Paul

During his career, he knocked out 44 opponents – retiring from professional boxing in 2005 after defeat against Kevin McBride.

He returned to the ring in 2020 for a bout against fellow boxing icon Roy Jones, which ended in an unofficial draw.

Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Image:
Mike Tyson struggled at times against Jake Paul, 31 years his junior. Pic: AP

‘Someone’s getting put to sleep’

Earlier this week, Paul said he believed the bout would not go the distance. “No, someone’s getting put to sleep,” he said. “It’s going to be a war, and we’re both heavy hitters. It’s not going the full 16 minutes.”

Tyson was more reflective: “I’ve been through so many ups and downs since my last fight with Kevin McBride,” he said.

“I’ve been in rehab. I’ve been in prison, been locked up. Never in a million years did I believe I’d be doing this.”

Several states would not allow the bout to go ahead, and the Texas Athletic Commission only agreed to the fight if there were changes, due to Tyson’s age.

It limited the contest to eight rounds lasting a maximum of two minutes instead of three. Both boxers were also required to wear heavier gloves, designed to lessen the force of punches.

The fight was initially scheduled for 20 July, but was postponed when Tyson suffered an ulcer flareup.

Taylor defends title

Katie Taylor, center, celebrates after defeating Amanda Serrano during their undisputed super lightweight title bout, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Image:
Katie Taylor celebrates after defeating Amanda Serrano in Texas. Pic: AP

Meanwhile, among the undercard fights, Irish boxer Katie Taylor successfully defended her super lightweight world title against Puerto Rico’s Amanda Serrano.

But it was tight. Taylor claimed the rematch 95-94 for all three judges in an epic battle.

The bout came two and a half years after the pair fought at Madison Square Garden, which Taylor won on a split decision.

Bout suffered from buffering

Earlier in the evening thousands of Netflix users in the US reported problems seeing the coverage, with some posting on social media about buffering.

At one point, more than 98,000 people had reported issues according to Downdetector, which tracks outages.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive Breaking News alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News App. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

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US

YouTuber Jake Paul strikes defeat against former boxing champ Mike Tyson in Texas

Published

on

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YouTuber Jake Paul strikes defeat against former boxing champ Mike Tyson in Texas

YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has defeated one of the greatest-ever fighters, former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson, who’s more than twice his age.

The bout was won on a unanimous points decision at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas – home of the Dallas Cowboys and the biggest NFL stadium in the US.

The fight was already controversial but then arguably failed to live up to the hype. Boos were heard from the crowd in the final two rounds, after a perceived lack of action.

Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Image:
The heavyweight boxing match took place in Arlington, Texas. Pic: AP

Boxing careers compared

This was not Paul’s first professional fight. The 27-year-old American YouTube star made his debut in 2020 with his most high-profile clash against Tyson Fury’s brother Tommy Fury last year, which he lost by a split decision.

The so-called “Problem Child” has since defeated former UFC contender Nate Diaz, professional boxer Andre August, former Gold Gloves champion Ryan Bourland and most recently MMA fighter Mike Perry.

In contrast, “Iron Mike” Tyson, 58, was ranked among the best heavyweight boxers of all time.

More on Jake Paul

During his career, he knocked out 44 opponents – retiring from professional boxing in 2005 after defeat against Kevin McBride.

He returned to the ring in 2020 for a bout against fellow boxing icon Roy Jones, which ended in an unofficial draw.

Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Image:
Mike Tyson struggled at times against Jake Paul, 31 years his junior. Pic: AP

‘Someone’s getting put to sleep’

Earlier this week, Paul said he believed the bout would not go the distance. “No, someone’s getting put to sleep,” he said. “It’s going to be a war, and we’re both heavy hitters. It’s not going the full 16 minutes.”

Tyson was more reflective: “I’ve been through so many ups and downs since my last fight with Kevin McBride,” he said.

“I’ve been in rehab. I’ve been in prison, been locked up. Never in a million years did I believe I’d be doing this.”

Several states would not allow the bout to go ahead, and the Texas Athletic Commission only agreed to the fight if there were changes, due to Tyson’s age.

It limited the contest to eight rounds lasting a maximum of two minutes instead of three. Both boxers were also required to wear heavier gloves, designed to lessen the force of punches.

The fight was initially scheduled for 20 July, but was postponed when Tyson suffered an ulcer flareup.

Taylor defends title

Katie Taylor, center, celebrates after defeating Amanda Serrano during their undisputed super lightweight title bout, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Image:
Katie Taylor celebrates after defeating Amanda Serrano in Texas. Pic: AP

Meanwhile, among the undercard fights, Irish boxer Katie Taylor successfully defended her super lightweight world title against Puerto Rico’s Amanda Serrano.

But it was tight. Taylor claimed the rematch 95-94 for all three judges in an epic battle.

The bout came two and a half years after the pair fought at Madison Square Garden, which Taylor won on a split decision.

Bout suffered from buffering

Earlier in the evening thousands of Netflix users in the US reported problems seeing the coverage, with some posting on social media about buffering.

At one point, more than 98,000 people had reported issues according to Downdetector, which tracks outages.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive Breaking News alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News App. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

Continue Reading

Politics

Elon Musk ‘shot down’ OpenAI’s ICO plan in 2018 over credibility concerns

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<div>Elon Musk 'shot down' OpenAI's ICO plan in 2018 over credibility concerns</div>

According to a court filing, Elon Musk said that the proposed initial coin offering (ICO) “would simply result in a massive loss of credibility for OpenAI.”

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