Hong Kong: Payload specialist age limit flexible

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong today said there may be some flexibility for the age limit in the country's recruitment of payload specialists in Hong Kong.

Speaking to the media after attending a radio programme, Prof Sun noted that ultimately, the age of recruited personnel is the country's decision.

Just now I spoke about the flexibility for the age. This time the country's requirement is that in principle the age should be from 30 to 45. That is why we said in terms of the age, we may have a little flexibility, but the final decision will be made by the country.

He also believes Hong Kong can utilise the opportunity to enhance its development of the aerospace ecosystem including aerospace education, research and industry development.

If we really have a good ecosystem, I am confident we will be able to attract a lot of experts from overseas to come to Hong Kong to develop their work.

Responding to a question on the need for the LeaveHomeSafe mobile application, Prof Sun made it clear the app has been working successfully since its launch two years ago.

So far, the LeaveHomeSafe app's red and amber codes system has played a very important role in fighting against the pandemic with precision. We have used the LeaveHomeSafe app system to support the Government's anti-pandemic policies very successfully, so currently we have no plan to cancel the LeaveHomeSafe app.

This story has been published on: 2022-10-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
School police force in U.S. Uvalde suspended months after mass shooting killing 21

Xinhua) 08:48, October 08, 2022

HOUSTON, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) on Friday suspended the entire school police force partly as a result of parents' protest over the fallout from police response to the May 24 mass school shooting that killed 19 children and two teachers in the small city of the U.S. state of Texas.

"The District has made the decision to suspend all activities of the Uvalde CISD Police Department for a period of time," a statement from the Uvalde CISD said. The department now includes four officers and one security guard.

"The District has requested the Texas Department of Public Safety to provide additional troopers for campus and extra-curricular activities," the statement said.

Officers currently employed will fill other roles in the district, the statement said, adding that Lt. Miguel Hernandez, who was tasked with leading the department in the fallout from the shooting, and Ken Mueller, the Uvalde CISD director of student services, were placed on administrative leave. Mueller has elected to retire.

The move came one day after the firing of Crimson Elizondo, the officer who was hired by the Uvalde school district despite being under investigation for her conduct as the first Department of Public Safety trooper to enter the hallway at Robb Elementary School after the gunman gained entry. She did not bring her rifle or vest into the school at the time, ABC News reported, citing an internal investigation.

Since last week, about a dozen of victims' families and local residents have been holding a round-the-clock vigil outside the school district headquarters, demanding the school district hold all school police officers accountable for their delayed action during the May 24 shooting.

A total of 376 law enforcement agents, including the school police officers, responded to the shooting but failed to intervene for 74 minutes.

Then Uvalde schools police chief Pete Arredondo, who was widely blamed for the botched law enforcement response, was fired in August in a unanimous vote by the Uvalde school board. A Texas House committee's report said that under the district's active shooter plan, he would have been the incident commander.

"Those were the people that failed us. They didn't protect the children or the staff," a parent said at a community meeting before the new school year started in early September.

"You've dug a big hole... You've got to get out of this hole someway somehow," another parent told city and school district officials at the meeting.

The Robb Elementary School, where the shooting took place, has been closed since then. Children who would have gone to Robb now instead go to another two elementary schools in the city. A virtual academy is also available for the families who don't want to send their students back to school.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
One of Tom Meixners colleagues tried to warn University of Arizona officials as recently as last month about the potentially lethal threat he thought Murad Dervish posed.

The universitys response was, obviously, inadequate.

Meixner, the head of the Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, paid the price himself Wednesday when he was shot and killed at the Harshbarger Building on campus where he worked. Dervish, who was expelled from the university after being a graduate student there for part of last year, is charged with first-degree murder in Meixners death.

I knew Meixner from interviewing him and interacting with him on Twitter  enough to appreciate him as the good soul and enthusiastic contributor to the Tucson community that so many friends and colleagues have described the last few days.

What happened Wednesday was the scenario that Christopher Castro, the associate head of the department, worried about in emails with Meixner, other colleagues and university officials as recently as Sept. 6. Castro and others had received continuing harassment from Dervish but apparently little success prompting action, say the emails, obtained by the Star.

The University should be more proactive to pursue protection for its employees, including a blanket order of protection that would apply to the whole department, Castro wrote that day to Meixner and others. Then OGC (the universitys Office of General Counsel) should handle all the process of pursuing charges against him  not the affected university employee individuals.

He concluded, Finally, the University needs to be more cognizant that failure to be more proactive may present a liability issue, should the unthinkable and worst possible outcome of this situation come to pass, he wrote. If OGC and UAPD (the universitys police department) dont get that, then maybe the Dean or the Provost will.

Apparently they didnt get that, though the university has not yet responded to a set of questions sent Friday about their response to the situation.

In the spring semester, when Dervish was still on campus, the university switched the location of the departments classes, out of the Harshbarger Building, hydrology professor Larry Winter told me.

There was a sort of atmosphere of danger, said Winter, a former department head. It made it hard to teach, hard to be a student, hard to listen.

This fall, no special protection was offered to the people working in the building.

We could have been better protected during that time, Winter said. We were completely vulnerable.

Even an exclusionary order that the university had drawn up against Dervish had not yet been served on him. Such an order couldnt stop him from entering campus, of course, but it would give police leverage for responding to him and show a level of effort at protection.

Wednesdays attack was also the climax of an escalating, hellish semester so far for the department. In August, a graduate student, Jetal Agnihotri, died when she was swept away and drowned in a flash flood in Utahs Zion National Park. On Sept. 14, another graduate student was found dead by suicide in the Harshbarger Building. Then on Oct. 5, Meixner was shot and killed.

Theres a risk the department cant go on at this point, said Mike Leuthold, who is regional weather modeler and program manager in the department.

The university is proceeding like theyll clean up the office and everybody will go back again, he said. I wouldnt be surprised if we lost the whole front office staff. I dont know if they could continue.

Confrontations came quickly

Dervish came into the department in the fall of 2021, a 45-year-old masters-degree student with a job in the department as a teaching assistant. Before long he was in conflict with faculty.

An email from him, filed in Justice Court by Castro in support of a request for an injunction against harassment, shows that by December, Dervish was defending himself from accusations about an unexplained Nov. 3 incident that apparently led to his firing from the teaching job.

You may have noticed that nowhere in my contract nor the links it point to, does it discuss behavior as being a reason to be terminated, Dervish wrote. For these reasons, I think I legally have an excellent case for wrongful termination.

He went on: Again, to be clear, I am still amenable to making amends to any and all affected parties that I offended and/or injured by my behavior, by any and all reasonable means. I ask that you give me that chance so that I may continue in my position and continue my education that I have just started.

By January, it appears, something else had happened. Dervish wasnt so diplomatic in a Jan. 17 email to Castro: What do you and that piece of s*** **** trash Meixner think, Im just gonna slink away into a corner while you **** me in the ****** *******?!! This incident is COMPLETELY HIS FAULT.

Eventually in the spring, Dervish was expelled, but this summer he continued sending alarming emails to Castro and others in the department.

Castro confirmed the authenticity of the emails and injunction materials he filed. He happened to be out of state Wednesday but otherwise would have been a likely target. He had a class at 2 p.m. when the attack occurred.

I did my due diligence to report all of that to the appropriate University of Arizona reporting authorities, he said. Those offices were the Dean of Students, the Office of General Counsel, and the University of Arizona police.

Lack of urgency

Its not unusual for a big school like the University of Arizona to have students or former students who harass or threaten people, causing fear and worry. In fact, Dervish wasnt the only former student sending threatening emails to faculty at the Harshbarger Building.

Adam Printz, an assistant professor of chemical and environmental engineering, said his department has also been receiving threats from a very troubled former student for years.

This guys been writing emails to us for a long time, Printz said. Theyre getting more and more threatening.

Printzs department is located in the same building as hydrology and atmospheric sciences, and he knew about the threats from Dervish, but he didnt know Dervishs name or what he looked like, Printz said. When his department sought advice from the University of Arizona police about the man threatening his department, what they got was not very helpful, Printz said.

We thought they were going to train us, he said. Their advice was to block his emails and send a cease and desist letter.

Printz was working on the same floor where Meixner was shot Wednesday. He heard it all, knew what it probably was, but was in disbelief until hearing the sirens and the buildings alarm go off. He didnt know what to tell students.

Im the one whos supposed to know what to do, and I had no idea, he said. The lack of systems in place was something I had been complaining about. To see it come to a head in this way is just the worst.

A violent history

All of this will sound familiar to people who have been around the university or Tucson for a while. We remember the attack at the Nursing School in 2002 that left three professors dead. A student with a deep persecution complex, who felt he was being treated unfairly by the faculty, carried it out. You can see the outline of a pattern.

What could be different about Dervish is the record he has of crime and violence. By simply emailing the San Diego County District Attorneys Office I was able to find out that in 2011, Dervish was convicted of elder abuse causing great bodily injury and a weapons allegation.

He was initially sentenced to a year of incarceration plus five years of probation, with a five-year sentence that was stayed. Dervish violated probation, though, and in 2014 was sentenced to the five years in prison.

This is on top of a DUI and an assault case in Pennsylvania in 2005, and an order of protection taken out against him in San Diego in 2020, which possibly should have prevented him from buying a gun. His father told my colleague Jamie Donnelly that Dervish has been in prison three times.

The harassment injunction that Castro obtained never was served on Dervish, but he was successfully served with an eviction notice in recent days. That, too, should ring a bell. Constable Deborah Martinez was killed Aug. 25 along with two others by a man she was serving with an eviction notice. The gunman died by suicide.

Inaction will be costly

Of course, Meixners murder takes place in a social context that makes it less shocking and harder to prevent. We live in a society with pervasive mental disturbances, violence that is modeled constantly, and easy access to guns.

Winter wishes we had red-flag laws that allow police to seize guns from those posing a threat of violence and other ways to more easily intervene before violence happens.

This fellow Murad Dervish was just a really bad piece of work, Winter said. It was a terrible accident of fate that he ended up in our department.

What could the university have done? Well, use your imagination, and when doing so, realize that it was only luck that this particular shooter did not try to kill more people.

Almost anything is less costly for a university with a $2 billion budget than losing a beloved and expert faculty member  not to mention any possible legal settlement that may result from Meixners death.

But what I imagine guiding the universitys decision of what to do is a focused vetting of the students or former students who may pose a serious threat on campus. A days investigation into Dervishs background would likely have turned up serious cause for concern, considering his ongoing pattern of threats, harassment and violence dating back years. Knowledge of the eviction could have raised alarms.

The university has not made it clear yet what it did in responding to the demands by Castro and others to do something about Dervish.

But its clear from Meixners death what the university didnt do: Enough.
BRADLEY, Ill. (AP)  Another person has been arrested in connection with the killing of one police officer and the wounding of a second at a northern Illinois hotel in late December, Illinois State Police said Friday.

Illinois police Division of Criminal Investigation officials arrested Xavier Harris, 22, of Bradley, on Wednesday on two counts of obstructing justice and two counts of concealing or aiding a fugitive.

On Dec. 29, the Bradley Police Department responded to a Comfort Inn on a report of dogs barking in an unattended vehicle. Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic was shot and killed and Officer Tyler Bailey was also shot and critically wounded, police said. Darius Sullivan and Xandria Harris were subsequently charged with first-degree murder.

Prosecutors have said the officers were investigating a complaint about dogs that were barking in a car parked outside of a Comfort Inn when Sullivan shot Bailey in the head after he and Rittmanic knocked on the door of the room where Sullivan and Harris were staying. Sullivan then allegedly shot at Rittmanic, chased her down a hallway and disarmed her with Xandria Harris help before he shot the officer twice with her own gun as she pleaded for her life.

Xavier Harris was issued a bond of $75,000 Friday, police said. He is jailed in Kankakee.

Todays charges are the result of our collective commitment to ensure that every individual who aided and assisted in the events of December 29, 2021, are held accountable," Kankakee County States Attorney Jim Rowe said in a statement.

Police didn't say what Xavier Harris did to warrant the charges. It wasn't clear whether he's related to Xandria Harris.

Bradley is a village of about 16,000 people roughly 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Chicago.
Blast on bridge to Crimea hurts Russian supply lines, pride

KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Russian President Vladimir Putin is moving to tighten security along a key bridge to Crimea after an explosion caused part of the bridge to collapse. The Kerch bridge is an important supply artery for the Kremlins faltering war effort in southern Ukraine. The 12-mile-long bridge is also a symbol of Russia's claim to control the territory, which it annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Nobody has claimed responsibility for the blast early Saturday. Russian authorities say it was caused by a truck bomb, which set some train tanker cars on fire. Train and automobile traffic on the bridge were suspended temporarily. Automobile service was restored later in the day on just part of the bridge.

'I love you, mommy': 4-year-old Thai day care victim mourned

UTHAI SAWAN, Thailand (AP)  At least 24 of the 36 victims of Thursdays massacre at a day care center in Thailand were children, mostly preschoolers. One day after their short lives were snuffed out, their desperate families spent hours waiting for their childrens bodies to be released. Among those waiting was Tukta Wongsila, whose 4-year-old daughter was killed in the attack. Her daughter's nickname was Plai Fon. In Thai, it means the end of the rainy season _ a time of happiness. Now, the happiness that the chubby-cheeked child had symbolized for her family is shattered. In its place is an unfathomable agony over what happened to Plai Fon. Tukta was finally allowed to see her daughter's body and wept afterwards.

In her own words: Justice Jackson speaks volumes from bench

WASHINGTON (AP)  Ketanji Brown Jackson said before the Supreme Court's term began that she was ready to work. The first Black woman on the high court and its newest justice made that clear during arguments in the opening cases this past week. The numbers tell the story. She spoke almost 4,600 words over nearly six hours, and that was about 50% more than any other justice. That's according to the creator of a blog that highlights court-related data. Given the conservatives' edge on the court, the liberal Jackson's vote in some of the most contentious cases probably doesn't matter to the outcome. But her performance during arguments seemed to show she intends to make herself heard.

Town employee quietly lowered fluoride in water for years

RICHMOND, Vt. (AP)  Residents of a small community in Vermont were blindsided last month by news that one official in their water department quietly lowered fluoride levels nearly four years ago. The revelation in Richmond is worrying the town's residents about their children's dental health and transparent government. Kendall Chamberlin is the town water superintendent. He says he had concerns about fluoride levels and sourcing of the mineral. He later apologized and blamed his actions on a misunderstanding. The case also highlights the enduring misinformation around water fluoridation. Though it's considered one of the great health achievements of the 20th century, many people remain skeptical.

Breonna Taylor warrant details deepen mistrust in police

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP)  Revelations about the warrant that led to the police shooting death of Breonna Taylor are scratching old wounds in Louisville, Kentucky. An officer admitted to falsifying information in the request for a search warrant that accused Taylor of harboring a drug dealer. Numerous police reforms are in the works, and the U.S. Justice Department is reviewing the city's policing practices. Four officers now await trial on federal charges. But people who protested her killing say all the heartache, injuries and abuse that followed the botched raid could have been avoided. They still want top-ranking officers fired, and meanwhile they say all charges should be dropped against people arrested for protesting.

Harvey Weinstein goes on trial in LA, where he once reigned

LOS ANGELES (AP)  Five years after womens stories about him made the #MeToo movement explode, Harvey Weinstein is going on trial in Los Angeles, where he once was king of the Oscars. Weinstein is already serving a 23-year sentence for rape and sexual assault in New York. Jury selection starts Monday for his second trial. He's been indicted on four counts of rape and seven other counts of sexual assault involving five women. Weinstein was an innovator in aggressive campaigns that turned into Oscar gold for many of his films. Prosecutors will try to convince jurors that he took advantage of that power to commit major sexual crimes.

UN: Ukraine nuclear power plant loses external power link

BERLIN (AP)  The U.N. nuclear watchdog says that Ukraines Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the biggest in Europe, has lost its last remaining external power source as a result of renewed shelling and is now relying on emergency diesel generators. The International Atomic Energy Agency said that the plants link to a 750-kilovolt line was cut at around 1 a.m. Saturday. It cited official information from Ukraine as well as reports from IAEA experts at the site, which is held by Russian forces. All six reactors at the plant are shut down but they still require electricity for cooling and other safety functions. The IAEA said plant engineers have begun work to repair the damaged power line.

Vegas showgirls describe shock of stabbings that left 2 dead

LAS VEGAS (AP)  Victims of a quick series of stabbings on the Las Vegas Strip are describing the shock and horror of the unexpected attack on a group of showgirls and others outside a casino that left two people dead and six injured. Police arrested 32-year-old Yoni Barrios after a short chase blocks from where they say he attacked four showgirls Thursday and ended up stabbing eight people. Prosecutors say hell be charged with two counts of murder and six counts of attempted murder. One of the showgirls who's been released from the hospital told KLAS-TV she couldn't believe what was happening. She says she started running and yelling, He has a knife!"

Jalen Milroe, No. 1 Alabama escape Texas A&M, 24-20

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP)  Jalen Milroe threw for three touchdowns in his first start and No. 1 Alabama made a final goal-line stand to escape with a 24-20 victory over Texas A&M on Saturday night in a battle of backup quarterbacks. Playing without injured Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young, the Crimson Tide (6-0, 3-0 Southeastern Conference) needed two late stops from Will Anderson Jr. and the defense. Haynes King, subbing for injured starter Max Johnson, drove the Aggies (3-2, 1-2) 69 yards in the final 1:50. Jordan Battle appeared to end the threat with an interception in the end zone, but Brian Branch was flagged for pass interference. That set up one final shot from the 2 with three seconds left, but Kings pass to Stewart fell incomplete.

NFL's concussion protocol modified after Tagovailoa review

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP)  The NFL and NFL Players Association agreed to modify the leagues concussion protocol following a joint investigation into the leagues procedures after Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered an injury against the Buffalo Bills last month. The league and players union said in a joint statement Saturday that the Dolphins followed the leagues protocol after the injury, but the outcome of the Tagovailoa case was not what was intended when the Protocol was drafted. As a result, language addressing abnormality of balance/stability was added to the leagues protocol.
President Joe Biden announced on Thursday that he's pardoning individuals charged with simple marijuana possession on a federal level, but his decision does not affect broad groups of Americans and non-citizens charged with the crime.

There's historical precedent for mass application of the presidential pardon power, but the sheer size of Biden's pardon list stands out among most recent predecessors. The White House estimates "6,500 people with prior federal convictions" and "thousands of such convictions under (Washington, DC) law could benefit from this relief."

While Biden is issuing pardons for federal charges of simple marijuana possession, his move on Thursday did not decriminalize the drug and it remains a federal crime to possess small amounts of marijuana on federal land. Biden did announce an expedited review of how marijuana is scheduled under federal law  a move that could change how the drug is regulated in the United States and could help guide criminal laws.

In a video announcing his executive actions, Biden said that "no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana."

"It's legal in many states, and criminal records for marijuana possession have led to needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities," he continued. "And that's before you address the racial disparities around who suffers the consequences. While White and Black and Brown people use marijuana at similar rates, Black and Brown people are arrested, prosecuted and convicted at disproportionate rates."

But despite those words, there is still a broad set people who will not see immediate relief from Biden's recent actions  some who he could have pardoned and some who he doesn't have the power to pardon.

Individuals facing state marijuana charges

Among those who Biden does not have power to pardon are thousands of individuals who have faced state charges for simple marijuana possession.

While Americans' attitudes about marijuana consumption are changing  smoking weed is becoming more popular than smoking tobacco, and 19 states, two U.S. territories, and DC have legalized small amounts of marijuana  there are still laws in most states that criminalize possessing small amounts of marijuana.

The full scope of individuals who could be pardoned as a result of state clemency for simple marijuana possession is unclear, but available law enforcement data analyzed by the American Civil Liberties Union found that in 2018, for example, there were almost 700,000 marijuana arrests, which accounted for more than 43% of all reported drug arrests. Not all drug arrests, however, lead to charges nor are they all categorized as simple marijuana possession.

The President's presidential pardon power is limited to federal criminal cases and does not extend to state criminal charges. As part of his moves Thursday, Biden called on governors to issue similar pardons to those with state marijuana offense convictions.

Unlawfully present non-citizens charged federally with simple possession of marijuana

Biden's presidential proclamation states that his pardon "does not apply to individuals who were non-citizens not lawfully present in the United States at the time of their offense."

This suggests that undocumented immigrants will not be pardoned for existing federal charges for simple marijuana possession.

But a senior administration official on Thursday noted that as a result of Biden's proclamation, "anyone who has committed that offense could not be prosecuted federally, at this point, based on that conduct."

The official did not make a distinction between citizens and non-citizens.

Data from the U.S. Sentencing Commission indicates that during fiscal year 2021 some 72% of federal offenders in a case of marijuana possession were non-citizens. But it's not clear how many non-citizens count as "lawfully" or "unlawfully" present in the country.

Matt Cameron, a Boston-based immigration attorney who also teaches immigration policy at Northeastern University, told CNN that the decision to not include non-citizens who were not lawfully present could have dire consequences for some people.

"If you're in deportation proceedings or applying for a visa or applying green card, and you're charged for possession, you will be denied. And you won't be eligible for a waiver," he said.

He added, "You could be denied a green card and you would be denied for life."

Individuals charged in the future with federal simple marijuana possession offenses

The Department of Justice says that federal marijuana possession offenses that occur after Oct. 6, 2022  the date of the presidential proclamation  will not protect individuals from being charged down the road.

"The proclamation pardons only those offenses occurring on or before Oct. 6, 2022. It does not have any effect on marijuana possession offenses occurring after Oct. 6, 2022," DOJ says.

However, the pardon does apply to pending federal simple marijuana possession charges, including those where conviction has not been obtained by Oct. 6.

Individuals charged with other offenses

In a statement about his presidential proclamation, Biden emphasized that "even as federal and state regulation of marijuana changes, important limitations on trafficking, marketing, and under-age sales should stay in place."

While Biden's pardons will impact thousands who face simple possession charges, the act of clemency will not apply to all types of federal marijuana offenses.

"Conspiracy, distribution, possession with intent to distribute, and other charges involving marijuana are not pardoned by the proclamation," the Justice Department says.

The DOJ also says the pardon does not apply to individuals who were convicted of possessing multiple different controlled substances in the same offense  including a charge related to possessing marijuana and another controlled substance in a single offense.

"For example, if you were convicted of possessing marijuana and cocaine in a single offense, you do not qualify for pardon under the terms of President Biden's proclamation," the Justice Department explained. "If you were convicted of one count of simple possession of marijuana and a second count of possession of cocaine, President Biden's proclamation applies only to the simple possession of marijuana count, not the possession of cocaine count."

The move also is not expected to remove any individuals from prison.

The administration official speaking to reporters on Thursday said that "there are no individuals currently in federal prison solely for simple possession of marijuana."

Individuals seeking additional guidance regarding federal pardon eligibility and procedures should visit https://www.justice.gov/pardon for more information.

___
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP)  An Indiana man has been sentenced to 65 years in prison for abusing his 12-year-old son and starving the boy to death.

Monroe Circuit Judge Christine Talley Haseman said Friday that nothing could justify the physical abuse and withholding of food and water that Luis Eduardo Posso Jr. inflicted on his young child.

Before issuing her decision, Haseman detailed the brutal treatment that Eduardo Posso endured and showed photographs of the boy taken just a few years apart.

By the time of his death in 2019, Eduardo was the size of a typical 4-year-old and had been punched, slapped, kicked, shocked with a dog collar and chained up by his father and stepmother, Haseman said.

Posso's behavior was incomprehensible, heinous and cruel, she said.

Posso pleaded guilty to murder in June and prosecutors agreed not to seek life in prison without parole, along with dismissing charges of neglect, criminal confinement and battery.

His wife, Dayana Medina-Flores, pleaded guilty to murder and received the same sentence in 2021 tied to her stepson's death.

The Herald-Times reports that people sentenced to the maximum 65-year prison sentence for murder in Indiana typically serve three-fourths of their sentence  about 49 years.
A Civil War era abortion ban reinstated in Arizona Sept. 23 is now on hold while Planned Parenthood Arizona challenges the law in court.

A recently reinstated near-total abortion ban from 1864 is on hold after the Arizona Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Planned Parenthood, pausing the law while the organization continues to challenge it and restoring access to abortion across the Grand Canyon State.

On Sept. 23, Pima County Superior Court Judge Kellie Johnson struck down a 1973 injunction that blocked the 1864 ban, reasoning that the injunction was no longer valid after the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June. Her ruling immediately outlawed all abortions in Arizona except those to save the life of the mother.

Republican Attorney General Mark Brnovich asked the Pima court to end the injunction.

Planned Parenthood Arizona filed for an emergency stay of the ban during the appeals process, citing confusion between conflicting laws. Johnson had refused to reconcile the 1864 law with more recent abortion laws, one of which is a 15-week ban signed this year by Gov. Doug Ducey. Johnson denied the request for a stay, saying Planned Parenthood had other legal options to clarify the laws, including suing the state. She also rejected the request to pause her ruling while it was on appeal.

But on Friday afternoon, a three-judge panel rejected Johnsons decision and approved Planned Parenthood Arizonas request to put the ban on hold during the appeals process. Johnson was wrong not to reconcile the conflicting laws, the panel argued, as it is the responsibility of the courts to clarify legal confusion.

The panel also sided with Planned Parenthood Arizonas argument that failure to grant a stay would harm women because doctors would delay care in fear of prosecution, an argument that Johnson had rejected.

Arizona courts have a responsibility to attempt to harmonize all of this states relevant statutes, the court wrote in its brief. The court further concludes the balance of hardships weigh strongly in favor of granting the stay, given the acute need of healthcare providers, prosecuting agencies, and the public for legal clarity as to the application of our criminal laws.

In an emailed statement, Planned Parenthood called the decision a relief for both women and health care providers in Arizona, and stated it would resume services in the state.

Todays decision provides a desperately needed sense of security for both our patients and providers, said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. We can now breathe a sigh of relief and serve patients. While the fight isnt over, for now, Arizonans will once again be able to make their own decisions about their bodies, health care decisions, and futures.

Brittany Fonteno, president of Planned Parenthood Arizona, warned that the 1864 law is still in play and vowed to continue challenging it in court.

While todays ruling brings temporary respite to Arizonans, the ongoing threat of this extreme, near-total abortion ban that has no regard for the health care of those across the state, including survivors of rape or incest remains very real, she said.

Democratic state Rep. Athena Salman echoed Fonteno, saying that, while the new ruling is a reprieve for women seeking abortion, its a temporary fix. She challenged Ducey to call a special legislative session to repeal the 1864 law.

Ducey has repeatedly said the 15-week ban should take precedent, which has contributed to the confusion over the conflicting laws. He has also resisted calls for a special session, noting that Republicans are unlikely to support repealing the 1864 law.
AUSTIN, Texas  Uvaldes school district suspended its entire police force Friday amid fresh outrage over the hesitant law enforcement response to the gunman who massacred 21 people at Robb Elementary School.

The extraordinary move follows the revelation that the district hired a former state trooper who was among hundreds of officers who rushed to the scene of the May 24 shooting.

School leaders also put two members of the district police department on administrative leave, one of whom chose to retire instead, according to a statement released by the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District. Remaining officers will be reassigned to other jobs in the district.

Uvalde school leaders suspension of campus police operations one month into a new school year in the South Texas community underscores the sustained pressure that families of some of the 19 children and two teachers killed have kept on the district.

Hours after the announcement, Uvalde CISD Superintendent Hal Harrell announced his intention to retire, according to an email to staff posted online. The transition will be discussed in a closed school board meeting Monday, but no other information about the timeline was immediately available.

Brett Cross, the uncle of 10-year-old victim Uziyah Garcia, protested outside the Uvalde school administration building for the past two weeks, demanding accountability over officers allowing a gunman to remain in a fourth-grade classroom for more than 70 minutes.

We did it! Cross tweeted.

Uvalde families have said students in the district are not safe so long as officers who waited so long to confront and kill the gunman remain on the job.

The Uvalde school district had five campus police officers on the scene of the shooting, according to a damning report from Texas lawmakers that laid out breakdowns in the response.

Almost 400 officers eventually responded, including school district police, the citys police, county sheriffs deputies, state police and U.S. Border Patrol agents, among others.

The fallout Friday is the first in Uvaldes school police force since the district fired former police Chief Pete Arredondo in August. He remains the only officer to have been fired from his job after one of the deadliest classroom attacks in U.S. history.

The district said it would ask the Texas Department of Public Safety, which had already assigned dozens of troopers to the district for the school year, for additional help. Spokespersons for the agency did not immediately return messages seeking comment Friday.

We are confident that staff and student safety will not be compromised during this transition, the district said in a statement.

The statement did not specify how long campus police operations would remain suspended.

The former DPS trooper who was hired by the district was among at least seven troopers later placed under internal investigation for her actions at Robb Elementary.

Officer Crimson Elizondo was fired Thursday, one day after CNN first reported her hiring. She has not responded to messages left by The Associated Press.

Steve McCraw, the head of the Department of Public Safety, has called the law enforcement response to the shooting an abject failure. McCraw also came under pressure as the leader of a department that had more than 90 troopers on the scene but still has the support of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.

On Thursday, after Elizondo was fired, Abbott called it a poor decision for the school to hire the former trooper and that it was up to the district to own up to it.

 The Dallas Morning News contributed to this report
TOKYO (AP)  A United Nations human rights expert urged Japan's government on Friday to provide evacuees from the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster with more support, including housing, jobs and other needs, regardless of whether they fled forcibly or not.

Wrapping up an investigation of the evacuees' human rights conditions, Cecilia Jimenez-Damary said Japan has adequate laws to protect internally displaced people. They include a nuclear disaster compensation law that requires the plant operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, to cover damages, and other government-led revitalization and reconstruction programs. But she said they have not been effectively used to address the vulnerability of the evacuees.

Those laws should not remain just laws on the books, but they should be implemented, she said. Unfortunately, because they are not fully implemented, to a certain extent, this explains the proliferation of litigation against TEPCO and the government.

Three reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant melted after a massive earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011, knocked out cooling systems, releasing large amounts of radiation and displacing more than 160,000 people at one point. About 30,000 people remain displaced in and outside of Fukushima.

Thousands of people have filed about 30 lawsuits demanding compensation from both the government and TEPCO for the loss of livelihoods and communities because of the disaster. The Supreme Court in July dismissed four lawsuits, saying the government cannot be held liable because the damage from the tsunami that hit the plant could not have been prevented even if measures had been taken.

Jimenez-Damary said the evacuees have received unequal treatment depending on whether they were forced to leave no-go zones or left voluntarily. Voluntary evacuees are seen as having left unnecessarily and are excluded from TEPCO compensation and many other government support measures.

The categorization of forced evacuees and voluntary evacuees, especially when it comes to receiving support and assistance, should therefore be dropped in practice, she said, adding that the discrimination has no justification under international law.

She said she was very concerned about the termination in 2017 of housing support for voluntary evacuees in Fukushima that led to the prefectural government filing a lawsuit against people who remained in dorms for government employees despite an order to leave.

Jimenez-Damary, the U.N. special rapporteur on human rights of internally displaced persons, met with Japanese officials, experts, human rights organizations and evacuees in Tokyo, Fukushima, Kyoto and Hiroshima during her Sept. 26-Oct. 7 visit to Japan. Her preliminary report is expected early next week, followed by a full report to be issued in June 2023.

She acknowledged efforts by the central and local governments to address the vulnerabilities of evacuees, but said, I would like to stress that there has to be an improvement.

Jobless rates among working-age evacuees exceed 20%, substantially higher than the national average of 3%, she said.

Evacuations also broke up one-third of the families that often maintain two households. Mothers who evacuated with their children often became unemployed and separated from their husbands, who stayed behind and secured their jobs, Jimenez-Damary said in a statement released later Friday. Children are often stigmatized and bullied by their classmates, who consider them as unjust recipients of large sums of compensation or spreaders of radioactivity.

She raised concern about the government's recent shift away from supporting evacuees toward coaxing them into returning to their hometowns after they reopen, or face the loss of their support.

Jimenez-Damary also noted considerable concern about the continuing effect of radiation exposure, especially to children who are now young adults," as well as other anxieties suffered by evacuees. She called for continuation of the prefecture-sponsored free thyroid screening to enable continued monitoring of the issue and provide much needed data to see evolution of health risks over time, with a view to ensure focused treatment programs to those who are suffering.

Seven people from Fukushima who were children at the time of the disaster and later developed thyroid cancer have filed a suit seeking a total of more than 600 million yen ($4 million) in compensation from TEPCO and the government.

More than 290 people have been diagnosed with or are suspected of having thyroid cancer from a survey of about 380,000 residents aged 18 or younger at the time of the disaster. The occurrence rate of 77 per 100,000 people is significantly higher than the usual 1-2 per million, their lawyers say.

Government officials and experts have said the high rate in Fukushima is due in many cases to overdiagnosis, which might have led to unnecessary treatment. Some even suggest scaling down of the checks.
Tulsas first Black policewoman gave her family simple advice.

Be good; be brave; and dont lie, said Kathleen Horn, the 92-year-old daughter-in-law of the late Mary B. Horn.

The adage must have stuck, because a granddaughter standing nearby recited it with her grandmother.

Kathleen Horn, five of her children and numerous other family members were on hand Friday morning at Greenwood Rising for a brief ceremony honoring the Horns, including Mary B. Horn, who became a police officer in 1939 at age 42, and her son Kermit, who was the Tulsa Police Departments first Black lieutenant.

Kathleen Horn is Kermit Horns widow.

The event was organized by the Monte Cassino High School graduating class of 1972 in memory of classmate Mary Horn, daughter of Kathleen Horn and granddaughter of Mary B. Horn.

Mary Horn died in 2007.

Mary B. Horn was born in Texas and moved to Tulsa in 1917. She was married with two young children when her home and her fathers business were destroyed in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

Twice widowed with children, Horn applied for a job with the Police Department and became the first Black woman to carry a badge.

She served 23 years, working with women and juveniles but also as a vice officer. Mary B. Horn died in 1987.

According to newspaper accounts, Horn was hired to stop immorality and to halt night life among the younger element in the Greenwood section of Tulsa.

Later, she told a reporter, We had a lot of prostitution in those days, and a lot of youngsters, particularly girls, getting mixed up in bad business.

Horn took many of those youngsters under her wing, according to news reports.

Many of those girls thought I was cruel and mean because I kept kicking them out of those places, Horn said at the end of her career. They used to say, I wish Old Lady Horn would drop dead.

Some who were delinquents then are adult delinquents today. But I think I helped some. I always tried to make them understand they were human and made a mistake.

Horn was inducted into the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2017.

Horns son Kermit joined the Tulsa Police Department in 1951. Another son, Clifford, became one of the citys first Black firefighters.
Vietnam is still concerned about recent complicated developments in the East Vietnam Sea, which have affected peace, security and stability in the region, Vietnamese Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Dang Hoang Giang has said.

The ambassador made the statement at the plenary discussion session of the Sixth Committee (Legal) the 77th UN General Assembly held on Friday, with the participation of nearly 100 member countries and observers, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

The diplomat, who is also head of Vietnams Permanent Delegation to the UN, stressed that the complex situation in the East Vietnam Sea has undermined trust among countries, increased tensions and posed a risk to the regions peace and security.

He called on all parties concerned to abide by international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and to fully respect relevant diplomatic and legal processes.

He emphasized that every country should respect the principle of peaceful settlement of international disputes, uphold the role of universal jurisdiction in dispute resolution, and promote the guarantee of the rule of law at international level.

On the 40th anniversary of the UNCLOS adoption, Vietnam, one of the founding members of the UNCLOS Group of Friends, and nearly 120 other member countries are actively working to promote the understanding of and compliance with the UNCLOS, also known as the Constitution of the Oceans, which provides a legal framework for all activities at sea, Giang told the meeting.

In the context of many complicated conflicts going on in the world, international law and basic principles of the UN Charter must be respected as the fundamental foundation of the international law system, the diplomat emphasized.

Vietnam is continuing to carry out judicial reform, strengthen the legal system to build a rule of law state, and will work closely with the UN and other partners to promote the rule of law and ensure stronger adherence to the rule of law at both national and international levels, the ambassador said.

It is necessary to promote the rule of law in different regions and Vietnam is making efforts together with ASEAN countries to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous Southeast Asia, Giang affirmed.

The meetings participants shared the same view that the rule of law has a close relation with development and plays an essential role in realizing sustainable development goals, ensuring human rights, maintaining international peace and security, and contributing to the implementation of the common agenda based on the principle of respect for national sovereignty.

As one of the six main committees of the UN General Assembly, the Sixth Committee, which consists of representatives from all 193 UN member states, functions to review, discuss and contribute to the promotion of the progress of international law.

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Police in Quang Binh Province, north-central Vietnam, are investigating a case where a 4-year-old boy passed away after naptime at a local kindergarten on Friday.

Pham Thai S., 4, did not wake up when his peers were all awakened at Bac Son Kindergarten in Tuyen Hoa District at around 2:00 pm on the day, according to the Peoples Committee of the district.

A teacher then discovered S. had already been dead and rushed him to hospital for some hope, but to no avail.

Local police then conducted an autopsy to find out the cause of S.s death, according to Pham Thi Thuy, the kindergartens principal.

S. lived with with his grandfather in Tuyen Hoa. His parents are working abroad.

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Check out the news you should not miss today:

Politics

-- Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Friday sent a message of condolences to his Thai counterpart Prayut Chan-o-cha over the shooting at a day-care centre in Nongbua Lamphu province that killed and injured dozens of people, including many children.

Society

-- Some 100 interprovincial long-haul bus routes will be relocated from the Mien Dong (Eastern) Bus Station in Binh Thanh District to its new venue in Thu Duc City, under Ho Chi Minh City, beginning next week.

-- Police in Quang Binh Province, north-central Vietnam, are investigating a case where a 4-year-old boy passed away after naptime at a local kindergarten on Friday.

-- A 350-kilogram bomb discovered by a resident in Tra Vinh Province, Vietnams Mekong Delta region, was salvaged from the local beach by military officers on Friday.

-- A sleeper-bus hit and killed a man who was waiting for his bus on the sidewalk in Vinh Long Province, Vietnams Mekong Delta region, on Friday before slamming against multiple motorcycles and crashing into a coffee shop.

-- Authorities in Da Nang City, central Vietnam, are investigating a case in which a South Korean tourist was found dead in a pool at a hotel in the city on Friday.

-- The East Vietnam Sea may be under the influence of a tropical depression or a storm next week, according to the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting on Friday.

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Police in Binh Duong have launched legal proceedings against two former police officers for the charge of irresponsibility that caused serious consequences after an inferno killed 32 people at a karaoke venue in the southern Vietnamese province last month.

A source told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Friday that the two indicted officers - Nguyen Duy Linh and Nguyen Van Vo - used to work at the fire prevention and fighting team under the public security division of Thuan An City, where the burnt-down An Phu karaoke parlor is located.

Vo has been kept in custody while Linh was released on bail, but is forbidden from leaving his residence.

Ten days after a fire broke out at around 8:15 pm on September 6 at An Phu karaoke parlor, causing the deaths of 32 people and injuring several others, the Binh Duong police arrested Le Anh Xuan, the 42-year-old owner of the three-story venue.

Xuan, who received a business license for the karaoke service in 2016, was prosecuted for violating fire prevention and fighting regulations.

Investigations showed that the fire started from a short circuit at the ceiling of the second floor, then empty, and spread to the third floor.

It took rescuers one day to take all the bodies out of the scene, while survivals said that they managed to jump off a balcony on the second floor to get to safety.

All past inspections concluded that the parlor met fire safety standards.

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A sleeper bus hit and killed a man who was waiting for his bus on the sidewalk in Vinh Long Province, Vietnams Mekong Delta region, on Friday before slamming against multiple vehicles and crashing into a coffee shop.

The victim was determined as Le Hoang Thuan, 31, hailing from An Giang Province, while the bus driver is 41-year-old Nguyen Thanh Phong from Bac Lieu Province, according to the Vinh Long police.

The deadly traffic accident happened at around 10:00 am on Friday when Phong was steering the sleeper bus on National Highway 1.

The bus suddenly crashed into Thuan, who was waiting for his bus on the sidewalk in Tan Ngai Ward, Vinh Long City in the namesake province.

It then swept through a truck parked inside a filling station before slamming against multiple motorcycles and crashing into a coffee shop.

Thuan got stuck under the bus and died on the spot.

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Police in the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang are probing the cause of the death of a South Korean female traveler who allegedly died of electrocution at a local hotel swimming pool.

The incident occurred at the F. Hotel, located in a coastal area in Son Tra District, and police will provide official information about the case upon completion of their investigation, Nguyen Xuan Binh, deputy director of Da Nang Department of Tourism, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Friday.

The hotels rescuers had given first aid, including artificial respiration, to the woman but she could not survive, Binh said.

Some South Korean media outlets earlier reported that a South Korean woman in her 30s reportedly died from an electric shock at the swimming pool in the said hotel at 5:50 pm on Wednesday (October 5) local time.

The victim was suddenly electrocuted and lost consciousness when she tried to enter the outdoor swimming pool, SBS News said on Thursday.

The woman collapsed unconscious in the swimming pool and was given first aid, including CPR, by rescuers, but eventually died, news site Kurdo reported.

Immediately after the accident, the hotel closed its swimming pool and went into temporary closure.

As it involved a foreigner, the case is under the jurisdiction of the city-level police, the district administration said.

Nguyen Thanh Hai, the hotels executive director, told Tuoi Tre that he could not provide any further information about the death until the police complete their investigation.

The hotel will issue a press release about the case after getting permission from authorities, Hai said.

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Truong My Lan, founder and chairwoman of property developer Van Thinh Phat Holdings Group, was arrested for alleged fraud related to issuance and trading of bonds worth trillions of Vietnamese dong (VND1 trillion = US$41.87 million).

Lieutenant General To An Xo, spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Security, confirmed the arrest to the media on Saturday morning.

Truong Hue Van, 34, CEO of Windsor Property Management, Nguyen Phuong Hong, 38, an assistant at Van Thinh Phat, and Ho Buu Phuong, 50, former chairwoman of Tan Viet Securities and former deputy financial director of Van Thinh Phat, were also arrested.

They allegedly cheated a number of people in 2018-19 to misappropriate trillions of dong.

Relevant forces also searched Lans residence and workplace for an investigation into the charges of fraud and appropriation of property.

Lan, 66, established Van Thinh Phat in 1991, according to the company's website.

It operated as a restaurant and hotel operator before growing into property development, developing many projects in prime locations in Ho Chi Minh City.

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Liverpool has been chosen as the Host City for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

Host Broadcaster selected the historic music city over the city of Glasgow -the 9th time the UK has hosted the event.

Liverpool was chosen following a strong city bid process that examined facilities at the venue; the ability to accommodate thousands of visiting delegations, crew, fans and journalists; infrastructure; and the cultural offer of the Host City in reflecting Ukraines win in 2022.

The Grand Final will take place in the Liverpool Arena next on Saturday 13 May (UK) with Semi-Finals on Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11 May.

Executive Supervisor Martin Osterdahl said, Liverpool is the ideal place to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine.

The city is synonymous with music and Liverpool Arena exceeds all the requirements needed to stage a global event of this scale. We have been very impressed with the passion the city has shown in embracing the Contest and their inclusive ideas for placing last years winners, Ukraine, front and centre when thousands of fans visit next May.

This will be the first Eurovision Song Contest to be held in the UK in 25 years and, as we work with our Host Broadcaster, the BBC, to celebrate Ukraines victory, this unique production promises to be a very special one indeed.

The BBCs Director General, Tim Davie, said: Congratulations to Liverpool. They will be an amazing host for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Liverpool is such an exciting, warm and vibrant city. Its the undisputed capital of pop music and is celebrating the 65th anniversary of its twinning with the Ukrainian city of Odesa. I know the people of Liverpool will welcome Europe  and the rest of the world  with open arms, and in partnership we will create something truly special.

The EBU has released the official logo for the 67th contest, which contains the Ukrainian flag within the heart.

Mykola Chernotytskyi, Head of the Managing Board of UA:PBC, Ukraines public broadcaster said: It is symbolic that the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Liverpool, a twin city of Odesa. The organisation of a contest of this level sets super demanding requirements. I am confident that the city recognised as the capital of pop music will meet them in the best way and will deliver the celebration of music that will amaze both delegations and fans of Eurovision.

SBS remains the host broadcaster and delegation organiser for Australia, but yet announce plans for Australia Decides.
COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - The screenwriter of hit series "Borgen" says the main theme in the show's latest season - the darker side of holding power - drew inspiration from Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who has been criticised for centralising authority.

The theme has become relevant in the upcoming election in which Danes will pass judgement on Frederiksen's leadership during three chaotic years, plagued by a pandemic, war and economic turmoil.

A screenwriter and popular TV chef in Denmark, Adam Price has won international acclaim for "Borgen", which returned for its fourth season this year, depicting the experiences of veteran lawmaker Birgitte Nyborg, played by Sidse Babett Knudsen.

The show, especially popular among Britons with an affinity for the Nordic Noir genre, has often left Danes baffled over its ability to foreshadow political developments in Denmark, including the election of the country's first female prime minister.

"We have a premise for Borgen ... Can you remain in power and still remain true to yourself?," Price told Reuters during an interview in Copenhagen.

In the fourth season, which aired in February, Nyborg evolved into a darker character focused on clinging to power, drawing parallels with Frederiksen who has centralised authority around her office.

"Naturally, we are also inspired by elements in the character of our current Prime Minister," Price said, adding that Nyborg's character was also influenced by many other current and former political personalities.

Critics say Frederiksen's top-down leadership was partly to blame for the rushed and illegal order to cull all mink in the country during the coronavirus pandemic, a scandal that could hurt her chances of returning for another term of office.

Whether Birgitte Nyborg will return for a fifth season was not up to Price, he said, but a potential new series could take her to Brussels and the European Union's power centre.

"I'm sure a lot of people in the UK would enjoy that, especially if we weren't very friendly towards Brussels," Price said.

(Reporting by Nikolaj Skydsgaard, editing by Ed Osmond)
BEIRUT, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- In the midst of a protracted economic crisis, Lebanese wineries are eyeing the lucrative Chinese market, calling for a joint effort among peers in boosting their sales in China.

"China is one of the best markets to export our products," Walid Habchi, co-founder and partner at Couvent Rouge winery, told Xinhua during the 13th edition of Vinifest, a four-day wine festival that kicked off in Beirut on October 5 and attended by more than 80 Lebanese wineries and spirits producers as well as hundreds of oenophiles from Lebanon and abroad.

But tapping a new market requires a big bugdet to be used in areas such as market research, brand promotion and finding the right distributors, etc, Habchi said, adding Lebanese wineries should join their efforts and support each other throughout the process.

In order to grab a humble share of China's wine market, Lebanese wineries need to work together so that they would be able to sell their products to China in quantities, said Thuraya Karam, owner of Karam wines.

"At Karam wines, we have started targeting the Chinese market by participating in a virtual wine-tasting event, but we need more support to be able to enter the market sustainably," Karam said.

For his part, Gabriel Kechichian, a consultant at Domaine Wardy, said he hoped the international shipping costs could go down soon to facilitate the export of Lebanese wine.

"Shipping costs have increased tremendously after the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, and they are still expensive, but I hope they will drop soon, enabling us to resume our communication with Chinese companies to send our products," said Kechichian.

Amid the ongoing economic crisis in Lebanon, owners and representatives of wineries highlight the importance of export in order to make up for the drop in the local demand.

Emile Majdalani, commercial director at Kefraya, said his company exports two-thirds of its wines, which enables it to generate revenue in U.S. dollars, a currency that is badly needed in crisis-hit Lebanon.

"We always wish to export to the markets with the best quality of gastronomy, where people will be curious to have a Lebanese wine on the menu," said Majdalani.

Roy Riachi, owner of Riachi winery and distillery, said his priority in the next phase is to start participating in trade exhibition in China, which is currently not on his company's export list. "It is one of my key targeted markets," he said.

Lebanon's financial crisis has had a significant impact on the country's wineries. Sharp depreciation of local currency and the shortage of U.S. dollars have impeded Lebanese wineries' efforts to import raw materials that they need.

Nada Farah, general manager at Eventions, the organizer of Vinifest, told Xinhua she was keen to re-organize the festival to help wine makers showcase and export their products amid the current crisis.

"We aim to show the beautiful side of Lebanon and prove that we can revive the country with these lively events," she said. 
An Albanian people-smuggling gang that transported migrants to the UK via Spain has been dismantled after a series of arrests, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.

The organised crime network smuggled mainly Albanian migrants through the northern Spanish cities of Bilbao and Santander into the UK using ferries and freight shipping routes to Portsmouth, Southampton and Liverpool, the NCA said.

Each migrant is believed to have paid between between 3,000 and 15,000 euros (2,600 to 13,000) to be smuggled, the agency said.

The migrants were believed to have come directly from Albania to Spain for onward travel, but were also recruited from camps around Spanish ports.

The smuggling network provided migrants with accommodation and food until they stowed away for their journey to the UK.

About 50 people who made the crossing have been identified by the UK and Spanish authorities and linked to the network, but the NCA said the true number who used the route is unknown.

NCA officers based in Spain and the UK worked with Spains Guardia Civil for over a year to identify the ringleaders of the organisation.

Between Monday and Wednesday, seven arrests were made  two in Madrid and five in the Basque region.

The NCA said two men believed to have been leaders of the gang were among those detained.

They predominantly lived in Albania but were arrested in Spain.

All seven will face prosecution in Spanish courts.

During the raids, investigators seized items including telephones, computers, bank cards and cash receipts as well as identity documents and passports of various nationalities.

Suella Braverman addressed people smuggling in a speech to the Conservative Party conference last week (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

NCA international regional manager Steve Reynolds said: People smugglers put lives at risk, which is why disrupting and dismantling criminal networks like this is a priority for the NCA and our partners.

In this case we were faced with a crime group who were prepared to smuggle migrants in lorries over one of the longer ferry and freight crossings into the UK. The dangers of that are self-evident.

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Working closely with our Spanish counterparts we have been able to dismantle their operation and prevent further lives being put at risk.

This operation demonstrates how the NCA is determined to take action against people smugglers at every step of the route towards the UK, including upstream in transit countries like Spain.

At the Conservative Party conference last week, Home Secretary Suella Braverman told delegates: The hard truth is that our modern slavery laws are being abused by people gaming the system.

Weve seen a 450% increase in modern slavery claims since 2014.

Today, the largest group of small boats migrants are from Albania  a safe country. Many of them claim to be trafficked as modern slaves. Thats despite them having paid thousands of pounds to come here, or having willingly taken a dangerous journey across the Channel.

The truth is that many of them are not modern slaves and their claims of being trafficked are lies.
Creeslough's welcome sign, picked out in gold lettering on a black background, proudly announces that the village is the "home of Bridie Gallagher, the Girl from Donegal", a popular entertainer in the '50s and '60s known as Ireland's first international pop star.

But in the last 24 hours, this village of just 400 people, in the northwest of Ireland, has become known around the world for a far more tragic and unwelcome reason.

When the Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin arrived here this evening, he appeared visibly struck by the eerie, penetrating silence of the scene around the wrecked petrol station.

Yes, dozens of journalists and emergency workers filled the street, but they were muted. Sombre. Unusually at events of this magnitude, there have been very few bystanders at the cordon.

"There's a terrible silence," Mr Martin told reporters. It reflected, he said, the enormity of what has happened here, a "deep sadness".

Read more: Teenage girl among 10 people killed in Ireland petrol station blast is named

A man who is no stranger to bereavement - he and his wife Mary have lost two children - even he seemed to struggle to find the right words when asked for a message to the grieving families.

"They've lost someone very dear to them", he said before pausing, perhaps remembering something from his personal experience. "That individual life, to each family, means so much. They must be given time and space to grieve, and to come through this."

A couple of birds chirped, and a few boots crunched over the broken glass, but it barely seemed to puncture the gloomy silence. The few locals that came to take a look weren't much in the mood to talk. One woman seemed relieved to hear the death toll was "only" ten people. She had feared it would rise much more dramatically.

Across the road, Siobhan Carr and her tireless staff at The Coffee Pod doled out hot drinks, vegetable soup, hearty ham and cheese sandwiches and delicate cupcakes to exhausted emergency workers and volunteers, all free of charge.

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They refused point-blank to take payment from the media, sheepish at the Donegal generosity being extended to them.

It's hard to imagine how exactly the village recovers from this. It's thought, police told us, that all the dead and injured are from the locality. Almost every family here will know someone dead or injured.

Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadkar reflected on a "freak accident that has left many empty chairs at dinner tables. It is just too hard to fathom".

It would be hard to fathom in a large village, harder still in a village of just a few hundred.

A tiny Irish hamlet proudly associated with the sound of music, its famous starlet. Now left mute.

A devastating explosion, followed by a terrible silence.
The mother of a 16-year-old Iranian girl has said she was killed by blows to her head as part of the crackdown on anti-hijab protests across the country.

Nasreen Shakarami disputed official claims her daughter Nika fell to her death from a high building.

She also said authorities kept the teenager's death a secret for nine days and then snatched the body from a morgue to bury her in a remote area against the family's wishes.

Nika Shakarami has become the latest icon of the protests, which were sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of Iran's morality police.

They had detained her for allegedly violating the country's strict Islamic dress code.

Young women have defiantly torn off and waved their headscarves as they led the protests, which have called for the overthrow of the Iranian regime.

The protests quickly spread across Iran and have been met by a harsh government crackdown, including beatings, arrests and the killing of demonstrators.

At least four public fountains in the capital Tehran have been dyed red, according to social media posts, by an artist for a work entitled Tehran Drowned in Blood.

Human rights groups estimate dozens of protesters have been killed over the past three weeks.

On Thursday Amnesty International accused the Iranian security forces of killing at least 66 people, including children, and wounding hundreds after firing live rounds at protesters, bystanders and worshippers in the city of Zahedan on 30 September.

Iran has claimed the violence involved unnamed separatists. More than a dozen people have been killed in the area since then, the report said.

Read more:

Iran protests 'bring back memories' of helplessness of six years in prison, says Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe

23-year-old TikToker shot dead as protests gripped her home city

In a video message to Radio Farda, the Persian-language arm of the US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Ms Shakarami disputed attempts by officials to frame her daughter's death as an accident.

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She said forensics reports showed Nika had died from repeated blows to the head.

Her body was intact, but some of her teeth, bones in her face and part of the back of her skull were broken, she said.

"The damage was to her head," she said. "Her body was intact, arms and legs."

Earlier this week Iran's police chief, General Hossein Ashtari, claimed the teen had gone to a building "and fell from the upper floor at a time of gatherings". He said "the fall from that height led to her death".

Ms Shakarami said her daughter left her home in Tehran on the afternoon of 19 September to join the anti-hijab protests.

She said she was in touch with Nika by phone several times over the next few hours and pleaded with her to come home. They last spoke before midnight.

"Then Nika's mobile was off, after she and her friends were shouting names of forces while they were fleeing," she said.

The following morning the family searched for Nika at police stations and prisons but had no word of her whereabouts for nine days.

Authorities finally handed over the body on the 10th day. Ms Shakarami said authorities repeatedly demanded to take possession of the body, which was being stored in the Khoramabad morgue before it was buried.

On the day of the planned funeral the family learned the body had been snatched from the morgue and was taken to a remote village for burial under heavy security, Ms Shakarami said.

A photo of Nika wearing a black T-shirt and sporting a two-tone bob haircut and eyeliner has been widely shared online following her death.

Authorities have arrested Ms Shakarami's brother and sister. Her sister, Atash, later told Iranian TV her niece fell from a high building. But Nika's mother said she believes her siblings have been pressured to echo the official version of events.

It comes as the official IRNA news agency quoted the coroner's office saying examinations found Mahsa Amini died of cerebral hypoxia - in which oxygen supply to the brain decreases.

It said she suffered multiple organ failure but "her death was not led by blunt force trauma to the head, organs and vital parts of the body".

It said she suffered heart arrhythmia, hypotension and loss of consciousness before being taken to hospital.

Ms Amini's family has previously disputed official accounts of their daughter's death while in police custody. They have said her corpse showed clear signs of being bruised and beaten.
Burkina Faso's new rulers say they seized power to better fight jihadists, but history in the Sahel suggests the coup will merely stoke turbulence and division, benefitting the insurgents, analysts say.

The poor, arid region has been wracked by jihadist insecurity since 2012.

It began in northern Mali then in 2015 spread to its centre and neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso, claiming thousands of lives and prompting more than two million people to flee their homes.

A new junta led by 34-year-old Captain Ibrahim Traore seized power in Burkina Faso last week, in the second such power grab since January blamed on failures to quell jihadist attacks.

It followed two similar coups in Mali in 2020 and 2021.

The latest takeover comes during a struggle for influence between France and Russia in the former French colonies, whose leaders appear to be increasingly turning to Moscow to help battle the jihadists.

But analyst Yvan Guichaoua said the coup would only serve the interests of the jihadists -- the Al-Qaeda-linked Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM) and the local branch of the Islamic State group.

"The big winners are not the Russians or the French, but GSIM and IS," said Guichaou, an expert at the Brussels School of International Studies. "What a disaster."

Organisers of coups in the Sahel typically promise improved security, but these pledges are misleading, analysts say.

A putsch typically "destabilises the army structure and divides members of the military into supporters and opponents of the coup," said Djallil Lounnas at Morocco's Al-Akhawayn University.

"It means instability, division and purges."

Coups only compound problems in countries where the armed forces are already accused of inefficiency and mismanagement, and security forces are often under-equipped, he and others said.

- Army problems -

Alain Antil, a Sahel expert at the French Institute of International Relations, gave the example of more than 50 Burkinabe gendarmes killed by jihadists in November last year.

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Two weeks earlier, they had warned headquarters they were running short of supplies.

"They were hunting gazelles in the scrubland to eat," he said, and were in no position to take on the insurgents.

"You can't go and fight such determined adversaries with this kind of logistics problem."

Disgruntled junior officers led by Traore forced out junta leader Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, whom they accused of failing his country.

Traore was declared president on Wednesday, three days after Damiba fled to neighbouring Togo following a prolonged standoff at the weekend.

But, said Antil, nothing indicates Traore will be any more successful.

"The myth of the enlightened military man able to fix problems... very rarely holds up," he said.

Soldiers are "often less well-equipped than the civilians they replace to understand" non-security aspects of a crisis.

GSIM this week mocked Burkina's latest change of leader.

"Let the tyrants know that the repeated coups will not avail them," it said in a statement.

Mauritanian journalist Lemine Ould Salem, who has written a book on jihadism, said political turmoil gives credibility to extremist talk that "delegitimises state institutions."

"They say, 'look, there is no democracy, no state, no constitution'," he said.

- Regional impact -

Military coups in the Sahel have also weakened regional cooperation in the fight against the jihadists.

Since its takeover, Mali had a bustup with France, the country's strongest foreign ally, which withdrew its last troops from the country in August.

The junta has brought in Russian operatives it describes as military trainers, but which western countries say are mercenaries from the Wagner group.

Mali has also quit a regional anti-jihadist force dubbed the G5 Sahel and antagonised its southern neighbour, Ivory Coast, by detaining 46 Ivorian soldiers in July.

Bamako "risks ruining all cooperation, including for security," Antil said.

The Soufan Center think tank in a note this week said France had "served as somewhat of a 'bogeyman', or an excuse to account for the growing strength of jihadists in Burkina Faso and the Sahel more broadly".

Michael Shurkin, a US historian specialised in the French army, said there were also "many who believe in conspiracy theories according to which the French arm the jihadists".

They "simplify a complex reality and enable people to avoid having to understand their own responsibility and find their own solutions," he said.

dla/ah/sjw/ri
Rich polluting countries like the UK have a "moral responsibility" to help Pakistan recover from deadly flooding fuelled by climate change, the United Nations has said as the body quadruples its funding appeal.

The revised UN plan to help Pakistan recover from this summer's deadly flooding now calls for $816m (728m) - a surge of $656m (589m) from the initial appeal - just to cover the most urgent needs until next May.

In spite of the huge increase, the new figure still "pales in comparison to what is needed," to cover food, water, health and sanitation, shelter and emergency education, secretary-general Antonio Guterres said.

The flooding has left more than three million children hungry, killed more than 1,300 people and inflicted an estimated $30bn (26bn) in financial losses.

"These cascading calamities in Pakistan can linger for years to come," Mr Guterres warned today.

He told the United Nations General Assembly the "central question remains the climate crisis... greenhouse gas emissions are rising along with climate calamities".

"In particular, wealthier countries bear a moral responsibility to help places such as Pakistan recover, adapt and build resilience to disasters supercharged by the climate crisis," he said.

The group of 20 (G20) large economies, which includes the UK, USA, European Union and China, are responsible for 80% of all the world's greenhouse gas pollution.

The 2022 monsoon rainfall in Pakistan has been nearly three times higher than the 30-year average. Climate scientists agree that climate breakdown is making such weather extremes more likely, and intensified the rain in Pakistan this year.

The devastation in Pakistan has reignited debate about who should pay for such loss and damage. The topic is expected to fuel tensions at the forthcoming UN climate talks COP27 in Egypt in November.

"Communities everywhere are looking down the barrel of climate-driven destruction," Mr Guterres said as he called for "serious action" on loss and damage at next month's summit.

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Watch the Daily Climate Show at 3.30pm Monday to Friday, and The Climate Show with Tom Heap on Saturday and Sunday at 3.30pm and 7.30pm.

All on Sky News, on the Sky News website and app, on YouTube and Twitter.

The show investigates how global warming is changing our landscape and highlights solutions to the crisis.
Iran said Friday an investigation into the death in custody of Mahsa Amini found she lost her life to illness rather than reported beatings that sparked three weeks of bloody protests.

Amini, 22, died on September 16, three days after falling into a coma following her arrest in Tehran by the morality police for allegedly breaching the Islamic republic's strict dress code for women.

Anger over her death has triggered the biggest wave of protests to rock Iran in almost three years and a crackdown that has killed dozens of protesters and seen scores arrested.

Despite security personnel using lethal force, the women-led protests have continued for 21 consecutive nights, according to online videos verified by AFP.

Iran's Forensic Organization said Friday that "Mahsa Amini's death was not caused by blows to the head and vital organs and limbs of the body".

The death of Amini, whose Kurdish first name is Jhina, was related to "surgery for a brain tumour at the age of eight", it said in a statement.

Amini's bereaved parents have filed a complaint against the officers involved, and one of her cousins living in Iraq has told AFP she died of "a violent blow to the head".

Other young women and girls have been killed at the protests, but rights group Amnesty International says Iran has been forcing televised confessions out of their families to "absolve themselves of responsibility for their deaths".

- 'Suicide' -

The mother of 16-year-old Nika Shahkarami, who died after going missing on September 20, insisted on Thursday she was killed by the state after joining an anti-hijab protest in Tehran.

Nasrin Shahkarami also accused the authorities of threatening her to make a forced confession over her daughter's death.

"I saw my daughter's body myself... The back of her head showed she had suffered a very severe blow as her skull had caved in. That's how she was killed," she said in a video posted online by Radio Farda, a US-funded Persian station based in Prague.

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Iran's judiciary has since denied reports the security forces killed another teenage girl, Sarina Esmailzadeh, at a rally in Karaj, west of Tehran last month.

Its website quoted a prosecutor as saying an investigation showed Esmailzadeh, also 16, had "committed suicide" by jumping from a building.

Oslo-based group Iran Human Rights said the Esmailzadeh family had come under heavy pressure from government agents to "force them to repeat the suicide state narrative".

It said that when the family was asked to identify the teenager's body, "multiple injuries were clearly visible on her face and the right side of her forehead was completely crushed due to the severity of the blows".

In a widening crackdown, Iran has blocked access to social media, including Instagram and WhatsApp, and launched a campaign of mass arrests.

Protesters have sought ways to avoid detection, with schoolgirls hiding or blurring their faces while shouting "Death to the dictator" and defacing images of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in verified videos.

Other footage has shown people chanting the protest catchcry "Woman, Life, Freedom!" from their apartment windows under the cover of night.

Another form of protest emerged on Friday morning, with fountains in Tehran appearing to pour blood after an artist turned their waters red to reflect the deadly crackdown.

The BBC's Persian service said the water was later drained, although traces of red could still be seen on the fountains in images it published on Instagram.

- Canada sanctions Iran Guards -

The street violence that ensued across Iran, dubbed "riots" by the authorities, has led to dozens of deaths, prompting Western governments to step up sanctions against the Iranian state and its security apparatus.

The French foreign ministry on Friday advised its nationals visiting Iran to "leave the country as soon as possible", citing the risk of arbitrary detention.

Canada announced Friday that it will deny entry to more than 10,000 officers and other senior members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, accusing them of "heinous" acts against the Iranian people.

"This is the strongest measure we have to go after states and state entities," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, adding it was previously applied only against regimes for war crimes or genocide.

A joint letter signed by 21 mainly Iranian human rights groups called on US President Joe Biden to do more to "discourage further state violence, and address the long history of atrocities and impunity in that country."

Solidarity demonstrations continued around the world, with rallies in Amsterdam and Berlin on Friday.

In Copenhagen, an Iranian armed with a knife managed to penetrate the embassy grounds in what Iran said was an attack targeting its female ambassador.

The Danish ambassador was summoned to the foreign ministry in Tehran to hear a formal protest against the security breach, state media said.

burs-dv-kir/raz/dhc
Conor Burns

Conor Burns has been sacked as the UK's trade secretary and suspended by the Conservative Party amid allegations of serious misconduct.

The MP for Bournemouth West, who previously resigned from the same position for making "veiled threats" to use his position to "further family interests" was accused of acting inappropriately at the party's conference earlier this week.

He returned to the trade minister position in September following Liz Truss' appointment as Prime Minister, having previously been Northern Ireland secretary.

A statement from Downing Street said: "Following a complaint of serious misconduct, the prime minister has asked Conor Burns MP to leave the government with immediate effect.

Read More: Audit Scotland ponders new inquiry into awarding of ferry fiasco contract to Ferguson Marine

"The prime minister took direct action on being informed of this allegation and is clear that all ministers should maintain the high standards of behaviour  as the public rightly expects."

Burns has also had the whip removed and been suspended by the party.

A statement confirmed: "We have suspended the whip pending investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour earlier this week. We take all such allegations extremely seriously.

"The Prime Minister has been clear that the highest standards in public life must be upheld."
The European Union will send a "civilian EU mission" to Armenia to help delineate the borders with Azerbaijan, stakeholders announced Friday after a meeting with France in Prague.

The mission will start in October for a maximum of two months, according to a joint statement issued after talks between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, French head of state Emmanuel Macron and European Council President Charles Michel.

"There was an agreement by Armenia to facilitate a civilian EU mission alongside the border with Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan agreed to cooperate with this mission as far as it concerned," the statement said.

It added that the mission's aim "is to build confidence, and... contribute to the border commissions".

The three leaders and the European Council president had met for several hours late Thursday night on the sidelines of the first gathering of the "European Political Community" in Prague.

They also said that Armenia and Azerbaijan had confirmed their commitment to the UN charter and "the Alma Ata 1991 Declaration through which both recognize each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty".

Arch-foes Armenia and Azerbaijan have long been locked in a decades-long territorial dispute over the Nagorno-Karabakh region -- situated in Muslim-majority Azerbaijan with mostly Christian Armenian residents.

The two ex-Soviet neighbours have long seen Moscow's influence in the volatile Caucasus region.

(AFP)



Read more on FRANCE24



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Azerbaijan slams Pelosi's 'unfair' comments as blow to peace efforts with Armenia
Eurovision 2023: Liverpool to stage next year's contest in name of Ukraine, says BBC

The English city of Liverpool will stage the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, the BBC has said.

It comes after Britain was asked to hold the event on behalf of designated host country Ukraine.

Presenter Graham Norton revealed the winner on television, saying the final would take place on 13 May.

The BBC said earlier in the week that the competition would be held either in Liverpool or in Glasgow.

Scotlands biggest city and the birthplace of The Beatles were named the two finalists from a shortlist of seven UK cities.

Ukraine won the right to host the glitzy pan-continental music competition when its entry, folk-rap ensemble Kalush Orchestra, won this years contest in May. Britains Sam Ryder was second.

Organizers concluded it was too risky to stage the event in Ukraine because of Russia's war, so the 2023 contest went to Britain, which says the event will be a celebration of Ukrainian culture and creativity.

We are determined to make the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest one that both reflects the winning position of Ukraine and is also an event that all of the UK can participate in, Phil Harrold, chairman of the BBCs host city selection committee, said in September before the winning city was chosen.

The contest was founded in 1956 to help unite a continent scarred by World War II.

It has since grown to include more than 40 countries, including non-European nations such as Israel and Australia.

The organisers strive to keep music and politics apart, and overtly political symbols and lyrics are banned.

However, global tensions have often imposed themselves on the contest. Russia was kicked out of the 2022 competition because of its invasion of Ukraine.

After its symbolic victory in Turin last May, Ukraine was denied the right to host the 67th edition of Eurovision in June by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which considered that the security conditions had not been met due to Russia's war.

An agreement was announced on 25 July by the EBU and the British government for the BBC to hold the competition in the second-placed UK, in a version that would feature the country still at war.

Twenty British cities had applied to host Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine. A shortlist of seven cities (Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield) was announced in August.
Meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in New York City

By Padraic Halpin

DUBLIN (Reuters) -A genuine effort by the new British government to settle a long running post-Brexit trade row over Northern Ireland has created a "flicker of optimism" as talks resume with the European Union, Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said on Friday.

British and EU officials this week held their first talks in seven months on the standoff over the Northern Ireland protocol, the part of the Brexit deal that mandated checks on goods moving to Northern Ireland from the rest of the United Kingdom because the province has an open land border with EU member state Ireland.

Coveney said he had a very good meeting with his new British counterpart, James Cleverly, in London on Thursday but that there were still strong differences of opinion between Brussels and London on how to ease the burden of the checks.

"There is certainly a new air of positivity and I think that has created a flicker of optimism," Coveney told national broadcaster RTE.

"There is a lot of warm language at the moment. I don't think we should get carried away with but I certainly think we should recognise that there is a genuine effort coming from this new team in the British government. Time will tell whether of course the compromises necessary to get a deal are possible."

While London has pressed ahead with legislation that would unilaterally scrap key parts of the protocol, Coveney said the fact that this would be tied up in parliament probably well into next year created a window to find a deal.

He also said the risk of destabilising fresh elections in Northern Ireland should also focus minds. The Democratic Union Party (DUP) has refused to restore Northern Ireland's devolved parliament, after elections in May, until all the checks are removed.

Coveney said London would have to call another poll by the end of October "if we haven't made some progress". While the British government is obliged to do so if a new power-sharing government is not formed, it can also introduce new laws to extend the deadline.

"I'm not suggesting we will get everything done by Oct. 28, certainly we won't, but we do need to work towards trying to make some progress," Coveney told Newstalk radio in a separate interview.

(Reporting by Padraic HalpinEditing by Mark Heinrich and Nick Macfie)
Students of Kingsford Community School pose for a group photo with presenters at the prize-giving ceremony for the winners of the Chinese proficiency competition -- "Chinese Bridge" -- for primary-and secondary-level students in London, Britain, Oct. 7, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

LONDON, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- As China is a major country on the global stage, to study China and its language can broaden children's minds and improve their career prospects, British teachers told Xinhua on Friday.

"China is at the center of many developments. It's going to be important for our next generation of young people to understand China's culture and to also be able to work in the Mandarin language," said Joan Deslandes, head teacher of Kingsford Community School in east London.

She made the remarks at the prize-giving ceremony at London's Chinatown for the winners of the Chinese proficiency competition -- "Chinese Bridge" -- for primary- and secondary-level students. Altogether, nearly 500 British students participated in the two competitions held earlier this year online.

"But more important is that I recognize that China has a wonderful history and culture that is unknown to many of the young people in the UK and I felt it would be broadening their minds and broadening their understanding and supporting their development as global citizens if they were to learn the language," she said.

In 2000, Kingsford became the first school in Britain to introduce compulsory lessons of Mandarin into the curriculum.

Around 140 students and teachers from 17 schools were present at Friday's event. They interspersed the prize-giving ceremony with performances including Chinese songs, Chinese traditional dances and Chinese musical instruments.

"And those were just only a small number of them who won the competition, but behind that there are very many schools teaching Chinese, and a lot of enthusiasm about having Chinese as a language option in this country," said Katharine Carruthers, director of the UCL Institute of Education Confucius Institute for Schools.

"China is playing an important part in the whole world global vision. We need to equip the children with all the skills and that involves language and cultural understanding, to be able to stay connected as they grow up," said Suzanne Haigh, head teacher at Kensington Wade. The London-based school is the first prep school in Britain to offer a bilingual immersive English-Chinese education for boys and girls from ages 3 to 11.

"In terms of prospect for employability, knowing the Chinese language, being able to communicate effectively with people from China can only benefit the young people of this country," said Deslandes.

"In our diverse world where there are so many challenges that have to be faced, it's only through bringing our young people together, through learning each of those languages, learning about each other's culture that the important cooperation that we need between all our nations for the future success of every country on this globe can continue," she added. 
Asif Mahmud who is a community activist

A Blackburn Labour party activist has spoken out after a Conservative councillor in the town said Saddam Hussein was his hero.

It follows a row where Tory councillor Altaf 'Tiger' Patel was accused of following a Zionist supporting party' by some in the community, after Prime Minister Liz Truss was filmed saying she was a Zionist and a huge supporter of Israel at a Conservative Friends of Israel meeting.

Later, Blackburn with Darwen Cllr Patel spoke out and accused Labour supporters of forgetting the death and destruction caused by the invasion of Iraq, under Tony Blair.

He said he was forced to compare the actions of the Tory party in foreign affairs with that of Labour and went on to say that Saddam Hussein had 'kept the region in check' and was his hero.

Labour party activist Asif Mahmud said he was concerned an elected official idolised Saddam Hussein, widely regarded as a tyrant.

Mr Mahmud said: Saddam was a dictator who used chemical weapons to kill his own people.

"The Halabja Massacre of 1988 where up to 5,000 people were killed is one example.

During his reign, the ruling Baathist Party routinely arrested, tortured and killed opposition party leaders and members. A hero he was not and public officials should know better.

In respect of the Labour Party and the invasion of Iraq, the Labour government, in conjunction with the allied forces, illegally invaded and waged war in Iraq, with approximately 300,000 people being killed.

"Prior to the illegal invasion, the sanctions on Iraq resulted in several hundred thousand premature deaths, mostly children.

Many in the Labour Party opposed the war and cabinet ministers resigned over the war.

"Millions marched, Not in Our Name against the invasion and this included many Labour members and supporters.

The Labour Government made an illegal and catastrophic decision to invade Iraq and it was widely supported by the Conservative Party with little dissent from Tory MPs.

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"The Chilcot Inquiry stated that Tony Blair made the case for war in Iraq 'on beliefs, not facts'.

"Since the illegal war, many, including those of us in the Labour Party have advocated Blair and Bush who led the invasion should be charged with war crimes at The Hague."

Councillor Tiger Patel

Audley and Queens Park Cllr Patel said he had been sent many messages over the past few days from people who had accused him of supporting an Zionist and anti-Muslim party, and he was asked to respond to the footage of Liz Truss saying she was a 'Zionist'.

He said: In my opinion none of the parties stand up for Muslims when it comes to Israel. So, to single out the Conservative Party is wrong.

I do not agree with what Liz Truss said. I am against it. That is her personal opinion not mine.

When she was a candidate, I supported her as she knows about British culture. I stand by that.

However, Asif would not dismiss these comments and said both parties had poor records when it came to supporting the rights of Palestinians.

He said: On the point about Zionism, it is clear to many, the Israeli state has used propaganda and misinformation to conflate Antisemitism with criticism of the Israeli State.

"Israel is an apartheid state, as proven by a number of human rights organisations, including Amnesty international.

As Truss or Starmer are wined and dined by the Friends of Israel, members of each party should be lobbying the parties to highlight the occupation and illegal settlements in Palestine and demand freedom and justice for the people of Palestine using all democratic and peaceful means at our disposal.

The next stage for the Israeli lobby will be for the UK to break from its long-standing position on the status of Jerusalem.

"UKs position has been that it should be determined in a negotiated settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
Michaela Coel (Dave Benett)

Shes an iconic Londoner, but now Michaela Coel is broadening her horizons. Coel, pictured, recently lived in Ghana for six months and the trial run seems to have gone well. Now she tells Vogue of her plans to build a house in a village there where her father lives. She is also considering a flat in Accra, the capital. Her first visit to Ghana was a filming trip for the series Black Earth Rising. She says when I came here I was really seeing people who looked like me and remembers walking around as if I knew where I was going. Coel was born in east London to Ghanaian parents and her breakthrough projects, Chewing Gum and I May Destroy You, were both set here. Wherever she goes, shell always be a Londoner.

Dimblebys naked nightmares

David Dimbleby makes outspoken on-air remark while discussing UK economic turmoil (Mark Allan/Hat Trick Productions/PA) (PA Media)

Early career jitters got the better of David Dimbleby, right, when he interviewed prime minister Ted Heath, so he imagined Heath naked. After the programme I had a disturbing dream in which Ted Heath appeared before me naked, he reveals in his new memoir. I will spare you the details of that encounter, but it warned me against ever again using this particular technique for calming my nerves.

Bite at the museums

Wrap up warm for your museum trips this autumn. Institutions across London say that, despite government help, they will have to be frugal with the heating to stay in business. The Cartoon Museum expects its bills to jump from 4,000 to 13,000 a year. Pollocks Toy Museum in Bloomsbury is also bracing for a rise. But will the chill turn off punters? Were wary of putting prices up, said the director.

Last night around town

Londoners Diary 7th October

The Renaissance Awards in Florence: Rupert Everett and Livia Firth (Dave Benett)

Elizabeth Hurley Celebrates 30th Anniversary Of EstAe Lauder Companies Breast Cancer Campaign At London Headquarters: Elizabeth Hurley (Dave Benett)

Yinka Ilori And Maison Courvoisier Host 'We Found Joy' At The London Design Museum: Jade Jagger (Dave Benett)

Chris Floyd

ACTOR Rupert Everett was at the Renaissance Awards with Livia Firth in Florence last night. In London, Elizabeth Hurley celebrated Estee Lauders Breast Cancer Campaign. At the Design Museum in Kensington, designer Yinka Illori held a Courvoisier gala dinner where the Londoner bumped into party animal Jade Jagger. She told us her new haunt, 17 Little Portland Street: Thats where youll find me on a Friday night! Boxer Anthony Joshua turned up at photographer Chris Floyds book launch.
Chrissie Robinson receives her award from Discover Brightwater chairman, Steve Gater. Picture Nigel Whitfield.

A COUNTY DURHAM community support worker has been named as the winner of a creative writing competition.

Chrissie Robinson, who supports people affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, won 1,000 for her short story, Gold Rush, in the Discover Brightwater competition backed by The Northern Echo.

Discover Brightwater is a 3.3m landscape partnership based around the River Skerne, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and made possible by those who play the National Lottery.

Writers were invited to submit short stories, poems and journalistic articles linked in some way to the river, and the finalists were included in The Brightwater Anthology, published by Paper + Ink and launched at Waterstones store in Darlington.

Discover Brightwater

Chrissie was inspired to write Gold Rush after attending a creative writing course, arranged by Discover Brightwater, and delivered by celebrated poet Harry Mann.

I couldnt believe it when my name was read out and Im thrilled, said Chrissie who comes from Easington Colliery and is employed by the East Durham Trust.

When I was at school, I was never given the direction to go into this world, but Ive been writing stories, poetry and plays for about ten years.

Winning this competition has given me the confirmation that my words do count, that people like what I write, and its inspired me to do other things.

The four runners up, who received 100 each, were John Ridsdale, of Newton Aycliffe; Fran Edwards, originally from Darlington and now living in Redcar; Michael Drew, from West Cornforth but living in Thailand; and British sitcom writer Mark Chappell, who hails from Gloucestershire and whose credits include Cold Feet.

Paul Black, Programme Manager for Discover Brightwater, said: The creative writing courses, competition, and anthology were all part of our celebration of life around the River Skerne, and we were delighted by the quality of the submissions that flowed in. It was a tough choice, but Chrissie is a very worthy winner.

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The anthology launch was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Jan Cossins, who said: The River Skerne is such an important part of our areas rich heritage and its great to see how Discover Brightwater has brought it to life in so many creative ways.

The anthology, which also features contributions by Northern Echo writers, Chris Lloyd and Peter Barron, was launched at the beginning of The Big Weekend  a range of family-friendly activities organised by Discover Brightwater.
The Russian rights group Memorial is honoured to have been jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize but it should have gone to political prisoners such as Alexei Navalny, who risk their lives for contesting President Vladimir Putin, the group's co-founder said Friday.

Lev Ponomarev, who helped create Memorial in the late 1980s under the perestroika Soviet reform drive, said his group had been "destroyed" as Russia presses its invasion of Ukraine, but was still seeking to continue its work.

"We were just 10 people and we thought everything would start with perestroika. It did not work out that way," Ponomarev told Agence France-Presse in an interview in Paris, where he now has political asylum.

"It is very well deserved and of course when I think of what I thought 30 years ago I am happy," he said.

But Ponomarev said an even better move by the Norwegian peace prize committee would have been to give the award to Navalny, Putin's leading opposition critic and an outspoken anti-corruption figure, or to liberal opposition figures Vladimir Kara-Murza or Ilya Yashin, who are also imprisoned.

"Those who are behind bars are the ones who need to be rewarded every year," Ponomarev said on the sidelines of a forum organised by the exiles group Russie-Libertes (Russia-Freedom) and the Paris City Hall.

"I am compelled now to say that the correct choice would have been to give the Nobel prize -- if they want to support Russia when it is under its harshest regime - to political figures," he said.

"I mean Navalny, I mean Vladimir Kara-Murza, I mean Ilya Yashin. People who consciously choose that position, knowing they are risking their lives and don't step aside, and solidly say the words that need to be said."

Kara-Murza, who was jailed in April for denouncing the Kremlin's Ukraine offensive, has been charged with high treason, his lawyer said Thursday.

Yashin was jailed in July, also after denouncing Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

- Organisation 'destroyed' -

Along with Memorial, the Nobel peace prize went to Ukraine's Center for Civil Liberties, which is documenting alleged Russian war crimes against the Ukrainian people, and the detained activist Ales Bialiatski of Belarus.

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The Russian authorities ordered the closure of Memorial last year in a move Putin has done nothing to halt, and the pressures against rights advocates has further worsened during the invasion of Ukraine.

Ponomarev, a former physicist, has been at the centre of the Russian rights scene since the fall of the Soviet Union.

In Paris, he continues to push for the release of political prisoners in Russia and remains in close touch with his Memorial colleagues who remain in Russia.

He expressed doubt that at this point the prize would prompt Putin to change his attitude to Memorial, though there was a possibility he could bring up the organisation's status in eventual negotiations with the West.

"Putin is a total and utter global evil and it will not make him relate to Memorial better at all. But if he trades with the West then possibly it could be the issue of some kind of trading," Ponomarev said.

"The organisation is destroyed but there are people who want to preserve the archives and work. Most of Memorial's staff have gone abroad," he said.

Ponomarev, 81, obtained political refugee status in France after fleeing threats of arrest in Russia, but said he hoped his exile would not prove permanent.

"I think I can go back and I am working a lot on that, every day, with this activism. I left because there were threats against me, a criminal case, I could have been jailed," he said.

sjw/js/lc
Strictly Come Dancing contestant Tyler West has revealed he is flying to Mauritius for a wedding for only nine hours in order to make it back in time for dance rehearsals.

The 26-year-old radio DJ is taking part in the BBC One programme with Strictly professional Dianne Buswell.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, West explained his flying visit, saying: I think Ive put my body through the paces and then I thought, Lewis, my brother, Im the best man for his wedding, so Im flying to Mauritius for, I think, about nine hours.

Can you imagine taking on the gruelling Strictly Come Dancing schedule and the London Marathon all in one week?!  Ahead of their performance tomorrow night, DJ Tyler West and his professional partner Dianne tell #BBCBreakfast how training is going pic.twitter.com/lkYqBrWmbP  BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) October 7, 2022

He jokingly added: So, yeah, I kept the schedule light this year!

West is keeping a particularly busy schedule while taking part in the show, having also ran the London Marathon on Sunday.

With Buswell, 33, cheering him on from the sidelines, West completed the road race in aid of national youth work charity UK Youth, which works to provide opportunities to young people in the UK.

Telling Breakfast presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty about getting back to Strictly rehearsals while trying to recover from the marathon, West said: I dont have the methods or the strategy to it, I just did it.

I just firmed it, absolutely woke up and firmed it.

My body has been a bit of a slow one this week, Ive obviously had to have time to recover and just be smart with how were training and stuff.

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But Ill tell you what  once-in-a-lifetime experience, just a crazy weekend.

Less than 24 hours before running the marathon, West was competing in the Strictly Come Dancing live show on BBC One during which he and Buswell performed a theatrical routine dancing the jive to Hit The Road Jack by Buster Poindexter.

The jive earned the pair a score of 31 and secured West a standing ovation from head judge Shirley Ballas, who said: Youre the real deal. You bring something you cant teach.

Youve got an attitude, youve got a soul I flippin loved it.

On Saturday, West will be back on the dancefloor to perform the Charleston as part of movie week.

Buswell revealed she was initially concerned for West given his need to recover following the marathon but was later reassured after seeing his progress.

She said: The first few days I was slightly worried.

I thought, oh my goodness we are doing a Charleston, which is one of the fastest dancers and one of the most energetic dancers, and obviously Tyler was feeling quite sore and quite sorry for himself.

But I must say he has given his all this week and despite feeling a little bit under the weather we could say, hes really pulled through and I couldnt be prouder of him.
US and Philippine marines stormed a beach near a disputed rocky outcrop in the South China Sea on Friday as part of joint military drills involving more than 3,500 troops.

It is the first time the annual naval exercises have been held under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, who has expressed strong support for the decades-old alliance, after rocky relations under his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte had threatened to cancel drills and axe a key military deal with the United States as he pivoted towards China.

But Marcos told US President Joe Biden during a meeting in New York last month that he appreciated America's role in "maintaining the peace in our region".

China's recent war games around Taiwan, which it claims as part of its territory, rang alarm bells among nations surrounding the South China Sea.

Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire sea, while the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei have overlapping claims to parts of it.

China has ignored an international court ruling that its claims have no legal basis, and has aggressively asserted its stance.

It has built artificial islands as well as deployed hundreds of coast guard and maritime militia vessels to prowl the strategic waters, swarming reefs and harassing fishing and other boats.

The KAMANDAG exercises -- the Filipino acronym for "Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea" -- kicked off Monday and will be held across the country's main island of Luzon until October 14.

One of the objectives is improving the Philippine military's coastal defence capability.

Around 300 troops were involved in Friday's amphibious drills held on an uninhabited beach in Zambales province, about 240 kilometres (150 miles) east of Scarborough Shoal, which China seized from the Philippines in 2012.

The rich fishing ground has become a flashpoint between the two countries.

"We are preparing for any threat that will be coming sooner or later," said Major Emery Torre, spokesman for the Philippine Marine Corps.

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But Torre said the exercises did not simulate an attack by a particular country and were not related to a specific situation.

Marcos has taken a harder line on defending Philippine waters, insisting he would not let China trample on Manila's maritime rights.

During aerial surveillance over Scarborough Shoal on Thursday, the Philippine Coast Guard spotted six Chinese vessels, including four coast guard and two militia boats, in and around the small ring of reefs.

"We are doing the patrol operations to establish a presence at the area and also for the sake of our fishermen," said coast guard spokesman Armand Balilo.

As regional tensions rise, Washington is keen to preserve its security alliance with Manila, which includes a mutual defence treaty and permission for the US military to store defence equipment and supplies on several Philippine bases.

It also allows US troops to access certain military bases in the country.

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The British government has been accused of "dragging its heels" over trade linked to forced labour.

A Chinese labour camp survivor is preparing to sue the UK's trade secretary for allowing cotton imports from the western Chinese province of Xinjiang, where it has been alleged local minority groups such as the Uyghurs have been subjected to human rights violations.

Erbakit Otarbay has spoken out despite warnings it could put his family in danger.

His lawyer, Paul Conrathe, says it is "outrageous" that the UK government is "hiding behind manifestly inadequate legislation". The former leader of the Conservatives, Sir Iain Duncan Smith, says the UK is "lagging behind other countries".

Mr Otarbay, who is Chinese but ethnically Kazakh, was forced to work in a clothing factory after being arrested in Xinjiang in 2017. He has written a pre-action letter to Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch, demanding she address the "ongoing failure" of the UK to impose any restrictions on cotton imports from the region.

He says: "I'm lucky I'm in a free country now. But I can't not think about people who I left behind. I don't know what happened to them, what kind of horrors they have been subjected to."

Mr Otarbay was sent to a detention centre in Xinjiang after being accused of watching illegal videos on Islam and installing WhatsApp on his phone. He says he "wished he died quickly", and was "chained and shackled" and tortured, on a number of occasions, until he passed out.

Over 280 organisations, including the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN), are also calling for all products from Xinjiang to be removed from supply chains.

They said "virtually the entire UK apparel industry" is at risk of being linked to forced labour.

Ban on all cotton products from Xinjiang

Last year the US announced an import ban on all cotton products from Xinjiang; firms also have to prove any imports from the region are not produced using forced labour.

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UK companies above a certain size must show they are avoiding using slavery in their supply chains. But there is currently no penalty if they fail to do so. A coordinated campaign is being launched in Ireland, where EU rules have also been criticised for not being strong enough.

Sir Iain said the UK is "very closely linked" to slave labour, and the government needs to make clear companies face "serious penalties" for not declaring where they are getting their goods from.

He said the UK "led the world" with the Modern Day Slavery Act, but "the key Achilles heel to our bill is that we need to have companies taking full responsibility for their supply chains".

Earlier this year the United Nation's human rights office said China's treatment of its Uyghur population "may constitute crimes against humanity" and last December a tribunal in the UK found China guilty of genocide against the Uyghur people in Xinjiang.

China has always denied human rights violations. The government insists that the camps - which for a long time it denied even existed - are vocational training centres and part of a programme to fight extremism.

Read more:

Who are the Uyghur people and why do they face oppression by China?

Nike and H&M pay the price as China says Xinjiang forced labour is 'nonsense'

'I thought I had died': Kazakhs say they were dragged in shackles and mistreated in Chinese detention centres

'We approve of forced labour products'

Twenty percent of the world's cotton is grown in Xinjiang, according to Laura Murphy, a human rights professor at Sheffield Hallam University in the UK. She says not strengthening the UK import rules is "tantamount to saying we approve of forced labour products entering into our borders".

In a statement, a government spokesperson said: "The evidence of the scale and severity of human rights violations being perpetrated in Xinjiang against Uyghur Muslims paints a truly harrowing picture which we absolutely condemn.

"The UK is absolutely committed to tackling the issue of Uyghur forced labour in supply chains and we have taken decisive action.

"Over the last year, we have introduced new guidance on the risks of doing business in Xinjiang as well as enhanced export controls, and have committed to introduce financial penalties for organisations that do not comply with modern slavery reporting requirements."
Khai Hoan Land's idea of a community bookcase was born in the context of many different programmes building bookcases simultaneously. Many speakers and social activists also actively participate in such programmes to encourage the reading spirit of the community.

The target audience of many book programmes is students in elementary and high school. The Bookcase programmes aim to instil a habit and culture of reading in children from an early age.

Introducing the Community Bookcase Project

On behalf of businesses and entrepreneurs, Khai Hoan Land initiated the Community Bookcase project to promote a widespread reading culture among most sections and classes of the population. The project created by Khai Hoan Land will focus on disadvantaged and disadvantaged groups in society and a part of the population in remote and isolated areas still facing many economic difficulties. Khai Hoan Land hopes that with the knowledge base, people will find a livelihood suitable to their capacity.

The Community Bookcase will include various books, but the most prominent are books on business knowledge and getting rich. The books help stimulate the spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship, helping people still in poverty have more motivation to rise and get out of poverty.

In addition to funding to build a bookcase and donate books for free, we also organise charity programmes. Donation activities not only intend to create more capital for the project but also help spread the project information to many people.

To help the effectiveness of the Community project add practical value and spread, the project management department also guides people to build bookcases based on their interests and reading habits of a group of people.

Possible community bookcases include business, literature, or ocean bookcases. It also contributes to creating a unique attraction for the development project.

Project development stages

The Community Bookcase Project will be conducted in 3 phases. The first will organise fundraising programmes and connect with local resources to plan the project. Phase 2 combines organising unique cultural events in the locality and discussing with the publisher to find books suitable for the selected location of the project. Phase 3 will transfer the budget, guide the bookcase manager, and add some basic rules.

After project construction, the survey team will conduct a quarterly and annual review of the project's activities, and support local people to participate in local reading culture development events.

They are calling on both parents and children to participate in the campaign. Adults need to set an example for children to follow and learn. According to the current plan, the Community Bookcase will donate 1,000 bookcases to localities based on the fundraising situation, though the number may be more extensive.

Reading promotion and bookcase management also play a critical role after the bookcase is awarded. So the design of the activity will then be maintained to ensure the final desired effect. Khai Hoan Land hopes that the Community Bookcase project will also receive social resources to have enough capital to maintain the project longer.

Vision and effectiveness

Khai Hoan Land believes with the Community Bookcase project, an opportunity to have access to the knowledge of many people is enhanced, and people began to pay more attention to reading culture. After forming the habit of reading books and improving their knowledge, they will gradually understand the values they receive afterwards. Once the reading culture is created and replicated, it will continue to be inherited and promoted through generations.

Reading culture will also promote the spirit of learning among residents, and create motivation and opportunities for young people who study well but have difficult family circumstances. The project will improve the quality of human resources in the long run, which is also a key requirement to meet the fast development speed of the economy.

Along with the Community Bookcase projects, Khai Hoan Land will also combine with social projects to promote entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship for young people. It will create significant power, creating a driving force for sustainable development for society in the long run.

The third approach to Community projects that Khai Hoan Land is considering will be extensive education projects, especially a language learning project and a project to supplement business knowledge for all.

It is the key to helping people get business tools to change their lives and contribute to the general development of society.

The speed of economic development in the country will create many opportunities to be passionate and devoted. Improving the quality of human resources in society is not only a complex problem for the Government; Khai Hoan Land [1] hopes that the Community Bookcase project will bring positive change, including in the quality of human resources and creating momentum for future economic development.
HA NOI  Careful consideration must be given to the planning and development of airports to ensure feasibility, experts have warned, as localities across the country propose the airports in their provinces.

During the past few weeks, three provinces, including Tuyen Quang, Son La and Kon Tum, sent documents to the Ministry of Transport proposing airports in their provinces be added to the national airport planning.

Ninh Binh, Ha Tinh, Ninh Thuan, ak Nong, Ha Giang, Bac Giang and Binh Phuoc provinces also raised similar proposals in the past.

While four plans for road, maritime, inland waterway and railway are already approved, planning for the national airport system in the 2021-30 period has not yet been completed.

Aviation expert Nguyen Bach Tung said as the planning continues, localities are applying for permission to build airports to promote socio-economic development.

According to statistics of the Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam, there are currently 22 airports for civil use in Viet Nam, though only Van on International Airport was developed with private investment.

Under the Ministry of Transport's draft, nine more airports will be developed by 2050, bringing the total airports for civil use to 31.

The six airports to be developed by 2030 are Long Thanh, Phan Thiet, Quang Tri, Sa Pa, Lai Chau and Na San. By 2050, a further three, Cao Bang, Hai Phong and a second airport for Ha Noi, will be developed.

Tung said that from each locality's perspective, the airport development proposal is understandable as it would help promote tourism and local economic development. However, when looking at the master planning for the country, the rampant development of airports would cause many problems.

"The national airport network needs appropriate planning to avoid airspace conflicts while ensuring investment efficiency," he said.

Tung cited statistics that in pre-pandemic 2019, there are only four airports handling over nine million passengers. They were Tan Son Nhat (41 million), Noi Bai (29 million), a Nang (15.5 million) and Cam Ranh (9.7 million).

The privately-invested Van on Airport received only 259,000 million passengers.

Tung said it would be difficult for a newly-built airport to get a capital return if it receives less than five million passengers per year, adding that the above figures warned provinces and cities wanting to invest in airports following Build Operate Transport practices.

According to Nguyen Thien Tong, former head of the Aviation Engineering Department under the HCM City University of Technology, airlines, particularly private ones, should be hesitant to open routes to airports that are not attractive to passengers.

He said that it would not be enough if each airport served only two or three flights per day.

Localities must give careful consideration to the development of airports. At the same time, the Ministry of Transport must consider the feasibility and efficiency of developing the national airport planning because many small airports have been running at a loss for many years.

Nguyen Bach Tung, deputy director of the ministry's Transport Engineering Construction and Quality Management Bureau, said most domestic airports do not yet operate at their designed capacity, even those newly built with large capacity such as Van on and Can Tho.

One of the most important issues when deciding to build an airport was carefully calculating the investment efficiency, Tung said, adding that the airport development would not be appropriate if the travel distance were too close.

Tran Quang Chau, president of the Viet Nam Association of Aviation Science and Technology, said that the planning must be based on several factors such as travel distance between airports, travel demand and the development of flight routes for each airport, as well as economic efficiency factors.

An expert even warned that proposals of adding airports to the planning by some localities were quite infeasible but had significant impacts on the real estate market, which inflated land prices. Airport planning should be completed and issued early to prevent land speculation.

According to the Ministry of Transport, 28 airports by 2030 would help increase the total airport capacity to about 283 million passengers per year and ensure that over 95 per cent of the population have access to one airport within a 100km vicinity. This density is appropriate compared to other countries such as Thailand and Malaysia.

A representative from the Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam, the airport development should be focused and investing in developing large-scale ports to create breakthroughs. The viewpoint was to develop synchronously, he said, adding that airports were a necessary but not a sufficient condition for the development of a province.

Airport development should also align with the country's long-term development goals, such as investment attraction and tourism promotion, to create ground for the economy to take off.

Transport Engineering Design Inc (TEDI) states that new airport development must be based on six main criteria: travel demand, socio-economic factors, national security, emergency relief, natural conditions, and distance arrangement.  VNS
HA NOI  A groundbreaking ceremony has been held on Friday morning to mark the start of the project to improve Ha Noi's infrastructure for public transport users.

The plan is to build pedestrian subways, bus stops and other physical assets to help metro users get in and out of stations quickly and safely.

The project is called Strengthening Sustainable Urban Transport for Ha Noi Metro Line 3 and is jointly funded by Ha Noi Peoples Committee and the Asian Development Bank.

It will cost US$54.75 million with $48.95 million from the ADB and $5.8 million from the citys budget.

The project will develop an integrated public transport system in six districts of Ha Noi that will support Ha Noi Metro Line 3.

Improved public transport will facilitate connectivity and enhance access in the capital as well as support the Ha Noi Urban Transport Master Plan (HUTMP) objective of increasing ridership on public transport to over 40 per cent, reducing dependency on vehicle ownership.

It will also support Ha Noi's climate change mitigation efforts in adopting a low-carbon transport growth path, which is more energy efficient and lowers GHG emissions.

The project will provide infrastructure for improving accessibility to Metro Line 3 stations, implement feeder bus links, a public transport management system, integrated multi-modal stations with "park and ride" facilities, as well as a comprehensive parking plan for the city.

Public transport services and other facilities will be designed to incorporate gender-sensitive features that will complement similar measures under the Metro Line 3 project. In addition, any policy and regulatory measures developed will be fully inclusive.

Nguyen Chi Cuong, director of the Ha Noi Traffic Construction Investment Project Management Board, said that the project spanned six districts, namely Nam Tu Liem, Bac Tu Liem, Cau Giay, Ba inh, ong a and Hoan Kiem.

The contractor must both construct and ensure smooth traffic on this route as it is the main traffic axis to the city centre with large and complicated intersections where congestion usually occurs, he said.

To overcome difficulties, the Project Management Board will coordinate with the construction unit, the supervision consultant and the design consultant to develop a detailed and specific implementation plan, and carefully study traffic flows to make reasonable traffic adjustments.

Vice Chairman of the Ha Noi People's Committee Duong uc Tuan said that the project aimed to increase the efficiency of urban railway No. 3 when it is put into operation.

The implementation of investment and construction projects is very necessary, he said, asking for joint efforts and close cooperation among units, departments and agencies.

He asked the Department of Planning and Investment and the Department of Finance to closely coordinate with the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Finance and relevant units in balancing and prioritising funding according to the implementation schedule.

The Departments of Transport and Communications and the Department of Construction were told to work together to remove difficulties and obstacles for the project management board during the implementation process while ensuring the quality management of construction works in accordance with regulations.

The city police were asked to cooperate with the Department of Transport and the People's Committees of the relevant districts to guide the investor to organise traffic to ensure the safety of people and vehicles, minimising the impact on the daily life of people in the project area.

People's Committees of districts involved in the project were urged to hand over the site so that the project contractor can start construction right after the groundbreaking ceremony.

Construction contractors, consulting and supervising units must develop specific plans, ensuring the correct implementation of commitments in the contract signed with the investor, Tuan said.

As of July this year, over VN568 billion (US$24.3 million) of the project capital has been disbursed, equivalent to 17.2 per cent of the plan.  VNS
The APEA this year took place on October 7 at the Gem Center in Ho Chi Minh City and bestowed awards to a variety of successful companies.

It is a regional recognition programme that awards entrepreneurial excellence, spurs greater innovation and growth, and creates a successful entrepreneurial ecosystem which can help shape Asia to sustainable economic and social growth.

SABECO added to its Corporate Excellence award in 2021 by taking home this year's Corporate Excellence award.

Koo Liang Kwee, deputy general director of SABECO, received the Corporate Excellence award at the APEA ceremony

This year is also the first year that Bia Saigon won the Inspiring Brand award thanks to its breakthroughs in appearance, and taste such as the rebirth of the legendary Bia Saigon Special and the launching of the Bia Saigon Coffee-infused Beer in Vietnam.

Venus Teoh, SABECOs deputy general director for marketing, received the Inspirational Brand award

In order to take home the Inspirational Brand honour, the winners had to demonstrate a company-wide transformation that sought to promote goodness, wellness or sustainability. Nominees for the award were market-ready brands with measurable metrics in any product or service category.

Meanwhile, the Corporate Excellence award is given to organisations that have demonstrated effective talent mobilisation and organisational capability to deliver consistent business results; while remaining aligned with the organisations purpose. In addition, nominees must be in operation for no less than two years.

These two awards recognise SABECO for its outstanding contributions to the development of the country and its people as well as its vital role in shaping Vietnams entrepreneurial landscape for the post-pandemic era.

Bennett Neo, CEO of SABECO said, We were a local brand with local aspirations, but have moved towards being an international brand that can be respected on a wider basis. We have demonstrated through clear strategies and strong management that we are a professional brand that can achieve these wider aspirations.

"We were a local brand with local aspirations, but have moved towards being an international brand that can be respected on a wider basis. We have demonstrated through clear strategies and strong management that we are a professional brand that can achieve these wider aspirations, said Bennett Neo, CEO of SABECO.

Neo explained, We have clearly defined the roles of both the board and management over the past few years and with that, we can be more efficient.

He added, The board is focusing on mid- and long-term strategy, whereas management is focused on shop front operations and so forth. Independent auditing is now also a big part of our transformation in recent times.

Despite these far-reaching expansion hopes, SABECO has embedded the local slant into its corporate sustainability strategy, based on the 4Cs of consumption, conservation, country, and culture.

This support has come in the form of a raft of initiatives during and after the pandemic peak, and includes a youth empowerment programme to assist outstanding entrepreneurs and young people in both rural and urban areas; the Vietnam Wins Gold initiative to develop young athletes; and Collecting A Million Stars, which encouraged the community to rise together during the pandemics toughest points.

One of the main reasons why SABECO was able to scoop more APEA awards was through its consistent messaging via brands such as Bia Saigon, something Venus Teoh, SABECOs deputy general director for marketing, said the company was working hard on.

It is important to sharpen our brand positioning and that is what we have done. We have also ensured that our communication and marketing have evolved around that positioning. Every time we organise an event, everything fits under the same brand model in order to maintain consistency, she said

We have also ensured that our communication and marketing have evolved around that positioning. Every time we organise an event, everything fits under the same brand model in order to maintain consistency, said Venus Teoh, SABECOs deputy general director for marketing.

Although Neo acknowledged that it was fortunate Bia Saigon is already at the forefront of beverage drinkers in Vietnam, this is no reason for SABECO to rest on its laurels as it knows the competition is fierce.

As one of the enterprises with impressive recovery in the midst of difficulties, SABECO recorded net revenue of over $391.65 million in the second quarter of 2022, which is SABECO's best sales in a quarter since 2020. It reached 50 per cent of the sales plan and achieved 65 per cent of the profit target at the end of the half-year 2022.

Asia-Pacific Enterprise Awards 2021 Vietnam recognises exemplars of business excellence 64 exceptional business leaders and enterprises which have excelled and achieved great heights in their respective industries amidst the ongoing pandemic were accorded the prestigious Asia-Pacific Enterprise Awards 2021 Vietnam.
With more than 27 years of leadership experience in the hospitality industry, especially in international hotel chains, Lee will lead all aspects of sales strategies, revenue management, and marketing vision for the acclaimed 519-room and suite oasis in the heart of Hanois fast-emerging business district.

Carol Lee, new director of Sales & Marketing of Hyatt Regency West Hanoi

Carol Lee commenced her career path in hospitality at Grand Hyatt Seoul in 1995. After 10 years of progressing through different roles, she advanced to a director of sales position at W Seoul Walkerhill in 2005 and then became the director of Global Sales at Starwood Global Sales Office in South Korea from 2006 to 2010. After accumulating various work experiences in top-level management, she rejoined Grand Hyatt Incheon as a director of Sales & Marketing in 2018.

Appointed to a new role at Hyatt Regency West Hanoi, this is the first time Lee has worked in a new and promising market like Vietnam. This change will create many challenges but also open up new opportunities for the development of Hyatt Regency West Hanoi.

Hanoi is always considered one of the most competitive markets in the hospitality map of Vietnam.

Lee will present both strength and the fine flexibility of a female captain for Hyatt Regency West Hanois Sales & Marketing team. With her wealth of knowledge and great passion for hospitality, Lee will play a significant role in driving the hotel's stadf to enhance the position and image of the Hyatt brand as well as boost revenue in the Vietnamese market.

Being a hotelier has been my dream since I was young. After over 20 years of working, I made it happen. Until now, I believe that my biggest pride is the success of our company and the growth of my crew. Those are not only a source of motivation but also happiness for a person in the captain position," Lee said.

"My new itinerary at Hyatt Regency West Hanoi will be certainly challenging, but for someone who loves challenges like me, I consider that it will create more new opportunities. So, I hope that, here, I can contribute to building a truly professional team as well as improving the Hyatt brand awareness and brand preference in the Vietnamese market, she added.

Conveniently located in Hanois fast-emerging business district and close to major sporting and convention sites, the newly renovated Hyatt Regency West Hanoi is a peaceful urban oasis where business travellers and leisure guests can enjoy seamless and relaxing experiences in its modern accommodation, elevated meeting spaces, and dynamic culinary venues.

The 526 guestrooms, suites, and long-stay rooms have been refreshed in contemporary style with natural wood and marble accents, and enjoy natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotels restaurants offer a vivacious dining experience in an open-kitchen concept while guests can unwind at the sky bar after a busy day, enjoying drinks out on the terrace overlooking spectacular city views.

Celebrating the festive season at Park Hyatt Saigon With the Christmas holiday and New Year season upon us, celebrate the most magical time of the year with friends and family and a host of special offers at Park Hyatt Saigon.

Hyatt brings The Unbound Collection to Phu Quoc Located in Vietnams emerging resort destination, Nam Nghi Phu Quoc marks the first branded property in Southeast Asia under The Unbound Collection by Hyatt.

Hyatt Regency West Hanoi opens in Vietnam Hyatt Regency West Hanoi marks Hyatts debut in the Vietnamese capital, offering a peaceful urban oasis for business and leisure guests.
New airport infrastructure is considered a must for local economic growth

Of the 22 airports operating around the nation, only Van Don International Airport is privately owned and managed. In order to fully exploit the benefits of Vietnam's rich and attractive natural environment, developing and constructing new airport infrastructure is a crucial link.

Phu Quoc is representative of the aviation industry's contribution to the local economy. Before being the first island city in Vietnam to grow with the aim of becoming Asia's premier economic and tourist hub, this location was an impoverished island district. Despite its proximity to several nations in the area and its advantageous position, the island has not prospered much via marine trade alone.

According to Phu Quoc People's Committee, around 300,000 people visited the district in 2010. In 2014, almost two years after Phu Quoc International Airport began operations, the island received over 600,000 tourists, including 125,000 international visitors, a 21.5 per cent increase over the same time period.

Phu Quoc's tourist earnings surpassed $92 million, surpassing 11 per cent of the goal and growing over 84 per cent from that of 2013. The ambition of receiving 7.8 million tourists and generating an income that is 2.3 times that of the previous year was not that far off.

Since the airport opened in 2012, the island has been constantly upgrading, luring large investors to operate and establish, and transforming the island's hidden and unspoiled beauty into a leading tourist destination in the region, ousting Bali and Phuket to host the wedding of an Indian billionaire.

In addition, there are other prospective tourist locations in Vietnam like Phu Quoc, particularly in mountainous regions like the northwest and the Central Highlands. These are all locations where several tourist attractions intersect.

However, due to the complex terrain, commerce with highland provinces like Son La, Dien Bien, Kon Tum, and Dak Nong still faces several challenges.

Following international examples of advantageous infrastructure

In 1983, Turkey passed a law permitting private enterprises to handle airport and aviation services. The act opened the door to the aviation industry's prosperity.

According to the General Directorate of the State Airports Authority of Turkey (DHMI), the number of travellers in Turkey reached 45 million in 2004, a 30.7 per cent rise compared to the previous year, and the growth rate exceeded 23.3 per cent in 2005, reaching 55.5 million passengers.

According to DHMI 2005, the aviation sector produced 80,000 jobs and generated $300 million in income for ground service firms.

In 2004, 71.7 per cent of the total 17.5 million tourists to Turkey arrived by air, doubling the industry's earnings. In 2018, the aviation sector contributed $44.8 billion to Turkey's gross domestic product.

With the vital function of aviation infrastructure, Turkey intends to construct new airports at many crucial places in tourism and transportation to enhance income, raising the annual number of international travellers to Turkey to 202 million.

Elsewhere, France benefited from the aviation sector by constructing major airports not only in the capital and major cities but also in unique topographic areas. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that the air transport sector, including airlines and their supply chains, contributes $87 billion to the economy.

France has five domestic and international airports, including Geneva, Grenoble-Isere, Annecy Haute-Savoie, Lyon Saint Exupery, and Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc, that assist in linking travellers from across the globe to this renowned mountain range.

According to Vinci Airports, the Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc airport, which operates largely charter flights during the winter months and is busiest on weekends, received around 200,000 skiers in 2018.

Thanks to its excellent location, which minimises time compared to commuting by rail (about nine hours from London) or bus (20 hours), passing via Chambery airport only takes more than one hour, hence contributing to a growth in British and Russian passenger numbers.

The Alps, famed for their gorgeous and upscale ski resorts such as Meribel, Courchevel, Tignes, and Val d'Isere, are the most obvious example. Every year, these premium resorts draw hundreds of thousands to millions of tourists and professionals.

In addition to examples such as Turkey and France, IATA figures from June 2022 indicate that aviation carries almost two billion people annually and accounts for 40 per cent of interregional export transactions (by value).

This demonstrates that the development of aviation infrastructure not only enhances the connection infrastructure and promotes tourism and transport, but also indirectly brings other values in terms of economic growth and social assistance, creates opportunities for thousands of labourers, and opens the door to a more sustainable local economy.

Expansion of Noi Bai International Airport to kick off in 2025 Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi aims to serve about 100 million passengers and five million tonnes of freight per year by 2050.

Second component project at Long Thanh International Airport kicked off Component 2, valued at $152 million, at Long Thanh International Airport project, was kicked off on September 29 in Long Thanh district in the southern province of Dong Nai.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)  Maryland's highest court on Friday upheld a lower court's granting of an emergency petition from the state elections board that will allow mail-in ballots to be counted earlier than currently allowed by state law.

Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Matthew Fader wrote that the petition granted last month by Montgomery County Circuit Judge James Bonifant was affirmed in all respects" for reasons that will be stated in a later opinion.

The decision will be instrumental in helping local election officials "complete the timely canvassing and tabulation of these ballots and meet all relevant statutory deadlines, the Maryland State Board of Elections wrote in a statement.

The state and local boards of elections have begun implementing the pre-Election Day canvassing protocols established during the 2020 general election, the state board said, adding that best practices will provide the foundation for the canvassing process throughout the 2022 General Election.

The Court of Appeals had upheld the petition hours after hearing oral arguments earlier in the day.

Attorney C. Edward Hartman told the court that it was up to the General Assembly, not the courts, to change the law. In fact, the legislature passed a measure to allow the earlier counting of mail-in ballots this year, Hartman noted, but Gov. Larry Hogan vetoed the bill because of other provisions in it he did not support.

This discussion already happened this year in the appropriate branch of the government," said Hartman, who is arguing on behalf of Dan Cox, Republican candidate for governor. "We dont get to do it over again here.

Last month, Bonifant granted an emergency petition filed by the state elections board last month to allow the canvassing of mail-in ballots to begin Oct. 1.

Bonifant wrote that with so many mail-in ballots, which have become more popular amid the COVID-19 pandemic, local boards of election would not be able to verify the vote count within 10 days of the general election as required. That would put into jeopardy the seating of winning candidates by the dates of the next term of office, Bonifant noted.

Hartman argued that the state needs to follow constitutional requirements because once we begin approving the blurring of the lines between the three government branches, we start a slippery slope downhill.

But Court of Appeals Judge Angela Eaves asked: We're talking about this general election only, so should we just accept the domino effect and the turmoil that that could cause?

Hartman said it's not a question of whether the state should or shouldn't.

The question is whether we can, and I believe we cannot. Under the United States and Maryland Constitutions, this is not a judicial function," Hartman said.

Eaves questioned how the delay in counting the ballots could prevent elected officials from beginning their terms to start addressing important issues for the public.

Eaves asked: Should citizens just say, Well, I guess well just have to wait to address these important issues that affect us? ... So the domino effect doesn't matter at all?'"

Hartman replied: It does matter, but it doesnt mean that its one that this court can fix. Otherwise, this court becomes the legislature."

Dan Kobrin, an assistant attorney general who argued on behalf of the Maryland State Board of Elections, said the board petitioned the court under a constitutional delegation of power from the legislature to the judiciary for a narrowly tailored remedy that is available because of emergency circumstances for the public interest.

You have a decision by the Circuit Court on the discrete set of facts with a remedy that only approaches and affects the discrete set of facts as to the party before it, Kobrin said.

Counting mail-in ballots before Election Day was allowed in 2020 during a state of emergency, when voting by mail increased due to the pandemic. But because the state of emergency expired, the state went back to a law that doesnt allow mail-in ballots to be counted until after Election Day.

Mail-in ballot counting did not begin until two days after the primary in July, leaving the outcomes of many races unknown for days.

This is a big election year in Maryland, with statewide offices like governor, attorney general and comptroller on the ballot, as well as all 188 seats in the General Assembly, the state's eight U.S. House seats and a U.S. Senate seat.

As of Wednesday, 549,681 voters had requested mail-in ballots in Maryland. That's more than the 508,000 who asked for them in the primary. Maryland has about 3.8 million eligible active voters.
Surrounded by signs of construction already underway, Waco Independent School District officials and supporters joined Waco and McLennan County representatives in a Waco High School groundbreaking Friday, a symbolic start to the districts first new high school in 14 years.

The $141 million high school, the capstone of a $355 million bond-funded construction project voters approved in November, will replace the existing Waco High on property across the street. The new school is expected to open in August 2025 with room for 2,150 students.

The bond project also includes a new Kendrick Elementary School on its current campus, a new Tennyson Middle School on its current campus, and a new G.W. Carver Middle School on the campus where the former G.W. Carver burned down shortly before last school year. The new Carver, which will take in all students from the combined G.W. Carver Indian Spring Middle School formed after the fire, is expected to open next fall, and work has begun on Tennyson.

A bulldozer and an excavator flanked the Waco High groundbreaking ceremony, surrounded by temporary fencing around the construction site. Mounds of dirt visible above the fence and sounds of an earthmoving machine in the background underlined the symbolic nature of the event.

Nearly 300 people attended the ceremony, including alumni from Richfield High School, Jefferson-Moore High School and Waco High School, which were consolidated into a single Waco High in 1986; Waco ISD trustees, administrators, faculty and staff; Waco High student leaders and the schools student Jazz Cats ensemble; Waco City Council members, McLennan County commissioners and other elected officials; and past principals John Dozier, Butch Luce, Ed Love, James Stewart and Lisa Saxenian.

Gray Television CEO Hilton Howell Jr., a 1980 Richfield High graduate, was the groundbreakings keynote speaker and shared that not only he, but his father, uncles and brother are graduates of Waco or Richfield high schools.

He said the construction of a new Waco High speaks highly of a community that values education.

I saw the school as it is and as it used to be. Its kind of time for a new school, Howell said. I am a very proud son of the city, a proud graduate of the school and a proud participant of this day.

In her remarks, Waco ISD Superintendent Susan Kincannon praised the cooperation between the school district, city and county in making the property swaps that enabled new high school construction, construction of the countys Base multipurpose facility and other improvements at the Extraco Events Center, and new Little League fields for the city.

Kincannon said Waco schools play a crucial role in the citys well-being and future, and the cooperation needed to build a new Waco High also benefits the city.

The reality is Wacos diversity is a source of strength, she said. (A new Waco High) gives us an opportunity to continue to grow together as a community, and it will support a better future.

Kincannon said the district started two years ago on plans for a new Waco High and board members along the way have done well guiding the discussion and planning.

Waco High joins Lake Belton High School as the high schools whose construction Kincannon has overseen as a superintendent. In her years as an administrator, she also has presided over the construction of three middle schools, six elementary schools and related support facilities such as Paul Tyson Field, an agricultural barn and a high school swim center.

Waco ISD school board President Stephanie Korteweg and Waco High School Principal Sterlin McGruder said the new high school holds promise for the future. Waco High senior class President Kevin Redmond said Waco High has shaped a shy, overwhelmed freshman four years ago and given him confidence and focus.

That young man was me, Redmond said. Waco High was the place where the real Kevin came forth.

The new Waco High School continues a tradition that started in 1912 with the opening of the first Waco High School at Columbus Avenue and Eighth Street. That school saw its record enrollment of 2,565 students in 1939, with Wacos Black students then attending Moore High School. Richfield High was built in 1961 near Rich Field, a World War I Army airfield, at the cost of $2.5 million.

Waco High moved to a new building near McLennan Community College in 1971, the same year Jefferson-Moore High School opened. The three schools consolidated into a single Waco High on the Richfield campus in 1986. MCC owns and operates the 1971 Waco High building that is now a part of its campus, and the former Jefferson-Moore High School houses Carver Indian Spring Middle School. The original Richfield High School building will be torn down after the new Waco High opens.

University High School, the districts second high school, started as Waco Technical High School in 1946. Its original building near Interstate 35 and South Valley Mills Drive was replaced in 2008 with a new University High School on South New Road at a cost of $87 million.

Waco ISD trustees last week approved a deal with contractors that caps the new Waco Highs construction costs at $140.5 million, keeping it within budget and its original construction timeline. Soaring costs for materials and services, however, had forced district planners, architect OConnell Robertson and project manager Rogers-OBrien to alter the building design and construction phasing to save money.

The changes include combining a staged construction strategy into a single phase and an adapted design that shifts the main building, relocates a central utilities plant and reduces exterior walls. The single-phase construction will mean an earlier teardown of the high schools performing arts center, requiring some of the schools theater and choir students to use alternate spaces for a year-and-a-half.
About 250 people attended the Friday funeral Mass for three of the five people slain in last weeks shootings in McGregor.

Catholic priest Albert Ruiz conducted a funeral Friday for Monica Delgado and two of her children, teenagers Miguel and Natallie Avila, at The Exchange Event Center in McGregor. Toward the end of the service family members spoke.

Monica was a beautiful personality, Delgados brother-in-law, Jose Sepulveda, said. She loved to cook and bake.

Sepulveda said Miguel was a hard worker, cutting grass with his grandfather in the afternoons. Natallie was shy, but she would light up the room for the people who knew her really well, he said.

On Sept. 29, five people were shot to death in McGregor: Delgado and two of her children as well as two of their next door neighbors, Lorena Lori Aviles, and her adult daughter, Natalie Aviles. Police have accused the man Delgado lived with for 11 years, and who was the father of her three younger children, of the five killings.

Funeral services held Thursday for the Aviles women were private at the request of the family. The Friday funeral for Delgado and her two slain children was open to the community.

Thanking the community

Toward the end of the Friday service Sepulveda and two other family members thanked the McGregor community for the outpouring of love and support they felt over the past week.

Leticia Ortuno thanked the community in Spanish. Abigail Klish thanked them in English.

At a time when we are at our lowest, we want to thank those we know and those we dont for the love and support we received in the last week, Klish said. We also recognize that two other wonderful souls left this world at the same time and we offer our deepest condolences to the family of Lorena and Natalie Aviles.

Addressing the tragedy

Officiating the funeral primarily in Spanish, Ruiz also addressed the tragic aspect of these deaths.

All of these deaths were caused by an act of evil, Ruiz said. What do we do with all of this as we feel sad and afflicted?

In answer to his own question, the priest went on to say that the Gospel of St. John records an account of Jesus Christ talking with the family of his friend Lazarus who died. Lazarus sister Mary said to Jesus that if he had been there, her brother would not have died. Jesus wept, the priest quoted from Johns Gospel.

Jesus cries any time his children are taken by an act of evil, Ruiz said. He said the Gospels tell us Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Jesus death and resurrection were to bring us all new life.

Delgado, as well as Miguel and Natallie Avila are survived by the three younger children Delgado had with the man accused of the five killings: Jesus Jaimes, Nicolas Jaimes and Yulissa Jaimes, as well as by Delgados parents, Joel Delgado and Otilia Aviles, her brothers, Joel and Juan Delgado-Aviles, and her sister, Melissa Sepulveda.

The service

The funeral venue was already halfway filled by 30 minutes before the service was set to begin. Relations, friends and community members, young and old, Hispanic, white and Black had all joined the family to mourn their loss and celebrate the lives Delgado, Miguel and Natallie lived.

The service was mostly in Spanish, but parts were repeated in English.

Ruiz walked in with two altar servers, both girls, ahead of the three caskets.

One casket was white with silver trim; another, white with gold and bronze trim; the third, blue-gray, with silver trim. A small group of mourners, all dressed in white shirts and wearing matching pinkish-red flowers near their collars, accompanied each casket.

At the beginning of the service a small choir could be heard singing uplifting Alleluias, accompanied in a major key by an electric piano.

During the Mass portion of the service, the girl altar attendants performed all the rites and duties of the role, handing Ruiz his prayer book and Bible, as well as passing him the elements of Holy Communion for his blessing.
North Korea has warned the U.S. redeployment of an aircraft carrier near the Korean Peninsula is causing a considerably huge negative splash in regional security. The North Korean Defense Ministry statement on Saturday came a day after the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan began a new round of naval drills with South Korean warships off the peninsulas east coast. The Reagan and its battle group returned to the area in response to the North's test of a powerful missile. A North Korean Defense Ministry spokesman says the North's military is seriously approaching the extremely worrisome development of the present situation.
JOHNSTON  The candidates for Iowa state treasurer displayed the stark differences in their respective visions for the office Friday.

Mike Fitzgerald, the Democratic incumbent, and Roby Smith, the Republican challenger, discussed their campaigns while recording this weekends episode of Iowa Press on Iowa PBS.

Fitzgerald, 70, from Waukee, has been Iowas treasurer since 1983 and is the longest-tenured state treasurer in U.S. history.

Smith, 44, from Davenport, has served as a state legislator since 2010 and owns an advertising and publication business.

The state treasurer manages and invests the states money in myriad accounts, including for its state workers retirement program. The treasurer also coordinates bonding and manages one program that allows Iowans to create a college savings account and another that returns unclaimed money to Iowans. Fitzgerald created both programs in Iowa.

Short as possible, were the state banker. We are responsible for the money that the state has, which is substantial, Fitzgerald said.

Smith said in addition to protecting Iowa taxpayers money, he believes the treasurer also should advocate for tax policies that lower state tax rates. He touted the Republican-led state tax cuts enacted by state lawmakers and Gov. Kim Reynolds in 2018 and 2022.

You want to invest the money, get the best rate of return but also you want to be an advocate for tax cuts and returning more back to taxpayers, Smith said.

Smith said, if elected, he would lobby for tax cut legislation and criticized Fitzgerald for not doing so.

Fitzgerald said the treasurer is responsible for managing the states finances  not weighing in on tax policy.

Our responsibility in the treasurers office is taking responsibility for the funds the state has, and weve done a great job of doing that. That is what our mission is: Keeping the money safe, Fitzgerald said. Now, if the legislators and the governor want to increase taxes or decrease taxes, that is their decision. Its not something that directly affects programs that we run in the state treasurers office.

Smith also criticized Fitzgerald for a recent rating downgrade of the states college savings plan, College Savings Iowa, by the Chicago-based financial services firm Morningstar.

In its annual ratings, Morningstar recently lowered its rating of College Savings Iowa to neutral, which is the fourth of five ratings and which the company describes as average.

According to Morningstar, three state programs are rated gold, 11 silver and 18 bronze. Iowas is among 23 programs rated neutral. Seven are rated negative.

While the Treasurer provides a unique level of stability, the state has continued to disregard (the investment management company) Vanguards best thinking and instead forces outdated market-timing risks in its Aggressive Growth and Growth tracks, warranting a downgrade, Morningstar senior analyst Madeline Hume reported.

Fitzgerald countered that he believes part of the downgrade was the result of miscommunication, and that he believes Morningstar will soon move the programs rating back up.

The College Savings Iowa program has more than 347,000 accounts, which average more than $18,000, according to figures from the treasurers office.

Iowa Press can be seen at noon on Sunday on Iowa PBS; at 8:30 a.m. Saturday on Iowa PBS World; and online at iowapbs.org/iowapress.
Polish President Duda: The problem lies primarily in the fact that we do not have nuclear weapons. And there are no signs that we, Poland, will receive it anytime soon. There is always a potential opportunity to participate in Nuclear Sharing. We have discussed with American leaders whether the United States is considering such a possibility. The topic is open.

President of Belarus Lukashenko: What does this mean? That we are really facing an attack with tactical nuclear weapons. We need to take measures, we dont have any

President of Ukraine Zelensky: NATO must deliver preventive nuclear strikes against Russia.

The West is fueling a nuclear war. Every person on the planet must realize that the puppet and unbalanced character Zelensky, pumped up with weapons, has turned into a monster whose hands can destroy the planet.

Marie Zakharova

WtR
We started todays significant day with a solemn formation of the power units of the Chechen Republic. The event was dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the President of Russia, Supreme Commander Vladimir Putin. More than 20,000 elite fighters lined up on the parade ground to support the course of the head of state and congratulate him on his anniversary.



I warmly greeted these worthy sons of the Chechen people, who are ready at any moment to defend their homeland and carry out any order of our outstanding leader. With a single voice of twenty thousand, we congratulated Vladimir Putin on his birthday, securing this moment with our glorious battle cry: AKHMAT-POWER!



In the course of our speeches, we resolutely rejected European anti-religious and misanthropic values and declared our readiness to beat Satanists and their minions anywhere in the world. Ten thousand Chechen fighters are already involved in this noble cause. If necessary, another seventy thousand are ready to join them.



During the ceremony, Mufti of the Chechen Republic Salakh-Khadji Mezhiev, well-known Chechen elders, widows and mothers of law enforcement officers, as well as female military personnel expressed their support for the course pursued by the President of Russia.



This is the consolidation of society that our First President, Hero of Russia Akhmat-Khadzhi Kadyrov dreamed of and which the state needs. Unity, spirituality and obedience to Almighty Allah are the values for which our ancestors died and each of us is ready to repeat their unforgettable feat!



Also in the course of building acting. Head of the Donetsk Peoples Republic Denis Pushilin presented me with the title of Hero of the DPR and the medal For the Liberation of Mariupol. In addition, he awarded a number of distinguished members of Kadyrovs team.



At the end of the construction, the Minister of Culture of the Chechen Republic Aishat Kadyrova, the Peoples Artist of the Chechen Republic Amina Akhmadova and the Peoples Artist of the Chechen Republic Murad Baikaev performed the patriotic song For us the truth is strong. This composition was a beautiful and inspiring outcome of the event.

Indeed, the truth is behind us, which means that we will be even stronger and will certainly win! Long live Russia! Long live our national leader Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin!

Kadyrov

WtR
Jill Biden: 'How could we go back?' after Roe is overturned

Jill Biden is using the story of a teenage friend's abortion to illustrate what she says is at stake in November's elections
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Originally written as a radio piece in honor of Queen Marys birthday, The Mousetrap is the longest running play in the world.

Agatha Christies iconic murder mystery about a group of strangers trapped during a snowstorm opens at the Adobe Theater on Friday, Oct. 14. The play runs on weekends through Nov. 6.

The Mousetrap opened in Londons West End in 1952, running continuously until March 2020, when it was temporarily stalled due to the pandemic. It reopened in May 2021. The longest-running play in the world, it reached 27,500 performances in 2018. Attendees often get their photo taken beside the wooden counter in the theater foyer.

In London, its comparable to Madame Tussauds and the Changing of the Guard. Its something you have to catch if you visit the city.

Flush with the pedigree of arguably the most famous crime novelist in the world, successive generations of critics have asked themselves why the play seems so eternal.

I think its really what I would term the Romeo and Juliet story,  director Mario Cabrera said. We keep doing productions of Romeo and Juliet. We know how it ends, but we love the story.

The eight suspects include Mollie, the newlywed who inherited the Monkswell Manor. Giles, the husband with no solid past. Christopher Wren is a young architect with a flamboyant and often inappropriate sense of humor. Mrs. Boyle is a retiree with an acerbic tone. Major Metcalf is an affable gentleman who seems too keen to help his hosts cope with the consequences of the snowstorm. Miss Casewell, an aloof young woman on a business trip, is unwilling to discuss private matters. Mr. Paravicini is a roguish gentleman who hides his reasons for being there. Detective Sgt. Trotter is investigating the guests.

The main challenge for the actors is to commit fully to doing this, Cabrera said. The play was written in 1952 and there are a lot of archaic turns of phrases.

Cabrera has been involved in five productions of the play across his years in the theater.

Were kind of designing the show like a graphic novel, he said.

Cabrera leads a cast that includes Emily Cox, Mike Eddie Dethlefs, Caitlin Kelly, Yannig Morin, Caleb Daniel Ramsell, Nicee Wagner, Michael Weppler and Alaina Warren Zachary.

The original West End cast included Richard Attenborough. Later productions have featured Hugh Bonneville, Patrick Stewart and Julie Walters.
Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect that an overnight resident at the shelter was stabbed, not a staff member.

A man staying at the West Side homeless shelter in Albuquerque was stabbed by another resident Friday morning, police say.

Kyle Williams, 31, is charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in the incident. He has been booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center.

It is unclear if Williams has an attorney.

The resident who was stabbed is in stable condition and expected to recover.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court:

Albuquerque police responded around 7:15 a.m. to a reported stabbing at the Westside Emergency Housing Center in the 7400 block of Jim McDowell Road, near Double Eagle II Airport. Officers found Williams with blood on his jacket, and he refused to speak with police as the victim was taken to a hospital.

A shift supervisor told police the resident came out of the shelter shouting that he had been stabbed and that Kyle did it. The supervisor said an employee initially asked Williams and he replied, I didnt do it.

The supervisor told police Williams said later that it was out of self-defense. Another employee told police he saw Williams holding a knife after the stabbing and found the bloodied knife underneath Williams bed.
Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

Vying to be Bernalillo Countys next top cop are two retired law enforcement officers  one who wants to reform the agency and the other who wants to return to policings roots  and a man who tangled with the sitting sheriff during the notorious Dongcopter incident of the mayoral race last year.

On the Democratic side, theres John Allen, who served with the New Mexico State Police for four years before joining the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office in 2001. The 47-year-old is running as a reform-minded candidate who said he was pushed out of the agency in 2020 after he voiced concerns about the way things were being run. He now works as a lead instructor at the Central New Mexico Community College law enforcement academy.

On the Republican side is Paul Pacheco, who worked for the Albuquerque Police Department for 27 years before being elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives and then serving as the deputy Cabinet secretary for the states Corrections Department. The 58-year-old stressed the importance of getting more deputies on the streets and said that he doesnt have any close ties within the Sheriffs Office, hasnt promised anyone anything and will not be treating people differently based on personal relationships.

The third candidate is Libertarian Kaelan Dreyer  a 21-year-old activist and farmer who has never served in law enforcement. He said he is running as a protest candidate to give a voice to civilians who feel disconnected from law enforcement.

Dreyer was arrested in June 2021 after landing a glancing blow on Sheriff Manuel Gonzaless arm during a mayoral campaign event.

Dreyers friends had interrupted the event by flying a self-described Dongcopter  a drone with a phallic object attached to it  toward the stage. In a recent interview with the Journal, he clarified that the object was a stuffed nylon stocking in the shape of a dildo.

When the establishments owner grabbed the drone, Dreyer said he tried to get it back and ended up hitting Gonzales in the kerfuffle. He was charged with petty misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor resisting an officer, but the case was dismissed when the prosecution didnt appear for hearings.

Enforcement not only solution

Pacheco, whose parents moved from Rhode Island to Albuquerque before he was born, grew up near the North Valley and went to Valley High School. He said the city no longer resembles the one from his childhood and he worries about increased fentanyl use as the drug comes over the border from Mexico.

Referencing a couple of high-profile police misconduct cases that fueled anti-police rhetoric, Pacheco said law enforcement has pulled back and is now afraid to engage or enforce laws.

Weve seen whats happened: We have rampant violent crime, we have rampant property crime, he said in an interview. You know how it is to drive around in this county  the speeds, the were not paying attention to stop signs, red lights are suggestions  so basically whats happened is, its emboldened people, theyre not being held accountable.

To address this, Pacheco said he would put more deputies on the streets  by asking the Bernalillo County commission to fund additional positions and by moving people from task forces to the field services units.

That gives them the ability to do community-based policing, Pacheco said. So, right now, theres no proactive policing or little  let me qualify  little proactive policing being done.

Moving task force deputies into the field is also something Allen suggested  saying the sheriffs job is to make sure resources are being used efficiently.

However, he doesnt think more enforcement is the only solution.

Proactive policing for the crime problem just isnt pulling everybody over, its also being engaged with your community and having that trust, Allen said during an interview at a park next to CNMs campus. You have to be able to multi-task. It cant be a one-dimensional item.

Allen was one of the founding members of the countys mobile crisis teams  made up of a clinician and a deputy. He said he would like to add two more mobile crisis teams to BCSO, as well as two more deputies to the crisis intervention teams.

We have to make sure that were de-escalating  which Im teaching at CNM, Allen said. Which law enforcement does, but we can always become a lot better at it.

Rebuilding a relationship

Allens parents also came from the East Coast  from New York  and he, too, was born in Albuquerque. He attended West Mesa High School.

During his time with BCSO, Allen was one of the supervisors of the Multi-Agency Task Force, which investigates shootings by local law enforcement. He said he now likes the idea of an independent agency  such as the state Attorney Generals Office if it had more resources  taking the lead on future investigations.

In November 2017, Joshua Mora  son of then-undersheriff Rudy Mora  fired at a pickup truck, killing the driver and passenger, because he said he was afraid he and his sergeant would be run over.

Prosecutors determined the shooting was justified. Following a lawsuit, the county paid $3.3 million to the families of the men who were killed and two others who werent injured.

Allen said his disagreements with Sheriff Gonzales included concerns about Undersheriff Moras involvement in the investigation. He said he would handle similar situations differently.

You have something that controversial, that type of relationship, something thats so intertwined to someone being close to someone high in the chain of command right away  absolutely not, we will not take the lead, Allen said. I will do this as sheriff. Another department will take the lead.

Allen said he was pushed out and targeted because of this incident and because he disagreed with the sheriff on other things, as well, including the resistance to getting body cameras until it was mandated under state law.

How do we move forward  instead of talking about the past  is learning from the mistakes the current administration has done and improving on them, he said. But not just listening to people that are so law enforcement-centric, actually listening to the whole community as a whole.

Pacheco also disagreed with the resistance to body cameras, saying in my mind, that horse had left the barn long ago.

And he said he thought the current sheriff had alienated others, including the 2nd Judicial District Attorneys Office and the Albuquerque police chief.

So, I have to rebuild that, whether its with Raul (Torrez), with him or whether its with his successor, whoever it is, Im going to rebuild that relationship, Pacheco said. Were going to work in tandem and work together in protecting the county.

Pacheco said he would be open to further reforms as long as they are evidence based.

I would want to listen, I would want to see really what the issue was, he added. And if it could be dealt with internally, or if it was something that needed some sort of outside monitoring.

Offering a different message

Calling policing local tyranny, Dreyer said he was interested in running for sheriff even before his brush with the office last year.

Im running to give voters a different message, he said. Basically, most sheriff candidates are generally very, Id say, authoritarian. I feel like, here in New Mexico and Albuquerque, policing is just out of control. I mean  we were No. 1 in the country for deaths from law enforcement.

Dreyer, who moved to Albuquerque from Illinois with his mother when he was 16, met with the Journal at the Rio Grande Community Farm where he has a quarter-acre plot of land.

He said hed like to decriminalize all drug possession and stop BCSOs use of militarized, armored vehicles.

Law enforcement, unions and all that are trying to scare the public in using the same tactics that weve seen through the past few decades that really do not solve the root cause of crime, and really just end up in more destruction of civil liberties, Dreyer said. Especially for people of color and other marginalized groups.

As someone on the autism spectrum, Dreyer said he has concerns about the way law enforcement deals with people with mental illness or other conditions.

I am going to run, probably not going to win, but whatever, Dreyer said. I hope to make a message, thats my main goal to bring the voters a different perspective and maybe even after the election they can fight for or advocate for some of the reforms that Ive suggested.
NAME: John Allen

POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic

OCCUPATION: Lead Instructor at the CNM Law Enforcement Academy

CITY OF RESIDENCE: Albuquerque

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: My career in law enforcement is extensive: I started as a patrolman with the New Mexico State Police, then moved to the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office where I held supervisory roles with the Homicide, Violent Crimes, Crisis Intervention Team, and Special Weapons and Tactics units. Ive investigated all types of homicides, officer- and deputy-involved shootings, and problems at the MDC; and have worked with the FBI, the DEA, Secret Service, and Homeland Security when crimes involved narcotics, gangs and other criminal networks. Today I am a lead instructor at the CNM Law Enforcement Academy.

EDUCATION: Associate degree, CNM

AGE: 47

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: electjohnallen.com

1. What are three concrete actions you would take to address crime in the county?

Violent crime is our most serious challenge. We must invest in focused and data-driven policing that keeps violent offenders behind bars. We also must overhaul and improve how BCSO works with APD and our law enforcement partners to communicate better, share resources, and allocate officers and deputies more effectively.

2. What differentiates you from your opponents?

1) Experience  Ive been a supervisor and police instructor; 2) Commitment to change, reform and transparency  I will run a strong, professional Sheriffs Office free from corruption and dysfunction; 3) Collaboration  I will work with APD and other regional law enforcement partners as a team rather than as competitors or adversaries.

3. What do you think should be the relationship between the Albuquerque Police Department and the Sheriffs Office and how would you foster that relationship?

The relationship with APD should be collaborative, not competitive, as it has been. If we are to reduce crime, we must work better with APD and its leadership. As a lead instructor at the CNM Law Enforcement Academy, I also have relationships with APD officers Ive trained.

4. The unincorporated area of Bernalillo County has already had more homicides this year than in all of last year. Why do you think that is and what should the Sheriffs Office do to address this issue?

Homicide is rising locally and nationally. COVID created instability within families and the community, and today, three-fourths of homicides involve guns. We need more deputies. More deputies in the community mean fewer people commit crime. At BCSO, we can restructure the field services and criminal investigations division and improve communication.

5. What are three concrete things that you would change in the Sheriffs Office?

We need to restore the publics trust and rebuild morale at BCSO. The dysfunction at BCSO hurts our entire community and the core mission of public safety. I support transparency with the public and media, body cameras, continued training for deputies, investments in mental health care, and improving relationships with APD.

6. If elected, what would you do in your first week at the Sheriffs Office?

Address structure and allocation of people-power to provide more coverage for the areas we patrol. Immediately assess high crime areas and restructure patrols for better coverage in the unincorporated areas of the County; crack down on vehicle theft, which directly correlates to violent crime and homicide; and put more deputies in the field to cut down on response times to calls.

7. Do you believe former President Donald Trumps claim that he was the legitimate winner of the 2020 presidential election? (Yes or No answer only, please)

No.

Personal background

1. Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?

No.

2. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?

No.

3. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain.

No.
NAME: Paul A. Pacheco

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican

OCCUPATION: Retired candidate for sheriff

CITY OF RESIDENCE: Albuquerque

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: 27 years in law enforcement, four years as a New Mexico representative, 4 years as an executive with New Mexico Corrections Department.

EDUCATION: Graduated from Valley High School. Attended CNM for 2 years.

AGE: 58

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: peopleforpaulpacheco.com

1. What are three concrete actions you would take to address crime in the county?

First, I would reorganize the agency and place more deputies on the street. Second, ensure proactive activities such as increased traffic enforcement and community contacts and problem solving. Third, fight to toughen laws and end catch and release, emphasizing support for victims and their families.

2. What differentiates you from your opponent?

Twenty-seven years of law enforcement experience, including FBI New Mexico Violent Fugitive task force and the U.S. Marshals Services SWIFT. Four years as a New Mexico state representative. Followed by four and a half years with the New Mexico Corrections Department in executive positions, including deputy cabinet secretary and deputy director of the Security Threat Intelligence Unit.

3. What do you think should be the relationship between the Albuquerque Police Department and the Sheriffs Office and how would you foster that relationship?

It is imperative that the relationship between the two departments is strengthened. As sheriff I will work toward rebuilding the relationship between the two agencies. I will commit resources to assist APD to jointly address the increase in violent crime which is plaguing Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.

4. The unincorporated area of Bernalillo County has already had more homicides this year than in all of last year. Why do you think that is and what should the Sheriffs Office do to address this issue?

The lack of street deputies inhibits the ability to perform proactive policing, such as traffic enforcement. You have to have enough professional, competent deputies on the streets to address criminal activities. Deputies must have time to meet with business owners and citizens to develop and implement plans of action.

5. What are three concrete things that you would change in the Sheriffs Office?

Requesting funds from the County Commission for hiring and training of additional deputies. Reorganize the agency and place more deputies on the street. And lastly, I would begin the process of rebuilding the partnerships with the District Attorneys Office and other law enforcement agencies throughout the state.

6. If elected, what would you do in your first week at the Sheriffs Office?

Meet with my personnel and ensure they understand the priorities of implementing evidence-based policing tactics. Meeting with rank and file deputies to gather input on crime issues in their districts. Begin meeting with leaders of the community to identify problems and developing plans to address specific crime issues.

7. Do you believe former President Donald Trumps claim that he was the legitimate winner of the 2020 presidential election? (Yes or No answer only, please)

No.

Personal background

1. Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?

No.

2. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?

Yes. The bankruptcy occurred more than 20 years ago and was due to a family health issue.

3. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain.

No.
NAME: Kaelan Dreyer

POLITICAL PARTY: Libertarian (NM)

OCCUPATION: Farmer

CITY OF RESIDENCE: Albuquerque

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Activism

EDUCATION: Some secondary

AGE: 21

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: LPNM.US

1. What are three concrete actions you would take to address crime in the county?

Simply I would decriminalize and stop enforcement of victimless crimes, these so called crimes involve no victim and are a waste of police resources. By getting rid of enforcement of these local law enforcement can focus on more serious crimes.

2. What differentiates you from your opponent?

 Im running as a citizen concerned about the overreach of local law enforcement. Last year New Mexico was No. 1 in the country for deaths from law enforcement. Being involved with others in the community concerned about this issue gives voters a voice different from the typical authoritarian candidates that run for this office.

3. What do you think should be the relationship between the Albuquerque Police Department and the Sheriffs Office and how would you foster that relationship?

If I was elected sheriff I would actually use the sheriffs office to watch over the corruption and violence APD has become notorious for. I know this relationship might seem harsh, but the DOJ has failed to clean up APD and I as sheriff being in control of law enforcement across the county would need to hold local police accountable.

4. The unincorporated area of Bernalillo County has already had more homicides this year than in all of last year. Why do you think that is and what should the Sheriffs Office do to address this issue?

I think the increase in homicides is possibly from the uncertainty society and the economy has faced from the fallout of the pandemic. As for solutions instead of the same authoritarian Tough on Crime solutions that studies have shown have little effect on reducing violent crime, I believe in community led solutions (rather than politicians).

5. What are three concrete things that you would change in the Sheriffs Office?

Demilitarize local police (locally stop the DODs program 1033); advocate for community control of police and an independent board for it; stop enforcement of victimless crimes and release and expunge the records for anyone imprisoned for these.

6. If elected, what would you do in your first week at the Sheriffs Office?

I would start up a process to clean up the corruption and brutality of local law enforcement. Surely this process is going to take more than a week, but cleaning up local police is something that needs to be done.

7. Do you believe former President Donald Trumps claim that he was the legitimate winner of the 2020 presidential election? (Yes or No answer only, please)

No.

Personal background

1. Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?

No, my business has never been subject to any tax liens.

2. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?

No.

3. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain.

I was infamously arrested for disorderly conduct with the Dongcopter fiasco last year. Basically the current sheriff decided to arrest me for his own political gain (also BCSO has a record of arresting critics), however it backfired and the court dropped the case.
KYIV, Ukraine  An explosion Saturday caused the partial collapse of a bridge linking the Crimean Peninsula with Russia, damaging an important supply artery for the Kremlins faltering war effort in southern Ukraine and hitting a towering symbol of Russian power in the region.

Nobody immediately claimed responsibility for the blast, which killed three people. The speaker of the Russian-backed regional parliament in Crimea accused Ukraine, but Moscow didnt apportion blame. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly threatened to strike the bridge, and some lauded the destruction on Saturday. But Kyiv stopped short of claiming responsibility.

The explosion, which Russian authorities said was caused by a truck bomb, risked a sharp escalation in Russias eight-month war, with some Russian lawmakers calling for President Vladimir Putin to declare a counterterrorism operation, shedding the term special military operation that had downplayed the scope of fighting to ordinary Russians.

Putin signed a decree late Saturday tightening security for the bridge and for energy infrastructure between Crimea and Russia, and put Russias federal security service, the FSB, in charge of the effort.

Hours after the explosion, Russias Defense Ministry announced that the air force chief, Gen. Sergei Surovikin, would now command all Russian troops in Ukraine. Surovikin, who this summer was placed in charge of troops in southern Ukraine, had led Russian forces in Syria and was accused of overseeing a bombardment that destroyed much of Aleppo.

Moscow, however, continues to suffer battlefield losses.

On Saturday, a Kremlin-backed official in Ukraines Kherson region announced a partial evacuation of civilians from the southern province, one of four illegally annexed by Moscow last week. Kirill Stremousov told Russias state-run RIA Novosti agency that young children and the elderly could be relocated because Kherson was getting ready for a difficult period.

The 19-kilometer (12-mile) Kerch Bridge, on a strait between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, is a symbol of Moscows claims on Crimea and an essential link to the peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. The $3.6 billion bridge, the longest in Europe, is vital to sustaining Russias military operations in southern Ukraine. Putin himself presided over the bridges opening in 2018.

The attack on it will have a further sapping effort on Russian morale, (and) will give an extra boost to Ukraines, said James Nixey of Chatham House, a think tank in London. Conceivably the Russians can rebuild it, but they cant defend it while losing a war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a video address, indirectly acknowledged the bridge attack but did not address its cause.

Today was not a bad day and mostly sunny on our states territory, he said. Unfortunately, it was cloudy in Crimea. Although it was also warm.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine wants a future without occupiers. Throughout our territory, in particular in Crimea.

Zelenskyy also said Ukrainian forces advanced or held the line in the east and south, but acknowledged very, very difficult, very tough fighting around the city of Bakhmut in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russian forces have claimed recent gains.

Russias National Anti-Terrorism Committee said a truck bomb caused seven railway cars carrying fuel to catch fire, resulting in the partial collapse of two sections of the bridge. A couple riding in a vehicle on the bridge were killed, Russias Investigative Committee said. It didnt say who the third victim was.

All vehicles crossing the bridge are supposed to undergo state-of-the-art checks for explosives. The truck that exploded was owned by a resident of the Krasnodar region in southern Russia, the Investigative Committee said, adding that the mans home was searched and experts were looking at the trucks route.

Train and automobile traffic over the bridge was temporarily suspended. Automobile traffic resumed Saturday afternoon on one of the two links that remained intact, with the flow alternating in each direction, said Crimeas Russia-backed leader, Sergey Aksyonov.

Rail traffic was resuming slowly. Two passenger trains left the Crimean cities of Sevastopol and Simferopol and headed toward the bridge Saturday evening. Passenger ferry links between Crimea and the Russian mainland were being relaunched Sunday.

While Russia seized areas north of Crimea early in its invasion of Ukraine and built a land corridor to it along the Sea of Azov, Ukraine is pressing a counteroffensive to reclaim that territory.

The Russian Defense Ministry said its troops in the south were receiving necessary supplies through that corridor and by sea.

Russian war bloggers responded to the bridge attack with fury, urging Moscow to retaliate by striking Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Putin ordered the creation of a government panel to deal with the emergency. Gennady Zyuganov, head of the Russian Communist Party, said the terror attack should serve as a wake-up call. The special operation must be turned into a counterterrorist operation, he declared.

Leonid Slutsky, head of the foreign affairs committee in the Russian parliaments lower house, said consequences will be imminent if Ukraine was responsible. And Sergei Mironov, leader of the Just Russia faction, said Russia should respond by attacking key Ukrainian infrastructure.

Such statements may herald a decision by Putin to declare a counterterrorism operation.

The parliamentary leader of Zelenskyys party cast the explosion as a consequence of Moscows takeover of Crimea.

Russian illegal construction is starting to fall apart and catch fire. The reason is simple: If you build something explosive, then sooner or later it will explode, said David Arakhamia of the Servant of the People party.

The Ukrainian postal service announced it would issue stamps commemorating the blast, as it did after the sinking of the Moskva, a Russian flagship cruiser, by a Ukrainian strike.

The secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defense Council, Oleksiy Danilov, tweeted a video with the Kerch Bridge on fire and Marilyn Monroe singing her Happy Birthday Mr. President song. Putin turned 70 on Friday.

In Moscow, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the reaction of the Kyiv regime to the destruction of civilian infrastructure shows its terrorist nature.

The Crimean Peninsula is a popular destination for Russian tourists and home to a Russian naval base. A Russian tourist association estimated that 50,000 tourists were in Crimea on Saturday.

Elsewhere, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said Ukraines Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has lost its last remaining external power source as a result of renewed shelling and is now relying on emergency diesel generators.

Ukrainian authorities were also just beginning to sift through the wreckage of the devastated city of Lyman in eastern Ukraine, assessing the humanitarian toll and possible war crimes after a months-long Russian occupation.

Some people died in their houses, some people died in the streets, and the bodies are now being sent to experts for examination, said Mark Tkachenko of the Kramatorsk district police.

Explosions also rocked the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv early Saturday, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and triggering secondary explosions. Ukrainian officials accused Russia of using surface-to-air missiles in two largely residential neighborhoods.

Kharkiv resident Tetiana Samoilenkos apartment caught fire in the attack. She was in the kitchen when the blast struck, sending glass flying.

Now I have no roof over my head. Now I dont know what to do next, the 80-year-old said.

___

Stepanenko reported from Kharkiv, Ukraine. Francisco Seco contributed from Kharkiv and Justin Spike from Lyman, Ukraine.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Mr. Roland Landers, CEO - The All India Gaming Federation, said, The Tamil Nadu government has passed an ordinance that will result in banning of most online games of skill including rummy and poker. What this ordinance in effect does is treat and conflicts games of skill as gambling and games of chance. This is disappointing as it disregards the 6 decades of established legal jurisprudence and also the recent judgment of the Madras HC which struck down a similar law.

As the apex industry body for online gaming, we at the All India Gaming Federation have been engaging with the government to understand their concerns and have also made them aware of the proliferation of offshore gambling websites and apps which flourish when constitutionally protected India apps are banned.We had provided various consumer protection and other measures which stop short of an outright ban. In such a scenario this is unfortunate. What is also surprising is that the State government has already appealed the judgment of Madras HC and the SC had recently issued notices on the same.Instead of waiting for the SC judgment and in the meantime respecting the categorical decision by their own HC, they seem to have taken another unconstitutional decision which will eventually only benefit online gambling operators.

In the past few years, many judgments were passed by the courts in the favour of these games and they were considered as a skill-based games with no luck involved in it. The legal jurisprudence emanating from Supreme Court for over the past 60 years is very clear, that games of skill are not gambling, and offering of games of skill is a legitimate activity protected under the Indian Constitution. This has been reiterated multiple time by various high courts. Moreover, The Tamil Nadu High Court has earlier passed a detailed judgment striking down the Tamil Nadu law which prohibited online games of skill, as unconstitutional. The Court clarified that any restriction on games of skills, whether online of offline, whether for stakes or not, needs to be narrow and the state should try and regulate, instead of ban. The Court also came down heavily on the State government for passing the law as a populist measure in the lead up to state elections, without following the established law.

The ban can have an adverse effect on the state and will push more and more people towards illegal offshore websites.The sector needs the support of state governments now more than ever.Mr. Landers further added, India is the fifth largest online gaming market globally and skill-based gaming, a sunrise sector, is giving birth to an increasing number of unicorns within the country. The sector has been a strong financial contributor to the Indian economy even during an unprecedented period of slowdown and is further expected to generate revenues in excess of 5 billion by 2025. Any form of the ban will impact the overall business of a sector, as will the overall online skill gaming ecosystem due to the recent TN ordinance.

As the apex online skill gaming industry body, AIGF has been at the forefront of ensuring global best practices for its stakeholders through the self-regulation skill games charter that cover all aspects of the online gaming business, overseen by an advisory of experts. AIGF and all the professional players sincerely hope that the government of Tamil Nadu is listening to the concerns, and will seriously reconsider the ordinance.
DBS Bank Indias category-defying brand campaign Live more, Bank less underlines the banks belief that a different kind of bank is needed in a post-pandemic world- a bank that is more technology and sustainability-focused. In 2018, as it turned 50, DBS told customers it wanted them to Live more, Bank less. Four years on, the bank continues to defy the status quo  this time, with its brand campaign, the bank makes it clear it is more like a good friend, more like a business booster, more like an award-winning techie, and less like a traditional bank.

Since 2014, the bank, in many ways, raced ahead of its peers in transforming itself digitally. In India specifically, DBS through its unique phygital model intends to offer its customers a different kind of banking experience - which is less like a conventional bank, and instead a forward-looking tech company offering financial services. At the same time, it will continue its focus on purpose-driven initiatives addressing sustainability issues and creating a lasting impact in the lives of individuals and businesses beyond banking.

In the last two years, India has witnessed a dramatic acceleration in digital consumption demand and felt an urgency to tackle climate change and social inequity. DBS, which has championed stakeholder capitalism way before it was fashionable, affirms its commitment toward long-lasting change and prides itself on being the exception in the industry.

Elaborating on the campaign, Shoma Narayanan, Managing Director - Group Strategic Marketing & Communications at DBS Bank India, said DBS continues to break boundaries and reimagine banking to provide a seamless experience to customers. We constantly innovate to meet evolving customer needs while also supporting the community we live in. Rather than fitting into the conventional notions of a 'traditional bank, we are a bank for the times - digital, agile and sustainable - a different kind of bank for a post-Covid world."

Being a different kind of bank

The campaign encapsulates several aspects of how DBS embodies being a different kind of bank:

Inculcating a startup culture : Emerging technologies such as Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning continue to mature and will likely reshape the world of finance in the coming decade. By imbuing a startup culture in the organisation and equipping employees with relevant digital skills, a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship will continue to thrive

: Emerging technologies such as Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning continue to mature and will likely reshape the world of finance in the coming decade. By imbuing a startup culture in the organisation and equipping employees with relevant digital skills, a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship will continue to thrive Committing to continuous innovation : DBS embarked on its digital transformation journey in 2014 so customers can Live more, Bank less, and have more time to spend on the people and things they care about. In recent years, it has intensified these efforts, which have contributed to it being named Worlds Best Bank and Worlds Best Digital Bank multiple times. Whether it is in leveraging Artificial intelligence/ Machine learning and data, Blockchain technology, or ecosystem partnerships, the bank seeks to ensure that banking is simple, fast, increasingly personalised, and seamlessly woven into everyday life. For example, to support entrepreneurship and innovation, DBS partnered with startup venture capital fund Anthill Ventures and evangelist network Headstart Network Foundation to launch DBS Business Class FoundED; a forum that celebrates modern-day founders, innovators and encourages entrepreneurship

: DBS embarked on its digital transformation journey in 2014 so customers can Live more, Bank less, and have more time to spend on the people and things they care about. In recent years, it has intensified these efforts, which have contributed to it being named Worlds Best Bank and Worlds Best Digital Bank multiple times. Whether it is in leveraging Artificial intelligence/ Machine learning and data, Blockchain technology, or ecosystem partnerships, the bank seeks to ensure that banking is simple, fast, increasingly personalised, and seamlessly woven into everyday life. For example, to support entrepreneurship and innovation, DBS partnered with startup venture capital fund Anthill Ventures and evangelist network Headstart Network Foundation to launch DBS Business Class FoundED; a forum that celebrates modern-day founders, innovators and encourages entrepreneurship Advancing the sustainability agenda: From banking underserved communities and supporting social enterprises to prioritising action on climate change, DBS is guided by a sense of responsibility to society and the planet. The bank also champions financial inclusion and has encouraged a movement towards zero food waste. Recently, DBS awarded grants of up to SGD 2,50,000 to SMEs with innovative sustainable solutions in reducing energy consumption, reducing waste, and empowering sustainable supply chains. With its vision to nurture businesses working towards good, DBS awarded grants to three Indian social enterprises through its Social Enterprise Grant Programme which are working towards diverse social impact areas in sustainable waste management, education space and empowering tribal women. The Bank has also set decarbonisation targets reinforcing its commitment toward net zero emissions. DBS is committed to becoming net zero in its financed emissions by 2050 and has selected nine industry sectors for decarbonisation that represent the most carbon-intensive sectors in the banks portfolio.

Even DBS communication and advertising over the years, has been unlike that of a usual bank. DBS Sparks is just one example. An industry first online mini series, follows a group of young bankers navigating work and their personal lives. Inspired by true stories, the mini series depicts how these bankers challenge the status quo, go above and beyond to solve their clients challenges and truly make an impact in DBS quest to be the best bank, in a better world. Since its inception, SPARKS has garnered over 58M views and 10M engagements in India alone. Their upcoming season focuses on the people and technologies that make DBS a #differentkindofbank.

DBS has been named Worlds Best Bank and Worlds Best Digital Bank by multiple publications such as Euromoney, Global Finance and The Banker in recent years. In 2022, it was recognised by Brand Finance as the most valuable bank brand in Southeast Asia and among the top 40 global bank brands, with a brand value of USD 8.7 billion. DBS has been also accorded the Safest Bank in Asia award by Global Finance for 14 consecutive years from 2009 to 2022. In addition, the Bank was also featured among the top 10 business transformations of the decade in Harvard Business Review in the year 2019.
Xi always bears Chinese people in mind

09:06, October 08, 2022 By Yue Linwei ( People's Daily

My father always keeps the letter from President Xi Jinping, said Hiroaki Tsukamoto, president of Japanese company Tokai Lease Co., Ltd., during a recent interview with Peoples Daily, showing a photo in his mobile phone in which his father Yukishi Tsukamoto is holding the letter.

Photo shows Yukishi Tsukamoto (left), founding president of Japanese company Tokai Lease Co., Ltd., and his wife. (Photo provided by Hiroaki Tsukamoto)

The letter was sent from the Chinese president on May 10, 2019. In the letter, Xi said he often recalled his visit to the Tsukamoto family in Japan. Xi expressed his appreciation for the decades-long efforts made by the Japanese businessman to promote China-Japan friendship. He said he was looking forward to meeting Yukishi Tsukamoto again.

Though my father is getting on in years and has not visited China since 2008, he always hopes to go to China again and meet President Xi, Hiroaki Tsukamoto told Peoples Daily.

Yukishi Tsukamoto is the founding president of Tokai Lease Co., Ltd. In 1988, the man, in his sixties, expanded his business and set up a company in Fuzhou, southeast Chinas Fujian province.

In May, 1991, Xi, who then served as the secretary of the Communist Party of China's (CPC) Fuzhou municipal committee, visited Japan and went to the Tsukamoto family.

The Chinese guest was amiable and polite. He showed his wisdom and long-term vision in the conversations, and soon hit it off with my family, Hiroaki Tsukamoto recalled.

My mother told me that I should learn from Xi. Though he was just a few years older than me, Xi has such a visionary view, Hiroaki Tsukamoto noted, who still has a vivid memory of the visit though its been more than 30 years.

Hiroaki Tsukamoto has visited Fujian multiple times with his father, and called on Xi who was then working in the province.

Then Chinese Consul-General in Japan's Osaka He Zhenliang (right) meets with Hiroaki Tsukamoto, president of Japanese company Tokai Lease Co., Ltd., Feb. 14, 2020. (Photo courtesy of the Chinese Consulate in Osaka)

He was kind and easy-going. In our conversations, he not only mentioned the industrial cooperation between China and Japan, but also introduced to us the economic development of Fujian, as well as the improvement in the livelihood of the local people, Hiroaki Tsukamoto said.

At that moment, the Japanese businessman realized that Xi always bears the Chinese people in mind and saw the noble mission of the CPC to seek happiness for the Chinese people.

Yukishi Tsukamoto has been honored for times in China due to his important contributions to China-Japan economic cooperation and exchanges.

In April, 1996, he received honorary citizenship of Fuzhou city, and a year later, he was awarded the Friendship Award from the Chinese government. In October, 2001, he became an honorary citizen of Fujian province and attended the awarding ceremony with his three-generation family.

With the steps of Chinas opening up, the business of the Tsukamoto family in China has further expanded. Hiroaki Tsukamoto said that Chinas development and changes since the 18th CPC National Congress are obvious to all, and the CPCs anti-corruption efforts have created a clean social environment.

My father always says that the CPCs anti-corruption fight suggests that the CPC is a political party that is courageous enough to carry out self-reform, Hiroaki Tsukamoto said.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core has lifted hundreds of millions of Chinese people out of poverty, put an end to absolute poverty, and implemented the rural vitalization strategy.

Photo taken on June 15, 2022 shows a winding coastal road in Xiapu, Ningde, southeast Chinas Fujian province. (Peoples Daily Online/Zheng Peiluan)

Hiroaki Tsukamoto has paid multiple visits to rural Fujian for business, where he was quite impressed by the historic achievements and changes in Chinas agriculture and rural affairs.

When we built factories in Fujian a few decades ago, the factories were surrounded by barren land, but now they have been developed into central districts, which are completely different from what I saw earlier, Hiroaki Tsukamoto said, adding that the transport today is well connected, the rural environment is more beautiful and the infrastructure is more complete.

Hiroaki Tsukamoto always shares what he sees nowadays in China with his parents, who were full of praise every time they learned about the countrys rapid development achieved under the leadership of Xi.

All three generations in the Tsukamoto family share a close bond with China. Hiroaki Tsukamotos child went to China for study this September.

Its a pity for me and my father that we cant speak Chinese, so I hope my child can learn to speak the language. We will keep working generation after generation to carry forward our friendship with China, Hiroaki Tsukamoto said.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Congratulations, potheads. Once again, your friends the ultra-liberal Democrats have lived up to their reputation as primo vote-buyers with Joe Biden's in-flight, Air Force One order to liberate you from your previous criminal acts. I'm talking about his pardoning of those of you who have been convicted of federal drug charges for possession and use of cannabis, marijuana, weed, ganja, Mary Jane and all those other code words you used to describe your 'cool' unplugged habit.

Somewhere parties are being planned by ponytailed aging hippies and drug pushers who see this as but the first step in a journey to legalize all drugs for public use. Flags emblazoned with the green cannabis leaf are going up as Cheech and Chong roll their joints for a parade down Main Streets all over the country. But wait! There's one caveat. This pardon only covers those marijuanians who were prosecuted under federal laws and does not include those convicted by state courts. That's why the President is urging governors and their legislatures to pardon their users/abusers of this Schedule I drug (marijuana is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning that it has a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.)

Just in time for the mid-terms

To those of us who routinely watch the machinations of unscrupulous politicians who brazenly show up with incentives, ready to dole them out to certain demographic groups in the hopes of "encouraging their votes," this is a paint-by-numbers playbook tactic that the Dems have engaged in since time immemorial. To the less skeptical among us it is a surprising coincidence that just happens to occur a month before an election. Marijuana proponents are no doubt hailing this presidential action and are already taking out the poster board and Sharpies in their suburban garages to create version 2.0 of the 'Joints-R-Us' signs as they pull on their Birkenstocks for the long march (with weed in hand) to face their state's legislators, pushing for amnesty for their plant-based band of brothers.

Their crusade will be easier in states that have already legalized the federally illegal substance but they will not be deterred. They are prepared to take the fight all the way to the highest courts. In 1919, just two months after the 'Great War' (WWI) ended and America was celebrating, the Congress ratified the 18th Amendment to the Constitution making it illegal to make or sell alcoholic spirits, and this prohibition lasted for 14 years. During that time, the illegal trade in booze flourished like the street corner marijuana industry has for decades. Under enormous pressure, the Congress finally realized that it could not legislate morality and reversed the 18th Amendment. The liquor flowed and the rich distillers and brewers got richer. America celebrated its right to get blotto once again.

The hypocrisy of prohibition and the Congress' capitulation to powerful business interests is best summed up by the famous Casablanca film line delivered by Captain Louis Renault (Claude Rains) upon entering Rick's Place: "I'm shocked! Shocked to find that gambling is going on in here." It perfectly describes certain state officials' attitude during the rise of marijuana use. Pretending that the problem doesnt exist is preferable to running the risk of losing the stoner vote, so many politicians turned a blind eye to the marijuana epidemic and in so doing condemned millions of young people to lives of perpetual social disconnect. The result? Eighteen states have fully legalized marijuana for both medicinal and 'recreational' (personal) use, and more are on the way.

"People should be able to do what they want with their own bodies."

That is a popular chant by pro-drug and pro-abortion groups all over the country. And while it speaks to the Libertarian laissez-faire view of life, it ignores certain basic questions that must be answered about government's role in protecting the vulnerable among us. Because of the loosening of former laws against marijuana use, the debate in many states appears to be over, but the data collection and research on the effects of unrestrained marijuana use will continue at government and private institutions. One illuminating article (out of many) on drug addiction was released in October of 2015 by the National Institute of Health, "Biology of Addiction: Drugs and Alcohol Can Hijack Your Brain." In it, the NIH states that "People with addiction lose control over their actions. They crave and seek out drugs, alcohol, or other substances no matter what the cost -- even at the risk of damaging friendships, hurting family, or losing jobs." The article goes on with: "A healthy brain rewards healthy behaviors -- like exercising, eating, or bonding with loved ones. It does this by switching on brain circuits that make you feel wonderful, which then motivates you to repeat those behaviors. In contrast, when youre in danger, a healthy brain pushes your body to react quickly with fear or alarm, so youll get out of harms way. If youre tempted by something questionable -- like eating ice cream before dinner or buying things you cant afford -- the front regions of your brain can help you decide if the consequences are worth the actions. But when youre becoming addicted to a substance, that normal hardwiring of helpful brain processes can begin to work against you."

I would argue that like drug dependence, addiction to unhealthy libertine (not libertarian) ideology can have the same effect on us and work -- ever so slowly but steadily -- to disrupt our ability to make good decisions about our health and our politics. Et tu Biden?

Stephan Helgesen is a retired career U.S. diplomat who lived and worked in 30 countries for 25 years during the Reagan, G.H.W. Bush, Clinton, and G.W. Bush Administrations. He is the author of twelve books, six of which are on American politics and has written over 1,300 articles on politics, economics and social trends. He operates a political news story aggregator website, www.projectpushback.com. He can be reached at: stephan@stephanhelgesen.com

Image: Pexels
Last month, Dr. Anthony Fauci defended a $3-million grant to the EcoHealth Alliance, a group with a troubling history.

As The Epoch Times reports, the grant comes only weeks after the National Institutes of Health, the parent bureaucracy to Fauci's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), terminated a grant to the Alliance that was routed to the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The WIV, controlled by China's Communist government, twice declined NIH requests "to hand over laboratory records so that it could review the research."

Fauci previously channeled grants through the EcoHealth Alliance to fund dangerous gain-of-function research at the WIV. Such research, once banned in the United States, makes viruses more lethal and transmissible. Fauci was "untruthful" about funding such research at the WIV.

"It is disturbing that additional funding continues to be awarded for the same high-risk research that may have caused the current pandemic, before there has been a national investigation of the origin of the current pandemic," Richard Ebright, a molecular biologist with the Waksman Institute at Rutgers University, told reporters. Ebright was also disturbed that "additional funding continues to be awarded to a contractor that the NIH has reported to have repeatedly and seriously violated contractual terms and conditions of a grant."

Fauci continues to tout the theory that the COVID-19 virus arose naturally in the wild. That is not a matter of science, which involves data, testing, and replication. By contrast, Dr. Robert Redfield, a virologist and former director of the Centers for Disease Control, contended that "the most likely etiology of this pathology in Wuhan was from a laboratory."

Dr. Redfield recently went on record that "everyone had to agree to the narrative" enforced by Fauci and other health officials that the COVID-19 virus came from a "wet market" in Wuhan and not the Wuhan Institute of Virology. And Fauci "clearly misled Congress" about gain-of-function research at the WIV.

For evidence of a lab leak, Fauci might take a look at the EcoHealth Alliance grant, "Study of Nipah virus dynamics and genetics in its bat reservoir and of human exposure to NiV across Bangladesh to understand patterns of human outbreaks." The Nipah virus was part of a cargo of deadly pathogens transported to the WIV from Canada's National Microbiology Lab (NML) by Dr. Xiangguo Qiu, a Chinese national who once headed the special pathogens program at the NML. In 201718 alone, Dr. Qiu made at least five trips to the WIV.

One of Qiu's biggest defenders is former NML colleague Gary Kobinger, who now heads the Galveston National Laboratory, a creation of Fauci's NIAID. The GNL worked with the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and previous GNL director James LeDuc helped WIV scientists avoid scrutiny over China's role in the pandemic.

LeDuc signed three agreements to destroy files, materials, and equipment, even after the deals had expired. Those are hardly the only actions yet to receive the attention they deserve. After Redfield cited evidence for a laboratory origin, the CDC director got death threats. No word of any investigation by the FBI.

Meanwhile, a ballpark figure for the money the EcoHealth Alliance should receive from American taxpayers is zero. The term for the director of NIAID, and all NIH agencies, should be five years. The best evidence for that is Fauci himself, in government for more than 50 years and NIAID boss for 38 years. According to Nobel laureate Kary Mullis, inventor of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Fauci never should have had the job in the first place.

Mullis, who earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry at U.C. Berkeley, is on record that Fauci "doesn't understand electronic microscopy and he doesn't understand medicine. He should not be in a position like he's in."

Fauci's bio shows no advanced degrees in molecular biology or biochemistry. The NIAID boss has often reversed himself, but now he claims that "I represent science" and charges that those who criticize him are attacking science itself. The late Angelo Codevilla had good reason to call out Fauci as a "Deep State fraud." For details, see The Real Anthony Fauci by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Fauci, 81, represents white-coat supremacy, rule over the people by unelected medical bureaucrats. He controls public health policy and spending on medical research, an unacceptable concentration of power.

Fauci wields executive-level power but never has to face the voters and shows little if any accountability to the people. By all appearances, informed consent and the rule of "first do no harm" mean nothing to this medical doctor.

The NIAID boss claims he will leave government in December. Leave or stay, Dr. Anthony Fauci should top the list for a full congressional investigation.

Lloyd Billingsley is a policy fellow at the Independent Institute in Oakland, California.

Image: Pixabay.
Trump may not be perfect but hes a damn sight better than these phony PC Democrats & their allies who seek to smash free speech & dialogue.

---Larry Pinkney, one of original founders of the Black Panther Party

One of the main storylines the Democrat-media complex created to smear Donald Trump was and is that he is a racist.

Needless to say, they had no evidence for this. In fact, there was plenty of evidence to the contrary. For example, the black boxer Floyd Mayweather, seen by many as the top pound-for-pound boxer of his generation, who knew Trump very well over many years, stated that the Trump-racism narrative only appeared when Trump ran for president:

You never heard anything about Donald Trump being racist until he ran for president. Before that  everybody liked Trump.  [P]eople dont like the truth.

Similarly, Mike Tyson, Jorge Masvidal and many other minorities support Trump.

Of course, the Democrat media-complex needed a storyline to prop up their fake Trump-racism narrative so they decided to claim that Trump declared that all Mexicans are rapists and drug-traffickers when he announced his run for the presidency in 2015.

However, that is not what Trump said. What he actually said was that among the people Mexico was sending to the U.S. illegally were rapists and drug traffickers and that that didn't include everyone they were sending, as some were good people. That is, Trump said of a certain nation state, Mexico, that it is sending a problematic subset of its population into the U.S. but that didn't include everyone they were sending.

Trump here alludes to the fact that there is a history of Latin American countries sending their undesirables to the U.S. because of our absurd immigration policies. Anyone who can understand basic English language can easily verify that Trump made no racist remark about all Mexicans.

In addition to distorting what conservatives actually say, the Democrats and most of the news media (a.k.a., the Democrat party propaganda unit) censor people who undermine their self-serving political agenda.

The fact that one of the founding members of the original Black Panther Party, Larry Pinkney, sees Donald Trump as a damn sight better than these phony P.C. Democrats is interesting enough in itself. However, what is even more interesting is that no one knows this because Pinkneys views, which deliver a body blow to the essential Democrat-media Trump-racism narrative, have been censored by the media. If one clicks on the link to Pinkneys tweet praising Donald Trumps positive policies for black people in the Wikipedia article one is sent to this site in which Twitter informs the peasants that the relevant tweet is unavailable because it is from a suspended account. Once again, it appears that our media overlords have deemed that the peasants may not be permitted to have access to certain views or information that contradicts their partisan world view.

Pickney is, admittedly, not an unproblematic character. Forty years ago in his radical days, Pickney spent five years in a Canadian prison for attempted extortion. However, there is such a thing as growing up and there is such a thing as redemption. The point is that people should be permitted to state their opinions in the United States.

Pickneys case is reminiscent of another Black Panther from the 1960s, Eldridge Cleaver, who, while a member of the Panthers, called for an armed insurrection to overthrow the U.S. government and replace it by a black socialist government. On April 6, 1968, Cleaver, with 14 other Black Panthers armed with M16 rifles and shotguns, engaged in a shootout with police in which the 17-year-old Panther, Bobby Hutton, was killed. Cleaver was charged with attempted murder and sent to prison but was released two months later. He even, during this time, gave some lectures at the University of California at Berkeley.

Cleaver challenged the governor of California at the time, Ronald Reagan, to a duel and threatened to beat him to death. He also admitted to plotting to assassinate Reagan. Cleavers parole was revoked but on Nov. 24, 1968, three days before he was due to turn himself in to the police, he fled to Cuba and spent the next seven years travelling through various socialist and communist countries, including Algeria, North Korea, China, and the Soviet Union, before settling down for a period in France. Cleaver also developed a strange alliance with the communist government in North Korea and its strange reclusive leader, Kim Il Sung.

However, experiencing the joys of socialism and communism first hand in numerous leftist Utopias around the world, as opposed to daydreaming about them in Sociology 101, has a way of opening ones eyes. In a 1986 interview with Reason magazine, Cleaver explained that he had once sought to fight against what I saw as the evils of our [American] system but when he visited countries like Cuba or Algeria or the Soviet Union and saw the way they treated their own people it was shocking to me. I didnt want to believe it, because it meant that [my earlier radical] politics was wrong.

Disillusioned with socialism and communism and homesick for the United States, Cleaver returned to America, even though he was still facing a murder charge and a charge for skipping bail. Apparently, facing a murder charge in the United States is significantly preferable to being given the red-carpet treatment in the various socialist and communist paradises around the world. In 1977 he surrendered to the FBI under a deal in which he pled guilty to the assault charge and was sentenced to 1,200 hours of community service in exchange for dropping the attempted murder charge.

Cleaver later joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) before becoming a Christian conservative, a member of the Republican Party and a supporter of Ronald Reagan, the man he had once wanted to assassinate. In his later years, Cleaver lived in a modest apartment in Berkeley. A large American flag, testifying to his gratitude to the United States, flew from his front porch.

Cleaver may have spent some time a University of California at Berkeley classrooms but his real education came while living in socialist and communist countries. Both Cleavers and Pickneys cases show that some people are actually willing to learn from their experience and make the difficult transition from adolescent daydreams to mature thinking.

Unfortunately, our overlords in the media feel entitled to prevent the peasants from knowing about such stories. For, if the peasants do learn of these stories the elites will be forced to defend their adolescent views, something they are clearly too frightened to do. This is why many on the Left and in the media are terrified at the news that Elon Musk may actually buy Twitter and return it to the traditional American norm of freedom of speech.

It is much easier to silence people than it is to grow up and it is much easier to call people names than to solve problems. However, Cleaver and Pickney demonstrate that, though it is difficult to shed ones adolescent fantasies growing up is both possible and better.

Image: Logo, via Wikipedia // fair use
Back in 2017, we outlawed sanctuary cities in Texas. Back then, the sanctuary city was providing space for people "without papers," as they like to call them. Or they would not turn them over to ICE. It ended in Texas, but we were called everything under the sun, from "racista" to inhumane. My position was simple: cities cannot selectively enforce federal law.

Then President Biden opened up the border, and who knows how many people have come in. As someone who came here with my parents legally, I understand why someone would want to leave Venezuela,, but it must be orderly.

New York City mayor Eric Adams understands now what his counterparts are dealing with on the border. Even New York City cannot deal with an influx of migrants, or whatever you want to call them. This is from Fox News:

"This is a humanitarian crisis that started with violence and instability in South America and is being accelerated by American political dynamics," Adams said Friday. "Thousands of asylum seekers have been bused into New York City and simply dropped off, without notice, coordination, or care  and more are arriving every day." "This crisis is not of our own making but one that will affect everyone in this city, now and in the months ahead," he said. "New Yorkers deserve to know why this is happening and what we plan to do."

Now you know, Mr. Mayor! The mayors of little towns on the border feel your pain.

Mayor Adams is a bit disingenuous in his version of history. He blames our political dynamics but does not direct the criticism to President Biden, the man responsible for the whole thing. Maybe he should have a phone conversation with Democrat Henry Cuellar, who is super-critical of Biden's border policy.

They are now declaring a state of emergency because they are overwhelmed. That's correct. We are all overwhelmed, and it would help if Adams would criticize Biden just a bit or maybe tell V.P. Harris that he'll accompany her on a trip to the border.

PS: Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos.

Image: Sonyblockbuster.
The mainstream media's constant caterwauling over Putin's threat to go nuclear in Ukraine has spiked recently. Most of this is just another echo chamber. Seeing our atomic anxiety, Putin and company threaten nuclear war to undermine morale.

And yet the nukes exist. Because they exist; they are an option; and if you tilt your head left and squint real hard, Russia's constant threats look like thunder and lightning announcing a coming storm. Perhaps it's time to talk about how nukes fit into the current war.

The argument for Putin going nuclear is best summed up by Dan Goure's recent article on the National Interest website. Goure's argument boils down to the nuclear weapons being so icky and gross that the U.S. and NATO must never respond to any nuclear attack "in kind." Thus, Russia wins the moment the war goes nuclear.

Danny Boy gets a little right in that the U.S. will probably not respond "in kind" to the use of nuclear weapons but gets the end result wrong. The most probable result of any first use of nuclear weapons is the collapse of the Russian Army and Vlad Putin being removed from power.

This is not Russia's war; it is Putin's war. Instead of rallying around the flag, the Russian people are running away from Putin and his war. Putin's political opponents, of which there are many, are sniffing blood in the water but lack a way to rally the public behind them.

A failed escalation using nuclear weapons would be just the rally Putin's enemies need. And trust me on this: failure is the most likely outcome. Modern nukes and their delivery systems have never been used in combat. Actual, hands-on, real-world testing ended decades ago. No one knows what percentage of these weapons are duds.

This uncertainty applies to all nuclear weapons, but there is good reason to think Russian nukes are exceptionally unreliable. From the ignoble end of Russia's only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, to the role of shoddy maintenance in sabotaging Russia's war efforts, and the Nordstream debacle, Russian technology has proven to be not worth a cup of warm spit.

Why are their nukes different?

Now I am about to give away the big plot twist. Even if everything works right and Putin gets his earth-shattering ka-boom, he still loses. How?

The West doesn't need to respond in kind (i.e., a nuclear response) to a nuclear strike. Conventional forces now in Europe are sufficient to deal with Russia. A failed atomic strike green-lights giving the Ukrainians main battle tanks, jets, and other weapons currently off limits. The Russian Army collapses, and Putin's many enemies remove him before he can double down on stupid.

A successful nuclear strike brings NATO into the fight. Within hours of Putin's nuclear strike, NATO can establish air superiority over Ukraine and begin recreating Kuwait's highway of death. By the end of the first day, the Black Sea Fleet will cease to exist, and Putin's domestic enemies will be hustling to retire him before he doubles down on stupid.

Given the outcome, why would Vlad Putin, who is neither stupid nor suicidal, go down this road? Short answer: He doesn't. We can rule out any nuclear explosions in the near future. As for all the end-of-world hype, the next time a media hack, all soaking wet and with thunder and lightning in the background, tells you it's raining, look out the window. He might be lying to you.

Image: Vladimir Putin via Flickr, CC BY 3.0.
An Albanian people-smuggling gang that transported migrants to the UK via Spain has been dismantled after a series of arrests, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.

The organised crime network smuggled mainly Albanian migrants through the northern Spanish cities of Bilbao and Santander into the UK using ferries and freight shipping routes to Portsmouth, Southampton and Liverpool, the NCA said.

Each migrant is believed to have paid between between 3,000 and 15,000 euros (2,600 to 13,000) to be smuggled, the agency said.

The migrants were believed to have come directly from Albania to Spain for onward travel, but were also recruited from camps around Spanish ports.

The smuggling network provided migrants with accommodation and food until they stowed away for their journey to the UK.

About 50 people who made the crossing have been identified by the UK and Spanish authorities and linked to the network, but the NCA said the true number who used the route is unknown.

NCA officers based in Spain and the UK worked with Spains Guardia Civil for over a year to identify the ringleaders of the organisation.

Between Monday and Wednesday, seven arrests were made  two in Madrid and five in the Basque region.

The NCA said two men believed to have been leaders of the gang were among those detained.

They predominantly lived in Albania but were arrested in Spain.

All seven will face prosecution in Spanish courts.

During the raids, investigators seized items including telephones, computers, bank cards and cash receipts as well as identity documents and passports of various nationalities.

Suella Braverman addressed people smuggling in a speech to the Conservative Party conference last week (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

NCA international regional manager Steve Reynolds said: People smugglers put lives at risk, which is why disrupting and dismantling criminal networks like this is a priority for the NCA and our partners.

In this case we were faced with a crime group who were prepared to smuggle migrants in lorries over one of the longer ferry and freight crossings into the UK. The dangers of that are self-evident.

Working closely with our Spanish counterparts we have been able to dismantle their operation and prevent further lives being put at risk.

This operation demonstrates how the NCA is determined to take action against people smugglers at every step of the route towards the UK, including upstream in transit countries like Spain.

At the Conservative Party conference last week, Home Secretary Suella Braverman told delegates: The hard truth is that our modern slavery laws are being abused by people gaming the system.

Weve seen a 450% increase in modern slavery claims since 2014.

Today, the largest group of small boats migrants are from Albania  a safe country. Many of them claim to be trafficked as modern slaves. Thats despite them having paid thousands of pounds to come here, or having willingly taken a dangerous journey across the Channel.

The truth is that many of them are not modern slaves and their claims of being trafficked are lies.
Birdkeepers in parts of England will be legally required to keep their birds indoors to help protect their flocks from avian flu.

Mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds in Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex will be introduced from Wednesday after a decision by the UKs chief veterinary officer.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) said the housing order legally requires all birdkeepers in these hotspots to keep their flocks indoors and to follow stringent biosecurity measures to help protect them from the disease, regardless of type or size.

Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss is encouraging all birdkeepers in the affected regions to use the next few days to prepare, including taking steps to safeguard animal welfare, consult their private vet and expand housing where necessary.

The new measures build on strengthened biosecurity measures brought in as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) last month, covering Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex.

The UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of avian influenza over the last year with more than 160 cases confirmed since late October 2021.

The introduction of the housing measures comes after the disease was detected at 16 premises in the affected areas since the beginning of September, as well as several reports in wild birds.

Ms Middlemiss said: We are seeing a growing number of bird flu cases on commercial farms and in backyard birds across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, and expect the risk to continue to rise over the coming months as migratory birds return to the UK.

We are now taking further action to help protect flocks from this highly infectious and devastating disease.

Keepers in these hotspots must continue to follow strict biosecurity standards to protect their flock, and should use the next few days to prepare and move their birds indoors.
Ukrainian firefighters work among debris following a Russian shelling in Kharkiv, Ukraine, early Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. A series of explosions have rocked the eastern Ukraine city of Kharkiv, sending towering plumes of illuminated smoke in the sky and triggering a series of secondary explosions. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

KHARKIV, Ukraine (AP)  A truck bomb Saturday caused a fire and the collapse of a section of a bridge linking Russia-annexed Crimea with Russia, Russian officials say, damaging a key supply artery for Moscow's faltering war effort in southern Ukraine.

The speaker of Crimeas Kremlin-backed regional parliament immediately accused Ukraine, though the Kremlin didn't apportion blame. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly threatened to strike the bridge and some lauded the attack, but Kyiv stopped short of claiming responsibility.

The bombing came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin turned 70, dealing him a humiliating blow that could lead him to up the ante in his war on Ukraine.

Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee said that the truck bomb caused seven railway cars carrying fuel to catch fire, resulting in a partial collapse of two sections of the bridge.

The Crimean Peninsula holds symbolic value for Russia and is key to sustaining its military operations in the south. If the bridge is made inoperable, it would make it significantly more challenging to ferry supplies to the peninsula. While Russia seized the areas north of Crimea early during the invasion and built a land corridor to it along the Sea of Azov, Ukraine is pressing a counteroffensive to reclaim them.

The bridge has train and automobile sections. Russias National Anti-Terrorism Committee specified that the explosion and fire led to the collapse of the two sections of one of the two links of the automobile bridge, while another link was intact.

Russias Energy Ministry said Crimea has enough fuel for 15 days, adding that it was working on ways to replenish stock.

Authorities suspended passenger train traffic across the bridge until further notice. Putin was informed about the explosion and he ordered the creation of a government panel to deal with the emergency.

The 19-kilometer (12-mile) bridge across the Kerch Strait linking the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov opened in 2018 and is the longest in Europe. It has provided an essential link to the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

The $3.6 billion project is a tangible symbol of Moscows claims on Crimea. It was Russias only land link to the peninsula until Russian forces seized more Ukrainian territory on the northern end of the Sea of Azov in heavy fighting, particularly around the city of Mariupol, building a land corridor to Crimea earlier this year.

The speaker of Crimeas Kremlin-backed regional parliament blamed Ukraine for the explosion, but downplayed the severity of the damage and said it would be promptly repaired.

Now they have something to be proud of: over 23 years of their management, they didnt manage to build anything worthy of attention in Crimea, but theyve managed to damage the surface of the Russian bridge, Vladimir Konstantinov, Chairman of the State Council of the Republic, wrote on Telegram.

The parliamentary leader of President Volodymyr Zelenskyys party on Saturday stopped short of claiming that Kyiv was responsible for the incident but appeared to cast it as a consequence of Moscows takeover of Crimea and attempts to integrate the peninsula with the Russian mainland.

Russian illegal construction is starting to fall apart and catch fire. The reason is simple: if you build something explosive, then sooner or later it will explode, David Arakhamia, the leader of the Servant of the People party, wrote on Telegram.

And this is just the beginning. Of all things, reliable construction is not something Russia is particularly famous for, he said.

Other Ukrainian officials were more celebratory while still stopping short of claiming responsibility. The secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, Oleksiy Danilov, posted a video in his Twitter with Kerch Bridge on fire on the left side and video with Marilyn Monroe singing her famous Happy Birthday Mr. President on the right side.

An advisor to Zelenskyy, Mykhailo Podolyak tweeted: "Crimea, the bridge, the beginning. Everything illegal must be destroyed, everything stolen must be returned to Ukraine, everything occupied by Russia must be expelled.

In Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the reaction of the Kyiv regime to the destruction of civilian infrastructure shows its terrorist nature.

In August, Russia suffered a series of explosions at an airbase and munitions depot in Crimea, which underlined its vulnerability.

The blast on the bridge occurred hours after explosions rocked the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv early Saturday, sending towering plumes of smoke into the sky and triggering a series of secondary explosions.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said on Telegram that the early-morning explosions were the result of missile strikes in the center of the city. He said that the blasts sparked fires at one of the citys medical institutions and a nonresidential building. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

The blasts came hours after Russia concentrated attacks in its increasingly troubled invasion of Ukraine on areas it illegally annexed, while the death toll from earlier missile strikes on apartment buildings in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia rose to 17.

On Friday, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to human rights organizations in his Russia and Ukraine, and to an activist jailed in Belarus, an ally of Moscow.

Berit Reiss-Andersen, the committees chair, said the honor went to three outstanding champions of human rights, democracy and peaceful coexistence, though it was widely seen as a rebuke to Putin and his conduct of Europes worst armed conflict since World War II.

Putin signed documents on Wednesday to illegally claim four regions of Ukraine as Russian territory, including the Zaporizhzhia region that is home to Europes largest nuclear power plant, whose reactors were shut down last month.

That move was foreshadowed by Russias annexation of Crimea in March 2014, which was carried out after Moscow alleged residents of the peninsula had voted to join with Russia. That move was widely condemned, and prompted sanctions from the U.S. and the European Union.

___

Adam Schreck reported from Kyiv. Francisco Seco contributed to this report from Kharkiv.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Liz Truss has hailed a milestone for UKs rural economy as British lamb has been exported to US for the first time in more than 20 years.

President Joe Biden committed to lifting his countrys decades-old ban on imports of the British meat in September 2021, in a move that delighted UK sheep farmers  with the market worth an estimated 37 million in the first five years of trade.

The Government has now confirmed the first shipment was made this week, containing lamb produced by meat processor Dunbia from its site in Carmarthenshire, Wales.

Celebrating the news on Twitter, Ms Truss said the move marked a well-deserved boost to our rural economy.

For the first time in over 20 years, millions of people in the USA will be able to enjoy high quality British lamb. This milestone marks a well-deserved boost to our rural economy and we will continue to secure more growth opportunities for Britains brilliant food producers. https://t.co/9OldnTKwgF  Liz Truss (@trussliz) October 8, 2022

Environment Secretary Ranil Jayawardena said there was enormous opportunity for growth for British food.

Tucking into roast lamb for Sunday lunch is quintessentially British  and now millions of American families will now be able to enjoy our top-quality lamb too, he said.

The opportunity for growth for British food is enormous  bringing jobs, skills and prosperity across the nation.

With our mission to unlock growth, we will continue to secure more opportunities for our farmers and food producers to benefit from new markets.

International Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch also said it was fantastic news to see Britains world-class lamb back on American menus.

Now they can sell to a consumer market of over 300 million people, which support jobs and growth in a vital British industry, she said.

It also shows our two nations working together to remove barriers and boost trade, building on recent resolutions on steel tariffs, and whisky exports.

The US had prohibited imports of British beef and lamb since 1989, as a result of BSE or mad cow disease, although the ban on beef had already been lifted.

In December last year, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) had amended the rule preventing imports of lamb from the UK into the US, with the change coming into force on January 3.

While this lifted the ban, some outstanding steps remained before shipping could start, including an approval process for exporters.
Trevor Noah says he is looking forward to the world being my home again following the recent announcement that he will be leaving the Daily Show after seven years.

The comedian said he never wanted to stop learning and praised the handful of teachers that had helped him fulfil his potential.

Noah made the remarks while featuring as a special guest at the annual New York Gala for award-winning global learning non-profit Pratham USA.

I never want to stop learning. Im looking forward to the world being my home again, he said.

In conversation with CNN Host and Pratham USA Board Member, Fareed Zakaria (r), Noah reflected on how learning had changed his life (Sarah Merians /Pratham USA/PA)

I might move to Mumbai. Start a career in Bollywood. Learn the moves. Get the singing lessons.

Later, in conversation with CNN Host and Pratham USA Board Member, Fareed Zakaria, Noah reflected on how learning had changed his life.

I wouldnt be where I am today were it not for a handful of teachers who saw each child not just as a learner, but also as an opportunity, he said.

Learning is understanding. It exponentially changes a community. If you go out to a community and you teach  then you have created a shockwave that reverberates for generations.

Zakaria added: Education is the thing that stays with you. The thing you will never lose. We are betting that bottom up energy is the way to go about it.

The comedian said he never wanted to stop learning and praised the handful of teachers that had helped him fulfil his potential (Sarah Merians /Pratham USA/PA)

Funds raised at the Pratham NYC Gala will support Pratham to help children and young people across India, with more than 75 million children reached since Pratham was founded in Mumbai in 1995.

As well as special guests Noah and Zalaria, the event featured music from New York artist DJ Rekha, known as the pioneer of Bhangra music in the US.

Noahs appearance at the charity event comes just over a week after he made the surprise announcement of his departure from the Daily Show.

The South African comedian said the experience on Comedy Central had been something I never expected but that he felt like it was time.
The Archbishop of Canterbury has expressed concern at the potential for the British embassy in Israel to be moved from Tel Aviv to the contested holy city of Jerusalem.

Prime Minister Liz Truss told her Israeli counterpart at the United Nations summit in New York last month that she was considering the relocation, after Donald Trump ordered the same move for the US embassy during his presidency.

Justin Welby is concerned about the possible implications of such a change before a negotiated settlement is reached between Israel and the Palestinians.

The UK has long maintained its Israel embassy in Tel Aviv despite Israel designating Jerusalem as its capital.

In a statement to Jewish News on Friday, a spokesperson for Mr Welby said: The archbishop is concerned about the potential impact of moving the British embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem before a negotiated settlement between Palestinians and Israelis has been reached.

He is in touch with Christian leaders in the Holy Land and continues to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

A Downing Street spokeswoman previously said Ms Truss had informed Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid about her review of the current location of the British embassy in Israel, at the UN summit in September.

She made the pledge during the Tory leadership contest in a letter to the Conservative Friends of Israel.

Ms Truss has said she understands the importance and sensitivity over its location.

Labour and the Lib Dems have also voiced their concerns about the review, with the latters foreign affairs spokesperson, Layla Moran, warning against a provocation.

The UK should under no circumstances be taking steps which risk inflaming tensions and damaging the prospects of peace, she said.

I have written to the Foreign Secretary to make clear that moving the embassy should only come as part of a negotiated peace settlement between Israel and Palestine, and that this review should accordingly be stopped.

A Labour spokesperson told Middle East Eye: Our position on this hasnt changed, Labour does not support the move. We do not want the move to happen and we will oppose it.

Mr Trump sparked controversy in 2017 by announcing the US embassy would be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Photo credit: Reviver

It's been almost a decade since California first considered digital license plates, and now anyone in the state can get one.

Theres only one company thats selling digital plates. Reviver offers two versions of its RPlate: a battery-powered model that requires a $20/month subscription fee or a hard-wired model for commercial vehicles for $25/month.

Digital license plates are currently allowed in just three statesCalifornia, Michigan, Arizonaand can be used on commercial vehicles in Texas. Another 10 or so states are considering approving the devices.

Anyone in California can now legally put a digital license plate on their car. High-tech license plates have been allowed in limited numbers since 2018, but now the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will allow any vehicle owner to use digital plates. California first started thinking about alternatives to standard metal license plates in 2013 with the passage of SB 806.

Reviver, the only company that sells digital plates today, announced the passage this week of a new bill that it helped shepherd through the California legislature. The Motor Vehicle Digital Number Plates bill (AB-984) increases the number of people who will be allowed to use a digital plate on their car from the one-half of one percent of the states automobiles around 175,000 vehicles that the original pilot program allowedto all 40 million vehicles registered in the state. With the passage of AB 984, digital license plates are now legal for passenger cars in three statesCalifornia, Michigan, Arizonaand they can be installed on commercial vehicles in Texas.

One of Revivers selling points for connected, digital license plates is that they can be immediately updated to display Amber Alerts or an "I'm Stolen" message if needed. Reviver said at least another 10 states are in some way considering adoption of digital license plates. Colorado, Georgia and Illinois have approved the plates, but details about integrating them with the state DMVs has not been completed. Reviver said Pennsylvania and New Jersey are likely to approve digital plates soon.

Reviver has been pushing forward with its digital plate plans, touting benefits like the ability to renew the plates without using a sticker and the fact that the plates have built-in tracking technology that can be used in case the vehicle is stolen. The company said around 10,000 people in California have installed its digital plates, called RPlate, under the current rules.

Technically, the new law doesnt just help Reviver. AB-984 establishes general requirements for piloting and adopting new alternative devices for vehicle licensing, the company said. Its just that Reviver is currently the only one offering any kind of alternative. The company offers a battery-powered RPlate that can be installed on any vehicle and, since the digital plates need to connect to a cellular network to operate, subscription costs run $19.95 a month. A hard-wired RPlate is available for commercial vehicles and requires professional installation. The hard-wired models offer more integrated telematics features and their displays are backlit. Subscriptions for the hard-wired model cost $24.95 a month. Commercial customers can sign their RPlates up for Revivers RFleet Software Dashboard. Reviver touts RFleet as a way to streamline some of the mundane parts of a fleet managers job: automated vehicle registration, batch registration renewal and a way to track every vehicle in the fleet through the RPlate if the vehicle doesnt have built-in telematics for this purpose.

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The cross-border search and rescue effort following the devastating service station explosion in Co Donegal has been praised.

Emergency workers from across Northern Ireland joined their colleagues in the Irish republic in the village of Creeslough on Friday afternoon in the desperate search through the rubble.

Those included the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Ambulance Service and the Air Ambulance.

Deputy chief fire and rescue officer Paul Harper said they sent their specialist rescue team from Belfast along with a command support unit from Strabane to the incident, working with other emergency services into the early hours of Saturday in the hope of rescuing survivors trapped in the rubble.

Irish premier Micheal Martin said the solidarity will be long remembered.

We want to pay tribute to all the essential services, those who worked throughout the night, at times in danger, to rescue people and to do everything they could to comfort people, he said.

On behalf of NIFRS, I would like to convey my heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of those who have lost their lives in yesterdays devastating incident in Creeslough See statement from Deputy Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Paul Harper. https://t.co/WPEawF7Qhw pic.twitter.com/PbsWP6gmUw  Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (@NIFRSOFFICIAL) October 8, 2022

Our emergency services from health, firefighting, gardai, right across the board, all across the north west, and particularly our colleagues in Northern Ireland, fire service and ambulance who came willingly and very quickly to the aid of those impacted by this.

That will be long remembered. That solidarity and that sense of strong community between the essential services.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson thanked the emergency services as well as extending his sympathies to the friends and families of the bereaved.

We want to extend our thanks to all the emergency services for their efforts to save life from both sides of the border including from counties Tyrone and Londonderry, all of whom joined in the rescue efforts, he told his party conference in Belfast on Saturday afternoon

This is what being a good neighbour is all about.

I want to assure the people of Creeslough of our collective prayers, and I want them to know that they will continue to be in our thoughts in the days ahead.
The death toll from an explosion at an Irish petrol station has risen to nine and the search for further fatalities is ongoing.

A search and recovery operation is continuing in the village of Creeslough, Co Donegal, as dozens of rescue workers try to locate several people who are still missing.

Hot drinks, water and food were handed out to members of the emergency services and the media as search and recovery efforts continued.

A local garda was seen comforting a woman in tears as she was led towards the scene.

Friday afternoons blast ripped through the Applegreen service station and convenience store and adjacent buildings.

Emergency services continue their work (Brian Lawless/PA)

Having announced three fatalities on Friday night, the Irish police force, An Garda Siochana, confirmed a further four deaths on Saturday morning and another two just before midday, bringing the total to nine.

The force said: Emergency services remain at the scene in a search and recovery phase of this operation.

An Garda Siochana can now confirm nine fatalities as a result of this incident. The search and recovery for further fatalities continues.

People leave St Michaels Church Creeslough after a mass (Brian Lawless/PA)

Eight people were transferred to hospital on Friday.

The Garda has not provided any information on the suspected cause of the explosion.

A major emergency response operation involving first responders from both sides of the Irish border extended through the night.

Tractors continued to transport rubble away, as members of the community gathered at the edge of the cordon.

Two rescue workers were on a raised platform above the site of the explosion and a digger was working through the debris on Friday.

Sniffer dogs were being used amid the rubble.

Emergency services continue their work at the scene of an explosion at Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough (Brian Lawless/PA)

At one point on Friday night all machinery was turned off and onlookers were asked to remain silent as rescue workers attempted to detect survivors beneath the debris.

Applegreen founder and chief executive Joe Barrett said the company was utterly shocked and saddened by the tragic incident in Creeslough.

Mr Barrett said: Yesterday was a very dark day for Creeslough, for Donegal, for Ireland, and for all of us in the wider Applegreen family.

This is a hugely tragic event, and I would like to offer our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the deceased, and to the entire community in Creeslough.

We are utterly shocked and saddened at what happened yesterday. I would also like to offer our thanks to the emergency services and first responders who are dealing with the incident.

We have been working with our local partners in Creeslough since 2014. We are providing them with assistance and support locally at this very difficult time.

Statement by President Michael D. Higgins following the terrible tragedy in Creeslough, Co Donegal https://t.co/qWPBfbZWoJ  President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) October 8, 2022

The President of Ireland Michael D Higgins expressed his shock at the terrible tragedy.

All of our thoughts must go out to all of those who have been affected, he said.

Those who have received news of the loss of a loved one, those injured and, most of all, those who are waiting with anxiety for news of their loved ones.

This tragedy is a terrible blow to a community that is closely knit and where every loss and injury will be felt by every member of the community and far beyond.

Irish premier Micheal Martin said that he will visit the village of Creeslough.

My thoughts and prayers are tonight with the entire community of Creeslough following todays devastating explosion. Thinking too of all the emergency services, from across the north-west and NI working in very traumatic situation.  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) October 7, 2022

I think the entire nation is shocked at what has happened, its an unspeakable tragedy, he told reporters in Cork.

Our thoughts and our payers, our hearts go out to the people of Creeslough, to the families of those who have lost their lives and who have been injured, and to the entire community who are numbed and shocked by what has happened.

Its very very difficult to comprehend as people go about their daily lives, that something like this could happen in the middle of the day.

Its been extraordinarily difficult and traumatic for people as theyve had long waits, huge anxiety and stress, waiting for news of their loved ones.

People at nearby damaged buildings (Brian Lawless/PA)

The Taoiseach pledged supports for the community in Creeslough to help get through the enormous trauma.

He also paid tribute to the emergency services personnel including those from Northern Ireland who at times in danger rescued people and did everything they could to comfort people.

That will be long remembered, he said.

That solidarity and that sense of strong community between the essential services.

Donegal TD Pearse Doherty, who was at the scene on Saturday morning, said there were a number of people missing.

He told the PA news agency: This explosion not only ripped the heart out of this building, but ripped the heart out of this community and left a huge amount of devastation.

There are a number of people still missing and the emergency services are working tirelessly to remove debris and to recover other individuals who may still be in that building.

Tragic scene at Creeslough, Co Donegal, on Saturday morning where it is now confirmed seven people have died following an explosion pic.twitter.com/bWPMzNoYs0  Jonny McCambridge (@McCambridgeJ) October 8, 2022

Agriculture Minister and Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue, speaking from the scene of the blast, said: It has been a very difficult time overnight as the emergency services have worked their way through the rubble.

It is a really challenging, traumatic situation here in Creeslough. There is real devastation here in this local community.

Prayers were said in the local church in Creeslough on Saturday morning for all those suffering.

The congregation at St Michaels Church heard there was a tsunami of grief in the community.

Fr John Joe Duffy said: From our hearts, with all our hearts and with all our souls, we pray for those who have died, we pray for those who were injured, we pray for all who were involved we pray for those who are there continuing to help and have helped since yesterday.

We pray also for those family members who are bereaved and we pray for those who still are waiting news.

We keep them all very much in our hearts.

Nine bodies have been found in the debris (Brian Lawless/PA)

On Friday night a coast guard helicopter airlifted some of those who were injured in the blast from Letterkenny University Hospital to Dublin.

Northern Irelands air ambulance was also deployed, as were fire crews and ground ambulances from the region.

Letterkenny hospital appealed to the public not to attend its emergency department unless it was urgent.
Within 10 minutes of the explosion at a service station in the Co Donegal village of Creeslough, emergency services had arrived at a chaotic and traumatic scene.

As emergency personnel arrived to find huge concrete blocks, debris and rubble where the building once stood, the scale of the operation ahead became clear.

Civilians were already there using car jacks to try to free trapped people from the large piles of rubble.

The huge rescue operation involved the Irish Coast Guard, the Coast Guard rescue helicopter 118, Irish Air Corps 112, the Northern Ireland Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), the Irish Community Air Ambulance, Northern Ireland Search and Rescue, Donegal Mountain Rescue, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service heart team, Donegal County Council Civil Defence as well as dozens of people from the community in Creeslough.

Superintendent David Kelly of Milford garda station said he did not have to reach out to colleagues  that all came forward for duty.

The blast took place on Friday afternoon (Brian Lawless/PA)

Garda (police) members from Letterkenny, Ballyshannon and Buncrana all appeared as the news of the tragedy spread.

Thats what it is to be in Donegal  we look out for each other, Superintendent Kelly said.

We have to think of the people from own service who did attend. Resources were initially deployed from the Millford Garda District, assisted by members that were off-duty.

Im proud to say that I didnt have to ask for people to turn out for duty, they came in.

Emergency services continue their work at the scene of an explosion at an Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal, where ten people have now been confirmed dead (Brian Lawless/PA)

He also praised the great assistance provided by colleagues from the emergency services in Northern Ireland.

Police in Donegal said the blast led to the largest number of civilian casualties in decades, and required an extensive emergency response.

Cafes and local restaurants opened their doors to emergency workers, providing hot drinks and food for the personnel.

A local hotel also block-booked rooms for emergency staff who worked through the night.

My thoughts and prayers are tonight with the entire community of Creeslough following todays devastating explosion. Thinking too of all the emergency services, from across the north-west and NI working in very traumatic situation.  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) October 7, 2022

Liam Geraghty, from the Garda press office, said workers came across a very traumatic scene.

It was a very confused scene and there was a lot of debris, there were traumatised people already at the scene. Our colleagues will be provided with counselling services to deal with tragic circumstances, Mr Geraghty added.

A moment of silence was also held at a press conference at Milford garda station for the 10 people who died in the Creeslough explosion.

Seven people are in hospital in Donegal while one patient was transferred to a specialist burns unit hospital in Dublin.

Eight ambulances attended the scene on Friday and three attended on Saturday morning.

Emergency services continue their work at the scene of an explosion at Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal, where 10 people have now been confirmed dead (Brian Lawless/PA)

Four doctors and four ambulance officers were also involved.

Superintendent Kelly said families have been left devastated by the incident.

I want to offer, on behalf of myself and my colleagues that attended the scene, our very sincere condolences, he added.

Garry Martin, director of emergency services at Donegal County Council, said workers will remain on site in Creeslough for the ongoing search and checking phase to ensure there are no remaining casualties in the building.

Press Statement by Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Liam Blaney in relation to the terrible tragedy which has unfolded in Creeslough. Read full statement here: https://t.co/FTimVMkhVR#Donegal #YourCouncil pic.twitter.com/aeMcG3gR2c  Donegal County Council (@donegalcouncil) October 8, 2022

He said that six fire brigades attended the scene, including 65 firefighters and 20 members of the civil defence, a structural engineer as well as road service personnel.

I want to acknowledge the assistance from our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who attended with specialist equipment and search dogs, Mr Martin added.

I also want to acknowledge the huge input from the local community who attended in huge numbers and who contributed so much to our efforts.

The whole country has the community of Cresslough and Co.Donegal in our thoughts this evening. We hope and pray that all those trapped or missing are rescued, brought to safety by the emergency services & reunited with loved ones  Michelle ONeill (@moneillsf) October 7, 2022

Over the course of last day and following detailed analysis of the site, the incident moved into a search and recovery phase. We will remain on site in an ongoing search and check phase to ensure there are no remaining casualties in the building.

John Joe McGowan, chief ambulance officer for the western region of Irelands national ambulance service, said words cannot describe the efforts of emergency services in Creeslough.

Each and every one of you have gone above and beyond in your response, he said, extending particular thanks to the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and Air Ambulance for their support.

We will continue our efforts and work with our colleagues in the gardai and the fire service until all recovery efforts have concluded.
A former Washington D.C. police officer who was nearly killed on Jan. 6 claims South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham told cops they should have killed Donald Trump loyalists who raided the U.S. Capitol.

You guys should have shot them all in the head, officer Michael Fanone recalls Graham telling him in a new book obtained by Politico.

Graham was clearly upset the day Trump supporters interrupted the certification of the 2020 election in which President Biden defeated the incumbent.

Former Washington Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone listens as the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol holds a hearing at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, July 21, 2022.



Former Washington Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone listens as the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol holds a hearing at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, July 21, 2022. (J. Scott Applewhite/)

All I can say is count me out! Graham said on the Senate floor following the invasion. Enough is enough.

Fanone, who was dragged into a sea of MAGA assailants while defending the Capitol, was beaten by a crowd where he said he heard at least one rioter say kill him with his own gun. His book Hold the Line details events surrounding that experience, which also resulted in a Trump supporter, Ashli Babbitt, being fatally shot.

We gave you guys guns, and you should have used them, Fanone recalls Graham saying.

The 42-year-old D.C. native said Graham made his remarks during a May 2021 discussion where Fanone and other officers urged Republican senators to get behind a bipartisan commission to investigate the attack on Capitol Hill.

The 67-year-old lawmaker reportedly told badly outnumbered officers he doesnt understand why they didnt use lethal force against their attackers.

Fanone testified before the House Select Committee formed to investigate the Capitol attack. That committee will convene again next Thursday, Oct. 13, to present its findings to the public.

According to Politico, Fanone writes that as a lifelong Republican, he found it shocking and disgraceful that some GOP leaders worked to undermine what he experienced on that deadly day. Fanone left his job in law enforcement less than a year after the attack on the Capitol.

Pro-Trump radicals target Michael Fanone after testifying about Capitol riots on Jan. 6

He told CNN in May 2021 I see a whole team of doctors to treat him for physical and psychological harm brought on by the attack.

Some days Im good to go, he told host Don Lemon. Other days, or other times within the same day, Im just broken.

Fanone said he also relies on fellow officers who survived the attack for emotional support.

Graham, who spent eight years in the House of Representatives, was elected to the Senate for the fourth time in 2020.
This undated photo provided Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, by the Pima County Sheriff's Office shows Murad Dervish. The former University of Arizona graduate student, Dervish, was arrested as a suspect in the fatal shooting Wednesday, Oct. 5, of Thomas Meixner, who headed the schools Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences and was being held without bond Friday on suspicion of first-degree murder and aggravated assault of a second person. (Pima County Sheriff's Office via AP)

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP)  A former University of Arizona graduate student arrested in the fatal shooting of a hydrology professor was being held without bond Friday after a judge ruled there was enough evidence to try him on charges of first degree murder and aggravated assault.

An interim complaint in the case released Friday says Thomas Meixner, who headed the schools Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, was shot four times on Wednesday afternoon. The shooting happened inside the Harshbarger Building, which houses the hydrology department. Meixner was pronounced dead at a hospital.

According to the complaint, a second person, whose name was blacked out, was treated at the scene after being struck by a bullet fragment.

The complaint signed by a judge late Thursday at Pima County Justice Court said there was reasonable cause to proceed in the case against 46-year-old Murad Dervish. In Arizona, charges are not filed until a preliminary hearing takes place, and there was no word on when that would happen.

The Pima County Public Defenders Office confirmed it received the case but has not yet assigned an attorney who can speak on Dervishs behalf.

Campus police said the shooting occurred after a female called 911 around 2 p.m. Wednesday asking for police to escort a former student from the Harshbarger Building. Officers were on their way when they received reports that a man had shot someone then fled.

Campus alerts instructed people to avoid the area, which was under lockdown. Classes, activities and other campus events were canceled for the rest of the day.

State troopers arrested Dervish a few hours later about 120 miles (190 kilometers) northwest of the Tucson campus.

The complaint said officials found a 9mm handgun in the vehicle, along with ammunition consistent with the 11 casings found at the shooting scene.

The relationship between Dervish and Meixner remains unclear, but the interim complaint said a flyer with a photograph of Dervish, a former graduate student, had been circulated to university staff in February with instructions to call 911 if he ever entered the building. It also said he was expelled and barred from being on University of Arizona property.

Dervish has been the subject of several reports of harassment and threats to staff members working at Harshbarger, the complaint said.

The university announced a candlelight vigil would be held in Meixners honor at 8 p.m. Friday on the Old Main veranda. University President Robert C. Robbins was among those scheduled to talk.

Meixner was an expert on desert water issues. Faculty and former students described as a kind and brilliant colleague.

This incident is a deep shock to our community, and it is a tragedy, Robbins said in a statement late Wednesday.

Meixner earned a doctorate in hydrology and water resources from the university in 1999 and joined the faculty in 2005 before becoming the department head in 2019.

Twenty years ago this month, a disgruntled University of Arizona nursing student shot and killed three nursing professors before taking his own life.
Five teens have been arrested in connection with the death of a Texas woman whose home was mistakenly targeted in a drive-by shooting, authorities said.

Three teens were taken into custody on Friday while two others, ages 14 and 15, were arrested earlier this week on charges of murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said it appears the suspects hit the wrong house during a drive-by shooting Tuesday in a west Bexar County neighborhood.

Novita Brazil was inside the house and working on her computer when the gunfire erupted around 12:30 a.m. She was completely innocent, Salazar told WOIA.

A GoFundMe for Brazil describes her as the sweetest person you would ever meet. She was kind, selfless, funny, loving, adventurous, and had a heart of gold.

Novita Brazil



Novita Brazil

Another woman, whod been staying at the home as an Airbnb guest, was also wounded in the gunfire. She was shot in the leg.

More than 100 shell casings were discovered at the crime scene, Salazar said.

In the wake of the shooting, the pair of teens charged with murder led authorities on a high-speed car chase that also included a helicopter. They were also charged with evading arrest.

Salazar said the vehicle used was stolen and that the firearms were likely already inside when it was taken.

Its just so easy for criminals to get a hold of guns nowadays, he told My San Antonio. There are so many guns left unattended in vehicles...Its just heartbreaking that now a young lady lost her life through no fault of her own.
A handful of Florida lawmakers requested emergency funding in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian but opposed legislation last month that included billions of dollars in disaster relief.

Twelve House lawmakers from Florida penned a letter to Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Kay Granger (R-Texas), the chairwoman and ranking member, respectively, of the House Appropriations Committee, on Tuesday asking for their support in prioritizing an emergency supplemental package for the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian, which tore through the Sunshine State last week.

But in late September, the group of 12 voted against a stopgap spending bill that included millions of dollars in disaster relief.

Florida GOP Reps. Greg Steube, Carlos Gimenez, Maria Elvira Salazar, Bill Posey, Gus Bilirakis, Byron Donalds, Vern Buchanan, Kat Cammack, Brian Mast, Michael Waltz, Neal Dunn and Daniel Webster all signed the letter.

A spokesperson for Donalds told The Hill in a statement that the Congressman stands by his vote and commends his fellow GOP House members in the Florida Delegation for taking the same action, calling the measure a continued blank check for Biden and Congressional Democrats.

The Continuing Resolution (CR), where [Speaker Nancy] Pelosi [D-Calif.] cunningly placed the disaster relief aid, was full of reckless spending that generally had nothing to do with funding to the Congressmans district and other disaster areas of need, the spokesperson added.

The continuing resolution, which Congress passed and President Biden signed into law, included $2 billion in disaster relief and $18.8 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund for its response to current and future disasters.

The FEMA provision is language that allows the agencys Disaster Relief Fund to use its full year of allotted funds up front. According to a fact sheet from the House Appropriations Committee, those funds could be used to respond to declared disasters, including Hurricane Ian.

The stopgap bill did not, however, include direct funding for Hurricane Ian.

Ten Republican House members supported the continuing resolution, none of whom represent districts in Florida.

Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm last week, leaving death and destruction in its path. More than 100 fatalities have been reported in the state.

We ask the House Committee on Appropriations to urgently work with the Florida delegation in drafting an emergency supplemental appropriations package as we accumulate damage assessments, the group wrote in Tuesdays letter. We ask that you exclusively focus on recent hurricane disasters in this package, and free from any language that is not directly related to the hurricane relief and recovery efforts.

The Hill reached out to the 12 lawmakers for comment on why they opposed the continuing resolution despite the fact that it contains disaster relief.

Those 12 Floridians are not alone in requesting emergency funding for their state despite voting against the continuing resolution.

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) last weekend asked Congress for assistance following the hurricane.

Dear Congress: On behalf of my fellow Florida Man in grave need of assistance. Just send us like half of what you sent Ukraine. Signed, Your Fellow Americans, Gaetz, who voted against the continuing resolution, wrote on Twitter.

Gaetz commented on the continuing resolution on his podcast last week, pointing to the timing of the measure  it lasts through mid-December  and other provisions, including financial assistance for Ukraine.

Everyone expects the Democrats are going to lose the House in November. And so after losing the House, Nancy Pelosi still wants the opportunity to dictate budget terms into potential Republican control, and some Republicans were so dumb they went along with this, Gaetz said on his podcast.

Across the Capitol, Florida Sen. Rick Scott (R), who previously served as governor of the Sunshine State, is also pushing for a relief package in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. He went so far as to call for the Senate to reconvene to take up the measure.

Senators are not scheduled to be back in Washington until next month. Scott was among the 25 Republicans who opposed the continuing resolution in the upper chamber.

Once we have the information we need from FEMA and our state and local officials, we cannot delay action on a clean aid package. If that means reconvening the Senate, then that is what we must do, Scott wrote in a statement on Wednesday.

Last week, he and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) wrote a letter to Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Richard Shelby (R-Ala.)  the top lawmakers on the Senate Appropriations Committee  asking for support in crafting a disaster supplemental to provide much needed assistance to Florida.

A robust and timely federal response, including through supplemental programs and funding, will be required to ensure that sufficient resources are provided to rebuild critical infrastructure and public services capacity, and to assist our fellow Floridians in rebuilding their lives, the duo wrote in the letter, dated Sept. 30. These provisions must be made a priority and considered at the earliest opportunity.

Rubio was not present for the vote on the continuing resolution last month. According to The Washington Post, he was in Florida to review damage caused by the hurricane.

Reached for comment, Scotts office referred The Hill to a statement the senator put out last week responding to a report from The Washington Post that pointed out his opposition to the continuing resolution.

Scott called the report misleading and argued that the stopgap bill did not include any funding for Hurricane Ian. He also noted his support of the disaster relief provision.

Prior to Ians development, l made clear that I fully supported the proposed disaster funding for other states and urged [Senate Majority Leader Charles] Schumer [D-N.Y.] to put that up for a stand-alone vote. He refused, and delayed this relief so he could use it as a political weapon to stick in a CR that will end up fueling billions for Democrats radical agenda right before they lose power, Scott wrote in a statement.

This CR failed to fund the federal government until the new Congress begins in 2023, and that is why I could not support it, he added.

But despite those defenses, some Democrats are pouncing on the Florida Republicans who are asking for emergency assistance despite opposing the continuing resolution last month.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) said Republicans in her state failed to put the interests of those suffering from tragedy above their political fortunes.

Today, Floridas U.S. House Republicans failed every family still reeling in our state who will soon need the federal governments full strength and resources to rebuild and recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian, she wrote in a statement last week.

Rep. Val Demings (D-Fla.), who is embroiled in a contentious Senate race against Rubio, knocked her opponent for the missed vote.

In the United States Senate, Ill never put partisan politics over delivering disaster relief for Floridians, she wrote on Twitter.

On Friday, the Florida senator knocked his opponent for not voting for relief following hurricanes Irma and Maria  as reported by The Miami Herald  accusing her of hypocrisy.

The hypocrisy here runs deep, right? She voted against bills that had hurricane relief in the past, including relief for Puerto Rico and Florida, because she didnt like other things in the bill as well, Rubio said during an interview on the Guy Benson Show.

Updated 11:04 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Men cross into Georgia from Russia. (Daro Sulakauri / Getty Images)

Less than three weeks ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the call-up of 300,000 men to bolster army ranks decimated by battlefield routs in Ukraine. Now, in an extraordinary exodus, waves of fighting-age men have fled Russia in what appear to be roughly those same numbers.

By plane or by bicycle, in cars or on foot, at a rate sometimes reaching tens of thousands per day, Russian men desperate to avoid deployment to the front lines  or face long jail sentences for draft evasion  are seeking haven in neighboring and nearby countries.

They have crossed land borders into Finland or Mongolia, booked expensive air tickets to Turkey or Serbia, decamped for the former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Georgia and Armenia. In one striking instance, two Russian asylum seekers made their way by boat to a remote Alaskan island in the Bering Sea, the states two U.S. senators said.

Within some destination countries, and across the wider West, theres sharp debate over whether those leaving are deserving of shelter.

Some argue that Russians who truly object to the war  and not merely to their own conscription  should be welcomed, or at least tolerated. Others point out that as a practical matter, the mass flight is reducing the pool of men available to fight in Ukraine.

Reservists drafted in the Russian mobilization attend a departure ceremony in Crimea. (AFP/Getty Images)

Theres worry in some quarters about the security risk. And many Ukrainians and their supporters believe that abetting draft evaders resettlement helps Putin, who turned 70 on Friday, escape accountability at home.

It would be wrong for us to close the border to Russians, Merab Metreveli, a well-known TV news anchor in Georgia  a country that was itself invaded by Russia, in 2008  wrote on Facebook at the end of September. But he also said uncontrolled entry posed risks.

Whats the way out? he asked.

Many Russians who made the decision to depart did so with little more than a knapsack and whatever cash they could scrape together, leaving jobs, homes and family behind.

I need to build my new life now, said a 30-year-old film producer named Sakhamin, who made his way to the Georgian capital of Tbilisi days after Putins Sept. 21 announcement of a partial mobilization.

I understood that if I didnt leave, he said, I would stay on the other bank of the river that separates the new and the old worlds.

In Russia, the mass flight triggered by the call-up amounts to a stark public rejection of months of rosy government claims about the nature and scope of the special military operation. Many Russians tacitly accepted the Feb. 24 invasion, believing it would have little effect on their daily lives, but the mobilization order suddenly brought the war home.

At the only operational border crossing into Georgia, a miles-long traffic jam that was visible in satellite imagery built up soon after Putins mobilization announcement.

Russian citizens wait for identification numbers in Kazakhstan. (AFP/Getty Images)

Sakhamin  who did not want his full name used for fear of retribution against relatives remaining in Russia  traveled with his girlfriend. They took a taxi as far as they could, then walked the last 10 miles to the border, where they joined an hours-long line for Russian authorities to check their documents.

While waiting, they met a despairing would-be escapee who had been turned back. His passport was confiscated, the man told the couple, and he was served with conscription papers on the spot.

Such decisions seemed haphazard, with some men reporting almost surreal encounters as they crossed over. A 24-year-old from Moscow named Mark, who also recently arrived in Tbilisi, lied and told a Russian border guard he was going to Georgia for a friends wedding. He said the guards only question was why he had friends in Georgia.

In some favored destinations, the window for reaching safety was relatively short. Nine days after Putins announcement, Finland, the last land route for Russians into the European Union, barred Russians from entering as tourists. In the week prior to that, two-thirds of the 66,000 Russians coming into the EU had arrived via Finland, according to the blocs border agency, Frontex.

I was lucky, said Yevginiy, a 34-year-old supply-chain manager who caught a sold-out bus from St. Petersburg to Helsinki a few days before Finlands entry restrictions were imposed. Not everybody has the opportunity to get out.

Precise totals of those seeking to avoid military service are difficult to determine, in part because few officially declare their intentions. But the independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta cited an estimate by the security services that in the four days after the call-up was announced, a total of 261,000 men between the ages of 18 and 40 had left the country. Many more have since fled.

The Interior Ministry of Kazakhstan, which shares a border with Russia, this week reported 200,000 Russian arrivals since the mobilization announcement. In Turkey  where, unlike in the EU, direct flights from Russia are allowed to land  officials have not disclosed arrival figures, but dozens of daily flights filled mainly with fighting-age men have been touching down in several Turkish cities.

The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network used open-source flight data to put arrivals in Turkey in the first few days alone at more than 30,000, with more than 1,000 other Russians catching planes to Serbia during that period. Mongolia, which says it is neutral in the war, reported 12,000 entries between Putins announcement and the end of last week.

In Georgia, where tens of thousands of Russians moved after the war began, volunteer groups that have been aiding new arrivals, and advising others on how to cross over, said the influx had probably doubled the numbers already there. With Russian troops occupying two separatist territories in Georgia, some opposition politicians have said that the newcomers should be made to explicitly express recognition of the countrys territorial integrity.

Russia has a million active-duty military personnel, about 200,000 of whom took part in the initial assault on Ukraine  an invading force that military analysts have said was far too small to seize and occupy a country of 44 million people.

Over the course of eight grinding months, Ukraine claims more than 60,000 Russian troops have been killed or otherwise removed from the fight. Western estimates range considerably lower, but Russia is suffering a historic mauling.

With Ukrainian forces recapturing swaths of the country's south and east, Russian officials are using euphemisms like regrouping to describe hasty retreats by Moscow's forces, and withhold information about what appear to be witheringly high casualty rates. However, some cracks have appeared in the official facade.

War hawks infuriated by territorial losses are directing unprecedentedly harsh criticism at senior military leaders, including Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, a longtime Putin confidant who may now find himself scapegoated for battlefield failures. On state television, hard-line commentators have taken to lamenting what they characterize as an unfair fight powered by Western weaponry, with Russia as victim.

As social media postings have documented a chaotic rounding up of recruits  some are shown being dumped in desolate fields without supplies, given rusty old rifles, or ordered to buy their own food and equipment  Putin acknowledged that corrections to the mobilization process were needed, but did not back away from his war aims.

Instead, in a bellicose speech declaring the annexation of four Ukrainian provinces, the president declared that these territories, as now-Russian soil, would be defended by any means necessary. But even as he spoke, Russian forces in some affected areas were in rapid retreat. Much of the world dismissed the announced annexations as illegal.

Western military analysts have expressed skepticism that the mobilization will do much to blunt Ukrainian offensives, even though some of the new recruits are already reaching the front lines.

Rushing thousands of untrained and unmotivated Russian men to the front will not meaningfully increase Russian combat power, the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War wrote in an assessment late last month.

"Get a tattoo with your name and surname. So that we know how to find your relatives when you are killed."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

Some of those trying to avoid being conscripted said they initially believed official assurances that only men with military experience would be called up. But word spread of a widening dragnet that ensnared men who were obviously unfit for service, or had no relevant training or skills. The Kremlin has blamed overzealous local authorities.

With the Defense Ministry reporting this week that 200,000 men have been mobilized  two-thirds of the way to meeting Putins target  roundups have fallen disproportionately on poorer republics populated by ethnic minorities. In Dagestan, a Muslim-majority republic whose soldiers have already died disproportionately in Ukraine, scores of people have been arrested in protests.

Demonstrations erupted in some bigger Russian cities as well, as they did in the wars earliest weeks. But protests were quickly quelled by police, who availed themselves of one particularly chilling tactic: serving some detainees with draft notices.

Ukraine has set up hotlines for Russian troops who want to arrange surrenders, promising humane treatment. The countrys defense minister, Oleksii Reznikov, this week recorded an unusual video telling freshly mobilized Russians that they had been tricked and betrayed by their leaders.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who often addresses Russians in their own language, had a grim warning of his own for Moscows newest foot soldiers.

Get a tattoo with your name and surname, he advised. So that we know how to find your relatives when you are killed.

Special correspondent Kolotilov reported from Tbilisi, Times staff writer King from Washington and special correspondent Hunt from Helsinki.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Article first published: Saturday, October 08, 2022, 5 am EST

Article last updated: Saturday, October 08, 2022, 11 pm EST

According to the National Hurricane Centers 11 pm Saturday advisory, the tropical storm Julia strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 75 miles per hour. Category 1 Hurricane Julia is 65 miles west of San Andres Island Colombia and, 80 miles east-northeast of Bluefields Nicaragua, with maximum sustained wind of 75 mph. Its moving 16 mph to the west.

"... the center of Julia is expected to make landfall on the coast of Nicaragua during the next several hours, move across Nicaragua on Sunday, and then move near or along the Pacific coasts of Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala through Monday and Monday night." according to analysts. "Strengthening is expected until the center makes landfall in Nicaragua." They also said "Weakening is expected once Julia moves inland, but it is forecast to still be a tropical storm when it moves off the Pacific coast of Nicaragua late Sunday or Sunday night."

YESTERDAY (Friday):

Julia left Colombia and headed to the Caribbean Sea. The system moved with sustained winds of 75 miles per hour yesterday (Friday). Weathercasters issued a hurricane warning for portions of the Nicaragua coast.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for:

- San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina Islands Colombia

- Nicaragua from Bluefields to Puerto Cabezas

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for:

- Nicaragua north of Puerto Cabezas to the Honduras/Nicaragua border

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:

- Nicaragua south of Bluefields to the Nicaragua/Costa Rica border

- Nicaragua north of Puerto Cabezas to the Honduras/Nicaragua border

- Pacific coast of Nicaragua

- Pacific coast of Honduras

- Coast of El Salvador

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for:

- Honduras from the Nicaragua/Honduras border to Punta Patuca

A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area.

A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area.

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.

A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND:

WIND: Hurricane conditions on the Colombian islands of San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina should end in the next few hours. Hurricane conditions are expected along the coast of Nicaragua within the hurricane warning area starting in the next few hours and continuing into Sunday morning. Hurricane conditions are possible along the coast of Nicaragua within the hurricane watch area early Sunday morning.

Tropical storm conditions are expected along the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua within the tropical storm warning areas tonight and early Sunday. Tropical storm conditions are possible along the coast of Honduras within the watch area tonight.

Tropical storm conditions are expected along the Pacific coasts of Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador Sunday afternoon into Sunday night.

RAINFALL: Julia is expected to produce the following rainfall accumulations through early Tuesday:

San Andres and Providencia...6 to 12 inches. Nicaragua...5 to 10 inches, isolated 15 inches. Remainder of Central America...4 to 8 inches, isolated 12 inches. Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Mexico...2 to 4 inches, isolated 6 inches.

This rainfall may cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides through this weekend. Flash flooding is possible across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Mexico early next week.

STORM SURGE: A storm surge is likely to raise water levels by as much as 2 to 4 feet above normal tide levels along the immediate coast in areas of onshore winds on San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina Islands. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and damaging waves.

A storm surge is likely to raise water levels by as much as 4 to 6 feet above normal tide levels along the immediate coast of Nicaragua in areas of onshore winds. Large and damaging waves will likely accompany the storm surge near the coast.

SURF: Swells generated by Julia are affecting Jamaica, Providencia, and San Andres, and will reach portions of the coast of Central America this evening into Sunday. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Source: National Hurricane Center

This article was generated by the Miami Herald Bot, artificial intelligence software that analyzes information from the National Hurricane Center and applies it to templates created by journalists in the newsroom. We are experimenting with this and other new ways of providing more useful content to our readers and subscribers. You can report errors or bugs to mcclatchybot@mcclatchy.com. Full hurricane coverage at miamiherald.com/news/weather/hurricane/
Calls for more nuclear energy in Scotland are to to make up for the failure of energy policy in the United Kingdom, John Swinney will tell SNP members on Sunday.

John Swinney will use his address to the SNP conference in Aberdeen to talk up Scotlands energy capabilities.

The Prime Minister previously told the BBC she wanted to work with the Scottish Government on nuclear power.

The Deputy First Minister is expected to tell SNP members: Scotland is a nation rich in energy resources.

We have a plentiful supply of clean, green, affordable renewable energy.

The equivalent of almost 100% of our electricity demand is from renewable sources.

Not only is Scotland self-sufficient in natural gas, we are a huge exporter.

Scotland is secure in energy. So, we need no lectures from Liz Truss about security of energy supply. It is the UK that has failed to achieve energy security, with the National Grid warning of possible power cuts this winter.

And Scotland is not going to put up with a new round of nuclear power stations to make up for the failure of energy policy in the United Kingdom.

Despite our huge strength in energy, 150,000 more people in Scotland will be forced into extreme fuel poverty as a result of the UK Governments increase to the energy price cap in September.

We are an energy rich nation, but 35% of our citizens live in fuel poverty. Why is that?

Because, while Scotland has the energy, Westminster has the power. And how Westminster chooses to use its reserved power has consistently, and deliberately, disadvantaged Scotland.

Liz Truss said she wanted to see more nuclear power stations built across the country, including in Scotland (Alistair Grant/PA)

Speaking to the BBC last month, Liz Truss said she wanted to work with Nicola Sturgeon on the energy crisis.

Im keen to use more of the resources in the North Sea and also see more nuclear power stations built across the country, including in Scotland, she said.

Im very keen to talk to Nicola Sturgeon about that because I think that will help us make sure we have long-term energy security that, alongside wind power in Scotland, we also have nuclear power in Scotland.

Within minutes of Ms Truss comments, the Deputy First Minister had rejected the idea, saying we wont sign up to that and weve made that very clear.


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YEREVAN, OCTOBER 8, ARMENPRESS. Member of the German Bundestag (parliament) Till Mansman welcomed Armenia and Azerbaijans agreement to respect each others borders, at the same time clearly emphasized the fact that Azerbaijan has attacked Armenia and that the reports on gross violations of human rights during military actions must be investigated.

The agreement gives grounds to hope that the destabilization of the South Caucasus region, which was caused as a result of Azerbaijans attack against Armenia, can be resolved diplomatically. Reports on horrific violations of human rights related to this military action must now be thoroughly investigated. Criminal prosecution must be conducted for crimes committed during and after combat, and the international community must not be indifferent towards it, the lawmaker said in a statement.

He emphasized that respect for any countrys sovereignty and the rule of non-use of force in accordance with international law must be strongly preserved.

The Bundestag MP thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for his quick and intense work. Mansman, the Chairman of the German-Armenian Forum, called on the German federal government to join this work and actively support the peace process in South Caucasus.
by Melani Manel Perera

The government wants to set a bureau to rehabilitate drug addicts, former fighters, and members of other groups. According to human rights advocates, the bill would legalise torture and jail protesters. Some have already been in prison for 50 days. A petition was submitted to the Supreme Court saying that the draft legislation violates fundamental rights.

Colombo (AsiaNews)  A law before the Sri Lankan Parliament risks legalising what would be in all respects a system of concentration camps.

The bill under consideration would set up a Bureau of Rehabilitation responsible for people involved in protests, such as those who took part in the Aragalaya, the people's struggle, that led to the downfall of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, as well as former fighters" and "other groups".

"People should pressure their MPs not to vote for this bill. It cannot be improved, it must be shelved," said lawyer Swasthika Arulingam speaking to AsiaNews.

"I have read the bill cover to cover, she explained. The Bureau of Rehabilitation bill would make torture legal. You can be forced fed with drugs. Disobedience is punished with imprisonment or the use of force.

Our country seems to be passing laws to appease the hurt ego of the Rajapaksas," the human rights advocate noted.

The government claims that the Bureau will serve to rehabilitate fighters and drug addicts but the bill speaks of 'other groups; to date no one, not even the department that drafted the bill, knows who will fall into the 'other groups' category.

Some 50 days ago, Interuniversity Student Council convener Wasantha Mudalige, Venerable monk Siridhamma Thera, and university student activist Heshan Jeevantha were arrested under the existing anti-terrorism law.

The lives of all three are in danger, their lawyers say. Since their arrest, trade unions and civil society groups have been fighting for their release.

For Swasthika Arulingam, protests must continue. "We have elected 225 people to power. Call them, meet with them, and speak to them. Ask them if they were given permission to set up torture camps in Sri Lanka. Go into the streets to demonstrate as we have done in recent months during the economic crisis."

Meanwhile, Ambika Satkunathan, a former member of the countrys Human Rights Commission, has petitioned the Supreme Court, stressing that the bill is incompatible with the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

She argues that the groups of people subject to the Bureau have not been properly defined  she also questions the type of rehabilitation such people would receive.

"The bill," Sathkunathan explains, uses vague and arbitrary classifications. What is more, the rehabilitation process has been militarised. As a result, people taking part in ordinary protests could be detained.
The other news of the day: Afghanistan stops issuing passports; in Myanmar children are becoming the main victims of war; Ferdinand Marcos Jr enjoys a high approval rate, except in the fight against poverty; Chinese families are sending their children to get an education in South-East Asia, Russia grants mobilised soldiers holiday credits.

PAKISTAN

According to a World Bank report, six to nine million Pakistanis will be dragged into poverty as a result of the violent floods that swept over a third of the country, with the rate rising between 2.5 and 4 percentage points. Over 8 million people are still displaced.

AFGHANISTAN

The Taliban have stopped issuing passports until further notice, and not for the first time. After 14 months of government, Afghanistans masters cannot cope with the high number of applications as thousands of Afghans seek to leave the country.

MYANMAR

In the past two months (1 August-30 September) children are among the main victims of fighting in Myanmar. Mines and shelling have killed at least 51 people wounding another 122, including 20 children, in the regions of Magway, Sagaing, and Bago and the states of Kayin, Kayah, Chin, and Rakhine.

PHILIPPINES

A poll by Manila Pulse Asia Research reports a high approval rating among Filipinos for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and his administration, now in its hundredth day in office, except in two areas: poverty and rising prices of consumer goods.

CHINA  SOUTH-EAST ASIA

More and more Chinese parents are placing their children in Southeast Asian schools to avoid the National College Entrance Examination (NCEE), commonly known as the gaokao, the ruthless a standardised college entrance exam held annually in mainland China. The goal is to ensure that their children can get into Western universities. Southeast Asian high schools offer quality education at low tuition fees for international students.

IRAN

According to Irans Forensic Organisation, Mahsa Amini died from cerebral hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain, not blows to the head, and vital organs and limbs of the body. The lawyer for the Amini family said that respectable doctors believe the 22-year-old was beaten to death while in custody.

RUSSIA

President Putin signed a law that contractually grants holiday credits to mobilised soldiers, volunteers, and their families. This includes a month of paid vacation, which can be extended for injuries sustained during combat, making military service financially more attractive.

TAJIKISTAN

A senior Muslim cleric in Tajikistan, an imam khatib in the city of Kulab, was attacked with a stun gun during a funeral service. Local law enforcement reported the attackers suffer from a mental disorder", allaying fears that religious fanaticism might lead to clashes.
by Guido Alberto Casanova

Wastewater surveys show the presence of cancer-causing compounds, 172 times higher than legal. The US-Japan alliance comes under stress as the US military presence is increasingly unpopular and a source of frictions and tensions, starting in Okinawa. In September, a student attempted to attack the US embassy with explosives.

Tokyo (AsiaNews)  Located at the extreme south of Tokyo Bay, Yokosuka is one of the many cities that have developed around the Japanese capital.

It was here that Commodore Matthew Perry, with his fleet of US naval ships, forced Japan, then under Shogun rule, to open up in 1853 to Western influence.

A century and a half later the United States is still present in the city with a naval base; however, the base, established in 1945, is also a good example of what is wrong with the US-Japanese alliance.

A report released last week shows alarmingly high levels of two cancer-causing chemical compounds, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in wastewater, found in samples collected in August at the military base.

Most worrying, the survey found a total amount 8,592 nanograms per litre of wastewater, 172 times higher than the maximum level set by Japanese law of 50 nanograms per litre.

The dumping of substances dangerous to human health is nothing new; this summer high levels of PFOS and PFOA were also detected in the waters near the Yokosuka base.

Alerted by the authorities, Yokosuka Mayor Katsuaki Kamiji asked the Japanese government to conduct an onsite inspection. "I can't help but feel anger. I can no longer trust (the US military)," he told the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper.

The US military responded saying that it will apply filters by 1 November to absorb the two chemical compounds, but the mayor wants quicker action.

In Japan, the alliance with the United States can be a source of troubles, most notably when it comes to relations between US military personnel and the local population.

In Okinawa, where tensions with the US military are well known. The local prefecture conducted surveys around the US military bases between 2019 and 2021 and found as many as 20 different toxic chemical compounds, some of them banned in Japan.

In June of this year, 1,280 residents in the area around the US Air Force's Yokota Air Base, West Tokyo, filed a lawsuit against the noise pollution caused by Osprey transport planes used by US Air Force. And the list goes on.

Sometimes, some Japanese have turned violent in their opposition to the US military presence.

In August, police arrested a university student from Osaka for planning to throw homemade gunpowder at the US embassy in Tokyo. When questioned, he said he wanted to throw explosives into the diplomatic mission.
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As it happens, Nord is also one of the most spectacular and expensive projects to come out of the Lurssen shipyard in recent years. With a value estimated at $500 million, its often described as a warship disguised in a tuxedo, and it often draws James Bond comparisons  in the sense that a 007 villain would find it just perfect.In real life, Nord, a very competent and luxurious megayacht slash superyacht explorer, is believed to belong to Russian billionaire Alexey Mordashov. Hes not a James Bond villain, but according to the U.S., the UK and the EU, he comes close to being a real-life one, because hes funding President Putins war on Ukraine, for which reason he was included on sanctions lists right after the February invasion.As this was happening, Nord turned off its AIS tracking (automatic identification system) and sailed to Vladivostok in Russia, only occasionally going out into the Sea of Japan before returning back to port. Bloomberg reports that, as of this week, Nord is in Hong Kong, and its no longer making an effort to keep a low profile, even assuming that such a gigantic vessel could. Nord is now flying a Russian flag instead of the Cayman Islands one it originally had. There is no indication as to where it might be heading next, since AIS is still turned off.Delivered in 2021, Nord has a total length of 464 feet (141.5 meters), a very memorable silhouette , and six decks to hold all manners of luxury amenities and toys, including a matching helicopter, a private cinema, and 20 luxury suites that can sleep up to 36 guests. It was made for world cruising, and boasts a top speed of 22 knots (25 mph / 40.7 kph), and so far, it has used both these to avoid falling into the wrong hands because of international sanctions.
This time, Google is going for a controversial decision that affects the Assistant Driving Mode dashboard, a feature that was powering the replacement of the very popular Android Auto for phone screens.Heres a summary of the latest events to get a clearer picture of whats happening.Originally announced at I/O 2019, the Assistant Driving Mode dashboard was supposed to replace Android Auto for phones . If you've never used the mobile version of Android Auto, you probably dont know how popular it actually was, but its demise was received with much frustration by users out there.Forced to use the Assistant driving mode , a feature that many considered to be half-baked, users hoped Google would eventually improve it in a way that would turn it into a worthy successor to Android Auto for phones.This didnt happen, and whats more, it looks like Google is now making a change that essentially leaves the company without a worthy replacement for Android Auto for phone screens. The company is reportedly retiring the Assistant Driving mode dashboard on November 21, therefore sticking entirely with the car-optimized experience in Google Maps.At some level, Google still considers the Google Maps-powered driving mode a replacement for Android Auto for phone screens, as its UI includes a basic bar for quick access to popular apps like YouTube Music and Podcasts.But on the other hand, this driving mode comes with a series of major limitations, and the first of them is the integration into Google Maps itself. This means the driving mode cant be used with another navigation app, such as Waze, not to mention the lack of bigger fonts that make sense in a car, more advanced voice commands, and support for more music and podcast apps.


happen, it would be a mere footnote in a landmark period in Iranian history. A period of profound change for so much more than curious aviation buffs, but for all the people of Iran.





Check back for more If you're like the countless people who silently wept when the Tomcat left American service, you're no doubt fascinated with what it has rocking under the hood these days. It's bound to be some fascinating stuff. But if this doeshappen, it would be a mere footnote in a landmark period in Iranian history. A period of profound change for so much more than curious aviation buffs, but for all the people of Iran.Check back for more fighter jet profiles here on autoevolution.

Most of the time, geopolitics are seldom newsworthy for our purposes here. But in this case, the Iranian government's turmoil might one day reveal secrets about one of Iran's prized warplanes. As it happens, they're American in origin.If you know anything about the current Iranian regime, you'll understand the irony of it all. Iranian pilots love them, and the U.S. Navy laments that the Iranians ever got their hands on them. But if the regime does fall, western eyes may finally see the more intricate details of the Iranian Air Force's Grumman F-14 Tomcats.In the days before the Ayatollah, during the reign of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Iranian Shah, Iran was the sole export customer of the F-14. What was, at the time, the most advanced carrier-borne jet fighter in the history of aviation.At the time, the U.S. had the luxury of being in the good graces of the Israeli and Iranian governments. Something that sounds absurd with modern sensibilities. As such, both nations were allowed to pick which American jet fighter they wanted to order for their own Air Forces.The Israelis opted for the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle , which they used to great effect in every war they fought for the rest of the 20th century. Meanwhile, Iran was already taking delivery of the equally American McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II and became the first in line to order the F-14. The first Iranian F-14 Tomcat left the Grumman factory in the Long Island, New York neighborhood of Bethpage, bound for Iran, in December 1975.The Tomcats arrived in Iran in January of the following year with 79 delivered in total. From the accounts, as told by Iranian pilots themselves, a great many thought it was the greatest airplane they'd ever flown. The F-14's combat record post-Iranian Revolution is hard to quantify definitively. But it's safe to say the Iraqi Army grew to loathe the thing. Be it MiG-21s , MiG-23s, Su-20s, and 22s, no Iraqi jet was safe during the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s.Rivaled in dominance only by their once allies turned enemies, the Israelis and their F-15s against Lebanon and Syria, The Tomcat proceeded to buzzsaw through its adversaries with the same ease. By 2002, Iranian F-14s were still toying around with its adversary's inferior airplanes.Most famously, in July of that year, Iranian Tomcats intercepted two Azerbaijani MiG-25 Foxbats and achieved missile lock without the MiGs ever being any the wiser. They were escorting Russian bombers over Syrian airspace as late as 2015.But interestingly enough, Iranian Tomcats were delivered all those years ago with most of the US-Navy spec, highly-classified avionics components removed. Therefore, the avionics and engine package Iran's Tomcats have been using post-Revolution remains a debated topic in military intelligence circles. Iranian F-14 pilots have defected to both the Soviet Union and Iraq, so the chances of an avionics package that's Soviet or Russian in origin isn't out of the question. It could also be in-house designed in origin.What is better known is the U.S.'s frigid and lifeless relationship with the current Islamic State government of Iran was a key factor in the F-14D's retirement from U.S. Navy service in 2006 . Grumman Aerospace had devised an upgrade path for the Tomcat platform before its merger into Northrop Grumman in 1994.But one can't help but think the chances of that technology falling into the hands of a nation openly hostile to American interests was a factor in the Super Tomcat 21 never coming to fruition. Should the near 45-year-long reign of the Islamic State end via another revolution at the hands of largely pro-western Iranian Millenials and Gen-Z, the secrets of the Iranian Tomcats being uncovered could create a shock wave throughout global military aerospace. Whether for legitimate intel purposes on the part of the Pentagon, or as a mere morbid curiosity, it should be evident why this happening could be a huge deal.
NEW: I'm calling for a Special Session to address the greed of oil companies. Gas prices are too high. Time to enact a windfall profits tax directly on oil companies that are ripping you off at the pump.  Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) October 7, 2022

Californians have long been seeing eye-watering prices at the gas pump. Now, Gavin Newsom wants to fix that by applying a windfall profits tax directly on oil companies. It represents a one-off surtax that is imposed on a company or multiple entities or a certain industry when the economic outlook allows them to make hefty and unusually large profits.Gas prices are too high. Time to enact a windfall profits tax directly on oil companies that are ripping you off at the pump, said Newsom.The Governor of California can call the Legislature into a special session only to achieve a certain purpose. Establishing a new, one-time tax on oil companies is the right occasion for such an activity.Gavin Newsom is also running for another term as Governor of California in 2022, and is poised to get another four years at the helm of the state.Upon hearing the governors intent to tax oil companies, some Californians took to Twitter to express their discontent. Some argued that there are too many state taxes and fees. Currently, for every gallon of gas, the applicable Californian taxes and fees amount to a little over $1. When the federal excise tax gets added, the amount rises to $1.19 per gallon.The state of California currently has the highest fuel prices in the country, according to AAA . The national average price currently sits at $3.89 a gallon for regular gas and $4.91 a gallon for diesel. The Golden States average prices for fuel are $6.39 a gallon for regular gas and $6.40 a gallon for diesel. A gallon of gas is almost double the price than that paid by Texans  they fill up with regular gas at a state average of $3.23 a gallon, while diesel is $4.46 a gallon.California recently banned the sale of new fossil fuel-powered vehicles by 2035.
A driver in Canada, however, is the exception rather than the rule. The man managed to be fined not once but twice, both times for speeding . And while this isnt something uncommon, what makes the driver more, well, unique, is that the whole thing happened within minutes.The Surrey RCMP Traffic Services in Canada launched a two-day operation this week in an attempt to catch speedsters in school and playground zones.The speed limit here is typically 30 kph (18 mph), but the officers rapidly discovered that way too many drivers were going over the limit.One particular driver, however, was caught traveling over double the posted limit in a school zone, so he was pulled over and fined. Minutes later, he was pulled over once again, this time in a playground zone, as he was spotted going double the limit for a second time. The police officer who pulled him over says the man was still carrying the first speed ticket in his hand, so now he has two tickets, one for each hand.At the end of the day, the man has to pay two $253 fines.Unfortunately, the statistics shared by the police following the two-day operation are concerning, to say the least, especially for the local communities.The radar installed by law enforcement in a 30 kph zone revealed that no more, no less than 85 percent of approximately 41,850 cars were traveling at 67 kph (close to 42 mph) or even faster. Unfortunately, most of these drivers escape unpunished, as the police say the officers managed to issue only 40 tickets in the two days they ran the operation.
Its also on the market, because what are you going to do about millionaires and their whims ? Delivered to the owner in the summer of 2021 after a 2020 completion, C was first listed just months later, in November 2021, and is still on the market with an asking price of 44.8 million ($43.6 million at todays exchange rate). At this years Monaco Yacht Show , C was put on display again, in the hope of securing that seemingly elusive buyer.Whenever he or she comes along, they will be getting a gorgeous piece of naval design, styled as the ideal family retreat that doesnt lack a single thing. In fact, it has many features in two examples, because it was built for an unnamed Italian millionaire and his brother, and their respective families.This explains why, at 180 feet (54.6 meters), its able to deliver an interior volume of nearly 900 GT and the most lavish amenities. Fernando Nicholson, senior sales broker at Camper & Nicholsons and il padre of the project, says it has the biggest volume for its class, which puts it in line with bigger vessels.Thats perhaps one of the most distinctive features of C, and it plays into the fact that its a custom build : because it technically has dual ownership, everything is in twos. There are two master bedrooms and two VIP suites, which mirror each other, as well as two tenders and two freshwater pools. The separation of the pools is done not by family, but by age: one is exclusively for the kids, and the other for the adults. They sit on separate decks, kids and adults again.With an aluminum hull and superstructure, C has three decks, and interiors by Italian design company Hot Lab, which aimed for a combination of the feel of a New York apartment and a beach house. The result is very relaxing to see the eye and not surprisingly elegant, with swathes of custom marble, titanium, light-colored oak, expansive glazing, and plush fabrics. The exterior is by Horacio Bozzo Design, on a naval architecture by Baglietto.Accommodation onboard is for 12 guests, but in reality, C sleeps up to 17 of them, because one of the suites is actually a six-person cabin. That would be the kids bedroom, which features two singles, two more singles that slide out from underneath, and two Pullmans. At night, the place becomes the perfect, floating slumber party venue. C offers separate accommodation for 13 crew, and much effort went into keeping the guests and crew areas separate, so the latter could work unperturbed.Amenities include a beach club that opens on three sides, and further expands outward with a swim platform. It also holds a fully-equipped gym, two massage rooms and a hamman, and two lateral terraces when the sides fold down . Besides the two pools, there are separate lounge areas (a playroom for the kids and an informal hangout for the grown-ups), formal dining, and common spaces for entertaining and socializing. Whereas the separate areas have different styling, the common areas are beautiful combinations of both styles.C is powered by twin C32 Acert engines, and a range of 4,500 nautical miles (5,178 miles / 8,334 km) at a cruising speed of 12 knots (13.8 mph / 22.2 kph). The superyacht is equipped with everything, Nicholson says in the video tour available at the bottom of the page: three generators, watermaker, and all the amenities anybody could ever wish for on a family vacation. Its semi-displacement hull makes it very stable, regardless where its cruising.So, if you have that kind of cash stashed in between your couch cushions and are looking for a superyacht with two of everything, today might be your lucky day.
The dust storm was detected by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) on September 21st. The regional storm is around 2,175 miles (3,500 km) away from InSight, rolling across the southern hemisphere. This is the third such storm observed by MRO this year.Initially, it had little impact on the lander. However, by Monday (October 3rd), the storm had grown large enough to raise a lot of dust in the atmosphere. That means that InSight's solar panels, which were already covered in dust, received even less sunlight.The power levels have declined from 425Wh per Martian day to 275Wh. That isn't enough to fully charge the batteries every day. Therefore, the team behind InSight decided to turn off its seismometer for the next two weeks in order to save energy.Scientists say that the spacecraft would be able to function for only several weeks if it doesn't get more power. But there's good news too. It looks like this storm is slowing down. The MRO observed that dust clouds are not spreading as quickly as they did a few weeks ago."We were at about the bottom rung of our ladder when it comes to power. Now we're on the ground floor," said InSight's project manager, Chuck Scott of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California."If we can ride this out, we can keep operating into winter  but I'd worry about the next storm that comes along," he added.Despite having long surpassed its original mission, the lander continues to work overtime and detect marsquakes. Scientists predict that InSight will be completely engulfed by dust and die on the job sometime between October and January 2023. Hopefully, the lander will survive this storm and stay "alive" a little longer on Mars to provide crucial data about the planet's core.
NIO opened its first Power Swap Station in Germany at the end of September and now announced expanding operations in the country. The Berlin event on Friday marked the official start of its expansion in Europe, with the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden to follow. Next up, the brand will launch in the UK, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg.The NIO event left many people surprised after the Chinese company detailed the sales strategy . Unlike Norway, where it sells EVs directly, the new markets would only see a subscription model. This prevents local customers from buying and owning NIO EVs. Instead, they would only be able to lease them. For instance, the flagship ET7 can be leased for about 1,200 euros ($1,170) per month in Germany.Were not sure how this would play for the Chinese brand long-term, but were sure they did their homework. They defended their decision during the presentation, saying that people in Germany are already accustomed to renting or leasing their vehicles. Many companies already rent their employees vehicles from car rental companies, so this might work.The subscription periods vary from one to 60 months, and there will also be more flexible plans for customers in the four new markets. In addition to using the vehicles, subscription customers will have access to NIOs services and use NIO Houses, among other things. The company said that the Berlin NIO House should open soon, while new facilities in Hamburg, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Gothenburg would quickly follow.The NIO Subscription plans pack everything a user might need for a worry-free experience. This includes comprehensive insurance, maintenance, winter tires, a courtesy car, battery swapping, and the flexibility to upgrade battery services.Our compelling products, game-changing charging, and battery swapping services, alongside truly innovative and flexible subscription models, will change the landscape of EVs, said William Li, founder, chairman, and CEO of NIO. Our commitment to the region marks the start of NIOs next chapter in our global development.NIO plans to start deliveries of the flagship ET7 in Germany and the Netherlands on October 16, and Sweden and Denmark will follow on November 15. At the end of January 2023, the NIO EL7 will also become available in all four markets. Finally, the junior model ET5 will begin its career at the end of March 2023.If you wonder what NIO EL7 is, well, its the same NIO ES7, but with the name slightly changed to avoid further litigations with Audi in Germany. If you recall, Audi filed a lawsuit against NIO, arguing that NIOs ES naming system for its SUVs sounded too similar to its S-badged performance series. We expect the ES8, which NIO currently sells in Norway, to be renamed EL8 after its upgrade next year.All three vehicles cater to premium car buyers in the wealthiest countries in Europe. NIO also plans to bring more affordable models as it expands in Europe. For that, the Chinese company has announced the intention to launch a new mass-market brand. The yet-unnamed brand would launch in China in 2024 and in Europe a few months later.NIOs new brand will focus on smaller cars, naturally targeting markets where these vehicles are extremely popular. These markets include France, Italy, and Spain, but we assume that any lower-income European country would fit the bill. NIO sees this brand as Volkswagen to Audi or Toyota to Lexus.All NIO vehicles are built to accept standardized swappable batteries, a move that has proved successful in Norway. According to Automotive News , 95 percent of owners in Norway lease the battery with the option of upgrading to a larger size when more range is needed. Although NIO only operates six Power Swap stations in Europe (three in Norway and three in Germany), the company aims to open 20 by the end of the year throughout Europe. This should rise to 120 in 2023.
HP

PepsiCo recently learned that Tesla will finally deliver the all-electric Semi thats being touted as the next big thing for freight shipping. The first units will reach the company in December, and both parties anticipate a reduction in operational costs. Moreover, this would help PepsiCo with its green ambitions.But going on the battery-electric route isnt the only thing PepsiCo intends on doing for its global fleet of vehicles. Given that it is the largest food and beverage company in North America and the second-largest in the world, it must take the necessary steps to ensure that its global operations will continue to have a lowering impact on the environment.PepsiCo signed an agreement with Pure Hydrogen to test a semi-truck that uses fuel-cell technology. The test is scheduled to take place in the second quarter of 2023, according to PV Magazine . The vehicle will be used at a PepsiCo manufacturing base in Brisbane.Pure Hydrogen will provide PepsiCo with the zero-emission semi for AUD 10,500 (USD 6,710) per month, and in exchange, Pure will make sure hydrogen refueling, repair, and maintenance will all be done accordingly.This trial will further showcase the potential of Australia s hydrogen energy markets  particularly for commercial trucking which currently relies heavily on the use of diesel fuel, said PepsiCos Sustainability Manager for Australia and New Zealand.If the trial will be successful, then PepsiCo might order fuel-cell semi-trucks in 2024 and 2025.Its not clear what semi-truck will be used for this trial. The only image supplied by Pure Hydrogen is a virtual rendering. However, what is known is that the Australian company will convert an existing semi-truck to run on fuel-cell technology. The power unit is expected to develop around 850(862 PS).Fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) do not need recharging as long as hydrogen is found in the pressurized tank. Hydrogen is combined with oxygen from the air in the fuel cell stack. After a chemical reaction, electricity is produced. This powers the motor, and the only emission is water.Shipping goods is one of the transport activities that have a major contribution to air pollution. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), poor air quality leads to many health issues for humans, enhances global warming, and creates smog.
SUV

The first civilian version of the G-Class arrived in 1979, seven years after what was then known as Daimler-Mercedes and Steyr-Daimler-Puch started developing the military vehicle. In an alternate universe, the German automaker would have developed this box on wheels as a luxurythat would have challenged the likes of the Jeep Super Wagoneer (launched for the 1966 model year) and first-generation Range Rover (69 through 96).Thats exactly what pixel wizard Abimelec Arellano has imagined, a luxury-oriented Gelandewagen that would have premiered ten years prior to the 460 series that ran until 1992. More curvaceous than the real deal, the G-Class from CGI realm integrates the stacked headlamps of the V8-engined 300 SEL 6.3 and the commanding grille of the Grosser Mercedes.Arellano, which goes by the name Abimelec Design on social media, further gifted the vintage luxury SUV with plenty of bits and bobs from a 280, whereas the interior is mostly taken from a 300 SL. Speaking of which, did you know that the worlds most expensive car is a one-of-two 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe that was recently sold for 135 million?Turning our attention back to the G-Class, its worth remembering that the 400,00th example of the breed was assembled in December 2020. As to what the future holds for the body-on-frame overlander, look forward to a four-motor electric utility vehicle coming in 2024 with tank-turn capability . As for the future of the combustion-engined model, here's hope the civilian version will continue to exist for a few more years after the launch of the EQG.
The F-35 is currently flying in the skies of the world in three variants, and theyre even younger than 16 years, as 2006 is the year of the platforms first flight. The U.S. Marine Corps got its version first (the F-35B in 2015), then the U.S. Air Force (F-35A in 2016), and finally the U.S. Navy (F-35C in 2019). In between, countless allied nations started deploying their own versions.The current-spec F-35 is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney afterburning turbofan engine which generates about 43,000 pounds of thrust (F-35A). The engine is potent enough to push the plane to a top speed of Mach 1.6 (1,228 mph/1,976 kph).Depending on configuration, loadout, and a lot of other factors, fuel consumption for the plane varies greatly, but according to some could reach as much as 5,600 liters (1,481 gallons) per hour.That being said, Americas top military brass decided there was need for a new F-35 engine to be developed. One that could be more powerful, last for longer and, above all, provide better fuel economy.Enter the XA100 Adaptive Cycle Engine, a piece of technology in the process of being made in the labs of General Electric (GE). Its a piece of hardware described as capable of giving the F-35 revolutionary capabilities (next-gen combat propulsion, they say), and more importantly, itll probably make its way into the worlds first sixth-generation fighter aircraft, the so far-called Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD).Meant for the F-35A and F-35C and capable of fitting them without structural modifications, the engine was first fired up in December 2020 as the worlds first flight-weight, three-stream adaptive cycle engine." Most recently (to the time of writing), the second prototype completed testing procedures inside the Air Forces Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC), reaching the final major contract milestone in the Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP) under which it is being developed.What adaptive cycle means in this case is that the engine can work in either high-thrust mode, providing the pilot with the maximum amount of power when they need it the most, or in high-efficiency mode, when full power is not needed and fuel savings can be reached.Speaking of full power, in the case of the XA100 tests have shown it could be 10 percent more powerful than current engines, reaching 45,000 lbf. The difference may not seem all that great on paper, but itll probably make all the difference in the world during dangerous missions, as it also translates into 20 percent more acceleration.When choosing to save fuel, the engine should be 25 percent more fuel efficient, and thats a big gain regardless how you look at it. It means the F-35 could need 1,400 liters (370 gallons) less each hour, if we take the estimates made above as a reference point.Saving fuel also translates into an increased range, which in this case is 30 percent more (F-35A with the current engine can cover 1,350 miles/2,172 km with internal fuel), but also twice as effective thermal management, as the hardware comes with an extra source of cooled air, but also with 3D-printed heat exchangers. All in all, the engine can withstand 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius) more heat than the current design.More importantly, the XA100 has been designed in such a way that if the American military ever decides to feed its planes biofuels, it could run on those just as well.At the time of writing, the XA100 adaptive cycle engine for the F-35 is still in testing stages. GE is now getting ready to transition to an engineering and manufacturing stage, but more prototypes will still have to be made and tested.Estimates are the first one should take its rightful place inside an aircraft and be flown by the end of the decade.
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A health worker administers a dose of COVID-19 vaccine during a vaccination clinic in Reading, Pa. On Friday, The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly claiming COVID-19 mRNA vaccines alter recipients DNA by changing its shape to a triple helix.
It was in this little brick building shown in Detriot on Oct. 8, 1935, that Henry Ford began in 1892, the experiment which resulted in the development of his first automobile. As the Ford Motor Company grew, the tiny plant became too small and Ford began erecting new factories. The original structure however, has been moved, brick by brick, to the Ford early American village. (AP Photo)
News Reporter

Matt Martinez is a news reporter at The Berkshire Eagle. He worked at Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, graduated Marquette University. He is a former Report for America corps member.
Kathy Austin, a street outreach coordinator for Stewards of HOPE, brings Thanksgiving meals made by The Christian Center to a small homeless encampment on Pleasant Street in Pittsfield on Nov. 25, 2021.
Christine Macbeth is a licensed independent clinical social worker and the president and CEO of The Brien Center , Berkshire Countys largest provider of behavioral health and addiction services.
Judge in clergy rape suit says diocese can't have information that reveals confidential Eagle sources For now, the judge is protecting The Eagle's confidential sources. But she left the door open for more legal battles as the case moves to trial.

This week, a court ruling marked a victory for the rights and protections of the free press. Hampden County Superior Court Justice Karen L. Goodwin ruled that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield cant obtain information from a Berkshire Eagle journalist that could reveal the identities of his anonymous sources.

Still, a question must be asked and answered: Was this defense against an attack on a reporter and a sacred pillar of investigative journalism necessary in the first place?

The anonymous sources in question were essential to Eagle editor Larry Parnass bombshell reporting on a Chicopee mans credible claims that he was repeatedly sexually assaulted by former Bishop Christopher Weldon and two other priests. That years-long series of articles also exposed an attempted cover-up by the diocese to downplay abuse victims claims and protect the reputation of a late bishop who led Western Massachusetts Catholic community for more than a quarter-century. An independent report sought by the diocese and headed by retired judge Peter Velis not only found the abuse allegations against Bishop Weldon to be unequivocally credible but corroborated the Chicopee mans narrative that the diocese sought to sweep it under the rug. The diocese later scrubbed Bishop Weldons name and likeness from church venues and exhumed his body from an honored burial place for church officials.

That Chicopee man, who has chosen to remain unnamed, filed a civil suit as John Doe against the diocese early last year. He seeks damages for both the abuse he endured in the 1960s and from the dioceses years of inaction after he reported the abuse in 2014. As part of its defense, the diocese in March subpoenaed Mr. Parnass to give testimony and to produce a wide range of his notes.

We dont begrudge the diocese for defending itself in court. Heres what we do take issue with, and we hope all defenders of the First Amendment agree: The diocese shouldnt go after a reporter in a blatant attempt to make him violate his promise to keep the identity of anonymous sources confidential. We believe the diocese should be especially respectful of a promise of confidentiality when the information they seek can reasonably be found elsewhere. Judge Goodwin ruled that if the diocese wants to continue to press Mr. Parnass for communications and testimony involving sources to whom he promised confidentiality, it will first have to demonstrate the extent of the efforts it has made to get the information from other sources  which certainly has not been demonstrated thus far.

It should be noted that when the diocese first filed the subpoena demanding an array of information from The Eagle and Mr. Parnass, the judge labeled it a classic fishing expedition. Its bad enough that this amounted to a questionable legal strategy as the diocese continues to draw out the closure of this local chapter in the sprawling Catholic clergy abuse scandal. Whats worse is that this fishing expedition aimed its sharp hooks at a journalist for daring to do his job well and doggedly reporting on a powerful institution that has continued to retraumatize long-silenced victims of unimaginable abuse.

This is not just a shot across the bow for a community newspaper in the Berkshires; its an attack on a key mechanism of the free press. The use of confidential sources is necessary for reporting on topics that are complex, require sensitivity or implicate large, well-known organizations. Stories relating to the clergy abuse scandal tick all of those boxes, and maintaining promised anonymity to sources can make the difference in whether some important stories get told at all. Mr. Parnass reporting was essential in unearthing a coverup that might have continued indefinitely in the absence of that coverage. For these reasons, we are heartened that Judge Goodwin has brushed off the dioceses attempt to force one of our reporters to reveal information that could compromise confidential sources.

Still, the chill is felt. The Eagle and its counsel fought the subpoena in court. That meant investing scant resources to protect our reporters First Amendment rights and the promises they make to critical confidential sources in this or any story.

Thats a fight we believe is well worth mounting. But what about reporters or newspapers in more dire financial straits who cant afford the cost of counsel and the day in court? What about when these attacks on the free press are pursued by even more powerful institutions? Any attack on journalists ability to maintain confidentiality charts a chilling headwind against all members of the free press seeking to fulfill that duty enshrined in the First Amendment to hold the powerful accountable. So, too, does it chill the confidence and courage that whistleblowers and other sources need to share critical information with the public.

Massachusetts is one of few states without a so-called shield law for reporters, which protects them from being forced to reveal anonymous sources and related notes in situations like these. If ever there were a case exemplifying why the commonwealth should have a shield law to defend journalists doing their job and protect sources from retaliation, its this one  and we hope the Berkshire delegation as well as the rest of the Legislature now sees the need as well.

Beyond the letter of the law, though, it is disappointing to see diocesan leadership who purport to model moral behavior for a regional faith community attack the First Amendment and the journalist who shined a light on long-festering wounds and silent suffering within the flock they oversee. Again, the diocese can and should defend itself in court. If atonement for the systemic abuses of the past is possible, though, it at least requires ceasing the broadside against the free press and the journalist who worked to expose criminal wrongdoing.
The question itself seems to be inextricably entangled in thorny brambles and scratchy briars. An overgrowth of shifting social standards, exegetical neglect, homiletical abuse, misunderstanding, prejudice, cultural intrusion, plain-old ignorance, and even the personal pain of many godly women have all converged with their prickly suckers and shoots to strangle the now untouchable center, wherein lies the fruit of truth. I am talking about the question of the ordination of women to the pastoral ministry.

In order to get at the fruit of truth, we're going to have to use our best biblical, interpretive shears to snip away the unkept vines. But as with any valuable treasure we must approach our task with humility, patience, understanding of each other, and the willingness to speak honestly about the revelation of God in Scripture. We will also need to recognize that men and women of good will disagree over this. We must not break our faith in bonds of unity even if we are convinced and convicted that our position is the right one. God has condescended to us by allowing branches of his church to exist where polarized positions may be expressed with love.

I do believe that a delimitation is in order. I am an ordained minister in a Bible believing, evangelical denomination that does not ordain females to the offices of the church. It is important to also state that we do not ordain every male candidate to these offices. But with that being said let us go forward and follow the Lord's will as best we can. The necessary limitations of this article will require us to focus on only a few of the questions. The first of these questions is always the right place to start:

1. Does the Bible actually speak to the issue of the ordination of women?

There is a possible side path that we are tempted to take and that is the matter of "ordination." Is there a discernible "theology of ordination" in the Bible? Many believers, in fact most of the global church, answers that question by saying "yes." Yes, there is a discernible doctrine of ordination: the recognition of gifts and graces and calling to God ordained offices of the church. Depending upon the branch of the church there may be two offices or three offices. The Bible speaks of presbyters who served as pastors, evangelists, apostles  those who were directly commissioned by Jesus Christ face-to-face  as well as deacons, and local church elders. Some, like Anglican brothers and sisters recognize an office of the episcopacy: the presbyter whose primary function is to "shepherd the shepherds who shepherd the flock." These are all very important matters but constitute a completely different set of questions and responses. For now let us just focus on the question of whether the Bible prohibits the ordination of a female in the office of pastor (or presbyter, priest, or minister of Word, Sacrament, and Prayer, that is, Christian clergy serving as pastor, rector, or vicar). Those who fill these offices must be called, trained, approved, for the Bible says "no man takes this honor unto himself."

There are many places in the Bible that speak to the question before us but do so by inference; that is, one must gather the data of the texts and discern the truth. Rather than focus on these all go to the usual texts that is cited and, indeed, the biblical passage that is often debated.

1 Timothy 2:8-15 remains the crucial scriptural text in the debate over the ordination of women, or, if you prefer, the issue of women serving as pastors of local churches. In this passage, the Apostle Paul is teaching young Pastor Timothy about the pitfalls of ministry in the Ephesian church. This Christian community, founded by Paul, was a hotbed of controversy. One of those problems, in chapter two, involves prayer for kings and all in authority ( 1 Timothy 2:1-2 ). Reading a text with Newtons Third Law, we recognize that for every admonition there is an equal and opposite problem that created the exhortation. Therefore, undoubtedly, there were some who refused to pray for pagan or anti-Christian rulers. This violated the order of human government ordained by God. There was also trouble with men in public prayer. It is quite likely that some were weaponizing public prayers in the house of the Lord, using the privilege of pastoral prayers to call out the peccadilloes of others. Quarrels were morphing into violence.

And then there is the matter of the sensual and ostentatious display of Greco-Roman female fashion that is prohibitive.

I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God ( 1 Timothy 2:9-10 ).

Now, both of these critical matters in the Ephesian congregation involve parochial and universal concerns. In other words, local customs were in play in the controversy. But so, too, were more global concerns of virtue; In this case, modesty. This is a vital distinction that must be considered as we move to the tenderloin passage informing our pursuit of an answer to the question of whether females may be set apart for pastoral oversight of a Christian community.

So, St. Paul admonishes Timothy concerning the apparent assumption of the mantle of teaching authority by women in the Ephesian church.

A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet ( 1 Timothy 2:11-12 ).

There is absolutely no debate whatsoever that the Apostle Paul is forbidding women from holding the principal position of authoritative doctrinal teaching in the Ephesian church. The question is whether the Apostle Paul is continuing his line of thinking about social norms or is he moving from the issue of provocative attire by women in the assembly to speak about another matter altogether: namely, women exercising authoritative doctrinal headship over the men in the church. To put it another way: Is 1 Timothy 2:11-12 a parochial, i.e., particular, guide, or is this pivotal passage a universal, i.e., a general rule?

Men and women of good will differ on the response.

Those who believe in the ordination of women into the pastoral ministry might preface their study of 1 Timothy 2 with another important passage. The Apostle Paul taught, there are no male or female, no slave nor free, no Jew or Greek, but we are all one in Christ. All understand this to be true. However, some interpret this to be not only speaking ontologically  that is about personhood  but also about role relationships. Others draw the distinction between the equality of personhood and the distinction of role relationships. For instance, the apostle Paul clearly is not overthrowing the role relationship of husbands and wives, parents and children, of employers and employees, of civil authority and citizens who must abide by the law. In speaking to the essential personhood: we are all equal before God. Paul's statement in 1 Timothy 2:12 appears to be a teaching related to role relationships.

Paul is saying that females should not "wear" the mantle of doctrinal authority in the local church. It is very important to see that he buttresses this, as if to anticipate a discussion about changing social norms, with the passage that deals with the fundamental creation ordinance of men and women. This is the familiar place with the apostle Paul says, "for Adam" Did you see that? This sentence is an explanation, a defense of his previous statement, namely, that, "I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet." Paul goes on to say that in the beginning God created Adam and Eve. There is an order in creation. The truth is that the highest form of the order is woman for she was the last creature that God made. This is also demonstrated when Adam awakes from his divinely induced sleep to behold the woman. She is fair and lovely, the gift, the highest order of creation and one to be cherished, honored, and protected in every way.

So the Apostle Paul says that in fact she has a greater role in the history of the world: for it is by woman, without the aid of the man, through childbirth, that she brings forth salvation, that is, the Lord Jesus Christ. Each of these passages deserve their own interpretive analysis, discussion, and prayerful reflection. But for our purposes it is enough to say that the force of this teaching by the apostle Paul appears to be admonishing Timothy that (1) women should not hold authoritative office in the local church that involves apostolic and doctrinal teaching; and (2) it has absolutely nothing to do with social norms  whether it might be considered appropriate or inappropriate for female to hold such an authoritative position over a congregation  nor does it have to do with ability (as a seminary professor and as a pastor I have known many gifted women whose skills and natural abilities far exceeded some of my own assistant ministers and pastoral staff). Rather, the matter is settled because of the creation ordinance.

2. So, does the Bible condone women in other offices of the church?

That is a very good question and, once again, the answer to that question is not unanimous. There are some who believe that 1 Timothy 2:12 forbids a woman to be a senior pastor, it does not forbid the ordination of women to the office. Others, feel that a woman can serve as an associate pastor or in another expression of pastoral ministry. There are others still, who believe that the office of deacon is open to women. Usually, those who hold this position point to the great female figure in the New Testament, Phoebe. She most certainly is identified as carrying out diaconal ministry. Others, point to 1 Timothy 3:8-13 in the Apostle Paul's statement of qualification for deacons. It is to be noted that there is a qualification required of deacons that is not required of elders or overseers ( 1 Tim. 3:1-7 ).

Paul says that "their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderous, but sober minded, faithful in all things." Why are deacons given this requirement and not elders? A survey of the New Testament provides further insight to this question. The deacon was required to be involved with the women of the church, for example, the distribution of support to widows, and, obviously, other ministries that are necessary but not mentioned. The elders principal duty is the teaching of the Word of God and the spiritual and doctrinal oversight of the flock. Therefore, the apostle Paul focused his comments on the work of the deacon and the necessity, if he were to be married, of a wife who is trustworthy in dealing with such sensitive, confidential matters within the body of Christ.

So, there are some within the body of Christ who feel such distinctions are imposed upon the text rather than extracted from the text. They feel that women may be ordained into the diaconal ministry.

3. If the church persists in the distinction of the role relationships of men and women, especially pertaining to the pastoral ministry, won't this have a negative effect before the watching world?

The truth is that much of what the church stands for, teaches, and proposes runs contra mundum  that is, "against the world." Is it not true that the Church's teaching on human sexuality, the family, and, of course, the Person of Christ, is increasingly at odds with the postmodern and post-Christian society? Then again, if the Church advances this position or any other position based on anything other than Scripture, she will be completely defenseless against rhetorical attack. Indeed, the Church without biblical doctrine is in danger of collapsing. Therefore, those men who boorishly employ this Scripture as a weapon to keep female parishioners from exercising their gifts are wrong (and should be called out by other men). They will be seen for what they are by the world and, ultimately, by the Church.

On the other hand, whether it is the ordination of women  and we must remember that, again, there are those within the body of Christ who love the Lord, love his Word, and have arrived at a different position  or whether it is human sexuality or any of the other issues we face it, if we alter, add to or take away from the Word of God we will not only fail in our attempt to impress the world with our magnanimity, but more importantly, we will incur the wrath of God.

4. Well, is there anything positive to say?

The biblical revelation of the role relationships of men and women, those who are called to the office of pastor, to those who were called to the office of deacon, or elder, or those who serve in a variety of other honorable professions and trades, recognizes the value and worth of every individual. The same Apostle Paul who wrote 1 Timothy 2 is the apostle who did indeed write,

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus ( Galatians 3:28 , KJV).

We serve the Lord according to God's calling, according to God's own revealed order, and we do so in humility, and total dependence upon his strengths. And we never serve apart from others. We are, indeed, members (eyes, ears, hands, feet) of the same body. Our calling is always conducted in the presence of others following their vocation. So, let respect and honor be the marks of our ministry, evenno, especiallywith those brothers and sisters from whom we might part because of this or another matter.

Men and women of good will might certainly disagree about this teaching. In fact, we do. But if one reads 1 Timothy 2 and concludes a position differently than my own, and does so out of an earnest desire to understand and follow God's Word, then I have only to say, let us cooperate without compromise." And if your heart is with my heart give me your hand.

Michael A. Milton, PhD (University of Wales; MPA, UNC Chapel Hill; MDiv, Knox Seminary), Dr. Milton is a retired seminary chancellor and currently serves as the James Ragsdale Chair of Missions at Erskine Theological Seminary. He is the President of Faith for Living and the D. James Kennedy Institute a long-time Presbyterian minister, and Chaplain (Colonel) USA-R. Dr. Milton is the author of more than thirty books and a musician with five albums released. Mike and his wife, Mae, reside in North Carolina.

Photo credit: GettyImage/ViktorCap
NEWPORT - Idaho State Police are investigating an incident that involved a vehicle and multiple pedestrians that occurred on Friday at approximately 4:50 p.m. on East Valley Street South in Oldtown, Idaho, a suburb of Newport, Washington.

Police say a 23-year-old male from Newport was driving a Chevrolet Tahoe when the vehicle left the roadway, struck three pedestrians that were walking on the side of the road, and overturned his vehicle. The Tahoe came to rest on the side of the road on a residential lawn. The driver fled the scene on foot but was located after a short time by law enforcement officers and transported to a nearby hospital via ground ambulance.

One of the pedestrians, a juvenile female, was pronounced deceased on scene. A juvenile male was in critical condition and was transported to a nearby hospital by ground ambulance. The third pedestrian, the 50-year-old grandmother of the two children, was also transported to a nearby hospital via ground ambulance. All of the pedestrians were from Oldtown, Idaho.

The roadway was shut down for approximately 5 hours to allow first responders to clear the roadway and conduct a thorough investigation.

This incident remains under investigation by the Idaho State Police.
UN General Assembly adopts resolution on solidarity with flood-stricken Pakistan

Xinhua) 09:13, October 08, 2022

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The UN General Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution on solidarity with and support for Pakistan in the wake of the recent devastating floods.

The resolution, adopted by consensus, urges the international community, in particular donor countries, international financial institutions and relevant international organizations, as well as the private sector and civil society, to extend full support and assistance to the Pakistani government in its efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts of the floods and to meet the medium- and long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction needs.

It calls on the international community to scale up its humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation of Pakistan, in order to repair and strengthen the country's prospects for achieving sustainable development, and encourages member states, the United Nations, and humanitarian organizations to continue to work together to address the different needs of affected populations, particularly the most vulnerable.

It emphasizes the need for the international community to maintain its focus beyond the present emergency relief, in order to sustain the political will to support the medium- and long-term rehabilitation, reconstruction and risk reduction efforts as well as the adaptation plan led by the Pakistani government at all levels.

The resolution welcomes the proposed convening of a pledging conference for the long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction phases in the disaster-stricken areas, to be held at the earliest opportunity, and calls on all member states to participate at the highest level.

Stressing the urgent need to enhance adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather events, the resolution urges member states to continue to engage in adaptation planning processes and to enhance cooperation in disaster risk reduction.

It recognizes that enhanced access to international climate finance is important to support mitigation and adaptation efforts in developing countries, especially those that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Scientists in southern NSW are searching for evidence of a near-extinct animal by collecting the excrement of its predators, as the state government builds safe havens to protect more than 50 threatened species from feral animals such as foxes and cats.

NSW Environment Minister James Griffin said scientists were searching for evidence of the long-footed potoroo - a critically endangered species not detected in NSW since the 1990s - by examining the fecal matter of predators such as cats, foxes and dingoes.

Armed with gloves and paper bags, Senior Threatened Species Officer Joss Bentley collect scat samples from the South East Forest National Park in southern NSW. Credit:NSW government

With the species on the brink of extinction and traditional survey methods failing to find the animal, there has never been a better time to think outside the box and trial this detection method, he said.

However, Labor has attacked the NSW governments track record on threatened species as woeful and getting worse because of inaction.
Homicide squad detectives have arrested a man over his alleged involvement in the killing of 23-year-old Rami Iskander.

Iskander was shot dead in May, two weeks after his uncle, gangland figure Mahmoud Brownie Ahmad, was shot dead.

Rami Iskander (left) was shot dead in Belmore in the early hours of May 14. He was the nephew of Mahmoud Brownie Ahmad, who was killed in a shooting just weeks earlier. Credit:Facebook

Following investigations by Taskforce Erebus, which was set up after Iskanders death to de-escalate a wave of gang violence in Sydney, police executed a search warrant at a home in Oatley, in Sydneys south, on Saturday morning.

A 41-year-old man was taken to Kogarah police station, where he was charged with a number of offences, including accessory to murder, knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime, participating in a criminal group and contributing to criminal group activity.
Julian Assanges father and brother have led a small but eclectic group of protesters that tried to create a human chain around Flinders Street Station on a day of international action calling for the WikiLeaks founders release from a British prison.

Assanges father John Shipton, who spoke at the station on Saturday, asked the British and US governments to obey their own laws.

Pro-Assange protesters rally in the city on Saturday. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui

If they do, Julian would be here speaking and thanking you rather than me, Shipton told the crowd on Princes Bridge.

Assange is appealing against the British governments approval of his extradition to the US in June to face charges relating to the WikiLeaks cables he published more than a decade ago.
Many Australians have been horrified by Americas recent abortion ban, but many do not realise that some hospitals here, both public and private, refuse to perform terminations on religious grounds. Other stories are also hidden from view. Dozens of women who spoke to the Sunday Age said they received little support after receiving non-invasive prenatal screening or prenatal diagnostic results that suggest or show fetal abnormalities, whether they continue their pregnancy or not. Genetic counselling is offered as part of the screening, but many women say this lacks an emotional component. Diagnoses can vary from certain outcomes to what are described as grey prognoses, where the outcome on quality of life has huge variables, from mildly disabled to severe, or a potentially painful death, making parents decision-making process complex. Prenatal testing and ultrasounds can increasingly diagnose little-researched conditions, sometimes leaving women or couples with next to no information about potential outcomes.

At 25-weeks pregnant, Marika Mulvey, then aged 28, received amniocentesis results at Box Hill Hospital that her daughter Daisy had a rare deletion of genes, which geneticists connected to at least seven different syndromes. Mulvey had previously been told Daisy had spina bifida, but was not considering termination. However, genetic doctors didnt provide any optimism for Daisys quality of life with the condition, leading Marika and her husband, William Mulvey, to terminate the pregnancy at Monash Childrens Hospital. The couple made the decision based on what they thought was best for Daisy, but on Mulveys darkest days she questions it due to the unknowns about Daisys condition and the lack of support. There was just a big lack of emotional support throughout all of that, it was very clinical, Mulvey said. Thats why the guilt and regret will never fully disappear.

According to one American study, 88 per cent of women and 83 per cent of men found receiving a prenatal diagnosis traumatic, yet Australian pregnancy loss helpline Red Nose isnt funded to provide support until after a termination takes place. Red Nose chief executive Keren Ludski recognises the very significant gap in support provided from diagnosis to termination, a gap the organisation thought was being filled by hospitals. We are certainly more than interested in filling that void, however, we would need to train the peer supporters to be comfortable in that space, she said. A fifth of the calls to the helpline are from people wanting support after TFMR. Its the second-most-common cited reason for calls behind miscarriage, which takes up a quarter of calls. Through the Unexpected is a new organisation that hopes to gain funding to support people through prenatal diagnosis, whether they choose to continue their pregnancy or not, and reduce the silence and shame surrounding the experience.

Executive director Pieta Shakes, who continued her pregnancy after receiving a prenatal diagnosis of agenesis of the corpus callosum at 31 weeks, said TFMR was often stigmatised because it sat at the crossroads of abortion and disability rights. Theres a whole lot of stigma about any decision that people make, she said. And I use that word very cautiously because, for some people, they dont feel that they have a decision. Shakes, who was left distressed after being questioned by a sonographer as to why she wasnt terminating her pregnancy, said the organisation was developing training for health professionals on best-practice communication. Theres a lot of literature about how people need support. They need more than just information. They need follow-up. Its not happening, she said. Shakes said many women told their friends and families they had a stillborn instead of a termination for medical reasons due to fear of judgment. US model Chrissy Teigen recently revealed she had a termination in 2020 rather than a miscarriage, which is how the event was reported at the time.

It wasnt until a 20-week ultrasound that Sophie Cox discovered her daughter, Juno, was not developing due to excess amniotic fluid squashing her organs. From there on, scans progressively showed a decline, but testing showed no diagnosis. Cox and her husband, Adam Zimmermann, were told that in some cases the condition was reversible, but when Junos heart rate slowed and Coxs health also began to decline, they were forced to make a decision to terminate six weeks later, without yet knowing the cause. I do remember just having this feeling of like, Im never going to be able to be 100 per cent comfortable that Ive made the right decision  because we were in a grey area, she said. Cox said she would have liked psychological support through the decision-making process, but it was after leaving the Royal Womens Hospital that she really felt let down. She received one phone call from a social worker six weeks later. She also developed an infection that required surgery, after receiving no physical follow-up following the termination.

Loading I walked out the front door of the hospital and I was completely forgotten ...I couldnt leave my house. I felt like I couldnt parent my child, she said. I just felt so fragile, like I would just break into a million pieces at the slightest bit of stress... Part of the weight with TFMR is the decision, thats the thing that distinguishes it, she said. You have to play an active part in the end of your babys life. And I think if you havent been through that, you cant understand. Victorian crossbench MP Fiona Pattens bill to cut funding to religious hospitals that refuse to offer any type of abortion was voted down by Labor last month. She plans to reintroduce it if re-elected at the November state election. St John of God Geelong Hospital chief executive Stephen Roberts confirmed pregnancy terminations were not offered at the hospital, among a small number of reproductive services, but said specialists were able to recommend other facilities where patients could have the procedure.
Tens of thousands of Australians will be given a new welfare card to replace the much-maligned Basics Card, as the Albanese government moves to eliminate compulsory income management.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth has revealed that following the scrapping of the cashless debit card, welfare recipients will next year have access to a new enhanced card.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth says a new enhanced card will be made available for welfare recipients, but it will be voluntary. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

New figures reveal that a third of the participants who had the opportunity to get off the cashless debit card did so in just four days last week.

The new card is expected to be simpler to use, available in many more stores and welfare recipients will only be placed on it voluntarily.
The attack on it will have a further sapping effort on Russian morale, [and] will give an extra boost to Ukraines, said James Nixey of Chatham House, a think tank in London. Conceivably, the Russians can rebuild it, but they cant defend it while losing a war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a video address, indirectly acknowledged the bridge attack but did not address its cause. Today was not a bad day and mostly sunny on our states territory, he said. Unfortunately, it was cloudy in Crimea. Although it was also warm. Zelensky said Ukraine wants a future without occupiers. Throughout our territory, in particular in Crimea.

Zelensky also said Ukrainian forces advanced or held the line in the east and south, but acknowledged very, very difficult, very tough fighting around the city of Bakhmut in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russian forces have claimed recent gains. Russias National Anti-Terrorism Committee said a truck bomb caused seven railway cars carrying fuel to catch fire, resulting in the partial collapse of two sections of the bridge. A couple riding in a vehicle on the bridge were killed, Russias Investigative Committee said. It didnt say who the third victim was. All vehicles crossing the bridge are supposed to undergo state-of-the-art checks for explosives. The truck that exploded was owned by a resident of the Krasnodar region in southern Russia, the Investigative Committee said, adding that the mans home was searched and experts were looking at the trucks route. Train and automobile traffic over the bridge was temporarily suspended. Automobile traffic resumed Saturday afternoon on one of the two links that remained intact, with the flow alternating in each direction, said Crimeas Russia-backed leader, Sergey Aksyonov. Rail traffic was resuming slowly. Two passenger trains left the Crimean cities of Sevastopol and Simferopol and headed toward the bridge Saturday evening. Passenger ferry links between Crimea and the Russian mainland were being relaunched Sunday.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said the divers would examine the damage to the bridge on Sunday, Europe time, with a more detailed survey above the waterline expected to be complete by days end. Loading The situation is manageable  its unpleasant, but not fatal, Aksyonov, told reporters. Of course, emotions have been triggered and there is a healthy desire to seek revenge. The peninsula had a months worth of fuel and more than two months worth of food, he said. Russias defence ministry said its forces in southern Ukraine could be fully supplied through existing land and sea routes. While Russia seized areas north of Crimea early in its invasion of Ukraine and built a land corridor to it along the Sea of Azov, Ukraine is pressing a counteroffensive to reclaim that territory.

Russian war bloggers responded to the bridge attack with fury, urging Moscow to retaliate by striking Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Putin ordered the creation of a government panel to deal with the emergency. Gennady Zyuganov, head of the Russian Communist Party, said the terror attack should serve as a wake-up call. The special operation must be turned into a counterterrorist operation, he declared. Leonid Slutsky, head of the foreign affairs committee in the Russian parliaments lower house, said consequences will be imminent if Ukraine was responsible. And Sergei Mironov, leader of the Just Russia faction, said Russia should respond by attacking key Ukrainian infrastructure. Such statements may herald a decision by Putin to declare a counterterrorism operation. The parliamentary leader of Zelenskys party cast the explosion as a consequence of Moscows takeover of Crimea. Russian illegal construction is starting to fall apart and catch fire. The reason is simple: If you build something explosive, then sooner or later it will explode, said David Arakhamia of the Servant of the People party.

The Ukrainian postal service announced it would issue stamps commemorating the blast, as it did after the sinking of the Moskva, a Russian flagship cruiser, by a Ukrainian strike. Loading The secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defence Council, Oleksiy Danilov, tweeted a video with the Kerch Bridge on fire and Marilyn Monroe singing her Happy Birthday Mr President song. Putin turned 70 on Friday. In Moscow, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the reaction of the Kyiv regime to the destruction of civilian infrastructure shows its terrorist nature. The Crimean Peninsula is a popular destination for Russian tourists and home to a Russian naval base. A Russian tourist association estimated that 50,000 tourists were in Crimea on Saturday.

Elsewhere, a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia struck apartment buildings and killed at least 17 people, a top official in the Ukrainian city said on Sunday. City council Secretary Anatoliy Kurtev said the city was struck by rockets overnight, and that at least five private houses were destroyed and around 40 were damaged. The Ukrainian military also confirmed the attack, saying that there were dozens of casualties. The UN nuclear watchdog had earlier said Ukraines Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has lost its last remaining external power source as a result of renewed shelling and is now relying on emergency diesel generators. Ukrainian authorities were also just beginning to sift through the wreckage of the devastated city of Lyman in eastern Ukraine, assessing the humanitarian toll and possible war crimes after a months-long Russian occupation. Some people died in their houses, some people died in the streets, and the bodies are now being sent to experts for examination, said Mark Tkachenko of the Kramatorsk district police.
The announcement triggered the fall of the pound and a surge in the cost of the UK governments debt. It came in for heavy criticism, including from within her own party, but she stood by it and insisted it was her poor communication skills that had led to a collapse in her polling numbers, which in turn sparked mutiny among her MPs. But on Monday, she scrapped the tax policy in a humiliating U-turn, embarrassing ministers and supporters, including the right-wing press, who had stood by her and been out publicly supporting her plan. Contending with gatecrashers was seen as a small win for Liz Truss, so rocky was her start. Credit:AP By Wednesday, the bar had fallen so low for Truss that the fact she was able to deliver her 35-minute speech to the Conservative Party conference and deftly deal with gate-crashing Greenpeace protesters was seen as something of an achievement. But after just one month in office, everything points to a woman on borrowed time.

In many ways, Truss elevation is similar to that of former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard. Both were successors of election-winning prime ministers who, despite their chaotic management, managed to hold an emotional connection with the public and party members. Like Gillard, Truss is not a natural communicator. She comes across as wooden and robotic, and its possible that Truss foray into the cutting of the top tax rate will haunt her premiership, just as Gillard was never able to shake her broken pledge of there will be no carbon tax under a government I lead. There are parallels with former prime minister Julia Gillards legacy. Whether Truss has irretrievably broken her bond with the public is something only time will tell, but just how much time does she have? As soon as Gillard became prime minister, Kevin Rudd and his supporters were out undermining her every day, wearing down whatever support she gained.

This is already happening against Truss, and she has multiple rivals, some of whom are already plotting a leadership tilt, possibly by the end of the year. Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers her keynote speech on the final day of the Conservative Party Conference. Credit:Getty Her detractors believe a fourth leadership change in six years wont make the Tory Party an object of ridicule and that the public will move on and forget about it in two weeks. The gain of removing Truss would be worth it. Others within the party disagree and think that a final throw of the dice by changing leaders yet again would make the party such a laughing stock that it would mean an election loss was inevitable. Whichever prevails, for as long as Truss remains wounded and weak, her rivals will scent blood.

Gillard had just one leadership rival in her cabinet with Rudd. Truss has many, many more to contend with. Labours Keir Starmer: Is the next election his to lose? Credit:Getty She governs alongside Home Secretary Suella Braverman, Leader of the Commons Penny Mordaunt and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch as well as the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Nadhim Zahawi. All four nominated for the party leadership when Johnson resigned. Just two months ago, they had a national platform during the leadership contest where they were telling party members they could do her job better. They all belong to the Right of the party, the same group that endorsed Truss against Sunak.

Then there are a number of more moderate mischief-makers like Michael Gove, and Grant Shapps, the minister Truss had been told was the most competent but whom she sacked from the cabinet because he had not been in her tent. He has not given up his leadership ambitions despite failing to secure the support of enough MPs to make the first round in the last leadership bout. Gove and Shapps interventions forced Truss to dump her tax cut plans, proving just how powerful they can be. And then there is Johnson himself and Sunak, the runner-up in the leadership ballot. Truss main message during this weeks Tory conference was I get it, Im listening - a phrase that was directed just as much at her colleagues as the greater public. And just like with her colleagues - it is not entirely clear if that message is convincing the public.

If Truss can stave off her colleagues she has two years to win popular support, but it will be an uphill battle. Loading Questions have been raised about the experience of her team, including her choice as chief-of-staff, Mark Fullbrook, whose only electoral campaigning experience was overseeing a failed bid by Zac Goldsmith for London mayor. Conservatives have questioned Truss decision to ditch Australian election strategist Isaac Levido as campaign director in favour of Fullbrook. Levido, described by one Tory MP as a superstar in 2019 oversaw Johnsons landslide win and Scott Morrisons successful campaign in Australia. Currently, the Conservatives polling under Truss is so bad, some ministers expect to suffer big seat losses in two years. This means the next election is Labour leader Keir Starmers to lose.

Having spent two years purging the hard left from the opposition, he has declared Labour a government-in-waiting. At Labours conference in Liverpool this week a sea of suits replaced the previously t-shirt-wearing supporters of former leader Jeremy Corbyn. Donations are pouring into the oppositions coffers. But there is a danger of complacency here too. Labour has to undo the majorities Johnson won in 2019. Unlike Australia, Britain does not have preferential voting but first-past-the-post meaning Starmer needs a 1997 Tony Blair-style landslide to win, including in Scotland where the SNPs nationalist promise remains seductive. So while the comparisons between Keir Starmer and Anthony Albanese are easy to make, given the droll style of both, the path to electoral victory is harder for Starmer. And Labour has a track record of losing supposedly winnable UK elections as Heather Vernon, founder of public relations firm Woburn Partners, knows first-hand, having worked for the Ed Miliband-led opposition between 2015 and 2017.
US President Joe Bidens declaration Thursday night that the world may be facing the prospect of Armageddon if President Vladimir Putin uses a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine included a revealing side note: that Biden has been looking to help the Russian president find an off-ramp that might avert the worst outcome.

His logic came right out of the Cuban missile crisis, to which Biden referred twice in his comments at a Democratic fundraiser in New York, a good indication of what is on his mind. In that famous case  the closest the world came to a full nuclear exchange, 60 years ago this month  President John F. Kennedy struck a secret bargain with Nikita Khrushchev, the Soviet premier, to remove US missiles from Turkey.

US President Joe Biden has warned that the world was facing its biggest nuclear threat since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis. Credit:AP

With that deal, which only came to light later, a disaster that could have killed tens of millions of Americans and Soviet citizens was averted.

For weeks now, Bidens aides have been debating whether there might be an analogous understanding, a way for the wounded Russian leader to find an out. They have offered no details, knowing that secrecy may be the key to seeking any successful exit and avoiding the conditions in which a cornered Putin reaches for his battlefield nuclear weapons. Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, reiterated Friday that Biden had no new intelligence about nuclear weapons use and said she saw no indications the Russians were preparing to use them.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The mother of a 16-year-old Iranian girl has disputed official claims that her daughter fell to her death from a high building, saying the teen was killed by blows to the head as part of the crackdown on anti-hijab protests roiling the country.

Nasreen Shakarami also said authorities kept her daughter Nikas death a secret for nine days and then snatched the body from a morgue to bury her in a remote area, against the familys wishes. The bereaved mother spoke in a video message Thursday to Radio Farda, the Persian-language arm of the US-funded station Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

Nika Shakarami

Nika Shakarami has become the latest icon of the protests, seen as the gravest threat to Irans ruling elites in years. Attempts by authorities in recent days to portray the teens death as an accident could signal concern that the incident is fuelling further anger against the government.

The protests, which enter their fourth week Saturday, were sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police. They had detained Amini for alleged violations of the countrys strict Islamic dress code.
on Saturday announced plans to scale up its operations in by opening a new centre in Guadalajara city and hiring 1300 over the next two years amid concerns over high attrition levels.

The new centre in Guadalaraja will enable the company to serve its local and international client base across industries. It will be the sixth centre in and will focus on creating next-generation digital solutions. In line with the companys hybrid operating model, the new unit will embrace an agile workplace, the IT major said in a press release.

is among the top Indian battling high attrition rates in the past few quarters. The profit margins of HCLTechs service business came under pressure in Q1FY23 when the attrition rate grew to 23.8 per cent from 21.9 per cent in the preceding quarter.

The companys management, while reporting results for Q1FY23, had said the attrition rate was expected to remain high in coming months. The management indicated that the company was accelerating hiring in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Romania, Mexico, Costa Rica, and .

We are fortunate to have strong partnerships with our clients and partners as we commit to expanding in Mexico, said Ajay Bahl, corporate vice president, Americas and executive sponsor, Mexico, . This strong network with the local ecosystem  along with our investments in cutting-edge delivery centers and a talented workforce  powers our mission of supercharging progress with technological breakthroughs for the industry and the region.

The announcement comes days after the IT firm announced expansion plans in Brazil, indicating an increased focus on its nearshore strategy to serve the major markets including the US.

HCLTech established its first Mexican office in Guadalajara in 2008 and now employs 2,400 people across its centres in Guadalajara, City, and Monterrey. The company recently announced a digital transformation partnership with Cemex, a global construction materials company, and an integrated IT Services partnership with business consulting company Neoris.

Pablo Gallegos, country head, Mexico, HCLTech said, By delivering differentiated services and solutions to our clients, HCLTech is committed to becoming the chosen digital partner for enterprises operating in Mexico and across the globe. We are also committed to developing local talent through our training programs and academic partnership in the region.
The Indian Pharma company Maiden Pharmaceuticals on Saturday expressed shock over the media reports regarding the deaths of 66 children in the Gambia after consuming manufactured by them.

In an exclusive input to ANI, the pharma company said, "We are shocked to hear the media reports regarding the deaths and deeply saddened on this incident but we received the official information from our agent at the Gambia on October 5, 2022, and on the subsequent date, World Health Organisation alert was issued against us."

The pharma company Maiden Pharmaceuticals has come under scanner after 66 children died in the Gambia after consuming produced in India.

In an official statement the company Director, Vivek Goyal said, "We are in the field of medicines for over three decades and have been diligently following the protocols of the health authorities including Drugs Controller General (India) and the State Drugs Controllers, Haryana," reads the statement.

He further said that they have valid drug approvals for the export of the products his company is not selling anything in the domestic market. He also added that his company is obtaining raw materials from certified and reputed .

"The government agencies visited our factory on October 1 and October 3, October 6 and 7 October and the samples were drawn by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation(CDSCO) along with all relevant documents in question in presence of our directors," Goyal said in the statement.

The drug regulators have collected the samples of cold and from the manufacturing facility of Haryana-based Maiden Pharmaceutical in Sonipat, after WHO issued a medical alert and results are expected to come soon.

"The samples have been drawn by the CDSCO officials and we are awaiting the results and since the matter is already pending investigation and subjudice, we cannot comment on any other issues and shall update you in future as and when we receive the information," he added.

WHO on Wednesday issued an alert over four India-made cough and cold syrups which are made by Maiden Pharmaceuticals in India. WHO has also notified that the same cough and cold syrups could be linked to the deaths of 66 children in Gambia.

As per sources, from the preliminary enquiry, it has been made out that Maiden Pharmaceutical Limited, Sonipat, Haryana is a manufacturer licensed by the State Drug Controller for the products under reference, and holds manufacturing permission for these products. The company has manufactured and exported these products only to the Gambia so far.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Tibetan spiritual leader the congratulated the winners of this year's Nobel Peace Prize and said that by recognizing these awardees, the committee had shone a light on the importance of civil societies in promoting the fundamental human values of peace, freedom and democracy.

On Friday, the Royal Swedish Academy jointly awarded the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize to human rights advocate Ales Bialiatski from Belarus, the Russian human rights organisation Memorial and the Ukrainian human rights organisation Center for Civil Liberties.

In his congratulatory message, said that each awardee has recognized that all human beings have a right to freedom.

"By recognizing their contribution, the Nobel Committee has shone a clear light on the importance of civil society in promoting fundamental human values of peace, freedom and democracy," the Tibetan spiritual leader said in a statement.

"Of the many problems we face today," His Holiness continued, "some are natural calamities and must be accepted and faced with equanimity. Others are of our own making, created by misunderstanding and can be corrected. Among these problems are those that arise from a conflict of ideology, political or religious, when people fight each other for petty ends, losing sight of the basic humanity that binds us all together as a single human family."

He further said that the value of democracy, open society, respect for human rights, and equality are recognized as universal values.

The Tibetan leader said that democracy gives greater space for citizen to express their basic human qualities. "Where these basic human qualities prevail, there is also a greater scope for strengthening democracy. Most importantly, democracy is also the most effective basis for ensuring world peace," he added.

said that the rich diversity of cultures and religions should help to strengthen fundamental human rights in all communities. He also said that this diversity is the basic human principle that binds all people together in the oneness of humanity.

"The question of human rights is so fundamentally important that there should be no difference of views about it. We all have common human needs and concerns. We all seek happiness and try to avoid suffering regardless of our race, religion, gender or social status," Dalai Lama added.

"I welcome the three recipients of this year's Nobel Peace Prize to the fellowship of Nobel Peace Laureates. It is my hope that this award will serve as an inspiration for all, reminding us that addressing problems through dialogue and with humanity will bring all parties to a happy and mutually beneficial solution," he said as quoted by the statement.

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A fire broke out on the 12th floor of a residential building in Mumbai's suburban area on Saturday afternoon, an official said. There were no reports of anyone getting injured in the incident at Rail View MIG Society located in New Tilak Nagar, the fire brigade official said. It is a ground-plus-12 storied building and the fire brigade was alerted at 2.43 pm, he said.

Two fire engines, a jumbo water tanker and an ambulance were sent to the spot and efforts were on to douse the flames, the official added.

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Chief Minister on Saturday said the stormwater drainage work, initiated as part of the flood mitigation in Chennai, and desilting work are progressing satisfactorily and would be completed soon.

The Chief Minister who has been showing interest in completing the works before the North-East Monsoon invigorates, said he had inspected several areas in south Chennai last week and visited many localities where the stormwater drainage works were taken up in north Chennai. "Nearly 70 to 80 percent work has been completed in south Chennai. Today I inspected north Chennai where the works were affected due to rains. The work will be completed in about 15 days or one month," the Chief Minister told reporters after the inspection. He inspected the execution of stormwater drainage works and desilting activities that were taken up at estimated cost of Rs 167.08 crore in the Greater Chennai Corporation areas by the Water Resources and Highways departments. The IMD has predicted that the North-East Monsoon is likely to start by the fourth week of October. Meanwhile, the government has readied 121 multipurpose shelters to accommodate 1.13 lakh people in the coastal districts in case of emergency during the monsoon, Revenue Minister K K S S R Ramachandran had said.

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The 6.5 km Z-Morh tunnel between Gagangir and Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh highway will be thrown open for traffic by November 15, an official spokesperson said on Friday.

He said Divisional Commissioner for Kashmir P K Pole gave directions in this connection to the officials concerned during a high-level meeting at Sonamarg, which was held to review preparedness for keeping the popular tourist destination open during the winters.

Discussions were held in order to ensure that necessary facilities such as water, electricity and snow clearance were in place for the convenience of tourists.

During his visit, Pole also inspected the work on the Z-Morh tunnel which when operational will provide connectivity round the year, the spokesperson said.

He directed the executive director, National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (projects) to ensure all necessary works pertaining to the tunnel are completed by the second week of November so that it can be opened for traffic by November 15, the spokesman added.

Pole also asked the director of tourism in Kashmir and CEO of Sonamarg Development Authority to widely publicise the region as a winter tourist destination.

Further, they were directed to finalise hotel rates by holding discussions with owners and notify the same by November 15.

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leader on Friday said there was no intention of making Hindi alone the national language and threaten the identity of regional languages like Kannada. Senior leader of the party and former Minister Priyank Kharge, who is also Congress's State media cell in-charge, was briefing reporters about Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra and the interaction with representatives of many educational institutions and teachers.

Senior leader and candidate for the party's on Friday said there is no such thing as "remote control" in his party unlike the Bharatiya Janata Party, where every is selected through a "consensus". In the city to campaign for the election to the party's top post, Kharge asserted that if becomes the head of the grand old party, the remote control would be with him.

will visit from October 8 to 9, a statement issued on Friday by the Rashtrapati Bhavan said. The will grace the 90th anniversary of Indian Air Force at Sukhna Lake, on Saturday. She will also attend a civic reception to be hosted in her honour at Punjab Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh, it said.
President will visit from October 8 to 9, a statement issued on Friday by the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

The president will grace the 90th anniversary of Indian Air Force at Sukhna Lake, on Saturday.

She will also attend a civic reception to be hosted in her honour at Punjab Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh, it said.

On October 9, the president will inaugurate the newly constructed building of secretariat, it said.

She will also grace the 52nd convocation and closing ceremony of centenary year celebrations of Punjab Engineering College in Chandigarh, before returning to Delhi, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in the late night statement.

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The on Saturday put up a dazzling show here with over 70 military aircraft and helicopters, drawn from its modern and vintage fleet, displaying skillful manoeuvres on the occasion of its 90th anniversary celebrations.

It is the IAF's first annual parade and fly-past outside the Delhi- Capital Region.

Prior to the spectacular air display, a ceremonial parade was held at the air force station here in the morning which, was inspected by Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari.

In his address, Chaudhari said the central government has approved the creation of a weapon system branch for IAF officers, which would save around Rs 3,400 crore in flying training.

President Murmu was the chief guest for the air show. Rajnath Singh, Punjab and Haryana Governors Banwarilal Purohit and Bandaru Dattatreya, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Chandigarh MP Kirron Kher were also present at the event.

The IAF chief, and senior serving and retired officers from the three services also took part in the air show.

Murmu, who marked her first visit to Chandigarh as the President, was accorded a guard of honour upon her arrival.

Earlier in the day, in a tweet said, "Greetings and best wishes to all courageous IAF air warriors and their families on the Indian . The IAF is known for its valour, excellence, performance and professionalism. India is proud of its men and women in blue. Wishing them blue skies and happy landings."



At the aerial display, the recently inducted indigenously-built Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) "Prachand" showcased its aerial prowess during the fly-past in a three aircraft formation, even as Murmu and the other dignitaries clapped in awe.

Developed by state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the 5.8-tonne twin-engine LCH is armed with air-to-air missiles, 20 mm turret guns and rocket systems, and is capable of destroying enemy tanks, bunkers, drones and other assets in high-altitude regions.

Several other aircraft such as Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Sukhoi, Jaguar, Rafale, IL-76, C-130J, and Hawk also displayed their skillful manoeuvres, amid a thundering applause from the gathering.

The aircraft flew from eight bases over the Sukhna lake with up to six-km visibility amid a cloudy weather.

Various manoeuvres by Rafale left the spectators enthralled. Among helicopters, Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, Chinook, Apache and Mi-17 were part of the show.

The air display commenced with an 'Aakash Ganga' team of paratroopers who ejected out of an AN-32 aircraft from 8,000 feet, drawing cheers from the crowd.

This was followed by a Mi-17 V5, which demonstrated the capability of undertaking a firefighting operation using a 'bambi bucket'. It flew at a low height in order to dispense water.

Another Mi-17 IV helicopter performed helo casting, showing its skill to launch an offensive operation.

The US-made Chinook choppers, which are used for transporting troops, artillery etc were also part of the spectacular display. The two all-weather helicopters conducted a hovering operation at just 30-feet height, displaying its capability to land on a tough terrain.

Rafale, Jaguar, Tejas and Mirage 2000 flew in 'Sekhon' formation, which is dedicated to IAF officer and Param Vir Chakra recipient late Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon.

The packed crowd was also enthralled by the 'Ensign' formation comprising three Mi-17 V5 helicopters. Following this, 'Prachand' LCH conducted a fly-past. Tejas LCA followed suit.

Drawn from the IAF's vintage fleet, Harvard and Dakota, too, made appearances in the show. Dakota, whose Indian name is Parashuram, was deployed during the 1971 war.

Two Chinooks again made an appearance carrying artillery guns.

The 'Eklavya formation' comprised an Mi-35 aircraft in lead with two Apache and ALH Mk IV helicopters, while the 'Big Boy' formation consisted of an IL-76 and two AN-32 aircraft.

Among the formations was 'Vajraang', comprising C-130 J and Sukhoi-30, and 'Netra' by the airborne early warning and control aircraft, Sukhoi-30 and MiG-29 fighter jets.

Aircrafts such as MiG-2000, Jaguar, Rafale, Bison, MiG-29 and Sukhoi-30 enthralled the audience with formations like Badal, Shamsher, Vajra and Trishul.

The Surya Kiran team comprising nine Hawk also undertook some breathtaking sorties, drawing cheers from the crowd.

The 'Vertical Charlie' manoeuvre by a single Rafale flying at a high speed was also a major attraction towards the end of the show.

The city administration arranged buses to ferry people to and back from the air show.

Tight security arrangements were put in place ahead of the celebrations.

marks the official induction of the IAF in 1932. Every year, the day is celebrated in the presence of the force's chief and senior officers among other dignitaries.

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The Zilla Parishad plans to build a memorial for the 35 staffers who died while taking part in efforts to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, its chief executive officer Ayush Prasad said on Saturday.

These 35 persons were deployed in hospitals or were providing "extension health services", he said, adding the plan draws inspiration from defence and police forces, which have martyr memorials.

"A committee has been formed to formalise the design. All permissions from the state government will be taken to utilise some bit of public land to construct the memorial," he added.

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has busted a cross-border drone-based arms module with the arrest of five men during the week, officials said on Saturday.

A cache of sophisticated arms and ammunition were also recovered from them, said in a statement quoting Director-General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav.

The arrested accused include Surinder Singh of Barwala village in Tarn Taran and brothers Harchand Singh and Gursahib Singh of Valtoha in Amritsar.

The police have recovered Rs 1.01 crore in cash, 500 gram heroin, 17 pistols and 400 live cartridges, an MP-4 rifle and 300 rounds, two weighing machines and two currency counting machines from them, he said.

On Wednesday, a team from Counter Intelligence, Amritsar, arrested two members of the module, including a prisoner identified as Jaskaran Singh and his aide Rattanbir Singh. It also recovered 10 foreign-made pistols from locations pinpointed by them, taking the total recovery of pistols to 27.

DGP Yadav said Jaskaran and Rattanbir revealed that their associate Surinder had picked up a consignment of arms/ammunition they had earlier smuggled in from Pakistan with the help of drones.

Using this intelligence, the police arrested Surinder on Friday and recovered 10 pistols with six magazines and 100 live cartridges, he added.

Surinder, on the directions of Jaskaran, used to pick up consignments from Rattanbir to deliver them to Harchand and Gursahib, who were arrested on Saturday.

The DGP added that further investigations are going on to trace the other consignments that may have been retrieved by this module for further delivery to unidentified persons for commission of anti-national activities.

Additional Inspector General of Police (Counter Intelligence), Amritsar, Amarjit Singh Bajwa said Jaskaran confessed that he was in contact with a Pakistan-based smuggler identified as Asif, who delivered consignments of narcotics and arms/ammunition using drones. This was then retrieved by Rattanbir on his direction.

An FIR has been lodged under relevant provisions at Police Station, State Special Operation Cell, Amritsar.

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The ministry of railways has launched an investigation into allegations of technology firm Oracles Indian arm creating slush funds to pay bribes worth approximately $400,000 to officials of a railways public sector undertaking (PSU) in 2019.

The development comes after the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) fined to the tune of $23 million for creating slush funds to bribe foreign officials in the United Arab Emirates, India, and Turkey, in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).

Regarding the SEC order in the case, has taken cognizance and has started investigation, the ministry said.

This is an internal investigation by Indian Railways, currently no other enforcement agencies are involved, a senior railways official confirmed to Business Standard. The ministry is reaching out to and the to divulge the name of the entity involved in this case.

The ministry of railways has 12 public sector undertakings under its aegis. Ministry officials could not confirm the name of the entity involved in the case. When contacted by the paper, official sources in the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd (DFCCIL) told this paper, the company, did not have any contractual association with during the period under reference (2016-19) or after.

In an order dated September 27, the US regulator said Oracle India's employees used "an excessive discount scheme" in connection with a transaction with a transportation company owned by the ministry of railways in 2019.

A total of approximately $330,000 was funnelled to an entity with a reputation for paying SOE officials, and another $62,000 was paid to an entity controlled by the sales employees responsible for the transaction," a part of the SEC order read.

The creation of off-book slush funds inherently gives rise to the risk those funds will be used improperly, which is exactly what happened here at Oracles Turkey, UAE, and India subsidiaries, said Charles Cain, the SECs FCPA Unit Chief.

According to the SEC order, sales employees of in January 2019 claimed that a particular deal would be lost without a 70 per cent discount on the software component of the deal. This claim was made citing intense competition. A French employee tasked with approving the request provided the sanction without requirement of documentary support over the request.

In fact, the Indian state operated enterprise's (SOE's) publicly available procurement website indicated that faced no competition because it had mandated the use of Oracle products for the project. One of the sales employees involved in the transaction maintained a spreadsheet that indicated $67,000 was the 'buffer' available to potentially make payments to a specific Indian SOE official, the SEC order said.

Oracle, without admitting or denying the SECs findings, agreed to cease and desist from committing violations of the anti-bribery, books and records, and internal accounting controls provisions of the FCPA, the SEC said.
Chief Minister on Saturday said his government would try to ensure that at least 50 per cent of the total investment committed in the Invest Summit is implemented.

He said usually around 25 per cent of MoUs signed in such summits held in various states reach the implementation stage.

As many as 4,192 MoUs/LOIs totalling Rs 10.44 lakh crore have been signed during roadshows at international, national and state levels from November 2021 to September 2022 before the summit, which was held on October 7 and 8 at Jaipur.

Gehlot said the state government changed its policy this time and got the agreements signed before the summit.

"Such events are held in several states and only 15, 20 or 25 per cent (of the total committed investment) comes as the actual investment. We have signed agreements worth around Rs 11 lakh crore. Of this, we will try to achieve 50 percent of the investment," he told reporters on the concluding day on Saturday.

He further said has a business-friendly environment with a good law and order situation and no labour unrest, while the bureaucracy also works with dedication.

Earlier, speaking at an MSME conclave held as part of the summit on Saturday, Gehlot said the future of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is bright and his government will leave no stone unturned to promote the sector.

"MSME is closely related to employment. The stronger the MSME, the stronger the economy will be and the more jobs will be available," Gehlot said.

He said the handicraft industry has flourished in Jodhpur and nearby areas, which has changed the lives of many people.

Thousands of MSME units will be set up in a petrochemical complex to be established near the Barmer oil refinery and lakhs of people will get jobs, he added.

The chief minister said industrialists go to a state where facilities are provided and Rajasthan is ahead in providing an environment which is conducive for investment.

"We want to pave the way for development in Rajasthan," he said.

Reiterating that the happiness index and per capita income have increased in Rajasthan in the last three years, he said the state government has taken several reformative decisions to give a fillip to the industrial sector.

He also highlighted the achievements of his government, saying it has worked to improve road infrastructure, provided social security and made healthcare facilities free in government hospitals.

S Ramann, chairman and managing director of SIDBI, assured full support to the MSME sector in the state. Industry Minister Shakuntala Rawat and senior officials were also present in the conclave.

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The Centre on Saturday approved the creation of a weapon systems branch for the (IAF) officers for the first time since Independence.

Addressing a gathering during the 90th Air Force Day celebrations here, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari said, "It is my privilege to announce that the government has approved the creation of a weapon systems branch for the officers of the ."

"This is the first time since Independence that a new operational branch is being created. The creation of this branch would result in savings of over Rs 3,400 crore due to the reduced expenditure on flying training," he said.

This was the first time that the annual day celebrations were held outside the National Capital Region (NCR).

The Defence Ministry said in a statement, "In a historic step for the (IAF), the government has approved the creation of a new branch called the weapon systems branch."

The creation of this branch would entail unification of all weapon system operators under one entity dedicated to the operational employment of all ground-based and specialist airborne weapon systems.

The branch would encompass operators in four specialised streams -- surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, remotely piloted aircraft and weapon system operators in twin/multi-crew aircraft. It will contribute immensely by enhancing the war fighting capability of the Indian Air Force.

"We are increasingly seeing the convergence of all these domains in one continuum in the form of hybrid warfare. The conventional systems and weapons will need to be augmented by modern, flexible and adaptive technology," Chaudhari said while emphasising on 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

"We've inherited the proud legacy curated by sheer hard work, perseverance and vision of our predecessors. We must acknowledge the contributions of our veterans who chartered this course. Now the onus is on us to usher IAF into the centenary decade."

Speaking about the synergy of all three services - the Army, Navy and Air Force - he said, "One single service can't win a war on its own. Work is in progress to enhance the jointness of three services."

The Air Chief Marshal also spoke about the recently-launched Agnipath scheme, saying, "Induction of air warriors into IAF through the Agnipath scheme is a challenge for all of us. But more importantly, it's an opportunity for us to harness the potential of India's youth and channelise it towards the service of the nation.

"We've changed our operational training methodology to ensure that each Agniveer is equipped with the right skills and knowledge to start a career in IAF. In December this year, we'd be inducting 3,000 'Agniveer Vayu' for initial training. This number will go up in the years to come."

The Air Force chief also said that next year, the force will induct women Agniveers.

"We are also planning to induct women Agniveers starting next year. Creation of infrastructure is in progress and streamlining of trade structures is being finalised," he said.

A ceremonial parade was organised at the Air Force Station to mark the occasion with Chaudhari taking the salute.

Earlier, the IAF chief reviewed the ceremonial parade commanded by Group Captain Anoop Singh, with a three aircraft formation of Mi-17 helicopters trooping the IAF ensign followed by a formation of three Rudra helicopters flying past the saluting dais in an aerial salute.

The IAF's new combat uniform was also unveiled on the occasion.

--IANS

vg/avr/arm

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The has held that statement of a witness, including cross-examination, has to be recorded either on the same or the following day and there should not be any ground for adjournment on this.

The apex court, which was hearing two pleas seeking quashing of bail granted by the Allahabad High Court to two persons in a murder case, was informed that it took almost three months to conclude recording of statement of one of the prosecution witnesses.

"The mandate of law itself postulate that examination-in-chief followed with cross-examination is to be recorded either on the same day or on the day following," a bench of justices Ajay Rastogi and C T Ravikumar said.

"In other words, there should not be any ground for adjournment in recording the examination-in-chief/cross-examination of the prosecution witness, as the case may be," the top court said in its order passed on September 30.

The high court, in its two separate orders passed in February and March, had granted bail to the two persons in connection with the case lodged at Bhadohi district in Uttar Pradesh for the alleged offences including that of murder.

During the hearing before the apex court, the bench was informed that there are three eye-witnesses according to the list of witnesses and charge sheet has been filed in the case.

The bench was also told that statement of one of the prosecution witnesses has been recorded and it took almost three months to conclude.

It was apprised that so far as statement of another prosecution witness is concerned, part of the examination-in-chief was recorded on September 21 and despite request been made, the mandate of section 309 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) was not being followed which has been considered by the apex court in a judgment delivered in 2014.

Section 309 of the CrPC deals with power to postpone or adjourn proceedings.

In its order, the apex court noted that it would like to observe that the trial judge may take a note of the top court's judgment in reference to section 309 of the CrPC.

It noted that the trial judge may not only expedite the trial but the examination-in-chief or cross-examination of a witness is to be recorded either on the same day or on the day following but no long adjournment should be granted while recording the statement of prosecution witnesses.

The bench has posted the matter for hearing after six weeks.

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The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) has urged the to reconsider the ordinance passed by the state to ban online skill . The industry body termed the move unconstitutional and said it disregards 6 decades of established legal jurisprudence.

The Federation also believes that the ban can have an adverse effect on the state and will push more and more people towards illegal offshore websites.

What this ordinance in effect does is treat and conflicts of skill as gambling and of chance, said Roland Landers, CEO of .

As the apex industry body for online gaming, we at the All India Gaming Federation have been engaging with the to understand their concerns and have also made them aware of the proliferation of offshore gambling websites and apps which flourish when constitutionally protected Indian apps are banned. We had provided various consumer protection and other measures which stop short of an outright ban, he added.

The Federation said that India is the fifth largest market globally and skill-based gaming, a sunrise sector, is giving birth to an increasing number of unicorns within the country. A ban may, therefore, push people towards illegal offshore websites.

The (gaming) sector has been a strong financial contributor to the Indian economy even during an unprecedented period of slowdown and is further expected to generate revenues in excess of 5 billion by 2025. Any form of the ban will impact the overall business of a sector, as will the overall online skill gaming ecosystem due to the recent ordinance, Landers added.

The body emphasised that the gaming sector needs the support of state governments now more than ever.

The ordinance came after the Madras High Court struck down a gaming law amendment that prohibited betting on in August last year.

What is also surprising is that the state has already appealed the judgment of Madras High Court (HC) and the Supreme Court (SC) had recently issued notices on the same. Instead of waiting for the SC judgment and in the meantime respecting the categorical decision by their own HC, they seem to have taken another unconstitutional decision which will eventually only benefit online gambling operators, Landers said.

The High Court earlier passed a detailed judgment striking down the Tamil Nadu law which prohibited of skill, as unconstitutional. The Court clarified that any restriction on games of skills, whether online or offline, whether for stakes or not, needs to be narrow and the state should try and regulate, instead of ban, the federation revealed in a statement.

The Court also came down heavily on the State government for passing the law as a populist measure in the lead up to state elections, without following the established law.

 and all the professional players sincerely hope that the government of Tamil Nadu is listening to the concerns, and will seriously reconsider the ordinance, the statement said.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister on Saturday announced projects worth Rs 7,000 crore for and said that by 2024, the road infrastructure of the state will be at par with that of the US.

After the inauguration of the 81st session of the Indian Road Congress (IRC), Gadkari said a total of Rs 5 lakh crore will be invested on roads in before 2024, an official release said.

Stating that a gift of Rs 7,000 crore is being given to Uttar Pradesh, he said this includes the Shahabad bypass-Hardoi bypass of Rs 1,212 crore, Shahjahanpur to Shahabad bypass of Rs 950 crore, Moradabad to Kashipur National Highway (Rs 2,007 crore), 13 railway over bridges (Rs 1,000 crore), among others.

Gadkari said that by 2024, the road infrastructure of will be at par with that of America.

For achieving the target of USD 5 trillion economy, as directed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the road network is most important, Gadkari said.

The need of the hour is to use "waste" for road construction without harming the environment in Uttar Pradesh, the minister added.

He stressed that along with economy, attention must also be paid to the environment.

The Union minister also appealed to the people to use CNG, ethenol, methanol and electric vehicles instead of diesel and petrol vehicles, which he said will also make fares cheaper.

Today we are making one lakh litres of bioethanol from stubble and are also working on manufacturing bio-CNG from it, he said.

Terming green hydrogen as the need of the future, Gadkari said if work on this technology is done in 117 aspirational districts of the country, then it will help them become financially strong and generate employment, the release added.

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India's monthly fuel demand in September was at the lowest since November 2021, government data released on Friday showed.

Total monthly fuel demand in September fell 3.6% from August, although it was up 8.1% when compared with September 2021.

"When we look at the drop in Indian oil demand, part of it had to do with seasonal maintenance of the refineries, not necessarily a softening of the economy," said Phil Flynn, analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago.

"We expect that the demand for India is going to pick up here very, very shortly as we get into winter."

Consumption of fuel, a proxy for oil demand, totaled 17.18 million tonnes in September, up from 15.89 million tonnes a year earlier, data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) of the Oil Ministry showed.

Sales of diesel, or gasoil, rose about 13.4% year-on-year to 6.26 million tones, but dropped 1.4% month-on-month to a one-year low.

Sales of gasoline, or petrol, were 8.8% higher from a year earlier at 2.83 million tonnes.

Preliminary sales data from earlier this month showed gasoline and gasoil sales by Indian state refiners rose sharply in September from a year earlier, signaling a pick-up in industrial activity ahead of the festive season from October.

Sales of bitumen, used for making roads, were up about 16%, while fuel oil use edged up 9% in September.

Cooking gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sales increased 3.5% to 2.45 million tonnes, while naphtha sales fell 6.4% to 1.08 million tonnes.

Indian state refiners plan to lock-in more of their crude supplies in term deals, worried that tighter Western sanctions on Russia, including from the EU, could curb future supplies in already tight markets, sources at state refiners said this week.

(Reporting by Brijesh Patel, Bharat Govind Gautam and Deep Vakil in Bengaluru; additional reporting by Harshit Verma; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)

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. is weighing entering the race for a stake in Group Plcs 13 billion ($12.6 billion) wireless towers unit, people familiar with the matter said.



The US telecommunication infrastructure operator is exploring a possible in Frankfurt-listed Vantage Towers AG, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing confidential information.

plans to sell part of its roughly 82% interest in Vantage and has invited suitors to participate in an auction process. Private equity firms ., Global Infrastructure Partners and EQT AB are already in the running, Bloomberg News reported last month. Spains Cellnex Telecom SA has also studied the feasibility of an offer, the people said.

Deliberations are ongoing and theres no certainty that American Tower or Cellnex will decide to bid. Some of the interested parties may decide to form consortiums and other suitors could also emerge, according to the people. expects bids to be made as soon as next week and may announce a new partner for Vantage next month, they said.

American Tower fell 3.5% to close at $194.63 in trading Friday, giving the company a market value of about $91 billion.

Representatives for American Tower, Cellnex, Vantage and Vodafone declined to comment.

Europes phone carriers have started to sell off infrastructure assets to raise money for investments in costly fiber-optic rollouts and wireless network upgrades, as well as to cut their large debt piles. In July, Deutsche Telekom AG agreed to sell a majority stake in its towers unit to Brookfield Asset Management Inc. and DigitalBridge Group Inc. in a deal valuing the business at 17.5 billion. Cellnex was also bidding for the asset before dropping out.

These assets, which carriers once saw as vital to their business models, are attractive to firms thanks to their steady, predictable returns.
Belarussian pro-democracy campaigner Ales Bialiatski, who shared the with human rights groups in Russia and Ukraine, is the fourth person in the 121-year history of the Nobel Prizes to receive the award while in prison or detention.

Bialiatski, 60, who founded the non-governmental organisation Human Rights Center Viasna, was detained following protests in 2020 against the re-election of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

He remains in jail without trial and faces up to 12 years in prison if convicted.

Nobel committee chairwoman Berit Reiss-Andersen urged to release Bialiatski but acknowledged that chances of that happening in time for the Dec. 10 award ceremony were slim.

Here is a look at what happened to the other winners who were in captivity when they were awarded the prize.

CARL VON OSSIETZKY



The German journalist, a staunch opponent of militarism, was imprisoned for exposing secret plans for German rearmament in the 1920s.

He was released after seven months but arrested again and sent to a concentration camp after the Nazis took power in 1933.

Despite a campaign to set him free, the government refused to release Ossietzky, who was ill with tuberculosis.

His 1935 made Nazi leader Adolf Hitler so furious that he prohibited all Germans from receiving Nobel prizes.

According to biographical notes on the Nobel website, Ossietzky was barred from traveling to Norway to accept the award and was kept under surveillance at a civilian hospital until his death in 1938. He was the first Nobel peace laureate to die in captivity.

AUNG SAN SUU KYI



The Myanmar opposition leader was under house arrest for participating in anti-government protests when she was awarded the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize. Her husband and sons accepted the award on her behalf.

The Nobel helped galvanise support for Suu Kyi, but she remained in on-and-off house arrest until her release in 2010.

After her return to politics, her peace prize glory faded and she faced criticism for ignoring and sometimes defending atrocities by the Myanmar military, including a 2017 crackdown on Rohingya Muslims.

Suu Kyi was arrested again after a military coup last year and has not been seen in public since, despite calls for her release by the Norwegian Nobel Committee and .

LIU XIAOBO



The decision to give imprisoned Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010 deeply angered Beijing, which reacted by suspending trade negotiations with Norway.

Liu was serving an 11-year sentence for inciting subversion by advocating sweeping political reforms and greater human rights in China. No friend or relative was able to accept the award on his behalf.

His wife was placed under house arrest and dozens of his supporters were prevented from leaving the country.

Liu's absence was famously marked by an empty chair at the award ceremony in Oslo.

The award prompted world, leaders including President Barack Obama, to call for Liu's release, but to no avail.

He died from liver cancer in 2017.

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on Saturday maintained silence on India's abstention at the voting at the UNHRC on the human rights situation in Xinjiang, but defended its crackdown against Uygur Muslims, saying it was aimed at countering "terrorism and separatism."



China's comments came after India abstained from voting on the issue at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Thursday and a day after New Delhi for the first time called for respecting and guaranteeing the rights of people of the autonomous region.

I have noted relevant reports and want to stress that the issues related to are not related to human rights there but are countering violent terrorism, radicalisation and separatism," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, responding to a question on her Indian counterpart Arindam Bagchi's remarks.

Thanks to strenuous efforts, there was no violent terrorist incident in for over five consecutive years," she told a media briefing here.

Mao, however, was silent on the question seeking her reaction to India's abstention from the voting on a resolution at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva that called for a debate on concerns over the human rights situation in Xinjiang.

The draft resolution on holding a debate on the situation of human rights in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of was rejected in the 47-member Council after 17 members voted in favour, 19 members voted against, including China, and 11 abstentions, including India, Brazil, Mexico and Ukraine.

The draft resolution was presented by a core group consisting of Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, UK and USA, and co-sponsored by a range of states, including Turkey.

Observers say was able to barely scrape through the vote because of 11 abstentions sparring it from a diplomatic embarrassment on the Xinjiang issue on which it faced widespread condemnation over the treatment meted out to Uygur Muslims of the autonomous province.

Mao claimed the voting showed that the truth will always prevail. The human rights of all ethnic backgrounds in Xinjiang are protected to the greatest extent possible," Mao said.

The voting results at the human rights council reflect the position of the community, especially developing countries, of firmly rejecting the politicisation of the human rights issues," she said.

This once again shows that the truth will always prevail and attempts to use Xinjiang-related issues to suppress and contain China will never succeed," she said.

For the first time, India on Friday clearly commented on the situation in Xinjiang and said rights of people of the autonomous region should be "respected and guaranteed".

When asked about the abstention at the UNHRC voting, Bagchi said it was in line with the long-held practice of not voting on country-specific resolutions.

"The human rights of the people of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region should be respected and guaranteed. We hope that the relevant party will address the situation objectively and properly," Bagchi said in New Delhi.

The comments came amid the continuing border row between India and China in eastern Ladakh.

Bagchi said India has taken note of the assessment of human rights concerns in Xinjiang by the UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR).

China has been facing mounting criticism over its treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang province. Human rights groups believe China has arbitrarily detained close to a million Uyghurs in camps in the name of combating religious extremism.

In her recent report UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet, who earlier visited Xinjiang after a long diplomatic tussle with Beijing said serious have been committed in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in the context of the Chinese government's application of counter-terrorism and counter-extremism strategies.

"The implementation of these strategies, and associated policies in XUAR has led to interlocking patterns of severe and undue restrictions on a wide range of human rights," it said.

"These patterns of restrictions are characterized by a discriminatory component, as the underlying acts often directly or indirectly affect Uyghur and other predominantly Muslim communities," the report said.

Reacting to voting at the UNHRC, the Chinese Foreign Ministry in a statement on Friday said for some time now, the US and some other Western countries have been misinforming the public about Xinjiang and seeking political manipulation in the name of human rights simply to smear China's image and contain China's development.

Despite facts and truths, these countries propagated falsehoods on Xinjiang at the Human Rights Council and put together a draft decision on that erroneous basis in an attempt to use UN human rights bodies as a tool to interfere in China's internal affairs and to serve the agenda of using Xinjiang to contain China, it said adding that the agenda pushed by the US and some other Western forces have again failed to gain support.

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Army chief on Saturday emphasised the need for regional peace and developing a mechanism for resolving all bilateral issues peacefully among countries as he warned that the price of status quo will be devastating for all of us.

What could possibly be his last address at the prestigious Military Academy in Kakul as he is set to retire by the end of November, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) said that the "world has changed, so should we as the price of status quo will be devastating for all of us.

Without naming any country, the 61-year-old Army chief stressed the need for regional peace and developing a mechanism for resolving all bilateral issues peacefully.

We must give peace a chance by developing a mechanism to resolve all our bilateral issues peacefully. Moreover, as opposed to fighting each other, we should collectively fight hunger, poverty, illiteracy, population explosion, climate change and disease, he said. The world has changed, so should we as the price of status quo will be devastating for all of us, he said.

In his address, Gen. Bajwa said that in our quest for peace, we have extended sincere and all-out efforts to evolve good neighbourly relations with all our neighbours and regional countriesWe are trying our best to break the political logjam which has denied the countries of South Asia to move forward and resolve all regional and bilateral issues in a peaceful and dignified manner.

The Army chief said that the people of South Asia, like the rest of the world, deserved prosperity and better living conditions, which was only possible through sustained economic growth, development and above all, lasting peace.

Therefore, we must strive hard to keep the flames of war away from the region, he said.

During his tenure, Pakistan and India came to the brink of full war in 2019 in the wake of Pulwama attack and subsequent events. However, it was also during his time when the two sides agreed to restore ceasefire along the LoC in 2021, creating a glimmer of hope for peace.

Relations between India and Pakistan have been strained over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The ties between the two countries nosedived after India abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution, revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating the State into two Union Territories on August 5, 2019.

Following India's decision, Pakistan downgraded diplomatic ties with New Delhi and expelled the Indian envoy. India has firmly told Pakistan that terrorism and talks cannot go together.

In his address, Bajwa also warned that Pakistan's desire for peace should not be taken as a symbol of weakness.

No one should make any mistake about our collective resolve to defend our core interests and every inch of our motherland, he said.

He claimed that the Pakistan Army had successfully turned the tide of the menace of terrorism in the last two decades and has ensured that organised terrorism is decisively rooted out from Pakistan.

This is indeed a unique accomplishment that not many countries or armies can claim, he said.

General Bajwa, who in his own words has been in uniform for about 42 years, became chief of the army staff in November 2016 for a three-year tenure, which was extended for another term in 2019. If everything goes by the book, he will retire by the end of November.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has outlined the key challenges for amid its conflict with Russia, the presidential press service reported.

Speaking through a video link at the informal meeting of the European Council, Zelensky on Friday said that the main challenge for is the physical protection of its energy facilities from Russian strikes.

needs enough air defence systems to prevent possible attacks on its energy infrastructure, he noted.

Another challenge for Kiev is a demilitarisation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine and the restoration of its functioning, the President said.

Post-conflict reconstruction is the third important task for the government, the Ukrainian leader noted, voicing his appreciation for those countries that have already started working under Ukraine's Fast Recovery Plan, Xinhua news agency reported.

The informal European Council meeting was held in Prague, the Czech Republic, on Friday to discuss the situation in Ukraine, as well as energy and economic issues.

--IANS

int/khz/

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Russian Foreign Minister has warned the and other 'sponsors' of the Kiev regime against deeper involvement in the situation as parties to the conflict.

Lavrov made these remarks at the fourth meeting of the 'United Russia Party General Council Commission on Cooperation and Support for Compatriots Living Abroad' in Moscow.

"The special military operation has revealed a few alarming facts, including illegal military biological programmes at Pentagon-installed labs, as well as experiments with the creation of prohibited chemicals. The most dangerous artillery strikes on the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant continue as well," Lavrov said.

Lavrov said Ukraine President Vladimir Zelensky called on his Western handlers to take a pre-emptive nuclear strike against Russia.

"This character actually gave the world further evidence of the threat emanating from the Kiev regime. It is to neutralise that very threat that the special military operation was launched. Any attempts Zelensky's secretaries are making to assure us that he meant something different are just ridiculous. We all remember him saying as far back as in February that Ukraine desired to possess nuclear weapons. That means he deeply embraced this idea quite a long time ago," Lavrov said.

Lavrov said this summer, Zelensky pointed out that NATO should give Ukraine a place in the common security space. But his appetite is growing.

Echoing him, the head of his Executive Office, Andrey Yermak, said Ukraine should become an axis around which a new security system is to be built in Europe. Last month, Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba also said that it was NATO that should join Ukraine, and not vice versa.

Such slogans and ambitions are falling on fertile ground, Lavrov added.

--IANS

san/arm

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was ready to contribute to a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis in the interests of all, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in a phone call.

In the phone call, Erdogan and Putin exchanged views on enhancing Turkey-Russia relations as well as the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to a statement released by the Turkish presidency on Friday.

The Turkish President reiterated that Ankara stood ready to "do its share for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine issue in the interests of all," the statement said.

Turkey, which has good relations with both Ukraine and Russia, has been acting as a mediator between the two countries since their conflict broke out in late February, Xinhua news agency reported.

On July 22, Ukraine and Russia separately signed a deal with and the UN in Istanbul to resume food and fertiliser shipments from Ukrainian ports to markets through the Black Sea.

Russia and Ukraine exchanged nearly 200 prisoners of war as a result of Turkey's mediation, Erdogan announced in September.

--IANS

int/khz/

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Israeli soldiers shot and killed two Palestinians on Saturday in an exchange of fire that erupted during a military raid in the West Bank, according to Israeli and Palestinian accounts, in the latest confrontation that has made 2022 the deadliest year of violence in the occupied territory since 2015.

The raid occurred in the Jenin refugee camp in the northern West Bank, the site of repeated clashes between Israeli forces and local gunmen and residents. The camp is known as a stronghold of Palestinian militants and the army often operates there.

Palestinian officials said soldiers entered the camp early Saturday and surrounded a house. In videos circulated on social media, exchanges of fire could be heard. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported two dead and 11 wounded, three of them critically. The official Wafa news agency said both of the dead were 17-year-old boys.

The Israeli military said it had arrested a 25-year-old operative from the Islamic Jihad militant group who has previously been imprisoned by . It said the man had recently been involved in shooting attacks on Israeli soldiers.

It said soldiers opened fire during the raid when dozens of Palestinians hurled explosives and opened fire. Hits were identified, the statement said, giving no further details.

Just before noontime, the Israeli forces appeared to withdraw from the area.

The killing occurred a day after two Palestinian teenagers, ages 14 and 17, were killed by Israeli fire in separate incidents elsewhere in the occupied . Rights groups accuse Israeli forces of using excessive force in their dealings with the Palestinians, without being held accountable. The Israeli military says it opens fire only in life-threatening situations.

has been operating throughout the territory, especially in the northern West Bank, since a spate of deadly attacks in last spring. Some of the attacks were carried out by Palestinian assailants from the area.

Israel says it is forced to take action because Palestinian security forces, who coordinate with the military in a tense alliance against Islamic militants, is unable or unwilling to crack down. Palestinian security forces say the military raids have undermined their credibility and public support, especially in the absence of any political process. The last round of substantive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks ended in 2009.

Most of those killed are said by Israel to have been militants. But local youths protesting the incursions as well as some civilians have also been killed in the violence. Hundreds have been rounded up, with many placed in so-called administrative detention, which allows Israel to hold them without trial or charge. Over 100 Palestinians have been killed in the fighting this year.

The violence is also fueled by deepening disillusionment and anger among young Palestinians over the tight security coordination between Israel and the internationally backed Palestinian Authority, which work together to apprehend militants.

Israel captured the in the 1967 Mideast war and 500,000 Jewish settlers now live in some 130 settlements and other outposts among nearly 3 million Palestinians. The Palestinians want that territory, along with east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, for their future state.

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The Kerch bridge from to Crimea, a hated symbol of the Kremlins occupation of the southern Ukrainian peninsula, was hit by a massive explosion on Saturday on the span that carries railway traffic.

Images from the bridge showed a fiercely burning fire engulfing at least two railway carriages from a train on the bridge, accompanied by a vast column of black smoke, The Guardian reported.

The explosion, which witnesses said could be heard kilometres away, took place at around 6 a.m. on Saturday morning while a train was crossing the bridge, although it was not immediately clear what caused it.

Some images appeared to show a second fire at some distance from the main blaze.

Later images also appeared to show part of road bridge that runs parallel with the train tracks had collapsed, The Guardian reported.

The bridge is both highly symbolic to and an important logistical supply route for Russian forces in Crimea and in southern Russian-occupied Ukraine.

The Russian news service TASS said a fuel tanker was involved.

"According to preliminary data, a fuel tank (railroad) car has been on fire at one of the sections of the Crimean bridge, shipping arches aren't damaged, said Oleg Kryuchkov, an adviser to the Russian occupation head of the Crimea.

Another Moscow-appointed official said: "A cistern carriage is burning with fuel on one of the bridge sections. Shipping arches aren't affected. Too early to talk about reasons and consequences. Work is under way to put out the fire."

However, video footage taken from the road span appeared to show fires burning fiercely in several railway trucks along the length of the train, numbering at least half a dozen with the train stationary on the bridge, The Guardian reported.

The railway span is part of a pair of parallel bridges, crossing the Kerch Strait linking Krasnodar in and Crimea, which was built by Russia after its invasion and annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Some 19-km long, the road bridge was opened by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018, with the railway bridge opening two years later.

--IANS

san/ksk/

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Plans to hire 1300 people over next two years in Mexico

HCL Technologies announced expansion plans in Mexico at its 14-year anniversary celebration in Guadalajara. The company expects to hire 1,300 people in the next two years to strengthen its current employee base of 2,400 people in the country.

HCLTech, a certified top employer in Mexico, will also be opening its sixth technology center in Guadalajara. The new center will significantly expand its presence to serve its growing local and international client base across industries and will focus on creating next-generation digital solutions. In line with the company's hybrid operating model, the center will embrace an agile workplace.

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Delhi Chief Minister and his Punjab counterpart will begin their two-day visit to poll-bound from Saturday.

Both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders will jointly address a public meeting at Dahod town in tribal-dominated Dahod district on Saturday, the party's state general secretary Manoj Sorathiya said.

Later in the day, they will participate in a 'Tiranga Yatra' in Vadodara city, he said.

On Sunday, they will address a public meeting at Dharampur in tribal-dominated Valsad district, and then at Kadodara in Surat district.

During these two days, Kejriwal, who is AAP's convener, and Mann will hold an important meeting with social and other leaders in the state to chalk out plans for the upcoming elections, Sorathiya added.

Assembly elections in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled state are scheduled by the year-end.

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Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, whose parents Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi were named in a fresh charge sheet, on Saturday sought to link the development to the BJP's loss of power in the state where it is now pitted against a formidable multi-party 'Mahagathbandhan'.

The RJD heir apparent, who had earlier mockingly asked central investigating agencies to open their offices at his residence, added tongue in cheek that after the CBI, he expected the (ED) to swing into action.

"The BJP, having lost power in Bihar, obviously has a problem with us. It also knows that it stands no chance against the Mahagathbandhan. So, in keeping with its strategy of misusing institutions, it has let loose the CBI," Yadav told reporters in reply to queries about the fresh charge sheet against Prasad, the RJD president, and Rabri Devi who is a former chief minister.

The has filed the charge sheet against Prasad, Rabri Devi and 14 others in connection with an alleged land-for-jobs scam during his tenure as the railway minister.

"I do not attach much importance to action now. Though I would like to add that soon ED will be sent after us," said the young leader, who has himself been named in the IRCTC land for hotels scam as an accused.

He was also asked about the by-elections to Gopalganj and Mokama assembly seats, which have been necessitated by the demise of the sitting BJP MLA and disqualification of the incumbent RJD legislator, respectively.

"We will hold discussions with allies and decide which party will field its candidates for the respective seats. I can, however, assure you that the Mahagathbandhan will win the by-polls hands down," said Yadav, whose RJD is the largest constituent of the seven-party coalition that includes Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U), the Congress and three Left parties.

The RJD leader was also asked about speculations that the unceremonious exit from the state cabinet of Sudhakar Singh, who frequently embarrassed the government with his outspokenness, has left the latter's father Jagadanand Singh, the party's state unit chief, in a sulk.

"I do not think Jagadanand Singh is upset. Had it been so he would have told me," said Yadav, who will be spending the next few days in Delhi to attend the RJD's executive meeting on Monday, which will be followed, a day later, by the council's open session where Lalu Prasad will be formally declared as re-elected to the party president's post for yet another term.

However, when asked whether Jagadanand Singh will be present at the meeting, Yadav replied cryptically, "It is for him to decide whether he will attend the meeting.

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Union Home Minister and president JP Nadda will inaugurate the party's newly-constructed state office at Beltola in the Assam capital and address a rally of party workers on Saturday, according to their scheduled programmes.

Nadda will depart from the state after that, while Shah will proceed to hold a meeting on narcotics with the chief ministers, chief secretaries and director-generals of police of the Northeastern states.

The Union minister, who is on a three-day visit to Assam from Friday, will also chair a review meeting on the North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC) in the evening.

On Sunday, Shah will offer prayers at Kamakhya Temple and address the plenary session of the North East Council (NEC) at the Administrative Staff College.

He will leave for Dergaon in Golaghat district to inaugurate the state-level superintendents of police conference on Sunday afternoon. He will then leave for New Delhi from Jorhat airport.

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Bihar Chief Minister on Saturday voiced his disapproval of the CBI charge sheet against RJD president Lalu Prasad, his new ally, in a case pertaining to the latter's tenure as Railway Minister.

Talking to reporters here before leaving for Sitab Diyara, birthplace of Jayaprakash Narayan on the occasion of the socialist leader's death anniversary, Kumar also lambasted the BJP for trying to put him in the dock over the Patna High Court order quashing quotas for OBCs and EBCs in urban local body polls.

"You all may recall what happened about five years ago which caused me to walk out of the alliance", said Kumar, with his deputy and Prasad's son Tejashwi Yadav by his side, whose name had cropped up in another case which had led the JD(U) leader to snap ties with the RJD.

"Nothing came of that case. Now that I am back in the alliance a new thing has started. Is this the way? (yeh koi tarika hai). It seems they are acting upon whims and fancies ", said the CM, now in the "Mahagathbandhan", indirectly referring to the allegation of political vendetta through probe agencies, often levelled against the BJP government at the Centre.

Kumar was responding to queries about CBI officials disclosing on Friday that a charge sheet has been filled against 14 people, including the RJD supremo, his wife and former CM Rabri Devi and eldest daughter Misa Bharti who is a Rajya Sabha MP.

Kumar, who is the longest serving Chief Minister of Bihar, was also asked about the BJP squarely blaming him for the Patna High Court's adverse judgment which has put a spanner in the long overdue municipal polls.

"They are uttering falsehoods (galat bol raha hai)", said Kumar, pointing out that the state's system of quotas for OBCs and EBCs in the polls had been in place for over a decade and had been previously upheld by the High Court as well as the Supreme Court.

"They (BJP) are also trying to escape their responsibility. For the entire period that I had an alliance with them, the urban development portfolio remained with them. I wonder whether they have become hostile towards the OBCs", said the wily leader.

"We will appeal against the order which relied on Supreme Court directions for reservations in some other states. We will underscore that in Bihar elections have been held in the past under the quota system we had. Categorisation of OBCs and EBCs, wherein Muslims too are covered, was done way back in the 1970s when our mentor Karpoori Thakur was the CM," he added.

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The does not have any particular ideology and the is the only ideology-based and national party in India, said president JP Nadda at the inauguration of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan in Guwahati which is the newly built office.

Addressing a public meeting in Guwahati, Nadda said that BJP is the only ideology-based and national party in India. He was speaking at the inauguration of the newly-built State BJP office in the Basistha area.

"I congratulate the Assam BJP team on behalf of all party workers over the inauguration of the new BJP Office in the State," he said.

He further said that BJP proposed to set up 512 offices across the country out of which 236 offices have been constructed and 154 offices are under construction.

In the coming days, the BJP will have a grand office in the entire country including Assam and North East, Nadda said.

Spread over 95,000 square feet, the Assam BJP state headquarters- which is the party's biggest office in the northeastern region is expected to be full of all modern amenities.

Hailing PM Modi's tenure, Nadda said, "Under the leadership of Modi, our government has been following the economic model of Antyodaya. That is why, unlike any other political party in the country, BJP works with the motto of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'."

He further said that not only the Medical Institutions but also the connectivity enhanced through developing the National Highways in Assam is leading the way for the North-East to progress.

He called upon the party workers from states to utilize this office and contribute towards the holistic development of the region.

"No one had imagined that the institutes like AIIMS and the largest Center for Cancer will ever come to the Northeast, but this all has happened now and people of the state would not have to go to New Delhi for treatments," Nadda said, adding that the party stands at that height because of the people's hard work.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah was also present there along with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and other BJP leaders.

Amit Shah is on his three-day visit to the state starting from Friday.

As the part of his visit, Amit Shah, along with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Friday chaired a review meeting over the Assam floods in Guwahati.According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), nearly 8.9 million people in the state have been affected by the flood and landslides that struck Assam this year.

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The on Saturday barred the factions led by and Eknath Shinde from using the party name and its election symbol in the Andheri East assembly bypoll.

In an interim order over the claims by the rival factions for control of the organisation, the commission asked them to suggest by Monday three different name choices and also as many free symbols for allocation to their respective groups.

The interim order came on Saturday on the Shinde faction's request seeking it be allocated the symbol as the Andheri East assembly bypoll is approaching.

"The Commission is duty bound to ensure that all electoral steps of the bye election are free of any confusion and contradiction and thus its next step are necessarily agnostic to the possibility of either of the faction participating in the poll, the interim order said.

The rival factions had approached the Commission after the split in the ranks in June, claiming to be the 'real Shiv Sena'.

The Commission had earlier asked the rival groups to submit documentary proof on legislative and organisational support by August 8 to back their claims.

The deadline was extended to October 7 after the request of the Thackeray faction.

On October 4, the Shinde faction had moved the seeking the allocation of the bow and arrow poll symbol in view of the Andheri East assembly by-election that was notified on Friday.

The Thackeray faction had submitted its response to the claim on Saturday and had sought four more weeks to carefully understand the documentation submitted by the rival faction.

The Commission said the interim order was necessary to address the statutory spaces generated by the schedule of bye-elections notified on October 3.

Accordingly, in order to place both the rival groups on an even keel and to protect their rights and interests, and going by precedence, the Commission said neither of the two groups be permitted to use the name of the party .

"Neither of the two groups shall also be permitted to use the symbol 'Bow & Arrow' reserved for 'Shivsena'," the order read.

"Both the groups shall be known by such names as they may choose for their respective groups, including, if they so desire, linkage with their parent party 'Shivsena'," it said.

"Both the groups shall also be allotted such different symbols as they may choose from the list of free symbols notified by the for the purposes of the current bye-elections," the order read.

The Commission has directed both the groups to furnish, latest by 1:00 PM on October 10, choices of names and symbols for their groups which may be allotted to them.

The EC said the interim order will continue and "till the final determination of the dispute". The last date for filing nominations for the November 3 bypoll is October 14.

The fresh claim to the 'bow and arrow' election symbol by the Shinde faction is seen as an attempt to deny its use by the Thackeray group which has decided to field Rutuja Latke, the widow of MLA Ramesh Latke, for the bypoll.

The BJP, an ally of the Shinde faction, has decided to field Murji Patel, a corporator in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, for the bypoll necessitated due to the death of Ramesh Latke.

The Congress and the NCP have decided to support the candidate of the Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena, their coalition partner in the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

The interim order was issued after the Commission, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar net this afternoon.

Shinde had raised a banner of revolt against Thackeray, accusing him of entering into an "unnatural alliance" with the Congress and NCP. Over 40 of the Shiv Sena's 55 MLAs had supported Shinde, forcing the resignation of Thackeray from the post of Maharashtra Chief Minister.

Twelve of the 18 Lok Sabha members of the Shiv Sena also came out in support of Shinde, who later claimed to be the leader of the original Shiv Sena.

The Andheri East bypoll is the first after Shinde and the BJP unseated the MVA government in June, and is considered by political analysts as a precursor to settling of claims by Shinde and Thackeray to be the "real Shiv Sena".

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Despite getting the court order for taking Sehgal Hossian -- the bodyguard of Trinamool Congress strongman Anubrata Mondal -- into its custody, the (ED) will not be able to take Hossian to Delhi for further questioning, for now.

This is because despite allowing ED to arrest Hossian, the judge of special vacation court in Asansol in West Burdwan district of West Bengal, Ratna Ray Biswas did not hear ED's plea for transit remand to take Hossain to Delhi.

The judge refused to hear the plea because of technical errors in the transit remand application as well on grounds of time constraints.

As of now ED has three options. The first option is to apply for transit remand at another special vacation court at Durgapur, also in West Burdwan district, on October 14. The second option is to make a fresh application at the same vacation court in Asansol on October 20. The third option is to wait for the general court in Asansol to resume and make an application for transit remand at the special court of the agency there.

The ED had been trying to take Hossian to Delhi for questioning there for quite sometime.

Earlier, the central probe agency had also made any appeal to the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi in the same matter earlier.

However, the judge of the Rouse Avenue Court advised ED to make that appeal to the special court at Asansol in this matter, since the case pertaining to Hossian is heard by this Asansol court only.

--IANS

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Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday slammed Congress leader for his remarks on freedom fighter V D and asked whether Shiv Sena chief supports such a statement.

Talking to reporters, Fadnavis said didn't know the history of India and the Congress.

In a media interaction on Saturday, said used to get a stipend from the British and these are historical facts.

Rahul Gandhi has again insulted Swatyantraveer Savarkarhe has been constantly saying that he was an agent and took the money. I condemn his statement," Fadnavis said.

He said the Congress has often insulted because he had the backing of a large number of people.

"After Independence, Congress has purposely insulted Savarkar several times, the BJP leader alleged.

Latching on to Rahul's remarks, Fadnavis asked whether Shiv Sena chief would condemn his statement.

The Congress and the Shiv Sena are partners in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

Is he (Thackeray) going to send his leaders to welcome him (Rahul Gandhi) during 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' and is he going to back his statement? Uddhav ji must answer this, Fadnavis said.

Savarkar, a Hindutva ideologue, is a revered figure for many right-wing organisations.

He is also an important political icon for the BJP.

The Shiv Sena, which champions itself as a Hindutva party, had demanded Bharat Ratna for Savarkar.

"Savarkar served the kalapani sentence for 11 years at the Cellular jail in Andaman. There are very few freedom fighters who spent these long years in jail. He inspired many freedom fighters, built the revolutionary movement and suffered atrocities at the hands of the British. He thought about the Indian freedom struggle even while serving his sentence," Fadnavis added.

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Nationalist Congress Party president on Saturday welcomed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat's statement that anything which causes social discrimination must be junked.

Speaking at a book launch event here on Friday, Bhagwat had said concepts like 'Varna' and 'Jaati' (caste) should be completely discarded, adding that the caste system has no relevance now.

"Everything that causes discrimination should go out lock, stock and barrel," the RSS chief had said.

He had also said one must not hesitate to accept and apologise for the mistakes committed by one's ancestors.

Speaking to reporters at Nagpur airport, Pawar, however, said such statements need to be implemented in actual behaviour and must not remain as lip service.

"A big segment of society suffered due to such discrimination. And the fact that those who were responsible for such discrimination are realising it must be done away with is a good thing," he said.

"Only apologising, however, will not do. Everything depends on how we actually behave with these sections of society," the NCP chief added.

He refused to answer a query on the fight between the two Shiv Sena factions at the Election Commission for the party's 'bow and arrow' symbol, saying everyone will have to accept whatever decision the apex poll body takes.

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HYDERABAD: Municipalities surrounding the GHMC have stranded the capital city, saying that they have no money to build the Strategic Nala Development Plan (SNDP) which is meant to prevent urban flooding during heavy rains.

Excess water from the GHMC area has to flow via these surrounding municipalities into lakes, and their non-participation could leave the SNDP useless. Nizampet is the only exception.

Sources said the civic bodies of Pedda Amberpet, Badangpet, Jalpally Meerpet, Kompally and Peerzadiguda had written to the GHMC that they could not mobilise Rs 250 crore from their kitty for the project. The issue has now landed with the state government.

Within the GHMC limits, the difficulty in land acquisition and shifting of utilities has slowed down work on the project.

The SNDP was launched to improve the stormwater drain network and address urban flooding in the city. Over 60 works were proposed as part of SNDP Phase I. Of these, works worth about Rs 735 crore were in the GHMC limits and Rs 250 crore was located in the surrounding municipalities.

As per GO No. 13 of January 12, 2022, the GHMC would spend 69 per cent of the total project cost and the adjoining urban local bodies would pay the rest. Considering their revenue generation, municipal commissioners of the six surrounding civic bodies wrote to the government asking it to come to their rescue.

A senior GHMC official on condition of anonymity said that until the land acquisition hurdles were cleared, the corporation would not be able to execute a large portion of the SNDP. He said that the corporation could not fund the project for the adjoining municipalities and the government should come to their rescue.

An official said GHMC had only completed works worth Rs 103 crore and cleared the bills. Works for another Rs 150 crore were almost complete and works worth `200 crore were being executed. Overall, the official said that the corporation could complete only Rs 450 crore works.

Asked about the completion of the SNDP, officials said the project would miss the November deadline. Considering the challenges it would be only completed prior to the monsoon next year.

What has halted

Works between Himayatnagar bridge and confluence with Musi river, covering the bridges at Chikkadpally, Baghlingampally, Nallakunta, Golnaka halted due to land acquisition issues.

Land issues affect work at Chandrayangutta and Begumpet.

Work between bridges at Kavadiguda, Himayatnagar, Gandhinagar, Ashoknagar proceeding at snails pace.
president J P Nadda on Saturday claimed no other party in the country has the "ideology, intention and strength" to fight the might of the saffron party, which is "on the rise".

Addressing a party workers' meet here after inaugurating the new office of the BJP, Nadda asserted that his party is fighting against all the "family-led parties" in every state.

"No party has the ideology, intention, and strength to fight the . No party can organise such a large public rally as what is doing with only its workers' meet. Nobody can stop this party," he added.

BJP president Bhabesh Kalita had on Thursday announced that around 40,000-45,000 booth workers would assemble at Veterinary College Playground in Khanapara to listen to their leaders.

Giving examples of dozens of states and Union Territories like Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, Nadda said, "We are fighting against family-oriented parties everywhere."



He also mentioned Biju Janata Dal (BJD) of Odisha and YSR Congress of Andhra Pradesh in the list of family-run parties although these two had earlier supported several decisions of the NDA government in Parliament.

Nadda claimed that the Narendra Modi government brought and Northeast into the mainstream, whereas the Centre during the Congress tenure had looked down on anyone from the region going to meet them as "someone from a different land".

"Modi started Act East Policy and the Assam government under the leadership of Sarbananda Sonowal and Himanta Biswa Sarma implemented the development projects. The picture of Assam and Northeast is changed today," he added.

The region was once known for bandhs, agitation, insurgency, bomb blasts, and dead bodies, but peace has returned to the Northeast due to the "visionary leadership" of Modi, Nadda asserted.

BJP is the only party that enjoys mass following as it is a party with principles and values, Nadda claimed after inaugurating the party's new state office here.

The BJP has grown from strength to strength due to the hard work, dedication, thoughts, values, and principles of its founding fathers and the determination of the party cadre to follow the same, Nadda said.

We have over 300 MPs in the Lok Sabha, 1,053 MLAs, 170 mayors, and thousands of ward and panchayat members across the country and our aim is to continue to work and strengthen the party with the help of 'karyakartas' (workers) and 'karyalays' (offices), the BJP president said.

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The Assam unit of Trinamool Congress on Friday criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah, saying the BJP leader, who is on a three-day visit to the state, has been ignoring the real problems of the state and is busy attending his party functions.

Speaking to reporters here, Trinamool Congress leader Dilip Sharma slammed Shah for not giving proper attention to solving the flood problems of Assam.

"Most of his time is dedicated to party functions instead of governance-related issues," Sharma said.

"During the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the Parliament, the Union Home Minister promised to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord.

"But, surprisingly even after tabling the report by the Justice Biplab Sharma committee, neither state nor the central government did not take any step on this issue," he said.

The Trinamool leader has accused Shah and BJP of playing a foul game on Assam Accord despite adding a promise to implement it on the party manifestos.

He further said the Assam government has demanded a special fund of around Rs 9,000 crore from the Home Ministry in the last four years to deal with the natural calamities.

"But Shah's ministry has only allotted a mere Rs 44 crore against this. Is it not a joke with the people of Assam?" he questioned.

--IANS

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Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has asked Chief Minister to take cognizance of the "baseless" letter written by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, as well as "misleading" statements made by other AAP leaders.

In a letter to Kejriwal on Friday, the L-G said: "Please take cognizance the baseless letter of Deputy Chief Minister and the misleading statements made by many leaders of your party. I am sorry that apart from crossing all limits of dignity, you and your allies are constantly running away from your constitutional duties and responsibilities of governance.

"It is a matter of regret that when I, while discharging my constitutional responsibilities, is making you aware of these shortcomings and request to redress, you and your colleagues did not respond to those subjects, and not only misled the public on the issues, rather habitually make false personal accusations.

"I would like to remind you that the subjects which were conveyed to you in writing by me were all issues related to the wellbeing and good governance of the common citizens of . Needless to say, that it is my duty as the Constitutional Guardian of to always be available to the citizens and try to suitably address the problems and grievances brought before me by them."

Elaborating on the total 11 issue, Saxena underlined in his letter that "all these works are directly related to you and the departments under you. Sadly, instead of taking satisfactory action or giving proper answers on all these issues, you and your party members have resorted to every such means to level highly objectionable, unsubstantiated and false allegations against the person who brought out the mistakes and shortcomings so that the attention could be diverted from the issues".

"In the same series, I have immediately addressed the allegations levelled against the MCD by Deputy Chief Minister and your other colleagues in the matter of toll tax. Taking cognizance, a detailed report was called for from the concerned officers on the facts related to this matter. It is learned from perusal of the factual report summoned by me that for non-deposit of amount in time, the corporation has cancelled the contract by taking action against the agency as per rules. Necessary action is also being taken to recover the pending dues against the agency. It has also been informed that many cases related to this matter are pending in the Supreme Court, High Court, Delhi, High Court, Bombay, National Company Law Tribunal and District Court, Tis Hazari, .

"I would like to reiterate that I or the people of Delhi have not yet received any satisfactory reply from you on the matters relating to the lives of common people. I hope that you will accept this message of mine in true sense, as the 'Letter of Duty', which you are calling the 'Love Letter' from the Guardian of Delhi, and will imbibe the expressions and advice indicated and implied in it. In the end I would like to reiterate that my commitment is only and only towards the Constitution of India and the people of Delhi and I will continue to work with this inspiration," he concluded.

--IANS

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Voicing strong support for in the presidential poll, party MP on Saturday said the former diplomat's pragmatic modernism coupled with his appeal beyond the party is crucial to fight against the BJP's "divisive politics".

Chidambaram also asserted that business as usual will not help the and there is an urgent need for reformist thinking in the party.

"I support for President. His pragmatic modernism coupled with his appeal beyond the party, is crucial to fight BJP's divisive politics," the MP from Tamil Nadu's Sivaganga said.

"Status quo and business as usual won't help our party. There's an urgent need for reformist thinking in our party," said Chidambaram, who was among those who signed Tharoor's nomination forms for the Congress presidential polls as proposers.

Responding to a social media user who claimed that Tharoor is everything that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) propagates as "English-enabled privileged elitism", Chidambaram asked since when was proficiency in a language considered to be a disadvantage and a liability.

" appeals to an audience well beyond the party faithful. Congress needs that now. His success is due to his own academic achievements, which aspirational India admires," he said.

Tharoor is set to take on veteran Congress leader from Karnataka Mallikarjun Kharge for the party's top post. The Congress is set to vote for its new president on October 17. The results will be announced on October 19.

It will be the first time in more than 24 years that a non-Gandhi will occupy the top party post.

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Veteran Congress leader on Saturday said that the (TRS) cannot become a national party by changing its name.

Kharge, a contender for the Congress party's presidential elections, told reporters that several regional parties in the past changed their names to go national but nothing happened.

"ADMK became AIADMK, TMC became All India TMC. Did they become national parties," he asked.

Kharge was talking to reporters at party headquarters Gandhi Bhavan here after his arrival in the city to campaign for the party's presidential polls.

He also hit back at BJP leaders for ridiculing the presidential election of Congress party. He remarked that those who do not believe in democracy have no right to criticise the Congress party's presidential poll.

The senior leader alleged that the BJP never conducted a presidential election. "Were Advani, Gadkari, Rajnath Singh, J. P. Nadda, Amit Shah and others elected as BJP presidents," he asked.

Kharge termed the contest between him and Shashi Tharoor as the internal matter of the party.

Kharge alleged under the Narendra Modi government, India has seen a decline in all the sectors. He said Modi and Shah team has "destroyed" the country.

"They used to repeatedly ask us what we did in 70 years. We built dams and major irrigation projects. We built major public sector companies and they are selling all of them one after the other," he said.

The unemployment has gone up to a record high during the BJP rule. He said crores of people have lost their jobs after Covid. He pointed out that the value of the rupee has dropped to an all-time low of 82.32 against dollar.

The Congress leader said during the Modi rule, the life of the common man has become miserable as there has been a steep hike in prices of essential commodities. The price of LPG cylinder which was Rs 416 during Congress rule has now gone up to Rs 1,100.

Kharge said the Modi government further added to the burden on common man by imposing GST on items like milk and even pencil and rubber.

Earlier, several Congress leaders accorded a warm welcome to Karge when he arrived at Begumpet Airport in the city. Kharge, who was accompanied by AICC secretary Sampath Kumar, was welcomed by Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president A. Revanth Reddy, MP Uttam Kumar Reddy, senior leaders V. Hanumanth Rao and Ponnala Lakshmaiah.

After reaching Ganhi Pavan, Kharge met TPCC delegates and interacted with them.

The Congress presidential polls are scheduled to be held on October 17. The results will be declared on October 19.

--IANS

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Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], October 8 (ANI/PNN): Here's good news for students in and around the Kukatpally area of Hyderabad. Edureka, the industry leader in the online professional and higher education sector in emerging tech and management domains, has opened its first learning centre in Telangana in Kukatpally.

The centre was inaugurated on Saturday by MLR Group Chairman Marri Rajasekhar Reddy Garu and TRS representative Malkajgiri, Ramu Kanagiri ( Centre Head) along with Patimeedhi Jagan Mohan Rao, Chairman of Telangana State Technology Services, Bala Prasad Peddigari, CIO and Global Head of TCS, and Nagarjun Malladi, Delivery Head at Tech Mahindra, Mandadi Srinivas Rao (Corporator - Kukatpally), Raju Kota (Real Estate Entrepreneur), Sandeep Jogi ( GM at Isuzu), Rajeev Sagar, K. Surya Prakash (Chairman of Anand Jyothi Institutes & Educationalist) , Dr. L.N Rao (Homeopathy Doctor), Naveen (Entrepreneur), Mallikarjun Kukunuri (CEO, Niruthi Climate & ECO Systems), Abhijeeth Sen, Ravikant Reddy, Ganga Calibrations MD, Nikeelu Gunda (Founder & CEO, Digital Connect)

Among the top Indian EdTech companies, Edureka is best known for pioneering Instructor-led live online training. Over a million individuals have benefitted or are benefitting from its online learning platform. The group is now moving to hybrid learning with world-class training techniques through the new learning centre.

Hybrid learning will help students unleash their employment potential, focusing on bridging the employment gap, and increasing the employability quotient of students with faculty-led blended programme delivery, online proctored assessments, 24x7 support for faculty and assistance for securing jobs in premium companies, all at an affordable price. Students will be equipped with industry-relevant knowledge, skills and abilities that will give them a winning edge.

Elaborating on the centre's significance, Marri Rajasekhar Reddy Garu said, "Through this centre, students can benefit from the unique pedagogy and project-oriented education that can give them better employment opportunities. All the courses focus on the latest technologies."

Adding to it, Nagarjun Malladi said, "At a time when digital technologies are taking industries to newer horizons, the need of the hour is to create skill wealth through training and up-skilling. The centre focuses on training in all cutting-edge technologies with training from industry experts through a very innovative learning platform. Even working professionals can transform their career with digital technologies."

"This centre is a boon to students in and around Kukatpally. The training and skill development will enhance their employability. The hybrid model of learning will give students access to subject experts, thus working to their benefit," said Patimeedi Jagan Mohan Rao of TSTS.

During the inauguration edureka Hyderabad is offering various programs and assessments at affordable prices said Centre Head - Ramu Kanagiri

Citing the shortage of skilled manpower in several sectors, Bala Prasad Peddigari from TCS said, "Often, despite the availability of jobs, there aren't enough skilled people for the roles. That creates an employment gap. Having such a centre is a blessing not just for students, but also for employers who get a wider talent pool."

Neelakanta. R, Regional head sales and Operations explained about Edureka Learning Center, and Kukatpally being the first center to be launched in both the telugu states, he emphasized the demand for the digital tracks and how the center is proving these niche skills at an affordable price.

Based on the tech industry employment trends and forecast, the centre will offer six career tracks, viz. full stack development, cloud and dev ops, data science, cyber security, web developments, and AI/ML.

For scholarships and to avail launch offer contact : 8977940840 / 8977940841

Edureka Kukatpally

Close to Nexus, 5th Floor, Anishka Towers 9th Phase Rd, Mall, K P H B Phase 6, Kukatpally, Hyderabad, Telangana 500085

(https://g.co/kgs/QNt2oh)

This story has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content in this article. (ANI/PNN)

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Climate activists tossed two cans of tomato soup over Vincent Van Goghs iconic artwork Sunflowers in London on Friday(local time), to protest oil and gas projects. The pair was part of the group Just Stop Oil, which has been staging climate protests across the country. The painting, worth around $82 million, was protected by a glass layer and undamaged. Over the decades, famous paintings have been subject to vandalism, including the famed Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci and Guernica by Pablo Picasso

Oct 18, 2022 07:54 PM
Charred remains of a bus after it hit a truck and caught fire on Aurangabad Road in Nashik district, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. The toll has risen to at least 11 persons being killed and 38 others injured. (PTI Photo)

Nashik: At least 11 persons were killed and 38 others injured as a private bus travelling to Mumbai caught fire after hitting a trailer truck in Nashik city of Maharashtra early on Saturday, officials said.

The accident took place at Nandur Naka on Nashik-Aurangabad highway around 5.15 am when the 'sleeper' bus was coming from Yavatmal in eastern Maharashtra, they said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the bus tragedy and said ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh would be given to the next of kin of each deceased and the injured would be given Rs 50,000 each.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the dead and said the medical expenses of the injured would be borne by the state government.

"A luxury bus travelling to Mumbai from Yavatmal hit a trailer truck going to Pune at an intersection near Mirchi Hotel on Nashik-Aurangabad highway. Soon after ramming into the truck, the bus caught fire in which 11 passengers died," Nashik Police Commissioner Jayant Naiknavare said.

The injured persons were admitted to the District Civil Hospital and a private medical facility in Nashik, he said.

Before catching fire, the bus also hit a mini cargo van, due to which it got overturned, the commissioner added.

Another police official said 38 persons were injured in the incident.

On being alerted, the police, fire brigade and other agencies reached the spot and launched a rescue operation and the fire was doused off. However, the bus was completely gutted in the incident, he said.

Some eyewitnesses said the fire was so intense that they could not do anything to save the passengers for some time and had to stand there helplessly.

The death toll in the accident may go up as the condition of some of the injured persons is serious, the officials added.

In a tweet, PM Modi said, "Anguished by the bus tragedy in Nashik. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones in this mishap. May the injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected."

"An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each of the deceased due to the bus fire in Nashik. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," he added.
The Karnataka state government initiate the process to have the quota included under the 9th Schedule of the Constitution by making a recommendation to the Centre (Image: DC)

BENGALURU: The Karnataka Cabinet on Saturday accorded its formal approval to increase the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (SC/STs) quota in the State.

The State government would issue an order with which quota for SCs would go up from 15 per cent to 17 per cent and for STs from 3 per cent to 7 per cent. Following this, it would also initiate the process to have the quota included under the 9th Schedule of the Constitution by making a recommendation to the Centre.

"The Cabinet met today and as was decided in an all-party meeting yesterday (Friday) it accepted Justice H N Nagamohan Das Commission report in which it recommends hiking the quota for SCs from 15 per cent to 17 per cent and for STs from 3 per cent to 7 per cent," Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said after a special meeting of the Cabinet.

Speaking to reporters, he said it has been decided to immediately issue an order and a gazette notification to this effect

"To give legal protection to this decision, it has to be included under the Schedule 9 of the Constitution, and for all procedures relating to it, the Law Department, Law Commission, Constitutional experts, in consultation with the Advocate General, will make a recommendation (to centre) and try to implement it,"he added.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister J C Madhuswamy said the Cabinet's decision would be implemented through a government order, and the modalities be explained in the order, which is expected to be issued in 2-3 days.

Asked as to why the government decided to issue an executive order before the Constitutional amendment, Madhuswamy said, "The government runs on some specific purpose and ideologies...We are in a democracy...Can we discuss if the laws we make will stand judicial scrutiny?"

At present, Karnataka provides 32 per cent reservation for OBCs, 15 per cent for SCs and 3 per cent for STs, totalling 50 per cent.

With the decision to hike SC/ST quota, the reservation tally in Karnataka would be at 56 per cent, exceeding the 50 per cent cap fixed by the Supreme Court, and the way before the State is via the Schedule 9 route, through a constitutional amendment where the Centre and Parliament will come into picture.

The decision to hike SC/ST quota is also being seen by some with a political prism, with Assembly elections due in about six months.

The Bommai government was under tremendous pressure from SC/ST lawmakers to implement the commission's report. Also, the 'Valmiki Gurupeetha' seer Prasannananda Swami has been on a hunger strike demanding the ST quota hike.

The Opposition parties, especially the Congress had been attacking the government for the delay in implementation.

Many have doubts whether this decision would stand the test of legal scrutiny as reservation would now exceed the 50 per cent cap, the Chief Minister said adding that as per the Indra Sawhney case the STs who are away from the mainstream socially and educationally can be considered as a special case and reservation can be given.

He said both Justice H N Nagamohan Das and Justice Subhash B Adi committee have clearly mentioned in their reports as to how this Karnataka's hike in quota is a special case, by noting that reservation should be proportional to population, and by highlighting education and social backwardness of these communities with figures. "So, basically, there are strong grounds."

"Further, in various States where there is a good number of SC/ST population like - Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu- the reservation has crossed 50 per cent. Also the Centre had made a constitutional amendment to provide reservation for economically weaker sections crossing the 50 per cent cap," he said pointing out that though both these have been challenged in courts; there are no adverse judgements so far.

Responding to a question, Bommai said the government would take appropriate decisions regarding internal reservation demand among the SCs/STs, after thoroughly studying the Sadashiva Commission report and court judgements in this regard, and duly consulting experts, leaders and all stakeholders.

The Cabinet today also decided to set up a development corporation for the Alemari (nomadic) communities.
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Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine 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China EximBank increases inclusive loans

Xinhua) 09:20, October 08, 2022

BEIJING, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The balance of on-lending loans for smaller banks issued by the Export-Import Bank of China (China EximBank) hit 140 billion yuan (about 19.72 billion U.S. dollars) at the end of August, data shows.

The figure increased 15 percent from the beginning of the year, the bank said.

It has been pooling efforts to boost inclusive finance. By the end of August, the bank had waived 451 million yuan worth of loan interest payments for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises affected by the COVID-19.

China EximBank is a state-funded and state-owned policy bank supporting China's foreign trade, investment and international economic cooperation.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Finance minister Buggana Rajendranath said on Friday that the AP High Court will soon be established in Kurnool.  DC file Image

ANANTAPUR: Finance minister Buggana Rajendranath said on Friday that the AP High Court will soon be established in Kurnool. Efforts are also on for the setting up of a National Law University near Jagannatha Gattu in Kurnool.

Rajendranath laid the foundation stone for 57km of pipeline from Muchumarri reservoir, a part of Handri Neeva Sujala Shravanthi towards the mega industrial hub at Orvakal in Kurnool district.

The minister announced that a separate reservoir in the name of Mallikarjuna Reservoir at Orvakal would provide water to the industrial area. We got the Hyderabad-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor following efforts of chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy with assistance from Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

"Adequate land for establishment of industries under the central government-initiated projects is reserved in Orvakal mega industrial area and there will be single window clearances for all investors, Rajendranath said.

He recalled that AP stood in the fourth place in the Ease of Doing Business because of speedy clearances of permissions at all levels.

Kurnool Silver Jubilee College, which has a history of gifting many civil service officers and talented professionals to the nation, will be renovated at an estimated cost of Rs 100 cr.
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The Dr. Harvey Oliver Milton family lived on Cypress Street on the side of Cameron Hill, then built a new house a block away on Cedar. Their son became the publisher of the Chattanooga News and their daughter-in-law helped women get the right to vote.

Dr. Milton was born in South Carolina, but he was reared in Georgia. He enlisted in the Confederate Army as an assistant surgeon. He married Sarah Fort at Macon. She was a sister of Tomlinson Fort, another Cameron Hill resident, and the daughter of Dr. Tomlinson Fort, who was an early investor in Ross's Landing real estate.

The Miltons moved to Chattanooga in 1877. The next year he was among the physicians in town dealing with the deadly yellow fever. He was among a group of doctors who early on concluded that there was no yellow fever in town. However, it ended up taking a heavy toll of lives.

The Miltons by 1881 were living on the east side of Cypress Street at the corner of Sixth. They lived here until building a new house at 609 Cedar in 1890.

Their son, George Fort Milton, lived in the Cypress and Cedar street homes, having come to Chattanooga when he was eight. He graduated from Chattanooga High School, then the University of the South. He still lived at the Cedar Street home while he was studying at the Mountain City Business College and had taken a position as bookkeeper for the Peoples Bank.

In June 1895, he took a position with the Knoxville Sentinel and moved to Knoxville. His parents moved along with him, while selling the Cedar Street home. Dr. Milton died at Knoxville in 1897. George Fort Milton eventually owned the Knoxville Sentinel. Then he returned to Chattanooga to operate the News, which was the afternoon paper.

His first wife was Caroline McCall, daughter of James Price McCall. They had a daughter Corinne. Carolina McCall Milton died upon the birth of a son, George Fort Milton Jr. Milton next married Abby Crawford, daughter of Capt. C.T. Crawford of Milledgeville. The Miltons built a columned brick home on Wiehl Street in Fort Wood.

Abby Crawford Milton traveled throughout Tennessee making speeches in support of the right for women to vote. An affirmative vote by the Tennessee Legislature put that movement over the top.

George Fort Milton Jr., who was born at Chattanooga, in 1894, attended the University of Tennessee and the University of Virginia before taking reporting positions with the Washington Times and the New York Tribune. He was the national publicity director for the William G. McAdoo presidential campaign of 1923-24. Milton was appointed by Secretary of State Cordell Hull on several foreign missions. He was a contributor to Atlantic, the New Republic and several other publications and was the author of several books on American History. He became the editor of the Chattanooga News in 1924. George Fort Milton married Alice Warner.

J.A. Schrader was one of the last occupants of the 609 Cedar home. He rented out the second floor. R.C. Ferguson was at 610 Cypress, also renting out the upper part. Photos of those homes have not yet been located.
Police were called to 6933 Lee Hwy. because there was a man in the bathroom and it smelled of pot. Police spoke to the man after he had finished using the facility and the room smelled of marijuana. When the man had completed his business, the officer spoke to him outside the restroom and told him the business wanted him to leave. He said he worked for the business. The officer spoke to an employee who said the man does do some work for them but based on the experience in the restroom, they wanted him to leave. The employee said the man could come back on Monday and explain the situation to the manager, but until then he needed to go. The man denied smoking marijuana in the bathroom. He said he does smoke marijuana, but not where he works. The officer told the man, regardless of if he did or didnt, he was asked to leave and he needed to comply. The man complied and said he would stay away until Monday when he could talk to the manger.

* * *

A woman on Cross Street told police her fathers cell phone had been stolen. She said her niece, after a brief verbal dispute, grabbed the phone and left in a green Rav-4. The woman said her father didnt want to press charges.

* * *

An anonymous caller reported to police there was a magazine with rounds in the parking lot near Firehouse Subs at 5546 Highway 153. An officer located the magazine, which was rusted, but had 12 rounds, four of which were hollow points. The officer took the magazine and the rounds to Chattanooga's Property.

* * *

A man at Brainerd Coin Laundry at 4011 Brainerd Road found a wallet with various cards and a Social Security card at the laundromat and wanted to return it to the police. There was a state of TN Correctional Release ID card inside the wallet. The wallet will be turned into Property.

* * *

A man on Lake Haven Drive told police someone stole the catalytic converter off his vehicle. He said a neighbor saw a black Toyota Corolla with a busted out back window in the area. It is unknown if this will be the suspect.

* * *



Police initiated a traffic stop on N. Chamberlain Avenue due to the driver's headlight not functioning properly. Police spoke with the driver and the passenger. Police gave the driver a verbal warning.

* * *



While on patrol on Grand Avenue, an officer saw a parked white Kia K5. The tag had a paper temp tag on it. A recent BOLO was sent out for a theft of $250,000 in jewelry where the suspects fled in a white Kia with a paper temp tag. The officer found the owner of this Kia lives on Grand Avenue. Through Coplink, the officer found that another woman also lives at the address and she is around the same age that the male suspects in the theft appear to be. The officer couldnt find any connections to any men matching the suspect through Coplink.

* * *

The owner of Parkers Brainerd Gulf at 3660 Brainerd Road told police someone cut off and stole catalytic converters off of three vehicles. He said his business will be paying to have the catalytic converters replaced but it is unknown at this time as to the cost. He didnt have any security cameras but after this he will be installing them.

* * *

Police responded to a disorder at Sonic at 3222 Cummings Hwy. A man had just been fired and was upset about it. He felt like he was done wrong and wanted to address this. He has now learned that this is not the process to take. Due to the actions of the man, he was trespassed from the Sonic property.
By getting children and people of all ages to smile, the Olan Mills portrait studio company brought jobs  and a few additional smiles -- to thousands of Chattanoogans and other employees throughout the United States and beyond.

Like many companies, though, a change in the business fortunes resulted after decades of bringing pride to the city and name familiarity to the nation.

But it was not competition from other businesses that created the downturn for this national leader in the industry. Instead, it was just technology.

The advent of digital cameras and then cameras on phones over the last 25 years made capturing family members and memories easier and quicker and more accessible to all. Freelance photography for those still wanting a professional touch also became easier.

But despite all this, Olan Mills II, who is now in his early 90s, was still wearing a smile like the photography subjects and not a frown as he recently reminisced about his and his familys long career at the forefront. It was a photographer-like perspective Mr. Mills had, too, even though he was always in the business and development end and was never much of an actual photographer, despite peoples regular assumptions that he was.

Talking from a small office in the James Building in business space belonging to his son, Kincaid, he said he had joined the company not long after serving non-combat duty in the Korean War in the 1950s flying helicopters. The McCallie School and Princeton graduate, who grew up in Shepherd Hills, was glad to be back in the happier kind of shooting business and quickly went to work for the company.

I got back and went straight to a sales meeting, he said amidst his office lined with World War II history books and a stack of letters he had written his father during the war and had been sorting. I went to Missouri and stayed for a year selling door to door. I came back to Chattanooga, and they put me in charge of portrait sales. I managed the group. And then six months later they released the manager here and put me in charge of Chattanooga as manager.

By that time, the family company had 20-plus years of history since its founding in 1932, the same year such other Chattanooga institutions as Krystal and Rock City started.

The elder Mr. Mills had been raised in Nebraska but moved to Florida in the 1920s to capitalize on the real estate boom. After the Great Depression hit and killed the real estate market there, the elder Mr. Mills was not deterred and changed his picture of success literally to pictures. He moved to Selma, Alabama, and began a business selling restored old pictures. While there, he met and married Mary Stephenson, whose art skills working on the photos helped the business.

She had a brother, Henson Stephenson, who designed the Edmund Pettus Bridge that later became famous in the 1965 voting rights march that started there. Mr. Mills II jokingly recalled that a relative in later years went to see the family home and was told by the resident a famous person had lived there. The person thought Olan Mills name was going to be mentioned, but instead the resident said Henson Stephenson.

The Mills couple later moved to Tuscaloosa and started out taking photos of University of Alabama students due to her connections to the school, and the business of selling door to door to try and get portrait customers began. They would have a studio in each state they operated, for legal and visibility purposes, and the business would later grow to include school and church business, studios in K marts and even glamor studios over the decades. Finishing plants were also located in such places as Dallas and Waco in Texas, Springfield in Ohio, and in Chattanooga, where the headquarters and other operations were located.

Early on after relocating the headquarters here in 1943, they had facilities on Georgia Avenue near Oak Street and in the Chattanooga Bank Building.

Mr. Mills II said the decision to relocate to Chattanooga had come after they had already moved to Springfield but were needing to expand while growing during World War II. Thinking it might be best to have a second facility, they thought about moving back toward Tuscaloosa, where they formerly had a lot of faithful employees, although some had gone to Ohio.

Thinking about locating halfway between Ohio and Alabama, they considered both Lexington, Ky., and Chattanooga. Lexington seemed fine except Mr. Mills Sr. noticed someone with a mask and realized it was hay fever season. So, that helped him decide to locate to Chattanooga, where they had their headquarters, and processing and proofing facilities.

In the 1960s, their main offices were on Carter Street in the Golden Gateway in a Derthick and Henley-designed building until they moved to 4325 Amnicola Highway in the mid-1970s in a structure that has since become part of the Chattanooga State-affiliated campus.

They also at one time had a facility on McCallie Avenue east of Warner Park and had a finishing plant off Highway 153 much later. The old Miller Bros. off Brainerd Road was also a wedding and school picture division headquarters for a period, and numerous studios were located throughout town.

When they moved to Chattanooga, the Olan Mills Sr. family lived for several years at 208 Brookwood Drive in Shepherd Hills. In later life, the older Mills couple moved to the Continental Apartments. Olan Mills Sr. died in 1978, while his wife, Mary, passed away in 1974. They are buried in Forest Hills Cemetery.

Mr. Mills II said that about five years after he began working for the company, his brother, Charles G. Mills, joined the firm. After their father retired in 1969 at the age of 65, the two worked together heading the operation until Charles death in 1998.

We were able to work as a family by splitting the responsibilities, he said, adding that each one was interested in certain areas. We trusted each other. We were able to survive in the family business and it was beneficial to both of us. Both of us loved what we did.

They also had two sisters now deceased, Patricia Mills Hutcheson and the younger Sharon Mills.

Mr. Mills II, who said the work was still hard and he had to travel a lot, said part of the reason for the companys early success was that his father was very gregarious and had a natural salesmans personality.

He was a very charismatic person, he said of his father, who had only one year of college at the University of Nebraska. His personality was such that he loved being with people.

His father was more focused on the company than civic affairs, his son said, and would often entertain traveling company employees, whether in such places as an upper outdoor area of a Dallas apartment building or a home on Lake Chickamauga he also had.

He loved to cook and always had a grill, said Mr. Mills II, who admittedly got more of his personality from his mother. He grew up not being able to eat steaks, so his idea of the good life was steak, potatoes and beans and a bottle of Scotch.

Despite the companys growth and development of increasingly complex equipment and techniques  which Mr. Mills II took an interest in and was recently recognized for with a School Photographers of America Chairmans Award  the business was still all about basic selling.

And to try and make sales, the company and Mr. Mills Sr. over the years came up with or even copied such ideas as offering an 8-by-10-inch portrait for only $1, telemarketing calls, and a three-sitting deal to keep the studios busy when it was not just Christmas or Easter.

Long before telemarketing and door-to-door sales had such negative connotations, Mr. Mills II remembers making a call to one woman, and he could tell she was lonely and looking for someone to talk to simply about her day.

Also, as he was learning the company operations as a younger executive, he remembers going to the plant in Ohio and seeing five women sitting around a table signing the Olan Mills name on photographs before equipment started doing the work. He said the higher-end photographers signed or printed their names on photographs, and his father wanted his firm to be respected.

It ended up being a respected company indeed. Kodak did a nationwide survey in the early 1980s and asked people what business they thought of when asked about portrait studios, and more than 60 percent said Olan Mills.

Gene Harrell, who operates Advanced Photographic Solutions in Cleveland, Tn., which prints photos taken by school photographers in a business that has managed to stay viable, is a big fan of the companys history.

He has also gotten to know Mr. Mills II over the years and helped nominate him for that first-ever School Photographers of America award earlier this year.

Olan was always interested in the process, said Mr. Harrell, adding that he was also a people person and enjoyed his employees. He is interested in technology more than the results. He always kept his facilities state of the art.

Mr. Harrell said that if Mr. Mills II saw a need for updated technology and such equipment was not on the market, he tried to develop his own way of aiding and improving the photo printing process.

He added that the two have kept in touch over the years and that Mr. Mills has periodically visited Mr. Harrells plant and seen how technology has changed.

As an example of his interest in technology, when the Olan Mills company began entering the church directory business, he went on a trip to Germany with late friend Joe Schmissrauter Jr. of the Textile Printing Co. (now TPC) to see the most modern printing presses.

Unfortunately, technology would catch up with this company led by someone who loved technology.

As the company struggled to sustain the business after smart phones arrived, it was able to make a noble exit by selling the entire business to the Lifetouch company in 2011 after the company initially wanted only the church division, Mr. Mills said.

But the historical legacy remains, and the Olan Mills company name that was stamped on customers photos can be found on family photos still displayed in homes around the country. The company name was also obviously still in Mr. Mills heart as he reminisced.

It was very enjoyable, he said. I got to meet a lot of people.

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Jcshearer2@comcast.net
Tom Hutka, who was just hired last December as Chattanooga's Public Works administrator, has resigned "due to family reasons, effective immediately."





Mr. Ewalt said, "A new, nationwide search will begin for his successor ASAP. That search will focus on finding a candidate who has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to deliver on the many priorities we have for Public Works in the One Chattanooga plan as well as leading the Public Works team through change as we refocus ourselves on the One Chattanooga values of treating others with dignity and respect, problem solving, serving others with urgency, and doing the right thing.

"Until we find that person, I will serve as interim administrator (with a lot of help from current DPW leadership) in addition to my role as COO. Otherwise, it should be business as usual in terms of the day to day operations.



"Please join me in wishing Tom all the best, and please share this note with your teams as appropriate." Ryan Ewalt, city chief operating officer, said, "We are informing the entire Public Works team and wish Tom all the best as he returns to his family in Florida."Mr. Ewalt said, "A new, nationwide search will begin for his successor ASAP. That search will focus on finding a candidate who has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to deliver on the many priorities we have for Public Works in the One Chattanooga plan as well as leading the Public Works team through change as we refocus ourselves on the One Chattanooga values of treating others with dignity and respect, problem solving, serving others with urgency, and doing the right thing.



Mayor Tim Kelly had said at the time of the appointment, The around-the-clock mission of Chattanooga Public Works is critically important - clean water, safe streets, diverting our waste from landfill. Identifying experienced and transformational leadership for DPW has been a top priority since taking office. Identifying experienced and transformational leadership for DPW has been a top priority since taking office.

Toms proven track record as a civil engineer and public works administrator will be a major asset for our ability to manage and improve the bedrock infrastructure and services that Chattanoogans rely on every single day.

Officials at the time said Mr. Hutka had more than three decades of experience serving in local government, coming to Chattanooga most recently from Broward County, Fla., where he was the director of Public Works for a jurisdiction of nearly two million residents. Over the course of his career, he has also served in the capacities of city manager, deputy county manager, commissioner of Engineering and Construction, and Capital Program manager across various cities and counties.

Im very excited about the opportunity to work for the residents of Chattanooga, and look forward to providing the very best customer service for a great community, said Mr. Hutka at the time.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Princeton University and a masters in Public Administration from Harvard University. He will transfer his professional-engineering license for practice in Tennessee.

Mr. Ewalt said at the time of the hiring, "Throughout the hiring process, Tom consistently expressed a strong commitment and enthusiasm for getting to know and working alongside everyone currently serving on the Public Works team - to both keep our city running smoothly and safely, as well as to help improve performance, morale, and work toward Mayor Kelly's vision for One Team and One Chattanooga.

Prior to taking the Chattanooga job, Mr. Hutka applied to be city manager for Frankfort, Ky., and won the job. However, he never went to that city after deciding to seek another Florida position.

Justin Holland, the previous administrator of Public Works, moved to the private sector in October 2020.
Body Language Expert Explains How Heckler Tried to Make Kate Middleton Feel Helpless but She Refused to Be Intimidated

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and mourning period in the U.K., senior members of the royal family got back to work attending engagements and making visits to several different countries. Prince William and the Princess of Wales (formerly Kate Middleton) made a stop in Northern Ireland and thats where Williams wife encountered a heckler.

A leading body language expert is pointing out exactly what that heckler did to try and make the princess feel helpless and how she responded to prove she will not be intimidated.

Kate Middleton greets the public during her visit to Carrickfergus Castle in Northern Ireland | Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

What the heckler said to the Princess of Wales

On Oct. 6, Baron and Lady Carrickfergus, as theyre known in Northern Ireland, visited charities in Belfast before greeting crowds during a walkabout near Carrickfergus Castle.

One moment recorded as Kate greeted those gathered to catch a glimpse of her and her husband showed a woman shaking hands with the princess and saying: Nice to meet you but it would be better if it was when you were in your own country.

That woman, who was filming her encounter with Kate, then told her: Ireland belongs to the Irish.

How the heckler tried to make Kate feel helpless

Body language expert Judi James watched the walkabout and analyzed the moment the princess came face to face with the heckler.

According to James, This heckling ritual would have felt even more uncomfortable for Kate than just listening to the womans words. Kate is greeting a friendly crowd and the woman holds her hand out for a shake. Once she has Kates hand she traps it in her own, performing several quite aggressive-looking shakes while holding it tight and even pulling Kate in towards her as she does so.

The expert continued: We can see Kates hand is held for a shake that goes on longer than usual. Her fingers have been pulled up the womans sleeve and her knuckles looked gripped tight enough to whiten. It is always a worry for royals and any celebrity when any crowd member keeps hold of their hand for longer than normal.

James opined that the hecklers actions were intended to make the royal feel helpless.

Princess of Wales 'stood her ground' while dealing with heckling https://t.co/sN7iIpr5ZT via @Femail  Judi James (@thejudijames) October 7, 2022

The princess was praised for how she handled the encounter

If that was the hecklers true intention, James said she failed in that.

Kate uses eye contact but her smile doesnt miss a beat, James noted. Instead of looking away quickly and moving on to ignore the woman dismissively, she handles the moment well by making an oh to suggest what a pity.

The expert concluded: Then when her hand is released but the woman is still filming and heckling, keeping to her spot and even looking around for other hands to shake. The response of smiling but moving on quickly would be understandable and a typical royal move but standing your ground to show youre not intimidated does look rather brave  She doesnt even seem to glance around for her security to either alert them or to make herself feel safer by checking they were aware.

Many users on social media also praised the Princess of Wales for how she handled herself in that situation.

Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.

RELATED: Photographers Used to Yell Insults at Kate Middleton to Try and Get a Negative Reaction, Royal Writer Reveals
A lot has changed in Meri Browns life in the last year. Her mother died, her relationship with Kody Brown continued to deteriorate and her sister wife, Christine Brown, opted to leave the family and move away from Flagstaff, Arizona. While Meri Brown claims to be well aware of where she stands with Kody, the small business owner admitted to feeling hurt by Kodys suggestion that she move to Utah full-time to run her bed and breakfast following the death of Bonnie Ahlstrom in a recent clip.

Kody Brown suggested his first wife move to Parowan, Utah, full-time following Bonnie Ahlstroms death

In the upcoming episode of Sister Wives, Meri grapples with what to do about her bed and breakfast. The inn, which Meri purchased in 2017, had been largely cared for by her mother, Bonnie Ahlstrom. Following Bonnies sudden death, Meri shuttered the property briefly to figure out what to do next.

As Meri copes with the shocking loss of her mother, Kody suggests she move back to Utah to run the inn. #SisterWives pic.twitter.com/YGF5D6cto5  TLC Network (@TLC) October 7, 2022

In a clip obtained by People, Meri and the family discussed her plans moving forward. More specifically, the family openly discussed Kodys suggestion that Meri move to Utah full-time to run the property. In the clip, Meri revealed just how painful that suggestion was.

Meri Brown admits Kody Browns suggestion hurt her

In the clip, Meri Brown admitted that Kodys suggestion was hurtful. The small business owner claimed she hadnt even thought about leaving Flagstaff to move into the inn full-time. In the exclusive clip, Meri admitted that it didnt make sense because she was there at the start of the family.

Meri Brown, Sister Wives Season 17 | TLC

Meris shock at Kodys suggestion wasnt unique. Each of her sister wives was similarly confused by the proposal. Robyn Brown claimed that it was something that didnt need to be said before she slipped into defending Kody. Both Janelle Brown and Christine Brown admitted that Meri had made herself clear that she had no intention of ever living at the property years earlier. They were both confused by Kodys assumption because of how adamant Meri had been in the past.

Kodys suggestion proves once and for all that hes done with Meri Brown

While there is a lot wrong with Kody Brown and his behavior, even his most ardent critics cant suggest hes been anything but honest about his feelings, or lack thereof, for Meri. Following her famed catfishing scandal, the couple claimed they were working on their marriage. Later, Kody revealed that he was done and wasnt interested in a romantic relationship with Meri ever again. They have been mostly estranged for years.

Over the years, Kody has proven that he doesnt want to be married to Meri. She, however, refuses to get the message. Kodys suggestion that she move to Utah, despite his adamant distaste for the idea of Christine Brown moving to Utah, should be proof enough. Still, Meri stays. While Kodys words could be hurtful, its hardly surprising. After all, it is not the first time he has made it clear that his marriage to Meri is over in his mind.

RELATED: How Each Sister Wife Reacted to Christine Browns Decision to Leave Plural Marriage
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Dasara (as Dussehra is called in southern India) is a big thing in this part of the world. Schools shut down for weeks, and processions disrupt traffic. Streets are lined with bunting, and temples see many times the regular numbers of devotees, all dressed up in their festive best.

The holidays bring invitations, some of which I cant avoid. And so, on the big day, my wife, our Canadian friend Phil, who was visiting, and I set out for a traditional dinner organized at a nearby convention centre by an acquaintance who just wouldnt take no for an answer. My wife, who doesnt mind dressing up occasionally, was comfortable, and so was Phil, who always wears jeans. I wasnt, because I had on traditional dress, a dhoti, or mundu, as we Malayalis call it, the hitch being that it could come undone anytime, with no prior warning.

What irked me most was that I couldnt even relax with a drink, since I cant keep a dhoti in place while having a few. And so, after our host welcomed us in and introduced us to a few other visitors, I got myself a glass of lime juice that would have to last me the whole tedious evening, and began gingerly to circulate, Phil at my side.

It wasnt as tedious as Id feared. By the time we got to the party, it was already going well, most guests equipped with glasses of their favourite tipple. Our host introduced us to a couple of newspaper reporters, one of whom began to grill Phil about life in Canada. How do you find India, asked Nikhil. After the freedom of speech youve got in Canada, you must find it restrictive.

Not really, replied Phil, who thinks before he speaks. We have restrictions that can, at least theoretically, get you in jail for a couple of years. A recent law obliges you to refer to transgender people by the pronouns they prefer.

A professor in Varanasi lost his job because he said that women would be better off reading the Constitution rather than fasting for Navratri, said Nikhil, his speech a little slurred. Thats tough, isnt it?

Eric, the other reporter, said, That was thoughtless. His timing was miserable. In Varanasi, of all places, just before a big festival, in a city full of hardcore religious types, to say that women would be better off doing something other than fasting Thats just stu Well, indiscreet.

Nikhil disagreed vehemently. Its not stupid! he said. If you restrict opinions in universities, youre cutting off the countrys intellectual progress.

Both reporters had raised their voices. Others, hearing the conversation, gathered around. A large jolly-looking man with a handlebar moustache joined in. Waving his glass in the air, he said excitedly, We cant have professors telling their students to give up traditions, he said. Look at all of us here today: were here to celebrate one, arent we? Now if professors begin to say that the its useless, and that you should do something else He paused for a long draught from his glass. How would you people like it if a professor told you that you should stay at home and read the constitution instead of coming to this traditional dinner?

There was a burst of scattered laughter, followed by a silence as everyone in the group took a long pull at their drinks. It was broken by a plump lady, obviously the large mans wife, who grabbed his arm. Youve had enough, Bhaskar, she said. Besides, whats traditional about scotch with a Dasara dinner?

The large man laughed. He took her hand and said, See? She doesnt understand! Scotch is so traditional that it goes with any other tradition, even ours!

A stern-looking man, dressed in a dhoti and holding a glass of lime juice, like me, spoke up, addressing the large man and his wife. You have no right to make fun of our traditions, he said. No matter what you say, scotch is Scottish. It has nothing to do with Dasara.

The large man, caught off balance, said, But I wasnt making fun of anything! I was just trying to raise a laugh! Theres no need to be so serious!

More people joined the stern man, all wearing disapproving looks. You shouldnt make fun of tradition! one of them said. This is an old custom! You should respect it!

Right, said the large man, whose wife was trying to drag him away, and failing. So lets have toddy instead of scotch!

Dont talk such nonsense! said the stern man. Have you no love for your country?

The large mans wife managed to drag him away but there were others to defend him. More guests had arrived to watch the melee, a few had begun taking sides and talking loudly, and the noise level was rising. Others were flocking to the bar to refresh their drinks before joining in. Phil, clearly uncomfortable with the way the argument was going, was eyeing the side of the hall where the buffet was laid out, with chairs and tables for diners to sit. He nudged me. No ones thinking of food now, he whispered in my ear. Shall we eat and leave before it gets any worse?

We found my wife and the three of us made our way to the buffet. These days you cant say anything without offending someone or other, she told us, taking a plate. Its like the arguments over hijab in schools. Neither side is willing to listen.

Yes, said Phil, looking back at the growing crowd arguing. I just learnt something valuable: most of the time its best to keep your mouth shut!
Knife-wielding radical Muslims attack evangelists for leading people to Christ in Uganda

NAIROBI, Kenya  Two evangelists sustained deep knife wounds after leading several Muslims to Christ at debates on Islam and Christianity in eastern Uganda, sources said.

Andrew Dikusooka, 35, and 26-year-old Ronald Musasizi had debated Islamic scholars in several areas around Iganga District, and some attacked them after a Sept. 20-24 series of such debates in the districts predominantly Muslim Nampirika village, said a leader of their ministry, unnamed for security reasons.

The two evangelists are nursing terrible wounds on their sick beds in Iganga town after being attacked and beaten by radical Muslims, the leader told Morning Star News.

Dikusooka said that after the last day of the debate, well-known Muslims were among those who put their faith in Christ.

Many people gave their lives to Christ, including Muslims, witchdoctors and street vendors, Dikusooka told Morning Star News. The conversion of these people angered Muslims who began shouting to disrupt the occasion. When the meeting ended, we took the new converts aside and had a few minutes explaining the meaning of the new life in Christ and the commitment to follow Jesus Christ.

They were halfway home at about 7:30 p.m. when a group of Muslims blocked them near a railroad crossing shouting, They are the ones  beat them, beat them, he said.

They then started beating us with blunt objects, and one named Shafiki Mugendawala from Nasuuti, in Iganga, hit me with a sharp knife right on my head, Dikusooka told Morning Star News. Another named Musiitwa Manisuuli from Kigulu Iganga struck my friend in the belly and hands.

He knew the assailants because they had debated them on several occasions, he said.

Both of us fell down as a bright light flashed from a coming vehicle that appeared from the opposite direction, he said. From that time onwards, we did not know what happened. We only found ourselves in the hospital in Iganga town with deep wounds.

The driver of the vehicle was the one who rescued them and drove them to the hospital, they later learned.

At this writing the two evangelists were still recovering in the hospital.

Since we know the attackers, after our release from the hospital we shall by all means file a case against them, Dikusooka said. Please pray for us for quick healing.

The attack was the latest of many instances of persecution of Christians in Uganda that Morning Star News has documented.

Ugandas constitution and other laws provide for religious freedom, including the right to propagate ones faith and convert from one faith to another. Muslims make up no more than 12% of Ugandas population, with high concentrations in eastern areas of the country.
How churches and Christians can combat the rising tide of anti-Semitism To be anti-Semitic would be rejecting Jesus

Christians in the United States are being urged to use their influence to combat anti-Semitism amid a staggering rise in hate crimes and other incidents targeting Jewish Americans in recent years.

As a leading Jewish civil rights organization reports that 2021 saw violence against Jews reach record levels, followers of Christ have a role to play in fostering acceptance for their Jewish neighbors and pushing back against anti-Semitic conspiracy theories within their spheres of influence, Christian scholars say.

"I think through genuine conversation, we begin to reflect on how our own churches or communities expressed anti-Semitism, either consciously or unconsciously, wittingly or unwittingly," Christian theologian Rev. Lee B. Spitzer, an affiliate professor of church history at Northern Seminary in Illinois, told The Christian Post.

Spitzer, who retired in 2019 as the general secretary of the American Baptist Churches USA, says that many Christians incorrectly conclude that anti-Semitism is a byproduct of Bible-based Christianity or that it's not something that is the Church's responsibility to combat. But he encourages Christians to check their own actions and words they may not know are harmful to the Jewish community.

"Many Christians do and say things that are anti-Semitic not because they intentionally wish to, but because of ignorance," Spitzer explained. "And so, we are to be dislightened about how some of the things we say and do are harmful and hurtful to the Jewish community."

Spitzer, who wrote an article titled "5 Ways Your Church Can Address Anti-Semitism," suggests that the fight against anti-Semitism can be tackled head-on by pastors and Christians with one key thing: friendship.

"Relationships are everything. It's very hard to be prejudiced about a community or a group when you have friends within that group. And I would suggest that people in the Church community need to reach out to their neighbors, their friends, and learn from them, appreciate them," said Spitzer.

"The Church can reach out and stand in solidarity with the Jewish community. For example, there may be a local synagogue or shul, or community center where Churches can create relationships. Churches can invite people from synagogues to their churches for a meal or conversation, for a lecture, or for a way of getting to know one another and for better standing in public. ... It's important for friendship to learn about our commonalities. ... And I think sometimes, we have to hit the streets and march in solidarity to spread awareness."

A rising tide

An audit of anti-Semitic incidents in the United States compiled by the Anti-Defamation League recorded over 2,717 acts of assault, vandalism and harassment nationwide in 2021, the most since ADL began tracking the statistic in 1979. With an average of more than seven anti-Semitic incidents per day, the figure marks a 34% year-over-year increase.

"Attacks against Jewish institutions, including Jewish community centers (JCCs) and synagogues, were up by 61 percent, incidents at K-12 schools increased 106 percent, and incidents on college campuses rose 21 percent," the report states.

"Assaults  considered the most serious incident type because it involves person-on-person physical violence triggered by antisemitic animus  increased 167 percent, jumping to a total of 88 reports in 2021 from 33 in 2020. Incidents of harassment were up 43 percent, and acts of antisemitic vandalism rose 14 percent."

According to a study by California State University in San Bernardino, "Hate crimes [nationwide] surged 46% in 2021, as hotspots like New York City reported a 96% increase, with Jewish Americans remaining the most targeted group." The data, which was not formally published, was compiled from the university's Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, 40% of the hate crimes in New York City targeted Jews, as New York state saw a 24% increase in anti-Semitic incidents. The Empire State continues to lead the nation in anti-Semitic incidents.

On Tuesday, as Jews celebrated their High Holidays, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security held a congressional field hearing on countering violent extremism, terrorism and anti-Semitic threats in New Jersey, where anti-Semitic incidents rose 25% in 2021, the most recorded in New Jersey by the ADL.

In 2019, New Jersey saw a tragic act of anti-Semitism take the lives of four civilians and injure three others at a kosher deli in Jersey City. Authorities labeled the shooting a hate crime fueled by anti-Semitism.

The Jersey City attack came just months after a shooting killed one and injured three at a synagogue in Poway, California. Months before the Poway shooting in November 2018, 11 were killed in a shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

During Tuesday's hearing, New York Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., declared, "So far, we are losing" the effort to thwart hatred and anti-Semitism.

In a research report released in late May, ADL states that the spike in anti-Semitic incidents has been driven by different factors, including extreme anti-Israel sentiments during the May 2021 Israel-Hamas conflict and "various conspiracy theories that have animated extremists across the state."

The report cites the presence of white supremacists, anti-government extremists, militias, Islamist extremists, violent anti-Zionists and others "who are either based in New York or have targeted the state for an attack."

ADL contends that incidents motivated by anti-Zionist sentiments include assault, arson threats and harassment. Most recently, the Jewish fraternity Alpha Epsilon Pi at Rutgers University in New Jersey was vandalized during the High Holiday of Rosh Hashanah, the second time in one calendar year the fraternity was targeted.

Both political extremes are complicit

Serene Hudson, the director of education at Passages Israel  an organization that spearheads trips to Israel for Christians  told CP that people must be aware that the rise in anti-Semitism can be seen in both political extremes in America. It's not just a Democrat or Republican problem.

This includes but is not limited to "dangerous rhetoric from the right, white nationalists, neo-Nazis and white supremacists" and "anti-Israel rhetoric" from the left.

"On the extreme right, it has to do with anti-Semitic conspiracies, where Jews are blamed for aspiring for world domination," she said. "And then on the extreme left, there is plenty of anti-Israel rhetoric that denies the basic right for the Jewish people to have a homeland."

As a Moody Graduate School alumnus who spent over a decade traveling to Israel annually, Hudson finds that some of the work needed to combat anti-Semitism in various communities should start inside and outside the Church.

"I think that we all need to educate ourselves about the common anti-Semitic conspiracies and understand where they come from. And when we see  accusations or even perceptions directed at Jewish people, we should dig a little bit deeper," Hudson stated.

"We should educate ourselves in understanding that there are many falsehoods that are repeated about Jewish people and talk to our Jewish friends. Ask them: 'Have you experienced anti-Semitism? Do you feel that anti-Semitism has risen in our country?'"

Christians and churches looking to combat anti-Semitic rhetoric in their communities should look to the Bible, she asserted.

"When we look to Scripture, we consider, for example, Mordecai, the uncle of Esther, was a voice of moral clarity for her and for the Persian culture," Hudson said. "And he helped her to stand up against anti-Semitism and the threats against the Jewish people."

Scripture provides Christians with an anchor to better understand what's happening in the world, she added. This can help them with the process of beginning to pray for peace and the protection of the Jewish communities.

"It says in Romans that the Jewish people who were the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are loved by the God of the forefathers," Hudson said.

"And so really going back and looking at our source of truth, which is Scripture, which is the Bible, and comparing what it is that God says about His love for His people, against what is being said about the Jewish people can provide better understanding."

Holocaust education in schools and churches is essential to understanding the history of anti-Semitism in the Church dating back to the Church fathers, Hudson said.

"We definitely need more awareness out there. I think if more people knew that there was this uptick in hate crimes against Jewish people, and if we were aware of what's going on in the media on social media, there would be more of a response. But I believe that the news is not getting out there enough," she concluded.
'Victory': West Virginia Supreme Court allows students to use scholarship funds for private schools

The West Virginia Supreme Court this week upheld the states Hope Scholarship Act, which gives parents money to help pay for private and faith-based schools or homeschool education if they opt to take their children out of public school.

The court reversed a circuit court injunction that blocked the Hope Scholarship Program, which allows eligible students to receive funding that is equal to 100 percent of the prior years statewide average net share aid allotted per pupil based on net enrollment adjusted for state purposes.

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey called the ruling a tremendous victory for the hard-working families across West Virginia who deserve increased options for their childrens individual educational needs.

It has always been my goal to help make our state first in the nation when it comes to educational opportunities for West Virginias kids, Morrisey said in a statement.

He said the victory will make an incredible difference.

Im proud of our offices work to defend this important program and the rule of law.

In July, Judge Joanna Tabit from Kanawha County Circuit Court had struck down the scholarship program, ruling that it violated the state Constitution, and thereby put the applications of an estimated 3,000 families at risk for the 2022 school year, The Washington Times reported.

State Treasurer Riley Moore, chairman of the Hope Scholarship Board, called the program's opponents out-of-state trial lawyers and liberal activists who are trying to block educational freedom and school choice for the children of our state, according to Washington Examiner.

Some opponents argue that the program diverts funding away from the public education system, while supporters maintain it helps low-income families by giving them an alternative to public education.

Enrollment in private schools has increased and public school enrollment has declined across the country after the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Between fall 2019 and fall 2020, total public school enrollment dropped 3% nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics. And the National Association of Independent Schools found that private schools saw a net growth of 1.7% between 2020 and 2022.

Recent studies ranking the education quality of states have put West Virginia among the lowest in the list, and one study placed the state at the bottom of all 50 states, the Examiner added.

The enactment of the legislation came last year at a time when some public schools faced criticism for the enactment of controversial sex education programs as well as the adoption of anti-Christian philosophies and embrace of the scandal-ridden Black Lives Matter movement.

While school choice advocates cheered the new legislation at the time, the ACLU sent a letter to the West Virginia House of Delegates urging the states lower chamber to reject it. The progressive advocacy group contended that the legislation discriminates against students because schools that discriminate on the basis of sex, gender identity, disability, and religion  would be eligible to receive funding through the state via the Hope Scholarship accounts.

Paul Hardesty, president of the West Virginia Board of Education, said in a statement after this weeks verdict that the Board of Education, which had opposed the program, would respect the courts verdict.

I am confident this Legislature and this governor will continue to fund public education at adequate levels, he said, according to Eyewitness News. It is time for the West Virginia Department of Education to focus on the basics  student achievement with a renewed focus on math, reading, writing and English language arts.

The Hope Scholarship is available to all students who were enrolled full-time and attending a public elementary or secondary school program in this state for at least 45 calendar days during an instructional term at the time of application and until an award letter is issued by the board or are eligible to be enrolled in a kindergarten program in the state.

The funds for a Hope Scholarship must be placed in a personal education savings account to be used for qualifying education expenses on behalf of the eligible recipient.
Evangelicals and Trump: Did Christians trade reputation for a seat at the political table?

To say the last few years of American politics have been volatile and chaotic would be quite an understatement.

With midterm elections just around the corner, and the presidential election cycle looming just beyond that, it seems voters are determined to move beyond the machinations and maneuverings of the last few years.

But before that can happen, we must find answers to some tough questions.

For example: Was the relationship between Evangelical Christians and Donald Trump a match made in Heaven  or a marriage made in Hell? Did Christian conservatives trade their reputation for a seat at the political table? And how did Donald Trump go from unlikely presidential candidate to superhero and political savior in the eyes of his supporters?

Apologist and radio host Michael Brown believes that in the last election, millions of sincere Christians seemed to wrap the Gospel in the American flag so tightly that politics became a rallying point of their faith. In his latest book, The Political Seduction of the Church, he rejects the idea that the Church is called to take over society and lays out a strategy for healthy political and cultural engagement.

Listen to Brown explain:

Brown joins us on the "Crossmap Podcast" to share his thoughts on whether Christians should even be involved in politics and why, as a body of believers, we must do better.

Listen as he shares why he thinks false prophecies were given during President Trump's re-election campaign in 2020 and how to recognize some surefire ways that you have been politically seduced.
The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p.
This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices.
Daikin Europe N.V. has announced the expansion of its German heat pump manufacturing base in Guglingen, Germany. The expansion is part of the Daikin Europes strategic management plan for 2025, which aims to meet growing demand for heat pumps on the European continent by investing in local production capacity.



Three new production lines will more than triple the existing factory output by 2025

The expansion in Germany is based on a proximity strategy of producing close to the market

The expansion enables to meet growing European heat pump market demand

Increasing heat pump production capacity in Germany

Proximity strategy assures timely availability of premium heat pumps in Europe

Investments for innovation and in support of the energy transition

Daikin Manufacturing Germany GmbH has been steadily increasing its heat pump production volumes over the past years. With this new investment, the company will accelerate the expansion of its production capacity in Germany. To this end, Daikin acquired a neighbouring, 22.000m large plot of land with production and office facilities in Guglingen. Refurbishment and integration of the facilities into the existing production site will allow Daikins German factory to produce more than three times its current volumes by 2025. The company will be looking for an additional 500 new employees to support its growth plans.The expansion of our plant will enable us to ensure a stable supply for a rapidly growing market. Explains Filip De Graeve, Managing Director of Daikin Manufacturing Germany GmbH and Daikin Airconditioning Germany GmbH.Daikin produces close to the markets it serves. The companys residential hydronic heat pumps sold in Europe are fully designed and manufactured in Europe. This investment in its factory in Germany is based on Daikins proximity strategy. Hiromitsu Iwasaki, Vice President of Daikin Europe N.V. says Daikin is the only manufacturer in the world who designs and produces heating, cooling and refrigeration equipment, as well as the compressors and refrigerants used in those technologies. Throughout our nearly 100 year history, we have developed a high level of technological expertise in heat pump technologies. With this investment in a factory in Germany, we create additional capacity to assure we can deliver more of our premium heat pumps on time to the European market.Annual demand for residential heat pumps is expect to triple by 2025. It is clear that heat pumps play an important role in the decarbonisation of our homes and businesses, says Martin Dieryckx, General Manager Daikin Europe N.V. Environmental Research Center. As a global leader in the design and manufacturing of heat pumps, we are well placed to build the manufacturing capacity that is needed to support this transition, which is of great importance to Europes future.The investment announcement in Germany closely follows similar announcements about expanding its heat pump factory in Belgium, and the construction of a new heat pump factory in Poland. Earlier, Daikin Europe also announced it will boost its R&D activities, as the new EMEA Development Center in Ghent, Belgium is set to become Daikins global centre for heat pumps.

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The European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen remarked that bad actors now target EU structures of the bloc. She spoke about it on Wednesday and added ways to protect these crucial structures with advanced surveillance to stop sabotage against them.

Protecting These Infrastructures Is a Priority

The head of the EC addressed the EU parliament in Strasbourg and explained how the attack on Nord Streams 1 and 2 demonstrates how easily it can be harmed. It signals that the bloc will soon face dangerous times, reported Euronews.

The two Nord Stream pipelines that pass the Baltic Sea to hook up Germany and Russia were discovered to have four leaks the other week.

Although an ongoing inquiry, Western countries assert that the seismic activity was more likely the outcome of deliberate action. Sweden and Denmark sent a letter to the UN Security Council in which seismological institutes had noticed explosions.

Von der Leyen described pipelines and underwater cables as the life rafts of information and power for European citizens and companies and that it is consequently in the interest of all Europeans to better protect this vital infrastructure.

The EU is currently redrafting its 2008 critical EU structures guidelines to include 11 risk areas, like natural disasters, terrorist attacks, malicious insiders, and vandalism, along with public health crises such as the most recent COVID-19 disease outbreak.

A new law is expected to go into effect through 2024, but European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen asserted last Wednesday that they should now be starting to work on this basis. The new legislation still requires MEP authorization, noted Yahoo News.

Read Also: Donald Trump Net Worth 2022: Did Trump Get Richer Since Leaving the US Presidency?

Bloc leaders must stress test their infrastructures, such as their systems for supplying energy and other high-risk elements like power lines and the internet.

The Bloc Is More Vulnerable Than Ever Before

Addressing that critical infrastructure of the EU, which is under fire from bad actors, remarked the commissioner for home affairs, citing Euractiv.

After the alleged sabotage of the Nord Streams 1 and 2 gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea, Ylva Johansson, the commissioner for home affairs, stressed that the bloc supports Ukraine, per TRT World.

It is still an omnipresent threat to the bloc's existence. Organs in the Union had agreed with new rules from a broader perspective since 2008, when the bloc had already formulated the Critical Infrastructure Directive early in the year.

The official continued by stating that they're aware of how susceptible these infrastructural facilities are and that the Commission has created a new directive with much higher ambition, and that the co-legislators also have consented.

Moreover, they are ready with legislative measures, and it's evident that in such a war, this threat is also directed toward the European Union and its consciousness of this potential danger but already prepared.

The expanded critical infrastructure directive covers 11 risk points that should protect security for bloc interests. Enforcement of these new rules is set for 2024, and members are told to comply as soon as they apply. She added that all members must comply and fines are a possibility, but these concerns are urgent.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen's address regarding EU structures and the recent attack on Nord Stream must be avoided.

Related Article: Europe Faces Dilemma in Winter Due to Threat of Total Energy Cut Amid Ongoing Russia-Ukraine War

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Australia displays its newest Coast Guard system, StrikeMaster, at the LandForces 2022 exhibition showcasing the latest offerings from an Australian defense company.

Manufacturers of these systems are Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace and Thales Australia, displaying their first actual working prototype of the system in Brisbane.

First Live, Active Missile Displayed

The outlet recalls that this is not the first display of such a system and is the first prototype displayed as a working one. Earlier this year, at the Indo-Pacific 2022 exhibition, a mock-up of the StrikeMaster was officially unveiled, reported Bulgarian Military.

This system was made to order for the Australian Coast Guard's specific needs, which has many coasts to cover down under, characterized as a low-risk solution to deploy ship-killer missiles from land-based missile launchers. According to the Australian Manufacturing Forum, Norway's Kongsberg supplied the main missile armament, which is mounted on the Bushmaster Ute built by Thales Australia.

Missile-Mounted Bushmaster UTE

A 3126E 7.2L Caterpillar Turbocharged powers the vehicle, six-cylinder engine with a maximum horsepower of 300 and 2,200rpm 1,166 Nm [860 lbft] at 1,440rpm, equipped with an independent, progressive coil spring with the upper control arm and lower wishbone for its suspension system.

A ZF 6HP502 ECOMAT G2n differential combined with a six-speed transmission with one reverse gear powers the Bushmaster.

The vehicle is extremely durable: ballistics surpass STANAG 4569, and, relying upon that layout, the armor seems to be from level 1 to level 3.

Read also: Priscilla Chan: Who is Mark Zuckerberg's Wife, How Did She Build Her Fortune?

Killer Component for StrikeMaster

Ship-killer missiles are Naval Strike missiles (NSM) utilizing the Block A1 strike missile model. This is already in use by the Royal Australian Navy as its chosen armament. Every system has dual-strike NSMs housed in two separate missile holders.

Sources from Australia disclose that these missile holders or modules will be mounted on surface combatants of the Royal Australian Navy.

Specifically, the Hobart and Anzac class warships are good choices to lessen the costs of developing the system that can be shared or swapped will allow systems compatible with many defense systems to be developed at a lower cost.

Naval Strikes Missiles

Once the missile is released from the launchers, it starts looking for its assigned target, powered with a solid-fuel rocket booster; specifically, a Microturbo TRI-40 turbojet engine. It can reach supersonic speed and a maximum standoff range equal to 185 kilometers away.

This missile is remotely guided in several ways, including an integrated GPS-based guidance system, terrain following navigation, and infrared imaging and target data. A version of NASAMS is the command-and-control foundation for the whole system, per Air Force Technology.

Reports suggest slight adjustments will be made to the functionality. Therefore, in a way, this same "anti-ship" feature of the system will be enabled. This whole arrangement is part of the Fire Direction Centre.

No data is available right now about the radar that will be employed. As shown by media stories in Australia, CEA Technology could be engaged in its fabrication.

The StrikeMaster missile system for the Australian Coast Guard coastal defense is used to kill ships from a standoff distance.

Related Article: UAE Drops Sukhoi Su-75 in Favor of Obtaining F-35 Lightning II From the United States

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Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, claims that Russian authorities have started to "prepare their society" for the potential use of nuclear weapons, but he also stated that he does not think Russia is prepared to use them.

Zelensky asserted that a previous statement had been mistranslated in which he denied having called for strikes against Russia.

Zelensky: Russian Officials Are 'Preparing Citizens For Nuclear War'

The Ukrainian army has successfully reclaimed huge areas of terrain in recent weeks, forcing Russian soldiers to leave their long-held positions. President Vladimir Putin has merged four partially occupied regions of Ukraine, which Kyiv views as Moscow's retaliation to its setbacks.

The annexations, which are regarded as unlawful by the majority, have sparked worries about a potential uptick in the seven-month war, as per BBC.. There has been no indication, according to Western sources, that Moscow is willing to protect such areas with nuclear weapons, even though Putin and other senior Russian officials have suggested doing so.

"We have not faced the danger of Armageddon since Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis," said US President Joe Biden on Friday, adding that Putin is "not joking when he talks about the use of tactical nuclear weapons."

According to Fox News, the White House defended Biden's remarks by asserting that "the president was making very clear that the kind of irresponsible rhetoric we have heard is no way for the leader of a nuclear-armed state to speak."

Reporters on Air Force One were informed by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre that officials "had not found any need to modify our own strategic nuclear posture."

Read Also: South Korea Scrambles 30 Fighter Jets Following Kim Jong Un's Order To Send 12 Warplanes Near Border in Bombing Drill

Putin's Partial Mobilization Order

After Ukraine achieved significant gains and pushed the Russian military back in the Donbas region this week, gaining 25 miles in a single day after Putin claimed to have annexed the rebel region as part of Russia, Putin's rhetoric and policies have gotten more harsh.

Putin granted permission for a partial military mobilization last month, enabling him to declare a draft, which caused Russian men to quit their country to escape serving in the military during what has since proven to be a very challenging campaign for Moscow.

And as a result, Putin has been forced into a situation from which detractors believe he will adopt the most extreme measures. He reiterated his threats to defend what he believed to be Russian territory from other countries with "whatever force required," including nuclear weapons.

Zelensky stated that since Russia's threats posed "a risk for the whole planet," immediate action was required. To force Putin's soldiers out of the Zaporizhia nuclear power facility, he pleaded with the international community to impose sanctions.

Per The Independent, the annexation of four Ukrainian districts was hailed lavishly a week ago by the Kremlin, which claimed it was their return to "the motherland."

Related Article: Russia War: European Union Giving Ukraine Howitzer Weapons, More Arms Amid Strong

Counterattack

@YouTube

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Over 400 mln domestic trips made in China during National Day holiday

Xinhua) 09:31, October 08, 2022

BEIJING, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- About 422 million domestic trips were made in China during this year's National Day holiday, according to the country's Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Domestic tourism revenue generated during the weeklong holiday totaled 287.2 billion yuan (around 40.45 billion U.S. dollars), statistics from the ministry showed.

Short-haul trips were most favored by tourists, the ministry said. According to the statistics, suburban parks, countryside surrounding cities and city parks were the three most popular tourist destinations during the holiday, respectively attracting 23.8 percent, 22.6 percent and 16.8 percent of all domestic tourists.

Sites related to China's revolutionary history and tours with patriotic themes were also popular among tourists.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
New York City Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency to help mitigate what he called the region's migrant crisis, a move that could cost the city $1 billion this fiscal year.

The official said that the city now has a situation where more people are arriving in New York City than authorities can immediately accommodate. This includes families who had babies and young children in tow.

New York City's Migrant Crisis

Adams added that once the asylum seekers arrived from the most recent buses and were provided shelter, the city would surpass the highest number of people in recorded history in the city's shelter system.

The New York City mayor also called for emergency federal and state aid to handle the continued flow of asylum seekers into the region. Adams' emergency declaration will direct all relevant city agencies to coordinate efforts to respond to the humanitarian crisis and to construct the city's Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers, as per CNN.

The city now has more than 61,000 people housed in its shelter system, which includes thousands who were experiencing homelessness and thousands of asylum seekers who were carried by bus in recent months from other regions of the United States.

Mayor Adams said that more than 17,000 asylum seekers were bused to New York City from the southern border since April of this year alone. Texas, as of the first week of October, spent more than $18 million busing migrants, who have been processed and released by immigration authorities in Texas border communities, to various other states.

According to BBC, an average of five to six buses have been arriving in New York City since September, Adams said during a Friday press conference. He added that one in five people in the city shelter system was an asylum seeker.

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The Situation in the Southern Border

Adams also said that the majority of the migrants who were arriving in the city were in need of serious medical care. He noted that the city was doing all it could but argued that officials were reaching the outer limit of their ability to help.

Arizona, Florida, and Texas all announced initiatives to move migrants to Democratic-led states, which they have accused of being "sanctuary" jurisdictions that fail to enforce immigration laws. Lawmakers argued that the tactic sought to mitigate the impact of migration laws in local communities.

Furthermore, officials said that the measure was designed to increase pressure on the Biden administration to do more to reduce the number of people crossing the southern U.S. border, which this year has hit a record high.

Adams argued that the city's social services were "being exploited by others for political gain." However, a spokesperson for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott dismissed the declaration by the New York City mayor on Friday.

The spokesperson, Renae Eze, said that the true emergency was on the country's southern border where small Texas border towns are overrun and overwhelmed by hundreds of migrants every single day.

New York law enforcement conducted checks of the buses coming in bringing migrants in an effort to slow down the flow of asylum seekers. Furthermore, police handed out court appearance forms to drivers of the buses, the New York Post reported.

Related Article: Joe Biden's Marijuana Pardon Could Help More Than 6500 Offenders: Here's Who Will Benefit

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On the opening Sunday of the Labour Conference, Woburn Partners, the PR company run by Tom Watsons former spin doctor James Robinson, held its annual party for delegates. Hosted in a trendy Liverpool speakeasy, the venue was mobbed. Shadow Ministers, political apparatchiks and sharp-suited corporates rubbed shoulders and traded business cards. The scent of expensive after-shave and power hung heavy in the air.

We didnt come to Labour last year, one businessman told me, but look He gestured around. You can just feel it. These people are going to be in government soon. We need to get to know them.

The party conference season is a regular but superficial ritual. The circus travels north. Backs are slapped, speeches are made. Those delivering them rise  or slip  one or two rungs on the political ladder. Then everyone decamps back to Westminster and normal service resumes.

Not this year. I have a 20,000 majority, one Tory MP told me, and when I get back home, all Im going to do is sit in my constituency for the next two years. Theres no way of saving the Government. All I can do now is save myself.

Labour have surged to a staggering 30-point opinion poll lead. The next General Election is now Keir Starmers to lose

In the space of two weeks, British politics has been upended. Liz Trusss premiership has imploded. Labour have surged to a staggering 30-point opinion poll lead. The next General Election is now Keir Starmers to lose.

But he can still lose it. For two main reasons. Liz Truss isnt quite as bad a Prime Minister as her enemies like to think. And Starmer isnt quite as good a potential Prime Minister as he and his supporters would have the country believe.

Take, for example, their respective addresses. Starmers was well delivered and well crafted. Trusss was wooden and dull. But it was Truss, not Starmer, who provided the only memorable soundbite, with her critique of the Anti-growth Coalition.

Its a clumsy phrase and lacks definition. But she has at least managed to draw a rough political dividing line between those who seek to energise and harness the British economy on behalf of ordinary working people, and those  like the environmental protesters who helpfully interrupted her  who opt to oppose it on narrow ideological grounds.

In the space of two weeks, British politics has been upended. Liz Trusss premiership has imploded

In contrast, Starmer is still focused primarily on drawing dividing lines within his own party. His advisers were delighted with the way their decision to open conference with a lusty rendition of God Save The King was embraced by party members. It sent a clear signal  Corbynism is dead, one told me.

But while its true Sir Keir has successfully moved Labour away from Corbynism, the reality is hes only managed to travel as far as reheated Milibandism. Look at the conference slogan, one Shadow Minister said to me. It was originally supposed to be A Fresh Start. But then the Queen died and people decided it had to be dumped. Thats when Ed came swooping in with Fairer, Greener Future. That was all him.

A second Shadow Minister pointed to Starmers one significant conference announcement. The publicly owned green energy company. Vintage Miliband. He was in and out of Starmers office all summer pushing that.

For embattled Tory advisers, Milibands resurrection is providing a glimmer of hope. They recognise the mini-Budget has been a car crash. But they also believe that if they can somehow shunt the wreckage off the carriageway, a clear political path stretches out in front of them.

Unlike their opponents.

We have a long-term economic plan, one No 10 source said, but where is the long-term economic plan from Labour?

Keirs energy package only covers six months, which is emblematic of an absence of long-term thinking and vision.

Over the past fortnight thats not represented a problem for Starmer. Its been enough for him to simply point at the Tories, mock their kamikaze economics, and let the polls do the rest.

But now Labour find themselves in a place they havent been for a decade. No longer merely His Majestys Opposition, they have become a government in waiting. And that is set to bring an entirely new level of scrutiny.

Last week, Labour Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves responded to Kwasi Kwartengs speech by claiming the fact the Bank of England had to step in with a 65 billion bailout with taxpayers money is deeply shameful. But it wasnt true. In reality, only 4 billion of the 65 billion earmarked has been required to stabilise the pension funds.

The days when Labour could play fast and loose with such figures are over. Whether they like it or not, Reeves and her colleagues have now bound themselves into market orthodoxy.

By seizing on the hostile mini-Budget reaction of the IMF, OBR and the credit ratings agencies, they have effectively made these capitalist guardians the ultimate arbiters of their own partys economic platform.

Crowd-pleasing pledges to save the NHS 24 hours from its extinction, spend on education, education and education again, or build a wind turbine on every street corner will no longer cut it.

If Starmer is to maintain his advantage, he will have to start to show where he is going to save, what he is going to axe, and how his own sums add up. Because if he doesnt, the markets will pass an equally damning verdict on his own fiscal plan

If Starmer is to maintain his advantage, he will have to start to show where he is going to save, what he is going to axe, and how his own sums add up. Because if he doesnt, the markets will pass an equally damning verdict on his own fiscal plan.

Liz Trusss first month in office has, to be blunt, been a catastrophe. But there are a couple of things to be said in her favour. She has shown she is prepared to be bold. And she has demonstrated inner strength.

Visitors to the penthouse eyrie she occupied during her week in Birmingham noted her composure, but also her determination to continue to take political risks. Shes shown shes prepared to listen, one ally said, but she still strongly believes she has the right plan to boost growth and prosperity.

In contrast, some of Starmers Shadow Ministers believe the Governments dramatic collapse has cemented his instinct to put safety first. My worry is hes going to sit back and let the Tories lose the Election. And lets be honest, theyre currently doing a great job of it, one confided to me. But if they somehow turn things around, what are we left with? Whats our big offer?

In the eyes of many in his party, Starmer has essentially become Labours Gareth Southgate. There is no denying he has delivered success. Or that his strategy has carried his team a long way.

In the eyes of many in his party, Starmer has essentially become Labours Gareth Southgate. There is no denying he has delivered success. Or that his strategy has carried his team a long way

But doubts persist. That he is too defensively minded. That he remains tactically one-dimensional. That he is overly reliant on wearing down the opposing team, rather than driving forward and overwhelming them.

And there is one other thing that should give Sir Keir pause for thought. Those Labour MPs and activists rubbing their hands at the prospect of fighting an Election against a fatally wounded Liz Truss are set to be disappointed.

Because the Prime Minister either defies her critics and transforms her political fortunes, or she will be ousted.

She has four months, a Tory grandee told me. If the polls havent moved significantly, then she will be removed. We wont sit back and let the current level of dysfunction continue indefinitely.

The 2022 party conference season has changed the political landscape. The next General Election is now Sir Keirs to lose.

But if he insists on clinging to a one-goal lead, Labours Gareth Southgate could still find a way to do precisely that.
Why did Elizabeth Truss expect to be applauded for saying that she was the first British Prime Minister to have gone to a comprehensive school?

Weirdly, she is not the first to make the claim. Theresa May went to a grammar school which was gradually merged out of existence while she was there. Yet she insisted for years, in reference books, that she attended a comprehensive.

Actually, if I supported comprehensive schooling, I would be a bit worried by these claims. I will try not to be unkind, but these two Premiers have not perhaps been the most successful or distinguished tenants of No 10.

Then there is Ms Trusss own curious attitude towards her school. Was it good, or was it bad? Years ago I clashed with her on BBC Question Time, when she boasted about her classless education. I pointed out, correctly, that she had attended an exceptional school in a well-off part of Leeds, far better than the bog-standard places which most people have to endure.

Why did Elizabeth Truss expect to be applauded for saying that she was the first British Prime Minister to have gone to a comprehensive school?

Then, when she was campaigning for the Tory leadership, she angered many who knew that school, Roundhay. She said: I saw too many children being let down  let down by low expectations. This produced a memorable splat from Lord Kirkhope, who was Tory MP for the area when Ms Truss was a pupil at Roundhay.

He accused her of exaggeration, saying that Roundhay had managed to retain some of the older aspects of the grammar school it replaced. It wasnt as if it was without any academic excellence  even Liz went on to Oxford, he said. I think she was suggesting she was the only person who went to any sort of university and all the others were poor, inner-city kids, which was certainly not the case for Roundhay.

He was right. Reputable surveys by the Sutton Trust and Teach First have shown that officially comprehensive schools in well-off suburbs are in fact fiercely selective  but by wealth rather than ability. I think that if this was not so, the British middle classes would be in a state of revolt against the national school system.

They ought to be anyway. Because even these socially selective schools are far less good than the national system of grammar schools which they replaced. The tiny rump of remaining grammars give no clue to the excellence of more than 1,400 academically selective state schools which existed throughout the UK up to the 1960s. Even the unfairly maligned secondary modern schools, to which most boys and girls went in those days, were in many cases better than the vast, chaotic all-in schools which replaced them.

The standards of all schools have fallen steeply since. Children leave school or university with sheaves of grand-sounding certificates, but the exams they have taken are pitifully weak compared with those taken at the grammars.

Any truly conservative government would restore the lost grammar schools. It would state truly that selection by ability was both fairer and better than the crude selection by wealth we now have.

Then there is Ms Trusss own curious attitude towards her school. Was it good, or was it bad?

It would accept that any serious study of the evidence shows a tragic decline in national education since comprehensive schooling was imposed on the country. This was the first education revolution in history which required the actual destruction of hundreds of first-rate schools. But the Tories long ago joined in the Lefts increasingly frantic pretence that the comprehensive revolution has been a success.

In this case, watch what politicians do rather than what they say. The Labour MP Diane Abbotts action in sending her son to a private school reveals her real opinion about modern state schools better than a thousand speeches.

So does Labours choice of leaders. Every Labour Premier since the war has studied either at grammar schools or private schools. So does the complex wangling which Labours elite indulge in, to get their own children into state schools which (like Roundhay) have somehow escaped the full ravages of the comprehensive system.

A proper conservative leader would long to make a speech in which she proudly proclaimed the closure of the last comprehensive school and the end of a disastrous social experiment in which millions of children were the victims and the whole country was the loser.

Greenpeace  and a lot of red faces

One of the many reasons I have stopped going to party conferences (full list on application) is the ludicrous security palaver. Not only are you required to supply, months in advance, piles of intrusive details on fiddly forms, but theres little point. When you get there, you must undergo airport-style security to get in, even though police know in full detail you are not a terrorist.

I have always thought this futile and oppressive, and probably useless too. And so it now seems. Getting into the hall for the leaders speech requires yet another level of selection. So can anyone explain how two well-known Greenpeace activists  head of politics Rebecca Newsom and political campaigner Ami McCarthy  were able to obtain seats in the Birmingham audience on Wednesday?

Im not complaining. They brightened an otherwise dull morning. But if anyone is actually paying attention to all those forms, how did it happen?

So can anyone explain how two well-known Greenpeace activists  head of politics Rebecca Newsom and political campaigner Ami McCarthy  were able to obtain seats in the Birmingham audience on Wednesday?

Its not unions causing rail chaos

The strikes of the RMT and ASLEF are disrupting my life quite a bit, although train services on my line on RMT strike days are often better than on non-strike days.

But I am also being held up by Great Western Railway, which on Thursday sprang a revised timetable on me which abolished both the trains I usually take; and Network Rail has been forcing me to make part of my journey in slow, crowded buses each weekend.

They have closed my local railway station in both directions, allegedly for engineering works. Yet when I went to observe these works last Sunday, they were both noiseless and invisible in at least one direction.

In my experience, the privatised rail system disrupts my travel far more than the unions do.
I have never met Conor Burns, the MP who has been sacked from his job as Trade Minister and had the Whip withdrawn following allegations of serious misconduct at Conservative Party Conference.

For all I know he could be guilty as sin, completely innocent or, as is often the case with these things, somewhere vaguely in between.

Full details of what is supposed to have happened are not clear. But the accusations seem to centre around alleged lecherous behaviour towards a younger man in the bar of a hotel on Tuesday night.

Of course, inappropriate sexual behaviour is always thoroughly unacceptable, and even more so in the case of a Minister of State.

Conor Burns has vowed to clear his name after losing the Conservative whip, according to the Sun

And it is understandable that, following scandals that have engulfed the party, not least the behaviour of former Deputy Chief Whip Chris Pincher, which led to the demise of Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister should be cautious about this sort of thing.

Even so, the speed and the severity of the punishment is remarkable. By taking such action, the Chief Whip, Wendy Morton, has effectively signalled that Burns is guilty, and guilty of an offence serious enough to have him permanently removed from office and stripped of his job.

Yet no investigation or disciplinary process appears to have taken place  nor could it realistically have done so, given the timescale.

Like I said, I dont know Burns from Adam, and hold no candle for the man. Perhaps he is not fit to hold office, who knows?

But surely that should be decided via a proper process, rather than, as it seems to have been, on the basis of an untested accusation  and a tweet from a former Spice Girl, Mel B, which was intriguing, Ill grant you, but not, in and of itself, proof of anything.

Now, you might say, Oh what does it matter, its only another sleazy MP. But it does matter. Because this is not about any individual case, its about the PRINCIPLE of the thing  a principle that increasingly is being ignored. And that is the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

And it is understandable that, following scandals that have engulfed the party, not least the behaviour of former Deputy Chief Whip Chris Pincher, which led to the demise of Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister should be cautious about this sort of thing

In civilised society, that principle exists to protect the vulnerable against the powerful, to make sure that everyone  rich or poor, weak or strong  gets a chance to defend themselves openly and have their actions judged fairly in a neutral setting. And it seems to me that, in todays world, that principle exists less and less.

Instead there has been a total reversal: guilty until proven innocent. You see it everywhere, from high-profile cases such as Harvey Proctor, accused by Carl Beech of being part of a Westminster paedophile ring, to Johnny Depp, who this year finally reclaimed his life after winning his case against Amber Heard.

But people like Depp and Proctor have many resources with which to defend themselves. For them, its only a matter of time and money. There are countless who do not.

One thinks of a 14-year-old girl called Becky, whose story appeared in the Daily Mail a few weeks ago, beaten and bullied out of school for daring to challenge the conventions around racism. A bewildered youngster, subjected to a protracted campaign of hate, harassed and humiliated on social media, attacked in public  and all because of a misunderstanding over something she had said in class.

It is alleged that the incident happened at the Hyatt Regency hotel bar in Birmingham in the early hours of Tuesday, with sources claiming an onlooker told Mr Burns, pictured, to stop, according to the BBC

One thinks of the childrens author Gillian Philip, who was dropped by her publisher for daring to voice her support for J.K. Rowling.

In my worst nightmares I couldnt have predicted the devastating fall-out from adding the hashtag #IStandWithJKRowling to my Twitter bio, she said. It started with online messages threatening to kill and rape me, moved on to emails being sent to my publishers demanding my sacking, and ended with me losing my livelihood.

One thinks of the anonymous teenage boy, whose case was also in the Daily Mail, whose tentative teenage flirtations with the opposite sex at the age of 13  13, mind  led to accusations on behalf of the girls parents that saw him suspended then expelled from school and branded a rapist, a nonce and told he should be castrated. At one point he was accused by another child of locking three girls in a cupboard at school and raping them. When in fact he was curled up in his room, sobbing uncontrollably, unable to process or comprehend what was happening to him.

It is alleged that the incident happened at the Hyatt Regency hotel bar in Birmingham, pictured, in the early hours of Tuesday, with sources claiming an onlooker told him to stop, according to the BBC

The truth is, it is now the easiest thing in the world to destroy someone you dont like, have fallen out with, or whose views you disagree with. The Salem witch trials had nothing on the 21st Century. An accusation alone is enough to unleash the hell-hordes of social media, to have employers and colleagues scrambling to save their own skins, and friends turning their backs.

Mud sticks, and nine times out of ten  as was the case with the fantasist Beech  no one is looking at the person slinging it, just whoever is in the stocks. I repeat: inappropriate, abusive or harmful behaviour should never be tolerated. But circumstances arent always straightforward, things arent always black and white. And people dont always tell the truth, or perhaps they only tell their truth, as it were.

Recollections, as our dear departed Queen so wisely said (goodness, how we miss her), may vary  especially if the accuser has an underlying agenda.

Even she was not immune from this madness, her family and reputation tarred with the brush of racism by her own grandson in the final years of her life. And that is why, now more than ever, that principle should apply: innocent until proven guilty, without exception. Because elsewhere, anarchy lies.

A gran gesture, Flo

I adore this picture of Florence Pugh with her grandmother Pat at the BFI Film Festival. Its not the first time Ms Pugh has brought her gran along as her red carpet date  she also accompanied her a month ago at the Venice Film Festival.

I adore this picture of Florence Pugh with her grandmother Pat at the BFI Film Festival. Its not the first time Ms Pugh has brought her gran along as her red carpet date  she also accompanied her a month ago at the Venice Film Festival

They remind me so much of me and my own grandmother, Ruth (although obviously I was no way as beautiful or as glamorous, or indeed as successful as Pugh when I was her age). Ruth didnt exactly have an easy life: among other things she suffered from post-natal depression, for which she was sectioned and subjected to EST, as a lot of women were back then. But in my late teens and early 20s, when things were tough at home, she was my greatest friend and confidante, a source of much wisdom and a calm, a safe port in the storms of life. She died almost three decades ago, yet I think of her almost every day, my guiding light and inspiration still.

I don't know about the Government dispensing advice to households on saving energy: having moved into rented accommodation this summer I currently cant even work out how to switch my heating on. Since the management company tells me its not its responsibility to show me, theres only one option: the cat, who is satisfyingly plump and warm and overly affectionate. Luckily Whiskas, for now, is still cheaper than gas.

Serial killers are no joke

One of the more unpleasant aspects of the Jeffrey Dahmer documentary on Netflix is the way the subject matter has turned into some sort of sick joke on social media. (Pictured left: Dahmer in court in August 1991, and right: actor Evan Peters as Dahmer in the Netflix show Monster)

One of the more unpleasant aspects of the Jeffrey Dahmer documentary on Netflix is the way the subject matter has turned into some sort of sick joke on social media. TikTok in particular is full of people making fun videos about his victims (eg putting a dolls head inside a burger bun alongside the caption When Jeffrey Dahmer invites you for dinner), or posting clips of the actor who plays him dancing seductively as if the character were some sort of idol and not a cannibalistic serial killer. Honestly, what is wrong with people?

As a child of the Sixties, Ive been here before with the threat of nuclear Armageddon, and the only advice I can give is this: drink that special bottle of wine, take that holiday, wear that coat youve been saving for best. It will almost certainly never happen. But at least if it does, youll have no regrets.

I find David Beckhams decision to get into bed with the Qataris utterly baffling. Either he is so venal he doesnt care about their appalling human rights record, or he is so thick he doesnt understand the issues. For once I hope its the latter.

I find David Beckhams decision to get into bed with the Qataris utterly baffling. Either he is so venal he doesnt care about their appalling human rights record, or he is so thick he doesnt understand the issues. For once I hope its the latter

Contrast the sight of Russian men fleeing conscription with that of Iranian teenage girls throwing off their headscarves and standing up to their countrys brutal regime. If the Russians had half their courage, the world would be a much happier  and safer  place.

Congratulations to the Lionesses, who beat world champions USA on Friday, continuing their 23-game unbeaten run under manager Sarina Wiegman. Cant help thinking she could teach the boys and Gareth Southgate a thing or two
4m excavation would not have gone ahead without Charles' patronage

Charles was almost killed on live TV after a corner of the frame smashed the hull

It was one of the most ambitions and expensive maritime salvage operations in history.

As 60 million people watched on television on the morning of October 11, 1982, the hull of the Tudor warship the Mary Rose emerged from The Solent.

Watching the ship being towed to Portsmouth naval dockyard were two men: King Charles, then Prince of Wales, who was one of the last divers on Henry VIII's flagship, and Albert Granville, who owned the Tog Mor barge and crane which lifted the hull out of the soupy water.

Now, on its 40th anniversary, a new television documentary, Raising The Mary Rose: The Lost Tapes has revealed that Charles narrowly avoided being injured on live TV when a corner of the frame slipped more than a metre, making an enormous crash, and almost smashing the hull.

The King was on his way to look at the wreck at close quarters when the vessel crashed.

Former Royal Engineer Jack Frost, who was involved in the salvage operation, recalled: 'You know, the future king of England could have died live on TV, which I think would have changed the whole aspect of the recovery, to be honest.

A new television documentary, Raising the Mary Rose, has discovered that without King Charles involvement, the excavation of the ship in Portsmouth on October 11, 1982 (pictured) might never have happened

A corner of the frame broke away as it was being lifted in the air and smashed the hull close to where the then-Prince Charles was standing

King Charles was almost killed live on TV during the excavation of the Mary Rose (Pictured on 11 October, 1982 moments before the ship was lifted into the air)

'Everything went silent. There wasn't a whisper. No one spoke for what felt like minutes, was probably ten seconds, but just no one moved.

'And that put paid to Prince Charles getting on her, because it wasn't going to happen from then.'

What is the Mary Rose? The Mary Rose was a war ship in Henry VIII's 'Army by Sea', built in Portsmouth. Launched in 1511, the Mary Rose would go on to fight in wars against France and Scotland in a career spanning 34 years. On 19th July 1545, during the Battle of the Solent, the Mary Rose sank with the loss of around 500 soldiers and sailors. In 1982, a committee was set up to consider many different methods of raising the hull. They decided to use a purpose-built lifting frame that would be attached by wires to steel bolts passing through the hull at carefully selected points. These points were spread evenly across the section of the ship, mainly in the major structural beams. Henry VIII's flagship went on display in the Mary Rose museum in Portsmouth exactly 471 years after it perished. The recovered ship went on display at the Mary Rose museum in Portsmouth 471 years after it perrished Advertisement

Speaking afterwards, Charles said: 'I will never forget the almighty crash as the chains came down and I thought it was all my fault.

'The important thing is to be British and not panic. So, we didn't and all was well. Marvellous.'

The programme also discovered that without the King's involvement, the 4 million operation would not have gone ahead.

The Mary Rose sank in 1545 just two kilometres from the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour, having spent 34 years as Henry VIII's flagship.

When the Mary Rose Trust was founded in 1979, the King became its president.

'I in my own family have very strong naval traditions and I often think that when this ship healed over and sank so quickly, it could easily have been me in command,' he later explained.

He dived a total of nine times on the wreck between 1974 and 1982 before it was raised from the seabed,

And now the programme has revealed that it was Charles, as patron of the Mary Rose Trust, who personally persuaded the multi-millionaire chairman of Howard Doris Engineering and his wife Jocelyn to loan them his floating crane, which cost 25,000 a day at that time to hire.

Ian Dahl, then development director of fundraising at the Mary Rose Trust recalled: 'We had an event and we very carefully selected who were the core people to be invited that evening.

'And one of those people just happened to be responsible for the company that owned the ideal crane to raise Mary Rose.

'The Prince of Wales walked straight over (to him), put his hand out in his wonderful way of relaxing people and said: "Oh, how wonderful. I believe you've got the crane for us to raise the Mary Rose."

'And the chairman's wife looked at her husband and said: "Oh, darling, that's absolutely marvellous."

'So basically, he was on the spot and said: "Yes, sir, you know, we would very much like to help."'

King Charles brought along his own diving suit to inspect the wreck of the Tudor warship Mary Rose. Pictured moments before the dive in August 1979

Charles pictured surfacing from his last dive onto the sunken Tudor warship in April 1982

The ship went on to be recovered on the pulley block, presented to him when he opened the Mary Rose Exhibition in 1984.

He later introduced the Queen Consort to the Tudor ship when they visited the new 35 million museum, housing the remains of the hull and 14,000 artefacts at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, in Hampshire.

A skeleton, representing then 300 found, was buried in Portsmouth Cathedral.

Charles told fundraisers and volunteers: 'I remember my days of diving on the ship out in the Solent in the most impossible conditions. It was like swimming in a kind of lentil soup.

'You couldn't see anything, or so I thought, until it was under your nose.

'What I could never get over was the sheer expertise of the archaeologists operating under water. I think it was worth taking the risk as we have this truly remarkable example of a Tudor warship which is unique.'

Raising The Mary Rose is screened on Channel 4 at 7pm on Sunday October 9
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Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark 'was not part of the meeting' between his mother Queen Margrethe II and his younger brother over royal titles, the Royal Household confirmed - after Prince Joachim admitted the siblings' relationship is 'complicated'.

Margrethe, 82, and her youngest son Joachim engaged in peace talks this week to try and smooth tensions that have arisen after the monarch announced last week she would be stripping his four children, Prince Nikolai, 23, Prince Felix, 20, Prince Henrik, 13, and Princess Athena, 10, of their royal titles, which he claimed had 'hurt' them.

Heir to the throne Frederick and his wife Princess Mary's four children - Prince Christian, 16, Princess Isabella, 15, and twins Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent, 11 - remain unaffected by Margrethe's decision as they are direct descendants of the future King.

Following the meeting, the palace confirmed that the monarch and Joachim want to 'look forward' and are trying to 'find their way through' their differences - however, Frederik did not attend the meeting at Fredensborg.

Danish publication B.T. reported: According to the Royal House, the Crown Prince was not part of the meeting, with a statement from the palace reading: 'The Queen and Prince Joachim have spoken together at Fredensborg. Everyone agrees to look forward, and as the Queen herself has expressed, she and Prince Joachim want calm to find their way through this situation.'

It comes after Joachim, 53, and his second wife Princess Marie, 46, who is mother to his youngest two children, said their relationship with Frederik and his wife Princess Mary, 50, is 'complicated'.

But as the conflict brewed between the Danish royals, Spanish magazine Vaniatis Elconfidencial claimed the real reason for the rift was because Joachim 'was deeply in love with his sister-in-law Mary'.

Prince Frederik of Denmark 'was not part of the meeting' between his mother Queen Margrethe II and his younger brother over royal titles, the Royal Household confirmed - after Prince Joachim admitted the siblings' relationship is 'complicated'. Pictured, Frederik and Joachim in August 2022

Queen Margrethe (centre, in 2015) had a meeting with Prince Joachim (right) following animosity after he said his children were 'hurt' by her decision to remove their princely titles (Left: Crown Prince Frederik)

The news comes as a Spanish magazine reported the Prince had been 'deeply in love' with his sister-in-law and Crown Prince Frederik's wife, Princess Mary. Pictured in 2014

Tensions began to grow last week in the Danish Royal Family after Queen Margrethe, declared Prince Joachim's children, Prince Nikolai, 23, Prince Felix, 20, Prince Henrik, 13, and Princess Athena, 10, were to be counts and countesses as of 1 January 2020 and known as Their Excellencies, rather than their Royal Highnesses (pictured with their parents on the Queen's golden Jubilee in September)

The Danish Royal Family tree. Prince Joachim's children Nikolai, 23, Felix, 20, Henrik, 13, and Athena, 10, will all be losing their titles on January 1 2023

B.T.'s royal correspondent Jacob Heinel Jensen said of the significant and positive development between the monarch and her youngest son, that it was not surprising that Frederik wasnt included.

The expert said: Prince Joachim himself has acknowledged that the relationship with the Crown Prince couple was complicated, so it is not surprising that he was not there. It is the Queen's decision, and she is the one who must bear the brunt of it.

He added of the meeting: This is crucial for their relationship. There will be an event in the future where it is important that we as a population believe that they have become friends again, now the first stones have been laid.

Tensions began to grow last week in the Danish Royal Family after Margrethe declared Joachim's children, Prince Nikolai, 23, Prince Felix, 20, Prince Henrik, 13, and Princess Athena, 10, were to be counts and countesses as of 1 January 2020 and known as Their Excellencies, rather than their Royal Highnesses.

Following the announcement, Joachim, speaking outside the Danish Embassy in Paris, told Ekstra Bladet his children had been 'hurt' by the decision and that he had only been given five days to break the news to them before it was publicly announced.

Amid the scandal, Joachim and his second wife Marie admitted their relationship with his older brother Crown Prince Frederik and his sister-in-law Crown Princess Mary is 'complicated'.

And the Spanish magazine Vaniatis Elconfidencial has since sparked more speculation around the rift, after reporting that Joachim 'was deeply in love with his sister-in-law Mary'.

A photograph was even published by Swedish womans weekly magazine 'Svensk Damtidning', allegedly showing Joachim trying to kiss Mary at a gala party of the Royal Guard Regiment.

The Spanish magazine recalled: 'With obvious signs of drunkenness, it seems that the youngest son of Queen Margarethe tried to stamp his lips on his sister-in-law's mouth, that she got out of the way as she could and with an unperturbed smile, while Marie witnessed the embarrassing moment.'

It's been a dramatic week for the Danish Royal Family - after Queen Margarethe II of Denmark announced last week that she would be removing princely titles from four of her grandchildren. Pictured, Princess Marie, Prince Joachim, Princess Mary and Prince Frederik in 2019

Queen Margrethe of Denmark and her eldest son refused to answer questions regarding the fallout of last week's bombshell royal titles as they arrived at the state opening of parliament on Tuesday

Queen Margrethe (pictured in blue) made the decision to strip princely titles from Prince Nikolai (left), Prince Felix (second from left), Prince Henrik (right) and Princess Athena (second from right). Also pictured: Prince Joachim and Princess Marie

It also suggested that shortly after Frederik and Mary's wedding in 2004, Danish media began to speculate that Joachim 'was deeply in love with his sister-in-law'.

'In fact, it didn't help that in 2007 he announced his engagement to a French girl (Princess Marie) with the same name and a striking physical resemblance,' wrote the magazine.

But with such strong rumours about the prince's crush on Mary, the magazine claims Margarethe called 'them to order' and 'started a campaign to show that there were no problems between the two women,' including 'unscheduled outings' together.

MailOnline has contacted the Danish Royal Household for comment.

On Tuesday, Queen Margrethe and her eldest son refused to answer questions regarding the fallout of last week's bombshell royal titles as they arrived at the state opening of parliament.

Margrethe, 82, was joined by Crown Prince Frederick and his wife Princess Mary at the opening of the Folketing, in Copenhagen.

The assembled press asked a flurry of questions to all three royals on their arrival but the trio 'chose with big smiles to turn their backs to the press and talk among themselves before they entered Christiansborg', the seat of the Danish parliament, according to local news outlet BT.

The royals put on an upbeat display and smiled to each other as they took their seats ahead of the opening. Margrethe opted for a vibrant mint dress and matching hat, while Australian-born Mary looked more sombre in grey.

It comes hours after Queen Margrethe issued a public apology for her decision to strip four of her grandchildren - the sons and daughters of her youngest son, Prince Joachim - of their royal titles.

She said she was sorry for hurting her family with the 'difficult decision' but insisted it was the right choice.

And according to Danish royal commentators, the public statement is 'completely unusual' and shows how serious the conflict within the family has become.

They added the Queen likely fears coming across as an 'ice queen', following several emotive public statements from Joachim in which he spoke of how his children had been 'harmed' by their grandmother's decision.

A bitter royal row within the household has unfolded in recent days after Queen Margrethe, 82, announced she would be removing princely titles from Joachim's children, Prince Nikolai, 23, Prince Felix, 20, Prince Henrik, 13, and Princess Athena, 10. Pictured, Marie, Joachim, Mary and Frederik on 11 September 2022 in Denmark

As of January 1, Prince Nikolai, 23, Prince Felix, 20, Prince Henrik, 13, and Princess Athena, 10, will become Counts and Countesses, and will be known as Their Excellencies, it was announced on Wednesday. Pictured, the children with Prince Joachim and Princess Marie on September 11, 2022

Speaking to Danish publication Ekstra Bladet, royal house expert Lars Hovbakke Srensen said: 'It is a completely unusual situation, it is historic, and it shows something about the seriousness that the Queen feels called to make such a personal announcement in a press release.

'It is quite unusual and she has never done this before. It shows that there is a huge conflict.'

Mr Srensen added the Queen's statement was a way of 'trying to close this conflict' and draw a line under it, following several days of turbulence between the monarch and her youngest son.

Last Thursday Prince Joachim told Ekstra Bladet his children had been 'hurt' by their grandmother's decision to remove their princely titles and make them counts and countesses, adding he had only had a few days to break the news to them before it was announced publicly.

However, according to Mr Srensen: 'You cannot have members or former members of the royal house constantly speaking in the press about the Queen's decision and discussing back and forth with each other in full public view.'

In a statement released online, the Queen said she had made the decision as 'a mother, grandmother and monarch' and 'no one should doubt' her family are 'her great pride and joy'

He added Queen Margrethe 'had to say something' following Prince Joachim's public comments.

In a statement, the monarch admitted she had 'underestimated' the impact of her actions but said it was 'a long time coming' and it had been made as 'a Queen, mother and grandmother.'

Another royal expert, Jacob Heinel Jensen, agreed the Queen felt 'compelled' to issue a public statement about the reported animosity and told B.T. the Queen's statement reflected the 'crazy situation' the Danish Royal Household finds itself in.

He added it is likely she did not want to make a public apology about her decision, but that Prince Joachim's public comments left her with no choice but to address the accusations.

Mr Heinel Jensen said: 'Queen Margrethe has felt compelled to [issue a statement], and it is because the Royal House is of course afraid that she will appear like an ice queen, which she has become in the past week. This is of course an attempt to say that she is not, she also feels it and is upset about the situation.'

Prince Joachim and Princess Marie of Denmark (pictured) have admitted their relationship with Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary is 'complicated' - and that they still haven't heard from Margrethe II after she stripped four of her grandchildren of their royal titles

Front: Queen Margrethe, Middle Row (left to right): Prince Vincent, Princess Josephine, Princess Athena, Prince Henrik. Back row (left to right): Princess Benedikte, Princess Isabella, Crown Princess Mary, Crown Prince Frederik, Prince Christian, Prince Joachim, Princess Marie, Prince Felix and Prince Nikolai in a portrait celebrating Queen Margrethe's Golden Jubilee

He added he thought the Queen's decision was the right one - although he was unsure if it would calm Prince Joachim's strong feelings about his mother's decision.

The Queen's statement read: 'In recent days, there have been strong reactions to my decision on the future use of titles for Prince Joachim's four children. It obviously affects me.

'My decision has been a long time coming. With my 50 years on the throne, it is natural both to look back and to look forward.

'It is my duty and my wish as Queen to ensure that the monarchy continues to shape itself in keeping with the times.

'It sometimes requires difficult decisions to be made, and it will always be difficult to find the right moment.

'Carrying a royal title entails a number of obligations and duties, which will in future be the responsibility of fewer members of the royal family.

'This adaptation, which I see as a necessary safeguard for the future of the monarchy, I want to make in my time.'

Prince Joachim of Denmark (pictured) once again hit out at his mother Queen Margrethe II's decision to strip his four children of their royal titles

Speaking in Copenhagen (pictured) Crown Princess Mary of Denmark defended her mother-in-law Queen Margrethe's decision to strip four of her grandchildren of their royal titles, and suggested her own children's positions might not be secure

She continued: 'I have made my decision as Queen, mother and grandmother, but as a mother and grandmother I have underestimated how much my youngest son and his family feel affected. It makes a big impression, and I'm sorry for that.

'No one should be in doubt that my children, children-in-law and grandchildren are my great joy and pride.

Revealed: The Danish Royal Family's VERY glamorous palaces It's perhaps no surprise that a European Royal Family enjoys several castles and palaces - however for the Danish household, many of the properties are owned by the state, and run by the Agency for Palaces and Cultural Properties. This includes the main residence of Amalienborg, the family's spring home of Fredensborg Palace, their summer house of Grasten Palace and the hunting lodge Eremitageslottet . The Danish Queen's personal properties include Marselisborg Castle, Chateau de Caix in France, and the royal hunting lodge in Jutland at Trend. Prince Joachim lives with his second wife in Paris - but when he returns home to Denmark it is sometimes to the Schackenborg Castle in southern Jutland. The estate was the prince's private residence from 1993 to 2014, before he sold the property. But since Prince Joachim and Princess Marie are on the board of the Schackenborg Castle Foundation, they occasionally return to live there for short periods of time. Amalienborg, the Danish household's main residence, pictured The family's spring home of Fredensborg Palace, pictured The Danish Queen's personal properties include Marselisborg Castle, pictured The Royal Danish family's summer residence of Grasten Slot, pictured Advertisement

'I now hope that we as a family can find the peace to find our way through this situation ourselves.' She signed off the note; 'MARGRETHE R.'

According to Mr Srensen, the incredibly personal statement, which includes the Queen's admission she had 'underestimated' how seriously her grandchildren would be affected by the change, shows how serious the conflict within the family is.

The statement was released after it emerged Prince Frederik has spent the last week in St Tropez taking part in a sailing competition - while his brother expressed his sadness that his children were to be stripped of their titles.

Prince Frederik joined friends to defend the prestigious BMW Trophy, which they also won in 2021.

Her&Nu reported the royal arrived in the exclusive St. Tropez last weekend to take part in the Les Voiles Saint Tropez race with the TP52 boat Nanoq.

In a photograph from the event which was taken on Friday, the royal can be seen posing on a boat topless in the sunshine.

The Crown Prince appeared to recline on the boat as he chatted with friends during his seven day visit to the country last week.

The news comes after Frederik's brother Joachim and his second wife Marie admitted their relationship is 'complicated'.

Speaking to B.T. they also said Queen Margrethe has 'unfortunately not' tried to speak to them, with Joachim adding: 'It's also family. Or whatever we want to call it.'

During the interview, B.T reported that a French woman approached the royal couple and told them their children will 'always be princes and princesses to her', apparently leaving Marie and Joachim in tears.

Elsewhere, Marie, the mother of Joachim's two youngest children, told the Danish news outlet that her daughter Athena is being bullied at school after the decision was publicly announced earlier this week.

'They come and say (to Athena): Is it you who is no longer a princess?,' she said, adding that her children were put under the public spotlight and so she feels the need to defend them.

Last week, Joachim hit out at his mother Margrethe's decision, saying it 'punished' his children, as well as claiming he had only been told the news five days before it was made public - despite the Royal Household insisting the move 'has been a long time coming'.

Meanwhile, Princess Mary came out in public support of her mother-in-law's move while speaking in an interview with Ekstra Bladet in Copenhagen on Friday, saying that while 'change can be extremely difficult and can really hurt... this does not mean that the decision is not the right one'.

The oldest son of Australian-born Princess Mary, 50, and Frederik is Prince Christian, 16, who is second-in-line to the throne.

Frederick and Mary's four children - Prince Christian, 16, Princess Isabella, 15, and twins Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent, 11 - remain unaffected by the monarch's decision as they are direct descendants of the future King.

However Princess Mary suggested that might not always be the case, saying they will 'also look at [their] children's titles when the time comes'.

Speaking about the monarch's intention to slim down the Danish royal family, Joachim said: 'The reality must still be: whether you modernize or slim down, it must be done in a proper way. It's about children. Orderliness and children. It is a very heavy matter.'

Commenting on Princess Mary's point that her children may too lose titles in the future, Joachim said: 'I don't know how they feel if they have to think it through. Now is preparation time. We didn't have that.'

Last week, commenting on his children's reaction to the move to B.T., Joachim said his children 'don't know which leg to stand on as their identity is removed' - and questioned 'why must they be punished in that way?'.

The prince said: 'I can say that my children are sad. My kids don't know which leg to stand on. What they should believe. Why should their identity be removed? Why must they be punished in that way?'

'I don't want to engage in speculation and mudslinging,' said Joachim. 'I am telling the truth... I was given five days notice... I was given five days' notice of this. To tell my children that on New Year's their identity will be taken from them.'

He added that in May, he was presented with a plan that his 'children's identity should be taken from them when each of them turned 25', to which he asked 'to be allowed to come back with my proposal'.

But he said he was given just five days notice that the decision was to be accelerated, adding: 'I am so sorry for my children. I just demand the truth.'

Speaking at a function at the National Museum in Copenhagen on Wednesday night, pictured, Margrethe said: 'It is a consideration I have had for quite a long time and I think it will be good for them in their future. That is the reason'

Prince Nikolai said that he is sad, shocked and confused after his royal title was stripped 'quickly'. Pictured modelling during the Dior Pre-Fall 2019 Men's Collection show on November 30, 2018 in Tokyo

His ex-wife, Countess Alexandra, the mother of his two eldest children, added in a statement to Danish magazine Se og Hr: 'This comes like a bolt from the blue. The children feel ostracized. They cannot understand why their identity is being taken away from them.'

Prince Nikolai and Prince Felix's mother says she's 'in shock' by move to strip them of their royal titles Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg - Prince Joachim's ex-wife and mother to Prince Nikolai and Prince Felix - said she is 'in shock' over Queen Margrethe II of Denmark's decision to strip her sons of their royal titles. Nikolai, 23, and Felix, 20, along with their younger siblings Prince Henri, 13, and Princess Athen, 10, from their father's second marriage, will all have their titles of prince and princess removed from January 1 2023, the palace announced yesterday. 'We are all confused by the decision. We are saddened and in shock,' Alexandra said in a statement from her press advisor Helle von Wildenrath Lvgreen, reported Danish magazine Se og Hr. The statement continued: 'This comes like a bolt from the blue. The children feel ostracised. They cannot understand why their identity is being taken away from them.' Earlier this month, Alexandra attended Queen Margrethe's Golden Jubilee celebrations at the Danish Royal Theatre in Copenhagen. Prince Joachim married his second wife Princess Marie in 2008, and they later welcomed Prince Henrik and Princess Athena Advertisement

Her spokesperson Helle von Wildenrath Lvgreen told another news organisation that Joachim learned of his children's fate via an aide.

Queen Margrethe spoke neither to her sons nor her grandchildren, it is claimed.

'The children have received the message that they are losing their titles, delivered by their father, just as Countess Alexandra was told by Prince Joachim,' the spokesperson added.

Meanwhile, speaking about the decision last Wednesday, Queen Margrethe said: 'It is a consideration I have had for quite a long time and I think it will be good for them in their future. That is the reason.'

And the Royal Household released another statement, saying: 'As the Queen stated yesterday, the decision has been a long time coming.

'We understand that there are many emotions at stake at the moment, but we hope that the Queen's wish to future-proof the Royal Household will be respected.'

Prince Nikolai, a model, also spoke out last week, telling Ekstra Bladet: 'My whole family and I are of course very sad. We are, as my parents have also stated, in shock at this decision and at how quickly it has actually gone.

'I am very confused as to why it has to happen like this,' he told reporters from outside the Copenhagen apartment where he lives with his girlfriend.

Countess Alexandra, Prince Joachim's ex-wife and mother to Prince Nikolai and Prince Felix, is also 'very sad' and 'shocked' about the decision.

'She can't believe why and why now, because there's no good reason,' Helle von Wildenrath Lvgreen, press secretary to Countess Alexandra told CNN.

'They would lose their titles anyway when they get married one day. Her sons are young men so maybe they might get married in the near future so why shouldn't it wait until that day so that the titles would disappear on a happy day?'

Under the agreement, Nikolai, Felix, Henrik, and Athena will be known as either His Excellency Count of Monpezat or Her Excellency Countess of Monpezat from January 1, 2023.

However they will maintain their positions in the order of succession.

They are currently seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth, but would move down if any of Crown Prince Frederick's children were to have children.

Margrethe, who is the world's longest serving queen and celebrates her Golden Jubilee this year, is affectionately known as 'aunt Daisy' by European royals due to her close personal ties with many reigning monarchs.

She is a first cousin of Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf and a second cousin of Norway's King Harald V.

She enjoyed a close relationship with the Queen, a distant cousin, and the Duke of Edinburgh, and shared deeply personal tributes following their deaths. She was joined by her son Crown Prince Frederick at the Queen's funeral earlier this month.

The Queen seemingly enjoys a close relationship with both sons and all eight of her grandchildren, and makes regular appearances with both families. However there is now said to be an 'ice-cold air' between the Queen and her grandchildren.

Countess Alexandra's press secretary questioned why the change could not have waited until their wedding day, when her sons would 'lose their titles anyway'. Pictured, Alexandra Countess Of Frederiksborg

The move is said to have driven a wedge between Margrethe and her four grandchildren. Pictured, the Queen (centre) with sons Joachim (left) and Crown Prince Frederick (right). Also pictured: Crown Prince Frederick's wife, Crown Princess Mary (right) and son Prince Christian (in his lap) and Prince Nikolai and Prince Felix (left) who will be affected by the change

Prince Nikolai, from left, Princess Marie, Prince Joachim and Prince Felix arrive for the command performance at the Danish Royal Theatre to mark the 50th anniversary of Danish Queen Margrethe II's accession to the throne in Copenhagen, Saturday, September 10, 2022

Prince Nikolai of Denmark celebrated his 23rd birthday in August at home with his parents and siblings in Copenhagen. Pictured left with Prince Felxi, 20, Prince Henrick, 13 and Princess Athena, ten

Nikolai with his stepmother Princess Marie, siblings, and father Prince Joachim, on the balcony of Amalienborg palace during the Danish Queen's 78th Birthday in April 2018

'There is ice-cold air between Queen Margrethe and her grandchildren after she decided that they will lose their titles as prince and princess from the New Year,' leading Danish publication Ekstra Bladet reported.

'The news, which has crushed both the four children and their parents, was not delivered by the queen herself.

Out of a title: The four grandchildren who will no longer be TRHs Nikolai of Denmark, 23: The Copenhagen Business School student and model regularly tops lists of the world's most eligible bachelors. He lives in Denmark but has jetted around the world to walk for designers in Paris and London. Nikolai has also appeared on the cover of Vogue Scandinavia. Felix of Denmark, 20: Following in his brother's footsteps, Prince Felix has also had success as a model and has starred in an advertising campaign for Georg Jensen. He had a short stint at the Royal Danish Military Academy but quit after two months because it 'wasn't for him'. Henrik, 13, and Athena, 10, of Denmark: The youngest of Prince Joachim's four children, Henrik and Athena are the product of his second marriage to Princess Marie. They live with their parents in Paris. Advertisement

'They have not been called to Amalienborg for a cold coke and an explanation as to why they must henceforth be addressed as counts and countesses. Not even that far.'

Queen Margrethe has a well-cushioned allowance, with the Danish Civil List granting her 800,813 a month, or 9.6 million for the year to run the royal household - including staff, properties and administration, according to Business Insider.

Meanwhile, Celebrity Net Worth lists her net worth at around 37million.

Around 183,750 per month is reportedly given to the Queen's children. Crown Prince Frederik receives the largest amount of this money, of which 10 per cent is given to his wife, Princess Mary.

Many of the Danish Royal Family's properties are owned by the state, and run by the Agency for Palaces and Cultural Properties.

This includes the main residence of Amalienborg, their spring home of Fredensborg palace, their summer house of Grasten Palace and the hunting lodge Eremitageslottet .

The Danish Queen's personal properties include Marselisborg Castle, Chateau de Caix in France, and the royal hunting lodge in Jutland at Trend.

Prince Joachim lives with his second wife Princess Marie in Paris, where he has been working as a Defense Attache at the Danish Embassy since September 2020 - but when he returns home to Denmark it is sometimes to the Schackenborg Castle in southern Jutland.

The estate was the prince's private residence from 1993 to 2014, before he sold the property.

But since Prince Joachim and Princess Marie are on the board of the Schackenborg Castle Foundation, they occasionally return to live there for short periods of time.

In the summer of 2020, Prince Joachim suffered a stroke while holidaying in France with his family and had to be rushed into hospital for emergency brain surgery.

Prince Joachim's eldest sons, Felix and Nikolai, are Margrethe's eldest grandsons and have embraced a life in the public eye.

The 20-somethings, who both live in Denmark, both enrolled in the National Military Academy but dropped out before completing their studies.

They have enjoyed flourishing careers as models, posing for several advert campaigns and on the cover of magazines.

Both of Margrethe's grandsons turned to modelling in their late teens. Pictured with their grandmother in May 2021

Princess Marie with Prince Joachim, Prince Felix, Prince Nikolai, Princess Athena and Prince Henrick with Joachim's first wife's Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg in 2020

Nikolai caught international attention in 2018 when he walked in the Burberry show at London Fashion week, before a front row that included Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Michelle Dockery, Naomi Watts, Zendaya, and Idris Elba.

He is signed to Scoop Models agency in Denmark and has been multiplying his modelling gigs.

He sent royal fans into a frenzy in February when he graced the cover of Vogue Scandinavia.

The 23-year-old oozed sophistication when appearing in the magazine and looked effortlessly stylish in a matching pink Dior jacket and trousers as he posed in front of a number of colourful flowers.

When he is not modelling, Nikolai is studying Business Administration and Service Management at the In 2019, Prince Nikolai began his B education at Copenhagen Business School.

Queen Margrethe and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark at the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Margrethe tested positive for Covid-19 only 24 hours after Queen Elizabeth II's funeral on Monday September 19

Queen Margrethe of Denmark, 82, attended the 'reception of the century' at Buckingham Palace, which was hosted by King Charles and Camilla before Queen Elizabeth II's funeral

Last year he was living in Paris as part of a school exchange, and could see his younger siblings and his dad more easily.

At the end of last year, he started training at the Royal Danish Military Academy to become an Army Lieutenant, but in October it was announced that he'd quit after just two months because it 'wasn't for him'.

Prince Felix chose to make his modelling debut for jeweller Georg Jensen, appearing in pictures and an advert promoting the new Reflect collection of necklaces, earrings and rings.

The royal is further down the line of succession, pursuing his own career path rather than being a 'working royal' was expected choice for Felix even before his grandmother's announcement, and modelling is certainly a popular choice for minor royals across the globe.

While they are growing to be their own person, Felix and Nikolai do attend royal events on occasion.

They both looked very dapper as they attended the celebrations for their grandmother's golden jubilee with their parents in early September.
Iranian authorities have denied allegations that the country's security forces were responsible for the murder of a 16-year-old protester, arguing that the victim lost her life when she fell off a roof during demonstrations.

However, the mother of the teenage girl said that security forces murdered her daughter. Nasrin Shakarami said that she discovered injuries on her daughter, Nika Shakarami's, body that contradicted the official statement.

Chaos in Iran

Authorities said in the statement that the victim appears to have been thrown from a building, possibly by workmen. On the other hand, an official forensic report has said that a woman whose death sparked the protests died from failing health.

The family of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, the Iranian Kurd who was arrested for allegedly failing to wear her hijab properly, said that she died as a result of being beaten by the morality police. Amini was detained on Sept. 13, in Tehran under the country's strict hijab laws, as per BBC.

However, police officials have denied that Amini was mistreated and argued that she suffered a heart attack while in the custody of law enforcement. Iran's Forensic Medicine Organization (FMO) issued a statement on Friday saying that tests showed the victim died from multiple organ failure caused by cerebral hypoxia and not from being hit.

The report added that this was brought on by an underlying brain and heart condition as Amini's family previously insisted that their loved one was medically fit. Furthermore, rights groups said that more than 150 people have been killed and thousands arrested since the protests began on September 17.

According to Yahoo News, the situation also comes as Amnesty International argued that security forces in Iran were responsible for the death of Sarina Esmaeilzadeh by striking her with batons on the head during the demonstrations.

Read Also: Russia Nuclear Weapons: Volodymyr Zelensky Warns Danger of Vladimir Putin Nuclear Threats to Ukraine

Police Brutality

In Iran, women have played a prominent role, waving and burning headscarves in protest of Amini's death. High school girls were also seen taking part in the demonstrations demanding justice for the victims and challenging Iran's clerical leadership.

In a statement, the chief justice of Alborz province, where Esmaeilzadeh died, said that a preliminary investigation showed the cause of death of the victim was suicide from a fall from the roof of a five-story building.

Chief Justice Hossein Fazeli Herikandi said that the claims that were opposed to the media about the victim's death were "lies." The official added that Esmaeilzadeh's mother said that the 22-year-old had a history of suicide attempts.

In a Sept. 30 report, Amnesty International said that Esmaeilzadeh was one of at least 52 people killed by security forces between Sept. 19 and Sept. 25. The group added that the victim "died after being severely beaten in the head with batons."

On the other hand, Nasrin said that authorities kept her daughter's death a secret from her for nine days. They then took the body from a morgue to bury her in a remote area, against the family's wishes. The 16-year-old has become the latest face of the protests in Iran that threatens the ruling elites, ABC News reported.

Related Article: Iran President Raisi Call For National Unity Amid Ongoing Protests as EU Consider Sanctions

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Americans are being urged to check their freezers for Aldi-sold falafel amid fears it could be contaminated with E.coli.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said today 20 people across six states had fallen sick with the bacteria after eating the food. Five are in hospital.

It is being linked to either the Traditional or Garlic and Herb falafel from the brand 'Earth Grown', sold exclusively by Aldi.

Officials are urging anyone with the products to throw them out or return them for a full refund, while Aldi says they have stripped the products from their shelves.

People can catch E.coli after eating contamined food or touching feces from humans or animals, leading to severe stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Most patients recover within five to seven days, but some are hospitalized after developing serious kidney problems.

Pictured above is the packaging for frozen garlic and herb falafel sold by Aldi. Officials are urging anyone with these products to throw them out or return to store for a full refund

Pictured above is the packaging for the frozen traditional falafel sold by Aldi. This is also being recalled

Pictured above are states where E.coli has been detected linked to the falafel. More than half the cases (11 infections) have been reported from Michigan

WHAT IS E. COLI AND WHY IS IT DANGEROUS? E. coli (Escherichia coli) are bacteria that generally live in the intestines of healthy people and animals. Infections can occur after coming into contact with the feces of humans or animals, or by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Symptoms of an E.coli infection include bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. In rare cases, sufferers can develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This is a condition in which there is an abnormal destruction of blood platelets and red blood cells. According to the Mayo Clinic, the damaged blood cells can clog the kidney's filtering system, resulting in life-threatening kidney failure. No treatment currently exists to treat these infections. They usually disappear within one week, but medical professionals recommend resting and drinking fluids to help prevent dehydration and fatigue. Advertisement

It was not clear how the products became contaminated with E.coli, but experts say the bacteria is typically spread when feces comes into contact with food or water.

The FDA fears contaminated products may still be lurking in freezers due to a shelf-life of about 18 months.

It says the frozen falafel was distributed to stores after June 24, 2021.

A total of 18 people who fell sick with the E.coli have been interviewed by the FDA so far.

Fifteen reported shopping at Aldi stores.

And six said they ate the frozen falafel in the days before falling ill.

The last case was detected on September 19, data shows.

Most are in Michigan, 11 cases. But four have been detected in Wisconsin, two in Florida and one each in Iowa, Kansas and Ohio.

Cuisine Innovations  which made the frozen falafel  began recalling all affected products on October 6.

The food business says online it is a 'leading manufacturer' of instant meals, with the 'Earth Grown' label on several vegan and vegetarian products in Aldi stores.

The FDA investigation remains ongoing.

Companies are always urged to screen their products for contamination before they are dispatched for sale on shelves.

This includes regular inspection of manufacturing lines, and checks for contaminants.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that in serious cases of infection patients vomit so much they can't keep liquids down.

Symptoms usually begin three to four days after infection, they said.

Most patients recover within five to seven days, but a number will go on to develop a more serious illness including kidney problems leading to hospitalization.

It comes after an E.coli outbreak that sickened at least 37 people in four states was linked to lettuce used at Wendy's.

The cases were detected over two weeks in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Many felt ill after eating burgers or sandwiches sold by the fast food company. Wendy's removed romaine lettuce from stores in regions affected in response.
We've been told to prepare for the worst this winter. Covid infections and hospitalisations have started to soar and the incoming wave of flu is expected to strike early and be especially severe.

And while hospitals are already struggling to cope and have begun cancelling routine operations, health officials are pinning their hopes on a trusty weapon to save the NHS from the brink of disaster: the autumn booster.

A fourth dose of the Covid vaccine is being offered to 26 million Britons (its the fifth jab for the over-75s). And this time it has been reformulated to target the latest Covid variants. Theres just one catch: too few people are having it.

The latest Government figures reveal that just four in ten over-75s have had their autumn booster jab since the programme was launched nationwide early last month. On paper, this is only slightly behind the rollout of the spring booster, which was offered to over-75s in April. But experts speaking to The Mail on Sunday say we should be well ahead of this level by now, given that Covid cases are already rising quickly and winter is fast approaching.

A fourth dose of the Covid vaccine is being offered to 26 million Britons (its the fifth jab for the over-75s). And this time it has been reformulated to target the latest Covid variants. Theres just one catch: too few people are having it

Last night the NHS urged the more than six million people who have yet to take up their invitation for an autumn booster to come forward. Reminders to book a jab will be sent out this week

Covid rates are shooting up at a much faster rate than were vaccinating, says Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious disease expert at the University of East Anglia.

This is concerning because were already seeing people ending up in hospital who shouldve had a booster by now. This could be avoided if we got more vaccines into arms.

Last night the NHS urged the more than six million people who have yet to take up their invitation for an autumn booster to come forward. Reminders to book a jab will be sent out this week.

More worryingly, less than 40 per cent of people who are most vulnerable to the virus  those with weakened immune systems  have come forward. This group, including people with blood cancer and whove had organ transplants, currently make up about a fifth of all Covid hospitalisations.

Now, hundreds of letters written to The Mail on Sunday have shed light on why so few people have taken up the vital booster.

Last week, our GP columnist Dr Ellie Cannon asked readers to write in if they had struggled to get their autumn booster, or if they had opted not to have it  and the responses revealed a litany of NHS logistical mix-ups that have denied them the vaccine theyre eligible for.

Some readers say they have yet to even get an invitation, while others cant find a place to get vaccinated.

Meanwhile, others who dont have access to the internet have been told they can only book their jab online.

Experts have echoed readers concerns about the messiness of the situation.

Carehome resident Jeff Collins is photographed receiving his booster jab at the Gorsey Clough nursing home in Tottington, Bury. Only four in ten over 75s have so far received their latest dose

It seems like its much more difficult to access the booster vaccine than in previous rollouts, says Professor Lawrence Young, a virus expert at the University of Warwick. Im struggling to find a jab for my 88-year-old father, and he lives in London  in rural areas of the country its likely to be even harder.

The Covid autumn booster programme launched on September 7 with four million over-75s, care home residents, frontline healthcare workers and the most vulnerable supposedly able to book in for their jab  either on the NHS website or via a local GP surgery, pharmacy or vaccination centre.

On September 12, NHS England said the invitation was open to all those over 65.

But according to letters sent to The Mail on Sunday, many of those in these priority groups have yet to receive their invitation.

Lesley Elson, 91, said: This time of year I usually get a letter about the flu jab, and for the past few years Ive been told to come in for a Covid jab, but this time I havent received anything.

No one got in touch to tell me anything, so I called the surgery and asked. They said they didnt have the vaccine and couldnt tell me when I might get it.

I didnt see my family for two years because of the pandemic, so its really frustrating not to have this jab as I want to be protected.

Doncaster-based GP Dr Dean Eggitt says several of his patients have complained that they have yet to receive an invitation

A 73-year-old woman said: I have had two Covid jabs plus a booster  a total of three injections. To date, I have not been contacted by anyone about having either the next booster or a flu jab.

Another woman in her 70s wrote that she was surprised to read in Dr Ellies column that she and her husband were due a booster, as she had not heard anything from her GP surgery.

Doncaster-based GP Dr Dean Eggitt says several of his patients have complained that they have yet to receive an invitation.

Invitations are meant to be sent out by local surgery groups  a collection of GP practices in close proximity that work together.

While this is done using computer software which is supposed to automatically invite everyone eligible, Dr Eggitt says human error could be behind the missing invitations. Someone still has to go in and extract that information, so its entirely possible that some people are falling through the cracks.

However, even those who do receive an invitation, it seems, cannot easily get a jab.

Brian Beswick, 67, from Stockport, says he has tried to book an appointment online six times but was repeatedly told that no appointments were available. His local GP surgery could not help either.

Don't wait for an invitation... book it Anyone who is eligible for a Covid booster vaccine should not wait to be invited to book one in. Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, Steve Russell, the NHS national director of vaccinations and screening, says that those in priority groups, such as the over-65s and those vulnerable to Covid, should visit the NHS website and click find out about Covid-19 vaccination to book their jab now. This includes those over the age of 65 and anyone with serious underlying medical conditions that make them extremely vulnerable to Covid. The NHS website also allows you to search for a walk-in site in your local area. Google search NHS walk-in Covid jab and the first result should take you to the correct NHS web page. Simply enter your postcode to find nearby clinics. Those who do not wish to book online can call the vaccine hotline  119  instead. Local pharmacies may also be delivering the jab, so it is worth asking if they can help or, if not, whether they know of a chemist that can. There are more than 3,000 sites around the country based at pharmacies and other local community hubs, says Mr Russell. I urge anyone eligible for an autumn booster to book a jab without delay. Advertisement

I was told that all appointments were booked up and to try again when I got another text notification, says the former housing administration worker, who suffers from lung disease.

Maggie and Terry Nunn, from West Dorset, tried to book an appointment online, only to be offered one 30 miles away.

Maggie, 72, a former council worker, said: Neither of us can drive long distances  I have a hip injury and my husband is 79 and extremely ill, having suffered several strokes and cancer.

We want our jabs but dont know how we will get them.

The letters paint a picture far from that of the slick vaccine drive of 2021, when jabs were widely available in most areas.

So what has changed this year?

Doctors say there will undoubtedly be enough jabs for everyone who wants one, but there are now fewer places to receive them.

Far fewer GP surgeries are doing jabs this time round and we dont have those big vaccine centres, says Dr Mo Khaki, a London GP. People are calling up where they previously got jabbed, only to find they cant get one there any more.

GPs say the result of this is that many surgeries have been overwhelmed by requests for jabs.

Weve had queues of people around the block at our surgery, says Watford GP Dr Nisa Aslam. It feels like people are coming from all over the area for their vaccine. Were struggling to fit everyone into the waiting room, its so busy.

Some GPs say they have also faced delays in getting hold of stock. We were sent our vaccines last week, so weve only just started the booster jabs, says Dr Mike Smith, a Hertfordshire GP. Hospitals got the jabs first. Now that were up and running we should be fine, but we are playing catch-up.

As well as the logistical problems, Mail on Sunday readers have revealed another crucial factor that may be hindering the vaccine drive: many people simply dont feel it is necessary. I had been considering getting the fifth dose but decided against it, wrote 76-year-old Bonnie Margo. I really do not want this virus to control my life. I am pleased we have the choice, but at the moment do not feel the need to have another jab.

Meanwhile Pat Thomas, 73, says shes in no hurry to make her appointment. My husband, our friends, our families and I have come through the pandemic with not so much as a runny nose, even though a couple of them did test positive at one stage.

Experts have noticed the situation developing. Were already seeing a sharp rise in Covid patients coming into hospital again, says Professor David Strain, Covid lead at the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, and every single patient Ive seen has been eligible for their booster jab but chose, for whatever reason, not to get it.

He added: This isnt an anti-vaccine thing. People are just getting complacent. When I ask Covid patients why they didnt get the jab, the answer I hear the most is, I hadnt got round to it yet.  According to Government figures, the take-up for the first Covid jab was 95 per cent, the second dose was 88 per cent and the third 70 per cent.

Public health experts call this phenomenon vaccine fatigue.

Vaccine fatigue happens in every jab campaign, from meningitis to flu, says Professor Hunter. Weve already seen it slowly happening between each Covid jab, but this time around it looks more pronounced.

A significant number of readers have delayed their latest dose due to worries about side effects. Margaret Lewin, 82, is reluctant after suffering heart palpitations and shortness of breath following her spring booster, while Sheila Evans wants to avoid another debilitating headache. I dont think I can go through it again, she says. Im having my flu jab, but Im not sure I want the Covid booster too.

Multiple studies have shown that with the latest booster vaccines, the risk of severe side effects is low. The most common problems are minor  such as pain or swelling at the injection site, headache, tiredness, fever or nausea. But doctors warn that even rare, severe side effects pale in comparison to the risk of catching Covid.

Professor Paul Hunter of the University of East Anglia said: Vaccine fatigue happens in every jab campaign, from meningitis to flu. Weve already seen it slowly happening between each Covid jab, but this time around it looks more pronounced'

Vaccine side effects are unpredictable, but they are far more predictable than the impact of catching Covid, even after four jabs, says Professor Peter Openshaw, an immunologist at Imperial College London.

If youve had a bad reaction to a previous booster, then you should talk about this with your doctor before the next one.

But a headache and some nausea is absolutely preferable to ending up in hospital.

Experts say key Government decisions may be partly to blame for the lack of enthusiasm about the latest vaccine drive.

Last month, reports surfaced that the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) had slashed the budget for promoting the booster on TV, newspapers and social media by 63 per cent. Under previous Health Secretary Steve Barclay, funding for vaccine advertising was cut from 11 million to 4 million.

Last week, NHS England insiders said this decision probably contributed to the poor turnout. One said: Steve Barclay was in the role for only a few months, but in that time he decided that spending money on Covid jabs adverts wasnt a priority.

Leading NHS figures have also called on the Government to ramp up promotional messages.

Dr Layla McCay, director of policy at the NHS Confederation, which represents hospitals, said: To hit the vaccination target, it is crucial that the Government does all it can to make sure everyone knows what vaccines they are eligible for, and when and how to get them.

A DHSC spokesman previously said that it was prepared to increase advertising activity if vaccination uptake was lower than expected.

Should the vaccine drive not improve, doctors worry about the potential repercussions for hospital capacity.

If things continue this way, we could be back in a position where beds are filled up with Covid patients and we cant get people in for a hip replacement or heart procedure, says Prof Strain. Itll also make the ambulance build-ups that were seeing even longer, as there will be even fewer beds for those arriving at hospital.

If we want to avoid this, then we need to act now to get more boosters in arms.
NHS hospitals are paying out nearly 3 million a year in legal costs following catastrophic errors during dental surgery, latest figures have revealed.

Every year, thousands of patients with complications that require treatment beyond the skills of normal dental practices are referred to hospital for surgery.

The payouts are being used to settle claims with patients for a wide range of mistakes, including having the wrong teeth pulled, suffering unnecessary pain or nerve damage, or not being asked for their consent before having invasive treatments.

Every year, thousands of patients with complications that require treatment beyond the skills of normal dental practices are referred to hospital for surgery (picture posed by model)

Litigation against NHS hospitals for dental disasters is on the rise, according to the analysis of data published in the British Dental Journal

And litigation against NHS hospitals for dental disasters is on the rise, according to the analysis of data published in the British Dental Journal.

Researchers from University College Hospital in London trawled through data held by NHS Resolution, the body that handles negligence claims on behalf of the health service.

Between April 2015 and April 2020, there were 492 dental negligence claims, resulting in total payouts of 14 million.

Almost 4 million went on compensating NHS patients for delays in treatment, while a further 2.4 million was paid out to those left with nerve damage after an operation. There were also 33 cases where surgeons accidentally took out the wrong tooth, costing more than 600,000 in legal bills.

In a report on their findings, the researchers said: Hospital dentistry claims are smaller in cost than other surgical specialities but are on the rise.

However, the researchers also stressed that the NHS sometimes pays out on claims rather than fight them in court, as it can be more cost-effective than ramping up huge legal bills.

British Dental Association spokesman Peter Dyer said: We understand how distressing these clinical incidents can be for patients.

Dentistry units in hospitals are scarce and oversubscribed and this is likely to have contributed to delays and failure to treat, which accounts for nearly half of the cases reviewed.

In 2018, surgeon Panagiotis Stathopoulos, a specialist in maxillofacial surgery at the Royal Derby Hospital, was struck off by the General Medical Council after a tribunal found that he had lied repeatedly to cover up his removal of the wrong tooth during an operation.
Retired soldiers reveal how they were homeless for years after leaving Army

While thousands more veterans each month are applying for Universal Credit

Thousands of cash-strapped military personnel are being forced to turn to the benefits system in a move that has been branded a 'shameful insult' to Britain's armed forces heroes, it can today be revealed.

Almost 3,000 military personnel are claiming Universal Credit, figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have shown.

The revelation comes as military charity bosses today warned they were mobilising in preparation for a fresh surge of forces families desperate for help this winter.

The statistics, obtained by the Labour Party and shared with MailOnline, also show at least 37,000 retired military heroes are now reliant on state handouts.

The news has left a former soldier and leader of a charity supporting suicidal veterans indignant with rage and saying: 'Its pathetic. These people are willing to give their everything in service of this country and staff in McDonald's are earning more.'

While another ex-soldier, Liam Cary, 28 - who has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is on benefits - labelled the situation 'an insult', adding: 'I'm ashamed... this shouldn't be happening.'

Government sources have claimed the numbers are 'misleading', insisting that there is 'no way' to tell whether or not those currently in the armed forces claiming benefits were full-time personnel or part-time military reservists.

'The DWP dont take that detail down... so it would be pretty difficult to determine definitively,' the source told MailOnline.

But a Labour spokesman said: 'The reason there is no way of knowing is because the government simply hasn't bothered to check.'

Almost 3,000 military personnel are claiming Universal Credit, the MailOnline can exclusively reveal today. Pictured are soldiers of the 1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regiment brave the snow in Blackburn

A Government source said the figures were 'misleading' as they didn't differentiate between part-time reservists and full-time personnel. But Labour said that was because the Government 'hasn't bothered to check'. Pictured are sailors from the Royal Navy in London

John Healey, Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary, said the figures were a 'shameful insult' to the military community. He is pictured speaking at the Labour Conference in Liverpool on Tuesday

Today's revelation came in the wake of a military-wide 'continuous attitude' survey of 9,393 personnel, which unveiled how troops felt about their roles and careers. Pictured: RAF personnel on parade at Lossiemouth, Scotland on September 1

John Healey, Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary, said the situation painted a sorry picture of the pay for Britain's military personnel and showed the shocking impact the cost of living was having on the armed forces community.

Speaking to MailOnline, Mr Healey said: 'These figures are a shameful insult to service communities, who are ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

'Those who serve in our British armed forces should not be forced to rely on benefits, yet ministers cant even tell us the true scale of the problem and continue to break promises on employment support.

'The government must ensure personnel and veterans are receiving the right support to get through the tough winter ahead. It is what our country expects and what service communities deserve.'

The number of military personnel on benefits was confirmed by Victoria Prentis, minister of state at the DWP.

The amount of troops claiming Universal Credit has risen steadily over the past few months, from 2,400 in April to 2,900 in July - the most recent figures available.

Meanwhile, the number of veterans claiming the benefits package has skyrocketed during the same period, with 38,000 now on Universal Credit compared to 33,800 in April.

The news comes as a young soldier claiming Universal Credit today claimed he was 'abandoned' by the government and left homeless for years after leaving the Army.

Ex-infantryman Liam Cary, of Walkden, Greater Manchester, was left traumatised after serving his country and had nowhere to go when his Army career ended.

Liam Cary was 16 when he joined the Army but after leaving, he was left homeless for years. He now relies on Universal Credit to make ends meet as he cannot work due to his PTSD diagnosis. Liam is pictured passing out of his basic training

He joined the military straight from school, aged 16, after his mother Dawn died of Hodgkin lymphoma. But after about four years of service, Liam quit the infantry to find that his father had lost the family home.

The young soldier then spent years sofa surfing, sometimes resorting to sleeping on public benches.

Speaking to MailOnline, he said: 'My life has been a rollercoaster since I got out. I was abandoned by the system. The only thing I got was a veteran's badge.'

He claimed he was unable to work due to his PTSD diagnosis and was forced to 'jump through hoops' to claim benefits.

He added he was appalled to hear that current-serving troops were being forced to turn to the benefits system to survive.

'This makes me feel ashamed. It's an insult. This shouldn't be happening,' he said.

'If you've served in the armed forces you should be put into your own benefits system.

'Im a veteran, I should be treated better than this. I understand there are people worse off than this. But at the end of the day, we have done something for this country.'

'I didn't have enough cash to feed my family on my Army salary' Gary Weaving, founder of Forgotten Veterans UK, says his charity helps serving soldiers who can't pay their bills Wounded Afghanistan veteran Gary Weaving remembers all too vividly how he struggled to make ends meet on his British Army pay packet. Going through training in the early 2000s, he said his meagre 800 a month salary was nowhere near enough cash to support his two young children. And as his debt soared, Gary had to turn to the benefits system just to survive - all while serving as a Sapper, the most junior rank in the Royal Engineers. 'I couldn't afford to feed my children,' admits Gary, 43, of Portsmouth. 'I got in a load of rent arrears and council arrears... I was about 4,500 in debt. 'If it wasnt for the benefits system, we would have had nothing.' Gary, who now runs Forgotten Veterans UK, a charity supporting the armed forces, was outraged to learn soldiers were still struggling. 'Its a really sad state of affairs, its pathetic,' says Gary, who was crippled by a spinal injury during his time in the Army. 'These people are willing to give their everything in service of this country and staff in McDonald's are earning more.' Gary admitted his charity in Portsmouth was supporting several young soldiers each month, who were struggling with debt. The city is a hub for the armed forces, home to the Royal Navy and thousands of infantry and Royal Artillery troops. 'Im not surprised troops are still falling into debt. I give out hardship payment to two or three serving soldiers every month, to cover gas, electric, food and school uniforms,' adds Gary. The retired Corporal insists the Government had a 'duty' to fix the problem - and do more for veterans. 'If we cannot look after the people who give their freedoms, lives and health up to serve this country's interests, were going wrong somewhere,' he says. Advertisement

Liam is not alone in his struggle; fellow ex-soldier Marc Hill was forced to sleep in his car for six months after leaving the army.

The Afghanistan and Iraq veteran was left homeless and claiming benefits after he quit the Army in 2015, following a 23-year career with the 1st Battalion Light Infantry.

Former Corporal Marc spent the first six months of 'civvie street' living in his car while working in Edinburgh as he could not find a place to live.

Marc, who also suffers from PTSD, said he felt abandoned by the Army.

'When you are in the Army, it takes care of everything for you. There is not enough preparation for leaving,' the 48-year-old dad said. 'I felt I was just left to cope, which I didn't. I was not in a good place at all.

'I had gone from being in charge of 30 blokes when I was just 22 to living in my car, with no idea how to cope.'

Marc moved back to his parents' home in Sunderland, near Newcastle, and has since found a place of his own in nearby Southwick.

But he said his traumatic experiences during his time in Afghanistan, Iraq and Northern Ireland had left him with crippling PTSD and unable to work, instead 'surviving on' Universal Credit and his military pension.

'I would like to see more support from the Army, both for the welfare of the soldiers who leave and also with funds to train for a job outside the Army,' he told Chronicle Live.

Labour claims the number of veterans and military personnel recorded as claiming benefits could be just the tip of the iceberg, with the true scale of the problem potentially being almost double that.

A spokesman for the party said: 'Victoria Prentis stated that 2,900 of all Universal Credit claimants had indicated they were currently serving in the armed forces, and that 38,000 claimants had previously served.

'But Prentis revealed these figures come from only 51 per cent of the UC caseload, so the real totals are likely to be double. This means up to 5,800 serving members of the armed forces could be claiming Universal Credit, along with 76,000 veterans.'

The surge comes as Britain's cost-of-living crisis continues to deepen, threatening to push families to the brink of financial oblivion.

Now, MailOnline understands that forces charities supporting military personnel and their loved ones are mobilising in an urgent effort to prevent troops and veterans falling into debt before Christmas.

Among those understood to have already taken measures to support is the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust (RNBT), which has seen a huge surge in demand.

Commander Rob Bosshardt, chief executive of RNBT, said about 3m had been set aside to help those in need in preparation for the financial crisis, which is already piling unprecedented demand on the naval organisation.

'We anticipated and are seeing an increase in demand for our services... We had more cases this August than any time in the last five years.' he told MailOnline.

'People are needing help with everything from rent, food, and legal assistance to help with bankruptcy. We're seeing the full spread of applications coming through to us now.'

Preparations are also being made by the Royal Naval Association, which is based at Portsmouth Naval Base.

Captain Bill Oliphant, chief executive of the RNA, said charities were still struggling to understand the scale of the crisis.

'Theres no doubt about it, it is a concern,' he said. 'There is so much turbulence that things are literally changing by the hour.

Charity leader have expressed their concerns, including Captain Bill Oliphant, chief executive of the Royal Naval Association, left, and Adrian Bell, head of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity

Commander Rob Bosshardt, chief executive of the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust said his charity has set aside 3m to help forces families through the cost-of-living crisis

'So, trying to work out just how bad it is going to be for individuals on the ground is part of the battle... But we are standing ready to help.'

Among those believed to be most at risk of falling into debt are troops who are fresh out of training and have young families.

A head of another armed forces charity has today called on struggling military families not to let their pride get in the way of calling for help.

Adrian Bell, chief executive of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, said: 'Dont be too proud to ask for help and asking for help early.

'There is a network of charities that can help you in your time of need but some people find turning to charities for help as an assault of their dignity. Its not. Its really not. Dont let yourself get into trouble.'

Ministers only began collecting the armed forces status of new Universal Credit claims from April 2021, and the status of existing claimants declaring their work and earnings from June 2021.

Today's revelation came in the wake of a military-wide 'continuous attitude' survey of 9,393 personnel, which unveiled how troops felt about their roles and careers.

The results, released in May, found that only 41 per cent of Army, Navy and RAF personnel agreed that the pay and benefits they received were 'fair for the work they do'.

The same report also claimed that just over a third of troops (37 per cent) felt 'valued by their service', down from 41 per cent last year.

Meanwhile, the proportion of personnel rating their workload as too high also increased this year but remains below the level reported in 2018.

The total number of people in the UK armed forces, as of April, was 158,000, with most - 56 per cent - coming from the Army.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence told MailOnline: 'Our armed forces perform an incredible service for our country and we have developed a package which reflects that.

'We have introduced a range of measures to support our personnel, including the biggest pay increase in 20 years, freezing daily food costs, capping subsidised accommodation charge increases to one per cent and increasing Get You Home and Home to Duty rates by seven per cent, saving families up to 3,000 per child per year by extending wraparound childcare, and subsiding education for children of our personnel.'
Harrowing footage from Ukraine shows explosions and huge plumes of smoke as Putin launched a birthday attack on the recently liberated city of Kharkiv.

A series of explosions rocked the city in eastern Ukraine yesterday morning, sending towering plumes of illuminated smoke into the sky and triggering a series of secondary explosions.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

It has been less than a month since Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that his forces had liberated more than 30 settlements in the Kharkiv region, one of the worst-hit areas of the conflict.

And yesterday he said Ukrainian forces had recaptured nearly 2,500 square kilometres (965 square miles) of territory from Russia in a counteroffensive that began late last month.

The blasts early on Saturday came hours after Russia concentrated attacks in its increasingly troubled invasion of Ukraine on areas it illegally annexed, while the death toll from earlier missile strikes on apartment buildings in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia rose to 14.

Putin launched a fresh attack on the city of Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine yesterday morning

Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov said on Telegram that the early morning explosions were the result of missile strikes that hit one of the city's medical institutions, a non-residential building and other spots.

But despite the daily threat of Russian missile attacks, Ukrainian supporters have shared hopes that the war could be over by Christmas.

'This week alone, our soldiers liberated 776 square kilometres of territory in the east of our country and 29 settlements, including six in Lugansk region,' Zelensky said.

'In total, 2,434 square kilometres of our land and 96 settlements have already been liberated since the beginning of this offensive operation,' he added in his daily speech shared on social media.

A senior British source told The Times that President Putin's army could be forced out of the eastern Donbas region by the end of the year, if Ukrainian troops keep up their momentum.

A series of explosions rocked the city in eastern Ukraine, sending towering plumes of illuminated smoke into the sky and triggering a series of secondary explosions

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said yesterday that Ukrainian forces had recaptured nearly 2,500 square kilometres (965 square miles) of territory

But another touted goal - recapturing the Crimean peninsula after it was annexed by Russia in 2014 - may prove even more difficult.

Tacticians estimate that any attempt to regain Crimea would involve large casualties and a slower military campaign.

Ben Hodges, former commander of US forces in Europe, said Russia's offensive is now faltering.

He said: 'Based on all the things we are seeing, it has the feeling of a collapse, at least in the Donbas area, and I do believe the Russians will be pushed beyond the February 23 line by the end of the year. It's an army that's been defeated.'

If Ukraine were to successfully recapture the southern port city of Kherson, Mr Hodges added that he thinks it is possible they could retake Crimea next summer, making use of long-range rocket launchers supplied by Britain and America.

He added: 'Once they do, then frankly the people in Crimea are trapped.'

The grad rocket firing yesterday as a counterattack launched by the Ukrainian forces against Russia continues outside Kherson city

Ukraine is said to be hankering for America to supply them with even longer range missiles, in particular the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) that can strike targets from 190 miles - making a recapture of Crime even more plausible.

Zelensky has also pushed to punish Russia in other areas.

He urged Brussels to ramp up pressure on Russia's energy sector, a day after the EU imposed a fresh round of sanctions on Moscow that included the expansion of import/export bans.

The International Monetary Fund announced yesterday that it will provide $1.3 billion in emergency aid to Ukraine.

The package will help meet Ukraine's 'urgent balance of payment needs... while playing a catalytic role for future financial support from Ukraine's creditors and donors,' the crisis lender said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Norwegian Nobel Committee yesterday awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to human rights organisations in his country and Ukraine, and to an activist jailed in Russia's ally Belarus.

Berit Reiss-Andersen, the committee's chair, said the honour went to 'three outstanding champions of human rights, democracy and peaceful co-existence'.

Jailed Belarusian human rights activist Ales Byalyatski (pictured), Russian human rights organisation Memorial and Ukrainian human rights organisation Center for Civil Liberties have won the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize

Mr Putin this week illegally claimed four regions of Ukraine as Russian territory, including the Zaporizhzhia region that is home to Europe's largest nuclear power plant, whose reactors were shut down last month.

Fighting near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has alarmed the UN's atomic energy watchdog, which yesterday doubled to four the number of its inspectors monitoring plant safeguards.

An accident there could release ten times more potentially lethal radiation than the world's worst nuclear disaster at Chernobyl in Ukraine 36 years ago, Ukrainian environmental protection minister Ruslan Strilets said on Friday.

With its army losing ground to a Ukrainian counter-offensive in the south and east, Russia has deployed unmanned, disposable Iranian-made drones that are cheaper and less sophisticated than missiles but can still damage ground targets.

The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said Russia's use of the explosives-packed drones was unlikely to affect the course of the war.

The death toll from missile strikes on apartment buildings in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia (pictured) has risen to 14

'They have used many drones against civilian targets in rear areas, likely hoping to generate nonlinear effects through terror. Such efforts are not succeeding,' analysts at the think tank wrote.

In other Moscow-annexed areas, Russia's Defence Ministry reported on Friday that its forces had repelled Ukrainian advances near the city of Lyman and retaken three villages elsewhere in the eastern Donetsk region.

The ministry also claimed that Russian forces had prevented Ukrainian troops from advancing on several villages in the southern Kherson region.

In Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region, Russian troops shelled the city of Nikopol overnight, killing one person, wounding another and damaging buildings, natural gas pipelines and electricity systems, the governor reported.

Nikopol lies along the Dnieper River across from Russian-held territory near the nuclear power plant.

The city has been shelled frequently for weeks.

Fighting near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (pictured) has alarmed the UN's atomic energy watchdog

The trail of Russia's devastation and death from areas where its troops retreated became clearer on Friday.

A report by Ukrainian first deputy minister of internal affairs Yevhen Yenin revealed that 530 bodies of civilians have been found in Ukraine's north-eastern Kharkiv region since September 7.

The residents killed during the Russian occupation included 257 men, 225 women and 19 children, with 29 people unidentified, Yenin said.

Most of the bodies were found in a previously disclosed mass grave in the city of Izium.

According to Yenin, the recovered bodies bore signs of gunshots, explosions and torture.

Some people had ropes around their necks, hands tied behind their back, bullet wounds to their knees and broken ribs.

Authorities have identified 22 torture sites in parts of the Kharkiv region that Ukrainian forces recently liberated, said Serhiy Bolvinov, a regional police official.

In recently recaptured Lyman, workers found 200 individual graves and a mass grave with an unknown number of victims, Donetsk governor Pavlo Kyrylenko reported on Telegram.

In Sviatohirsk, 24 kilometres (15 miles) from Lyman, 21 bodies of civilians were reburied.
Finnish PM also rebuked Biden over his comments that Putin need an 'off ramp'

Macron spoke of the need to speak with care on the nuclear threat from Putin

US officials scrambled to assure allies they had no specific intel on Putin's plans

French President Emmanuel Macron had stern words for Joe Biden's 'political fiction' after his US counterpart warned that Putin could start 'nuclear Armageddon'.

Biden was thought to be speaking 'off the cuff' when he said that Vladimir Putin was 'not joking when he talks about the use of tactical nuclear weapons or biological or chemical weapons,' at the end of a Democratic fundraising event on Thursday night

'We have not faced the prospect of Armageddon since Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis.'

The US President suggested the threat from Putin is real 'because his military is  you might say  significantly underperforming.'

US security officials scrambled to reassure allies that they have no new evidence that Putin has imminent plans for a nuclear strike, but the comments still irked some of his NATO allies.

When asked about Mr Biden's remarks, French President Emmanuel Macron said it was crucial to speak with care on the nuclear threat.

Macron said: 'We must speak with prudence when commenting on such matters.'

'I have always refused to engage in political fiction, and especially  when speaking of nuclear weapons,' Mr Macron said at a EU summit in Prague. 'On this issue, we must be very careful.'

French President Emmanuel Macron rebuked Joe Biden when he said it was crucial to speak with care on the nuclear threat

Joe Biden had invoked 'nuclear Armageddon' on Thursday night when he spoke of the danger of Vladimir Putin using nukes in Ukraine after suffering losses on the battlefield

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Friday did not directly respond to a question about whether Mr Biden had gone into the event intending to invoke Armageddon, as the White House sought to clarify the president's off-script comments.

Instead the put the focus on Russia, telling reporters: 'Russia's talk of using nuclear weapons is irresponsible and there's no way to use them without unintended consequences. It cannot happen.'

She added that 'if the Cuban missile crisis has taught us anything, it is the value of reducing nuclear risk and not brandishing it'.

Biden's warning that the world is at risk of a nuclear 'Armageddon' was designed to send an unvarnished message that no one should underestimate the extraordinary danger if Russia deploys tactical nuclear weapons in its war against Ukraine, administration officials said.

Sanna Marin, the Prime Minister of Finland - a future NATO member - also appeared to rebuke Biden for his comments that Putin needed an 'off ramp'.

'I'm trying to figure out what is Putin's off ramp?' Biden was reported to have said at the same fundraising event.

'Where does he find a way out? Where does he find himself in a position that he does not not only lose face but lose significant power within Russia?'

When asked to respond to Biden's comments, Marin replied curtly: 'The way out of this conflict is for Russia to leave Ukraine. That is the way out of the conflict.'

Biden's national security team has warned for months that Russia could use weapons of mass destruction in Ukraine as it has faced a series of strategic setbacks on the battlefield. But the president's remarks were the starkest warnings yet by the US government about the nuclear stakes.

Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin also appeared to rebuke Biden when he spoke of Putin needing an 'off ramp'. Marin said: 'The way out of this conflict is for Russia to leave Ukraine. That is the way out of the conflict'

The nuclear sabre-rattling comes as an increasingly desperate Putin continues to suffer losses in south and eastern Ukraine

One US official said Biden was also trying to warn against underestimating the danger any level of tactical nuclear weapons.

'We've got a guy I know fairly well,' Biden had said at the reception for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

'He's not joking when he talks about potential use of tactical nuclear weapons or biological or chemical weapons because his military is  you might say  significantly underperforming.'

'Don't be fooled by the idea that smaller, tactical weapons were not a major threat to the world,' he continued at the reception for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

'I don't think there's any such thing as the ability to easily [use] a tactical nuclear weapon and not end up with Armageddon,' he said.

There is some concern in the administration that Russia has determined it can use its nuclear arsenal in a manner short of a 'full-blown' nuclear attack on Ukraine and face only limited reaction from US and Western allies who are determined to keep the Ukraine conflict from turning into a broader war, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Mr Putin has repeatedly alluded to using his country's vast nuclear arsenal, including last month when he announced plans to conscript Russian men to serve in Ukraine.

'I want to remind you that our country also has various means of destruction  and when the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, to protect Russia and our people, we will certainly use all the means at our disposal,' Mr Putin said. 'It's not a bluff.'

In Europe, leaders sought to turn down the volume after Mr Biden's stark warning.

European Council President Charles Michel told reporters that leaders take 'every escalation very seriously'.

'Threats will not intimidate us,' Mr Michel said. 'Instead, we are going to remain calm. We are going to keep cool heads and we will, each time, denounce the irresponsible character of these threats.'

Russian President Vladimir Putin has made veiled threats about using nuclear weapons in the war with Ukraine, causing much consternation among NATO leaders

Putin controls the world's largest arsenal of nuclear weapons thought to number nearly 6,000

The public row between Western leaders comes amid reports that Vladimir Putin has been confronted by one of his inner circle about his handling of the failing war in Ukraine.

The insider complained to Putin about 'mismanagement of the war effort' and 'mistakes' being made by those executing the campaign, according to US intelligence.

It is the clearest indication yet of rebellion among Russia's elite over the war and the first evidence that Putin has been directly confronted about it.

Meanwhile Russian business executives linked to Moscow's political class described the situation inside the Kremlin as being at 'breaking point', and said in-fighting will break out soon if the tide of war keeps flowing in Ukraine's direction.

The information was included in a security brief sent to President Joe Biden and shared with other senior officials, before being leaked to the Washington Post.

While the Post does not report the name of the person who confronted Putin, it adds that the name was included in the brief that Biden and others were shown.

The Post separately spoke to members of the Russian business elite to get their impressions and was told that - while officials are not yet in open rebellion - discontent has almost reached boiling point.

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, was asked about reports that an official had confronted Putin and flat-out denied any kind of challenge had taken place.

He did acknowledge there were disagreements taking place at the highest level, but sought to play them off as 'working arguments'.

'Some think we should act differently, but this is all part of the usual working process,' he said.

Putin's mood will not be helped by news that the crucial bridge that connects occupied-Crimea to the Russian mainland was destroyed overnight.

Videos show an explosion rocking the Kerch Bridge which could cut supplies to Putin's forces as Ukraine makes more advances in the south towards Kherson.

The cause of the fire is not yet clear but Ukraine has been targeting Russian logistics in recent weeks

The rail bridge from Russia to the Crimean peninsula can be seen engulfed in flames on the right, while a huge section of the road bridge has collapsed into the sea

Meanwhile, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky Friday urged western allies to 'kick' back against Putin's alleged plans to use nuclear weapons in the country.

Zelensky slammed Russia's nuclear saber-rattling, saying it posed 'a risk for the whole planet'.

In a new interview with the BBC, Zelensky also said Kremlin officials are working to 'prepare their citizens' for the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

He added: 'That's very dangerous. They are not ready to do it, to use it. But they begin to communicate. They don't know whether they'll use or not use it. I think it's dangerous to even speak about it.'

Zelensky called on NATO members to use more 'preventive kicks' against Russia in a new bid to halt the war.

He said: 'The world can stop urgently the actions of Russian occupiers.'The world can implement the sanction package in such cases and do everything to make them leave the [Zaporizhzhia] nuclear power plant.'

Zelensky tonight told the BBC that Russia is 'preparing its citizens' for nuclear warfare
Fake German heiress Anna Sorokin was released from an upstate New York prison late Friday and transported to Manhattan, where shell remain under house arrest while fighting deportation.

The convicted fraudster, whos spent the last 18 months in ICE custody, was ushered out of the Orange County jail at about 5 p.m.

She was bundled into a white van that sped out of a back door of the prison to avoid waiting media.

Sorokin, who also goes by the name Anna Delvey, was taken to a federal building in downtown New York City to be fitted for an ankle monitor before being released to her new apartment in the East Village.

Her attorneys successfully appealed to a judge to grant her release on Wednesday.

Fake German heiress Anna Sorokin was released from an upstate New York prison late Friday and transported to Manhattan, where shell remain under house arrest while fighting deportation

The convicted fraudster, whos spent the last 18 months in ICE custody, was ushered out of the Orange County jail at about 5 p.m.

Sorokin was bundled into a white van that sped out of a back door of the prison to avoid waiting media. The corner of her glasses can be seen in the back seat

Sorokin, who also goes by the name Anna Delvey, was taken to a federal building in downtown New York City to be fitted for an ankle monitor, before being released to her new apartment in the East Village

Her attorneys successfully appealed to a judge to grant her release on Wednesday

US Immigration Judge Charles Conroy agreed to it, placing her under house arrest, because 'she has demonstrated interest in pursuing legitimate employment in the United States, pursuits that will face heavy public scrutiny.'

But the release was delayed as arrangements to post bail were made.

Judge Conroy said that because Sorokin, 31, is infamous, it would be hard for her to fly under the radar and avoid detection.

'She will be required to abide by conditions of release imposed both by the New York State Parole Board and immigration authorities, which, combined with her status as a public figure, will make it particularly difficult for her to avoid detection.

'For all of these reasons, the Court finds that [Sorokin's] risk of flight sufficiently mitigated,' he said in his ruling.

US Immigration Judge Charles Conroy agreed to it, placing Sorokin under house arrest, because 'she has demonstrated interest in pursuing legitimate employment in the United States, pursuits that will face heavy public scrutiny.'

Judge Conroy said that because Sorokin, 31, is infamous, it would be hard for her to fly under the radar and avoid detection

'She will be required to abide by conditions of release imposed both by the New York State Parole Board and immigration authorities, which, combined with her status as a public figure, will make it particularly difficult for her to avoid detection,' the judge said

'For all of these reasons, the Court finds that [Sorokin's] risk of flight sufficiently mitigated,' Conroy said in his ruling

Anna Sorokin leaves Orange County Correctional Facility in Goshen, New York

Sorokin's immigration attorney John Sandweg said in a statement: 'Immigration detention must be reserved for those who pose a danger to society or an unmanageable flight risk.

'We are gratified that, after 17 months of immigration detention, and years after she finished her prison sentence, the court recognized that such detention was no longer appropriate for Ana.

'Make no mistake, she does not get a free pass,' added Sandweg. 'She will continue to face deportation proceedings and her release will be closely monitored by the government.

'Nevertheless, as the court found, continued detention was unnecessary.'

Sorokin wants to stay in the US, despite not having a visa. She is originally from Russia but also has ties to Germany.

Sorokin's immigration attorney John Sandweg said in a statement: 'Immigration detention must be reserved for those who pose a danger to society or an unmanageable flight risk

'We are gratified that, after 17 months of immigration detention, and years after she finished her prison sentence, the court recognized that such detention was no longer appropriate for Ana,' said Sandweg

'Make no mistake, she does not get a free pass,' added Sandweg. 'She will continue to face deportation proceedings and her release will be closely monitored by the government

She sprang to notoriety in 2018 after being arrested for fleecing luxury hotels and restaurants in Manhattan out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Her crimes later became the subject of the popular Netflix series Inventing Anna.

Sorokin has been keeping busy behind bars with multiple media and podcast interviews.

She has been auctioning off her prison sketches and has also written poetry.

She wrote a piece for DailyMail.com last month in which she complained that the US immigration system is broken, saying she has spent 18 months foundering in the sinkhole of Americas immigration system.

Sorokin sprang to notoriety in 2018 after being arrested for fleecing luxury hotels and restaurants in Manhattan out of hundreds of thousands of dollars

Sorokin has been keeping busy behind bars with multiple media and podcast interviews

Sorokin wrote a piece for DailyMail.com last month in which she complained that the US immigration system is broken, saying she has spent 18 months foundering in the sinkhole of Americas immigration system'

Once you're in ICE custody, what happens next is left entirely to ICE. Disturbingly arbitrary nature of the civil immigration detention system allows for immigrants to be held indefinitely without ever having a judge review whether bond or electronic monitoring was an appropriate alternative to detention, she added.

The jail I'm housed at is famous for its understaffing issue. To help alleviate that issue, in the last few weeks alone, 61 immigrants were removed from this facility without notice and transferred to a facility in Mississippi, where ICE can detain them at a lesser cost.

Now those detainees are far from their local support systems of friends or loved ones, and those who were lucky enough to have lawyers have been stripped of the ability to communicate with them readily and in person. Hearings held remotely are not opportune for defendants to consult with their attorneys during the proceeding.
A young couple in Mississippi wanted their new baby to be baptized at their church, but said the reverend sent them a letter refusing to perform the sacred ceremony because they were not married and 'living in sin.'

Kamri Mclendon, 18, and her boyfriend of two years, Tristan Mcphail, are parents to daughter Presleigh, who was born in May.

Mclendon had been attending Hickory Grove United Methodist Church in Sumrall, Mississippi since she was young and wanted her own daughter to be baptized there.

But in a letter the young mother shared on Facebook, Rev. Dewayne Warren wrote that he would not be performing the baptism because the baby was born out of wedlock and that Mclendon and 'the baby's father' were living together 'in sin.'

Kamri Mclendon, 18, and her boyfriend of two years, Tristan Mcphail, are parents to daughter Presleigh, who was born in May. They said the reverend at their church refused to baptize the baby because the young couple was not married

He also pointed out that Mclendon's mother was also not married, yet living with a man, and that the couple were not in regular attendance at the church.

Mclendon, who shared the letter on Facebook, explained they had missed some church services because of their schedule with a new baby.

She added that she felt 'shamed' by the church she grew up in and wrote: 'Instances like this are why young people are scared to go to church. We are aware we sinned, but us repenting for that is between us and the Lord, not to be shamed by a church,' Mclendon wrote.

'When people ask why there are no young people in these churches this is why.'

The young couple shared a letter on Facebook from Rev. Dewayne Warren, who wrote that he would not be performing the baptism because the baby was born out of wedlock

Mclendon later shared an update that a district superintendent for the Methodist church had spoken with the reverend (pictured) and 'rectified the situation' but said she was still hurt

'I will be the first to admit that yes I have sinned and have done wrong in my life,' she wrote. 'How did me trying to dedicate my daughter to Jesus turn into us being shamed for being young parents and unmarried?'

The letter, which was dated September 15, also stated that if Warren were to perform the infant baptism, it would set a bad example for the youth and children of the church.

'I am informed that you and the baby's father are living together in sin; the baby was conceived before the parents were married,' the letter began.

'It would be saying to them that the lifestyle that you are living is OK for a Christian. That is not so.'

Mclendon and her boyfriend told WLBT that they were shocked by the letter, after they were initially told that Warren would perform the baptism for their daughter.

'He knew all of the information of us not being married, all of that,' Mclendon said. 'And he agreed to it. He was like, "Yeah, that works." His wife sent us the material of what would need to be said at the service. He even announced it to the congregation. My grandmother and my aunt and uncle were all there. And then he sent us that letter.'

Mclendon and her boyfriend said they were shocked by the letter, after they were initially told that Warren would perform the baptism for their daughter

Mclendon added that she felt 'shamed' by the church she grew up in (pictured) and wrote: 'Instances like this are why young people are scared to go to church'

In a post, Mclendon wrote that they had requested a 'baby dedication' for their daughter and were told yes. The ceremony was even announced at the church.

But then received the letter that they do not perform 'baby dedications' but instead baptisms, which are a covenant with God.

'Like, we know what the Bible says,' she said. 'We did, in fact, sin. But he knew all of that and he still agreed to it. If he had been straightforward from the get-go, this wouldn't have been a problem with either of us.'

Mclendon then shared an update that a district superintendent for the Methodist church had spoken with the reverend and 'rectified the situation.'

But she said the words from the letter still affected her.

'My heart is breaking,' she wrote.
Comedian Jimmy Carr's estranged father is said to be suing him for defamation following the publication of his memoir.

Jimmy Carr Snr is said to have been in a two-decade long battle with his son over gags at concerts.

After reading the comic's memoir Before and Laughter, he called in lawyers, The Mirror reports.

The pair had reportedly not spoken for 21 years, since the death of the comic's mother Nora in 2001.

In an appearance on the podcast 'Parenting Hell' last year, Carr said: 'I haven't seen my father in 21 years and you know the line my mother's dead to me? My father's dead to me.

'Which sounds very cold, until you meet the guy.'

Now, sources claim Mr Carr, 77, is fed up with his son's 'lies' about him.

One said: 'The last thing Jim wanted to do was take his own son to court, but enough is enough. He's sick and tired of this false characterisation of himself that is being presented.

Comedian Jimmy Carr's (pictured) estranged father is said to be suing him for defamation following the publication of his memoir

Jimmy Carr Snr, 77, has been estranged from his son since 2001. He is said to be taking legal action following publication of Carr's memoir Before and Laughter

'Jimmy's snide comments about his dad have been going on for years. The straw that broke the camels back was this new book and some of the things he has been saying on podcasts.

'I know it's fashionable nowadays not to get on with your father, but Jim's had enough of the lies. He is a businessman and has a reputation to defend. The only way to put a stop to the nonsense is by suing for defamation.'

Carr, 50, was raised in Farnham Common by his Irish parents. Sadly, his mother Nora died aged 57 of pancreatic cancer in 2001 and he later became estranged from his father.

Carr attempted to sue his father for harassment in 2004, but the claims were not accepted in court.

The comedian now lives in north London with his girlfriend and two children.

Carr hit headlines in February when he was accused of racism over a controversial joke in his Netflix special His Dark Materials.

Carr, known for his stand-up and roles on shows like 8 Out Of 10 Cats, issued a 'trigger warning' to the audience at the beginning of the one-hour show, admitting his performance contained 'terrible things'.

In a widely-shared clip from the show, Carr joked about the horror of the Holocaust and 'six million Jewish lives being lost'.

As a punchline, the 50-year-old then made a disparaging remark about the deaths of thousands of gypsies at the hands of the Nazis.

'But they never mention the thousands of gypsies that were killed by the Nazis. No one ever wants to talk about that, because no one ever wants to talk about the positives,' Carr quipped to a laughing audience.

He was later slammed for the gag by comedian David Baddiel and traveller Paddy Doherty.

Baddiel, 57, stated: 'You can obviously tell a Holocaust joke that is cruel and inhumane and mean-spirited and racist.

Pictured: Comedian Jimmy Carr has been criticised for a 'truly disturbing' joke made about the travelling community and the Holocaust in his latest show the Netflix special His Dark Material

Jewish comedian David Baddiel slammed Carr for joking about the Holocaust on stage

'Or you can tell one that targets the oppressors, or draws attention to the fundamental evil of it, or shines and light on the humanity of the victims.

'It's not the subject matter of the joke that counts, it's the specifics of the individual joke. Clearly, Jimmy Carr's was the former.'

Elsewhere, Irish traveller and bare-knuckle boxer Paddy Doherty said the 'disgusting' joke was an insult to the 1.5million gypsies exterminated in death camps.

Carr's representatives have been approached for comment.
A group of students at the University of Southern Maine in Portland, Maine are calling for their professor to be fired after she said in class only two sexes exist.

Christy Hammer, a professor of education, allegedly made the statement during a heated debate about gender identity in her 'Creating a Positive Learning Environment' class, causing an uproar among the graduate students.

Only one student agreed with the educator.

The rest maintained both biological sexes and social genders are on a spectrum.

University of Southern Maine graduate students walked out of class this month and are demanding officials replace Christy Hammer Ph.D., an associate professor of education, over her remarks

Others attending the the class say most agreed that a spectrum exists for both gender and biological sex.

The point was first made during class on September 7, but was repeated a week later after student Elizabeth Leibiger, who is non-binary and was absent the previous week, brought up the topic again.

She then said she felt 'under personal attack' after the professor again said only two sexes exist.

'I asked [Hammer] how many sexes there were,' Leibiger said. 'She said, 'Two.' I felt under personal attack.'

Biologically, there are only two sexes. Men have XY chromosomes, while women have XX chromosomes. Progressives say gender can have a broader spectrum than sex.

But anti-woke campaigners warning that the fixation on denying the biological reality that only two sexes exist is absurd, and potentially puts people's health at risk.

Almost the entire class of 22 students walked out, all except one demanding a meeting to be held with the university's School of Education and Human Development.

Elizabeth Leibiger, who is non-binary, said she felt 'under personal attack' after Professor Hammer said there were only two sexes

'I let her know I didn't think she was qualified to teach a class about positive learning environments. It's the ultimate irony,' Leibiger said to Fox News.

A restorative justice meeting was held, but Professor Hammer's position didn't change.

Two dozen graduate students in the class continued to demand that the university replace Hammer, believing her to be transphobic.

Students are now refusing to return to the classroom in which she teaches and will only attend class if a new educator be appointed.

The class is a requirement to complete the graduate-level Extended Teacher Education Program and become a certified teacher in Maine.

A restorative justice meeting was held, but Professor Hammer's position didn't change

The discussion began during a September 7 class but was revisited on the 14th. It saw 21 out of 22 students walk out and the professor refusing to back track

'We are aware of this situation and are taking steps to provide students with the support needed,' Interim Provost Adam Tuchinsky told the Bangor Daily News.

Another student suggested Hammer either undergo diversity training or simply retire.

The university has now suggested that an 'alternative' section for the class will be created but that the professor will not be removed.

'We have developed an alternative plan for this class and will be opening a new section of this course for those students who would like to move. The original section taught by professor Hammer will continue for any student who wishes to remain in that class,' a university spokesperson said.

'It's our job as educators to grow and change, address our biases, and above all else, protect every one of our students,' Leibiger, pictured, argued. 'I think that the next step USM needs to take is being clear what accountability will look like for Christy Hammer'

The university has now suggested an 'alternative' section for the class will be created but that the professor will not be removed

University officials have not revealed how many students will be moving to the new class.

'It's our job as educators to grow and change, address our biases, and above all else, protect every one of our students,' Leibiger said. 'I think that the next step USM needs to take is being clear what accountability will look like for Christy Hammer.'

There appear to be plenty of people happy to support Hammer's position with almost 2,000 people signing a petition for her to keep her job.

Wrangles over sex and gender issues continue to roil campuses across the US. Transgender rights supporter say they wish to boost visibility and equality for a small, vulnerable section of society.

Critics have likened the issue to a mania they say is eroding women's rights, and convincing youngsters to seek potentially irreversible medical treatments it is feared they could one day regret.
Only a few weeks after claiming in an exclusive interview saying she is "not racist," Sharon Osbourne is facing accusations that she is racist because she wants her $900,000 donation to Black Lives Matter refunded.

Apparently defending Kanye West's "white lives matter" controversy, the British television personality said to TMZ on Wednesday, "I don't get why white lives don't matter?"

Sharon Osbourne Demands Refund for 'Black Lives Matter' Donation

Sharon Osbourne, also gave the impression that she agreed with Kanye West's claim that the Black Lives Matter movement was a scam. Her remarks come as the celebrity is getting back on her feet after being publicly fired due to a racism scandal on 'The Talk.'

Osbourne was questioned by TMZ about the Kanye West scandal dominating the news this week while out shopping in Beverly Hills. Ye is in hot water once more after showing up to his Yeezy fashion show in Paris wearing a "white lives matter" shirt and dressing his models in the garments. He also denounced the Black Lives Matter movement as a fraud and attacked it.

The mogul has gotten into arguments with everyone from Gigi Hadid to the Kardashians to a well-known Vogue editor over his position, which is reminiscent of the time in 2018 when he termed slavery a choice.

Per Daily Mail, Osbourne acknowledged that she was unaware of the specifics of the ongoing crisis, but she was conversant enough to respond when asked about West's claim that BLM was a fraud.

Unsurprisingly, Sharon Osbourne, who has a strong anti-cancellation stance, stated that she did not believe Kanye West should be dropped due to his remarks. Osbourne is currently working through her own cancellation due to racial claims.

Read Also: Brad Pitt Addresses Ex-Wife Angeline Jolie's Allegations of Abuse; Actor's Pal Claims Actress Starts 'Smear Campaign'

Kanye West And Gigi Hadid Dispute

Ye's disputes appear to be escalating as a result of his "white lives matter" publicity stunt. On Thursday, West launched another ferocious tirade on Gigi Hadid, calling her a "privileged Karen and a zombie." The supermodel, 25, and the rapper, 45, got into a verbal altercation this week when she defended Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, a contributing editor to Vogue who West was accused of 'bullying' online.

In the most recent argument, West reacted angrily as he posted a screenshot of Gigi's Instagram comment, in which she complained that the rapper did not treat 'V' like a friend. Although more context was not given, it looked that she was alluding to the late fashion designer Virgil Abloh after Kanye West came under fire for making references to him in his rants.

West has claimed time and time again that his estranged wife Kim Kardashian "kidnapped" his daughter Chicago in January of this year when she hosted the child a private birthday party and wouldn't tell him where it was.

Per Mirror, Adidas confirmed that they are reconsidering their partnership with the musician in a statement following the Kanye West scandal. "Adidas has always been about creativity, innovation, and supporting athletes and artists to achieve their vision," they stated.

Sharon Osbourne responded to the news of Adidas' decision by saying, "They won't cut their ties, they make too much money. He won't be removed by them." When she backed TV anchor Piers Morgan from criticism after Meghan Markle, the wife of Prince Harry, accused the British royal family of racism, Osbourne angered several in the media last year.

Because of this, Morgan and Osbourne were both widely seen as bigots, but both have persisted in their professions. Osbourne, who holds dual citizenship with the UK and the US, celebrated her 40 years marriage to her husband Ozzy, as per The Blaze.

Related Article: Kanye West Hires Melinda Gates' Lawyer in Divorce Battle Against Kim Kardashian After Rapper Changes His Instagram Profile Photo to Kris Jenner

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Commuters in Washington got into a raging confrontation with climate activists on their way to the nation's capital Friday, with one even threatening to shoot protesters blocking the highway.

A group called Declare Emergency, which is demanding President Joe Biden declare a 'climate emergency,' sat themselves down on I-395, one of the main routes to Washington, and refused to get up.

That soon prompted a furious backlash from drivers. One woman got out of her car and threatened the rabble with a gun if they refused to let her past to go see her mom, while an irate man ripped placards out of the group's hands and tossed them above the median and onto the other side of the interstate.

After half an hour, police arrived to arrest the group.

Blocking roads is aping a tactic that's largely been used in the United Kingdom, where protesters have interrupted traffic to sound the alarm about climate change.

Declare Emergency's website and demands compare the threat of climate to Hitler's Nazi regime in Germany prior to World War II, when 'President Roosevelt united the country and led us into a struggle for universal decency.'

Those trying to get to work Friday morning were seen on video not exactly feeling the unity, with one getting out of her car and threatening, 'Move before I pull my gun out.'

This woman ended up getting out of her car and threatening climate activists with her gun after they blocked the I-395 in DC on Friday morning

A man took matters into his own hands by ripping the placard from protesters and tossing it onto the other side of the road

Commuters in Washington got into a stunning confrontation with climate activists on their way to the nation's capital Friday, with one even threatening to shoot protesters blocking the highway

A group called Declare Emergency , which is demanding President Joe Biden declare a 'climate emergency,' sat themselves down on I-395, one of the main routes to Washington, and refused to get up

Blocking roads is aping a tactic that's largely been used in the United Kingdom, where protesters have interrupted traffic to sound the alarm about climate change

Their website and demands compare the threat of climate to Hitler's Nazi regime in Germany prior to World War II, when 'President Roosevelt united the country and led us into a struggle for universal decency'

The group's goal has been to get President Biden to declare climate emergency that would allow him to bypass Congress and, to their ideas, save the planet

VIDEO THREAD: Drivers were irate this morning as environmental @DecEmergency protesters blocked I-395 Northbound during rush hour traffic into DC to demand Biden declare a "climate emergency."



One driver got out, grabbed their banners, and threw them into the southbound lanes. pic.twitter.com/Eh4O0KTUWY  Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) October 7, 2022

"Move before I pull my gun out" said a driver to protesters, claiming her mother is in the hospital.



The group let her drive by.



"Test me, fucking test me" she yelled as one activist backed up.



She later told me the driver indeed grabbed a gun then, which my cam didn't catch. pic.twitter.com/uIp8Pwhoa1  Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) October 7, 2022

Footage showed another driver angrily confronting the group, saying 'People are trying to get to work, hundreds of people trying to get to work. What are you doing?'

The group tweeted after the protest, 'We do not enjoy putting our bodies on the line, we do it because we must. We will keep doing it until [Biden] declares a climate emergency and stops fossil fuel extraction on federal and indigenous land.'

A 2022 study suggested that between 2005 and 2019 of US oil, gas, and coal production came from federal lands and waters.

A driver eventually stole two of the activists' signs and threw them into the opposite lane. The protesters eventually let them through.

One of the commuters began to try and preach the Bible to the Declare Emergency protesters.

Local authorities eventually arrived about a half hour into the protest and arrested the activists, to the applause of several drivers.

The group tweeted after the protest, 'We do not enjoy putting our bodies on the line, we do it because we must. We will keep doing it until [Biden] declares a climate emergency and stops fossil fuel extraction on federal and indigenous land.'

Local authorities eventually arrived about a half hour into the protest and arrested the activists, to the applause of several drivers

The group tweeted after the protest, 'We do not enjoy putting our bodies on the line, we do it because we must. We will keep doing it until [Biden] declares a climate emergency and stops fossil fuel extraction on federal and indigenous land.'

One man, who had gotten out of a Ryder truck earlier to confront the environmental protesters sitting in the highway, took a different approach.



He shifted from arguing with the activists to Evangelizing them, even sitting down in front of them as he preached until police came. pic.twitter.com/E0NJWVtdDg  Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) October 7, 2022

In total, it was about a half hour before the police gathered enough units to issue warnings.



When it was time to actually make arrests, three stayed on the street, were handcuffed and taken away. One said the officers hurt his arms.



Some drivers clapped.



Traffic resumed. pic.twitter.com/YSiYlex0Mq  Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) October 7, 2022

In July, President Biden warned members of Congress that if they don't take action to combat climate change then he will.

Biden's threat came after Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia torpedoed the president's green agenda on Capitol Hill when he said he could not support billions of dollars in new climate spending as part of a larger economic package.

The president has vowed to use his executive powers since Manchin, who represents a state with a major coal industry, made his intentions clear.

But the president stopped short of declaring a national emergency on Wednesday, which would unlock federal resources to deal with the issue, despite heavy pressure from members of his party to do so.

He has still yet to declare one, but the White House said a few months ago that it was an option.

'The climate emergency is not going to happen tomorrow, but we still have it on the table,' White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at Tuesday's daily press briefing. 'I don't have a date circled in the calendar.'

In July, President Biden warned members of Congress that if they don't take action to combat climate change then he will

Biden's threat came after Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia torpedoed the president's green agenda on Capitol Hill when he said he could not support billions of dollars in new climate spending as part of a larger economic package

But the president will announce federal funds to help heat-ravaged communities in his remarks. And he'll announce new initiatives to bolster the domestic offshore wind industry.

Last week Biden said he would start taking executive action on climate issues after the talks between Manchin and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer came to a standstill.
Tears, bombshell texts and stunning revelations dominated an explosive first week in a rape trial that has gripped Australia.

Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins claims ex-colleague Bruce Lehrmann raped her inside their former boss Linda Reynolds' office in Parliament House in March 2019 - allegations which Mr Lehrmann denies.

Ms Higgins cut an emotional figure at times as she was questioned by Lehrmann's defence lawyer Steven Whybrow at the ACT Supreme Court trial over the past week.

Texts she sent to her father and boyfriend were shared, as were messages about a potential $325,000 book deal with Lisa Wilkinson's husband, Peter FitzSimons.

At one point, she objected to Mr Whybrow's questioning, accusing him of being 'deeply insulting'.

Former Liberal Party staffer Brittany Higgins leaves the ACT Supreme Court in Canberra on Friday

Texts she sent to her father and boyfriend were shared, as were messages about a potential $325,000 book deal with Lisa Wilkinson's husband, Peter FitzSimons

'You are so incorrect,' she said. 'I don't know if you've ever been through a trauma before ... It's confronting, it is a very hard thing to do. I was bed bound, I was doing my best. I completely reject everything you're saying.'

Mr Whybrow also confronted Ms Higgins over a message she sent to her boyfriend David Sharaz which read: 'I'm clearing out my phone ahead of the police.'

Ms Higgins told the court she sent recordings to her partner because 'I was terrified of them not existing'.

She was also grilled in court over a $325,000 book deal arranged for her.

The ex-Liberal staffer admitted to a jury that she had planned chapters of a book about her life before she was formally interviewed by police about her rape claims.

It also emerged in court that Ms Wilkinson was 'quite angry' when her interview with Ms Higgins aired on The Project on a Monday because it is not a day she normally appeared on the show.

Ms Higgins also told the court she was 'clearly wrong' when she said she kept the dress she was allegedly raped in stashed under her bed for six months.

The former political staffer was confronted with a photo showing her wearing the white cocktail number to a birthday party, some two months after the alleged incident.

Ms Higgins told Lehrmann's ACT Supreme Court rape trial that she put the dress she was wearing that night in a plastic bag under her bed for six months, 'untouched and uncleaned'.

She told the jury that, once it was clear she couldn't report the alleged assault without losing her job with defence minister Ms Reynolds, she 'very symbolically washed the dress'.

'I wore it once more but I never wore it again after that,' she said.

Former Liberal Party staffer Bruce Lehrmann leaves the ACT Supreme Court in Canberra on Friday

Lisa Wilkinson (left) interviewed Brittany Higgins (right) on The Project in 2019 about her rape allegations

Brittany Higgins sent her ex a series of texts in 2019 to say her Friday night had not gone as expected after she was allegedly raped in a Parliament House office. CoS stands for chief of staff, a key position in a parliamentary office

But during cross-examination from Lehrmann's barrister Mr Whybrow, Ms Higgins was shown a photograph of her wearing the same dress in May 2019 at Ms Reynolds's birthday party in Perth.

Under cross examination from Mr Whybrow, Ms Higgins denied lying - but admitted she had made a mistake in her timeline of events.

Mr Whybrow put to her that she travelled to Perth on April 13, which would mean the dress was only under her bed for a matter of weeks, rather than six months, as she initially claimed.

'It stayed under my bed for a period of time,' she told the court.

'I said six months, I was clearly wrong on that but it stayed under my bed for a period of time.'

When he asked whether it would have been difficult for her to wear that dress again, Ms Higgins told the court: 'I was reclaiming my agency when I took it to Perth.

'It was an empowerment thing, saying the worse thing in the world happened to me in this dress and I never wore it beyond that time.

'It sounds stupid but that's just the truth.'

Former Liberal Party staffer Brittany Higgins and partner David Sharaz arrive at the ACT Supreme Court in Canberra

She was also confronted over a message she sent to her boyfriend David Sharaz which read: 'I'm clearing out my phone ahead of the police'

Earlier the court heard Ms Higgins had texted her dad to say a co-worker had been 'inappropriate' after she was allegedly raped in a parliamentary office by her colleague Mr Lehrmann.

Ms Higgins messaged her father - who she calls Papa Bear - four days after Lehrmann allegedly sexually assaulted her in March 2019, the court heard.

Ms Higgins told her dad that there had been an 'incident with a person at work' according to the messages read out to court on Thursday.

Lehrmann has pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual intercourse without consent.

Text messages between Ms Higgins and her ex-lover revealed she was furious about being offered 'jack s**t in terms of help' after she was allegedly raped.

In the messages between the alleged rape victim and Ben Dillaway, which were tendered to the Supreme Court in the ACT on Friday, Ms Higgins claimed she was 'literally assaulted' in former defence minister Ms Reynolds' office but offered 'no help'.

Mr Dillaway called the ex-minister a 'f***ing b***h' in a fiery response, before Ms Higgins said the situation left her 'at the end of my rope'.

Salty texts between Brittany Higgins and her ex lover revealed her anger after she was allegedly assaulted

In another text to former lover Ben Dillaway in the immediate aftermath of the alleged rape, she admitted: 'The only thing I really want is for this to not get out and become public knowledge (pictured)

Bruce Lehrmann (pictured outside court on Thursday) is accused of raping Brittany Higgins. He has pleaded not guilty

Ms Higgins was on Friday reduced to tears as she was grilled during cross-examination over the night in question, including over whether she had vomit stains on her dress.

Ms Higgins initially sat in the courtroom as CCTV footage from the night she alleges she was raped was played for the jury.

It begins with what looks like a regular Friday night out at a popular Canberra bar: Ms Higgins arrives in a white cocktail dress, says hello to a table of her colleagues, gets herself a drink.

Most people at the table thought they were about to become unemployed, Miss Higgins afterwards told the court.

The 2019 election was looming and the Liberal Party, for whom some worked as ministerial staffers, was expected to lose government.

She had been in Canberra a matter of months, moving from the Gold Coast to take up her self-described dream job working for a federal minister.

The man she accuses of raping her Mr Lehrmann, also sat in court.

BRITTANY HIGGINS'S TEXTS TO HER DAD AND EX -BOSS Higgins: 'Hey dad. I'm fine but just wanted to give you a heads up there was an incident with someone at work being inappropriate. Can't really talk about it at the moment but will give you the details on the weekend. Super glad you are coming down. Love you x' Father: 'I hope all is ok - I'm always here for you. You are the most important person in my life. I love you. So happy to be coming down and seeing you.' Higgins: 'Yeah, I'm okay. It's all been a bit stressful. Needed to make sure someone outside of the party was kept in the loop in a timely manner too. Thanks dad, I know that. You are definitely the most important too.' Father: 'I'm always here. I'm a good listener and quite helpfully when needed. Make sure you look after yourself.' CONVERSATION AFTER MEETING WITH FORMER CHIEF OF STAFF FIONA BROWN BROWN: 'Hi Brittany checking in to see how you are? I'm here if you need anything. Happy for you to work from home tomorrow or come into the office, let me know what you'd like to do. Best, Fiona' HIGGINS: 'Hi Fiona, Sorry I missed your call. I'm doing fine, just vocalising things in such a way is confronting. I'll be in the office tomorrow - honestly I enjoy being super busy. Plus there is plenty of work to be done for campaign prep and a front desk that needs to be covered. Kind regards, Brittany' BROWN: 'Hi Brittany - I understand completely. See you tomorrow!! Call if you need to talk, kind regards Fiona' TWO DAYS LATER HIGGINS: 'Hello Fiona, I just wanted to see if it would be okay if I took tomorrow off to go to a doctors appointment? I'm currently on top of the campaign state packs and if approved will happily still do the media monitoring throughout the day too. Kind regards, Brittany' BROWN: 'Hi Brittany of course that's fine! And yes happy for you to do the monitoring if that's what you'd like. Don't hesitate to reach out if I can help in any way. Best wishes Fiona' BROWN: 'Would you like me to say you're working from home or away sick for the day?' HIGGINS: 'Thank you so much! Working from home would be great. I'll have my mobile on me at all times regardless in case anything pressing happens' BROWN: 'Done! See you Monday' THREE MONTHS AFTER ALLEGED ASSAULT HIGGINS: 'Is there anything else I need to do from an HR perspective to formalise my office transition?' BROWN: 'I didn't know you'd made a decision - when are you planning to move? You will need to return all your IT, can you see Dean?' HIGGINS: 'Of course - I'll speak to Dean! I don't have any defence assets.' BROWN: 'All the best with your new gig' HIGGINS: 'Thank you! I wanted to say this in person but I cannot overstate how much I've valued your support and advice throughout this period. You've been absolutely incredible and I'm so appreciative' BROWN: 'Thanks Britanny!!' Advertisement

The pair were staffers in the office of then-defence industry minister Ms Reynolds.

In his opening address to the jury, Lehrmann's defence lawyer Mr Whybrow said the Mark Twain quote 'never let the truth get in the way of a good story' rang true in this case.

He said while violence against women was an 'under-reported and under-prosecuted scourge on our society', the story Ms Higgins had told of that night was not true.

Over four-and-a-half hours on Friday, March 22 2019, condensed into about an hour's worth of footage, Ms Higgins is seen having 11 drinks.

Crown prosecutor Shane Drumgold asked her to confirm the number as the clip continued. He noted each time, who paid for them.

Mr Lehrmann is seen buying Ms Higgins' drinks on some occasions.

In an interview with police two years after the alleged assault, Ms Higgins describes herself 'as drunk as she'd ever been in her life'.

Later, the pair are seen leaving the bar. Ms Higgins said she went to a nightclub with Lehrmann and two colleagues and recalled the group taking shots.

The jury also saw footage of Ms Higgins and Lehrmann arriving at Parliament House in the early hours of Saturday.

Ms Higgins walked through the security gate, was required to take off her shoes and struggled to put them back on.

Barefoot and carrying her heels, she and Lehrmann were escorted to Senator Reynold's office by a security guard. The film sequence ended after the pair entered.

The jury saw still pictures of Ms Reynolds' office, where the assault allegedly occurred, taken by police two years later.

When a close-up of the couch was shown, Ms Higgins described how she was 'jammed up in the corner' when she woke up to Lehrmann having sex with her.

'I felt like a prop,' she said.

Recounting the alleged rape, Ms Higgins said she felt 'trapped' and 'not human' as Lehrmann hovered over her.

'It didn't feel like it was about me at all,' she said.

She said she was crying and asking him to stop 'on repeat'.

The footage also showed Lehrmann leaving parliament alone about an hour after arriving.

Ms Higgins is seen leaving the building at 10am on Saturday, wearing a jacket she borrowed from a bag of clothes in the minister's office.

She said when she returned to work on Monday following the alleged assault, Lehrmann did not seem ashamed or upset about what had happened.

She was scared she wouldn't be believed because of his more senior role in the office.

But she was also afraid of the story leaking and the potential damage to the Liberal Party ahead of the election.

She told police she would have conversations in person or on WhatsApp.

'In hindsight, I made it a lot harder for myself to verify. It was so stupid,' she told police as she started to cry.

'It's not stupid, Brittany,' Detective Leading Senior Constable Trent Madders told her.

The court heard while Ms Higgins initially felt supported by her chief of staff, Fiona Brown, after she revealed her allegations, the tone quickly shifted.

In a meeting with Ms Brown and Senator Reynolds, Ms Higgins said the latter apologised for what had happened but the conversation turned to the upcoming election.

After dreaming of becoming a political media adviser, she said she feared she would lose her job if she made a complaint to the police.

Mr Whybrow attempted to discredit Ms Higgins' actions following the alleged assault.

He suggested she told Ms Brown and her ex-partner Ben Dillaway about false doctor's appointments to 'bolster' her allegations.

He put to Ms Higgins that she did not go to the doctor because she had not had sex with anyone.

'Nothing you are saying right now is true ... and it's deeply insulting,' she said.

Ms Higgins admitted under cross-examination she had underestimated the level of media attention she would receive after going public with her allegations in 2021.

'I never necessarily thought that ... the police would ever prosecute this argument, I never thought I'd get here, I never thought his (Lehrmann's) name would ever be published,' she said.

'I just wanted to speak to a cultural problem that I had gone through.'

Chief Justice Lucy McCallum urged the jury not to read any media reports about the case.

'You must rest exclusively on the evidence you hear in this courtroom,' she reminded them.

The trial continues on Monday, when Ms Higgins will continue being cross-examined.
Mel B last night took aim at a sacked trade minister in a cryptic tweet about a comment in a lift as it emerged the MP was being investigated for alleged 'serious misconduct'.

Last night it was also claimed that a witness had complained Conor Burns had been 'lecherous to a younger male in the bar at the Tory Party conference in Birmingham'.

The Spice Girl, 47, tweeted: 'Really?? Your (sic) shocked about this complaint??? Let me remind you what you said me in lift..'

She had attended the Conservative conference to campaign and call for further support for domestic abuse victims.

Last night it was not clear what Mel B was referring to in her tweet, but Mr Burns had earlier denied any suggestion of wrongdoing. MailOnline contacted all parties involved for comment.

A source told the Mirror: 'Mel has never been scared to speak the truth to power so it is no surprise that she's spoken up. If this Tory MP has said something particularly offensive in her company then she'll say so and no doubt told him when it happened.

'Mel is such a strong woman. It could be yet another really embarrassing episode for the Tories. You don't p**s off a Spice Girl!'

It is alleged that the complaint about Conor Burns which led to his dismissal and that is being investigated was a separate incident which also took place at a bar during the Tory conference.

The complaint is said to have included allegations of inappropriate remarks and actions towards a younger man at the Hyatt Regency in Birmingham on Tuesday night, a source close to the investigation told the Telegraph.

His behaviour was described as 'lecherous' by the witness who complained to party chiefs, according to the Sun. Mr Burns has refuted any suggestions of misconduct.

Spice Girl Mel B (pictured ta the Tory Party conference last weekend) has waded into the Conor Burns probe, quizzing him over comments he allegedly made to her in a lift

In response to a series of tweets the sacked Trade Minister wrote after his dismissal, she wrote: 'Really?? Your shocked about this complaint??? Let me remind you what you said me in lift..'

The complaint about Mr Burns, pictured, allegedly concerns inappropriate remarks and actions towards a younger man at the Hyatt Regency in Birmingham on Tuesday night, a source close to the investigation told the Telegraph

It comes after Conor Burns, pictured, earlier broke his silence on 'serious misconduct allegations' and accused the Tory party of 'rushing to judgement' as a probe was launched into his 'inappropriate behaviour' during the party conference in Birmingham

Burns had only been appointed to his new role by the Prime Minister a month ago, with his appointment being vetted by the Cabinet Office's propriety and ethics team.

The hotel where the alleged incident is said to have taken place was visited frequently by Conservative Party delegates as it was a 'secure zone' - used by delegates between fringe events and receptions for socialising.

The bar was often packed full of attendees including MPs and Tory activists late every night. All allegations of misconduct have been strenuously denied by Mr Burns.

It comes after the embattled MP earlier broke his silence on the 'serious misconduct allegations' and accused the Tory party of 'rushing to judgement' as a probe was launched into his 'inappropriate behaviour' during the party conference in Birmingham.

The MP responded to being sacked as trade minister in a series of tweets.

Mr Burns, who has also had the Conservative whip removed, tweeted: 'Earlier I received a call from the Chief Whip Wendy Morton.

'Ms Morton informed me that a complaint had been received about me and she had passed it to Conservative Campaign Headquarters to investigate. I was not given any information about the complaint nor was I asked to provide any information.

'On the basis of this complaint Ms Morton told me that the Whip was being withdrawn and that I was standing down as Trade Minister. I will fully cooperate with the Party's enquiry and look forward to clearing my name.

'I hope the party will be as quick to conduct their enquiry as they were to rush to judgement.'

Chief Whip Wendy Morton (pictured at the Tory Party conference this week) called Mr Burns directly to inform him he was having the whip withdrawn and he would stand down as Trade Minister after news of the allegations came to light

Conor Burns has vowed to clear his name after losing the Conservative whip, according to the Sun

Mr Burns, 50, was removed as a trade minister by Liz Truss yesterday afternoon and lost the Conservative whip while he is investigated.

The former Northern Ireland minister is a longstanding ally of ex-prime minister Boris Johnson.

A No10 spokeswoman said: 'Following a complaint of serious misconduct, the Prime Minister has asked Conor Burns MP to leave the government with immediate effect.

'The Prime Minister took direct action on being informed of this allegation and is clear that all ministers should maintain the high standards of behaviour  as the public rightly expects.'

A spokesman for the Whips' Office said: 'We have suspended the whip pending investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour earlier this week.

'We take all such allegations extremely seriously. The Prime Minister has been clear that the highest standards in public life must be upheld.'

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner claimed the Truss Government was already 'beset by scandal'.

'This deeply disturbing revelation is the latest in a long line of serious misconduct allegations, and raises serious questions not only about yet another minister but about the Prime Minister's judgment in refusing to appoint an independent ethics adviser,' she said.

But one Whitehall source said that the sacking of Mr Burns and the way things have been dealt with 'goes against natural justice.

And they added that they thought it was the chief whip trying to 'assert herself' as many have thought she is not tough enough.

The source also said that his sacking was used to 'put a foot on the brake' of Kemi Badenoch's growing support in the party.

Mr Burns was appointed minister of state in the Department for International Trade in last month's reshuffle, after Ms Truss took the reins in No 10.

He was previously a minister in the Northern Ireland Office, and had been a staunch ally of former prime minister Boris Johnson.

The former Northern Ireland minister, who is now a trade minister, is a longstanding ally of former prime minister Boris Johnson

MP Conor Burns responded to being sacked as trade minister in a series of tweets

Tory MP Simon Hoare said the investigation should take place 'speedily', and on the presumption that Mr Burns is 'innocent until proven guilty'.

The development is the latest in a series of scandals to hit the Conservative Party, including groping allegations against former deputy chief whip Chris Pincher.

In May, former Tory MP Neil Parish quit his seat in Tiverton and Honiton after admitting to watching pornography in the Commons.

Just short of two weeks later, an unnamed Conservative MP was arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault allegations spanning seven years.

The development is the latest in a series of scandals to hit the Conservative Party, including groping allegations against former deputy chief whip Chris Pincher, pictured

In May, former Tory MP Neil Parish, pictured, quit his seat in Tiverton and Honiton after admitting to watching pornography in the Commons

Tory MP Simon Hoare, pictured, said the investigation should take place 'speedily', and on the presumption that Mr Burns is 'innocent until proven guilty'

The Tory conference took place in Birmingham earlier this week and was marred by party infighting. The Conservative are currently languishing far behind Labour in the polls.

Bournemouth West MP Mr Burns was born in Belfast but raised in England after his parents moved during the troubles. He has previously described himself as a gay Catholic unionist.

He has been an MP since 2010 and was previously a trade minister under Theresa May.

But he resigned along with Boris Johnson in 2018, before returning to Government under the new PM the following year.

In January he was faced with ridicule when he defended Boris Johnson's partygate lawbreaking by suggesting he had been 'ambushed' with a birthday cake.

He stood up for the then PM after it was revealed he attended a gathering, complete with a Union Jack cake and singing, that was organised by his wife Carrie in the Cabinet Room on June 19, 2020.

The then Northern Ireland minister said Mr Johnson was working in the room before people came in and presented him with the baked treat, adding: 'He, as far as I can see, he was in a sense, ambushed with a cake.'

He was also removed as a patron of the LGBT+ Conservatives last night pending the investigation.

Bournemouth West MP Mr Burns, pictured, was born in Belfast but raised in England after his parents moved during the troubles. He has previously described himself as a gay Catholic unionist

In January he was faced with ridicule when he defended Boris Johnson's partygate lawbreaking by suggesting he had been 'ambushed' with a birthday cake. Pictured: Burns

A whips office spokesman said: 'We have suspended the whip pending investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour earlier this week.

'We take all such allegations extremely seriously. The Prime Minister has been clear that the highest standards in public life must be upheld.'

The swift speed at which action has been taken is in marked contrast to the protracted case of Chris Pincher under Mr Johnson's leadership.

The Tamworth MP, 52, resigned as deputy chief whip in June after being accused of groping a man more than 20 years his junior at London's exclusive Carlton Club.

Downing Street initially said he would face no further action from the party, which meant he could remain a Conservative MP.

But a day later, Mr Pincher was suspended from the party amid a furore about how he had been made deputy chief whip in the first place.
A teenager has been charged and will face court after a 12-year-old boy died following a crash on the NSW south coast.

The boy was found seriously injured at a friend's home in Balgownie, Wollongong, about 2am on Tuesday - just half an hour after a stolen Holden Barina smashed into a traffic light nearby and the occupants fled the scene.

He was treated by paramedics and transferred to Wollongong Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A crime scene was established at the home and an investigation by detectives traced links between the crash and the boy's death, police say.

A 17-year-old male was arrested at Goulburn Police Station on Friday and charged with six offences relating to the crash, including dangerous driving occasioning death.

He was refused bail and will appear in Children's Court on Saturday.

Detectives are also looking into whether the crash is related to a dangerous TikTok trend called 'creeping while you sleeping' - where young Australians film themselves committing serious crimes including stealing cars and driving at high speeds.

Pictured: emergency services at the scene of the crash after a Holden Barina ploughed into a traffic light in Towradgi about 1.35am on Tuesday

TikTok has confirmed it would remove videos containing the hashtag along with others including #blackoutchallenge where users hold their breath until they pass out.

Friends and family have flocked online to remember the 12-year-old.

'Love you my brah ... we will see you soon, love you soo much rest easy my soulja my cuzz, rest in paradise,' one wrote.

'We just need the closure right for what happen too you my little cuzz.'

Another posted 'My heart is hurting, R.I.P little cuzzy taken way to soon. Our hearts are shattered,' while his auntwrote, 'Rest easy in the dream time nephew. #forever12. RIP.'

NSW Police are now investigating whether the Holden Barina crash, which happened around 1.35am, a three minute drive from Balgownie, is linked to the TikTok craze.

Police rushed to the scene after officers at nearby Corrimal Police Station heard the crash, but the vehicle was empty by the time they arrived.

'We'd appeal for anyone that might have social media content that would cover the incidents that's happened this morning to come forward,' NSW Police Detective Acting Inspector Jason Hogan said.

'We're investigating all lines of inquiry and the social media line will be investigated too.'

Anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
A father who almost had his left arm severed off his shoulder after being attacked by a shark while spearfishing was only metres away from his four-year-old son.

Father-of-three Robbie Peck, 38, was savaged while he was spearfishing offshore at Port Hedland in Western Australia on Friday.

It was revealed that his brother-in-law pulled him back on to the fishing boat, where Mr Peck's young son was also on board.

Father-of-three Robbie Peck (pictured), 38, almost had his left arm severed off his shoulder after being attacked by a shark while spearfishing offshore at Port Hedland in Western Australia on Friday

Fisheries officials said the man was attacked after spearing a fish, but the species of the shark was unknown

Fisheries officials said the man was attacked after spearing a fish, but the species of the shark was unknown.

A Royal Flying Doctor Service spokeswoman said he had sustained multiple injuries and his left arm had 'nearly been severed'.

Paramedics attended him after he was brought back to shore by boat at 11.30am, where he was then rushed to Hedland Health Campus under priority one conditions.

Mr Peck was later flown to Perth Royal Hospital for surgery in a stable condition.

Mr Peck's wife Emily recalled the moment she received the news about her husband.

'(It was) just that sinking feeling in your gut and I swear all of the blood just drained from my face,' she told 7News.

'It's not a phone call you ever want to get...You expect the worse straight away when you hear shark attack,' Ms Peck added.

A Royal Flying Doctor Service spokeswoman said he had sustained multiple injuries and his left arm had 'nearly been severed'

Paramedics attended him after he was brought back to shore by boat at 11.30am, where he was then rushed to Hedland Health Campus under priority one conditions

In a twist to what was already a tragic incident, this was actually Mr Peck's final outing on the boat - with the couple having made plans to sell it.

Ms Peck's son said 'his dad is so brave'.

'I think the boys on the boat kept him pretty sheltered from all the trauma,' Ms Peck added.

WA's fisheries department is working with local authorities and urged people to take additional precautions in the Port Hedland area.

Surf Life Saving WA posted a sighting of a shark at 11.40am on their social media on Friday.

Speaking with 7News, Mr Peck's wife Emily (pictured) recalled the moment she received the news about her husband
The words tremble with passion on the page: This was sex as I had never encountered it before . . . This was sex that only the hero and heroine can have; sex for the cameras; sex for the Olympics; sex for the gods.

So begins what the writer claims was her two-stage affair, the first spanning 30 months, with the distinguished author John le Carre.

The disclosure is intended to be a literary bombshell, and the revelations in Suleika Dawsons memoir, The Secret Heart, are certainly presented with lascivious and tantalising detail. Indeed, the non-stop sexual encounters between the vivacious publishing assistant and the famous and married author, 25 years her senior, are not for the faint-hearted. They are annotated in such detail and with such intimate recall, it is hard to believe that the bedroom antics took place almost 40 years ago.

Nor, it has to be said, is it a particularly pleasant book. But it does provide a fascinating insight into how the betrayal, infidelity and lies that are at the heart of le Carres spy novels were duplicated with exhausting precision in his private life.

Le Carre, referred to throughout by his real name, David Cornwell, is an accomplished adulterer and he emerges from these pages as vain, snobbish, pompous, devious, vindictive and utterly selfish.

Le Carre, referred to throughout by his real name, David Cornwell, is an accomplished adulterer and he emerges from these pages as vain, snobbish, pompous, devious, vindictive and utterly selfish

On the other hand Suleika Dawson, another nom de plume and whose real name is Sue Dawson, is a femme fatale, or so she says. A woman who turns mens heads, especially older men. She has had other lovers: a TV executive, an Old Etonian headhunter, several actors and, as she puts it, one diagnosable psychopath.

She was in her mid-20s, tall and blonde  a contrast she makes with le Carres previous love interests; his two wives, mistresses and casual flings were, she says, petite and dark.

After their first sexual encounter she paints the scene: Our clothes lay in an incontinent heap on the floor, fastenings gaping wantonly, arms and legs tangled together, a tumbled conundrum of hotly vacated shapes to which our bodies on the bed were the answer.

Her lover marvels at her physique. Your legs, she quotes him saying. They simply dont stop. They go all the way up to heaven . . .

Some will wonder why two years after le Carres death at 89 and more than 20 years after their affair ended, Dawson has decided to cash in now.

After all there were other women in le Carres life, swept up and then discarded in his endless search for gratification. Might it be because of her boast that the affair  which spanned two years between the summers of 1983 and 1985, followed by a further six months 14 years later in 1999  was somehow special?

The only people he had longer relationships with were his two wives, she says, adding: If you were to calculate the combined time David spent with all his other women it still wouldnt amount to as long as we had together. Not even close.

Considering that le Carre went to considerable lengths to ensure their affair remained secret, refusing to allow his official biographer to include it in his book, that is quite a claim to make.

So maybe the answer lies in the modest rented, end-of-terrace house in a former County Durham pit village where the unmarried one-time glamour girl, now 66, shares her home with foreign students and other short-term residents. It is certainly a far cry from le Carres young bird with a flat in Chelsea who took enviable holidays in America and weekends away in Europe.

Between their frenzied bouts of lovemaking  the first of which took place in le Carres youngest sons bedroom  and from behind her veil of anonymity, Suleika snipes at her lovers betrayed second wife, Jane, for consigning him to a sexless empty marriage.

Yet, though he constantly assured his mistress that he would leave his wife, he never did.

So begins what the writer claims was her two-stage affair, the first spanning 30 months, with the distinguished author John le Carre

Admired and envied for his literary output, le Carres books had made him a fortune. But out of sight of his devoted fans, the accomplished author with the happy family life was also an accomplished lothario. He adored women as much as he loved writing bestsellers.

Long before the leggy Suleika came into his life, there had been other affairs. The most notable and most destructive was with the wife of the novelist and screenwriter James Kennaway.

At that time he was married to his first wife, Ann, with whom he had three sons. But after his breakthrough success with The Spy Who Came In From The Cold in 1963 the relationship turned stale. He felt his achievement meant nothing to her, that her attitude was grudging and that she was prising him away from glamour and excitement for tedium and routine.

To le Carre, the marriage of Kennaway  who had adapted his own novel Tunes Of Glory into a highly praised film, starring John Mills and Alec Guinness  and his wife Susan had everything that his own lacked.

In fact, Kennaway was repeatedly unfaithful  he claimed his philandering was an essential part of the creative process of writing  and it wasnt long before Susan, wanting to give her husband a taste of his own medicine, embarked on an affair with le Carre. It became an extraordinary and tempestuous triangular romance.

When he discovered it, Kennaway went berserk with jealousy, threatening to shoot le Carre and stab his wife. On one occasion the two men had a tug of war over Susan, each pulling one arm in opposite directions.

In a scene that could have come from the pages of le Carres favourite author F. Scott Fitzgerald, Susan ran off to try and find a train she could throw herself under.

But le Carre would not leave his wife and the Kennaways were reconciled. The spy writer later wrote to Kennaway: Dearest James, I have failed you most terribly. I describe you in conversation as my best friend. If you can, say the same.

But Kennaway was distraught and never saw le Carre again. He died in a car crash in 1968.

The disclosure is intended to be a literary bombshell, and the revelations in Suleika Dawsons memoir, The Secret Heart, are certainly presented with lascivious and tantalising detail

Le Carre later tried to crudely explain away the affair to Suleika. Kennaway, he told her, was trying to feed me his wife.

The le Carre marriage ended in 1971 and a year later he married Jane Eustace. The couple went on to have a son. Jane, who died two months after her husband in 2021, recognised early in their marriage that she would have to share him with other women, admitting: Nobody can have all of David.

She was certainly perceptive. There was the French-born Yvette Pierpaoli, whom her husband met while on a research trip to Phnom Penh in 1974 and who died in a car crash in Albania in 1999; and Janet Stevens, blown up in the bombing of the U.S. embassy in Beirut in 1983 and to whom the film of le Carres book, The Little Drummer Girl, was dedicated. Suleika includes his mocking description of making love to Yvette, saying in a mock-French accent it was very queek and refers to his other conquest as a nameless 2nd XI.

Indeed, The Secret Heart has room for only one other woman, Suleika herself, less a femme fatale than a femme horizontale.

Page after page details their writhing bodies, his insatiable appetite and extraordinary stamina. She describes having sex to the point of exhaustion . . . three or four times a day, frequently more. While his powers of recovery were simply prodigious.

She writes: Id known some fine lovers before  and I would again  but never one like him.

As a suitor she describes him as both romantic and coarse. In one encounter she writes: He threw us both on the living room couch and drove himself into me like a ploughshare.

We learn that there was a pleasing amount to le Carre and that he could withstand her playful application of ice cubes on a delicate part of his anatomy.

They had sex everywhere: in bed, on the floor and even on his writing table after he had thoughtfully swept it clear of manuscripts and papers  though he did draw the line at sex on a flight to Zurich. Between bouts of lovemaking they would drink champagne and eat caviar.

On one occasion she had turned up at their love nest, a flat with a bulletproof door and a spyhole in St Johns Wood, wearing nothing but a Burberry raincoat and high heels. After ravishing her he marvelled about her travelling that way on the Underground.

And there were endless gifts, jewellery from S. J. Phillips in Bond Street, flowers, chocolates, letters and trips to fancy restaurants.

They first met, she relates, in a Soho recording studio. She had abridged Smileys People for an audiobook and he came to read it.

After ignoring her on the first day he took her to lunch on the second and, when they parted, kissed her uncompromisingly on the mouth. Today, she says, that would count as sexual harassment. Hed be up there with Harvey Weinstein . . . he would have been pilloried in the #MeToo movement.

That was September 1982. It was another year before she saw him again and the affair was consummated.

For a man noted for his complex plotting, his seduction techniques were direct and unsophisticated. Would you like a quick ****, or even a slow one? he would ask.

Indeed, the non-stop sexual encounters between the vivacious publishing assistant and the famous and married author, 25 years her senior, are not for the faint-hearted

I want to **** you right now something rotten.

I so badly want to **** you.

But after two years, which included a honeymoon in Greece and trips to Switzerland, the affair comes to a juddering halt.

It is not because he assaults her, placing a heavy arm across her neck after accusing her of click-clacking across the tiles when his wife, on the phone, could hear. No, it is the gift of a cheval mirror, artfully placed so he can admire his own lovemaking, that is the breaking point. She decides it makes her a looking-glass whore and the feeling it gave her of being paid for sex. Spool forward 14 years and everything starts all over again. Hes now nearly 70 but she recounts five bouts of extraordinary intense sex.

Blue movies are playing silently on a TV screen in the background when non-stop bedroom gymnastics resume, she notes.

So far so sordid, but the authors ardour had not been much stilled in the intervening period. He had formed an attachment for an American museum curator called Susan Anderson and their correspondence became increasingly steamy.

In one letter, anticipating a meeting, he drools: I expect you to be fully and effectively dressed when we meet, jewels, your longest fingernails and at least a ruby in your naval [sic], which I shall remove with my teeth.

Suleika, meanwhile, is reacquainting herself with her lovers huge workmans hands with the feather-soft touch. Her recollections of the conversations and events seem spookily precise. Did she write down every pleasuring moment, what came before and what after? If so, she must have filled a great many notebooks.

At one stage in their relationship she relates how he had been offered a knighthood which he had turned down. In fact, it was only a CBE le Carre was offered that year. The knighthood proposals did not come until the 21st century, long after the couple had finally parted.

While describing his build as more yeoman farmer than athlete she attempts to convey his charm  so hugely attractive, it was as if he had an industrial magnet inside him, drawing me close.

This time around, the affair peters out after a few months when he bridles at her suggestion that rather than giving her cash to pay for their clandestine travels, he provide her with a credit card. Thats a bit stiff, he apparently tells her. They are the last words he speaks to her.

For the following 20 years le Carre, the author, continues to collect lifes glittering prizes. As for Suleika Dawson, there is less obvious success.

In the first break between their affairs she wrote a sequel to The Forsyte Saga under her pseudonym.

They are annotated in such detail and with such intimate recall, it is hard to believe that the bedroom antics took place almost 40 years ago

But who is the real Sue Dawson?

The daughter of meter-reader Frederick Dawson and his wife Ethel, she was born in Bedford in 1956. A cousin, Brian Cornish, told the Mail she had attended Bedford High School for Girls, now a 14,000-a-year private school, and as a child she liked to draw elephants. She was a bridesmaid at Mr Cornishs wedding in 1973 but the family later fell out.

She won a scholarship to study English at Somerville College, Oxford, where (she later flirtatiously told le Carre) her special subject was balls, boasting that she attended 12 of them.

Soon after their affair ended she was said to have been contemplating a move to Canada, according to family sources. At one stage in the early 2000s she rented a flat in Brighton while commuting to London and running her own audiobook company. For a while, she lived briefly in Bedford to be close to her widowed father before returning to London. And then around ten years ago she moved to remote Sacriston in Co. Durham.

Her book has been long in the planning but its execution was almost certainly determined by legal reasons and delayed until the death of both le Carre and his widow.

It is likely to be of little comfort to the authors surviving family, what with the unflattering portrait of his late wife, that she reports le Carre describing one son as a mystery to me and le Carres late half-sister  the actress Charlotte Cornwell  as incestuously in love with her brother.

The family have made no comment on the memoir, merely wishing the author all the best.

Additional reporting by Neil Sears
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning a year-long thaw in relations with the rest of the Royal Family - but not until Harry's contentious memoir is out and the couple's hotly-awaited Netflix series has premiered, it has been claimed.

Their plan to reconcile with their estranged relatives comes within weeks of the Queen's state funeral, which forced Harry and Meghan to make a swift return to the royal fray after playing a minor role in the Jubilee celebrations.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had hoped to reconcile with the Queen next year, but were never able to do so, The Sun reported.

It comes after PR and communication experts suggested the Sussexes had been trying to seize the moment to dictate their own narrative - a clear reference to the couple's blitz of podcasts, interviews, Netflix series and Harry's promised biography.

And just last month reports emerged that Harry had pleaded with his publisher to U-turn on a series of bombshell claims critical of his family in the upcoming memoir.

There are fears the final version 'might not go down well with the public' in the wake of the Queen's death.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also face a 'make or break' TV test in the form of the release of a fly-on-the-wall documentary for the streaming giant Netflix, it was reported.

The Sussexes are pictured hand in hand during a visit to South Africa in October 2019, one of their last trips as working royals

The Prince and Princess of Wales are pictured at Trademarket in Belfast on Thursday as part of a royal visit late last week

An insider familiar with the show told The Telegraph: 'This is about where theyve come from, what theyve been through and where they are.

The couple's upcoming Netflix series will be fly-on-the-wall

'I think it will explain a lot about the decisions theyve had to make and how theyve ended up here.'

When Harry was an Eton schoolboy, he edited his own newspaper full of facts about the Royal Family.

It's thought he will finally be able to 'control the narrative' once again in the form of the TV series, the newspaper added.

Meanwhile the memoirs had been signed off ready for an expected autumn release, but the Duke  who is writing the book as part of a near 40 million three-title deal  allegedly asked to make some significant alterations.

'Harry has thrown a spanner in the works,' a source said. 'He is keen for refinements in the light of the Queen's death, her funeral and his father Charles taking the throne.

Harry reportedly sought last-minute tweaks to his memoirs, which are to be published by Penguin this autumn

Publishing sources suggested the Duke might have limited 'wriggle room' given he was handed a seven-figure advance. Charles and the late Queen Elizabeth II are pictured in Edinburgh in late June last year

'There may be things in the book which might not look so good if they come out so soon after these events. He wants sections changed now. It's not a total rewrite by any means. He desperately wants to make changes. But it might be too late.'

Publishers Penguin Random House had already demanded a rewrite after the first draft was deemed 'too touchy-feely' and placed too much focus on mental health issues, The Mail on Sunday revealed last month.

The development comes as another new book makes a series of explosive claims about Harry and his wife Meghan  although it's not clear whether the Duke now plans to address any of these fresh allegations in his memoirs, which he has billed as an 'accurate and wholly truthful' account of his life.

No date has officially been announced for its release but American sources have suggested that publishers will want it in shops in time for Thanksgiving on November 24, ready for the lucrative Christmas market.

A truce appeared to be in place when William invited his brother and sister-in-law to join him and wife Kate on the walkabout in Windsor as an expression of 'unity for the Queen', but, the body language suggested the rift was far from healed

Harry and Meghan have also spent more time with the Royal Family since the Queen's death than at any time since Megxit more than two and half years ago

In a statement announcing the global publishing deal, Penguin Random House described it as 'an intimate and heartfelt memoir', promising that 'Prince Harry will offer an honest and captivating personal portrait'.

The publishers added that the book would cover Harry's 'lifetime in the public eye from childhood to the present day, including his dedication to service, the military duty that twice took him to the front lines of Afghanistan, and the joy he has found in being a husband and father'.

Harry and Meghan have also spent more time with the Royal Family since the Queen's death than at any time since Megxit more than two and half years ago.

They were in the UK for non-Royal charity events when Her Majesty died on the day before they were due to fly back home to Montecito, California.

In the aftermath of his grandmother's death, Harry struck a fragile truce with his brother William  appearing together for a walkabout among well-wishers in Windsor following the funeral.
Britons worried about the National's Grid's warnings of blackouts are stockpiling candles to see them through winter, it has been revealed.

Already, shoppers have begun hoarding wax lights amid fears that three-hours power cuts are on the horizon.

But candle suppliers have revealed their stocks are running low due to higher manufacturing costs, The Daily Star reports.

Elsewhere, coal and firewood sales are also said to be on the rise.

Christopher Kenneally, a candle wholesaler, said: 'All week has been slightly up - but today is about 50 per cent up compared to normal.

Britons worried about the National's Grid's warnings of blackouts are stockpiling candles to see them through winter, it has been revealed (stock image)

Already, shoppers have begun hoarding wax lights amid fears that three-hours power cuts are on the horizon (stock image)

'And I think that's mainly to do with the news about power cuts. I do think people are stockpiling candles.

'As soon as somebody mentions power cuts, candles do crzy for a couple of weeks. It's like the toilet paper situation with Covid.'

Mr Kenneally runs Candles UK based in Essex and says supplies were already reduced despite low sales throughout the year.

Last night, the firm's website was sold out of most of its bulk packages of candles.

Britain faces blackouts this winter, the National Grid warned on Wednesday, if Russia shuts off gas supplies to Europe and a cold winter hits, as it proposed a new scheme to pay consumers to run their washing machines or charge their electric cars away from peak hours.

They would be the first planned blackouts in decades if power plants cannot get enough gas to keep running, the body that oversees Britain's electricity grid has said.

But candle suppliers have revealed their stocks are running low due to higher manufacturing costs

It is not the first time that the prospect of blackouts has been raised by the energy giant. But this year's warning carries far more urgency as Vladimir Putin keeps the pressure on gas supplies to Europe amid his faltering war in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Liz Truss is urging European leaders at a summit in Prague to help 'keep the lights on' as the standoff with Russia sparks fears of shortages in the coming months.

The PM is calling on groups to agree that gas and electricity connectors between countries must be kept open this winter.

System operators have warned that shortages of gas, which generated 40 per cent of UK electricity last year, could mean planned three-hour blackouts in some areas to protect supplies for heating homes and buildings.

Brits are facing a cost of living crisis as the Government pledged 150billion to keep energy bills capped at 2,500 this winter, while many businesses say they face extinction without further help.
Households could be handed as much as 1,000 if they agree to have fracking sites built nearby.

Under a radical plan to overcome opposition to the drilling, companies would go door-to-door trying to convince residents of the benefits.

If more than half of families near a proposed development give approval, it would be considered to have received local consent and be fast-tracked through the planning process.

Households could be handed as much as 1,000 if they agree to have fracking sites built nearby

Those living nearby, including any who opposed the plan, could receive cash incentives funded by the industry of between 500 and 1,000. And if shale gas is found, those who own the land above fracking sites could also be offered a share of the proceeds.

The royalty payments would either be given as cash or money off energy bills. Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg is expected to outline plans for Britains fracking push in the next month after Prime Minister Liz Truss lifted the three-year ban.

Under a radical plan to overcome opposition to the drilling, companies would go door-to-door trying to convince residents of the benefits

At a fringe event at the Conservative Party conference, Mr Rees-Mogg suggested energy firms could go around, door to door... and ask people if they would consent. He added: Then they have to go around to an identifiable community and if they get 50 per cent plus one in favour then they should be able to go ahead.

Whitehall sources said a payment scheme could unlock development by compensating residents for disruption.

A source told The Times: If you can say to them that they are going to be compensated from that disruption and then get regular payment when those wells are productive then that can change peoples perception on whether they will support the project or not.
Microplastics have been found in human breast milk for the first time  raising the spectre of potential health effects for babies.

After 34 healthy mothers provided milk samples following childbirth, microscopic plastic particles were detected in three-quarters of them.

The world produces 344million tons of plastic every year, and scientists have highlighted the risks created when it breaks down.

It has been found in the air we breathe, our seas and the earth.

But a new field of research has increasingly found plastic  a substance only invented in the 20th century  inside our bodies.

It has been discovered in babies in the womb, in the human brain  and now in breast milk.

Microplastics have been found in human breast milk for the first time  raising the spectre of potential health effects for babies

Despite this, scientists say breast milk is still the best way to feed a baby for most mothers  and using plastic bottles and formula milk may expose babies to even higher levels of plastic.

Health concerns over plastics include the chemicals used to soften them, known as phthalates, which can mimic the effects of sex hormones in humans.

For years, plastic particles were considered to be inert. But research increasingly shows harmful effects on human cells in the laboratory and in animals. In the latest experiment, 1 gram of milk was collected one week after the mothers gave birth.

To prevent contamination, the milk was collected using non-plastic containers, and it was expressed by hand, rather than using a breast pump.

The milk samples containing plastic each had between one and five microparticles. The researchers, writing in the journal Polymers, said their study showed now human exposure to microplastics was inevitable.

The particles came from PVC, polyethylene and polypropylene, all common plastics in materials ranging from plastic bottles and packaging, synthetic leather, floor tiles and furniture coverings. The discovery was made by an Italian team that identified microplastics in human placentas in 2020.

Dr Valentina Notarstefano, of the Universita Politecnica delle Marche in Ancona, said: The proof of microplastics presence in breast milk increases our great concern for the extremely vulnerable population of infants.

After 34 healthy mothers provided milk samples following childbirth, microscopic plastic particles were detected in three-quarters of them

It will be crucial to assess ways to reduce exposure during pregnancy and lactation.

Studies like ours must not reduce breastfeeding, but pressure politicians to promote laws that reduce pollution.

Previous studies have shown that babies fed on infant formula also absorb millions of microplastic particles each day. The researchers say their findings are likely to underestimate the amount of plastic in breast milk as their equipment could not analyse particles smaller than two microns  up to 40 times smaller than the width of a human hair.

Professor Notarstefano advised pregnant women: Pay greater attention to avoiding food and drink packaged in plastic, cosmetics and toothpastes containing microplastics, and clothes made of synthetic fabrics.

Professor Dick Vethaak, of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands, who found microplastics in human blood this year, added: We see only the tip of the iceberg with microplastics. Smaller nano-sized plastics are likely more prevalent and toxic.
The Uvalde school district decided to suspend its entire police force as the superintendent is set to retire following the fallout from the horrific mass shooting in the area.

The decision, which comes months after the alarming mass shooting that resulted in the death of 19 students and two teachers, is the latest development in the issue at hand. The school district, which is still facing criticism over its police department's failings both during the May 24 shooting and since, announced the suspension on Friday.

Suspension of Entire Police Force

Hours after the announcement, Uvalde school district Superintendent Hal Harrell announced that he would be stepping down from his position. However, there was no timeframe given for the official's retirement but that transition will be discussed in a closed session of the school board on Monday.

In a statement, the district said that it had requested more Texas Department of Public Safety troopers to be stationed on campuses and at extracurricular activities amid the police department suspension. Authorities added that they were confident that staff and student safety will not be compromised during the transition, as per ABC News.

Lt. Miguel Hernandez, who was responsible for leading the department in the fallout from the massacre, and Ken Mueller, the UCISD's director of student services, were both placed on administrative leave.

The former acknowledged in a law enforcement communication in August that he had received formal notification from DPS that an officer applying to Uvalde's school police force was under investigation for her response at Robb elementary.

According to the New York Times, the school district previously fired the chief of the department, Pete Arredondo. Officials said that he was the incident commander during the school shooting and bore responsibility for delaying a confrontation with the gunman for over an hour after the start of the shooting.

Read Also: Kamala Harris Involved in Car Accident, Dismissed as Mechanical Failure; Secret Service Accused of Covering Up Incident

Ongoing Investigations

However, a state investigatory report said that the failures of the police response at the school extended far beyond Arredondo. This included many other officers from local, state, and federal agencies who similarly did not follow standard operating procedures which called for officers to rush to confront an actively shooting gunman.

Explaining its decision, the district said that recent developments have uncovered additional concerns with department operations. However, the statement did not provide information on what those developments were. Brett Cross, who camped outside the district officers for nine nights, finally went home on Friday, saying that he and the other families protesting about the incident saw the district's decision as a direct result of their efforts.

Cross said that it should not have had to last that long, noting that it was their first win but it would not be the last. He raised his nephew, 10-year-old Uziyah Garcia, like a son until the day he was killed at school.

The suspension announcement comes as there are still two ongoing investigations into the police response to the school shooting. One officer who was recently hired by the Uvalde school district is being looked into for her conduct on the day of the shooting. On the other hand, Officer Crimson Elizondo was sacked from the force on Thursday, BBC reported.

Related Article: New York in State of Emergency Over Migrant Crisis, Mayor Eric Adams Admits It'll Cost City $1 Billion

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Two New York hospitals affiliated with Columbia University have agreed to pay more than $165 million to 147 former patients who have accused a former gynecologist of sexual abuse and misconduct.

Robert Hadden, who has not worked as a doctor since 2021, surrendered his medical license after being convicted in 2016 on sex-related charges in state court - but was not sentenced to prison.

Among Hadden's accusers was Evelyn Yang, the wife of the former presidential and New York City mayoral candidate, Andrew Yang.

She went public in 2020 with allegations that Hadden abused her when she was his patient and while she was pregnant in 2012, with Yang one of the women in line to receive a payout as a result of Friday's settlement.

Former Broadway dancer Laurie Kanyok was also among the accusers who brought a civil suit against trustees of Columbia University and its affiliated College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Hadden currently awaits trial on separate federal charges of sexually abusing dozens of young and unsuspecting female patients for over two decades.

Columbia University has agreed to pay more than $165 million to 147 former patients who have accused a former gynecologist Robert Hadden (pictured) of sexual abuse and misconduct

Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian announced the settlement agreement on Friday, allegedly failed to stop the 'predator in a white coat'

Hadden currently awaits trial on federal charges of sexually abusing dozens of young and unsuspecting female patients

Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian announced the settlement agreement on Friday.

Last year, the two hospitals reached a settlement to establish a $71 million compensation fund with 79 of Hadden's former patients.

Those patients were represented by a different lawyer.

'We deeply regret the pain that Robert Hadden's patients suffered and hope that these resolutions will provide some measure of support for the women he hurt,' Columbia University Irving Medical Center said in the release.

Hadden, an Englewood, New Jersey, resident, pleaded not guilty to six counts of inducing others to travel to engage in illegal sex acts.

Prosecutors have described Hadden as a 'predator in a white coat,' accusing him of singling out young and unsuspecting victims, including a young girl he had delivered at birth.

Dozens of victims alleged that hospital personnel were not only aware of Hadden's 'sexual exploitation and abuse' being perpetrated by the doctor as far back as the 90s, they 'actively, deliberately and inexplicably' concealed it.

In fact, they claim Hadden's reputation was so egregious that he was known among medical assistants as 'a shark' for his ability to outmaneuver chaperones to make 'quick hits at sexually abusing patients' and keep going.

Kanyok, in an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, spoke out against the institution that, she says, protected her abuser for decades.

Former Broadway dancer Laurie Kanyok said Hadden subjected her to an internal exam so forceful that he lifted her off the chair while she 'gripped the arms' and caused her to bleed

Evelyn Yang, the wife of former presidential candidate Andrew, said she was also a victim of Hadden's and shared her story publicly

Her story began when she chose Hadden, 64, as her doctor when she became pregnant in 2011. On first meeting, she recalled, the, 'mild-mannered and prominent physician . . .inspired trust.'

Today, it is impossible for Kanyok to look back on those pre-natal exams without seeing the abuse she was being subjected.

On one occasion, under the guise of checking the dilation of her cervix, Hadden subjected her to an internal exam so forceful that he lifted her off the exam chair while she 'gripped the arms' and caused her to bleed afterward.

But with no prior experience Kanyok, suppressed any misgivings and trusted her doctor.

She said, 'You know as your stomach grows the only thing that matters is you want to hear the heartbeat.'

Kanyok is thankful that Hadden was not on call when she went into labor.

Instead, she was attended by a team of women and, for the first time, realized that what she had come to accept as 'normal' was anything but.

She said, 'When I was close to delivering the gal came into check my dilation and it was as if nothing was going on. And I was sort of like, 'Okay, that was different.'

Still, she might have let it go were it not for what happened six weeks later at a post-partum consultation.

She recalled, '[At first] he did the whole exam with a nurse in the room. He started to comment on my weight and how much I'd lost and how good I looked.'

According to Kanyok, the comments felt 'off' and out of place, but she let it slide.

But then, after the exam was finished and the nurse had left the room, Hadden said he wanted to check something else and asked Kanyok, who was naked, to lie down once more.

She said, 'I said, ''You didn't just do a full exam?'' And he said, ''No, just lay back down let me just check one more time.''

'So, I lay back down and put my feet in the stirrups, and he pulls the sheet taut and all of a sudden, his head ducked down, and he licked my vagina and I jumped off the table and he was white as a ghost.'

She texted her partner and her best friend, telling both what happened. The father of her child told her to call the police immediately.

Former Broadway dancer Laurie Kanyok tells DailyMail.com of the abuse she suffered at the hands of gynecologist Dr. Robert Hadden

She said, 'I tried to leave. I got dressed and walked out. I didn't go to his office, I didn't stop at admin. It was a big, long hallway and [just as I was leaving] he's coming after me calling, ''Laurie, you forgot to come get your [birth control] prescription. Come back." '

Scared, she followed him back to his office where he flipped his prescription pad back and forth nervously apparently trying to gauge and manage her reaction to what had happened.

He insisted on walking her out, rubbing her back and making small talk as he did.

Kanyok called the police from her Uber on her way home. By the time she got there, Hadden had left a lengthy and agitated voicemail on her cell.

She said, 'He said, ''I understand something happened, that you're not happy with your visit.'' And he's saying, ''Why don't you come back in, and we'll talk about it face to face.'' And then the call got progressively more agitated and at the end he was sort of manic and frantic and said, ''You know I'm really, really upset too.'' And he hung up the phone.'

Hadden is pictured outside his New Jersey home in 2019

Hadden's home in New Jersey is pictured after being served with a lawsuit filed by 25 women

Kanyok played the voicemail to detectives who headed to the hospital to arrest him.

Meanwhile, new mother went through the invasive process of undergoing a rape kit. The sample taken from Kanyok was a 98-99% match for Hadden's saliva.

Yet a few months later, Kanyok received a phone call from the Assistant District Attorney saying that the criminal case against Hadden was being dropped for lack of evidence.

Kanyok filed a civil suit and the decision led to the DA's office re-opening the criminal case.

She explained, 'My attorneys did a little blurb in the newspaper and women started coming forward with corroborating stories.'

Eleven women came forward and Kanyok testified before a Grand Jury. She said, 'It was vindicating but at the same time it was scary because now this is a serial predator.'

Hadden was charged with nine counts of sexual misconduct and assault. But, in 2016, he took a sweetheart plea deal in which he pleaded guilty to Kanyok's counts and was allowed to surrender his medical license and walk free.

Kanyok settled her civil case in 2017. She said, 'I remember pacing round this boardroom [during mediation] and smacking my fists on the chair and saying, 'It's MeToo' but nobody wanted to acknowledge it. 'Take the money, Laurie, and go raise your daughter,' is what I was told.'

And for a while that is what Kanyok tried to do. But the trauma never left her nor the sense of injustice at the way Hadden had walked free, and Columbia never held accountable.

She said, 'This is a gynecologist, this is your most vulnerable state as a female. How does an institution allow this? That messes with your psyche.

'There is no dollar amount, there is no time. There is no fix to that. I didn't feel anything except what's wrong with the system that lets this person be free?'

'I'm tough. I can handle a lot but [this trauma] is the suit you can't get off. You can never get rid of it. You can be happy. I can go on a holiday. I can have a birthday party. I could do a lot of things. But at the end of the day, it's there. And I was supposed to have won? What did I win? All I could think was I signed this piece of paper and I accepted money, for what?'

Then, in 2020, Kanyok was watching television when she saw Andrew Yang's wife, Evelyn, share her story of abuse at Hadden's hands.

Yang was speaking publicly as the disgraced doctor was indicted on federal charges relating to 16 women and including six counts of inducing others to travel to engage in illegal sexual acts. He was released on a $1million bond and is currently awaiting trial.

In 2020, Kanyok was watching television when she saw Andrew Yang's wife, Evelyn, share her story of abuse. As she watched Yang speak, Kanyok realized that the democratic candidate's wife had been assaulted after she herself had reported the doctor to police

Announcing the indictment Audrey Strauss, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District Of New York, described Hadden as, 'a predator in a white coat [who] used the cover of conducting medical examinations to engage in sexual abuse.'

For Kanyok, news of the arrest was bittersweet. Because, as she watched Yang speak, Kanyok realized that the democratic candidate's wife had been assaulted after she herself had reported the doctor to police.

Suddenly, Kanyok saw the bigger picture. She had thought she was the last of his victims but now she realized that he had been allowed to step back into his role. Both she and Yang were victims of a cycle of abuse that could  and should - have been stopped.

She said, 'Evelyn Yang was assaulted after meI couldn't let that go. Then I found out there was a woman who had written a letter in 1993 to the hospital and they responded saying, 'We'll get to the bottom of this.' And that was it. They dropped it.

'Essentially it should have never happened to me because she made them aware. It should have never happened to Evelyn because I called the police and I made them aware but they [Columbia] were still allowing this behavior.'

She said, 'That's why I came back out. I shouldn't be sitting here; I shouldn't be telling my story. I shouldn't have to be facing the prospect of telling the story to my daughter when she's of an age and has to go to the gynecologist or, God forbid, does a random Google search on her mom and finds out like that. I have to face telling my daughter because they didn't listen to a letter from a patient in 1993. That's deplorable.'
Ministers say they are very positive they can resolve the bitter dispute with the EU over post-Brexit trade in Northern Ireland.

Britain and Ireland held cordial talks yesterday on a range of issues, including the Northern Ireland Protocol, raising fresh hopes that an agreement can be reached with Brussels.

In a boost for Liz Truss after a challenging week, UK ministers said the energy crisis had pushed the two sides closer together, while Dublin welcomed the new positive approach.

It could mean that the Government drops its threat to rip up the protocol  which imposes strict checks on goods shipped across the Irish Sea  through a new law currently before Parliament.

Speaking after a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in London, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said: I want to be very positive about the chances of getting a negotiated solution.

Speaking after a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in London, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said: I want to be very positive about the chances of getting a negotiated solution'

I believe were all working in good spirit with good co-operation to deliver on the changes that are required for the protocol to be fixed or the issues within the protocol to be fixed.

Asked what had changed, Mr Heaton-Harris said: There are lots of very important issues now that bind us closer together, because were all suffering from the energy shock that has been brought about by Putins illegal war on Ukraine, and we all want to work together to make sure that Ukraine comes out of this battle victorious.

Junior minister Steve Baker added: Were all going to some considerable lengths to create an atmosphere of friendship and willing to make progress, recognising one anothers legitimate interests.

The whole dynamic of politics in Europe has been radically transformed by the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis and other issues. And I think today weve had a very, very positive conversation in a new spirit of friendship, and thats what we need to focus on.

Junior minister Steve Baker added: Were all going to some considerable lengths to create an atmosphere of friendship and willing to make progress, recognising one anothers legitimate interests'

Irish foreign affairs minister Simon Coveney said: I think the conversations were having now with the British Government certainly suggest to me that we are in a different space now, one we havent been in for quite some time.

He said there had been a real effort to reach out from the new UK ministers in recent weeks, adding: This isnt some kind of phony friendship.

Theres genuine goodwill and an effort to try to move on a relationship thats been stumbling for a few years.
Former culture secretary Nadine Dorries last night criticised her successor after sources claimed reform to the UKs gambling industry is being delayed for a fifth time.

Michelle Donelan this week refused to commit to publishing a White Paper on betting laws before Christmas, telling colleagues it needs a lot of work.

But Mrs Dorries, who oversaw the review until last month, said: The reforms have already been through Cabinet sign-off prior to the new PM taking office. I have no idea what the delay can possibly be. They need to crack on with this stuff.

Former culture secretary Nadine Dorries last night criticised her successor after sources claimed reform to the UKs gambling industry is being delayed for a fifth time

The changes to gambling laws, first planned for publication in mid-2021, have already been delayed four times

The changes to gambling laws, first planned for publication in mid-2021, have already been delayed four times.

Changes called to include a levy on betting firms to fund research into addiction.

The Daily Mails Stop The Gambling Predators campaign calls for curbs on online gambling.

A source close to Miss Donelan said the expectation [is] it will be published in the coming weeks.
A third person has been arrested after a man was shot dead in the front yard of a home while two suspects remain on the run.

The 30-year-old East Brisbane man was taken in by police on Friday evening after he was stopped in a vehicle at Riverview.

The man has been charged with murder and will appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday.

Officers also seized items of significance to the homicide investigation after two search warrants were executed on Friday evening.

It comes after a 38-year-old Inala man was allegedly shot dead in the front yard of a Cliveden Avenue home, in Brisbane's south, in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

In current initial investigations, Police (above, at the scene) believe five people descended upon a Brisbane home in the early hours of Tuesday morning and pumped a single shotgun shell into the chest of a 38-year-old man in a suburban front yard

Queensland police established a crime scene after the man was fatally shot in Brisbane early in the morning (pictured, police investigating the scene), three people have now been arrested as a further two are on the run

Another man and woman have already been taken into custody are yet to be charged.

Police confirmed on Saturday they were still looking for two male suspects.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham initially alleged four men and a woman armed with a 12-gauge shotgun, and potentially a handgun, were involved in the attack.

'The male deceased was struck at very close range and we believe the weapon involved was a 12-gauge shotgun,' he said on Tuesday.

Det Supt Massingham alleged the man had been sitting in a car outside a home when five people turned up and started assaulting another man who lived at the premises.

The 38-year-old got out of his car and started running to the man's aid when he was allegedly shot.

Police were probing a dispute between the two men and the five suspects one to two weeks before the shooting.

'Certainly there was significant conflict amongst the whole group,' Det Supt Massingham said.

The dispute was not related to a number of recent gang shootings in the city's south, he added.

Two major suspects are behind bars over the brutal early morning execution of another man, as a spectacular vehicle fire was linked to the killing

The shooting occurred across the road from the Corinda State School less than six hours before hundreds of students were due to return to class after school holidays.

A preschool and a childcare centre are also located on the same block in the quiet, mainly residential suburb.

Police urged anyone with information about the man's death to contact Policelink or lodge an anonymous report through Crime Stoppers.

Queensland police released dramatic footage of vehicle fires burning out of control at an apartment block at Gladstone Road, Dutton Park after 11pm on Wednesday.

One of the cars was understood to be an 2016 Audi A3 police say was used as a getaway car following the shooting murder the previous morning.

Police released footage of the Audi A3 they will allege was used as a getaway vehicle

Queensland police released dramatic footage of vehicle fires burning out of control at an apartment block at Gladstone Road, Dutton Park after 11pm on Wednesday

Dramatic police bodycam footage shows officers rushing to evacuate residents at the Dutton Park apartment complex as alarms wail and a large fire burns seven cars in the ground floor carport.

In the frantic scenes loud bangs can be heard coming from the burning vehicles, believed to be windows exploding.

Police believe one car was initially set alight and the fire spread, destroying six others.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham said a 26-year-old woman was the first to be arrested in Brisbane's CBD on the day of the shooting.

Then on Wednesday around 11pm a 26-year-old man was arrested at a house in the south-east Brisbane suburb of Mackenzie.

Another four men and two women were arrested at the Mackenzie house, which contained a 'sophisticated' meth lab.

Whether the shooting was drug-related is one of the current lines of enquiry.

Investigations continue.
Elon Musk has blamed America's woke colleges for turning his transgender daughter Vivian against him.

In a new interview with the Financial Times, the world's richest man blamed 'neo-Marxists' in elite schools and universities for the estrangement between him and his daughter.

He added: 'It's full-on communism . . . and a general sentiment that if you're rich, you're evil.'

It is unclear where Vivian goes to school, and Musk offered no further details on his allegation. Woke students seeking to ban and censor views they consider offensive have gained a foothold in many liberal schools and universities across the US.

The long-form interview was part of the newspaper's Lunch with the FT series. During the Q&A, Musk also touched on issues relating to Donald Trump's social network and politics in general.

The South African blamed 'neo-Marxists' in elite schools and universities for the estrangement between him and his daughter

Vivian Wilson, whose mother is writer Justine Wilson, pictured in Los Angeles in September

Musk, the father of nine, appeared to shrug off having a relationship with Vivian by saying: 'It may change, but I have very good relationships with all the others. Can't win them all.'

Vivian, who was born a biological male and given the name Xavier Alexander Musk, submitted a legal petition to change her name and her gender back in April.

She told a California court she wanted to be known as Vivian Jenna Wilson, in part to distance herself from her father, who is worth close to $272 billion.

That petition was granted in June. Her mother is Canadian writer is Justine Wilson.

Musk once famously tweeted: 'I absolutely support trans, but all these pronouns are an esthetic nightmare.' And: 'Pronouns suck.'

Later in the FT interview, Musk said someone who is twice the age of the average age of the United States should not be in charge, a not-so-thinly veiled jab at President Joe Biden.

Musk also spoke about his behavior on Twitter, saying: 'Arent you entertained? I play the fool on Twitter and often shoot myself in the foot and cause myself all sorts of trouble . . . I dont know, I find it vaguely therapeutic to express myself on Twitter. Its a way to get messages out to the public.'

Speaking about politics, Musk said he was considering launching his own political action committee that will support candidates who are more moderate known as the Super Moderate Super PAC.

Musk is the father of nine children

Talulah Riley, one-time fiancee of Elon Musk, chairman and chief executive officer of Tesla Motors, walks with Vivian, on the left, in 2010

Musk holding Vivian's twin brother, Griffin, alongside Riley in 2010

The Tesla founder earlier hinted support for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis if the Republican ran for the presidency in 2024.

Musk spoke about the other favorite for the Republican nomination, Donald Trump, in the Financial Times feature.

He called the former Apprentice host's social platform Truth Social 'essentially a right-wing echo chamber. It might as well be called Trumpet.'

Musk previously made it clear that he did not hate Trump but said he hoped the former president would 'hang up his hat and sail into the sunset.'

In July, during a rally in Alaska, Trump called Musk a 'bulls*** artist.'

When talking about his proposed deal to buy Twitter, Musk said: 'I'm not doing Twitter for the money. It's not like I'm trying to buy some yacht and I can't afford it. I don't own any boats.'

He went on: 'But I think it's important that people have a maximally trusted and inclusive means of exchanging ideas and that it should be as trusted and transparent as possible.'

Musk continued: 'Twitter is certainly an invitation to increase your pain level. I guess I must be a masochist.'

He previously stated that he would reinstate many of those who had been banned from Twitter if he took over, a move that would hurt the relevancy of Truth Social.
The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. has revealed that a painting attributed to Johannes Vermeer wasnt actually painted by the Dutch master.

Girl with a Flute, a 17th century piece that depicts a small figure holding the musical instrument, was instead likely made by someone who studied under Vermeer, like an apprentice - or even a family member, the National Gallery said in a press release on Friday.

They realized the texture of Girl with a Flute was too rough to be a Vermeer, with the Dutch Old Master famed for the ground-breakingly smooth texture of his artworks.

Vermeer's brushwork was also deemed to be far more subtle and controlled than that of whoever painted Girl with a Flute.

The gallery believes it was created while Vermeer was alive, and that the painting does indeed have ties to him.

They've speculated that it may have been done by a family member, apprentice, or even someone who had lessons with Vermeer - although it's impossible to prove if any of those theories are true.

The discovery was made when researchers used the museum's COVID-related closures to examine their four paintings by and attributed to Vermeer, which are rarely taken off view, especially at the same time.

The authenticity of two paintings in particular, Girl with a Flute and Girl with a Red Hat, have long been questioned, as they are the only two in the collection done on wood panels. It was confirmed and four paintings in the collection are now three.

The new findings were released just a day before the exhibition Vermeer's Secrets opens on October 8.

Girl with a Flute, which depicts a small figure holding the musical instrument, was instead likely made by someone who studied under Vermeer, like an apprentice

The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. revealed on Friday that a painting attributed to Johannes Vermeer (pictured) wasnt actually painted by the Dutch master

Vermeer, whose Girl with a Pearl Earring piece is one of his best known works, has other masterpieces as well that rank among the most famous paintings in the world.

It's long been believed that Vermeer worked alone, as there have been no surviving documents to provide evidence of a workshop, nor records of pupils registered and no mention of assistants in the notes of visitors to Vermeer's studio, the gallery said. Until now.

'The existence of other artists working with Johannes Vermeer is perhaps one of the most significant new findings about the artist to be discovered in decades. It fundamentally changes our understanding of Vermeer,' Kaywin Feldman, director of the National Gallery of Art said.

'I am incredibly proud of the interdisciplinary team of National Gallery staff who worked together to study these paintings, building on decades of research and using advanced scientific technology to uncover exciting discoveries that add new insight to what we know about the enigmatic artist.'

Curators and scientists used the COVID-related museum closures and new technology to make the discovery.

The team compared Girl with a Flute to Vermeer's Girl with the Red Hat  which have long believed to be a pair due to similarities in subject, size, and use of a wood panel support  unusual for Vermeer.

The team compared Girl with a Flute to Vermeer's Girl with the Red Hat - which have long believed to be a pair due to similarities and use of a wood panel supportunusual for Vermeer

Vermeer, whose Girl With a Pearl Earring piece is one of his best known works, ahas other masterpieces as well that rank among the most famous paintings in the world

However, the paint application in Girl with a Flute is very different from Girl with the Red Hat.

While it does not lack the precision for which Vermeer is known, the artist does not have Vermeer's control, the gallery stated.

Brushwork of Girl with a Flute is awkward, the gallery explained, and the pigments used in the final paint are coarsely ground, giving the surface an almost granular character.

While the findings clearly show that, although Vermeer did not paint Girl with a Flute, the artist who did was intimately familiar with his unique working methods, the gallery stated.

The research team also concluded that Vermeer most likely painted 'Girl With the Red Hat' a couple of years later than previously thought, in a period when he was experimenting with new colors and slightly bolder paint application.

While the findings clearly show that, although Vermeer did not paint Girl with a Flute, the artist who did was intimately familiar with his unique working methods, the gallery stated

The exhibition also includes two 20th-century forgeries, The Lacemaker (c. 1925) and The Smiling Girl (c. 1925), which were attributed to Vermeer when they first entered the museum's collection in 1937 as part of Andrew Mellon's original bequest, but were later determined not to be by the artist

DUTCH MASTER JOHANNES VERMEER DIED IN DEBT Johannes Vermeer was born in Delft in 1632 and lived there until his death in 1675. Vermeer became a master in the Saint Luke's Guild on December 29, 1653. His early aspiration was to be a history painter, and his first works were large-scale mythological and religious paintings. Shortly after he began to paint the genre scenes, landscapes, and allegories for which he became so renowned. Although Vermeer's subject matter changed in the mid-1650s, he continued to imbue his later works with the quiet, intimate moods he had preferred in his early history paintings. Vermeer's few worksthey number about thirty-fivewere not well known outside of Delft. When Vermeer died, however, he was heavily in debt, in part because his art-dealing business had suffered during the difficult economic times in the Netherlands in the early 1670s. He was survived by his wife and eleven children, ten of whom were minors. His wife petitioned for bankruptcy the following year. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, the famed Delft microscopist, was named trustee of the estate. Vermeer's works were appreciated during the eighteenth century, but his fame did not develop until the late nineteenth century. Advertisement

Research also led curators to determine that Vermeer's Girl with the Red Hat was made at a turning point in the artist's career, according to the release.

The painting shows Vermeer experimenting with new techniquesvivid colors, a bolder manner of applying the paintthat presage paintings produced in the final phase of his career.

The new research also led the team to recognize Girl with the Red Hat as a pivotal work that points to Vermeer's late style.

Marjorie E. Wieseman, curator and head of the department of northern European paintings, Alexandra Libby, associate curator in the department of northern European paintings, E. Melanie Gifford, retired research conservator of painting technology, and Dina Anchin, associate paintings conservator, determined that Girl with the Red Hat represents a turning point in Vermeer's career.

They point to this work as the artist's experiment: the moment when he began to paint his final image with a schematic rendering of forms and exaggerated contrasts of dark and lightfeatures he had previously limited to the underpaint, but that came to characterize his late style.

The National Gallery's senior imaging scientist, John K. Delaney, imaging scientist Kathryn A. Dooley, and retired conservation scientist Lisha Deming Glinsman, were also able to create clearer images of the portrait of a man underneath Girl with the Red Hat, first discovered in an x-ray taken in the early 1970s.

A better understanding of how the man was painted and some of the pigments used was obtained with reflectance and x-ray fluorescence imaging spectroscopies.

Specifically, using x-ray fluorescence imaging spectroscopy, scientists mapped the use of pigments containing the chemical element lead in the composition.

By processing the image to minimize materials present in the visible surface layer, they produced an image that clearly reveals details of the man's broad-brimmed hat, long hair, white collar, and billowy cloak.

Vermeer's Secrets exhibition at the National Gallery of Art

Vermeer's Secrets offers visitors an inside look at how the National Gallery's curators, conservators, and scientists work together to understand artists' techniques, materials, and processes.

The exhibition also includes two 20th-century forgeries, The Lacemaker (c. 1925) and The Smiling Girl (c. 1925), which were attributed to Vermeer when they first entered the museum's collection in 1937 as part of Andrew Mellon's original bequest, but were later determined not to be by the artist.

The juxtaposition of these two 20th-century works and the 17th-century Girl with a Flute with paintings firmly attributed to the Dutch artistWoman Holding a Balance (c. 1664), A Lady Writing (c. 1665), and Girl with the Red Hat (c. 1669)will show how curators draw on research from a range of disciplines to evaluate works of art, determine attributions, and understand the qualities that make a Vermeer a Vermeer.
An alleged gang member is among ten people have been charged after allegedly defrauding $1.8million from the Australian Taxation Office.

It followed investigations orchestrated by police in May, into the alleged fraud scheme committed by people linked to criminal street gangs.

Over the past three weeks, 10 people aged between 18-22 were arrested after search warrants were executed at properties across Brisbane and Toowoomba.

A BMW coupe, cash, drugs, electronic equipment, crypto hardware wallets, IDs and designer clothing were all seized.

Police will allege the people were involved in a number of large-scale deceptions against government agencies and financial institutions where they provided false details in order to receive fraudulent payments.

Detectives have arrested and charged 10 people, aged between 18-22, after they were found to have allegedly defrauded $1.8million from the ATO (pictured)

A 18-year-old Redbank man has been charged with four counts of fraud and fronted Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday.

A 19-year-old Goodna man has been charged with nine counts of fraud, nine counts of receiving tainted property, and one count each of money laundering, contravene requirement and possess explosives.

He appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday.

A 20-year-old Redbank Plains man has been charged with 10 counts of fraud and one count of possess dangerous drug.

He fronted Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday.

A 22-year-old Chapel Hill man has been charged with two counts of fraud and one count of possess tainted property.

He will appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on October 28.

A 20-year-old Ripley man has been charged with two counts of fraud, possess tainted property and contravene requirement and one count of money laundering.

He was remanded and will appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on November 7.

Police will allege the people were involved in a number of large-scale deceptions against government agencies and financial institutions where they provided false details in order to receive fraudulent payments (stock image)

A 20-year-old Springfield Lakes man has been charged with three counts of fraud, two counts of attempted fraud, receiving and possess trained property and one count of possess dangerous drug and possess thing.

He appeared in court on Thursday and was remanded until his next appearance at Brisbane Magistrates Court on November 7.

A 22-year-old Redbank man was charged with two counts of fraud - remanded after appearing in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday, and will next face court on November 7.

A 18-year-old Kleinton man was charged with one count each of fraud, possess explosives, possess dangerous drug, possess utensil and contravene requirement - bailed and will appear in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on November 7.

A 20-year-old Kearneys Spring woman was charged with two counts of fraud and one count of possess tainted property - bailed and will appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on October 10.

A 20-year-old Durack man has been charged with two counts of fraud - bailed and will appear in the Richlands Magistrates Court on October 11.

Majority of those charged have appeared in or are yet to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court (pictured)

The investigation is in partnership with the ATO's Operation Protego, an investigation into wide spread GST fraud where offenders invent fake businesses and submit fictitious Business Activity Statements in an attempt to gain a false GST refund.

Detective Acting Superintendent Tim Leadbetter from the Organised Crime Gangs Group said the arrests are the culmination of a complicated and complex investigation.

'This is an excellent example of investigators identifying offences and commencing immediate action to investigate and disrupt the crime,' he said.

'We believe the funds obtained are used to undertake further serious offending.

'The cost of offending is large and has a real impact on the economy and community, the results would not have been possible without the assistance provided by the Australian Taxation Office,' he added.
The delivery company brought in temporary suspension at the start of October

Australia Post has temporarily paused mail arriving by sea because of a growing number of prohibited items being sent to the country.

The company began the suspension at the start of October and has promised it will not have any impact on postal processing for air arrivals.

Parcels that weren't in transit before the suspension began have been returned to senders' addresses.

Mail entering Australia on cargo ships has been temporarily suspended amid a rise of criminals trying to smuggle illegal items into the country (above, a cargo ship)

Some parcels that weren't in transit before the suspension began are being sent back to senders (above, a stock picture of a postman)

Australia Post will continue to process and deliver sea mail that was already in transit before they announced the freeze.

An Australia Post spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia the company is working to have sea mail processing operating as normal 'as soon as possible'.

'Due to an increasing number of prohibited mail items coming into Australia by sea, Australia Post temporarily suspended incoming Sea Mail effective October 1,' she said.

'The increase in Sea Mail volume was a direct result of COVID air restrictions and decreased aircraft capacity.'

The vast majority of the deliveries are sent in airfreight while sea mail is the cheaper option for sending packages to Australia from overseas.

Mailing items by sea may be the more affordable alternative, but it has a longer transit time.

Australia Post will continue to process and deliver sea mail that was already in transit before they announced the freeze (above, an Australia Post storefront in Meadowbank)

Processing cargo loads at seaports takes considerably longer and Border Force professionals have to manually sort through mail.

Australia Post only has a single local facility to conduct such sorting.

'Australia Post currently has only one facility capable of managing Sea Mail, and significant delays and safety concerns have been experienced due to the volume of prohibited items arriving and requiring intervention,' the spokeswoman said.

'Australia Post is in the process of reviewing its Sea Mail capacity in order to remove the suspension as quickly as possible.

'Australia Post is still processing Sea Mail containers in transit at the time the suspension was announced, and there remains no impact to mail items being sent by air to Australia or items being sent by sea from Australia.'

'Australia Post apologises for any inconvenience during this time.'
The husband-and-wife duo behind BioNTech, the German firm that joined Pfizer to manufacture the COVID-19 vaccine, have unveiled plans for yet another new virus shot while warning that COVID isn't even close to being over.

Dr. Ugur Sahin and Dr. Ozlem Tureci made their remarks during a trip to Pfizer's United States headquarters in Cambridge, Mass., according to the Boston Globe.

Sahin told the paper: 'This virus will stay with us for many years, and we are still in the pandemic phase of this outbreak.

'So all of the predictions that the pandemic will [soon] be over are just not true.'

The couple founded BioNTech in 2008 and count the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as one of their major investors.

BioNTech sold $21 billion worth of vaccines in 2021 and is on track to shift another $20 billion worth of shots in 2022.

Their research was credited as the driving force behind the first Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine collaboration - and the couple have now insisted that neither they nor the pandemic are done yet.

In total, the pair are developing three new shots with clinical trials set to being over the next six months.

Dr. Ugur Sahin and Dr. Ozlem Tureci founded BioNTech in 2008 and count the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as one of their major investors

In total, BioNTech is developing three new shots with clinical trials set to being over the next six months

In September, the US and Europe approved the use of a new booster shot aimed at targeting the Omicron variant. The booster is made by Pfizer and BioNTech as well as their competitor Moderna.

BioNTech unveiled its latest shot weeks after President Joe Biden told CBS News' '60 Minutes' that 'the pandemic is over.'

'We still have a problem with COVID. We're still doing a lot of work on it. But the pandemic is over. If you notice, no one's wearing masks,' he said. 'Everybody seems to be in pretty good shape, and so I think it's changing.'

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus echoed that, saying the world has never been in a better position to end the COVID-19 pandemic his most optimistic outlook yet on the years-long health crisis.

'We are not there yet. But the end is in sight,' he said. Biden was promptly scolded by the CDC, although most Americans have moved on from COVID and are back to living as they did before.

President Joe Biden declared the COVID-19 pandemic is 'over' in an interview with CBS News

In September, the US and Europe approved the use of a new booster shot aimed at targeting the Omicron variant

Pfizer announced in July that the company's vaccine Comirnaty brought in $8.85 billion in sales, and the treatment Paxlovid added another $8.12 billion as company revenue totaled $27.74 billion.

Pfizer maintained its outlook for full-year Comirnaty sales of approximately $32 billion and Paxlovid sales of about $22 billion.

Comirnaty has been, by far, the most popular of the four vaccines approved for use in the United States. More than 355 million doses of the two-shot vaccine have been administered, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sahin told the Globe that one of the new vaccines will help the recipient's antibodies attack the virus in a 'more prominent fashion.'

Husband and wife Ugur Sahin and Oezlem Tuereci are the couple behind the COVID-19 vaccine that changed the world

Pfizer's US campus in the Osborn Triangle close to Harvard University

Another he said would aid in stimulating a person's T cell response. The T cell is an area of the immune system that fights infections already in the body.

The final one, which is referred to by the Globe as the company's 'most ambitious,' is aimed at helping a person's immune system from fighting COVID-19 strains that we don't even know about.

Tureci told the Globe: 'We will continue to monitor any upcoming new variants. We have an AI [artificial intelligence] based early warning system with which we screen upcoming variants.'

Born in Turkey, Sahin was raised in Germany, where his parents worked in a Ford factory. Trained as a doctor, Sahin became a professor and researcher focused on immunotherapy.

He worked at teaching hospitals in Cologne and the south western city of Homburg, where he met immunologist Tuereci during his early academic career. Medical research and oncology became a shared passion.

Tuereci, the daughter of a Turkish physician who had migrated to Germany, once said in an interview that even on the day of their wedding, both made time for lab work.

Together they honed in on the immune system as a potential ally in the fight against cancer and tried to address the unique genetic makeup of each tumor.

The pair founded BioNTech in 2008, with the aim of pursuing a much broader range of cancer immunotherapy tools.

Pfizer books the vast majority of revenue from Comirnaty and splits profit, as well as the cost to make and distribute the vaccine, with development partner BioNTech

The COVID-19 vaccine debuted in late 2020 and became Pfizers top-selling product by last years second quarter, before children started receiving the preventive shots and adults began receiving booster doses.

Pfizer books the vast majority of revenue from Comirnaty and splits profit, as well as the cost to make and distribute the vaccine, with development partner BioNTech.

Comirnaty and Paxlovid have become key revenue drivers for Pfizer and have helped the pharmaceutical giant build a cash stockpile.

In May, Pfizer announced plans to start putting some of that stockpile to use.

It said it would spend $11.6 billion in cash to buy the remaining portion of migraine treatment developer Biohaven Pharmaceutical that it does not already own.

While back in June, Pfizer and BioNTech announced that they signed a $3.2 billion deal with the U.S. government for 105 million doses of their COVID-19 vaccine, which could be delivered as soon as later this summer.

The deal includes supplies of a retooled Omicron-adapted vaccine, pending regulatory clearance, according to Pfizer.

The average price per dose in the deal is over $30, a more than 50% increase from the $19.50 per dose the U.S. government paid in its initial contract with Pfizer.

The US government also has the option to purchase up to 195 million additional doses, bringing the total number of potential doses to 300 million, the companies said.

The contract will boost 2022 vaccine sales for Pfizer and BioNTech, which share profits from the shots.

Pfizer has forecast COVID-19 vaccine sales of $32 billion this year. Analysts, on average, have forecast 2022 sales of around $33.6 billion for the shots.

The US government has distributed close to 450 million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in the United States since it was first authorized in December 2020, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Over 350 million of those doses have been administered.

Because the Biden administration was unable to line up more COVID-19 funding from Congress earlier this month, it was forced to reallocate $10 billion of existing funding to pay for additional vaccines and treatments.

According to HHS, the money to pay for doses in this new contract comes from that funding.
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The fired San Antonio cop who shot an unarmed 17-year-old who was sitting in his car eating a cheeseburger is a married former soldier who was commended for his firearm skills while in the police academy.

James Brennand, 25, was on the job just seven months when he confronted Erik Cantu around 10:30 p.m. in a McDonald's parking lot.

He has now been pictured for the first time by DailyMail.com

An unharmed female passenger was seated next to the victim. She has not been identified. At the time of writing, Cantu is listed as being in critical but stable condition.

According to his LinkedIn page, Brennand previously served in the US Army as a military dog handler. He enlisted in 2016. Brennand was stationed outside of Seattle.

On that profile, Brennand refers to himself as an 'experienced working dog handler with a demonstrated history of working in the military industry.' He also says that he is 'Skilled in Law Enforcement, Operational Planning, Active DoD Secret Clearance, Military Operations, and Security.'

One of the pages he liked was the San Antonio Police Department - the very force he has now been fired from.

While in the Army, Brennand received a degree in criminal justice and police science from Kaplan University, an online college.

He graduated from the San Antonio Police Training Academy in 2021. Brennand was commended for his skills with a gun, finishing fourth in his class in the firearms discipline.

The former police officer has one child with his wife, Danielle Arnold. Arnold is also a dog handler with the US Army. It's not clear if Arnold is still active in the military. She says on her Facebook page that she is attending online courses on Purdue University.

The couple was married on July 12, 2019. Their child was born in August 2022. Records show they bought home together in San Antonio in July 2021.

Officer James Brennand graduated from the San Antonio Police Training Academy in 2021. On his LinkedIn page, Brennand says that he is 'in Law Enforcement, Operational Planning, Active DoD Secret Clearance, Military Operations, and Security'

According to his LinkedIn page, Brennand previously served in the US Army as a military dog handler. He enlisted in 2016. Brennand was stationed outside of Seattle

Brennand has been fired for shooting 17-year-old Erik Cantu in a McDonald's parking lot on Sunday night

Brennand and his wife pictured in a photoshopped image created by their realtor after Arnold was not present when the pair closed on a home in 2021

Brennand is no stranger to shooting - he placed fourth in the 'firearms' category in his police cadet class in 2021

The former police officer has one child with his wife, Danielle Arnold, Arnold is also a dog handler with the US Army

Erik Cantu was hospitalized at nearby University Hospital following the shooting. He was listed as being in critical but stable condition. Following the shooting, Brennand administered CPR while he waited for paramedics.

On Wednesday, the San Antonio Police Department acted swiftly in firing Brennand. At the time of his termination, he was still in his probationary period -- which means he's not entitled to an appeal -- and had been on the job for just seven months.

Law enforcement initially laid charges against the teenager for evading arrest and assault on a police officer, but those have since been dropped. Under Texas law, due to the fact that the teen had charges pending against him, his family was only permitted to be by his bedside for limited periods of time.

Prior to the release of the video, Brennand maintained he only opened fire on Cantu after the teenager hit him with his car. The new video shows otherwise.

Brennand was called to the McDonald's after a reported disturbance unrelated to Cantu. When the officer arrived at the scene, he apparently mistook the teens' car for a vehicle that evaded him the previous night.

That car had sped away from Brennand when he attempted to pull it over as its license plates did not match the car.

Brennand approached Cantu's maroon car and called for cover, but quickly tried to take matters into his own hands and opened the car door.

Police have not confirmed whether Cantu's car was stolen.

The video shows the moment Brennand surprised Cantu and demanded the teen get out of the car.

As Cantu questioned the officer's orders, he attempted to put the car in reverse and the door catches Brennand.

Brennand quickly opened fire and shot into the driver's side of the vehicle as Cantu reversed, and the bodycam footage caught the cop shouting 'shots fired!' into his radio.

Cantu pulled out of the parking spot and tried to drive away, but Brennand continued shooting into the back of the vehicle.

The teens were then found outside the vehicle a block away from the shooting.

Under this Facebook post from June 2022, Cantu's grandmother wrote: 'My boy, I'm very excited for you, I just ask you one thing, drive safely and take care of yourself, love you lots, God is good'

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales confirmed that upon reviewing the video, his office instructed the police department to drop the charges against Cantu.

Gonzales also updated the public on Cantu's condition saying: 'This young man is in critical but stable condition in the hospital. There was some issue with his parents being able to have extended contact with him. I understand its a touch-and-go situation.'

He added: 'Exercising my discretion, what I decided to do for now is dismiss this case so that his family can be by his side.'

With regards to possible charges against Officer Brennand, Gonzales said: 'That case is pending. We will have to wait until SAPD files the entire case in our office. We will then review it.'

He went on: 'My concern right now is with the health of this young man, with his parents ability to be by his side, and so thats why we have done what we have done. Itll take some time for SAPD to file the complete case with us and then well make the decision.'

'I commend the San Antonio Police Department for taking the action that they did for terminating this individual because, clearly, there was concern on their part. It is commendable that members of that department saw fit to terminate this individual,' the district attorney added.

There is a possibility that Brennand could face criminal charges.

Eric Cantu pictured on his Facebook page in September 2022

Earlier this week, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said of Brennand: 'There's nothing that I can say that could defend what he did, his actions that night.'

According to Cantu's Facebook page, he works at The Wash Tub, a San Antonio-based car service business.

His former supervisor, Christopher Montalvo, told KSAT that Cantu worked at the business for three months earlier this year.

Montalvo said he last saw Cantu two weeks ago when he came in for a car wash. He said: 'Good laughs, just normal human being stuff. Nothing really serious. I never got a bad vibe from (Cantu). He was always a really good guy to me, and he always respected me. Every time I told him to do something, he always did it, and he worked hard.'

The supervisor was not aware that Cantu had been shot. When he was shown the video by a KSAT reporter, Montalvo said: 'Thats hard to watch. Thats scary. Im speechless, honestly. (Cantu) looks scared. He looks terrified. He doesnt know whats going on. He was just in his car eating. That right there, that personally didnt look right to me.'

Posts on Cantu's Facebook page show a keen interest in cars, there are multiple pictures showing him in front of a Dodge Charger, which comments indicate he had just purchased in May.

Under that picture, his grandmother wrote: 'My boy, I'm very excited for you, I just ask you one thing, drive safely and take care of yourself, love you lots, God is good.'

He replied: 'I appreciate it Liz. You have always been like a mother to me. You always treated me like if I was your son. Cant wait to show it to you!'

In February, he posted a photo showing him behind the wheel of a Ford Bronco. While in March he posted a video showing him in the passenger side of a Ferrari.

On the Intro section of his page, Cantu wrote: 'Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. KJV Proverbs 3:5.'

When Cantu reversed, the door of the vehicle reportedly hit Brennand, and the cop then draws his gun and immediately starts firing on the teen couple

Brennand shoots the drivers side window repeatedly and shouts 'shots fired' into his radio, and Cantu attempts to drive away

Even as Cantu drove away, Brennand keeps shooting into the vehicle

The police report stated Brennand performed CPR on Cantu when he caught up, and the female passenger in the car was uninjured.

Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said the investigation could take up to a year, and 'the DA's Office will also review all evidence related to the charges against Erik Cantu once we have received it.'
Thailand Day Care Massacre: Parents, Nation Grief After Ex-Cop Opens Fire During Kids' Nap Time Killing 24 Children

Summary: After being reunited with their dead children on Friday, parents broke down in tears and fainted on the grounds of a temple in northeastern Thailand.

In a classroom in northern Thailand on Friday, dried blood stains could still be seen on the wood floor, a day after the worst mass murder in the nation's history took place in what may have been the most unlikely of places.

School bags were left on colorful shelves at the Child Development Center Uthai Sawan, where smiling child pictures hung from the wall next to cardboard ladybug cutouts.

Parents Collapse While Identifying Thai Massacre Victims

As officials completed plans for a visit by the nation's top leaders, grieving parents outside gathered on blue plastic chairs in a makeshift shed, holding on to each other and their children's blankets and bottles, any reminder of life.

A former policeman who was armed with a knife and a handgun made his way inside the classroom on Thursday during nap time and cut more than 20 small children, aged 2 to 5, while they were asleep.

The front door of the center had a red carpet laid up for the delivery of a floral wreath, a present from the King's youngest daughter, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya.

In a rare appearance later on Friday, the King and Queen paid a visit to the wounded survivors and their families at Nong Bua Lam Phu Hospital, according to a source familiar with the king's schedule.

Their visit came after that of the nation's prime minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, who had previously spoken with families at the government-established relief center, paid visits to victims who were being treated in hospitals, and lay flowers outside the daycare.

Although Thailand is used to the underlying tensions that come with having a military coup as its government, violence of the like that occurred on Thursday is rare, as per CNN. The latest large-scale fatality occurred in the nation of Southeast Asia two years ago when a former soldier went on the rampage at a military installation before turning his attention to consumers at a mall in the southernmost Nakhon Ratchasima Province, or Korat.

After witnessing her deceased loved one, a woman yelled, "He slashed over here many times, he slashed over here many times!" while pointing to the forehead.

The attacker was identified by authorities as Panya Khamrap, 34, a former police sergeant who had been fired due to drug allegations and was currently being tried for a drug offense.

The gunman had an altercation with his wife before leaving for court in the morning, according to Thailand's police chief Damrongsak Kittipraphat, who told reporters on Friday. After returning home from court and not finding them there, he went to the daycare center before beginning the killing rampage, as per Fox News.

Read Also: South Korea Scrambles 30 Fighter Jets Following Kim Jong Un's Order To Send 12 Warplanes Near Border in Bombing Drill

Lone Survivor of Thailand Day Care Center Massacre

Amazingly, despite having the blanket pulled up over her head, one child stayed asleep. The attacker seemed to miss the sleeping girl throughout the chaos as the other children screamed and were killed, yet she survived the attack unharmed.

Her narrative came to light as images of the helpless victims of Khamrab's attack started to circulate, including a tragic picture of two slain twins and a teacher who was eight months pregnant. Three-year-old twins Weerapat and Weeraphon Nuatkao as well as instructor Supaporn Pramongmuk were all victims of the slaughter.

The teacher's husband wrote a moving tribute and shared it on Facebook. "I want to thank everyone who has helped me and my family. As a teacher, my wife has performed flawlessly. Please look after your mother in heaven, my darling, and be a teacher there," wrote Seksan Srirach.

A few months prior to the Thai daycare being the subject of the horrific attack, photos of kids having fun there have also emerged. In a religious service in March of this year, the kids can be seen playing with instructors wearing brown uniforms and giving them flowers.



The coffins of dozens of Thai children and teachers were seen being brought to a hospital morgue just before news of Nong Am's amazing rescue broke. At Udon Thani hospital in Udon Thani province, emergency services and rescue personnel were seen carrying coffins containing the victims' bodies, Daily Mail reported.

Related Article: Thailand Mass Shooting: Gunman Attacks Child Pre-School, Kills 35, Including Children

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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A never-lived-in oceanfront mansion that quietly sold for $110 million last year is to be torn down and replaced with a new property.

The mansion, built in 2016 at 1071 N. Ocean Blvd, Palm Beach, is owned by a company linked to cosmetics billionaire William P. Lauder.

It was blasted by locals around the time of its construction for being too large - although the next property on the plot may be even bigger.

Lauder, 62, who is said to be worth $3.2 billion, is executive chairman of The Estee Lauder Company.

He owns an empty lot next door and is believed to want to combine both parcels of land before building his dream home, just six miles from former President Trump's Mar-a-Lago.

Details of the sale and its impending demolition were uncovered by the Palm Beach Daily News.

A 36,000-square-foot mansion in Palm Beach, Fla., which sold for $110 million last year is to be demolished to make way for a new home

The home, built in 2016 and sits just six miles away from Trump's Mar-a-Lago, is owned by cosmetics billionaire William P. Lauder who was ranked No. 317 among the richest Americans on the just-released Forbes 400 list

The home was originally purchased for $40.42 million by Philadelphia businessman Vahan Gureghian and his wife, Danielle, an attorney, but they never moved in.

This week, demolition workers moved onto the site site with the lush front lawn ripped up this past Monday while trees and shrubs were removed on Tuesday.

The building itself will not be allowed to be razed to the ground until a final demolition permit is issued by the town of Palm Beach.

Approval has already been given for the lavishly furnished insides of the home to be demolished with the owner agreeing to 'donate interior finishes rather than having them thrown away.'

Approval has already been given for the lavishly furnished insides of the home to be demolished with the owner agreeing to 'donate interior finishes rather than having them thrown away'

The home, built in 2016, which sits just six miles away from Trump's Mar-a-Lago will be demolished to make way for a new home

The French-style architecture home was first listed for sale at $84.5 million in March 2015 while still under construction.

The seven-bedroom house sits on a 2-acre double lot with 242 feet of beachfront

The mansion as whole has 36,000 square feet of living space, inside and out.

For about two years after it was listed, the mansion was the most expensive property for sale in Palm Beach County.

The H-shape layout of the home allowed for ocean views from many of the reception rooms and bedrooms.

Along with several bedrooms in the main section of the home, there are also a pair of two-bedroom guest apartments complete with ocean views.

The home's red barrel-tile roof was changed to a gray shingle style, in keeping with the chateau-like architecture

There is even room for a two-lane bowling alley in the basement - although it's soon to be destroyed by the wrecker's ball.

The home also enjoys dual ocean balconies, a massage room, a home theater, a pub room, library, an oceanfront kitchen, staff quarters and garage space for eight cars.

The mansion often came in for criticism from neighborhood activists who were unhappy at its size declaring it to be 'too big for its lot' and 'out of scale with other houses in the neighborhood.

It is unclear if Lauder plans to build an even bigger property on his double-sized plot, or something more subtle.

The home's red barrel-tile roof was changed to a gray shingle style, to make it more in-keeping with the chateau-like architecture.

Lauder who was ranked No. 317 among the richest Americans on the just-released Forbes 400 list, already has planning permission to build on the lot next door with the plans being approved in 2021, although construction work hasn't begun.

He purchased that lot, at 1063 N Ocean Blvd, for $25.4 million in April 2020 at which point he demolished the existing home which had stood there since the early 1960s.

Plans for any new properly to sit across both plots have not yet been submitted.
A round of rabies vaccines is going to be sent out to raccoons in the southeastern United States with a sugary twist.

The Department of Agriculture and Wildlife Services, along with the Tennessee Department of Health, are air dropping rabies vaccines to the critters wrapped in fishmeal, while field testing a marshmallow-flavored vaccine.

Low-flying helicopters will make the drops in the Volunteer State from October 3 to October 15 along with some of their bordering states, including Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia.

The oral vaccines are meant to stop the spread of the deadly virus in the wild raccoon community in the area, according to ABC 24.

Dr. John Dunn, Tennessee's State Epidemiologist, said 'Controlling raccoon rabies keeps people, pets, and livestock safe. Were pleased to partner with USDA Wildlife Services in this program to reduce rabies in wildlife and protect the community.'

A round of rabies vaccines is going to be sent out to raccoons in the southeastern United States with a sugary twist

The Department of Agriculture and Wildlife Services, along with the Tennessee Department of Health, are air dropping rabies vaccines to the critters wrapped in fishmeal, while field testing a marshmallow-flavored vaccine

The oral vaccines are meant to stop the spread of the deadly virus in the wild raccoon community in the area

Low-flying helicopters will make the drops in the Volunteer State from October 3 to October 15 along with some of their bordering states, including Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia

There will be USDA warnings on all vaccines in an attempt to keep people and especially children away from them

The USDA is currently testing the experimental, marshmallow-flavored vaccine and will be distributed in other parts of the Appalachians.

This particular vaccine, known as Onrab, has been tested for several years to determine environmental impact and has been tested on raccoons in Ohio and has been successful.

The USDA cautions people that while the bait packets are safe, people should take precautions - removal from areas where pets can eat them, confining pets who do find them - if they see them.

While one won't harm your pet if they eat them, experts say that multiple could upset its stomach and that pet owners should not try to take it out of their pet's mouth to avoid potentially being bitten.

There will be USDA warnings on all vaccines in an attempt to keep people and especially children away from them.
The 'broken' mother of a teenage girl strangled by her boyfriend in a drug-fuelled psychosis has shared her heart-wrenching final photograph of her tragic daughter.

Tania Simshauser released a picture of Emerald 'Emmy' Wardle, 18, taken three days before Jordan Miller brutally murdered her in their NSW Hunter Valley home in a psychotic episode caused by his LSD and cannabis habit.

The candid image shows Ms Wardle proudly beside her car moments after getting her P-plates.

It would be the last day Ms Simhauser would see her 'best friend' daughter alive.

The 'broken' mother of a teenage girl strangled by her boyfriend in a drug-fuelled psychosis has shared her heart-breaking final photo (Pictured, Emerald 'Emmy' Wardle three days before her death)

Miller violently attacked Ms Wardle, his partner of two years, on June 20, 2020 fearing she was 'a life-sucking demon' who had cursed him

Ms Simhauser said her daughter had 'grown into herself' in the months before her death and was 'excited and really happy' about her life ahead of her.

The mum - who says she is 'still broken' by her loss - praised her daughter's unique spirit, which she said often brought her attention from people of all genders and ages who would 'stop and look' at her.

Despite her young age, Ms Wardle had 'an aura' about her, said her mum.

Her great-aunt Jeanette Petrie added that quality was Emmy's inner 'warmth', which even outshone her beauty.

The 'still broken' mum also praised her daughter's unique spirit, which often caused people of all genders and ages to 'stop and look' at Emmy

Tania Simshauser (left) regarded her daughter Emmy Wardle (right) as her 'best friend' and said she does not believe Miller is remorseful

'Her physical beauty was the first thing that obviously you see because shes just a stunning woman but it certainly took second place because once her warmth radiated in the room, it at least matched the physical,' Ms Petrie said.

Her killer was sentenced to 20 years in jail this week with a non-parole period of 13 years meaning he could be out in 11 years after time already served.

Miller, 22, fatally strangled Ms Wardle, his partner of two years, on June 20, 2020 believing she was 'a life-sucking demon' who had cursed him.

When police found Miller standing near the gate of a home in Metford, near Maitland, at 1.20am wearing tracksuit pants and no shirt or shoes.

He ran towards the officers pleading for help.

Miller told police: 'If you walk inside and go into the bathroom, it's in there, the demon. Help me, help me, the demon's got me, help me.'

Police found Ms Wardle's body in the ensuite bathroom of the main bedroom.

After his arrest, Miller, a regular cannabis smoker from the age of 14 with no history of mental illness or violence, admitted taking a half tablet of LSD 11 days earlier.

He claimed to have reached spiritual enlightenment but insisted Emerald had been 'trying to suck the life out of me'.

Miller, who was 20 at the time, admitted strangling Ms Wardle but pleaded not guilty to murdering her, claiming he had been in a psychotic state, did not intend to harm her and could not be held criminally responsible.

A jury deliberated for 12 hours in June after a two-week trial before finding Miller guilty of murder, rejecting his claims the killing had been caused by an underlying form of undiagnosed schizophrenia.

Ms Simhauser said she doubts Miller's remorse over the killing because he still 'doesn't look sorry', she said.

Ms Wardle's great aunt Jeanette Petrie said Emmy's inner 'warmth' outshone her considerable beauty

The devastated mother told the NSW Supreme Court in Newcastle: 'She was not a demon. She was the absolute light of my life.

'She was an innocent young woman who was born my daughter but became my very best friend. I, however, will forever live with demons in my mind.

'As I approach sleep every night I am haunted with demons.

'As a mother, I know my baby girl died feeling terrified and alone and that is a demon that will stay with me forever.'

She blasted her daughter's killer, raging: 'Emmy is the victim, the innocent young woman who lost her life, her hopes, her dreams, her future because she loved and trusted a monster.

'Human beings do not kill other human beings. If you can take a human life, you are not human.'

Her great-aunt Jeanette Petrie said Emmy's inner 'warmth' even outshone her beauty

Miller had hidden his drug use from those around him, taking an estimated 30 LSD trips in the years before he developed the psychosis.

Crown prosecutor Lee Carr SC had argued Miller's use of drugs and the lack of any early signs of a psychotic illness pointed to the killing being drug-induced, meaning Miller was guilty of murder as it had been his choice to use drugs.

Mr Carr said the attack on Ms Wardle involved 'significant ferocity' and Miller was aware he was killing a human being, not a demon.

Defence barrister Peter Krisenthal said Miller was remorseful for what he had done but the killing had not been planned.

Mr Krisenthal said since the murder, Miller had an acute awareness of the dangers of drug use and how they could cause another psychotic episode if he was ever tempted to use them again.
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A neurologist tried to stop a Belgian woman traumatised by the Islamic State's depraved terror attack at Brussels airport from being allowed to kill herself at a euthanasia clinic, arguing that more could have been done to help her - but was overruled when the 23-year-old's mother supported her, it has emerged.

Shanti De Corte suffered with depression and PTSD after ISIS lunatics detonated a bomb at Brussels airport in Zaventem which killed 32 people and injured more than 300 in March 2016.

The then 17-year-old escaped the explosion but was wracked by constant panic attacks - and despite attending a psychiatric hospital in Antwerp for rehabilitation and taking a range of anti-depressant medications, she was unable to shake the spectre of depression and attempted suicide on two different occasions in 2018 and 2020.

Miss De Corte died on May 7 this year after two psychiatrists approved her request to be euthanised, her mother Marielle revealed.

Paul Deltenre, a neurologist from the CHU Brugmann academic clinical hospital in Brussels, appears to have intervened in the case to stop the 23-year-old from being allowed to kill herself, suggesting that euthanasia should not have taken place because other proposals for care had been made and claiming that the decision 'was made prematurely'.

However, it seems that he was overruled when Miss De Corte's mother backed her daughter's choice, according to news outlet 7Sur7.

The Antwerp public prosecutor's office opened an investigation but then closed the case, concluding that the procedure governing euthanasia had been respected.

Shanti De Corte never recovered from the psychological trauma after she narrowly escaped the 2016 Brussels airport attack

Shanti De Corte (left) is pictured with a friend in this image shared to a tribute page

Describing how she backed her daughter's choice, the 23-year-old's mother Marielle told Belgian outlet VRT: 'I told her that I did not want to lose her, but that I understood her question in some way. Then she made the click that she wanted to say goodbye to her family and friends and not just want to get out of life'

In her final tragic yet touching post on social media, Shanti wrote: 'I was laughing and crying. Until the last day. I loved and was allowed to feel what true love is. 'Now I will go away in peace. Know that I miss you already'

A plume of smoke rises over Brussels airport after the explosion of a third device in Zaventem Bruxelles International Airport

Timeline of terror: How three bomb blasts rocked Brussels in 2016 8am: Two explosions rock Zaventem Airport killing 14 people near the check-in desks. Terrified passengers stream out of the terminal in Brussels 9.19am: A third bomb blast rips through Maalbeek Metro station killing 20 more people 9.23am: Eurostar services in and out of Brussels are suspended 11am: Belgian prosecutors Fredere Van Leeuw confirmed that the three explosions were terror attacks 11am: Two suspects arrested one mile away from Metro Station blast 12pm: A Kalashnikov and unexploded suicide bomb vest are found in the rubble at the airport Advertisement

The 23-year-old's mother told Belgian outlet VRT: 'I told her that I did not want to lose her, but that I understood her question in some way. Then she made the click that she wanted to say goodbye to her family and friends and not just want to get out of life.

'Something like this is really very difficult, but at that moment it is the only thing you can do for your child as a mother. Be there for her and try to support her.

'Somehow you keep hoping that it will get even better, that she will wouldn't do it, but at the same time I felt from the start that this was really what she wanted, I realised very well that the way Shanti has had to live in recent years is to survive, that that was not an option to continue like this to live.'

Miss De Corte frequently recalled her experiences following the bombing on social media and spoke of her struggles dealing with her declining mental health.

In one post she wrote: 'I get a few medications for breakfast. And up to 11 antidepressants a day. I couldn't live without it. With all the medications I take, I feel like a ghost that can't feel anything anymore. Maybe there were other solutions than medications.'

The 23-year-old had been suffering from severe depression before she opted to end her life, according to her school psychologist.

She told RTBF: 'There are some students who react worse than others to traumatic events. And having interviewed her twice, I can tell you that Shanti De Corte was one of those fragile students.'

The psychologist referred Shanti to a psychiatric hospital in Antwerp, which the young woman regularly attended. But in 2018, she tried to commit suicide after a sudden decline in her mental state following an altercation with another patient who sexually assaulted her.

In 2020 she made another unsuccessful suicide attempt, after which she reached out to an organisation that defends the right to 'death in dignity'.

According to RTBF she asked them to perform euthanasia for 'unbearable psychiatric suffering'.

Pictured: People inside Zaventem Airport after a blast in March 2016

Passengers were evacuated from the airport after the terrorist attack in March 2016

Policemen and soldiers check Brussels airport at its entrance after the attacks

Euthanasia, defined as the practice of intentionally ending a person's life to relieve pain and suffering, is legal in Belgium for an individual who is in 'a medically futile condition of constant and unbearable physical or mental suffering that cannot be alleviated, resulting from a serious and incurable disorder caused by illness or accident'.

Miss De Corte's formal request to be euthanised was approved earlier this year by two psychiatrists, according to RTBF.

'The woman was euthanised on May 7, 2022, surrounded by her family,' the report said.

In one final touching post on social media the day she was euthanised, Miss De Corte wrote: 'I was laughing and crying. Until the last day. I loved and was allowed to feel what true love is. Now I will go away in peace. Know that I miss you already.'

For help or support, visit samaritans.org or call Samaritans for free on 116 123
A Met Police sergeant has been thrown out of the force after he was found to be making unwanted advances to a female junior colleague.

Sergeant David Morton was alleged to have treated her differently because she was a woman.

He was alleged to have made unwanted advances towards his female colleague between January and October 2019. His misconduct hearing was held this week.

The Met said that there was no place for people who 'let down their colleagues but also the public', such as custody officer Sergeant Morton.

He was found to have breached authority, respect, courtesy and integrity as well as equality and diversity.

The sergeant can no longer be employed by police after he was added to the Barred list by the College of Policing.

Detective Superintendent Matt Pilch, who leads the struck off officer's Met Detention divison, said: 'We will not tolerate behaviour that fails to meet the standards we expect of our officers.

Sergeant David Morton has been thrown out of the force after he was found to be making unwanted advances to a female junior colleague

'Anyone working for the Met deserves to be able to do so in an environment where they are respected, treated with dignity and not subjected to unacceptable behaviour by their colleagues or those who are supposed to be supervising them.

He added that they were forced to intervene when they found out about the behaviour.

'I hope today's decision sends a clear message to our staff and the public about the consequences of such actions,' he added.

'We are committed to driving forward ambitious reforms across the Met. There is no place for people who do not support those objectives and let down not just their hard working colleagues but also the public.'

It comes just days after a 'vile and deplorable' racist WhatsApp group set up by an ex-Met officer was exposed.

The chat, set up by Rob Lewis - who was suspended from his UK Border Force job and later arrested on Wednesday, was flooded with racist memes and messages, including about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.

The former cop in his 60s was held on suspicion of offences under the Communications Act and misconduct in a public office.

Sir Mark Rowley (pictured) says he will be 'ruthless in rooting out those corrupting officers and staff'

According to the BBC Newsnight probe, there were also 'vile' messages about the Government's policy to deport migrants to Rwanda for processing, slurs about black MPs and abuse towards the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

There was at least one joke about the recent devastating floods in Pakistan, where 1,700 have died and millions were displaced.

Several of the members of the WhatsApp group used to work for the Diplomatic Protection Group (DPG), the armed unit that guards Parliament and embassies.

Wayne Couzens also worked for the DPG until he abducted, raped and murdered Sarah Everard.

Just two weeks ago, two serving Met officers were convicted of sending grossly offensive misogynistic and racist messages in a WhatsApp group with Couzens.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said this week: 'My plan for reform in the Met is already under way. I will be ruthless in rooting out those corrupting officers and staff, including racists and misogynists, from our organisation.

'I have taken over as the leader of an organisation that has been far too weak in taking on those who undermine the honest and dedicated majority who determinedly serve the public.

'That will change and I will continue to seek out those, from both within and outside the Met, with that constructive anger who can help us reform.'
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Britain's 'most expensive' home is back on the market for no less than 200million - which could result in a loss of 30million in just two years for its Chinese billionaire owner.

Originally built as four separate family houses, the grand seven-storey, stucco-fronted residence runs from 2-8A Rutland Gate, Knightsbridge, and overlooks Hyde Park.

The 45-bedroom mansion was formerly owned by a Saudi prince and a Lebanese prime minister, but was bought from the Saudi royals by Chinese property tycoon for 205million.

Originally built as four separate family houses, the grand seven-storey, stucco-fronted residence runs from 2-8A Rutland Gate, Knightsbridge

Millions of pounds worth of gold leaf are thought to adorn the luxury home's internal decor

The property's owner, a Chinese billionaire, had planned to renovate in a 100million makeover just last year

Property tycoon Hui Ka Yan, 63, secretly financed the purchase before his property company had to be bailed out by the Chinese government

Hui Ka Yan, 63, secretly financed the purchase before his property company had to be bailed out by the Chinese government amid fears it would default on loans worth 300billion, according to The Times.

He could now make a loss on the property, which he had planned to renovate in a 100million makeover just last year.

The 60,000 square foot super-mansion is thought to be the single biggest family home left in Britain, requiring a full-time staff of about 20 people to run it.

There are just a handful of families in the world who can afford to buy, refurbish and maintain the mega-mansion.

The windows of the house, of which 68 face towards Hyde Park, are thought to be bullet proof

The property is likely to go back into Saudi hands, as the surge in oil prices and the fall in the pound means Middle Eastern royalty could snap it up

The 60,000 square foot super-mansion is thought to be the single biggest family home left in Britain

After struggling to sell the home, previous owners held an auction of 1,252 lots of no fewer than 41 chandeliers, more than 100 gold-plated tissue holders and a number of vintage perfume bottles

The company of another Chinese property tycoon, Cheung Chung-kiu, who was interested in buying the house before Hui Ka Yan took it over, estimated that after renovation the home could be worth up to 700million.

The property is likely to go back into Saudi hands, as the rise in oil prices and the fall in the pound means Middle Eastern royalty would be in a strong position to snap it up.

It is thought that the current owner knocked the property's price down shortly before a deal was agreed on it, leaving the previous owner feeling like they got 'the rough end of a deal,' according to a Times source.

It is thought that the current owner knocked the property's price down shortly before a deal was agreed on it, which left the previous owner feeling like they got 'the rough end of a deal,'

The company of another Chinese property tycoon, Cheung Chung-kiu, who was interested in buying the house before Hui Ka Yan (pictured) took it over, estimated that after renovation the home could be worth up to 700million

The home is likely to go back into Saudi hands, as the surge in oil prices and the fall in the pound means Middle East royalty could snap it up

The house was put on the market in 2013 for a whopping 300million following the death of its owner Sultan bin Abdulaziz

They added the royals would be 'delighted' to own the home again and could repurchase it from the Chinese owner as 'payback'.

Millions of pounds worth of gold leaf are thought to adorn the luxury home's internal decor, and the windows of the house, of which 68 face towards Hyde Park, are thought to be bullet proof.

It is less than half a mile from luxury department store Harrods and only a short drive to Batterseas heliport.

The house was put on the market in 2013 for a whopping 300million following the death of its owner Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, but failed to sell.

The house is less than half a mile from luxury department store Harrods and only a short drive to Batterseas heliport

The home had been given as a gift to the Saudi prince following the death of former owner Rafiq Hariri

It had been given as a gift to the prince following the death of former owner Rafiq Hariri, the former prime minister of Lebanon and billionaire tycoon, who was assassinated by a huge bomb in Beirut, the Lebanese capital, in 2005.

After struggling to sell the home, the Saudi owners held an auction of 1,252 lots of no fewer than 41 chandeliers, more than 100 gold-plated tissue holders and a number of vintage perfume bottles, which went for hundreds of thousands of pounds overall.

If it goes for the 200million guide price this time, the home may no longer be the most expensive property in Britain, with Phones 4 U billionaire businessman, John Caudwell owning a mega-mansion in London's Mayfair which is reportedly worth 250million.
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Six victims have been identified among the ten people who tragically lost their lives in a massive gas explosion at a petrol station in Ireland.

Teenage rugby player Leona Harper, 14, 23-year-old former design student Jessica Gallagher, shop worker Martina Martin, Hughie Kellie, Catherine O'Donnell and her 14-year old son James have all been named among those who died.

Miss Gallagher, a Creeslough native, lived in an apartment above the petrol station with her boyfriend, who was badly hurt in the explosion. He was rushed to hospital where he remains in a serious condition

A friend told MailOnline: 'Jessica studied design at a university in Paris and she'd travelled extensively around Asia.

'She'd moved in with her boyfriend above the petrol station shop and was at home when the explosion ripped through the building.

'Her boyfriend had been about to have a shower. I think he's being treated in hospital in Dublin and is in a bad way.'

'Jessica was a lovely girl, she grew up in Creeslough and went to school here. She had a lot of friends, who are understandably distraught at the news.'

Leona Harper's devastated brother Anthony posted a picture of them together on Facebook. He wrote: 'I don't know where to begin, Leona I couldn't have asked for a better little sister. You would go mad for me putting this up of you now because it's an old picture of you. Leona I love you so much and we all love you so much xx.'

Letterkenny Rugby Club also posted a tribute to Leona, stating: 'We are heartbroken to say our worst fears have been confirmed. Leona Harper tragically lost her life yesterday in Creeslough.

'Leona was a talented rugby player and an important part of our U14 girls team... There are no words that feel strong enough at a moment of deep sorrow such as this.

Catherine O'Donell is understood to have been with her 14-year-old son James when they were caught up in the explosion at Applegreen services station in Creeslough, County Donegal

A five-year-old girl who had gone to the shop to buy her mother a birthday cake is also believed to be among the victims along with her father, MailOnline has learned.

Teenager Leona Harper, 14, who formerly played for Letterkenny Rugby Club, has been named among the ten victims

Jessica Gallagher, 23, has been named as one of the ten victims killed in a massive gas explosion at a petrol station in Creeslough, Co Donegal yesterday

Miss Gallagher is thought to have been a native of Creeslough, a tiny village of less than 400 people located in the northern part of the Republic of Ireland, who lived in an apartment conjoined with the petrol station

Another one of the victims has been identified as Catherine O'Donnell, who is understood to have died in the tragedy alongside her young son.

Catherine O'Donell (right) is understood to have been with her 14-year-old son James when they were caught up in the explosion at Applegreen services station in Creeslough, County Donegal

Jessica Gallagher, pictured with her mother and father in 2017, studied design at a university in Paris and she'd travelled extensively around Asia

Garda Superintendent David Kelly speaks to the media about the Creeslough service station explosion

J.J. McGowan, chief ambulance officer for the northwest region, speaks to the media about the Creeslough service station explosion

Floral tributes have been placed outside the scene of the tragedy in Creeslough

A suspected gas blast destroyed the Applegreen service station in Creeslough, a tiny village of less than 400 people in Co Donegal in the north of the republic about 30 miles from the border with the UK, tore through the convenience store and laid waste to adjacent buildings at around 3pm yesterday.

Having announced three fatalities last night, the Irish police force, An Garda Siochana, today announced the death toll had risen to ten, with four men, three women, two teenagers and a girl of primary school age having lost their lives in the blast.

As the community comes to terms with the tragedy, locals have gone above and beyond to offer each other support. Throughout today, The Coffee Pot cafe has been giving out free food and drink to rescuers and distraught villagers.

A family friend told MailOnline: 'It's heart-breaking, she was just a little girl. She'd gone to the shop with her dad to buy her mum a birthday cake and they were caught up in the explosion. She'd just started school as well. Her mother is absolutely devastated, the whole family are. This is only a small village and this incident has really hit us hard.'

It has now emerged that one of the victims was a young girl who had gone to the service station shop to buy her mother a birthday cake.

Eight people were taken to local hospital on Friday, seven in a stable condition while one was transferred to Dublin in critical condition.

The huge search operation following the explosion has now ended, police said.

Gardai will continued an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the blast, as a further eight people continue to receive treatment in hospital.

A search operation at the scene has concluded and no further casualties have been located, gardai said.

The Garda Technical Bureau have started an examination of the scene, with assistance from other expert agencies including the health and safety authority and national utility companies. The local coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist have been notified and post-mortem examinations will take place over the coming days.

Garda family liaison officers have also been appointed and are providing support and information to those affected by the incident.

A major incident has been declared after a gas explosion at a petrol station in County Donegal on Friday afternoon

Taoiseach Micheal Martin (centre) visits the scene of an explosion at Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough

Members of the fire service attend the disaster at Creeslough in County Donegal, which saw ten people lose their lives

Hot drinks, water and food were handed out to members of the emergency services and the media, while a local garda was seen comforting a woman in tears as she was led towards the scene. At around 1.15pm, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service left Creeslough.

Ireland's deputy premier Leo Varadkar described the explosion as an 'unthinkable tragedy', while the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins called the blast 'terrible'.

A mother and her young son are also feared to be among at least nine people killed. They had been inside the shop at the Applegreen service station. They had called in to the shop just after school had finished, locals told MailOnline.

Another victim of the explosion, which destroyed an apartment complex attached to the shop, is said to be a local farmer in his 60s.

Hero villagers formed a human chain to try and remove debris from the destroyed petrol station shop and rescue some of those trapped inside. They managed to free one badly injured girl, aged in her mid-teens, but were unable to reach her friend.

Within 10 minutes of the explosion, emergency services had arrived at a chaotic and traumatic scene.

As emergency personnel arrived to find huge concrete blocks, debris and rubble where the building once stood, the scale of the operation ahead became clear.

Civilians were already there using car jacks to try to free trapped people from the large piles of rubble.

The huge rescue operation involved the Irish Coast Guard, the Coast Guard rescue helicopter 118, Irish Air Corps 112, the Northern Ireland Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), the Irish Community Air Ambulance, Northern Ireland Search and Rescue, Donegal Mountain Rescue, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service heart team, Donegal County Council Civil Defence as well as dozens of people from the community in Creeslough.

Superintendent David Kelly of Milford garda station said he did not have to reach out to colleagues - that all came forward for duty.

Garda (police) members from Letterkenny, Ballyshannon and Buncrana all appeared as the news of the tragedy spread.

'That's what it is to be in Donegal - we look out for each other,' Superintendent Kelly said.

'We have to think of the people from own service who did attend. Resources were initially deployed from the Millford Garda District, assisted by members that were off-duty.

'I'm proud to say that I didn't have to ask for people to turn out for duty, they came in.'

Emergency services at the scene of an explosion at Applegreen service station

Emergency workers in a cherry picker searching for the injured and missing

Emergency services attend the scene following an explosion at a petrol station in Donegal

Emergency services continue their work at the scene of an explosion at Applegreen service station

Emergency services continue their work at the scene of an explosion at Applegreen service station

The explosion took place in Creeslough, is a tiny village in County Donegal on the northern side of the Republic of Ireland, with a population in 2016 of 393 people

'An unthinkable tragedy': Irish politicians pay tribute to victims of service station blast Ireland's deputy premier Leo Varadkar described the service station explosion as an 'unthinkable tragedy'. 'On Friday the nation's collective heart stopped when the news broke,' he said. 'This unthinkable tragedy happened in a community which we will all be familiar with, to families who were going about their daily lives like we do. This freak accident has left many empty chairs at dinner tables. It is just too hard to fathom. 'The sadness is incomprehensible. When something like this happens it's almost impossible to absorb the horror of it. If there is any consolation, we can find it in the way that the community has rallied and come together. The emergency services in Ireland and Northern Ireland have been heroic. Our hospitals are providing the best of care. 'This is only the beginning of the rescue. The effects will be felt for many years and we all have a role to play in providing whatever comfort we can. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with those families who have have lost loved ones, those recovering in hospital, the local community, and our emergency service personnel.' The President of Ireland Michael D Higgins expressed his shock at the 'terrible tragedy'. 'All of our thoughts must go out to all of those who have been affected,' he said. 'Those who have received news of the loss of a loved one, those injured and, most of all, those who are waiting with anxiety for news of their loved ones. 'This tragedy is a terrible blow to a community that is closely knit and where every loss and injury will be felt by every member of the community and far beyond.' Catholic Bishop Alan McGuckian urged all parishes in the diocese of Raphoe to come together to pray at mass this weekend. 'Last night I went to Creeslough to offer pastoral support. I met and prayed with family members who are in terrible shock and pain,' he said. 'In order to offer a supportive presence today, I will be in Creeslough with Bishop Andrew Forster, Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, to meet and pray with bereaved family members, friends and neighbours of the deceased and injured. 'I have witnessed at first hand the immediate reaction of the local community to the tragedy who, in their bravery, took risks at the site to help others even to the detriment of their own safety. 'I wish to commend the first responders, and the emergency services of Donegal and Derry, for their high level of professional cooperation and rapid response.' Advertisement

Shouts for help were heard coming from the rubble of the building but the threat of further collapse and the presence of gas forced the rescuers back.

Mr Varadkar said: 'On Friday the nation's collective heart stopped when the news broke. This unthinkable tragedy happened in a community which we will all be familiar with, to families who were going about their daily lives like we do. This freak accident has left many empty chairs at dinner tables. It is just too hard to fathom.

'The sadness is incomprehensible. When something like this happens it's almost impossible to absorb the horror of it. If there is any consolation, we can find it in the way that the community has rallied and come together. The emergency services in Ireland and Northern Ireland have been heroic. Our hospitals are providing the best of care.

'This is only the beginning of the rescue. The effects will be felt for many years and we all have a role to play in providing whatever comfort we can.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with those families who have have lost loved ones, those recovering in hospital, the local community, and our emergency service personnel.'

Deputy chief fire and rescue officer Paul Harper said he wanted to convey his heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of those who died in the tragedy.

'Yesterday evening at 5.09pm we tasked our specialist rescue team from Belfast along with a command support unit from Strabane to the incident, supporting our colleagues in Donegal Fire Service. Using specialist search and rescue equipment, firefighters worked with other emergency services into the early hours of the morning in the hope of rescuing survivors trapped in the rubble,' he said.

'Working in partnership with our colleagues from Donegal Fire Service and with multiple statutory and voluntary organisations, this was a significant multi-agency and cross border response effort.

'NIFRS have now left the area and will continue to be available to support our colleagues in Donegal Fire Service during this extremely challenging time. I would like to commend our specialist rescue team, our firefighters, officers and regional control centre operators involved in responding to this tragic incident.'

One man, who arrived at the scene within ten-minutes, but declined to be named as he was still raw with shock, said: 'It was pure panic and chaos but a kind of organised chaos. There was debris everywhere, big blocks of concrete all in the road.

'The petrol station forecourt was buried under rubble where the building had collapsed and there was still bits falling down. I could see the body of a man on the forecourt. I checked his pulse but there was nothing. We could hear shouts of 'help' coming from the people trapped inside. There was a man's voice and woman's voice.

'About ten of us formed a human chain and were lifting blocks of concrete and other debris and passing it down the line to try and reach those trapped.

'We got one young girl out. She looked to be around 15 or 16-years of age and was quite badly injured, she had a lot of blood on her face.

'She could walk but was very shaky and she kept on saying 'my friend is still in there'.

'We did all we could but there was just too much rubble to remove, it was back-breaking work, and it looked as though the building was going to collapse some more. The Gardai and fire crews arrived and moved everyone away from the scene for their own safety.'

One woman who lived nearby said: 'I heard an almighty bang and came out to see what had happened.

'It was carnage, that's the only way to describe it, a few lads had rushed in to pull away debris and try and get to people trapped inside, but it was a dangerous situation.

'Pretty soon the whole village was filled with the emergency services, the Gardai and ambulances. This is a very small, close-knit community. We know some of those who have died.

'There was a mother and her son who had popped into the shop after school. The boy goes to the local secondary school, which finishes early on Fridays. A lot of the kids go into the shops to get sweets, it's a weekend treat. It's too awful to even think about it. I think the whole village is in shock.'

Another man told how his wife had paid for petrol and had just pulled out of the petrol station forecourt seconds before the blast.

He said: 'She was the last person to leave the shop before the explosion. She's incredibly lucky. She'd paid up for her petrol, got in the car and was driving home when - bang!

The blast dealt extensive damage to the nearby apartment buildings attached to the same complex, burying the occupants under mounds of rubble

An emergency responder takes a break and walks away from the seen of destruction after a petrol station exploded on Friday

Civil Defence volunteers man a tape line in support of the numerous fire engines and front line emergency service personnel work to rescue survivors and treat the wounded

Emergency services and first responders worked throughout the night to sift the rubble - sometimes with their bare hands - in search of survivors

The Irish Garda this morning confirmed seven fatalities in an explosion at an Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough, Co Donegal, Friday afternoon

'There was smoke and dust everywhere with rubble strewn all over the road. Had she been in there a few seconds earlier, I would have lost her.'

Police in Donegal said the blast led to the largest number of civilian casualties in decades, and required an extensive emergency response.

Cafes and local restaurants opened their doors to emergency workers, providing hot drinks and food for the personnel.

A local hotel also block-booked rooms for emergency staff who worked through the night.

Liam Geraghty, from the Garda press office, said workers came across a 'very traumatic scene'.

'It was a very confused scene and there was a lot of debris, there were traumatised people already at the scene. Our colleagues will be provided with counselling services to deal with tragic circumstances,' Mr Geraghty added.

A moment of silence was also held at a press conference at Milford garda station for the 10 people who died in the Creeslough explosion.

Seven people are in hospital in Donegal while one patient was transferred to a specialist burns unit hospital in Dublin.

Eight ambulances attended the scene on Friday and three attended on Saturday morning.

Four doctors and four ambulance officers were also involved.

Sniffer dogs and cranes are part of a search operation that has gone on throughout the night and into Saturday - with rescuers sometimes digging with their bare hands.

Fire and rescue services from nearby Northern Ireland were drafted in to help deal with the tragedy.

Nearby Letterkenny University Hospital moved to major emergency standby with eight people admitted after 'a serious incident involving multiple injured people requiring immediate attention'.

They appealed to the public not to attend its emergency department unless it is urgent.

A major emergency response operation involving first responders from both sides of the Irish border extended through the night and continued on Saturday morning.

Rubble was being moved on to trailers and hauled from the scene. Two rescue workers were on a raised platform above the site of the explosion and a digger was working through the debris.

Among those gathered at the cordon on Friday night were relatives of people believed to have been in the buildings at the time.

Father John Joe Duffy took mass this morning at St Michael's Church in Creeslough.

He said: 'Our hearts are broken. This small community has been hit by a Tsunami of grief but the numbness is now starting to ease off and we are beginning to see if the enormity of the situation. There are no words for it.

Seven people have died with police still searching through rubble with cranes and sniffer dogs

Emergency search operation continues more than seven hours after the initial blast. Pictured: A crane assists in the search and rescue operation late on Friday

'I'd like to thank the rescue services who have come from right across the island of Ireland and those members of the local community who were first on the scene to help despite not being sure of what the situation was and how much danger they were in themselves. I'm asking for prayers from people right across the country.

Local hotels also announced late on Friday evening that they were no longer taking bookings as they offered their rooms out to emergency services working throughout the night.

Some people were being treated in hospital yesterday evening while others remain 'trapped' at the scene, according to Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty on Friday night.

Irish Premier Micheal Martin said his 'thoughts and prayers' were with the community and those who lost their lives in the tragic blast.

Mr Martin spoke to members of the emergency services who worked for 24 hours to locate victims following the devastating blast.

Speaking at the cordon of the blast site, Mr Martin said there was 'deep sadness' in the village and a 'terrible silence' reflecting the enormity of what has happened.

'The entire nation is mourning and deeply saddened,' he said.

'A young child in the shop and two teens as well as men and women who were going about their lives as well.

'It is a very close-knit community and our heart goes out to them.'

The Taoiseach added: 'Talking to those on the front line and everyone involved, they were very moved by the extraordinary support they got from the community here almost immediately.

'Many volunteers rushed to the scene to try and do everything they could to help because it was an horrific scene they came upon and we must always remember our emergency services.

'I want to thank them for helping those who were trapped and injured. We must do everything we can to support the community.

'Words on their own will not console someone who has lost a loved one and we have to be with them. We will be with them for quite some time.'

Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of Ireland's main opposition party, also visited Creeslough on Saturday evening, as did the country's deputy premier Tanaiste Leo Varadkar.

Dramatic pictures last night showed homes above the Ulster petrol station and convenience store left almost entirely hollowed out by the blast.

In an update this morning, a Garda spokesperson said: 'An Garda Siochana continue to work with other Emergency Services at the scene of a serious ongoing incident that occurred at approximately 3:20pm on Friday, 7th October, 2022, at a premises on the N56 at Creeslough, County Donegal.

'Gardai and Emergency Services remain at the scene in a search and recovery phase of this operation.

'An Garda Siochana can now confirm nine fatalities as a result of this incident. The search and recovery for further fatalities continues.

'An Garda Siochana continue to request that any road users intending to travel to the Creeslough area for any reason consider alternative routes as Emergency Services continue to deal with this ongoing incident. Traffic diversions remain in place at this time.'

Horror images taken by passersby showed the damage at the Applegreen filling station in Creeslough

Homes above the Ulster petrol station and convenience store were pictured hollowed out by the blast

Rubble covered the ground as members of the public searched the scene for injured people

Multiple emergency service vehicles attended and a Coastguard helicopter also provided support. The NI Fire Service, Air Ambulance and paramedics from Northern Ireland dashed over the border to assist emergency services.

Brendan O'Connor, president of the Garda Representative Association, paid tribute to the fontline workers who 'dug with their bare hands' through the night.

He said: 'I've never seen anything like the effort put in by the emergency services, north and south, those that dug with their bare hands, those who drove machines, and those who fed and watered us.

'We have lost so many members of this small community that there really are no words.'

The Shandon Hotel in nearby Marblehill also announced it had stopped taking bookings for the night as it is making free rooms available for members of the emergency services.

Local Gardai police and the National Ambulance Service (NAS) urged locals to avoid the area.

Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister last night said he was thinking and praying for the community of Creeslough and across Donegal.

In a tweet that was subsequently deleted, Josepha Madigan, the Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education cast suspicion on the cause of the blast, which was confirmed by the mayor to be an accidental gas explosion.

'I hope no one is injured and they find the culprits,' the minister tweeted. 'One hopes this isn't deliberate but it is yet to be clarified.'

Simon Coveney tweeted: 'Thinking of and praying for the community of Cresslough and across Donegal tonight. Such a shocking and tragic day, continuing into tonight. Thank you to all emergency teams working together through the night.'

TD Pearse Doherty told RTE News that it was after 3pm when the 'devastating' explosion took place that has left 'a very very dark cloud' over the community.

'It ripped right through this building, and this was a very busy location at that point in time,' he said, explaining that the site holds the petrol station, deli counter, post office, shop and hairdressers for the area.

He said: 'There's just quiet, it's surreal. People are just holding on for hope, holding on to hear news, positive news coming from the emergency services.'

Local councillor Donal Mandy Kelly said the news was 'devastating'. He added: 'My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.'

Independent Donegal councillor John O'Donnell said he was praying there were no fatalities.

'What we're hearing is there's just absolute carnage in Creeslough at the moment, there's a massive gas explosion,' he told BBC Radio Ulster.

'The feedback I'm getting from family and friends who are unfortunately down at the scene and in the area is just that the whole place is chaos at the minute, everybody's very, very taken back and devastated of what's happening.'

Multiple emergency service vehicles are in attendance and a Coastguard helicopter was also providing support

Local Gardai police and the National Ambulance Service (NAS) urged locals to avoid the area

An Garda Siochana asked motorists travelling towards Creeslough to consider alternative routes

Some people remain 'trapped' in the rubble, according to Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty

Joe Barrett, the Applegreen Founder and Chief Executive which owned the petrol station, offered his 'deepest condolences' over the 'hugely tragic event.

'We are utterly shocked and saddened at what happened yesterday. I would also like to offer our thanks to the emergency services, and first responders, who are dealing with the incident.'

Fianna Fail councillor Anthony Molloy said it is 'beyond words' as he knows the family who own the service station.

'My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved,' Mr Molloy said. 'It looks horrific from what I can see from photographs. It looks terrible. It's just terrible. I know the family. It's beyond words.'

An Garda Siochana asked motorists travelling towards Creeslough to consider alternative routes.

The NAS wrote: 'A number of ambulances are attending the scene of a serious incident at a service station in Creeslough, Co Donegal. Please avoid this area at the moment if possible.'

The Irish Coast Guard added at around 5pm: 'The Irish Coast Guard is assisting emergency services at the scene of a major incident in Creeslough Co. Donegal.

'The Sligo based Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 118 and the Mulroy Coast Guard team are assisting the operation.'
A teenage driver with a long criminal record who allegedly fled the scene of a high speed crash leaving his 12 year-old friend dying in the wreck was 'abhorrent' in his actions, a court has heard.

The 17-year-old - who can't be named for legal reasons - sobbed as it was alleged he drove at high speed in a stolen Holden with two passengers in the car.

Parramatta Children's Court heard he then swerved towards oncoming traffic and slammed into a traffic light about 1.35am in Wollongong, south of Sydney.

The driver and another teen allegedly fled the accident scene at Towradgi, leaving his 12-year-old fatally-injured passenger behind in the wrecked Barina.

The teenage driver with a long criminal record is accused of fleeing the scene of a high speed accident, leaving a dying 12 year old (pictured) inside the wrecked car

The young boy somehow managed to drag himself out of the car and reach a house in the nearby suburb of Balgownie.

But he died soon after from critical injuries sustained in last Tuesday's crash.

Police prosecutor Maya Obirek opposed bail and said the driver, who was arrested in Goulburn on Friday, showed a 'callous disregard', reported the Daily Telegraph.

'Two fled and left the 12-year-old old in a non-responsive state leaving him to die  the conduct was absolutely abhorrent,' said Ms Obirek.

The court heard the 17-year-old driver has a significant criminal record including violent offences, domestic violence and driving stolen cars.

The driver and another teen fled the accident scene at Towradgi, leaving his fatally-injured passenger, 12, behind in the wrecked Barina, Parramatta Children's Court heard

He was also the subject of a court order at the time of the crash.

On Saturday the boy faced six charges including dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death, and two separate counts of failing to stop and render assistance.

Magistrate Paul Mulroney agreed to Ms Obirek's request to deny bail, saying he had 'no confidence' the teenager would comply with bail terms.

The magistrate also said there there was 'a strong case' to support the claim the 17-year-old was responsible for the 12-year-old's death.

He was found seriously injured at a friend's home in Balgownie, about 2am on Tuesday - half an hour after the stolen car smashed into the traffic light.

He was treated by paramedics and transferred to Wollongong Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Pictured: emergency services at the scene of the crash after a Holden Barina ploughed into a traffic light in Towradgi about 1.35am on Tuesday

Detectives are also looking into whether the crash is related to a dangerous TikTok trend called 'creepin' while ya sleepin'' - where young Australians film themselves committing serious crimes including stealing cars and driving at high speeds.

TikTok has confirmed it would remove videos containing the hashtag along with others including #blackoutchallenge where users hold their breath until they pass out.

Friends and family have flocked online to remember the 12-year-old.

'Love you my brah ... we will see you soon, love you soo much rest easy my soulja my cuzz, rest in paradise,' one wrote.

'We just need the closure right for what happen too you my little cuzz.'

Another cousin posted 'My heart is hurting, R.I.P little cuzzy taken way to soon. Our hearts are shattered,' while the boy's aunt wrote, 'Rest easy in the dream time nephew. #forever12.'

Police rushed to the scene after officers at nearby Corrimal Police Station heard the crash, but the vehicle was empty by the time they arrived.

'We'd appeal for anyone that might have social media content that would cover the incidents that's happened this morning to come forward,' NSW Police Detective Acting Inspector Jason Hogan said.

'We're investigating all lines of inquiry and the social media line will be investigated too.'

Anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
J.K. Rowling said the outcome was an 'important win for freedom of speech'

The event was cancelled because of Ms Bindel's 'views on transgender rights'

It comes after the council 'deplatformed' the feminist writers planned speech

JK Rowling has congratulated feminist writer Julie Bindel after she won her legal case against a council who cancelled an event she was due to speak at because her views 'fly in the face' of their position on trans rights.

The radical feminist and lesbian activist, who co-founded the law reform group Justice for Women, took legal action against Nottingham council after its chiefs 'deplatformed' her just a day before her talk.

Ms Bindel had been due to speak about 'feminist activism to end male violence' in Nottingham at Aspley Library.

She claimed that she only found out the 90-minute talk had been cancelled as she was travelling up to the city from London.

Harry Potter author Rowling, who has come under fire this week after she blasted celebrities for backing the trans children's charity Mermaids, said the court case outcome was a 'win for freedom of speech'.

Feminist writer and lesbian activist Julie Bindel (pictured) has won her case against Nottingham City Council after claiming it tried to 'deplatform' her in June for her 'views on transgender rights'

Speaking following the verdict, Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling Tweeted that the court case was 'an important win for freedom of speech'

Rowling wrote on Twitter that the court case was a win for 'feminist groups and speakers' who have tried to be silenced

Reacting to Ms Bindel's landmark case on Twitter, the Scottish author said: 'An important win for freedom of speech and a reminder that however much some would like to censor and silence feminist groups and speakers, the latter have the law on their side.'

In June, the council said it decided to cancel the talk in June because of 'the speaker's views on transgender rights'.

The event had been organised by Nottingham Women for Change, which describes itself as 'women only activism, education and empowerment group'.

It said the event had been organised to 'discuss feminism and domestic violence due to pressure from men's rights activists.'

In a statement at the time the council said: 'Nottingham is an inclusive city and as a council we support out LGBT community and have committed to supporting trans rights as human rights through Stonewall.'

Instead of holding it inside the venue in June, Ms Bindel gave the talk on the street outside despite the presence of protesters

Following Friday's verdict Nottingham City Council said that it 'now accepts that its decision to cancel the event was procedurally unlawful.

A spokesperson added: 'Nottingham City Council apologises to Ms Bindel and Nottingham Women for Change for cancelling the event in this way and for the inconvenience caused as a result of this decision.

'Nottingham city council has agreed that, if Nottingham Women for Change seeks to make a booking at any Nottingham city council venue by way of a fully completed booking form, the council will make a fresh decision in response to such request upon a lawful basis.'

Writing on her blog, Ms Bindel said: 'They have admitted that cancelling my talk and banning me and my hosts from the library was illegal, and have been made to apologise.'

After the speech was cancelled, the feminist writer decided to give the speech outside the library where it had been planned to take place.

She spoke to dozens of listeners, and despite the presence of trans rights activists protesting against her.

Ms Bindel had been due to speak about 'feminist activism to end male violence in Nottingham' at Aspley Library in Nottingham in June earlier this year

Writing after the verdict she added: 'I consider it to be deeply offensive and problematic for public bodies to decide that I am too controversial and even dangerous for women to listen to when I am talking about campaigning to end rape and domestic abuse. ...

'I decided to take legal action against Nottingham City Council under both the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998 in order to prevent Nottingham City Council and other local authorities and public bodies from banning feminists who oppose gender ideology from public buildings.'

In a statement on Facebook, Notting Women for Change said: 'Nottingham Women for Change are relieved that Nottingham City Council have apologised for their unlawful actions against us and Julie Bindel.

'We are thankful to Julie for taking the lead on this action and the brilliant legal team who ensured legality and common sense won out.

'Our organisers will be continuing to work for women, as always, with events to help us learn from each other and grow as people. Women are people. We are worthy of respect and to be treated lawfully.'

The feminist writer has previously been criticised because of her gender-critical views.

She was accused of transphobia after claiming she does not believe trans women can say they are women.

Ms Bindel's talk at York University's about feminism and free speech by the Free Speech York Society was cancelled following an outcry from students.

She was 'deplatformed' after the university said it could not be sure the event would go ahead safely.
A father of three has admitted paying a Filipina mum to pimp out her young children online so he could watch them be abused while he performed a sex act on himself.

Rodney James Bessell, 64, paid about $100 for the Skype shows in September 2019, the Supreme Court in Burnie, Tasmania, heard on Thursday.

And the sordid abuse only ended when his horrified wife found out.

Rodney James Bessell, 64, (pictured) paid $100 for the Skype shows in September 2019, before fronting the Supreme Court in Burnie, Tasmania on Thursday

The darts champion's vile secret life began when he struck up an online acquaintance with a woman from the Phillipines.

He met the mother via this woman, who arranged for the children to be abused for his gratification via Skype.

The father of three (pictured) met the mother, via another woman, who arranged for the children to perform the sex shows

The young girls were about 12 years old at the time.

Bessell asked one of the women if the kids 'enjoyed touching each other' and if they 'liked seeing his' genitals, the Mercury reported.

He pleaded guilty to 10 charges of encouraging the procurement of a child to engage in sexual activity, engaging in a sexual act with a child (other than sexual intercourse), causing child abuse material to be transmitted and possessing child abuse material.

Bessell's defence lawyer Greg Richardson asked Justice Tamara Jago if she would consider giving his client a suspended jail sentence.

But Crown prosecutor Krista Breckweg rejected the suggestion.

'He knew these children were effectively being pimped out by their mother and only stopped his conduct because his wife found out,' she told the court.

Mr Richardson also said Bessell had paid for his crimes and wasn't able to live in Tasmania due to the embarrassment.

He also said he was now unemployed.

The miner had owned a jewellery and trophy shop in Burnie and was Australian Darts Team Captain until 2019.

Mr Richardson also said Bessell was not part of a child porn ring and none of the online victims were penetrated.

But Ms Breckweg told the court Bessell knew the victims were under 16 and had set up an online money transfer account to pay for the services.

She added that he had asked specifically for young kids and said it was 'more yummy' if the they were virgins.

The maximum punishment for encouraging the procurement of a child to engage in sexual activity was 20 years in prison, the court heard.

Bessell will be sentenced on October 21.
Halloween is just around the corner and if binge-watching horror movies is part of your October 31 tradition, well, Netflix has an abudance of horror movies and series you can watch. In fact, if you happen to be a fan of horror movies that are based on books, there are many you can choose from on Netflix.

Here are some examples:

'Bram Stoker's Dracula'

No list of horror movies based on books will ever be complete without "Bram Stoker's Dracula." Based on the 1897 novel by Bram Stoker, as its name suggests, the movie is directed by Francis Ford Coppola and released in 1992. The movie has won three Academy Awards.

Gary Oldman stars as Count Dracula himself. Winona Ryder, Keanu Reeves, and Anthony Hopkins also star alongside Oldman.

You catch watch "Bram Stoker's Dracula" on Netflix.

'Doctor Sleep'

Stephen King is one of the most well-known horror novel writers and his work has been adapted into numerous films. One example is "Doctor Sleep," which was published in 2013.

The movie adaptation was released six years later and is actually the sequel to the Stanley Kubrick film "The Shining." Ewan McGregor plays the main character, Danny Torrance, who is the son of Jack and Wendy Torrance. Rebecca Ferguson, Kyliegh Curran, and more also star in the film.

You can watch "Doctor Sleep" on Netflix.

'Hannibal'

"The Silence of the Lambs" is undoubtedly one of the best horror movies of all time and if you can't get enough of the story, you might want to watch its sequel, "Hannibal," which came out in 2001.

Based on the 1999 novel of the same name by Thomas Harris, "Hannibal" stars Anthony Hopkins, who reprises his role as the cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter. Lecter is being pursued by his last surving victim and FBI special agent Clarice Sterling must get to him before this happens.

Julianne Moore and Gary Oldman also star in the movie, which you can watch on Netflix.

Related Article: Asian Horror Movies on Netflix That You Should Not Miss Out On

'It Chapter Two'

Another Stephen King novel that has been adapted into a movie is none other the 1986 novel "It." In fact, it has a two-part adaption: the first movie came out in 2017 and the sequel, "It Chapter Two," was released two years later.

Directed by Andy Muschietti, "It Chapter Two" focuses on the story of the second half of the novel and is set 27 years after the story of its prequel. It stars Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, and Bill Hader, among others.

You can watch "It Chapter Two" on Netflix.

'No One Gets Out Alive'

Scary haunted houses are a staple of both horror novels and films, and one example that features a haunted house is none other the 2014 Adam Nevill novel "No One Gets Out Alive" and is movie adaptation, which was released in 2021.

The story of "No One Gets Out Alive" follows an undocumented Mexican woman who ends up moving into a boarding house in Cleveland. There, she begins to have supernatural encounters and she eventually tries to escape the boarding house.

Cristina Rodlo and Marc Menchanca star in the movie, which you can stream on Netflix.

Read Also: Netflix's 'Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities' Gets New Trailer
A student union has come under fire after it banned white students from Black History Month events, sparking accusations of racial segregation.

Students at the University of Westminster were told by its union in an email that some of the events would be 'reserved for black students to encourage a safe space for discussions and honest conversations'.

But social anthropology lecturer at Edinburgh University Dr Neil Thin hit back and branded the move 'tragic', accusing the London university of copying racial segregation 'previously seen in South African and USA education systems'.

The University of Westminster students were not told which events which they would be banned from during a month specifically celebrating black history through talks, dance nights and film screenings, the Telegraph reports.

Dr Thin said: 'It is bitterly ironic to see the rhetoric of 'safe spaces' abused to justify racial segregation.

'Nothing is more likely to make social spaces unsafe than this kind of wilful sowing of interethnic suspicion and division.'

University of Westminster Students' Union has been accused of racial segregation after it banned white students from Black History Month events

Students were told in an email that some of the events would be 'reserved for black students to encourage a safe space for discussions and honest conversations'

But just yesterday, the student union's most recent social media post emphasised that all students were invited to an event with Zoe Garsh, founder of Ms Independent which runs career courses for young women.

The caption said: 'This is a Black History Month event but ALL students are welcome! Be sure not to miss out'.

Leader of the Free Speech Union Toby Young has also weighed in to the debate as he labelled the group 'zealots' who were failing to see the bigger picture.

'At some point, youd think it would be clear to these zealots that youre not going to reduce racial discrimination by discriminating against people on the basis of their race, but theyre so blinkered by ideological groupthink they cannot see this glaring contradiction,' he said.

Tory MP Sir John Haynes has called for an investigation to see if there was any potential discrimination.

He also voiced concerns over the 'sinister' nature that 'such ideas can be propagated in a free and open society'.

Just yesterday, the student union's most recent social media post emphasised that 'ALL' students were invited to an event with Zoe Garsh, founder of Ms Independent which runs career courses for young women

The Westminster Students' Union declined to comment.

Meanwhile a spokesman for the university said: 'One of the university's key Black Lives Matter commitments was to eliminate all gaps associated with success measures for all BME students. Black History Year Create, an intensive career-defining programme aimed at addressing disparities among black students, does exactly that.

'Equality of opportunity does not always mean giving everyone access to the same thing; it means creating a level playing field by offering some programmes to those who are underrepresented or those who have had less access to opportunity.'
Tourists will be offered free flights to Hong Kong in a bid to drive up visitor numbers, which have fallen by tens of millions a year since the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the initiative, 500,000 plane tickets worth 225million will be given away to encourage travellers to visit once the authorities remove all coronavirus restrictions.

The global campaign is expected to start early next year.

The Hong Kong tourism board will manage the advertising campaign for the scheme while the airport authority will distribute the free tickets.

Before the pandemic, in 2019, 56 million people visited Hong Kong as a whole, while just 184,000 visitors came to the city in the first eight months of this year

In the initiative, 500,000 plane tickets worth 225million will be given away to encourage travellers to visit once the authorities remove all coronavirus restrictions

'The airport authority set aside HK$2billion in 2020 to buy about 500,000 tickets from several local airlines to promote the city's tourism industry once the pandemic eased,' Dane Cheng, the Hong Kong tourism board's executive director, said.

The scheme would start by targeting visitors from Asia and other short-haul markets, the tourism boss added.

Before the pandemic, in 2019, 56 million people visited Hong Kong as a whole, while just 184,000 visitors came to the city in the first eight months of this year.

Until recently, the city, which followed China's strict Covid policies, had some of the toughest restrictions in the world.

Changes to isolation rules were announced last month, which mean that travellers now have to monitor themselves for possible infection for just three days after their arrival.

The scheme would start by targeting visitors from Asia and other short-haul markets, the city's tourism boss said. Pictured: Travellers at Hong Kong International Airport

The city's government said it would no longer require people to go into hotel quarantine or show a negative Covid test before boarding flights to Hong Kong.

Travellers rushed to buy flight tickets to and from Hong Kong following the news.

Promotions of the new offer directed at China will be limited until entry restrictions there are also relaxed.

Prudence Lai, senior analyst at market research firm Euromonitor, told the BBC that the market is heavily dependent on Chinese tourists, 'as mainland China contributes to more than half of Hong Kong's inbound arrivals and travel receipts'.

British airline Virgin Atlantic's withdrawal from Hong Kong officially ends the company's 30-year presence in the city and reneges on earlier plans to resume flights from March 2023

Meanwhile, British airline Virgin Atlantic announced on Wednesday that it will scrap its Heathrow-Hong Kong services and close its Hong Kong office.

The withdrawal officially ends Virgin's 30-year presence in the city and reneges on earlier plans to resume flights from March 2023.

Virgin Atlantic had halted flights to Hong Kong since December and is one of several airlines which have not routed flights through Russia's airspace following its invasion of Ukraine.
A police dog tracked a drink-driving suspect all the way from the site of a crash to their front door.

Lincolnshire Police were called to a crash on Park Lane, in Ewerby, Lincolnshire, on October 5.

A vehicle had been abandoned by the driver so officers sent police dog Orbit to find the suspect.

The crime-fighting canine, who joined Lincolnshire Police in June 2019, was able to sniff them out from half a kilometre away.

This led officers to an address on Anwick Road where a 45-year-old Sleaford woman was arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

A Lincolnshire Police Dog Section spokesperson said: 'Overnight, PD Orbit has attended the scene of a traffic collision where the occupants have left the location.

Lincolnshire Police were called to a crash on Park Lane, in Ewerby, Lincolnshire, on October 5. A vehicle had been abandoned by the driver so officers sent police dog Orbit (pictured) to find the suspect

The crime-fighting canine, who joined Lincolnshire Police in June 2019, was able to sniff them out from half a kilometre away. Pictured: Lincolnshire Police Dog Section in action

'Orbit has tracked from the scene to the front door of an address. Once inside the registered keeper of the vehicle was located and arrested on suspicion of drink driving.'

The force's dogs are starring in a charity calendar priced at 10.

Each month, the calendar features a specialist police dog photographed in the beautiful rural landscapes of Lincolnshire.

There is also a mini profile of each dog stating their name, age, who their handler is and length of service in the force.

All proceeds will be donated to the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, a national charity that supports serving and retired police dogs across the United Kingdom.

The foundation provides much needed financial support to over 300 unsung canine heroes and their owners to enable them to have a long and happy retirement.
The Archbishop of Canterbury has expressed concern at the potential for the British embassy in Israel to be moved from Tel Aviv to the contested holy city of Jerusalem.

Prime Minister Liz Truss told her Israeli counterpart at the United Nations summit in New York last month that she was considering the relocation, after Donald Trump ordered the same move for the US embassy during his presidency.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby raised concern about the possible implications before a negotiated settlement is reached between Israel and the Palestinians.

The Archbishop of Canterbury voiced concern over the possible implications of the move

The UK has long maintained neutral stance basing its Israel embassy in Tel Aviv despite Israel designating Jerusalem as its capital.

In a statement to Jewish News on Friday, a spokesperson for Mr Welby said: 'The archbishop is concerned about the potential impact of moving the British embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem before a negotiated settlement between Palestinians and Israelis has been reached.

'He is in touch with Christian leaders in the Holy Land and continues to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.'

A Downing Street spokeswoman previously said Ms Truss had informed Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid 'about her review of the current location of the British embassy in Israel', at the UN summit in September.

She made the pledge during the Tory leadership contest in a letter to the Conservative Friends of Israel.

Ms Truss has said she understands the 'importance and sensitivity' over its location.

Liz Truss is said to have had positive talks with Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid at the United Nations summit last month

Labour and the Liberal Democrats have also voiced their concerns about the review, with the latter's foreign affairs spokesperson, Layla Moran, warning against a 'provocation'.

'The UK should under no circumstances be taking steps which risk inflaming tensions and damaging the prospects of peace,' she said.

'I have written to the Foreign Secretary to make clear that moving the embassy should only come as part of a negotiated peace settlement between Israel and Palestine, and that this review should accordingly be stopped.'

A Labour spokesperson told Middle East Eye: 'Our position on this hasn't changed, Labour does not support the move. We do not want the move to happen and we will oppose it.'

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid thanked Ms Truss on Twitter for announcing her intentions of the embassy move

Ms Truss had informed the Israeli PM of her 'review of the current location of the British embassy in Israel'.

Israel Prime Minister Yair Lapid took to Twitter following their talks to post a picture of their meeting.

He wrote: 'I thank my good friend, British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who announced that she is positively considering moving the British Embassy to Jerusalem, the capital of Israel.

'We will continue to strengthen the partnership between the countries.'

Mr Trump sparked controversy in 2017 by announcing the US embassy would be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem by announcing the US embassy would be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Former Prime Minister Theresa May had previously been against the move, condemning Mr Trump's decision to base the US Embassy to Jerusalem in 2017.

At the time, she reiterated Britain's 'clear and long-standing' position on Jerusalem's status - that it should be determined as part of a peace settlement between the Israelis and Palestinians and should ultimately be a shared capital.
They have criticised the Ministry's work after a series of embarrassing defeats

Two of Putin's top army lieutenants have 'openly declared war' on Defence Minister and staunch Putin loyalist Sergei Shoigu after a series of embarrassing defeats for the Kremlin in Ukraine.

Chechen boss Ramzan Kadyrov and founder of the Wagner 'private army' or militia Yevgeny Prigozhin have turned on the minister amid heavy defeats and losses over the last two weeks, The Guardian reports.

It comes after Russia illegally annexed four Ukrainian regions including Donetsk and Luhansk in an announcement to which he gathered all of the country's top leaders and told the world the regions would 'remain with Russia forever.'

But just 24 hours later, there was clear evidence Ukraine was making major gains in the regions, recapturing land that Putin had just claimed as part of Russia.

This week gains in the south and east of Ukraine continued and triggered the two army leaders to openly 'declare war' on the Defence Minister, who is an easy target to blame for Russia's poor military results.

The Kremlin is turning to increasingly desperate measures in order to save face and try and halt the Ukrainian advance, including recruiting prisoners straight out of jail and, now, open infighting.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu speaks during a meeting in Moscow on Tuesday as senior figures declared war on him and his department

Founder of Putin's private militia, or Wagner unit, Yevgeny Prigozhin has had a long-standing feud with the Defence Minister

Chechnya's regional leader Ramzan Kadyrov was one of those who attended Moscow and signed the treaties which illegally annexed four Ukrainian regions on September 30

'Putin is a very destructive personality, he will play the different factions off each other and see what the best outcome will be,' a former Defence Ministry official told the Guardian.

'He doesn't know how to fix relationships, so in the end, someone will fall victim. Putin just wants to see what is best for him and the war in Ukraine.'

The feud between Prigozhin and Shoigu is said to stretch back long before the start of the seven-month war in Ukraine, and is said to have started after Prigozhin formed the Wagner unit during the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Former Wagner Commander Marat Gabidullin told The Guardian: 'On the current wave of patriotism, he wants to position himself as a fierce defender of the motherland who created a professional military organisation.

'He wants to show that he can fight better than the regular army. We always had tensions with the ministry of defence, we really didn't like each other.'

Prigozhin is now said to have teamed up with Chechen leader Kadyrov in an effort to oust the minister.

Kadyrov has established the North Caucasus republic in an effort to ally closely with Putin, but has publicly turned on the Defence Ministry in recent weeks, becoming one of their staunchest critics.

He claims that his soldiers could take Kyiv 'within days' even after the Russian Army has been forced back.

Shortly after the Russian defeat last week at Lyman, a crucial railway hub in the Donetsk region, Kadyrov unleashed a withering attack on the Russian general staff and at the central military district commander Alexander Lapin.

In a series of messages on Telegram last week, the unlikely duo teamed up to launch scathing attacks on defence strategy.

'The shame isn't that Lapin is incompetent,' Kadyrov wrote.

'It's that he's being shielded from above by the leadership in the General Staff.

'If it was up to me, I would bust him down to a private, take away his medals and send him with a rifle to the front in order to cleanse his shame in blood.'

'Military nepotism will not lead anywhere good,' he added.

Prigozhin added: 'Beautiful, Ramzan, keep it up. These punks should be shipped to the front barefoot with machine guns.'

Putin famously pits his inferiors against one another - a cunning strategy which prevents anyone getting too ambitious against him, but also breeds bitter rivalries at a time the nation is looking increasingly foolish on the national stage.

Russia is now having to resort to increasingly desperate tactics, which include recruiting dangerous criminals directly out of its prisons.

Footage circling on social media, alongside interviews undertaken by The Guardian, show the Prigozhin himself is visiting prisons across the country and offering convicts freedom if they fight in Ukraine for six months.

It is said they receive just one week of training and are warned they are unlikely to come back from the frontline.

The measures are being pushed through against the backdrop of increasingly embarrassing defeats for the Kremlin.

Just this morning, hours after Putin's 70th birthday, Ukrainian saboteurs were thought to be behind a major explosion which has destroyed part of the only bridge linking Crimea to Russia - threatening already stretched Russian supply and reinforcement lines.

Although Kyiv has not claimed responsibility for the attack, one Ukrainian official boasted that 'Putin should be happy. Not everyone gets such an expensive birthday present' - a reference to the Russian president's 70th birthday yesterday.
Chris Dawson has been smuggled out of Sydney's tough Silverwater jail to another in the bush after death threats from 'a number of prisoners' as he awaits sentencing.

The convicted wife killer was shifted 350km from Sydney to the Macquarie Correctional Centre near Wellington, NSW, in a bid to secure his safety.

He had been held at the Silverwater Correctional Centre in western Sydney since he was found guilty in August of murdering his wife Lynette Dawson 40 years ago.

Chris Dawson (pictured) has been at the Silverwater Correctional Centre since he was found guilty of murdering his wife, Lynette Dawson, 40 years ago

His lawyer Greg Walsh (pictured) said Dawson has been subject to various death threats from a number of prisoners

Dawson has been under close guard since his conviction and was placed on a strict protection regime after a series of threats were made against him.

The notoriety of the murder - which was investigated in the hit Teacher's Pet podcast - led to other inmates vowing to take vengeance against him.

The former school teacher was said to be in a state of shock after he was taken under high security from court to Silverwater.

Now he has been transported more than four hours into the bush to his new cell in Macquarie Correctional Centre, 50km south-east of Dubbo.

News of the switch, reported by news.com.au, comes after his lawyer Greg Walsh admitted his relocation was to be expected.

'He has been subject to various death threats from a number of prisoners,' Mr Walsh said.

'Jail being what it is, its a very dangerous place and at times prisoners need to be transferred or transported to and from other places in the jail, and they can be subject to unprovoked attacks.

'It's not unusual in the circumstances in regards to his profile and the charge he has been convicted of.'

The former Newtown Jets rugby league player was convicted by Justice Ian Harrison last August, bringing to a close a mystery that has haunted Lynette's family and Sydney's northern beaches for four decades.

Justice Harrison was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Lynette was dead, that she has not been seen or heard since on or around January 8, 1982 and that she did not leave her home voluntarily.

He was also satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Dawson 'had a possessive infatuation with' a schoolgirl babysitter, JC - which drove him to killing Ms Dawson.

Reading through his written reasons for his verdict, Justice Harrison described some of the evidence in Dawson's defence during the trial as 'fanciful, absurd and lies'.

Dawson was described as 'an unfaithful and violent man' during a summary of the crown case by His Honour.

The convicted wife killer was shifted to the Macquarie Correctional Centre (pictured) in regional NSW, near Wellington in a bid to secure his safety

The 74-year-old, who was arrested and charged with Lyn's murder in late 2018, pleaded not guilty to killing her and has always maintained his innocence.

He lodged paperwork for an appeal against his conviction in October.

The former teacher will face a sentence hearing on November 11, where formal submissions will be made on his behalf.

He will then be sentenced at a later date.

Lynette 'Lyn' Dawson disappeared from her home at Bayview on Sydney's northern beaches in 1982 leaving behind two young daughters

Her body has never been found.

Lynette 'Lyn' Dawson (pictured, with daughter Shanelle) disappeared from her home at Bayview on Sydney's northern beaches in 1982 leaving behind two young daughters
One of the Las Vegas showgirls stabbed in a brutal attack is no longer in critical condition as she recounts the moment her friend died in her arms.

Anna Westby, 26, suffered a punctured lung and was struggling to breath after being stabbed by Yoni Christian Barrios, 32, who killed two and left six injured in a brazen attack in broad daylight outside the Wynn hotel.

One of the victims was Maris Digiovanni, 30, Westby's coworker at Best Showgirls in Vegas, who died in her arms after they were approached by Barrios, who told detectives he was an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala with a criminal record.

'He pulled up a knife and he showed it to us as if modeling it,' she told the New York Post. 'Before we could say anything at all. He grabbed the knife and he stabbed Maris in the heart,' she said.

The moment was so shocking to Westby that she didn't even have time to worry about herself as she tried to apply pressure to Digiovanni's wound.

'And another guy said, 'Ma'am, you have a stab wound on your back.' I said, 'I know.' Can you grab your shirt and apply it to my back while I apply this to her?'

Anna Westby, 26, (above) recalled the moment her coworker at Best Showgirls in Vegas, Maris Mareen Digiovanni, 30, died in her arms during Thursday's stabbing attack

Digiovanni was stabbed to death in the broad daylight attack which also claimed the life of Brent Allan Hallett, 47. Along with Westby, five others were injured

Westby, who suffered a punctured lung, was rushed away on a stretcher by members of Clark County Fire Department. She said she tried to tend to Digiovanni's injuries while a stranger tended to the stab wound on her back

Yoni Christian Barrios, 32, who is charged with murdering two and attempting to kill six more on Thursday, told detectives that he is a Guatemalan immigrant and that he stabbed eight people so he could 'let the anger out'

Barrios, who killed Digiovanni and Brent Allan Hallett, 47, told police he did so to 'let the anger out.'

Fox News says Barrios was in the US illegally at the time, and that he had a criminal record in California for unknown offenses. He was not known to ICE prior to the stabbing, the outlet added.

Recalling the deadly encounter, Westby said she and Digiovanni were out on the strip with two other coworkers when Barrios approached them.

After stabbing Digiovanni in the heart, Westby said the man slashed a fellow showgirl, Victoria Caytano. Westby said she and Digiovanni tried to run, but to no avail.

'Maris made it only about 15 feet before she collapsed,' Westby told the Post. 'And he came after me and stabbed me in the back, and he ran off.'

The showgirl's boss, Cheryl Lowthrop, said her employee are still reeling over the incident as they mourned Digiovanni, who also worked as an elementary school teacher.

'She was exceptional,' Lowthorp told KLAS. 'She was exceptional, she was on fire and beautiful and smart and radiant.'

As she faces a long recovery, Westby told the local outlet that the attack has left her afraid and questioning the world.

'Knowing that someone could do something like this without ever being provoked, Westby concluded. 'It makes me question everything.'

Lowthorp has started a GoFundMe page to help her employees impacted by the tragedy and to cover funeral expenses and other costs for Digiovanni's family.

Westby, who was stabbed in the back and suffered a punctured lung, held Maris (above) in her arms as she died. The showgirl was also a local elementary school teacher

Friends and family members have paid tribute to the beloved woman - who was a Las Vegas resident and previously worked as a teacher in the city

A GoFundMe page for the showgirl victims has raised nearly $11,000 as of Saturday morning

Barrios, pictured Friday, was charged with two counts of murder with a deadly weapon and six counts of attempted murder. Police said the attack was unprovoked

A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrest report first obtained by Channel 8 News said Barrios came from California to Vegas two days earlier and planned to move in with a friend, but when he arrived the friend backed out.

Barrios told detectives he took a bus to the strip, where other passengers made fun of him and he wasnt treated like a human being.

According to the report, Barrios asked a janitor at the Wynn Hotel and Casino about job opportunities, then asked the janitor to contact ICE for him so he could return home to Guatemala.

Barrios then asked a security guard at the hotel about selling his knives to pay for his trip home, officers wrote.

The guard told Barrios to jump in front of a train.

Barrios exited the hotel and it was then that he approached his first victims.

He is currently held in the Clark County Detention Center and charged with two counts of murder with a deadly weapon and six counts of attempted murder.

Video shown by officials at a press conference hours after the stabbing showed the suspect fleeing the scene

A victim is tended to by first responders in front of the casino where the stabbing took place

Dewaun Turner, 47, who witnessed five of the stabbings, told the Las Vegas Review Journal that he saw two showgirls running and screaming while being chased by the knifeman.

One was on the floor after being stabbed, and the other tried to run off. But the knifeman chased and stabbed her too.

Then, the man stabbed a man who was walking with a woman.

Turner then saw him stab two more women, with one of them seriously injured.

Tourists are among the victims, Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo later told the media.

During that press conference Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief James LaRochelle said that the suspect started stabbing without provocation.

He said that authorities are in possession of video showing the suspect leaving the original scene and running down Las Vegas Boulevard heading towards Sands Boulevard.

Barrios was held by Sands security guards until the police arrived.

Maris and husband Cole Jordan, pictured on their wedding day

Maris (right) graduated with a degree in education from Washington State University, and had worked as a preschool-elementary teacher in both Bahrain and Hong Kong

The 30-year-old (pictured) had worked as a teacher at 9th Bridge School in Las Vegas

Maris (right) is pictured with her cousin, Ashlei who said she 'brought a light to everyone's life'

Digiovanni's brother, Gage, wrote: 'It is with great sadness that we say goodbye and see you later to my amazing little sister. Maris was a victim of the horrific random stabbing of eight people in Las Vegas today.

'Please pray for our family and her husband. We appreciate the space to grieve in the coming days and know she touched your lives as she did ours.'

One of Maris' friends took to social media to pay tribute to the 'kindest soul.'

Emma Leeson wrote about her friend: 'Absolutely shocked, devastated and heart broken.

'The most kindest beautiful soul taken way to young, this is so unfair and should never of happened - I cant wrap my head around any of it.

'Thank you for all the incredibly fun amazing spontaneous memories and adventures we got to share together.'

Maris's cousin also remembered the 30-year-old as someone who 'brought a light to everyone's life.'

Ashlei Digiovanni said: 'I still cant believe youre actually gone. This world can be so evil. You brought a light to everyones life who crossed your path.

'Im so thankful for the moments I got to have with you. From sunset chasing, to dancing in your kitchen, to nights out to talking about absolutely anything under the sun.

'You were one of the most open, lighthearted, and easy going people who wanted to make others days better. You were my cousin and my best friend. My heart is broken knowing I cant snap or call you. I love you.'
Residents of a small community in Vermont were blindsided last month by news that one official in their water department quietly lowered fluoride levels nearly four years ago.

Kendall Chamberlin, Richmond's water and wastewater superintendent admitted he lowered the levels of fluoride because of his worries about the compound being in the water and that it is sourced from China.

The townsfolk of Richmond were left worrying about their children's dental health as misinformation and conspiracy theories over water fluoridation are growing rapidly.

The addition of fluoride to public drinking water systems has been routine in communities across the United States since the 1940s and 1950s.

But some people don't support the change and many countries don't fluoridate water for various reasons, including feasibility.

Critics argue that the health effects of fluoride aren't fully known and that its addition to municipal water can amount to an unwanted medication.

Kendall Chamberlin, Richmond's water and wastewater superintendent said he lowered the levels as he believes recommended levels 'aren't warranted right now'

A town employee in Richmond is under fire for lowering the fluoride level in the drinking water below the state's recommended level for more than three years

Most water naturally contains some fluoride, but typically not enough to prevent cavities

Some communities in recent years have ended the practice - In 2015, the U.S. government lowered its recommended amount in drinking water after some children got too much of it, causing white splotches on their teeth.

While such splotches are primarily a cosmetic problem, the American Dental Association notes on its website that fluoride - along with life-giving substances including salt, iron and oxygen - can be toxic in large doses.

But in the recommended amounts, fluoride in water decreases cavities or tooth decay by about 25%, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

They also reported in 2018 that 73% of the U.S. population was served by water systems with adequate fluoride to protect teeth.

Chamberlin said he doesn't think the state's recommended level of fluoride is warranted right now.

'My duty is to take reasonable care and judgment for the protection of public health, safety and the environment of my customers,' he said, adding that 'to err on the side of caution is not a bad position to be in.'

Two of the three fluoride additives U.S. water systems can use do, in fact, come from China because they have no domestic manufacturers.

But those are subject to stringent standards, testing and certification to ensure safety, CDC spokesperson Tracy Boehmer said in an email.

Spokespeople for the Vermont Department of Health concurred that all additives must meet those national standards.

Chamberlin's decision flabbergasted residents and doctors.

'For a single person to unilaterally make the decision that this public health benefit might not be warranted is inappropriate. I think it's outrageous,' retired Dr. Allen Knowles said at the Sept. 19 meeting.

He said he has an 8-month-old granddaughter he thought was getting adequately fluoridated water.

A town commission has voted to return the water to full fluoridation after outrage from some residents

'Fluoride, again, is one of the most successful and important public health measures that has ever been undertaken in this country,' Knowles said.

'The reduction in dental disease is just inarguable. You don't establish safety based on one person's opinion or one study or this or that.'

Resident Kate Mather said her dentist recently found her two kids' first cavities.

Her dentist 'was operating and making professional recommendations based on state standards we all assumed were being met, which they were not,' she said.

Most water naturally contains some fluoride, but typically not enough to prevent cavities.

The mineral was first added to public water in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1945.

Now it's commonplace, although more prevalent in some states than others; Oregon, New Jersey and Hawaii have the lowest percentage of residents with fluoridated water, according to the United Health Foundation.

Fluoride is also added to toothpaste and other topical products and is in some foods.

In sparsely populated and largely rural Vermont, 29 of the 465 public water systems voluntarily fluoridate, and just over half of residents served by a public system get fluoridated water, according to the Vermont Department of Health.

The state's standard level is based on federal recommendations.

Towns that fluoridate must maintain levels within the states recommendations and submit monthly reports to the state Health Department.

Robin Miller, the now-retired director of the Office of Oral Health, had tried working with Chamberlin and his team in Richmond, 'and things would improve for a while, but drop back down again,' she said.

Miller said she didn't realize the town's fluoride number had been consistently low for so long until March this year.

After a site visit by the state in April, the levels did not improve, so Miller contacted the Richmond town manager in June, who requested she attend the meeting in September, she said.

At the second meeting Monday, the one at which Katie Mather raised concerns about her children's teeth, Chamberlin - who doesn't live in town and appeared online - read a statement of apology.

'Words cannot express how sorry I am for causing this controversy,' he said. 'Believe me when I say I have always only had good intentions based on a misunderstanding. I promise I will make sure nothing like this ever happens again.'

A former Richmond employee who worked under Chamberlin pointed out the monthly report is reviewed by the town manager and goes to the state.

'It's not just one guy doing what he wants. He's bringing these reports to his boss, who signs them,' said Erik Bailey, now the village manager in Johnson.

Town Manager Josh Arneson said Chamberlin or other staffers always told him levels were acceptable. He said he first heard from the state in June about the consistently low levels.

The commission voted to return the water to full fluoridation. It's not clear whether anyone could face professional repercussions; personnel issues were discussed in a closed session.
Police have made two dramatic raids in a day of breakthroughs in the Sydney gangland war that has been marked by tit-for-tat executions of senior bikie figures from rival clans.

The Riot Squad and Raptor Squad combined to arrest a man, 41, at Oatley on Saturday as part of investigations into the murder of Rami Iskander.

The 23-year-old father and member of the Ahmad crime family was gunned down outside his home in Belmore on May 14.

Police have made two dramatic raids in a day of breakthroughs in the Sydney gangland war that has been marked by tit-for-tat executions of senior bikie figures from rival clans

The Riot Squad and Raptor Squad combined to arrest a man, 41, at Oatley on Saturday as part of investigations into the murder of Ahmad crime family member Rami Iskander

Also on Saturday a 38-year-old woman was arrested at a home at Kyle Bay as part of the same investigation.

Both were taken to Kogarah police station.

The arrests are part of NSW Police 'Taskforce Erebus' investigations into several fatal shootings and criminal activities by organised crime networks across Sydney.

During the searches accompanying the two arrests on Saturday, police seized more than $500,000 cash and items relevant to the investigation.

The man was charged with accessory before and after the fact to murder and is due to appear at Parramatta court on Sunday

Four days later, Ahmad's nephew Rami Iskander was shot and killed outside his home in Belmore

The man was charged with accessory after the fact to murder, accessory before the fact to murder, participate criminal group contribute criminal group activity and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.

He is due to appear at Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday.

The woman was charged with knowingly deal with proceeds of crime; and participate in criminal group.

She was granted conditional bail to appear at Sutherland Local Court on 1 November.

Iskander, the nephew of Mahmoud 'Brownie' Ahmad, a leading figure in the Ahmad crime family, was shot several times around 4am outside his home on Knox Street at Belmore.

Ahmad was brutally killed on April 27, three weeks before his nephew.

Iskander's death is believed to be a reprisal for the shooting of Comanchero heavyweight Tarek Zahed and his brother Omar outside an Auburn gym on May 10.

Mahmoud Ahmad was brutally killed on April 27, three weeks before his nephew

Tarek Zahed miraculously survived but Omar died on the scene.

In police documents, it was revealed it was 'widely known' Ahmad had a conflict with Comanchero bikies before his death.

Several underworld figures were being extorted by Mahmoud Ahmad and the slain gangster is believed to have been behind a series of break-ins targeting their businesses.

It is understood Mahmoud Ahmad's brother, Youssef, has asked to be released from jail.

He has been kept behind bars since his parole was revoked on August 5 and is expected to serve his sentence until June 2023.

The first killing saw the Comanchero allegedly carry out the brutal murder of underworld figure Mahmoud 'Brownie' Ahmad
A lucky couple who stumbled upon one of Britain's 'biggest archaeological finds' by discovering an incredible hoard of 264 gold coins dating back to the reign of King James I under their kitchen floor have sold them at an auction for nearly 755,000 - three times their original estimated value.

The unnamed couple made the astonishing find while getting a new floor put down in their 18th century detached home in the village of Ellerby, North Yorkshire three years ago, just six inches under the concrete.

The gold coins - some of which are more than 400 years old, dating back as far as 1610, while others stretch to 1727, meaning they cover the reigns of James I, the executed Charles I, and King George I - had been kept in a salt-glazed earthenware cup for around three centuries.

They had been collected by Joseph Fernley and his wife Sarah Maister, members of a wealthy and influential merchant Hull-based family who traded in iron ore, timber and coal, and whose latter generations were Whig politicians and Members of Parliament.

An expert from London auctioneers Spink & Son visited the property to evaluate the hoard - and this year the coins sold for a staggering 754,320.

The unnamed couple made the astonishing find while getting a new floor put down in their 18th century detached home in the village of Ellerby, North Yorkshire

The auction includes this 'pattern bust' James I laurel

The site of the discovery at the couple's home in July 2019

One of the highlights of the sale - a George I guinea from 1720 which was mistakenly minted without a king's head on it, instead having two 'tail' sides of the coin - fetched 9,600, while a Charles II guinea from 1675 which incorrectly spells the king's Latin name CRAOLVS instead of CAROLVS also sold for 9,600.

Auctioneer Gregory Edmund called the find 'one of the largest on archaeological record from Britain'.

He said: 'The sale was unique in so many ways. The story of the coins, the method of discovery and the rare opportunity to buy them at auction.

'All that combined in a buoyant and energised market to create incredible new prices as the 264 coins of the Ellerby hoard found new homes. Buyers flocked from around the world to share in the story of Sarah and Joseph Fernley and the privilege of owning a part of their 292-year old treasure.

'I have never seen a response to an auction like that before, and the results testify it, my provisional estimate was demolished three times over. The finders who wish to remain anonymous were absolutely staggered by the result. It dwarfed any pre-conceived expectations. I am not sure it will ever sink in.

One of the highlights of the sale - a George I guinea from 1720 which was mistakenly minted without a king's head on it, instead having two 'tail' sides of the coin - fetched 9,600, while a Charles II guinea from 1675 which incorrectly spells the king's Latin name CRAOLVS instead of CAROLVS also sold for 9,600

The gold coins - some of which are more than 400 years old, dating back as far as 1610, while others stretch to 1727, meaning they cover the reigns of James I, the executed Charles I, and King George I - had been kept in a salt-glazed earthenware cup for around three centuries

'The coins were perhaps very ordinary in one sense, but the story was extraordinary and that is what achieved the mind-blowing result this evening. I do hope people think before ripping up their floors though.

'It is exceedingly rare for such discoveries to every come to market, so for me to have had such an honour so early in my career is humbling indeed.

'This find is one of the largest on archaeological record from Britain. It was an entirely serendipitous discovery. The owners have never picked up a metal detector in their life. They were just relaying a floor and thought it was an electrical cable at first.

'I rushed up to see them in North Yorkshire a few days after and there were 264 gold coins in this cup - it is unfathomable, I have no idea how they managed to fit so many in that pot.

'The coins date from 1610 to 1727, which is an usually long period for a hoard.

'It also raises the question why has someone decided to bury a lot of coins at the beginning of the 18th century, when they had banks and bank notes - all the things that meant hoarding shouldn't have happened any more'.
Starlink outages reportedly hamper Ukrainian troops in retaking Russian-occupied territories causing "catastrophic" loss of communication.

These outages, an official in Ukraine told The Financial Times, happen at times when the troops

are battling the Russian forces and breaking into areas seized by Russia in recent months.

The Ukrainian official described these outages as catastrophic.

Starlink Outages In Four Russian-Occupied Regions

Ukraine troops reported that the Starlink terminals had stopped working when they broke into the frontlines in at least four regions annexed by Russia after referendums were held last month.

Ukrainian forces have massive counteroffensives in these areas where the outages occured.

Russia had declared Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia as part of its territory after the results of the Russian-sponsored referendum showed that residents in these regions wanted to join Russia, Sky News reported.

Luhansk is totally under Russian control, but almost half of Donetsk is liberated. Ukraine has retained a large part of Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia.

The Ukraine government and its allies condemned the referendum as a sham.

Russia had also used the referendum as a tactic to annex Ukraine's Crimea in 2014.

James Cleverly, the foreign secretary of the United Kingdom, said the outcome of the Russian-sponsored referendum could be used by President Vladimir Putin as a basis to escalate aggression.

Russia moved to conduct the referendum after successful Ukraine's counteroffensives that liberated large swathes of areas from Russian control, he said.

Read Also: SpaceX Sends Additional Starlink to Ukraine, Focuses on Cyber Defense to Prevent Signal Jamming,

Starlink Outages Due SpaceX Intervention

Engadget reached out to Elon Musk-owned Starlink asking about the cause of these reported outages. Starlink has not yet replied to the query as of this posting.

But a Business Insider report claimed that an official of a foundation that donated the Starlink internet dishes to Ukraine said the outages were the result of the intervention by SpaceX personnel to prevent the Russians from having access to the technology.

Why Starlink Terminals Matters

A few days after Russia invaded Ukraine in February, Musk, who also owns SpaceX and Tesla, shipped to the beleaguered Ukraine government Starlink satellite terminals.

The Starlink satellite terminals played a pivotal role in enabling Ukrainian troops to stay connected, and in conducting military operations such as drone attacks, and intelligence operations.

These terminals were vital in remote regions where access to secure communication was difficult.

Both Ukraine officials and US officials praised the move by Musk as the Starlink terminals helped dispel the Russian disinformation campaign and gave President Volodymyr Zelensky a platform to stay connected with the outside world.

Musk, however, warned the Ukrainian forces that staying connected may have had a downside.

The signals in the Starlink terminals could also be used as a target, he said.

Starlink provides satellite internet service in at least 40 countries except for China where Musk was rebuked for sending Starlink internet dishes to Ukraine.

The SpaceX and Tesla CEO told the Financial Times that Beijing asked him not to sell Starlink in China, a major ally of Russia.

It was not clear if Musk's positive view of the Russian-sponsored referendum was influenced by his business interest in China.

The billionaire said the citizens in the four regions occupied by Russia should have the freedom to choose where they live.

Related Article: Elon Musk Warns Possible Attacks on SpaceX's Starlink Satellites in Ukraine
Donald Trump allegedly told his lawyers that he was willing to return the classified materials in Mar-a-Lago for files he believed would expose the FBI's probe into his 2016 campaign's ties to Russia.

As National Archives officials pushed for Trump to return the files he had taken with him to Florida, the former president floated the idea to his lawyers that they should cut a deal with the department, the New York Times reported.

Although Trump didn't specify what files he wanted, he told his attorneys that there were documents that could 'prove' the FBI's investigation was a 'hoax.'

Trump's team, however, never acted on the idea because the government had a right to take back the documents Trump had brought with him to Mar-a-Lago.

Former President Donald Trump allegedly told his lawyers to cut a deal with the National Archives looking to take back classified files he took from the White House

Trump wanted to trade the documents (above) for files he said could prove that the FBI's probe into allegations of collusion between his 2016 campaign and Russia was a 'hoax'

Gary Stern, the top lawyer for the National Archives, began demanding Trump return the classified files from Mar-a-Lago in a letter in 2021.

'It is also our understanding that roughly two dozen boxes of original presidential records were kept in the residence of the White House over the course of President Trump's last year in office and have not been transferred to NARA, despite a determination by Pat Cipollone in the final days of the administration that they need to be,' Stern wrote.

Stern continued to hound Trump's team to return the documents throughout the year, and sources told the Times that Trump repeatedly claimed to his legal team that there was 'nothing of consequence' inside the boxes.

Alex Cannon, a Trump lawyer, was reportedly worried that the files Trump took might contain documents sought in the January 6 inquiry or be classified material, which Trump's team did not have the proper security clearances to look after.

It was when Cannon began pushing for the boxes to be returned in late 2021 that Trump pitched his idea of trading the documents for materials in the Russia probe.

The FBI raided Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate on August 8, retrieving 11,000 documents

Among the files taken were confidential records that Trump and his team did not have the clearance to hold or look over

Trump attorney Alex Cannon believed Trump had files sought after by the January 6 Senate Committee. Pictured: Cannon testifying before the committee in June

The former president has long contended that Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation over claims Trump colluded with Russia to win the 2016 election was a hoax made up by the FBI.

In 2019, Mueller concluded that Trump and his campaign did not collude with Russians in order to improve his chances of beating Democrat Hilary Clinton, who faced scrutiny over her email servers.

Muller's investigation has faced its own wave of scrutiny since it concluded, with Charles McGonigal, a senior FBI official who worked on the probe, now under fire for his own alleged links to Russia.

McGonigal, the former counterintelligence chief at the FBI's New York City field office, had previously worked with Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, a close contact of Trump 2016 campaign chair Paul Manafort - who is thought to have played a leading role in the Kremlin's efforts to interfere in the presidential race.

If McGonigal's work with Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska proves to have violated the Foreign Agents Registration Act, he could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine at most.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller (above) found that Trump and his campaign did not collude with Russians in order to improve his chances of beating Democrat Hilary Clinton

Charles McGonigal has been Special Agent in Charge of the Counterintelligence Division for the New York Field Office of the FBI since he was appointed to that position by James Comey in October 2016

After fellow Trump lawyer Eric Herschmann warned the former president that he could face legal troubles if he kept the documents, Trump reportedly went through the files in December.

Although officials from the National Archives retrieved the boxes at Mar-a-Lago, they believed the former president was still in possession of more.

Trump allegedly told Cannon to pass on a message to the officials that everything had been returned, but Cannon refused, the Times reported.

By August 8, the FBI conducted its raid of the Florida estate, retrieving more than 11,000 government files marked as classified.

The documents recovered required such a high level of clearance, FBI agents and even senior members of President Joe Biden's administration were not allowed to view them, according to a bombshell report from The Washington Post.

According to the Post report, some of the seized documents detail top-secret U.S. operations that require special clearances, not just top-secret clearance.

Only the president and cabinet or near-cabinet level officials would be cleared to authorize other government officials to access them, with the Post saying that only a few dozen national security officials even knew of their existence.
British lamb is 'back on American menus' after a ban on its import dating back to 1989 was lifted - opening up a market worth an estimated 37 million in the first five years of trade to British farmers.

Prime Minister Liz Truss has hailed it a 'milestone' for UK agriculture, making its sale to a market of 300 million people possible.

President Joe Biden committed to lifting his country's decades-old ban on imports of the British meat in September 2021, in a move that delighted UK sheep farmers.

British lamb is 'back on American menus' after a ban on its import dating back to 1989 was lifted

The UK Government has now confirmed the first shipment was made this week, containing lamb produced by meat processor Dunbia from its site in Carmarthenshire, Wales.

Celebrating the news on Twitter, Ms Truss said the move marked a 'well-deserved boost to our rural economy'.

Environment Secretary Ranil Jayawardena said there was 'enormous' opportunity for growth for British food.

British Prime Minister Liz Truss holds a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in September. She hailed the renewed sale of British lamb in the US 'a milestone'

'Tucking into roast lamb for Sunday lunch is quintessentially British - and now millions of American families will now be able to enjoy our top-quality lamb too,' he said.

'The opportunity for growth for British food is enormous - bringing jobs, skills and prosperity across the nation.

'With our mission to unlock growth, we will continue to secure more opportunities for our farmers and food producers to benefit from new markets.'

Environment Secretary Ranil Jayawardena said there was 'enormous' opportunity for growth for British food

International Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch also said it was 'fantastic news' to see Britain's 'world-class lamb back on American menus'.

'Now they can sell to a consumer market of over 300 million people, which support jobs and growth in a vital British industry,' she said.

'It also shows our two nations working together to remove barriers and boost trade, building on recent resolutions on steel tariffs, and whisky exports.'

International Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch also said it was 'fantastic news' to see Britain's 'world-class lamb back on American menus'

The US had prohibited imports of British beef and lamb since 1989, as a result of BSE or 'mad cow disease', although the ban on beef had already been lifted.

In December last year, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) had amended the rule preventing imports of lamb from the UK into the US, with the change coming into force on January 3.
Jill Biden on Friday described helping a friend get an abortion pre-Roe. vs. Wade and slammed 'extremist Republicans' for wanting to take women 'back to that time.'

The first lady talked in detail about how she helped a friend recover from the procedure in the 1960s, before an abortion was made legal, and she used the story to target Republicans who are pushing anti-abortion laws.

Democrats hope the abortion issue will rally voters to the polls in the November election, which will decide control of Congress.

Biden said her friend, who became pregnant as a teenager in the late 1960s, could not get an abortion unless she underwent a psychiatric evaluation and a doctor deemed her mentally unfit.

The first lady, who was 17 at the time, lived in Pennsylvania where abortion was illegal.

'To end the pregnancy, she told me that her only recourse was to undergo a psychiatric evaluation that would declare her mentally unfit before the doctor would perform the procedure,' she said.

She didn't identify the friend.

She described going to see her friend in the hospital and said that she 'cried the whole drive home.'

Biden noted her friend was unable to go home after the abortion so Biden's mother, Bonny Jean Jacobs, allowed the girl to stay with them.

She said that she and her late mother never spoke of it again and that they never told anyone, including Biden's father, what had happened.

'Secrecy. Shame. Silence. Danger. Even death. That's what defined that time for so many women,' Biden said.

Jill Biden described helping a friend get an abortion pre-Roe. vs. Wade and slammed 'extremist Republicans' for wanting to take women 'back to that time'

First Lady Jill Biden made her comments at a fundraiser for House Democrats in San Francisco on Friday; Speaker Nancy Pelosi (left) introduced her at the event, held at the Fairmont Hotel, a historic property on San Francisco's affluent Nob Hill

She then pivoted to the recent Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned the Roe ruling. The Roe vs. Wade decision had been made in 1973.

'I was shocked when the Dobbs decision came out,' she said. 'How could we go back to that time?'

Biden made her comments at a fundraiser for House Democrats in San Francisco on Friday. Speaker Nancy Pelosi introduced her at the event, held at the Fairmont Hotel, a historic property on San Francisco's affluent Nob Hill.

She slammed Republicans for pushing state laws that would restrict abortion access.

'Extremist Republicans are passing state laws that prevent women from getting the health care they need,' she said.

Biden noted tha Republican state legislators across the country are also trying to roll back progress on marriage equality, voting rights and health care.

October 2 marked 100 days since the Dobbs ruling that returned the issue of abortion rights to the states.

Since then 13 states have made abortion illegal with eight states passing laws to protect abortion rights, according to the Center for Reproductive Rights.

And close to 30 million women of reproductive age now live in a state with a ban -including nearly 22 million women who cannot access abortion care after six weeks, before most women know they are pregnant, according to the White House.

The first lady spoke at a fundraiser for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Tickets started at $500 a plate and went up to $36,500 for VIP access.

Biden is on a three-day trip to the West Coast. Earlier Friday she visited the University of California San Francisco Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center as part of her Cancer Moonshot work.

On Saturday she is in Seattle where she will appear at a fundraiser for Democratic Sen. Patty Murray and then attend a Joining Forces event with the senator and Veterans Affairs Affairs Denis McDonough.

First lady Jill Biden tours the University of California San Francisco Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center as part of her Cancer Moonshot work

Jill Biden talks with women at the cancer center - she is on a three-day trip to West Coast

Democrats are pushing abortion rights as a way to rally their base to vote in November's election, which will decide control of Congress.

President Joe Biden, a Roman Catholic who has struggled with the abortion access issue, has urged women to use their political power to vote out Republicans on November 8.

Jill Biden is a particulary potent weapon in that fight. She has rarely spoken in public on the abortion issue and her comments on Friday were her most personal to date.

'There's way too much at stake for the women whose lives are on the line, and for the fathers and brothers, and husbands and sons, who love them. We need you in this fight, too,' she said.

'Women will not let this country go backwards. We've fought too hard for too long. And we know that there is just too much on the line. We will not let some radical Republican agenda be the legacy we leave for our daughters and granddaughters. But that means that we have to act now.'

And, she noted: 'Here's the thing that those extremists don't understand about women. This isn't the first time that we've been underestimated. It's not the first time that someone has tried to tell us what we can and can't do.'

Her remarks received a standing ovation.
Illinois Rep. Sean Casten revealed his teenage daughter Gwen suffered a cardiac arrhythmia in June when she died in her sleep

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Illinois Democratic congressman Sean Casten has revealed his daughter Gwen, 17, died in her sleep from a cardiac arrhythmia, a rare heart condition that may have no symptoms.

'This past June, our daughter, Gwen Casten, died of a sudden cardiac arrythmia. In laymans terms, she was fine, and then her heart stopped,' said the Casten family in a statement.

A cardiac arrhythmia, which means an irregular heartbeat, 'can feel like a fluttering or racing heart and may be harmless' according to the Mayo Clinic, while others can be life-threatening.

'We dont know what caused the arrhythmia, and likely never will,' Casten said.

Gwen died peacefully in her sleep after having dinner with her parents and then going out with friends.

'Sudden, unexplained heart-failure among young, healthy people is rare but real. We are left grasping at the wrong end of a random chance,' the family's statement read.

'She had a big, beautiful, kind, loving heart. And it stopped, as all must.'

Gwen died peacefully in her sleep after having dinner with her parents and then going out with friends. 'She had a big, beautiful, kind, loving heart. And it stopped, as all must'

'This past June, our daughter, Gwen Casten, died of a sudden cardiac arrythmia. In laymans terms, she was fine, and then her heart stopped,' said the Casten family in a statement. 'We dont know what caused the arrhythmia, and likely never will'

Cardiac Arrhythmias: Unpredictable and sometimes fatal Cardiac Arrhythmia causes the heart to beat irregularly The normal electrical signals that tell the heart to pump blood to the lungs or to the rest of the body fail, putting the heart out of rhythm Many things can cause an arrythmia, such as a heart attack, blocked arteries, diabetes, infection with COVID-19, or even sleep apnea and stress and anxiety Some arrythmias have no clear cause There are several types of arrhythmias, though the most common is an atrial fibrillation, often shortened to AFib AFibs are responsible for an estimated 460,000 hospitalizations each year in the US, and play a role in 150,000 deaths According to the CDC, about 2,000 young, healthy people under the age of 25 die of sudden cardiac arrest in the United States each year Severe arrhythmias are fatal if a regular heartbeat isn't restored within minutes Arrhythmias are fairly common and can be short-lived and harmless It may feel like a fluttering or racing sensation in the heart Treatments can range from medication to surgeries and even implanted devices to control heart rate Advertisement

Casten's family said Gwen was a normal, healthy teenager and had been vaccinated against COVID-19.

The statement said she 'ate well, exercised, got regular check-ups and didn't suffer from any behavioral health issues.'

'We are heartbroken, but not unique,' they said, referencing the fact millions of people are affected by cardiac arrhythmia in the US each year.

The most common type of arrhythmia is an atrial fibrillation, or AFib. AFibs are attributed to 150,000 deaths every year.

According to the CDC, about 2,000 young, healthy people under the age of 25 die of sudden cardiac arrest in the United States each year

Such sudden fatal events are still rare in people under 35, according to the Mayo Clinic, but are 'more common in males than in females.'

'When sudden death occurs in adolescents and young adults, it's sometimes due to undiagnosed heart conditions such as a genetic heart disease. The undetected heart problem may cause a young person to suddenly die during physical activity, such as playing competitive sports. However, sometimes sudden cardiac death can occur without exertion.'

According to HealthyChildren.org, 'some young people who suffer SCA may have previously experienced heart-related symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting that weren't thought to be anything life-threatening.

'Others never had any symptoms of heart problems until the SCA event.'

Casten noted in his statement that Gwen 'had just come home from an evening with friends, went to bed and didn't wake up.'

He said his daughter was looking forward to becoming a college student at the University of Vermont in the fall.

'None of us know when our last heartbeat will come,' it read. 'The best we can hope for is that when our loved ones do pass, we will have no regrets about the time we were lucky enough to share.'

The heartbreaking statement concludes with 'hug the folks you love a little harder today. Be present in their lives. And spread your love a little farther. Because in the end, it's all that remains.'

Gwen was following in her father's footsteps as a political activist prior to her sudden death, with the representative gushing with pride as he spoke about her just a few days prior to her passing.

He told Newsy how he had 'tremendous pride' in her after she took the initiative to organize a 'Stop the Bleed' training at her school so that children could learn how to pack a gunshot wound during a school shooting.

'We are heartbroken, but not unique,' the family said, referencing the fact millions of people are affected by cardiac arrhythmia in the US each year. Casten said his daughter (center left) was looking forward to becoming a college student at the University of Vermont in the fall

Gwen was following in her father's footsteps as a political activist before her sudden death. She is seen here with her father, Rep. Sean Casten, at a pride event Sean Casten

Gwen also served as a co-director of the March For Our Lives Illinois chapter, a youth-led movement aimed at tackling gun violence. Following the Capitol insurrection last year, Gwen worked with her father to co-write an article about the impact it had on them both

'None of us know when our last heartbeat will come,' the family statement read. 'The best we can hope for is that when our loved ones do pass, we will have no regrets about the time we were lucky enough to share'

'I have both tremendous pride that my daughter took the initiative to organize that and tremendous shame that we as a country are making it the responsibility of children aged 15, 16 and 17 to do what sitting United States senators don't have the courage to do themselves,' Rep. Casten, 50, told Newsy.

Gwen also served as a co-director of the March For Our Lives Illinois chapter, a youth-led movement aimed at tackling gun violence. Following the Capitol insurrection last year, Gwen worked with her father to co-write an article about the impact it had on them both.

At the time, Casten was in his office in Washington DC and Gwen was in school in Illinois. She described her fear at learning that her father had been told to put gas masks on.

Gwen appeared in a campaign ad for her father weeks before her death, along with her mother Kara and sister Audrey, 14.

The 30-second video featured Gwen blowing out birthday candles at the family's Downers Grove home in suburban Chicago, saying: 'Eighteen, a big year, lots of milestones, like voting for the first time. But not just for anyone.'

Gwen, who was only 17 when she died, appeared in a campaign ad for her father weeks before her death where she pretended to celebrate her eighteenth birthday, and spoke about the milestones she was looking forward to

The video ends with Gwen sitting down for family dinner with her father, mother and sister

She went on to discuss her father's platform, saying he is 'working to pass real gun reform, like universal background checks, to protect our neighborhoods and our classrooms,' and is 'fighting to make sure women can make their own health care choices.'

'Sean Casten, my congressman,' Gwen concludes in the video, as she is filmed sitting down to family dinner. 'But I just call him, Dad.'

In his statement after her death, Casten said of his daughter: 'If her light seemed a bit brighter than most it was because she was so generous in reflecting back the light and love that so many gave to her.'
A sniffer dog has rumbled a plot to smuggle 99 million fags into the country in the single largest seizure of illegal cigarettes EVER at a UK port.

The cigarettes, which were found in eight containers, are thought to value at about 44m in unpaid taxes, His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said.

The haul was found at the port of Hull, East Yorkshire, and was said to have been shipped through the United Arab Emirates, import papers suggested.

The seizure of the illegal cigarettes in Hull is the biggest ever at a British port

The import documents suggested the containers were carrying birchwood logs, but a Border Force sniffer dog uncovered the haul of illegal tobacco.

A 57-year-old man from South Wales was arrested in July in connection with the seizure and has been released on bail, HMRC said.

Images of the haul show containers packed with boxes of smuggled cigarettes from UAE

HMRC said the haul of illegal cigarettes was said to valued at almost 44 MILLION in unpaid tax

Another man from the Birmingham area had been interviewed under caution, with investigations ongoing, it added.

Anthony Usher, deputy director of HMRC's fraud investigation service, said: 'This is the single largest seizure of cigarettes ever made at a UK port.

'Our streets would have been flooded with them had they not been discovered.

'We are determined to stamp out tobacco fraud by working closely with partners in the UK and internationally to bring those responsible to justice.

'Cheap cigarettes come at a cost as they often fund organised crime and other illegal activity that causes real harm to our communities, such as drugs, guns and human trafficking.'

Irene Hall from Border Force's northern region said: 'Illicit cigarettes are dangerous, harmful and fund organised criminal gangs.

'The officers involved can be proud that this huge interception has stopped illicit cigarettes from entering our communities.'
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Iran's security services stand accused of beating a teenage girl YouTuber to death as protests against the dictatorship sweep the country - while the hardline regime claims that she actually took her own life by jumping off a roof.

Sarina Esmailzadeh, 16, was allegedly beaten over the head with batons at a protest in Karaj on September 21, having gone to one of many demos sweeping the country over the death of a young woman allegedly tortured in custody by Iran's morality police for breaking hijab law in Tehran the week before.

Alborz Province Justice Department chief Hossein Fazeli now claims that the teenager killed herself by jumping from her neighbour's rooftop, in circumstances suspiciously similar to those of Nika Shakarami, who is also believed to have been beaten to death by security forces - and who Iranian authorities also claim died in a fall. Miss Shakarami's apparent family also appeared on TV to confirm the regime's version of events, reportedly under duress.

The next day, Iranian state-controlled media released a video allegedly showing Miss Esmailzadeh's mother - but claimed by anti-regime activists to be an actress - denying the YouTuber was killed. The woman repeated the claim that the 16-year-old had a history of failed suicide attempts.

It is alleged on social media that that more than 50 security officials were present at Miss Esmailzadeh's funeral to make sure no one filmed anything or staged an anti-regime protest.

According to reports, the officials removed all photos and messages of condolences from the wall of her home the following day.

It comes as protests over the death of Mahsa Amini sweep the country, with schoolgirls chanting slogans and workers on strike defying a bloody crackdown.

Sarina Esmailzadeh (left) and Nika Shakarami (right) were both allegedly beaten to death by Iran's security services

IRAN: A handout picture made available by the Iranian presidential office shows, Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi posing with female students for a picture during a ceremony marking the beginning of the academic year at the Al-Zahra university in Tehran

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe warns the world 'cannot turn a blind eye to Iran' as she urges Liz Truss's Government to act over Tehran's human rights abuses Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has warned the world 'cannot turn a blind eye to Iran' as she urged Liz Truss's Government to act over Tehran's human rights abuses that prompted the recent hijab protests. The British Iranian national, who was imprisoned in Iran for six years before her release earlier this year, said the recent events have brought back memories of her own imprisonment at the hands of the Iranian regime. It comes as the groundswell of opposition to the regime continues in Iran, sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in custody last month after being detained by Iranian morality police last month for not wearing a hijab in accordance with government standards. An Iranian coroner also claimed Amini had died from illness, not police violence, and insisted two girls killed during anti-hijab protests 'fell off roofs' despite claims security forces beat the teenagers to death. Speaking to Sky News' Beth Rigby on Friday, Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe said she wants to see more action from the UK government over the current human rights abuses in Iran. 'I want them to observe what is happening not to turn a blind eye,' she said. 'I want them to protect us. We cannot be indifferent about what is happening in Iran and if we talk about protecting rights of our citizens, we have to do something about it and I think we have to hold Iran accountable. 'The world has to make it very, very expensive for Iran to violate human rights so easily. It should be costly,' she said, adding that this should include sanctions. Advertisement

Anger flared after the 22-year-old Iranian Kurd's death on September 16, three days after she was arrested in Tehran by the notorious morality police for an alleged breach of the Islamic republic's strict dress code for women.

Iran said yesterday that an investigation found Miss Amini had died of a longstanding illness rather than 'blows' to the head, despite her family reportedly saying she had previously been healthy.

But the protests continued even as ultra-conservative President Ebrahim Raisi posed for a group photograph with students at Tehran's all-female Al-Zahra University to mark the new academic year.

Young women on the same campus were seen shouting 'Death to the oppressor', said the Oslo-based group Iran Human Rights (IHR).

In Miss Amini's hometown Saqez, in the western province of Kurdistan, schoolgirls were heard chanting 'Woman, life, freedom' and seen marching down a street swinging headscarves over their heads, in videos the Hengaw rights group said were recorded on Saturday.

In another video it shared, a group of girls could be heard chanting the same phrase - the catchcry of the protests - as they entered a school in Sanandaj, the capital of Kurdistan province.

Gruesome videos were widely shared on Twitter of a man who appeared to have been killed while sitting at the wheel of his car in Sanandaj, where shots had been heard in other footage.

Despite internet restrictions designed to impede gatherings and prevent images of the crackdown getting out, protesters have adopted new tactics to get their message across.

'We are not afraid anymore. We will fight,' said a large banner placed on an overpass of the Modares highway that cuts through central Tehran, according to online images verified by AFP.

In another video, a man is seen altering the wording of a large government billboard on the same highway from 'The police are the servants of the people' to 'The police are the murderers of the people'.

Hengaw, a Norway-based Kurdish rights group, said 'widespread strikes' were taking place in Saqez, Sanandaj and Divandarreh, in Kurdistan province, as well as Mahabad in West Azerbaijan province.

The 1500tasvir social media channel said there were protests in the southern city of Shiraz, while the London-based Iran Wire news website said students also skipped class to demonstrate in Isfahan and Tabriz.

Verified video was shared by 1500tasvir of a demonstration in Karaj, west of Tehran, as well as a large roadside gathering in the southern city of Kerman.

AFP was unable to immediately verify other footage from 1500tasvir, which monitors violations in the Islamic republic.

GREECE: Iranians living in Thessaloniki chant slogans and hold placards during a demonstration

NETHERLANDS: Thousands showed their support for Iranian protesters standing up to their leadership during a demonstration in The Hague

GERMANY: Iranians living in Berlin are once again protesting for more democracy in Iran

IHR says at least 92 protesters have been killed in the crackdown, which has fuelled tensions between Iran and the West, especially its arch-enemy the United States.

Raisi - who in July called for the mobilisation of all state institutions to enforce hijab rules - appealed for unity.

'Despite all the efforts of ill-wishers, the strong and hardworking people of Islamic Iran will overcome the problems ahead with unity and cohesion,' he was quoted as saying Saturday on the presidency's website.

Iran has repeatedly accused outside forces of stirring up the protests, and last week announced that nine foreign nationals - including from France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the Netherlands - had been arrested.

ITALY: Hundreds protest in Palermo against the death of Mahsa Amini

CHILE: Iranian nationals protest against the death of Iranian Mahsa Amini, in front of the Universidad de Chile building in Santiago

On Friday, the French government advised its nationals visiting Iran to 'leave the country as soon as possible', citing the risk of arbitrary detention.

The Dutch government advised its citizens to avoid travelling to Iran or to leave when they can do so safely.

'In many towns in the country there may be demonstrations which can turn violent,' it said.

'The police sometimes act harshly... Iranian authorities can also arbitrarily detain people with a foreign nationality.'

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian charity worker who was held in Tehran for six years until her release in March, called on the UK government to act over Iran's rights abuses.

'I want the (UK government) to observe what is happening, not to turn a blind eye. I want them to protect us. We cannot be indifferent about what is happening in Iran,' she told Sky News.

'And if we talk about protecting rights of our citizens, we have to do something about it. And I think we have to hold Iran accountable.'
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Vegans and Just Stop Oil eco-zealots have joined forces to bring central London to a standstill by pouring milk all over the roads and covering shopfronts with paint.

Protesters from the groups, offshoots of Extinction Rebellion, blocked roads and bridges in the capital this afternoon in order to highlight their demand that the government stops new oil and gas projects.

Members of the environmental protest groups Animal Rebellion and Just Stop Oil poured milk on Regent Street and St James's Street as they marched through central London.

The shopfront of William Evans gun room was covered with green paint and red paint was poured on the floors of Farlow's fishing, hunting and shooting supply store, as well as placing paper flowers outside.

The group say this is to expose the outdated practices of hunting, shooting and fishing, whilst also showing that a better world is possible.

Animal Rebellion say the act highlights the need for urgent and immediate transition towards a plant-based food system, away from the current one that includes the inefficient and unnecessary exploitation of nonhuman animals.

Vegans and Just Stop Oil eco-zealots have joined forces to bring central London to a standstill by pouring milk all over the roads and covering shopfronts with paint

Protesters from the groups, offshoots of Extinction Rebellion, blocked roads and bridges in the capital this afternoon in order to highlight their demand that the government stops new oil and gas projects

The shopfront of William Evans gun room was covered with green paint and red paint was poured on the floors of Farlow's fishing, hunting and shooting supply store, as well as placing paper flowers outside

Members of the environmental protest groups Animal Rebellion and Just Stop Oil poured milk on Regent Street and St James's Street as they marched through central London

They also defaced the shopfront of William Evans gun room with paint and poured red paint on the floors of Farlow's fishing, hunting and shooting supply store, as well as placing paper flowers outside the front of the shop

Members of the environmental protest groups Animal Rebellion and Just Stop Oil pour milk on the street as they march through central London

Members of the environmental protest groups Animal Rebellion and Just Stop Oil paint William Evans shop

Animal Rebellion said: 'Hundreds of supporters of Animal Rebellion have taken to the streets of London today to unleash Plant-Based chaos demanding a Plant-Based Future'

'The campaign is calling on the government to support farming and fishing communities in an urgent and immediate transition to a plant-based food system, and rewild the freed-up land to drawdown carbon from the atmosphere and bring back wildlife populations'

'These actions are representative of the need for change in the cruel and environmentally destructive systems that exploit and kill trillions of nonhuman animals every year. We cannot allow this to keep going unchallenged'

They also said the outside of the shop had been covered in origami flowers to represent the nature that could be restored and flourish if we move into a plant-based future, free from so-called 'blood sports'.

Robert Gordon, from York, said: 'A plant-based food system could feed more people, using less land, for less money. Instead of trapping farmers in dependence on outdated and inefficient subsidies, Ranil Jayawardena and DEFRA should be taking bold steps to assist farmers in a transition to a plant-based future with a meaningful and supportive subsidy system.

'It's time we have a government that backs farmers, rather than leaving them on their backs.'

The vegan activists who poured milk all over the floor in Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason yesterday were also arrested by police.

Hundreds of protestors from Animal Rebellion - an offshoot of the Extinction Rebellion group that describes itself as a 'mass movement using non-violent civil disobedience to call for a just, sustainable plant-based food system' - gathered at Green Park in London at 11am today.

Before marching through central London, Sofia Fernandes Pontes from Madeira and Steve Bone from Essex, the duo who poured out milk over the two high-end London department stores in a protest against dairy products, were arrested by police.

Hundreds of protestors from Animal Rebellion - an offshoot of the Extinction Rebellion group - gathered at Green Park in London at 11am today

Before marching through central London, Sofia Fernandes Pontes from Madeira and Steve Bone from Essex, the duo who poured out milk over the two high-end London department stores in a protest against dairy products, were arrested by police

Sofia Fernandes Pontes, one of the protesters, is an Islington-based psychology student at London Metropolitan University where she has been studying since last year, and is also president of the Climate Justice Society at the students' union

The climate group has 2 demands, the first being for the Government to support farmers and fishing communities to move away from animal farming and fishing as part of an urgent and immediate transition to a plant-based food system.

Secondly the group wants the Government to commit to rewild the freed-up land and ocean as part of a broader programme of wildlife restoration and carbon drawdown.

Protester Catherine Cannon, a teacher from South Somerset,said: 'Liz Truss and Ranil Jayawardena are burying their heads in the sand on the climate, ecological, and cost-of-living crises. They should be listening when The University of Harvard is telling us a plant-based food system and rewilding is the key solution to the climate crisis, not ignoring it. We're here acting for all life because our government is not' [2]

'We are at a crossroads in history where we will choose abundance and life, or drought, famine and death. We urge the British Government to choose a plant-based food system. A plant-based food system is one that puts the environment, animals, and farmers first; it can only be achieved by massive changes to our current subsidy system.'

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: 'A 40-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman were arrested in Green Park on Saturday, 8 October on suspicion of criminal damage and theft. They have been taken into custody

'This relates to an incident at a business premises on Piccadilly, London, W1A on Friday, 7 October.'

Animal Rebellion say the act highlights the need for urgent and immediate transition towards a plant-based food system, away from the current one that includes the inefficient and unnecessary exploitation of nonhuman animals

The climate group has 2 demands, the first being for the Government to support farmers and fishing communities to move away from animal farming and fishing as part of an urgent and immediate transition to a plant-based food system

Protester Catherine Cannon, a teacher from South Somerset,said: 'Liz Truss and Ranil Jayawardena are burying their heads in the sand on the climate, ecological, and cost-of-living crises'

Secondly the group wants the Government to commit to rewild the freed-up land and ocean as part of a broader programme of wildlife restoration and carbon drawdown

Animal Rebellion confirmed the arrests on their social media page, tweeting: 'Happening NOW! As hundreds Gather at Green Park in London for Love & Resistance today, the 2 milk pourers from yesterday's actions have been sought out and arrested by police.'

Dillon Parsons, 21, from Preston, a spokesperson for AR and a film production student at the University for the Creative Arts, said he has been involved with the campaign group for two years.

On Friday afternoon, he said: "We are currently at Trafalgar Square. There are I'd say a couple of hundred activists and we are all sat on the ground and demanding that the Government transition to a plant-based future because the UK Government has proved that they don't know how to respond to crises any more.

"We've seen through the cost-of-living crisis and the climate crisis that they are not treating the public well and they have their own pockets as their first priorities.

"We know that animal farming and fishing is the key cause to the climate crisis, so if we transition away to a plant-based food system we can not only stop 76 billion animals a year from being killed, we can feed the whole population several times over, we can free up 76% of global agricultural land ... to give every person and all future generations a chance of having a better future on this planet."

He said he was not present when the shops were vandalised, but added: "If the Government responded to us and gave us a chance of a plant-based future we wouldn't have to do actions like this but causing this level of disruption, if this is what is going to get us heard, that's the actions we've got to take."

Animal Rebellion confirmed the arrests on their social media page, tweeting: 'Happening NOW! As hundreds Gather at Green Park in London for Love & Resistance today, the 2 milk pourers from yesterday's actions have been sought out and arrested by police

Before marching through central London, Sofia Fernandes Pontes (right) from Madeira and Steve Bone (left) from Essex, the duo who poured out milk over the two high-end London department stores in a protest against dairy products, were arrested by police
The children's autopsies are still taking place, but a family friend told DailyMail.com that a candlelight vigil will take place soon

I can promise you those children were her world, and if there was any inkling of danger, she would have never had those dogs near her kids,' a friend said

Mia and Cheech were a part of the family for eight years without any violent incidents

Their mother, Kirstie Jane Bennard, 30, of Millington, has been hospitalized since. Her condition has changed from critical to stable

Hollace Dean Bennard, five months, and Lilly Jane Bennard, two, were pronounced dead around 3.30pm on Wednesday

Mia and Cheech have been euthanized after they fatally attacked two small children and mauled their mother

The two pit bulls who fatally attacked two young children and mauled their mother have been euthanized.

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office announced the two dogs, Mia and Cheech, have been euthanized after Wednesday's gruesome attack at their family's Sylvan Road home, near Memphis.

Mia and Cheech were a part of the family for eight years without any violent incidents. Eight years ago, Colby shared a picture of two pit bulls on Facebook and referred to the animals as 'house lions' while chatting with Kirstie.

It is unclear if those are the same dogs behind Wednesday's attack.

The dogs fatally attacked Hollace Dean Bennard, five months, and Lilly Jane Bennard, two, around 3.30pm on Wednesday.

Their mother, Kirstie Jane Bennard, 30, of Millington, has been hospitalized since. Her condition has changed from critical to stable.

Bennard's husband of five years, Colby, who manages a Harley-Davidson dealership in Memphis, was unharmed. It is unclear where he was at the time of the attack.

Bennard's in-law Jeff Gibson said in a Facebook post that the attack lasted '10 minutes' and 'she never gave up trying to save these babies.'

Her best friend, Kelsey Gallini told Fox News: 'That attack lasted longer than any one of us could have ever imagined. I can promise you those children were her world, and if there was any inkling of danger, she would have never had those dogs near her kids.

'Those children were everything to them, and they just have a really long journey ahead.'

DailyMail.com reached out to Gallini for comment, but she declined.

Mia and Cheech, the two pit bulls who fatally attacked two small children and mauled their mother, have been euthanized. The family referred to their dogs as 'house lions' and it is unknown why they became aggressive on Wednesday. Colby shared this picture in 2016, but it unclear if it is the same dogs

Mia and Cheech were a part of the family for eight years without any violent incidents

Kirstie Jane Bennard, 30, of Millington (right) was left with 'uncountable amount of stitches and bite marks over her entire body, including her face' and both her 'arms and legs are bandaged/wrapped up completely.' She fought off the dogs for 10 minutes

Hollace Dean Bennard, five months, and Lilly Jane Bennard, two, were pronounced dead at the scene after being attacked

Bennard has since woken up and was said to be 'initially confused,' but is now 'aware' of what happened.

Gibson also revealed the mother-of-two has an 'uncountable amount of stitches and bite marks over her entire body, including her face' and that both her 'arms and legs are bandaged/wrapped up completely.'

Gibson, who called the mother a 'f**king hero,' said her injuries won't cause 'any permanent damage, other than a heart that will never heal.'

Little Lilly looks at her baby brother in a recent picture the family shared. A family friend said the children 'worshipped each other'

Lilly wears a unicorn outfit while her grandfather Michael holds hers in an old photo

A family friend started a GoFundMe page for the family to help them 'get back on their feet.' It has raised almost $29,000 in one day, surpassing the $20,000 goal

A family friend told DailyMail.com on Thursday that the respiratory therapist is 'hanging in there,' but declined to speak further. The father Colby (right) was reportedly unharmed

The family has posted pictures of the animals (pictured in 2016 and 2017) on their social media, showing the dogs around their home

The two small children 'worshipped each other,' according to Gallini.

'They were perfect, they were beautiful,' she told Fox.

The children's autopsies are still pending, Fox News reported. Family friend Debbie Harvey told DailyMail.com that funeral details have not been released, but there will be a candlelight vigil soon.

A family friend started a GoFundMe page for the family to help them 'get back on their feet.' It has raised almost $29,000 in one day, surpassing the $20,000 goal, which has been raised at least twice already.

The attack happened around 3.30pm on Wednesday inside the family's $360,000, five-bedroom Sylvan Road home in Millington, Tennessee - near Memphis.

Gallini posted on Facebook asking for 'prayers,' saying 'everyone in her circle could really use that.'

'I love you, I love you, I love you,' she wrote in a separate post.

Her friends took to Facebook to offer their prayers and send her their love

Gallini also revealed in a comment to a WREG Facebook post about the tragedy that she was furious news outlets were covering the attack, questioning why 'something so traumatic and unimaginable [had] to be so publicized.'

Friend Lacie Snider replied to the social media post, writing: 'I feel like the phone call I had with Caitlin [Killebrew] wasn't real.' Killebrew is another friend of the family.

Killebrew wrote, alongside a photo of the two at her wedding: 'My sweet friend - I love you.'

Another wrote: 'Praying so hard! Shock is an understatement!'

Many others said they were 'heartbroken,' 'dumbfounded,' and sending 'big prayers.'

Pit bulls are known for having one of the strongest bites, alongside Mastiffs and Rottweilers, according to the Canine Journal.

The breed is also on the journal's list of dogs that bite the most, alongside Chihuahuas, German Shepherds, and Cocker Spaniels.

The Sheriff's Office at the scene on Wednesday. Pit bulls are known for having one of the strongest bites, alongside Mastiffs and Rottweilers, according to the Canine Journal
Mordashov's wealth is estimated to have shrank around 10billion since invasion of Ukraine due to sanctions

The yacht arrived in Hong Kong on Wednesday from Russian port Vladivostok, with uniformed crews onboard

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The gargantuan superyacht owned by one of Vladimir Putin's wealthiest and best-connected cronies has been spotted in Hong Kong.

Nord, which is 142 metres long and costed its steel magnate owner Alexey Mordashov around 500million, left Far East Russian port Vladivostok on Wednesday.

Mordashov has lost around 10billion since the start of this year due to western sanctions against him and his business interests.

One of Russia's richest men, he is still worth around 14billion. That's almost nine million times the 1,600 average salary in his homeland.

142m long superyacht Nord was photographed yesterday in Hong Kong after leaving a Russian port on Wednesday: officials

The gargantuan luxury vessel, which can carry 20 passengers cared for by 42 uniformed crew members, is worth 500m

Nord sails through Hong Kong's Greater Bay Area on Friday. It has a heliport and the capacity for 62 crew and passengers

Nord costs a whopping 200,000 to run every single day, with a crew of 40 uniformed men and women as well as room for 20 passengers. Its gross weight is just under 10,000 tons.

The German-built luxury vessel has a heliport and a custom-designed interior by Italian firm Nuvolari-Lenard.

Owner Mordashov is chairman of state-backed steel firm Severstal, which has 54,000 employees in 69 countries, CNN reported.

He was sanctioned by Britain in March before facing further financial penalties imposed by Washington in June.

Announcing the first round of sanctions more than six months ago, transport secretary Grant Shapps said: 'Putin's cronies aren't welcome [in the UK] or in all of our overseas territories, too.'

Steel magnate Mordashov (right) is pictured with President Putin at the opening of a plant in St Petersburg in July 2006

One of Putin's richest and best-connected oligarchs, Mordashov (background) looks on at a college visit in early 2020

A spokesperson for Mordashov told Bloomberg that he remains in Moscow, denying suggestions he is the latest wealthy Russian businessmen to flee the country.

Yachts worth a combined 2billion have been seized by European countries and the US since Putin's invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

Putin's own 100million superyacht, recently renamed Killer Whale, was spotted days ago off the coast of Estonia.

The superyacht had beat a hasty retreat out of Germany for the Russian exclave at the onset of war, just as Western governments were threatening to embark on a seizing spree of oligarchs' property should Putin invade Ukraine.

Reports from German newspaper Bild suggested the superyacht had escaped before repairs could even be finished.

Nord costed its steel magnate owner an incredible 500million after its construction in Germany last year

Hong Kong officials said the immense vessel arrived from Russian port Vladivostok on Wednesday after the long journey

Putin's own yacht, Killer Whale, is pictured on the Kiel Canal in northern Germany just weeks before the invasion of Ukraine

They referenced UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, who had told Putin and his allies they would 'have nowhere to hide' if Russia invaded Kyiv.

Featuring stunning and finely furnished interiors, a spiral staircase and a swimming pool the 73.2 million pleasure craft was originally built by Sevmash in Russia - with interiors and exteriors envisioned by H2 Yacht Design.

The interiors include glossy sleek surfaces, soft cushioned sofas and deck chairs, and a posh white marble-styled bathroom.

What appears to be an office room contains multitudes of shelves for books and a desk fronted with a stunning painting of a sailing boat.

Exercise equipment can also be seen out on the deck, which is also lined with lounge-style seating and barstools.

Putin's largest superyacht, the luxurious 500million, 460ft-long Scheherazade - reportedly given as a Christmas gift by a group of fawning oligarchs in 2014 - was impounded in Italy in May.
Amber Heard is attempting to escape the spotlight by living under a pseudonym in a luxury villa in Mallorca, according to Spanish press reports.

The 36-year-old actress is said to be renting the multi-million-euro mansion from the family of Maria Antonia Munar, a local politician who was sentenced to 14 years in prison for corruption in 2013 but released early in 2020.

The property, built in 2020, is in the historic centre of the small rural town of Costix, which is located in the centre of the Spanish island.

Ms Heard is thought to have made the move to Mallorca, along with her baby daughter Oonagh Paige and her partner, cinematographer Bianca Butti, a few months ago - just after she lost a U.S. defamation case against her former husband Johnny Depp, who was awarded $10million in damages, in June.

She rented the property under the pseudonym of Martha Jane Cannary, better known as Calamity Jane, the 19th century American frontierswoman.

And while locals say they recognised the Aquaman star immediately, it appears that she is largely left to her own devices while she walks around the town in casual clothes and wearing a baby carrier.

Amber Heard has escaped the spotlight and is living under a pseudonym in a luxury villa in Mallorca. Pictured: Ms Heard in Palma, Mallorca in January

The multi-million euro villa in the small rural town of Costix has stunning views of the Tramuntana mountain range

One local shopkeeper, Miguel, told El Mundo that his wife 'recognised her right away', but no one said anything because people in Costix, a town of just 1,270 inhabitants, 'don't bother anyone' and just 'live and let live'.

The grocer added: 'She is like anyone else, she buys fruit and vegetables, she speaks Spanish with a Mexican accent and she's very polite. She always says good morning to us.'

The actress appears to spend her days taking her daughter to the playground, where locals say she talks to other parents, and undoubtedly enjoying the luxuries of her her 479 square-metre rented mansion.

The modern-looking villa, with huge floor to ceiling windows, also has an infinity pool with stunning views of the Tramuntana mountain range.

Ms Heard is said to be renting the 479 square-metre mansion from the family of Maria Antonia Munar, a local politician jailed for 14 years for corruption

It was put up for sale for 2.8million euros earlier this year but has been taken off the market since being rented by Ms Heard

It was put up for sale for 2.8million euros earlier this year but has been taken off the market since being rented by Ms Heard. It is not clear how much she will be paying for her Mallorcan retreat, while the compensation she owes to Mr Depp still hangs over her head and Hollywood continues to turn its back on her.

It is not the first time that the actress has hidden away from the spotlight on the Balearic Island.

In January she posted a picture on Instagram captioned 'Hola Madrid!' which astute viewers realised was in fact taken in Mallora as the manhole cover was inscribed with the word 'Palma', the island's capital city.

Ms Heard was spotted on a rare public outing at a beach near the city earlier this week.

The Aquaman actress was spotted at a beach near Mallorca's capital Palma earlier this week

Wearing a black bikini and semi-sheer white skirt, the 36-year-old beamed with her hands on her hips as she visited a public beach, nestled between tall, rocky cliffs.

The day before she was photographed on a trip to the park with her one-year-old daughter, who was wearing a green floral jumpsuit and pink trainers.

The sightings come amid her seemingly never-ending battle with Depp. Just this week, Amber changed lawyers yet again in her attempt to force two insurance firms to pick up the multimillion dollar bill for her libel payout.

The recently hired Kirk Pasich claims that Heard's expenses soared over $8million before the Virginia trial even began. Heard's team appears to want homeowner's insurance to cover those bills.

Ms Heard was also photographed on a trip to the park with her one-year-old daughter, who was wearing a green floral jumpsuit and pink trainers
Toyota issued a warning to Toyota smartphone app users that they might get spam, phishing scams, or unsolicited email messages after about 296,000 pieces of customer information leaked.

According to Reuters, 296,019 email addresses and customer numbers leaked. These are from the users of T-Connect, a telematics service that connects vehicles via an online network.

Toyota Issues Apologies to Affected Customers

Customers who signed for T-connect using their email addresses since July 2017 are affected by the leak, according to Gizmodo.

Fortunately, only customers' email addresses and numbers were leaked. Other sensitive information such as costumers' names, phone numbers, and credit card information were not affected, according to Toyota.

As of writing, no cases of misuse of customers' information was reported yet, according to the Japanese automaker. Despite of this, Toyota still warns users that they might receive spam, phishing scams, or unsolicited email messages.

Based on the investigation conducted by security experts, they cannot confirm whether there's a third party access from the access history of the data server.

However, according to Toyota, they cannot completely rule out that there is no third-party access that happened.

In connection with the leak, Toyota sent individual apologies to registered emails of users who are affected by the breach.

The leaking incident happened because a subcontractor, who was a developer for the T-Connect website, accidentally uploaded part of the source code to a GitHub account. And instead of setting to private, it was set to public.

Github is an internet hosting service for developers for version control and collaboration. According to Toyota, setting the code to public is in violation to the carmaker's handling rules.

To better assist the clients, a dedicated call center was also set up by the company to answer questions of customers about the data leak.

In addition, the carmaker also put up a website form where users can check if their email was one of those which are compromised.

Read Also: 2022 Toyota Tundra vs. F-150 Raptor vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz in Drag Race: Top Speed, 389 Horsepower Engine

Toyota Suffers Cyberattack in the Past

Car apps put users' personal information at risk, according to experts. Researchers at the cybersecurity firm Kaspersky issued a report in May that more than half of these car apps use customers' personal information.

In addition, these car apps do not seek users' consent before using their personal information. The problem is these car apps are vulnerable to security breaches.

This is not the first time that Toyota suffers from a cyberattack. In February, it halted operations of its 14 domestic factories after a supplier of plastic parts and electronic components became a victim of a suspected cyberattack.

The carmaker lost around 13,000 car output because of the incident. While, a spokesperson from Toyota said that it's a "supplier system failure," a spokesperson from Kojima Industries Corp. said that it is some kind of cyberattack.

The production halt of Toyota due to the cyberattack happened as the carmaker is facing supply chain disruptions around the world because by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic forced the company as well as other carmakers to curb its production.

Related Article: Toyota Unveils Details About Its Newest Crown Model - What Is It Like?
Actor Russell Crowe has stunned the owners of a struggling bookshop by donating 5,000 to their crowdfunder to help them get back on their feet after Covid.

Leanne Fridd, 43, who lives in Sprowston, Norwich, launched a crowdfunder on Thursday evening to try and raise 15,000 to help her Bookbugs And Dragon Tales bookshop.

Just a few hours later she received a third of her funding target from Crowe, known widely for his starring role as Maximus in Gladiator and the infamous line, 'at my signal unleash hell'.

Leanne Fridd (pictured), 43, who lives in Sprowston, Norwich, launched a crowdfunder on Thursday evening to try and raise 15,000 to help her Bookbugs And Dragon Tales bookshop.

Crowe is known widely for his starring role as Maximus in Gladiator and the infamous line, 'at my signal unleash hell'

'We made the crowdfunder at about ten to five and (Russell Crowe) made the donation at about half 10 and we were in bed at the time,' Ms Fridd said.

'My husband and I were already incredibly shocked, amazed and thrilled because so many people have said so many lovely things and been so generous, and made us feel so valued.

'We were already on a high and then we saw that and we were just like, 'what is happening?' This is insane'.

Ms Fridd, whose husband Dan, 47, works at Edelweiss, a company that provides support to independent bookshops and publishers, added that she had 'cried at every single donation from one pound to the 5,000 because we know people are struggling and we're struggling a bit as well'.

She said someone else whose house had burnt down six months ago had donated 100.

'She was homeless and yet she donated 100. It's those things that are just mind blowing.'

Ms Fridd said that the pandemic led to the shop having to overcome numerous hurdles.

Ms Fridd, whose husband Dan (pictured), 47, works at Edelweiss, a company that provides support to independent bookshops and publishers, added that she had 'cried at every single donation'

Ms Fridd said that the pandemic led to the independent bookshop having to overcome numerous hurdles

'When the pandemic hit, we used all of our reserves to kind of keep going and trying to do what we could to support families, but unfortunately we borrowed a lot of money when we opened so we've had to jump over hurdle after hurdle,' she said.

'And I've had to cut our staff hours and work more myself - so the reason we launched the crowdfunder is because it will free me up a little bit to start to explore grant funding and everything we can to ensure that as many children as possible have access to books.'

Ms Fridd admitted that while the 15,000 will not sort all of the shop's financial woes 'it will allow us to pay an extra member of staff, but mostly it will just mean that there is a little bit extra going in each month, so I am not scrabbling around worrying 'am I going to be able to pay this bill?''.

She said it would also give the shop 'time to breathe and explore and do things that we really believe in', including giving books to children who would not otherwise have access through its Dorothy Amery Readers Awards programme and run outreach sessions in rural communities.

'It's about being the heart of the high street and it's about being embedded in our community', she said.

'When we opened the shop, I don't think I fully appreciated how much of a part of people's lives we'd become.

'We have so many different conversations - we can go from someone who's been dealing with grief to someone's who's having a joyous event, we can celebrate kids who've won a reading competition and we really feel part of the community.'

The academy award winning actor has a history of generosity, once donating 180k to a struggling primary school near his home in rural Australia

The academy award winning actor has a history of generosity, once donating $200,000 (180k) to a struggling primary school near his home in rural Australia. The money went towards an $800,000 project to construct a swimming pool at the school.

Crowe's donation came not long after a pupil had drowned at the nearby Coffs Harbour beach in 2001. It was reported that he felt the pool would help students become better swimmers and improve their water safety.

On another occasion, during location filming of Cinderella Man, Crowe made a donation to a Jewish primary school after their library was damaged by anti-Semitic targeters.

His the amount of his donation was not disclosed.
The man accused of stabbing eight and killing two in Las Vegas on Thursday walked free from another violent crime charge last year after the district attorney failed to prosecute in time.

Court documents exclusively obtained by DailyMail.com reveal that Guatemalan alleged undocumented migrant Yoni Barrios, 32, was charged in 2019 with criminal domestic violence by Los Angeles district attorney Jackie Lacey, who has since left office.

Had he been convicted, Barrios would likely have been imprisoned and deported and would not have been free to commit the senseless slaughter on the Vegas strip this week.

But Lacey's office failed to bring the case to court in time, and after 90 days elapsed the judge was forced to dismiss the case under California speedy trial laws, court records say.

Barrios was also prosecuted for driving dangerously and without a license in Riverside, California in 2016.

Yoni Christian Barrios, 32, who is charged with murdering two and attempting to kill six more on Thursday, could have been incarcerated if not for the failings of LA DA Jackie Lacey's office

Lacey (above), who has since left office, waited over a year to prosecute Barrios, whose case finally went to court last year but was thrown out for violating the state's speedy trial laws

Maris Mareen Digiovanni, 30, (pictured) was stabbed to death in the broad daylight attack, which also claimed the life of Brent Allan Hallett, 47

After his arrest on Thursday Barrios told detectives he was from Guatemala and wanted ICE to take him home, according to a report released by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).

Sources at the Department of Homeland Security told Fox News they believed he is an undocumented migrant, and does not have a visa.

A criminal docket for Barrios obtained by DailyMail.com shows he was charged in July 2019 with criminally injuring a spouse, cohabitant or fellow parent in an act of domestic violence.

If charged as a felony, perpetrators can be sentenced to up to four years in prison.

Barrios docket says the alleged incident occurred on August 18, 2018.

Lacey filed the case a year later, but the first pre-trial hearing was left until more than two years later on April 8 2021.

The court documents say Barrios pleaded not guilty and the case went to trial, but was dismissed the same day by the judge because it had languished in the court system for too long.

The docket at LA Superior Court cites California Penal Codes 1381, 1381.5 and 1382 for the cases dismissal.

According to these codes California Penal Code, prosecutors must bring a case to trial within 60 days of filing an indictment for a felony.

The court, unless good cause to the contrary is shown, shall order the action to be dismissed in the following cases In a felony case, when a defendant is not brought to trial within 60 days of the defendants arraignment, PC 1382 says.

If Barrios had been put on trial promptly after the case was filed in July 2019 and convicted, he could have faced up to four years in prison, and would not have been free to commit the alleged two murders and six attempted murders with which he was charged this week.

Despite the docket information, a Los Angeles DA union executive denied Lacey's office fail[ed] to bring him to trial.

Eric Siddall, Vice President of the Association of Los Angeles Deputy District Attorneys, told DailyMail.com: If the case was thrown out by the judge, it was probably because of witness issues.

Barrios, pictured Friday, faced domestic violence charges that could have left him in jail for four years, unable to commit Thursday's brutal attack

The US Immigration and Nationality Act also lists a domestic violence conviction as one of the key criteria for the deportation of an illegal immigrant.

During her tenure as LA DA from 2012 to 2020, Lacey styled herself as tough on crime and even pursued death penalty cases in the face of a moratorium from Governor Gavin Newsom.

But she came under fire from justice campaigners for her delay in prosecuting some prominent figures including West Hollywood Democrat donor Ed Buck, who injected multiple male sex workers with lethal doses of drugs at his apartment.

She was also criticized by the Black Lives Matter movement for failing to prosecute police officer Clifford Proctor for shooting dead Brendon Glenn, despite a recommendation from former LAPD chief Charlie Beck.

Barrios has another criminal record in Riverside, east of Los Angeles. In April 2016 he was caught speeding and driving without a license.

He was given a citation and paid a fine.

According to his LVMPD arrest report, Barrios lived in Los Angeles and traveled to Vegas on Tuesday to stay with a friend, but when they reneged on the offer he headed to the strip and ended up attacking a group of showgirls to let the anger out.

Anna Westby, 26, (above) recalled the moment her coworker at Best Showgirls in Vegas, Maris Mareen Digiovanni, 30, died in her arms during Thursday's stabbing attack

Digiovanni, who was also a teacher, was fatally stabbed in the heart. Pictured: Digiovanni (left) in her showgirls costume on the Vegas strip

One of the victims was Maris Digiovanni, 30, Westby's coworker at Best Showgirls in Vegas, who died in her friend, Anna Westby's, hands after they were approached by Barrios.

'He pulled up a knife and he showed it to us as if modeling it,' she told the New York Post. 'Before we could say anything at all. He grabbed the knife and he stabbed Maris in the heart,' she said.

The moment was so shocking to Westby, 26, that she didn't even have time to worry about herself as she tried to apply pressure to Digiovanni's wound.

'And another guy said, 'Ma'am, you have a stab wound on your back.' I said, 'I know.' Can you grab your shirt and apply it to my back while I apply this to her?'

After stabbing Digiovanni in the heart, Westby said the man slashed a fellow showgirl, Victoria Caytano. Westby said she and Digiovanni tried to run, but to no avail.

'Maris made it only about 15 feet before she collapsed,' Westby told the Post. 'And he came after me and stabbed me in the back, and he ran off.'

The showgirl's boss, Cheryl Lowthrop, said her employees are still reeling over the incident as they mourned Digiovanni, who also worked as an elementary school teacher.

Lowthorp has started a GoFundMe page to help her employees impacted by the tragedy and to cover funeral expenses and other costs for Digiovanni's family.
A witness today accused Conor Burns of touching a younger man's thigh at a bar during the Tory Party conference in a move that sparked a probe into the MP's alleged 'serious misconduct'.

It is alleged that the incident happened at the Hyatt Regency hotel bar in Birmingham in the early hours of Tuesday, with sources claiming an onlooker told him to stop, according to the BBC.

Mr Burns has denied any suggestions of wrongdoing and last night vowed to clear his name.

Party whips were alerted to the allegations later that day, which ultimately led to the MP's suspension.

Allies of the former minister, speaking to the BBC, claim he had been on heavy medication, which worsened the effects of alcohol, before the party conference as he had injured his ribs the weekend before.

The fresh claims come as Spice Girl Mel B last night posted a cryptic tweet about the MP following his sacking.

The British pop icon, 47, last night tweeted: 'Really??? Your [sic] shocked about this complaint??? Let me remind you what you said me in lift...'

But Mr Burns hit back and today claimed to have never met the Spice Girl. Mel B had attended the Tory Party conference last week to campaign and call for further support for domestic abuse victims.

'I believe I have never met Mel.'

Last night it was not clear what Mel B was referring to her in her tweet but Mr Burns had earlier denied any suggestion of wrongdoing.

MailOnline contacted Mr Burns for comment. A representative for Mel B declined to comment.

A source told the Mirror: 'Mel has never been scared to speak the truth to power so it is no surprise that she's spoken up. If this Tory MP has said something particularly offensive in her company then she'll say so and no doubt told him when it happened.

'Mel is such a strong woman. It could be yet another really embarrassing episode for the Tories. You don't p**s off a Spice Girl!'

It is alleged that the incident happened at the Hyatt Regency hotel bar in Birmingham in the early hours of Tuesday, with sources claiming an onlooker told Mr Burns, pictured, to stop, according to the BBC

It comes as Spice Girl Mel B, pictured, last night posted a cryptic tweet about the MP following his sacking. The British pop icon, 47, last night tweeted: 'Really??? Your [sic] shocked about this complaint??? Let me remind you what you said me in lift...'

It is alleged that the incident happened at the Hyatt Regency hotel bar in Birmingham, pictured, in the early hours of Tuesday, with sources claiming an onlooker told him to stop, according to the BBC

The complaint Mr Burns faces is said to have also included allegations of inappropriate remarks, a source close to the investigation last night told the Telegraph.

His friends had not disputed the fact that he had been drinking or had flirted with the man, who the BBC understood was not known to him.

He later had to be taken back to the hotel by a friend as he was drunk.

According to the BBC, Mr Burns believed the flirting was consensual.

However, they have not yet heard the man's account of events.

It is claimed that a third party, not the man with Mr Burns, reported the incident to party whips and described his behaviour as 'lecherous.' Mr Burns has refuted any allegations of misconduct.

The Prime Minister sacked Mr Burns from his post in the Department for International Trade on Friday following the complaint, as No 10 insisted 'high standards of behaviour' must be maintained.

Mr Burns said he would 'fully co-operate' with a probe by the party, understood to be looking into allegations of inappropriate behaviour at the annual Tory conference.

Burns had only been appointed to his new role by the Prime Minister a month ago, with his appointment being vetted by the Cabinet Office's propriety and ethics team.

The hotel where the alleged incident is said to have taken place was visited frequently by Conservative Party delegates as it was a 'secure zone' - used by delegates between fringe events and receptions for socialising.

The bar was often packed full of attendees including MPs and Tory activists late every night. All allegations of misconduct have been strenuously denied by Mr Burns.

The complaint about Mr Burns, pictured, allegedly concerns inappropriate remarks and actions towards a younger man at the Hyatt Regency in Birmingham on Tuesday night, a source close to the investigation told the Telegraph

It comes after Conor Burns, pictured, earlier broke his silence on 'serious misconduct allegations' and accused the Tory party of 'rushing to judgement' as a probe was launched into his 'inappropriate behaviour' during the party conference in Birmingham

It comes after the embattled MP earlier broke his silence on the 'serious misconduct allegations' and accused the Tory party of 'rushing to judgement' as a probe was launched into his 'inappropriate behaviour' during the party conference in Birmingham.

The MP responded to being sacked as trade minister in a series of tweets.

Mr Burns, who has also had the Conservative whip removed, tweeted: 'Earlier I received a call from the Chief Whip Wendy Morton.

'Ms Morton informed me that a complaint had been received about me and she had passed it to Conservative Campaign Headquarters to investigate. I was not given any information about the complaint nor was I asked to provide any information.

'On the basis of this complaint Ms Morton told me that the Whip was being withdrawn and that I was standing down as Trade Minister. I will fully cooperate with the Party's enquiry and look forward to clearing my name.

'I hope the party will be as quick to conduct their enquiry as they were to rush to judgement.'

The former Northern Ireland minister is a longstanding ally of ex-prime minister Boris Johnson

Chief Whip Wendy Morton (pictured at the Tory Party conference this week) called Mr Burns directly to inform him he was having the whip withdrawn and he would stand down as Trade Minister after news of the allegations came to light

Conor Burns has vowed to clear his name after losing the Conservative whip, according to the Sun

Mr Burns, 50, was removed as a trade minister by Liz Truss yesterday afternoon and lost the Conservative whip while he is investigated.

The former Northern Ireland minister is a longstanding ally of ex-prime minister Boris Johnson.

A No10 spokeswoman said: 'Following a complaint of serious misconduct, the Prime Minister has asked Conor Burns MP to leave the government with immediate effect.

'The Prime Minister took direct action on being informed of this allegation and is clear that all ministers should maintain the high standards of behaviour  as the public rightly expects.'

A spokesman for the Whips' Office said: 'We have suspended the whip pending investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour earlier this week.

'We take all such allegations extremely seriously. The Prime Minister has been clear that the highest standards in public life must be upheld.'

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner claimed the Truss Government was already 'beset by scandal'.

'This deeply disturbing revelation is the latest in a long line of serious misconduct allegations, and raises serious questions not only about yet another minister but about the Prime Minister's judgment in refusing to appoint an independent ethics adviser,' she said.

But one Whitehall source said that the sacking of Mr Burns and the way things have been dealt with 'goes against natural justice.

And they added that they thought it was the chief whip trying to 'assert herself' as many have thought she is not tough enough.

The source also said that his sacking was used to 'put a foot on the brake' of Kemi Badenoch's growing support in the party.

Speaking to the BBC, an ally said that Mr Burns feeels 'imprisoned' without the process of police or a trial.

He added that his career has been ruined by the allegations and will have lost his ministerial role even if the whip is restored.

Since Mr Burns was sacked, the prime minister has not spoken to him.

Mr Burns was appointed minister of state in the Department for International Trade in last month's reshuffle, after Ms Truss took the reins in No 10.

He was previously a minister in the Northern Ireland Office, and had been a staunch ally of former prime minister Boris Johnson.

The former Northern Ireland minister, who is now a trade minister, is a longstanding ally of former prime minister Boris Johnson

MP Conor Burns responded to being sacked as trade minister in a series of tweets

Tory MP Simon Hoare said the investigation should take place 'speedily', and on the presumption that Mr Burns is 'innocent until proven guilty'.

The development is the latest in a series of scandals to hit the Conservative Party, including groping allegations against former deputy chief whip Chris Pincher.

In May, former Tory MP Neil Parish quit his seat in Tiverton and Honiton after admitting to watching pornography in the Commons.

Just short of two weeks later, an unnamed Conservative MP was arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault allegations spanning seven years.

The development is the latest in a series of scandals to hit the Conservative Party, including groping allegations against former deputy chief whip Chris Pincher, pictured

In May, former Tory MP Neil Parish, pictured, quit his seat in Tiverton and Honiton after admitting to watching pornography in the Commons

Tory MP Simon Hoare, pictured, said the investigation should take place 'speedily', and on the presumption that Mr Burns is 'innocent until proven guilty'

The Tory conference took place in Birmingham earlier this week and was marred by party infighting. The Conservative are currently languishing far behind Labour in the polls.

Bournemouth West MP Mr Burns was born in Belfast but raised in England after his parents moved during the troubles. He has previously described himself as a gay Catholic unionist.

He has been an MP since 2010 and was previously a trade minister under Theresa May.

But he resigned along with Boris Johnson in 2018, before returning to Government under the new PM the following year.

In January he was faced with ridicule when he defended Boris Johnson's partygate lawbreaking by suggesting he had been 'ambushed' with a birthday cake.

He stood up for the then PM after it was revealed he attended a gathering, complete with a Union Jack cake and singing, that was organised by his wife Carrie in the Cabinet Room on June 19, 2020.

The then Northern Ireland minister said Mr Johnson was working in the room before people came in and presented him with the baked treat, adding: 'He, as far as I can see, he was in a sense, ambushed with a cake.'

He was also removed as a patron of the LGBT+ Conservatives last night pending the investigation.

Bournemouth West MP Mr Burns, pictured, was born in Belfast but raised in England after his parents moved during the troubles. He has previously described himself as a gay Catholic unionist

In January Mr Burns, pictured, was faced with ridicule when he defended Boris Johnson's partygate lawbreaking by suggesting he had been 'ambushed' with a birthday cake

A whips office spokesman said: 'We have suspended the whip pending investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour earlier this week.

'We take all such allegations extremely seriously. The Prime Minister has been clear that the highest standards in public life must be upheld.'

The swift speed at which action has been taken is in marked contrast to the protracted case of Chris Pincher under Mr Johnson's leadership.

The Tamworth MP, 52, resigned as deputy chief whip in June after being accused of groping a man more than 20 years his junior at London's exclusive Carlton Club.

Downing Street initially said he would face no further action from the party, which meant he could remain a Conservative MP.

But a day later, Mr Pincher was suspended from the party amid a furore about how he had been made deputy chief whip in the first place.
As the head of the UKs Vaccine Taskforce, the last thing I ever expected was an extraordinary ambush by the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock.

It happened in June 2020, quite soon after Id pulled together an exceptional team of outside experts who would help find Covid vaccines that worked, then ensure they could be manufactured at scale and delivered into peoples arms.

The timescale was brutal: the Government was asking for effective vaccines by the end of 2020. Not surprisingly, we were all highly motivated and working 24/7.

So far so good. Then, in June 2020, Matt Hancock, a few members of the Cabinet and I attended a video meeting of a Covid committee chaired by Michael Gove. Back then, I was still new to the workings of government, having spent the past 30 years as a venture capitalist, working with companies to produce new drugs. And this was my first time before Michael Goves committee.

As the head of the UKs Vaccine Taskforce, the last thing I ever expected was an extraordinary ambush by the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock

It happened in June 2020, quite soon after Id pulled together an exceptional team of outside experts who would help find Covid vaccines that worked, then ensure they could be manufactured at scale and delivered into peoples arms

So before the meeting, Id asked Matt Hancock for advice about the questions likely to arise, and about how I should conduct myself. The tone of our conversation was friendly.

But when it came to the committee discussion itself, the Health Secretary had traded in Dr Jekyll for Mr Hyde.

He started by suddenly saying he couldnt understand why I thought people his age  namely mid-40s  wouldnt want, or indeed demand, a Covid vaccine for themselves.

It was a puzzling intervention.

I reminded him that the Vaccine Taskforce wasnt responsible for determining whod be offered the first vaccines. That was a job for a different government body, as he well knew, since they had a statutory duty to advise the Health Secretary.

Matt Hancock hadnt finished. In a second tirade, he said he could not believe that Id ordered only 30 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for delivery in September 2020.

But when it came to the committee discussion itself, the Health Secretary had traded in Dr Jekyll for Mr Hyde. He started by suddenly saying he couldnt understand why I thought people his age  namely mid-40s  wouldnt want, or indeed demand, a Covid vaccine for themselves

In fact, that deal had been largely agreed with Oxford and AstraZeneca in April, just before I landed at the Taskforce, so Id inherited this contract. In any case, I knew that they were months behind schedule.

But when I observed that it would be a miracle if we received 30 million AstraZeneca doses by Christmas, Matt simply snapped. He kept being told by experts that things were impossible, he said, only to find out later that they were perfectly possible if enough effort was made.

I could barely believe my ears. The Health Secretary was openly accusing me of a lack of ambition, questioning my competence, and doing so in front of his Cabinet colleagues and key officials.

You cant just tell me Im wrong, said Matt. Well, it turned out that I could, and he was. The meeting didnt end well.

Michael Gove could not have looked more embarrassed. The Business Secretary, Alok Sharma, called me immediately afterwards to apologise. Others sent messages of support.

Almost stuck to the ceiling with fury, I exchanged angry WhatsApp messages with Matt. It took all of my husbands considerable charm and love to calm me down. Afterwards, I spoke to Ian McCubbin, the manufacturing guru in the Vaccine Taskforce team. As we both knew, vaccines have to be grown in living cells, and that takes time. Even so, I asked him if there was anything else we could do to accelerate delivery of the vaccines. Ian paused. Then he said: You could try singing to the cells and ask them to grow faster.

Matts confrontation with me, I realised, had been pure politics.

Back in early 2020, the Governments Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, had realised the UK needed a taskforce dedicated to securing, developing and manufacturing life-saving vaccines.

Michael Gove could not have looked more embarrassed. The Business Secretary, Alok Sharma, called me immediately afterwards to apologise. Others sent messages of support

But hed soon become convinced that it needed to be liberated from the Department of Health, which was massively overstretched on issues ranging from PPE shortages to insufficient testing.

Dominic Cummings, the Prime Ministers controversial adviser, would later condemn Health as a smoking ruin. Although a figure prone to dramatic description, he was not necessarily mistaken in this case.

Where could the vaccines effort be embedded instead? Nothing would happen without a department to act as host.

Fate intervened. For historical reasons, the Governments Chief Scientific Adviser is actually paid for by the Department for Business. The upshot was that Business, not Health, became the Taskforces base. That didnt mean I had nothing to do with Matt Hancock, of course. But it seemed to me he was still aggrieved that responsibility for vaccines had been taken from him and his department and moved over to Business.

I thought that perhaps he was determined to refight that battle and, if that involved throwing rocks at me, then so be it.

He also knew that hed always win in a verbal punch-up with the mild-mannered Alok Sharma, who was nowhere near as aggressive  and certainly insufficiently devious to take on the Health Secretary.

Would I have to endure constant sniping at my leadership of the Taskforce, even though the majority of those with whom I worked had confidence in my abilities?

Dominic Cummings, the Prime Ministers controversial adviser, would later condemn Health as a smoking ruin. Although a figure prone to dramatic description, he was not necessarily mistaken in this case

My first instinct was to brush off Matt Hancocks attack as political theatre. But then I reasoned that, were I to allow myself to become a punching bag, we ran a real risk that political obduracy, an army of procedural investigations and, potentially, criticism in Parliament, would undermine everything we were doing.

So I made a decision. To protect the Taskforce, wed hire an outside expert of unimpeachable authority and expertise to review our strategy, our team and our actions.

Which is how I came to call Sir Richard Sykes  formerly chairman of GlaxoSmithKline and rector of Imperial College, London  to ask him to mark our homework.

He was known to be fiercely independent. So I knew if he didnt think much about any aspect of our operation, then hed say so  loudly. Conversely, a seal of approval from him would be as close as I could get to acquiring body armour.

When the Business Department found out Id commissioned him, they were plainly appalled. Matt Hancock was incensed. The Cabinet Office had a seizure. Things were just not done in this way!

Sir Richards review was released in July 2020. The team leading the Vaccine Taskforce is of extremely high quality and highlights the depth of talent and expertise we have in the UK, it said.

They are in my opinion perfectly suited for the complex task ahead If anyone can do it, they can.

I would not be challenged by Matt Hancock  or anyone else in Government  again

I would not be challenged by Matt Hancock  or anyone else in Government  again.

IF ID ever been asked the question What is the biggest threat to the success of the Vaccine Taskforce? the honest answer would have been: Large parts of the rest of Whitehall.

Sometimes I would find myself in an Alice in Wonderland situation, with more than a hint of Monty Python to it.

In the summer of 2020, I attended a meeting with Boris Johnson and some Ministers in the big green Cabinet room in Downing Street.

I pointed out to them that the Taskforce urgently needed ring-fenced funds to help develop vaccines  yet our budget hadnt yet been approved. Boris turned to Rishi Sunak, who was on video, and challenged him about what was going on. Rishi had no idea.

Vaccines had clearly not been high on the list of priorities for the Chancellors office.

This was my first inkling of the power of officials, who get to decide what they show to their Ministers for approval and decisions. Yet by then wed already been forced to waste acres of valuable time in making a business case for our existence to  yes  the Treasury.

Now, Im well acquainted with private sector business plans  I have spent my life assessing them  but it soon became clear that a Government business case was very different.

We were compelled to cram the requisite document with, for instance, the commercial and economic case for a Covid vaccine  in fact almost every case under the sun except for the one that mattered: the scientific case.

Making the scientific case for vaccines was critical. It summarised our evaluation of all available data, future development and manufacturing plans, and it anticipated risks. All, one might have thought, of some value.

There was also a slightly surreal requirement for detailed proofs of value for money while we were in the midst of a pandemic, with thousands being hospitalised every week and the NHS under unprecedented strain.

One might have thought that the value for money of an effective vaccine campaign was pretty obvious. Apparently not. Yet no one in Whitehall seemed willing to accept that standard calculations were not appropriate while so many people were dying from Covid.

Government press teams? I would fire half of them When I took up my post as chair of the Vaccine Taskforce, I had no idea that working with Government communications teams would be the hardest part of my job. Yet so it proved. I hadnt appreciated just how unfocused the many different Government comms teams would prove to be  despite there reportedly being more than 120 people in Business Department comms alone. On my appointment, I requested a press cuttings service so that I could be briefed on vaccine developments around the world. I was told that the Business press office could not provide this. So, instead we had to rely on a science association, with a total of two comms people, for press cuttings. It turned out there were no fewer than seven comms teams focused on vaccines across Government. But there appeared to be no coherent communications strategy. Only those working directly with me actually knew the up-to-date facts about vaccines and what we were doing  yet Im not aware that any of the comms teams ever engaged with us. Goodness knows where they got their information from. Later, when untrue allegations were made against me in the media, press officers and special advisers (spads) failed to contradict many of them. This meant that false claims were allowed to build up into a fireball. It seemed to me that the spads had done their level best to make me a target. As a non-Whitehall outsider, I was exposed, mute and dispensable. If I had my way, Id fire half the people dealing with public affairs communications across Government. In the Business Department alone, I cannot see what the 120 comms people achieve. Id redeploy this talent to more productive ends. This would send a clear signal that the focus is on the delivery of outcomes, rather than spin. Advertisement

At that point, no vaccine had been shown to work, let alone costed. Yet we also had to estimate how many vaccines we needed to buy, at what price per dose, how many doses and when they would be delivered, the numbers of people to be vaccinated and any additional costs.

All of which were impossible to predict in June 2020. It was like being asked to write instructions without knowing the product.

Ludicrously, we needed to predict the outcome if the UK decided not to take up vaccines but instead let the virus rip through the population. Well, lots of deaths obviously.

But how much is a life worth? The Department for Transport apparently estimates the cost of one life at 2 million. But the Health Department prices a life at much lower.

In a morbid twist, it turned out that there wasnt a single accepted measurement across Whitehall for the benefit of not dying.

As part of this nonsensical and irrelevant work for the Treasury, we had to include a risk analysis by the Business Department  which deemed the Taskforces risk level of failure to be very high.

Any scientist could have told them the odds were vastly against finding an effective Covid vaccine, let alone by the end of the year. So what on earth was the purpose of the quantified risk analysis?

We soon found that Civil Service micro-management and distracting demands for data and forecasts were growing all too common. Not only were we building the plane as we were flying it, we were flying in the dark, simultaneously writing the instruction manual and fielding endless petty questions from air traffic control asking about the strength of the orange juice we were serving to passengers.

Having spent my working life in the private sector, Id entered a world where process apparently mattered more than outcomes.

Fending all this off was a serious waste of time when we should have been concentrating on the day job of finding effective vaccines.

The Cabinet Office quickly became the bane of our existence. They demanded Excel spreadsheets with status updates twice a week, populated with data that seemed irrelevant at best.

And before our team had even decided which vaccines to prioritise, officials in the Cabinet Office kept attempting to rope us into meetings about how a vaccine roll-out might be organised.

This was by no means the worst example of sheer short-sightedness. No, the biggest waste of time and money came in the form of the National Audit Office.

Now, I completely understand the importance of scrutiny, accountability and transparency. Thats how we work in venture capital. Like any citizen, I do not want the Government spraying my taxes around willy-nilly. But this was different.

Gareth Davies, the civil servant who headed up the National Audit Office, had decided to launch an investigation into how we were performing, apparently to demonstrate that public money was being spent wisely. In a letter to me, he said he hoped that the work of his team would help sharpen your thinking and bring my attention to any risks that could significantly impact on the programme.

Amazing. This was July. Wed launched the Taskforce in May.

The idea of doing an audit before there was anything to audit, let alone the suggestion that the Audit Offices youthful generalists would be able to sharpen our thinking when we were working absolutely flat out to find and develop vaccines in the face of a national emergency was  and remains  a foolish and expensive joke.

I attended a meeting with Boris Johnson and some Ministers in the big green Cabinet room in Downing Street. I pointed out to them that the Taskforce urgently needed ring-fenced funds to help develop vaccines  yet our budget hadnt yet been approved. Boris turned to Rishi Sunak, who was on video, and challenged him about what was going on. Rishi had no idea

This absurd proposition forced me as chair to throw my toys out of the pram, otherwise the audit would have ground our team to a halt.

But the audit was postponed only until August, a point at which we hadnt yet signed any vaccine procurement contracts.

In the event, the NAO sent a team who knew nothing about vaccines, manufacturing, clinical trials or pandemic preparedness. Meanwhile, the audit took up scarce resources and diverted our team from the real work. Afterwards, I had to wonder exactly how the Audit Office thought they might sharpen our thinking.

And that wasnt the end of it. From August to December, the NAO sent numerous requests which took a lot of time to respond to.

Several of these demands were so ridiculous and inane that I sent a six-page letter to the Auditor General, describing what an unnecessary and wasteful exercise it had been.

My letter was virtually radioactive, listing multiple shortcomings of the audit  including a profound lack of understanding of what the Vaccine Taskforce was doing, and the extraordinary environment in which we were operating.

I did not get an adequate response, though Im told my letter did the rounds of senior civil servants. However much they may have relished the contents, I hope they realised the seriousness of the points being made.

I have no political ambitions and my style is to be candid and straightforward. It was easy for me to call out the auditors since I wasnt jeopardising a political or Civil Service career. But frankly I dont know who audits the auditors. Civil servants certainly wont rock the boat. So who will?

FOR months, various people were queueing up to conduct investigations into us. Besides the watchdogs within Whitehall, I was called as a witness to five different House of Commons select committees.

Let me stress once again that I had absolutely no issue with being held accountable in an intelligent fashion. Nor was this impossible.

By far the best inspection was done by a team from the IPA, or Infrastructure Projects Authority, the expert body that manages and audits infrastructure projects.

This inquiry was held at the end of November 2020, logical since most of the main decisions on vaccines had been made. It was a relatively short exercise.

Importantly, the individuals conducting the review clearly had expertise relevant to what we were doing  in contrast to the Audit Office, which made a host of elementary mistakes in its report.

It would be easy  but perhaps not inaccurate  for me to suggest that this was because the IPA review team were all women. In my day job, Im fanatical about having senior women leading my companies and on boards since I find diversity helps make better decisions.

Furthermore, the objective of the review team was to look for positive aspects of what wed done, as well as constructively looking for places where we could improve  rather than to approach us in the spirit of a professional hitman. It awarded us a clean bill of health.

IN my seven months as chair, I was disappointed by the absence in the Business Department of scientific, industrial, commercial and manufacturing skills.

And if these skills are not in the Business Department, which also funds academic research, then where are they?

Conversations with officials were frustrating. Even Sir Patrick Vallance found himself wasting a lot of time educating Whitehall on science basics. Very few permanent secretaries  the senior civil servants ultimately responsible for the commissioning of work  have STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) degrees. Less than ten per cent of graduates entering the Fast Track Civil Service scheme have STEM backgrounds. Instead, Whitehall is dominated by historians and economists, few of whom have ever worked outside the official and political worlds. Politicians are no better.

In general, MPs lack relevant skills and industrial, commercial or practical non-political experience. Ministers are not appointed based on skills and expertise and are rotated on average every 18 months or so. Yet without any scientific expertise its difficult even to frame the right questions when considering policy options.

There were, of course, exceptions. Nadhim Zahawi had a genuine interest in science and business. Hed trained as an engineer and had a strong understanding of the operational and commercial aspects of what we were doing.

The consequence of being surrounded by humanities and economics graduates meant there were few people in Government with the experience to challenge our work, other than to object to the process we followed. Civil servants, I discovered, lack interest in finding innovative solutions to complex challenges. Instead, theyre rewarded for adhering to the correct procedures. I saw an almost obsessive desire to follow the proper process and, in particular, to avoid any suggestion of error or possible criticism.

Yet theres no doubt that their hesitancy over risk held back the pace of what the Vaccine Taskforce was trying to do.

Far better, from the Civil Service viewpoint, to do that rather than risk career suicide by pushing ahead with an even vaguely controversial task.

 Kate Bingham and Tim Hames, 2022
Andy's brother Robin is still optimistic: 'We trust the system to get justice'

Now the suspect accused of his murder has been bailed, to his family's horror

He moved to New Mexico after meeting - and marrying - a woman he met online

But he was found dead and wrapped in plastic in the desert outside Albuquerque

The family of a British civil servant found battered in the New Mexico desert said they are surprised that the man charged with his murder has been freed.

Andy Jackson, 51, was found dead wrapped in plastic outside Albuquerque five years ago.

The Breaking Bad obsessive moved to the city where his favourite show was set and filmed after meeting a woman online - and marrying her.

Jackson moved to America amid a weeks-long whirlwind romance and a love of Breaking Bad

But his adventure ended in tragedy when he was found dead and wrapped in plastic at home

But the ex-civil servant suffered two blows to the head in an attack at his farmhouse in Albuquerque, dying of his wounds before being wrapped and left in the wilderness.

Suspect Joaquin Roibal has been released

Now his family have said they're upset that the man charged with the murder - 35-year-old Joaquin Roibal - has been bailed.

Roibal's charges include conspiracy to commit first degree murder and tampering with evidence, The Mirror reported.

Andy's brother Robin, 48, told the newspaper: 'As a family, we are surprised by this bail decision given the violent nature and seriousness of the case.

'However, we do have faith that the American judicial system will prevail and we trust the system to get justice for Andy.'

Mr Jackson had a whirlwind romance with a woman from Albuquerque he met online in 2015.

The hit series starred Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul as a pair of crystal meth kingpins

Cranston is pictured in the pilot of the smash-hit television show, which ran for five years

The couple got married in Sheffield over Christmas and they moved to New Mexico the following week.

But the relationship ended within weeks, and Andy spent time in hostels before moving to a farmhouse.

The couple both filed restraining orders against each other and Mr Jackson sued for compensation.

The woman is not suspected of any involvement in his death.
Eighth day of protest as they call on Government to stop new oil and gas projects

The man was applauded when he ripped the banners from the protestors' hands

An angry motorist ripped banners from the hands of Just Stop Oil protestors as they staged sit-ins on London's streets today, in the eighth day of action by the environmental activists.

The man told the protestors to 'leave the road' as he took the orange posters from their hands, earning him a round of applause from a passer-by.

The eco-zealots, wearing luminous vests, sat across Marylebone Road, while long queues of cars, buses and taxis angrily beeped their horns.

Today's commotion follows protests in the capital every day since last Saturday, which have also seen Just Stop Oil block roads around Parliament Square, Waterloo Bridge and Trafalgar Square.

The latest sit-down during the week of action saw some protestors gluing themselves to the road to hinder attempts to remove them, as they continue to demand the Government stops new oil and gas projects.

The group said today: 'Our supporters will be returning  today, tomorrow and the next day  and the next day after that  and every day until our demand is met: no new oil and gas in the UK.'

The man told the protestors to 'leave the road' as he took the orange posters from their hands, earning him a round of applause from a passer-by

The eco-zealots, wearing luminous vests, sat across Marylebone Road, while long queues of cars, buses and taxis angrily beeped their horns

Scotland Yard confirmed this evening that there were 24 arrests made in relation to the Just Stop Oil protests today.

A spokesperson added: 'Protestors blocked Edgware Road/Upper Berkeley Street and Marylebone Road/Baker Street. Both roads were quickly reopened once the protestors had been safely removed.'

Just Stop Oil activists also joined members of Animal Rebellion (AR) to march down Pall Mall, in the City of Westminster, in a bid to draw attention to the climate crisis.

AR campaigners also poured red paint inside Farlows, a hunting and fishing shop on Pall Mall, and daubed paint on the windows of William Evans, a shooting supply shop in nearby St James's Street, while others took and emptied milk from supermarkets.

The group, an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, describes itself as a 'mass movement using non-violent civil disobedience to call for a just, sustainable plant-based food system'.

After putting out a message 'calling all vegans to occupy London', AR said protesters brought London's West End 'to a standstill' as people marched from Green Park to Piccadilly Circus.

They are calling on Prime Minister Liz Truss and Environment Secretary Ranil Jayawardena to tackle what they call the 'climate, ecological and cost-of-living crises'.

It comes after two activists from Animal Rebellion targeted Fortnum & Mason and Selfridges and poured milk out in the high-end department stores in central London on Friday.

Today's commotion follows protests in the capital every day since Saturday which have also seen Just Stop Oil block roads around Parliament Square, Waterloo Bridge and Trafalgar Square. Pictured: protestors in Westminster yesterday

Just Stop Oil activists also joined members of Animal Rebellion (AR) to march down Pall Mall, in the City of Westminster, in a bid to draw attention to the climate crisis

Dillon Parsons, 21, from Preston, a spokesperson for AR and a film production student at the University for the Creative Arts, said he has been involved with the campaign group for two years.

On Friday afternoon, he said: 'We are currently at Trafalgar Square. There are I'd say a couple of hundred activists and we are all sat on the ground and demanding that the Government transition to a plant-based future because the UK Government has proved that they don't know how to respond to crises any more.

'We've seen through the cost-of-living crisis and the climate crisis that they are not treating the public well and they have their own pockets as their first priorities.

'We know that animal farming and fishing is the key cause to the climate crisis, so if we transition away to a plant-based food system we can not only stop 76 billion animals a year from being killed, we can feed the whole population several times over, we can free up 76% of global agricultural land ... to give every person and all future generations a chance of having a better future on this planet.'

He said he was not present when the shops were vandalised, but added: 'If the Government responded to us and gave us a chance of a plant-based future we wouldn't have to do actions like this but causing this level of disruption, if this is what is going to get us heard, that's the actions we've got to take.'

AR campaigners also poured red paint inside Farlows, a hunting and fishing shop on Pall Mall

Others poured milk on to the streets as they called on Prime Minister Liz Truss and Environment Secretary Ranil Jayawardena to tackle what they call the 'climate, ecological and cost-of-living crises'

AR is also calling for governmental support for farmers and fishing communities to transition to a plant-based food system and a programme of rewilding.

The Met Police confirmed that 27 people were arrested today in connection with the AR protests.

A statement said: 'Nine people were arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage after three retail premises in central London were damaged with paint.

'A 40-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman were also arrested in Green Park on suspicion of criminal damage and theft. These arrests relate to an incident at a business premises on Piccadilly, W1A on Friday, 7 October.

'At 10.20hrs on Saturday three people, a 26-year-old man and two women, aged 28 and 22, were arrested on suspicion of possession of articles to cause criminal damage. Their arrests follow a proactive vehicle stop in Berwick Street, W1 during which fire extinguishers full of paint were found.

'13 people were arrested shortly after 18:00hrs after they blocked Westminster Bridge. Efforts were made to engage with the group and a number of people left voluntarily. Those who did not were arrested.'
The owner of Best Showgirls in Vegas condemned the 'flawed' criminal justice system for freeing the man who killed one of her performers in a horrific attack on the Las Vegas Strip on Thursday.

Cheryl Lowthrop said she was devastated to learn that her employee, Maris Mareen Digiovanni, 30, was one of the two people killed in Thursday's stabbing. Eight people in total were attacked, several of them showgirls.

Yoni Barrios, 32, killed Digiovanni as well as Brent Allan Hallett, 47, as he ran down the famed street in broad daylight wielding a knife.

Digiovanni was walking the Vegas strip with three other co-workers when they were attacked by Barrios, an alleged undocumented migrant from Guatamala, who went on to attack others at random.

Barrios told police he needed to 'let the anger out.'

He could have been behind bars over a felony charge from a 2018 domestic abuse case, but his case was dismissed because the Los Angeles District Attorney's office took too long to prosecute it.

Lowthrop said the case was emblematic of a broken criminal justice system that led to Thursday's tragedy.

I think there is no doubt that our criminal justice system is deeply flawed, and most certainly in the arena of domestic violence,' she said. Beyond the obvious, that had he been convicted and or jailed we would not be in this situation... It is no surprise that we fail to protect our women inside of our legal system as well.

Lowthrop has since created a GoFundMe page to pay for Digiovanni's funeral and to assist her family and that of the other injured showgirls.

'Our showgirl family has been wounded beyond reason, the beautiful soul of Maris Digiovanni has been stolen,' Lowthrop wrote on the fundraiser page. 'Three other of our girls wounded and hospitalized, but thankfully their lives spared.'

Maris Mareen Digiovanni, 30, (left) was stabbed to death in the broad daylight attack, which also claimed the life of Brent Allan Hallett, 47

Anna Westby (right) was one of four showgirls stabbed during the attack. Westby was stabbed in the back and tried to apply pressure to her coworker's wound, but was unable to save her

Digiovanni was walking the strip with three coworkers when Yoni Barrios, 32, attacked them. The showgirl, who was also a school teacher, died in her friend's arms

Digiovanni was mourned by her fellow coworkers, who are still in shock over the attack

A GoFundMe page has been made for the victims at Best Showgirls in Vegas

Cheryl Lowthrop (pictured) said she was devastated to learn that that her employees were among the victims and condemned the 'flawed' criminal justice system that allowed Barrios to dodge a felony conviction in 2019

Court documents exclusively obtained by DailyMail.com reveal that Barrios was charged in 2019 with criminal domestic violence by Los Angeles district attorney Jackie Lacey, who has since left office.

Had he been convicted, Barrios would likely have been imprisoned and deported and would not have been free to commit the senseless slaughter on the Vegas strip this week.

But Lacey failed to bring the case to court in time, and after 90 days elapsed the judge was forced to dismiss the case under California speedy trial laws, according to court records.

Barrios was also prosecuted for driving dangerously and without a license in Riverside, California in 2016.

Yoni Christian Barrios, 32, who is charged with murdering two and attempting to kill six more on Thursday, could have been incarcerated if not for the failings of former LA DA Jackie Lacey

Lacey (above), who has since left office, waited over a year to prosecute Barrios, whose case finally went to trial last year but was thrown out for violating the state's speedy trial laws

Maris Mareen Digiovanni, 30, (pictured) was stabbed to death in the broad daylight attack, which also claimed the life of Brent Allan Hallett, 47

After his arrest on Thursday Barrios told detectives he was from Guatemala and wanted ICE to take him home, according to a report released by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).

Sources at the Department of Homeland Security told Fox News they believed he is an undocumented migrant, and does not have a visa.

A criminal docket for Barrios obtained by DailyMail.com shows he was charged in July 2019 with criminally injuring a spouse, cohabitant or fellow parent in an act of domestic violence.

If charged as a felony, perpetrators can be sentenced to up to four years in prison.

Barrios docket says the alleged incident occurred on August 18, 2018.

Lacey filed the case a year later, but the first pre-trial hearing was left until more than two years later on April 8 2021.

The court documents say the case went to trial, but was dismissed the same day by the judge because it had languished in the court system for too long.

The docket at LA Superior Court cites California Penal Codes 1381, 1381.5 and 1382 for the cases dismissal.

According to these codes, prosecutors must bring a case to trial within 60 days of filing an indictment for a felony.

The court, unless good cause to the contrary is shown, shall order the action to be dismissed in the following cases In a felony case, when a defendant is not brought to trial within 60 days of the defendants arraignment, PC 1382 says.

If Barrios had been put on trial promptly after the case was filed in July 2019 and convicted, he could have faced up to four years in prison, and would not have been free to commit the alleged two murders and six attempted murders with which he was charged this week.

Barrios, pictured Friday, faced domestic violence charges that could have left him in jail for four years, unable to commit Thursday's brutal attack

Video shown by officials at a press conference hours after the stabbing showed the suspect fleeing the scene

Despite the docket information, a Los Angeles DA union executive denied Lacey fail[ed] to bring him to trial.

Eric Siddall, Vice President of the Association of Los Angeles Deputy District Attorneys, told DailyMail.com: If the case was thrown out by the judge, it was probably because of witness issues.

The US Immigration and Nationality Act also lists a domestic violence conviction as one of the key criteria for the deportation of an illegal immigrant.

During her tenure as LA DA from 2012 to 2020, Lacey styled herself as tough on crime and even pursued death penalty cases in the face of a moratorium from Governor Gavin Newsom.

But she came under fire from justice campaigners for her delay in prosecuting some prominent figures including West Hollywood Democrat donor Ed Buck, who injected multiple male sex workers with potentially lethal doses of drugs at his apartment.

She was also criticized by the Black Lives Matter movement for failing to prosecute police officer Clifford Proctor for shooting dead Brendon Glenn, despite a recommendation from former LAPD chief Charlie Beck.

Barrios has another criminal record in Riverside, east of Los Angeles. In April 2016 he was caught speeding and driving without a license.

He was given a citation and paid a fine.

According to his LVMPD arrest report, Barrios lived in Los Angeles and traveled to Vegas on Tuesday to stay with a friend, but when they reneged on the offer he headed to the strip and ended up attacking a group of showgirls to let the anger out.

Anna Westby, 26, (above) recalled the moment her coworker at Best Showgirls in Vegas, Maris Mareen Digiovanni, 30, died in her arms during Thursday's stabbing attack

Westby, who suffered a punctured lung, was rushed away on a stretcher by members of Clark County Fire Department. She said she tried to tend to Digiovanni's injuries while a stranger tended to the stab wound on her back

Friends and family members have paid tribute to the beloved woman - who was a Las Vegas resident and previously worked as a teacher in the city

One of the victims was Maris Digiovanni, 30, Westby's coworker at Best Showgirls in Vegas, who died in her friend, Anna Westby's, hands after they were approached by Barrios.

'He pulled up a knife and he showed it to us as if modeling it,' she told the New York Post. 'Before we could say anything at all. He grabbed the knife and he stabbed Maris in the heart,' she said.

The moment was so shocking to Westby, 26, that she didn't even have time to worry about herself as she tried to apply pressure to Digiovanni's wound.

'And another guy said, 'Ma'am, you have a stab wound on your back.' I said, 'I know.' Can you grab your shirt and apply it to my back while I apply this to her?'

After stabbing Digiovanni in the heart, Westby said the man slashed a fellow showgirl, Victoria Caytano. Westby said she and Digiovanni tried to run, but to no avail.

'Maris made it only about 15 feet before she collapsed,' Westby told the Post. 'And he came after me and stabbed me in the back, and he ran off.'

Speaking to Channel 8 News, Lowthrop said her employees are still reeling over the incident as they mourned Digiovanni, who also worked as an elementary school teacher.

'She was exceptional,' Lowthorp told the local outlet. 'She was exceptional, she was on fire and beautiful and smart and radiant.'
Caroline Farrow, a mother of five, despairs of the petty crime and anti-social behaviour afflicting her Surrey village. Youths vandalising the bus stop, shoplifting, taking pot shots at windows with catapults, keying cars.

But try getting the police to act, says Mrs Farrow, a 48-year-old priest's wife and Catholic commentator, and your entreaty will invariably fall on deaf ears. When teenagers refused to climb down from the roof of a convenience store, police said it was a civil matter, refusing to get involved.

Still, there was a rare sighting of a patrol car in the village at around 4.45pm last Monday. Blue lights flashing, it sped not towards the latest vandalism scene but the Farrow household. Officers hammered on the door, barged inside and told Mrs Farrow she was under arrest.

Her crime: allegedly posting malicious comments on Twitter.

Caroline Farrow, a mother of five, despairs of the petty crime and anti-social behaviour afflicting her Surrey village. Youths vandalising the bus stop, shoplifting, taking pot shots at windows with catapults, keying cars

Try getting the police out for a burglary these days and its nigh impossible, she says. The number of burglaries being solved in Surrey is around 3.5 per cent, below the national average.

Mrs Farrow adds: But exercising your right to free speech on Twitter  the modern public square  and its a different story.

It is her rigid belief that someones gender is biological and unchangeable and for several years she has been involved in a rancorous Twitter row with a trans rights campaigner.

What many might call a civil rather than criminal matter. Indeed, a High Court judge once ordered the pair to stop tweeting about each other as their dispute had got out of control. A common sense approach to resolution, you might think.

Not for a minute did Mrs Farrow believe police would become dragged into the affair. Yet police chiefs these days are often anxious to burnish their woke credentials and Mrs Farrow suspects the activist may have leveraged her trans status.

I have suffered the most awful harassment and abuse for four years from trans rights activists and each time I have complained to the police they have done nothing to help me, she says. And yet, those same activists are able to use the police as their own private militia. Its ridiculous.

Not for a minute did Mrs Farrow believe police would become dragged into the affair. Yet police chiefs these days are often anxious to burnish their woke credentials and Mrs Farrow suspects the activist may have leveraged her trans status

With such a large family, her house is hectic at the best of times and the day of her arrest was no exception.

When the police arrived she had not long returned from the school run. A chicken was roasting in the oven; some of the children were doing their homework; another was reading a Harry Potter book. As Mrs Farrow emptied the washing machine, her husband Robin, recovering from Covid, called out to tell her that two police officers, a man and a woman, were at the front door.

Having a jaundiced view of the law owing to his wifes previous experiences, Father Robin decided to capture what happened next on his mobile phone. The moment-by-moment recording, shared with The Mail on Sunday, offers an illuminating  and at times astonishing  insight into how police approach Twitter disputes. It opens with Mrs Farrow saying: I dont want you in my house. Please get out of my doorway. As the burly male officer holds the door ajar with an outstretched arm, his WPC colleague tells Mrs Farrow that she is under arrest for the offence of malicious communications and harassment.

Then the WPC cautions her and Mrs Farrow listens in apparent disbelief before asking: What am I supposed to have done?

The PC says: Basically, an allegation has been made that you are harassing someone because of the stuff that youve been posting online.

Its an allegation that we need to investigate. In order to do that, youre being arrested so we can conduct a taped, recorded interview under PACE [Police and Criminal Evidence Act].

He then adds: Because its been online... we are going to need to seize electronic devices in order to prove the offences.

Exasperated, Mrs Farrow turns to her husband, saying: This is outrageous. Darling, Ive got the chicken in the oven.

Having a jaundiced view of the law owing to his wifes previous experiences, Father Robin decided to capture what happened next on his mobile phone.

I put it in at half four. It should be ready at about six so you will need to do the potatoes, the vegetables. I cant believe this.

But the officers insist their action is not disproportionate. The PC says: We have received an allegation and we have to act on it.

Mrs Farrow replies: I think this is outrageous that you are coming round to my house. I have five kids, one who is severely autistic. Im trying to get dinner ready. Could you not just ring me up?

The WPC responds: No. I couldnt have rung you up because we need to search your property.

Then the PC says: We need to search your property for electronic devices which may be used in the commission of the offences.

The WPC takes her work laptop, placing it in a plastic bag.

At one point, the Farrows seven-year-old son enters the hallway to see whats going on.

His father says: Get back in the office now. The police are here. Go back in the office now.

The PC then asks to follow Father Robin, a former Anglican rector, into the church while he searches for Carolines iPhone because of concerns that potential evidence could be deleted.

Lincolnshire Police officers dancing the Macarena during a Pride event in Lincoln. Senior officers have said the police has lost its way across the country over the last few months

Father Robin responds: I completely understand that but Im afraid we have very little trust in the police who have not investigated all the allegations, the physical threats of violence against my wife. He is then warned that deleting or altering any evidence is an offence of assisting an offender. Father Robin replies: That will only happen if I do something illegal, which I have no intention of doing.

Mrs Farrow asks if she can use the lavatory before going to the police station.

The WPC responds: I dont need to come into the loo with you but obviously now youre under arrest weve got a duty of care towards you. The couple then burst out laughing at what they later recalled was the absurdity of the situation.

But the WPC perseveres and says: I will follow you around the house because you are under arrest.

The officers took away both Mrs Farrows laptop and iPhone. She says: And my autistic daughter [aged 12] was asking why they were taking her iPad. She got very upset because she listens to the Harry Potter books on it every night. Its the only way she will sleep. My other two daughters had just returned from school and were aghast that police were in the house. My seven-year-old son sat on the stairs and heard it all. He was asking me, Whats happening? Is that the police, mummy? 

As she was taken away in the police car, Mrs Farrow recalls feeling mortified and thinking, I hope none of the parishioners see this.

On the way she asked the officers if when they joined the force they ever anticipated arresting people for saying rude words on social media. They said they were simply following procedure.

At the station she was ordered to take off her earrings, necklace and watch. The officer then asked her to raise her legs so they could check there was nothing in her socks. I was thinking, Half an hour ago I was cooking a chicken and putting the laundry away and now Im having my socks searched for drugs. 

Metropolitan Police officers take the knee during a Black Lives Matter protest in London in June 2020

She was left in a cell for around three hours and interviewed for two. Before she left she had her mugshot taken, and was fingerprinted. Swabs were taken from inside her cheeks.

I thought, Gosh, Im really being treated like a murderer. 

She added: The allegations are malicious communications and harassment. But I am not particularly sure what I am accused of doing even after the police interview. They didnt come up with any evidence, but its not an offence to be insulting. She was in police custody for seven hours and got home after midnight, having been released under investigation.

It could be months before she gets her devices back.

There are documents on my laptop I need. For instance, some relate to an application for a school place for our daughter. This has turned my life upside down.

A furious reaction on social media prompted Detective Chief Inspector David Bentley to explain the actions of the Surrey force.

He said: When we receive an allegation of a crime  in this instance one where a grossly offensive message is said to have been communicated  it is our job to assess it alongside any available evidence to identify if an offence has been committed. If it has, we gather further evidence and carry out an investigation to prove or disprove the allegation. That is exactly the process that is being followed in this case. But Mrs Farrow has lost confidence and hope in the police and now I dont bother complaining to them about the abuse I receive.

She says: The police are supposed to act without fear or favour.

But Im an easy target because I dont subscribe to their LGBTQ agenda. Im meant to be a protected minority too but they dont give a toss about Christian views.

She adds: On social media I have had the most vicious abuse for being a Catholic.

Her husband says: Like most people of my generation, I grew up with the feeling that the police were your friendly neighbourhood bobby. That as long as they werent catching you breaking into a house or something like that, they were on your side.

Unfortunately, our experience has been that when weve gone to them for help, theyve been frankly unhelpful. Instead, theyve just made our life difficult.

Now, when I see the police at the door, I dont think, What can I do to help?, I think, Oh, what do they want now?

As a priest and a neighbourhood figure, you want to be co-operating with the police and helping them do good in the community.

He adds: Unfortunately, thats not how I feel because of our experience with them.

Its really sad.CAROLINE Farrow, a mother of five, despairs of the petty crime and anti-social behaviour afflicting her Surrey village. Youths vandalising the bus stop, shoplifting, taking pot shots at windows with catapults, keying cars.

But try getting the police to act, says Mrs Farrow, a 48-year-old priests wife and Catholic commentator, and your entreaty will invariably fall on deaf ears. When teenagers refused to climb down from the roof of a convenience store, police said it was a civil matter, refusing to get involved.

Still, there was a rare sighting of a patrol car in the village at around 4.45pm last Monday. Blue lights flashing, it sped not towards the latest vandalism scene but the Farrow household. Officers hammered on the door, barged inside and told Mrs Farrow she was under arrest.

Her crime: allegedly posting malicious comments on Twitter.

David Spencer (right), a former Metropolitan Police officer, makes a series of recommendations to reform British policing in a Policy Exchange report entitled 'What do we want from the next Prime Minister?' (left)

Try getting the police out for a burglary these days and its nigh impossible, she says. The number of burglaries being solved in Surrey is around 3.5 per cent, below the national average.

Mrs Farrow adds: But exercising your right to free speech on Twitter  the modern public square  and its a different story.

It is her rigid belief that someones gender is biological and unchangeable and for several years she has been involved in a rancorous Twitter row with a trans rights campaigner.

What many might call a civil rather than criminal matter. Indeed, a High Court judge once ordered the pair to stop tweeting about each other as their dispute had got out of control. A common sense approach to resolution, you might think.

Not for a minute did Mrs Farrow believe police would become dragged into the affair. Yet police chiefs these days are often anxious to burnish their woke credentials and Mrs Farrow suspects the activist may have leveraged her trans status.

I have suffered the most awful harassment and abuse for four years from trans rights activists and each time I have complained to the police they have done nothing to help me, she says. And yet, those same activists are able to use the police as their own private militia. Its ridiculous.

An ex-commissioner warned that they Met Police chief 'must stamp out wokery in the force and axe at least 40 senior officers to reform Scotland Yard'

With such a large family, her house is hectic at the best of times and the day of her arrest was no exception.

When the police arrived she had not long returned from the school run. A chicken was roasting in the oven; some of the children were doing their homework; another was reading a Harry Potter book. As Mrs Farrow emptied the washing machine, her husband Robin, recovering from Covid, called out to tell her that two police officers, a man and a woman, were at the front door.

Having a jaundiced view of the law owing to his wifes previous experiences, Father Robin decided to capture what happened next on his mobile phone. The moment-by-moment recording, shared with The Mail on Sunday, offers an illuminating  and at times astonishing  insight into how police approach Twitter disputes. It opens with Mrs Farrow saying: I dont want you in my house. Please get out of my doorway. As the burly male officer holds the door ajar with an outstretched arm, his WPC colleague tells Mrs Farrow that she is under arrest for the offence of malicious communications and harassment.

Then the WPC cautions her and Mrs Farrow listens in apparent disbelief before asking: What am I supposed to have done?

The PC says: Basically, an allegation has been made that you are harassing someone because of the stuff that youve been posting online.

Its an allegation that we need to investigate. In order to do that, youre being arrested so we can conduct a taped, recorded interview under PACE [Police and Criminal Evidence Act].

He then adds: Because its been online... we are going to need to seize electronic devices in order to prove the offences.

Exasperated, Mrs Farrow turns to her husband, saying: This is outrageous. Darling, Ive got the chicken in the oven.

I put it in at half four. It should be ready at about six so you will need to do the potatoes, the vegetables. I cant believe this.

But the officers insist their action is not disproportionate. The PC says: We have received an allegation and we have to act on it.

Mrs Farrow replies: I think this is outrageous that you are coming round to my house. I have five kids, one who is severely autistic. Im trying to get dinner ready. Could you not just ring me up?

The WPC responds: No. I couldnt have rung you up because we need to search your property.

Then the PC says: We need to search your property for electronic devices which may be used in the commission of the offences.

Sir Mark Rowley (pictured) started his role as head of Britain's largest police force last month

The WPC takes her work laptop, placing it in a plastic bag.

At one point, the Farrows seven-year-old son enters the hallway to see whats going on.

His father says: Get back in the office now. The police are here. Go back in the office now.

The PC then asks to follow Father Robin, a former Anglican rector, into the church while he searches for Carolines iPhone because of concerns that potential evidence could be deleted.

Father Robin responds: I completely understand that but Im afraid we have very little trust in the police who have not investigated all the allegations, the physical threats of violence against my wife. He is then warned that deleting or altering any evidence is an offence of assisting an offender. Father Robin replies: That will only happen if I do something illegal, which I have no intention of doing.

Mrs Farrow asks if she can use the lavatory before going to the police station.

The WPC responds: I dont need to come into the loo with you but obviously now youre under arrest weve got a duty of care towards you. The couple then burst out laughing at what they later recalled was the absurdity of the situation.

But the WPC perseveres and says: I will follow you around the house because you are under arrest.

The officers took away both Mrs Farrows laptop and iPhone. She says: And my autistic daughter [aged 12] was asking why they were taking her iPad. She got very upset because she listens to the Harry Potter books on it every night. Its the only way she will sleep. My other two daughters had just returned from school and were aghast that police were in the house. My seven-year-old son sat on the stairs and heard it all. He was asking me, Whats happening? Is that the police, mummy? 

As she was taken away in the police car, Mrs Farrow recalls feeling mortified and thinking, I hope none of the parishioners see this.

On the way she asked the officers if when they joined the force they ever anticipated arresting people for saying rude words on social media. They said they were simply following procedure.

At the station she was ordered to take off her earrings, necklace and watch. The officer then asked her to raise her legs so they could check there was nothing in her socks. I was thinking, Half an hour ago I was cooking a chicken and putting the laundry away and now Im having my socks searched for drugs. 

She was left in a cell for around three hours and interviewed for two. Before she left she had her mugshot taken, and was fingerprinted. Swabs were taken from inside her cheeks.

I thought, Gosh, Im really being treated like a murderer. 

She added: The allegations are malicious communications and harassment. But I am not particularly sure what I am accused of doing even after the police interview. They didnt come up with any evidence, but its not an offence to be insulting. She was in police custody for seven hours and got home after midnight, having been released under investigation.

It could be months before she gets her devices back.

There are documents on my laptop I need. For instance, some relate to an application for a school place for our daughter. This has turned my life upside down.

A furious reaction on social media prompted Detective Chief Inspector David Bentley to explain the actions of the Surrey force.

He said: When we receive an allegation of a crime  in this instance one where a grossly offensive message is said to have been communicated  it is our job to assess it alongside any available evidence to identify if an offence has been committed. If it has, we gather further evidence and carry out an investigation to prove or disprove the allegation. That is exactly the process that is being followed in this case. But Mrs Farrow has lost confidence and hope in the police and now I dont bother complaining to them about the abuse I receive.

She says: The police are supposed to act without fear or favour.

But Im an easy target because I dont subscribe to their LGBTQ agenda. Im meant to be a protected minority too but they dont give a toss about Christian views.

She adds: On social media I have had the most vicious abuse for being a Catholic.

Her husband says: Like most people of my generation, I grew up with the feeling that the police were your friendly neighbourhood bobby. That as long as they werent catching you breaking into a house or something like that, they were on your side.

Unfortunately, our experience has been that when weve gone to them for help, theyve been frankly unhelpful. Instead, theyve just made our life difficult.

Now, when I see the police at the door, I dont think, What can I do to help?, I think, Oh, what do they want now?

As a priest and a neighbourhood figure, you want to be co-operating with the police and helping them do good in the community.

He adds: Unfortunately, thats not how I feel because of our experience with them.

Its really sad.
An orchestra which has received more than 1 million of public money refused to play the National Anthem after the Queen died because it said it symbolises the racist British Empire.

The Chineke! Orchestra performed at the Lucerne Festival in Switzerland during the mourning period, but founder and artistic director Chi-chi Nwanoku banned the playing of God Save The King.

The move has been criticised by MPs and musical figures, who point out that Ms Nwanoku has accepted honours including a CBE.

The Chineke! Orchestra performed at the Lucerne Festival in Switzerland during the mourning period, but founder and artistic director Chi-chi Nwanoku (pictured) banned the playing of God Save The King

In an email, Ms Nwanoku, 66, wrote: The Chineke! Orchestra is full of musicians who are not from the UK and many who are the direct result of their ancestors being enslaved. We will not be playing the National Anthem in Lucerne.

The 62-strong group is made up of a majority of black, Asian and ethnically diverse musicians.

The group did mark the death of Prince Philip in April 2021 with a minutes silence. But Ms Nwanoku said last month: Many in the orchestra were incredibly upset about being made to do that, with the reason being that the Empire is virtually entirely built on racism and the plundering of Africa.

In another email she said: I would be extremely uncomfortable imposing it on people who a) are not British and b) who are not nationalistic and c) the list goes on. It does not mean we are not sad that the Queen has died.

One insider said: Chi-chi was adamant that the anthem represents a British Empire which was a racist institution, and which was responsible for the persecution of many of the ancestors of the players in the orchestra.

Some members of the orchestra actually agreed with her because they too had concerns about some of the anthems lyrics. But I think its fair to say the majority of the orchestra wanted to do something for the Queen.

Some members preferred the idea of a minutes silence. They wanted something to be done but in the end, nothing was done.

The group did mark the death of Prince Philip in April 2021 with a minutes silence. But Ms Nwanoku said last month: Many in the orchestra were incredibly upset about being made to do that, with the reason being that the Empire is virtually entirely built on racism and the plundering of Africa.

London-born Ms Nwanoku, an acclaimed double bassist of Irish and Nigerian descent, is one of the most high-profile figures on the UK classical music scene.

The orchestra has received more than 1million from Arts Council England, which includes money from the National Lottery.

The move to snub the National Anthem was first revealed on the Slipped Disc classical music website. Its owner, Norman Lebrecht, said: Its terribly disappointing that a young British orchestra, representing the country during a week of state mourning, was unable to perform the National Anthem as a mark of respect to the late Queen. Thats damaging, not to Britain but to Chineke!.

David Mellor, The Mail on Sundays classical music critic and former Arts Minister, said: If they are not prepared to respect Britain and great British institutions like the Royal Family, they should stop taking public funds.

Julian Knight, a Tory MP and the chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, said: Its a bizarre opinion which seems even more bizarre coming from someone who has a bag full of honours.

Ms Nwanoku has been approached for comment.
Zelensky said: 'Ukrainians know that our future is sunny. This is the future without invaders on all our territory'

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Ukrainian president and ex-comedian Volodymyr Zelensky rediscovered his comic chops in a tongue-in-cheek weather report following damage to a key strategic bridge between Russia and Moscow-annexed Crimea.

The Kyiv leader poked fun at the humiliating attack on Putin's supply line, making the audacious comments in his nightly video address posted on Telegram.

Zelensky said: 'Today was a good and mostly sunny day in our country. Over most of the territory, it was about 20 degrees Celsius and sunny.

'Unfortunately, it was cloudy in Crimea, although it was still warm. But however the clouds are, Ukrainians know what to do, and they know that our future is sunny.

'This is the future without invaders, on all our territory, in particular in Crimea.'

Three people were killed when the apparent truck bomb took down a chunk of the bridge between Russia and the Ukrainian region stolen by Putin in 2014.

The explosion took place just hours after Putin's 70th birthday, with one of Zelensky's aides joking: 'Happy birthday, Mr President'.

The plot thickened when a mysterious 'wave' was caught on video, fuelling speculation that Ukrainian special services used a boat or explosive-laden drone to launch an attack that has damaged Putin's supply lines.

The massive blast, suspected to have been carried out by Ukrainian saboteurs, rocked the bridge early this morning

Eyewitness footage this morning showed the bridge burning hours after the initial detonation along the key supply line

Putin (pictured on September 30) responded to the humiliating attack by upping security and enlisting the FSB's help

Moscow furiously claimed a truck bomb caused the blast which killed at least three people but did not apportion blame - while the speaker of Crimea's Kremlin-backed regional parliament accused Kyiv of being behind the explosion.

Putin responded to the embarrassing attack by ordering tightened security at the bridge.

In a decree issued hours after the bridge was damaged by a blast, Putin said the FSB security service would be responsible for strengthening protection measures.

Dramatic new footage shows the blast rocking the Kerch Bridge and causing its partial collapse, in yet another humiliation for Moscow as its forces retreat from occupied southern and eastern Ukraine amid a sweeping counter-offensive by Volodymyr Zelensky's troops. The Kremlin had claimed the bridge, which was opened personally Putin in 2018 to much fanfare in Russian-state media, was being protected by a maximum security operation which even included attack dolphins.

Russian law enforcement has identified Samir Yusubov, 25, from the Krasnodar region in Russia, as the alleged owner of the red-coloured International Prostar truck, which, according to investigators, exploded on the Crimean Bridge. They are still investigating who was driving the truck when it exploded.

Workers are pictured repairing the railway line section of the bridge over the Kerch Strait this evening on Putin's orders

The rail bridge from Russia to the Crimean peninsula can be seen engulfed in flames on the right, while a huge section of the road bridge has collapsed into the sea

Cars are pictured below the damaged bridge connecting Crimea to Russia tonight, hours after a massive explosion

But the so-called 'wave' which appeared under the bridge before it was destroyed has led to speculation that it was attacked using a boat or explosive-laden drone.

Ukrainian officials have repeatedly threatened to strike the bridge and some lauded the destruction, but Kyiv stopped short of claiming responsibility. However, a top aide to President Zelensky boasted that 'Putin should be happy. Not everyone gets such an expensive birthday present', and the Prime Minister of Estonia suggested that the attack was committed by Ukraine.

The attack could cut supplies to Putin's forces as Ukraine makes more advances in the south towards Kherson. A section of the bridge has collapsed into the sea and seven oil tankers on a train caught fire in the blast. Long fuel lines are already forming in Crimea, despite Russian claims to have enough supplies to last two weeks.

Officials at the bridge opened the doors of the truck before sending it on its way - despite claims it was guarded with a maximum-security operation

Images appear to show movement in the water under the bridge a split second before the explosion which brought down the road bridge and set fire to oil tankers

The Kerch Bridge is the only direct link between Russia and Crimea and is a crucial supply line for Russian forces in Ukraine

The explosion is the latest setback in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Putin's forces struggling to hold ground in the past few months

The fire continued to rage on the rail bridge following the explosion as Russian state media said several fuel tanks were on fire

Eyewitnesses said the enormous blast could be heard from miles away, and a column of smoke could be seen rising over the Black Sea

Russian propaganda had claimed the Crimean bridge was impossible to attack because of 20 different kinds of security protecting it, including military dolphins

Speculation is mounting that a drone was used to blow up the bridge. This image handed out by the Russian Ministry of Defence shows what was claimed to be a mystery Ukrainian drone found near Crimea

The 12-mile bridge across the Kerch Strait linking the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov opened in 2018 and is the longest in Europe.

The 3.2billion project is a tangible symbol of Moscow's claims on Crimea and has provided an essential link to the peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

Crimea holds symbolic value for Russia and is key to sustaining its military operations in southern Ukraine. While Russia seized areas north of Crimea early on during the invasion and built a land corridor to it along the Sea of Azov, Ukraine is pressing a counteroffensive to reclaim them.

The Russian Defence Ministry said troops in the south were receiving necessary supplies through the land corridor and by sea. The Energy Ministry said Crimea has enough fuel for 15 days and it was working on ways to replenish stock.

The bridge has train and road sections. The blast and fire caused the collapse of one of the two links of the road bridge, while another link was intact.

Russia has released this picture of Samir Yusubov, 25, believed to be the truck's owner

The Russian Transport Ministry said train traffic across the bridge would start again shortly after quick repair works.

Vehicle traffic resumed on Saturday afternoon on one of the two links that remained intact from the blast, with the flow alternating in each direction and vehicles undergoing a 'full inspection procedure,' Crimea's Russia-backed regional leader, Sergey Aksyonov, wrote on Telegram.

Rail traffic was resuming slowly. Two passenger trains departed from the Crimean cities of Sevastopol and Simferopol and headed toward the bridge on Saturday evening. Passenger ferry links between Crimea and the Russian mainland were being relaunched Sunday.

Mr Putin was informed about the explosion and ordered the creation of a government panel to deal with the emergency.

The speaker of Crimea's Kremlin-backed regional parliament blamed Ukraine for the explosion, but downplayed the severity of the damage and said the bridge would be promptly repaired.

Leonid Slutsky, head of the foreign affairs committee in the lower house of Russian parliament, said 'consequences will be imminent' if Ukraine is responsible.

Gennady Zyuganov, head of the Russian Communist Party, which is nominally in the opposition but votes in line with Kremlin wishes in parliament, said the 'terror attack' should serve as a wake-up call.

'The long-overdue measures haven't been taken yet, the special operation must be turned into a counterterrorist operation,' he said.

Sergei Mironov, head of the Just Russia faction in parliament, said Moscow should respond by attacking key Ukrainian infrastructure including power plants, bridges and railways.

The parliamentary leader of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's party on Saturday stopped short of claiming Kyiv was responsible but appeared to cast it as a consequence of Moscow's takeover of Crimea.

'Russian illegal construction is starting to fall apart and catch fire. The reason is simple: if you build something explosive, then sooner or later it will explode,' David Arakhamia, the leader of the Servant of the People party, wrote on Telegram.

The secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, Oleksiy Danilov, tweeted a video with the Kerch Bridge on fire alongside Marilyn Monroe singing her famous Happy Birthday, Mr President.

Pictures in the aftermath of the explosion show the devastation it caused on the crucial road and rail bridge

Later this morning, smoke could still be seen billowing out over the sea as the bridge was closed to all traffic

The fire could still be seen burning from miles away from a suspected fuel tank on a train was hit by the explosion

The road section of the Kerch Bridge was severely damaged by the blast - it is not known how long it could take to repair

A helicopter was used to drop water in an effort to extinguish the flames on the bridge earlier this morning

People posed for photos with a giant postage stamp of the bridge on fire today following the explosion

The blast has been welcomed by many in Ukraine as the latest blow against Putin's regime as his forces continue to suffer setbacks

Member of Putin's inner circle 'directly confronts Vladimir over Ukraine war mistakes and mismanagement' as Kremlin insiders reach 'breaking point', US intelligence report claims Vladimir Putin has been confronted by one of his inner circle about his handling of the failing war in Ukraine, US intelligence has said. The insider complained to Putin about 'mismanagement of the war effort' and 'mistakes' being made by those executing the campaign, it is alleged. It is the clearest indication yet of rebellion among Russia's elite over the war and the first evidence that Putin has been directly confronted about it. Meanwhile Russian business executives linked to Moscow's political class described the situation inside the Kremlin as being at 'breaking point', and said in-fighting will break out soon if the tide of war keeps flowing in Ukraine's direction. The news emerged after Ukraine scored a series of battlefield victories over Russia, forcing Putin to announce a deeply-unpopular mobilisation to shore up the front line, annex occupied territories, and threaten anyone who intervenes with nukes. Advertisement

The blast on the bridge occurred hours after explosions rocked the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv early on Saturday, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and triggering a series of secondary explosions.

Ukrainian officials accused Russia of pounding Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, with surface-to-air missiles and said at least one person was wounded. The strikes targeted two largely residential neighbourhoods, the regional governor, Oleh Sinehubov, said.

Huge queues appeared at petrol stations in Crimea in the wake of the bridge's destruction, soon after the Russian puppet authorities said there was petrol for 40 days. Other sources said there was only 15 days of fuel as panic buyers queued for hours.

Locals were also rationed to 3kg of essential groceries amid fears for supplies, according to reports on the peninsula.

A video shows a Russian man in Crimea saying: 'We've had a good life, but it was short-lived. The ways [of escape] are now cut off.'

Pro-Putin military correspondent Yuri Kotyonok joined a wave of demands for overwhelming Russian attacks on Ukraine. He said: 'The answer for blowing up the bridge should be crushing. The question is not about revenge, but about punishment and our capacity as a state responding to terrorist attacks. The Crimean Bridge will certainly be restored. I hope that they will do it promptly - within a few months. He asked for answers on why 'targets in Kyiv are still intact'.

Yuri Podolyaka, a popular pro-Rus blogger, said: 'It looks like this is the prelude to the main strike of the Ukrainians in the south. If over the next few days Ukraine does not plunge into darkness and strikes are not carried out on the bridges across the Dnieper, I personally will consider it a sign of an [epic failure].'

Vladimir Rogov, chairman of 'We are Together with Russia' movement, and a key official in occupied Ukraine, said: 'The Crimean bridge has been blown up. Both the road and railway lines have been cut. The [Ukraine] terrorist entity must be destroyed.'

He published exact map coordinates of targets he wanted hit in Ukraine.

Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov said the early-morning explosions were the result of missile strikes in the centre of the city. He added that the blasts sparked fires at one of the city's medical institutions and a non-residential building. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Russian officials said they faced an 'emergency' on the bridge with the train on fire. A Russian Telegram channel said: 'It is likely that an improvised explosive device hidden in any of the passing vehicles was detonated.'

Oleg Kryuchkov, aide to the Kremlin-appointed head of annexed Crimea, said: 'According to preliminary information, a fuel storage tank is on fire. Navigable arches were not damaged. It is too early to speak about causes and consequences. Work to extinguish the blaze is under way.'

Russian-controlled Crimean Railways said: 'A fuel tank at the tail of a freight train caught fire. The locomotive with some carriages was brought to Kerch station.'

Ukraine in recent days has grown more ambitious in its predictions that it will retake Crimea - annexed by Russia in 2014.

Rybar, a pro-Russian Telegram channel reported: 'There was an explosion at around 6am on one of the sections of the Crimean Bridge. According to official reports, a fuel tanker caught fire. Road services and the Emergencies Ministry are working at the scene of the fire and traffic has been temporarily suspended.

'However, photos and video footage show one of the vehicles being put out of action, which in no way could have happened due to a simple fire. It is likely that an improvised explosive device hidden in any of the passing vehicles was detonated.'

Pro-Kremlin war reporter Andrey Rudenko asked: 'What kind of power did the explosion have to for a span of the bridge to go under water? It is quite possible to assume that the main explosion was underwater. At the beginning of the year, there were reports that the West had supplied Ukraine with underwater kamikaze drones.'

Vladimir Rogov, chairman of 'We are Together with Russia' movement, and a key official in occupied Ukraine, said: 'The [Ukraine] terrorist entity must be destroyed.'

Army General Sergey Surovikin is reported to have taken charge of Putin's war in Ukraine after a series of setbacks for Russian since it invaded in February

The British Ministry of Defence said in June: 'For over thirty years, Surovikin's (right) career has been dogged with allegations of corruption and brutality'

Ukraine has been launching a successful counter-offensive against Russia in the last few weeks, claiming miles of territory

Ukraine has won back hundreds of settlements and miles of territory as it pushes back against Russian forces in the east of the country
President Biden has officially signed an executive order that protects the data transfers between the US and the European Union. The executive order is meant for implementing the EU-US Data Privacy Framework or.

According to Engadget, addressing national security concerns which should be clearly defined, will require privacy and civil liberties to be taken into consideration when seeking data. On top of that, intelligence gatherers must update their policies for data handling.

Why is this Important?

The economic relationship between the European Union and the US is worth $7.1 trillion. Transatlantic data flows are important for enabling the said relationship. The Data Privacy Framework between the EU and US will restore a significant legal basis for data flows.

The executive order will address concerns raised by the Court of Justice of the European Union about striking down the prior EU-US Privacy Shield Framework as a "valid data transfer mechanism" under EU law, as mentioned in the official website of the White House.

Individuals in qualifying states will also be able to seek redress if they believe that their personal data is being taken through the US signals intelligence, if it violates applicable US law.

Read Also: Biden's Cryptocurrency Executive Order: Industry Leaders, Regulators React

What Does the Executive Order Do?

Safeguards will be put into place so intelligence activities will only be conducted when necessary to advance a validated intelligence priority, limiting it in a manner proportionate to that priority.

Personal information collected through signals intelligence activities will now require handling requirements. For appropriate actions taken to remediate incidents of non-compliance, the mandate extends to the responsibilities of legal, oversight, and compliance officials.

To reflect the new privacy and civil liberties safeguards in the Executive Order, policies and procedures must be updated, keeping in mind that the updates will now require US Intelligence Community elements.

To ensure that concerned parties are consistent with the Executive Order and conduct an annual review of the redress process, the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board will be called upon. They will review Intelligence Community policies and procedures. The Executive order will make sure the Intelligence Community fully complied to the determinations made by the CLPO and DPRC.

Multi-Layer Mechanism

The mechanism is for individuals who claim that their personal information was collected or handled by the US in violation of applicable US law, granted that they are from qualifying states and regional economic integration organizations.

Firstly, the Civil Liberties Protection Officer in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (CLPO) will be conducting an initial investigation of complaints received to determine whether the Executive Order's safeguards were violated.

Second, The Executive Order will authorize and direct the Attorney General who will then establish a Data Protection Review Court or DPRC which will provide a binding review of the CLPO's decisions.

Judges from outside the US government will be appointed for the DPRC. They must have relevant experience in the matter of the field of data privacy and national security.

Related Article: Why Data Security is More Important Than Ever
Depp's friend and lawyer, Camille Vasquez, was spotted in NYC with her new boyfriend, WeWork executive Edward Owen

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Johnny Depp played the second show of his United States tour with legendary guitarist Jeff Beck on Friday, after the pair became fast friends in recent years and released a debut album together.

Meanwhile, Depp's lawyer pal, Camille Vasquez, who was part of his legal team in the bombshell defamation case against ex-girlfriend Amber Heard, was seen strolling with her British boyfriend Edward Owen.

Vasquez was recently in the audience for Depp's first show in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday and sported a VIP pass along with lawyer Ben Chew, who also defended Depp in the case.

Depp sported his typical rock star look, complete with sunglasses and a black cap as he let his long hair loose on stage.

The 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star wore a black jacket with black jeans along with a signature abundance of dangling jewelry.

Johnny Depp played the second show of his US tour with guitarist Jeff Beck in Port Chester, New York

The two friends appeared happy as they rocked on stage together, with Johnny letting his long hair loose for the show

The two played songs from the debut album they released together, titled '18'

Over his storied career, Beck has won eight Grammy awards and has been nominated into the top 100 guitarists of all time by Rolling Stone

Though Beck is older than Depp at 78, the rocker looked spry as he wore a short-sleeved white shirt under a black and white vest

Though Vasquez recently went to see Depp play, she opted to sit this concert out and was seen taking a walk with boyfriend Edward Owen, a WeWork executive.

The pair seemed to be an item as they held hands during their stroll of New York City.

Depp smiled as he jammed with Beck, who has been inducted twice into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Over his storied career, Beck has won eight Grammy awards, been nominated into the top 100 guitarists of all time by Rolling Stone and played an expansive list of hits across many different genres.

Beck, who is older than Depp at 78, the rocker looked spry as he wore a short-sleeved white shirt under a black and white vest.

Camille Vasquez was seen strolling with her British boyfriend Edward Owen in New York City

Owen works as a real estate executive for WeWork; the two reportedly met in London

Depp and Beck met in 2016 and became good friends, bonding over their shared love of music and cars

They eventually started playing music together in 2019 and have toured in Europe ahead of their first US tour

Depp and Beck met in 2016 and became good friends, bonding over their shared love of music and cars.

They eventually started playing music together in 2019, and have toured in Europe ahead of their first US tour.

The embattled 59-year-old has embarked on the music tour, playing multiple concerts and releasing new music after his high-profile legal battle against ex-wife, Amber Heard.

Vasquez also found herself thrust into the limelight after defending the actor in his highly publicized case that had the jury largely siding with him.

Heard had claimed in a 2018 op-ed for the Washington Post that she was a domestic abuse survivor. She's now been ordered to pay Depp $10 million in compensation and $5 million in punitive damages.

A court ruled that Heard had defamed him in the article, but the jury also awarded Heard $2 million in her countersuit against Depp.

Vasquez was widely praised for her performance during the trial and was awarded a promotion following her success in the courtroom.

Heard had claimed in a 2018 op-ed for the Washington Post that she was a domestic abuse survivor and has now been ordered to pay Depp $10 million in compensation

Vasquez and Depp raised eyebrows during the six-week legal battle with his ex-wife Amber Heard over how close they were, but denied any romantic connection

Meanwhile, Depp and his London lawyer girlfriend, Joelle Rich, 'were dating' during his US court battle against Heard this summer, but 'aren't exclusive,' according to sources connected to the pair.

They added that Rich had no role in Depp's legal defense and was not there for business reasons - but that Depp is not looking for a serious relationship at this point in time. The Mail was previously told by a source that: 'She was not there in a professional capacity as she wasn't on the US team who were dealing with the case.'

The latest news appears to confirm earlier speculation that the two were together throughout the trial in the summer.

Depp and his London lawyer girlfriend Joelle Rich 'were dating' during his US court battle against Amber Heard in this summer, sources have claimed. The pair are pictured outside Fairfax County Circuit Court on April 26 this year

Sources have now told TMZ that Depp was dating his former attorney Joelle Rich throughout the court case this summer, saying the pair were 'very much' an item
A physically healthy 23-year-old was helped to take her own life in a 'truly shocking' euthanasia case in Belgium.

Shanti De Corte, traumatised after a terror attack in 2016, died in May after medics agreed she was so depressed that she could be legally euthanised.

Last night, British campaigners fighting the introduction of assisted dying laws warned that even if a narrowly defined act was brought in, it would inevitably broaden over time to include those with mental health problems.

But Dignity in Dying, which is calling for a change in the law, said there was 'no evidence' from around the world that this tended to happen.

Ms De Corte, from Antwerp, developed depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being caught up at Brussels Airport in the Islamic State attack of March 2016 which killed 32.

Shanti De Corte, traumatised after a terror attack in 2016, died in May after medics agreed she was so depressed that she could be legally euthanised

Although physically unscathed, she never got over the attack and attempted suicide twice before asking doctors to help end her life. Under Belgian law, euthanasia is allowed to a person in 'a medically futile condition of constant and unbearable physical or mental pain that cannot be alleviated'. There is no lower age limit.

Ms De Corte's request was approved by two psychiatrists and she died on May 7.

Andrea Williams of Christian Concern said: 'It is truly shocking that an otherwise healthy, but traumatised 23-year-old was euthanised rather than cared for. With proper help, she could have lived a long, fulfilling life. This case shows how slippery the slope is once you allow euthanasia in law.'

Ms De Corte, from Antwerp, developed depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being caught up at Brussels Airport in the Islamic State attack of March 2016 which killed 32. Pictured: With a friend on a post shared to a tribute page

UK campaigners for assisted dying stress that their proposals explicitly exclude those with mental health problems. They argue that it should be legal only for what Dignity in Dying calls 'terminally ill, mentally competent adults'.

Sarah Wootton, the organisation's chief executive, said: 'The evidence from the US, Australia and New Zealand tells us that tightly drafted and safeguarded laws with these strict criteria remain that way. People in Ms De Corte's position wouldn't be eligible for an assisted death under any proposed UK legislation.'

But Dr Claud Regnard, honorary consultant in palliative care at St Oswald's Hospice in Newcastle, argued the pressure to include more people would be inexorable: 'People talk about safeguards. But even now some are saying the safeguards envisaged would be discriminatory.'
Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse wore 58,000 worth of diamonds on last week's show  courtesy of BBC licence fee payers.

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the star rented the luxury accessories from jewellers Boodles at a cost of more than 1,000.

And we can also disclose that her stylist, Sinead McKeefry, was reprimanded by BBC bosses for plugging the high-end company on Instagram. Ms McKeefry also dresses Claudia Winkleman and on the same night also tagged a pair of 595 red Christian Louboutin stilettoes the host wore on the show.

Ms Mabuse, 41, is paid 200,000 a series by the BBC, plus a generous clothing budget which covered the rental of the four pieces from Boodles she wore on last Sunday's results programme. The ensemble included three items in platinum diamond  a 18,300 bangle, 15,600 hoop earrings and a 14,300 ring  plus a 10,000 white gold and diamond bangle. All were returned within days.

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the star rented the luxury accessories from jewellers Boodles at a cost of more than 1,000. Pictured: Mabuse on the show last Sunday

And we can also disclose that her stylist, Sinead McKeefry, pictured, was reprimanded by BBC bosses for plugging the high-end company on Instagram

Ms McKeefry also dresses Claudia Winkleman, pictured, and on the same night also tagged a pair of 595 red Christian Louboutin stilettoes the host wore on the show

Ms Mabuse's clothing budget is given to her by BBC Studios, the Corporation's commercial arm that makes Strictly. The BBC then buys the programme with licence money. The Corporation has strict rules preventing stars from plugging products online, regardless of whether they are free, borrowed or hired. While the regulations do not cover those who work for their stars, bosses are understood to have taken a 'dim view' of Ms McKeefry's Instagram posts and insisted that she changed them.

Tory MP Julian Knight, chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee said: 'At a time when the BBC has made the over-75s pay the licence fee, it's a slap in the face that they are splashing such a huge amount on something so frivolous as costume jewellery. The money spent adds up to a number of licence fees from the public and all for a week of bling. Next time they ask the licence fee payers for more money, maybe we should remind them of this.'

A BBC spokeswoman said: 'The BBC has clear guidelines in place which we take very seriously. The social media posts referred to have been amended.'

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the star rented the luxury accessories from jewellers Boodles at a cost of more than 1,000. Pictured: Motsi during last Saturday's show

Ms Mabuse, a ballroom champion in Germany and sister of former Strictly professional dancer Oti Mabusi, teamed the elegant jewellery with a simple black dress.

As well as Ms Mabuse and Ms Winkleman, Ms McKeefry styles Amanda Holden and last year's Strictly winner Rose Ayling-Ellis.

In August, Strictly dancers Janette Manrara, Nadiya Bychkova and Dianne Buswell became embroiled in a similar plugging row after praising Dincwear, who make leggings and leotards, on their social media channels.
The retired lieutenant colonel behind the arrangements for Queen Elizabeths lying-in-state and her funeral has spoken for the first time about the exhaustively detailed planning that took place away from public view.

Lt Col Anthony Mather spent more than a decade drawing up London Bridge, the codename given to the arrangements for when the Queen died.

And, as he reveals today, so painstakingly thorough were the preparations that:

A replica of Westminster Hall was constructed in an aircraft hangar for dry runs of the lying-in-state.

A special illuminated railway carriage was prepared with glass windows allowing mourners a glimpse of the coffin for if the Royal Train made the journey from Edinburgh to London, or from elsewhere.

Lt Col Mather had to spy on the layout of Royal corridors  including at Prince Philips Sandringham cottage  to plan the movement of the Queens coffin.

The carpets put down for the lying-in-state in Westminster Hall were tested to destruction by a man in boots with steel-tipped heels.

Lt Col Anthony Mather spent more than a decade drawing up London Bridge, the codename given to the arrangements for when the Queen died.

Lt Col Mather worked alongside the Duke of Norfolk who, as Earl Marshal, has formal oversight of coronations and Royal funerals. But it was Lt Col Mather who drew up the detailed plans for London Bridge. He led a team of 300 who met at least once a year to revise the Queens funeral plans and co-ordinate with courtiers.

A former Grenadier Guard and a member of the Royal Household for some 26 years, Lt Col Mather started writing London Bridge in 1999, when the Queen was in her 70s  although never once spoke to her about it directly. The first draft I wrote was, I think, 15 pages long, he said. My final copy, from 2017, is about two and a half inches thick. If you have a plan, you have to keep it up to date. Quite a big group met once a year  at the end of January  and we had a conference, the Earl Marshals conference, where he took the chair and we explained any updates to the plans.

The final members of the public pay their respects at the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Hall last month

In the latter years, we took over the whole of the ballroom at Buckingham Palace. We did it all through a PowerPoint presentation. People were sworn to secrecy  they didnt discuss it, other than with those people who needed to know. Whenever one saw the Queen, it was very formal. Discussion of the funeral was all indirect  it always went through a private secretary. Youd find a private secretary or a lady in waiting in a corridor and have a word. They tested the temperature of the water for me.

Lt Col Mather would outline his suggestions on paper to the private secretary. This, he said, went up to the Queen in a Red Box  then you waited for a reply to come back. Her Majesty requested changes via handwritten notes in the margin. Mather also held meetings about the funeral arrangements with Charles, then Prince of Wales, at Birkhall, his home on the Balmoral estate in Scotland.

We were very conscious of what we would be putting the King and Queen Consort through. We gave them a days break from public duties amid the official mourning period  although even then, the Red Boxes didnt stop. So the King was still working, even on the day he spent at Highgrove. Im told he took six or eight phone calls from heads of state, so you know  a good day off.

6.32am: Black Rod pays her respects this morning on the final day of the lying in state at the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II

He also ensured that the ten days of official mourning were punctuated with short rest-breaks. He confirmed that the King always takes a cushion with him, but explained that the purpose is to support his back.

Now 80, Lt Col Mather had played a leading role in the State Funeral of Winston Churchill, where he commanded the Grenadier Guards Bearer Party carrying the coffin. He assisted with the ceremonies for the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret and Prince Philip, and says he had to write Dianas funeral plan on a blank piece of paper in 48 hours. Such is the depth of his expertise, he has even had input, on the first few drafts of Kings Charless eventual funeral.

Among the many eventualities which Mather had planned for  including the Queen dying at sea, at Prince Philips remote Wood Farm cottage on the Sandringham estate, or while on a visit to Northern Ireland  was a plan in case she died in Scotland, which came to be known as Operation Unicorn. There was even a working arrangement if she died not at the main castle of Balmoral but at a small lodge in the grounds, where she stayed for just two weeks of the year, while the castle was open to the public.

I have been many times to suss out Royal residences and the routes to bring the coffin down the stairs. I very nearly got caught out, he recalled.

I went for the same reason to Sandringham, to Wood Farm, where Prince Philip lived, and we were going there because we knew he was out . . . because they have a problem in that farmhouse. The stairs are very steep. I was going with the agent at the time and we turned into the drive, and he suddenly threw the car into reverse because Philip was coming round the corner. One would never do it while he was there  it would be insensitive.

Among the many eventualities which Mather had planned for  including the Queen dying at sea, at Prince Philips remote Wood Farm cottage on the Sandringham estate, or while on a visit to Northern Ireland  was a plan in case she died in Scotland, which came to be known as Operation Unicorn

During initial meetings, he said staff at Aberdeen airport had resisted the idea of closing airspace and changing flight schedules in the event of the Queens death in Scotland. Quite often, we would go up just to see Aberdeen airport. And they initially said, Well, we cant interrupt the schedule, and I replied that when it happens, it will become purple airspace, so there will be quite some disruption.

Police in Glasgow had requested that, in the event of her death at Balmoral, the Queens coffin be accompanied by a motorcade of outriders. But Mather argued that she only had one police outrider when she was alive  she will only have one in death.

He confirmed that a special funeral railway carriage was available to bring the Queens coffin from Edinburgh down to London, The plan, which would have allowed mourners to pay their respects along the 400-mile journey, was cancelled amid security concerns and fears it would cause disruption to the rail network. The coffin was flown to RAF Northolt in West London.

Mather also held meetings about the funeral arrangements with Charles, then Prince of Wales, at Birkhall, his home on the Balmoral estate in Scotland

Mather believes this carriage was on standby until the railway option was discarded. Every lamppost along the route would have had to be opened, checked for bombs and closed again, he said. Also, there would have had to be police on every bridge along the way. And other trains would have been cancelled. It was decided this wouldnt start Charles off on the right foot with the general public.

Such disruption to the rail network might also have been at odds with the prevailing national mood, stoking anti-monarchy sentiment during a time of national mourning.

He revealed there had also been a rehearsal for the lying-in-state at Westminster Hall. I attended one Sunday morning, he said. The catafalque had been hastily constructed, but obviously of the correct dimensions. The build gave a chance for TV and radio to see what the hall would look like, and for them to request camera positions.

The lying-in-state of the Queen Mother in 2002 allowed Mather to make small improvements to London Bridge. Then, the four candles at the corners of the catafalque had needed replacing every eight hours, and it looked awful  the carpet was covered in candle wax. The wax just piled up.

So he recommended the candles be filled with oil, which could be replaced every 24 hours. For the Queens lying-in-state, he wanted to be sure that the carpet in Westminster Hall wouldnt fray under foot. I had someone in steel-tipped heels and toecaps walk round it 100 times, he said.

He concluded: My job description didnt exist. It covered everything and I enjoyed doing it. It was an honour, a privilege and an experience.
The producers of The Crown have been condemned for depicting Princess Dianas explosive Panorama interview against the wishes of Prince William.

Critics are furious that Netflix will recreate excerpts of Dianas 1995 encounter with journalist Martin Bashir for its fifth series.

They say it marks a new low for a drama already accused of making up scenes and distorting facts to the detriment of the Royal Family.

Royal biographer Hugo Vickers said: The Crown has been consistently dishonest from day one. They pervert the facts, they clash incidents together which did more or less happen to create something which most certainly did not.

Critics are furious that Netflix will recreate excerpts of Dianas 1995 encounter with journalist Martin Bashir for its fifth series

They say it marks a new low for a drama already accused of making up scenes and distorting facts to the detriment of the Royal Family

That they focus on the discredited Panorama interview with Diana contrary to the express wishes of Prince William, and when the BBC has promised never to show it again, is indicative of the depths to which they sink. An independent inquiry found that Bashir deceived Diana to get the interview, seen by more than 20 million viewers, and then lied to BBC managers.

He got a BBC graphic artist to produce fake bank statements that appeared to show payments by a newspaper group to an ex- member of staff of Earl Spencer, Dianas brother.

The inquiry said this was to gain the Earls confidence so he would introduce Bashir to Diana.

Series 5 of The Crown opens in 1991, and a key plotline is the deteriorating relationship between Charles, played by Dominic West, and Diana, portrayed by The Night Managers Elizabeth Debicki

Series 5 of The Crown opens in 1991, and a key plotline is the deteriorating relationship between Charles, played by Dominic West, and Diana, portrayed by The Night Managers Elizabeth Debicki.

It is understood that Netflix, which has cast Prasanna Puwanarajah in the role of Bashir, will show how the discredited reporter persuaded Diana to give the interview by playing on her paranoia.

But to tell the story, it will recreate what an insider called snippets from Dianas Panorama appearance. However, any reference to the interview, even if critical of Bashir, is likely to be greeted with dismay in Buckingham Palace.

A spokesman for The Crown insisted the interview was of historical significance

Last year, William urged the BBC and its rivals not to repeat the interview, saying it was a major contribution to making my parents relationship worse, adding: This programme holds no legitimacy and should never be aired again.

The BBC has already said it will never show the interview.

Royal author Andrew Roberts said there ought to be a health warning attached to The Crown, as cigarettes or other noxious and dangerous substances have. He added: I would suggest, Despite high production values, this rubbish has no moral values. 

A spokesman for The Crown insisted the interview was of historical significance.
Meanwhile Nadhim Zahawi says plotters are paving way for Labour Government

Nadine Dorries said his act of rebellion means he should 'stay out in the cold'

Mr Gove went on to lead a revolt against PM's plan to cut the 45p top tax rate

The feud between Liz Truss and Michael Gove intensified last night as an ally of the Prime Minister called her rival a 'sadist' who risked ushering in a Labour Government.

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that Ms Truss met Mr Gove for 'peace talks' before last week's Tory Conference and floated the idea of giving him a senior diplomatic job.

But Mr Gove still went on to lead a revolt against the Prime Minister's plan to cut the 45p top tax rate, forcing her into a humiliating climbdown.

Today Mr Gove's former Cabinet colleague Nadine Dorries tells Ms Truss that his act of rebellion means he should 'stay out in the cold'.

Writing in The Mail on Sunday, the former Culture Secretary outlines a 'desperate' plan for Ms Truss to 'reverse the self-harm Conservative MPs have inflicted upon our party'  and says bluntly: 'Michael's days are over.'

Explaining how the Prime Minister tried to mollify Mr Gove before the party conference, a source said: 'In the name of unity, the PM asked Michael to meet for tea.

'Mr Gove praised the PM's energy package and told Liz how much he admired her. The PM asked Michael whether he was interested in a Government role. Michael took a few days to mull over things and then went to Birmingham and stabbed the PM in the back.'

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that Ms Truss met Mr Gove (pictured) for 'peace talks' before last week's Tory Conference and floated the idea of giving him a senior diplomatic job

It is understood Ms Truss was hinting that Mr Gove could be in line for a senior diplomatic role in a Middle Eastern country such as Israel or the United Arab Emirates, although Mr Gove didn't take the hint.

A No 10 aide said: 'It was the right thing to do, to invite him in. Michael asked for Liz's advice and she told him to enjoy himself. Michael clearly gets his kicks in a sadistic way.'

But a friend of Mr Gove said: 'He made clear his opposition to scrapping the 45p tax rate, which he had already told his whip. It is heartening that the PM now agrees that the cut is the wrong priority. Michael believes cutting taxes for the richest during a cost-of-living crisis is indefensible. No job offer was made.'

Another ally said: 'It was slightly weird [for the PM] to have Gove in for a 45-minute cup of tea while the economy was in flames around her.'

It is understood Ms Truss (pictured) was hinting that Mr Gove could be in line for a senior diplomatic role in a Middle Eastern country such as Israel or the United Arab Emirates

The revelations come as senior Cabinet Minister Nadhim Zahawi warns that plotters are paving the way for a Labour Government led by Sir Keir Starmer.

Writing in The Mail on Sunday, Mr Zahawi, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, says: 'Those plotting against the Prime Minister are helping to usher in a Labour Government. I do wonder what they think they are achieving by trying to undermine a Conservative Government that is supporting people through an energy crisis.

'Conservative MPs should be supporting the leader of the Conservative Party, not working against her'.

After another turbulent week for Ms Truss's Government:

Tory MPs are drawing up plans behind Boris Johnson's back for him to be parachuted back in as Prime Minister in the spring if the Tories are still more than 20 points behind in the polls;

Leading rebels such as former Transport Secretary Grant Shapps are planning a 'hyena strategy' of weakening Ms Truss over time by forcing 'U-turn after U-turn';

Tensions between the Government and the Bank of England were mounting over Ms Truss's conference pledge to cut EU red tape and recriminations over the Bank's 65 billion support for the markets following Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's mini-Budget.

Mr Gove ramped up his criticism of Ms Truss's tax policy yesterday, telling the Financial Times that while 'daring audacity is required in politics', it was 'really not a time for gambling'.

Today Mr Gove's former Cabinet colleague Nadine Dorries (pictured) tells Ms Truss that his act of rebellion means he should 'stay out in the cold'

He said: 'The essence of being Conservative is that you should do everything possible to avoid taking risks with the economy and with people's jobs and with mortgage rates.

'It's all very well to say fortune favours the brave, but there are some moments where you are unlikely to follow someone who is exceptionally brave because they are charging towards the guns without necessarily the artillery support that you would expect.'

A senior No 10 source hit back, saying: 'Our lot need to get behind Liz or they'll end up with the nightmare coalition of Labour and the SNP, which would break up the country and send it down the drain.

'Mistakes were made with the mini-Budget, but the PM has the right plan to get our economy motoring and build the world-beating post-Brexit Britain people voted for. She needs time, she needs space and she needs the party to remember who the real enemy are.'

Meanwhile, Tory MPs are drawing up plans behind Boris Johnson's back for him to be parachuted back in as Prime Minister in the spring if the Tories are still more than 20 points behind in the polls

Allies of Ms Truss hope that if she can hold the Government together until the Coronation, expected early next summer, it could lead to a 'bounce' in her ratings.

The Prime Minister is considering boosting party unity by offering the vacant job of International Trade Minister to a former backer of Rishi Sunak who has demonstrated loyalty to Ms Truss, although no candidate has yet been suggested. Conor Burns lost the job on Friday over claims of 'serious misconduct'.

A source said: 'The job will be coveted and could be used to reward a Sunak backer who hasn't joined Gove's coalition.'

In her Mail on Sunday article, former Culture Secretary Ms Dorries reveals that Boris Johnson told her to 'back Liz' when they met shortly after the Prime Minister's conference speech last week.

She also calls for the removal of Mark Fullbrook, the No 10 chief of staff, who has been caught up in feuds with senior members of Ms Truss's team.
A charity championed by the Duchess of Sussex is facing an investigation after it emerged the mother and daughter at its helm were paid almost 2 million in less than five years.

In a dramatic move, the Charity Commission launched the probe into One Young World just days after portraits of Meghan and the Duke of Sussex taken at the charity's annual summit in Manchester in September were published.

One Young World describes itself as a 'global forum' for young leaders and has enjoyed a soaring public profile thanks to the Duchess, who became one of its 'counsellors' in 2014.

Meghan told delegates in Manchester she was 'thrilled' Harry was able to join her to 'witness first hand my respect for this organisation'.

But The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the regulator has intervened amid concerns at the eye-watering pay and benefits packages handed to senior bosses at the charity.

SPECIAL GUEST: The Duchess of Sussex greets One Young Worlds CEO Kate Robertson

DAUGHTER: Ella McKay, a managing director at the charity

There is no suggestion that Meghan and Harry  who are among a string of celebrity backers of the charity including Richard Branson, Bob Geldof and Emma Watson  knew of the pay levels.

One Young World's chief executive Kate Robertson was awarded a 440,000 pay package for the 18 months to June 2021, despite the pandemic interrupting its summits, the biggest source of its revenue. Her daughter Ella McKay, 30, one of the charity's two managing directors, enjoyed a 194,543 pay and benefits package for the same period.

Following questions from this newspaper, the Charity Commission this weekend announced that it had opened a 'regulatory compliance case to examine concerns about remuneration at One Young World'.

In a statement, a spokesman said: 'All charities should be able to look donors and volunteers in the eye and say how their decisions about pay impact on the cause they pursue or the people they help.'

The Commission said the opening of a compliance case is not a finding of wrongdoing, but is the first step it can take in examining potential wrongdoing.

A spokesman for One Young World said it was working with the Commission 'to answer any questions they may have', adding: 'We are confident that there has been absolutely no wrongdoing.'

Founded in 2009 by top advertising executives Mrs Robertson and David Jones, One Young World says it has created a network of more than 13,700 young leaders.

Its annual summits have attracted a host of celebrities. At this year's four-day summit, Meghan gave a speech during the two-hour-long opening ceremony in Manchester's Bridgewater Hall after flying to the UK.

Its annual summits have attracted a host of celebrities. At this year's four-day summit, Harry and Meghan gave a speech during the two-hour-long opening ceremony in Manchester's Bridgewater Hall after flying to the UK

Attendance at One Young World's summits does not come cheap: delegates are charged 3,150 for a pass that includes lunch and dinner. A pass that also includes accommodation costs 4,210. Those fees  and separate fees for exhibition space  are the charity's main sources of funding, but revenue plunged after a summit due to be held in Munich was delayed until July 2021 by the pandemic.

The charity's accounts show that despite it not holding a summit between 2020 and 2021, its top five bosses including Mrs Robertson and Mrs McKay were awarded almost 1.4 million in pay and benefits.

The charity said 84 per cent of the total pay and benefits were deferred until the next accounting period, but confirmed executives will still receive the full amount.

It said that the salaries of its leadership team had been independently audited and approved by its trustees. Both Kate Robertson and Ella McKay's salaries are set by the board independently of any involvement of Mrs Robertson, it added.

There is no suggestion that Meghan and Harry  who are among a string of celebrity backers of the charity including Richard Branson, Bob Geldof and Emma Watson  knew of the pay levels

Mrs Robertson, 67, one of the charity's four trustees, was appointed chief executive in May 2016 on a total pay package of 126,666. The charity last night admitted that it only realised in 2017 that it needed Charity Commission permission to pay Mrs Robertson because she was also a trustee.

The regulator granted permission the following year. Accounts show she received 1.3million in pay and perks between January 2017 and June 2021.

Leading an organisation that employs just 33 staff, Mrs Robertson's pro-rata remuneration of 293,333 in 2020/21 was noticeably higher than some larger UK charities. It was 60,000 more than the pay package enjoyed by the head of Cancer Research UK, which employs 3,873 staff.

One Young World said Mrs Robertson's salary has remained 190,000 since 2016. Mrs McKay has been awarded more than 580,000 in pay and benefits between 2017 and 2021. Trustee David Jones said the charity 'complied with Charity Commission regulations.' He said its executive salaries 'are lower than the peer group charities and NGOs against which we benchmark ourselves'.
The Tory Minister sacked by Liz Truss over allegations of 'serious misconduct' was expected to be given a knighthood in Boris Johnson's resignation honours list.

The Mail on Sunday understands that Conor Burns, a staunch Johnson ally, was likely to be rewarded in the former PM's honours hand-out. However, friends of the ex-Trade Minister  sacked on Friday over an alleged incident in a hotel bar at the Tory Party Conference  raised fears last night that 'the gong' would be a casualty of the misconduct claim.

Whitehall sources said Mr Johnson's list had not yet been submitted. They admitted that it was convention for a serving PM not to block a predecessor's choice, but added: 'That is convention only'.

Such was Mr Burns's loyalty to Mr Johnson that he endured ridicule in January after he defended the ex-Prime Minister's surprise lockdown birthday party at No 10 by saying that Mr Johnson had been 'ambushed with a cake'.

Mr Burns lost his ministerial job and the Conservative whip after what one account called 'lecherous behaviour'. The claims are being investigated by the Tory Party.

The Mail on Sunday understands that Conor Burns, a staunch Johnson ally, was likely to be rewarded in the former PM's honours hand-out. However, friends of the ex-Trade Minister  sacked on Friday over an alleged incident in a hotel bar at the Tory Party Conference  raised fears last night that 'the gong' would be a casualty of the misconduct claim

The BBC reported last night that witnesses had seen the MP touching a young man's thigh in the early hours of last Tuesday. There were also claims that he was asked by an onlooker to stop.

Allies of Mr Burns  who denies any wrongdoing and is said to be 'totally destroyed' by the allegations  pointed out he was on heavy medication for a rib injury, which made the effect of alcohol worse.

Separately, his allies also hit back at accusations that he had made an inappropriate remark to Spice Girl Mel B, insisting he had never met her. Ms Brown made the suggestion in a cryptic tweet in reaction to the news that Mr Burns was being investigated by the party.

The tweet read: 'Really?? Your shocked about this complaint??? Let me remind you what you said me in lift...'

Separately, his allies also hit back at accusations that he had made an inappropriate remark to Spice Girl Mel B, insisting he had never met her

A spokeswoman for the Spice Girl, who was at the conference in Birmingham to speak out against domestic violence, declined to say what the alleged remark was. The spokeswoman said she had 'nothing further to add' to her tweet.

Yesterday some Tory MPs privately complained at the summary justice meted out to Mr Burns and suggested that the speed of his dismissal could partly be punishment for signalling that his boss at the Trade Department  Kemi Badenoch  would make a better PM and making a jibe at Ms Trusss love of Instagram.

Describing Mrs Badenoch as 'the future of our party', he said last week that she understood the need to 'move beyond Instagram posts about free trade agreements'.

A Tory Party spokesman said last night: 'We do not comment on ongoing investigations.'
A group of NHS workers have been advised to drop support for transgender children's charity Mermaids after a recent string of controversies.

Primary care staff employed by Black Country NHS Inegrated Care Board (ICB) have been instructed not to signpost information about the charity to patients amid safeguarding concerns.

Mermaids is being investigated by the Charity Commission following revelations that one of its staff had agreed to send a breast binder to an undercover journalist posing as a teenage girl.

The ICB told staff not to 'signpost to this charity at this time and remove references to them in any support materials you may have'.

GPs and other staff have been brought up to speed with media coverage about the fallout, The Telegraph reports.

Mermaids has attracted additional scrutiny for weeks following its legal attempt to remove the charity status of the LGB Alliance - a charity set up to uphold gay, lesbian and bisexual rights.

Activists including author JK Rowling (pictured) have been critical of transgender children's charity Mermaids' practices

In response to criticism from trans activist India Willoughby, JK Rowling challenged her to a legal fight with Mermaids

During the hearing, Mermaids' heads of trustees Belinda Bell insisted the charity '[doesn't] give medical advice' - despite its CEO Susie Green describing controversial puberty blockers as 'reversible' and The Telegraph's subsequent scoop about the breast binder incident.

Scores of gender critical activists have criticised Mermaids' practices, while author JK Rowling openly challenged Mermaids on Twitter.

This week it was also revealed that one of Mermaids trustees, Jacob Breslow, had spoken at a conference for B4U-ACT, a group assisting 'self-identified individuals... who are are sexually attracted to children'.

In a subsequent statement, Dr Breslow said : 'I unequivocally condemn child sexual abuse. My work is about protecting marginalised children and young people, not exposing them to harm.

Mermaids insists that it has been the victim of a 'smear campaign' and refutes claims there is an issue with child safeguarding

'I believed at the time that the purpose of the conference was to enable better treatments and interventions that prevent harm to children. I have not been affiliated with B4U-ACT since.

'I decided to resign as a Trustee of Mermaids as I did not want to distract from the good work the charity is doing to help transgender and gender diverse children.'

Mermaids has insisted it is the victim of a 'smear campaign' and claims its forced to close its contact centre after being bombarded with abuse,

A spokesman for NHS Black Country ICB said: 'GPs often signpost to a range of support for children, young people and their families who may have gender-related queries.

'We took a decision to make GPs from the Black Country aware of media coverage relating to the charity Mermaids and suggested that they consider not promoting the service at this time, due to the ongoing safeguarding investigations by the Charity Commission and given the fact that the charity's helpline was suspended.'
Explosive footage has emerged of Valencia manager Gennaro Gattuso reacting furiously after Mouctar Diakhaby was sent off for a second bookable offence whilst on the bench.

The LaLiga club beat Osasuna 2-1 away from home on Friday, although the 25-year-old defender was brandished a bizarre red card late on.

It is believed Diakhaby used inappropriate language towards the referee after being taken off by Gattuso, which resulted in the second of three sending-offs during the fiery contest.

Gennaro Gattuso exploded on the touchline as Mouctar Diakhaby was shown a second yellow

Imagine being an esky when Gennaro Gattuso's winding up 



Valencia's Mouctar Diakhaby sees red on the sidelines. Gattuso let him know he wasn't happy.#LaLiga #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/KnaumUynOx  Optus Sport (@OptusSport) October 8, 2022

After initially smiling when the red card was shown, presumably slightly confused by the situation unfolding, Gattuso charged in a fury towards the centre-back and let out his frustration by kicking a nearby drinks container.

The manager then stared down Diakhaby, who sheepishly reclined in his seat.

Diakhaby failed to make eye contact with his enraged boss, likely somewhat terrified by his volcanic reaction, choosing instead to wave his arms about in protestation.

Justin Kluivert opened the scoring for Valencia in the first half before Diakhaby doubled the visitors' lead in the 54th minute.

Diakhaby (left) was shown the second booking for inappropriate language towards the referee

Valencia's eight competitive matches under Gattuso have led to an astonishing nine red cards

Osasuna's Unai Garcia was then sent off after conceding a penalty in the 69th minute, which Edison Cavani failed to convert.

Darko Brasanac's goal in the 93rd minute made for an interesting finale but Valencia held on to the win following Ruben Pena's red card at the death.

Amazingly, Valencia's eight competitive matches under Gattuso have resulted in nine red cards.

The LaLiga club lost all three matches in which neither team received a red card, and yet triumphed in four out of the five in which red cards were shown to either team.
Google catches up with the podcast game as Google hardware releases its first episode of its new "Made by Google" Podcast.

Coinciding with the release of the Pixel 7 series and the Pixel Watch, this podcast aims to provide a behind-the-scenes look in 30-minute increments, 9to5 Google writes.

Google Unveils Snackable Snapshots Of Hardwares

Google has entered a podcast creation business in their unexpected venture, debuting its first episode on October 6.

The first episode of the "Made by Google" Podcast is entitled "Zooming in on Smartphone Camera", which talks about the camera advancements Google pioneered for its line of Pixel phones.

According to 9to5 Google, the podcast is hosted by Rasheed Finch, who brings in-depth conversations and behind the scene details straight from Google's product managers.

The premiere also featured Isaac Reynolds, the product manager for Google Pixel camera, who elaborated on the history of Google's camera technology, Android Police writes.

"It's really not about the camera for me, it's about the sharing and the art and the creation," Reynolds told Finch in the correspondence.

Reynold goes on to explain further that his goal is to provide users with the experience of sharing their journeys by posting, editing, creating, and curating memories through Pixel's lenses.

Read More: YouTube Is Now Introducing Podcasts on Explore Page

What Is In Store For 'Made by Google' In The Future

As the podcasting industry grows through the likes of streaming platforms like Spotify, Google's "Made by Google" Podcast may have a bright future ahead of it.

Android Headlines reports that the 30-minute episodes of the podcast are short and easy to listen to if a user is interested in learning more about the workings of Google.

The half hour long episodes will try to strike the balance between length and depth of content, looking to provide detailed explanations in the process, Android Police reports.

While listeners may expect that a lot of conversations will revolve around Google products, they will be useful educational tools for those who want to dive into these Google technologies.

However, while there is foreseeable success along the way for Google's podcast, Android Headlines mention that the purpose of the podcast could be for short-term information dissemination.

For the meantime, the episodes of "Made by Google" Podcast will be available on Google's YouTube channel in video format, but is expected to branch out into different formats and platforms.

However, those who want to listen may subscribe to "Made by Google" across social media and media platforms like Google Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, and Web.

According to Google's The Keyword, each episode provides its listeners with a promise of insightful conversations, tips, and tricks, and a bit of anecdotes from its host and the guests.

New episodes of the "Made by Google" Podcast will come out every Thursday, and the next one will focus on security.

The second episode will try to answer the questions on cyber criminality, and the things Google does to protect its users from such.

Related Article: 5 Best Comedy Podcasts on Spotify You Should Listen To in 2022
Travel to Japan is back  and the good news is the pound is strong against the yen. From Tuesday, visa-free holidays for independent travellers will be possible for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic.

Those who are unvaccinated need a negative Covid test taken within 48 hours of going, and masks are still required on public transport and in many indoor settings.

The silver lining is sterlings buoyant state against the Japanese yen  up 6.5 per cent year on year, according to Post Office Travel Money. Currently the exchange rate is 153 yen to the pound.

All tastes: From Tuesday, visa-free holidays in Japan for independent travellers will be possible for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic - and holidaymakers can look forward to good value food when they visit. Above are street food stalls in Osaka

'Japan is actually very good value when you are there  especially the food: 60 pence for a plate of sushi, 5 for a bowl of the most delicious ramen noodles youve ever tasted,' said James Mundy of InsideJapan, a specialist Japanese tour operator.

Heres our guide to making the most of the good exchange rate  and eating well.

RESTAURANTS WITH ROBES

Arrange to stay for at least one night in a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) to enjoy dining in a yukata robe, which is a thin cotton dressing gown.

Evening meals and breakfast are included in room rates, and dinner is usually a big spread comprising miso soup with tofu and shiitake mushrooms, grilled chicken with teriyaki sauce (a soy sauce and sugar glaze), spicy pastes, crab cakes, pickles and rice.

The highlight is shabu-shabu: a soup with fresh eggs and tofu plus thin slices of pork that you cook yourself in a gas-fired hotpot provided on the table.

How to do it: Ichinoyu Shinkan is a ryokan in Hakone, an 80-minute train ride west of Tokyo; with rooms with two meals and all drinks included from 93 (ichinoyu.co.jp).

SEAFOOD LOVERS DREAM

The best Japanese seafood market is the famous Tsukiji fish market (pictured) in Tokyo, where raucous morning auctions were once held

Seafood markets are for eating, not just buying, fish in Japan. The best is the famous Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, where raucous morning auctions were once held. It makes a brilliant place to visit to sample food on the hoof, especially its wonderful  massive  oysters from Hokkaido in Japans far north (3.50 an oyster). The freshest of the fresh sushi is also to be had including tuna, salmon and squid (four pieces for about 3.50).

Wander along the tiny labyrinthine lanes trying out grilled king crab legs, slices of smoked octopus, grilled eel and fishcakes.

How to do it: Two-and-a-half-hour tours of Tsukiji market from 52 pp (www.urbanadventures.com).

VENDING MACHINE BARS

Head to one of the noodle bars at Shinagawa Station (pictured) - diners can place their orders for a dish at a vending machine

Noodle bars where you place your order at a vending machine are commonplace. After inserting your cash, a ticket spurts out that you take to the noodle bar host, who takes you to a table. A few minutes later a steaming bowl of noodles with either pork or fish, usually, is delivered.

Bowls of sliced spring onions are provided for sprinkling on top. A main dish is about 7, a beer is 3.50 and a whisky highball 2.70.

How to do it: Take your pick of the noodle bars at Shinagawa Station.

WAGYU BEEF BARBECUES

Fans of Wagyu beef ought to visit the much-loved restaurant Yasaiya Teppanyakiyasaikabukichoten (what a name!) in Tokyo (pictured)

Wagyu beef is fattier and has a finer texture than other types of beef. Barbecue bars have tables with hot plates for mini charcoal barbecues above which extractor fans are lowered so no smoke enters the room.

You cook thin slices of beef yourself, along with pork, tripe, liver, heart, chops, ribs and, even, trotters. Spicy Korean chicken is also usually served. The beef is tender, delicious and moreish. Its about 15-20 a head, but can get much pricier for the best cuts.

How to do it: Yasaiya Teppanyakiyasaikabukichoten (what a name!) is a much-loved Toyko restaurant (gurunavi.com).

SUSHI CAROUSELS

Dishes are whisked along a conveyor belt in Japan's revolving sushi bars

TRAVEL FACTS Fourteen-night tour with stays in Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Miyajima, Osaka and Takayama from 3,190 pp with a two-night stay at a ryokan in Hakone, transfers and some guiding. Flights are extra, from about 900 (insidejapantours.com). Advertisement

Do not miss out on experiencing a revolving sushi bar. As many as 100 diners can be found at some, with great carousels transporting sushi, flying-fish roe, cured sea cockles, clam miso soup, curried eel and tempura prawns. Computerised orders, and the dishes are whisked along a conveyor belt to you  a feast for 15-20.

How to do it: Kappa Sushi is a chain of conveyor sushi bars across Japan (kappasushi.jp).

NOODLE HOUSES

Soba noodles are made of buckwheat and are served in a clear savoury broth to which raw eggs and yam paste are added along with pork or chicken. Pickled vegetables and edible grass can be included. The result is a rich hearty noodle broth.

Traditional soba noodle houses typically have wood panelled walls and simple low-level wooden tables, with partitions dividing the dining sections.

How to do it: Hatsuhana Soba in Hakone has dishes from 6; 635 Yumoto Street.
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Once just another industrial port, Bilbaos fortune changed when the Guggenheim Museum arrived and put the Basque capital on the international map.

Frank Gehrys masterpiece and works from greats such as Santiago Calatrava make Bilbao a must for architecture nerds.

Foodies flock here for pintxos  Basque tapas  while the old town, lively bars and Basque culture make for an ideal weekend break.

On a weekend break in Bilbao, pictured, check out Frank Gehrys Guggenheim Museum and works from greats such as Santiago Calatrava - the city is a must for architecture nerds

Where to stay

Caravan Cinema

Hidden behind a smart navy door in the heart of Bilbaos old town is this five-room pension inspired by the world of film. Each room takes its cue from a director, with the decor subtly nodding to their films. All have memory foam mattresses, air conditioning and Marshall radios. Rooms without breakfast from 50, (caravan-cinema.com).

Barcelo Bilbao Nervion

Enjoy light rooms with large, comfy beds at Barcelo Bilbao Nervion, a hotel that lies between the Guggenheim (pictured) and the old town

Located riverside, this modern hotel is right between the Guggenheim and the old town  just a ten minute walk each way.

It has light rooms with a clean and minimal finish and large, comfy beds. Rooms without breakfast from 89 a night (barcelo.com/en-ww/barcelo-bilbao-nervion).

Pension Manoli

Stumbling distance from pintxos hotspot Plaza Nueva, this guest house is in a pretty pink building. The simple rooms have traditional street-facing balconies, ideal for people-watching, while the shared bathrooms are spotless. Rooms from 51 a night without breakfast (pension-manoli.basque-country-hotels.com).

Pension Basque Boutique

In this quirky central hotel, the eight thematic rooms are all inspired by Basque culture. For example, La Baldosa is an homage to the pavement tile thats become a symbol of the city, with the blue and white flower pattern decorating the headboard of the bed and continuing across the tiles in the bedroom. Rooms start from 50 a night without breakfast (basqueboutique.es).

Where to eat

Plaza Nueva

Fill your tummy with pintxos  Basque tapas  as you hop between the bars of Plaza Nueva. Bar Bilbao (pictured) is a good traditional choice with excellent tortilla

This neoclassical square filled with bars is the best spot to pintxos hop. These giant canapes  often meat or fish snacks on bread  line every bar so just order what you fancy then move to the next spot.

With its pretty blue and white tiles, Bar Bilbao is a good traditional choice with excellent tortilla (1.80) while Gure Toki lives up to its popular status and offers a refined take  think yakitori chicken sticks or goats cheese with apple and rose petals (from 2.20).

Eliptica

Do like the Spanish and have your big meal at lunch  ideally an affordable menu del dia (a daily changing set menu). This unassuming spot near the Guggenheim offers three courses and wine for a bargain 13.90. The generous portions of Basque regional dishes include simple fare such as anchovy and tomato salad, lemon sea bass with potatoes and homemade flan (Alameda de Recalde, 33).

La Ribera Market

Wander through the maze of stalls selling everything from Iberico ham and salted cod to aged cheese and seasonal fruit at La Ribera Market (centre)

La Ribera Market is a good pintxos spot

Claiming to be the largest indoor market in Europe, theres no better introduction to Basque cuisine than a wander through the maze of stalls selling everything from Iberico ham and salted cod to aged cheese and seasonal fruit. Also a good pintxos spot  enjoy them on the riverside terrace. Dont miss the extensive selection of Gildas at La Bodeguilla, these pre-meal pintxos (from 1.20) are served on sticks and make an excellent salty snack (Erribera Kalea, s/n, 48005 Bilbao, Bizkaia).

What to see and do

Visit the Guggenheim

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, no visit to Bilbao is complete without a trip here. To take in all its glory walk on the opposite bank of the river, but dont miss inside. Start with the permanent collection featuring Warhol, Rothko and Basquait, then the temporary exhibitions and outdoor sculptures. Booking online saves 2 (guggenheim-bilbao.eus, Abandoibarra Etorb, 2, 48009 Bilbao, Bizkaia).

UNESCO-approved Bridge

Watch the sun setting over the Vizcaya Bridge, pictured, which is the worlds oldest transporter bridge and a UNESCO World Heritage site

A 20-minute metro from the old town (3 return) takes you to the worlds oldest transporter bridge and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Vizcaya Bridge. The best way to see this hanging bridge up close is to take the gondola that runs underneath it (34p). Its great at sunset (Puente de Vizcaya Zubia, Getxo, Bizkaia).

The city from above

For panoramic views, take the funicular from Matiko (3.80 round trip). Whizzing you to the top of Mount Artxanda in five minutes, it gives a great perspective of the city, green hills and river (funicularartxanda.bilbao.eus).

Explore the old town

Take in sights such as the Santiago Cathedral (pictured) on a walking tour of Casco Viejo - Bilbaos old town

The best way to admire Casco Viejo  Bilbaos old town  is with a walking tour (5-10 donation). Take in sights such as the Santiago Cathedral and Bidebarrieta City Library and learn about Basque culture (civitatis.com).

How to get there

Easyjet flies from London Gatwick to Bilbao from 35. The Bizkaibus line A3247 runs from Bilbao airport to the city centre every 15 minutes and takes 20 minutes (2.55 one way).
The brand has also partnered with leading influencer Stassie Karanikolaou

The Roccisanos say injuries don't happen when you follow the safety instructions

They just signed distribution deals in Europe, America and South Africa

The sisters have come a long way since their days as struggling stylists in 2010

The Australian sisters behind Booby Tape, Bianca and Bridgett Roccisano, have opened up about their incredible journey from being broke stylists struggling to pay for petrol, to running a multimillion-dollar beauty empire.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the pair discussed their lavish lifestyles, plans to take over America and Europe, and the sexism they have experienced navigating the business world.

They also touched upon recent controversy over the safety of Booby Tape, after angry customers complained the product left them with painful breast injuries, with the sisters insisting this only happens when you don't follow the safe removal steps.

The Aussie sisters behind Booby Tape, Bianca and Bridgett Roccisano (pictured), have opened up about their incredible journey from being broke stylists struggling to pay for petrol, to running a multimillion-dollar beauty empire

Their must-have beauty item, which is sold in more than 50 countries, has been the subject of several complaints on Twitter, TikTok and Instagram, with some users of the 'breast lift in a box' claiming to have suffered torn skin and infection.

'It's like any other product: we just say follow the instructions,' Bridgett said.

'We're always trying to keep everyone aware [of] how to remove it, make sure you don't wear it for too long, don't sleep in it, all those things,' she added.

Bianca also stressed that only an 'incredibly small percentage' of customers have had a bad experience with the product.

The Melbourne sisters became self-made millionaires after launching their $21.95 breast tape which promises to 'lift any size bust' in 2018.

The TikTok complaints were a small setback for the Roccisano sisters, who have now moved on from the controversy and are looking to the future, which includes taking on America.

The must-have beauty item, which is sold in more than 50 countries, has made the two sisters self-made millionaires. (Pictured: Sophie Monk wearing Booby Tape)

The pair, who started out as celebrity stylists in Melbourne in 2010, spoke of how they went from being broke students putting '$5 worth of fuel' a Volkswagen Jetta to becoming multimillionaires.

'We were totally broke,' said Bianca, who studied law at university.

'Bridgett and I sat down and I was like, "We're not doing it anymore. We need to support ourselves. We have no money, so what business could we start?"'

The sisters opened up about recent customer complaints in a wide-ranging interview with Daily Mail Australia, in which they also discussed their plans to take over America, their lavish lifestyles, and the sexism they've experienced. (Pictured: Bridgett Roccisano)

Their business journey began with the launch of clothing label Bianca and Bridgett, which was followed by Booby Tape, which now has an annual turnover of $10million.

Bridgett said the idea for Booby Tape came from the sisters being 'both large-busted women' who would sometimes 'restrict' their wardrobe out of necessity.

'I remember going to the races one year and I wanted to wear this low-cut, backless dress and I couldn't do it because I would have to wear a bra for support,' she said.

The Roccisano sisters have now moved on from the controversy and are looking to the future, which includes bringing Booby Tape to the United States. (Pictured: Bianca Roccisano)

Bridgett started using electrical tape and duct tape before trying to find a breast-specific tape, only to realise there wasn't one on the market.

'I jumped on the computer, searched it, and no such thing existed. Then Bianca was like, "I don't believe that," so we searched it and decided something needs to be done,' she added.

Their simple idea snowballed into a multimillion-dollar business empire, which has culminated in the sisters celebrating their success with a $700,000 party in LA.

The event was to launch their Stas x Booby Tape Illuminating Bronzer, in partnership with American influencer Stassie Karanikolaou, who is friends with Kylie Jenner.

Their simple idea for a breast tape snowballed into a multimillion-dollar business empire, which has culminated in the sisters celebrating their success with a $700,000 party in LA

The party was attended by the likes of Alessandra Ambrosio and Charli D'Amelio, and featured performances by YG and Bia.

Bianca now counts Alessandra, Adriana Lima and Rita Ora as pals. The two sisters are also friends with Victoria's Secret model, Shanina Shaik.

'You obviously pay talent to come [to your party]. They're paid to come for 20 minutes, but when they stay for five hours, you know you've done a great job,' she said.

The event was to launch their Stas x Booby Tape Illuminating Bronzer, in partnership with American influencer Stassie Karanikolaou (pictured), who is friends with Kylie Jenner

Despite their enormous success, the ladies still describe themselves as 'fugal' and say their only big expenditures have been Cartier jewellery and matching Range Rovers.

'All we wanted was a Cartier Love Bracelet,' Bianca said. 'So we made this rule that we were going to treat ourselves when we turned over our first million dollars.'

Cartier Love Bracelets cost between $6,000 and $10,000.

'We had forgotten but one day when we were at work, I was like, "Bridgett, we're going straight to Cartier. Remember the deal we made?"'

Despite their success, the ladies call themselves 'fugal' and say their only big expenditures have been Cartier jewellery and matching Range Rovers. (Pictured: Bianca Roccisano)

Bianca and Bridgett also spoke of the sexism they'd encountered in the male-dominated business world.

'Absolutely, we've faced it,' Bianca said, adding that 'people assume we must be stupid' because of their glamorous public image.

They said they'd had men try to 'stand over us' when negotiating deals for factory space, with Bridgett remarking: 'Every day it's just something else.'

'What we have had to go through, it's been incredibly tough as women,' Bianca said.

Bianca and Bridgett also spoke powerfully of the sexism they'd encountered in the made-dominated business world. 'Absolutely, we've faced it,' said Bianca (pictured), adding that 'people assume we must be stupid' because of their glamorous public image

The two women have now started a consulting company to help other women become entrepreneurs. 'We want everyone to do well,' Bianca added.

The business-savvy sisters have also just inked deals to stock Booby Tape in Germany, the United States and South Africa.

'We're going into a lot of the major stores in the United States, so Booby Tape is going to have a rapid expansion in the next year,' Bianca said.

'We have just done a major deal for all of Germany. So there's about 7,000 stores that Booby Tape is going into there as we speak.

'We've also done Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Middle East, and we did 1,000 stores in South Africa today.'

The sisters know the bigger they grow, the more work it becomes for them.

'Bridgett and I are insanely busy. In our business, we work across multiple time zones, so we will wake-up at about 5am,' Bianca said.

'We're already waking up to emails and phone calls.'
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Mary Fitzgerald, Chrishell Stause, newcomer Nicole Young and a host of other Selling Sunset stars showed off their beach bodies while filming for the show's sixth season in La Quinta, California on Thursday.

Fitzgerald donned a black bathing suit with cutouts around her chest and stomach, showing off her tanned skin.

She tied her blonde hair back in a tight bun, and her lips were painted a vibrant red.

Beach bodies: Mary Fitzgerald, Chrishell Stause, newcomer Nicole Young and a host of other Selling Sunset stars showed off their beach bodies while filming for the show's sixth season in La Quinta, California, on Thursday

Fitzgerald accessorized with a pair of big, bulky earrings as she lounged in a chair and sipped on a clear drink.

Later on in the day, Fitzgerald donned a bright orange two-piece that left little to the imagination. She sat down next to newcomer Nicole Young, and the pair struck up a lively conversation.

Young, who is joining the show for its upcoming season, showed off her intricate body art while lying back in a tiny red two-piece.

Cut outs: Fitzgerald donned a black bathing suit with cutouts around her chest and stomach, showing off her tanned skin

Beach bodies: Nicole Young and Mary Fitzgerald showed off their stellar figures while relaxing in the shade

Two-piece: Later on in the day, Fitzgerald donned a bright orange two-piece that left little to the imagination

Lots of tattoos: Young, who is joining the show for its upcoming season, showed off her intricate body art while lying back in a tiny red two-piece

Trying out a new bikini: Young got to try out a couple different bikinis over the last couple days as she was spotted in a plaid black and gray number poolside on Wednesday

The outfit did little to hide the tattoos which ran down her left arm from her shoulder to her wrist.

Young got to try out a couple different bikinis over the last couple days as she was spotted in a plaid black and gray number poolside on Wednesday.

Stause showed off her body as she slowly rolled a long, sheer pink dress down her legs, revealing her purple bikini top.

Her short brown locks barely reached her shoulders, and she wore bright red sunglasses to protect her eyes.

A member of the crew seemed to refit her for a microphone while she stood next to her close friend Emma Hernan.

Big smile: The star's brilliant white teeth shined as she flashed a big grin

Short locks: Her short brown locks barely reached her shoulders, and she wore bright red sunglasses to protect her eyes

Pale hair: The 31-year-old wore skinny white sunglasses. Her platinum blonde locks were pulled up into a bun behind her head though it fell straight down the sides, framing her face well

Laughing: The duo jumped onto an inflatable flamingo together, laughing hysterically

Hernan wore a skimpy multicolored, pastel bikini which barely contained her ample cleavage.

The 31-year-old wore skinny white sunglasses. Her platinum blonde locks were pulled up into a bun behind her head though it fell straight down the sides, framing her face well.

The duo jumped onto an inflatable flamingo together, laughing hysterically.

Tight: Chelsea Lazkani, 29, wore a tight blue two-piece bathing suit

Thong-style bikini: The thong-style bikini showed off her natural curves, and she styled her hair using the camera on her phone

Chelsea Lazkani, 29, wore a tight blue two-piece bathing suit. The thong-style bikini accentuated her natural curves, and she styled her hair using the camera on her phone.

Amanza Smith pulled her dark hair back in tight dreadlocks and a bun which rested low on her head.

She donned a bright red bikini under a multicolored, fashionable shawl which hung around her shoulders and arms.

Selling Sunset has already been renewed for a sixth and seventh season on Netflix though it is not currently clear when season six will premiere. The show follows real estate brokers from an upscale firm in West Los Angeles.
Love Island star Jacques O'Neill is reportedly dating Norwegian influencer Isabel Raad.

The rugby player, 23, was recently spotted looking cosy with the blogger, who is currently staying with him in Manchester.

It comes after his ex Paige Thorne deleted all photos of her boyfriend Adam collard from her Instagram amid rumours the couple are 'taking a break' after cheating allegations.

New couple: Love Island star Jacques O'Neill is reportedly dating Norwegian influencer Isabel Raad

A source told The Sun: 'Isabel is really famous in Norway and has a huge following. She's really hit it off with Jacques and is enjoying spending time with him in the UK.'

They added: 'Isabel is here a lot and friends think things could be serious.'

Isabel previously appeared on American reality show Paradise Hotel in 2015 and now has over 300k followers on Instagram.

Isabel recently made her feelings clear about Jacques during a Q&A on social media recently when quizzed about her favourite Islander.

She replied: 'Of course you baby', and tagged the rugby player in the post.'

Loved-up: The rugby player, 23, was recently spotted looking cosy with the blogger, who is currently staying with him in Manchester

On Thursday she deleted all pictures of Adam from her Instagram amid rumours the couple are 'taking a break' after cheating allegations.

The pair have been plagued by rumours as of late after a video emerged of the personal trainer, 26, with his arm around another girl in McDonald's.

And Paige has now deleted all trace of him from her page, removing their loved-up snaps from both inside and outside the Love Island villa.

A source has now told MailOnline: 'She's in a very low place at the moment'.

Adam currently still has all of his snaps with Paige on his Instagram and the pair remain following each other on social media.

Ex flame: Paige was originally paired up with Jacques, prior to his emotional exit from the villa (pictured with Jacques on the show)

However, fans are concerned for Adam and Paige's relationship status as the pair appeared to be enjoying some time apart.

Paige's representatives have been contacted by MailOnline for comment.

It comes after she put on a very cosy display with her former Love Island co-star Billy Brown while attending Ekin-Su Culculoglu's Oh Polly launch party on Wednesday.

Drama: The pair have been plagued by rumours as of late after a video emerged of the personal trainer, 26, with his arm around another girl in McDonald's

In the MailOnline exclusive video, Paige seemed smitten with Billy, 23, who appears to lean in to kiss her cheek while she rubs her hand down to his lower back.

Whilst in the villa earlier this summer, Paige shut down Billy's advances, ultimately calling time on their flirtations so she could remain with Jacques O'Neill - before subsequently moving on with Adam.

But Paige and Adam have been plagued by rumours as of late after a clip emerged of the personal trainer, 26, with his arm around another girl in McDonald's.

Loved-up: Paige put on a very cosy display with her former Love Island co-star Billy Brown while attending Ekin-Su Culculoglu's Oh Polly launch party on Wednesday

She also failed to like Adam's recent Instagram snaps and fans recently noticed that since he jetted off to Bali on a fitness retreat, the paramedic hasn't been supporting her partner on social media.

The couple, who appeared on both season four and eight of Love Island, became official back in August after leaving the famous villa.

In a recent video that emerged on social media, personal trainer Adam was spotted with his arm around another girl after ending up in McDonald's after a boozy night out.

Adam's rep told The Sun: 'Adam headed to McDonald's after a night out with friends.

'His friends were alongside him when a group of girls asked for photos and Adam being his friendly self was open to posing and chatting to the girls, alongside other fans who wanted to chat in the same video.

'Adam understands how this video looks but wants to state that he left the restaurant with his friends and a box of 60 nuggets (with nothing or no one else) with the intention of getting home safely.

'Adam and Paige are currently dating and Adam only has eyes for her.'

A source claimed to The Sun on Wednesday that Paige 'is really upset by everything that has gone on and feels like she is being humiliated.

'She believes Adam didn't do anything and knows women throw themselves at him. But it doesn't mean she doesn't find it difficult when people start gossiping about their relationship and share it on social media.

'Paige had told Adam she needs a break and to spend some time away from him.'

Adam was a controversial figure during his first stint in the villa, with some of his scenes even sparking concerns with bosses at domestic abuse charity Women's Aid.

Adam locked horns with his then partner Rosie Williams in an explosive confrontation, during which he was widely-criticised by viewers for smirking throughout the argument and later leaving her in hysterical tears.

Hitting back: Last week Adam, hit out at rumours he'd been unfaithful - insisting he left the fast food outlet with '60 nuggets and nothing else'

Voicing concern over Adam's actions, which saw him move on to Zara, Katie Ghose, Chief Executive of Women's Aid, said: 'On the latest series of Love Island, there are clear warning signs in Adam's behaviour.'

Adam was a late arrival into the villa and was initially paired with Kendall Rae-Knight before Rosie was his next partnership.

The business owner maintained a 'player' reputation after his stint on the show but Paige recently revealed that the ITV producers pushed her to give him a chance.

Adam's rep said: 'Adam understands how this video looks but wants to state that he left the restaurant with his friends and a box of 60 nuggets (with nothing or no one else)'

Speaking on FUBAR radio with Bobby Norris and Stephen Leng, the former contestant confessed that she 'didn't even know' who the bombshell was - despite being warned he was a 'massive player' by the other girls in the villa.

She explained: 'All the girls were like Paige this is Adam, I was like, 'Why are you saying his name like that? I don't know who he is.'

'They gave me the lowdown and they were rinsing him, proper giving me the insights on what he used to be like,' she continued.

'Then I was like, 'Well, if he was like that then what is he doing in here? He's just going to be a little s**t stirrer. I was going off.''

But the paramedic, who was paired with Jacques prior to his exit, then revealed that producers had pulled her aside to try and persuade her to give Adam a chance.

'I got pulled aside and they [producers] were like, 'Paige why are you already writing him off before you've had a chance?'' she added.

'I was like, 'Because of what the girls have been saying. I don't need to have a chat with him to know there's not going to be a difference.'

'And they were like, 'No, be open-minded and just talk to him and give him a chance.' I was just like, 'What is the point, he's just going to be a massive player I'm not in here for a player, I'm here for something serious.'

Speaking of their relationship, Paige added: 'It's been so good. This boy, I promise you, he's simping and it's great, I love it. We see each other when we've got time off.

'Obviously, I'm living in Swansea and he's in Newcastle and when we are away, we just keep in touch and text and whatever. But then what we tend to do when we come together, is have proper quality time. So, it works really well in our favour.'

'Me and Adam know where we stand with each other, we know where we are at, we know what we're feeling, and we're just not really bothered about anyone else's opinions.'
Wiz Khalifa praised President Joe Biden for his steps to end the criminalization of marijuana possession and use.

The 35-year-old rapper talked to TMZ Hip Hop about the 79-year-old president's marijuana reform measures which he announced earlier in the week.

'Its awesome to see things are moving in the right direction,' Wiz Khalifa said. 'Cannabis laws have negatively impacted people for way too long.'

Praise: Wiz Khalifa praised President Joe Biden for his taking steps to end the criminalization of marijuana possession and use (pictured 2021)

Earlier this week, Joe Biden released a video where he announced three major changes to federal marijuana criminalization.

First, the president announced a federal pardon for all people convicted of simple marijuana possession.

He then called on state governors to also pardon people with state marijuana possession convictions.

Right direction: 'Its awesome to see things are moving in the right direction,' Wiz Khalifa said. 'Cannabis laws have negatively impacted people for way too long' (pictured 2017)

Big moment: Earlier this week, Joe Biden released a video where he announced three major changes to federal marijuana criminalization

Pardon: First, the president announced a federal pardon for all people convicted of simple marijuana possession

Finally, Biden announced that he would ask the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra, and the Attorney General, Merrick Garland, to initiate a process reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I substance.

Schedule I substances are 'drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse,' according to the Drug Enforcement Agency. Heroin, ecstasy and LSD are all examples of Schedule I substances.

Khalifa is a well-known user of marijuana and he has his own brand of weed products.

Bringing the classification down: A Schedule I substance is 'drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse,' according to the Drug Enforcement Agency . Heroin, ecstasy and LSD are all examples of Schedule I substances

Legalization supporter: Wiz Khalifa has long supported the legalization of marijuana, and even gave Esquire 12 tips on the drug back in 2015 (pictured 2020)

His brand of marijuana is called Khalifa Kush though he also has a strain under the brand Khalifa Mints.

Wiz Khalifa has long supported the legalization of marijuana, and even gave Esquire 12 tips on the drug back in 2015.

'It just feels better being in this type of environment and knowing the smell doesn't scare people and everybody's with it,' Khalifa said at the time about Colorado, one of the first states to legalize marijuana. 'If you pass somebody a joint they're gonna hit it!'
Scott Disick and Kimberly Stewart's romance is reportedly affecting her relationship with her younger brother Sean, who is 'very protective' of his longtime pal.

While the reality star, 39, has dated a slew of high-profile woman, including Kourtney Kardashian and Sofia Richie, a source told Page Six that the son of music legend Rod Stewart, 42, is 'scared that Kimberly will break [Disick's] heart.'

'Sean is very protective of Scott,' the insider revealed to the outlet, before claiming the siblings 'do not get along at all.'

Tense: Scott Disick and Kimberly Stewart's romance is reportedly affecting her relationship with her younger brother Sean, who is 'very protective' of his longtime pal; seen in 2019

Apparently the source alleges that Kimberly 'doesn't think' her brother is 'smart' and lacks 'any ambition.'

'He was constantly complaining about her. She bosses him around, yells at him and basically tries to tell him how to run his life,' the insider revealed.

Additionally, the informant stated that Kimberly seemed to be 'jealous' of the attention Sean received about his clothing line.

Complicated: While the reality star, 39, has dated a slew of high-profile woman, including Kourtney Kardashian and Sofia Richie, a source told Page Six that the son of music legend Rod Stewart, 42, is 'scared that Kimberly will break [Disick's] heart'; seen in 2015

'Her relationship with Scott can't make things any easier between the two siblings either,' the insider explained.

The source noted that the trio are all 'super dysfunctional' and the siblings relationship is constantly 'up and down.'

'Now that Scott is back [in Sean's life], Sean is being overly greedy about the time he's spending with him,' the source explains.

'Sean is very protective of Scott,' the insider revealed to the outlet, before claiming the siblings 'do not get along at all' (seen in 2006)

Disick and Kimberly first sparked dating rumors back in 2015 after his split with Kardashian, but the model's mom shut down speculation by telling the world they're just old 'friends' and there was 'absolutely no truth to' the rumors.

'They [the Stewarts] introduced Scott to Kourtney,' Alana Stewart told People at the time. 'I was there when it happened, so I can tell you they're all great pals.'

Scott was then spotted hanging out with Kimberly, Rod, and her brother Sean in May as Kourtney prepared to tie the knot with Travis Barker in Italy and on a series of dinner dates over the past few weeks.
She's known for playing glamorous Bond girl Mary Goodnight in the 007 films.

And Britt Ekland, who starred in the franchise's 1974 movie The Man with the Golden Gun, insists she will retain her bombshell looks until 'the day I die'.

The actress, who turned 80 this week, confidently told the Mirror: 'I will be dyeing my hair till the day I die. Vanity is my best friend.'

Looking good: Britt Ekland, who turned 80 this week, insists she will retain her bombshell looks until 'the day I die' (pictured in September 2021)

She added: 'I dont think there are many people who get to my age and can work and run around and take care of things and enjoy life and feel healthy and happy.

'That is something I am very thankful for.'

Britt starred alongside the late Sir Roger Moore in The Man with the Golden Gun and she says she still gets recognised today.

Movie magic: The actress starred in 1974 James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun (pictured in the film)

'People who meet me still call me a Bond Girl,' she explained. 'And they find it so exciting  like I made the made the film yesterday. But 007 is almost as old as me now.'

The star said there is nothing that makes her prouder than knowing she is part of 'film history', adding that she sees the Bond character as an 'icon' and as a Bond girl, she is part of the franchise's legacy.

Britt was already known as an actress before starring as Mary Goodnight, having appeared in films such as Get Carter and The Wicker Man.

Fame game: Britt still enjoys getting recognised for her Bond fame today, saying she is proud to be part of the 007 legacy (pictured with the late Sir Roger Moore, who played James Bond and fellow Bond girl Maud Adams (left))

And she says she spent most of her days filming the 007 films in a bikini, along with fellow Bond girl, Swedish actress Maud Adams, who is still a good friend today.

Britt recalls actor Sir Roger Moore - who died in 2017 and played James Bond in seven films between 1973 and 1985 - as 'the perfect gentleman'.

She said he kept the cast and crew entertained but insisted he was very professional on set.

Troubles: It comes after Britt claimed ishe 'ruined her face' by getting lip fillers and calls the botched procedure the 'biggest mistake of her life'

The actress added that, while she wore swimwear for most of her time on the Bond set, Sir Roger never flirted at all, ensuring she felt comfortable at all times.

Despite Britt taking pride in her looks today, she has previously spoken out about her regrets at getting fillers in her face, describing them as 'the biggest mistake of my life'.

The Swedish actress said in an interview with Platinum magazine in June last year that she would never have any more plastic surgery after she underwent a terrifying 'lip-pumping' procedure in Paris.

Looks: Britt had a botched lip procedure when a doctor made multiple injections all around the rim of her lips with bovine collagen Articol (pictured left in 1982 and right in 2016)

Looking back, Britt claimed: 'Everyone has the right to choose [surgery]. I did all of that in my 50s but wouldn't consider it again. I have no desire to look any different than I am.'

The actress had made the appointment with a Paris-based doctor through a consultancy on Harley Street to have her lips plumped.

Instead of the moderate treatment she expected, the doctor made multiple injections all around the rim of her lips with Articol, which he said was a 'new dental material'.

Reflecting on the incident, Britt claimed she 'felt like I'd ruined my face' and said now she is content growing older and is no longer looking to find cosmetic surgery that will help her keep her looks.

She said: 'I feel great now, better than I have for many years... getting older happens to everyone. It's pointless complaining about it or wishing you could change.

'We're all going in one direction and there is nothing we can do about that.. It's just about looking after yourself while on that journey.'
Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz have welcomed a new member into their family, a dog named Lamb.

The 23-year-old son of David and Victoria Beckham and his actress wife Nicola shared a slew of sweet snaps with their new fluffy white pooch.

Nicola took to her Instagram to introduce the new member of the family to her 2.7 million Instagram followers.

Sweet: Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz have welcomed a new member into their family, a dog named Lamb

Alongside the adorable photos, Nicola penned: 'We adopted our baby today and named her Lamb. She is the sweetest angel! Today is such a hard for me because it's Gina's birthday and I can't hug her but I feel like she sent me Lamb.

'I'm so grateful for this love. Please adopt or foster if you can the love it brings to your family is like nothing else.'

The photos come after Nicola squashed feud rumours with her beau's family after attending her mother-in-laws Paris Fashion Week runway show last week.

The couple had finally put to bed speculation that they had fallen out with the Spice Girl as they put on a united front.

Nicola and Brooklyn accepted Victoria's fashion week invite to attend her show on Friday - the invite was seen as an 'olive branch.'

Adorable: The 23-year-old son of David and Victoria Beckham and his actress wife Nicola shared a slew of sweet snaps with the new fluffy white pooch

They arrived half an hour early to show their support, with 'lots of hugs' going on when they were all reunited for the first time since this summer, said a source in the room.

And video footage taken outside the event showed Victoria laughing with her son Brooklyn, while Nicola socialised with Cruz's girlfriend Tana Holding and Harper Seven.

Nicola and Brooklyn accepted Victoria's fashion week invite to attend her show on Friday - the invite was seen as an 'olive branch.'

Alongside the adorable photos, Nicola penned: 'We adopted our baby today and named her Lamb. She is the sweetest angel'

They arrived half an hour early to show their support, with 'lots of hugs' going on when they were all reunited for the first time since this summer, said a source in the room.

And video footage taken outside the event showed Victoria laughing with her son Brooklyn, while Nicola socialised with Cruz's girlfriend Tana Holding and Harper Seven.

In the 30-second clip, Victoria looked glamorous in a figure-hugging black dress as she chats with Brooklyn, who is seen flashing a huge smile as he enjoyed a drink.

During their avid chat, a woman approached Victoria but she pointed at her son and instead continues their conversation, with the woman then walking away.

The mother and son then edge towards Nicola, who is facing the other way as she chats to Brooklyn's sister Harper, 11, and Cruz's model girlfriend Tana.

Brooklyn was seen placing his hand on his wife's back and holding the waistband of her jeans as he continues speaking to his mother, while Nicola carried on her chat with Tana.

Reports of a feud between Victoria and Nicola have been rife for weeks, after the pair noticeably stopped 'liking' each other's Instagram content.

The feud is said to have stemmed over the circumstances surrounding Nicola's wedding dress.

She had planned to wear a Victoria Beckham design but ended up in Valentino - the circumstances surrounding this decision have ended up stemming in fierce debate.
Tim Minchin has revealed how he lived his 'life long dream' of working with Emma Thompson in the upcoming Matilda movie.

The Australian comedian, 57, composed the score for the remake of the 1996 Roald Dahl classic with Thompson starring as head teacher Miss Trunchbull.

'She just threw herself so hard into this role,' he told 9Honey about the Oscar-winning British actress.

Tim Minchin (pictured) has revealed how he lived his 'life long dream' of working with Emma Thompson in the upcoming Matilda movie

'I was listening to her sing these songs and I'm like, "You're gonna kill your voice" and she was just like, "Rahhhh".

'And I've loved her all my life, so this is so exciting.'

A brand new take on the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical, Roald Dahls Matilda The Musical tells the story of an extraordinary girl with a vivid imagination, who dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results.

The film is written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin from his stage musical adaptation of the book.

The Australian comedian, 57, composed the score for the remake of the 1996 Roald Dahl classic with Thompson starring as head teacher Miss Trunchbull. Thompson is pictured at the premiere in London

The musical became an instant hit when it opened at the RSCs Courtyard Theatre in Stratford in November 2010; after which it transferred to the Cambridge Theatre in London.

Minchin added he was just trying to not 'muck it up' and he had 'no idea' it would be running 12 years later when he first wrote the music for the show.

Stepping into the shoes of one of fiction's most beloved characters is Alisha Weir, while Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough play her parents, whose loud and selfish behaviour triggers the quiet observer in Matilda to think up cheeky acts of rebellion and revenge.

Stepping into the shoes of one of fiction's most beloved characters is Alisha Weir (centre), while Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough play her parents. Matilda Wormwood finds solace in her inspirational teacher Miss Honey, played by James Bond star Lashana Lynch (right)

Matilda Wormwood finds solace in her inspirational teacher Miss Honey, played by James Bond star Lashana Lynch, who encourages her pupil to conjure her own fantastical tales.

Bookworm Matilda is excited to attend Crunchem Hall but is surprised to find out the school is an ominous and oppressive place led by the wicked Miss Trunchbull.

As well as kind Miss Honey, the bright lights among the meanness are story-loving librarian Mrs Phelps (Sindhu Vee) and Matildas newfound school friends.

Emma Thompson stars as Agatha Trunchbull in Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical

Filled with an overwhelming sense of justice, Matilda dares to take a stand for what is right and teach Trunchbull a lesson she wont forget.

Directed by Tony Award-winning director Matthew Warchus (Matilda The Musical), the film is produced by Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan for Working Title, Jon Finn (Billy Elliot), and Luke Kelly of The Roald Dahl Story Company.

Screenwriter Dennis Kelly adapts the Royal Shakespeare Companys production for the big screen, with original music and lyrics by Tim Minchin.
Forum highlights Hong Kong's opportunities in Greater Bay Area integration

Xinhua) 10:01, October 08, 2022

HONG KONG, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- A conference held Thursday in Hong Kong highlighted the opportunities for the international financial hub in integrating into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

The integration of the nine GBA cities in Guangdong and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Macao Special Administrative Region will release new energy of a magnitude not experienced before, said Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Leung Chun-ying.

Hong Kong, as the most international city in the GBA, should reinforce its advantage as the "super-connector" to share its knowledge of the Guangdong cities to attract international business partners, said Leung in his video speech at the event themed "GBA: Integration Writes a New Chapter".

HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said as one of the core cities of the GBA, Hong Kong will leverage its highly market-oriented and internationalized business environment, well-developed professional service sectors, as well as its status as an international financial, trade, and shipping center to join hands with the other GBA cities in developing a world-class city cluster for living, traveling and working.

Lee said in his video speech that as Hong Kong and other GBA cities continue to collaborate closely and complement one another, there is much more that can be achieved that will bring about enormous opportunities for the people, businesses, and communities.

The conference was co-hosted by China Daily and the Hong Kong Coalition.

Qu Yingpu, China Daily's publisher and editor-in-chief, said in his video speech at the event that the newspaper's Hong Kong edition has performed the all-important task of interpreting China for an international audience with diligence for 25 years.

Maria Tam, deputy secretary-general of the Hong Kong Coalition, said Hong Kong can play a vital role with its strong third-sector services and links to the world market, and can create a more powerful economic growth engine with Guangdong province.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
In its more than 30 years of service, the Hubble Space Telescope has given us countless awe-inspiring photos of galaxies, star clusters, and so many more. Such is the case with the photo that was released for its 16th anniversary.

The photo released on the Hubble's 16th anniversary features the Cigar Galaxy. Here is what you have to know about Hubble Space Telescope, the Cigar Galaxy, and the photo that was taken more than a decade ago:

Cigar Galaxy

Before we talk about the photo itself, let us first talk about the subject of the photo.

The Cigar Galaxy, otherwise known as Messier 82 or M82, was discovered in 1774 German astronomer Johann Elert Bode, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It has become known as the Cigar Galaxy due to its elongated and elliptical shape.

It is located around 12 million light-years away from our planet, residing in the constellation Ursa Major, which is also known as the Great Bear.

The European Space Agency (ESA) describes it as "a galaxy remarkable for its webs of shredded clouds and flame-like plumes of glowing hydrogen blasting out from its central regions." The agency also refers to it as a starbust galaxy, noting that stars in the galaxy are being born 10 times faster than in our own galaxy, the Milky Way.

Related Article: #SpaceSnap: Hubble Space Telescope's Snaps Photo of Bubble Nebula for Its 26th Anniversary

Hubble Space Telescope's Photo of the Cigar Galaxy

When the Hubble Space Telescope celebrated its 16th anniversary in 2006, a photo of the Cigar Galaxy it took was released to the public. Per the ESA, the telescope's Advanced Camera for Surveys' Wide Field Channel was used to take photo.

You can view the Hubble Space Telescope's photo of the Cigar Galaxy below:

Hubble Space Telescope

One of NASA's five Great Observatories, the Hubble Space Telescope got its name from American Astronomer Edwin Hubble. The space telescope is a collaboration between NASA and ESA.

It was initially intended to be launched in 1983, but it was delayed due to budget and technical issues, as well as the Challenger disaster, which happened in 1986. It was not until April 24, 1990 when the telescope was launched from the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

According to the Hubblesite, the space telescope is orbiting our planet at "an altitude of about 340 miles (547 kilometers), inclined 28.5 degrees to the equator." It travels at a speed of around 17,000 miles per hour (27,300 kilometers per hour) and completes one full orbit in 95 minutes.

The Hubble's current suite of instruments include the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS), Fine Guidance Sensors (FGS), Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS), and Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3).

Read Also: #SpaceSnap: This Photo of Messier 87's Black Hole Made History  But How?
Ella Rae Wise showcased her edgy sense of style as she stepped out to Scarefest! 2022 launch event at Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire on Friday.

The Only Way Is Essex star, 22, wore a grey hoodie with a large white skull printed on the front to celebrate 15 years of the theme park's October Halloween-themed event.

She wore a black mini dress beneath her top and opted for a pair of black leather knee-high boots.

Fright night: Ella Rae Wise, 22, showcased her edgy sense of style as she stepped out to Scarefest! 2022 launch event at Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire on Friday

The reality star carried a black handbag with her to complete her look and opted for lashings of make-up to highlight her pretty features.

Television personality Ella was joined by last year's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! winner, actor Danny Miller, 31.

Former Emmerdale star Danny was seen standing with wife Steph Jones, who he married this summer, as the couple cradled their baby son Albert, 11 months.

Family affair: Ella was joined by last year's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! winner, actor Danny Miller, 31, who attended with wife Steph Jones (pictured) and son Albert, 11 months

Shock horror: Danny cut a casual figure in a black jumper and a pair of blue denim jeans as he played with the props at the bash

Danny cut a casual figure in a black jumper and a pair of blue denim jeans while Steph donned a black sweatshirt and matching leggings.

Baby Albert wore a white coat and jeans for the evening, with the trio smiling as they posed for pictures at the event.

Elsewhere, Love Island star Curtis Pritchard, 26, wore a black and white flannel shirt as he playfully posed behind a white fence adorned with ivy at the venue.

Boo! Elsewhere, Love Island star Curtis Pritchard, 26, wore a black and white flannel shirt as he playfully posed behind a white fence adorned with ivy at the venue

Hidden figure: Coronation Street actor Antony Cotton, 47, posed with prop skeletons and skulls at the launch night

Joker: Antony wore a pair of oversized yellow-framed sunglasses while he had a fake plastic axe attached to his head

TOWIE star Ella's outing to Alton Towers comes after she rekindled her romance with her series co-star Pete Wicks, despite Pete worrying about their 11-year age gap.

The blonde beauty revealed her concerns over 'what people will think' about her relationship with Pete, 33, but admitted that she is 'more mature than her age'.

Speaking to The Sun, Ella explained: 'He is 11 years older than me. It is quite a bit,' before confessing that Pete worries about outside opinions.

Strike a pose: Coronation Street star Alexandra Mardell, 29, was seen posing with her actor boyfriend Joe Parker at the event

Larking about: The couple pulled some funny faces as they joked about with some of the gory props

'It's hard because in my head I am not 21, I feel like I am more mature than my age and I get that from people too.

'Even Pete doesn't feel like he's talking to a 21-year-old when he talks to me.'

Ella also expressed her fears about the pair not being able to stay friends if their romance didn't work out, saying she isn't sure if Pete is 'looking for a relationship'.

Worries: It comes after Ella, 22, aired her thoughts on her 11-year age gap with co-star Pete Wicks, 33, after the pair rekindled their will-they won't-they romance

Pete and Ella looked to have rekindled their flame as they were seen enjoying a kiss and cosy embrace after the ITV Summer Party in August.

The blonde beauty and the tattooed hunk had a steamy smooch outside Stringfellows in central London, after their brief romance during last year's series of TOWIE swiftly fizzled out over their age gap.

Ella and Pete dominated the 2021 series of ITV's The Only Way Is Essex with their undeniable chemistry.
America's Got Talent: All-Stars has been given the official green light to commence production by NBC earlier on Friday.

The spin-off series, created by Simon Cowell, 63, will bring back familiar faces as they compete for a new and coveted 'All Star' title.

The original America's Got Talent competition series first premiered in 2006, and has been a whopping success over the years. Season 17 of the hit show, which aired earlier this year, ranged around 6 million viewers per episode.

New spin-off: America's Got Talent: All-Stars has been given the green light by NBC and will air next year in 2023; the current judges, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, Simon Cowell, and host, Terry Crews, for AGT main show

According to Deadline, the upcoming series will star past winners, finalists, fan favorites, and also a few viral sensations who will battle to be an All-Star.

The spin-off will see beloved and current America's Got Talent judges transitioning over to the new show, such as Simon, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel.

The only judge that will not join the All-Stars competition series is Sofia Vergara, reported the publication.

Terry Crews, the current host of America's Got Talent, also known as AGT, will also host the spin-off. Previous hosts of the series included Nick Cannon, Tyra Banks, and Jerry Springer.

Creator: Simon Cowell, the creator of the main hit show, also created America's Got Talent: All-Stars and will star as a judge on the new series; seen in September in Pasadena

Beloved series: America's Got Talent first aired in 2006, and has had two spin-off series already in the past: AGT: The Champions and AGT: Extreme

Not moving on: Sofia Vergara, a current judge on America's Got Talent, will not be a judge on the upcoming spin-off talent competition; seen in September in Pasadena

Production is set to begin later this month in October, and special auditions are currently in motion. A set release date has yet to be confirmed, but the show is slated to air next year in 2023.

America's Got Talent: All-Stars is not the main show's first spin-off. AGT: The Champions similarly also brought on past finalists, winners, and live round participants who battle for the World Champion title.

AGT: Extreme was an additional series created from the original, and mainly focused around talented stunt performers. The show aired its first season earlier this year in February 2022.

Keeping her role: Heidi Klum, also a current judge on the original series, will take a seat as a judge for the All-Stars spin-off

Familiar faces: The upcoming series will star past winners, finalists, fan favorites, and also a few viral sensations who will battle for All-Stars title; Howie Mandel, current AGT judge and future judge on spin-off series, see in September

America's Got Talent has an additional 70 editions throughout the entire world, such as Britain's Got Talent and Philippines Got Talent.

According to Deadline, the beloved show also holds a Guinness World Records title for the Most Successful Reality Television Format.

Over the years, the series, which has become a household name for many, has been nominated for numerous awards since its premiere date, such as a Primetime Emmy Award, People's Choice Award, and Critics Choice Award.

The 17th season recently aired its grand finale episode earlier last month in September raked in around 6.8 million viewers.

The Mayyas won first place during the latest season, and are an all-female alternative dance group consisting of 36 members.

Recent winners: The Mayyas were the winners of the 17th season and are an all-female dance group
Geelong Cats player Patrick Dangerfield has become a dad for the third time.

The AFL champ, 32, and his wife Mardi welcomed daughter Winnifred Elizabeth Dangerfield on Saturday.

Adorable photos shared to Patrick's Instagram show the couple's first two children, Felicity and George, meeting their new sister for the first time.

Geelong cats star Patrick Dangerfield has become a dad for the third time. The AFL champ, 32, and his wife Mardi welcomed daughter Winnifred Elizabeth Dangerfield on Saturday

'Flic meeting the new addition to the @catswomen engine room for the first time,' he wrote in the caption.

'Winnifred Elizabeth Dangerfield. Go get em' Winni,' he added.

Fellow Cats players, Jezza Cameron and Gary Rohan, along with AFLW star Abbey Holmes and Channel 7 presenter Rebecca Maddern were among the high profile pals to send their congratulations.

It's certainly been an event year for Patrick, who was part of the premiership winning team this year.

Adorable photos shared to Patrick's Instagram show the couple's first two children, Felicity and George, meeting their new sister for the first time

The Cats defied their ageing roster to put the Sydney Swans to the sword in the AFL grand final in September, smashing them by 81 points and breaking an 11-year title drought.

Dangerfield led out the Geelong contingent including by Isaac Smith, Shaun Higgins, Joel Selwood and Tom Hawkins that became the oldest average roster in VFL/AFL history to win a flag.

The Cats were infamously belted by 83 points by eventual premiers Melbourne in last year's preliminary final and were labelled 'too old and too slow'.

Little Felicity is picture meeting her little sister

Big brother George cuddles up to his newborn baby sister

Patrick and Mardi, who are high school sweethearts, officially tied the knot in 2016.

The couple first met at Oberon High School and have been together ever since.

Not all the players elected to play up to the age trope, with Jeremy Cameron stealing the show dressed as his famous grand final day chicken.

He had been waiting for it to lay eggs and when it finally did on the morning of the decider, he had them for breakfast.

Meanwhile Geelong's spiritual leader Sammy Moorfoot dressed as Cameron, complete with cowboy hat and No.5 jersey.
Brooke Blurton made an appearance at the BODfest held in Paddington Town Hall, Sydney on Saturday.

The former Bachelorette, 27, participated in the 'mini-fest of self-love' as a speaker at the Brave Together panel session held at 2:10pm by Maybelline.

She radiated style as she rocked up in a baby blue crop top over a matching pair of high-waisted, flare-legged slacks.

Brooke Blurton, 27, (pictured) made an appearance at the BODfest held in Paddington Town Hall, Sydney on Saturday

The youth worker kept her accessories simple, letting the outfit speak for herself as she paired it with pointed, pastel purple heels, a silver watch, and diamond earrings.

Opting for a unique make-up look, she painted on some bold brows and a white eye liner design, matching her nude lipstick with her nails.

Tucking her long brunette locks behind her ears, she was all smiles as she posed for several photos in front of a streamer arch before moving to an interactive wall on which she stuck a post-it note.

The former Bachelorette participated in the 'mini-fest of self-love' as a speaker at the Brave Together panel session held at 2:10pm by Maybelline

She radiated style as she rocked up in a baby blue crop top over a matching pair of high-waisted, flare-legged slacks

It big white letters against a baby blue background which matched Brooke, the wall asked: 'What makes you raw?'

Brooke wrote, 'My community! My family! My culture!' alongside a smiley face and stuck the note to the wall alongside many others already up there.

It was here the mental health advocate met with her fellow panelists AJ Clementine, Dom Ski and one other content creator.

The youth worker kept her accessories simple, letting the outfit speak for herself as she paired it with pointed, pastel purple heels, a silver watch, and diamond earrings

Opting for a unique make-up look, she painted on some bold brows and a white eye liner design, matching her nude lipstick with her nails

Tucking her long brunette locks behind her ears, she was all smiles as she posed for several photos in front of a streamer arch before moving to an interactive wall on which she stuck a post-it note

It big white letters against a baby blue background which matched Brooke, the wall asked: 'What makes you raw?'

Brooke wrote, 'My community! My family! My culture!' alongside a smiley face and stuck the note to the wall alongside many others already up there

It was here the mental health advocate met with her fellow panelists AJ Clementine, Dom Ski and one other content creator

Through the lens of a proud Noongar-Yamatji woman, she discussed body confidence and self-love up on stage with the other speakers sitting with her.

At one point, much to everyone's delight, it appeared old footage of her speaking at another event was pulled up on the screen.

It comes after Brooke expressed her support for the controversial Indigenous Voice to Parliament proposal during an interview on ABC News Breakfast on Thursday.

Through the lens of a proud Noongar-Yamatji woman, she discussed body confidence and self-love up on stage with the other speakers sitting with her

At one point, much to everyone's delight, it appeared old footage of her speaking at another event was pulled up on the screen

It comes after Brooke expressed her support for the controversial Indigenous Voice to Parliament proposal during an interview on ABC News Breakfast on Thursday

The former social worker-turned-reality star, as a First Nations woman, said she fully supports the measure, which would see a constitutional change allowing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to provide advice to Federal Parliament

When host Lisa Millar asked for her thoughts on the proposal, Brooke said: 'I've been a huge advocate for the Voice'

The former social worker-turned-reality star, as a First Nations woman, said she fully supports the measure, which would see a constitutional change allowing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to provide advice to Federal Parliament.

When host Lisa Millar asked for her thoughts on the proposal, Brooke said: 'I've been a huge advocate for the Voice.'

While she acknowledged there is some 'uncertainty' about 'what the Voice looks like', she believes it is nonetheless essential.
Maria Thattil had a big day at the BODfest in Paddington Town Hall, Sydney on Saturday alongside Amanda Goff - formerly the famous escort Samantha X.

The 2020 Miss Universe Australia, 29, was a vision of beauty as she spoke at two different panels during the 'mini-fest of self-love'.

She rocked her incredible figure in a beige dress which resembled a stylish over-sized trench coat complete with a gold detailed belt.

Maria Thattil, 29, (pictured) had a big day at the BODfest in Paddington Town Hall, Sydney on Saturday alongside Amanda Goff - formerly the famous escort Samantha X

Speaking at The Moment Behind the Pic panel presented by OGX Haircare at 3:50pm, Maria accessorised with tan, strappy heels and a blinding chunky gold ring.

She opted for a dark eye look with a heavy black liner along her waterline which stood out against her nude lip and dark brows.

The model softly curled her dark brown tresses and let them fall free around her shoulders.

The 2020 Miss Universe Australia was a vision of beauty as she spoke at two different panels during the 'mini-fest of self-love'

She rocked her incredible figure in a beige dress which resembled a stylish over-sized trench coat complete with a gold detailed belt

Speaking at The Moment Behind the Pic panel presented by OGX Haircare at 3:50pm, Maria accessorised with tan, strappy heels and a blinding chunky gold ring

She opted for a dark eye look with a heavy black liner along her waterline which stood out against her nude lip and dark brows

The model softly curled her dark brown tresses and let them fall free around her shoulders

Later, she attended the Normal Sex panel at 4:15pm, appearing as a speaker yet again alongside Amanda, 48.

The former sex worker, who once charged up to $1500 per hour during her sessions, matched Maria beautifully as they sat side-by-side.

She opted for a beige and fashionably baggy pant suit with marbled buttons and a white, lacy shirt beneath, which showed off her ample cleavage.

Later, she attended the Normal Sex panel at 4:15pm, appearing as a speaker yet again alongside Amanda, 48, (right)

The former sex worker, who once charged up to $1500 per hour during her sessions, matched Maria beautifully as they sat side-by-side

Her accessories were few with just a set of chunky nude heels and a simple black necklace.

Amanda let her ageless beauty shine through with a clean, no-makeup look as she curled her golden tresses and tucked one side behind her ear to frame her face.

Renowned as Australia's most famous escort, Amanda recently left her former moniker Samantha X behind.

She opted for a beige and fashionably baggy pant suit with marbled buttons and a white, lacy shirt beneath, which showed off her ample cleavage

Her accessories were few with just a set of chunky nude heels and a simple black necklace

She told Stellar in July she is 'ashamed' of her former career and has changed her ways after being diagnosed with bipolar II disorder.

'Now the fog has started to clear, I am ashamed of some of my choices, especially about going public,' she said. 'I don't recognise the woman who did that and it's mortifying for me.'

She went on: 'I am not blaming my bipolar or saying it was all down to my bipolar at all. But would I have made those choices if I was diagnosed and medicated? Most likely I wouldn't have been so public about it'.

Amanda let her ageless beauty shine through with a clean, no-makeup look as she curled her golden tresses and tucked one side behind her ear to frame her face
Rebel Wilson is clearly a fan of Halloween.

The Australian actress headed out to the Nights of the Jack event in Los Angeles, which boasts being a truly 'immersive Halloween experience'.

The 42-year-old dressed on theme, donning a plastic pumpkin necklace around her neck.

Rebel Wilson (pictured) is clearly a fan of Halloween. The Australian actress headed out to the Nights of the Jack event in Los Angeles, which boasts being a truly 'immersive Halloween experience'

She also carried a novelty pumpkin crossbody bag from Disney, which she likely picked up at her visit to Disneyland earlier this week.

Rebel kept things casual in a hoodie with paint splatter details underneath an olive green coat.

The star added a pair of dark blue jeans and black and white sneakers, as well as a Los Angeles Rams cap.

The 42-year-old dressed on theme, donning a plastic pumpkin necklace around her neck

She also carried a novelty pumpkin crossbody bag from Disney, which she likely picked up at her visit to Disneyland earlier this week

She kept her makeup natural and soft along with a pink lipstick, and wore her blonde hair up off her face.

It comes after Rebel and her girlfriend Ramona Agruma got in touch with their inner children as they shared a fun day out at Disneyland on Friday.

The lovebirds stayed at the popular theme park well into the night as they ate delicious side show food and hopped on exhilarating rides.

It comes after Rebel and her girlfriend Ramona Agruma got in touch with their inner children as they shared a fun day out at Disneyland on Friday. Both pictured

They documented the eventful day on their Instagram accounts with Ramona, 38, sharing several snaps captioned: 'Back to the happiest place on Earth.'

The Pitch Perfect star and her sweetheart started out on a tour bus going down the main street with Disneyland's Mrs Canada as Rebel cheered the beauty on.

The couple have been seen out and about over the last two-and-a-half months, including traveling to Europe together with several of their friends.
James Corden cut a dapper figure as he returned to his native UK to celebrate the screening of his latest comedy-drama TV series.

Donning a suave navy blue suit and tie with a crisp pale blue shirt, the TV presenter, 44, posed on the red carpet alongside his co-stars from new Prime Video show Mammals, which launched November 11.

Also in good spirits was Oscar and BAFTA-nominated actress Sally Hawkins, who looked fantastic in her deep purple slash-neck embellished knitted jumper.

Back home: James Corden looked pleased to have returned to his native London to celebrate the screening of his latest comedy-drama TV series

The Paddington actress, 46, who plays Lue in the five-episode series, gave a beaming smile with co-star James as they arrived at the Ham Yard Hotel in London on Friday night.

She wore her short, dark raven hair in a neat bun while sweeping her side fringe to frame her face perfectly.

Sally paired the eye-catching jumper with a pair of purple wide-legged trousers.

Starring as Jamie Buckingham in Mammals, James was most recently spotted in his new home of Los Angeles.

Celebrate: Also in good spirits was Oscar and BAFTA-nominated actress Sally Hawkins, who looked fantastic in her deep purple slash-neck embellished knitted jumper

Giggles: James, left, plays Jamie Buckingham in Mammals, while Sally (right) plays Lue in the five-episode series

Laughter: The Paddington actress, 46, who plays Lue in the five-episode series, gave a beaming smile with co-star James as they arrived at the Ham Yard Hotel in London

The story looks at the life of a Michelin-starred chef, James, as Jamie, whose world implodes when he finds out the shocking secrets of his wife who is pregnant.

Jamie finds himself hunting for answers with the help of his brother-in-law Jeff, played by Colin Morgan.

Through this hunt, the cracks in Jeffs marriage to Jamies sister Lue, played by Sally Hawkins, also widen.

The six-part series written by two-time Olivier and Tony Award-winning Jez Butterworth, about the complexities of marriage: there is sadness, grief, tension, love, friendship, betrayal, and a touch of magical realism.

Sneak peak: James plays Jamie, who finds himself hunting for answers from his cheating wife with the help of his brother-in-law Jeff

Preview: Cracks in Jeff's (right) marriage to Jamies sister Lue, played by Sally Hawkins, left, also widen

The wife: Jamie's world implodes when he finds out the shocking secrets of his wife (pictured, Amandine Buckingham, played by Melia Kreiling) who is pregnant

The series is directed by Stephanie Laing and produced by Street Hassle in association with Vertigo Films and Fulwell 73.

Also in attendance at the screening on Friday was said on-screen wife, Melia Kreiling, who plays Amandine Buckingham.

She wore a black midi-length ruffle dress with a pair of striking red court slingback heels.

Promo: James has lived on the east coast of the US for several years but still has a home in Belsize Park, north London, for his time in the UK

And pose: Donning a suave navy blue suit and tie with a crisp pale blue shirt, the TV presenter, 44, posed on the red carpet alongside his co-stars from new Prime Video show Mammals

James has lived on the east coast of the US for several years but still has a home in Belsize Park, north London, for his time in the UK.

But he and his family are scheduled to move back to England next year, when he steps down from The Late Late Show.

The star and his wife of 10 years are planning to return to the UK with their three children, but they are still trying to 'figure out' what's next for the family.

Red carpet ready: Sally wore her short, dark raven hair in a neat bun while sweeping her side fringe to frame her face perfectly

Looking smart: James cut a suave figure as he attended the series' photo call

In June, the co-founder of James Corden's Fulwell 73 production company, Ben Turner, said he's 'really excited to get James back in the UK'.

Ben told Variety: '[Corden] has just got so many strings to his bow, and Late is a big commitment that's taken up so much of his time.

'We're just really excited about having him back in the UK, and all the stuff that that entails, but it is a big moment for us.'

James currently lives in California but an insider told MailOnline that spending more time in the UK when the show ends is 'definitely on the horizon'.

Another source suggested he is planning on moving close to West Ham United's London Stadium in east London.

Co-stars: Also in attendance at the screening on Friday was James' on-screen wife, Melia Kreiling (right), who plays Amandine Buckingham, who wore a black midi-length ruffle dress

An insider told The Sun: 'James and Jules have had barely any time to see their families in the UK over the past few years due to his work schedule. They will go backwards and forwards for a while

'Long-term, they both want to see more of their parents and are considering a permanent move back in a couple of years.

'They sold their house in London so would have to look for a new base in the capital.'

James is set to step down as the host of the Late Late show at the end of next season after a seven-year run.

The Late Late Show, which films out of Los Angeles, first premiered in 1995 with host Tom Snyder. Craig Kilborn and Craig Ferguson followed as host until James Corden came along in 2015.

Speaking of his departure, James said: 'Seven and a half years ago, I started hosting this show. And there is no other way to put it, it has changed my life. I love it.

'I love all the people that work here. I am so proud of what we've achieved. It's been beyond my wildest, wildest dreams. So I'm happy to announce today that I've signed a new contract, to carry on hosting The Late Late Show.

'When I started this journey, it was always going to be just that. It was going to be a journey, an adventure. I never saw it as my final destination, you know?

'And I never want this show to overstay its welcome in any way. I always want to love making it. And I really think in a year from now that will be a good time to move on and see what else might be out there.'
Olivia Molly Rogers couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she made her second public appearance in a matter of days after her high-profile split from her husband.

The former Miss Universe Australia, 30, beamed for cameras during the red carpet call at the Geelong Women's Business Club.

The model opted for an all-white outfit and looked effortlessly stylish in her wide-shouldered suit jacket with flared pants and wide cloth belt.

Olivia Molly Rogers (pictured) couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she made her second public appearance in a matter of days after her high-profile split from her husband

She chose a bold red lip as she left her blonde tresses behind for a brunette bob and accessorised with a white hand bag and strappy heels.

Olivia announced her separation on Tuesday.

The former Miss Universe spoke with the Herald Sun on Wednesday about her 'raw' split from Justin McKeone after just seven months of marriage.

The former Miss Universe Australia, 30, beamed for cameras during the red carpet call at the Geelong Women's Business Club

The model opted for an all-white outfit and looked effortlessly stylish in her wide-shouldered suit jacket with flared pants and wide cloth belt

She chose a bold red lip as she left her blonde tresses behind for a brunette bob

While attending the Bianca and Bridgett spring collection launch she said she wanted to keep the details of her break-up private while she focused on work.

'It's been a few weeks now. It's still very raw. There are a number of factors but the details are private and I just want to focus now on work and spending time with my family and friends,' she said.

The model announced their split just days after rumours surfaced about the troubled state of their marriage.

Olivia accessorised with a white hand bag and strappy heels

She addressed her break-up in an Instagram post on Tuesday, saying the pair were over after four and a half years together

The beauty seemed at ease and in good spirits at the event

She addressed her break-up in an Instagram post on Tuesday, saying the pair were over after four and a half years together.

'After 4.5 years together, Justin and I have come to the difficult decision to separate as a couple,' read her break-up post on Instagram.

'I do not wish to make any further statements about this in the near future,' she added.

The former Miss Universe spoke with the Herald Sun on Wednesday about her 'raw' split from Justin McKeone (left) after just seven months of marriage

While attending the Bianca and Bridgett spring collection launch she said she wanted to keep the details of her break-up private while she focused on work. Pictured together at a friend's party in July

'Please respect our decision and privacy at this time. Thank you for all your private DMs, kindness and support.'

Rumours about Olivia and Justin's marriage began swirling last weekend after fans noticed she'd reverted to her maiden name on Instagram and unpinned all the photos from her February wedding.

The former couple, who first met in 2018, were last pictured together in August in a series of loved-up holiday snaps from their trip to New York City.
Lady Victoria Hervey has moved back to London from Los Angeles after over two decades of living in the US.

The socialite and model, 46, sparked rumours of a return to the UK last year, and has now made the decision as she believes the A-list packed city is 'not what it used to be'.

Not one to mince her words, the beauty told The Daily Mail's Richard Eden: 'All my friends in LA have left because its a s***hole.'

'All my friends in LA have left because its a s***hole': Lady Victoria Hervery, 46, has swapped Los Angeles living for London as she moves back home after two decades in the US

Chatting to Eden at the opening of the Frameless digital art gallery in Marble Arch, Victoria continued: Its really nice if you dont leave the house, but, as soon as you leave, you see the homeless, crackheads and half-naked women with no teeth throwing things at you.

Its not safe and not what it used to be,' explained the former 'It girl'.

London-born Victoria is the daughter of the 6th Marquess of Bristol, half-sister of the 7th Marquess, and sister of the 8th Marquess and Lady Isabella Hervey - and moved to Los Angeles back in 2004.

Home turf: London-born Victoria has returned home after two decades in the states, moving to LA back in 1990

Describing LA, Victoria explained: 'Its really nice if you dont leave the house, but, as soon as you leave, you see the homeless, crackheads and half-naked women with no teeth throwing things at you'

Victoria has been sharing a slew of snaps to her 443k Instagram followers upon returning to the UK, taking in all of the capital's landmarks once again.

And it seems moving wasn't the only big change that the socialite has considered, previously explaining how she was considering starting a family before the Covid-19 pandemic happened - but is glad now she didn't.

She admitted that pregnancy magazine Project Baby had also influenced her thinking  as she has a prospective sperm donor/father lined up, should she decide to start a family.

Aristocrat: Victoria is the daughter of the 6th Marquess of Bristol, half-sister of the 7th Marquess, and sister of the 8th Marquess and Lady Isabella Hervey

Six of her eggs were frozen and stored three years ago, at a cost of 11,000, and she spent the time afterwards looking for a donor.

'I had a friend who was going to be my sperm donor. He was going to be involved in my child's life, but as a friend, not a partner,' she explained.

'And I was supposed to be pregnant now. But then Covid happened, which was a big blow, but looking back I'm really grateful I didn't do it with that person. He just wasn't right.'
Jules Robinson could be heading for a television gig in the United Kingdom.

The former Married At First Sight star tells this week's issue of Stellar Magazine that she's had a lot of interest from across the pond.

'The UK has really been there with open arms for me from day one,' the 40-year-old said.

Jules Robinson could be heading for a television gig in the United Kingdom. The former Married At First Sight star tells this week's issue of Stellar Magazine that she's had a lot of interest from across the pond for TV hosting roles. Pictured in Stellar

'I always looked at London as a city of so much opportunity, and I do, to this day, feel that way. I just returned from a work trip [there]' she went on.

Jules has not discounted a move to England, specifically London, a city she says she loves.

'If the right opportunity arose, my family would definitely move to the UK' she said, adding that she's already had offers.

'The UK has really been there with open arms for me from day one,' the 40-year-old said. 'If the right opportunity arose, my family would definitely move to the UK'

'MAFS aired in the UK, where it was extremely popular, and I've already extended work opportunities there' Jules said.

'I've been in talks with some UK TV stations as presenting is something I'd like to explore'.

Jules' interview came alongside a stunning photo shoot in which she showed off a number of high fashion looks alongside her husband, Cameron Merchant, 38.

Jules' interview came alongside a stunning photo shoot in which she showed off a number of high fashion looks alongside her husband, Cameron Merchant (pictured)

The mother-of-one has been busy since starring on Married At First Sight on season six in 2018, where she met now-husband Cam.

She legally married Cameron in 2019 and they welcomed their son Oliver in October 2020.

The reality TV star also launched fashion label Figur in 2020, which saw her create clothes for all shapes and sizes.

The mother-of-one has been busy since starring on Married At First Sight on season six in 2018, where she met now-husband Cam. Pictured on MAFS

After welcoming her first baby in 2020, she shed 20kg after gaining weight during her pregnancy.

Jules revealed she was 'body-shamed' by viewers when she appeared on Married At First Sight.

She spoke about her experience during an appearance on UK breakfast show This Morning, hosted by Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.

She legally married Cameron in 2019 and they welcomed their son Oliver in October 2020. All pictured

She explained why she had launched a new inclusive clothing range partly for that reason.

'Being on that platform, I did get a bit trolled and a bit of body-shaming,' Jules said.

She described herself as a 'curvy woman' and said she wants all women to accept themselves for who they are.

'Inclusivity is important for me. All of my fashion goes from size six to 24,' she said.
Microsoft is finally releasing a fix that is intended to address crashing issues in Microsoft Outlook upon launch in the Microsoft 365 environment.

Microsoft Describes Outlook Crashing Issue in Microsoft 365

As users launch Outlook Desktop, the mail application may get past loading profile and processing and would briefly open, but it then stops responding, Microsoft described to Bleeping Computer the issue users encounter.

The software giant added that the problem occurs when the "EmailAddress string data value under the Office identity is blank."

As presented in a support document made available in August, these Outlook Desktop client crashes have been automatically logged in the Windows Event Viewer Application Log as Event 1000 or Event 1001.

On the impacted systems, these event entries will list 0x01483052 exception codes with 0x1328 faulting process IDs and 0x000000000024074d fault offsets.

Read Also: Microsoft Investigating Remote Desktop Issues After Installing Windows 11 22H2 Update

In an update posted this week, Microsoft revealed that a fix is now rolling out to users in the Current and Semi-Annual Enterprise channels, with this patch available to other channels it in the near future.

Microsoft said the issue has been fixed in the Current Channel Version 2209 (Build 15629.20156) and Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel (Preview) Version 2208 (Build 15601.20158). As these builds become available to other channels, the fixes will be provided subsequently.

Microsoft Offers Immediate Workarounds for Outlook Crashing Issue

For users who can't wait for the fixes from Microsoft, the company is also offering affected customers with several workarounds.

First, Microsoft said, users can sign out and then sign back into Office to repopulate the identity registry settings. For more information, use Sign in to Office.

If the identity is still not getting set properly, users can turn off the Support Diagnostics which then turns off the option to submit an In App ticket using Help, Contact Support, and its feature path that triggers Outlook to stop responding by setting the following registry key:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Options\General]

"DisableSupportDiagnostics"=dword:00000001

Then users can try manually setting the email address to the identity of the user experiencing the issue in the registry path referenced in the issue specifics above.

In a related development, Microsoft recently fixed a bug that causes the Outlook email client to crash when reading emails that contained tables like Uber receipt emails.

It also recalled a Microsoft 365 update in August after users reported Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Office applications crashing when hovering over a user's name or photo or looking at contact cards.

Other Microsoft workarounds have been made available on the Microsoft Support page.

If users encounter the Outlook crashes on Microsoft 365:

1. Investigate possible issues caused by add-ins

Exit Outlook.

Press the Windows logo key Windows Start button in Windows 8 and Windows 10 + R to open a Run dialog box.

Enter Outlook /safe, choose a profile if prompted, and then select OK.

If Outlook doesn't crash or hang, continue by selecting File > Options > Add-Ins.

At the bottom of the window, select COM Add-ins and then select Go.

Select any active check boxes to clear them, and then select OK.

Restart Outlook. If the issue doesn't recur, start adding the add-ins back one at a time.

After adding each add-in, exit then re-open Outlook.

If the issue doesn't recur, add the next add-in.

Repeat until either all add-ins have been re-added, or the issue recurs.

If the issue recurs, remove the last add-in to be added.

2. Repair Office

Type Control Panel in the search box at the bottom of the Windows screen.

Select Uninstall a program from the Programs group.

In the list of installed programs, right-click the entry for your Office installation and then select Change > Online Repair.

3. Create a new Outlook profile

Type Control Panel in the search box at the bottom of the Windows screen.

Select User Accounts > Mail.

Select Show Profiles.

Select the profile that you want to remove, and then select Remove.

Note: Removing a profile also removes any associated data files. If you're not sure whether the data files are backed up or stored on a server, do not remove the profile. Instead, skip to the next step.

Select Add.

Type a name for the new profile in the Profile Name box.

Enter the user name and the primary SMTP address. Then select Next.

You might see the message Allow this website to configure server settings? Select the Don't ask me about this website again checkbox, and then select Allow.

When prompted, enter your sign in credentials, and then select OK.

When Setup is finished, select Finish.

4. Run the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant

Run the recovery assistant if you've tried all of the preceding steps and Outlook is still crashing or hanging. This step creates detailed information about your Outlook configuration and provides solutions for any known issues that are detected. It also gives you the option to upload your results to Microsoft so that a support engineer can review them.

Go to Outlook Advanced Diagnostics.

Select Run when prompted.

Install the Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) if prompted.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

Related Article: Should You Switch to Windows 11? Pros and Cons of Windows OS Upgrade for Remote Workers
Heartbreak Island's winning couple Bailey Neate and Milly Forbes have split.

Neate, 22, and Forbes, 24, were revealed as the winners of the Channel Seven reality show's $100,000 prize money during Saturday night's finale.

The couple appeared to have won both love and money, but Daily Mail Australia can reveal that the couple have since split.

Heartbreak Island's winning couple Bailey Neate and Milly Forbes broke up after the show. Both pictured

'They broke up in June right after filming. It was impossible for them to work it out,' a source revealed.

'She's trying to move on from Bailey, and the show,' they added. 'There's no sign of him on any of her Instagram, it's like they've never met.'

The geographical distance made their relationship almost impossible to pursue.

Bailey lives in Melbourne, while Milly is studying in Auckland.

Neate, 22, and Forbes, 24, were revealed as the winners of the Channel Seven reality show's $100,000 prize money during Saturday night's finale (pictured)

The couple appeared to have won both love and money, but Daily Mail Australia can reveal that the couple have since split

After their win played out on TV, the pair took to their respective social media accounts to thank the crew and fellow co-stars, but failed to address their current relationship status.

In another telling clue the pair have split, Milly has wiped all photos with Bailey from her Instagram feed.

Neate and Forbes along with Aleisha Murray and Antoni Topic made it through to the final challenge, which was split into two tasks.

'They broke up in June right after filming. It was impossible for them to work it out,' a source revealed. Pictured on the show together

After their win played out on TV, the pair took to their respective social media accounts to thank the crew and fellow co-stars, but failed to address their current relationship status

In another telling clue the pair have split, Milly has wiped all photos with Bailey from her Instagram feed

The first saw them scrambling for bags, which contained something unknown in them but which they were told was important.

There were six bags each in total - Bailey and Milly managed to get all six bags - but Aleisha and Antoni could only get five.

Host Clint Randell then revealed to the final two teams the reason for the bags - inside each bag were five words they needed to help craft a poem which 'encapsulated their time on Heartbreak Island'.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Bailey and Milly for comment.
Olivia Colman got stuck into character on Friday as she filmed scenes for her new film Wicked Little Letters in Sussex - which is based on a true story.

Taking to the remote Arundel set, the Oscar winner had a 1920s makeover - donning a forest green tweed blazer and a navy cloche hat.

She tucked into a small cake during the filming, putting on an animated display for the cameras as she joined co-star Anjana Vasan.

On set: Olivia Colman got into character while filming for her new 1920s drama film Wicked Little Letters on Friday - donning a vintage tweed blazer and a cloche hat as she tucks into a tasty treat

Olivia takes a starring role as Edith Swan in director Thea Sharrock's latest project, based on the real-life story of neighbours who come together after receiving a series of hateful poison pen letters from an unknown source.

Filming the scenes, she sported a tweed midi skirt to match her oversized blazer, with a lighter green, button-up shirt underneath.

A pair of light brown tights were added to the ensemble, teamed with small black heels with a strap design.

Teaming it with black leather gloves, the actress carried onto a matching leather handbag while portraying the shamed spinster role.

Newest role: Olivia takes a starring role as Edith Swan in director Thea Sharrock's latest project, based on the real-life story of neighbours who come together after receiving a series of hateful poison pen letters from an unknown source

Ensemble: Filming the scenes, she sported an longline tweed blazer and matching midi skirt co-ord

Productive day: She appeared in high spirits while filming the scenes, surrounded by a number of cast and crew

While Olivia's brunette locks were tucked away under her gold-lined hat, as her complexion was subtly enhanced with a light palette of makeup.

She appeared in high spirits while filming, with the star being spotted on set over the past few days - since principal photography began in the area around two weeks ago.

Olivia will star alongside Jessie Buckley in the forthcoming film, with the Irish actress expected to play Rose Gooding - the fiery younger woman wrongly accused of drafting a spate of hateful letters to various members of the community.

Those familiar with the notorious case will know that Edith (Olivia), a respected member of the community, was eventually exposed as the poison pen author, charged with criminal libel and ultimately tried at Lewes magistrates court in 2021.

Pared back: Olivia's brunette locks were tucked away under her gold-lined hat, as her complexion was subtly enhanced with a light palette of makeup

Warmth: She sported a pair of black leather gloves while tucking into the sweet treat

Co-stars: Anjana Vasan, who plays Police officer Gladys Moss in the film, joined Olivia on set - clad in full uniform

She was handed the cake by a male crew member who had a filled bag

Accessories: The actress carried onto a small leather handbag while portraying the shamed spinster role

The new film is understood to be a lighthearted take on the case, with neighbours joining forces to solve the mystery after the finger of blame is incorrectly pointed at the Gooding.

On two occasions she would be sent to prison for crimes of which she was totally innocent, and the case would involve four trials in all.

The case was high profile, with each trial reported unsparingly by the national press and enthralling the nation.

Setup: The filming took place in the peaceful Sussex town of Arundel, which was tranfrormed back a century

Ball rolling: Olivia has been spotted on set filming over the last few days, after initial production photography kicked off earlier this month

True story: Olivia will star alongside Jessie Buckley in the forthcoming film, with the Irish actress expected to play Rose Gooding - the fiery younger woman wrongly accused of drafting a spate of hateful letters to various members of the community

Real life: Those familiar with the notorious case will know that Edith (Olivia), a respected member of the community, was eventually exposed as the poison pen author, charged with criminal libel and ultimately tried at Lewes magistrates court in 2021

Comedic twist: The new film is understood to be a lighthearted take on the case, with neighbours joining forces to solve the mystery after the finger of blame is incorrectly pointed at the Gooding

Timothy Spall, Hugh Skinner and Joanna Scanlan have also been case in unconfirmed roles.

Wicked Little Letters is expected to go on general release in 2023.

Olivia rose to fame on comedy show Peep Show, before portraying the late Queen Elizabeth II on Netflix's royal drama The Crown - a role in which she recieved her first Emmy Award.

Cast: Timothy Spall, Hugh Skinner and Joanna Scanlan have also been case in unconfirmed roles

Light: Friday's scenes appared to be of comedic nature, with the actors all smiling as they sat on deck chairs
Emily Ratajkowski has shared her thoughts on social media.

The model, 31, says that the online world can be 'toxic' and present unattainable 'curated' ideals for women.

'Obviously, social media is incredibly toxic,' she told Sydney Confidential on Saturday.

Emily Ratajkowski (pictured) has shared her thoughts on social media. The model, 31, says that the online world can be 'toxic' and present unattainable 'curated' ideals for women

'It's not easy to be inundated with all these images and being sold an idea of beauty' she added.

Emily did add that she has seen some benefits from using Instagram as it allowed her to control her image in a way that modelling does not.

'It felt like the only time I could curate and dictate how I was being perceived and seen in the world,' she said.

'Obviously, social media is incredibly toxic,' she told Sydney Confidential on Saturday. 'It's not easy to be inundated with all these images and being sold an idea of beauty' she added

'When you're a model, you are giving that up to other people. You have no control over your images.'

It comes after Emily opened up about the state of the Me Too movement in a new TikTok video that she shared to her 1.8 million followers on Friday.

The supermodel touched on how she believed the hasn't made any significant change in the world.

Emily did add that she has seen some benefits from using Instagram as it allowed her to control her image in a way that modelling does not

The mother of one supported her viewpoint by explaining that because 'men are afraid of the consequences' of their actions rather than understanding 'why they need to change their actions,' there has been a lack of progress.

The Gone Girl actress uploaded a one-minute video of herself discussing how she felt that other changes needed to be made.

'Me Too hasn't changed things in the world. Cancel culture hasn't changed things,' she began, adding, 'All we have now are men who are afraid of consequences.'

'It felt like the only time I could curate and dictate how I was being perceived and seen in the world,' she said

The model then gave an example of her own feelings as a mother. 'And as a parent, I can tell you, when you want to teach your child something, like, not to hit other kids, you don't want them to not hit other kids because they are scared of time out.'

'You don't want them to hit other kids because they have empathy and they understand that hurting other kids is not nice because it will hurt those kids and they don't want to hurt other kids,' she continued to explain.

The beauty also stated in the TikTok, 'I think in a post-Me Too world, what we have is a lot of dudes who are, like, afraid of getting caught.'

The talented star concluded the clip by adding, 'I think they are just afraid of the consequences of their actions.

It comes after Emily opened up about the state of the Me Too movement in a new TikTok video that she shared to her 1.8 million followers on Friday

'They don't actually understand fundamentally why they need to change their actions. So, that's not progress.'

Emily officially filed for divorce from her husband, Sebastian Bear-McClard, last month in September at a New York City courthouse.

The two, who share one-year-old son Sylvester, tied the knot in 2018, and had been married for a total of four years.

The cause of the separation allegedly was due to Sebastian being unfaithful during the marriage.
Florence Pugh commanded attention as she attended the Netflix Awards Brunch during the 66th BFI London Film Festival at 180 The Strand on Saturday.

The actress, 26, looked incredible in a turquoise velvet jumpsuit with flares which she wore with oversized bronze starfish earrings.

Meanwhile Raffey Cassidy, 20, turned heads in a yellow plaid jacket and a matching pencil skirt while elevating her frame with a pair of black heels.

Looking good: Florence Pugh (L) wore a turquoise velvet flared jumpsuit while Raffey Cassidy (R) turns heads in a yellow plaid co-ord at the Netflix Awards Brunch on Saturday in London

Florence then posed with her co-star in The Wonder, Kila Lord Cassidy, which will be released on the streaming service on November 16.

Her role will be the actress' first following the ongoing controversy surrounding her previous project, Don't Worry Darling.

The movie follows her character, English nurse Lib Wright, who travels to Ireland to care for a girl who has miraculously survived without food for months.

Chic: Actress Florence, 26, looked incredible in a turquoise velvet jumpsuit with flares which she wore with oversized bronze starfish earrings

Out of this world: Florence and Raffey looked like supermodels at the lavish bash

Pals: Florence then posed with her co-star in The Wonder, Kila Lord Cassidy, which will be released on the streaming service on November 16

Stylish: Kila looked trendy in a grey ruffled dress while accessorising with a pink handbag

The official synopsis reads: 'The Irish Midlands, 1862 - a young girl stops eating but remains miraculously alive and well. English nurse Lib Wright is brought to a tiny village to observe eleven-year old Anna O'Donnell'.

'Tourists and pilgrims mass to witness the girl who is said to have survived without food for months. Is the village harbouring a saint 'surviving on manna from heaven' or are there more ominous motives at work?'.

The psychological thriller adapted from the novel by Emma Donoghue, is inspired by the 19th century phenomenon of the 'fasting girls'.

Buddies: Raffey was joined by a pal who cut a suave figure in a green T-shirt and navy trousers

Gang: Florence (centre) was joined by AMPAS President Janet Yang and CEO Bill Kramer

What a pair! Johanna Whitehead (L) and Molly Whitehall (R) put on a colourful display

Team: The pair were soon joined by Jason Solomons for a photo opportunity

Also starring Tom Burke, Toby Jones, Kila Lord Cassidy and Niamh Algar the movie is directed by Oscar winner Sebastian Lelio.

It comes amid the recent 'Miss Flo' drama during her last film DWD, where her director Olivia Wilde referred to her as such during a leaked phone conversation with her then co-star Shia LaBeouf.

A report from Page Six in late July claimed that Florence was upset with Olivia because she was hooking up with leading man Harry Styles during the production  while still engaged to Jason Sudeikis  before they split in November.

Beaming: Alisha Weir (left) shot a dazzling smile for the camera and Kila (right) appeared to be in her element

Group: She was joined by film producer Eric Fellner and a guest

Glamorous: Sindhu Vee looked out this world and Matthew Warchus cut a suave figure

Wow! AMPAS President Janet Yang (L) and Sandy Powell (R) posed for snaps

Fashionista: Rhoda Ofori-Attah put on a show-stopping display and David Harewood looked smart

'I can tell you for a fact that Flo seeing Olivia and Harry all over each other on set did not go down well as Olivia was still with Jason when she first hooked up with Harry,' the source said.

Others have noticed that Florence sparsely posted about the film on her social media accounts, which has also fuelled rumours of friction on the set.

The actress missed the photocall for the movie during the Venice Film Festival earlier this month and kept her distance from the director on the red carpet.

Delighted: Tim Minchin, Matthew, Alisha and Sindhu (L to R) posed together

In their element: Janet, Bill and Gurinder Chadha (L-R) appeared to be delighted

Chatting: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Daniel Gimenez Cacho and Eddie Redymayne (L-R) caught up with one another

Friends: Misan Harriman and Misan Sagay smiles for the camera

Siblings: Kila and her brother Lynott Lord Cassidy posed for a sweet shot

Florence was asked by an Italian journalist at the event about what she found 'inspiring' in the film and appeared to make a sly dig at Olivia.

She responded: 'I think it's very very inspiring to see a woman push back and say 'no', and question everything. It's very exciting to see a woman do that on and off camera.'

Asked when she 'says 'no' off camera, Pugh jokingly responded: 'When do I say 'no'? When someone says I can't have cake.'

Posing: Janet looked radiant in snaps from the event and Nicholas Pinnock looked smart

What a pair! Amalia Kassai and Sebastian Lelio put on trendy displays

Dressed to impress: Tobias Lindholm was also in attendance

Dressed up: Eddie put his best fashion foot forward for his appearance

The rumours of tensions intensified after Olivia suggested Florence should have a 'wake-up call' in a leaked video this month.

The video was leaked after Shia refuted Olivia's claim that he had been fired from the project, and in the footage Wilde can be heard encouraging LaBeouf to stay signed on to the film, rather than leave it, while also hinting at some apparent tension with Florence.

Olivia gave an interview to Variety where she said Shia LaBeouf's process was 'not conducive to the ethos that I demand in my productions' after the role was ultimately recast with her now-boyfriend Harry.

Pals: Tobias and Eddie appeared to be in high spirits

Edgy: Eddie's brown shirt featured chic black leaf prints

Trio: Festival Director for the BFI London Film Festival Tricia Tuttle, Akua Gyamfi and Misan Sagay (L-R) caught up with one another

Relaxed: Tim Minchin (L) wore a black top and a coordinating coat while Kris Thykier (R) wore a colourful scarf

In response, Shia supplied alleged evidence to refute Wilde's claims, including an email he sent to the director and a video that she allegedly sent to him, proving he walked away from the film rather than being fired.

Shia claims he 'quit the film due to lack of rehearsal time' on August 17th in 2020, and forwarded Variety two emails that he claims he recently sent to Wilde.

Some studio sources have claimed to the publication that Shia had been fired, while another said his departure was down to a 'collective recognition that LaBeouf's style of acting wasn't a good fit for Wilde's approach as a director.'

Three-piece: Stephen Daldry, Kris and Colin Vaines (L-R) were in attendance

Sensational: Matthias Schweighofer and Ruby O. Fee posed for photographers
Jodie Whittaker's final farewell as Doctor Who's iconic Time Lord has been teased via the show's social media with a brand new trailer.

It was also revealed that the long-awaited episode, dubbed Power Of The Doctor, will be released on October 23rd - meaning fans will only have to wait a matter of weeks to watch the dramatic finale.

The actress is set to bow out of the BBC sci-fi drama later this month in the centenary special, after five years as the 13th, and first female Doctor.

'Welcome to the end of your existence': Jodie Whittaker's grand exit from Doctor Who is only weeks away as BBC have revealed the release date and a brand new trailer

Doctor Who's new trailer shows Jodie being welcomed 'to the end of your existence', as she takes on her dramatic final battle.

The eponymous character will have to take on both Daleks and Cybermen in the episode, as the short trailer showed her frantically dodging laser beams.

Sacha Dhawan, who plays The Master, can be seen telling the Doctor 'This is the day you are erased forever' in the trailer.

Dramatic: Doctor Who's new trailer shows Jodie being welcomed 'to the end of your existence', as she takes on her dramatic final battle

Arch enemy: Sacha Dhawan, who plays The Master, can be seen telling the Doctor 'This is the day you are erased forever' in the trailer

Time is up: The actress is set to bow out of the BBC sci-fi drama next month in the centenary special, after five years as the 13th, and first female Doctor

While a dalek incursion on earth is also teased, with the cast in an intense battle against the clock.

Mandip Gill, John Bishop, Sophie Aldred and Janet Fielding will also return to the screen alongside the star in the feature-length special.

During the finale, the star will allegedly pay tribute to past Time Lords by wearing their iconic outfits throughout the feature-length episode.

And reacting to the new trailer, fans on Twitter were sent into a frenzy, as one wrote: 'IM NOT READY TO SAY GOODBYE TO JODIE / I DONT WANT HER TO GO.'

Returning: Mandip Gill, John Bishop, Sophie Aldred and Janet Fielding will also return to the screen alongside the star in the feature-length special

Feature length: The Power Of The Doctor will be 90 minutes long as it shows Jodie's final moments as the eponymous character

Final moments: During the finale, the star will allegedly pay tribute to past Time Lords by wearing their iconic outfits throughout the feature-length episode

'Now *that's* what I call a trailer! YEAAAAAAAAAAHH!!' wrote another.

Jodie's role will be taken over by Sex Education actor Ncuti Gatwa, as screenwriter Russell T. Davies also returns to the show.

Ncuti is set to be the first black doctor in the show's history, once again marking a milestone for the long running BBC series.

And during his run, the show will celebrate it's 60th anniversary in 2023 - which will see the return of the beloved 10th doctor, David Tennant, who will appear alongside Katherine Jenkins.

Battle: The eponymous character will have to take on both Daleks and Cybermen in the episode, as the short trailer showed her frantically dodging laser beams

Invasion: An alien invasion is teased in the finale as the Time Lord embarks on a dangerous journey

Losing it: And reacting to the new trailer, fans on Twitter were sent into a frenzy

Teasing the episode previously, Jodie explained to Empire Magazine: 'Its got all the iconic things that you associate with Doctor Who. Its massive.'

And speaking on her looming departure from the screen, she admitted: 'I cannot talk about it without crying. When I could see the crew was happy with that last shot, that's when my bottom lip started going.

'I was like "Well, they can't say they need another take now because I've lost it!"' she jested.
Kyle Richards and her sister Kathy Hilton have allegedly barely spoken to each other since filming the Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills reunion.

The three-part reunion special was taped last month, and the first trailer of the fiery episodes was broadcast earlier this week.

However TMZ sources say the drama that unfolded over the course of the entire reunion shoot was so explosive it left the sisters almost unable to talk to one another.

Tension: Kyle Richards (left) and her sister Kathy Hilton (right) have allegedly scarcely spoken to each other since filming the Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills reunion

They have reportedly only spoken to each other a handful of times since the taping, and even then only over text.

Kathy is said to have 'unraveled' at the reunion, where she had a blowout confrontation with her sister that was 'so shocking it was hard to watch' as far as the way they treated one another both when the cameras were rolling and otherwise.

A preview for part one of the reunion only hinted at the rancor that is apparently going to erupt between Kyle and Kathy over the next three episodes.

Lisa Rinna accused Kathy of trashing Kyle, Kyle's family and the other cast-members of The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills.

Happier time: However TMZ sources say the drama that unfolded over the course of the entire reunion shoot was so explosive it left the sisters almost unable to talk to one another

The confrontation mounted in intensity, with Kathy calling Lisa the 'biggest bully in Hollywood' and Kyle ultimately tearfully asking to leave.

Kathy, whose children include Paris Hilton, has seen her relationship with the rest of the cast deteriorate after a rollercoaster trip to Aspen this season.

Kathy Hilton and Lisa Rinna were at each other's throats in Thursday's dramatic new preview for the upcoming three-part Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills reunion special.

Torn apart: They have reportedly only spoken to each other a handful of times since the taping, and even then only over text

The 63-year-old socialite got particularly personal when she accused the 59-year-old actress-turned-reality star of being the 'biggest bully in Hollywood' during a shocking exchange.

The reunion, which airs its first episode on Bravo on October 12 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, appeared to climax with Kathy's half-sister Kyle Richards, 53, being so overwhelmed with emotion that she asked host Andy Cohen through her sobs if she could leave early.

The trailer featured an interesting Memento-like in which it skipped backward in time, starting with Kyle's tear-streaked moment, which apparently occurred at around 9:47 p.m., the 'end of reunion taping.'

Going at it: Kathy Hilton and Lisa Rinna were at each other's throats in Thursday's dramatic new trailer for the Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills reunion special. The 63-year-old socialite got particularly person when she accused the 59-year-old actress-turned-reality star of being the 'biggest bully in Hollywood' during a shocking exchange

Can't handle it: The reunion, which airs its first episode on Bravo on October 12 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, appeared to climax with Kathy's half-sister Kyle Richards, 53, being so overwhelmed with emotion that she asked host Andy Cohen through her sobs if she could leave early

'I'm really not OK now,' Kyle croaked through her tears while turning to Andy. 'I don't want to sit her for a toast. Can I leave?'

Andy looks at her before turning to look directly into the camera in shock.

'Doug, what do you want to do here?' he asks, seemingly speaking to one of the show's producers off camera. 'Kyle's a wreck.'

Backward: The trailer featured an interesting Memento-like in which it skipped backward in time, starting with Kyle's tear-streaked moment, which apparently occurred at around 9:47 p.m., the 'end of reunion taping'

Needs a break: 'I'm really not OK now,' Kyle croaked through her tears while turning to Andy. 'I don't want to sit her for a toast. Can I leave?'

Flustered: Andy looks at her before turning to look directly into the camera in shock. 'Doug, what do you want to do here?' he asks, seemingly speaking to one of the show's producers off camera. 'Kyle's a wreck'

Then the trailer uses an old tape effect to rewind to '23 mins earlier.'

Kyle is style crying, though not quite as overcome with emotion as she would be by the end of the taping.

'I need to end up in a better place here with her than when she came,' she says, seemingly referring to her half-sister Kathy, who is seated next to her and looking on stone faced.

Rewind: Then the trailer uses an old tape effect to rewind to '23 mins earlier.'

Overwhelmed: Kyle is style crying, though not quite as overcome with emotion as she would be by the end of the taping

Working through things: 'I need to end up in a better place here with her than when she came,' she says, seemingly referring to her half-sister Kathy, who is seated next to her and looking on stone faced

The tape then rewinds to '1 hour earlier' as Garcelle Beauvais steps in to seemingly call out Lisa Rinna.

'You're gonna hurt her, and she's the one that's your friend,' she says.

The camera cuts to Lisa, who shows off a blank smile, seemingly the target of Garcelle's plea.

Then, it cuts back to Kyle, who is presumably the person she is sticking up for.

More drama: The tape then rewinds to '1 hour earlier' as Garcelle Beauvais steps in to seemingly call out Lisa Rinna

Warning: 'You're gonna hurt her, and she's the one that's your friend,' she says. The camera cuts to Lisa, who shows off a blank smile, seemingly the target of Garcelle's plea

As the tape rewinds to '2 hours earlier,' Kathy and Lisa start to go at it.

'I don't need any drama,' Lisa tries to say as Kathy leans forward on the sofa and starts to talk over her.

'You fight with everybody! What you did to my sister, and you drove Lisa Vanderpump off the show. I mean, the list can go on and on,' she says emphatically.

The trailer cut them off and skipped back hours to 10:53 a.m., when the Housewives made a glamorous entrance to the studio, with Kyle saying they were at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Playing it cool: As the tape rewinds to '2 hours earlier,' Kathy and Lisa start to go at it. 'I don't need any drama,' Lisa tries to say as Kathy leans forward on the sofa and starts to talk over her

Arrival: The trailer cut them off and skipped back hours to 10:53 a.m., when the Housewives made a glamorous entrance to the studio

Fancy: Kyle says they were at the Beverly Hills Hotel

The reunion instantly took on a lighter tone, as Andy recounted rumors that Dorit Kemsley had had an affair with Kyle's husband.

'And then I heard we were swapping,' recounted the Halloween actress, which elicited an 'Ugh' from of Dorit.

Erika Jayne had her first comment of the trailer when she seemed to claim that Dorit's husband Paul had asked her and a friend, 'You two chicks in porn? F***in' Paul Kemsley.'

'I don't think I even know that,' said a surprised Dorit.

Then Andy asked Erika if she had a 'friends with benefits' since filing to divorce her husband Tom Girardi.

'Well, you have to have a roster. It's like a team,' she replied nonchalantly, before the camera cut to a shocked Dorit.

Having fun: The reunion instantly took on a lighter tone, as Andy recounted rumors that Dorit Kemsley had had an affair with Kyle's husband. 'And then I heard we were swapping,' recounted the Halloween actress, which elicited an 'Ugh' from of Dorit

Ouch: Erika Jayne had her first comment of the trailer when she seemed to claim that Dorit's husband Paul had asked her and a friend, 'You two chicks in porn? F***in' Paul Kemsley.' 'I don't think I even know that,' said a surprised Dorit

Playing the field: Then Andy asked Erika if she had a 'friends with benefits' since filing to divorce her husband Tom Girardi. 'Well, you have to have a roster. It's like a team,' she replied nonchalantly, before the camera cut to a shocked Dorit

In a rapid-fire blast, Andy said Lisa's social media was 'disastrous,' before asking if Erika is 'her own worst enemy.'

'You are out of control,' Kyle appears to reply to her.

'No, I was not out of control. I was angry,' Erika shoots back.

Then Garcelle appeared to call out Erika for telling you teenage son Jax to 'get the f*** out' at his mother's birthday party.

'He was 14!' Garcelle shouted.

Andy also brought up Erika's ongoing legal troubles and noted that she had to give up an expensive pair of earrings given to her by her estranged husband, though she said she was appealing the decision for 'legal reasons.'

Hurt: Then Garcelle appeared to call out Erika for telling you teenage son Jax to 'get the f*** out' at his mother's birthday party. 'He was 14!' Garcelle shouted

In hot water: Andy also brought up Erika's ongoing legal troubles and noted that she had to give up an expensive pair of earrings given to her by her estranged husband, though she said she was appealing the decision for 'legal reasons'

In a more humorous moment, Andy wondered if Lisa had turned Sutton Stracke into her 'punching bag,' and Sutton added, ''I was a dead horse. I turned into glue.'

'I didn't really understand the analogy of the glue,' Dorit interrupted, before they explained to her that horses can be killed to make glue.

At the end of the trailer, Andy stirred up drama between Kathy and Lisa.

'I was being abused by Kathy Hilton,' Lisa says after Andy recited some of the mean things she had claimed that Kathy said about her costars.

'Baby, you wanted it on camera because your contract was coming up,' Kathy replied in a patronizing tone.

After there was a reprise of Kyle's tears, Kathy shouted at Lisa, 'You are the biggest bully in Hollywood, and everyone knows it!'

The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills begins its three-part reunion on Bravo on October 12 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Folksy: In a more humorous moment, Andy wondered if Lisa had turned Sutton Stracke into her 'punching bag,' and Sutton added, ''I was a dead horse. I turned into glue.'

Having a laugh: 'I didn't really understand the analogy of the glue,' Dorit interrupted, before they explained to her that horses can be killed to make glue

Going at it: 'I was being abused by Kathy Hilton,' Lisa says after Andy recited some of the mean things she had claimed that Kathy said about her costars. 'Baby, you wanted it on camera because your contract was coming up,' Kathy replied in a patronizing tone

Not holding back: After there was a reprise of Kyle's tears, Kathy shouted at Lisa, 'You are the biggest bully in Hollywood, and everyone knows it!'
Imogen Thomas enjoyed a fun family day out with her two daughters Ariana, nine, and Siera, six, as they posed alongside cartoon characters at the Paw Patrol Awards.

Hosted at the Soho Hotel in central London on Saturday afternoon, the former big brother contestant, 39, wore a green knitted jumper and paired it with a striking metallic green skirt.

The Welsh model bared her slender legs on the chilly autumnal weekend with the shimmering mini skirt also including a thigh split in it, keeping her outfit fun and young for the occasion.

Family fun: Imogen Thomas has enjoyed a fun family day out with her two daughters Ariana and Siera as they posed alongside cartoon characters at the Paw Patrol Awards

Strike a pose: Hosted at the Soho Hotel in central London on Saturday afternoon, the former big brother contestant, 39, wore a green knitted jumper and paired it with a striking metallic green skirt

She also donned a black quilted YSL gold chained shoulder bag, which matched with her statement Prada chunky black leather boots.

Keeping it simple, she wore her gorgeous chocolate brown tresses in a natural wave and the warm tone complimented her flawless makeup.

Her fluttering eyelashes could be seen from some distance and her beaming smile showed how pleased she was to spend the day with her two little ones.

She shares her daughters with ex boyfriend Adam Horsley who she split with in 2018.

Loved ones: Imogen poses with her beloved daughters Siera and Ariana who wear matching white cardigans

And cheese! She shares her daughters with ex boyfriend Adam Horsley who she split with in 2018

Green girl: The Welsh model bared her slender legs on the chilly autumnal weekend with the shimmering mini skirt also including a thigh split in it, keeping her outfit fun and young

Stylish: She also donned a black quilted YSL gold chained shoulder bag, which matched with her statement Prada chunky black leather boots

Also in attendance for the fun festivities this weekend was model and TV presenter Vogue Williams, who brought along her little boy Theo, four, who she shares with husband and ex Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews.

She wore a stunning blue printed midi dress with a pair of cream ruched heeled boots, while wearing her sleek hair in a straight style.

TOWIE star Saffron Lempriere wore a cut-out polka dot dress and kept her blonde locks in a classic Hollywood curl.

Mum alert: Also in attendance for the fun festivities this weekend was model and TV presenter Vogue Williams (left) and former I'm A Celeb contestant Amy Willerton (right)

Cuddles: Vogue brought along her little boy Theo, four, who she shares with husband and ex Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews

Fellow TOWIE cast member Shelby Tribble, 29, who has a baby boy with co-star Sam Mucklow, 30, came to the event without the little one.

She stunned in a chic all black ensemble, wearing a satin v-neck top, black leather pants and an elegant Chanel chain shoulder bag.

She finished off the look with a pair of heeled square-toed boots and wore her choppy brunette hair in a bouncy blow dry style.

Gorgeous: She wore a stunning blue printed midi dress with a pair of cream ruched heeled boots, while wearing her sleek hair in a straight style

Essex native Lauren Goodger also made an appearance at the London hotel, wearing an all brown outfit, perfectly matching with her balayaged hair and beige Louis Vuitton scarf.

Former I'm A Celeb contestant and Miss Universe Great Britain Amy Willerton, who has one child, gave the cameras a sultry stare as she posed in her turquoise cardigan, baring her shoulder and her mauve pink boob tube top underneath.

Her unbelievable warm brown lengthy tresses looked great as they fell past her shoulders and by her waistline.

TOWIE girls reunite! TOWIE star Saffron Lempriere wore a cut-out polka dot dress and kept her blonde locks in a classic Hollywood curl, while Shelby Tribble (right) wore all black
Jessika Power put in a glamorous display as she stepped out for a birthday meal at Menagerie Restaurant & Bar in Manchester on Saturday afternoon.

The former Married At First Sight Australia star, who turned 30 last week, looked sensational in a lemon-hued co-ord.

Television personality Jessika's mini skirt left her long legs on display, with the reality star sporting a healthy glow.

Glamour puss: Jessika Power, 30, put in a glamorous display as she stepped out for a birthday meal at Menagerie Restaurant & Bar in Manchester on Saturday afternoon

Her halter neck cropped corset top left her midriff partially on show, with the piece piece also featuring a low-cut neckline.

Jessika's naked arms and shoulders were left exposed to the afternoon air with her tattoo visible on her collar bone.

The screen star wore a pair of strappy silver heels to add a few inches to her stature and she carried a matching handbag with her.

Strike a pose: The former Married At First Sight Australia star, who turned 30 last week, looked sensational in a lemon-hued co-ord as she posed with UK series star Nikita Jasmine

She wore lashings of make-up to highlight her pretty features and styled her blonde hair into loose curls.

Jessika posed arm-in-arm with Married At First Sight UK star Nikita Jasmine, 27, who starred in the 2021 series of the British show.

Nikita gave a glimpse at her midriff in a white co-ord with her top tied at the front to leave plenty of skin on show.

Fame game: They were joined by Thomas Hartley, 31, who took part in this year's season of MAFS UK

She wore a pair of flared trousers and opted for some green heels and a matching bag.

They were joined by Thomas Hartley, 31, who took part in this year's season of MAFS UK.

The mental health care assistant wore a white vest top with black drawings of two naked men on the front in the style of late Finnish artist Tom of Finland.

Reality: It comes after Jessika denied editing her recent bikini snaps, after uploading a sponsored post of herself posing in a skimpy blue two piece

Thomas donned a black leather kilt and wore a pair of edgy black leather Dr Martin boots.

His body art was on display while he opted for heavy black make-up around his eyes.

Jessika's outing comes after she spoke out last month to insist she does not alter the bikini snaps she shares on social media.

While she has reportedly spent more than 34,000 on cosmetic procedures, including fat transfers and Botox, Jessika said her swimwear photos are natural.

She denied editing her bikini snaps last month after uploading a sponsored post to Instagram of herself posing in a skimpy blue two piece.

The OnlyFans star flaunted her ample assets as she showed off her best angles, but insisted her jaw-dropping curves were completely genuine.

'I swear I haven't edited the photo (I don't know how to without warping the whole thing). Doesn't my waist look super weird?' she wrote.

Some of Jess' followers were quick to point out the logical reason why her midsection looked 'weird' in the photo.

'The body shape is because the wall behind you is the same colour as your skin,' a fan helpfully explained.
She is due to give birth any day now to her first child with boyfriend Jake Ankers.

And Charlotte Crosby has revealed she wants to be engaged to her beau by the end of next year once they have settled into family life.

The Geordie Shore star, 32, told in a new interview how a proposal now would be 'too much at once' due to her imminent new arrival but that Jake, 33, is keen to pop the question.

Family: Pregnant Charlotte Crosby has revealed that her boyfriend Jake Ankers won't propose until the end of next year after they've welcomed their first child

She told The Sun: 'I will be engaged by the end of next year. I am telling you now, I will be engaged by the end of next year.

'If he could Jake would propose to us now but I tell him no. I don't like to do too much at once.'

She went on: 'I like to have lovely long celebrations of each milestone in life and I don't think there is any need to rush.

Love: The Geordie Shore star, 32, told in a new interview how a proposal now would be 'too much at once' due to her imminent new arrival but that Jake, 33, is keen to pop the question

'I think even the end of next year would be a bit of a rush. I am about to have a baby, so let's celebrate that, do you know what I mean.'

It comes after last month Charlotte revealed she's planning to welcome her baby by C-section over a natural birth, since her ectopic pregnancy in 2016 has left her with PTSD.

The reality star told new! magazine: 'I've never really been keen to push a baby out of my vagina. I'm too scared to have a natural birth.

'There's always been something scary about it for me and when I had the ectopic pregnancy [in 2016] it scared me even more.

Candid: She told The Sun: 'I will be engaged by the end of next year. I am telling you now. I am about to have a baby, so let's celebrate that, do you know what I mean'

'Because I went through that horrendous time where I almost died, I know how things can go drastically wrong.'

Charlotte recently admitted she hasn't forgiven ex Gary Beadle after she went through the ectopic pregnancy alone while he was filming Ex On The Beach.

In 2016, while the television personality was going through the traumatic experience, Gary, now 34, was out in Thailand filming the reality show where he slept with Jemma Lucy and also had a threesome.

As a result of the ectopic pregnancy, Charlotte's fallopian tube had ruptured and was releasing toxins into her body.

Happy couple: Charlotte is due to give birth in the coming weeks (pictured with boyfriend Jake)

Charlotte is just weeks away from giving birth to her first child with her boyfriend Jake.

Jake and Charlotte decided to start trying to get pregnant in December last year, not long after they started dating.

Speaking on her Charlotte Crosby Always On podcast, she said: 'At this age there's not really wasting any time. January came around and I got my period and it was a really sad day. I just cried, I cried and cried on the toilet. I told Jake and he was really gutted about it.'

The couple then decided to stop trying, realising it was quite soon into their romance to welcome a child, and bought ovulation sticks to refrain from having sex on her fertile days.

But then in February on Valentine's Day, Charlotte found it strange when she wasn't in the mood to drink or have sex during a surprise romantic getaway to a swanky London hotel. And then her period was late.

Charlotte recalled: 'Lo and behold I was pregnant. Obviously I was over the moon but I was shocked and I was scared. I was like 'uh oh' and went into this state of panic.

'Am I gonna be a good mother? My whole body is about to change. My whole life is about to change? Will this change our relationship? My whole freedom's gone, my life's gone... All of a sudden I'm freaking out.'
Kendall Jenner put on a leggy display as she celebrated the launch of Eight Reserve by 818 in Las Vegas.

On Friday night, the reality star-turned-entrepreneur, 26, modeled a black minidress with tiny circle cutouts throughout.

The runway regular showed off her stellar stems for the occasion, which has been months in the making.

All legs: Kendall Jenner put on a leggy display as she celebrated the launch of Eight Reserve by 818 in Las Vegas

The former E! star looked typically gorgeous in the understated look, which she paired with open-toe black heels.

She went for a less-is-more approach as she skipped jewelry and sported nude nails on her hands and feet.

Kendall wore her glossy dark hair down, letting it flow down her back as she arranged the locks in a center part.

She was dewy in a full face of glamorous makeup that accentuated her doe eyes and her plump pout.

Stylish: On Friday night the reality star-turned-entrepreneur, 26, modeled a black mini dress with tiny circle cutouts throughout

With her perfectly-shaped thick eyebrows providing a frame for her visage, she added a smokey eye.

Her lashes were volumized and dark liner was used around her brown eyes, as well as contour and blush on her cheeks.

She finished the looked with glazed and glossed lips, and she toted a small black handbag on her shoulder.

Teaser: Kendall has been teasing her new anejo beverage for a couple of months, and now the product has officially launched

Kendall has been teasing her new anejo beverage for a couple of months, and now the product has officially launched.

Back in August, she began posting about the 818 spinoff drink, writing in one caption, 'Meet Eight Reserve by 818. Our new Anejo Reserve. Learn more and order now at eightreserve.com.'

Along with tantalizing photos, the model introduced the figure eight-shaped white bottle as she got consumers excited for the debut.

Last month she said to her 259 million Instagram followers: 'Eight Reserve by 818 is here! rolling out across stores, bars and restaurants in NY, CA, and FL, and available to order online at eightreserve.com.'

Creative: Along with tantalizing photos, the model introduced the figure eight-shaped white bottle as she got consumers excited for the debut

Jenner first launched 818 in May 2021, after announcing the business venture in February of that year.

The news was not without its fair share of backlash, as some accused the mogul of appropriating the Mexican spirit.

The official website boasts, 'We work closely with local, family-owned farms in Jalisco, Mexico to bring you the smoothest, most natural, and best tasting tequila possible.'

818 takes its name from the LA-bred entrepreneur's Southern California area code, adding a personal touch to the brand.

Artsy: Kendall posed in a grainy, grayscale image holding a bottle of her new tequila

Out and about in Los Angeles on Saturday, Kendall tried to keep a low profile in another all black outfit.

She was dressed much more casually than the evening before, donning a black sports bra and biker shorts from Alo.

She flashed her flat and toned tummy in the high-waisted apparel, which she's modeled numerous times on social media.

On the move: Out and about in Los Angeles on Saturday, Kendall tried to keep a low profile in another all black outfit

Dressed down: She was dressed much more casually than the evening before, donning a black sports bra and biker shorts from Alo

The beauty, who's dating NBA star Devin Booker, covered her long tresses in a black New York Yankees ball cap.

The Kardashians star wore white socks with a pair of black Adidas Samba sneakers and carried a leather tote bag over her shoulder.

She went makeup-free under a sleek pair of narrow sunglasses and carried a transparent purple jug of water.
A customer has sued Papa John's for allegedly violating the US Wiretap Act by installing software on its website that snoops on what a user does while browsing the website.

The claimant filed the lawsuit in a federal district court in southern California asking for no less than $100 for each day of violation for every person.

The total amount could be staggering if the respondent be found guilty since the lawsuit is a class action.

Papa John's Spying?

The popular pizza chain, according to the lawsuit, installed a software, known as "session replay software", capable of spying on what a customer has clicked or moved the mouse, and every time a customer has abandoned the cart.

This software is common to all companies that wanted to understand the user's experience better.

IT experts said the session replay software can give a company the visuals of how a user interacts with its website. It can give the company the necessary information so that it can improve user experience.

Read Also: Why Data Privacy is More Important Than Ever

Claimant Alleges Papa John's Wiretaps Its Own Website

Many companies are using the software, but the claimant alleged that Papa John's used it to wiretap its own website.

The pizza company has violated the US Wiretap Act, and California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA), the claimant said.

The lawsuit said, Papa John's used the software supposedly "to monitor and discover broken website features."

But the company goes beyond the stated purpose, the lawsuit said.

Claimant Asks For Damages

The claimant asked the federal court to have Papa John's pay "greater of $10,000 or $100 per day for each violation."

Arguing that "millions" of people were spied upon using the software installed on its website, the complainant has demanded $2,500 statutory damages from Papa John's for multiple CIPA violations.

The pizza company, if found guilty, is going to pay huge fines.

The complainant alleged that the company used "spyware." He does not mention the name of the software.

He claimed the code Papa John's used on its website is illegal. The company has kept mum on the allegations.

Session Replay Software Is a Privacy Concern

The session replay software captures data indiscriminately. It has been a privacy concern for many with companies failing to get the consent of users in tracking and storing their personal data such as name, home address, email address, date of birth, orders, and payment information.

Poor security over this information could leave the users vulnerable.

Last year, Intel was also accused of wiretapping for using analytics to monitor and track keystrokes, and mouse and cursor movements on its website.

The software has gained attention from people who raised a privacy issue against it in 2017 after a study was published by researchers from Princeton's Center for Information Technology Policy.

The study found the scripts of the session replay services such as Yandex, FullStory, Hotjar, SmartLook, SessionCam, among others were used on 482 of the 50,000 websites by Alexa.

There is a danger that personal information such as email addresses, passwords, and credit card numbers will be captured by the session replay script, the researchers said.

Related Article: Several Honda Models Have a Vulnerability That Lets Hackers Unlock Cars, Start Engines Remotely
Florence Pugh displayed her chic sense of style as she attended a special screening of The Wonder at Soho House in London on Saturday.

The actress, 26, who plays the character of Lib Wright in the film, wore a blue puff shoulder pencil dress with a front split.

The garment featured a plunging neckline with black lapels and cuffs in the same colour on the short sleeves.

Fashion focus: Florence Pugh, 26, displayed her chic sense of style in a blue pencil dress as she attended a special screening of The Wonder at Soho House in London on Saturday

She wore the dress with a thin black belt to cinch in the waist and match the statement buttons and detail around the pockets.

The star wore a pair of black heels and accessorised with some beaded drop earrings.

The movie follows Florence's character, English nurse Lib Wright, who travels to Ireland to care for a girl who has miraculously survived without food for months.

In style: The actress, who plays the character of Lib Wright in the film, wore the garment which featured a front split

Famous friends: Florence was seen posing arm-in-arm with The Wonder's director Sebastian Lelio at the event

The official synopsis reads: 'The Irish Midlands, 1862 - a young girl stops eating but remains miraculously alive and well. English nurse Lib Wright is brought to a tiny village to observe eleven-year old Anna O'Donnell'.

'Tourists and pilgrims mass to witness the girl who is said to have survived without food for months. Is the village harbouring a saint 'surviving on manna from heaven' or are there more ominous motives at work?'.

The psychological thriller adapted from the novel by Emma Donoghue, is inspired by the 19th century phenomenon of the 'fasting girls'.

In the detail: The dress featured a plunging neckline with black lapels and cuffs in the same colour on the short sleeves.

Completing the look: The star wore a some beaded drop earrings as she gave a speech at the screening

Telling the tale: Psychological thriller The Wonder is adapted from the novel by Emma Donoghue, is inspired by the 19th century phenomenon of the 'fasting girls'

In character: Florence will next take on the role of a nurse in the historical drama The Wonder, hitting Netflix November 16

It also stars Tom Burke, Toby Jones, Kila Lord Cassidy and Niamh Algar, and the movie is directed by Oscar winner Sebastian Lelio.

It comes after it emerged Harry Styles and Florence have teamed up to release a song from their movie Don't Worry Darling.

The pair collaborated on the song With You All the Time with Harry adding piano parts instead of singing and the track being credited to their characters from the film Alice and Jack instead of using their own names.

Stepping out: Actress Elaine Cassidy, 42, who plays the part of Rosaleen O'Donnell in the film, wore a stylish navy blue and white polka dot dress for the evening

Family affair: Elaine was seen posing with her husband Stephen Lord and their children Kila, 13, and Lynott, nine

The movie's director Olivia Wilde recently explained how Harry had come up with the song, revealing he came up with the piano line that later became the focus of the song.

She told Variety he'd asked about the song and then quickly delivered his part. She said: 'In prep, Harry called me and said, "Whats the trigger song? Like, whats the melody?" I said, "I dont know. Im going to different writers to write it. Do you have anything in mind?" And he said, "Ill think about it".'

Olivia then added: 'Five minutes later, he sent me a demo from his piano, and it was what ended up in the film. He called me and said, "What about this?" And I was like, "Yeah, thats it. Thats it. And thats really insane that you did that in five minutes".'

Harry added of the song: 'I wanted something that could be both sweet and creepy, entirely dependent on the context. I remember first playing it on the piano, and it had a sort of homemade nursery rhyme feel to it. Applied to the different moments in the film, I think it takes on a couple of different lives - I hope.'
Jennifer Lawrence looked effortlessly glamorous as she attended the Causeway premiere during BFI London Film Festival on Saturday night.

The actress, 32, showed off her chic sense of style in a sheer pearl-adorned black gown as she posed up a storm.

The gorgeous design swept flatteringly over her figure and featured dramatic billowing sleeves to give a stylish edge to her look.

Stunning: Jennifer Lawrence looked effortlessly glamorous as she attended the Causeway premiere during BFI London Film Festival on Saturday night

Jennifer boosted her height with strappy black heels and accessorised her look perfectly with elegant pearl earrings.

The beauty wore her blonde tresses swept back into a chic up do and opted for a radiant makeup look to show off her pretty features.

She looked at ease on the red carpet after travelling from New York to London earlier this week for a series of events to promote the film.

Beauty: The actress, 32, showed off her chic sense of style in a sheer pearl-adorned black gown as she posed up a storm

Outfit: The gorgeous design swept flatteringly over her figure and featured dramatic billowing sleeves to give a stylish edge to her look

Her appearance comes after the emotional first trailer for Causeway starring Jennifer and Brian Tyree Henry was released on Thursday.

The minute-and-a-half long clip did not give away too much of the plot for the A24 film but there were some very poignant scenes between the two actors' characters.

In it Jennifer stars as a US soldier named Lynsey who suffers a traumatic brain injury while fighting in Afghanistan and struggles to adjust to life back home in New Orleans.

Glamorous: Jennifer boosted her height with strappy black heels and accessorised her look perfectly with elegant pearl earrings

Glowing: The beauty wore her blonde tresses swept back into a chic up do and opted for a radiant makeup look to show off her pretty features

Brian, 40, plays her friend James as they confide in one another as they try to navigate the next phase of their respective lives.

The most riveting scene came when Lynsey and James shared an emotional hug during a night swim.

Causeway also stars Jayne Houdyshell, Linda Emond, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Frederick Weller, Russell Harvard, and Will Pullen.

Happy: She looked at ease on the red carpet after travelling from New York to London earlier this week for a series of events to promote the film

It was directed by Lila Neugebauer, who was best known for directing episodes for The Sex Lives Of College Girls, Maid, and Room 104 and was written by Luke Goebel, Ottessa Moshfegh, and Elizabeth Sanders.

The film premiered at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival last month and has received positive reviews with plenty of praise for Jennifer and Brian's performances.

Causeway is set to stream on Apple TV+ beginning Friday, November 4.

Exciting times! Causeway is set to stream on Apple TV+ beginning Friday, November 4

Upcoming: Her appearance comes after the emotional first trailer for Causeway starring Jennifer and Brian Tyree Henry was released on Thursday

Plot: The minute-and-a-half long clip did not give away too much of the plot for the A24 film but there were some very poignant scenes between the two actors' characters

Role: In it Jennifer stars as a US soldier named Lynsey who suffers a traumatic brain injury while fighting in Afghanistan and struggles to adjust to life back home in New Orleans

Movie: Brian, 40, plays her friend James as they confide in one another as they try to navigate the next phase of their respective lives

Epic: The film premiered at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival last month and has received positive reviews with plenty of praise for Jennifer and Brian's performances

Talent: It was directed by Lila Neugebauer, who was best known for directing episodes for The Sex Lives Of College Girls, Maid, and Room 104 and was written by Luke Goebel, Ottessa Moshfegh, and Elizabeth Sanders
Ryan Murphy has reached a career milestone as two of his projects have soared to the top spots on Netflix.

As of Friday the limited TV series Dahmer  Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and the film Mr. Harrigan's Phone both sit at number one on the streaming giant, according to Deadline.

The former has captivated audiences since September 21st, and the latter debuted earlier this week on October 5.

Career highlight: Ryan Murphy has reached a career milestone as two of his projects have soared to the top spots on Netflix

The accomplishment is believed to be the first time a creator has held the top two slots simultaneously.

The streamer released global tallies on a weekly basis and announced both Murphy-produced titles were number one in 60 countries as of Friday.

Murphy will have to wait until Tuesday to know for sure if Mr. Harrigan's Phone will hold the number one spot for the week.

Shawn Levy's The Adam Project and Stranger Things 4 also both reached number one, but not at the same time, making Murphy's feat all the more noteworthy.

Accomplishment: As of Friday the limited TV series Dahmer  Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and the film Mr. Harrigan's Phone both sit at number one on the streaming giant

Ryan is currently in his third year of his deal with Netflix.

So far he's already produced two other limited series, Hollywood and Halston, as well as two musicals, The Prom and The Boys In the Band.

Dahmer, a show about one of the most notorious American cannibal serial killers is on track to become Netflixs second most popular English-language TV series of all time.

Starring Evan Peters as the serial killer known as the Milwaukee Cannibal, the show has held the number one spot on the English-language TV chart since its release, and is also the second most watched English-language series in a week ever, only beat out by season 4 of Stranger Things.

All the rage: Dahmer  Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story has captivated audiences since September 21st, and the latter debuted earlier this week on October 5

Mr. Harrigan's Phone stars Jaeden Martell as main character Craig, who striked up a friendship with an elderly billionaire named John Harrigan.

The horror film takes a turn when Harrigan dies and Craig realizes he can communicate with him from the grave via a mobile phone.

The feature was written and directed by John Lee Hancock and is based on the story by Stephen King.
Kirsten Dunst and her new husband Jesse Plemons, 34, were spotted as they said their goodbyes to friends after grabbing a late dinner at San Vicente Bungalows in West Hollywood on Saturday.

The newlyweds appeared to be enjoying some time off from their parenting duties as they were not seen with either of their sons.

It comes after the couple, who have been together for six years in total, tied the knot in Jamaica in July.

Power couple: Kirsten Dunst, 40, and her new husband Jesse Plemons, 34, said their goodbyes to friends after a late lunch in West Hollywood on Saturday

The Marie Antoinette star, 40, wowed in a darling black ensemble with gold embroidery and black shoes.

The Screen Actors Guild Awards winner's blonde hair was parted to the side and fell naturally with a bit of a flip.

The Irishman actor, 34, meanwhile looked handsome and casual in a green jacket, black jeans and converse.

The A list actors share two sons together: four-year-old Ennis and one-year-old James Plemons.

Doting parents: The A list actors share two sons, Ennis, four, and James Plemons, one

Kirsten and Jesse started dating back in 2016 after meeting on the set of Fargo, and they became engaged the following year.

The couple starred opposite one another in the 2021 Netflix drama Power Of The Dog, which saw them play husband and wife.

They were both nominated for Oscars for their roles, but did not win this time around.

Newlyweds: 'We kind of fell in love creatively first and fell in love as actors' Kirsten said about her partner and 'favorite actor'

'We kind of fell in love creatively first and fell in love as actors,' Kirsten previously said on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, adding her partner was her 'favorite actor.'

Speaking of Jesse, Kirsten told the New York Times: 'My first impression was, "Oh, hes like me." We were two people who worked very similarly, and it felt like a soulmate.'

'I knew he would be in my life forever,' she said. 'It was one of those connections where you just know. But were also very respectful people and were mindful of the fact that we were working together intensely.'

Stunning: The couple exchanged vows at the luxury GoldenEye resort in Jamaica

Love story: Kirsten and Jesse started dating back in 2016 after meeting on the set of Fargo, and became engaged the following year; pictured 2017

Jesse also had the same feeling. Speaking with the NY Times, he said: 'I knew that she would be in my life for a long time.'

Jesse also spoke glowingly about Kirsten at at her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2019.

'I don't often remember every detail about meeting someone  Immediately, without too many words being exchanged, I looked into her eyes and saw the beautiful, sweet, unguarded, welcoming human being that she is,' he said.

Partners on and off screen: The couple starred together as husband and wife in Power Of The Dog; pictured November 2021

Speaking of their relationship in an interview with the LA Times earlier this year, Kirsten said, 'We call each other husband and wife. But we have to get married at this point. Its ridiculous. We just havent planned a wedding. There was COVID, then we had another child. I didnt want to be pregnant, get married, have a party and not be able to have fun with everybody.'

Growing up on camera as a child star, Dunst is best known for her roles in Little Women (1994), Spider-Man (2002), Spider-Man 2 (2004), Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004), Melancholia (2011), The Two Faces of January (2014), Hidden Figures (2017) and The Power Of The Dog (2021).

Plemons had his breakout role in the hit AMC series Breaking Bad (2012-2013), and is also known for such films as Battleship (2012), Black Mass (2015), American Made (2017), The Irishman (2019), El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie (2019) and Jungle Cruise (2021).
Sir Michael Caine is calling in his lawyers after an estate agent used his image and a reference to a classic line in one of his films to advertise its business  without his permission.

The actor was not happy to hear that Marsh & Parsons had used his portrait on a poster in the window of its branch in Kensington, West London.

The advert featured a picture of the star, 89, and a nod to his famous line in The Italian Job: You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!

The advert featured a picture of the star, 89, and a nod to his famous line in The Italian Job: You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!

Its not the first time one of Marsh & Parsons ads, which juxtapose descriptions of property with images of people, has landed them in hot water. It was forced to withdraw an outdoor ad featuring then Prime Minister Theresa May, again without her permission, due to fears it portrayed her in a negative light. The axed ad said: Semi-detached, awaiting planning permission

The poster reads: Classic, double-glazed 60s build. Doors may need replacing.

Its not the first time one of Marsh & Parsons ads, which juxtapose descriptions of property with images of people, has landed them in hot water. It was forced to withdraw an outdoor ad featuring then Prime Minister Theresa May, again without her permission, due to fears it portrayed her in a negative light.

The axed ad said: Semi-detached, awaiting planning permission.

Caines team were furious after learning that the property firm was attempting to cash in on their clients fame. I understand that the news prompted his Los Angeles agent to send emails with the words without his permission written in capitals.

Lets hope the furore doesnt distract Caine from his role in his current film, the Second World War drama The Great Escaper. He stars alongside Glenda Jackson as a veteran who breaks out of his care home to join in the D-Day 70th anniversary celebrations. He was spotted shooting scenes in a wheelchair in Hastings and Camber Sands last week.

Ironically, it seems Caine hardly needs estate agents help with property matters. He recently sold his Surrey mansion for 3.5 million  making a staggering 2.5 million profit on the property that he bought for 1 million in 2000. The seven-bedroom home that Caine lived in with his wife Shakira included an indoor pool, hot tub, gym and cinema.

I dont suppose the Zulu and Get Carter star will be asking Marsh & Parsons to flog any of his other properties for him any time soon.

Marsh & Parsons have been approached for comment.
This photo, taken Oct. 4, shows citizens watching TV news at Seoul Station in central Seoul that reported North Korea fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile over Japan. Yonhap





North Korea stressed Saturday that its latest missile tests are "regular and self-defense" actions against U.S. military threats, taking issue with a U.N. aviation agency's condemnation of its recent ballistic missile firing.







In a statement, North Korea's National Aviation Administration (NAA) said, "The missile test launch by the DPRK is a regular and planned self-defensive step for defending the country's security and the regional peace from the U.S. direct military threats that have lasted for more than half a century." The DPRK is the acronym for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.







The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized U.N. agency handling affairs related to international air navigation, formally described the North's continued launching of ballistic missiles over or near international air routes without prior notice as a serious threat to the safety of civil aviation.







The North, however, claimed its missile testing did not pose any threat or harm to the safety of civilian aviation or neighboring countries.







It made clear that its missile activities are aimed at countering U.S. military threats and criticized the ICAO's move.






HYDERABAD: Film actor and former Union minister K. Chiranjeevi tendered an apology to noted spiritual preacher Garikapati Narasimha Rao at Alai Balai programme on Thursday after his fans disrupted the latter's speech.

It all happened when fans made a beeline to take selfies with Chiranjeevi, distracting Narasimha Rao who was addressing the audience. The preacher requested Chiranjeevi to stop the photo session and come on to the stage, otherwise he would leave the venue. Chiranjeevi complied. Later, addressing the audience, Chiranjeevi invited the spiritual preacher to his residence.

Chiranjeevis brother Naga Babu on Thursday evening took a dig a Narasimha Rao, saying on Twitter: Yepati vaadikaina Chiranjeevi gari image chusthe a paati Asuya padatam paripate (It was normal for people of a certain kind to be jealous of Chiranjeevis image).
Days after the arrest of Sameer Mahendru and Vijay Nair, by the CBI and the ED, the Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted fresh raids at several places across the country, including Hyderabad. (PTI file image)

HYDERABAD: Days after the arrest of Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's close associates, Sameer Mahendru and Vijay Nair, by the CBI and the ED, the Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted fresh raids at several places across the country, including Hyderabad, in connection with the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy.

According to ED sources, the offices of one Abhinav Rao, a resident of Madhapur, and Sarath Chandra, a resident of Kukatpally, and a vernacular newspaper office as well as an English TV channel office, both located in Banjara Hills, were searched as part of the nationwide raids.

Agency officials questioned a few people associated with the media houses and obtained information about investments in publishing houses in Hyderabad, sources said.

The raids follow the statement given by Mahendru, managing director of Indospirit, a liquor distributor. Mahendru's arrest came a day after the CBI arrested Vijay Nair, former CEO of the event management company Only Much Louder.

After taking cognizance of a CBI FIR that named Sisodia and 14 others in the Delhi liquor scam, the ED launched its investigation into the case under the criminal provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Nair and Mahendru were allegedly involved in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi government's excise policy. Further, sources said, Sisodia's close associates Amit Arora, director of Buddy Retail Pvt. Limited, Dinesh Arora of Radha Industries, and Arjun Pandey were actively involved in managing and diverting money collected from liquor licencees to accused public servants.

According to a source, Mahendru transferred Rs. 1 crore to Radha Industries' account no. 10220210004647 at UCO Bank in Rajendra Place, New Delhi, belonging to Dinesh Arora. Arun Ramchandra Pillai, a Hyderabad-based businessman, used to collect undue financial advantage from Mahendru, which he then passed on to Nair, ED sources said.
Chandigarh: The central government has approved the creation of a weapon system branch for the officers of the Indian Air Force, which would save it Rs 3,400 crore in flying training, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari said here on Saturday.

He announced that IAF is also planning on induction of women Agniveers starting next year.

Delivering his address at the air force station here on the occasion of 90th anniversary celebrations of the IAF, Chaudhari said that the key to success in multidomain operations is to have flexible, robust and redundant command and control structures which will allow a joint force to dominate across domains.

No single service can win a war on its own. Work is in progress to enhance jointness among the three services, he said.

On the occasion, a new pattern of combat uniform for IAF personnel was launched.

On creation of a weapon system branch, he said this is the first time since Independence that a new operational branch is being created.

The new branch will essentially man the specialised streams of surface- to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, remotely piloted aircraft, and weapon system operators in twin and multi-crew aircraft, he said.

Creation of this branch would result in savings of more than Rs 3,400 crore due to reduced expenditure on flying training, he said.

Chaudhari inspected a ceremonial parade that was held at the air force station here Saturday morning to mark the IAF anniversary. It was followed by a march-past.

Ensign formation performed by 3 Mi-17V5, and led by Wing Commander Vishal Jain, did a fly-past when the IAF chief arrived.

Air-Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, Air Marshal Sreekumar Prabhakaran, senior officers from the three services and Ministry of Defence, and veterans, were among those present on the occasion.

The IAF chief noted that advent of drones, swarm drones, hypersonic weapons, and space-based ISR systems has added a new dimension to war fighting.

"To effectively handle the full spectrum, artificial intelligence is being used for a quicker decision making and analysis of big data. I am happy to report that several projects are well underway to utilise the potential of automation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to transform our operational philosophy," he said.

Nearly 80 military aircraft and helicopters will participate later in the day in an Air Force Day fly-past at the Sukhna Lake complex here, an event which will be attended by President Droupadi Murmu and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Chaudhari said that induction of air warriors into the IAF through the Agnipath scheme is a challenge, but also an opportunity to harness the potential of India's youth in the service of the nation.

"We have changed our operational training methodology to ensure that each Agniveer is equipped with the right skills and knowledge to start their career in the Air Force," he said, adding that in December the IAF will induct 3,000 'Agniveer Vayu' for their initial training.

This number will only go up in the years to come to ensure adequate staffing, he added.

Chadhari said that the IAF has had its share of challenges in the last one year and it has taken them "head on and with all guns blazing."

The IAF chief said that from a continued deployment along our borders to performing disaster relief operations and rescuing stranded Indians from conflict zones, they have performed a whole spectrum of roles.

He said the traditional domains of land, sea, and air have expanded to include space and cyberspace, forming a one continuum of hybrid warfare.

Considering these facts, future conflicts cannot be fought with yesterday's mindset, he said.

"The use of non-kinetic and non-lethal warfare to supplement kinetic means has changed the way wars will be prosecuted. Therefore, conventional systems and weapons will need to be augmented with modern, flexible and adaptive technology, Chaudhari said.

The theme for this year's anniversary celebrations - IAF: Transforming for the Future -- is very apt and highlights the IAF's need to transform itself into a contemporary and future-ready force, he said.

Chaudhari said that IAF's fighting potential has to be sustained over the years with induction of new generation fighters, AWACS (air-borne early warning control system), AEW&C, and flight refuelling aircraft.

"We have initiated necessary steps to ensure our fighter squadron strength remains at the desired level," he said.

Indigenous development of six AEW&C Mk-II has been sanctioned and we are actively pursuing the acquisition of ISTAR, UAVs, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems technology, and strengthening our networks, he said.

"Modern armed forces have to be sufficiently self-reliant to ensure minimum disruptions... 'Make in India' is a step in the right direction," he said.

IAF's indigenously-built AFNET (communication network set up), the IACCS, and e-MMS (its initiative to go paperless), is a testimony to IAF's commitment towards becoming self-reliant he said.

The LCA, ALH, Akash surface-to-air missile, Astra BVR, LCH, and Brahmos are a few examples of the indigenous hardware that has already been inducted and deployed in the force, he said.

We have signed a contract for 83 LCA Mk 1A (light combat aircraft) and are fully committed to the development of LCA Mk-II and the AMCA (advanced medium combat aircraft), said the IAF chief.

It is for the first time that the IAF has decided to hold its annual Air Force Day parade and fly-past outside the Delhi-NCR.

"In a break from tradition, we have decided to conduct the AF Day parade in Chandigarh this year and in different locations across the country from here onwards," said the IAF chief.

He said we have inherited a proud legacy curated by the sheer hard work, perseverance and vision of our predecessors.

"It will only be right to acknowledge the contributions of our veterans who have charted this course and now, the onus is on us to usher the Air Force into the centenary decade," Chaudhari said as paid his tributes to IAF martyrs.

"Today is an occasion to renew our allegiance to the Constitution of India and as preservers of the integrity and sovereignty of our country, we owe it to our future generations," he said.
Washington: Union Petroleum and Natural Gas minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that compared to fuel price hikes globally, India only raised prices by 2 per cent, which is way below that of other countries.

"In terms of petrol and diesel, if the increases in North America are 43-46 per cent, in India we allow prices to go up by only 2 per cent or so. In terms of gas, global benchmarks went up by 260-280 per cent and our own ability to contain gas price increases was something around 70 per cent," Puri told reporters in Washington DC.

Puri on Thursday held bilateral meeting with US energy secretary Jennifer Granholm and other top officials of the Biden Administration.

The minister also highlighted India's commitment to accelerating a just and sustainable energy transition at the ministerial dialogue on India-US strategic clean energy.

During his visit, the union minister also held meetings with senior officials of the World Bank, the Presidential envoy for energy and infrastructure Amos Hochstein and senior representatives of the White House. Puri is scheduled to meet energy business leaders in Houston on Saturday.

The Union Minister said that India was "very confident" of navigating the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries Plus (OPEC+) decision to cut oil production from November by a steeper-than-expected two million barrels per day (bpd).

"How will this impact India? We are very confident of being able to navigate through the situation," Puri told reporters in Washington.

"How will this navigate India? We're very confident of being able to navigate through the situation," said Puri.

Puri highlighted India is one of the largest oil importers and the demand is expected to rise driven by an increase in the country's per capita consumption of energy which currently stands at one-third of the global average. Puri further stressed that the fuel demand is expected to keep rising as the country's economy grows.

"In India, 5mn (oil) bpd is being consumed daily; it's set to rise. Our per capita consumption compared to global averages is 1/3rd. But I see in the coming years, 25 per cent of the global increase in demand will come from India. Energy is a critical driver of economic growth," the union minister said.

The Union Minister also said that India will buy crude oil from whichever country it wanted and that New Delhi faces no pressure from Washington to cut its energy buys from Russia.

"India will buy oil from wherever it has to for the simple reason that this kind of a discussion cannot be taken to the consuming population of India," Puri told reporters in Washington.
New Delhi: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar wrote a letter to the Law Ministry proposing to limit one person to contest only from one constituency at a time.

At present, one eligible person can contest elections from two different seats or constituencies.

The move comes in the backdrop of the poll panel recently delisting 284 defaulting and non-compliant registered unrecognised political parties (RUPPs), declaring more than 253 of them.

As per statutory requirements under section 29A of the RP Act, every political party has to communicate any change in its name, head office, office bearers, address, and PAN to the Commission without delay.

Eighty-Six RUPPs were found to be non-existent either after a physical verification carried out by the respective Chief Electoral Officers of concerned states/UTs or based on the report of undelivered letters/notices from the Postal Authority sent to the registered address of the concerned RUPP.

This decision against 253 non-compliant RUPPs was taken based on reports received from Chief Electoral Officers of seven states namely Bihar, Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.

These 253 RUPPs were declared inactive, as they did not respond to the letter/notice delivered to them and have not contested a single election either to the General Assembly of a State or the Parliament Election 2014 and 2019. These RUPPs were failed to comply with statutory requirements for more than 16 compliance steps since 2015.

In his letter written to Union law Minister Kiren Rijiju in September, CEC also proposed to cap cash donation at 20 per cent or at Rs 20 crore whichever is lower, sources told ANI.

The sources on Saturday said that the Election Commission has proposed bringing down anonymous political donations from Rs 20,000 to Rs 2,000 to cleanse election funding of black money.

In the letter, CEC has recommended a slew of amendments to the Representation of the People (RP) Act.

According to the proposal, political parties are not required to report the cash received below Rs 2,000.

As per rules in force currently, political parties have to disclose all donations above Rs 20,000 through their contribution report that is submitted to the ECI.

Earlier, the income tax department conducted raids in multiple states as part of a pan-India tax evasion probe against certain registered unrecognised political parties (RUPP) and their alleged dubious financial transactions.

The activities were taken by the department on a recent recommendation of the Election Commission which recently struck off at least 198 entities from its list of RUPP after they were found non-existent during physical verification.

The poll panel had announced that it was taking action against more than 2,100 entities, categorised as RUPP by it, for flouting rules and election laws, including those related to the filing of monetary contributions, failing to update their address and names of office bearers.
HYDERABAD: The Rapid Action Force (RAF), a component of the CRPF, celebrated its 30th Raising Day at its group centre in Jawaharnagar here on Friday. Union minister of state for home Ajay Kumar Mishra, the chief guest, said that while RAF was successful in responding to situations and controlling anti-national elements, the government is focussed on their welfare and that of their families.

"With its great skill and amazing ability in mob control and to establish peace, law and order, RAF has been successful," said the minister.

He reviewed an RAF parade and distributed medals after paying homage at the martyrs memorial. Eight contingents from different battalions demonstrated their professional skills in rescue operations, disaster management and administering first-aid.

The first contingent, an all-woman team, stole the show followed by a a drill and a display of riot control.

Mishra said that RAF personnel succeeded in controlling anti-national elements with dexterity.

"In order to ensure improvement in working conditions of CRPF personnel, modern weapons, training facilities and safety equipment are being made available under the modernization scheme of the Union government. They are also getting benefits of several welfare schemes," he added.

Dr Sujoy Lal Thaosen, director general of CRPF, detailed how RAF came into existence in October 1992 as a specialized wing to contain riots and riot-like situations. Armed with attributes like sensitive policing, zero response time and non-lethal weaponry, RAF has been fulfilling its mandate with 15 RAF Bns, he said.

"The dedicated female component in each RAF team speaks volumes about the gender-sensitivity of this unique force," he added.

RAF has 30 teams to deal with floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, cyclones, landslides, avalanches and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear disasters, among others.
VIJAYAWADA: Central Water Commission (CWC) may take up afresh a study on impact of Polavaram irrigation project backwaters at a discharge of 36 lakh cusecs.

The possibility emerged on Friday when centre organised a high-level meeting in New Delhi with representatives of Central Water Commission, Polavaram Project Authority and states concerned, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

In particular, Telangana, Odisha and Chhattisgarh have complained that several of their areas are getting submerged owing to impact of Polavarams backwaters. Responding to their concerns at the meeting, CWC asked the three states to submit their technical details by October 19. The commission will then peruse them and take a decision on either initiating corrective measures to reduce the impact of backwaters or take up a fresh study altogether on the projects backwaters.

Godavari River witnessed highest floods with a discharge of 36 lakh cusecs of water from Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage at Dowleswaram in 1986. Since then, the river has not witnessed such huge floods. Even in July last, Godavari witnessed a discharge of 24.88 lakh cusecs at Bhadrachalam and nearly 22 lakh cusecs at Polavaram.

Water resources authorities maintain that if one in 100 floods of Godavari is taken into consideration, the river has witnessed the highest floods of 28.74 lakh cusecs at Dowleswaram barrage. In case it is one in 50 floods, the river discharged 25.15 lakh cusecs. However, if one in 500 floods are taken, the river witnessed 36 lakh cusecs.

The spillway of Polavaram has been designed to withstand 50 lakh cusecs of water discharge. There is also a chance that the discharge may even touch 58 lakh cusecs. Considering this possibility, APs neighbouring states have demanded a study about the impact of backwaters at such levels.

AP has been maintaining that designs of Polavaram have been approved by all statutory agencies, including Dam Design Review Committee, CWC and PPA, before it got the go ahead for construction of the project. The state has contended that it is implementing the project accordingly.

However, Telangana complained that parts of Bhadrachalam had got submerged during the recent floods in Godavari due to afflux under the influence of backwaters of Polavaram project. AP authorities maintained that there is no Polavaram dam in place as yet. Hence, it ruled out that Polavarams backwaters had impacted Bhadrachalam.

AP pointed out that Godavari had this year witnessed floods wherein water level in the river had risen rapidly, which is a natural phenomenon.

AP water resources engineer-in-chief C. Narayana Reddy said, Flooding in parts of Bhadrachalam had been due to streams carrying huge quantities of water following heavy rains. This water did not get fully emptied into the river, as the water level in the river itself had been high due to floods. However, we have agreed for a joint survey with Telangana. We will take up any corrective measures required to avoid submergence in Telangana.

There is also the issue of flood gauging equipment developing flaws at several points all the way from Bhadrachalam to Polavaram. The quantum of water discharged at Bhadrachalam is supposed to get reflected at Polavaram after some time. But this did not happen in reality. When Bhadrachalam recorded discharge at 24.88 lakh cusecs, Polavaram recorded nearly 22 lakh cusecs, while Dowleswaram recorded the same quantum recorded at Bhadrachalam. AP intends to take up rectification of lapses in flood gauging equipment set up by the CWC.

At the meeting, AP expressed its willingness to compensate both Odisha and Chhattisgarh for the loss caused due to inundation in some of their areas or strengthen their flood banks, provided those states conduct an environmental impact assessment and public hearing.

Polavaram project chief engineer B. Sudhakar Babu maintained: We have been following directions of all statutory agencies scrupulously while executing the Polavaram project. Accordingly, CWC has asked neighbouring states to substantiate their claims. The issue of submergence could be revisited under those circumstances.
The airline said it operates to 130 plus international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. (Photo:AP)

HYDERABAD: Ethiopian Airlines hosted a seminar for its travel partners in India. Acknowledged as the largest aviation group in Africa, the airline showcased its service network across India and multiple destinations in Africa, the Americas and Europe.

The airline said it operates to 130 plus international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. It claimed an average growth of 25 per cent in the seven years prior to Covid-19.

Addissu Ermias, traffic and sales manager, south India, while thanking the travel fraternity present, said, After humble beginnings, Ethiopian Airlines is now Africas most profitable air carrier, which also enjoys a 4-star certification. We have initiated Vision 2035 for the growth of our network.

Srinivasan Jayaseelan, regional manager, south India, STIC GSA, took the audience through the history of the airlines and aspects like hospitality and visa.

Anju Wariah, director, group business development, STIC Travel Group, said, Hyderabad has always been welcoming. Our tie-up with Vistara and Air India provides seamless connectivity from Hyderabad to Bengaluru.

Surabhi Rana, assistant general manager, airline marketing, Bangalore International Airport Limited, highlighted the regional connectivity of the Kempe Gowda airport at Bengaluru.
An aerial view of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Okuma town, Fukushima prefecture, north of Tokyo, on March 17. AP-Yonhap





Korea urged the international community to discuss Japan's plan to discharge radioactive water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean at this week's international maritime gathering, the oceans ministry said Saturday.







The Fukushima nuclear power plant meltdown in 2011 has spread heavy safety concerns among nearby countries.







The Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said Tokyo's disposal of radioactive water may have a serious impact on the health, safety and ecosystem of neighboring nations, during the weeklong 44th London Convention and the 17th London Protocol that ended Friday.







The Korean government has brought the Fukushima discharge agenda to London since 2019.







Japan has refuted Seoul's call, claiming the discharge of radioactive water from nuclear power plants should not be seen as an act of marine dumping.







The London Convention promotes the effective control of all sources of marine pollution and takes steps to prevent marine pollution by human activities. Korea joined the convention in 1993.







The London Protocol calls for banning all dumping, with some exceptions. It has 53 signatories, including Korea which joined it in 2009.







Earlier in August, the United Nations-specialized International Marine Organization (IMO) decided that the Fukushima discharge agenda is appropriate to be discussed in London, with mutual agreement of the members involved.







At the IMO convention, the Korean oceans ministry said the members should discuss ways to safely dispose the contaminated water from the Fukushima power plant, actively exchange information and monitor the situation. (Yonhap)


VIJAYAWADA: Minority woman leader and founder of Tahera Trust AP and Telangana, Zahara Begum said that MP Asaduddin Owaisi was playing with the sentiments and emotions of minority Muslims by using religion as a tool. She stated that Owaisi, who used to provoke minorities for political purposes, had now turned mute on the situation of human rights in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China, where Muslims were facing severe hardships. She demanded MP Owaisi to work for the resolution of Uyghur Muslim problems by gathering support from Islamic countries.

Zahara Begum said in a release on Saturday that out of 47 member countries of the United Nations Human Rights Council who participated and voted for the draft resolution on debate on the situation of human rights in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China submitted by the USA, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and UK. She further said that 19 countries supported and another 19 countries, which included 9 Muslim countries, opposed and 11 members abstained from voting, which included India adhering and committed to UNHRC and is in line with the practice of not voting on country-specific resolutions.

Zahara Begum said that all the Muslim majority countries like Pakistan, Qatar, UAE, Indonesia, Malaysia, Libya, Sudan , Senegal and Cameroon voted against the draft resolution. No Islamic country voted for the draft resolution but they were waiting for the optimal solution of dialogue. She stated that MP Owaisi used to respond to every national and international issue. She questioned what stopped Owaisi all these years and prevented him from mobilising all the Islamic countries against the Chinese oppression of the Uyghur Muslims and why did not he give a call to all the Muslims in India, his party men and other parts of the world to boycott Chinese goods, which would have taught China must faster than anything else.

Zahara Begum sought Owaisi to give a call in support of Uyghur Muslims in China.
GUWAHATI: Union home minister Amit Shah launched a frontal attack on the Congress here on Saturday, alleging that the 70 years of the grand old had party pushed Assam and the northeast into violence and anarchy.

Addressing party workers and booth committee members, Shah, accompanied by BJP president J.P. Nadda, said, Seventy years of Congress pushed Northeast to violence and anarchy. BJP's eight years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought it back into the mainstream."

Lauding the BJP regime, Shah said, The northeast has marched ahead on the path of peace and development during eight years of BJP rule. BJP has established peace in Assam with 9,000 people laying down arms and joining the mainstream.

Targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he said, Rahul Gandhi gave Congress an agenda to remove the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) from the northeast if they came to power (in 2019). That was for appeasement. When it was asked from me, I said we'll first bring peace to the northeast and will remove AFSPA but won't do it only for appeasement.

Stating that more than 60 per cent of Assam was out of AFSPA, he said, Under PM Modi's leadership, the issues of Karbi, Boro and Bru people were addressed, and five tribal agreements were signed.

Assam was identified by violence, terrorism and protest, he said, adding, Now, it is known for peace, infrastructure and development.

Expressing gratitude to veteran party workers who held the flag of the party aloft during its fledgling, Shah said, We never imagined we would form government on our own in Assam during my Vidyarthi Parishad days. Today, the BJP's consecutive rule in the state is ensuring all-round development.

He also recalled that during the Congress regime of Chief Minister Hiteshwar Saikia, BJP protesters, including himself, were assaulted.

Earlier, Shah and Nadda inaugurated the party's headquarters in the presence of Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, state party head Bhabesh Kalita, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and others.

Shah also chaired a regional meeting on 'Drug Trafficking and National Security' in Assam to discuss the drug scenario in the north-eastern states and ways to mitigate it. Chief Ministers and Directors-General of Police of all northeastern states participated in the meeting.
North Korea said on Saturday its missile tests are for self-defence against direct US military threats and they have not harmed the safety of neighbouring countries and regions.

North Korea carried out six missile launches in 12 days as of this week, including launching an intermediate-range missile over Japan on Tuesday.

"Our missile tests are a normal, planned self-defence measure to protect our country's security and regional peace from direct US military threats," said state media KCNA, citing an aviation administration spokesperson.

The missile tests "did not pose any threat or harm to the safety of civil aviation as well as the safety of neighbouring countries and regions, by a full consideration of civil aviation safety in advance."

The message was in response to the International Civil Aviation Organization Council condemning North Korea's missile launches for posing a serious safety risk to international civil aviation, KCNA said.

North Korea's defence ministry was "taking a stern look at the development of the current situation, which is very worrisome," regarding US-South Korean drills involving the nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, KCNA said in a separate statement.

The United States and South Korea held joint maritime exercises on Friday, a day after Seoul scrambled fighter jets in reaction to an apparent North Korean bombing drill.

The United States also announced new sanctions on Friday in response to North Korea's latest missile launches.
Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday asked the country's future military officers to "respect" the democratic institutions and not to get "distracted' by fake news and political wrangling.

Addressing a passing out parade at the prestigious Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), he told the cadets that they should "respect the democratic institutions and be ready to defend the territorial integrity, sovereignty and constitution of Pakistan with your life."

In what could possibly be his last address at the prestigious Academy in Kakul as he is set to retire by the end of November, the 61-year-old Chief of Army Staff (COAS) advised the cadets that as good soldiers they must always remain focused on their jobs and don't get distracted by "fake news and political wrangling" in the country.

The powerful army, which has ruled the coup-prone country for more than half of its 75-plus years of existence, has hitherto wielded considerable power in the matters of security and foreign policy.

"My dear cadets, you are entering the service when the challenges facing the country are complex and multifaceted hence your responsibilities are far greater and more demanding than that of your predecessors, he said.

The Army chief, who had expressed his support for democracy on many occasions, asked the passing out cadets that they should respect the elected institutions of the country. Always remain prepared and alert to respond and defeat all intrigues and conspiracies hatched against our country with an iron fist," he said.

Bajwa also emphatically stated that the armed forces with the support of the citizens would never allow any country, group or force to politically or economically destabilise Pakistan.

Bajwa's remarks came in the wake of former premier Imran Khan making anti-military statements.

Bajwa has held the top post of the Pakistan Army for six years. He was initially appointed in 2016, but after three years of tenure, the then government of Imran Khan in 2019 extended his service for another three years.

The appointment of the Army chief is the sole prerogative of the prime minister. The upcoming appointment of a new Army chief is in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. When Khan was in power, the Opposition accused him of trying to bring an Army chief of his choice, who could support his alleged agenda of victimising opposition leaders.

Since he lost power, the equation has changed and now Khan is saying that the coalition government wants to install an Army head of its choice to protect looted wealth and steal general elections.
Derry City and Strabane District Council has been awarded funding for a number of innovative projects under the Irish Governments Shared Island Local Authority Development Funding Scheme that was announced by An Taoiseach Micheal Martin in Cavan last week.

As part of the scheme, Derry City and Strabane District Council will be partnering with a number of local authorities on a cross-border basis to bring to forward a number of exciting and innovative new projects through feasibility or pre-planning stages.

Derry City and Strabane District Council is partnered with Donegal County Council on three of the projects that include a Sli Colmcille pilgrimage route, a North West De-carb Exemplar Decarbonised Public Building and Transportation project and a NW Regulatory Technology Cluster.

The North West De-carb Exemplar Decarbonised Public Building and Transportation Project sees both Councils making a commitment to the North West region to become a leader in achieving national and international climate change targets and becoming carbon neutral by 2045. The North West Regional Energy Agency will be the vehicle to deliver this cross border exemplar project to inspire its carbon neutral journey.

The North West Regulatory Tech Cluster project will see the two Councils working with partners to develop a cross border, all island national institute in Reg Tech, bringing companies, academics and public bodies together to drive world class research and innovation. The Institute will have campuses in Letterkenny, Derry and Belfast and work across all sectors to accelerate digital and data driven regional innovation which in turn will unlock economic benefits.

The Sli Cholmcille Project will see the two Councils develop a pilgrimage linking key Cholmcille related sites across the cross border landscape to support tourism development, recreation and connection with communities through a shared heritage of the saint.

The Council will also team up with Galway City Council on two innovative projects that include a creative arts initiative entitled the Atlantic Region of Creative Content (ARCC) that will test the feasibility of the virtual production workspaces located at key juncture points across the region.

The second project, entitled Culture Connects, will look at the feasibility of a cross-border support programme for emerging cultural practitioners to develop a contemporary model of support and mobility for the sector as well as examining artist residency and co-working spaces.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin TD and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh OBrien TD pictured with the delegation from Donegal County Council and Derry and Strabane District Council which received funding under the Shared Island Local Authority Development Funding Scheme. PHOTOS: MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

The fifth and last project that Derry City and Strabane District Council will be involved in is for a project entitled Our Learning Island, in partnership with Cork City Council that will explore the feasibility of a medium-term Learning Island exchange programme which will involve education leaders, tutors and learners in an exchange with all members of the Irish UNESCO Learning City Network, including Belfast, Limerick and Dublin.

The Shared Island chapter is included in the Irish Governments National Development Plan that outlines its commitment to support the work of cross-border local authority partnerships and provides support to pursue opportunities for collaborative investment and working.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy said she was delighted that the Council was successful in five cross border collaborative projects as part of the Shared Island funding scheme.

She commented: I am of the firm view that the North West City Region is already an exemplar of best practice in cross border collaboration and thanks to this project we can further build on the very robust existing relationships we have to bring these projects to fruition.

"This initiative will also allow us to create new partnerships with other local authorities on a cross border basis so that we can work more effectively and collaboratively in sharing our experiences and facing challenges together. By working with our cross border partners we can continue to deliver a wide range of innovative cross border projects that are aimed at driving regional social and economic growth and environmental well-being.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Liam Blaney said he was delighted to partner with Derry City & Strabane District Council on a number of exciting and innovative projects that will lay the foundation to drive growth in the North West City Region.

He said working on these partnership projects will delivery tangible benefits and provide new opportunities for the entire North West City Region and further strengthen our existing relationships to achieve our shared strategic priorities.

The Mayor concluded that Council was looking forward to working with Donegal County Council, Galway County Council and Cork City Council and all the relevant partners to further nurture the relationships and create new knowledge and opportunity through delivery of these exciting projects.
The President of the Derry Chamber of Commerce has called for political parties to redouble efforts to restore the Stormont institutions ahead of the looming 28th October deadline.

Speaking last night (Friday) at the 64th Derry Chamber Presidents Annual Dinner held at the White Horse Hotel, Derry, Aidan OKane said that political, not just business leadership, is now needed to assist with the impacts to local business and the regional economy caused by the cost-of-living crisis.

The Chamber President said anything less than a functioning Executive should be regarded as a huge disappointment for elected representatives as the local business community continues to navigate the many economic challenges facing firms.

Sponsored by Allstate NI, the dinner was attended by over 350 business representatives, politicians, dignitaries, and civic leaders, and included a fireside chat between broadcaster Mark Simpson and North West-based extreme adventurer, Hannah Shields, the first woman from the island of Ireland to summit Mount Everest.

Speaking at the Dinner, Chamber President Aidan OKane said: In what has been a turbulent year, our dinner is always a celebration of the brightest and best of local business in the North West.

"Throughout my time as President, it has been inspiring to see the level of cooperation and collegiality that exists within our business community as well as the talent and innovation of our entrepreneurs from Derry and beyond.

He added: However, it is deeply disappointing that, once again, Northern Ireland finds itself without a functioning Executive. It is high time that our elected representatives show the same level of leadership as many of our inspiring business leaders.

"Businesses have come through the unprecedented pressures of the pandemic and theyve displayed a remarkable resilience and commitment to protecting jobs.

Children in Crossfire Founder and Presidents chosen charity, Richard Moore; and Aidan OKane, Londonderry Chamber President.

"But, staring into huge fiscal and economic challenges ahead, they deserve political certainty and government intervention to protect them."

I want to make a final appeal as Chamber President to our local political leaders to work with and assist businesses through the challenges that lie ahead. Our members are overwhelmingly in favour of a return to stable and functioning political conditions as soon as possible, and they are clear that an absent Executive is actively hurting trading conditions and investor confidence.

"Ahead of the 28th October deadline in just three weeks, the time is now to get back around the table and get ministers and MLAs back to work again to deliver for everyone in our communities.

Managing Director of Allstate NI, John Healy added: We are thrilled to be the main sponsor for this years Presidents Annual Dinner. Since establishing a presence in the North West almost 25 years ago, we have seen the very best of the skilled talent coming through year after year.

"Tonight we celebrate what is a very special business community and look forward to the opportunities for further collaboration, development, and growth that lie ahead.
Nightlights illuminate the skyline, but a dark cloud hangs over Cresslough.

Three fatalities have been confirmed following an explosion on Friday afternoon.

A sense of numbness, helplessness, is being felt by those who stand in silent hope and prayer since an ordinary Friday turned into anything but.

People remain trapped in rubble after an explosion at the Applegreen service station at around 3.20pm.

Sniffer dogs have been drafted in and emergency response teams, using specialised equipment are sifting through the debris. The N56 road has been closed and diversions are in place while a temporary airspace restriction has been imposed within a 6km radius of Creeslough.

An Garda Siochana have confirmed that there have been three fatalities.

This continues to be an ongoing operation and An Garda Siochana are not in a position to provide further information on casualties at this time, a spokesperson from the Garda Press Office said.

Letterkenny University Hospital has tonight stood down a major emergency standby plan which was enacted following the explosion, which happened at around 3.20pm.

The hospital continues to treat those injured in the incident and remains on hand to provide all necessary medical assistance required.

A spokesperson for the Saolta University Health Care Group said: We continue to appeal to the public not to come to the Emergency Department unless it is an emergency.

Please contact your GP or out of hours service in the first instance. NowDoc has increased staffing tonight to help deal with any additional demands.

The news will not be good, said The Bishop of Raphoe, Alan McGuckian SJ, who travelled to the devastating scene.

Bishop McGuckian spoke of a sense of impending loss and fears of fatalities were confirmed after 10pm by the Garda Press Office.

People reported hearing the explosion several kilometres away and the ferocity was such that windows in other buildings nearby were broken.

The main building was destroyed in the blast at the complex, which houses a filing station, shop and post office as well as an apartment block.

The heart had been torn out of our community, Fr John Joe Duffy, the visibly-upset local parish priest, said.

This is a tragedy that is beyond belief. It is an accident beyond our imagining.

This has happened in the heart of our community. A sad reality just unfolded. This is our community, this is the shop where we all meet.

Schools had just finished for the day at 3pm and the town was its usual hive of activity on Friday evening. Pension day for some, a commute home for others, a weekend away for some - Creeslough has all kinds of passers-by as well as its own closely-knit residents.

Deputy Pearse Doherty also visited the shellshocked town and described an eerie silence as loved ones of some of the unaccounted waited for news.

It is just surreal, he said. It is a very, very dark day for the community. It is heartbreaking.

Fire services and ambulance personnel, including some from Northern Ireland, rushed to the scene.

Falling debris caused damage to cars on the forecourt and shocked onlookers watched in horror.

This emergency response has been led by the Donegal County Council Fire Service with assistance by An Garda Siochana, the National Ambulance Service, Irish Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Rescue 118 Helicopter, Irish Air Corps Medivac 112, Northern Ireland Ambulance HEMS, Irish Community Air Ambulance (Ground Crew), Northern Ireland Urban Search and Rescue, Meavagh Fire Service, Donegal Mountain Rescue, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HART team (Hazardous Area Response Team) and the Donegal County Council Civil Defence.

A landing zone was set up at Phoenix Park for inbound helicopters transporting casualties to Dublin.

In Creeslough, local farmers and contractors aided the emergency responders in carting rubble from the scene. The noise of the machinery was all that punctuated a haunting Friday night in Creeslough.

It felt as if I was looking at something out of an episode of something on Netflix, one eyewitness said.

As the true horror unfolded, their worst nightmare played out before them.
Multiple injuries have been reported with people feared trapped in debris hours after a devastating explosion at a service station in Ireland.

The Applegreen service station located in the village of Creeslough, Co Donegal, sustained extensive damage in the blast.

The buildings surrounding what is the villages main shop were also badly damaged.

Fears were mounting in Creeslough on Friday night that lives have been lost in the explosion.

Among those gathered at the scene cordon were relatives of people believed to have been in the buildings at the time.

Sniffer dogs were being used amid the rubble at the explosion site late on Friday night as emergency services continued their search efforts.

A crowd of around 30 local people gathered behind a Garda cordon and watched on in hushed silence.

ITaoiseach Micheal Martin said his thoughts and prayers were with the entire community of Creeslough.

Thinking too of all the emergency services, from across the north-west and NI working in very traumatic situation, he tweeted.

Local priest John Joe Duffy said the community was numb and devastated.

Its very much looking at the unknown at this time, and were just broken-hearted, everyone is broken-hearted, were lost for words, Fr Duffy said.

What Im appealing for is for the prayers of the people across this county and across the country, to pray for us, to help us and to give us strength to get through these difficult hours and difficult days that may lay ahead.

Donegal TD Joe McHugh said friends and families were going through a very difficult waiting period.

Were just waiting here, my sympathies and thoughts are with a lot of families here and their friends and loved ones, there is a very difficult waiting period now, he continued.

People have pulled together and emergency services are there and doing their work, working carefully through this very, very difficult time.

People are stunned, its very surreal, very difficult to put it into words. Just thinking of this very closely knit community that are still clinging on to hope, but they know that its going to be a difficult time ahead.

Fellow TD Pearse Doherty said that people were still trapped in the building on Friday evening as the emergency services worked to remove the rubble from the area.

Irelands Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue said he was thinking of all those affected by the awful incident.

The Donegal TD said: My deepest thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the awful incident in Creeslough this afternoon.

Hushed silence in Creeslough, Co Donegal tonight where a major search operation is continuing following an explosion in a service station @PA pic.twitter.com/9W6h5eGhDL  Jonny McCambridge (@McCambridgeJ) October 7, 2022

Thinking of the emergency services personnel involved this evening too.

Multiple emergency service vehicles remained at the scene on Friday night while a Coastguard helicopter airlifted some of those who were injured in the blast from Letterkenny University Hospital to Dublin.

The Letterkenny hospital appealed to the public not to attend its emergency department unless it was urgent.

Applegreen said in a statement that it is aware of a serious incident at its dealer-operated location at Creeslough.

The thoughts and prayers of everyone here at Applegreen are with all of those who have been affected.

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar described the incident as tragic.

In a post on Twitter, he wrote: Terrible news from Donegal tonight.

Our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic events and with the emergency services responding.

Nina Gabel, 35, described distressing scenes at the cordon.

There was one woman who didnt know where her daughter was and she was very upset, she said.

There are emergency services everywhere, there were so many gardai and fire engines.

What looked like local farmers tractors were helping to dig out the rubble.

Ambulances and fire crews from across the border in Northern Ireland have deployed to the area to assist with the emergency response.

A local hotel stopped taking bookings from members of the public to ensure all spare rooms were held for first responders.

Mr Doherty said it was after 3pm when the devastating and massive explosion took place that could be heard from miles around.

This is something thats your worst nightmare. This is a quiet village, a very close-knit village, this is the only shop in the town, he told RTE news.

It ripped right through this building, and this was a very busy location at that point in time.

Three oclock, its just after school, people were going to collect their pensions. This is a very, very, very busy locality here at this shop, this petrol station, this deli, the post office at this time.

Mr Doherty said it had left a very, very dark cloud over the community.

He said: There are silent prayers being said, there are people still trapped within the building and the emergency services are doing everything that they can to remove the rubble, and people are being airlifted away to our hospitals in the region.

Theres just quiet, its surreal. People are just holding on for hope, holding on to hear news, positive news coming from the emergency services.

Fianna Fail councillor Anthony Molloy said it is beyond words as he knows the family which owns the service station.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved, Mr Molloy said.

It looks horrific from what I can see from photographs. It looks terrible. Its just terrible.

I know the family. Its beyond words.

Local councillor Donal Mandy Kelly told PA the news was devastating.

He said: My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.

Independent Donegal councillor John ODonnell said he was praying there were no fatalities.

What were hearing is theres just absolute carnage in Creeslough at the moment, theres a massive gas explosion, he told BBC Radio Ulster.

The feedback Im getting from family and friends who are unfortunately down at the scene and in the area is just that the whole place is chaos at the minute, everybodys very, very taken aback and devastated at whats happening.
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Donegal's Catholic and Church of Ireland bishops have been comforting the community in Creeslough following Friday's explosion which has claimed at least nine lives.

The Bishop of Raphoe Alan McGuckian visited the scene of devastation at the Applegreen service station on Friday night and was in the village again on Saturday when he was joined by Bishop Andrew Forster, Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe. The two bishops met and prayed with bereaved family members, friends and neighbours of the deceased and injured.

The Bishop of Raphoe paid tribute to the bravery of local people who put their own safety at risk to help others in the aftermath of the explosion. He said he was deeply saddened at the loss of life and at the extent of injuries caused.

I have witnessed at first-hand the immediate reaction of the local community to the tragedy who, in their bravery, took risks at the site to help others even to the detriment of their own safety. I wish to commend the first responders, and the emergency services of Donegal and Derry, for their high level of professional cooperation and rapid response.

In the wake of this heart-breaking human tragedy, I am asking all parishes in the Diocese of Raphoe to come together to pray at Mass this weekend, so that people can offer comfort and support to each other and to all who are suffering. God always walks with us, in light and in dark, so let us embrace the power of prayer at this time of need and He will be there for us.

The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster, said the community in Creeslough will be scarred for many years to come.

"I ask people to keep the bereaved and injured in their prayers, and to remember, too, members of the emergency services - and the people of Creeslough - who have been doing their utmost to save lives. We, as a community, owe them an enormous debt of gratitude.

"It is essential that the cause of Friday afternoon's explosion is established as quickly as possible and that every effort is made to prevent a recurrence."




The U.S. military on Saturday released footage showing a Stryker armored fighting vehicle arriving in a port city south of Seoul as part of a new American rotational force to operate here for nine months.







The Eighth Army disclosed the video clip, in which the vehicle was seen disembarking at the port in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul, to work as a key asset of the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT).







The SBCT will replace the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT)  a transition that the U.S. military said would enable "greater mobility and concentration of combat power."







The ABCT operates M-1 Abrams tanks and M-2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, while the Stryker team uses the eight-wheeled armored vehicle, which the U.S. Army says combines firepower, battlefield mobility, survivability and versatility with reduced logistics requirements.







The shift comes as Seoul and Washington are striving to strengthen deterrence against Pyongyang's evolving nuclear and missile threats. (Yonhap)


The death toll from an explosion at an Irish petrol station is expected to rise beyond the seven fatalities already confirmed.

A search and recovery operation is continuing in the village of Creeslough, Co Donegal, as rescue workers try to locate several people who are still missing.

Friday afternoons blast ripped through the Applegreen service station and convenience store and adjacent buildings.

Having announced three fatalities on Friday night, the Irish police force, An Garda Siochana, confirmed a further four deaths in a statement on Saturday morning.

The force said: An Garda Siochana can now confirm seven fatalities as a result of this incident  three fatalities were confirmed yesterday, four fatalities are now confirmed overnight.

The search and recovery for further fatalities continues.

Eight persons were transferred to hospital for medical attention yesterday.

A major emergency response operation involving first responders from both sides of the Irish border extended through the night and continued on Saturday morning.

Rubble was being moved on to trailers and hauled from the scene.

Two rescue workers were on a raised platform above the site of the explosion and a digger was working through the debris.

Among those gathered at the cordon on Friday night were relatives of people believed to have been in the buildings at the time.

Sniffer dogs were being used amid the rubble.

At one point on Friday night all machinery was turned off and onlookers were asked to remain silent as rescue workers attempted to detect survivors beneath the debris.

The President of Ireland Michael D Higgins expressed his shock at the terrible tragedy.

Statement by President Michael D. Higgins following the terrible tragedy in Creeslough, Co Donegal https://t.co/qWPBfbZWoJ  President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) October 8, 2022

All of our thoughts must go out to all of those who have been affected, he said.

Those who have received news of the loss of a loved one, those injured and, most of all, those who are waiting with anxiety for news of their loved ones.

This tragedy is a terrible blow to a community that is closely knit and where every loss and injury will be felt by every member of the community and far beyond.

Irish premier Micheal Martin said he expected the death toll to rise.

The Taoiseach described Friday as the darkest of days for Donegal and Ireland.

People across this island will be numbed by the same sense of shock and utter devastation as the people of Creeslough at this tragic loss of life, he said.

My thoughts and prayers are tonight with the entire community of Creeslough following todays devastating explosion. Thinking too of all the emergency services, from across the north-west and NI working in very traumatic situation.  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) October 7, 2022

The Garda has not provided any information on the suspected cause of the explosion.

Donegal TD Pearse Doherty, who was at the scene on Saturday morning, said there were a number of people missing.

He told the PA news agency: The rescue and recovery operation went on through the night.

This explosion not only ripped the heart out of this building, but ripped the heart out of this community and left a huge amount of devastation.

In the early hours four more bodies were recovered, bringing the overall death toll to seven.

There are a number of people still missing and the emergency services are working tirelessly to remove debris and to recover other individuals who may still be in that building.

Agriculture Minister and Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue, speaking from the scene of the blast, said: It has been a very difficult time overnight as the emergency services have worked their way through the rubble.

It is a really challenging, traumatic situation here in Creeslough. There is real devastation here in this local community.

Prayers were said in the local church in Creeslough on Saturday morning for all those suffering.

The congregation at St Michaels Church heard there was a tsumami of grief in the community.

Fr John Joe Duffy said: From our hearts, with all our hearts and with all our souls, we pray for those who have died, we pray for those who were injured, we pray for all who were involved we pray for those who are there continuing to help and have helped since yesterday.

We pray also for those family members who are bereaved and we pray for those who still are waiting news.

We keep them all very much in our hearts.

On Friday night a coast guard helicopter airlifted some of those who were injured in the blast from Letterkenny University Hospital to Dublin.

Northern Irelands air ambulance was also deployed, as were fire crews and ground ambulances from the region.

The Irish Coast Guard continues to support the emergency services at Cresslough Donegal. Our Mulroy Coast Guard team remained on scene thought-out the night assisting the operation. The IRCG wish to express our deepest sympathies to the families and community of Creeslough https://t.co/2sAiaDCOXL  Irish Coast Guard (@IrishCoastGuard) October 8, 2022

The Irish Coast Guard said on Saturday morning that it was continuing to support emergency crews at the scene after working through the night.

Letterkenny hospital appealed to the public not to attend its emergency department unless it was urgent.

The hospital initiated its major emergency standby protocol earlier on Friday. It stood down the protocol late on Friday.

In a statement, the hospital said: The hospital continues to treat those injured in the incident at Creeslough, Co Donegal, and remains on hand to provide all necessary medical assistance required.

Applegreen founder and chief executive Joe Barrett said the company was utterly shocked and saddened by the tragic incident in Creeslough.

Mr Barrett said: Yesterday was a very dark day for Creeslough, for Donegal, for Ireland, and for all of us in the wider Applegreen family.

This is a hugely tragic event, and I would like to offer our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the deceased, and to the entire community in Creeslough.

Hushed silence in Creeslough, Co Donegal tonight where a major search operation is continuing following an explosion in a service station @PA pic.twitter.com/9W6h5eGhDL  Jonny McCambridge (@McCambridgeJ) October 7, 2022

We are utterly shocked and saddened at what happened yesterday. I would also like to offer our thanks to the emergency services and first responders who are dealing with the incident.

We have been working with our local partners in Creeslough since 2014. We are providing them with assistance and support locally at this very difficult time.

Irelands deputy premier Leo Varadkar wrote on Twitter: Terrible news from Donegal tonight.

Our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic events and with the emergency services responding.

Nina Gabel, 35, who was at the cordon on Friday evening, described distressing scenes.

There was one woman who didnt know where her daughter was and she was very upset, she told PA.

There are emergency services everywhere, there were so many gardai and fire engines.

What looked like local farmers tractors were helping to dig out the rubble.

A local hotel stopped taking bookings from members of the public on Friday to ensure all spare rooms were held for first responders.
The cross-border search and rescue effort following the devastating service station explosion in Co Donegal has been praised.

Emergency workers from across Northern Ireland joined their colleagues in the Irish republic in the village of Creeslough on Friday afternoon in the desperate search through the rubble.

Those included the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Ambulance Service and the Air Ambulance.

On behalf of NIFRS, I would like to convey my heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of those who have lost their lives in yesterdays devastating incident in Creeslough See statement from Deputy Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Paul Harper. https://t.co/WPEawF7Qhw pic.twitter.com/PbsWP6gmUw  Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (@NIFRSOFFICIAL) October 8, 2022

Deputy chief fire and rescue officer Paul Harper said they sent their specialist rescue team from Belfast along with a command support unit from Strabane to the incident, working with other emergency services into the early hours of Saturday in the hope of rescuing survivors trapped in the rubble.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the solidarity will be long remembered.

We want to pay tribute to all the essential services, those who worked throughout the night, at times in danger, to rescue people and to do everything they could to comfort people, he said.

Our emergency services from health, firefighting, gardai, right across the board, all across the north west, and particularly our colleagues in Northern Ireland, fire service and ambulance who came willingly and very quickly to the aid of those impacted by this.

That will be long remembered. That solidarity and that sense of strong community between the essential services.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson thanked the emergency services as well as extending his sympathies to the friends and families of the bereaved.

We want to extend our thanks to all the emergency services for their efforts to save life from both sides of the border including from counties Tyrone and Derry, all of whom joined in the rescue efforts, he told his party conference in Belfast on Saturday afternoon

This is what being a good neighbour is all about.

I want to assure the people of Creeslough of our collective prayers, and I want them to know that they will continue to be in our thoughts in the days ahead.
Burns Paiute Tribe signs agreement with State of Oregon, ODFW Tweet October 7, 2022 SALEM, Ore.  The Burns Paiute Tribe, a federally-recognized Indian tribe, signed an agreement with the State of Oregon and ODFW to continue support and cooperation to protect and enhance fish and wildlife, cultural resources, and habitat connectivity. The full Memorandum of Agreement can be found online here.

"This agreement affirms the role of the Burns Paiute Tribe in both exercising and management of aboriginal rights that were never extinguished," said Burns Paiute Chairperson Diane Teeman."We value our partnership with the state in co-management of fish and wildlife and this Agreement is an important step in further developing that partnership."

Governor Kate Brown, Chairperson Diane Teeman and ODFW Director Curt Melcher signed the agreement on Oct. 3 at the Tribal-State Summit in Florence. "The people of the Burns Paiute Tribe have been stewards of these lands and First Foods like salmon and steelhead since time immemorial, and it is critical that our governments work hand-and-hand to protect and maintain Oregon's fish and wildlife," said Governor Kate Brown. "I'd like to thank the Burns Paiute Tribe and Chairperson Diane Teeman, as well as ODFW and Director Melcher, for making this important agreement possible, which is essential for this critical work to move forward in a collaborative way, using the combined expertise and knowledge of Tribal and State experts," Brown added. The agreement memorializes ongoing cooperative efforts between BPT and ODFW. These efforts include ceremonial hunting opportunities, a ceremonial and cultural Chinook fishery on the Malheur River, and a collaborative effort to address vehicle-caused wildlife mortality from Highway 20 in the Malheur River Canyon. "At ODFW, we understand and appreciate the importance of fish and wildlife to the Burns Paiute Tribe," said Director Melcher. "It gives me great pleasure to sign this agreement recognizing our shared interests and outlining our future commitments to the fish and wildlife resources of the state," he added. In addition, the agreement establishes a framework for future collaboration work on salmon and steelhead restoration efforts in the Malheur River Basin. The framework includes cooperative efforts to restore habitat, in addition to conducting baseline assessments including pathogen assessments that will be needed for any future reintroduction efforts. Imagery of the signing ceremony available here:

https://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/images/2022/100522_Paiute_1.jpg

https://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/images/2022/100522_Paiute_2.jpg Photo cutlines: Governor Kate Brown, Burns Paiute Chairperson Diane Teeman and ODFW Director Curt Melcher sign a Memorandum of Agreement on Monday, Oct. 3, 2022. Photo by Office of the Governor. ###
The ad-free search engine Neeva, founded by ex-SVP of Google Ads, Sridhar Ramaswamy, is now operational in Europe. Initially, the user-first platform was launched in the United States last year, and since then, it has gathered over 600,000 monthly users. The search engines Europe expansion follows a $40 million funding round from investors like Sequoia Capital, Greylock Ventures and more.

Per the press release on Business Wire, Neeva was launched in Europe on October 6, 2022, to rival popular search engines by offering honest search results, no tracking, and with absolutely no advertisements of affiliate links. Given that Google already dominates more than 90% of the search engine market, it is evident that Neeva has to compete with the search giant. The ad-free search engine states that the ad-supported internet has created vastly misaligned incentives that have made big technology monopolies and advertisers richer while exploiting the privacy and personal data of users.

New Ad-free search engine Neeva launched

Neeva claims that it offers lightning-fast results with high levels of accuracy, eliminating the sponsored content prevalent on other search engines like Google. Currently, Neeva offers a freemium model to European users, releasing its private, ad-free services in the region. When the search engine gets decent traffic, it plans to release its premium subscription with features such as VPN and password manager. Neeva also allows users to synchronise apps like email, Dropbox, Slack and more so that users can easily search across their documents without compromising their privacy.

The primary advantage of using Neeva seems to be the anonymous browsing ability and an ad-free experience. The search engine says that it creates its search stack by crawling, indexing and getting back results from billions of web pages. Further, it does that without annoying ads that push down the organic search results on platforms like Google. For those who are catching up, search engines use a lot of trackers to monitor the digital behaviour and habits of a user. It then uses this information to show personalised or targeted ads, which result in revenue generation.

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in.
Qualcomms Sanpdragon 7 Gen 1 SoC was announced earlier this year and as of now, it has been used in a few smartphones. Now it looks like the company is gearing up to launch the new Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 SoC, as a new leak about the SoC has revealed new some details. So lets take a detailed look at the leaked specifications of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 details

Qualcomm is expected to announce the new Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 SoC soon. Popular tipster, Roland Quandt has revealed a few details of the upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon SM7475 which will reportedly be the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 SoC.

If we take a look at the details, the SM7475 might have a tri-cluster design with a single Prime core, three Gold cores and four Silver cores. The Prime core could have a 2.4GHz peak clock speed, whereas the Gold cores might come with a 2.36GHz peak core frequency and the Silver cores should be clocked at 1.8GHz.

The SoC is likely to feature Cortex A715 for the Prime and Gold cores, while the Silver cores could use Cortex-A510. While the SoC would offer very huge performance gains over the current Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 SoC, it could be much more efficient.

While Qualcomm still hasnt made any announcement regarding the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2, chances for the launch are much higher now as the company will be hosting a Snapdragon Summit next month. The company will be revealing its new flagship mobile platform, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, so we might get to see the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 SoC there as well.
Commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration Lee Ki-sik speaks during a parliamentary audit at the National Assembly on Yeouido, Seoul, Friday. Yonhap





By Lee Yeon-woo







Military exemptions for the members that make up the K-pop behemoth BTS has pitted the ruling People Power Party (PPP) against the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) during the National Assembly audit on the Ministry of National Defense on Friday.







The ruling PPP members said BTS should fulfill their military duties as other Korean men do, while the DPK called for exemptions for the entertainers.







"Our military resource is decreasing. Fairness and equity are the two important principles to be applied in mandatory military service. In that sense, I think BTS should serve in the military," Lee Ki-sik, commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration, said.







Lee's response coincided with defense minister Lee Jong-sup, who attended his ministry's annual audit held on Monday. Culture Minister Park Bo-gyoon also said Wednesday he is comprehensively reviewing various factors in his annual audit, and promised to make a decision this year.







Under the current law, all men who meet the physical-psychological requirements must serve in the military for about two years in Korea. Jin, the oldest member of BTS who will turn 30 this December, must enlist before his birthday if the law is not revised.







Some lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) agreed with Lee.







Rep. Han Ki-ho from the PPP, who worked as a commander before stepping into politics, was the most enthusiastic about BTS' service. He quoted one of the BTS song's lyrics that says "I will go to the army on my own in time" and insisted even BTS clarified their will to do their duty for this country.







"Public opinion surveys showed more people are in favor of BTS' military service exemptions. But objections are being raised in terms of fairness and demoralizing soldiers. Those who support revising the act have their points, but I think we should also focus on the objections," Rep. Kim Ki-hyun from PPP said.







However, the opposition Democratic Party (DPK) insisted BTS can do an alternative service, whereby they can put their unique talent to good use in their field instead of serving in the military.







Rep. Sul Hoon from the DPK worries that BTS could potentially disband during their military service.







"If BTS disbands, it's a loss for the country. Why should we send them to the military and break the group? We have multiple choices such as alternative service or working in the industry (instead of military service)."







Lee disclosed that the Military Manpower Administration has no specific plan to build public consensus on this issue.







"We must decide what to consider first  economic profits that BTS bring to the country or promoting our society's fairness and equity by sending them to the military. Do not spend too much time (making a decision). The Military Manpower Administration should announce persuasive opinions within this year after objective research," Rep. Lim Byung-heon from the PPP said in response.


Micheal Martin has pledged support for the Co Donegal village of Creeslough after a service station explosion.

The deaths of nine people had been confirmed by Saturday afternoon with search efforts continuing.

The Taoiseach said the community in Creeslough is going through an enormous trauma.

My thoughts and prayers are tonight with the entire community of Creeslough following todays devastating explosion. Thinking too of all the emergency services, from across the north-west and NI working in very traumatic situation.  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) October 7, 2022

We have to do everything we possibly can to help the community come through this, day-by-day and in the time ahead, he said.

No words will console what has happened and console those who have lost loved ones as a result of this tragedy, but we have to be there for them as a people and we have to do everything we can to help them to try and cope with this unspeakable tragedy.

Asked what can be done by Government to help, Mr Martin said ministers would continue to back up local authority and health services.

Whatever is required will be provided. And then in terms of counselling services, through childcare, through education, through family-based counselling, we will provide whatever services that are identified by the community as being necessary and that will help cope with this, he said.
Two teenagers and a young child are among 10 people confirmed dead in an explosion at an Irish petrol station.

Irish police said four men, three women, a teenage girl, a teenage boy and a girl of primary school age were killed in the blast in Creeslough, Co Donegal.

A spokesman for the police, An Garda Siochana, said emergency services do not expect to recover any further victims from the rubble and there are no outstanding missing person reports.

Friday afternoons explosion ripped through the Applegreen service station and convenience store and adjacent buildings.

The Garda said it believed the cause of the explosion was accidental.

A major emergency recovery operation involving first responders from both sides of the Irish border extended through the night on Friday and into Saturday.

At a media conference in Milford, Co Donegal on Saturday afternoon, Garda press spokesman Liam Geraghty said: The emergency services continue a search and recovery operation at the site this afternoon but based on the information available to An Garda Siochana at this time it is not expected that there will be any further casualties located and there are no outstanding reports of unaccounted for persons.

The 10 casualties are four men, three women, two teenagers  a boy and girl, and a younger girl.

The thoughts of all the emergency service personnel who have attended the scene over the last 24 hours, the local community in Creeslough and the nation are today with the deceased and their families.

Superintendent David Kelly of Milford Garda station added: At this point in time we have to keep an open mind in how we investigate this but our information at this point in time is pointing towards a tragic accident.

All 10 victims were from the Creeslough area.

Applegreen founder and chief executive Joe Barrett said the company was utterly shocked and saddened by the tragic incident in Creeslough.

Mr Barrett said: Yesterday was a very dark day for Creeslough, for Donegal, for Ireland, and for all of us in the wider Applegreen family.

This is a hugely tragic event, and I would like to offer our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the deceased, and to the entire community in Creeslough.

The President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, expressed his shock at the terrible tragedy.

All of our thoughts must go out to all of those who have been affected, he said.

Those who have received news of the loss of a loved one, those injured and, most of all, those who are waiting with anxiety for news of their loved ones.

This tragedy is a terrible blow to a community that is closely knit and where every loss and injury will be felt by every member of the community and far beyond.

Irish premier Micheal Martin said that he will visit the village.

I think the entire nation is shocked at what has happened, its an unspeakable tragedy, the Taoiseach told reporters in Cork.

Our thoughts and our prayers, our hearts go out to the people of Creeslough, to the families of those who have lost their lives and who have been injured, and to the entire community who are numbed and shocked by what has happened.

Its very, very difficult to comprehend as people go about their daily lives, that something like this could happen in the middle of the day.

Its been extraordinarily difficult and traumatic for people as theyve had long waits, huge anxiety and stress, waiting for news of their loved ones.

Mr Martin pledged support for the community in Creeslough to help it get through the enormous trauma.

He also paid tribute to the emergency services personnel including those from Northern Ireland who at times in danger rescued people and did everything they could to comfort people.

That will be long remembered, he said. That solidarity and that sense of strong community between the essential services.

Prayers were said in the local church in Creeslough on Saturday morning for all those suffering.

The congregation at St Michaels Church heard there was a tsunami of grief in the community.

Fr John Joe Duffy said: From our hearts, with all our hearts and with all our souls, we pray for those who have died, we pray for those who were injured, we pray for all who were involved  we pray for those who are there continuing to help and have helped since yesterday.

We pray also for those family members who are bereaved and we pray for those who still are waiting news.

We keep them all very much in our hearts.
Cherie Yang /Courtesy of Casey Lartigue Jr.



By Cherie Yang



Most people around the world know that North Korea is an isolated country. It is far behind other countries because the government controls almost everything in the country.



That control of the country includes even food. Like the rest of the country failing to develop, the government's control leaves North Korea behind other countries in terms of the range and choices of food.



South Korea has witnessed a fusion of food by combining various foreign ingredients and spices. In contrast, North Korean food has not developed much beyond traditional food. Because it is an isolated country and there is no freedom to travel, North Koreans have few opportunities to experience foreign cultures and food.



Even after finding freedom, North Korean defectors have many difficulties in adjusting to life in free countries in the West as well as South Korea. One of the common difficulties North Korean refugees face in adjusting to free countries is ordering food and drinks.



In the 2000s, North Korea experienced another severe food shortage, and the service industries were shut down. North Korea's economy gradually began to recover. After Kim Jong-un came to power in 2011, he emphasized the service industry and opened supermarkets, coffee shops, and pizzerias in Pyongyang.



However, the average monthly salary of North Koreans is the equivalent of just a few US dollars per month. North Koreans can't even afford a cup of coffee or pizza with their monthly salaries.



As a result, North Koreans who are not part of the elite can rarely use luxury facilities or restaurants. These coffee shops and supermarkets exist only in Pyongyang and their customers are the rich and foreign tourists. People living in rural areas can't even dream about using them. There is still limited access to food and beverages from various countries that have not been approved by the North Korean regime.



North Koreans usually can't try coffee and other drinks that people around the world take for granted. A North Korean defector living in South Korea said that she was embarrassed the first time she went to a coffee shop with her schoolmates. They ordered drinks such as black coffee, cappuccino, and latte, but she couldn't understand what any of them meant.



Another North Korean defector said that when she went to a department store shortly after arriving in South Korea, she became embarrassed because she didn't know how to wash her hands using a touch-free sensor faucet in the bathroom. She tried to find something to tap or push. A woman who was washing her hands told her to just put her hands under the nozzle.



They may not seem like big challenges to people who were raised in freedom, but for North Korean defectors struggling in so many ways, being unable to perform basic tasks feels like being an adult who can't tie his or her shoes without help from others.



These are just a few examples of the everyday challenges that North Korean defectors face as they adjust to living in freedom. Similar things happened to me. I went through many challenges while settling down in the United States. However, can the difficulties I experienced in the United States compare to my life in North Korea and the arduous journey to find freedom? Definitely not!



Life deprived of liberty and living as a slave to a dictator was truly hell.



I experienced hell once so I know how precious freedom is. I overcame many difficulties while adjusting to life in America with gratitude, and I always try to live every day being grateful.





Cherie Yang is the owner of Avec Nature, a startup company based in Connecticut that specializes in dietary supplements. After escaping from North Korea to the United States in 2007, she lived in South Korea from 2015 to 2020 before returning to the USA. This post has been edited for publication by Casey Lartigue, co-founder and co-president of Freedom Speakers International (FSI) in South Korea.








APO Group , the leading Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, announced today that it is celebrating its 15th anniversary by offering one year of free, unlimited press release distribution to 15 African Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that have been nominated by African journalists.

Founded in 2007 by Franco-Gabonese self-made entrepreneur Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), APO Group has always been committed to changing the narrative about Africa by promoting positive African stories through its Public Relations expertise and press release distribution service. Its 15-year anniversary celebrations will be a reflection of that mission, with APO Group giving something back to Africa by supporting 15 NGOs who have worked tirelessly to make life better for Africa people.

Formerly known as the African Press Organization, the company has built deep relationships with the African media over the last 15 years. Now, APO Group is inviting African journalists to help choose the most worthy recipients of this unique prize.

Nominations are open to all African journalists who can propose an NGO of their choice here: www.APO-opa.com/apo15years.

Nominated NGOs must be wholly African-owned, registered in Africa, and operating exclusively in Africa.

Entries for nominations close on October 30 at 23h59 UK Time.

All the nominations will be reviewed by the APO Group Management Team, with the 15 winners announced in December.

The 15 winners  one for every year of APO Groups existence  will enjoy free, unlimited distribution of press release content (text, image, video, and soundbite) for the duration of 2023.

On top of this unprecedented access to APO Groups distribution service, the 15 winners will also receive a press release masterclass, delivered in person by APO Group Founder and Chairman Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard.

Over the last 15 years, APO Group has become the only truly Pan-African Public Relations agency, with reach into all 54 countries on the continent. The company continues to grow significantly, recording an 88% increase in revenue for the first semester of 2022 versus the same period in 2021.

APO Group has always championed positive African content, and, for the 15 winning NGOs, it is a fantastic opportunity to reach a huge audience with news of the work they are doing across the continent.

APO Group has an unparalleled network of more than 450.000 journalists in Africa or writing about Africa, while press release content is also guaranteed to place on at least 320 African news websites, along with international platforms such as Bloomberg Terminal, Thomson Reuters Eikon, Factiva and Lexis Nexis.

I am extremely proud of the entire APO Group team for 15 fantastic years, said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and Chairman of APO Group. This is our chance to give something back to Africa by increasing dramatically the visibility of organizations that are doing tremendous work to help African people but may not have a budget for their public relations. We also wanted to involve our colleagues in the African media, by giving journalists the chance to nominate the most deserving NGOs. By all working together, we can help to change the narrative about Africa, and bring amazing stories of hope and positivity to audiences all over the world.

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Vietnam exported US$2.8 billion worth of marine products in the first eight months of this year

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) said the country exported US$2.8 billion worth of marine products between January to August 2022, 33% higher compared to the same period last year, Fish Information & Services reported.

Currently, 37% of the value of the nation's total seafood exports are marine products. Exports of marine products saw a strong 80% increase in August of this year compared to the same month last year because of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced processing companies to close or scale back their operations.

Vietnam exports the following product categories of marine products: other marine fish (accounts for 48%), tuna (26%), squid, octopus (17%), crabs, crabs, and other crustaceans (5%), bivalve molluscs (4%) and other molluscs. which accounts for the remainder.

With the exception of other mollusks, the export value of wild marine products rose in the first eight months of 2022. Exports of tuna saw the highest growth rate, up 55% to US$730 million.

Cephalopod and crustacean exports rose by 37% and 36%, respectively. Bivalve mollusk exports rose by 13%, while other marine fish exports rose by 23%. Only other mollusk exports fell by 20%, but this particular product only makes up a tiny portion.

Ho Chi Minh City, Khanh Hoa, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Long An, and Kien Giang have the highest concentrations of processing and exporting wild marine products.

When compared to the same month last year, exports of other marine products increased significantly in August of this year. Only the export of bivalve molluscs decreased slightly by 2% compared to the same period last year, with the export value of crabs, squid, octopus, and marine fish increasing from 43% to 93%.

- Fish Information & Services
Scientists achieve long-range, high-precision time-frequency dissemination

Xinhua) 10:03, October 08, 2022

BEIJING, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese team has realized, for the first time in the world, the ultra-high-precision time-frequency dissemination, a technique to monitor and synchronize clocks, over a long distance, more than 100 kilometers.

The scientific achievement could help set higher standards for the global timing, navigation and positioning, the wide-area quantum communication and the testing of physics basic principles.

The research group led by Pan Jianwei from University of Science and Technology of China described in a study published in the Nature this week the time-frequency dissemination with an instability of less than 4E-19 at 10,000 seconds through a free-space link of 113 kilometers in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

It means that the clock's error would be kept within one second in 100 billion years, surpassing the benchmark of redefining the fundamental unit of the "second," which is set to be discussed in the General Conference on Weights and Measures in 2026.

Previous attempts at free-space dissemination of time and frequency at such high precision did not extend beyond dozens of kilometers, which are inadequate for high-precision transmission in satellite-to-ground links, according to the study.

This is "a major breakthrough" that may have impacts on "fundamental physics" like "search for dark matter, test of fundamental constant, test of relativity," said Nature's peer-reviewers of this paper.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
On Friday 7 October 2022, the Embassy of Japan in Mauritius signed 2 grant contracts through Japans official development assistance programme, Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP, or KUSANONE), with the NGO Ti Rayons Soleil and with the Mauritius Family Planning and Welfare Association (MFPWA).

Ti Rayons Soleil will receive the amount of 24,273 EUR (approximately 1.1 Million MUR) which will allow them to acquire 1 new bus with the capacity of 15 seats. The NGO will thus provide safe and free transportation to children who come to after school program (6 to 13 years old) and food support for children and family in need.

The MFPWA will receive the amount of 69,641 EUR (approximately 3.1 Million MUR) which will allow them to acquire 2 new ultrasound machines and 1 vehicle (7 seaters). The NGO will provide gynaecological and abdomen screening services to more people, and also visit and provide more services including emergency cases in the communities.

The documents were signed by His Excellency KAWAGUCHI Shuichiro, the Ambassador of Japan to Mauritius, Mrs. Berengere Series, president of Ti Rayons Soleil and Mrs Vidya B. Charan, Executive Director, of the MFPWA at the Residence of the Ambassador of Japan in Floreal, Mauritius.

Facts about the GGP in Mauritius:

 The Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) scheme has been implemented in Mauritius for more than 20 years.

 There have been 4 projects since the opening of the Embassy of Mauritius in 2017:

1. Mammography equipment at Dr. A.G. Jeetoo Hospital in Port-Louis

(FY 2018)

2. Mammography equipment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Rodrigues

(FY 2019)

3. Ultrasound Machines, for breast cancer screening with NGO Link to Life

(FY 2021)

4. Buses with Association des Malades et Hancapes de LEst

(FY 2021)

Up until now, most projects have been related to breast cancer, as it is one of the serious health issues in Mauritius. However, GGP is not limited to health. Others fields of intervention include, Education, Poverty Relief, Environmental Conservation and Disaster Risk Reduction.

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British lamb has now been exported to the United States for the first time in over 20 years, in a deal estimated to be worth 37m in the first five years of trade.

The first consignment since the deal was struck last year was flown to the US this week, containing lamb produced by processors Dunbia from its site in Carmarthenshire.

The United States Department for Agriculture (USDA) agreed to open the market for British lamb following inspections.

A ban on British lamb exports to the US had been in place since 1989 due to concerns around BSE, commonly known as 'mad cow disease'.

The small ruminant rule that banned the product was rescinded by the US government in January of this year.

The industry estimates that the US market will be worth 37m in the first five years of trade, opening up access for farmers to a market of over 300m consumers.

According to the UK sheep industry, the UK is the third largest exporter of sheepmeat globally, but American consumption of the meat is currently 'very low'.

However, the new deal could help stimulate interest in lamb and mutton through "exporting high quality British sheepmeat that reinspires interest".

Andrew Smyth, commercial director at Dunbia said: "As the largest processor of lamb in the UK, it is imperative we continue to have access to new and emerging international markets, and we welcome the small ruminant rule amendment.

"We continue to work closely with AHDB to identify and develop new market opportunities for our quality British produce.

The new Defra Secretary, Ranil Jayawardena, said the opportunity for growth for British food was 'enormous'.

Tucking into roast lamb for Sunday lunch is quintessentially British  and now millions of American families will now be able to enjoy our top-quality lamb too.

With our mission to unlock growth, we will continue to secure more opportunities for our farmers and food producers to benefit from new markets.

It follows a string of export successes in the last two years including the first export of beef to the US in decades and the first ever export of British pork to Chile.

AHDB International Market Development Director Dr Phil Hadley said these export successes follow years of negotiations by the farming industry and the government.

We hope this order will be the first of many, allowing millions of US consumers to enjoy our world-renowned lamb, while bringing a major boost to UK sheep producers and exporters.
A mandatory poultry housing order will be introduced for Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex next week as bird flu cases continue to rise.

The strict measures cover all poultry and captive birds, and will be introduced from 00:01 on 12 October following a decision by the UK's Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO).

A growing number of avian influenza cases have been confirmed on commercial farms and in backyard birds across the counties.

The housing order, announced by the CVO on Saturday (8 October), legally requires all bird keepers in these hotspots to keep their birds indoors.

It also means keepers must follow stringent biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the disease, regardless of type or size.

The new housing measures build on the strengthened biosecurity measures that were brought in as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) last month, covering Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex.

A separate regional AIPZ without housing measures remains in force across Cornwall, Devon, Isles of Scilly and parts of Somerset, which was introduced in late August.

The introduction of the housing measures comes after the disease was detected at 16 premises in the affected areas since the beginning of September, as well as several reports in wild birds.

Over the last year, the UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of avian influenza, with over 160 cases confirmed since late October 2021.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's CVO, encouraged all bird keepers - including commercial farmers and backyard keepers - to use the next five days to prepare.

She said the government expected the risk to continue to rise over the coming months as migratory birds return to the UK.

"We are now taking further action to help protect flocks from this highly infectious and devastating disease," she explained.

"Keepers in these hotspots must continue to follow strict biosecurity standards to protect their flock, and should use the next few days to prepare and move their birds indoors."

What does the housing measure mean?

The mandatory measure means bird keepers in the affected area must:

 Housing or netting all poultry and captive birds

 Cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds  if practical, use disposable protective clothing

 Reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control

 Keep records of mortality, movement of poultry and poultry products and any changes in production

 Thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis

 Keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points

The regionalised housing measures will remain in force in Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex until further notice, the CVO said.
Juristconsult Consultancy provides specialised trainings in the legal and regulatory fields, working under the umbrella of Juristconsult Chambers, an innovative leading business law firm operating in Mauritius, servicing the neighbouring islands. Registered with the Attorney Generals office & a member of the DLA Piper Africa network (DLA Piper), it provides unrivalled legal services.

In collaboration with Andrea Lodges, alongside various strategic partners, we are bringing the first Juristconsult Investment Summit 2022 at a breath-taking unique location of Mauritius, being ANDREA LODGES. The very first to hold a financial services Summit, in the amidst of Nature, makes the experience memorable & unique.

The Summit will run over 1 day under the theme Exploring Innovation, Sustainability & Investment Ecosystems.

Innovation, Sustainable Financing & Investment Ecosystems of Mauritius are topics, coming at a crucial time, where companies are under increasing pressure to navigate within an unprecedented ecosystem.

This Summit covers various aspects and themes related to Wealth Management, ESG, Investment Funds, Protection of Investment  Litigation/Arbitration, Data Protection importance in Investments, Real Estate Investment & Sustainable Financing, Block chain and the Mauritius IFC as a whole.

It is the opportunity to share the challenges which companies & our jurisdiction faces and will act as a platform for high level discussions by thought leaders. It is a Summit not to be missed by any business wishing to stay ahead of the industry and lead on sustainability.

The concerned key players of the Financial Services Industry attending this Summit are: Banks, Management Companies, Real Estate Agencies, Audit Firms, Angel Investors, Startups, Green business /entrepreneurs, Asset & Funds Managers, Government & Regulators, Wealth Managers, Innovation & Fintech Industry, Insurance companies, Law Firms, Development Finance Institutions, Private equity, Venture Capital firms, Legal Practitioners and Family Offices.

It is observed that the investment community is gradually gravitating towards sustainable investing, changing the position of this approach from being only an alternative to mainstream. Sustainable Investment is taking the centre stage. Supported by innovations and the regulations, we bring together big leaders from various sectors to discuss on, how to better harmonize and understand the current unprecedented situations.

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Kaziranga National Park In Assam, home of the one-horned rhinos, reopens for tourists after the monsoon





Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam is spread across five districts of the state  Golaghat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Biswanath and Karbi Anglong. Although world renowned for being the home of the one-horned rhinoceros, it is also a habitat for the Royal Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, wild buffalo as well as many other wildlife species, and over 125 different types of birds, which number in their thousands across the UNESCO World Heritage site.







Closed for the monsoon since May, it recently reopened to visitors. The national park was formally opened for the forthcoming season in late September by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma along with Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev of Isha Foundation. Sadhguru drove the safari vehicle with the minister sitting beside him. It is a matter of great joy to open the park for tourists, he told reporters.



To mark the occasion, the chief minister and Sadhguru also unveiled statues of three rhinos in the Minimukh area of KNPTR. In a historic event last year, Assam had consigned a stockpile of almost 2,500 rhino horns to the flames in September to send a strong message to poachers. The statues that were unveiled at the reopening were created using ashes from the burning of this stockpile. Sarma said, The rhino statues thus created are an attempt to immortalise the efforts and dedication of those who selflessly protect Assams pride, the great one horned-rhinoceros.



The day also saw the chief minister, on behalf of the state government, signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Sadhguru, representing the Isha Foundation, on the sustainable use of soil for agricultural practices.





Sadhguru has also urged people to come to Assam to enjoy its wildlife, emphasising that eco-tourism, done sensitively, would help in the development of the Northeast region. Tourism is one of the easiest industries to develop and also the most eco-friendly one, he is quoted to have said, citing the example of African nations who have harnessed the potential of nature for tourism. It engages a lot of people without ripping the land apart.



Images: Shutterstock



Also Read: Nagaland Wants You To Go Off-Road
Bangladesh-China joint venture company Jinqiu Global Textile Bangladesh Ltd will invest $15.63 million to set up a garment accessories manufacturing unit at the Ishwardi Export Processing Zone (IEPZ) in Paksey of Pabna district. The company will annually manufacture 250 million metres and 2 million cones of garment accessories and generate employment jobs for 981 people.

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) and the company recently signed an agreement in Dhaka to this effect, according to a press release from the former.

IEPZ, one of the eight EPZs of BEPZA, started operation in 2001.

Bangladesh-China joint venture company Jinqiu Global Textile Bangladesh Ltd will invest $15.63 million to set up a garment accessories manufacturing unit at the Ishwardi Export Processing Zone in Paksey of Pabna. The company will annually manufacture 250 million metres and 2 million cones of garment accessories and generate employment jobs for 981 people.

At present, 22 enterprises are running and 16 others are under implementation stages in that EPZ, the press release said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
The Cambodia-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA), likely to come into effect from December 1 this year, may boost Cambodias apparel exports to South Korea, which could not fully recover from the COVID-19 disruption in 2021. This year, Cambodias apparel exports to South Korea may touch the pre-COVID level despite volatility in monthly shipment.

The CKFTA will remove tariffs on 95.6 per cent of products imported from Cambodia, while Cambodia will eliminate duties on 93.8 per cent of imported goods. South Koreas National Assembly recently ratified the FTA which was signed in October last year. Cambodia had ratified the agreement much earlier.

According to Fibre2Fashions market insight tool TexPro, Cambodia had exported apparel worth $187.650 million in 2019 to South Korea, but the value of exports declined to $169.716 million in 2020 due to the COVID-19 disruption. The export improved last year but could not fully recover when the shipment touched $167.151 million. This year, Cambodia registered exports of $128.860 million in the first eight months.

The Cambodia-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA), likely to come into effect from December 1 this year, may boost Cambodia's apparel exports to South Korea, which could not fully recover from the COVID-19 disruption in 2021. This year, Cambodia's apparel exports to South Korea may touch the pre-COVID level despite volatility in monthly shipment.

On a monthly basis, Cambodias outbound shipment of apparel to south Korea gained in July 2022 to $18.630 million and further improved to $19.422 million in August. The monthly export remained below $12 million in April, May and June this year.

As per TexPro, South Korea is a very minor market for Cambodias apparel exports. The eastern nation is currently positioned at 13th place in terms of apparel exports from Cambodia. South Korea accounted for mere 1.51 per cent ($167.151 million) out of Cambodias total apparel exports of $11.102 billion in 2021.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
German goods exports were up by 1.6 per cent and imports by 3.4 per cent on a calendar- and seasonally-adjusted basis in August this year compared with July figures. Based on provisional data, the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) reported that exports increased by 18.1 per cent and imports by 33.3 per cent in the month compared to figures in the same month last year.

After calendar and seasonal adjustment, Germany exported goods to the total value of 133.1 billion and imported goods worth 131.9 billion in August. The foreign trade balance showed a surplus of 1.2 billion in the month.

The calendar- and seasonally-adjusted surplus had been 3.4 billion in July this year and 13.7 billion in August last year.

German goods exports were up by 1.6 per cent and imports by 3.4 per cent on a calendar- and seasonally-adjusted basis in August compared with July figures. Based on provisional data, the Federal Statistical Office reported that exports increased by 18.1 per cent and imports by 33.3 per cent in the month compared to figures in the same month last year.

On a calendar- and seasonally-adjusted basis, Germany exported goods worth 72.8 billion (0.8 per cent drop over the July figure) to the member states of the European Union (EU) in August, while it imported goods worth 63.7 billion (2.5 per cent rise over July) from those countries.

The value of the goods exported to euro area countries in August totalled 51 billion and the value of imports from there was 43.2 billion. Goods worth 21.8 billion were exported to EU countries not belonging to the euro area, while the value of the goods imported from those countries was 20.5 billion.

Exports of goods to countries outside the EU (third countries) amounted to 60.3 billion in August, while imports from those countries totalled 68.2 billion on a calendar- and seasonally-adjusted basis. Compared with July this year, exports to third countries increased by 4.7 per cent and imports from those countries by 4.2 per cent.

Most German exports went to the United States in the month, the figure rising to 13.8 billion. Exports to China increased by 2.9 per cent to 9.2 billion and exports to the United Kingdom rose by 7.4 per cent to 6.2 billion.

Most imports came from China in August. Goods to the value of 15.4 billion were imported from therea 2.2 per cent increase compared with the previous month after calendar and seasonal adjustment.

Imports from the United States rose by 5.3 per cent to 8.3 billion. Imports from the United Kingdom increased by 6 per cent to 3.4 billion in the same period.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Global business conditions worsened in the manufacturing sector in September, with the JPMorgan global manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, dropping below the neutral level of 50 for the first time since June 2020. The survey's output index signalled a second-successive monthly drop in worldwide factory production in the month.

The headline index dropped from 50.3 in August to 49.8 in September.

The survey's sub-indices point to the production trend deteriorating in the coming months amid an intensifying downturn in global trade flows, subdued demand linked to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and growing economic uncertainty about the outlook.

Global business conditions worsened in the manufacturing sector in September, with the JPMorgan global manufacturing purchasing managers' index, compiled by S&P Global, dropping below the neutral level of 50 for the first time since June 2020. The survey's output index signalled a second-successive monthly drop in worldwide factory production in the month.

One positive came from an easing of supply chain delays, though these in turn were largely the result of cooling demand, a release from the company said.

The rate of factory production decline accelerated to the fastest since April, when lockdowns in mainland China had disrupted global production growth. Barring pandemic related shutdown months, the latest decline was the steepest recorded since the euro area debt crisis of 2012.

Other survey indices, notably the new-orders-to-inventory ratio, have been signalling a worsening of the production trend in recent months, and remained worryingly lowamongst the lowest in the survey history barring times of extreme stressin September.

Of the 31 economies for which S&P Global PMI data are available for September, some 21 reported falling production. Myanmar and Taiwan are seeing the steepest downturns, followed by the Czech Republic and Poland, the latter two suffering from their proximity to the war in Ukraine and soaring energy costs. The eurozone and UK are likewise seeing above average downturns, also linked to Europe's energy crisis.

Similarly, production remained under pressure across North America, largely linked to the cost of living crisis.

Export growth was limited to India, Singapore, Vietnam, Australia and Thailand, though trends varied markedly even within the Asia Pacific, with Taiwan recording the steepest export losses again in September. However, besides, Taiwan, the worst export trends were generally seen in Europe, reflecting the detrimental impact from the Ukraine war and cost of living crisis, S&P Global added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
HeiQ, a leader in textile innovation, creator of some of the most effective, durable and high-performance textile effects, will show some of its latest technologies at the Taipei Innovative Textile Application Show  TITAS 2022, from Oct 12-14, at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre. An upgraded product in the HeiQ Eco Dry range will be presented at TITAS.

TITAS 2022 will be once again enriched with the presence of HeiQ and its innovative textile technologies. A newly launched, upgraded formula - HeiQ Barrier Eco Dry New, is added to the companys fluorocarbon-free water repellent technology range and will be one of the highlights.

HeiQ, a leader in textile innovation, creator of some of the most effective, durable and high-performance textile effects, will show some of its latest technologies at the Taipei Innovative Textile Application Show  TITAS 2022, from Oct 12-14, at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre. An upgraded product in the HeiQ Eco Dry range will be presented at TITAS.

As urbanisation and modern lifestyles cause an estimated 40 per cent of the global population to be afflicted by allergies, HeiQ recently launched HeiQ Allergen Tech, a finish based on bio-based synbiotic technology to combat inanimate allergens on textiles. It will also be introduced at TITAS, the company said in a press release.

The global call for sustainability has put the textile industry, as the second-highest generator of CO2 emissions, under the spotlight. Most of the marine pollution is caused by non-degradable micro-and nanoparticle emissions from washing clothes and tons of textile items pile up in landfills. Clothing, a potential 8Bn global population by 2023 doesnt have to be a problem, and HeiQ is driving change in the textile industry so that every player can be part of the solution. In response to the ongoing energy crisis, HeiQ will emphasize the use of HeiQ Clean Tech, a polyester dyeing auxiliary system that helps mills save energy by 30-35 per cent, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of the finished product.

Both our current technologies and unique pipeline will help worldwide partners and clients to differentiate by providing their customers with meaningful innovation. Our greener, more effective, more durable solutions offer superior odour control, hygiene, comfort and protection to textile products, always in full respect for the environment. Over and above that, we have a dedicated team in Taiwan and a significant presence in Asia to provide the best local support possible, Mike Mordente, head of HeiQs textiles business unit, said.

Within its presence at TITAS 2022, HeiQ will host the seminar HeiQs Innovative Chemical Technologies add Superpowers to your Textiles, on October 12.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2022) - Plurilock Security Inc. (TSXV: PLUR) (OTCQB: PLCKF) and related subsidiaries ("Plurilock" or the "Company"), an identity-centric cybersecurity solutions provider for workforces, is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Aurora Systems Consulting, Inc. ("Aurora"), has received a US$972,000 purchase order from the U.S. Department of the Air Force as part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Solution for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) program, a U.S. Government-Wide Acquisition Contract Vehicle (GWAC).

The U.S. Department of the Air Force is a branch of the U.S. military, protecting air, space, and cyberspace.1 The order is part of the SEWP V program and aligns with Plurilock's stated goal of expanding within the government and defense verticals. All contracts and orders announced by PlurilockTM and its subsidiaries since January 1, 2022, including the latest orders, represent a combined total of roughly US$25.3 million in disclosed sales.

The Company also announced that in connection with the services provided by AGORA Internet Relations Corp. ("AGORA") under the online marketing agreement entered into on December 30, 2021 between the Company and AGORA, the Company has issued 237,895 common shares of the Company at a deemed price of $0.19 per share to AGORA as the second and third (final) installment payment of $40,000 plus applicable taxes. The parties have agreed to terminate the AGORA Agreement as of September 30, 2022.

About SEWP

The SEWP V program, launched by NASA in 2015, is the leading information technology (IT) contract vehicle, with government agencies spending $7.9 billion in fiscal 2020.2 Estimates anticipate that agencies will utilize SEWP V for $8.8 billion in contracted spending in fiscal 2021.3 The contract vehicle provides Plurilock with the opportunity to access downstream customers in the government sector.

About Plurilock

Plurilock provides identity-centric cybersecurity for today's workforces. The Plurilock family of companies enables organizations to operate safely and securely while reducing cybersecurity friction. Plurilock offers world-class IT and cybersecurity solutions through its Solutions Division, paired with proprietary, AI-driven and cloud-friendly security through its Technology Division. Together, the Plurilock family of companies delivers persistent identity assurance with unmatched ease of use.

For more information, visit https://www.plurilock.com or contact:

Ian L. Paterson

Chief Executive Officer

ian@plurilock.com

416.800.1566

Roland Sartorius

Chief Financial Officer

roland.sartorius@plurilock.com

Prit Singh

Investor Relations

prit.singh@plurilock.com

905.510.7636

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") related to future events or Plurilock's future business, operations, and financial performance and condition. Forward-looking statements normally contain words like "will", "intend", "anticipate", "could", "should", "may", "might", "expect", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "potential", "project", "assume", "contemplate", "believe", "shall", "scheduled", and similar terms. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, actions, or developments and are based on expectations, assumptions, and other factors that management currently believes are relevant, reasonable, and appropriate in the circumstances. Although management believes that the forward-looking statements herein are reasonable, actual results could be substantially different due to the risks and uncertainties associated with and inherent to Plurilock's business. Additional material risks and uncertainties applicable to the forward-looking statements herein include, without limitation, the impact of general economic conditions, the success of the Company in obtaining new or extended contracts or orders; the Company's ability to maintain existing customers or develop new customers; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquisitions of other businesses and/or companies or to realize on the anticipated benefits thereof; and unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the aforesaid expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond the control of Plurilock. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as at the date hereof, and Plurilock undertakes no obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in its most recent Annual Information Form. They are otherwise disclosed in its filings with securities regulatory authorities available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

https://www.airforce.com/mission/vision https://gov-acq.com/contracts/nasa-sewp-v-contract/ https://about.bgov.com/news/this-is-it-sewp-v-is-the-top-it-vehicle-in-fiscal-2020

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/139903
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2022) - Cognetivity Neurosciences Ltd. (CSE: CGN) (OTCQB: CGNSF) (FSE: 1UB) (the "Company" or "Cognetivity") is pleased to announce, that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement of up to 10,344,828 convertible preferred shares (the "Preferred Shares") of the Company at a price of $0.29 per Preferred Share for aggregate proceeds of up to $3,000,000 (the "Private Placement"). Each Preferred Share is convertible into one (1) common share (the "Common Shares" or each a "Common Share") of the Company without any additional consideration.

The Preferred Shares will not be redeemable before the date that is one year from the date of issuance (the "Redemption Date"), subject to the Accelerated Redemption Date (as defined below).

On and after the Redemption Date, the Preferred Shares will be redeemable in whole or in part, from time to time at the option of the holders of the Preferred Shares (the "Redemption Option") at a price of C$0.58 per Preferred Share for a period of 30 days following the Redemption Date under the terms and conditions attaching to the Preferred Shares and in accordance with a certain investor rights agreement that will be entered into between the Company and the subscribers.

In the event that the Company completes an equity financing of at least US$15,000,000, the Redemption Date will be accelerated to the date the Company completes such equity financing (the "Accelerated Redemption Date").

Closing of the Private Placement is subject to a number of conditions, including receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including the Canadian Securities Exchange. All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement will be subject to a statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities legislation. The Company intends to use the net proceeds for the expansion of the Company's commercial operations and business development capacity, marketing, technical development, as well as general operations.

About Cognetivity Neurosciences Ltd.

Cognetivity is a technology company that has created a cognitive testing platform for use in medical, commercial and consumer environments. Cognetivity's ICA uses Artificial Intelligence and machine learning techniques to help detect the earliest signs of cognitive impairment by testing the performance of large areas of the brain. The ICA is currently available for clinical use in the USA, UK and Europe, with regulatory approval for other regions planned for 2022.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Sina Habibi"

Sina Habibi

Chief Executive Officer and Director

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward-looking information or statements (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including those identified by the expressions "anticipate", "assume" "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "should" and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company or its management. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect current expectations regarding future results or events. This news release contains forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Such statements are based on current expectations and various estimates, factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. The Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law. Readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements.

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information: Please visit: www.cognetivity.com or contact: info@cognetivity.com; For media enquiries, please contact: Josh Stanbury, josh@sjspr.co, 416-628-7441

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/139894
EQS-News: Altaley Mining Corp

Altaley Mining Controlling Shareholder Renews Form 45-102F1 Notice of Intent to Sell



08.10.2022 / 00:38 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Altaley Mining Corporation (TSXV: ATLY) (OTCQX: ATLYF) (FSE: TSGA) (the "Company" or "Altaley") Further to its news release dated June 27, 2022, the Company is advised that Mr. Roberto Guzman Garcia has filed a renewed Form 45-102F1 - Notice of Intention to Distribute Securities under Section 2.8 of NI 45-102 - Resale of Securities, since the forms previously filed on June 24, 2022 and July 29, 2022, have expired. The contents of Form 45-102F1 remain unchanged having not yet completed any sale of securities under the previous filings.

About Altaley Mining Corporation

Altaley Mining Corporation is a Canadian based mining company with two 100% owned Mexican gold, silver, and base metal mining projects.

Altaley's Tahuehueto mining project is in north-western Durango State, Mexico, where construction of an initial 500 tpd operation is well advanced. The second stage, the 1000 tpd project, will follow immediately after commissioning the initial stage. The operation will generate gold, silver, lead, and zinc in concentrates.

Campo Morado is an operating polymetallic base metal mine in Guerrero, Mexico, currently producing at an average of approximately 2,200 tonnes per day and is currently estimated to be Mexico's 6th largest zinc producer.

Visit: www.altaleymining.com

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

(signed) "Ralph Shearing"

Ralph Shearing, P. Geol,

CEO, President, and Director

Cautionary Note Regarding Production Decisions and Forward-Looking Statements

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

It should be noted that Altaley declared commercial production at Campo Morado prior to completing a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. Accordingly, readers should be cautioned that Altaley's production decision has been made without a comprehensive feasibility study of established reserves such that there is greater risk and uncertainty as to future economic results from the Campo Morado mine and a higher technical risk of failure than would be the case if a feasibility study were completed and relied upon to make a production decision. Altaley has completed a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") mining study on the Campo Morado mine that provides a conceptual life of mine plan and a preliminary economic analysis based on the previously identified mineral resources (see News Release dated November 8, 2017, and April 4, 2018). ). Furthermore, It should be noted that Altaley intends to commence pre-production and ramp up to full commercial production at Tahuehueto prior to completing a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. Accordingly, readers should be cautioned that Altaley's pre-production and production decisions will be made without a comprehensive feasibility study of established reserves such that there is greater risk and uncertainty as to future economic results from the Tahuehueto mine and a higher technical risk of failure than would be the case if a feasibility study were completed and relied upon to make such production decisions. Altaley has completed a positive pre-feasibility study (the "Pre-Feasibility Study") and updated mineral reserves/resources estimates at its flagship Tahuehueto Mine that provides a conceptual life of mine plan and a preliminary economic analysis based on a 1,000 tonne per day operation (see News Release dated March 7, 2022)

Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-Looking Information includes but is not limited to conditions or financial performance that are based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action; the timing and costs of future activities on the Company's properties, such as production rates and increases; success of exploration, development and bulk sample processing activities, and timing for processing at its own mineral processing facility on the Tahuehueto project site. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified using words and phrases such as "plans," "expects," "scheduled," "estimates," "forecasts," "intends," "anticipates" or variations of such words and phrases. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that the current exploration, development, environmental and other objectives concerning the Campo Morado Mine and the Tahuehueto Project can be achieved; that commencement of pre-production mining and milling operations at Tahuehueto will proceed as planned; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions, and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. There can be no assurance that Forward-Looking Information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Glen Sandwell

+1 604-684-8071

ir@altaleymining.com

https://www.altaleymining.com/

08.10.2022 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com


In less than ten days, all roads will lead to Kigali, Rwanda, for the 5th edition of the annual YouthConnekt Africa Summit 2022 (YCAS 2022). Organised by the Government of Rwanda, through its Ministry of Youth and Culture, and in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this years summit will take place from 13  15 October 2022 at the BK and Intare Arenas.

The 2022 continental summit expects to attract about 10,000 participants from across Africa and the diaspora with a target of 90% youth delegates. Representatives from governments, the private sector, civil society organisations, and non-profit organisations, among others, will be in Kigali to engage young people in rich conversations with African youth and move from rhetoric to action.

As the days to the landmark event draw closer, here are five reasons why every young person in the continent should plug in or visit Kigali for the summit.

1. The future of Africa is in its youth

Development ideologies and agenda post COVID19 should prioritise the youth as key stakeholders. The 2022 summit promises to concretise tangible actions on many issues affecting the youth, including climate change, mental and sexual health, joblessness, skyrocketing commodities prices, and cost of living, among others. As the continent re-imagines the future, that will bring forth new prospects that will leapfrog unexplored opportunities more sustainably and inclusively will not be feasible without its most significant population at the table. It is time for the youth to be part of the solutions and utilisation of resources that build more formidable and resilient societies and a future smart Africa beyond aid.

2. An Africa that prioritises its young people is the now and the future

In line with this years theme  Accelerating Investment in Youth: Resilient Youth, Resilient Africa, this years event features events curated by the youth for the youth. From plenaries and roundtables, youth labs, research publications, walk-through exhibitions, training Sessions, Xchange lounges, speed networking cafes, Ted-talk style presentations, pop-up events, to city immersion experiences, attending this years summit will provide the right platforms for the exchange of knowledge and the start of lasting partnerships.

Rwanda as a nation fully embraces technology and innovation, and this provides a stepping stone for Rwandas and Africas youth. Out of every ten innovative stories, at least seven belong to young people, representing the power of innovation and hope alive in Rwanda  ensuring our society thrives with the young people at the centre.

3. Co-creating holds a more substantial promise for the youth

YouthConnekt Africa, as a continental initiative, aims to empower young people by enhancing their knowledge, experiences, and skills while investing in their ideas, innovations, and agency. African platforms such as the Timbuktoo Initiative and Norrsken that accelerate African youths innovative projects through access to finance, mentorship, and more will be avenues for the young Africans who will attend the summit to create long-lasting beneficial relationships. Suppose we harness Africas demographic dividend meaningfully towards achieving Africas SDGs mandate, the AU 2063 agenda, and AU Youth Charter.

4. Innovation spurs bolder ideas

At the height of the pandemic, African youth proved that this continent is a hotbed for innovation and home-grown solutions. Like previous summits, the Kigali YCSA 2022 brings an array of inspiring and unique creations with great potential to revolutionise development in Africa  as they say, the future of Africas development is in its young peoples hands. At the summit, participants will interact with various possible solutions that can be replicated and scaled up to address some of Africas biggest challenges. All created by our very own African youth, proving that we can harness localised solutions to address globalised challenges. Through the summit, Africas home-grown solutions will showcase, shifting the narrative regarding Africas place in development.

5.Platform to influence/foster change and development through policy and investments

Without the involvement of youth, Africas future is limited. Like the previous editions of the summit, the 2022 gathering of young people will renew the persistent call to action, challenging policymakers and leaders, business enterprises, and thought leaders to put the youth at the forefront and centre of their plans and investments to guarantee a future-smart Africa. The creativity of the young Africans deserves recognition by creating the space and the market for them.

6. A Community of Game Changers

Instead of better glasses, your network gives you better eyes.-Ronald Burt. The 5th edition of the YouthConnekt will provide a platform for #African youth to connect and exchange ideas with like-minded people from all over Africa and beyond. Good networks offer practical advice, funding and investments, clients, referrals, and many more. Join thousands of young innovators, problem solvers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from across the continent!

African youth have a huge potential to leverage their collective capabilities, ideas, and innovation to design the Africa they desire for themselves and others. The YouthConnekt Africa Summit provides a platform where youth can connect with their peers, exchange knowledge, and foster new ways of collaboration beyond their borders. With close to 10,000 youth in attendance, this is arguably the Davos of African youth, where new ideas will emerge and be co-created, with the tried and tested ones finding new markets and opportunities for replication.

As the proverb goes, you can go faster alone but further together.

In addition, do not miss the post-conference activities in the beautiful, safe, and Africas cleanest city, Kigali. Discover Kigalis eateries, rich cultural heritage, and friendly people! Visit RDB to discover more about Rwandas tourism prospects.

7. Rwanda is open!

When we say Rwanda is open, we dont refer to post-covid re-opening. We mean that visitors from ALL African, Commonwealth and Francophonie countries have full access to the land of a thousand hills through a 30-day free-visa entry! Visit the most beautiful country to experience the rich culture, local tourism, and much more!

Initiated in 2012 by the Government of Rwanda in partnership with the UNDP as a multifaceted youth empowerment model that focuses on leveraging youth employability, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement through innovation, the 5th edition of the summit is a homecoming, and Rwanda is open and ready to receive all of Africa young people. With these five reasons, its compelling why young people should grab their spot and be part of the annual dialogue that continues to shape Africa.

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Financial technology solutions provider MonetaGo today announced that its co-founder and CEO Jesse Chenard will transition to the role of Executive Chairman, and that Neil Shonhard, currently President, will become Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221007005256/en/

(Photo: Business Wire)

Shonhard joined MonetaGo as Managing Director, Asia Pacific in June 2020 before becoming company president in August 2021. His prior experience includes 12 years at financial services firm TP ICAP, as well as senior roles at securities firms in Europe and Asia. As Executive Chairman, Chenard will remain closely involved with MonetaGo's activities and act as advisor to the company's management team.

Since entering full production in 2018, MonetaGo's Secure Financing system has processed over 3.5 million transactions in India. MonetaGo has partnered with SWIFT to provide banks globally access to the Secure Financing system via SWIFT's Global API. More recently, MonetaGo has been mandated to build the Trade Finance Registry in Singapore.

Since its inception, MonetaGo has been laser-focused on developing a standards-based approach to fraud prevention, continuously improving its roadmap, convening stakeholders in the public and private sectors, and scaling internationally.

"Building MonetaGo with such a wildly talented, innovative and creative team has been the gift of a lifetime," says Chenard. "We've built a growing global business that has already helped to unlock trade finance for companies both large and small, and we're just getting started."

Chenard continues: "In our next chapter, we are focused on cementing our position as the world's foremost provider of trade finance fraud prevention technology and continuing to bridge information silos across the trade ecosystem. Neil is a great leader for this new phase of development. As company president, he has driven MonetaGo's success, meeting the stringent requirements of our clients in one of the most highly regulated industries on earth. As CEO, he will take MonetaGo to the next level, making trade finance work better for everyone.

"MonetaGo's engagement with regulators, policymakers and industry leaders on the key opportunities and challenges in managing fraud risk have long distinguished it as a company, and as a team we are now poised to transform the way trade is financed," says Shonhard. "I am humbled to be taking the reins as CEO at such a pivotal time, and I look forward to collectively building on the work done so far to lead the company into its next chapter of growth and impact."

About MonetaGo

MonetaGo's Secure Financing solution enables banks and traditional financiers as well as non-bank financial institutions, fintechs and trade finance funds to check for fraud and duplicate financing. By reducing fraud in trade finance, MonetaGo's business activities align with worldwide political and regulatory mandates that empower institutions to sustain supply chains and extend their books of business into new markets and undeserved sectors, all while maintaining privacy and enabling critical real-time decision making.

MonetaGo has been awarded Best Fintech Startup in Trade 2021 by Global Trade Review, while its Secure Financing solution has been recognised as Best Solution in Trade Finance at the AMTD DigFin Innovation Awards at the Hong Kong Fintech Week 2021, and Most Effective Bank-Fintech Partnership at the IBS Intelligence Global Fintech Innovation Awards 2021.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221007005256/en/

Contacts:

For more information contact:

Matt Stapleton

Head, Marketing

matt@monetago.com

+65 9654 9402
Webisoft is a digital and product development consulting firm. The company recently launched CosmWasm Developmental Lab in Montreal to enhance software development.

Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - October 8, 2022) - Webisoft is a development agency that works as Web, app, and complex software development. In the latest record, the company has invested in CosmWasm technologies and launched a CosmWasm Lab.





Webisoft



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8621/139565_webisoft.jpeg

Webisoft builds a modified CosmWasm Software Developmental Lab in Montreal. The development agency offers conversion optimization, growth hacking, and content marketing through CosmWasm Dev services.

CosmWasm Developmental Lab: Webisoft offers a CosmWasm Lab to build smart contracts. It uses it to create contracts on a cosmos SDK-based chain. Since the inception of CosmWasm, Webisoft has used it on several dApp projects along with the Cosmos SDK. With the CosmWasm Developmental Lab, Webisoft offers the following features:

Architecture

Cosmos Integration

Smart Contract Audit

Custom Contract Development

CosmWasm Lab is built on Cosmos-SDK/Tendermint for developing multi-chain smart contracts. It is designed to be easily accessible to all digital developers. CosmWasm provides a comprehensive toolset for working with smart contracts, including a robust development environment, an extensive standard library, and a wide range of toolsets and documentation.

Webisoft provides a "No Single Chain Lock-in" feature using CosmWasm Lab. The feature offers the ability to move a project by building a bridge between the two chains. It allows for a seamless transition for the project and eliminates the need for complex migration processes. As the project grows, users can quickly launch a new CosmWasm zone based on Wasmd. It will allow them to iterate on new multi-chain protocols as CosmWasm contracts and allow users to join their new blockchain.

Furthermore, CosmWasm Lab provides following characteristics on Webisoft:

Performance

CosmWasm handles several hundred transactions per second. Moreover, CosmWasm's multi-chain structure splits the load between connected chains.

Security

CosmWasm prevents several classes of attacks present in Solidity.

Composition

CosmWasm composition is a suitable way to extend the functionality of the client's smart contract. People can create a robust and customized contract by combining multiple CosmWasm and Cosmos SDK modules.

About Webisoft:

Webisoft is a Digital transformation and product development company based in Montreal. It automates its client's business, connects their systems, and assembles tools for its client. Webisoft is a consulting firm with a core in marketing, design, sales, and software development. The company designs and develops innovative products for businesses and startups. The company builds digital products by using its services.

Intending users and potential digital enthusiasts must visit the Website for further information.

Media Details:

Company Name: Webisoft

Contact Person: Willian Marchand

Phone Number: (514) 874-3224

Email: info@webisoft.com

Website: https://webisoft.com/

Location: 460 Saint-Catherine W. #305, Montreal, QC, Canada

PR Contact

King Newswire

support@kingnewswire.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/139565
MACAO, China, Oct. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 10th Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo (MITE) took place at the Cotai Expo of the Venetian Macao on September 23. A total of 12 units of Chongqing participated in this tourism exhibition, including three districts in Chongqing, Qianjiang, Wulong, and Nanchuan districts, four key tourism enterprises, and four cultural institutions.

Chongqing Cultural and Tourism Delegation strives to enhance the international visibility and reputation of the tourism brand image of "A Land of Natural Beauty, A City with Cultural Appeal" through various forms, such as cultural and tourism theme halls, tourism promotion conferences, Chongqing-Macao exchange, and cooperation symposium, featured cultural performances, and intangible cultural heritage interactive experiences.

At this year's MITE, Chongqing has set up six booths. Exhibitors brought delicate cultural products, such as Xiushan folding lanterns, Wulong Fairy Mountain black tea, Fuling Caixiang Chinese knots, and Rongchang pottery. Each exhibitor actively conducted on-site sales and negotiations with local specialty food, exquisite cultural and creative products, intangible cultural heritage gifts, and publicity materials.

On the same day, the 2022 Chongqing Tourism Macao Week and Chongqing Tourism Promotion Conference (Macao) were held at the main stage of Hall A, Cotai Expo. Qin Dingbo, deputy director of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, delivered the opening speech. Qin said that Chongqing and Macao have close exchanges and mutual assistance in culture and tourism. Next, it is hoped that the two places will further strengthen cooperation in hotel management, talent training, tourism law enforcement, cultural and artistic creation, cultural exhibition, cultural heritage protection, and youth research.

At the event, the travel agency companies and tourism marketing enterprises from Chongqing and Macao signed cooperation agreements. For example, Chongqing Wulong Tourism Industry (Group) Co., Ltd. signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Macao Multinational Holdings Group.

Enterprises from Wulong and Nanchuan districts introduced high-quality tourism routes to the guests. Chongqing also presented guests with luxury cultural and tourism gift packages, such as Air Macau round-trip tickets, luxury cruise tickets, hot pot experience tickets, hot spring hotel experience tickets, boutique scenic spot tickets, exquisite creative products, and featured local snacks.

After the conference, the 2022 Chongqing - Macao Cultural and Tourism Exchange and Cooperation Symposium was held in Sicily Hall. More than 40 representatives of the cultural and tourism industry from Chongqing and Macao attended the meeting.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/chongqing-develops-deep-bonds-with-macao-at-the-macao-international-travel-industry-expo-301644216.html
On September 20, 2022 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Wang Yi said, at such a time when the international situation is complex and volatile with increasing uncertainties, China is ready to work with Mali to understand, support and trust each other, carry forward the traditional friendship between China and Mali, and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation. China attaches importance to Mali's legitimate concerns on national sovereignty, security and development, supports the Malian people in independently choosing a development path that suits their national conditions, and supports Mali in fighting terrorism and safeguarding national unity. China will continue to provide support and assistance for Mali's stable development.

Wang Yi expressed, China is ready to take the implementation of the follow-up actions of the eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with Mali in public health, infrastructure construction and agricultural development, accelerate the implementation of COVID-19 vaccines and anti-pandemic materials assistance, and advance assistance projects such as hydropower stations, solar energy demonstration villages and agricultural technology cooperation in an orderly manner. Hope that Mali will continue to take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel and create a more stable and secure environment for bilateral cooperation.

Diop said that China is Malis good friend and good partner. Mali sincerely thanks China for showing solidarity and friendship, supporting Mali in safeguarding sovereignty, independence, political stability and national unity, and providing valuable assistance for Mali's economic and social development. Mali is also a reliable partner of China, firmly pursuing the one-China policy and supporting China in safeguarding its core interests. Mali is willing to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China and will take all necessary measures to protect the safety of Chinese friends in Mali.

Wang Yi stressed that China is ready to work with Mali to jointly uphold the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and uphold international fairness and justice. China is committed to providing public goods to the world and promoting peace, development and cooperation, rather than war, interference and subversion. The more China develops, the more support it will provide for developing countries. The stronger China is, the more secure world peace and security will be. China is ready to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with other developing countries to safeguard common interests.
Socrates suggested that we should examine our lives to understand who we are, and only then can we move ahead and better ourselves.

Perhaps the same thing can be suggested of our nation in times like these. Interfaith Voices often speaks to our individual spiritual experience, but can we separate our social values and actions from our personal pursuit of goodness or salvation?

So what is there to examine? First some facts: If we say we support families and value our children, why are we the only country in the developed world that does not have comprehensive maternity and family sick leave policies? Why are our teachers so poorly paid?

Why is access to affordable health care an expensive privilege denied to so many citizens? Why do we have the highest rates of maternity complications, infant mortality, juvenile incarceration and violent crime?

If America stands as a beacon for opportunities and equality, why is affordable education and housing slipping away from a significant portion of our population? How do we feel when we drive through one neighborhood of elegant mansions, then past a dark alley of tents for the unsheltered?

We are a diverse and young nation in part built by immigrants from around the world. So why are our immigration policies and practices so pervasively broken? While ethnic diversity is our national beauty and multiculturalism our strength, can we secure justice and peace if one race maintains it has the right to dominate others?

These paradoxes have been with us for decades, irrespective of which political party is in power, thus suggesting that they are the product of the dysfunctional social class system deeply woven into our national identity. We read our religious books, but do we remember that we are our brothers and sisters keepers?

We quote the U.S. Constitution as our ultimate legal document, but how can we forget that the Founding Fathers chose to ignore the human rights of over half of the population, who were not male nor property owners?

When we give claims to personal freedom and individual rights, are we aware that self-centered righteousness can lead to social discrimination and discard of community safety? Why is our pursuit of happiness often limited to consumerism that only feeds corporate profits and power?

America is still a wonderful and unique place in the world, full of potential for goodness. We owe this to the genius of our scientists, the creativity of our artists, the brilliance of our universities and the abundance of our public libraries; we are capable of great generosity at home and abroad; and our national strength is built on a hardworking, ethnically diverse workforce.

But we must be aware of our human capacity to ruin ourselves and one another if we keep telling ourselves myths, half-truths and disinformation and spreading fear, resentment and violence in the echo chambers of our social media, putting our workers, educators and public officials, and ultimately ourselves, in harms way.

In the coming weeks of election fever, as we vote our future, let us examine our nations complicated past and its present dangers, and who we are, for every one of us is part of this ever-evolving democracy.

So back to Socrates: We should examine our contradictions, truly live up to our professed values, and give voice and power to the better angels of our nature, for what good are moral and spiritual values if one does not act on them at our social, community level?

We all want to make America great again. But whose America? And which America? The answer is within every one one of us.
Gov. Kate Brown and three other regional leaders have recommitted the West Coast to action to ease climate change and speed up the transition to carbon-free energy.

Among the goals: Expanding access by communities to low-carbon technologies, extending the existing network of charging stations for electric vehicles, promoting a cleaner electric grid, and doing more to avert wildfires and limit smoke and other impacts.

The new accord also reaffirms that low-income and minority communities also will benefit from environmental justice.

Brown joined the governors of California and Washington, and the premier of the Canadian province of British Columbia, at a ceremony Thursday, Oct. 6 in San Francisco. The setting was Presidio Tunnel Tops, a new national park space that sits atop a tunneled parkway and reconnects the city to San Francisco Bay.

On Sept. 13, Brown joined California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and British Columbia Premier John Horgan in a virtual presentation at the Cascadia Innovation Corridor conference in Blaine, Washington on the United States-Canada border.

What is now the Pacific Coast Collaborative came into being in 2013. In addition to the four states and provinces, it has all the region's major cities  Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Oakland and Los Angeles  except San Diego.

Brown's statement:

"The West Coast is united as we lead the way towards a clean energy future that helps our entire region and economies thrive. In Oregon, we have set ambitious goals to reach 100% clean energy sources, reduce carbon emissions, and comprehensively address climate change.

"We are committed to addressing the impacts of climate change while also meeting the needs of our most vulnerable communities. Together, we are showing that it is possible to address climate change and create good-paying jobs at the same time, as we move towards a stronger, cleaner, equitable future."

Brown will leave office soon  she cannot seek a third consecutive term  and Horgan also is leaving his premiership. Inslee has two years left in his third term, and Newsom is expected to win a second term Nov. 8 after turning back a Republican-led recall attempt a year ago.

The four states and provinces have variations on similar policies.

A 2021 law commits Oregon to carbon-free power generated by its major private utilities by 2040  the nation's most ambitious target  and a 2021 plan by the Environmental Quality Commission has a goal of reducing heat-trapping greenhouse-gas emissions by 90% from their 2017-19 levels by 2050.

Oregon also has a low-carbon fuels standard, modeled on California's 2011 law, which the Legislature passed in 2015.

Democrats supplied virtually all the votes to pass the 2015 and 2021 laws, which no Republican supported.

But some of Oregon's policies are under fire in the courts or the political arena.

The 2021 plan is being challenged by industry groups in the Oregon Court of Appeals. Republican Christine Drazan of Canby says if she is elected Oregon governor Nov. 8, she would move to suspend the fuels standard, which survived a challenge in federal courts.

Oregon's two big utilities  Portland General Electric and Pacific Power  supported the 2021 law on carbon-free power generation. They are required to submit plans to the Public Utility Commission, whose three members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate for four-year terms.

As House Republican leader in 2020, Drazan led a walkout  and Senate Republicans also did so  that denied majority Democrats from bringing climate-change legislation to a vote in either chamber.

Brown then ordered state agencies to draft a plan. Nonaffiliated candidate for governor Betsy Johnson, then a Democratic state senator, had made it clear she would have opposed such legislation. The House speaker then was Democrat Tina Kotek, now her party's nominee for governor, who recently accused both her main rivals of having "no plan and no intent" of developing a plan.

(Johnson also opposed the 2015 and 2021 laws on carbon-reduced fuels and carbon-less power. Drazan opposed the latter; she was not a member in 2015. Kotek voted for both.)

During their Oct. 4 debate televised in most of Oregon, all three said they would support quick suppression of wildfires, and Drazan and Johnson advocated for increased cutting in forests to reduce potential fuels. Kotek called for greater resilience of homes and businesses in wildfire-prone areas, in addition to forest management.
New York, Sept. 13, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "North and South America Hot Drinks Market Size, Competitive Landscape, Country Analysis, Distribution Channel, Packaging Formats and Forecast, 2016-2026" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06318835/?utm_source=GNW

2 million kg. In terms of growth, the Americas is set to post value and volume CAGRs of 7.7% and 2.9%, respectively, over 2021-26. The top five companies in the Americas hot drinks sector accounted for a value share of 52.1% in 2021, of which JAB Holding Company held a share of 18.8%, with a presence in all the hot drinks categories. It was followed by Nestle (15.8%), The J.M. Smucker Company (6.9%), The Kraft Heinz Company (6.8%), and 3coracoes (3.8%). Private labels held a 6.2% value share of overall sales in 2021, with a presence in all the hot drinks categories. Hypermarkets & supermarkets was the leading distribution channel in the Americas hot drinks sector in 2021, with a value share of 65.7%. Flexible packaging was the most widely used pack material in the Americas hot drinks sector in 2021, accounting for a 56.5% share.



This report brings together multiple data sources to provide a comprehensive overview of the Americas Hot Drinks sector. It includes market overview, high growth country analysis, top companies, key distribution channels, packaging formats and case studies.



Scope

This report brings together multiple data sources to provide a comprehensive overview of the Americas hot drinks sector, analyzing data from 21 countries in the region.



It includes analysis on the following -

- Market environment: Includes sector size, market size, and growth analysis by category. This data includes both on-trade and off-trade data.

- High-potential countries analysis: Indicates changing share of value consumption in the various hot drinks categories across high-potential countries in the Americas region. It also provides risk-reward analysis of four countries across the Americas region based on market assessment, economic development, sociodemographic trends, governance indicators, and technological infrastructure.

- Country deep dive: Provides the overview, demographic analysis, and key trends across high-potential countries. Market size includes both on-trade and off-trade data, while only off-trade data is used in company and brand analysis, distribution analysis, and packaging analysis.

- Success stories: Provides some of the most compelling hot drinks manufacturers, brands, products, and marketing campaigns in the Americas region. It also provides a better understanding of how a certain manufacturer achieved success in the sector, and insights.

- Competitive environment: Provides an overview of leading companies in the Americas, besides analyzing the growth of private labels in the region.

- Distribution analysis: Provides analysis on the leading distribution channels in the Americas hot drinks sector in 2021. It covers hypermarkets & supermarkets, convenience stores, food & drinks specialists, e-retailers, and others, which includes dollar stores, variety stores & general merchandise retailers, cash & carries and warehouse clubs, and department stores.

- Packaging analysis*: The report provides percentage shares (in 2021) and growth analysis (during 2016-26) for various pack materials, pack types, closures, and primary outer types based on volume sales (by pack units) of hot drinks.

- Challenges and future outlook: Provides the challenges and future outlook of the Americas hot drinks sector.



Reasons to Buy

- Manufacturing and retailers seek latest information on how the market is evolving to formulate their sales and marketing strategies. There is also demand for authentic market data with a high level of detail. This report has been created to provide its readers with up-to-date information and analysis to uncover emerging opportunities of growth within the sector in the region.

- The report provides a detailed analysis of the countries in the region, covering the key challenges, competitive landscape and demographic analysis, that can help companies gain insight into the country specific nuances.

- The analysts have also placed a significant emphasis on the key trends that drive consumer choice and the future opportunities that can be explored in the region, that can help companies in revenue expansion.

- To gain competitive intelligence about leading brands in the sector in the region with information about their market share and growth rates.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06318835/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



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SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WGU Labs, the research and development arm of Western Governors University (WGU), has successfully continued its efforts in competency-based education (CBE) implementation at Florida A&M University and Florida Atlantic University. WGU Labs CBE Transformation Services began in 2021 to assist colleges and universities in aligning its curriculum to the new CBE-based, American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) New Essentials, a shift that will be required of all AACN-accredited nursing programs starting in 2026.

In order to facilitate nursing program transformations, WGU Labs provides institutions with a series of services. For Florida A&M University, WGU Labs carefully reviewed its nursing programs curricula and assessments to determine how well they align with the competencies from AACN and the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) project and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Exam (NCLEX) standards. Competencies and learning outcomes have been mapped to current assessments and course activities and gaps in alignment were identified. In addition, WGU Labs will work with Florida A&M Universitys nursing faculty to co-design CBE curriculum, assessments, and learning activities. At Florida Atlantic University, WGU Labs offered a series of workshops to help faculty redesign their courses as needed.

Our partnership with WGU Labs is special, explained Dr. Shelley Johnson, dean of the School of Nursing at Florida A&M University. They have collaborated with us as partners and given us a detailed analysis of our courses, programs and workshops. We are appreciative of the incredibly skilled approach that WGU Labs has taken in customizing our CBE framework that's unique to our system and our students.

WGU Labs is honored to help colleges and universities find the best ways to offer CBE courses, said Jason Levin, executive director of WGU Labs. This work provides institutions with the ability to offer programs that are flexible by allowing learners to demonstrate their mastery of skills, abilities, and dispositions that will be important in the world of work.

Institutions interested in WGU Labs CBE Transformation Services can learn more by visiting www.wgulabs.org/CBEnursing.

About WGU Labs

WGU Labs is the nonprofit EdTech consulting, incubation, research, and design arm of Western Governors University, where our mission is to identify and support scalable solutions that address the biggest challenges in education today. For more information, please visit wgulabs.org.
HOUSTON and BURLINGTON, Ontario, Oct. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RadioMedix, Inc. (RadioMedix or Company), a clinical-stage biotechnology company announced an agreement with an entity related to Portland Investment Counsel Inc. (Portland) involving an equity investment of $40 million Series A funding round. RadioMedix is committed to the advancement of a targeted alpha therapy (TAT) pipeline and diagnostic companion radiopharmaceuticals for rare and aggressive cancers.



The proceeds of the financing will be applied to developing RadioMedixs flagship radiopharmaceutical AlphaMedix, a lead-212 (Pb212) labelled somatostatin analogue TAT agent for the treatment of metastatic or inoperable somatostatin expressing neuroendocrine tumors, in addition to other diagnostic and therapeutic (theranostic) radiopharmaceuticals that are under development by the Company to address needs in oncology.

The initiation of the AlphaMedix Phase II clinical trial in the last quarter of 2021, a vital milestone in the clinical development of RadioMedixs innovative TAT, has brought significant hope to patients across the globe suffering from this illness.

We are living in an exciting time with the treatment of difficult cancers. Targeted radionuclide therapy with beta and alpha emitters and specific radiopharmaceutical diagnostic probes are among the most innovative emerging technologies available to us. This funding will accelerate our efforts to make several of these medications available to our patients, said Dr. Ebrahim Delpassand, MD, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of RadioMedix.

RadioMedix will appoint Mr. Michael Lee-Chin to the Companys board of directors. Mr. Lee-Chin is the founder, CEO and Executive Chairman of Portland, and brings over 40 years of investment experience with a successful track record in the industry.

Mr. Lee-Chin and the Portland team bring a unique combination of financial and organizational expertise in addition to a strategic network to RadioMedix. This will be pivotal for our Company to achieve its goal of moving our drugs from bench to commercialization and make them available globally to all patients suffering from cancer. I am confident that in collaboration with our other board members, Mr. Lee-Chin will play a pivotal role in our strategic thinking and the shaping of the future of RadioMedix in the promising field of theranostic and targeted radionuclide therapy, continued Dr. Delpassand.

I am thrilled and humbled to join the RadioMedix board of directors. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to RadioMedixs vision and mission of addressing one of humankinds most challenging problems  seeking a cure for cancer. Portlands mantra of Doing Well by Doing Good is aligned with RadioMedixs goal of providing cancer patients with better outcomes, said Mr. Lee-Chin.

Targeted alpha therapies are currently considered one of the most advanced technologies available to treat patients with incurable cancers. The clinical pathway and platform of novel and effective radiopharmaceuticals developed by Dr. Delpassand and his team should significantly impact cancer treatments globally. Portland and RadioMedix have aligned their complementary capabilities and are united by a commitment to help others, added Mr. Lee-Chin.

About RadioMedix

RadioMedix, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company, based in Houston and Humble, Texas. The company is focused on innovative targeted radiopharmaceuticals for the diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy of cancer. RadioMedix is developing radiopharmaceuticals for PET imaging and therapy (alpha- and beta-labelled agents). The companys first diagnostic product 64Cu-DOTATATE (Detectnet) was approved by US FDA in September of 2020. RadioMedix is also sponsoring a phase II clinical trial for treatment of metastatic or inoperable neuroendocrine cancer using 212Pb-DOTAMTATE (AlphaMedix) Targeted Alpha-Therapy (TAT) with promising results. In addressing other unmet needs in oncology, RadioMedix is developing theranostic agents to treat brain tumors, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In addition, RadioMedix has established contract service facilities for academic and industrial partners, including a drug discovery center for the early probe development, a pre-clinical core facility for in vitro and in vivo evaluation of radiopharmaceuticals, and cGMP and analytical suite for Phase I-III clinical trials, and the large-scale post-approval commercial manufacturing facility, at its Spica Center, in Humble, Texas. To learn more, visit www.radiomedix.com

About Portland Investment Counsel Inc.

Headquartered in Canada, Portland Investment Counsel Inc. is part of Portland Holdings group of companies, which invest in public and private equities. Portland Holdings, a privately held group of investment companies, have an ownership interest in a collection of diversified businesses operating in sectors that include financial services, insurance, tourism, agriculture, consumer goods and services, real estate development, energy and targeted radionuclide therapy. The Wealthy Invest Differently. Portland understands this and has made it their mission to provide all wealth-seeking investors with access to investment opportunities both within the public and private realm typically reserved for affluent and institutional investors. Portland invests in private equity, private debt, publicly traded equities and fixed income securities globally on behalf of retail and institutional clients. www.portlandic.com
CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (TSXV: UHO) United Hunter Oil & Gas Corp. (the "Corporation" or "UHO") announced today that a joint information circular (the "Circular") and other materials (the "Meeting Materials") will be mailed to the holders of the Corporation's common shares ("UHO Shares"), in connection with the previously announced meeting of the shareholders of UHO ("UHO Shareholders") scheduled to be held on November 4, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. (Calgary time) (the "UHO Meeting"), to approve the amalgamation (the "Amalgamation") as previously announced and agreed to pursuant to the amalgamation agreement dated March 26, 2021, as amended (the "Amalgamation Agreement") between the Corporation, and Bocana Resources Ltd. ("Bocana"). Upon completion of the Amalgamation, the resulting issuer will be known as "Bocana Resources Corp." (the "Resulting Issuer") and the Resulting Issuer will continue the business of Bocana.



The meeting of shareholders of Bocana ("Bocana Shareholders") is also scheduled to be held on November 4, 2022, immediately after the UHO Meeting, at 10:30 a.m. (Calgary time) (the "Bocana Meeting"), to approve the Amalgamation on behalf of Bocana Shareholders.

The Amalgamation

As previously announced by the Corporation in its March 26, 2021 news release, if the Amalgamation is completed, then under the terms of the Amalgamation:

a) each holder of common shares of Bocana ("Bocana Shares") shall exchange their Bocana Shares for common shares in the capital of the Resulting Issuer ("Resulting Issuer Common Shares") on the basis of one (1) fully paid and non-assessable Resulting Issuer Common Share for every one (1) Bocana Share held, for a deemed price of $0.10 per Bocana Share;



b) Each holder of UHO Shares shall exchange their UHO Shares for common shares in the capital of the Resulting Issuer on the basis of one (1) fully paid and non-assessable Resulting Issuer Common Share for every 1.6877 UHO Shares currently held, for a deemed price of approximately $0.06 per UHO Share and $0.10 per Resulting Issuer Share;



c) The outstanding UHO options and warrants to purchase common shares shall be exchanged on the same basis as the UHO Shares; and



d) The outstanding Bocana warrants to purchase common shares shall be exchanged on the same basis as the Bocana Shares.



The Amalgamation was approved by the board of directors of the Corporation and the Corporations board of directors recommends that shareholders vote in favour of the Amalgamation.

The Meetings

The UHO Meeting is scheduled to be held at Suite 800, 333  7th Avenue S.W., Caglary, AB, T2P 2Z1, at 10:00 a.m. (Calgary time) on November 4, 2022. Shareholders that wish to listen to the UHO Meeting online can attend by dialing into 1 (844) 511-2074, ID: 223-367-340. The record date (the "Record Date") for the Meeting was established as the close of business on October 3, 2022. Shareholders at the Record Date will be entitled to vote on the Amalgamation on the basis of one vote per each UHO Share held as of the Record Date. The Circular provides important and detailed instructions about how to participate at the UHO Meeting.

To be approved at the UHO Meeting, the Amalgamation requires the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the votes cast at the Meeting, whether in person or by proxy, by the holders of UHO Shares.

The deadline for UHO Shareholders to submit their proxies or voting instructions in order to vote on the Arrangement is 10:00 a.m. (Calgary time) on November 2, 2022.

The Bocana Meeting will be held immediately after the UHO Meeting at the same location.

Any questions or requests for further information regarding voting at the UHO Meeting should be directed to the Corporation at: info@unitedhunteroil.com

Information Circular

The Circular contains, among other things, information regarding procedures for voting on the Amalgamation, as well as other background and material information regarding the Amalgamation and the Amalgamation Agreement. In addition to being mailed to UHO Shareholders, the Circular and Materials will also be available as follows:

Under UHO's SEDAR profile at: www.sedar.com.

Any questions or requests for further information regarding voting at the UHO Meeting should be directed to the Corporation at: Info@unitedhunteroil.com

Voting your Securities

Any registered Shareholder who would like to attend the UHO Meeting can join physically at Suite 800, 333  7th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB, T2P 2Z1 or can listen to the meeting by dialing: 1 (844) 511-2074, ID: 223-367-340. Shareholders who hold their securities through a broker or other nominee who holds securities (an "Intermediary") should follow the instructions provided by their Intermediary to vote their securities.

Key Dates

The key dates for the above items described above are, or are expected to be, the following:

November 4, 2022: The UHO Meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. (Calgary time). The Bocana Meeting will be held at 10: 30 a.m. (Calgary time)



On or about November 8, 2022: If the Amalgamation is approved by both UHO Shareholders and Bocana Shareholders, the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") has approved the Amalgamation, and the continuance of both UHO and Bocana have been completed, the steps as set out in the Amalgamation Agreement will occur in the order and times as set out in the Amalgamation Agreement.



For more Information, please contact:

Timothy Turner

Chief Executive Officer



United Hunter Oil & Gas Corp.



Telephone: + 1 (713) 858-3329

Email: Info@unitedhunteroil.com



Rodney Stevens

Executive Chairman



Bocana Resources Ltd.



Email: rstevens@bocanaresources.com





Forward-Looking Information and Disclaimers

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the content of this press release.

Certain information contained in this press release may contain forward looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "continue", "plan", "propose", "would", "will", "believe", "expect", "position", "anticipate", "improve", "enhance" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this document contains forward-looking statements concerning: the key terms of the Amalgamation and the effect of its implementation on holders of UHO Shares, UHO options and UHO warrants and the Corporation; stakeholder support for the Amalgamation; the expected process for and timing of implementing the Amalgamation; the anticipated benefits of the Amalgamation; the scheduling of the Meeting; the completion of the Amalgamation, including with respect to obtaining any necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSXV and satisfying any conditions and the expected timing thereof.

In addition, forward looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, including assumptions regarding the expected timing of the UHO Meeting and Bocana Meeting and the closing of the Amalgamation, which have been used to develop the forward-looking statements in this press release but which may prove to be incorrect and which have been used to develop such statements and information in order to provide stakeholders with a summary for UHO Shareholder of the expected Amalgamation timeline and impact on UHO's future operations.

Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of the risk factors set out and other known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of UHO. Such information may prove to be incorrect and readers are cautioned that the information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Although the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in such forward looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward looking statements because the Corporation can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which have been used. As a consequence, actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Furthermore, the forward looking statements contained herein are made as at the date hereof and Bearing does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

ANY SECURITIES REFERRED TO HEREIN WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE "1933 ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO A U.S. PERSON IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE 1933 ACT.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAW.
Dania Beach, Oct. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Drone Nerds, a leader in enterprise UAV solutions, drone retailer, and DJI Enterprise Platinum Partner in North America, will attend Chicago Build in October 2022. Chicago Build is the largest construction, real estate, and design expo in the Midwest. Attendees include civil engineers, developers, construction management, architecture, and surveying professionals. The event will take place at McCormick Place - the largest event venue in the USA.



Drone Nerds will feature some of the latest UAV commercial solutions, including the Sony Airpeak S1, and DJI M30 series drones, as well as the just-launched DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise series. Drone Nerds team of experts will demonstrate a sample of their expansive enterprise solutions, each of which is designed to help facilitate construction development and processes. The Sony Airpeak S1 drone offers powerful flight performance with a max speed of 55.9 mph, giving users incredible versatility in open-field environments and dynamic operations.



Drone Nerds will also showcase advanced LiDAR and mapping payloads, like the DJI L1 sensor, which is used for aerial surveying and provides real-time 3D data for highly accurate reconstructed models of complex structures and buildings.



Products on display will include drones, payloads, and software technology from DJI, Sony, Pix4D, Hextronics, Parrot, Freefly, and other leading industry manufacturers. These solutions are designed for practical application to optimize workflows and modernize operations throughout various industries, including construction and real estate.



We are excited for the opportunity to present the many solutions drone technology offers construction operationsfrom surveying solutions at the start of a project, to asset management and reporting throughout the final stages, a robust UAV program can minimize costs and material loss for contractors and investors alike, states Jeremy Schneiderman, Drone Nerds CEO.



Drone Nerds will be at the event on October 13th-14th; attendees who wish to learn more about enterprise drone solutions for construction can connect with Drone Nerds team of experts at booth #501.

###

About Drone Nerds: Established in 2014, Drone Nerds focuses on ensuring that its customers have the right UAV solution for their unique operational needs. With its proprietary Always Flying program, Drone Nerds provides reliability and assurance for enterprise implementations across industry verticals, including public safety, government, agriculture, construction, energy, inspection, and more. For more information, visit enterprise.dronenerds.com.
Victoria Falls Mayor Councillor Somveli Dhlamini will spend the weekend in remand prison in Hwange after a magistrate deferred bail ruling to Monday.

Dlamini (53) was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on Thursday in Victoria Falls on allegations of fraud and failing to declare interest to an authority.

This was after he allegedly misrepresented to the council and applied for a stand using the name of a resident knowing he was not eligible since he had benefitted before.

ZACC, which visited Victoria Falls City to investigate allegations of corruption against Town Clerk Ronnie Dube, unearthed the alleged scandal involving a stand valued at over US$90 000.

Through his lawyer Givemore Mvhiringi, Dhlamini applied for bail before Hwange magistrate Collet Ncube Friday.

The magistrate remanded him in custody until Monday when bail ruling will be made.

Prosecutors said Dlamini faces fraud charges.

In that on the 15th of August 2022 and at Victoria Falls City Council offices the accused Somveli Dhlamini who is the mayor of the city council and in his capacity as such unlawfully and intentionally made a misrepresentation and purported to be Valentine Munyaradzi Maseko who he had earlier on in 2003 purchased a stand 1139 from by making an application using the name Valentine Munyaradzi Maseko to Victoria Falls City Council under the Wood Road Housing Scheme upon which the council offered him stand number 1771 Wood Road which needed a deposit of US$25 000.

Dhlamini paid US$10 000 and the balance was supposed to be paid within five days which he failed to do.

He then paid $7 500 000.

Charges emanate from the fact that Dhlamini misrepresented himself as Maseko and defrauded the city despite a council resolution of ordinary full council meeting number 4 of 2020 which stipulated that applicants must not have benefitted before through allocation, purchase or lost stands through repossession within Victoria Falls City.

Dhlamini caused the council US$15 000 actual prejudice and a potential prejudice of US$66 462.75 which got him arrested by the ZACC crack unit. CITE
"Dry Nights" the short film is a visual adaptation of select poems by author Pep Borja. "Dry Nights" the book is a powerful collection of poetry that explores the deep impacts of love, sensuality, loss and longing that pervade the night with memories often left unspoken in the day. This stun
Emerging filmmakers from the Marianas were celebrated at this years Guam International Film Festival, and excitement about the future of storytelling in the islands was a running theme throughout the festivals opening night on Friday.

Steps on the Shore, directed by Saipan filmmaker Elijah Joshua Pajarillaga, won the prestigious Best Made in the Marianas award.

Pajarillaga, who also stars in the film, is pursuing a film degree at Wesleyan University in Connecticut and was unable to attend the award ceremony.

Galvin Deleon Guerrero, the films executive producer and a veteran filmmaker, accepted the award on Pajarillagas behalf.

What an honor, especially when I consider all the great filmmakers that have been nominated. So, you know, Ive been making films for a long time, for over 20 years, and Im reaching that stage in my career where Im starting to mentor the next generation of young filmmakers, Deleon Guerrero said during his acceptance speech.

Set against Saipans lush, flame tree-dotted landscape and striking ocean blues, Steps on the Shore follows a high school graduate from a working class family who struggles with writing his valedictorian speech.

Through a series of family conflicts and a reflective journey around the island with his friends, the main character begins to develop a deep appreciation for the beauty of his home and the sacrifices of his single mother.

This past year, Elijah reached out to me because he was one of our volunteers for the broadcasting team at the Pacific Mini Games. Hes this eager young filmmaker who wants to tell amazing stories, he came to me, and we went back and forth, Deleon Guerrero said.

His film almost didnt make it into the festival because we had some audio issues, some editing issues. But he persisted, we persisted.

As the films executive producer, Deleon Guerrero was tasked with securing funding for the film, coordinating resources and planning the shoot schedule.

What an amazing thing for Elijah and his team of filmmakers to come to GIFF for the first time and win Best Made in the Marianas, he said.

The opening night of the festival, which ends Sunday, also featured a screening of Best Made in the Marianas Award nominees: First Date, directed by Kyra Perez, The Run, directed by Kin Guerrero, and Bittersweet, directed by James Davis.

Myra Aquinos film Beauty Queen was also shown as part of the Island Spotlight program.

Other 2022 GIFF awards

Awards were also announced for the following categories:

Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary Short: I Wont Remain Alone, directed by Yaser Talebi.

Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Short: Marianne, directed by Julien Gaspar-Oliveri.

Grand Jury Award Best Narrative Feature: Raydio, directed by Kaidi Zhan.

Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature: LOIMATA The Sweetest Tears, directed by Anna Marbrook.

Audience members will also have a chance to join the deliberation process, and can cast their ballots for their favorite films at the festival after each screening. The GIFF audience choice award will be announced on Monday.

GIFF filmmaker panel

The film screenings were followed by a panel featuring Deleon Guerrero, Perez, Davis and Aquino.

During the panel, the filmmakers discussed their upcoming projects. Aquino will be shooting a short film set on Guam during the 1990s.

Its about a CHamoru family, its a slice of life. Im still kind of writing it and trying to explore particularly what it means to be both a CHamoru and Filipino family at once, because that was my own experience growing up. What does it mean to at one moment, Guamanian and also Filipino at the same time, Aquino said.

De Leon Guerrero is working on a stage production, which will later be filmed as a film production, about a non-verbal girl on the autism spectrum who is a new student at school. The production is a musical, and follows the girl as she finds her place and her voice in a new environment.

De Leon Guerrero also wants to film a trilogy about faith, hope and love in the islands.

Its gonna be amazing

As a first-time filmmaker who is still finding her footing, Perez said that the question is a bit harder to answer, but that didnt deter her from expressing excitement about her potential future projects.

First Date was crafted in a filmmaking class at UOG, and Perez said she wants to continue working and growing with her team.

Through the communication program at UOG, Im meeting so many creatives, all my classmates are so passionate. Im really seeing what everyone is capable of. So for me, I dont know what my next project is. But I do know that Im going to assemble my team and were going to make something together and its gonna be amazing, she said.

Davis shared that while he doesnt have any solid plans for future films yet, he wants to work with the Guam legend of the two lovers.

De Leon Guerrero was also eager to express his dedication to mentoring and supporting the next generation of youth filmmakers in the Marianas.

The really cool thing about it is to see that we are building up the capacity of the Marianas to tell more stories, because the story that Elijah told  I could never tell that story. Thats his story and its very personal to him. To be in a position to empower other people, thats a sacred duty that I take to heart and its one that I look forward to fulfilling for other filmmakers, he said.
Dusit Guam employees supported Catholic Social Service and affiliates through the Summer Snack Drive for the Alee Shelter. Octavia Cruz, program coordinator of Alee Shelter, and Dean Huntsman, regional vice president, Dusit regional director of operations with the snack items.
The nonprofit GCA Trades Academy, which opened 16 years ago because Guam Community College was unable to provide enough training for the islands construction industry, now is paid about $200,000 a year by the college to handle much of the industrys apprenticeship training.

The community college for decades has been unable to consistently offer the construction trades courses listed in its catalog. The college generally wont teach a construction trades course if fewer than 10 students are enrolled, which has resulted in the cancellation of many of those courses at the start of each term.

This term, for example, which started in August, GCC canceled half of its construction trades courses after the first week, kicking out more than two dozen students. It canceled courses related to welding, electricity, carpentry and refrigeration.

There are about 75 students enrolled in the construction trade courses that werent canceled by the college.

In contrast, the GCA Trades Academy is teaching construction trades to about 300 students at its Tiyan campus, including about 150 students from GCCs apprenticeship program under a memorandum of agreement between the college, the trades academy and the Guam Contractors Association.

Construction apprentices must register with the Contractors Association and be admitted to the college, which pays the trades academy to teach those students, using money from the governments Manpower Development Fund.

More flexible

We support (the college). When they have students that they cant offer the classes, they send them here. If we cant put them in a class here, we send them there, said Bert Johnston, the education director at the trades academy. The trouble is (at GCC) they have to wait for the beginning of the semester. Us, we can take them at any time.

The traditional semester-based model is not a good fit for construction trades education, according to Johnston, who said the trades academy solved the problem by being more flexible about how and when its courses are taught.

The contractors association started the trades academy because the industry was having a hard time getting apprenticeship courses at GCC for its employees, Johnston said.

It wasnt working out. They couldnt get classes. The apprenticeship program requires both on-the-job training and classes, he said.

When I first got hired, I went over to the community college and asked why it wasnt working. They said they just couldnt get enough people to do the classes, Johnston said. (GCC) has the minimum class sizes that they struggle with, and we have the same problem.

He said the trades academy adapted by reducing its minimum class size to five students.

We balance it out by having classes of 15 and then a few classes of five, he said.

Strategy

Johnston said GCAs strategy is to enroll 15 students in the beginning course of a program, anticipating that some students will drop out as the class advances to the other courses.

If we started with just eight students, by the time they get to the third level youre gonna have less than five people in the class  not gonna happen, Johnston said. We try not to make that mistake. We dont want to give them hope that theyre gonna finish this program if they cant finish the program.

The textbooks for trades academy courses are made up of standalone modules, which means students dont have the learn the first part of a book in order to learn the second part.

That allows GCA students to join a course that already has started and complete the first part of the course later.

GCA courses are run in year-round cycles, instead of semesters. A new course can be started in less than two weeks if there is a demand.

Everything we do is not time-based. Most schools have a time schedule, but everything we do is competency-based. That means a class that was expected to take 15 hours could be completed sooner if all students pass the competency test, Johnston said.

No grades

There are no letter grades issued for GCA courses.

Why even have grades? All we have is tests, Johnston said. If they can pass a test, theyre considered competent and whatever tests they pass goes on their transcript.

If GCA students dont pass a course, they continue to take it, for free, until they do, Johnston said. He said past students also can retake courses again for free if they want to refresh their knowledge.

Our focus is on the success of our students.

Adapting

Local government, business and military officials in August met at the Tiyan campus to acknowledge the trade academys 16th anniversary. Johnston said officials discussed how the trades academy can continue to adapt to meet the islands training needs.

There are about 7,000 local residents employed in the construction industry, according to Johnston, who said Navy Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson told him the military will need a lot of contracted maintenance workers for the buildings and facilities being constructed under the buildup.

Maintenance is a constant effort, Johnston said. So, youre gonna have a lot of work out there.

Johnston added: Were doing what we think is necessary to improve this island as far as workforce skills. Weve been asked to do other areas, like hospitality, and Im not interested in that. Were busy with this.
Japan's TEPCO exaggerates nuclear wastewater safety with faulty dosimeter: media

Xinhua) 10:06, October 08, 2022

TOKYO, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. (TEPCO) has been exaggerating the safety of treated nuclear wastewater with a dosimeter that fails to detect certain radioactive substances at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, local media has reported.

When demonstrating the safety of treated nuclear wastewater, the company uses a dosimeter that fails to detect radioactive tritium, but only responds to high-concentration cesium emitted by gamma rays, the Tokyo Shimbun reported.

During tours at the plant, TEPCO staff put a dosimeter that detects only gamma rays near a bottle containing treated water, as a demonstration that the treated water is safe, according to the newspaper.

However, the water contained tritium which is about 15 times the amount of the release standard, it reported.

The gamma rays, which may affect the human body due to external exposure, are generated by the radioactive cesium contained in the radiation-tainted water.

Katsumi Shozugawa, assistant professor at the University of Tokyo, said the demonstration was "meaningless scientifically," noting that even when the amount of cesium in the sample water is dozens of times higher than the release standard, it can not be detected, as the equipment would only respond to gamma rays emitted by highly concentrated cesium.

According to a plan released by TEPCO, nuclear wastewater from cooling core meltdowns of reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant should be treated at least twice before it is discharged into the sea, with the treated water containing tritium that emits weak beta rays. Tritium can not be removed by TEPCO's treatment facilities.

TEPCO said the demonstration had been shown to about 1,300 organizations and 15,000 visitors since July 2020.

The company claimed that the purpose of the demonstration is to explain that the gamma rays emitted by the treated wastewater are reduced, and admitted that the tritium emitting beta rays exceeds the standard amount, said the newspaper.

Struck by a magnitude-9.0 earthquake and ensuing tsunami that hit Japan's northeast on March 11, 2011, the No. 1-3 reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant suffered core meltdowns, resulting in a level-7 nuclear accident, the highest on the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale.

The plant has been generating a massive amount of radiation-tainted water since the accident happened. TEPCO started construction of facilities that will dump nuclear wastewater into the sea.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
While taking a shower, Jenette Florig felt a large lump on her right breast. Immediately, she made an appointment with her doctor to get screened for breast cancer.

I had never been through any difficult or expensive screenings before so just to think Im going to have an ultrasound that is worth $130, I was becoming hesitant, said Florig.

She was 38 at the time and her insurance only covered someone 40 and older for an annual mammogram.

Fortunately, Florig qualified for the Guam Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program at the Department of Public Health and Social Services. It provides free breast and cervical cancer screening to low-income, uninsured and underserved women.

Screening is important because it can prevent the worst-case scenario. It can save your life and thats what it did for me, she said.

Florig was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer on Liberation Day 2019.

She got surgery in August 2019 and a month later received chemotherapy treatment. She finished radiation therapy in February 2020. In April, she returned to work at Public Health as a community health nurse.

Screening vital

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Guam, with the first being heart diseases, like a stroke or heart attack, said Rachel Ramirez, the programs health educator.

Ramirez encourages everyone to get screened throughout the year, but said Public Health is making a special effort during October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Over the past 21 years, the program has assisted in the screening of 4,153 women  or 30% of eligible women on island. Its alos covered eligible costs for 7,210 screening mammograms, 5,972 Pap tests and 1,120 HPV tests.

For those who dont have insurance, our program really caters to them, so that is why we want to spread the word about this program, she said.

Eligibility requirements are:

21 years and older (50-64 years old are the priority population).

No insurance or are underinsured (having insurance that does not completely cover the cost of screening exams).

Documented residents of Guam.

Meet income guidelines.

Screening age

The recommended age for screening is 40 years old for women of average risk, meaning they do not have a family history of breast cancer and have had no abnormal mammograms in the past, said Thora Mark, a family nurse practitioner at Public Health.

People with a mother, sister or daughter who has had breast cancer should begin screening from ages 30 to 35.

She said sometimes people do not get screened for breast cancer because they are unaware of age recommendations. Others fear hearing that they have cancer.

I try to clarify that its good if something is found, because the idea is to detect it early so you can be treated early. The chance of survival is better if you are treated early, said Mark.

Lack of insurance is another reason for avoiding screening.

Men account for about 1% of breast cancer cases, so they should check themselves as well.




Haiti - FLASH : Towards a foreign armed intervention in Haiti, to eliminate gangs





The Council of Ministers, meeting in an extraordinary meeting, Thursday, October 6, 2022, adopted a resolution authorizing the Prime Minister a.i. Ariel Henry to "request and obtain from Haiti's international partners effective support through the immediate deployment of a specialized force army, in sufficient quantity to stop, throughout the territory, the humanitarian crisis caused, among other things, by the insecurity resulting from the criminal actions of armed gangs and their sponsors. Resolution published in special issue #29 of the official journal "Le Moniteur" dated Friday, October 7, 2022.



Text of the resolution :

"Alarmed by the risks of a major humanitarian crisis due to the sudden observation of the resurgence of cholera, added to the accelerated deterioration of the security situation throughout the national territory:



Considering that the blocking of oil terminals by armed gangs has catastrophic consequences on the functioning of hospitals forced to close their doors, on the availability of drinking water, on schools which are unable to accommodate students and on the supplying cities with foodstuffs:



Considering that this humanitarian crisis threatens the lives of many of our compatriots and, in particular, the poorest who were already living in precariousness and food insecurity;



Considering that it is imperative to restart activities in order to avoid the complete suffocation of the national economy:



Anxious to continue the steps aimed at creating a climate conducive to the organization of free, transparent and inclusive elections, with a view to restoring democratic institutions and transferring the management of the country's affairs to freely elected by the people Haitian :



Considering that it is imperative to put an end to these dangerous excesses. in order to restore the authority of the State and to enforce the Laws of the Republic;



The Council of Ministers gives mandate to the Prime Minister Ariel HENRY, for :



1. Solicit and obtain effective support from Haiti's international partners through the immediate deployment of a specialized armed force, in sufficient quantity, to stop, throughout the territory, the humanitarian crisis caused, among other things, by the insecurity resulting from the criminal actions of armed gangs and their sponsors;



2. Quickly achieve a secure climate that should make it possible to fight cholera effectively, promote the resumption of the distribution of fuel and drinking water across the country, the functioning of hospitals, the restarting of economic activities, the free movement of people and goods, and the reopening of schools;



3. Set up an inter-ministerial commission responsible for rapidly producing a document defining all the essential actions to be undertaken in parallel with a view to making the initiatives that will be taken sustainable.



It is understood that the Prime Minister will report to the Council of Ministers.

[...]"



Former diplomat Me Pierre Antoine Louis said on local television that the request was sent to the UN Security Council, which must in the coming days discuss the form that this armed special force will take... Me Pierre Antoine Louis believes that the Haitian authorities may have requested specialized units with helicopters in support of the units of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) to dislodge the armed gangs.



However, it should be noted that no official information has filtered so far on the content of the Prime Minister's request and that speculation is rife.



For his part Friday, October 7 in Lima, the Dominican Minister of Foreign Affairs, Roberto Alvarez, requested clarification from the Government of Haiti on the assistance it has requested from the international community to deal with gang violence...



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : The Department of State authorizes the departure of its staff to Haiti and asks American citizens to leave Haiti





The U.S. Department of State has temporarily authorized departure for direct-hire U.S. government personnel and their family members in Port-au-Prince beginning October 7, 2022. Ongoing instability due to fuel shortages have resulted in the disruption of infrastructure, including sanitation and the availability of medical supplies, potable water and food. Sixty cases of cholera have been identified in Port-au-Prince as of October 4.



The U.S. government remains extremely limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Haiti, and is unable to provide shuttle or transportation services. Food and water insecurity is an increasing concern.



U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince reminds U.S. citizens that Haiti has the highest Travel Advisory level (Level 4: DO NOT TRAVEL) for kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest. Local police generally lack the resources to respond effectively to requests for assistance. U.S. citizens should depart Haiti now in light of the current health and security situation and infrastructure challenges.



These issues may limit access to essential services in an emergency, including access to banks, money transfers, urgent medical care, internet and telecommunications, and public and private transportation options. Please see information on What the Department of State Can and Cant Do in a Crisis.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Volley Norceca : Classification match, Haiti loses against DR

Friday, October 7, as part of the Norceca Pan-American Cup which takes place in Havana (Cuba), the selection of Haiti Volleyball U-21, in a classification match, our Grenadiers lost against the Dominican Republic 3 zero sets [25-23, 25-23 and 25-19]. The 4th defeat in 5 games for Haiti. This Saturday, October 8, 2022, Haiti will play the 7th and 8th place match against Nicaragua...



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37830-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-37820-icihaiti-norceca-pan-american-cup-volleyball-victory-against-nicaragua-our-grenadiers-qualified-in-the-1-4-finals.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-37812-icihaiti-norceca-pan-american-cup-double-failure-for-haitian-volleyball-players.html



Cholera : 12 dead in Cite Soleil

Friday, October 7, Joel Janeus, acting agent of Cite Soleil, declared on a radio station in the capital that the town had recorded 12 deaths out of more than a hundred cases of contamination by cholera in Cite Soleil. See also : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-37826-icihaiti-flash-cholera-has-more-than-doubled-in-48-hours.html



Words of Martine Moise

"President Moise was fighting to establish Social Justice. Thus, the Lamb who wanted the 'Ti res la pou pep la' was immolated by the System. Jo, 15 months ago, they closed your eyes but now those of the people are riveted on their real enemies,' Martine Moise.



Secretary Blinken words

Secretary of State Antony Blinken : "I met with Haitian Foreign Minister Jean Victor Geneus to reaffirm the unwavering support of the United States to the people of Haiti during this difficult time. We remain committed to helping Haiti restore security and democratic order so that all Haitians can have a better future."



"The situation is urgent" says Ambassador of Canada

"The situation is urgent. I don't think we can afford the luxury of big salon debates about what's to come in the next six or twelve months. I think we have to think about the next six or twelve hours..." said Canadian Ambassador Sebastien Carriere.



Amputated foot, congratulations from the Minister of Sports

Raymonde Rival the Minister of Sports thanks the national amputee football team for having represented Haiti with so much courage, passion and honor at the Turkey 2022 Amputee Football World Cup. For Minister Rival, this elimination in 1/2 finals against Angola [4-2] https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37833-haiti-2022-world-cup-our-amputated-grenadiers-eliminated-by-angola-[4-2]-just-before-the-final-video.html takes nothing away from the pride and intense moments of emotion offered to the Haitian people by our Grenadiers during their excellent participation in the competition. Minister Rival invites the entire country to express its gratitude to these talented athletes on their return home. Thanks to the Grenadiers! See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37833-haiti-2022-world-cup-our-amputated-grenadiers-eliminated-by-angola-[4-2]-just-before-the-final-video.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Published on 2022/10/07 | Source

New behind the scenes images added for the Korean drama "Glitch" (2022).

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"Glitch" tells a story of Hong Ji-hyo, who tries to track down her missing boyfriend with the help of members of a UFO club. Writer Jin Han-sae, who enthralled audiences and critics with the much lauded Netflix series "Extracurricular", reunites with its production team at Studio 329 for "Glitch". Jin Han-sae's bold writing style and keen insight kept viewers surprised in his debut series. Now in "Glitch", he unravels an intriguing and intense story about members of a UFO club who pursue those who have disappeared in a mysterious beam of light. Their special quest, which seems preposterous to society at large, is told within the framework of a suspenseful comic thriller.

Broadcast starting date in Korea : 2022/10/07
Journalist Diamant Salihu , currently working for Swedish Television SVT, was awarded the 2021 Swedish Grand Prize for Journalism in the Voice of the Year category, and has gained a unique level of trust in criminal circles.

You should not be lulled into thinking that the things that happen in Sweden could not happen in Finland, Salihu says in Hanaholmens podcast, and he goes on to say that Sweden has become a transit country for drugs on their way to the Finnish market.

His book Until Everyone Dies (Tills alla dor), published in 2021, received unanimous praise in the Swedish media, and was described by Finlands Svenska Yle as a balanced, strong description of gang wars in Sweden.

In the podcast Roster fran Hanaholmen, Salihu reveals why he started to follow gang-related problems in particular.

At present, gang crime is a sore spot for society as everyone is trying to understand what is going on. Why is it that so many young men are shot dead? Salihu asks.

Salihu has been monitoring a certain conflict in one of Stockholms most restless areas and has attempted to view it against a broader social perspective.

When you understand the conflict, you can understand, on a broader scale, what is going on throughout Sweden, Salihu says.

The problem affects not only big cities, but smaller ones as well, now that fatal shooting incidents have occurred in places like Eskilstuna, Kalmar and Orebro.

This is not an isolated problem, because it is spreading continuously and getting closer to people who are becoming more aware of it, and want a better understanding of what is going on.

You can no longer close your eyes to the problem in the same way you could, say, five years ago.

According to Salihu, the gangs problems are based on the widespread use of drugs in Sweden, a problem that affects Finland, too, on many levels.

The police say that Sweden has become a transit country for drugs on the way to Finland, among other countries, Salihu says.

Salihu is well aware of the growing concern over gang crime in Finland, and particularly in Helsinki.

In my opinion, the problem is still in its infancy, though, compared with the problems we are facing in certain parts of Stockholm.

Salihu urges Finland to be on guard and learn from what has happened in Sweden.

Make sure that your regions and schools do not get segregated to the degree that is the case with us in Sweden. Make sure that young people have things to do, that they finish school and make better choices in life. You should not be lulled into thinking that the things that happen in Sweden could not happen in Finland, Salihu concludes emphatically.

Listen to the interview with Diamant Salihu in full here.

HT

Source: Hanaholmen  Swedish-Finnish Cultural Centre
A GARAGE in Binfield Heath that closed after 57 years in the same family is to become a community hub.

The Forge in Arch Hill had been run by the Cotterills for three generations since it was founded in 1964.

Mervyn Cotterill, who started the business with his father Dick, decided to move on in December to spend more time with his wife Pauline and go travelling in their motor home.

Now, thanks to a gift from donors who wish to remain anonymous, the garage and neighbouring cottage, Three-a-Leet, has been bought by the village.

The exterior form of the garage, which was once a smithy, will be renovated and converted into an amenity centre and the cottage will be let to help fund it.

It is hoped the Forge will be used for a range of uses, such as a meeting place for village clubs and societies and a space for exercise classes, toddler sessions and interest group talks.

There will also be storage space for the village flower show equipment and a parish history archive. Meetings of the parish council will be held there.

An independent charitable company has been set up, facilitated by the council, to handle the donated funds and property purchase and to manage the project.

Three parish councillors have been made trustees, chairman Paul Rollason, Lis Ransom and Sarah Fulton-Urry. Residents will be asked to join in due course.

Mr Rollason said: This fantastic opportunity benefits everyone in Binfield Heath parish and its locality. It allows us to preserve an iconic building in the centre of the village and to provide facilities and services which we are sure will be much enjoyed.

Converting the garage, so well-known to us all, into a hall with facilities will be exciting and rewarding but also demand a lot of hard work and many different skills.

There will be opportunities for everyone to take part and make the new Forge their own. We are hugely grateful to our benefactors, who will be keeping an interested eye on the project.

Mr Rollason paid tribute to the Cotterills, who are relocating to Somerset.

He said: Their contribution as a three-generation family to local life here, not only looking after vehicles and machinery but taking part in village events for so many years, has been enormous. They will be much missed but we hope they will come back and visit.

Villagers say that having a community hub will work to bring everyone closer together.

Ruth Piercy said: This is such wonderful news. As a spread-out village, I feel a central hub will be such a fantastic boost to the community feel.

Lesley Warburton said: What great news. My daughter, who is an art teacher, is interested in setting up an art class for children.

Pippa Hughes said: What great news about the restoration of the old forge. What a generous gift that should benefit the whole village.

I am very fond of the village and still come to visit frequently. Both my children grew up here. Many happy memories.

Marina Hart said: Hurray  thats amazing. I feel even luckier to live in the village. Ill help.

George Bayliss, who now lives in Canada and fondly remembers the old smithy, said: As a boy I used to walk across the field to Bulpitts and while my mother was in the shop I used to look through the railings at Fred Jenkins working on farm equipment, particularly harrows as he fire-welded extensions on to tines. Later, when steel became available, he used oxy-acetylene welding equipment.

The shire horses from the Phillimore Estates farms all came here for shoes, handmade by Fred.

In 1952, when I left Sonning Common County School, I thought I wanted to be an agricultural engineer. I eventually got City and Guilds certificates for blacksmithing, welding, agricultural mechanics and engineering and full technology

certificates.

This all came to be because I had watched Fred Jenkins at work at the old forge and I have had a good life from just that.
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The Indian Navy and the Narcotics Control Bureau in a joint operation seized 200 kg of heroin worth Rs 1,200 crore from an Iranian fishing boat near the Kerala coast.

The heroin made in Afghanistan first came into Pakistan from where it was sent out on a boat. The consignment was then transferred to the Iranian vessel in a mid-sea exchange so that it could enter Indian waters without raising any suspicion, said officials.

Six Iranian nationals have been arrested and investigations have revealed that the heroin was to be sold in India and Sri Lanka.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Friday said that the Pakistan-based Haji Salim network was behind the drug smuggling.

The seized consignment and the boat have been brought to Kochi in Kerala, along with the six Iranian nationals, said Sanjay Kumar Singh, a senior offer of the NCB.

While some of the drug packets had Scorpion seal markings, the others had dragon seal markings which are used by drug cartels in Afghanistan and Pakistan, he said.

There has been a sharp increase in the drug trafficking through the sea route ever since the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan.
Somali forces kill 19 al-Shabab fighters in foiled attack

Xinhua) 10:08, October 08, 2022

MOGADISHU, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Somali National Army (SNA) forces on Friday killed 19 al-Shabab militants after the latter had attempted to attack an army base near Balad town, about 30 km north of Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, a government official said.

Abdikamil Maalim Shukri, a spokesman in the Ministry of Internal Security, said the militants attempted to attack a military base in Muryale village but were repulsed by the soldiers who were on patrol.

"The forces were on patrol when they had the information of the enemy in close range trying to conduct an attack against our forces. The military is now looking for the remaining militants who were on the run," Shukri told journalists in Mogadishu.

He said the ongoing military operations against al-Shabab terrorists have seen terrorists lose their strongholds in the central region.

The extremist group was driven out of Mogadishu in 2011 but it is still capable of conducting attacks, targeting government installations, hotels, restaurants, and public places.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, euphemistically called a special military operation by Moscow when it launched the offensive, more than 7 months ago was not expected to last more than a few days or weeks. The fact that Ukraine has withstood the onslaught of the mighty Russian army, albeit with the support of armaments generously provided by the West chiefly USA, has come not only as a rude shock to Russia but also as a huge surprise to the world.

The whole world particularly the developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America, are suffering heavily due to the disruption in supply chains, and shortages and high prices of energy, food and fertilizers.

Europes Dependence on Russian Energy

Europe has also been severely impacted because of its heavy dependence on Russia for its energy requirements.

Europe is the biggest purchaser of Russian crude, receiving 138 million tons in 2020 out of Russias total exports of 260 million tons  or 53%. Europe, which imports almost all of its crude, gets a quarter of its supply from Russia. In theory, Europe could replace those barrels from suppliers in the Middle East, whose exports now mostly go to Asia, as well as source oil from the United States, Latin America and Africa. But it would take time for global markets to make that adjustment.

I knew it. RussiaUkrainian thing was not only about territory but also global market (gas&oil). US wants to supply natural gas to Europe but Europe gets it easier and faster from Russia. Watch it is gon be US vs Europe soon since US wants Nord pipeline to stop. #Russia pic.twitter.com/ggeKMRPF3n  Mohamed Olad (@InaOlad) September 30, 2022

Russian gas makes up around a third of all-natural gas used in Europe. Among the continents major economies, Germany imports around half of its gas from Russia, while France obtains a quarter of its supply from the country. According to the latest available data, it is relying more heavily on Norway. Italy would also be among the most impacted major economies at a 46% reliance on Russian gas. The U.K., on the other hand, draws half its gas supply from domestic sources and imports mostly from Norway and Qatar. Gas used in Spain also comes from different locations, the biggest trade partners being Algeria and the United States.

Some smaller countries in Europe rely exclusively on Russian gas, namely North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Moldova. Dependence also exceeds 90% of gas supply in Finland and Latvia.

Its much more difficult to find alternative sources of natural gas because it is delivered mainly by pipelines. It is easier to find other sources for oil, which mostly moves by tankers and is traded globally.

Gazprom reports that one line of Nord Stream 2 could soon be operational. This would be a blow to the US Govt and its tremendous opportunity to force Germany into buying overpriced US gas. Europe may still have a chance to negotiate peace with Russia to end the energy crisis. pic.twitter.com/8r1mtdorHR  Stephanie Lefebvre (@tabithamordecai) October 3, 2022

Much of the Russian gas is exported via Nord Stream I pipeline. Capacity was expected to double early this year with the operationalization of the second pipelineNord Stream 2. However, before the second pipeline could start functioning, Germany halted its certification on 22nd February in response to the Russian decision to recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk Peoples Republics.

The Brewing Challenge

At the beginning of the conflict, Europe was struggling to find ways to stop paying $850 million a day to Russia for its energy supply viz. $450 million a day for oil and $400 million per day for natural gas. EU leaders realized that reversing decades of dependence on Russian oil and gas is not a simple matter.

Reducing Europes dependence on Russian gas has been widely discussed for the past 15 years by EU leaders in Brussels. Despite alarm bells from a January 2009 crisis that led to the disruption of Russian gas transiting through Ukraine for two weeks, and Russias annexation of Crimea in 2014, Europe has not stemmed natural gas imports from Russia. In contrast, Russian gas deliveries to Europe increased post-2014. Europe also started importing Russian LNG from 2017.

Today Europe is struggling to contain an energy crisis that could lead to rolling blackouts, shuttered factories and a deep economic recession. Russia has choked off the supplies of cheap natural gas used by the continent for years to run industries, generate electricity and heat homes.

The crisis deepened over recent weeks when Russias state-owned exporter Gazprom closed Nord Stream I, the main pipeline carrying gas to Germany, blaming an oil leak and claiming the problem could not be fixed because of wide-ranging sanctions which restrict supply of spares and equipment to Russia. European officials claim that this represents the weaponization of energy by Russia which the latter vehemently denies. Europe is however convinced that this is energy blackmail, aimed at pressurizing and dividing the EU for its support to Ukraine against Russias invasion. To compound matters further, both Nord Stream I and II developed leaks ostensibly due to sabotage which has made them unusable for transportation of gas to Europe. Two powerful explosions tore apart the Nord Stream I and Nord Stream II natural gas pipelines on 26th September, 2022, severely testing five decades of Russia-Europe energy cooperation.

European Union energy prices had doubled since Russian President Vladimir Putin took Nord Stream 1 offline on 31st August, 2022, but now they are set to spike even higher. As Europe heads into winter, people are dimming the lights and switching off ovens because their most significant source of natural gas supply has been switched off. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) officials have called the explosion deliberate, reckless and irresponsible acts of sabotage. But it is still unclear who is responsible for them.

Various sources suggest it may have been Russia, Ukraine or even the United Statesbut no matter who carried out the attack, it certainly highlights how vulnerable Europes energy grid is. Targeted attacks on the energy sector have been increasing in recent years, but the Nord Stream attack takes things to a new level. These pipelines are made of thick steel, lie between 260 and 360 feet beneath the surface of the Baltic Sea and are protected by a cement casing. As risk analyst Peter Burgherr pointed out, only state actors have a realistic chance of destroying Nord Stream.

The Nord Stream attack is the type of incident that sparks wars. Former Central Intelligence Agency Director John Brennan thinks Russia is the most likely suspect behind the attack, arguing that Putin wants the explosion to be a signal to Europe that Russia can reach beyond Ukraines borders. Meanwhile, Putin is pushing the idea that Anglo-Saxon nations blew up the pipeline to hurt Russias economy. Other experts have even put forth the idea that Poland, Ukraine or one of the Baltic states may have blown up the pipeline in an attempt to sow division between Germany and Russia.

Blinken Sept 27: Sabotage of Nord Stream gas pipelines in no ones interest Blinken Sept 30: Destruction of pipelines a tremendous strategic opportunity to pursue the transition to renewables pic.twitter.com/pioYYU8PZz  Michael Shellenberger (@ShellenbergerMD) October 2, 2022

Regardless of who attacked the pipeline, as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters, the sabotage is a a tremendous opportunity to once and for all remove the dependence on Russian energy and thus to take away from Vladimir Putin the weaponization of energy as a means of advancing his imperial designs. Many American energy officials undoubtedly hope that the developing strain between Germany and Russia will expedite a European realignment to America.

Europes Response

To effectively confront this challenge, Europe has lined up all the alternative gas supplies it could: shipments of liquefied natural gas from the United States (in March, the US and EU agreed to scale up American liquefied natural gas exports to Europe to 1,765 billion cubic feet per year starting in 2023), more pipeline gas from Norway and Azerbaijan. Germany is keeping coal plants in operation that it was going to shutter to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is also keeping the option of reactivating two nuclear power plants it was set to close. EU has approved a plan to reduce gas use by 15% by next March, roughly the amount experts say will need to make up for the loss of Russian gas. Yet those conservation measures are voluntary in member countries for now.

National governments have approved a raft of measures: bailouts for utilities forced to pay exorbitant prices for Russian gas, cash for hard-hit households and tax breaks. For example, Germany has approved a third support package with Euros 65 billion ($64.3 billion) in aid for consumers. Such spending will add to national deficits but will soften the downturn that economists are predicting for the coming six months.

More steps are coming. EU Commission President says a new proposal will include a price cap on natural gas and measures that could decouple the price of electricity from gas.

Perhaps most important in the short term, Europe has managed to fill 85% of its storage for winter with the help of LNG and diminished consumption because of high prices. Storage levels have kept rising even after the Nord Stream 1 cutoff. Partly as result, gas prices have fallen to their pre-cutoff level, although they are still painfully high.

Conclusion

The next half year is destined to be particularly challenging for Europe, not only in the battlefields of Ukraine but also in the hearths and industries across the continent.

Also Read: Despite Nord Stream 1 resuming gas supply, fear remains Russia may choke flows
Year 2022 has swung the spotlight on Baloch womennotably after the Karachi University bombing by the first Baloch woman suicide bomber Shari Baloch. The bombing killed three Chinese teachers and their Pakistani driver. Months after this incident that made global headlines, unidentified assailants shot dead Nargis Baloch in Balochistan capital Quetta. Nargis two children had been shot dead earlier during the year.

Many Baloch women have been attacked in targeted killings by the Pakistani establishment. Scores are being kidnapped without any access to legal remedies or courts.

In an exclusive interview, India Narrative speaks with Mahganj Baloch, central committee member of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), on the role of Baloch women in the nationalist struggle. Mahganj epitomises Baloch womenfolk who have morphed from being normal Baloch women leading normal everyday lives to firmly holding the flag of the nationalist struggle.

Mahganj, who hails from Turbat, was a Junior English Teacher (JET) in a government girls middle school in Shapuk when she joined BSO Azad in 2010 and finally the BNM. She narrates her harrowing story of how she was tortured, not in a torture cell or a prison, but in a government hospital. She also says that most Baloch women do not return back to their families once they are forcibly disappeared.

Excerpts from the interview:

IN: What happens to women who have been forcibly disappeared? Do you hear about them? Do you get to see them again? Do they come back from Pakistani prisons?

MB: Let me tell you what happens to Baloch women in Pakistan.

In 2014 I had to take a patient to a private hospital where I was apprehended by the ISI. Then they took me to a civil hospital and put me under solitary confinement. The ISI tortured me in a hospital and not in a torture cell. I was always surrounded by the Pakistani army, the Frontier Corps and the ISI.

They would keep repeating to me that when all the Baloch men are killed, they will make a list of the women and abduct them one by one. Do you even know what we did with the Bengalis? We will do the same with baloch women also, referring to the ethnic sexual assaults on Bengali women in 1971 which eventually led to the creation of Bangladesh.

The tales of disappeared Baloch women are very tragic. Some of the kidnapped women come back but a large number of women do not. Despite the kidnappings, the Pakistani army cannot demoralise our women. The women are participating in the struggle with motivation and vigour.

IN: What is the role of Baloch women in the independence movement of Balochistan? Many believe that Baloch women are not asserting themselves because of the patriarchal society and age-old traditions.

MB: Baloch women have been playing an important role in the liberation movement. The Baloch women have served the national struggle as one of the main protagonists.

Now they are managing the political aspect of the Baloch liberation struggle and they are opposing the Pakistani establishment with a lot of courage and determination.

I do not agree that the Baloch women are unable to express themselves. This is fundamentally not correct. I agree that our women do not have enough opportunities to get an education. However, despite this lacuna, they are moving ahead because of their determination and courage.

IN: Do you think that Pakistan agencies have launched a crackdown on Baloch women particularly after the Shari Baloch  the teacher and suicide bomber  killed three Chinese at the Karachi University?

MB: Pakistan has continued its oppression against the Baloch people but after the Shari Baloch suicide bombing, Pakistans crackdown has increased against women. It has upped the intensity of their human rights violations against Baloch women on a daily basis.

With the passage of time, the Pakistani government and military have only increased their atrocities against the Baloch with a view to indulge in ethnic cleansing.

IN: Is it true that Baloch women are joining the nationalist struggle as sarmachars secretly and many others are supporting the movement by organising protest marches and sit-ins at prominent places in Quetta, Karachi and Islamabad over enforced disappearances?

MB: I am not really aware whether more women are joining the armed struggle. But I know that Baloch women are playing an important role in supporting the Baloch struggle in various other ways.

IN: Besides Shari Baloch and Karima Baloch, can you recall more Baloch women revolutionaries who have been at the forefront of the Baloch struggle?

MB: There are lots of other women activists who are part of this struggle. To name a fewSammi Baloch, Dr Mahrang Baloch, Dr Sabia Baloch, Seema Baloch and Zareena Baloch. Besides these, there are an unlimited number of women who are in the nationalist struggle in various ways.

Many women have been killed in target killings in Balochistan. Recently, there was an incident in which Zohra Baloch was attacked brutally. Earlier her husband Raza Jehangir, who was the secretary general of BSO-Azad too was killed.

There is another incident in Turbat in which Malik Naz Baloch was killed and her small daughter Bramsh was injured.

Also Read: China is assisting Pakistan with technology and drones to attack Baloch fighters: Baloch leader Faiz M Baluch
Hundreds of people took to the streets in the Swat region in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday demanding the government take decisive action against terrorists.

According to the Dawn newspaper, the demonstrators gathered at Matta Chowk in the Khwazakhela tehsil of Swat on Friday.

This is the sixth protest by the locals since the resurfacing of terror activities in August, the Dawn report states, indicating the extent of uncertainty and unrest in the region.

Swat once again raising voice in favor of peace & rejecting militancy, Good/Bad terrorism. There is no news in mainstream media . Major political parties, Media, parliament, judiciaries are silent.#PashtunLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/7vyxOnSti6  Nadeem Askar (@NadeemAsker) October 7, 2022

The protest was jointly organised by two local organisations  Swat Olasi Pasoon and Swat Quami Jirga. A large number of people, including the youth and elders, with leaders of different political parties except former Prime Minister Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf ( PTI) party, participated in the protest.

The protesters said they would no longer tolerate terror activities as well as the presence of terrorists in the valley. They also called out the government for allegedly blocking the internet in most parts of Swat.

The participants shouted slogans against terrorists and said they would challenge threats to peace in the region.

     

  Today in Swat district of Pakhtunkhwa, a large number of people participated in the protest against terrorism and Talibanization and extremism at Khawaza Khela Bazar (Matta Chowk). Yes, we want peace#PashtunLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/DiNRK8Tl5M  Ihtesham Afghan (@IhteshamAfghan) October 7, 2022

They also complained about the suspension of internet service in major parts of Swat.

Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party leader Sher Bahadar said Swat residents were peace-loving people and would never tolerate the resurgence of terrorist groups on their soil. He said students had suffered since the Internet service was suspended lately.

Swat Qaumi Jirga member Sher Shah Khan said the people of Swat wont allow terrorists to regroup in the region and would continue with their peace efforts.

Speaker Amjad said the law-enforcement agencies should vacate all educational institutions in Swat to facilitate the youths access to formal education.

Vice-president of the Swat Traders Federation Khalid Mehmood said Swat residents wont leave the area if terrorists carried out activities.

Also Watch: PoK Gang-Rape Survivor Maria Tahir Seeks PM Modis Help
It is that time of the year again when the air quality in Delhi and adjoining areas starts to deteriorate.

A combination of factors has been blamed for the dip in air quality in and around the national capital during the winter.

BCCL

Stubble burning and pollution in Delhi



Paddy straw burning in Punjab and Haryana has often been cited as one of the reasons behind the alarming spike in air pollution levels in the national capital in October and November.

Over the years, the central and state governments have tried to end this practice by making stubble burning punishable and providing alternatives.

Despite this, stubble burning continues to happen on farms across Punjab and Haryana.

ANI

Why does Punjab struggle to process the stubble?



Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai recently said that the AAP government in Punjab is working to control incidents of stubble burning and that they have made a plan to tackle the pollution that emanates from such incidents.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday said his government was making all-out efforts for the management of paddy stubble and has sought the farmers' support.

But this year too, things are not looking different and a large number of farm fires have been reported from across the state.

Farmers set fire to their fields to clear crop residue because the window for Rabi crop wheat is very short after paddy harvest. Punjab generates around 180 lakh tonnes of paddy straw annually.

AFP

Government offers machines to process stubble

One of the ways the Punjab government tried to bring down the farm fires was by providing machines that would process the stubble faster.

Last month, Punjab Agriculture Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said 56,000 machines will be distributed to farmers for managing paddy stubble.

According to the minister, this will take the number of machines available to farmers this season to 1,46,422.

He said 90,422 machines were given to farmers from 2018 to 2022.

BCCL

A mobile app has also been developed whereby farmers can come to know about the availability of machines for the management of paddy straw within a radius of two-three kilometres.



Machines are out of reach for farmers



However, according to farmers, especially those who grow crops on small farms, these machines are beyond their reach, and they have no other option than to burn the stubble.

"The government claims that there is machinery to remove this, but we do not have it. We have little land and do not have the resources to cut it out by ourselves. Burning it is the only measure that is possible," a farmer from Amritsar told ANI.

ANI

Bio-decomposers fail to make an impact

Another method the Punjab government tried to reduce stubble burning was to use bio-decomposers, which are microbial solutions that can turn the farm residual into manure in as little as 1520 days .

But according to the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), the results of the trials of bio-decomposers conducted in the state last year are not "very encouraging".

BCCL

Bio-decomposers were used on 7,000 acres of land during the 2021 Kharif season. The results of the trials "are not very encouraging", according to a presentation made by PPCB Member-Secretary Krunesh Garg at a workshop in Chandigarh on Monday.

For more on the news, sports, and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


A young man accused of sending threatening texts to his former partner allegedly sat near her and her parents in a courtroom in Cork and threatened to put a petrol bomb through their letterbox.

Garda Stuart Crichton arrested the young man and brought him before an in camera hearing of Cork District Court to deal with the case under the Domestic Violence Act. The parties cannot be identified.

Garda Crichton said the case relating to the texts was to have been heard on Tuesday (October 4) but was not reached. The complainant was in court with her mother and father when the defendant arrived, sat near them and made the alleged threats in the courtroom.

The complainant has a safety order against him. Garda Crichton said it was alleged that the accused man said to her in court: I am going go kill you for what youve done to me Fuck you and your whole mad family.

The young woman said her ex-partner said this while making it look like he was talking to himself". At other times he stared at her and put her in fear, she said.

Arrested

Eddie Burke, solicitor, said that as soon as he became aware of the complaints about the alleged threats in court, he rang the defendant who made his way to the Bridewell garda station. However, he was arrested very close to the garda station before he got there, Mr Burke said.

I was in a relationship with him for eight months, I know what he can do. It ended in 2021. He said he would come to our house and put a petrol bomb in the post box, she said.

The complainants mother said: He is laughing into our faces  how can you live like that? I have to drive my daughter everywhere. We were very good to him (bringing him on family holidays). Why is he threatening us just because we want him to leave us free?

Mr Burke said the accused did not go near the house. The defendant said he did not threaten the parties in court. He said he would not harm them in any way if released on bail.

Asked about sitting by them in court, the defendant said: I did not sit close to them. I didnt notice them. I didnt say anything.

Asked about texts, he said he sent them when he was drunk.

Judge Olann Kelleher said the alleged threats were serious and he was refusing bail and remanding him in custody for one week.
Some fine examples of the kind of antique Irish furniture that remains much sought after and achieves high prices will come up at the James Adam Country House Collections sale at Townley Hall, Drogheda, on October 17 and 18.

Leading the auction is an Irish architectural carved giltwood mirror attributed to John and Francis Booker. This one, made c1760, has an arched plate with scrolled cresting and a triangular pediment supported on corbels embellished with leaves. There is an attractive border of interlocking chains within an egg and dart frame. A Booker mirror is indeed a trophy piece and the estimate here is 30,000-40,000.

A c1750 Irish mahogany side table with a white marble top, central carved scallop shell on cabriole legs with faceted, collared feet is estimated at 25,000-30,000. Other prime Irish lots among a large furniture selection are a fine c1740 Irish mahogany secretaire chest on chest (15,000-20,000), a late 19th-century George II-style side table by Hicks of Dublin (10,000-15,000) and an Irish yew wood library table by Arthur Jones and Co, Dublin (10,000-15,000).

Made for the 1851 Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace in London this table is a real conversation piece. Adams say (and I disagree) that it is one of only four known survivors of an 18-piece suite, the others being a teapoy (sold at Adams in 2014), a wine cooler bequeathed to the National Trust of Australia by Samuel Henry Ervin, now in Sydney and a card table in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

The reason for doubt is a carved bog yew armchair carved to illustrate the history, antiquities, animals and vegetation of Ireland that I spotted at the Masterpiece Fair in London in early July. and illustrated on these pages then.

This too was made by Arthur Jones and Co for the Great Exhibition. Perhaps it was a one-off and not part of the suite and Adam's is indeed correct, but it is enough to make me wonder. Butchoff Antiques had worked hard on this fabulous throne chair since acquiring it at an auction in Ayr in December 2020. They paid 44,000 at hammer, over a top estimate of 3,000, had it re-polished and painstakingly re-covered. At Masterpiece it was labelled a highlight by the vetting committee and priced at 150,000.

Sir Godfrey Kneller's portrait of Lady Mary Boyle nursing her son Charles.

Social historians will find interest in a half-length portrait by Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723) of Lady Mary Boyle nursing her son Charles. It would have been unusual for a woman in the upper echelons of 17th-century society to breastfeed her own children. A wet nurse would have normally been employed. Wife of Lt. Col. Henry Boyle of Castlemartyr and daughter of the 1st Earl of Inchiquin Lady Mary is featured with her third son Charles. At a time of high infant mortality he survived into adulthood and pursued a career in the Navy. The portrait is estimated at 20,000-30,000.

Rare pair of Irish c1710 Irish walnut chairs

The sale offers a wide variety of Irish and other furniture, paintings, silver and collectibles. There are Venetian views attributed to Turner, Samuel Dixon bird pictures, portraits, mirrors, an Irish Regency breakfront serving table probably made in Cork and many items of interest in the catalogue.

Viewing at Townley Hall gets underway next Saturday (October 15) and continues on Sunday week and Monday week. Day one of the auction on October 17 is a timed online-only sale with lots 1-281. The live auction at St Stephen's Green on October 18 features lots 300-822. The catalogue is online now.
An explosion has caused the partial collapse of a bridge linking Russia to the Crimean peninsula, damaging a key supply artery for the Kremlins faltering war effort in southern Ukraine.

Russian authorities said a truck bomb caused the blast and that three people were killed.

The speaker of Crimeas Kremlin-backed regional parliament accused Ukraine of being behind the explosion, though Moscow did not apportion blame.

Ukrainian officials have repeatedly threatened to strike the bridge and some lauded the destruction, but Kyiv stopped short of claiming responsibility.

The bombing came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin turned 70, dealing him a humiliating blow that could lead him to up the ante in his war on Ukraine.

In another potential setback for Mr Putin, a Kremlin-backed official in Kherson, one of four Russia-annexed regions in Ukraine, announced a partial evacuation of civilians.

Kirill Stremousov, deputy chief of Khersons Russian-appointed administration, told Russias state-run RIA Novosti agency that young children and their parents, as well as older people, could be relocated to two southern Russian regions.

Russian legislators urged Mr Putin to declare a counterterrorism operation in response. Such a move could be used by the Kremlin to further broaden the powers of security agencies, ban rallies, tighten censorship, introduce restrictions on travel and expand a partial mobilisation that the president ordered last month.

Russias National Anti-Terrorism Committee said a truck bomb set alight seven railway carriages carrying fuel, resulting in a partial collapse of two sections of the bridge.

A man and a woman who were riding in a vehicle across the bridge were killed by the explosion and their bodies were recovered, Russias Investigative Committee said. It did not provide details on the third victim or the truck driver.

The blast occurred even though all vehicles driving across the bridge undergo automatic checks for explosives by state-of-the-art control systems, drawing a stream of critical comments from Russian war bloggers.

The truck was owned by a resident of the Krasnodar region in southern Russia, Russias Investigative Committee said. It said investigators arrived at his home as part of the inquiry and are looking at the trucks route and other details.

The 12-mile bridge across the Kerch Strait linking the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov opened in 2018 and is the longest in Europe.

The 3.2 billion project is a tangible symbol of Moscows claims on Crimea and has provided an essential link to the peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

Crimea holds symbolic value for Russia and is key to sustaining its military operations in southern Ukraine. While Russia seized areas north of Crimea early on during the invasion and built a land corridor to it along the Sea of Azov, Ukraine is pressing a counteroffensive to reclaim them.

The Russian Defence Ministry said troops in the south were receiving necessary supplies through the land corridor and by sea. The Energy Ministry said Crimea has enough fuel for 15 days and it was working on ways to replenish stock.

The bridge has train and road sections. The blast and fire caused the collapse of one of the two links of the road bridge, while another link was intact.

The Russian Transport Ministry said train traffic across the bridge would start again shortly after quick repair works.

Vehicle traffic resumed on Saturday afternoon on one of the two links that remained intact from the blast, with the flow alternating in each direction and vehicles undergoing a full inspection procedure, Crimeas Russia-backed regional leader, Sergey Aksyonov, wrote on Telegram.

Rail traffic was resuming slowly. Two passenger trains departed from the Crimean cities of Sevastopol and Simferopol and headed toward the bridge on Saturday evening. Passenger ferry links between Crimea and the Russian mainland were being relaunched Sunday.

Mr Putin was informed about the explosion and ordered the creation of a government panel to deal with the emergency.

The speaker of Crimeas Kremlin-backed regional parliament blamed Ukraine for the explosion, but downplayed the severity of the damage and said the bridge would be promptly repaired.

Leonid Slutsky, head of the foreign affairs committee in the lower house of Russian parliament, said consequences will be imminent if Ukraine is responsible.

Gennady Zyuganov, head of the Russian Communist Party, which is nominally in the opposition but votes in line with Kremlin wishes in parliament, said the terror attack should serve as a wake-up call.

The long-overdue measures havent been taken yet, the special operation must be turned into a counterterrorist operation, he said.

Sergei Mironov, head of the Just Russia faction in parliament, said Moscow should respond by attacking key Ukrainian infrastructure including power plants, bridges and railways.

The parliamentary leader of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys party on Saturday stopped short of claiming Kyiv was responsible but appeared to cast it as a consequence of Moscows takeover of Crimea.

Russian illegal construction is starting to fall apart and catch fire. The reason is simple: if you build something explosive, then sooner or later it will explode, David Arakhamia, the leader of the Servant of the People party, wrote on Telegram.

The secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defence Council, Oleksiy Danilov, tweeted a video with the Kerch Bridge on fire alongside Marilyn Monroe singing her famous Happy Birthday, Mr President.

The blast on the bridge occurred hours after explosions rocked the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv early on Saturday, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and triggering a series of secondary explosions.

Ukrainian officials accused Russia of pounding Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, with surface-to-air missiles and said at least one person was wounded. The strikes targeted two largely residential neighbourhoods, the regional governor, Oleh Sinehubov, said.
Analysis Why Are Myanmar Resistance Offensives Yielding Limited Success?

Kalewa PDF after occupying and burning down a police station at Ma Sein village in Kalewa Township, Sagaing Region, in September. / Kalewa PDF

While resistance raids on Myanmar junta outposts and police stations continue, their limited firepower means they struggle to occupy targets.

The increasing availability of proper firearms among resistance groups has increased their ability to attack junta targets, forcing regime troops in some areas, especially Sagaing and Magwe regions, to retreat into defensive positions.

Four junta policemen from Nyaung Pyu Pin police station in Monywa Township, Sagaing Region, were gunned down by resistance forces on Tuesday while shopping.

In early September, two officers from the police station were killed while shopping at a bazaar.

On Sunday, groups including Sagaing Peoples Defense Force (PDF) and groups from Mandalay Region attempted to occupy the police station where the military Northwestern Command is based.

An estimated 10 junta soldiers and police were reportedly killed and five injured but the resistance groups said they were unable to occupy the police station because of its strong structure and heavy rain.

The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the reports.

Resistance groups claimed to have killed five police officers on August 21 during a drive-by shooting.

On Sunday, resistance groups from Pale and Salingyi in Sagaing Region and Myaing and Yesagyo townships in Magwe Region said they attacked Kyar Tat police station in Salingyi Township.

The resistance groups claimed to have killed at least 10 junta personnel and injured 18 others during five hours of fighting. But they withdrew when an MI-35 helicopter attacked and regime reinforcements were airlifted in by helicopter.

Resistance groups from Myaing and Pauk townships in Magwe Region on Sunday abandoned an attempt to occupy the Zee Pyar village police outpost due to their limited firepower.

They claimed to have killed about 17 junta soldiers, police and pro-regime Pyu Saw Htee militia members and arrested over 50 militia members during their raid on the village where junta forces are providing military training to nearly 100 militia members.

The resistance group said they fired around 17,000 rounds of ammunition during seven hours of fighting.

In mid-September, Kalewa PDF said it occupied and burned down Ma Sein village police station in Kalewa Township, Sagaing Region, killing at least seven police officers.

The regime is also struggling with attacks from ethnic armed organizations and their resistance allies in Chin, Kachin, Shan, Mon, Karen and Rakhine states. The junta is reportedly losing personnel and its bases in the states.

On September 28, 13 junta soldiers, including a deputy battalion commander, were killed when the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and the Special Operations Force resistance group occupied a junta hilltop base near Paya Taung village in Kyainseikgyi Township, Karen State.

Brigade 6 of the KNLA said it had seized at least seven junta outposts in the state since May.

Since the 2021 coup, the junta has reportedly lost around 90 bases, including key strategic outposts and supply hubs.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: Regime Boss Makes Wild Economic Claims, Compares Himself Favorably to His Mentor, and More

Regime leader Min Aung Hlaing at the Myanmar Rice Conference in Naypyitaw on Oct 6, 2022. / Cincds

Economic delusions persist

After making a vow in August to revive the countrys economy, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing told small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Bagos Pyay Township on Tuesday that the economy is recovering, without explaining how he came to this conclusion.

While the World Bank predicts 3 percent growth for the fiscal year ending in September, after an 18 percent contraction last year, it warns that the outlook remains weak and subject to substantial risks.

Min Aung Hlaing has been meeting SME business owners in Mandalay, Meiktila, Yangon and Pyay, with the stated purpose of facilitating SME development. Individual socioeconomic development will lead to regional and national development, he told the business owners during those meetings.

But high unemployment, a surge in the cost of livingincluding increased prices of basic foods, medicines, fuel and other consumer goodsa paralyzed banking system, and an exodus of foreign investment are surely not the signs of an economic recovery.

Regime boss surpasses master in loathsomeness

Myanmar peoples loathing for the military dates back to the 1988 pro-democracy uprising when the armyjust as junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is doing todayslaughtered pro-democracy protesters and persecuted dissidents.

At a meeting with officers and other ranks in Bagos Pyay Township, Min Aung Hlaing criticized the previous regime led by his mentor, former Senior General Than Shwewhich called itself the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) and later the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC)saying people might have negative views of the army because of administrative errors made during the SLORC/SPDC era.

Blowing his own trumpet, he said that he could improve and deepen relations between the military and the people.

It is difficult to say if Min Aung Hlaing is conceited or just delusional to have said this, given that under his command the military has killed thousands of people, and bombed and torched many villages in just a year and eight months since the coup.

Min Aung Hlaing apparently is not aware of media reports about resistance attacks on junta troops, and reports of junta casualties are the most liked and shared posts on social media.

In 2011, Min Aung Hlaing was handpicked by Than Shwe to succeed him as the military chief, a position he had held for 18 years as the military dictator. Despite his criticism of his predecessor, Min Aung Hlaing is at the same time following in Than Shwes footsteps, while indisputably wanting to show that he is better than his master.

Emulating the SLORC Ruby from Than Shwes era, Min Aung Hlaing said he had received a ruby and named it after his regime, which is officially titled the State Administration Council. His ruby, however, is even bigger than the SLORC Ruby, he said. He has also inherited white elephant mania from Than Shwe, and even boasted that a baby white elephant that was born a few months ago under his rule possesses more of the requisite traits for white elephant status than previous specimens found under Than Shwes rule.

While Than Shwe ordered the construction of the Kyauk Taw Gyi Temple, which enshrines the largest marble Buddha image in Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing is also having a Buddha statuetouted as the worlds biggest sitting Buddha imagebuilt in Naypyitaw.

Troops urged to fight in solidarity with the people

At the same meeting with officers and other ranks in Bagos Pyay Township, Min Aung Hlaing called on military personnel to crush violence in solidarity with the people, claiming that Peoples Defense Force (PDF) groups are using people as cover to fight the military. A sense of frustration was vivid in his voice.

This shows that Min Aung Hlaing is still in his own fantasy world.

In the wake of the coup, a mass boycott campaign was launched calling on shop owners not to sell to soldiers and police. At that stage, many might not yet have hated the military, even if they didnt love it. But now, it would be difficult for most people to simply forgive and forget what the military has done since the coup, and is still doing.

Soldiers and police are well aware of how people view them now. So, they dare not go out in public alone. In cities, they have been forced to cower behind sandbag-fortified barracks, constantly on alert for grenade and gun attacks that can happen anytime. Min Aung Hlaing seems to be frustrated that people are supplying all the necessitiesfrom uniforms to weaponsto the PDFs, which were born out of the people. Despite the juntas atrocities over the past 20 months, people remain strongly determined to root out the military dictatorship.

Coup leaders henchman takes control of USDP

Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has consolidated his control of the military proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) so that he can become the countrys president, with the installation of his henchman, former Police Chief U Khin Yi, as the USDP chair this week.

The appointment of the new USDP leader came ahead of the election the regime plans to hold next year and which the National League for Democracy (NLD) said it would boycott. In the NLDs absence, the USDP is likely to win. When the parliament resumes after the polls to choose the countrys president, Min Aung Hlaing will surely be nominated as a vice president by military representatives. If the winning USDP votes in parliament to elect Min Aung Hlaing as the president, his dream will be fulfilled.

Under U Khin Yis guidance, the USDP will have to do so. As the head of the winning party, he would become vice president-1, as his boss would take the top job. Then, Min Aung Hlaing would be able to rule the country for 10 years, as the constitution permits two terms.

These are the possible scenarios if things go according to Min Aung Hlaings plan. On the other hand, its hard to say whether the regime will be able to hold the election as planned, as it is still struggling to control the country. The NLD has rejected the poll, as do the majority of Myanmar people. The UN and the US have warned the election will be a fraud. Uncertainty is what the future holds for Min Aung Hlaing.
This Week in Review

A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
Human rights watchdogs from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, with the jury criticising Russian President Vladimir Putin's "authoritarian" regime as he waged war in Ukraine.

The honour in favour of "peaceful co-existence" went to Russian rights group Memorial, Ukraine's Center for Civil Liberties which is documenting "Russian war crimes" against the Ukrainian people and detained activist Ales Bialiatski of Belarus.

A highly symbolic choice, the trio represent the three nations at the centre of the war in Ukraine, which has plunged Europe into its worst security crisis since World War II.

"They have made an outstanding effort to document war crimes, human right abuses and the abuse of power," the head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Berit Reiss-Andersen, told reporters.

"Together they demonstrate the significance of civil society for peace and democracy," she added.

Calling Putin's regime an "authoritarian government," Reiss-Andersen said the five-member committee wanted to highlight the "way civil society and human rights advocates are being suppressed".

- 'Oxygen of democracy' -

Ukraine's Center for Civil Liberties (CCL), founded in 2007, has since Moscow's invasion in February identified and documented "Russian war crimes against the Ukrainian civilian population", the Nobel committee said.

It hailed the group's "pioneering role with a view to holding the guilty parties accountable for their crimes".

On Friday, the head of the CCL said Putin should face an "international tribunal".

Oleksandra Matviychuk wrote on Facebook the tribunal should be created to "give the hundreds of thousands of victims of war crimes a chance to see justice".

Memorial, founded in 1989 by 1975 Peace Prize laureate Andrei Sakharov, is the largest human rights organisation in Russia, compiling and systematising information on political oppression and human rights violations in Russia.

The country's Supreme Court ordered that it dissolved in December 2021.

Just hours after the win, a Moscow court ordered the seizure of Memorial's headquarters in the Russian capital, Interfax agency reported.

Congratulating the winners, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres hailed civil society organisations as the "oxygen of democracy".

And US President Joe Biden later congratulated the award recipients for championing human rights in the face of "intimidation and oppression".

But Lev Ponomarev, who helped create Memorial during the perestroika Soviet era reform drive, said the award should have gone to political prisoners such as Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

"I am compelled now to say that the correct choice would have been to give the Nobel prize -- if they want to support Russia when it is under its harshest regime -- to political figures," he said.

- 'No sign of peace' -

UN investigators on September 23 accused Russia of committing war crimes on a "massive scale" in Ukraine, citing bombings, executions, torture and sexual violence on victims aged four to 82.

Moscow has also been accused of committing massacres, after the bodies of dozens of civilians were found in Bucha, outside Kyiv, and the discovery of hundreds of others in Izyum, a region liberated by Ukrainian troops last month.

Beyond the countless deaths and material destruction in Ukraine, the war has revived fears of a nuclear strike by Russia, which has struggled militarily since Ukraine launched a counter-offensive in September.

"This year we were in a situation with a war in Europe, which is most unusual, but also facing a war that has a global effect on people all over the world," Reiss-Andersen said, referring to "the threat of using nuclear weapons and food shortage".

"That is a very bleak background and there is no sign of peace in the immediate future."

- 'Not yielded an inch' -

Last year, the Peace Prize went to another Kremlin critic, Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov, whose newspaper Novaya Gazeta also had its licence revoked.

He won together with Philippine journalist Maria Ressa for their fight for press freedom.

The Nobel committee on Friday also called on Belarus to release Bialiatski, 60, the founder of rights group Viasna whose work has charted the increasingly authoritarian tendencies of President Alexander Lukashenko and his security forces.

Bialiatski has been jailed several times since 2011, including after large-scale demonstrations against the regime in 2020 when Lukashenko claimed victory in elections the international community deemed fraudulent.

Minsk cracked down hard on the mass protests, with at least 37,000 people detained in a matter of months according to the UN, and many alleging they were mistreated and tortured in detention.

Lukashenko, who has clung to power since 1994 and has long been backed by Russia, is one of Moscow's few allies in the war on Ukraine.

The regime criticised the award, saying prize creator Alfred Nobel was "turning in his grave".

Bialiatski's wife meanwhile said she was "overwhelmed with emotion".

Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya -- herself mentioned in Nobel speculation before Friday's announcement -- saw the prize as "recognition for all Belarusians fighting for freedom and democracy".

Bialiatski was imprisoned from 2011 to 2014, in 2020, and again in July 2021. He is the fourth Peace laureate to win whilst behind bars.

"He is still detained without trial. Despite tremendous personal hardship, Mr. Bialiatski has not yielded an inch in his fight for human rights and democracy in Belarus," the Nobel committee said.

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Air France and planemaker Airbus are on trial in Paris on Monday for manslaughter in the 2009 crash of a plane from Brazil that killed all 228 people on board.

At the heart of the case are allegations of inadequate pilot training and a faulty speed monitoring probe that was quickly replaced on planes worldwide in the months following the accident.

Flight AF 447 from Rio de Janeiro to Paris crashed into the Atlantic Ocean during a storm in the early hours of June 1, 2009 as it stalled after entering a zone of severe turbulence.

The Airbus A330 carried 12 crew members and 216 passengers, including 61 French. It was the carriers deadliest crash.

Debris was found in the days that followed, but it took nearly two years to locate most of the fuselage and recover the black box black boxes.

Air France and Airbus were charged over the course of the investigation, with experts finding the crash was due to error by pilots who were disoriented by so-called pitot speed monitoring tubes frozen over in thick clouds.

Both companies have denied any criminal negligence, and investigating judges overseeing the case dropped the charges in 2019, attributing the crash primarily to pilot error.

This decision enraged the victims families, and in 2021 a Paris appeals court ruled there was enough evidence to allow a trial.

Air France  will continue to prove that it did not commit any criminal negligence that caused this accident and will seek an acquittal, the airline said in a statement.

Airbus, maker of the A330 jet, which entered service just four years before the accident, declined to comment before the trial but has also denied any criminal negligence.

They each face a maximum fine of 225,000 euros ($220,000).

 We lost our speed 

The court will hear testimony from dozens of aviation experts and pilots, along with up-to-the-second details of the last few minutes in the cockpit before the plane went into free fall.

As it approached the equator en route to Paris, the plane entered what is known as an intertropical convergence zone, which often produces violent storms with heavy rainfall.

Around that time, the 58-year-old captain handed his 32-year-old senior co-pilot over and went to bed, with the second co-pilot sharing the controls.

To avoid the worst of the storm, they turned left and slowed their speed after warning the crew of impending turbulence.

Shortly after the automatic pilot functions stopped working, the pitot tubes froze over, leaving the pilots without clear speed readings.

Weve lost our speed, says a co-pilot in the flight logs, before other gauges erroneously indicate a loss of altitude and a series of alerts appear on the cockpit screens.

The pilots quickly point the planes nose higher to begin the climb, but soon a STALL alarm sounds once, which then pauses and then sounds continuously for 54 seconds.

The plane continues to climb, engines revving up, reaching 11,600 meters (38,060 feet) before stalling begins. I dont know whats going on, says one of the pilots.

By this time, the captain is back in the cockpit trying to help, but the plane is rapidly falling at 10,000 feet per minute. Am I sinking? asks the senior co-pilot. No, now youre climbing, replies the captain.

Recordings then stop four minutes and 30 seconds after the pitot tubes freeze.

 The Human Element 

Testimonies are also being heard from some family members of the victims, 476 of whom are plaintiffs in the case.

Its going to be a very technical process but our goal is also to reintroduce the human element, said Alain Jakubowicz, lawyer for victims organization Entraide et Solidarite (Mutual Aid and Solidarity).

Its president, Daniele Lamy, said that instead of trying to pin the blame on the pilots, we want this process to be that of Airbus and Air France.

We expect an impartial and exemplary trial so that this never happens again and, as a result, the two defendants make safety their priority and not just profitability, she said.

But Nelson Faria Marinho, president of the Brazilian Association of Victims Relatives, said: I dont expect anything from this process.

His 40-year-old son, also named Nelson, was killed on his way to work in the oil industry in Angola.

Even if there is a conviction, who will be punished? The CEOs? They were switched at Airbus and Air France a long time ago, he told AFP during an interview at his home in Rio.

Although Faria Marinho has traveled to France 18 times to meet with authorities and investigators, she will not attend the trial.

He is represented by former French pilot Gerard Arnoux, who has counseled several victims families and has written a book entitled Rio-Paris Not Responding: AF447, the Crash That Shouldnt Have Happened.
Namgoong Min and Jin Ah Reum are officially married as the couple had their private wedding on the afternoon of October 7.

Attended by only their family, relatives, and close acquaintances, the ceremony was held at Shilla Hotel in Seoul.

While the couple kept their wedding private, various social media and online communities shared the newlywed's stunning photos with the actor looking dashing in a gray suit while his longtime girlfriend and now wife, walked down the aisle wearing a voluminous off-shoulder detail and mermaid cut dress.

At the reception, the newlyweds changed outfits as they greeted the guests.

Namgoong Min, entered the room welcomed by applause from the people as he dons a white tuxedo while Jin Ah Reum changed her wedding gown to a pink dress.

Namgoong Min Wedding Highlights: The Guest

According to Osen, Namgoong Min's wedding is also a star-studded event as celebrity guests were also spotted at the ceremony.

Kim Hee Cheol, Lee Jun Hyeok, and Kim Kang Hyun attended the couple's big day while the actor's good friend and "The Veil" co-star hosted the wedding.

TVXQ's U-Know Yunho and Max Changmin, took their busy time to attend the ceremony and sang the congratulatory song.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Namgoong Min Relationship Status 2022: How He Met Longtime Girlfriend Jin Ah Reum

Namgoong Min's Proposal to Jin Ah Reum Played at the Wedding

Besides the exchange of vows, another highlight at Namgoong Min and Jin Ah Reum's wedding is the actor's proposal.

His marriage proposal to his long-time girlfriend and now wife Jin Ah Reum definitely made the guests sob as the 44-year-old actor asked her "Will you marry me?"

#NamgoongMin marriage proposal to his long time girlfriend #JinAreum is making me sob with just simply saying "Will you marry me?"  pic.twitter.com/NFcIjwW324  kath | be the sun day 1  (@kdramatreats) October 7, 2022

The guests clapped as the model-actress cried when she heard Namgoong Min's question, to which she answered with a yes.

From Colleagues to Long Time Partners and Now Husband and Wife

Namgoong Min and Jin Ah Reum first met in 2015 when he directed the movie "Light My Fire" where the model-actress plays one of the lead stars.

After rumors sparked that they are secretly dating, the duo admitted their relationship in 2016 and have been dating publicly for 7 years.

Jin Ah Reum once talked about her relationship with the actor during her guesting in KBS 2TV's "Happy Together" in 2019.

As obtained by an outlet, she revealed that she wanted to be interested in him initially, but her feelings grew when she started to know the actor on a deeper level.

"I didn't have any interest in him at all," she said, adding that Namgoong Min pursued her and continued to contact her to see her again.

"But he turned out to be honest, straightforward, and innocent, so I began to open up," she furthered.

Even after marriage, Namgoong Min and Jin Sh Reum are expected to focus on work and love through various activities.

KDramastars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
Danielle Smith celebrates after being chosen as the new leader of the United Conservative Party and next Alberta premier in Calgary, Alta., Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022. Smith says she will seek the seat of Brooks-Medicine Hat in a byelection, even though she doesn't live in the area. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
A police officer stands at the scene in Laval, Que., near Montreal, Monday, April 4, 2011.Police are investigating the killing of a man late Friday in Laval, just north of Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
Signage is seen at the Beaver Creek Medium Institution in Gravenhurst, Ont., Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018. Officials say an inmate at the Beaver Creek Institution federal prison in Gravenhurst, Ont., has died after more than 31 years in custody. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
Andre Chagnon is followed by his son, chief executive Claude Chagnon, after a shareholders meeting in Montreal Monday, March 27, 2000. Andre Chagnon, a Quebec businessman who founded telecommunications giant Videotron and later set up one of the largest family foundations in the country, has died. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
The Kenosha Police Department is alerting residents about recent coyote sightings on the north side of the city, recommending caution and reminding residents to not feed, pet or catch the wild animals.

Generally, coyotes are not a threat to humans, the department posted online. He or she will move on all by itself.

Marty Johnson, a wildlife biologist at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, said there is little to no risk of a coyote attacking people, although he warned residents with pets to be careful, as coyotes have been known to attack dogs of all sizes.

The thing to watch for when youre out for a walk, is keep your dog on a leash, Johnson said. When you let your dog out at night, make sure youre with it and your yard is lit.

Johnson said that coyotes have adapted well to urban environments, and some become comfortable with the presence of humans. Too comfortable at times, Johnson said.

They get bolder, getting closer, Johnson said.

To keep both the animals and people safe, Johnson said they instruct people to haze the coyotes  yell and annoy them  whenever they seem them, teaching the coyotes that humans are to be avoided.

When we tell people to haze coyotes, you dont need to hit them, just scare them, Johnson said. But you need to keep doing it until they get the message and fully leave.

Johnson said the DNR doesnt typically remove individual coyotes unless they are violent or aggressive due to the sheer population size. The benefits of removing a few coyotes would be negligible.

Be careful and be watchful. If there are problems, talk with your community and with us, Johnson said. A coyote running through the yard isnt necessarily a big problem.
Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson challenged Democratic Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes over his public safety stance Friday night, while Barnes went after the Oshkosh Republican on abortion and Social Security.

Barnes defended his position to end cash bail and instead base defendants potential release on their risk to others, saying people should not be able to buy their way out of prison.

Sen. Johnson may not have encountered a problem that he cant buy his way out of, but thats not the reality for the majority of people in this state, he said at the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association debate.

We have a huge problem, skyrocketing crime, Johnson said in response, then called out Barnes for supporting reduction of the prison population.

To address violence, Barnes said Congress should fully fund schools. He also said there should be well-paying jobs in communities.

Johnson said the priority for addressing violence should be fully funding police. He then targeted Barnes, saying he supported defunding police. Barnes has consistently denied the charge. But the lieutenant governor has signaled support in the past for reducing police funding, CNN reported Friday.

Johnson came out against universal background checks to buy guns, saying additional gun control laws wouldnt work.

If gun control were the solution, it wouldve already been solved, he said.

But to the extent that laws already exist to mitigate gun violence, he said they should be enforced. He called for renewed faith and strengthened families to reduce gun violence.

Barnes said he supports background checks to mitigate gun violence.

2020 in focus

Johnson said former Vice President Mike Pence did the right thing by rejecting former President Donald Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. He also called the revelation that people close to Trump tried to get the senator to deliver phony electoral college ballots to Pence a non-issue.

Johnson repeatedly used the mention of the Jan. 6 riots to pivot to civil unrest in the summer of 2020.

If you want to talk about rioting, look at what took place in Kenosha, Johnson said.

Barnes defended Gov. Tony Evers handling of the Kenosha riots, which Republicans have said was inadequate and worsened the unrest. He said Pence did the right thing on Jan. 6.

Barnes went after Johnson for calling to move Social Security and Medicare from mandatory to discretionary spending programs. Such a shift would require congressional budgetary authorization every year  something Democrats say could lead to eliminating those programs. Johnson denies wanting to dismantle them and has said he wants to preserve them.

As to keeping those programs solvent, Barnes suggested raising taxes for the wealthy, adding that Social Security and Medicare should be kept as mandatory spending programs.

The greatest threat to Social Security and Medicare is completely out of control deficit spending and our growing debt, Johnson said in return, adding that he wants to preserve welfare programs by focusing on fiscal policy.

Court decisions

As to federal abortion policy, Barnes said he would vote to codify Roe v. Wade.

(Johnson) said that if women dont like the laws of their state, like the 1849 criminal abortion ban we have here, he said they can move, Barnes said. I cant think of a more callous, out of touch or extreme position to take.

Johnson pushed back, saying Barnes didnt support any limit on abortion access. The Oshkosh Republican called again for a referendum through which voters can decide what the limits of abortion should be. He did not say how he would vote on the measure.

This has been a divisive issue for 50 years because nine justices made a decision for all of us and it didnt solve the problem, he said.

Johnson dismissed the possibility that the U.S. Supreme Court would overturn its 2015 decision upholding the right to same-sex marriage.

This is another scare tactic by the left, Johnson said, adding that the country had more pressing problems.

Barnes noted that many people didnt think the landmark abortion case Roe v. Wade would be overturned, adding that same-sex marriage was a civil right he would back if elected to the Senate.

Climate change

On climate change, Barnes focused on flooding and its impact on family farms. He called Johnson out for having dismissed climate change in the past.

Johnson said he doesnt deny climate change but questioned whether anything could be done about it. He said electric vehicles in Florida are exploding because of Hurricane Ian.

You cant spend hundreds of millions of dollars on a problem that is not solvable, Johnson said.

There is another U.S. Senate debate Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. at Marquette University.
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We need to stop simply clapping our hands in support of health workers  and start planning to create better workforce conditions for them. Lets make improved health workforce science in Canada a key legacy in support of our health care workers.

Ivy Lynn Bourgeault is a professor of sociological and anthropological studies, University of Ottawa, and the lead, Canadian Health Workforce Network.

She shares her story and discusses her KevinMD article, The pandemic exposes critical gaps in Canadas health workforce planning.

This episode is sponsored by the Nuance Dragon Ambient eXperience.

With so many demands on their time, physicians today report record levels of burnout. Burnout is caused by many factors, one of which is clinical documentation. Studies indicate physicians spend two hours documenting care for every hour spent with patients.

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Dont forget your masks!

This phrase has been the daily refrain in my household for my children for the past two years. Masking became as natural as wearing a coat in the winter, and going without a mask would have seemed as strange as going to school barefoot.

The new school year has just started for us; my five-year-old had her first day of kindergarten, and my seven-year-old started second grade. For the first school year since the pandemics start, they both went to school without masks, a conscious decision that I encouraged and celebrated.

My husband is an infectious disease physician, and I am an obstetrician-gynecologist; we did not take this decision lightly. I will never forget the first wave of the pandemic, when we had few medical supplies, when both of us had exposure to this unknown, deadly virus at work, when the fear of exposing our children to the virus remained omnipresent, when the specter of death became an intimate companion, even in my field which is normally bursting with joy and life.

So, even when the mask mandates were lifted, and my son was vaccinated, he continued to mask to protect his sister, who was too young to be vaccinated.

Finally, this past June, my five-year-old was vaccinated, and my son received his booster. And for the first time since March 2020, the tendrils of fear and worry that had wrapped themselves around my heart finally loosened. The vaccine presented a modicum of hope, and the fact that my children were now protected from severe COVID-19 infection provided a profound sense of relief.

I saw how much my children missed seeing their friends faces, or comparing the gaps in their smiles where they had lost teeth, or just giving their friends hugs. I realized that the current situation of the pandemic is the best it has ever been and that we are fortunate that no one in our family has a chronic illness. Just as I get into a car every morning and put on my seat belt, just as I go for my morning bike ride and strap on my helmet, I must balance our lives going forward, knowing that vaccines provide significant protection against severe illness and death.

Since the pandemic started, 1,430 children between the ages of 0 and 18 years old have died from COVID-19. I can only imagine the devastation that each of these families suffered at the loss of their child. Putting emotion aside, which is difficult to do as both a mother and a physician, and focusing solely on numbers, over 14 million children have contracted COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, and this number is likely underreported. For fully vaccinated children, the vaccine is 83 percent effective in decreasing the risk of hospitalization due to severe COVID-19 infection, including with the Omicron variant. The rates of death and severe illness from the virus are incredibly low for children, but the collateral damage from this virus has not been insignificant. Worsening mental health, widening of the educational gap, increased rates of obesity, and less utilization of needed preventative health services are among the challenges children, in particular, have dealt with during this over two-year-long pandemic.

People have touted the resilience of children throughout the pandemic, but the reality is much grimmer. According to the CDC, the American Psychological Association declared childrens mental health in crisis during the pandemic, and mental health-related visits to the emergency department increased dramatically beginning in April 2020. Children have been infinitely adaptable, but this adaptability has come with a cost.

When I considered my two healthy, vaccinated children and my desire for them to just have a normal school yearmy daughters first ever school year and my sons first normal school year since he started attending schoolI conceded. No masks. I had thought the kids would be ecstatic, but they accepted this new reality just as readily as they had accepted masking. I watched them cross the street to school, their giant backpacks bouncing on small shoulders, and I saw my son wave hello to a friend and smilethe first time at school that he could show his gap-toothed smile. That smile meant everything to me.

Huma Farid is an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
Students in primary, secondary and third levels in Kilkenny are being challenged to get creative and mark 50 years of Irelands EU membership this year as part of a major new competition launched by Taoiseach Micheal Martin.

An initiative of the Government of Ireland, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and managed by European Movement Ireland, MyEU50 engages with students to share their creativity and new ideas about Ireland and Europe.

Launching the project, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said that the competition is an opportunity for young people to express their relationship with the EU.

The future of this country, and of the EU, lies in the hands of our youth. It is therefore fitting that, through the MyEU50 competition, they will get the opportunity to explore and express their relationship with the EU and how they want that to evolve over the next 50 years."

Minister for Education Norma Foley also welcomed the initiative and encouraged young people to participate.

There is so much fascinating history for students to examine across the European Union and I would encourage all of our primary and post-primary schools to register their interest for this competition.

Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne said it is important that students be given the opportunity to engage with the EU throughout their educational experience.

As we face into the challenges of the next decades, it is our youth who stand to gain most from our continued membership of the EU. It is therefore important that they be given the opportunity to engage with the EU throughout their educational experience."

Finalists will be invited to attend an exciting ceremony in Dublin in December, where the winning submissions will be announced.

The deadline for submissions for primary and post primary students is November 11.

More information can be found at www.myeu50.ie.
Four years of study in South East Technological University (SETU), featuring 80 weeks of clinical placements in HSE/South East Community Healthcare mental health services, was marked in two ceremonies recently for 39 graduates of SETUs B.Sc. (Honours) in Psychiatric Nursing.

Concluding their fourth year of the course and a 36 week continuous internship with HSE/South East Community Healthcare (SECH), 18 of the students in the Waterford and Wexford mental health services were presented with their qualifications at the St. Patricks Gateway Centre, Waterford. A similar occasion was hosted for 21 students in the Carlow, Kilkenny and South Tipperary mental health services at St. Canices Hospital in Kilkenny.

Having begun in September 2018 and on completion of their training in the HSE in the coming weeks, the 39 participants will register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland as Psychiatric Nurses.

In offering her congratulations to all concerned, speaking at the Kilkenny ceremony, Irene Ryan (SECH Nurse Practice Development Co-ordinator for Carlow-Kilkenny/South Tipperary) said: This group of graduates have continued their training during the unprecedented times of pandemic. They have contributed enormously to delivering the highest possible standards of care in mental health services in that time. They have both our sincere appreciation and admiration for their commitment.

Speaking at the Waterford ceremony, Ursula O Neill (SECH Nurse Practice Development Co-ordinator for Waterford/Wexford) said: We are delighted that these students chose this career. Psychiatric/Mental Health nursing is a specialist field within the health care profession. It involves an interpersonal, caring process which acknowledges the uniqueness of each person. The Psychiatric Nurse is concerned with the promotion of mental health, the prevention of mental illness and the provision of care to those with mental health problems.

The ceremony in St. Canices Hospital was also addressed by SECHs Carlow-Kilkenny/South Tipperary mental health services area Director of Nursing Avril Nolan, in addition to the respective Clinical Placement Co-ordinators Emer ODonnell (South Tipperary), Claire Fitzgerald (Kilkenny) and Helen Heffernan (Carlow).

The ceremony in St. Patricks Gateway was also addressed by SECHs Waterford/Wexford mental health services area Director of Nursing Kasia Nolan and Clinical Placement Co-ordinators John Fitzgerald (Waterford) and Marilyn Vereker (Wexford). Also in attendance were Joan Croke Power (Asst. Director of Nursing) and Colman Noctor (Lecturer, Dept. of Nursing and Health Care, SETU).

HSE/South East Community Healthcare works closely with SETU in facilitating clinical placements across a diverse range of mental health services. This includes working in the Dept. of Psychiatry acute mental health inpatient units, the residential units for Psychiatry of Later Life and Rehabilitation Centres. There are also placements in other high, medium and low support residences, day hospital services, specialist nursing support in acute hospitals (e.g. the Emergency Dept. liaison services) and participation in Community Mental Health Teams and other community supports and services based in and from Primary Care Centres.

South East Community Healthcare points to the diverse training afforded in the South East to graduates in Psychiatric Nursing as being a solid foundation to develop professionally and make a lasting contribution to the delivery of quality, safe and effective mental health care locally, nationally and internationally.
Within 10 minutes of the explosion at a service station in the Co Donegal village of Creeslough, emergency services had arrived at a chaotic and traumatic scene.

As emergency personnel arrived to find huge concrete blocks, debris and rubble where the building once stood, the scale of the operation ahead became clear.

Civilians were already there using car jacks to try to free trapped people from the large piles of rubble.

The huge rescue operation involved the Irish Coast Guard, the Coast Guard rescue helicopter 118, Irish Air Corps 112, the Northern Ireland Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), the Irish Community Air Ambulance, Northern Ireland Search and Rescue, Donegal Mountain Rescue, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service heart team, Donegal County Council Civil Defence as well as dozens of people from the community in Creeslough.

Superintendent David Kelly of Milford garda station said he did not have to reach out to colleagues  that all came forward for duty.

Garda members from Letterkenny, Ballyshannon and Buncrana all appeared as the news of the tragedy spread.

Thats what it is to be in Donegal  we look out for each other, Superintendent Kelly said.

We have to think of the people from own service who did attend. Resources were initially deployed from the Millford Garda District, assisted by members that were off-duty.

Im proud to say that I didnt have to ask for people to turn out for duty, they came in.

He also praised the great assistance provided by colleagues from the emergency services in Northern Ireland.

Police in Donegal said the blast led to the largest number of civilian casualties in decades, and required an extensive emergency response.

Cafes and local restaurants opened their doors to emergency workers, providing hot drinks and food for the personnel.

A local hotel also block-booked rooms for emergency staff who worked through the night.

My thoughts and prayers are tonight with the entire community of Creeslough following todays devastating explosion. Thinking too of all the emergency services, from across the north-west and NI working in very traumatic situation.  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) October 7, 2022

Liam Geraghty, from the Garda press office, said workers came across a very traumatic scene.

It was a very confused scene and there was a lot of debris, there were traumatised people already at the scene. Our colleagues will be provided with counselling services to deal with tragic circumstances, Mr Geraghty added.

A moment of silence was also held at a press conference at Milford garda station for the 10 people who died in the Creeslough explosion.

Seven people are in hospital in Donegal while one patient was transferred to a specialist burns unit hospital in Dublin.

Eight ambulances attended the scene on Friday and three attended on Saturday morning.

Four doctors and four ambulance officers were also involved.

Superintendent Kelly said families have been left devastated by the incident.

I want to offer, on behalf of myself and my colleagues that attended the scene, our very sincere condolences, he added.

Garry Martin, director of emergency services at Donegal County Council, said workers will remain on site in Creeslough for the ongoing search and checking phase to ensure there are no remaining casualties in the building.

Press Statement by Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Liam Blaney in relation to the terrible tragedy which has unfolded in Creeslough. Read full statement here: https://t.co/FTimVMkhVR#Donegal #YourCouncil pic.twitter.com/aeMcG3gR2c  Donegal County Council (@donegalcouncil) October 8, 2022

He said that six fire brigades attended the scene, including 65 firefighters and 20 members of the civil defence, a structural engineer as well as road service personnel.

I want to acknowledge the assistance from our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who attended with specialist equipment and search dogs, Mr Martin added.

I also want to acknowledge the huge input from the local community who attended in huge numbers and who contributed so much to our efforts.

The whole country has the community of Cresslough and Co.Donegal in our thoughts this evening. We hope and pray that all those trapped or missing are rescued, brought to safety by the emergency services & reunited with loved ones  Michelle ONeill (@moneillsf) October 7, 2022

Over the course of last day and following detailed analysis of the site, the incident moved into a search and recovery phase. We will remain on site in an ongoing search and check phase to ensure there are no remaining casualties in the building.

John Joe McGowan, chief ambulance officer for the western region of Irelands national ambulance service, said words cannot describe the efforts of emergency services in Creeslough.

Each and every one of you have gone above and beyond in your response, he said, extending particular thanks to the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and Air Ambulance for their support.

We will continue our efforts and work with our colleagues in the gardai and the fire service until all recovery efforts have concluded.
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More than a week after Hurricane Ian, Florida residents frustrated with state and federal response
Lt. Gen. Willard M. Burleson, the commander of the Eighth U.S. Army, speaks during his speech during an event honoring U.S. troops killed during the Korean War at the West Point Memorial Park of Korea Military Academy in Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of Korea Military Academy



Commander of 8th US Army vows to maintain combat readiness



By Jung Min-ho



A top U.S. military officer in South Korea said the two allies should be the example of "peace through strength" in a speech at the Korea Military Academy event honoring the U.S. troops killed during the Korean War (1950-53).



Lt. Gen. Willard M. Burleson, the commander of the Eighth U.S. Army, said South Korea and the U.S. should remember the great sacrifices of those who perished while defending democracy and freedom and honor their legacy by ensuring to protect the values with a strong alliance and defense posture.



"It may be more important now than it (the alliance) has been since the end of the Korean War. We must be the example of peace through strength," Burleson said at the West Point Memorial Park of the school in northern Seoul. "We must remember those who perished, their families as well as countless Korean and U.S. soldiers who gave their lives."



His remarks come amid mounting tensions on the Korean Peninsula following North Korea's growing nuclear and missile threats. On Thursday, the North fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea and then flew 12 warplanes within close proximity of the inter-Korean border, two days after firing an intermediate-range ballistic missile over Japanese territory. Its latest provocations have prompted the South, the U.S. and Japan to conduct joint military drills.



Burleson said the fallen heroes of the Korean War would be "incredibly proud" if they were able to see what South Korea has become today.



"Their sacrifices were worth it and we must honor their legacy by ensuring we maintain our readiness and strong defense," he said. "Our shared values are the foundation that has been built by our predecessors and it is our duty to ensure that we protect our way of life and honor those who come before us by ensuring that we maintain the day to day readiness of our ROK (South Korea) and U.S. forces."



It was the day South Korea and the U.S. began another round of a two-day joint exercise in the waters east and south of the peninsula. USS Ronald Reagan, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS Chancellorsville, a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, and USS Benfold, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, are among the key U.S. maritime assets joining South Korea's Munmu the Great and the Donghae frigate for scenario-based training, such as escorting the Reagan to waters southeast of Jeju Island.



"As part of the efforts to strengthen the U.S. extended deterrence, the Reagan strike group is conducting another joint drill. We will continue to strengthen our operation capabilities and defense posture against any type of threat from North Korea," South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.





Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup speaks during a meeting with Admiral John Aquilino, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, at the ministry's headquarters in Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of Ministry of Defense



The same day, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup met with Admiral John Aquilino, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, at the ministry's headquarters, where they vowed a stern response to North Korea's dangerous behavior. They said such provocations only unite the two allies closer.



Threats from North Korea have also brought South Korea and Japan closer, despite growing political voices against the move.



In the morning, high-level military officers of the three countries had talks over the phone in which they agreed to improve cooperation and discussed "concrete ways" to respond to the North, which has tested its missiles and other weapons at an unprecedented pace this year. They also committed to support their respective ministers in the next trilateral ministerial meeting on a mutually determined future date.





The USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, center, participates in a joint anti-submarine drill with South Korea and Japan in waters off South Korea's eastern coast, Sept. 30. Courtesy of Ministry of Defense
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Periods of rain. Snow may mix in. Temps nearly steady in the mid to upper 30s. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Rain likely. Snow may mix in. Low 38F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
Deadly avian flu reaches California

By LIU YINMENG in Los Angeles (China Daily) 11:21, October 08, 2022

Wave of virus has led to depopulation or euthanasia of more than 47 million birds

An "unprecedented" wave of avian flu has hit Southern California, wiping out entire farms of domestic species and endangering wildlife. It also has the potential to further disrupt an already stressed supply chain, experts said.

The virus has been detected in 41 of 50 states in the United States. It has led to the depopulation or euthanasia of more than 47 million birds, said Maurice Pitesky, an associate professor in the poultry health and food safety epidemiology department at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

"The current outbreak is about seven times the size geographically of that previous outbreak, and we're just about to enter fall migration when literally millions of birds will start moving into North America, into the United States, and a lot of them are likely to be carriers of that virus," he told China Daily.

The highly pathogenic H5N1 strain emerged among domestic waterfowl in Asia in 1996. By 2005, wild birds have brought the disease to poultry in Africa, the Middle East and Europe through migration.

The last major outbreak of bird flu in North America occurred in 2014 and 2015. It led to the deaths of more than 50 million birds in the US and resulted in an estimated $3 billion in damages.

But this avian flu epidemic will exceed all previous outbreaks, said experts, who described the surge as "unprecedented" in scope, breadth and lethality.

"We are in the midst of a completely unprecedented wildlife disease outbreak in North America," Rebecca Poulson, a University of Georgia research scientist who has been studying bird flu for 15 years, told The Atlantic. "We've never seen anything like this."

Low human risk

The highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, is highly contagious and often fatal in birds. The risk of humans contracting the disease is pretty low. However, experts urge people to be cautious when they interact with birds.

Pitesky said they do not believe the virus is highly transmissible to humans "at this point", but he added "it is biologically plausible as the virus mutates that it can mutate in such a way that it becomes infectious to humans".

On April 28, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that one person in Colorado has tested positive for the avian influenza. The patient was involved in the culling of poultry with presumptive bird flu virus. The patient experienced fatigue, but has since recovered.

"This is the second human case associated with this specific group of H5 viruses that are currently predominant, and the first case in the United States," the CDC said.

The virus hit Europe early last year. Nearly 50 million birds have been culled this season across 37 European countries, the European Union's Food Safety Authority said. Last fall, the virus reached North America and the US' East Coast, where it has been detected in wild birds, backyard flocks, commercial poultry facilities and wild mammals.

After landing in California this summer, HPAI has exploded across the state, killing many domestic and wild birds. A poultry farm in Fresno County became the first facility in the state this year to be affected by avian influenza. Nearly 34,000 chickens were euthanized to prevent further spread of the disease, state officials said.

As of Tuesday, HPAI has been detected in domestic flocks in at least 10 California counties. It has been found among wild birds in 22 counties, the state's food and agriculture department reported.

The outbreak has the potential to further disrupt the food supply chain, which already faces hurdles stemming in part from high prices for corn and soybeans, which are often used as poultry feeds.

"I am concerned about the ability to provide eggs and poultry meat, turkey, chicken at a scalable level over the next six months to one year, without prices going up significantly, without high levels of impact on the poultry industry as far as their ability to grow and trade and transport poultry," Pitesky said.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Hongyu)
Madhapur (Hyderabad) [India], October 8 (ANI/PNN): State-of-the-art healthcare now has a new address in Madhapur. Telangana Health Minister Harish Rao inaugurated Sravani Hospitals, a multi-speciality hospital for women and children, on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra on Wednesday.

MLAs Arekepudi Gandhi and Krishna Rao, Corporator Jagadeeshwar Goud, Dr Padmashree Manjula Anagani, Dr G Sathish Reddy, Dr Bhaskar Rao (Managing director, KIMS) and TSTS chairman Jagan Mohan Patimeedi also graced the grand event.

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The 75-bed hospital is equipped with the latest medical technology and a team of highly qualified doctors dedicated to the cause of comprehensive healthcare. It has advanced equipment like Philips Monitors, 4K advanced Laparoscopy, Karl Storz, 32 slice Siemens CT scan and Olympus Endoscopy, etc. Besides offering treatment in speciality areas like Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology, it will also provide services in general medicine, ENT, pulmonology, cardiology and various critical care and surgeries. The hospital also has state-of-the-art radiology, pharmacy, pathology, cafeteria and ambulance services.

Sravani Chettupalli, CEO of Sravani Hospitals, called it a mission to serve people in need of medical care and attention in the best possible manner.

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"Our aim is to revolutionise women and child care with a difference. We have brought together under one roof experts with rich experience in their respective fields so that our patients get the best treatment," she said.

On the Occasion of the launch 1000, First Aid Kids were distributed to all the attendees as return gifts and also Ayushman Bhava Card was launched by Managing Director Dr Naveen Chettupalli along with Minister Harish Rao garu.. which will offer 1 discount for all the card holders are Sravani Hospitals. ( A unique initiative by Chettupalli Foundation).

At the core of Sravani Hospitals' services is the commitment toward better health for women and children with the approach of 'Health First'. Patients from all walks of life can come to Sravani Hospitals and be assured of the best treatment. With its advanced and high-quality services, it has emerged as the destination for good health.

Dr Naveen Chettupalli, Managing Director of Sravani Hospitals, assured of compassionate 24x7 care with due diligence by trained and highly experienced patient care providers and nursing staff.

To mark the launch, the hospital organised health programmes in Telangana in association with Chettupalli Foundation.

On the panel of senior doctors at Sravani Hospitals are Surgical Gastroenterologist Dr Prasad Neelam, Senior Obstetrician & Gynecologist Dr Aswini Annam, Senior Consultant-Internal medicine Dr Srinivasulu Talacheru and General surgeon & Coloproctologist Dr Sushma Peruri.

Dr Bhaskar, MD, KIMS Hospital, said Sravani Hospitals is equipped with state of art facilities, while Dr Manjula Anagani said the hospital has advanced equipment to perform high-end laparoscopic surgeries.

Noted liver transplant surgeon Dr Madhusudhan said the hospital has excellent scope for starting transplantation services, while Dr Deepak Reddy, Director of AINU at Hitech City said it is going to be one of the best hospitals in Madhapur.

Dr Prasad Neelam, Surgical Gastroenterologist, Sravani Hospitals said hospital has scope of all surgical services with advanced 4k Laparoscopy.

Also present on the occasion were noted influencer Amma Satyvathi, Miss Universe Intelligence Abhimanika, Serlingampally MLA Arikepudi Gandhi, entrepreneur and founder of Sustain Kart Kanthi Dutt, Sudheer Sandra (Managing Director SUPAR School), Nikeelu Gunda (CEO- Digital Connect), Editpoint Ramesh (Chairman, Editpoint) and many more were present.

This story has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content in this article. (ANI/PNN)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Meerut, October 8: A 12-year-old alleged rape victim from Ghaziabad gave birth to a baby boy at the medical college here, an official said on Saturday. The medical college administration confirmed that the mother and the child were healthy.

The girl, who lives in Ghaziabad's Khoda police station area, was admitted to the medical college on October 1 and she gave birth through C-Section, medical college principal Dr RK Gupta said. The girl is a Class 7 student. Varanasi Shocker: 22-Year-Old Rape Victim Dies During Forced Abortion; 4 Booked, 1 Held by Police.

Her family members told reporters that a 19-year-old living in their apartment had threatened and raped her multiple times. His brother aged 21, too, had raped her after threatening that they will kill her parents if she did not heed to their demand. Uttar Pradesh Horror: Minor Gang-Rape Victim Forced To Walk Home Naked in Moradabad, Video Goes Viral.

Further, they alleged that a 16-year-old girl living with the two brothers had allegedly handed the victim over to another man for money, who also took sexual advantage of her. After the victim's relatives learnt about her trauma, they lodged a police complaint.

According to the family, the victim did not exhibit any sign of pregnancy and she remained normal till the time of delivery. While bringing her to the hospital, she was told that she had a kidney stone and that she had to undergo a surgical procedure.

Inspector in-charge of Khoda police station Altaf Ansari said the family had lodged a complaint on September 5 against the two brothers, the girl living with them, and a 35-year-old man.

All of them have been arrested and a chargesheet has been filed against them in the court, he said. The victim's parents have demanded capital punishment for the accused.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Jammu, Oct 8 (PTI) Twenty medical officers and as many nurses have been trained in palliative care in Jammu division, officials said on Saturday as the authorities observed the World Palliative Care and Hospice Day here.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has already formulated a policy for palliative care and these services have started at all district hospitals with 10 beds dedicated in each district, they said.

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The the World Palliative Care and Hospice Day is observed on the second Saturday of October every year.

The main function in connection with the day was held at the government hospital in Gandhi Nagar under the theme "healing hearts and community", senior doctor and nodal officer of the project Rohit Lahori said.

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Lahori, in-charge of the pain and palliative care unit at the hospital, said an interactive programme was held under the supervision of Director Health Services Jammu Saleem-ur-Rehman.

Professor of pain and palliative care, AIIMS New Delhi, Rakesh Garg joined the event virtually. Assistant Dean, Social Works Department, Central University, Vinay Kumar enlightened the doctors, paramedics and nursing students present about the social and community aspect needed for palliative care services.

The officials informed that 20 medical officers and as many nurses have been trained in palliative care by the Directorate of Health Services-Jammu in collaboration with the Indian Association of Palliative Care, under the supervision of head of the palliative care department at AIIMS, New Delhi, Sushma Bhatnagar.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Ahmedabad, Oct 8 (PTI) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann will begin their two-day visit to poll-bound Gujarat from Saturday.

Also Read | Nashik Bus Fire: Death Toll Rises to 11, Several Others Injured After Blaze Erupts in Bus on Aurangabad Road (Video).

Both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders will jointly address a public meeting at Dahod town in tribal-dominated Dahod district on Saturday, the party's state general secretary Manoj Sorathiya said.

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Later in the day, they will participate in a 'Tiranga Yatra' in Vadodara city, he said.

On Sunday, they will address a public meeting at Dharampur in tribal-dominated Valsad district, and then at Kadodara in Surat district.

During these two days, Kejriwal, who is AAP's national convener, and Mann will hold an important meeting with social and other leaders in the state to chalk out plans for the upcoming elections, Sorathiya added.

Assembly elections in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled state are scheduled by the year-end.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 8 (ANI): Amid the row over Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan and Kriti Sanon starrer movie Adipurush, Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti called for the dissolution of the censor board and the constitution of 'Sanatan Hindu Censor Board', alleging that Bollywood ridicules the Santan Dharma.

Speaking to ANI, Karshni Nagendra Maharaj, in-charge Kashi Vidvat Parishad, said, "This is a good decision by Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti to demand for the constitution of a Hindu Sanatan Sanskriti Censor Board. I urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to implement such a policy. Bollywood insults Hindu gods and goddesses and Sanatan Dharma. In Adipurush movie, Lord Hanuman and Ravana have been portrayed as Muslims. What kind of portrayal of Sanatan Dharma is this?"

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Nagendra Maharaj said there is a big conspiracy by the Muslim countries to defame Hindu Sanatan Dharma using Bollywood.

"These people always regress Sanatan Dharma. They should be banned. The Central government should take a decision in this regard otherwise the Sant samaj and all Dharmacharyas will call for a big movement. The Muslim countries provide the funding with the motive to ruin the Hindu culture. Several Hindu nations of ancient times were made Muslim countries. This is a big conspiracy to destroy the Hindu Rastra Sanatan culture. And Bollywood is part of this conspiracy and doing these kinds of works," he said.

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Nagendra Maharaj further said the censor board that passes such movies should be prohibited. There should be an immediate constitution of the Sanatan Sanskriti Censor Board, he demanded.

Another saint of Kashi Vidvat, Dharmacharya Gopesh Baba said, "This is a great initiative. This should be done. Bollywood since its inception has always been insulting Sanatan Dharma and Hindu gods and goddesses. They try to portray Sanatan in a bad way. And, this also impacts society. These kinds of movies should be boycotted."

Speaking to ANI, the Gujrat chapter president of Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti Nautam Prakash Swami said that a meeting was held at GNDC Convention Hall, Delhi where Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti, Akada Parishad and saints of akhadas across the country proposed the constitution of Santan Hindu Censor Board.

He said "India was a Hindu nation and it will always remain so. Indian culture is based on Hindu culture. Muslims attacked the nation 700 years ago but Hinduism was not affected. It is the land of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Now portraying them in the wrong manner like what has been done in Adipurush. The Film Censor Board defames the saints and Sanatan dharma. So there should be a Sanatan Hindi censor board for the entire country. It is a country of Hindus and should be run by Hinduism."

Nautam Prakash Swami further demanded the abolishment of the Waqf board.

"The land controlled by the Waqf Board should now be acquired by the Government of India and the state governments," he added.

Meanwhile, a plea seeking a stay on the release of Adipurush has been moved to a Delhi Court.

The plea alleged that Lord Rama and Hanuman in the movie have been portrayed in an unwarranted and inaccurate manner depicting them wearing leather straps. It also said that Ravana has been shown in a wrong appearance.

The plea has been moved by advocate Raj Gaurav against Bhushan Kumar and Om Raut, the producer and director of the film. The plea has been listed for Monday for hearing before Senior Civil Judge Abhishek Kumar of Tees Hazari Court.

It has been alleged that in the trailer of the movie character of Lord Rama, Hanuman and Ravana has been shown in a manner that hurt the religious sentiments of the applicant and many others.

It is also said that Ravana belongs to Sri Lanka and his traits are identifiable with one of Sri Lanka whereas the defendant in the trailer of the movie has tried to portray Ravana to be belonging to middle East Asia identifying him with one as Mughal antecedent i.e. one who invaded India. The defendant has tried to portray Ravana who was a Brahmin as a Muslim.

The petitioner has sought a permanent injunction against the trailer/promo of the movie. He also sought a direction to remove the trailer from all social media including YouTube and Facebook.

Director Om Raut made this film with the dream of bringing the story of Ramayana to the silver screen but ever since the first teaser of Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan and Kriti Sanon-starrer 'Adipurush' dropped, there has been a unanimously negative response from various quarters.

People have largely been disappointed due to the film's poor VFX and the unrealistic look of various characters including Saif's Raavan. Seeing Saif donning short spiked hair, long beard and kajal eyes, several netizens have compared the actor's look in the film with that of Alauddin Khilji rather than Raavana.

'Adipurush' has been produced by T Series and Retrophiles. It is slated to hit the theatres on January 12, 2023, in IMAX and 3D. Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Om, Prasad Sutar, and Rajesh Nair, the film will be released in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Oct 8 (PTI) A 24-year-old man was found dead with injury marks on his face and forehead in east Delhi's Ghazipur area, police said on Saturday.

Police had received information that a person was lying unconscious in Ghazipur Dairy Farm, they said.

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After reaching the spot, a person having injuries on his forehead and face was found lying in a pool of blood. He was taken to LBS hospital where he was declared brought dead, Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Priyanka Kashyap said.

The deceased was identified as Anand, a resident of Mandawali.

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A case under section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was registered and investigation taken up. The accused has been identified and efforts are being made to nab him, the DCP said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chandigarh, Oct 8 (PTI) A dazzling show by a fleet of military aircraft over the Sukhna Lake here enthralled the gathering, including President Droupadi Murmu, who clapped during their breathtaking maneuvers as the Indian Air Force marked its 90th anniversary celebrations on Saturday.

It is the IAF's first annual Air Force Day parade and fly-past outside the Delhi-National Capital Region, which also saw the participation Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

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Governors of Punjab and Haryana Banwarilal Purohit and Bandaru Dattatreya, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Chandigarh MP Kirron Kher were present too.

Prior to the spectacular aerial display, a ceremonial parade was held at the air force station here in the morning in the presence of Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari.

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Murmu was accorded the guard of honour upon her arrival here. This is her first visit to Chandigarh as the President of India.

The recently inducted and indigenously built Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) 'Prachand' also showcased its aerial prowess during the fly-past in a three-aircraft formation.

Developed by state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the 5.8-tonne twin-engine LCH is armed with air-to-air missiles, 20 mm turret guns and rocket systems, and is capable of destroying enemy tanks, bunkers, drones and other assets in high-altitude regions.

Several other aircraft, including Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Sukhoi, Jaguar, Rafale, IL-76, C-130J and Hawk were part of the fly-past.

Among the helicopters, Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, Chinook, Apache and Mi-17 were part of the aerial display.

The fly-past commenced with an 'Aakash Ganga' team of paratroopers in an AN-32 aircraft. Mi 17 V5 choppers showed their capability to undertake a fire-fighting operation using a 'bambi bucket', while Mi17 IV helicopters performed helocasting.

The US-made Chinook choppers, which are used for transporting troops, artillery etc, were also part of the spectacular display.

Rafale, Jaguar, Tejas and Mirage 2000 flew in 'Sekhon' formation, which is dedicated to IAF officer and Param Vir Chakra recipient late Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon.

The packed crowd was also enthralled by 'Ensign' formation comprising three Mi-17 V5 helicopters.

The 'Globe' formation comprised a C-17 heavy lift aircraft and nine Hawk-132 jets trained by the Surya Kiran display team.

The 'Eklavya formation' comprised an Mi-35 aircraft in lead with two Apache and ALH Mk IV helicopters, while the 'Big Boy' formation consisted of an IL-76 and two AN-32 aircraft.

The IAF's vintage aircraft Harvard and Dakota also made an appearance in the air show.

Among the formations was 'Vajraang', comprising C-130 J and Sukhoi-30, and 'Netra' by the airborne early warning and control aircraft, Sukhoi-30 and MiG-29 fighter jets.

The city administration arranged buses from to ferry people to and back from the air show.

Tight security arrangements were put in place ahead of the celebrations.

Air Force Day marks the official induction of the IAF in 1932. Every year, the day is celebrated in the presence of the force's chief and senior officers among other dignitaries.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Mandya (Karnataka) [India], October 8 (ANI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi along with 40 Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) delegates who are part of Bharat Jodo Yatra will cast their vote for the party presidential election at the campsite as a special booth will be established for them to take part in the polls.

The voting for the Congress presidential elections is scheduled to be held on October 17 and the padayatra will take a break for a day for voting.

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The yatra is in its Karnataka leg and marked its 31st day today.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has clearly stated that the voters only need an ID card for exercising their franchise.

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All the arrangements have been made at the travel camp for their voting in the election of Congress President.

The Central Election Authority, headed by senior party leader Madhusudan Mistry, will oversee the voting, a notification of which was issued on September 22.

The last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 8. Voting will take place on October 17 and the election results will be declared on October 19.

Shashi Tharoor and Mallikarjun Kharge are up against each other in the race for the post of Congress president.

Earlier, former Jharkhand Minister KN Tripathi's nomination for the Congress presidential election was rejected due to signature issues.

A total of 20 forms were submitted during the nomination process and four of them were rejected due to signature issues.

Of which 14 nominations were received by Mallikarjun Kharge, five by Shashi Tharoor and one by Jharkhand Congress leader KN Tripathi.

Meanwhile, Kharge received support from nearly 30 Congress leaders for the party's presidential polls. These names include Deepender Hooda, Salman Khurshid, Ashok Gehlot, Digvijaya Singh, Manish Tewari, Prithviraj Chavan, and among others.

Digvijaya Singh earlier pulled out from the race and extended his support to Kharge, who he said is a senior and respected leader of the party, and against whom he "cannot think of contesting".

Singh is the second Congress leader to pull out of the race after Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced he would not contest the elections following the political turmoil in his state.

With Gandhis not running for the top post this time around, the grand old party is all set to get a non-Gandhi president after over 25 years. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Mumbai, Oct 8 (PTI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on freedom fighter V D Savarkar and asked whether Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray supports such a statement.

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Talking to reporters, Fadnavis said Rahul Gandhi didn't know the history of India and the Congress.

In a media interaction on Saturday, Rahul Gandhi said Savarkar used to get a stipend from the British and these are historical facts.

Rahul Gandhi has again insulted Swatyantraveer Savarkarhe has been constantly saying that he was an agent and took the money. I condemn his statement," Fadnavis said.

He said the Congress has often insulted Savarkar because he had the backing of a large number of people.

"After Independence, Congress has purposely insulted Savarkar several times, the BJP leader alleged.

Latching on to Rahul's remarks, Fadnavis asked whether Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray would condemn his statement.

The Congress and the Shiv Sena are partners in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

Is he (Thackeray) going to send his leaders to welcome him (Rahul Gandhi) during 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' and is he going to back his statement? Uddhav ji must answer this, Fadnavis said.

Savarkar, a Hindutva ideologue, is a revered figure for many right-wing organisations.

He is also an important political icon for the BJP.

The Shiv Sena, which champions itself as a Hindutva party, had demanded Bharat Ratna for Savarkar.

"Savarkar served the kalapani sentence for 11 years at the Cellular jail in Andaman. There are very few freedom fighters who spent these long years in jail. He inspired many freedom fighters, built the revolutionary movement and suffered atrocities at the hands of the British. He thought about the Indian freedom struggle even while serving his sentence," Fadnavis added.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kozhikode, Oct 8 (PTI) A 30-year-old woman here has filed a complaint against doctors for having left forceps inside her body while performing a caesarean on her five years ago.

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Acting on her compliant, Kerala State Health Minister Veena George on Saturday ordered a probe into the incident and asked the Health Secretary to submit a report soon.

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The doctors of Kozhikode Medical College had, on September 17, conducted a major surgery on Harshinia, a Kozhikode resident, to remove a 'mosquito artery forceps' which was in her stomach for the past five years.

The forceps is a scissor-like equipment used by surgeons to clamp bleeding vessels during surgeries.

"Stern action will be taken against those who are responsible," Minister said in a statement.

The woman had undergone her third caesarean at Kozhikode Medical College in November 2017. The earlier two were in private hospitals, she said.

"After the third surgery, I began feeling severe pain. I thought it was due to the caesarean surgery. I approached many doctors...I thought either I had kidney stones or some sort of cancer," she told reporters.

Harshina said the pain was subdued using strong antibiotics but it became unbearable since the last six months as she was suffering from urinary infection.

"Apparently, the metal object was poking my urinary bladder and was causing infection. The pain became unbearable," she said.

After scans, the doctors of a private hospital suspected that it was a kidney stone.

"But after the CT scan, they told me that there was a metal object in my stomach. They told me that it was poking my bladder and resulting in urinary infection. Doctors used to give me heavy antibiotics to reduce the pain," she said.

Later, she approached the government medical college here itself, and the doctors there took the forceps after a surgery.

Meanwhile, Kozhikode Medical College also ordered a probe.

"We have ordered a probe. After the preliminary inquiry, the medical college superintendent told me that none of their surgical equipment was missing. The woman has had two surgeries in private hospitals before coming to medical college," Kozhikode Medical College principal Dr E V Gopi, told PTI.

After her surgery removing the surgical equipment that was in her stomach for the past five years, she was discharged in a few days.

Later, she approached the State Health Minister and the Kozhikode Medical College, and filed a complaint in this regard.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Guwahati (Assam) [India], October 8 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday assured the people of Assam that the government would make the state 'flood-free' in the next five years.

"Earlier, during Assembly elections, I said that we made Assam free from terrorism and strikes. Now give us five years we will make Assam free from floods. The Assam government has made yojana which will make floods a thing of the past in Assam within 5 yrs," Amit Shah said at a Karyakarta Sammelan at Guwahati's Khanapara.

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On Friday, Shah emphasized the need for the state's protection from floods for its further development and attracting significant investors.

"The state must come up with a long-term plan which would provide protection from floods for decades to come and not look at short-term measures alone. The Assam government should come up with a concrete action plan to protect and rejuvenate the wetlands in the State and increase their holding capacity so that they can also act as storage reservoirs during floods," Shah said while reviewing a meeting chaired by him in Guwahati to make the state of Assam flood free.

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The state has witnessed devastating flood and landslide conditions due to its being a heavy-rainfall-prone region of the country as it witnessed over 190 deaths in the state till July this year.

In July 2022, nearly 5.39 lakh people in 12 districts were affected by the deluge.

Besides, several fish farmers also incurred massive losses in the devastating Assam floods in July, who were later granted aid by the state government with the intent to revitalise the state's fish industry.

Fisheries Minister of Assam, Parimal Suklabaidya had informed ANI about 80 per cent of the fish farmers had suffered significant losses which were worth approximately Rs 1,000 crores and led to a huge setback to the sector.

According to the July data of Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), nearly 8.9 million people in the state were affected by the flood and landslides as it claimed 192 lives in the state till then and around 2.40 lakh hectares of cropland in 34 districts.

Notably, the state was previously affected as Flood Reporting and Information Management System (FRIMS) report revealed on August 30, 2021 that as many as 950 villages in 21 districts of Assam that inhabit 3,63,135 people were affected due to floods in the state that year.

According to the Assam government's data, 64 people lost their lives in the 2016 floods, 160 in the year 2017, 45 in 2018, and 101 and 124 in the years 2019 and 2020, respectively. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Women perform on the third day of the Kullu Dussehra festival (Photo/ANI)

Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) [India], October 8 (ANI): Around 8,000 women, attired in traditional outfits, took part in the International Kullu Dussehra Festival and performed folk dance, at Rath Maidan in Kullu on Friday.

Friday marked the third day of the International Kullu Dussehra Festival. The festival kickstarted on October 5.

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Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur participated in the opening Rath Yatra of International Kullu Dussehra at Dhalpur Ground of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, informed Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

The Prime Minister walked to the main attraction of the weeklong festival with thousands of other devotees and paid his obeisance to Bhagwan Raghunath.

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He extended a warm welcome to everyone with folded hands and observed the magnificent Rath Yatra as well as the majestic assembly of the deities during the historic Kullu Dussehra celebrations.

The renowned Kullu Dussehra is celebrated for seven days following Vijayadashami. The fest is being celebrated with full fervour in the picturesque town. Decked in traditional attire, women performed folk dances while men played the drums.

Dussehra is widely known as Vijayadashami in the Southern part of India. It is that time of year when the well-known Ramlila is performed, gorgeous fairs are held, crowds swarm to see Ravan effigies burst into flames, and the aroma of traditional sweets fills the air.

Dusshera falls on the tenth day of Sharada Navratri, however, despite the fact that celebrations and cultural practices vary according to the location in India's culturally rich country, the festival's fabric that binds everyone together remains.

Dussehra also known as Dasara symbolises the triumph of good over evil, and it is tied to two stories. After a fierce battle that lasted more than nine days, it is said that Maa Durga conquered Mahishasura on this day. According to another tale, Dussehra is observed to commemorate Lord Rama's victory over Lanka's ten-headed evil king, Ravana.

The tenth day of Navratri, which is comprised of nine days dedicated to honouring each form of Goddess Durga, is Dussehra. Vijayadashami, on the other hand, is the day of victory. While some connect it to the famous Ramayana conflict, others do it to remember Goddess Durga's triumph over the demonic Mahishasura.

In some regions of the country, Dussehra also known as Vijayadashami or Dasain makes way for the Diwali celebrations. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kathua (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], October 8 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday foiled an attempt by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists as they recovered three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and sticky bombs from the Billawer area of Kathua district.

According to the police, the recovery was made on the disclosure of a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist arrested from Kathua on October 2.

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While addressing the media person, senior superintendent of police (SSP), Kathua, RC Kotwal said, "On the tight interrogation and disclosure of arrested former terrorist Zakir Hussain Bhat, resident of Malad Billawer, Kathua has recovered the high explosive as three Sticky Bomb, three detonators, a remote control, and allied material used for explosive which was packed in a bag and hidden in a hideout in Malad area of Billawer."

Kathua SSP further said that the police have averted a major tragedy which could be happened if such materials were not recovered.

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"As the festival season is going and the explosive could be used anywhere," he said.

He said Zakir was arrested on October 2 from the Billawer area and police had also recovered a sticky bomb and Rs 20000 from his procession.

"After hard interrogation police succeed in higher recovery. Pakistan wants to activate the former terrorists to revive the militancy in a peaceful area," said the SSP.

He said further interrogation is going on to get disclosure from arrested terrorists.

Earlier on Friday, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu and Kashmir said that Pakistani masterminds, who with the support of Pakistani intelligence agencies and proscribed terrorist outfits, are hatching a conspiracy to carry out terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir have been "comprehensively identified" in raids conducted at multiple locations across south Kashmir in a terror-related case.

The raids were conducted today at multiple locations across south Kashmir in a terror-related case and recovered incriminating material, mobile phones and other articles.

During the searches, incriminating material, mobile phones and other articles having bearing on the investigation were recovered and seized. (ANI)

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Gurugram, Oct 8 (PTI) Gurugram police on Saturday arrested a factory worker for allegedly raping and impregnating a 14-year-old girl, officials said.

The 49-year-old accused Noor Mohammad, a native of Bihar, had allegedly raped the minor twice in the last six months and threatened to kill her if she told anyone about it, they said.

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The complained of abdomen pain on Thursday after which her mother took her to a hospital where she was informed that her daughter was pregnant. She then lodged a police complaint.

According to the complaint, Mohammad lived in a rented accommodation near the victim's house and often bought groceries from her mother's shop.

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The victim had gone to deliver groceries to the accused's house when he raped her, police said citing the complaint.

Following the complaint, an FIR was registered against Mohammad under Section 6 of the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Bill Act and Section 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code on Friday evening.

The accused has confessed to the crime and was produced in a city court on Saturday that sent him to judicial custody, police said.

Meanwhile, the team of Child Welfare Committee (CWC) is counselling the girl, they said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], October 8 (ANI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi clarified his stance on privatization and said that he was against monopoly and not against any corporates.

He also highlighted that any state chief would not refuse the deal offered to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

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"Mr Adani gave a proposal of Rs 60,000 crores to Rajasthan. No CM would refuse such a proposal. Rajasthan Chief Minister didn't give any preferential treatment to Adani or use his political power to help his (Gautam Adani's) business," said Congress MP Rahul Gandhi while addressing a media briefing in Karnataka.

His remarks came a day after the Adani Group announced an investment of Rs 65,000 crore in Rajasthan over the next 5 to 7 years in setting up a mega 10,000 MW solar power capacity and creating over 40,000 direct and indirect jobs.

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The Congress leader also highlighted the party's stand against hate-mongering.

"My view is that it doesn't matter who the person spreading hatred is, it doesn't matter which community they come from, spreading hatred and violence is an anti-national act and we'll fight against such people," said Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.

Stressing the integrity and unity in the country, he said," Our constitution states: Bharat is a union of states. It means all our languages, states and traditions have an equally important space. That is the nature of our country."

The Congress leader also took a jibe at the opposition and said, "I have always stood for a certain idea. That disturbs the BJP and RSS. Thousands of crores of media money and energy have been spent to project me in a way which is untruthful and wrong. That will continue as that machine is financially rich and well-oiled."

This was his third press interaction during the march.

The yatra is in its Karnataka leg and marked its 31st day today.

The march began at around 6. 40 am, informed veteran Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.

"Day 31 of #BharatJodoYatra started at around 640 am. Today @RahulGandhiwill be having his third press interaction so far during the Yatra at Turuvekere at 1 pm. We have entered Tumkur district now," tweeted Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.

The Congress veteran also outlined the party's upcoming schedule during the Yatra and informed that there will be polling booths during the march as over 40 PCC will be travelling along.

"40 PCC delegates are involved in the India Jodo Yatra. For these, polling booths will be set up at the campsite itself. Rahul Gandhi and other Bharat Jodo travellers will vote in this camp," said Jairam Ramesh in a statement.

He also informed that the Bharat Jodo Yatra will have a grand rally on October 15 and will be halted on October 17 due to party presidential polls.

The party leader also underlined that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will celebrate Diwali in the camp and the march will be on hold due to Diwali. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Jodhpur, Oct 8 (PTI) Four persons, including three children, died in a gas cylinder explosion here, police said on Saturday.

Sixteen others injured in the accident are undergoing treatment at MGH Hospital.

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District Collector Himanshu Gupta has ordered a probe into the matter and assured that anyone found responsible would be prosecuted as per law.

ACP (Mandore) Rajendra Prasad Diwakar said over half a dozen LPG cylinders suddenly went off in a house at Kirti Nagar area about 2.00 pm on Saturday.

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"The cylinders were stored in the house of one Bhomaram Lohar, a supplier," Diwakar said, adding that the cause of the explosion was yet to be ascertained.

It is believed that the explosion occurred while the cylinders were being refilled, he added.

"Three children and an old man suffered severe burn injuries and died on the spot. Sixteen others were rushed to the hospital. The condition of some of them is critical," Diwakar added.

The house caught fire and a part of it collapsed after the explosion, triggering panic in the area.

Two motorcycles and a vehicle to transport the cylinders were also damaged in the explosion. During the rescue operation, four dozen cylinders were recovered from the house.

Administrative officials and public representatives reached the spot upon receiving the news. They also visited the hospital to meet the injured and directed the administration to provide them with the best care.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Guwahati, Oct 8 (PTI) Union Home Minister and BJP president JP Nadda will inaugurate the party's newly-constructed state office at Beltola in the Assam capital and address a rally of party workers on Saturday, according to their scheduled programmes.

Nadda will depart from the state after that, while Shah will proceed to hold a meeting on narcotics with the chief ministers, chief secretaries and director-generals of police of the Northeastern states.

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The Union minister, who is on a three-day visit to Assam from Friday, will also chair a review meeting on the North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC) in the evening.

On Sunday, Shah will offer prayers at Kamakhya Temple and address the plenary session of the North East Council (NEC) at the Administrative Staff College.

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He will leave for Dergaon in Golaghat district to inaugurate the state-level superintendents of police conference on Sunday afternoon. He will then leave for New Delhi from Jorhat airport.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Guwahati, Oct 8 (PTI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday sought five years' time to fully solve the perennial flood problem in Assam and said the government is striving to make the natural calamity a part of history.

Addressing a BJP workers' meeting after inaugurating the party's newly constructed state office here, Shah said an "ambitious" flood mitigation project is being prepared at the moment.

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"In the BJP manifesto, we had promised an Assam free from terrorism, corruption and flood. We've already achieved the first two. Give us five more years, we'll make Assam free from flood," he said.

Almost every year, three to four waves of flood ravage Assam.

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According to the Economic Survey of Assam for 2021-22, the average annual loss due to the disaster is to the tune of Rs 200 crore, and particularly in 1998, the loss was around Rs 500 crore and it was Rs 771 crore in 2004.

Shah stated that he has already discussed the problem at length with the various stakeholders on Friday evening, and "an ambitious project" is being prepared under the aegis of the North Eastern Council (NEC).

"In five years, the flood will be history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is determined to make Assam a flood-free state," he said.

During a meeting on Friday, Shah had asked the Assam government to devise a long-term plan to protect the northeastern state from flood so that more development can take place.

The union home minister also stated that his party believes in strengthening internal security so that laws like Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) are not needed in society, and its application has already been withdrawn from around 80 per cent of the northeastern region.

"AFSPA is protection for army and security forces. Rahul Gandhi had announced that AFSPA would be withdrawn if his party's government comes to power. I had said that security forces need to be strengthened," he said.

Taking a dig at the Congress' ongoing 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', Shah claimed that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had said goodbye to Assam during the 1962 India-China war, and the grand old party "had forgotten" that northeast (NE) even existed.

"This region is three times the size of UP and it was full of separatist and insurgent movements. The Congress watched silently the attempts to break NE. Only Modi worked for this place and united the NE.

"The Congress and those who went for (its) 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', please listen. This is an example of how northeast was united without giving a single lecture. Northeast is a 'Bharat Jodo' example set by Modi," he added.

Shah asserted that Assam stayed with India during the partition due to the efforts of former Chief Minister Gopinath Bordoloi.

"The Congress destroyed the northeast. Hundreds of groups were formed to work against India. In 2014, a change took place and the Narendra Modi government came to power. It is Modi who spent lakhs of crores to develop the region," he claimed.

The union home minister stated that several big-ticket infrastructure projects were implemented in the northeast in the last eight years and the development works united the region.

"Thousands of youths had earlier taken up arms in NE. Bandhs and agitation were routines here, and development was stalled. Today, it is known for peace and development," he asserted.

Shah also hailed the Assam government for "freeing" Kaziranga National Park from encroachment and rhino poaching, "stopping" cow smuggling through the Bodoland region and "preventing" illegal trading of supari (areca nut).

The government is also on track to fulfil its target of paddy procurement from Assam at the minimum support price (MSP) and setting up of medical colleges in each district of the state, he added.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Lucknow, Oct 8 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said the state is moving ahead in the field of infrastructure, adding that "wherever you enter Uttar Pradesh, you will get four-lane connectivity."

Addressing the inaugural session of the 81st Indian Road Congress (IRC 2022), organised by the Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department, he said Uttar Pradesh is moving ahead in the field of infrastructure under the inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as per an official release.

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As many as 2,500 representatives of national and international companies related to road construction are participating in this convention which will continue till October 11. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari was the chief guest at the inaugural session.

Uttar Pradesh is hosting the IRC for the fifth time.

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In his address, the chief minister said, "The strength and confidence with which Nitin Gadkari focused on infrastructure development is today seen as a model. We started work in UP inspired by the way the country has progressed in the field of road infrastructure in the last eight and a half years."

"We realised that if the income of 25 crore people has to increase manifold, then we have to focus on infrastructure. On that basis, we proceeded with our programmes and focused on interstate connectivity the most," he said.

Stressing that infrastructure is the prerequisite for boosting the economy, the chief minister said to attract industrial investment, it is necessary that "we not only provide better law and order, but also our administrative machinery should take timely decisions and carry forward the activity of Ease of Doing Business. Along with this, we should also lay a network of world class expressways."

Highlighting the work done during the pandemic, he said, "We did not stop or bow down before corona and I am happy to inform you that the government has successfully connected two backward regions, Purvanchal and Bundelkhand, with world class expressways even during the pandemic."

Apart from this, the 12-lane Delhi Meerut Expressway was not only built, but also dedicated to the nation. Along with this, today Uttar Pradesh is the front runner in implementing FDR (Full Depth Reclamation) technology.

"Our rural roads are being built with this technology. With this we are building more sustainable roads at a cost three times less than in the past," he said.

Addressing the technical experts attending the convention, the chief minister said though the Indian society worships Lord Vishwakarma, when it comes to technology, "we often look to other countries. We should brainstorm on this. We should think afresh and adapt ourselves to the new situation."

He said every year the IRC, through its convention, rewards some of the most innovative ideas in road infrastructure.

"I hereby announce to award the UP Medal for Innovative Technology in Road Technology and Infrastructure. I will ask IRC to issue it every year on behalf of the UP government. Whatever the cost for this will be borne by the UP government," he said.

He further said every year, many people lose their lives due to engineering defects.

"There have been about 23,600 deaths in UP during an epidemic like Corona, but if we talk about road accidents, then 20,000 deaths are taking place every year. These deaths are the biggest challenge before us. I want all of you technical experts to brainstorm on how we can reduce road accidents by using technology in this session," he added.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Nagpur, Oct 8 (PTI) Union minister Nitin Gadkari has assured all possible assistance and support for providing medicines at affordable prices to sickle cell patients in Nagpur and other parts of Maharashtra's Vidarbha region.

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He was speaking after inaugurating a pharmacy run by the Smrutishesh Madhukarrao Tamgadge Charitable Trust, which works towards alleviation of problems of those suffering from genetic sickle cell anaemia.

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The Trust said medicines would be available at half the retail rates.

"Very soon, a bone marrow facility will be available at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences here for sickle cell patients," Gadkari said, adding that medicines for the ailment must be produced here.

During the programme, Smrutishesh Madhukarrao Tamgadge Scholarships were given to 100 girl students from across the state.

Nagaland Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sandeep Tamgadge and Nagpur divisional Commissioner Vijaylakshmi Prassanna Biradri attended the function.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington [US], October 8 (ANI): Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has warned its users about hundreds of apps on Apple and Google's app stores that were specifically designed to steal login credentials to the social network app.

According to The Verge, the company has said that over 400 malicious apps disguised as games, photo editors, and other utilities have been identified by them. Facebook is notifying users who "may have unknowingly self-compromised their accounts by downloading these apps and sharing their credentials."

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As per Bloomberg, a million users were potentially affected.

In its post, Meta said that the apps tricked people into downloading them with fake reviews and promises of useful functionality; both are common tactics for other scam apps that are trying to take your money rather than your login info.

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However upon opening some of the apps, users were prompted to log in with Facebook before they could actually do anything and if they did, the developers were able to steal their credentials, reported The Verge.

Meta says that it reported the apps to Google and Apple and got them taken down, but it's still not a great look that they made it onto the stores in the first place.

Facebook's report indicates that the issue is significantly worse on the Play Store as out of the 402 malicious apps on its list, 355 were for Android, and 47 were for iOS.

As per The Verge, interestingly, the Android ones spanned a wide range of genres, from games, VPNs, photo editors, and horoscope apps, every single one for iPhone was related to managing business pages or ads. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Beijing [China], October 8 (ANI): Amid a surge in targeted attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan over China Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC), Beijing is concerned that the protective measures are not working well in the country as small-scale, intermittent attacks on soft targets like Chinese citizens continue to take place, becoming a source of mistrust.

The targeted attacks on Chinese nationals across Pakistan have been carried out by both Sindh and ethnic Baloch rebels, Asian Lite reported.

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These rebels blame China for extensive resource exploitation and extraction in Balochistan and Sindh under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is protected by the Pakistani government under strict security measures.

Due to the ascent in attacks on Chinese citizens in Pakistan, China has always shown eagerness to send its private security firms to protect its citizens working on CPEC-led projects, however, the idea has always been rejected by the Pakistani government, time and again, according to the Asian Lite.

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There have been multiple instances of attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan in the past, the recent one being the suicide bombing of Confucius Institute employees in April and the attack on the Karachi Consulate in November 2018.

According to a researcher and independent analyst from Balochistan, Adnan Amir, small-scale attacks on Chinese citizens have resulted in a rift between China and Pakistan.

"The Chinese proposed to bring its security to protect Chinese residents, particularly in the wake of the April attack on the Confucius Institute. That idea was graciously rejected by Pakistan, Aamir remarked, adding that Chinese investment remains defined by Pakistan accepting the Chinese proposal of letting Chinese security businesses run in the country or not, reported Asian Lite.

Recently, a Chinese national was killed on Wednesday and two others were injured when an unidentified man opened fire inside a dental clinic in Karachi's Saddar area.

In July, nine Chinese workers were killed when a vehicle laden with explosives and driven by a suicide attacker rammed the bus in which they were travelling towards the Dasu Hydropower project in the Upper Kohistan area of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

China's ambassador to Pakistan, Nong Rong escaped unhurt, yet five people were killed and 12 others injured when a suicide bomb attack was carried out at a luxury hotel in Pakistan's Quetta in April 2021.

In July 2020, a huge protest erupted in Muzaffarabad of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir against China, condemning it for the illegal construction of Neelum Jhelum and Kohala Hydropower stations.

The protestors highlighted the environmental impacts of dams constructed by China under the CPEC initiative, Asian Lite reported.

Earlier, the Chinese Consulate in Karachi was attacked by the Baloch Liberation Army in November 2018. It was the second attack on Chinese interests in that year after a bus carrying Chinese engineers was targeted by suicide bombers in Baluchistan's Dalbandin city in August 2018. Three Chinese nationals were injured in that suicide bomb attack. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kharkiv, Oct 8 (AP) An explosion caused the partial collapse of a bridge linking the Crimean Peninsula with Russia on Saturday, damaging a key supply artery for the Kremlin's faltering war effort in southern Ukraine. Russian authorities said a truck bomb caused the blast and that three people were killed.

The speaker of Crimea's Kremlin-backed regional parliament immediately accused Ukraine of being behind the explosion, though Moscow didn't apportion blame.

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Ukrainian officials have repeatedly threatened to strike the bridge and some lauded the destruction, but Kyiv stopped short of claiming responsibility.

The bombing came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin turned 70, dealing him a humiliating blow that could lead him to up the ante in his war on Ukraine. Hours after the explosion, Russia's Defense Ministry announced that the air force chief, Gen. Sergei Surovikin, would be the commander of all Russian troops fighting in Ukraine.

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The statement marked the first official appointment of a single commander for the entire Russian force in Ukraine. Over the summer, the military announced that Surovikin was placed in charge of Russian troops in southern Ukraine.

In another potential setback for Putin, a Kremlin-backed official in Kherson, one of four Russia-annexed regions in Ukraine, announced a partial evacuation of civilians.

Kirill Stremousov, deputy chief of Kherson's Russian-appointed administration, told Russia's state-run RIA Novosti agency that young children and their parents, as well as older people, could be relocated to two southern Russian regions.

Russian lawmakers called for Putin to declare a counterterrorism operation in response to the bridge bombing. Such a move could be used by the Kremlin to further broaden the powers of security agencies, ban rallies, tighten censorship, introduce restrictions on travel and expand a partial mobilization that Putin ordered last month.

Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee said that a truck bomb caused seven railway cars carrying fuel to catch fire, resulting in a partial collapse of two sections of the bridge.

A man and a woman who were riding in a vehicle across the bridge were killed by the explosion and their bodies were recovered, Russia's Investigative Committee said. It didn't provide details on the third victim or on what happened to the truck driver.

The blast occurred even though all vehicles driving across it undergo automatic checks for explosives by state-of-the-art control systems, drawing a stream of critical comments from Russian war bloggers.

The truck that exploded was owned by a resident of the Krasnodar region in southern Russia, Russia's Investigative Committee said. It said that investigators arrived at his home as part of the inquiry and are looking at the truck's route and other details.

The 19-kilometer (12-mile) bridge across the Kerch Strait linking the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov opened in 2018 and is the longest in Europe. The USD 3.6 billion project is a tangible symbol of Moscow's claims on Crimea and has provided an essential link to the peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

Crimea holds symbolic value for Russia and is key to sustaining its military operations in southern Ukraine. While Russia seized areas north of Crimea early on during the invasion and built a land corridor to it along the Sea of Azov, Ukraine is pressing a counteroffensive to reclaim them.

The Russian Defense Ministry said troops in the south were receiving necessary supplies through the land corridor and by sea. Russia's Energy Ministry said Crimea has enough fuel for 15 days and that it was working on ways to replenish stock.

Train and automobile traffic over the bridge was suspended. Rail traffic would resume Saturday night, the Russian Transport Ministry said, and automobile traffic on one of the two links that remained intact would start up again soon. The ministry said vehicles would drive one way in one direction, and the flow would be alternated.

Putin was informed about the explosion and he ordered the creation of a government panel to deal with the emergency.

The speaker of Crimea's Kremlin-backed regional parliament blamed Ukraine for the explosion, but downplayed the severity of the damage and said the bridge would be promptly repaired.

Leonid Slutsky, head of the foreign affairs committee in the lower house of Russian parliament, said "consequences will be imminent" if Ukraine is responsible.

Gennady Zyuganov, the head of the Russian Communist Party, which is nominally in the opposition but votes in line with Kremlin wishes in parliament, said the terror attack should serve as a wake-up call.

The long-overdue measures haven't been taken yet, the special operation must be turned into a counterterrorist operation, he said.

Sergei Mironov, the head of the Just Russia faction in parliament, said that Russia should respond to the explosion on the bridge by attacking key Ukrainian infrastructure including power plants, bridges and railways.

The statements, especially from Zyuganov and Slutsky, may herald a decision by Putin to declare a counterterrorism operation.

The parliamentary leader of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's party on Saturday stopped short of claiming that Kyiv was responsible but appeared to cast it as a consequence of Moscow's takeover of Crimea.

Russian illegal construction is starting to fall apart and catch fire. The reason is simple: if you build something explosive, then sooner or later it will explode, David Arakhamia, the leader of the Servant of the People party, wrote on Telegram.

The Ukrainian postal service announced that it would issue stamps commemorating the blast like it did after the sinking of the Moskva, a Russian flagship cruiser, by an Ukrainian strike in late May.

The secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, Oleksiy Danilov, tweeted a video with the Kerch Bridge on fire on the left side and video with Marilyn Monroe singing her famous Happy Birthday Mr. President on the right.

In Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the reaction of the Kyiv regime to the destruction of civilian infrastructure shows its terrorist nature.

In August, Russia suffered a series of explosions at an airbase and munitions depot in Crimea, which underlined its vulnerability.

Local authorities in Crimea made conflicting statements about what the damaged bridge would mean for residents and their ability to buy consumer goods on the peninsula, a popular destination for Russian tourists year-round that is home to Sevastopol, a key city and a naval base.

The Association of Russia's tourist agencies estimated that about 50,000 tourists were in Crimea on vacation at the time of the blast.

Elsewhere, Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has lost its last remaining external power source as a result of renewed shelling and is now relying on emergency diesel generators, the UN nuclear watchdog said.

The blast on the bridge occurred hours after explosions rocked the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv early Saturday, sending towering plumes of smoke into the sky and triggering a series of secondary explosions.

Ukrainian officials accused Russia of pounding Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, with surface-to-air missiles and said at least one person was wounded. The strikes targeted two largely residential neighbourhoods, the regional governor, Oleh Sinehubov, said on Telegram. (AP)

___

Adam Schreck reported from Kyiv. Francisco Seco contributed to this report from Kharkiv.

___

Follow the AP's coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington [US], October 8 (ANI): US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm met with Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and said that his visit kicked off Strategic Clean Energy Partnership Ministerial Meeting as India and the US keep up their hard work on ensuring energy security.

"Very pleased to welcome @HardeepSPuri to @ENERGY. His visit kicked off our Strategic Clean Energy Partnership Ministerial Meeting as India and the U.S. keep up our hard work on ensuring energy security, advancing innovation, and diversifying clean energy supplies," Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a tweet.

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While on Thursday, Puri held a meeting with the leadership of World Bank's International Finance Corporation in Washington DC.

"Pleasure to join Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Housing and Urban Affairs @HardeepSPuri's meeting with leadership of @WorldBank Group @IFC_org on climate resilient infrastructure & opportunities in urban dev & energy sectors," Indian Ambassador to US TS Sandhu said in a tweet.

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Puri arrived in Washington DC on Thursday morning. He is expected to have a few closed-door meetings for the day and also expected to be present at a reception in India House. Top officials from the Biden administration are also likely to attend the reception.

The Union Minister is in the United States to attend ministerial dialogue of the US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (USISCEP).

A ministerial dialogue of the US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (USISCEP) will be held on Friday in the United States, he said on Wednesday. The dialogue is part of an official and business delegation visit to Washington DC and Houston, USA, from October 6-11 being led by Puri.

In Washington DC, the Minister will co-chair the USISCEP on October 7 with Jennifer Granholm, Secretary of Energy, USA.

The revamped USISCEP was launched in accordance with US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden at the Leaders' Summit on Climate held in April 2021.

The partnership continues to advance energy security and innovation; scaling up emerging clean energy technologies; and deploying technical solutions through five pillars-- Responsible Oil and Gas Pillar, Power and Energy Efficiency Pillar, Renewable Energy Pillar, Sustainable Growth Pillar, and Emerging Fuels and technologies. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington [US], October 8 (ANI): US Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday (local time) administered the swearing-in of India-American Shefali Razdan Duggal, who was appointed as America's next envoy to the Netherlands.

"I had the privilege of swearing in Shefali Razdan Duggal to be our next Ambassador to the Netherlands. We wish you well in this new role and thank you for your leadership," the Vice President tweeted.

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Shefali Razdan Duggal, an Indian-American political activist, had been confirmed by US Senate as the country's next envoy to the Netherlands.

"Shefali Razdan Duggal, Nominee for Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of the Netherlands," the White House said in a statement on March 11.

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Duggal is a Kashmiri. She graduated from Miami University and earned her master's from New York University.

She served as a member of the National Finance Committee of Joe Biden for President 2020, National Co-Chair of Women for Biden and as a Deputy National Finance Chair at the Democratic National Committee.

Her political activism led her to serve as Vice-Chair of the Credentials Standing Committee at the 2020 Democratic National Convention, a member of the Rules Committee at the 2016 Democratic National Convention and as a member of the Credentials Committee at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, as per the official statement. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Fort Myers, Oct 8 (AP) Ashley Garner had given up on ever seeing her wedding ring again.

She lost it outside her Fort Myers home just days before Hurricane Ian crashed into the coast of southwest Florida last Wednesday.

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Despite enlisting her husband and three young children to help search around their yard and garage for two days, there was no sign of the ring.

I just accepted that it was gone, Garner said.

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It was only a thing. It's replaceable, and I just let it go. We knew the hurricane was coming, so we just kind of said goodbye.

The family stayed at their home during the storm and went outside to clean up as soon as it had passed.

We're about 10 minutes into cleaning, and my husband is cleaning up the brush and the trees right next to the garage door," Garner said.

"There's a pile of brush and trees, and he moves over one pile, and the ring was right there.

Garner said she couldn't believe they found the ring. Her neighbourhood didn't experience the destructive flooding that many parts of the state did. But 150 mph winds left massive piles of trees and brush throughout the area.

I just sat on the curb, and I prayed to God and thanked him for providing and giving us a sign that there's hope for the community, Garner said.

Garner posted about finding the ring on Facebook earlier this week. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
By Ayushi Agarwal

New Delhi [India], October 8 (ANI): Responding to the joint Press Conference of the Foreign ministers of Germany and Pakistan regarding Jammu and Kashmir, India said that global community members have a crucial role to play in calling out international terrorism and stressed on the fact that the foreign nationals have been its victim too.

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"All serious and conscientious members of the global community have a role and responsibility to call out international terrorism, especially of a cross-border nature. The Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has borne the brunt of such a terrorist campaign for decades. This continues till now. Foreign nationals have been victims there, as also in other parts of India. The UN Security Council and FATF are still pursuing Pakistan-based terrorists involved in the horrific 26/11 attacks", MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated in a press release.

The sharp response from India comes after Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, Annalena Baerbock with her Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Berlin jointly addressed a press conference and mentioned Kashmir.

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"I truly believe that every country in the world has a role and responsibility for solving conflicts and for ensuring that we are living in a peaceful world. So, my call for peace doesn't only count for Europe and the situation of the brutal war of Russia against Ukraine. But, this is also our responsibility to look at other regions with tensions or situations of war. Therefore, I really appreciate that we can have such close meetings and exchange of views with different actors in the world," said the German Foreign Minister.

"Germany also has a role and responsibility with regard to the situation of Kashmir. Therefore, we support intensively the engagement of the United Nations to find the peaceful solution in the regions," Baerbock said.

"We see positive signals in these difficult times with regard to cross-border cooperation between Pakistan and India. We support all the engagements with regard to the ceasefire. We encourage Pakistan and India to follow the track of the Ceasefire to follow the track of the United Nations and intensity the political dialogue and political cooperation" she added.

Ministry of External Affairs added that when states do not recognize such dangers, they do grave injustice to the victims of terrorism.

"When states do not recognise such dangers, either because of self-interest or indifference, they undermine the cause of peace, not promote it. They also do grave injustice to the victims of terrorism, the press release stated.

Yesterday, India objected to US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome's visit to Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) where he repeatedly referred to the region as "Azad Jammu and Kashmir."

During a weekly presser, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "Our objections to the visit and meetings in PoJK by the US envoy have been conveyed to the US side."

The US also issued a travel advisory on Thursday where it urged its citizens to reconsider travel to Pakistan, especially its restive provinces, due to terrorism and sectarian violence.

"Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and sectarian violence. Some areas have increased risk," it said, putting the advisory to Level 3.

Level 3 travel warning is issued when a long-term or serious situation puts travellers and visitors at risk, and non-essential travel to the destination should be avoided. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Islamabad, Oct 8 (PTI) Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday asked the country's future military officers to "respect" the democratic institutions and not to get "distracted' by fake news and political wrangling.

Addressing a passing out parade at the prestigious Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), he told the cadets that they should "respect the democratic institutions and be ready to defend the territorial integrity, sovereignty and constitution of Pakistan with your life."

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In what could possibly be his last address at the prestigious Academy in Kakul as he is set to retire by the end of November, the 61-year-old Chief of Army Staff (COAS) advised the cadets that as good soldiers they must always remain focused on their jobs and don't get distracted by "fake news and political wrangling" in the country.

The powerful army, which has ruled the coup-prone country for more than half of its 75-plus years of existence, has hitherto wielded considerable power in the matters of security and foreign policy.

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"My dear cadets, you are entering the service when the challenges facing the country are complex and multifaceted hence your responsibilities are far greater and more demanding than that of your predecessors, he said.

The Army chief, who had expressed his support for democracy on many occasions, asked the passing out cadets that they should respect the elected institutions of the country. Always remain prepared and alert to respond and defeat all intrigues and conspiracies hatched against our country with an iron fist," he said.

Bajwa also emphatically stated that the armed forces with the support of the citizens would never allow any country, group or force to politically or economically destabilise Pakistan.

Bajwa's remarks came in the wake of former premier Imran Khan making anti-military statements.

Bajwa has held the top post of the Pakistan Army for six years. He was initially appointed in 2016, but after three years of tenure, the then government of Imran Khan in 2019 extended his service for another three years.

The appointment of the Army chief is the sole prerogative of the prime minister. The upcoming appointment of a new Army chief is in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. When Khan was in power, the Opposition accused him of trying to bring an Army chief of his choice, who could support his alleged agenda of victimising opposition leaders.

Since he lost power, the equation has changed and now Khan is saying that the coalition government wants to install an Army head of its choice to protect looted wealth and steal general elections.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Dhaka [Bangladesh], October 8 (ANI): Bangladesh has been campaigning for getting recognition of March 25 as International Genocide Day by all the countries in the world.

For the majority of the population of Bangladesh, the healing from the wounds of war would never be complete, without the recognition of the crime against humanity, reported Bangladesh Live News.

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The conflict in erstwhile East Pakistan, during 1970-71, was one of the bloodiest and most contested in the post-WWII era.

The genocidal violence unleashed in former East Pakistan amounted to the systematic wiping out of the ethnic distinctiveness of its people through ideological, economic, political and military means.

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In the 9-month-long war of liberation against Pakistan, about three million innocent people were killed and more than 200,000 women were violated, reported Bangladesh Live News.

On the night of March 25, 1971, the Pakistani military conducted its so-called Operation Searchlight, aimed at wiping out an entire generation of Bengalis. Intellectuals, activists, artists, journalists, politicians or common people going about their daily lives, nobody was spared by the Pakistan Army.

Such was the degree of impunity with which Operation Searchlight was carried out that an officer participating in the operations infamously boasted, "We can kill anyone for anything. We are responsible to none."

The genocide was targeted at civilians in predominantly Hindu neighbourhoods in and around the capital Dhaka and on army barracks who were loyal to Bangabandhu and other Bengali political leaders.

During the nine-month war, three million Bengali civilians were killed, more than 200,000 women were violated, 10 million people took refuge in India and 30-40 million people were internally displaced.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has always denied both the intent and the scale of killings. There is a concerted effort by Pakistan to undermine the nationalism of Bangladeshi people as a cause for the separation of erstwhile East Pakistan and justifies the massacre of non-Bengalis before the 1971 war as part of military action, reported Bangladesh Live News.

Quite apart from the fact that the alien/foreign perpetrators have not been brought to justice but rather the denial is amplified, the recognition of the act of Genocide, by them and by the international community, will strengthen peace and stability within Bangladesh.

Several civil societies have raised voices against it and are pushing forth the demand for 1971 genocide recognition at various international forums, reported Bangladesh Live News.

At an international Seminar on 'Remember and Recognize: The Case of Bangladesh Genocide of 1971' held at the Human Rights Museum, Winnipeg in Canada Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said that "the Genocide of Bangladesh committed in 1971 by the Pakistani military is one of the most heinous crimes in human history ... we do not know of another instance of such barbarism of such intensity and mayhem." (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Moscow [Russia], October 8 (ANI): Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu on Saturday appointed Army General Sergey Surovikin to command the joint group of forces involved in the Ukraine war.

"Army General Sergey Surovikin has been appointed to command the joint group of forces in the area of the special military operation in Ukraine based on the Russian defense minister's decision," reported TASS quoting Defense Ministry Spokesman Lieutenant General Igor Konashekov telling reporters.

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He earlier served as Commander of Russia's Eastern Military District and led Russian troops in Syria, reported TASS.

Notably, Russia recently annexed four regions of Ukraine - Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.

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The war between Russia and Ukraine appears to be entering a new phase after Kyiv dealt a big blow to Moscow's grip after it recaptured 2,400 square kilometres of territory in the Kherson region in the south of the country "since the beginning of the full-scale war," a senior Ukrainian official said Friday, reported CNN.

Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the president's office said six settlements had been liberated in the Kherson district as well as 61 in the Beryslav district.

Tymoshenko said the evacuation of civilians continued amid massive destruction to critical infrastructure in towns like Arkhanhelske, Vysokopillia and Osokorivka, all of which saw weeks of heavy fighting and indirect fire. Demining is in progress, he added.

Ukrainian forces have been making steady progress in Kherson since beginning an offensive at the end of last month, and their successes have sparked rare criticism of Moscow's war effort among pro-Russian figures.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised his forces' counteroffensive in his evening address on Tuesday. "The Ukrainian army is making a rather fast and powerful advance in the south of our country in the course of the ongoing defensive operation," Zelenskyy said in his evening address.

"Our warriors do not stop. And it is only a matter of time before we will expel the occupier from all our land." (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Durg, October 8: A mentally-challenged man was allegedly beaten up by a mob on the suspicion of being a child lifter in a village in Chhattisgarh's Durg district, police said on Saturday. The victim, however, did not suffer injuries in the incident and was saved in time by the police, who later shifted him to a Bilaspur-based government hospital for mentally-challenged people, they said.

Three persons have been arrested in connection with the incident that took place on Friday evening in Khopli village under Utai police station limits, Durg Superintendent of Police Abhishek Pallava said. Some women and children raised suspicion after watching the victim for the first time in the village, following which local villagers started assaulting him, he said. Child-Lifting Rumours on WhatsApp, Social Media Trigger Panic and Mob Attacks in Parts of Uttar Pradesh, Police Say Dont Fall for Fake News, Cops on High Alert.

"As the police were already informed that a man who appeared to be mentally-unstable was roaming the area, a team of cops reached the spot and rescued him," he said. He was taken to a local hospital, where doctors confirmed that he did not have any injury marks. After that, with the permission of Executive Magistrate, the victim was shifted to Bilaspur's Sendri hospital for mental illness treatment, he said.

A case has been registered in this connection and three residents of Khopli identified as Bhola Chandrakar (37), Vikas Banjare (20) and Karan Narang (30) were arrested for allegedly assaulting him, Pallava said, adding that further investigation is underway. Child-Lifting Rumours in Thane: Man Beaten Up by Mob on Suspicion of Being Child-Lifter in Diva; Hospitalised for Multiple Injuries.

The incident took place two days after three men dressed like sadhus were beaten up by a mob in the district's Charoda town on Wednesday after people suspected them to be members of a gang involved in abducting children. As many as 14 persons have been arrested in connection with that incident.

Durg police have appealed to people not to react to rumours of child-lifting in a violent way.
Chandigarh, October 8: Four men allegedly gang-raped a 23-year-old woman on the pretext of providing her a job in Haryana's Rohtak, said police. When she resisted, they shot at her in the leg.

The 23-year-old woman in a complaint said she belonged to Rajasthan and was living in a rented accommodation in Rohtak for several months. On Thursday night, Monu took her to his office in the village. She was first gang-raped and then shot at. Karnataka Shocker: 17-Year-Old Minor Girl Gang-Raped in Bengaluru.

"When she resisted, they shot at her in the leg," the police said. The woman is currently hospitalised. Police have registered a case against four persons.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 08, 2022 07:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Jammu, October 8: On the occasion of 90th Air Force Day, Air Force Station Jammu inaugurated the Station Conference Hall dedicated to 'Son of the Soil' braveheart, Flt Lt Advitiya Bal. A Defence Ministry statement said: "Braveheart Flt Lt Advitiya Bal, Born on 16 July 1996 at MH Jammu, as a true "Son of the Soil" gave the ultimate sacrifice in the 'Line of Duty' on 28 July 2022 while flying a Battle Inoculation Training mission on a Mig-21 Type 69 trainer aircraft." Air Force Day 2022 Images and HD Wallpapers for Free Download Online: Messages, Quotes, Wishes and Sayings To Celebrate the Military Holiday.

"The officer with his sheer hardwork and perseverance joined Sainik School Nagrota and National Defence Academy. He was commissioned into the Fighter Stream of IAF on 16 Jun 2018." "The Bravery and supreme sacrifice made by Flt Lt Bal will always be remembered and inspire generations of this soil for years to come."

"To mark this auspicious day of Indian Air Force as a red letter day, the 'Bal Conference Hall' of Air Force Station Jammu was inaugurated by Smt Praveen Kumari (mother) and Sub Maj Swaran Bal (father), parents of braveheart Flt Lt Advitiya Bal in the presence of Air Commodore G.S. Bhullar, VM (AOC Jammu) and Mrs Ruhi Bhullar (President AFWWA {L}) with senior Officers of Station along with Principal of Sainik School Nagrota Capt(IN) Desai." Air Force Day 2022: IAF To Unveil New Combat Uniform for Personnel on October 8.

"Symbolically, The first video call in newly inaugurated conference room was made between the parents at Jammu with the CO and Officers of Fighter Squadron at Utarlai (Flt Lt Bal's squadron), where the young officer made supreme sacrifice in the line of duty."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 08, 2022 01:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Maharashtra | If we talk about art, poetry and writing today, then minorities have the maximum potential to contribute to these sections. Who has contributed the most to Bollywood? Muslim minorities contributed the most, and we cannot ignore it: NCP chief Sharad Pawar, in Nagpur pic.twitter.com/IsHloI5dMN ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2022

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Punjab | Exchange of fire underway between police and a gangster at a village near Batala in Gurdaspur district



(Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/5vfJk70lZy ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2022

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Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has ordered the Auditor General to investigate into the reasons for economic crisis the country is going through in a case filed against former President #GotabayaRajapaksa (@GotabayaR) and his two brothers -- former Prime Minister Mahinda and FM Basil. pic.twitter.com/vkF6hXDNgI IANS (@ians_india) October 7, 2022

(SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
BREAKING: Estonia's foreign minister 'welcomes' attack on Crimean Bridge and congratulates Ukrainian special forces. The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) October 8, 2022

(SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
The entire district police force in Uvalde, Texas, has been suspended Friday after receiving scathing criticism for its police department's shortcomings during and after the Texas school shooting on May 24.

A few hours later, Hal Harrell, who was in charge of the Uvalde school district, said he would retire.

ABC News noted that Harrell's retirement date had not been set, but the school board will talk privately about the change on Monday.

In light of the police department's suspension, the district said it had asked for more Texas Department of Public Safety troopers stationed on campuses and at extracurricular events.

It added, "We are confident that staff and student safety will not be compromised during this transition."

READ NEXT: Texas School Shooting: Uvalde School District Facing $27 Billion Lawsuit Over Massive Failure in Robb Elementary Massacre

Uvalde Police Officials Placed on Administrative Leave Following Uvalde School Shooting

According to the district's statement, it has decided to suspend all the Uvalde CISD Police Department's activities for a period. Currently, employed officers are set to fill other roles in the district.

In the statement, it is also said that Lieutenant Miguel Hernandez and Ken Mueller have been put on administrative leave and that Mueller has decided to retire, CNN reported.

Pete Arredondo, the former chief of the school district's police department, was removed by the school system's board, and Hernandez assumed control of the force.

Arredondo initially took much of the heat for the law enforcement agency's slow response in apprehending the gunman at the Texas school shooting.

Arredondo, one of the first police officers on the site of the shooting, claimed he never saw himself as an incident commander that state police had assigned.

The chief will "become the person in control of the efforts of all law enforcement and first responders that arrive at the scene." According to the active-shooter response plan for the school district, which Arredondo co-authored.

School District Terminates a Uvalde Police

This week, the school board fired a newly hired district police officer after it was found out that she was one of the first state troopers to arrive at Robb Elementary on May 24, the day of the Uvalde School Shooting, which killed 19 students and two teachers and was the bloodiest in Texas history. The police's slow response has come under investigation.

Crimson Elizondo was fired when CNN reported that the Uvalde police was one of the five former and current Department of Public Safety officers under investigation following the Texas school shooting.

The school district police department hired Elizondo when she left her DPS job, and Gov. Greg Abbott said that the school district had asked DPS about Elizondo.

According to Texas Tribune, a DPS memo to Hernandez on July 28 claims that "actions inconsistent with training and Department requirements" regarding Elizondo remained under investigation.

Reports say that Hernandez had confirmed receiving the memo by writing, "Got it, thank you so much, MRH." News report added that "MRH" is Hernandez's initials.

There were 376 police officers at the Robb Elementary shooting, but none took charge immediately and organized the situation.

Nearly everyone in a position of power failed to stop the gunman due to "systemic failures and egregious poor decision making," according to a Texas House investigation.

Meanwhile, whether Elizondo started at Uvalde police before or after Hernandez received the memo from DPS is not stated.

Moreover, the duration of the school district police suspension remains unknown.

READ MORE: Indiana: Purdue University Student Killed by Roommate Who Stabbed Him to Death Inside Campus Dorm

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Uvalde school officer fired over shooting response - From CBS Evening News
The Cuban-born inmate, who tried to kill Jeffrey Dahmer in prison, said he had no regrets about his decision to slash the throat of Milwaukee's terrifying cannibal serial killer and would do it again if he had the chance.

Osvaldo Durruthy, 65, recently sat down with the Daily Mail and talked about his failed attempt to kill Dahmer before a fellow inmate murdered the serial killer. Durruthy admitted that he does not regret his action even though he earned additional time in prison for it.

The Cuban-born convict was serving a 31-year sentence on drug and firearm offenses, and he was given an additional five years to his sentence after he tried to take Dahmer's life by slashing his throat with a razor blade.

"I don't have an ounce of regret on what I did to Jeffrey Dahmer. I tried to kill him, and I failed. I don't even regret having to spend an extra five years in prison... And I'm glad someone else got him," Osvaldo Durruthy told the outlet.

Jeffrey Dahmer, who murdered, raped, and dismembered 17 men and boys in Milwaukee, Wisconsin between 1978 and 1991, is considered one of America's most notorious serial killers. His gruesome crimes included cannibalism and necrophilia.

READ NEXT: Brazil's Deadliest Serial Killer, Who Murdered Over 100, Including His Father, Is Freed | Where Is Pedro Rodrigues Filho Now?

Cuban-Born Convict Osvaldo Durruthy on Killing Serial Killer Jeffrey Dahmer

During the interview, Osvaldo Durruthy also revealed how he plotted to kill Jeffrey Dahmer for years. He said he even pretended to be mentally ill in order to get transferred to the same prison where the serial killer was incarcerated.

After being sentenced to 31 years for possessing drugs and a firearm in 1992, the Cuban-born convict was sent to prison in Waupun, Wisconsin.

Around the same time, he had heard of Dahmer and his crimes and learned that the serial killer was serving his sentence at the Columbia Correctional Institution in Portage, Wisconsin.

He then became obsessed with killing the murderer to "make up for the bad things" he had done. The Cuban-born refugee said he acted crazy and took pills as part of his plan to be transferred to the mental health facility for prisoners, where Dahmer was incarcerated.

After more than two years, Durruthy managed to get diagnosed with schizophrenia and was transferred to a Columbia's cell next to Dahmer in June 1994.

As a weapon for killing Dahmer, the Cuban-born convict made a four-inch shank by pulling out the blades in his prison razor and attaching them to an old toothbrush handle. He hid the weapon in his sock and attacked Dahmer during a prisoner church service on July 1994. However, Durruthy said the shank broke.

"I stood up, with my left arm, I put Dahmer in a headlock, and with my right hand, I began to slash his throat with the razor shank. I was slashing him back and forth as fast as I could. After a few slashes, the shank broke. It wasn't strong enough. It fell out of my hand onto the floor," he noted.

Still in a headlock, Durruthy said he started punching Dahmer in the face as "many times" as he could before the prison guards jumped in and broke them up. Dahmer was then sent to the prison hospital ward for shallow lacerations treatment, while Durruthy was placed into solitary confinement.

After 25 years in jail, the Cuban-born convict was paroled in 2016. He now lives in an apartment in a city near Madison, Wisconsin, with his 38-year-old son and two grandchildren.

Dahmer was killed in prison by another inmate five months after Durruthy's failed attempt to murder the serial killer. Christopher Scarver, who was serving a life sentence for murder, beat Dahmer to death with a metal bar in November 1994.

"I really tried to kill him. I'm glad Dahmer is dead. Maybe when word got out that I tried to kill him, it gave other inmates ideas," the Cuban-born inmate said.

Durruthy had already spent five years in a Cuban prison for pickpocketing before he arrived in the U.S. He came to the U.S. during the Mariel boatlift or the mass emigration of thousands of Cubans in 1980.

Osvaldo Durruthy was sent to Fort McCoy in Wisconsin to be processed after he arrived in America. He said he also wanted to kill Jeffrey Dahmer because "he ate people," and it was also for his family and the Black community.

Victims of Milwaukee's Terrifying Cannibal Serial Killer Jeffrey Dahmer

Most of Jeffrey Dahmer's victims were Black. His other victims also included an Asian and a Latino. Richard Guerrero was the only Hispanic among his victims.

According to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Guerrero, 25, was the fourth victim of Dahmer, who was called the "Milwaukee cannibal" or the "Milwaukee monster."

The young man from a family of Mexican descent went missing in March 1988, and his sister, Janie Hagen, immediately assumed he was dead because he never called their mom to let her know everything was okay.

She said her brother always called their mom, even when he was in trouble with the law. Hagen believed that police did not take them seriously because they were Hispanic.

Speaking to Dahmer in Spanish during the trial, Hagen called the serial killer "diablo, el puro diablo," which translates to "devil, the pure devil."

Dahmer confessed that he met Guerrero outside a bar in Milwaukee and offered him money in exchange for letting him take nude photos.

The serial killer said he drugged Guerrero before strangling him with a leather strap and having sex with his corpse. Guerrero's remains were never found. Authorities believed that Dahmer had dismembered his body.

Aside from Guerrero, Jeffrey Dahmer's other victims were Steve Hicks, 18; Steven Tuomi, 25; James Doxtator, 14; Anthony Sears, 24; Raymond Smith, 32; Edward Smith, 27; Ernest Miller, 22; David Thomas, 22; Curtis Straughter, 17; Errol Lindsey, 19; Tony Hughes, 31; Konerak Sinthasomphone, 14; Matt Turner, 20; Jeremiah Weinberger, 23; Oliver Lacy, 24; and Joseph Bradehoft, 25.

READ MORE: Jeffrey Dahmer Family: Here's What Happened to Father, Brother, Mother of Milwaukee's Terrifying Cannibal Serial Killer

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: How They Actually Caught Jeffrey Dahmer - From The Infographics Show
A new play from the pen of Ballyfin playwright, Frances Harney is a fast-paced and witty Whodunit called The CASE.

Loosely based on the board game Cluedo this play fizzes with humour and surprise. Set in the study of Clewman Castle in 1984, mystery looms large as Sir Hugh Clewman calls his family, friends and associates together to outline the contents of his latest and final will.

However, the assembled guests all become suspects when the maid discovers Sir Hughs body in the wine cellar. A number of stories unfold at once as agendas are exposed and clues subtly dropped for the receptive audience ear.

The essential ingredient in a good Whodunit is the creative use of motivation to imply guilt, and this Frances does with graceful skill planting a terrific energy bomb in the heart of the play. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

She cleverly steers between local and global, exploring private lives made public and issues around inheritance, while the central message must surely be that the health of planet Earth rests with each individual in his own environment.

The CASE is Francess tenth full length community drama.

Comedy is a trapdoor to truth and so the lightness of character and voice is always underpinned by a serious foundation," she says.

With laughter, Frances says she pushes daylight into the dark corners of the human heart. The zippy, smart dialogue and diverse characters-over thirty of them- are second to none. They are deftly pitched against each other by six of the worlds most famous detectives, and while comic anarchy ensues, the depths of shameful secrets are exposed and unconfessed weaknesses of the human condition are laid bare.

The high energy, relentless action promises to keep audiences spellbound with possibilities right until the final curtain.

Anyone who has attended one of her plays will know that when Frances states:

Guaranteed to make you laugh, she means it and her production will not fall short of that promise. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

She would like to thank her talented cast, backstage team, parish clergy and clubs for their commitment to the success of The CASE, adding a special thank you to her audience who has been so loyal, supportive and generous over the years.

The CASE will delight and engross young and old alike. Seats are great value at 10 each and can be booked online at Eventbrite. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Performance dates are October 28th and 29th, in Mountmellick Arts Centre. Note the starting time is 7:30pm. Follow us on Facebook @BallyfinPlayers

Proceeds will be divided between the Ballyfin Development Association and the Ballyfin GAA with a contribution to the Cuisle Centre.
Staff at Portlaoise hospital are getting behind the new flu vaccination campaign as part of doing their bit to stop the spread in health care settings in Laois and around Ireland.

Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise launched their flu vaccine campaign for healthcare workers to prevent the spread. Apart from getting protected themselves, hospital staff are urging everyone eligible in the wider community to avail of both free winter vaccines, as they are the best protection against flu and COVID-19 this year.

Ms. Sandra McCarthy is the Laois hospital's Director of Nursing.

Now more than ever we need to protect our staff and our patients. Healthcare workers are up to 10 times more likely to get the flu. Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to help protect staff and patients in healthcare settings from getting the flu. As healthcare workers, flu vaccination is important to protect ourselves and to prevent the spread of the flu to colleagues, families and patients.

"The flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 because they are caused by different viruses. If you are eligible and havent received your next COVID-19 booster, we would encourage you to do so. Every individual who gets the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine this year is supporting our frontline services to continue to provide healthcare to vulnerable and sick patients, she said. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured: Flu Vaccinator Monica Brannigan vaccinates Dr Karn Cliffe, Interim Chief Director of Nursing and Midwifery Dublin Midlands Hospital Group, at Portlaoise hospital.

Dr. Karn Cliffe is the Interim Chief Director of Nursing & Midwifery at the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group of which Portlaoise is party.

Flu is a serious illness. In a typical flu season, up to 500 people die from flu in Ireland. The circulating influenza viruses change each year, so each year the composition of the flu vaccine changes to protect against the new strains of flu virus expected. This is why we encourage our staff to have the flu vaccine every year. Getting the flu vaccine is a simple way for us to help control the spread of flu in healthcare settings and in the community, she said.

The HSEs winter vaccination programme gets underway with the rollout of the free flu vaccine to recommended groups while those aged over 65 and all aged 12 and over with a weak immune system are invited for their next COVID-19 vaccine.

The adapted bivalent vaccines for Covid-19 are also been rolled out as the recommended for use for booster vaccination by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), following approval by the European Medicines Agency. This vaccine has been adjusted to protect against virus variants.

COVID-19 primary and booster vaccines for people aged 12 or over are also available in the 15 vaccination centres across the country.

The HSE is also reminding anyone who has not received their primary vaccine or their booster doses, or who has had COVID-19 and has had to wait 4 months for their booster to book an appointment as soon as possible.

From October 17th the childrens flu nasal spray vaccine will also be available free for all children aged 2 to 17 years from GPs and Pharmacies. For children aged 5 to 11 who have not had their primary COVID-19 vaccination and for those with a weak immune system and due a booster dose, appointments are available at HSE vaccination centres by making an appointment on www.hse.ie

The HSE says it will continue to be active over the next few weeks in our services, in the media and online, encouraging people to come forward for both flu and COVID-19 vaccines. A multi-media advertising campaign encouraging all eligible groups to come forward for their recommended vaccines will be rolled out from this week on radio, press, TV, digital and social media.

To see what vaccines are recommended for you, visit www.hse.ie/ covid19vaccine and hse.ie/flu, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or Pharmacy. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured: Kathleen Ward, Operations Manager MRHP, Michael Knowles  General Manager MRHP, Dr. Karn Cliffe - Interim Chief Director of Nursing and Midwifery Dublin Midlands Hospital Group, Dr John Connaughton, Clinical Director MRHP, Ms Sandra Mc Carthy, Director of Nursing MRHP.

MORE ON THE FLU VACCINE FROM THE HSE

Who should get the free flu vaccine?

This year the free flu vaccine is recommended for you if you are in one of these groups:

Aged 65 or over

A healthcare worker

Children aged 2  17

At any stage of pregnancy

People with certain long term medical conditions that put them at increased risk from the complications of flu

For a full list of recommended groups visit hse.ie/flu

Who should get Covid19 primary and booster vaccines

Please see the recommended Covid-19 vaccine journey for all groups

https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/ immunisation/hcpinfo/ covid19vaccineinfo4hps/ vaccinejourney.html

Additional Flu Vaccine Information:

This year, there are 2 different types of flu vaccine being offered to different groups:

Quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) for at-risk groups including people who are 65 and over; are pregnant; are aged 18 to 64 and have a long term medical condition; or are a healthcare worker.

Nasal spray flu vaccine for children aged 2 to 17 years.

There are 2 brands of QIV vaccine available this year:

Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (split virion, inactivated) manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur

Influvac Tetra manufactured by Mylan

Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD also backs vaccination.

"As the weather becomes cooler and the nights become darker, all of our thoughts turn to how best we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the worst impacts of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses that circulate at this time of year. I welcome the roll-out of the HSEs winter vaccination programme that will facilitate booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine and seasonal flu vaccines being administered at the same time in GPs and Pharmacies.

15 Vaccination Centres across the country are also continuing to provide COVID-19 primary vaccines and 2nd and 3rd booster doses this winter. We know that vaccines offer good protection from both COVID-19 and seasonal flu and urge everyone eligible to avail of this opportunity as soon as possible, he said.

Dr Aparna Keegan, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, HSE National Immunisation Office, urged people to get protected.

This winter both the flu and COVID-19 viruses are expected to circulate. It is very important that all those who are invited, get both their free flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster vaccines. Flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses but both can cause serious illness. The flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19.

That is why it is important that if you have had a COVID-19 vaccine you should still get your free flu vaccine. Both Flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available from participating GPs and Pharmacies and can be given at the same time.
Woodlands Farm Shop proudly opened its doors for the first time on Friday, October 7 and the public is invited to celebrate the occasion which will showcase the best food local Laois producers have to offer.

Packed with a variety of fresh, artisan, local produce, the store opened at 9am on Friday at Manor Stone Service Station, Ballacolla just off the M8 motorway.

Day celebrations included a tasting evening with O Mimos Chilli Madness where visitors have been invited to taste the produce of one of Laoiss top producers.

The opening celebrations were due to continue through the weekend.

The public were welcomed to the shop on Saturday, October 8 to sample organic, gluten-free oats milled in Vicarstown Co. Laois by the Merry Mill.

Sunday showcases Woodlands Irish meat range where visitors were welcome to enjoy samples of top-quality meat, all of which comes from Hennessys local farm.

Managing Director, Bernard Hennessy, was delighted to announce the opening of the Woodlands Farm Shop is opening.

"The products that are on offer are unlike any other local store. Laois has so many fantastic food producers that create incredible produce. Woodlands will provide a destination whereby you can avail of these creative, inventive and above all, tasty, produce that you know you can trust. I cant wait to welcome you all in store to try some samples out and enjoy them for yourself, he said.

The store is located at Junction 3, Manor Stone Service Station, Ballacolla, Co. Laois, R32 Y44.
A woman who stole goods to support her family has been given a suspended sentence.

Chantelle Knee, 27, of 127 Townspark, Athy, Kildare pleaded guilty to stealing goods from Tesco and Mr Price in Portlaoise at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court.

Sgt JJ Kirby said the woman walked into Mr Price with four others and took goods valued at 169 on April 20 last. She committed a similar offence with goods valued at 156 on November 10, 2021. The woman had walked into Tesco and took goods valued at 186 on June 22 last.

No property was recovered in any of the thefts, said Sgt Kirby. He said the woman had 10 previous convictions, five of which were for theft.

Barrister Aine Rushe said her client was pleading guilty. She said the woman has three children and recently separated from her husband.

It was a crime of necessity as opposed to profit, said Ms Rushe, who added that the womans last theft conviction was eight years ago.

Judge Andrew Cody said the early plea very much stands to your credit but he noted they were not insignificant thefts.

In respect of each offence I am going to convict, he said. He intends to imposed a one month sentence which was suspended for two years. He deferred sentencing to Portlaoise District Court on October 13 in order for the accused to attend.
Parents have welcomed a deal that will see school bus services restored in Laois community more than a month into the new school year.

Less than a week after the parents issued a statement on behalf of the parents group on school transport Emo, Vicarstown and The Rock areas were distraught with the position of the Department of Education, they now say the mood has lifted for some.

"Parents are elated regarding confirmation that bus tickets will issue next week for five pupils on the Vicarstown/ New Inn Emo to Portlaoise route. A bigger bus is being provided for this route.

"These children held concessionary tickets for the past four years; this year they were left without a seat! Parents were paying up to 80 a week on private transport in getting their children to school," they said in a statement.

The parents added however that more work needs to be done.

"The re-establishment of the Emo / Mountmellick bus route for this school year has not been being confirmed just yet. We are awaiting on Minister Foley to sanction same," they said.

The parents said a senior management representative from Bus Eireann was in contact on Friday morning, October 7 confirming that 11 pupils are eligible.

"This was contrary to Minister Norma Foley's incorrect figures in recent response to a parliamentary question. The latter remarks in the Dail caused huge distress to parents. Thankfully, the true numbers and eligibility status by stated by the parents group are recognised by the authorities now.

"There are a further nine students from Emo going to Mountmellick Community School who meet the scheme's second nearest school under the government's temporary alleviation measures. While, one further student is classed as a concessionary ticket holder.

"Parents need just one bus of adequate size to bring 20 students from to Mountmellick Community School," they said.

The parents added that parents sincerely wish to thank all local TDs, county councillors, Emo GAA, principals in local schools, local newspapers and local online forums for their collective help, support and assistance with the long and arduous fight for the secondary school children in our community.

The parents also wish to express their wish that they and other families don't have to experience the stress of no bus tickets next year.

"Parents are calling for a complete and fair overhaul of the Bus Eireann school bus scheme. In particular, once a child starts secondary school and has a bus ticket - he/she should have that same ticket until finishing secondary school.

"The Department of Education commenced a review of the school bus system in February 2021 and there is still no sign of its completion of implementation," they concluded.

The statement was issued after Laois Offaly TD and Minister Sean Fleming said there had been a major development.

The Laois community is one of many around Ireland that has been hit by changes to the school bus system after Government waived ticket fees. The move had negative knock-on effects for families around Ireland such as those in Laois.
The woman who died after being knocked down in Laois at the Rock of Dunamase was an American tourist who had just arrived in Ireland on a family holiday.

The woman who was aged in her 50s died after being struck by a car in the vicinity of the historic site at 1.10pm on Friday, October 8.

It is understood she had stopped off in Laois with her husband and their adult children as part of their vacation in Ireland.

Her husband, who was aged in his 60s, was hospitalised with serious but non-life threatening injuries when he was also hit by a vehicle the occupants of which were not injured.

It is believed that he has had to undergo surgery at the Midland Regional Hospital Tulllamore.

Gardai confirmed that the driver of the car was arrested at the scene. The local man, who is aged in his late teens, was subsequently released from custody but an investigation is ongoing.

Gardai continue to appeal for any witnesses to come forward to help them with their enquiries into the incident which occurred at the site which is located off the N80 road between Portlaoise and Stradbally.

They especially want to hear from anybody who may have scene a blue 06 registered Ford Focus being driven in roads around the Rock in the time leading up to the collision.

Gardai ask that any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on any of the approach roads to the Rock of Dunamase between 1pm and 1:15pm are asked to make this footage available to Gardai.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 0578674100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

The Rock is located on the Ireland's Ancient East trail but has minimal car parking for visitors. An extensive overhaul completed in 2006 did not involve the provision of car parking.

However, Laois County Council has plans in place to provide alternative car parking near the site. The council signed a deal in 2022 to buy land next to the Rock for a carpark and other visitor facilities.
At least three people have died in an explosion at a service station in Donegal.

Gardai confirmed the three fatalities as search efforts continued at the site of the blast in Creeslough, Co Donegal for others feared missing following the devastating blast on Friday afternoon.

The Applegreen service station and surrounding buildings sustained extensive damage in the incident.

The major emergency response operation involving first responders from both sides of the Irish border was ongoing late on Friday night.

In a statement, An Garda Siochana, said: At this time, An Garda Siochana can confirm there has been three fatalities as a result of this serious incident.

This continues to be an ongoing operation and An Garda Siochana are not in a position to provide further information on casualties at this time.

Among those gathered at the scene cordon on Friday night were relatives of people believed to have been in the buildings at the time.

Sniffer dogs were being used amid the rubble.

A crowd of around 30 local people were gathered behind the Garda cordon and watched on in hushed silence.

Taosieach Micheal Martin said his thoughts and prayers were with the entire community of Creeslough.

Thinking too of all the emergency services, from across the north-west and NI working in very traumatic situation, he tweeted.

Local priest John Joe Duffy said the community was numb and devastated.

Its very much looking at the unknown at this time, and were just broken-hearted, everyone is broken-hearted, were lost for words, Fr Duffy said.

What Im appealing for is for the prayers of the people across this county and across the country, to pray for us, to help us and to give us strength to get through these difficult hours and difficult days that may lay ahead.

Donegal TD Joe McHugh said friends and families were going through a very difficult waiting period.

Were just waiting here, my sympathies and thoughts are with a lot of families here and their friends and loved ones, there is a very difficult waiting period now, he said.

People have pulled together and emergency services are there and doing their work, working carefully through this very, very difficult time.

People are stunned, its very surreal, very difficult to put it into words. Just thinking of this very closely knit community that are still clinging on to hope, but they know that its going to be a difficult time ahead.

Fellow TD Pearse Doherty said that people were still trapped in the building on Friday evening as the emergency services worked to remove the rubble from the area.

Irelands Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue said he was thinking of all those affected by the awful incident.

The Donegal TD said: Thinking of the emergency services personnel involved this evening too.

Hushed silence in Creeslough, Co Donegal tonight where a major search operation is continuing following an explosion in a service station @PA pic.twitter.com/9W6h5eGhDL  Jonny McCambridge (@McCambridgeJ) October 7, 2022

Multiple emergency service vehicles remained at the scene on Friday night while a Coastguard helicopter airlifted some of those who were injured in the blast from Letterkenny University Hospital to Dublin.

The Letterkenny hospital appealed to the public not to attend its emergency department unless it was urgent.

The hospital initiated its major emergency standby protocol earlier on Friday. It stood down the protocol late on Friday night.

In a statement, the hospital said: The hospital continues to treat those injured in the incident at Creeslough, Co Donegal and remains on hand to provide all necessary medical assistance required.

Applegreen said in a statement that it was aware of a serious incident at its dealer-operated location at Creeslough.

The thoughts and prayers of everyone here at Applegreen are with all of those who have been affected, it stated.

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar described the incident as tragic.

In a post on Twitter, Mr Varadkar wrote: Terrible news from Donegal tonight.

Our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic events and with the emergency services responding.

Nina Gabel, 35, described distressing scenes at the cordon on Friday evening.

There was one woman who didnt know where her daughter was and she was very upset, she said.

There are emergency services everywhere, there were so many gardai and fire engines.

What looked like local farmers tractors were helping to dig out the rubble.

Ambulances and fire crews from across the border in Northern Ireland have deployed to the area to assist with the emergency response.

A local hotel stopped taking bookings from members of the public to ensure all spare rooms were held for first responders.

Mr Doherty said it was after 3pm when the devastating and massive explosion took place that could be heard from miles around.

This is something thats your worst nightmare. This is a quiet village, a very close-knit village, this is the only shop in the town, he told RTE news.

It ripped right through this building, and this was a very busy location at that point in time.

Three oclock, its just after school, people were going to collect their pensions. This is a very, very, very busy locality here at this shop, this petrol station, this deli, the post office at this time.

Mr Doherty said it had left a very, very dark cloud over the community.

He said: There are silent prayers being said, there are people still trapped within the building and the emergency services are doing everything that they can to remove the rubble, and people are being airlifted away to our hospitals in the region.

Theres just quiet, its surreal. People are just holding on for hope, holding on to hear news, positive news coming from the emergency services.

Fianna Fail councillor Anthony Molloy said it is beyond words as he knows the family which owns the service station.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved, Mr Molloy said.

It looks horrific from what I can see from photographs. It looks terrible. Its just terrible.

I know the family. Its beyond words.

Local councillor Donal Mandy Kelly told PA the news was devastating.

He said: My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.
Sitting in the audience at the unveiling of A Century Apart  Photographic Exhibition and Talk on the Curragh Camp 1861 - 1922, I got talking to some of the attendees.

One local lady informed me that what drew her to visit the exhibition was that her father had fought in the War of Independence.

As an elderly man, he used to recount stories about his exploits to his family.

The exhibition is a fascinating window into the social history of the time. Curated by local artist Michael Rowley, it contains 43 historic artifacts.

Rowley, who grew up in Brownstown, has amassed an impressive hoard of photographs, illustrations, postcards and other items from this period. Many of the images have never been seen publicly before.

The items on display, and others contained in Rowleys personal collection are the product of five years work trawling EBay. Due to the varying quality of pieces up for sale, he soon learnt to sort the wheat from the chaff. The result is that he has amassed a collection of high quality and rare collectibles.

One image on display is the only known photograph of Brownstown RIC Barracks, which was burned down by the IRA in the War of Independence. As historian Mario Corrigan explained in his opening speech, it was known that this building existed but this is the first time that an image of it has come to light.

Another exhibit of particular historic significance is a British Army Standing Order that was issued at the time of the Curragh Mutiny. This was a mass resignation of serving officers on The Curragh.

One of the most prominent of these men was General Hubert Gough, who resided in Brownstown House, Knoxs Corner.

A number of photographers set up business in the Camp to capitalise on the soldiers who were stationed there. In around 1860, J.F. Church came to the Curragh Camp and opened one of the first photography studios in Ireland. Next came Charleton Photographers, who were in business there until 1905. Rowley has retrieved many of the images produced by these men.

Back then, photography was nowhere near as accessible as it is today and it could cost up to a weeks wages to have your image developed. The quality of the images stands out, and despite their age they are only slightly faded.

To the modern eye, the subjects in old photographs can seem stiff and dour.

As Rowley explained, however, in the oldest images, the subject had to sit for several minutes in order for the image to be transferred to the plate.

The near impossibility of holding a smile for this long, and the fact that these people usually had very bad teeth, explains why smiles are such a rarity in these images.

Another genre you can view is the Carte De Visite. Young men about town would pose for the camera, doing their best to look dashing and heroic. When the image was produced, it was used as a calling card.

If the soldier saw a lady that took his fancy, he would hand the card to her and hope for a positive reply.

Also on display in the exhibition are cabinet cards and postcards. Homesick military men could get one-off postcards made with their image on one side, and on the other they could send touristy messages to loved ones back home.

The exhibition is being hosted by the friendly staff in Kildare Town Library until the end of October and is well worth a visit.

It will appeal to both armchair historians and the casual viewer.
People sit near a television showing a news broadcast with file footage of a North Korean missile test, at a railway station in Seoul, South Korea, on October 6, 2022. ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP

North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the sea on Sunday, October 8, the South's military said, the latest in a blitz of launches amid tensions over US-led military exercises in the region, Yonhap reported.

The South Korean military's Joint Chiefs of Staff announced that the launches  the seventh and eighth in two weeks  came from the southeast of the country, without giving further details. "While strengthening our monitoring and vigilance, our military is maintaining a full readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States," the Joint Chiefs of Staff said, according to Yonhap.

North Korea on Saturday had defended its recent flurry of missile tests as a legitimate counter to US military threats, following days of joint military exercises between the South, Japan and the US.

Read more North Korea continues flurry of missile launches toward sea

The Japanese prime minister's office also confirmed at least one of Sunday's launches on Twitter. "North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow," the office said. Japanese Senior Vice Defense Minister Toshiro Ino said it is possible the missiles, which he said were fired just before 2:00 am local time and traveled 350 kilometers at a maximum altitude of 100 kilometers, were launched from submarines, according to Kyodo news agency.

The missiles, fired toward the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, seem to have fallen outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, the Japanese government said, according to Kyodo. The coast guard said it had so far not received any reports of damage to Japanese ships, national broadcaster NHK reported.

The US military's Indo-Pacific Command meanwhile said in a statement they were "aware of the two ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners," saying the launch shows the "destabilizing" nature of North Korea's missile program. "The US commitments to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remain ironclad," the statement said.

Sunday's launches were the latest in a flurry that included an intermediate-range ballistic missile fired Tuesday over Japan, prompting an alert for people in affected areas underneath to take cover. On Thursday, North Korea fired two ballistic missiles, the same day Seoul, Tokyo and Washington carried out fresh exercises involving a US navy destroyer from the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier's strike group. The US redeployed the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to waters east of South Korea as part of a broad-ranging military response to Pyongyang's Tuesday test, which also included joint bombing and missile drills.

Exercises between South Korea and the US concluded Saturday, according to Yonhap. Additionally, Seoul's military said it had scrambled 30 fighter jets Thursday after 12 North Korean warplanes staged a rare "formation flight north of the inter-Korean air boundary [and] conducted air-to-surface firing drills."

'Counteraction measures'

Pyongyang's foreign ministry earlier this week called the recent launches "the just counteraction measures of the Korean People's Army." And on Thursday, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss Pyongyang's launch over Japan.

The United States called for the meeting after the firing of what officials and analysts said was a Hwasong-12 that traveled likely the longest horizontal distance of any North Korean test. At the meeting, North Korea's longtime ally and economic benefactor China blamed Washington for provoking the spate of launches by Kim Jong Un's regime, with Deputy Chinese Ambassador to the UN Geng Shuang accusing the United States of "poisoning the regional security environment." US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield called for a "strengthening" of existing sanctions on North Korea, something China and Russia vetoed in May.

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The council has been divided on responding to Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions for months, with Russia and China on the sympathetic side and the rest of the council pushing for punishment. Analysts say Pyongyang has seized the opportunity of stalemate at the UN to conduct ever more provocative weapons tests. Kim Jong-Un has declared isolated North Korea an "irreversible" nuclear power, effectively ending the possibility of denuclearisation talks.

Le Monde with AFP
A TRAFFIC calming scheme in Limerick is now unlikely to happen after a State agency refused to allow a speed limit cut.

Councillors have been left furious at a refusal by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to countenance a speed reduction from 100 kilometres per hour to 60 kilometres per hour on the N21 at Coolanoran between Newcastle West and Rathkeale.

At a full council meeting, members were asked to approve plans to bring in a designated cycle path, resurface pavements and paint new road markings at the stretch of road on the N21.

One thing missing from the plans beside the Applegreen service station is an almost 50% speed limit cut with councillors arguing the proposed set-up would be extremely dangerous especially if vehicles stop suddenly to use the facility.

Councillor Adam Teskey, who lives closest to the area said: The whole esssence of a traffic calming scheme would demonstrate you should be reducing the speed limit.

But the local authoritys transport director Brian Kennedy said that TII had rejected an application to reduce the speed limit. He said if councillors did amend the application to include a 60kph zone, council would not have the authority to deliver it.

We have no authority to change the speed limit. If you condition it, we cannot deliver this plan, he said.

Fellow official Nuala Gallagher added councillors would be acting outside their powers.

It sparked uproar in the chamber, with members questioning the point of bringing these plans to them for approval.

Many pointed out their powers include approving a so-called part-eight application like this, rejecting it or amending it.

Councillor Kevin Sheahan said: It appears local government has been bulldozed and torpedoed here today. There are 40 people who came here to serve the people in good faith and State bodies have decided to totally undermine us.

Fine Gaels council leader John Sheahan suggested they pass the application with the amendment of a speed limit cut.

I know we are taking a risk and God forbid if there is an accident in six months time, the minutes of this meeting will be brought up by a solicitor. But there are times we need to stand up to the establishments and the faceless people, and there are times we need to draw it out to the limit. This is one of those times, said the Glin member.

The application with an amendment seeking a speed limit reduction went to a roll-call ballot, which was passed by 19 votes to seven. Fine Gael councillors all voted in favour of the amendment, Fianna Fail voted against, while the Green Partys two members abstained.

Following this, Mr Kennedy confirmed it means the overall traffic calming scheme cannot take place.

But we will proceed with the planing out, overlay and resurfacing, he told councillors at the monthly meeting last week.
THE Limerick Branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is appealing to dog-owners across Limerick to take part in its annual 5km Dog Walk, which takes place this weekend.

The event - the first 2019 - takes place at University of Limerick from 12 midday this Sunday with all proceeds going directly to the charity.

Tom Ryan, event organiser, says it's great to have the event back.

"After a two year absence it's wonderful to be back and to see so many tickets being sold. It's a great event for young and old, for pet dogs and working dogs - but you don't even need a dog to join in. Come along and know that by doing so you're helping to change the life of someone who is vision impaired or the family of a child with autism," he said.

Starting at the Pavilion on UL's North Campus, the participants on the walk will travel through the scenic grounds of the University of Limerick taking in the river bank and the pedestrian Living Bridge and will take around 45 minutes.

The cost is 10 per individual or 20 for a family.

Participants are encouraged to register in advance or from 11.30am on Sunday.
A LIMERICK man who runs a popular Thai restaurant in Dublin is celebrating after securing a prestigious industry award.

Conor Sexton, who hails from Kildimo, has for the last five years, run Nightmarket with his wife Jutarat Suwankeeree, in Ranelagh on Dublins southside.

He was named national restaurant manager of the year and Dublin manager of the year at the annual Restaurants Association of Ireland awards, which were held in the capitals Convention Centre.

Its the highest personal award Conor has received, and he is delighted to have been recognised for his work in whats a tough economic climate.

"The restaurant industry is a tough industry and its getting more difficult as the years go by. But there are no secrets to it: its a lot of hard work, especially over the last two years with all the lockdowns and changes. But we were adaptive. We didnt close for any period at all. We got into takeaway and delivery, he explained.

Conor came to the capital 20 years ago, after stints working at the Woodlands House Hotel in Adare with Mary and Dick Fitzgerald as well as enjoying employment at Great Southern Hotels in Kerry.

Now he employs 25 people in Dublin  20 on a full-time basis, five part-time.

One thing he learned from lockdown, he said, is that take-away and home delivery is the growth area.

As a consequence, he hopes to expand that offering by opening a new location in the next 12 months.
GARDAI are investigating an elaborate incident of fraud which resulted thousands of euro being stolen from a Limerick man.

Initially, the man - whose aged in his early thirties - received a text message from what he believed was his bank.

"The text informed him that his bank account had been compromised and money removed from it. The male, who lives in the Castletroy area, rang the number and was informed that his bank card must be returned to his bank immediately," explained divisional crime prevention officer, Sergeant Ber Leetch.

The man was told a new bank card could only be issued after his card had been returned and that the bank would send

somebody to his home address to collect his card.

The man agreed to this and a short time later he handed his bank card to a individual who he believed was working for a courier service on behalf of the bank.

"After a time, when no replacement bank card had arrived, he decided to check his bank account where he discovered that almost 4,000 had been taken from his account. He rang his bank to cancel his card and told them what had happened," added Sgt Leetch.

Gardai say this type of fraud has been reported in other parts of the country and not just in Limerick.

"It may seem obvious but never let you bankcard out of your sight," advised Sgt Leetch.
A LIMERICK woman has said being on the Voice UK was the longest secret she ever had to keep.

Niamh Nolan who is from Kilcolman shared the news of her appearance on the show on social media.

The Limerick lady has had a passion for singing all her life and getting a chance to be a part of the blind auditions of the Voice UK was a dream come true.

The Voice UK is a popular singing contest from ITV where contestants try to win the favour of the judges based solely on their voice and not their appearance.

Niamhs audition was filmed about a year ago and says its been a dream come true to finally see it come to fruition.

Its just totally nerve wracking now that the episode is finally here. Im actually more nervous now than I ever was filming it, Niamh laughed.

Niamh has enjoyed singing for as long as she can remember and started to get recognised for her voice during the Covid-19 pandemic.

I decided to join TikTok when Covid hit and that is where it kind of took off. I started to gain more followers and then I was approached to take part in the blind auditions, Niamh said.

I was approached on Instagram and I really thought it was a scam because that app can be really quite strange, she laughed.

I had a message from someone who said they work on the Voice and they thought Id have a really good shot at getting an audition so it went from there, she said.

Niamh says she has seen great support from family, friends and the locals in her community.

There has been a bit of a buzz around the place. People are being lovely, stopping me to wish me well so its great that after the few years weve had that I'm able to bring something nice to the place, Niamh concluded.

Niamhs audition will be aired on Virgin Media One, this Saturday, October 8 at 8pm.
NEW DELHI: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized cocaine worth over 502 crore being imported from South Africa, the probe agency said in a statement on Saturday.

Based on specific intelligence developed by DRI Mumbai Zonal Unit, a container carrying pears and green apples, being imported from South Africa, was intercepted at Nhava Sheva port on 6 October.

Inspection showed that a large number of bricks made up of high-quality cocaine and weighing approximately 1 kg each were concealed inside the boxes of green apples. A total of 50 such bricks weighing over 50 kg and valued at 502 crore in the illicit market were recovered during the examination, DRI said.

This cocaine was getting imported in the name of the same importer who was earlier arrested by DRI in a case in Vashi involving the seizure of drugs from a consignment of oranges originating from South Africa. This is one of the largest seizures of cocaine attempted to be smuggled through sea containers in the recent past, DRI said.

The importer has been arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. This is part of a series of large drug seizures made by DRI, Mumbai Zonal Unit ranging from 198 kg of methamphetamine and 9 kg cocaine to 16 kg heroine in last 10 days, DRI stated.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat while addressing a Vijayadashami function in Nagpur said that the 'Varna' system and the 'Jaati' (caste) system are a thing of the past and should not occur to the minds of people concerned about the betterment of the society.

"Concepts of 'Varna' and 'Jaati' (caste) should be forgotten... today if someone asks about it, everyone thinking in the interest of society should tell that 'Varna' and 'Jaati' (caste) system is a thing of the past and should be forgotten," Bhagwat said while addressing a book launch function.

Bhagwat also mentioned that it is "neither the nature of the Sangh nor Hindus" to endanger the minorities while also adding that the RSS resolves to stand on the side of the brotherhood.

Notably, opposition parties including Congress have accused RSS of trying to divide society and making people fight against each other.

Earlier on Wednesday Bhagwat had said that it is "neither the nature of the Sangh nor Hindus" to endanger the minorities while also adding that the RSS resolves to stand on the side of the brotherhood.

Notably, opposition parties including Congress have accused RSS of trying to divide society and making people fight against each other.

Addressing the occasion of the Vijayadashmi festival here, where mountaineer Santosh Yadav was the chief guest, Bhagwat had said, "Scare-mongering is done among minorities that there is a danger to them because of us or Hindus. This has not happened in the past, nor will it happen in future. This is neither the nature of Sangh nor of the Hindus."

He had said that "neither threatens nor gets threatened" is the kind of Hindu society that is needed.

"Self-defence and defence of our own become a duty for everyone against those who spread hatred, commit injustice and atrocity, and engage in acts of hooliganism and enmity towards society. 'Neither threatens nor gets threatened', this kind of Hindu society is the need of the present times. This is not anti-anybody. Sangh resolves to stand on the side of brotherhood, amity and peace," he had said.
India faces no pressure from the US to reduce its energy purchases from Russia and will purchase crude oil from any nation it chooses, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri has told reporters in Washington. The obvious reason is that the Indian consumer population cannot be engaged in this type of discussion, he added.

Also Read: India to become 10 trillion-dollar economy by 2030: Hardeep Singh Puri

"Have I been told by anyone to stop buying Russian oil? The answer is a categorical No," Puri responded negatively when asked if there had been any pressure on India to reduce its dependency on Russian energy.

On October 6, Puri spoke with Jennifer Granholm, his American counterpart, and other high-ranking officials from the Biden Administration during his visit to Washington, DC.

Also Read: Russian President Vladimir Putin wont survive nuclear war: Volodymyr Zelenskyy

During the press conference, the Union Minister emphasised on the commitment of the US and India to advancing a fair and sustainable energy transition at the ministerial dialogue on India-US strategic clean energy.

Puri spoke with senior leaders of the World Bank, Amos Hochstein, the presidential envoy for infrastructure and energy, and the White House during his visit to Washington. Puri will be in Houston on October 8 and is slated to meet with executives from the energy sector.

Also Read: After suffering territorial losses to Ukrainian forces, Putin says Russia has great respect for Ukraine

The decision by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Plus (OPEC+) to reduce oil output starting in November by a steeper-than-anticipated two million barrels per day (bpd) will not be a problem for India, according to Puri.

India is one of the biggest oil importers, according to Puri, and the need for oil is likely to increase due to the country's rising per capita energy consumption, which is now one-third of the world average. Puri emphasised further that as the nation's economy expands, more gasoline will likely be consumed.

Also Read: Govt declares India's cleanest cities, states for 2022. Check full list

"I say this again with the view of confidence and most analysts feel that the 25% of the global increase in demand will come from India in the coming decade, so, I see this five million barrels a day consumption going up to six and seven. The economy is growing at 7%, and energy is a critical driver of that economic growth," Puri added.

India has typically defied Western demands to cut its commercial ties with Russia since the Ukraine crisis started. India has attempted to find a middle ground between its Western critics and Kremlin.

(With ANI inputs)
Dammu Ravi, secretary, economic relations, has concluded his two-day visit to Tanzania and Zanzibar, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press statement.

During his visit on 6 and 7 October, he met with senior Tanzanian officials including H.E. Amb. Joseph Edward Sokoine, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation and H.E. Mr. Emmanuel M. Tutuba, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance & Planning", according to the MEA.

Ravi discussed the state of India-Tanzania relations while also exploring opportunities for expanding bilateral trade. Economic activity between the two countries has remained stable and was estimated at $4.5 billion in 2021. Mr. Ravi discussed a range of issues including development cooperation, alternative ways of financing projects, exploring possibilities of opening an Indian SEZ in Tanzania and bilateral trade in Indian Rupees and Tanzanian Tshilling."

High level interactions with Tanzania have been a feature of bilateral engagement for some time. Prime Ministers I.K. Gujral and Manmohan Singh and President APJ Abdul Kalam visited the country besides a host of other ministerial visits. President Kikwete of Tanzania visited India twice in 2008 and 2015.
In an update the Indian government informed that they have rescued about 130 workers who were lured by fake job rackets offering lucrative jobs. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had earlier issued an advisory warning Indian youths against the fake job offered by an international racket that promises jobs in in the information technology sector in Thailand only to illegally send unsuspecting candidates to Myanmar.

The MEA had earlier infirmed that 60 Indian nationals had been illegally kept hostage in Myawaddy area of Myanmar. It is to be noted that the Myawaddy area of Myanmar is not government by the Junta or the Myanmar Government.

The MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi informed that they rescued 130 Indian workers from Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

Arindam Bagchi said some fraudulent IT companies appear to be engaged in digital scamming and forged cryptocurrencies. The Indian workers were held captive and forced to commit cyber fraud, he told reporters.

The companies appear to be operating through agents in Dubai, Bangkok and some Indian cities and were recruiting Indian workers through social media advertisements for fake highly lucrative jobs in Thailand, he said.

Many of the workers were taken illegally across the border into an area of Myanmar that is difficult to access because of the local security situation, Bagchi said.

He said nearly 50 workers have been brought back to India from Myanmar, while some others were still in Myanmar police custody for questioning because they illegally entered the country without visas.

He said 80 other Indian workers have been rescued from Cambodia and Laos.

Last month, MK Stalin, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu state, Informed the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi in a letter that 300 Indians, including around 50 Tamils from the state, were being held captive in Myanmar.

Citizens of other countries in the region have suffered in similar scams.

On Thursday, 21 Malaysians rescued from human traffickers in Cambodia and Laos returned home. Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said the government has now rescued 273 people out of 401 reported missing in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Most have returned except for 60 still in immigration detention centers in those countries who are waiting to be processed, he said.

A U.N. envoy has said the scam networks, which often have links to transnational organized crime, are set up in countries with weak law enforcement, attracting educated young workers with promises of high earnings. The workers are then subject to isolation and the threat of violence unless they succeed in cheating victims reached by phone into transferring payments into overseas bank accounts.
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Stephen Silver, who is accused of murdering Detective Garda Colm Horkan, told gardai that the deceased attacked him and added: "With all that's going on with the police in this world, I shot him," a barrister told the Central Criminal Court on Friday afternoon.

Opening Mr Silver's trial, prosecution counsel Michael Delaney SC said the accused man then said something about Black Lives Matter, which the barrister suggested may have been a reference to the killing of George Floyd in America some months previously.

Mr Delaney also told the jury of seven men and five women that the accused later told gardai in interview that there was pushing between Gda Horkan and himself before the garda went for his holster, got his gun out and "must have shot himself". He said he was, "angry about it because a garda tried to kill me."

Mr Delaney said an issue which the jury may have to decide is whether Mr Silver was "ill-disposed towards gardai" at the time and whether that "manifested itself in his actions during the day and, more importantly, in the course of the encounter with Garda Horkan."

Mr Silver (46), a motorbike mechanic from Aughavard, Foxford, Co Mayo has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Det Gda Horkan knowing or being reckless as to whether he was a member of An Garda Siochana acting in accordance with his duty. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

Mr Delaney told the jury that Det Gda Horkan was 49 years old and had spent nearly 25 years as a garda when he was shot dead shortly before midnight on 17 June, 2020 at Castlerea, Co Roscommon. He was a single man who lived with his father in Charlestown. The accused man, he said, grew up on the outskirts of Castlerea, left school after his junior certificate exams and had worked in construction and as a fitness instructor before setting up his own business as a motorcycle mechanic at a garage outside Foxford in Co Mayo where he lived. He was married but had been separated three months prior to the death of Det Gda Horkan.

Mr Silver has a history of mental health difficulties which Mr Delaney said the jury will hear about during the trial.

In the days prior to the shooting, Mr Silver was in the company of an Australian woman who was visiting Ireland for the first time. They stayed together at a hotel near the airport in Dublin on June 15 and 16 and she flew out on the 17th. The accused left Dublin that morning and arrived in Castlerea in the early afternoon where he met a friend. The friend showed him a video that had been posted to Facebook some weeks earlier showing a garda raid on the home of an old friend of Mr Silver's, James Coyne. The accused had not met Mr Coyne for some years but became "quite exercised" and went to Mr Coyne's home in nearby Knockroe.

He spoke to Mr Coyne and they travelled together into Castlerea and stopped at the garda station where Mr Silver told gardai he wanted to make a complaint "of an elderly person being abused by gardai". Mr Delaney said the accused man told gardai he had evidence on his phone and was "going to take it further".

The two men went to Mr Silver's garage and Mr Coyne tried out a motorcycle belonging to the accused. They then returned to Knockroe where they took it in turns to drive the motorbike without lights or helmets around a green area in the estate. Neighbours called gardai and counsel said one neighbour will say that he heard someone matching the description of the accused saying: "I dare the armed squad come down here now."

The bike was put away, counsel said, shortly before midnight and Mr Coyne and Mr Silver went towards the centre of Castlerea to get some food.

At 2pm that day, Det Gda Horkan had taken up duty at Castlerea Station and took possession of a standard issue firearm and an unmarked Hyundai garda patrol car. At about 11.47pm he drove to Knockroe but Mr Silver and Mr Coyne had already left on foot.

Garda Horkan drove along Patrick Street where he came upon the two men, pulled up alongside them and wound down his passenger side window. Mr Delaney said different witnesses saw different parts of what followed but there was "some form of exchange" after which Gda Horkan got out of the car, approached the accused and told him he was going to arrest him. There was a physical struggle, counsel said, which "evolved into a struggle for the firearm and a shot was discharged and Garda Horkan was wounded."

Counsel added: "At that point the accused man rolled away with the gun and proceeded to repeatedly shoot Garda Horkan." Following the shooting, 15 cartridges were found at the scene, indicating that all the bullets in the gun had been discharged, Mr Delaney said.

Another garda car passed and saw the two men grappling but did not recognise Gda Horkan. They continued on but when they heard shots they turned around and used their car to block the street. Garda Helen Gillen approached and saw the accused man throw away the gun. Mr Delaney said she will give evidence that she told Mr Silver to lie down, which he did, but he then got on his knees and said: "That man tried to attack me and with all that's going on with the police in this world, I shot him." He added something about Black Lives Matter which counsel said may have been a reference to the killing of George Floyd by American police some months earlier.

Silver was arrested while other gardai attempted to resuscitate Gda Horkan. It quickly became apparent that he had sustained fatal injuries, counsel said, and had died at the scene. A post mortem carried out by Dr Linda Mulligan the following day would show that he had suffered eleven gunshot wounds from multiple angles. There was a cluster of wounds to the neck and shoulder, another wound to the right upper abdomen and three bullet entry wounds to the back.

One of the wounds was described as a "close contact wound" which Mr Delaney said means it was fired from a distance of one metre or less. The majority were from a distance of greater than one metre and another from a longer distance.

Mr Delaney said there also was a suggestion that Gda Horkan was shot while he was on the ground. He suffered massive internal bleeding and multiple fractures and Dr Mulligan concluded that his "catastrophic injuries" would not have been survivable even with immediate medical intervention.

There was further evidence of blunt force trauma to the left eye and temple which may have been caused by a blow from the butt of the gun, Mr Delaney said.

During five garda interviews over two days, Mr Delaney said the accused gave an account of what had happened. In his first interview, the accused said: "Then this big blue car pulled up and this lad said, "who are you", and I said, "I'm Stephen Silver" and he said, "I'm a garda" and I seen a Tommy Hilfiger jacket, I didn't know who he was."

Counsel said the accused man described being pushed by Gda Horkan and said: "He was in my face."

Mr Silver continued: "I pushed him. I felt him going for something. He had a holster, next thing he had it out, then bang, bang, bang, bang. He must have shot himself."

Mr Silver said he got the gun off Gda Horkan and added: "I must have shot him without my glasses." He said he threw the gun away and saw that Gda Horkan "wasn't in a good way".

He also said: "I'm angry about it because a garda tried to kill me, is that a garda car?"

Mr Delaney said: "That is a flavour of the account provided by the accused man."

Counsel told the jury that to prove the charge against Mr Silver, the prosecution must prove the ordinary ingredients for murder and that Mr Silver knew Gda Horkan was a garda acting in accordance with his duty or that he was reckless in that regard.

Mr Delaney said the prosecution would show that it was "obvious" to Mr Silver that he was dealing with a garda and that this is borne out by what Mr Silver said in the immediate aftermath and by what witnesses heard Gda Horkan say to him.

He said the defence is arguing for a manslaughter verdict based on diminished responsibility due to a mental disorder and the jury will hear from a psychiatrist for the prosecution and the defence. Mr Delaney added: "They [the defence] will say he was suffering from a relapse of his mental health difficulties such that his responsibility for the death is substantially diminished. The prosecution disagree and say he had a significantly functioning mental capacity, but ultimately the issue will be for you to decide."

Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the trial until Monday after telling the jury not to speak to anyone about the case or to look at media coverage. He added: "The only thing you are concerned with is the evidence you hear in this courtroom, uncontaminated by anything else."
Stripped to the waist and shouting abuse was how Gardai described their first encounter with Jaroslav Huk.

The defendant was facing a public order charge at Longford District Court and was told he can avoid a conviction if he makes a charity donation.

Jaroslav Huk (33) who had a charge sheet address of 2 Cubro House, Great Water Street, Longford pleaded guilty to three public order offences. The charges are that on July 1, 2020 at Great Water Street he engaged in threatening and abusive behaviour, failed to comply with the direction of gardai and public intoxication.



Sergeant Enda Daly said that on the date of the offence gardai attended a public disturbance in the Great Water Street area at 1:05am. Sgt Daly said people were shouting and the defendant was stripped to the waist.



When approached by the officers Mr Huk started shouting and was arrested. He continued to be aggressive and confrontational. The defendant has four previous convictions, primarily for road traffic offences.



The defendant's solicitor, Frank Gearty, said his client entered a plea of guilty to all the charges. Mr Gearty explained that on the night there was a family row, which he said was the result of over consumption of alcohol. He told the court that Mr Huk has now moved to Donegal where he works as a painter and decorator.



Mr Gearty said his client had learned his lesson. Judge Bernadette Owens asked if the defendant would be willing to make a donation to charity.



The solicitor said Mr Huk would love to be given the opportunity to avoid a conviction. Judge Owens said if he paid 300 to the court poor box by October 18 she would strike the matter out, however if he did not he would receive a fine of 250 with four months to pay.
Man with 4 Priors Breaks Into Home, Cops Taser & Arrest Him (again)

Local News, Crime

By Long Island Published: October 08 2022

One Officer sustained injuries during the course of the arrest as the defendant was violent and combative while resisting arrest.

Church St in Inwood where the home-break occurred

The Fourth Squad reports the arrest of an Inwood man for an Assault that occurred on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 4:02 a.m. in Inwood.

According to Detectives, Police responded to a residence on Church Street for reports that a man had broken into a home. Upon arrival, Police attempted to arrest Oseguera-Umanzor Walther, 41, of 66 Church Street, Inwood, who then attempted to flee by breaking a bedroom window. An Officer deployed his ECD (taser) in an attempt to apprehend the defendant who continued fleeing. Defendant Walther was found hiding, outside the residence and was arrested without further incident.

One Officer sustained injuries during the course of the arrest as the defendant was violent and combative while resisting arrest. The defendants action violated an active, full stay away, order of protection.

Defendant Walther is charged with Assault 2nd Degree, Burglary 2nd Degree, Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree, Criminal Contempt 2nd Degree, Robbery 3rd Degree, Criminal Contempt 1st Degree, and Resisting Arrest. Defendant Walther has an active warrant out of Texas for Obstruction of Breathing, and Assault. The defendant will be arraigned on Sunday, October 9, 2022 at First District Court, 99 Main Street in Hempstead.

Walther was previously arrested in Nassau County and released with no bail on:

-July 30, 2022 and charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree, Criminal Mischief 4th Degree, and Menacing 2nd Degree.

-August 22, 2022 and charged with Criminal Contempt 1st Degree, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, and harassment 2nd Degree.

-September 19, 2022 and charged with Criminal Contempt 2nd Degree.




Stemming from the two words, separation and anxiety, sepanx is the unsettling feeling of being in a new, unfamiliar situation or place.

After two years of building protective family habits at home, back-to-school season is bringing unique separation anxiety for moms. Suddenly, they must deal with their kids being away from their sight and supervision. This anxiety is only further intensified by their worry if they have prepared the best safety essentials for their kids.

CHECK ALSO: SAFEGUARD SAFEWASH PROGRAM

To help moms cope, we rounded up the best tips from fellow moms on how they can overcome the back-to-school sepanx:

Best Protection Starts at Home

Like most moms, Fae Ancheta's initial reaction to the resumption of face-to-face classes was to turn into a big ball of nerves. Upon sending off her kid to school for the very first time, Faye was instantly struck by distressing thoughts.

I hope that my kid will not catch a cold or a flu, she immediately thought.

But knowing how excited her kid was to see her friends at school, Fae decided to instead focus on strengthening her kids protection outside of home by instilling in her the best hygiene practices, such as proper hand washing and taking a bath with a germ protection soap.

Here at home, we practice taking a bath using Safeguard before and after leaving our home.

Prevent Stinky Situation

Even among experienced mothers, back-to-school sepanx is real. This is the case for Christy Cabalquinto who shared that, Shifting to face-to-face classes is a bit challenging for me as a parent because of the adjustments that we need to make.

One of her main concerns was having to welcome back a sweaty, sticky, and stinky kid after a long day at school. So, she decided to start a new hygiene habit, the #5PMBacteryASIMCheck.

Do the #5PMBacteryASIMCheck

Every 5PM, Christy checks if her kid still smells fresh after a long day of school. Assured by the best germ protection soap, the sniff test instantly results into unlimited and rewarding gigil hugs between Christy and her kid.
Hong Kong: Students encouraged to get jabs

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung today attended the Wan Chai District Student Vaccination Day at SKH St James' Primary School to encourage school children and parents to receive COVID-19 vaccination together.

Around 170 people were expected to get vaccinated through today's event.

Mrs Yeung said the vaccination day enables the district's school children and their family members to get vaccinated together and schools can further build up their protective barriers.

This is a triple-win situation for the schools, parents and students, and it will be safer for students to get vaccinated before taking part in school activities. I encourage more districts to organise similar vaccination events for school children.

She added that to promote COVID-19 vaccination of young children and students, the Government has lowered the threshold for the school outreach COVID-19 vaccination service to 10 people.

Since September, about 60 schools have been lined up to arrange vaccination of their students by group bookings. About 155 school outreach events have been organised at primary schools and kindergartens.

Mrs Yeung pointed out that currently, the third-dose vaccination rate of people aged 12 to 19 is about 67%.

Although the epidemic situation has subsided as compared with August, she reminded parents to arrange for their children to receive the appropriate number of vaccine doses on time in order to be well-prepared before winter approaches.

In addition, the Government is rolling out a series of publicity and education activities, including organising over 20 parent-child workshops at campuses from late September to November, and displaying explanatory videos on the COVID-19 virus and vaccines by paediatricians on parenting websites.

This story has been published on: 2022-10-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
UN Security Council voices concern over coup in Burkina Faso

Xinhua) 13:04, October 08, 2022

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Friday voiced serious concern over the Sept. 30 coup in Burkina Faso that ousted President Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, particularly given the serious regional security challenges in the country's Sahel region.

The second military takeover in Burkina Faso in eight months is regrettable and undermines stability, the members of the council said in a statement, calling on the parties in the West African country to settle their differences through dialogue.

The coup was the second this year in Burkina Faso. In the one on Jan. 24, former President Roch Kabore was overthrown, and Damiba was sworn in on Feb. 16.

The council members welcomed the call of the Economic Community of West African States for an end to violence and looting of all kinds, and underscored the urgent need for the restoration of constitutional order in Burkina Faso. They expressed their support for regional and continental mediation efforts.

The council members welcomed the statement issued by the African Union (AU) that reaffirmed the AU's opposition to any seizure or retention of power by unconstitutional means in Burkina Faso and demanded scrupulous respect for the timetable for a rapid return to constitutional order.

The council members further regretted that the political and security instability and the dire socio-economic and humanitarian situation in Burkina Faso would provide an opportunity for terrorist groups to wreak havoc in that country. They encouraged more international support to help address the situation in the country.

They also welcomed the advice of the UN Peacebuilding Commission regarding supporting peacebuilding efforts in Burkina Faso, including the commission's engagement and coordination with Burkina Faso's regional and international partners to effectively address the country's peacebuilding and transition challenges.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
A bipartisan group of lawmakers is pushing to ensure troops, veterans and Gold Star families can get into National Parks even when they may be overflowing with tourists.

In a Friday letter to National Park Service Director Charles Sams, 24 House lawmakers asked him to set aside slots for those with military affiliations in the lottery systems that some National Parks implemented to prevent overcrowding.

"We request that the National Park Service institute a policy for lottery systems that would set aside a portion of the lottery selections to be reserved for active-duty military (personnel and dependents), Gold Star families and veterans," the lawmakers wrote in the letter.

Read Next: 'The Army Gave a Hunting Permit to Radical Partisans': What a General's Bout with Fox Could Mean for Women

"These women and men who serve our country stand as heroes for all Americans," they added. "This is a small change but would have a positive impact on all active-duty military, Gold Star families and veterans."

The letter was organized by Reps. Ben Cline, R-Va., whose district includes part of Shenandoah National Park, and Chris Pappas, D-N.H., whose district includes a sliver of White Mountain National Forest, and co-signed by 13 Republicans and nine Democrats.

Last year, Congress passed a law that gives veterans and Gold Star families free lifetime passes to National Parks and free annual passes to service members and their families.

But in their letter, the lawmakers expressed concern that those groups may not be able to use their free access because of some parks' lottery systems.

Several parks around the country have instituted lotteries for their most popular attractions in order to "limit traffic, enhance your experience and reduce our footprint," according to the National Park Service website. The lotteries are "based on a fair and randomized distribution system" and meant to ensure "equitable participation," the park service added.

Among the locations that require a lottery to visit are Half Dome at Yosemite National Park in California and the Angels Landing hike at Zion National Park in Utah.

"We acknowledge that oftentimes these lottery systems were established due to concerns around overcrowding, damage to park resources or other reasons," the lawmakers wrote in their letter.

Other parks without lotteries have periodically closed their gates to visitors due to overcrowding, like Arches National Park in Utah.

Even though troops, veterans and Gold Star families "already have free access to National Parks, there are not spots reserved in these lottery systems for them, often resulting in them not being selected," the lawmakers added.

In addition to requesting lottery slots be set aside for those groups, the lawmakers also asked Sams how many park units use a lottery system; how many require pre-registration or a fee to enter the lottery; and how many active-duty troops, Gold Star families and veterans go to National Parks annually.

The lawmakers requested a response by Oct. 24.

-- Rebecca Kheel can be reached at rebecca.kheel@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @reporterkheel.

Related: Veterans and Gold Star Families Will Soon Have Free Admission to All National Parks
Read the original article on Business Insider.

Ingrida Simonyte was 14 when her country, Lithuania, gained independence from the Soviet Union.

Her experience of Soviet occupation, she told Insider, left her nation forever wary that Russia would continue trying to subjugate its neighbors.

And she was unsurprised when Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, prompting an urgent response from her as Lithuania's prime minister.

"For many years, many countries believed that you can sort of drag people into democracy through business and communication and freedom of travel," she said, describing the once-common expectation that Russia would gradually become more liberal. "We were very doubtful about it."

Simonyte is one of many leaders in Lithuania and Russia's other Baltic neighbors who spent years warning the world that Russia was still a major threat.

She and other senior figures in the governments of Estonia and Latvia described to Insider in interviews how the invasion has seen their warnings finally acknowledged as grimly correct.

"We should have listened"

In a landmark moment, the most senior official in the EU, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen admitted last month that nations like her native Germany had been naiive.

"One lesson from this war is we should have listened to those who know Putin," Ursula von der Leyen said. They have been telling us for years that Putin would not stop."

She identified Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia as countries which knew better, as well as the Baltic countries of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia  three of the EU's 27 members. Those countries repeatedly warned that Russia could target them, while fending off Russian cyberattacks, and prepared their own citizens for war.

They were ahead of the curve in warning that the prospect of full-scale war in Ukraine was real, even as the U.S. government struggled to persuade other nations to take Putin's military build-up seriously.

They are now the countries disproportionately spending their limited resources to help Ukraine  far outpacing the U.S., UK, and other European nations by the share of their GDPs dedicated to the conflict.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III speaks with Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Estonia at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 8, 2022. (Chad J. McNeeley/U.S. Department of Defense)

"A great deal of false understanding"

Artis Pabriks, the defense minister of Latvia, told Insider he wished he had been wrong about Russia.

He warned as long ago as 2014 that Russia was an "existential threat" to Latvia, and watched in horror as tanks, artillery, and attack helicopters poured into Ukraine in February 2022.

"We would be more happy if we were wrong about Russia," he told Insider. "It's quite ironic, but unfortunately it's true."

Russian forces had long been attacking Ukraine, waging a more limited war in the Donbas region since 2014, when Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula.

John E. Herbst, the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine from 2003 to 2006, told Insider many in Europe did not see Putin as likely to start a major war until it was too late, even despite Russia's actions in the Donbas.

"There was a great deal of false understanding in Europe about what Putin's policy was like," he said.

"There was an inclination on the part of many, not all, to see all Putin was waging for almost eight years before his big February invasion as not much of a war, which would not require a serious response."

"And then after the huge conventional invasion in February, many of those people changed their minds."

"Delusional"

Both Pabriks and Simonyte noted the difference in approach between eastern European nations which were wary of Russia, and western European nations which more eagerly forged business links there.

Pabriks did not single out any countries but said some would, until recently, "speak about values, but make business with Russia."

Germany in particular embraced Russian business, purchasing huge quantities of gas from Russia and approving two Nord Stream pipelines despite warnings from the U.S. and eastern Europe.

The Crimea annexation did prompt a wave of sanctions, and Russia's ejection from the G7, but did little to seriously derail Russia's activities.

Its super-rich continued to seamlessly move from Moscow to European capitals like London, Paris, and Rome, buying up companies and real estate as they went.

A Lithuanian soldier carries a RPG-7 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22, Sept. 15, 2022. (Luke Michalski/U.S. Army)

Simonyte said Lithuania's approach was informed by the fact that "many of the people who went through the hell of Soviet occupation are still living  including myself."

She said it left Lithuania with "a very sensitive ear to what was happening" in Russia as it prepared to invade, all the while denying that it had any intention of starting a war.

"Some of our friends in other countries were kind of thinking it cannot be like this, this is not rational, let's be realistic, you are paranoid, and this sort of stuff. And I think it was delusional."

She said the "major difference" was western Europe enjoying 80 years of peace after World War II, whereas "for us, this is not the case because first we had to live through 50 years of occupation of the Soviet regime, and then slightly more than 30 years of our restored independence."

"So the memory is still living."

While some countries believed that an invasion would not happen, she said, "We were providing military support for Ukraine before this invasion started because unfortunately we saw that coming. And other countries did not believe."

Turning a blind eye

Pabriks said that countries Von der Leyen highlighted found it exhausting trying to convince the West that Russia posed a real threat.

"The problem is we have never very much doubted what we can expect from Russia."

"The problem was that it always took so much energy in daily political process and in life to convince our allies, because people tend to turn blind eye" if a problem does not affect them directly, he said.

He said this was seen in Latvia's warnings against the Nord Stream projects as well as "in general, economic ties with Russian oligarchs, with Russian government." Those pipelines are now leaking in what many experts and Western countries say is likely Russian sabotage.

Ukrainian military members listen to U.S. Air Force 603rd AOC airspace technicians at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 15, 2022. Air advisors from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing provided advanced air traffic control familiarization training to Ukrainian military members. The goal of the training was to build partner capacity and equip the Ukrainians with contingency training that they could use in their current, volatile state. (Edgar Grimaldo/U.S. Air Force)

Urmas Reinsalu, the foreign minister of Estonia told Insider that the world did too little "to deter the monster to keep away from the direct, large scale invasion."

"From the Western camp, there was a particular ambivalence" about the fighting in eastern Ukraine from 2014, he said, with many pushing to consider it an internal conflict rather than an act of Russian aggression.

Hanno Pevkur, Estonia's defense minister, told Insider his country had been bolstering its military for years, its eyes open since Russia invaded Georgia in 2008 and starting attacking Ukraine in 2014.

"We saw what Russia was doing," he said.

He and Simonyte, the Lithuanian prime minister, pointed to continual Russian cyber attacks as a reminder that Russian aggression is never far away.

Such activity has intensified as the war in Ukraine continued, especially in response to symbolic gestures like Estonia removing a major Soviet-era monument from its capital, Tallinn.

Stepping up

The events of 2022 finally prompted the full-throated moves against Russia that Baltic leaders had long been hoping for, as the UK, EU, and U.S. tore into the Russian economy with sanctions, hammered its financial system, closed its airspace and made life difficult for the country's elite.

None of the leaders Insider spoke to were interested in blaming their allies for moving slowly  instead urging them to keep going and match the level of support Ukraine was receiving from its own neighbors.

Pabriks put it the strongest, arguing that: "If every European country would give proportionally so much assistance to Ukraine, as for instance, Latvia have been giving, the war already would be over."
WASHINGTON (AP)  Soldiers are leaving the Army National Guard at a faster rate than they are enlisting, fueling concerns that in the coming years units around the country may not meet military requirements for overseas and other deployments.

For individual states, which rely on their Guard members for a wide range of missions, it means some are falling short of their troop totals this year, while others may fare better. But the losses comes as many are facing an active hurricane season, fires in the West and continued demand for units overseas, including combat tours in Syria and training missions in Europe for nations worried about threats from Russia.

According to officials, the number of soldiers retiring or leaving the Guard each month in the past year has exceeded those coming in, for a total annual loss of about 7,500 service members. The problem is a combination of recruiting shortfalls and an increase in the number of soldiers who are opting not to reenlist when their tour is up.

The losses reflect a broader personnel predicament across the U.S. military, as all the armed services struggled this year to meet recruiting goals. And they underscore the need for sweeping reforms in how the military recruits and retains citizen soldiers and airmen who must juggle their regular full-time jobs with their military duties.

Maj. Gen. Rich Baldwin, chief of staff of the Army National Guard, said the current staffing challenges are the worst he's seen in the last 20 years, but so far the impact on Guard readiness is minimal and manageable.

However, if we dont solve the recruiting and retention challenges were currently facing, we will see readiness issues related to strength begin to emerge within our units within the next year or two," he said.

According to Gen. Daniel Hokanson, head of the National Guard Bureau, both the Army and Air Guards failed to meet their goals for the total number of service members in the fiscal year that ended last Friday. The Army Guard's authorized total is 336,000, and the Air Guard is 108,300.

Baldwin said the Army Guard started the year with a bit more than its target total, but ends the fiscal year about 2% below the goal. Fueling that decline was a 10% shortfall in the number of current soldiers who opted to reenlist. Hokanson said the Air Guard missed its total goal by nearly 3%.

The reasons are many. But Guard officials suggest that young people may not be hearing the strong call to service that they did when the U.S. was at war in Iraq and Afghanistan, in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Baldwin said that as operations in Iraq and Afghanistan began to decline several years ago, states started to see higher than expected losses in personnel. In exit interviews, he said, troops cited a number of reasons why they weren't reenlisting. But, unexpectedly, they found that one reason common to many of their soldiers was based on the perception that the war was over, said Baldwin, adding that they had joined to serve their country, not make the Army Guard their career.

The same may be true now, he said. In 2020 and 2021, Guard members were heavily involved in a range of domestic emergencies, from natural disasters and civil unrest to the pandemic, including medical care, COVID-19 testing and vaccines.

Today, we have a much lower overseas deployment tempo than weve been used to and almost all of the COVID support missions have been ramped down, Baldwin said. "We join to make a difference by serving others and by being part of something bigger than ourselves. ... There may be a perception among both our soldiers and the civilians we are trying to recruit that we are on the backside of all of that and its time to take advantage of the hot job market we have right now.

While the shortfalls for 2022 may be small percentages, the Guard is facing increasing losses over the next year due to the U.S. military's requirement that all troops get the COVID-19 vaccine. Currently about 9,000 Guard members are refusing to get the shot, and another 5,000 have sought religious, medical or administrative exemptions.

So far, no Guard members have been discharged for refusing the vaccine order. The National Guard is awaiting final instructions from the Army on how to proceed. Officials have said it's not clear when they will get that guidance.

With more losses likely on the horizon, Guard leaders are looking for ways to entice service members to join or reenlist. Hokanson said a critical change would be to provide Guard members with healthcare coverage. Currently, he said, about 60,000 Guard members don't have health insurance. And those who have insurance through their civilian employer have to go through a difficult process to move to the military's Tricare program when they are on active-duty status.

The cost of providing health care coverage to those who don't have it would be about $719 million a year, he said.

Other changes that could help, he said, would include expanding educational benefits and giving Guard members a financial bonus when they bring in new recruits. Such bonuses were used during the peak of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, but there were some problems that Hokanson and others said could be avoided now.

We need to make adjustments based on the current environment because for the long term, our nation needs a National Guard the size that we are, or maybe even larger to meet all the requirements that we have, Hokanson said. Its up to us to make sure that we fill our formations so that theyre ready when our nation needs us.
Geneva, Switzerland (PAA) - Authorities in Egypt must ensure civil society can safely and fully participate in the COP27 UN climate change conference taking place there next month, a group of UN independent human rights experts said on Friday, expressing alarm over restrictions ahead of the summit
Self-styled international award organizer, Dr. Kwame Fordjour, known otherwise as Dr. UN, has, for the umpteenth time talked about the impact of his award scheme on the brands in Ghana.

Speaking specifically about the Ghanaian rapper, Michael Owusu Addo, better known as Sarkodie, Dr UN asserted that his award gave him (Sarkodie) a lot of international following.

In an interview with AJ Pounds on Accra-based Onua FM, he explained that the fact that the United Nations issued a disclaimer against him means many heard about his awards and probably Sarkodies brand all around the globe.

Earlier, Sark was only known to the Ghanaians community abroad. For example, initially, when he travels to New York, he was known by just the Ghanaian community there. When my award made it into international headlines, for example, BBC and CNN, that was the deal breaker for him, he explained

He believes that after making international headlines with the alleged UN/Kofi Annan-sponsored awards, Sarkodie should have capitalised on it and built his brand more.

You know, the UN issued a disclaimer via international media saying Dr Kwame Fordjour doesnt have any affiliation with them. It elevated you. So, if you want to brand yourself, you start from there.

Every award scheme is limited to the local community, but my initiative was way bigger. Now people in high positions, like pastors and high commissioners, know Sarkodie, he argued.

He stressed, so Sarkodie shouldnt have listened to the masses. Now the world knows Sarkodie, so my award isnt fake.
As inscribed in PSALM 107:1-3, "Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever!

In continuation, it reads,  So let the LORD's redeemed say so, whom He has redeemed from trouble and gathered from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south, so as the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) student body deems fit to give him their utmost glory after yet another successful semester.

Students, lecturers, and the entire staff of the Institute will, on the set date, rock in their Thanksgiving costumes and throng the auditorium of the Institutes North Dzorwulu campus to pray and dance to the glory of God.

The three-hour event, dubbed the "Glorious Praise" which will commence at 4 pm and end at 7 pm will be graced by Alexander Bruce-Ghartey, better known as Uncle Ato, a seasoned Ghanaian worshipper and gospel crooner.

The "Mensuro" hitmaker will join the organising team, Maxwell Owusu Agyemang, Kelvin Dominion, Moses Desire Kouyo, Franca Owusua, and Nana Addo Adofo, to lead the students in praises with his sweet melodies.

Organized mainly among the first years, co-organizer, Maxwell Owusu Agyemang, explaining the essence of the programme to the media, said it is "to show appreciation to God for seeing us through our first year at university and also to draw the hearts of the students to God."

Entry to the program, according to the organizers, is open to all interested believers and even non-believers willing to change, free of charge.
Rankings published by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy show that France's 233 million euros of military aid to Ukraine place it 11th in the world, well behind the US (25 billion euros), Britain (4 billion euros) and Poland (1.8 billion euros). Paris says weak manufacturing capacity rather than a lack of political will is the root of the problem.

The rankings "don't fully reflect reality", the Defence Ministry told the AFP news agency, because they "take into account what has been promised, rather than what has actually been delivered".

To add to the confusion, some countries report only arms deliveries as military aid, while others include training and the cost of transporting ammunition.

Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu this week praised Paris' "relative discretion" in aiding Kyiv, saying that "France has been supporting Ukraine since the beginning".

Publicly known shipments include anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles, armoured personnel carriers, fuel, protective clothing for infantry, and towed artillery cannons.

France has also sent 18 of its prized truck-mounted Caesar cannon, which are able to set up, fire a highly accurate volley at ranges of up to 40 kilometres and shift position before the enemy can locate them and fire back.

President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday at a European gathering in Prague that France plans to deliver more of the mobile artillery pieces.

We need the weapons for our own protection

Sylvie Matelly, deputy director of France's Institute for International and Strategic Studies (IRIS) has warned that "the weapons we have here ready to use are the weapons supposed to ensure our national defence.

"If we give them away, if we tap into our reserves, we're causing big headaches for ourselves," she added.

The 18 Caesar systems already delivered to Kyiv constitute a quarter of the French fleet of the mobile artillery platforms.

"It's not a lack of political will, perhaps it's political prudence about our own security, our own defence."

Several high-ranking French officers have said that, although Paris has boosted military spending in recent years, with the total set to reach 44 billion euros in 2023, national stocks of equipment remain limited.

Washington "has less need of weapons to defend its national territory," Matelly adds.

Six billion euros needed, two billion agreed

Modern military hardware is complex and difficult to manufacture, especially when there are supply chain problems and a general penury of crucial raw materials.

Sylvie Matelly says that simply committing more cash is not an answer.

A French parliamentary report published in February found that six billion euros would be needed to replenish France's arsenals, well above the 2 billion announced this week as total spending for 2023.

Macron has been pushing for greater defence integration among EU nations to limit the duplication of effort between member states' armed forces and arms industries.
Managers of eight Cold Stores in the Tayi Yard in Community 1, Tema swiftly closed their shops and went into hiding when a team from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Tax Enforcement Unit arrived for an Invigilation exercise.

The owners of the stores fled, leaving their cars behind when the team arrived on the ongoing tax invigilation exercise.

Before, the team got to these stores, they visited a number of other shops, who infringed on the tax laws, including non-registration of VAT and non-issuance of VAT receipts.

These stores are Perez Frozen Foods, Isaac Glavi Trading Enterprise, Wanmafe Company Ltd, Jos Nartey Enterprise, and CU Nazareth Ventures.

Meanwhile, GRA has locked up and sealed the Underbridge Event Centre located at East Legon.

Mr Joseph Annan, Area Enforcement Manager of GRA in charge of Accra Central, told the Ghana News Agency that the place would be locked up until it met its obligations.

He said some of the businesses were registered but were doing selective issuance of VAT, while others were not registered at all.

He said he expected the Event Centre to do the VAT registration for the place to be opened up for the public, adding that the registration process was not a difficult one.

On the stores that were closed, the Enforcement Manager said since the team was always on the field, they will catch with them.

He said, so if you run today, then you must run forever.

Mr Annan said it had been wonderful ever since the operation began, adding that all the places visited had zoomed into full compliance and they were putting together some assessments and had so far got GH200,000.

He encouraged the public to volunteer information on tax infractions to the Authority, adding that information that leads to some good recovery will benefit from the reward scheme.

The GRA expects that all suppliers of taxable items, goods or services, issue VAT invoice as required by law and in the same vein, the customer is required by law to obtain invoice if such transactions attract VAT.

GNA
Voters draped in traditional shepherd's blankets cast their ballots on Friday in parliamentary elections in Lesotho, but observers saw little prospect of an end to the country's long-running political gridlock.

The southern African kingdom has been governed for the past decade by frail and fractious coalitions, with no premier serving out a full five-year term.

Some people queued for hours to be able to cast their vote. By MARCO LONGARI (AFP)

Some voters walked for kilometres (miles) or queued for hours to reach polling booths set up at schools or sometimes under marquees on the grass.

"I'm confident that our next prime minister will bring us better life and better conditions," Mamete Potsane, 74, told AFP.

Wearing a floral sweater and sneakers, the widow, who lives on a government allowance of 800 maloti ($44) a month, gave a thumbs-up as she left a voting station at the foot of picturesque Mount Qiloane.

Polls closed at 1500 GMT and counting started shortly afterwards. The result is likely to be announced next week.

Instability

Surrounded entirely by South Africa, Lesotho is a mountain nation of two million people nicknamed the "Kingdom in the Sky."

Surrounded entirely by South Africa, Lesotho is a mountain nation of two million people. By Marco Longari (AFP)

It has been buffeted by coups and attempted coups since independence from Britain in 1966, and nearly a third of its population live on less than $1.90 a day.

"We've lost hope," said Mpho Mochaka, 26. A street vendor selling cigarettes and apples in the capital, Maseru, she said she did not vote.

The outgoing government is led by the All Basotho Convention (ABC). But current Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro did not seek another term, after being ousted as party head earlier this year.

His predecessor Thomas Thabane was forced to step down in 2020 after being accused of ordering the murder of his estranged wife. Charges against him were dropped in July.

The ABC's new leader, former health minister Nkaku Kabi, squared off against an array of contenders.

More than 50 parties were in the running.

Millionaire challenger

Kabi's main challengers included Mathibeli Mokhothu, who heads the Democratic Congress -- Lesotho's second largest party -- and Sam Matekane, a millionaire believed to be the country's richest man who could be a dark horse, according to analysts.

No one is expected to win outright, darkening prospects of much-needed reform, said Seroala Tsoeu-Ntokoane, a political researcher at the National University of Lesotho.

"Coalitions are a source of instability because they're formed with political parties with not much to hold them together, no mutual policy platform, no mutual respect," she said.

The outgoing parliament failed to pass a law aimed at strengthening political stability, by banning lawmakers from switching party allegiance within the first three years of their tenure.

Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro, seen here arriving to cast his vote in Maseru, is not seeking another term -- he was ousted this year as head of the dominant ABC party. By MOLISE MOLISE (AFP)

"We want infrastructures, roads and running businesses, it's all about bringing back hope in the country," said Mekhotak Setsebi, 30, a blanket tied around his shoulders.

He is the head of a small logistics company but business is bad, he said before casting his ballot in Maseru's suburb of Matala.

The 120-seat parliament is chosen by a mixed electoral system -- 80 lawmakers are voted in by constituents, while another 40 seats are distributed proportionally.

About 1.5 million people were registered to vote. Turnout in the last elections in 2017 was only 47 percent, but some observers said the figure could be higher this year.
Kenya's former president Uhuru Kenyatta, a key player in African Union-led efforts to bring peace to Ethiopia, said Friday he would be skipping negotiations expected to begin this weekend, raising doubts over whether the talks would go ahead.

The bid to resolve the nearly two-year conflict comes as fierce fighting grips northern Ethiopia after a resurgence in late August shattered a five-month truce and halted aid into war-torn Tigray.

The AU has invited the warring sides to talks in South Africa that were scheduled to start on Saturday, mediated by the bloc's Horn of Africa envoy Olusegun Obasanjo, South Africa's former deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and Kenyatta.

AU Commission chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said in a statement Thursday he had "full confidence in... the distinguished panel members to ensure constructive engagements and dialogue between the parties towards a sustainable, inclusive negotiated settlement to the conflict".

But in a sign of the challenges confronting the process, Kenyatta said in a letter to Faki he would not be attending the South Africa talks "due to conflicts in my schedule".

"However, in the interim and as you consider the possibility for another date for the peace talks, I would be grateful to receive further clarity on the structure and modalities of the talks, including but not limited to the rules of engagement for all the interlocuters invited," he wrote.

Kenyatta, who left office in August, also said the "immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities" should be put high on the agenda.

Both the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which have been at war since November 2020, said on Wednesday they were ready to take part in the negotiations.

But TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael protested that the regional authorities were not consulted before the invitation was issued, and sought clarification on what other parties would be involved, what role the international community would play and logistics such as air travel and security for their negotiating team.

Representatives of the AU, the Ethiopian government and the TPLF did not respond to AFP's requests for comment following Kenyatta's announcement.

Air strikes

Fighting has escalated in recent weeks on multiple fronts in northern Ethiopia, with several air strikes hammering Tigray.

A senior official at the region's biggest hospital said there had been a deadly drone attack on Friday on the town of Dengolat about 30 kilometres (20 miles) south of Tigray's capital Mekele.

"Total number of casualties not yet known. We have received 42 victims, five of them have died," Kibrom Gebreselassie, chief executive director at Ayder Referral Hospital in Mekele, said on Twitter.

AFP was not able to independently verify the report as access to northern Ethiopia is severely restricted and Tigray has been under a communications blackout for more than a year.

In addition to cutting aid to Tigray, which is facing crippling shortages of food, fuel and medicine, the latest upsurge in combat has drawn Eritrean troops back to the battlefield in support of Ethiopian forces, raising alarm in the international community.

In the face of the deepening conflict, the United States said its special envoy to the region, Mike Hammer, would be making his second visit to Ethiopia in as many months to seek a halt to the fighting.

Hammer, who met Kenya's newly elected President William Ruto in Nairobi on Friday, has warned that Eritrea's presence was only adding to the complications of ending the conflict in Africa's second-most populous country.

The war, which erupted in November 2020, has killed untold numbers of civilians, driven several million from their homes and triggered a deep humanitarian crisis in northern Ethiopia.

All parties in the conflict have also been accused of grave abuses against civilians, and the UN Human Rights Council on Friday voted narrowly to extend the mandate for an investigation mission by a year, despite Addis Ababa's opposition.

In its first report issued last month, the Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia said it had found evidence of widespread rights violations and that there were "reasonable grounds to believe that, in several instances, these violations amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity".
The Germany Branch of the New Patriotic Party, over the weekend, 1st October 2022 held a colourful and well-attended event in the German city of Dortmund to promote unity and establish a development fund for the branch.

The event, which was themed "For our Tomorrow, we Take action Today: Holding Together, Working Together" was attended by many party faithfuls.

It was "intended to promote peace and unity" according to the Branch Chairman, Dr Felix Yamoah.

In underscoring the importance of peace within the party, Dr Felix Yamoah stated "we need peace and togetherness in order to break the 8". He admonished the gathering to do whatever it takes "to foster unity ahead of the Party's presidential primaries".

On his part, the Branch treasurer, Mr Kobina Ebo in his speech explained that "the development fund is needed to assist students who are members of the Party whenever there's the need to".

The fund, according to him "will help the Branch in prosecuting its agenda of assisting the NPP to break the 8".

In attendance were presidential hopefuls - Joe Ghartey and Kennedy Agyepong, the National Youth Organiser, Abdul Salaam Mustafa, former CEO of State Enterprises Commission and NPP chairman aspirant, Asamoah Boateng. Others were the Director of International Affairs of the NPP, Frederick Kofi Ameyaw, deputy minister for lands and natural resources, Mireku Duker, deputy minister for finance, Dr John Kumah, amongst others.

Also represented were NPP UK, NPP Belgium, NPP Sweden and other European branches of the Party.
A Ghanaian international student in Australia; Mavis Boamah has been shortlisted for the 2021/2022 Victorian International Students Education Awards in the Postgraduate Research category.

Mavis is a sociologist researching Australias humanitarian policies, housing, and education at the Swinburne University of Technology on scholarship. While doing her PhD program, Mavis also works as a tutor in both postgraduate and undergraduate subjects at the University of Melbourne Parkville campus and Student Support Advisor at Torrens University.

Mavis is confident that her post graduate studies will lead to opportunities in academia or in policy research that may eventually contribute to more supportive and comprehensive resettlement policies and programs in the future.

Since arriving in Australia in 2017, she has had paid and volunteer roles that connect her to the community. She is also committed to supporting other international students, most notably through advancing Swinburnes Higher Degree by Research Buddy Program in 2021.

She engages with global communities by being involved in the Information Urbanism Research hub, the Australian Sociological Association, the International Sociological Association - Junior Sociologist Network and the United Nations Volunteers program.

The Victorian International Education Awards are an initiative of the Victorian Government of Australia to support the international education sector. This year, the VIEA, organised by Study Melbourne received over 200 entries across seven categories of applications. All finalists receive $2000 of scholarship to support their education while winners get $6,000 and the ultimate Premier award winner receives $16,000.

Find more information on the finalists/winners here  in the research category

International Student of the Year Awards - Finalist Reseach Category
The Executive Director of the Mark Impact Foundation, a non-governmental organisation which prioritises the welfare of youth and children, has stressed the need to collectively work towards eradicating child labour in cocoa communities.

David Nana Edjah, who is also an author, made the call when his Foundation distributed copies of reading materials to some children of cocoa farmers in Suhum in the Eastern Region. He also presented copies of the book to the Worlds Best Cocoa Farmer 2021/2022, Charles Oppong.

The books were donated as part of plans by the organisation to help Ghanaian children to develop a love for reading. The book is titled Poverty My Greatest Enemy. The objective of the book, he explained, is Changing the Youth from a Poor Mindset to a Successful Mindset.

He said the Foundation believes in investing in the minds of children in developing the future of the country and continent at large.

Through books, you learn, you travel the world, you understand the world, and you become the global citizen. Our goal is that more and more Ghanaian children, particularly those in cocoa farming communities, will develop the art of reading and a love for books.

Books are full of knowledge, and you can travel anywhere in the world through books. You expand your thinking horizon, and for that reason, we believe that making books available is the key thing, and so this donation today is our widow's mite, Nana Edjah added.

Child labour

The Executive Director believes that child labour is an affront to the fundamental human rights of children and a threat to their present and future wellbeing.

He, however, emphasised that the eradication of child labour from the country can only be possible if society gets all hands on deck, spearheaded by a political will showing the way.

Nana Edjah further observed that much of the child labour cases found in West Africa is the hazardous form, where a child is in danger through such things as carrying heavy loads, using dangerous equipment, such as machetes, or being exposed to chemicals.

Every year, the chocolate industrys big players assure us that theyll do something about child labour and the huge numbers of children being exposed to chemicals that burn their skin and affect their breathing. We say that progress is too slow, and they have to stop poisoning children to produce chocolate, he said.

He pointed out that if companies start paying farmers properly, so they can get a living income, there would be fewer children forced to work in cocoa production and fewer farmers cutting corners with dangerous pesticides.
Port-Louis, Mauritius (PANA) - The government of Mauritius announced on Friday that a delegation from the Commonwealth Secretariat would arrive in the country on 14-18 November to impart training to members of the police force on the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT)
The ECOWAS mission to the Republic of Niger, from 25 to 30 September 2022, on migrants trapped in Niger en route to North Africa and Europe has concluded its deliberations.

The mission consequently issued a series of recommendations to Member States, technical and financial partners as well as the ECOWAS Commission.

The mission delegation included Prof Fatou Sow Sarr, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, as Head of Mission, representatives of Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Member States most affected (Guinea, Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, Cote dIvoire, Niger, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Gambia, Sierra Leone and Benin),ECOWAS Director Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Dr Sintiki Tarfa-Ugbe, experts from the ECOWAS Commission departments in charge of Human Development and Social Affairs as well as of Free Movement.

While the Mission deplored the increasingly frequent mass deportation of ECOWAS citizens from the Maghreb particularly from Algeria to Nigerien territory, the mission underscored its commitment to uphold respect for migrants in line with international law through dialogue and in an atmosphere of bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Representatives of the Member States present along with ECOWAS Experts issued a recommendation to the authorities of the respective Member States to promote a conducive legal environment for good migration governance and to strive to put a human face on migration management between ECOWAS countries and the Maghreb.

They issued a further recommendation inviting and urging ECOWAS to come alongside the Member States through its platform, Migration Dialogue for West Africa (MIDWA), for concerted migration management with the Maghreb. A subsequent recommendation to development partners involved in migration matters called for the support of initiatives aimed at putting a human face on migration, strengthening of national and transnational collaboration among technical departments, and collaboration with the respective governments on humanitarian actions to facilitate migrant return and reintegration.

For countries of the Maghreb and all other regions, the mission recommended discouraging the forced return of persons who need protection.

Finally, the mission participants commended the efforts of the Government of Niger, development and humanitarian partners, international organisations and the Civil Society in receiving the Maghreb deportees.

At the end of the Niamey mission, Prof Fatou Sow Sarr, on Friday 20 September 2022, met with Nigers Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mr Laouan Magagi, the Interior Minister, Mr Adamou Souley, the Minister for Women Affairs and Child Protection, Mrs Allahoury Aminata Zourkaleini, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, Prof Ag Arya Moussa.
08.10.2022 LISTEN

A cursory observation of the Crimean invasion and the strategy used by Moscow seems not to have changed as that of the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Putin hoped that the expansion of the strategy similar to that of Crimea in February 2014 will yield faster results over the whole Ukraine peninsula. However, that strategy seems not to be a good move, if not changed.

Moscow was very hopeful that a military blitzkrieg to take control of Ukraine in a month at most will restamp the superpower status of the one-time leader of the USSR. The motive of this trajectory was to take over and swiftly install in Kyiv a puppet and weak leader like Lukashenko in Belarus. This is a clear geopolitical blunder of a lifetime.

A superpower status of that of Russia with Putin leading the charge against sovereign Ukrainian citizens, was obvious of decisive victory in the very shortest possible time. Putin calculated victory in less than a month and at most a month. He was convinced that the strength of the Russian army would allow him a quick takeover of the country. Those calculations have gone down the spiral.

When Russia tried to decapitate the Kyiv government with a daring airborne assault at the Hostomel Airport, it failed. The defeat at Hostomel didn't go down well with Putin as they needed it badly to ignite the process of encirclement and a morale booster for Russian forces and for air supplies into Ukraine.

A clear observation is deduced from how the offenses and defenses are done. Ukrainian troops are clearly attacking areas where they seem relaxed thereby breaking the Russian line and forcing nearby defenders to flee to avoid encirclement.

They have achieved this brilliantly in the Kharkiv Oblast, followed up with the attack on Lyman, and seem to be repeating the feat on the Kherson front.

President Putin might have thought of Ukraine as a prototype of Budapest or Prague. He has to come to terms with the reality that Ukraine is neither Budapest in 1956 or Prague in 1968. It's Ukraine with patriotic citizens of good standing who are ready to sacrifice their lives to give life to the freedom and rights of the next generation. This is what drives Ukraine not to give up.

Since the war began, Ukraine has made a quantum leap in their fighting abilities. Why? Many reasons. Most from their association with the West. This has given a morale boost to Ukrainian Forces to launch counter-offensives. The latest one is the offensive in the Kherson region, and also in the area of the Oskol River. This shows the improvement of Ukraine in this war. One thing is clear to point out that Kherson would represent one more obstacle to Putin taking Odessa.

Anyone who thinks you can trade land for peace with Putin doesnt know Putin. Putin is at a stage where he listens to no one. He's going crazy over taking down Ukraine since February of this year and yet has been unsuccessful. As to whether he has an updated calendar with him to draw his attention, nobody knows.

The reason why Russia wouldn't want to lose Crimea is because Russia used the Crimea to attack Ukraine from the south, using the Kerch Straits bridges for resupply. Russia is using the Sevastopol naval base to blockade all of Ukraines ports.
Authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo should not oppose journalist Gauthier Sey Tshiangs appeal of his sentencing to one year in prison and a financial penalty over reporting about a public official, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday.

On September 19, the Kinshasa Gombe Peace Court sentenced Gauthier Sey Tshiang, director of the privately owned online media outlet Netic News, to one year in prison for damaging imputations, or making statements to harm an individuals reputation, spreading false rumors, and fraud over his reporting on Jean Simon Mfuti Kiaku, acting director of the DRCs National Social Security Fund (CNSS), according to a copy of the judgment, which CPJ reviewed. The court also ordered Sey to pay US$10,000 in damages to Mfuti, who brought the case against the journalist, according to Sey and his lawyer, Guy Mafuta Kabongo, who spoke to CPJ by phone and messaging app.

Mafuta said that he filed an objection to the September 19 judgment because Sey was convicted in absentia, as the journalist could not be in the court for medical reasons. Sey, who has not been arrested, appealed the judgment and the case is due back in court on October 10, the two said.

DRC authorities should not oppose the appeal of journalist Gauthier Sey Tshiang. He should have never been convicted or sentenced to one year in prison for his reporting on a public official, said Angela Quintal, CPJs Africa program coordinator, in New York. Congolese legislation should also be reformed to ensure journalism is not criminalized and reporters do not need to fear jail time for their work.

Sey told CPJ that Mfuti filed a complaint against him in February 2022 at the disciplinary commission of the Congolese journalists union, Union Nationale de la Presse du Congo (UNPC), and then at the Kinshasa Gombe Peace Court over his coverage of Mfutis record.

Local media reported that the UNPCs disciplinary committee on March 9 barred Sey from working as a journalist for three months over breaches of professionalism under the Code of Ethics and Deontology of the Congolese Journalist, which regulates the press in the country. Sey told CPJ that he appealed the committees decision and in the meantime continued to report.

Contacted via messaging app, Merveilles Baelenge, reporting secretary of the UNPC disciplinary committee, told CPJ that Sey is allowed to continue reporting under the UNPC rules while his appeal is pending. Baelenge also objected to Mfutis complaint with the court. I [made] it clear to Mfutis collaborators that [while] Seys file is with our commission, it is not possible to prosecute Sey in court, Bayelenge told CPJ.

CPJs calls to Mfuti for comment rang unanswered.
There is food for thought about the short audio clip of Professor Idris Bugaje, a former lecturer in the University of Malaya, Malaysia, in the 90s. He extols the Malaysian Education policy that bars public servants from sending their children to private schools.

The policy makes it mandatory for all public servants, from the Prime Minister to Ministers down to all public servants in the country to enrol their children in public schools. " If you want to send your child to a private school, you resign from the public sector," Professor Bugaje said in the clip.

In Malaysia, a sister developing country in Asia, Professor Bugaje reiterated, "public institutions are better than private institutions, which is the same thing in Turkey where lecturers in public universities earn more than teachers in private universities."

In an article published on the website of World Economic Forum ( weforum.org ) on September 10, 2018, titled "10 reasons Finland's education system is the best in the world, the author says, the Finnish school system considers a happy, harmonious and healthy student and learning environment as the key to successful education.

A report in the Sunday Times edition of 24th September, 2019, states that Finland outlawed fee paying in schools. The country has only 80 private schools, mainly faith-based, serving about 3% of the student population. The Finnish law bars these independent schools from charging fees and also makes it mandatory to admit all pupils on the same non-selective basis as public establishments. Interestingly, the schools are state subsidized; the main reason they function effectively and efficiently. The system technically eliminates the vanity and self-conceit which is common to children of the rich in our country.

In Nigeria today, as it was in Finland years back, the school system is so concerned with increasing test scores and comprehension in math and science, relegating what makes up a happy, harmonious and healthy student and learning environment to the background. Unlike what happens in Nigeria, the Finnish system makes the school environment in Finland a more equitable place for all classes of people in the country.

The quality of education in Finland is the product of patriotism and sacrifices by the government and Finnish educators over the years. In the same vein, Nigeria made many reforms in the educational sector that have impacted on pupils and students in basic, Senior Secondary and tertiary levels.

Therefore, it is important for Nigeria to borrow a leaf from the Finnish system. Our educators and governments should therefore focus on making these basics a priority: Education should be an instrument to balance out social inequality. Importantly, all students should receive free school meals, have easy access to health care, psychological counseling and Individualized guidance. In a nutshell, beginning with the individual in a collective environment of equality is Finlands way. That should be the way Nigeria should go about it too.

Honorable Sergius Ogun, a member of the House, like most of us, might have been disillusioned by the appalling condition in the system, the reason he sponsored the bill titled, " A Bill for an Act to Regulate International Studies for Wards and Children of Nigerian Public Officers, to Strengthen Indigenous Institutions, Provide Efficient Educational Services for National Development, and Related Matters.''

Unfortunately, it was the second time within four years that the lawmakers would reject this bill. Imagine what would be the opinion of Nigerians if they had subjected the bill to a referendum. Undoubtedly, Nigerians would have supported the Honourable Sergius' bill, believe me you.

This confirms the fears that it is difficult or virtually impossible for Nigeria to adapt and implement similar popular reforms we see in Malaysia, Finland and other countries.

If our country were a better country, the families of our political elite would lead by example. Their children would get a quality education at home and graduate from our public universities. I, like many other Nigerians, believe that public officers should be subjected to the utility of the public institutions which they build and maintain. Late head of state, General Sani Abacha had led by example. Late Ibrahim, Muhammed, Zainab and Abba Abacha all graduated from university of Maiduguri, a public university in Borno State. Who among our leaders and government functionaries have their sons and daughters in public schools in Nigeria today?

Saleh Bature wrote in this piece from NDIC Quarters, Limpopo Street Maitama Abuja. He is reachable at [email protected]
A committed member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kojo Obeng Berkoh has announced his intention to contest the partys Greater Accra Region chairmanship position in the upcoming election.

Having served in various positions in the Weija Gbawe Constituency, he said he is ready to take up the top regional position to steer the largest opposition party to victory in the 2024 general elections.

The renewed hope to galvanize the grassroots and deliver thirty-four (34) constituencies and win the presidency for our party is hinged on inspiration drawn from the youthfulness of our founders, who stood against the status quo to be counted, defied and revolted the norm in their era to defeat cronyism, nepotism, and corruption and succeeded in birthing the democracy we enjoy in the fourth republic.

To this end, fellow Akatamansonians, I KOJO OBENG BERKOH represent the hope of business unusual, I stand as the pragmatic bastion of the new and dynamic era as I join to contest and win the Chairmanship position of the Greater Accra Region, part of a statement by Kojo Obeng Berkoh to declare his intention reads.

According to him, he is determined to rejuvenate and steer the leadership that ignites enthusiasm in party branches, engage and introduce projects that distinctively attract the mass of the youthful population for the upcoming elections.

Kojo Obeng Berkoh in the past worked as a branch youth organizer, a working committee chairman, and a constituency youth organizer in the Weija Gbawe Constituency.

Below is the statement of intent to contest the NDC Greater Accra Region chairmanship position:

PRESS STATEMENT

8TH October, 2022

DECLARATION OF INTENT

Restoring the soul of the party in Greater Accra is a fervent pursuit that requires dynamic and an all-inclusive leadership which stimulates progress at the grassroots, hence, I avail myself to the service of our great Umbrella party. The dedication to the ethos of our party, which is founded on the base, is the very essence for the strong conviction fueling the ambition to lead us to victory in the next election.

Uncommon and surreal are the times we are in, wrestling power from this despotic and dystopian regime requires an unorthodox albeit practical strategy. The business-as-usual method has proven legless in our efforts to achieve political feats, the status quo rendered inutile, to stem this tide, I can boldly affirm my qualities and procedures are at variance with the status quo and challenges obsolescence of ineffective mechanism.

The renewed hope to galvanize the grassroots and deliver thirty-four (34) constituencies and win the presidency for our party is hinged on inspiration drawn from the youthfulness of our founders, who stood against the status quo to be counted, defied and revolted the norm in their era to defeat cronyism, nepotism and corruption and succeeded in birthing the democracy we enjoy in the fourth republic.

Akin to the toil of our founders, I ride the crest of their wave to fundamentally rejuvenate and steer the leadership that ignites enthusiasm in our branches, engage and introduce projects that distinctively attract the mass of our youthful population.

To this end, fellow Akatamansonians, I KOJO OBENG BERKOH represent the hope of business unusual, I stand as the pragmatic bastion of the new and dynamic era as I join to contest and win the Chairmanship position of the Greater Accra Region.

Kojo Obeng Berkoh

Regional Chairman Hopeful
Alassane, a tailor in Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou, said he worked non-stop last weekend.

"All I did the whole time was sew Russian flags," he said in his workshop above the city's main market.

"There was a rush of big orders. But now work is back to normal."

The sight of Russian tricolours brandished by demonstrators in Ouagadougou last weekend was an eye-catching moment in the latest turbulence to strike the troubled Sahel state.

Pro-Russian protestors took to the streets at the climax of the country's second military coup in less than nine months.

The nation's new leader is 34-year-old Captain Ibrahim Traore.

Burkina Faso. By (AFP)

Heading a group of disgruntled junior officers, he forced out junta leader Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who had toppled the country's elected president just in January.

Both Traore and Damiba before him defended their respective takeover on the grounds that they were the right people to act against a bloody jihadist insurgency.

But some say the denouement of their standoff -- which saw both anti-French as well as pro-Russian demonstrations -- may point to a new thread.

Is Burkina Faso the latest French ally in Africa to fall under the Kremlin's influence?

Domino theory

In Central African Republic, and then in Burkina Faso's neighbour Mali, Russia has struck close ties that have translated into Russian military support and waning French clout.

Backing for the junta in Mali, for instance, has included warplanes, helicopters and operatives described by the military as trainers but by western countries as Wagner mercenaries.

On the eve of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, a hundred people staged a pro-Moscow rally in Bangui. By Carol VALADE (AFP)

As its relations with Mali soured and Russia's stock rose, France this year withdrew its last troops in an anti-jihadist force that had been deployed since 2013.

In the Sahel and elsewhere in French-speaking West Africa, France has been on the back foot in an information war.

It has been lashed on social media for its colonial past, which ended in the early 1960s, and for meddling in the post-independence era.

But observers caution against jumping to the conclusion that Burkina Faso is the next French ally in Africa to tumble into the Russian sphere.

"We'll have to see what happens in the next few months to get the complete picture," a Sahel diplomat said, and other sources, including local Burkinabe, agreed.

Historic ties

Burkina's ties with Russia "have always existed, although they have been less visible in the past," said Henri Koubizara, who headed the parliament's friendship group between the two countries between 2015 and 2020.

Like Mali, political relations and educational exchanges with Moscow date back to the former Soviet Union and the early post-colonial days.

The intensity started to fall back in the mid-1980s when the Soviet reform period of perestroika set in, and hit a wall with the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, he said.

Today, though, "Russia again feels comfortable" in Africa, appreciated by a new generation, Koubizara said.

Among young pro-Russian figures who have emerged in the past decade is Lassane Sawadogo, founder of a group called "France Must Leave."

Meeting in a cafe with an AFP reporter, he reeled off a list of complaints against Burkina Faso's former colonial master.

They include the CFA franc, created by France as a single currency to facilitate exchanges among its former colonies but attacked by campaign groups as monetary dictatorship, and the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS.

Protesters in Bamako, the capital of Mali, hold up a banner reading 'Thank you, Wagner'. By FLORENT VERGNES (AFP)

Then there are the accusations that France has interfered to secure cosy contracts for its firms and grab strategic minerals.

Koubiza said that Burkina-watchers should not obsess over Moscow.

But like those who took to the streets in Ouagadougou, he also argued that Burkina's beleaguered armed forces urgently needed Russian military support.

"When you're in a river and you are drowning, and you see a stick... you grab hold of it, no?" he said.
Former Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining Secretary Charles Bissue has revealed the brain behind the bribery exposes published by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas and his Tiger Eye P.I. group against him.

Mr. Bussue has alleged that the video was a plot by an employee he fired while in his position as the Secretary to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining, whom he identified as Francis Owusu Akyaw.

He noted that the aggrieved employee decided to pull him down.

According to him, the money he was seen taking in the expose was a donation by the Ashanti regional chairman of the ruling NPP, Bernard Antwi Bosiako, better known as Chairman Wontumi, for the party's then Western Regional Organiser, Abdul Ganiyu.

The former Western Regional Secretary to the ruling NPP further intimated in a statement that the employee in question has confessed to sponsoring the fake video, which was featured in the 2019 expose by Anas and his team.

The public has been misled to accept and believe the narrative put by Anas Aremeyaw Anas about the money I was seen taking in the video.

As I have said countless times, that money was not a bribe, and I did not make any demands whatsoever from any operative or beneficiary of illegal mining while I served on the IMCIM, he said.

It was uncovered that a former employee of the IMCIM, Francis Owusu Akyaw, whom I fired for unsatisfactory conduct sponsored the video recording of the documentary. Francis Owusu Akyaw admitted to the Police of having commissioned that recording," he stressed.

According to him, the money in question was a donation from the NPP Chairman of the Ashanti Region, Bernard Antwi Boasiako alias Chairman Wontumi, to the then NPP Western Regional Organiser, Abdul Ganiyu for a party event organised in the Western Region.

For the malice and character assassination that Anas and his sponsors had in mind, the public was denied the audio recordings and full disclosure of the purpose of that money handed to me."

Find a copy of his 4-paged statement below:

CHARLES BISSUE

Plot 3 Bronyikrom, Sekondi, Western Region

Email: [email protected]

6 October 2022

GALAMSEY FIGHT AND NDCS RENEWED ATTACK ON GOVT AND MY PERSON

My attention has been drawn to the scathing attack on my person by the National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi in his press conference that responded to President H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addos renewed assurance in the fight against illegal mining.

In that press conference aired on various media platforms on Thursday 6 October 2022, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi malign and traduce me by referencing a rather doctored and propaganda-induced documentary authored by Tiger Eye P.Is Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

Sammy Gyamfi stated the documentary provides evidence of me demanding and collecting bundles of money, bribes and abusing his office to facilitate illegal mining activity.

He continued to speak certain untruths about the works of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) where I served as a Secretary.

Ordinarily, I wouldnt have responded to this matter given the fact I have long been exonerated by the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service on this fraud allegation levelled against me.

I am glad the President in his address at Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, 5 October 2022, charged that we, as Ghanaians, and all other stakeholders, tackle this galamsey menace without any partisanship and other political favours.

I, therefore, will proceed in all candidness and truth about my work at the IMCIM and other matters including the infamous missing excavators saga which is being bandied around to defame the government of President Akufo-Addo and the NPP. As put by Sammy Gyamfi, the impression following the Anas documentary, indicated that I compromised the governments effort in fighting galamsey.

My silence on these matters had reached its peak.

I speak the truth as a Ghanaian and sworn on my reputation to avert the minds of the good people of this country to the facts of these matters so that we can finally put an end to this political game-play.

We are in a digital age, and the internet never forgets hence the need to clear every iota of untruth about these matters.

Posterity will always be the judge.

Allegations of Fraud

1. The public has been misled to accept and believe the narrative put by Anas Aremeyaw Anas about the money I was seen taking in the video.

2. As I have said countless times, that money was not a bribe, and I did not make any demands whatsoever from any operative or beneficiary of illegal mining while I served on the IMCIM.

3. The money in question was a donation from the NPP Chairman of the Ashanti Region, Bernard Antwi Boasiako alias Chairman Wontumi, to the then NPP Western Regional Organiser, Abdul Ganiyu for a party event organsied in the Western Region.

4. For the malice and character assassination that Anas and his sponsors had in mind, the public was denied the audio recordings and full disclosure of the purpose of that money handed to me.

5. It was uncovered that a former employee of the IMCIM, Francis Owusu Akyaw, whom I fired for unsatisfactory conduct sponsored the video recording of the documentary.

6. Francis Owusu Akyaw admitted to the Police of having commissioned that recording.

7. His nomination for the parliamentary candidate in the Juaben Constituency was subsequently declined as a result of this.

8. This same Francis Owusu Akyaw is a named beneficiary of a mining firm [DML, as named in the leaked will] co-owned by the late Sir John of the Forestry Commission.

9. On 18 July 2021, I petitioned the National Executive Committee of the NPP about the activities of some party people that are comprising the effort in the galamsey fight. The President and his Vice, the Chief of Staff, the General Secretary of the party, and the Chair of the National Council of Elders were all copied in this letter.

10. The CID conducted a thorough investigation into this matter by inviting all actors captured in the video including the author, Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

11. The Special Prosecutor then, Martin Amidu also advanced his investigations, where I, the person sponsored by Owusu Akyaw to take the secrete recording, Anas and his lawyer, Kissi Adjabeng [now the Special Prosecutor] were duly interrogated.

12. All evidence, as suggested by Anas and his team made no proof of me taking a bribe nor circumventing the process in the issuance of licenses and permits to miners, as in the case of ORR Resources.

13. I believe Mr. Martin Amidu concluded his investigations into the matter, and duly captured his report and findings in his handing over notes to his successor, Mr. Kissi Agyabeng.

14. It will be recalled that Mr. Amidu indicated in his report on the corruption risk assessment on the Agyapa Deal that there was an issue of identity in the corruption allegation against me.

Missing Excavators and Prof Frimpong-Boatengs Dealings

1. Until January 2019, all confiscated earth-moving equipment was in the custody of Operation Vanguard. All confiscated equipment was parked at the various premises of the District Assemblies.

2. Reports filed by Operation Vanguard indicated they confiscated 258 excavators throughout their operations at the time.

3. In addition to this, Operation Vanguard removed 211 control boards of excavators which they were unable to evacuate from the mining sites.

4. It is not true, that 500 excavators were seized during the 2-year ban, as earlier reported by the Chairman of the IMCIM, Prof Frimpong-Boateng. The misinformation on the part of the Chairman, and his reluctance to correct the misinformation smacks of a deliberate agenda to discredit persons assigned to this task.

5. As Chair of the IMCIM, Prof Frimpong-Boateng was privy to every report about the confiscated equipment, and as such wasnt expected to have committed such a blunder.

6. On the 6th of February 2020 following this blunder, I addressed a letter to Prof Frimpong-Boateng suggesting measures in dealing with the misinformation and the resulting political mess. The President, Chief of Staff, and all members (Cabinet Ministers) of the IMCIM were duly copied in this letter.

7. Prof Frimpong-Boateng must clarify matters regarding administrative decisions and directives he gave Ekow Ewusie in the handling of the excavators.

8. It is equally important that he is made to answer all other allegations in this matter, and the dealings of Symphony Mining Limited, and River Restoration Limited during the days of the IMCIM.

Involvement of MMDCEs in Galamsey

1. Sammy Gyamfi avers the then Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Hadjia Alima Mahama stated she had knowledge and evidence of MMDCEs who were complicit in the illegal mining activities.

2. It is rather unfortunate such misinformation has been allowed in our media space. I was present at the retreat for MMDCEs where the Honourable Minister is reported to have made that statement.

3. In nowhere did she suggest there was evidence to reports [speculations/rumours] of the involvement of MMDCEs in illegal mining.

4. The Minister briefed on the happenings on the ground, cautioned the MMDCEs not to act in a manner that will thwart the effort of the government, and did add that any person complicit in this illegal business shall be uncovered soon and made to face the full rigours of the law.

The Successes of the IMCIM

The IMCIM which was commissioned by the President in 2017, is one of the most responsive and innovative measures ever taken to address the menace of illegal mining in Ghana. The IMCIM was composed of 10 cabinet Ministers; with representation from the Lands and Natural Resources, Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Water and Sanitation, Local Government and Rural Development, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Regional Re-organisation and Development, Monitoring and Evaluation, Interior, Defense, and Information.

1. The committee offered practical solutions for regularising and sanitising Ghanas small-scale mining industry.

2. The roadmap which was produced and commissioned by the President offered curative measures to restore water resources and degraded lands, deepening transparency in the mining licensing regime and permits.

3. It developed the blueprints for the Community Mining Programme, and the Alternative Livelihood Programme.

4. Instituted an enhanced surveillance mechanism via the Galamstop to provide real-time data on compliance of mining firms or groups across the country.

5. As part of the IMCIMs surveillance strategy, a total of 655 earth-moving equipment were tracked.

The government knowing all these cannot allow the NDC to continue to mislead and court negative emotions of the people against it, in this galamsey fight. The NPP government under President Akufo Addo has demonstrated commitment to dealing with the crisis, however, there have been some shortcomings resulting from the negligence and self-centeredness of persons entrusted with the duty of sustaining the effort in eradicating illegal mining.

Its about time we revisit the recommendations of the IMCIM, and operationalize all infrastructure that has been left dormant.

We can win this fight!

Charles Cromwell Nanabanyin Onuawonto Bissue

Former Secretary-IMCIM
Former Secretary to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining, Charles Bissue, has once again proving his innocence in the Anass expose done in 2019, in which he was captured receiving a bribe (envelope) from a supposed illegal miner.

At a press conference, the National Communications Director of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi, mentioned Charles Bissue as a galamsey kingpin who needs to be dealt with after being captured on tape in an investigative report by Anas Aremeyaw Anas and his Tiger Eye P.I. team published in February 2019.

But according to the former Western Regional Secretary for the ruling NPP, the expose has been proven to be false by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

He indicated in a statement that his former employee, Francis Owusu Akyaw confessed to sponsoring the expose in 2019.

The CID conducted a thorough investigation into this matter by inviting all actors captured in the video including the author, Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

It was uncovered that a former employee of the IMCIM, Francis Owusu Akyaw, whom I fired for unsatisfactory conduct sponsored the video recording of the documentary. Francis Owusu Akyaw admitted to the Police of having commissioned that recording, portion of his statement stated.

He continued the Special Prosecutor then, Martin Amidu also advanced his investigations, where I, the person sponsored by Owusu Akyaw to take the secrete recording, Anas and his lawyer, Kissi Adjabeng [now the Special Prosecutor] were duly interrogated.

All evidence, as suggested by Anas and his team made no proof of me taking a bribe nor circumventing the process in the issuance of licenses and permits to miners, as in the case of ORR Resources.

According to Mr. Bissue, the money he was seen taking in the expose was a donation by the Ashanti regional chairman of the ruling NPP, Bernard Antwi Bosiako, better known as Chairman Wontumi for the party's then Western Regional Organiser, Abdul Ganiyu

Meanwhile, the Tiger Eye P. I in a statement sighted on its Facebook wall on Friday, October 7, reacted by stating that the statement by Mr. Bissue is baseless and an attempt to cover his excesses by all means.

Tiger Eye P. I has taken note of a series of lies and calumnies put out by the embattled secretary to the then Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), Mr Charles Bissue, in his desperate attempt to defend his misconduct as captured in the documentary dubbed 'Galamsey Fraud Part 1' that was published in February 2019. The latest of his lies which have animated responses from Tiger Eye are contained in his press release dated 6 October 2022, a portion reads.

According to the statement, Tiger Eye's position, conduct and approach to all investigations are based on truth, facts and audio-visual evidence.

Tiger Eye affirms and maintains its investigations and conclusions in the Galamsey Fraud documentary about Mr. Charles Bissue and other staff at the dissolved IMCIM. Any claims or allegations to the contrary are false and without merit. Mr. Charles Bissue engaged in bribery and corruption and Tiger Eye uncovered this in the form of audio-visual evidence when undercover journalists posed as owners of an abandoned mining company.
Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has vowed to clamp down on entities that fail to comply with tax obligations.

This comes after six companies were shut down on Friday for tax evasion offences as part of efforts by the GRA to boost revenue mobilization.

Speaking to the media after the closure of the facilities, the Enforcement Manager of GRA, Joseph Annan urged firms evading taxes to desist from the act else they will face the consequences.

We will always be on the field. We will knock on doors but if you run today, you may not run forever because we will surely knock on your door. Companies must do the right thing by paying all their taxes, he advised.

The Domestic Tax Revenue Division of the GRA, shut down operations of the U nderB ridge event Cent r e located in East Legon for failing to register for Value Added Tax (VAT).

This action was part of moves by the authority to check entities failing to honour their tax obligations , leading t o loss of revenue to the state.

Five other firms including four cold stores at Tema and a beverage distribution company; Josh Nartey ventures were also closed.

The GRA says the offences of these companies include the non-registration of Value Added Tax (VAT) and the non-issuance of invoices.

We got intel that they were not registered. We also did our own background checks and confirmed it.

We have locked up the place. They must do the needful by registering, and then we look at the sanctions for non-registration, after which we will open up the place, Mr. Annan said.

He added that, the action by the firms contributes to revenue loss to the state.

citinewsroom
08.10.2022 LISTEN

Head of Legal Affairs of the opposition NDC, Abraham Amaliba has described President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addos meeting with the National House of Chiefs as a useless one.

According to him, the meeting showed that the President is a pretender.

In his view, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo must issue an apology to Ghanaians for failing in his fight against galamsey.

The President is a pretender, he created the impression as if this is the first time he is hearing about these galamsey matters.

The meeting at Manhyia was a useless closed-door meeting with the chiefs. The president has failed in one of his duties, he should apologize to the people that he intended well but he has been overwhelmed, Abraham Amaliba who is a member of the opposition NDC told TV3 in an interview on Saturday.

Last Wednesday, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo held a meeting with the National House of Chiefs on the galamsey menace in the country.

During his meeting, he appealed to the Chiefs to help him fight galamsey, insisting that they have a role to play as custodians of 80% of the lands in the country.

80 per cent of the lands in this country continue to be under your custody, much of it having been acquired through the blood and sacrifices of your ancestors. The remainder of 20 per cent which I hold in trust of the people of Ghana, derived from state acquisition from you. What this means is that ultimately, the welfare of the state of the lands is our joint responsibility, although by statute the minerals in the soil belong to the president in trust for the people, President Akufo-Addo said during his engagements with the chiefs.

Another meeting was held with the MMDCEs where the President warned that anyone found to be complicit in illegal mining activities will be dealt with according to the law with no mercy.
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (PANA) - The United Nations has expressed serious concern about the military's decision to suspend the activities of political parties after a second coup in Burkina Faso in the space of eight months
Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has clarified the number of E-blocks (Community Day high school projects) it has completed as of December 2016.

It follows what the Fund says is political media debate on the projects particularly being fueled by the National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi.

GETFund in responding to the issue said that by the end of the year 2016, 22 of the E-Blocks being funded by GETFund were completed.

It further explained that, Government awarded 101 contracts on E-Blocks between 2014 and 2016 on the accounts of GETFund aside from 23 other projects from the World Bank, out of which seven were completed in the same period.

By the end of 2020, 30 more E-blocks were completed 14 being GETFund funded with that of the remaining 16 being completed by the World Bank.

GETFund also reiterated the termination of 27 E-blocks in 2018.

Outstanding 38 E-blocks are at various stages of completion, a statement from GETFund further added.

Citi Newsroom
The Dean of the Institute of Local Government Studies, Dr. Fredrick Agyarko Oduro has proposed to government to consider banning mining for 100 years.

He argues that the ban is necessary because all other solutions put in place to fight illegal mining, otherwise known as galamsey have failed to produce the expected result.

The first step is lets put a ban on mining, if it will take 100 years that is fine because none of the solutions has worked, Dr. Fredrick Agyarko Oduro told TV3 in an interview on the Key Points programme.

He further asked, even the so-called legal mining what have we achieved from it?

Illegal mining in recent weeks has become topical after media reportage shed light on the continuous destruction it is causing to the countrys lands, forest reserves, and water bodies.

Last Wednesday, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo called a crunch meeting with the National House of Chiefs where he bemoaned the galamsey menace in the country.

At the meeting in Manhyia, he called on the chiefs to collaborate and help him win the fight against illegal mining.

80 per cent of the lands in this country continue to be under your custody, much of it having been acquired through the blood and sacrifices of your ancestors. The reminder of 20 per cent which I hold in trust of the people of Ghana, derived from state acquisition from you. What this means is that ultimately, the welfare of the state of the lands is our joint responsibility, although by statute the minerals in the soil belong to the president in trust for the people.

It is obvious that, if we are to win the fight, you and I have to take the lead to collaborate closely to do so. That is why I am here today, President Akufo-Addo explained at the meeting.
Haulier Aziz falters as he describes how jihadists attacked a convoy of lorries laden with food for a starving town in northern Burkina Faso on September 26, events which contributed to the country's latest coup.

Aziz was driving his lorry carrying rice and grain near the back of the 207-vehicle convoy under military escort when gunfire broke out near Gaskinde.

The ambush, claimed by Al-Qaeda, officially killed 37 people, including 27 soldiers.

But 70 truck drivers remain missing, according to their union.

The disaster has become a symbol of the state's inability to secure remote countryside areas and protect local people, 10 years into a bloody jihadist insurgency in the Sahel region.

Five days later, Burkina was rocked its second coup in less than nine months -- the fifth in two years in the landlocked West African region.

Local people speaking to AFP described carelessness by the army charged with protecting them and their own daily challenge of survival.

Aziz turned his lorry around to find shelter in the first village he could reach. By OLYMPIA DE MAISMONT (AFP)

The convoy had left Ouagadougou for Djibo, one of the main cities in northern Burkina, which has been subject to an 18-month blockade by jihadists.

Islamists have frequently used such methods to assert control over rural populations.

Burkinabe soldiers, sometimes assisted by French special forces, have sought to break the blockade of Djibo and stave off the famine that threatens it.

The army has been providing security for the long supply convoys, which on September 26 included dozens of extra traders and other civilians, according to Aziz.

"Our work is to help the people of Djibo -- if I don't go, if my (colleagues) don't go, who will go to Djibo? Nobody," said Aziz who requested his real name be withheld for security reasons.

"(People in Djibo) are suffering, that's what gets me down. So we will go to Djibo all the same."

Shots rang out

An army officer present in the convoy said that as the long line of trucks got moving, a handful of shots rang out and a landmine was discovered, which was then bypassed.

But the snaking line of vehicles was then ambushed by raiders on motorbikes, backed by machine guns fixed to pick-up trucks.

Aziz turned his lorry around to find shelter in the first village he could reach. By OLYMPIA DE MAISMONT (AFP)

"I have never seen an attack on this scale," the officer said.

"It lasted several hours. We tried to get the civilians out but we were overwhelmed, without air support.

"They had vastly superior firepower."

Rabo Brahima, president of the Union of Truck Drivers of Burkina, described the onslaught as a "rout."

"It was every man for himself," he said.

A drone strike "prevented more people from dying", said the soldier, though there has been no official confirmation that an unmanned air vehicle was used.

Aziz turned his lorry around to find shelter in the first village he could reach.

Another driver, at the front of the convoy, was not so lucky.

He told AFP that he spent more than four hours in the bush, saw men shot dead, and had to walk 27 kilometres (17 miles) to a nearby town.

His vehicle was torched by the attackers, along with more than 100 others in the convoy.

Videos taken by drivers and other civilian survivors show a long column of fire along the highway.

Only 70 of the 207 trucks could be saved, according to Rabo.

'Slaughterhouse'

News of the catastrophe quickly reached the capital Ouagadougou, where a first toll suggested 11 people had died with 50 missing, before rising swiftly.

Questions about the handling of the incident swirled, with media demanding to know why a military support helicopter was reportedly turned away, fuelling a debate about perceived military failings.

Djibo has since been supplied by the army using helicopters. By OLYMPIA DE MAISMONT (AFP)

Security consultant Mahamoudou Savadogo and a military source said that a number of soldiers had objected to the convoy setting off in the first place.

The attack was "the straw that broke the camel's back," Savadogo said.

Following his January coup, Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba had promised to gain the upper hand over the jihadists.

Sending the convoy on the "highway of death" to Djibo was like "sending men to the slaughterhouse," Savadogo said.

The country's new leader Captain Ibrahim Traore said his coup on September 30, the second putsch in less than nine months, was partly because of worsening security.

Djibo has since been supplied by the army using helicopters, with 70 tonnes of food flown in to ease shortages.

A ceremony for soldiers killed in Gaskinde was announced in Ouagadougou for Saturday.

"We civilians, will we get help and recognition from the state?" one trucker asked bitterly.
Finance and Tax expert, Mr. Eric Oduro has charged traditional leaders and chiefs to expose any politician or individuals engaging in illegal mining in the country.

The call comes days after President Akufo-Addo met with the National House of Chiefs and other stakeholders at Manhyia in the Ashanti region to discuss ways of ending the menace.

Illegal mining popularly referred to as galamsey has over the years destroyed land and water bodies in Ghana, which has adversely affected living standards of people in such areas.

Speaking on Delivering On Our Promises political show on Homebase TV, Mr. Eric Oduro told Ohene Amoako (The Flagbearer) that the decision by the President to meet the traditional leaders was a step in the right direction as government cannot fight the canker without their support.

He emphasised that Ghana has lost a lot of revenue due to the activities of illegal miners as they do not pay any tax to the government.

He was, however, of the view that the meeting would go a long way for government, traditional leaders as well as other relevant stakeholders to devise strategies that can help spearhead the fight against illegal mining.

"We must sit down and reflect on the benefits of mining to the country for the past 100 years and I think that would inform us the need to support the President and government as well to end the menace," he added.

On the IMF bailout negotiations about to conclude, Mr. Eric Oduro also backed claims that covid-19 outbreak and the Russia-Ukraine war have accounted for the current global economic crises which Ghana is no exception.

He, therefore, cautioned Ghanaian businesses to desist from unrealistic and politically motivated price hikes of goods and services as that also account for the high cost of living in Ghana.

He commended the Bank of Ghana for the many policies laid down to put the economy on track despite the global economic challenges.

He said, " It is time to talk to our market women and businesses so as not to increase prices anyhow, because that also affect the economic standing of our country".
Tensions between Greece and Turkey are spreading across the Mediterranean from Libya to the divided island of Cyprus. The risk of a confrontation is threatening to draw in fellow Nato allies.

The Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu this week announced in Tripoli the signing of a memorandum with Libya's government of national unity for the joint exploration of hydrocarbon reserves in Libya's offshore waters and national territory

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias swiftly challenged the agreement's legitimacy, claiming it infringed on Greek waters.

Turkey's deepening economic and military ties with the Libyan government is the latest point of tension between Athens and Ankara.

Moreover, relations between the Nato partners are becoming increasingly fraught, mainly because of territorial disputes.

These conflicts are now putting ties between the United States and Turkey under pressure.

"The ones standing with the Greeks just for the sake of pleasing the Greeks should not expect friendship from us," warned Cavusoglu.

"Because Turkey will not bow down to such acts. Turkey will take necessary steps in Cyprus."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had earlier announced that Turkey would increase its military presence in Cyprus after Washington lifted its military arms embargo on the Greek Cypriot administration.

On Friday, Erdogan declared that military drones had been deployed on Cyprus.

The Mediterranean Island has been divided between Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities since 1974.

The Greek Cypriot administration is the only internationally recognised government.

Washington's action comes as State Department spokesman Ned Price appeared to offer support to Athens amid rising tensions with Ankara over Greek islands in the Aegean Sea.

Don't inflame tensions in the islands

"Greece's sovereignty over these islands is not in question. But we call on countries, including our allies, to respect territorial integrity and sovereignty and avoid actions that inflame tensions," said Price.

Ankara has condemned Greece's militarisation of some of its islands close to Turkish shores, which Turkey claims violate an international agreement. Athens insists it is protecting its territory from Turkish threats.

Political scientist Cengiz Aktar of the University of Athens says the Greek government is calculating that it has Washington's support and is in no mood to back down from what it considers Turkish bullying.

"There is a common wisdom in Greece, don't belittle small countries. We have a live example of Ukraine and Russia.

"I mean, yes, the Greeks are ready," said political scientist Cengiz Aktar of the University of Athens.

Athens insists its militarisation of the islands is in response to the threat posed by Turkey, whose military forces, in many cases, are less than a kilometer distant from Greek islands.

Athanasios Drougos, a defense analyst at Greece's War College, warns that Ankara's hardening stance will lead to a stronger response from Athens.

The Greek right of self defence

"The Greek position is based on the right of self defence.

"I would say there are some provocative military exercises, some drills, they bother Greece quite a lot.

"So, for the time being, I can tell you there is no option for Greece to demilitarise the islands,"

Greek and Turkish warplanes routinely challenge one another in disputed airspace over the Aegean Sea.

Both are continuing to build up their military presence. On Thursday, Erdogan reiterated his threat to the Greek militarised islands.

"This applies to Greece and any country that disturbs us and attacks us. Our response to them is: 'We may suddenly arrive one night.' They should be aware of this and understand this," said Erdogan.

Turkish-Greek tensions are nothing new. The two edged to the brink of war in 1996 over an uninhabited islet.

US intervention prevented open hostilities. But with Turkey saying Greece is using US-supplied weapons to militarise its islands, observers say Washington's status as an honest broker is in question.

Turkish-US relations are already strained over Erodgan's ties with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and doubts over Turkey's loyalty to Nato.

On Friday, the two leaders held talks by phone to discuss deepening ties.

Region moving closer to war

Asli Aydintasbas, a visiting fellow of the Brookings Institution, a Washington research group, says she is worried the region is moving closer to war.

"We are used to occasional flare-ups in this relationship, but I think right now, the global environment is very uncertain, chaotic, and almost conducive to a military confrontation between Turkey and Greece," said Aydintasbas.

"The dynamics have changed," she added.

"Turkey no longer feels a strong and firm member of the western camp or NATO alliance. It is still NATO, but obviously also interested in having alternatives. And Turkey is also a whole lot more self-confident than it used to be. Meanwhile, Greece feels that there's been a big change in Greece as well," said Aydintasbas.

For now, neither Athens nor Ankara appears ready to step back. Cavusoglu said last month that Turkey was prepared to resolve tensions diplomatically but warned the country wouldn't hesitate to use hard power if diplomacy failed and Turkish interests were threatened.
08.10.2022 LISTEN

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has impounded bottles of bynillin nicotine, cartons of Postinor-2; an oral contraceptive for women, cosmetics, medical devices, Chinese herbal medicines, and some aphrodisiacs worth GHS 10 million.

The 2,600 bottles of bynillin nicotine and 100 cartons of postinor 2, including substandard medications and items will be destroyed at the Adepa Landfill site, Nsawam.

Mr Vigil Edward Prah-Eshun, Head of Intelligence, FDA, said the medicines, imported from China were seized because they had not been registered by the Authority.

The seized postinor 2 came in separate consignments, the packaging material was separated from the packaging itself, an indication that the person was determined to manufacture the products here in Ghana, he said.

Mr Prah-Eshun said the FDA would continue to send officers to the markets on daily basis to monitor activities to ensure that products sold to consumers were safe.

By this seizure, we want to make it known to the public that we are interested in protecting public health and still working and not sleeping on the job, we thank the public who alert us on some these issues, he said.

The Head of Intelligence said some of the drugs were seized at Okaishie and that the Authority had commenced the prosecution of about 10 people in court.

He said some had been given administrative fines depending on the gravity of the offence following the seizure of the medicines.

Mr Prah- Eshun urged to the public to check the expiry dates of products and their authenticity before purchase.

Source: GNA
Survivors of a massacre during Liberia's civil war have sued the government in Monrovia for its failure to address wartime atrocities. The administration of President George Weah is under pressure to implement a report setting guidelines on bringing wartime criminals to justice.

Survivors of the St Peter's Lutheran Church massacre in 1990 are seeking compensation for the loss of family members and the government's subsequent failure to investigate the killings.

Some 600 people were killed.

The victims' families are seeking nearly two million euros, as well as the provision of just and adequate compensation to all other victims of the massacre and their families.

The Center for Justice and Accountability (CJA), along with its partners, the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, filed the suit against the Weah administration in the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

This will be the first time that a court will examine Liberia's failure to investigate human rights and humanitarian violations during two civil wars that ravaged the country between 1989 and 2003.

According to the writ seen by RFI, plaintiffs in the suit include three siblings who lost 16 family members, as well as the Global Justice & Research Project (GJRP).

St Peter's Lutheran Church was operating as a Red Cross shelter in 1990, housing close to 2,000 civilians seeking refuge from rising violence when the military carried out the massacres.

In the submission to the ECOWAS Court, one plaintiff describes the chaos in the church and the horror he experienced as government soldiers killed his mother and brother in front of him.

Because there's been no justice, I sometimes feel that a dog on the streets of Monrovia has greater value than my mother and other victims of the Lutheran Church Massacre, he stated in the writ before the court.

Ringleader found guilty

In September 2021, a United States court found that soldiers from the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) under the command of Colonel Moses Thomas stormed the church on 29 July 1990, and shot and hacked to death approximately 600 unarmed civilians.

The US court found that the attack amounted to war crimes, torture, and crimes against humanity, and awarded the four survivors 85 million euros in damages.

Despite the US court's findings, Moses Thomas lives freely in Liberia because the government has taken no steps to ensure justice for him or any other known and alleged perpetrators of civil war-era atrocities, and none of the victims have received a cent of reparations, said Ela Matthews, senior staff attorney at CJA.

Twelve years ago, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission directed Liberia to establish an extraordinary criminal tribunal to investigate and prosecute violations, but Liberia has taken no action to bring perpetrators to account or provide justice for survivors and victims.

It's high time that Liberia finally conducts effective investigations and prosecutes civil wars era human rights violations and atrocities, Oludayo Fagbemi, senior legal officer at IHRDA, told RFI.

US supports accountability

Liberia's refusal to investigate wartime atrocities nor implement its Truth and Reconciliation Commission's report, prompted a visit last week from Beth Van Schaack, the US Ambassador-at-Large for global criminal justice.

Part of the reason I am here is to better understand what's happening with the implementation of these recommendations, she added.

Van Schaack said she was shocked that the US and other European courts are seeking justice for Liberian victims but Liberian authorities are refusing to support the process.
Hold governments accountable for their human rights obligations, Mr. Joseph Whittal, President of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa (NNHRI-WA) has charged national human rights institutions across Africa with particular emphasis on those in West Africa.

Mr. Whittal emphasized that African Governments ought to be conscious of human rights and adopt transparency in the appointment of Commissioners to guarantee the designation of people with integrity, skill, qualification, and competence to head the NHRIs.

He added that this requires the existence of a substantive level of political will by politicians in power to promote and protect human rights by guaranteeing NHRIs a secure and conducive operating environment.

Mr. Whittal made the statement addressing a three-member high-level delegation from the National Human Rights Commission of Mali (Commission National des Driots de lHomme) (CNDH) who had come to visit CHRAJ on an experience-sharing expedition which was monitored by the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult).

Mr. Whittal, who is also the Commissioner, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), has also entreated the National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) to comply with the United Nations Paris Principles in the implementation and protection of the rights and freedoms of all persons.

The CHRAJ Commissioner said that functioning per international standards such as the Paris Principles would ensure the independence, competence, credibility, and accountability of NHRIs, and empower them to be effective in their work.

Mr. Whittal recalled that in 2016, NANHRI-WA and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) commissioned a study, titled Study on the state of National Human Rights Institutions in Africa.

He said the study undertook a comparative analysis of African NHRIs and whether their legal frameworks met the effectiveness criteria of the Paris Principles.

He said the study analyzed the independence, competencies, responsibilities, funding, and financial autonomy of NHRIs, and also discovered some limitations in their legal framework, as well as their operational, financial, and appointment autonomy.

He observed that restrictive mandates imposed by enabling legislation, including poorly written legislation, inadequate protection within the enabling legislation with regard to the security of tenure, and ambiguous laws on the powers and functions of these institutions were pointed out as major threats to the legal autonomy of NHRIs.

The CHRAJ Commissioner disclosed that the report revealed the inadequate ability of some NHRIs to execute their mandates without external interferences, controls, influence or obstruction from any branch of the government, private bodies, and other powerful individuals.

He noted that withholding of finances by the State to exert controls and inconsistencies in the appointment or removal of Commissioners along with harassment, arbitrary arrests, and murder of human rights defenders, threatened the independence and effectiveness of NHRIs.

He, therefore, urged the delegation from CNDH to resolve to resist interference in their operations and to continuously work at implementing the Paris Principles, coupled with adhering to the recommendations of GANHRIs Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) which are aimed at strengthening NHRIs.

The President of the Mali CNDH and head of the delegation, Mr. Aguibou Bouare, also stated that the visit to CHRAJ was critical in the light of the new challenges facing Mali under its Military Regime to draw inspiration from the experience of the Commission which has maintained its A status since1996.

He said CHRAJ is a relevant institution beyond Ghana which inspires a lot of African NHRIs, and so was excited to learn and benefit from its rich experiences to enable them maintain and consolidate their A status.

Mr. Bouare assured CHRAJ that they would spare no effort in discharging their duty to promote a human rights culture, and also adopt the knowledge gained from CHRAJ, as well as implement the SCAs recommendations in Mali.

The Paris Principles are a set of standards that frame and guide the work of NHRIs which were drafted at an international NHRIs workshop in Paris in 1991, and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in its Resolution 48/134 of 1993.

The criteria of these Paris Principles require NHRIs to be independent in law, membership, operations, policy and control of resources.

They also require that NHRIs have broad mandates, pluralism in membership, broad functions, adequate powers, adequate resources, cooperative methods, and engagement with international bodies to be credible and independent.
Ms. Kathleen Addy, NCCE Chairperson explained that the commission has initiated a quiz competition to promote and sustain democracy and inculcate in the Ghanaian citizenry, the awareness of their rights and obligations, through civic education.

She said as part of its broad objectives the commission has targeted the youth to implant a sense of civic duty for national growth and development in them, create and sustain within the society the awareness of the principles and objectives of the 1992 Constitution as the fundamental law of the people of Ghana.

Ms Addy noted that the youth forms the foundation of every nation, therefore the pursuit of the NCCE to educate and encourage the youth and the public to defend the Constitution at all times, against all forms of abuse and violation.

The NCCE Chairperson stated during the 2022 NCCE Quiz competition dubbed, SMART Governors Challenge organized by the NCCE Ga Central Municipal Directorate for Public and Private schools in the Ga Central municipality to help students appreciate the relevance of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which was monitored by the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult).

She explained that the competition forms part of the NCCE Civic programme to promote active citizenship among students and enable them to participate in Ghana's sustaining democracy hence, build their civic consciousness.

" It's important for citizenry to take interest in not only studying the provision of the 1992 Constitution, but understanding their rights, and objectivity to build the country," she stated.

Whiles commending the GA Central Municipal Assembly and the Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom for their immense support, she called on other business entities to support the NCCE programme to enable them work effectively to build the youth and the public to be active and good citizens for the benefit of the country.

Ms. Mary Dagbah, NCCE Ga Central Municipal Director said the winning schools would have the opportunity to contest at the Zonal Level and hope they advance to the Regional and return with the crown to make Ga Central proud.

She encouraged the Patrons of Civic Education Clubs who prepared their children to continue the good work adding that 'We are all Winners as far as Ga Central Municipal is concerned".

Mr. Mohammed Bashiru Kamara, Municipal Chief Executive, Ga Central Municipal Assembly who also graced the occasion urged the participating schools to take the NCCE activities seriously.

He pledged his commitment and support to any developmental activity in the Municipality.
08.10.2022 LISTEN

It is a stinker in terms of policy, and unconvincing in effect, but the wholesale, indiscriminate retention of telecommunications data continues to excite legislators and law enforcement. In the European Union, countries continue to debate and pursue such measures, despite legal challenges.

The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), passed in 2016, limits the ways personal data is collected in terms of legitimate purposes. The European Court of Justice has also made it clear that the mass retention of phone and location data violates the EUs Charter of Fundamental Human Rights.

Despite this, EU member states continue to subvert, by varying degrees, such protections. Fixated by notions of protecting society from the unsavoury and the criminal, lawmakers continue to flirt and court the mass surveillance properties inherent in such regulations.

A neatly grim example of this arose in July, when the Belgian parliament passed laws mandating the retention of user data by telecommunications and internet providers. This was a second run by the parliament, given the invalidation in April 2021 by the Belgian Constitutional Court of the previous data retention law. That particular statute permitted the storage of every Belgians telecom, location and internet metadata for up to 12 months. Those behind the new law, such as the Minister of Justice Vincent Van Quickenborne, claim it to be a targeted measure that preserves privacy; in truth it permits general data surveillance.

In Germany, the debate has been particularly strident. In 2010, the Constitutional Court annulled the first data retention law. Five years later, data retention was re-introduced, though not implemented given court rulings.

Despite arguments favouring its implementation, the investigation and prosecution of crime could still take place with high degrees of success without any such regime in place. In January this year, the statistics on crime clearance rates published by the German government revealed than a mere 3% of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) investigations between 2017 and 2021 could not be pursued for want of records of IP addresses.

The current coalition agreement, while supporting the retention of communications data, specifies that it be done on an ad-hoc basis and only via judicial order. But the Social Democratic Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser, is a steadfast devotee of such retention, a fan of indiscriminate surveillance.

Faeser and her surveillance fan club got an answer last month with the ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) that Germanys general data retention law breached EU law. The case was triggered by action taken by Deutsche Telekom unit Telekom Deutschland and the internet service provider SpaceNet AG. The CJEUs opinion was duly sought by the German court. The judges duly found that EU law precludes the general and indiscriminate retention of traffic and location data, except in the case of a serious threat to national security.

The court took issue with the laws broad set of traffic and location data retention requirements to be kept over periods of 10 weeks and four weeks respectively. This could lead to very precise conclusions to be drawn concerning the private lives of persons whose data are retained, such as habits of everyday life, permanent or temporary places of residence, daily or other movements, the activities carried out, the social relationships of those persons and the social environments frequented by them and, in particular, enable a profile of those persons to be established.

The CJEU did not do away with the idea of bulk data retention, merely noting a growing list of exceptions that states are bound to exploit. In the German case, specific contexts might involve a grave threat to national security. There would also have to be court oversight, discrimination in terms of targeting, and a specific period of time.

In another joined case, the CJEU found that financial market regulators cannot use EU laws to target insider dealing and market manipulation by forcing telecom providers to supply the personal data of suspect traders to the authorities. The French law in question, justified on the basis of fighting crime, permitted the retention of such traffic data for up to one year from the day of its recording.

National legislation requiring telecommunications operators to retain generally and indiscriminately the traffic data of all users of means of electronic communication, with no differentiation in that regard or with no provision made for exceptions and without establishing the link required [] between the data to be retained and the objective pursued fell outside what was strictly necessary and cannot be considered to be justified, in a democratic society.

While European judicial bodies with teeth rein in the way data retention is used, when and if it should even be permitted, countries such as Australia continue to show faith in the very idea. Last months hack of the countrys second largest telecoms company, Optus, was a reminder that unnecessary data retention measures are an incitement for unlawful access.

In 2015, when the Data Retention Bill was introduced, advocates and those in the telecommunications industry had reason to be worried. In testimony to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, Telstra Director of Government Relations, James Shaw, noted that the telcos practice over peak times such as New Years Eve was to only retain some data for a few hours before being overwritten. This was markedly shorter than the Bills proposed two-year retention period.

Telstras Chief Information Security Officer Michael Burgess also issued a warning that such legislative requirements would embolden hackers. We would have to put extra measures in place  to make sure that data was safe from those that should not have access to it.

Electronic Frontiers Australia Executive Office Jon Lawrence was even more trenchant in explaining to the Joint Committee that such data retention requirements were an unnecessary and disproportionate invasion of privacy and would literally be a honeypot to organised crime, to any sort of person who can potentially access it.

Despite such warnings, the Joint Committee approved the bill, subject to a number of vague and ineffectual recommendations about security and appropriate data use. This has left those in Australia vulnerable to data loss and unprotected by the woefully inadequate Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). But even the European example shows us that the forces of law and order remain attritive in their efforts to undermine rights and liberties via requirements for data storage. Even in the face of judicial rulings and precedents, the attempt to maintain mass surveillance through data retention regimes remains a burning, threatening issue.

Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He currently lectures at RMIT University. Email: [email protected]
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The WHO and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have called for concrete actions to address mental health concerns in the working population
Private Legal Practitioner, Martin Kpebu is urging the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare to go after Akonta Mining and halt its activities.

The Mining company reportedly owned by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Chairman Wontumi was recently ordered to stop mining in a reserved forest

The Minerals Commission last Tuesday affirmed that Akonta Mining Limited has neither a mining lease nor mineral right and permit to undertake any mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

A report by Joy News has revealed that Akonta Mining nicodemusly sneaked backed into the Forest.

We have scouts that are sending us regular updates and Akonta Mining is still there. They broke the barriers and entered the forests three days ago, Joy News reporter Erastus Asare Donkor disclosed on the News File programme on Saturday.

Speaking on the same platform, Lawyer Martin Kpebu urged the IGP to take action and move in to stop Akonta Mining.

He said although there is no problem with mining, illegal mining must be dealt with as a matter of urgency.

IGP should move in and haul Akonta Mining in. This is so shameful. We can't just throw our laws to the dogs.

We want sustainable mining but right now, we must first take control, Lawyer Martin Kpebu stressed.

Just last Wednesday, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo held a crunch meeting with the National House of Chiefs and the MMDCEs to discuss the galamsey menace.

After calling on the Chiefs to help him fight galamsey, President Akufo-Addo warned that no MMDCE will be spared if found guilty of illegal mining.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has been honoured by Liberty University, Virginia in USA with a Global Leadership and Economic Impact Award.

The award, presented after his keynote presentation at the Official Opening Dinner of the 2nd 500 CEO Summit, is to celebrate President Mahama for governing wisely, advocating and achieving a consistent track record on economic development, women's participation in education, and enhancing economic growth.

Dean of the Liberty University School of Business Dr. Dave Brat says, President Mahama was chosen for this award because he demonstrates all of the successful traits of Christian leadership under the greatest pressure and responsibility of governing and being the Chief Executive for a Nation, Ghana.

Amidst applause from the audience of global CEOs attending the Networking the Nations CEO Summit, Dr Brat said, President Mahama exhibited warmth and joy that resonated with everyone at the summit.

Under Mahama's presidential oversight, the School of Business Dean noted, Ghana saw massive infrastructure development drive in all sectors of its economy, including education, health, ports and harbors, rail, oil, and gas.

Liberty University, the world's largest Christian university is hosting over 600 chief executives, political leaders, athletes, and faith leaders at the 2nd 500 CEO Summit.

President Mahama and the Lt. Governor of Virginia on Wednesday addressed a Convocation of the student body.

The former President also took part in an Africa Orientation panel and interacted with students from Africa.

On Thursday, President Mahama participated in a Doing Business with Africa panel together with the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo HE Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge, Finance Minister of the DRC Nicolas Kazadi Kadima Nzuji, US Congressman, The Build Act Ted Yoho, and USAID's former Acting COO Max Primoric.
A 30-year-old truck driver who was arrested with a Bruni-Mud 84 foreign pistol has been granted a GHC50,000.00 bail by an Accra Circuit Court for possessing the gun without authority.

The Court presided over by Ms Adelaide Abui Keddy, ordered that two persons stand as sureties for him.

Patrick Laweh Odonkor pleaded guilty with an explanation to possession of a firearm and ammunition without authority but his plea was changed to not guilty after his explanation.

The accused person explained that the gun was not for him and that he was sending it to its owner in Kumasi when he was arrested.

Odonkor was asked to come back to the Court on October 24, 2022, whilst the prosecution was told to file disclosures within 14 days.

Police Chief Inspector Maxwell Ayim giving the facts, said Chief Inspector Alfred Tofa, the complainant was a member of the Highway Patrol Unit of the Ghana Police Headquarters, Accra.

He said on September 16, 2022, at about 0200 hours, the complainant was in charge of a team of men performing duty on the Accra-Anyinam Highway when a commercial Toyota Hiace bus with the registration number GS 7793-21 arrived with passengers on board.

The Court heard that the complainant and his team in conducting a search on the occupants of the bus by way of preventing crime, found the accused person holding a black polythene bag containing one Bruni-Mud 84 foreign pistol.

Chief Inspector Ayim said during interrogation, the accused person told the Police that, the pistol was for his friend, one name Ebenezer Kwame Oteng, who allegedly left it in his room and had asked him (the accused) to bring it to him in Kumasi.

The prosecution said the accused led the Police to Kumasi but the said Oteng was not found.

GNA
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October 08, 2022 Ukraine SitRep - Recent Incidents Of Concern For All Sides Updated w/r to Starlink below (Oct 9 4:00 utc): Yesterday saw two significant developments or incidents with regard to the conflict in Ukraine. The Kerch bridges which connect Crimea with Russia, one for cars and one for trains, were sabotaged. At least one of the two road spans has fallen down while tanker rail cars on the parallel train bridge caught fire.

bigger CCTV footage shows that a truck exploded while passing the bridge. Here is a video of the damage. One of the two road spans seems to be intact. As the pillars of the bridge seem unaffected a repair of the broken road span is possible but will take some time. The more sturdy railway bridge may have some superficial fire damage but Russia is one of the few countries that has designated railroad troops specialized in and equipped for railway repairs. The railway traffic is likely to be back within a few day or weeks. This is a severe handicap for Russian logistics to the frontlines in south Ukraine but not a catastrophe as alternative rail and road routes, as well as ferries, are available. Military logistics is designed to work even under significant constrains. It will find ways to work around the problem. --- Meanwhile the Ukrainian side of the conflict experiences a communication failure that is likely way more consequential. Adam Kinzinger@AdamKinzinger - 16:26 UTC  Oct 7, 2022 Evidently the Starlink system is down over the front lines of Ukraine. @elonmusk should make a statement about this, or, this should be investigated. This is a national security issue. --- Tore @potifar66 - 21:55 UTC  Oct 7, 2022 Some of the outages led to a catastrophic loss of communication in recent weeks, said one senior Ukrainian government official with direct knowledge of the issue. ft.com: Ukrainian forces report Starlink outages during push against Russia

Some of Elon Musks SpaceX devices stopped working when Ukrainian soldiers liberated territory, Kyiv officials say Update (Oct 9 4:00 utc): The Financial Times piece, which I can not access, leaves open the possibility that Starlink had willfully disabled the functioning of its system in previously Russian held areas. Via Business Insider: Roman Sinicyn, a co-ordinator at a foundation that donates Starlink systems to the Ukrainian armed forces, told FT the issue could be caused by SpaceX representatives working to make sure Russian soldiers couldn't use the technology, as the liberation of some of the areas had not been made public yet at the time of the connectivity issues. End-Update. The Russian army is leading globally in its abilities to wage electronic warfare. It can disable ground based radio traffic on any frequency. It has now found ways to also disable ground to satellite connections as used by the Starlink constellation. At the beginning of the war the Ukrainian military was supplied with thousands of Starlink ground terminals that can connect to the swarms of small Starlink satellites, which were financed by the Pentagon, but managed by Elon Musk's companies. They allowed for communication between Ukrainian ground units as well as for general command and control of larger operations. Without Starlink the Ukrainian command will depend on cable based field telephone, runners and couriers. All of which are extremely vulnerable in an artillery rich environment. Since 2001 Russia developed the Tirada 2 electromagnetic system which can disable ground to satellite traffic in specific areas. Russian military in the near future can get into service systems that can disable enemy communication satellites, an informed Interfax interlocutor in the military-industrial complex said 05 January 2018. One of the projects is Tirada 2. Development work was started back in 2001, he said. According to him, this complex will be able to disable communication satellites from the ground. He acts by electronic suppression. This is a multi-million dollar project, he said. The fact that the Russian Federation is working on the creation of weapons to suppress satellites was announced on November 30 last year by Oleg Achasov, deputy head of the Federal State Budgetary Institution 46 Central Scientific Research Institute.

...

In November 2018, the FSB called the threat to national security a project to cover the globe with high-speed satellite Internet.

bigger In 2019 an OSCE observer drone took pictures of a Tirada complex in the Donbas region.

bigger The disablement of the Starlink communication traffic was only a question of time. The traffic had to be analyzed to identify the frequencies and algorithms used by the transmitter and receiver. Software had to be written to implement a matching radio jamming pattern. The hardware of the Tirada system was likely already sufficient to emit the appropriate patterns on the identified frequencies. As this system has now been proven to be effective in the field it will likely be made available on a wider scale. Russian electronic warfare equipment can already disable all ground radio traffic in specific areas. Soon all frontline communications of the Ukrainian forces will be disabled. This is catastrophic for Ukrainian operations. Forward observers will no longer be able to correct artillery missions. Platoons and companies at the front will have no way to call for support. Higher command will have no way to coordinate larger operations in real time. --- One Dr. Jay Tharappel has found language likely to comfort the woke U.S. and Ukrainian leaders and functionaries who are concerned about the four Oblast that have joined the Russian Federation.

bigger "These four provinces are Russian, but they were assigned 'Ukrainian' at birth. Recently the have come out as trans. They are border-fluid regions and their sovereignty is non-binary. They are Russians trapped in a 'Ukrainian' body, and have made their decision to transition. Their pronouns are now DPR/LPR. We Indians as allies support this transition and condemn the transphobic attitudes of westerners." Something tells me that soon more 'Ukrainian' oblasts will come out and recognize their real being. --- Boris Rozhin, aka Colonel Cassad, reported on Telegraph (machine translation): Today there was a sortie of foreign mercenaries in the Zaporozhye direction, which included, among other things, American special forces soldiers. They were so self-confident that they decided to carry out reconnaissance in battle with this stellar squadron. However, they did not take into account the presence of our units in this zone, which are able to maintain secrecy on the air, and suffered losses. However, some of these bastards still managed to escape. The presented photos are screenshots of the video from the go-pro camera of one of the dead mercenaries, who literally lost his head. I'll probably post the video tomorrow.

bigger I have no way to verify those claims but a recent Intercept report stated that there are significant U.S. forces on the ground in Ukraine: One U.S. official insisted that the CIA only conducted a partial withdrawal of its assets when the war began, and that the agency never completely left. Yet clandestine American operations inside Ukraine are now far more extensive than they were early in the war, when U.S. intelligence officials were fearful that Russia would steamroll over the Ukrainian army. There is a much larger presence of both CIA and U.S. special operations personnel and resources in Ukraine than there were at the time of the Russian invasion in February, several current and former intelligence officials told The Intercept. Secret U.S. operations inside Ukraine are being conducted under a presidential covert action finding, current and former officials said. The finding indicates that the president has quietly notified certain congressional leaders about the administrations decision to conduct a broad program of clandestine operations inside the country. These will not be the only U.S. casualties in Ukraine. When more such reports come out the issue is likely to explode in Biden's face. Posted by b on October 8, 2022 at 7:58 UTC | Permalink Comments next page  next page 
France 24, October 7, 2022

A bomber blew himself up on Friday at a Kabul study hall as hundreds of pupils were taking tests in preparation for university entrance exams in the city's Dasht-e-Barchi area.

The western neighbourhood is a predominantly Shiite Muslim enclave and home to the minority Hazara community - a historically oppressed group that has been targeted in some of Afghanistan's most brutal attacks in recent years.

Police said at least 20 people were killed but the United Nations mission in Afghanistan considers the number to be higher, with at least 35 fatalities and an additional 82 wounded.

On Saturday about 50 women chanted, "Stop Hazara genocide, it's not a crime to be a Shiite", as they marched past a hospital in Dasht-e-Barchi where several victims of the attack were being treated.

Dressed in black hijabs and headscarves, angry protesters carried banners that read: "Stop killing Hazaras", an AFP correspondent reported.

Witnesses have told AFP that the suicide attacker detonated in the women's section of the gender-segregated hall.

"Yesterday's attack was against the Hazaras and Hazara girls," protester Farzana Ahmadi, 19, told AFP.

"We demand a stop to this genocide. We staged the protest to demand our rights."

Protesters later gathered in front of the hospital and chanted slogans as dozens of heavily armed Taliban, some carrying rocket-propelled-grenade launchers, kept watch.

Since the hardline Taliban returned to power last August, women's protests have become risky, with numerous demonstrators detained and rallies broken up by Taliban forces firing shots in the air.

No group has claimed responsibility for Friday's attack at the Kaaj Higher Educational Centre.

But the jihadist Islamic State (IS) group regards Shiites as heretics and has previously claimed attacks in the area targeting girls, schools and mosques.

The Taliban also regard the Hazara community as heathens, and rights groups often accused the Islamists of targeting them during their 20-year insurgency against the former US-backed government.

Since returning to office the Taliban have pledged to protect minorities and clamp down on security threats.

However, rights group Amnesty International said Friday's attack was "a shamefaced reminder of the inaptitude and utter failure of the Taliban, as de-facto authorities, to protect the people of Afghanistan".

In May last year, before the Taliban's return to power, at least 85 people  mainly girls  were killed and about 300 were wounded when three bombs exploded near their school in Dasht-e-Barchi.

No group again claimed responsibility, but a year earlier IS claimed a suicide attack on an educational centre in the same area that killed 24.

IS has emerged as a key security challenge for the Taliban, but officials claim their forces have defeated the jihadists.
Kung Fu family in Xiong'an New Area introduces Chinese martial arts to more than 10 countries

People's Daily Online) 13:09, October 08, 2022

Yingzhao Fanzi Quan, a style of traditional Chinese martial arts with a history of nearly 100 years, has enjoyed increasing popularity among Kung Fu enthusiasts at home and abroad and inspired countless people with the traditional Chinese martial arts spirit and culture, thanks to a family in Xiongxian county, Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province.

Children practice moves of Yingzhao Fanzi Quan, a style of traditional Chinese martial arts with a history of nearly 100 years. (Photo/Li Zhaomin)

The Chinese Kung Fu style was invented by Chen Zizheng, a Kung Fu master in Lilinzhuang village of Xiongxian county who was known as "Yingzhao Wang", which means "king of the Eagle Claw", a style of traditional Chinese martial arts.

Chen invented Yingzhao Fanzi Quan based on the integration of the essence of two different Kung Fu styles, namely Fanzi Quan and Yueshi Sanshou, between 1919 and 1924. The new style consists of a slew of Kung Fu routines and is known for its hand shape resembling an eagle claw.

After Chen Zizheng passed away, his nephew Chen Guoqing continued to carry forward Ying Zhao Fanzi Quan and taught it to his son Chen Zhengyao. As the third-generation inheritor of the Kung Fu style, Chen Zhengyao mastered his skills to perfection and made spreading the Kung Fu style his lifelong responsibility.

Chen Guixue, an inheritor of Yingzhao Fanzi Quan, a style of traditional Chinese martial arts with a history of nearly 100 years, teaches Kung Fu moves to students. (Photo/Li Zhaomin)

In an effort to better promote Chinese martial arts, Chen Zhengyao opened a martial arts school in Lilinzhuang village in 1986. Over the past decades, he has taught and provided guidance for more than 10,000 Chinese and foreign enthusiasts of traditional Chinese martial arts, taught Yingzhao Fanzi Quan to martial arts learning groups from countries including Japan, the US, Canada, Greece, Singapore, and Malaysia, and been invited to serve as the martial arts advisor of the United States of America Wushu Kungfu Federation.

In 2008, Yingzhao Fanzi Quan was included on the list of China's second batch of national intangible cultural heritage. In the next year, Chen Zhengyao was designated as the representative inheritor of Yingzhao Fanzi Quan by the then Ministry of Culture (now Ministry of Culture and Tourism).

Chen Guixue, son of Chen Zhengyao, has learned Yingzhao Fanzi Quan from his father and grandfather Chen Guoqing since he was 7. Chen Guoqing would wake him up before dawn to make him practice the basics of the Kung Fu style, and always told him to work hard on it and make sure it won't become lost to the world, Chen Guixue recalled.

According to Chen Guixue, Chen Guoqing was very strict with him and would punish him whenever he didn't work hard. "My grandfather would make me squat and maintain a squatting position for as long as he was counting, and more often than not, he counted up to several hundred," Chen Guixue said.

Chen Guixue's painstaking efforts have paid off. After years of practice, he has perfected his martial arts skills and can perform moves in a steady, accurate, powerful, and fast manner, realizing the characteristics of Yingzhao Fanzi Quan to the greatest possible extent.

Chen Guixue, an inheritor of Yingzhao Fanzi Quan, a style of traditional Chinese martial arts with a history of nearly 100 years, teaches Kung Fu moves to students. (Photo/Li Zhaomin)

Since the establishment of the Xiong'an New Area in 2017, the local government has made active efforts to promote the inheritance of the traditional martial arts style, and built a two-tiered inheritance model featuring a teacher-student relationship between the older generation of Kung Fu experts and young Kung Fu enthusiasts and between young Kung Fu enthusiasts and children. The efforts have led more young Kung Fu enthusiasts to Chen Guixue.

"To learn this Kung Fu style, one must have good moral character and be willing to work earnestly and extremely hard," said Chen Guixue, who is now the teacher of more than 100 students.

In addition to teaching students, Chen Guixue also tries to promote and popularize Yingzhao Fanzi Quan among the public. He takes his students to temple fairs every year to display the Kung Fu style, in a bid to encourage everyone to do exercises to boost health.

Two men practice moves of Yingzhao Fanzi Quan, a style of traditional Chinese martial arts with a history of nearly 100 years, in pairs. (Photo/Li Zhaomin)

Passing down the Chinese martial arts spirit and carrying forward the traditional Chinese martial arts culture is the mission and pursuit of generations of members of the Chen family, he said.

Today, more than 10,000 people in over 20 provinces in China and more than 10 foreign countries are learning Kung Fu from the Chen family.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Posted by Joey on at 10:20 AM CST

Welcome back! Check out a roundtable interview we are thankful to have been a part of with Jing and Chris from @Hasbro Pulse , as well as our new friends from Jedi News Screen Rant , and SWTVC.net . The Hasbro team couldn't share anything that hasn't previously been announced, but we enjoyed hearing a lot of Hasbro behind the scenes details.During the interview Chris and Jing talked about:-Figure production schedules and working with streaming shows vs movies-Addressing TVC vs Black Series disparity-Hasbro's relationship with Lucasfilm-A few tidbits about announced products-Specialty repack waves-The decision process of removable helmet vs swappable head-Hasbro attending upcoming London Comic ConSo sit back and enjoy a longer video than we normally post, and hopefully you'll get a little peak behind the curtain at Hasbro. What kind of questions would you like us to ask in future interviews with the Hasbro team? Let us know in the forums!

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Yacht owned by sanctioned Russian tycoon docks in Hong Kong View Photo

HONG KONG (AP)  A superyacht connected to sanctioned Russian tycoon Alexey Mordashov has anchored in Hong Kong as Western governments move to seize yachts connected to Russian businessmen.

The megayacht Nord, worth over $500 million, arrived in Hong Kong on Wednesday afternoon after traveling for over a week from Vladivostok, Russia, its last port of call.

Mordashov has estimated wealth of over $18 billion, according to a Bloomberg estimate. He is the main shareholder and chairman of Severstal, Russias largest steel and mining company.

He was sanctioned by the U.S., the United Kingdom and the European Union in February after Russia invaded Ukraine. Mordashov has since attempted to challenge the sanctions against him in European courts.

A Marine Department spokesperson was quoted in the South China Morning Post as saying Hong Kong is not obliged to enforce unilateral sanctions imposed by other jurisdictions.

U.S. and European authorities have seized over a dozen yachts belonging to sanctioned Russian tycoons to prevent them from sailing to other ports that are not affected by the sanctions. Russian oligarchs have begun docking their yachts at ports in places like Turkey, which has maintained diplomatic ties with Russia since the war began.

The Nord, which measures 141.6 meters (464.6 feet), has two helipads, a swimming pool and 20 cabins. The yacht is currently sailing under a Russian flag.

Associated Press
Dutch rally to support Iranian protests over womans death View Photo

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  Thousands of chanting, singing people held a solidarity demonstration Saturday in The Hague in support of protesters in Iran who have taken to the streets since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini following her arrest for allegedly violating the Islamic Republics strict dress code.

Protesters gathered on a central park in the city waved flags and banners emblazoned with texts including No to enforced headscarf in Iran, Justice cant wait and Stop bloodshed in Iran. Several lawmakers from parties across the Dutch political spectrum also attended.

Saturdays demonstration follows anti-government protests across Iran that were sparked by Aminis death.

The Iranian protests have triggered demonstrations of support across Europe, including by women cutting off locks of their hair, following Iranian womens example.

Oscar-winning French actors Marion Cotillard and Juliette Binoche, as well as other French screen and music stars, filmed themselves chopping off locks of their hair in a video posted Wednesday.

Dutch Justice Minister Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius also cut off a lock of her hair during a live television talk show this week.

The full extent of demonstrations in Iran and subsequent crackdowns remains unclear. An Associated Press tally of reports in state-run and state-linked media shows there have been at least 1,900 arrests connected to the protests. Demonstrations have been reported in at least 50 Iranian cities, towns and villages.

State television last suggested at least 41 people had been killed in the demonstrations as of Sept. 24. In the nearly two weeks since, theres been no update from Irans government. Rights activists put the death toll much higher.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The U.S. on Friday targeted an alleged Malaysian wildlife trafficker and what officials called his transnational criminal organization for financial sanctions related to the illegal shipment of rhino horn, ivory and other specimens.

The Treasury Department said Malaysian national Teo Boon Ching, his alleged trafficking organization and the Malaysian firm Sunrise Greenland Sdn. Bhd. engage in the cruel trafficking of endangered and threatened wildlife and the products of brutal poaching.

Teo specializes in the transportation of rhino horn, ivory, and pangolins  also known as scaly anteaters  from Africa, using routes through Malaysia and Laos to consumers in Vietnam and China, the U.S. said.

Teo was arrested in Thailand on June 29 and extradited to the U.S. on Friday, according to a joint statement by U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams and Assistant Director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement Edward J. Grace.

Teo, 57, faces one count of conspiracy to commit wildlife trafficking and two counts of money laundering. The money laundering charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and the trafficking conspiracy charge carries a maximum of five years imprisonment, the statement said.

It was not immediately clear if Teo was represented by a U.S. attorney who could comment on his behalf.

The Justice Department has accused Teo of participating in a conspiracy to traffic in more than 70 kilograms (154 pounds) of rhinoceros horns valued at more than $725,000, which involved poaching several animals from the endangered species, and laundering the proceeds.

Teo led a transnational criminal enterprise based in Asia with significant operations in Malaysia and Thailand. Their activities included poaching and international trafficking and smuggling of rhinoceros horns, the Justice Department said.

Teo allegedly served as a specialized smuggler, transporting rhinoceros horns from poaching operations centered largely in Africa to customers primarily in Asia. Teo also claimed to be able to ship rhinoceros horns to the U.S., authorities said.

Among other things, the sanctions deny Teo and others access to any property or financial assets held in the U.S. and prevent U.S. companies and people from doing business with them.

The Associated Press was not immediately able to contact Sunrise Greenland for comment. The company is based in Malaysias southern state of Johor, near Singapore.

Seizures of pangolin scales increased 10-fold between 2014 and 2018, according to the U.N.s 2020 World Wildlife Crime Report.

Criminals tend to exploit legislative and enforcement gaps in some countries in efforts to hide the illegal trafficking, the report said.

This is the case, for example, with pangolin scale traders who choose to store their stock in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as opposed to other source countries due to a perception of lesser capacity for interdiction, the U.N. said.

Brian E. Nelson, Treasurys under secretary for terrorism and illicit finance, said wildlife trafficking groups perpetuate corruption and illicit finance.

The United States considers wildlife trafficking to be not only a critical conservation concern, but also a threat to global security, Nelson said.

Treasury worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State Department and the government of Thailand to uncover the case.

By FATIMA HUSSEIN

Associated Press
Yves here. While it makes sense on a lot of levels to implement less brutal prisons, they are unlikely to be anything other than isolated experiments in the US. The point of having a prison system is profit, so the more recidivism, the better.

By Jordan Hyatt, Associate Professor of Criminology and Justice Studies, Drexel University and Synve Nygaard Andersen, Postdoctoral Fellow in Sociology, University of Oslo. Originally published at The Conversation

The United States has the largest number of people incarcerated in the world  about 25% of all people imprisoned worldwide are in American prisons and jails.

Overcrowding, violence and long sentences are common in U.S. prisons, often creating a climate of hopelessness for incarcerated people, as well as people who work there.

Additionally, correctional officers, often challenged by long shifts, worries about their own safety and stressful working conditions, have a life expectancy that is on average a decade lessthan the general population.

Some advocates have called for diverting people away from prisons, especially low-risk individuals. Others encourage shorter sentences and earlier releases.

But reform efforts could also extend to changing the prison environment itself.

We are American and Norwegian criminologists. While trying to better understand our countries justice systems, we have spent significant time in correctional facilities across Scandinavia and the U.S. There, we often try to identify overlooked similaritieswithin these very different places  and ways they could learn from each other.

A recent collaboration between correctional services in Pennsylvania and several Scandinavian countries presents an opportunity to test these ideas. One Pennsylvania prison unit we are researching adapts elements from Scandinavian prisons, and offers a window into what drawing from other penal systems might look like in the U.S.

Creative Commonwealth Media

Prisons in Scandinavia

Correctional systems throughout much of Scandinavia are guided by a general set of philosophical principles. In Sweden, these standards emphasize rehabilitation and encourage meaningful change, so incarcerated people can lead a better life.

In Norway, core values of safety, transparency and innovationare considered fundamental to the idea of creating normality in prison, the feeling that life as part of a community continues, even behind walls and bars.

Adhering to these principles means that, in some cases, incarcerated people can wear their own clothes, work in jobs that prepare them for employment and cook their own meals.

Prisons in Scandinavia are also small, with some housing roughly a dozen people  which is possible, given relatively low incarceration rates in the region.

In most cases, people in prison in Norway have access to many of the same social and educational services and programs as people who are not incarcerated.

Many prisons, especially in Norway, are designed in a fundamentally different way than in the U.S. Proximity to natureis often considered, for example. Cells in Norway are also for a single person  not multiple people, as in most cases in the U.S. Norway, perhaps unsurprisingly, has attracted manyinternational visitors who come to observe their prison system.

Importantly, correctional officers have at least a two-year, university-level education and are directly involved in rehabilitation and planning for the incarcerated persons re-entry into the world outside of prison. In the U.S., most officers receive just a few weeks of training, and their work focuses mostly on maintaining safety and security.

It is also worth noting that recidivism rates in Scandinavia are low. In Norway, it has been reported that less than half of people released from prison are rearrested after three years. In Pennsylvania, that figure is closer to 70%. The implications for correctional systems are profound.

Norway and the US

There are, of course, other fundamental differences between the Scandinavian countries and the U.S.

Norway, like the other countries in the region, is much smallerthan the U.S., in both population and geography. Crime rates are lower there than in the U.S., and social support systems are more robust. Gun violence is also almost unheard of.

In Norway, the longest prison sentence in most cases is 21 years  with most people serving less than a year. In Pennsylvania, life sentences are not uncommon, and many crimes  including nonviolent ones  can results in decades of imprisonment.

Despite this, the two systems may not be completely incompatible, at least not when the goal is to reform the prison environment.

The Scandinavian Prison Project

In State Correctional Institution Chester, known as SCI Chester, a medium-security prison located just outside of Philadelphia, a correctional officer-guided team has worked since 2018 to incorporate Scandinavian penal principles into its own institution. Based on their direct experiences, the correctional officers and facility leaders sought to reconsider what incarceration could look like at SCI Chester. This initiative has uniquely focused on developing a single housing unit within the prison.

In 2019, the group, which also included outside researchers and correctional leaders, spent weeks visiting a range of facilities across Scandinavia, and the officers worked in Norwegian prisons alongside peer mentors.

In March 2020, six men in SCI Chester  each sentenced to life in prison  were selected to participate in the project as mentors. They then moved on to the new housing unit, which had come to be known as Little Scandinavia.

In early 2022, the researchers and correctional leaders returned for a follow-up visit to several prisons in Sweden. Though delayed by the pandemic, 29 more residents of SCI Chester were selected from the prisons general population to join the Scandinavian-inspired housing unit that May.

With single cells, a communal kitchen, Nordic-like furnishings and a landscaped, outdoor green space, Little Scandinavia looks unlike any other U.S. prison. Plants grow throughout the common areas. A large fish tank, maintained by staff and residents, is the centerpiece of an area designed to encourage people to gather.

A grocery program allows all of the residents to purchase fresh foods  a rarity in prison  and work directly with staff to send orders to a local store.

Each day, residents are expected to go to work, treatment or school, all within the prison.

Importantly, the correctional officers overseeing Little Scandinavia have received a range of training to facilitate communication with their assigned residents.

Drawing from Norways model, there is also a uniquely low ratio of trained staff to incarcerated men  one officer for eight residents, compared with the typical average of one staff member for 128 residents.

Although the community is still evolving, there have been no acts of violence, as some speculated would happen  even with access to kitchen equipment.

Creative Commonwealth Media

Learning from Little Scandinavia

As part of our research, we are examining correctional staffs first-hand experiences with this international project.

Some analyses have shown that a Scandinavian approach, focused on normality and reintegration, can be potentially good for correctional officers, boosting their morale, independence and well-being.

Incarcerated people have also reported feeling safer and having more positive relationships with staff and other people living in the prisons. They also indicated greater satisfaction with their access to food and the reintegration support available to them.

SCI Chester shows that it is, in fact, possible to adapt Scandinavian-style penal philosophies and incorporate them into a Pennsylvania prison. This effort is a pilot, however, with significant costs, foundational support from committed leaders, and in partnership with many outside experts.

It remains to be seen how these efforts will play out in the long term. Data from this project, and rigorous research on other efforts, can inform conversations about what the future of prison reform in the U.S. could look like.

After all, as they say in Norway, a prison is responsible for enabling the people who are incarcerated to return to society as good neighbors  a fact that, in most cases, is as true in Philadelphia as it is in Stockholm or Oslo.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
(Natural News) Newly released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that around a third of participants who signed up for a voluntary Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine safety monitoring program suffered from significant adverse events, with nearly eight percent of those side effects requiring professional medical care.

The data came from v-safe, a voluntary smartphone-based program created by the CDC specifically to monitor the effects of the COVID-19 vaccines. To sign up, people simply have to download the app onto their smartphones, register and provide periodic health check-ins after receiving COVID-19 vaccines. (Related: CDC data & scientific study suggest 1.2 million Americans may already have died due to COVID vaccination.)

In June 2021, the Informed Consent Action Network filed two lawsuits for the v-safe data to be made public, led by Siri & Glimstad LLP lawyers Aaron Siri and Elizabeth A. Brehm. Following months of legal wrangling, the CDC finally capitulated when a court ordered the agency to produce the data.

According to ICAN and Siri and Brem, the data produced thus far by the CDC is limited because v-safe only provides users with a limited number of fields to choose from when reporting health concerns.

V-safe also provides users with free-text fields where they can write down more detailed descriptions of their health concerns. The data contained in these free-text fields have not been made public. Siri and Brehm have stated that they will continue to litigate to obtain this data and more.

Before the court order by ICAN and its attorneys, the CDC has never released v-safe publicly. All other requests before the court order were ignored or rejected.

Millions of symptoms reported

Approximately 10.108 million people signed up for v-safe and voluntarily reported their health following COVID-19 vaccinations.

Of those 10.108 million people, 3.353 million  around 33.17 percent of all participants  reported being impacted by the COVID-19 vaccines. Of the people who reported being impacted, 1.226 million  12.13 percent of all participants  reported being unable to do normal daily activities because of the vaccine. Another 1.344 million  13.3 percent of all v-safe participants  reported being unable to do work or attend school because of the vaccinations.

Some 782,913 people, or 7.7 percent of everyone who signed up for v-safe, reported requiring medical attention, emergency room intervention, hospitalization or other care from a doctor or other healthcare professional because of the vaccine.

All of the participants of v-safe also reported a total of 71 million symptoms or an average of more than seven symptoms per v-safe user. One of the most common symptoms was joint pain, with around four million v-safe users experiencing it. Of these, around two million reported experiencing mild joint pain, 1.8 million moderate joint pain and over 400,000 severe joint pain.

Other symptoms noted by v-safe users include fatigue, muscle or body aches, headaches, abdominal pain, other kinds of pain, swelling, chills, nausea, redness, itching, diarrhea, vomiting, irritability, drowsiness, loss of appetite, rash outside the injection site and swelling in the groin or underarm area.

Around 13,000 infants under two years old were also registered in v-safe. The parents and guardians of these infants reported over 33,000 symptoms, with the most common being irritability, sleeplessness, pain and loss of appetite.

Visit VaccineInjuryNews.com for more news related to the adverse effects and injuries caused by COVID-19 vaccines.

Watch this episode of the Health Ranger Report as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses how nearly half of Americans are still willing to commit suicide by vaccine.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Lawsuit forces CDC to hand over V-safe data showing incriminating COVID vaccine injuries.

CDC confirms aluminum in vaccines linked to childhood asthma and AUTISM.

CDC admits myocarditis being linked to COVID-19 vaccines is TRUE, not misinformation.

CDC admits KILLER BATCHES of COVID-19 shots are still given to the public.

CDC FRAUD: Emails confirm that CDC officials fraudulently changed the definition of vaccine to force needless mRNA injections onto the population.

Sources include:

SteveKirsch.Substack.com

PRNewswire.com

ICANDecide.org

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Bidens reckless open-border policies are literally killing some of the bravest men and women in America. Not since Obamas flagrant disregard for the US Customs and Border Patrol agents have we seen so many of these brave men and women take their own lives.

(Article by Patty McMurray republished from 100PercentFedUp.com)

Only yesterday, a Texas National Guardsman working in Eagle Pass on Bidens open southern border committed suicide.

The guardsman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Meanwhile, Facebook just shut down the Proud American Journey Facebook page (again) with 140,000 followers.

The Facebook page administrator, Sergio Tinoco, is a Federal Agent working for the Department of Homeland Security. Born an only child in the city of Pharr, Texas, to a single mother who still lived in Mexico, Sergio was raised by his maternal grandparents in the United States so that he could obtain an American education. Due to his familys poor economic means, he had to work since the age of seven in the crop fields of Michigan and those of the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas.

Sergio later served in the US Army and is an American veteran. Following his time in the Army Sergio Tinoco then joined the US Department of Homeland Security as a border patrol agent. Sergio has now been serving his government for 20 years.

The purpose of Sergios Proud American Journey Facebook page was to give border agents a place to go to be inspired and to share positive messages with each other. Thanks to Facebook, they no longer have that ability.

Here are just a few examples of inspirational posts that could be found on the now-defunct Facebook page.

Messages of encouragement for agents who are feeling down or depressed received a lot of attention on the page meant to uplift agents.

And finally, Get home safe! a message that all families of border agents can relate to, as they never know if their loved ones will be murdered or harmed by dangerous Mexican drug cartels or criminals who are flowing across our southern border.

This isnt the first time Facebook shut down the page where border agents can go to read messages of hope and inspiration and share stories with each other. In 2019, Facebook shut down the Proud American Journey page and reinstated it after we were able to help them reach out to our Facebook representative. Facebook no longer responds to our emails or messages asking for help.

Suicide is a very real and serious problem with our border agents, who are left feeling helpless under Bidens open border policies.

Washington Examiner reports  Over the past 15 years, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has lost 146 employees to suicide. Senior officials became especially concerned this year because deaths spiked early on.

We were sitting at five suicides, and that was alarming, said acting CBP COO Benjamine Carry Huffman in an exclusive interview with the Washington Examiner.

The federal agency became the first government entity to add a suicidologist to its ranks in the first half of 2021. Dr. Kent Corso works in the commissioners behavioral safety and risk management office and has spent more than a year quietly working on the issue, spurring major changes to the agencys culture.

Federal data provided to the Washington Examiner goes back to 2007, the lowest year on record for suicides. The number per calendar year peaked at 14 in 2009. As of September, 11 CBP employees have died by suicide this year. In one instance, the victim was not only a Border Patrol agent himself, but his father was also an active agent. Border Patrol agents make up roughly one-third of CBPs workforce.

Frustration among agents in the Border Patrol has increased over the past 18 months as illegal immigration arrests spiked and agents were forced to release more than 1 million illegal immigrants into the interior of the country rather than remove them. Due to the volume of people illegally entering, Border Patrol redirected half of its agents to transport, process, and watch over people in custody.

CBP hired 21 clinicians, as well as 13 psychologists nationwide. The psychologists will serve as initial points of contact for employees to share any kind of concern, then advise what next steps make sense. Support staff also regularly attend daily meetings to be visible and accessible.

They are pushing the workforce to come forward with problems such as trouble communicating with a spouse, feeling tired most of the time, or drinking to excess. By bringing the concerns to psychologists, employees can be sent in the right direction for care, sometimes as simple as going to get vitamins for sleep or talking with a professional once a week about moving through a difficult time in life.

Read more at: 100PercentFedUp.com
(Natural News) Former senatorial candidate Kathy Barnette denounced the weaponization of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as seen during the arrest of Catholic pro-life activist Mark Houck.

The political commentator sat down with Jim Hale of LifeSiteNews to discuss the circumstances behind Houcks arrest. FBI agents raided the house of Houck, a father of seven, and took him into custody. He was subsequently charged with violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which prohibits violent, threatening, damaging and obstructive conduct intended to injure, intimidate or interfere with the right to seek, obtain or provide reproductive health services.

The case stemmed from a 2021 incident outside a Planned Parenthood clinic in Philadelphia, in which a man accused Houck of assault. The Catholic activist defended his action as simply protecting his son from the man, who was allegedly encroaching on his sons space. While the initial case was thrown out in the lower courts, federal law enforcement revisited it  leading to Houcks arrest.

Mr. Houck, from my understanding, runs a homeschooling program, a classical conversation homeschooling program that he started, Barnette said. Hes a co-founder of a ministry called Kingsmen, where he disciples young men. He and his son, for many years now, drive about two hours every Wednesday to go stand outside of a Planned Parenthood and peacefully pray for those who are going in to hopefully offer them an alternative to ending the life of their young child.

These are the kinds of incidents we read about taking place in China, Iran, Venezuela [and] Cuba. But never in our wildest imagination that Americans believe that these are the kinds of cases we will be waking up to.

According to the former senatorial candidate for Pennsylvania, private citizens now have to worry about the FBI just walking into their homes and take what they want. She cited the raid on Mar-a-Lago, the home of former President Donald Trump, as an example of this.

Barnette: Biden weaponizing the FBI

Barnette also pointed out that President Joe Biden is weaponizing the FBI.

With the federal government now hiring 87,000 IRS agents, we have the Biden administration coming out, talking about doing research on centralized banking, digital currency that will take the place of the U.S. dollar so that they can track where each person is spending their money, she said, pointing out that these are the things that take place in totalitarian communist regimes.

Barnette, herself a pro-life conservative, questioned how people determine life in a heartbeat.

If we are not willing to do our part, to bridge the gap, to stand in the middle, to be a voice to the voiceless, to be able to help those who cant help themselves, she stated.

Who are we, as a country when it comes down to my body, my choice and this is an inconvenience to me? Should that be justification enough for me to murder another human being?' she said. (Related: Chicago declares itself a sanctuary city for abortion, transgender surgeries.)

How long do you think that kind of mentality will run past the baby in the womb to a senior citizen who some may think has outlived their usefulness, right?

Houck has devoted his life to protecting children, and the government has defined him as a criminal, terrorizing his entire family.

Local authorities who looked into Houcks case said there was no crime. It was an incident of a man defending his 12-year-old son, who was being verbally abused by an escort.

Moreover, as Hale pointed out, what the FBI did was not just an attack on the Constitution but also on Christianity.

To direct the full weight and power of the federal government on individuals  now were in uncharted territory for a lot of Americans, and its very unnerving. They can just make it up as they want to pick and choose which of these cases they want to involve themselves in.

Visit BigGovernment.news for more news related to abuse of power by governments around the world.

Watch the conversation between Kathy Barnett and Jim Hale of LifeSiteNews below.

This video is from the LifeSiteNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

FBI raids pro-life activists home and terrorizes his kids.

Journalist calls FBI raid on pro-life activist act of terrorism as politicized Justice Dept. unleashed to target conservatives.

Planned Parenthood caught editing abortion fact sheet to convince people babies dont have heartbeats at six weeks.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

NCRegister.com

SportsKeeda.com
(Natural News) The United States stockpiles of weapons and ammunition have become dangerously low thanks to months of supplying arms to the Ukrainian military for its defense against Russia, a report issued by analysts from the Bank of America warns. According to experts, military stockpiles have not been this low for decades.

Although the U.S. has vowed to keep Americans off the ground in the conflict, they have been supplying Ukraine with a significant number of weapons. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, the U.S. has pledged $16.2 billion in support, and $8.4 billion in military equipment has already been sent to the country from American weapons stockpiles through a power called presidential drawdown.

Under a presidential drawdown, military assistance can be provided to an area that is experiencing a crisis, and in this case, it has had the effect of dramatically reducing Americas stockpiles of weapons.

In explaining the presidential drawdown authority, the governments website states: It allows for the speedy delivery of defense articles and services from Department of Defense stocks to foreign countries and international organizations to respond to unforeseen emergencies. Such assistance can begin arriving within daysor even hoursof approval.

As a result of President Biden exercising this power, experts say that our current stock of certain types of critical weapon ammunition have reached a level that would pose problems under wartime conditions.

This is particularly concerning in light of the many threats America is facing throughout the world at the moment. One big area of concern is the growing global dominance of China, whose expanding military and scientific advancements have emboldened the Chinese government to continue its aggressive behavior. For example, China recently launched high-powered missiles near Taiwan shortly after U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi left the country.

Meanwhile, Russia continues to be a threat to the United States, with a long history of tension that could be poised to grow as America continues to provide support to Ukraine.

There is still an ongoing threat from the Middle East as well, with groups like al Qaeda still looking to harm the U.S.

US supplying Ukraine with a vast array of weapons and ammunition

Among the weapons being sent to Ukraine are high-mobility artillery rocket systems, or HIMARS. These deadly and highly accurate systems are capable of traveling great distances, and the U.S. has given Ukraine 34 of them so far.

Theyve also sent more than 1,400 Stinger anti-aircraft systems and 8,500 javelin anti-armor systems, along with more than 32,000 other types of anti-armor systems that were produced by various suppliers.

In addition, the U.S. has sent 126 155mm Howitzers with as many as 807,000 rounds of artillery, more than 50 counter-artillery radars, and more than 700 switchblade tactical unmanned aerial systems.

This week, the Defense Department announced the 22nd round of presidential drawdown authority would include a further $625 million in security assistance for Ukraine after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed accession treaties that illegally claimed some Ukrainian territories as part of Russia.

Laura Cooper, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russian, Ukrainian and Eurasian affairs said:

The United States will continue to provide Ukraine with the weapons and equipment to meet its urgent needs on the battlefield, while also building Ukraines enduring strength to defend its sovereignty over the long term.

She added: The United States will continue to consult closely with Ukraine to meet its evolving battlefield requirements, in coordination with our allies and partners, to provide Ukraine with the capabilities it needs.

Unfortunately, this ongoing assistance may come at the expense of Americas ability to defend itself against its enemies.

Sources for this article include:

LawEnforcementToday.com

Defense.gov

Breitbart.com
(Natural News) The autonomous vehicles of the self-driving car company Cruise, a subsidiary of General Motors, are causing traffic incidents in San Francisco. On more than one occasion, these driverless cars even blocked buses.

San Francisco residents took to social media to share images and videos of at least three Cruise self-driving cars blocking traffic in the city on the same night on Thursday, Sep. 22. (Related: Waymo self-driving taxi goes rogue in Arizona, blocking traffic and escaping rescue crew.)

The first incident occurred in the Nob Hill neighborhood in northeastern San Francisco. Video footage and photos circulating on social media show a Cruise driverless vehicle in front of a bus owned by the San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni). In one video, frustrated commuters could be heard complaining about the blockage.

Come on, weve got to get the f going, one person yelled.

Theres no driver! another responded.

The second incident occurred several blocks to the southwest in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood at approximately 10:19 p.m. The self-driving car reportedly veered into a bus lane and stopped just in time to avoid hitting another Muni bus. The driver of the bus was forced to maneuver around the stopped vehicle.

Several blocks to the northeast of the first incident, a third vehicle was found in the middle of the road with its hazard lights on and playing music. It blocked traffic and forced cars, including another Muni bus, to reroute around it.

None of the incidents resulted in collisions or injuries.

The incident comes just two months after nearly 20 of Cruises self-driving cars blocked traffic in the Filmore District neighborhood just southwest of Nob Hill. In May, Cruise driverless cars obstructed a fire truck responding to an emergency, leading to a delayed response that resulted in personal injuries and property damage. In April, a Cruise car sped away from police officers trying to pull it over for not using its headlights.

Cruise trying to expand its fleet of self-driving cars

Drew Pusateri, a spokesman for Cruise, claimed that the stoppages were due to a technical issue, and that teams from the San Francisco-based tech company were dispatched to recover each vehicle and arrived within 20 minutes of the road blockages.

Safety is the guiding principle of everything we do, claimed Pusateri in a statement. That means if our cars encounter a situation where they arent able to safely proceed, they stop and turn on their hazard lights, and we either get them operating again or pick them up as quickly as possible. This could be because of a mechanical issue like a flat tire, a road condition, or a technical problem. Were working to minimize how often this happens, and apologize to anyone impacted.

Cruise autonomous vehicles have been authorized to operate commercially as a late-night robo-taxi service since June 1 by the California Public Utilities Commission. Around 100 of these driverless vehicles ply the streets of San Francisco at night.

General Motors recently applied to expand Cruises fleet of robo-taxis to 5,000. The San Francisco County Transportation Authority (SFCTA) is currently pushing back against this. The agency pointed out that the 5,700 Uber and Lyft cars that operated in San Francisco in 2016 caused 25 percent of all traffic delays in the city.

The SFCTA, along with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, noted that if just half of the 5,000 autonomous vehicles Cruise is calling for were allowed, the massive fleet expansion could significantly undermine street performance for all San Francisco travelers.

Learn more about self-driving cars at RoboCars.news.

Despite these mishaps, Cruise is expanding to other cities. Watch this clip of a Cruise vehicle in Metro Phoenix.

This is from the channel Calaz InfoWarrior on Brighteon.com.

More related articles:

ROBOCROPPERS: John Deere planning to replace farmers with fully automated farming vehicles by 2030.

Its a no for driverless cars: Americans prefer driving themselves to work than relying on autonomous vehicles.

Tesla vehicles are now committing homicide on the streets of America. Why isnt the corporation being held responsible?

TESLA TERMINATOR: Tesla car autopilot veers off highway, crashes into road signs as driver locked out of all controls.

Sources include:

TheDrive.com

SFGate.com

TheRegister.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday signed a decree that ruled out any talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, declaring they would be an impossibility.

(Article by Dave DeCamp republished from News.AntiWar.com)

The decree was first put forward by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian newspaper Ukrainska Pravda, the decree states the impossibility of holding negotiations with the president of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

The move formalized comments that Zelensky made on Friday following Putins approval of annexing four Ukrainian territorites. He does not know what dignity and honesty are. Therefore, we are ready for a dialogue with Russia, but with another president of Russia, Zelensky said.

Responding to Zelenskys move, the Kremlin said it would wait until he changes his position or until theres a new president in Kyiv to hold talks. We will now wait either until the incumbent Ukrainian president changes his position, or until there is another president in Ukraine who will change his position for the sake of the Ukrainian people, Peskov said.

During his speech Friday, Putin said he was open to talks with Ukraine but said the status of the territories Russia is annexing is not up for discussion. We call on the Kyiv regime to immediately cease fire and all hostilities; to end the war it unleashed back in 2014 and return to the negotiating table, he said.

We are ready for this, as we have said more than once. But the choice of the people in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson will not be discussed, Putin added.

The US has shown no signs of supporting a diplomatic solution and the Biden administration has no plans to back down on their support for Ukraine despite the risk of provoking Moscow.

Read more at: News.AntiWar.com
During a training expedition, sixteen climbers were murdered when a wall of snow collapsed in the Himalayas. Although 15 other people survived, finding further survivors proved difficult due to the poor weather.

Tragic Disaster

At least 16 climbers were killed, and another 10 more are still missing after a large avalanche crashed down a steep range in northern India during a training excursion in the Himalayas.

Fortunately, as of Thursday, two exhausting days after the 34 trainee mountaineers and their seven instructors from the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) were caught in the avalanche. According to authorities in Uttarakhand, the majority remained stranded; approximately 15 individuals had been rescued.

The party had barely descended Mount Draupadi ka Danda-II in the Uttarakhand area when an avalanche occurred at the height of around 17,000 feet close to the top. The students were getting ready to practice high-altitude navigation.

Also Read: How Do Experts Measure Snow in Mountains?

Barely Survived

One of the climbers, Aakash Lalwani, claimed the wall of snow dragged everyone down in a matter of seconds and plunged them into a deep chasm after trapping them in the mountain's top reaches. Lalwani, one of the survivors who was rushed to the Uttarkashi district hospital for treatment, said, "We were blessed that we could somehow breathe.

"The majority of survivors remain in shock, "said Indo-Tibetan Border Police official Vivek Pandey.

According to Vishal Ranjan, registrar with the institute and Uttarakhand Police, bad weather at the scene of the avalanche has hindered both air and ground rescue efforts and on Wednesday brought a halt to rescue operations. Officials said that the weather also posed a challenge in retrieving the bodies of those who died.

"It is a challenging operation that may last for a few days given the weather and other factors, Pandey added.

Many of the missing trainees had been stuck in the 60- to 70-foot chasm for at least two hours, a top official participating in the search informed the Times of India, and as each minute passed, prospects for any further survivors dwindled. He stated that the golden window for rescue under these circumstances is only a few hours; therefore, the chances of survival are quite slim.

According to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Twitter, the victims included two female instructors and experienced climber Savita Kanswal, the first Indian woman to ascend Mount Everest and Mount Makalu. On this week's trip, Kanswal, 27, who had summited Everest earlier in the year, was acting as an instructor.

  -2                                pic.twitter.com/yzSvJvAUfy  Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) October 5, 2022

According to authorities, there were also 14 trainees among the deceased.

Two Indian Air Force helicopters had been dispatched to the area to aid in the search, according to senior disaster management official Devendra Singh Patwal, who spoke to AFP. Five major disaster response organizations saved sixteen persons in two days, including the National Disaster Response Force, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and institute officials.

Particularly Deadly Terrain

On the dangerous terrain of the Himalayas, home to Everest and some of the highest peaks in the world, fatal climbing mishaps are frequent. A mountaineer's body was found in August, two months after he died in a glacier crossing accident in the neighboring Himachal Pradesh.

Related Article: How to Survive an Avalanche: Expert Tips When Snow Becomes Deadly

For more news updates, don't forget to follow Nature World News!
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A series of explosions have rocked the eastern Ukraine city of Kharkiv, sending towering plumes of illuminated smoke in the sky and triggering a series of secondary explosions
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When Floria Foote first became a caregiver for her sister, she didn't anticipate just how much work she would eventually take on during her sister's decline. "It was so not like her," said Foote. "She was the go-getter, raising two adoptive kids and taking care of our aging father at the same time. She went from that level of activity to not wanting to do anything. I had to help her wash up in the morning, keep her on a schedule, manage her bills, everything."

Foote's experience as a caregiver is surprisingly common. One in five U.S. adults provided unpaid care for another adult in 2020. This invisible group provides essential support to our society, particularly as the population ages, but faces numerous challenges and a dearth of resources in the course of their work. New research at the University of Chicago Medicine only further underscores the issue.

A new study has found that, before the COVID-19 pandemic, women caregivers had significantly higher odds of experiencing health-related socioeconomic vulnerabilities such as food insecurity, financial strain and transportation difficulties compared to non-caregivers, with 63% of caregivers reporting at least one vulnerability compared to 47% of non-caregivers. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, things got even worse -; caregivers had higher odds of experiencing new or worsening financial strain, as well as new interpersonal violence, food insecurity, transportation difficulties and housing insecurity. The results were published September 26 in the Annals of Family Medicine.

Many adults provide care to other adults; one in five U.S. adults and one in three women are providing care to someone who is a parent, sibling or friend, who needs assistance on a daily basis. These caregivers fill a critical role in healthcare. If caregivers suddenly weren't able to provide care for whatever reason, we'd have a problem. Our system couldn't handle the sudden influx of support needs." Jennifer Makelarski, PhD, MPH, Senior Epidemiologist, University of Chicago and Study's Senior Author

Caregivers must balance their own lives and needs with those of their dependents, finding ways to care for themselves while dedicating much of their time toward caring for their loved ones. "When you're in caregiving mode, there's a pull," said Foote. "You end up neglecting yourself for the person you're caring for, but it's always a struggle, because you have to maintain your own health as well. You can't get sick or out of shape or anything that would bring you down, because you have to be able to function, for yourself and for the person you're taking care of."

Caregivers are already at higher risk for experiencing health-related socioeconomic risks, and anything that jeopardizes their ability to care for themselves and their dependents -; for example, a global pandemic -; places additional strain on this unseen, unpaid workforce. Those who experience financial instability or housing insecurity may find themselves unable to provide adequate care to their loved ones, and for themselves. All of these risk factors can directly impact a person's health.

"People think my job as a gynecologist is about diagnosing and treating problems related to female sex organs," said Stacy Tessler Lindau, MD, MA, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medicine-Geriatrics at UChicago Medicine. "When I identify and appreciate my patients as whole people, including their role as caregivers, I can adjust my medical recommendations around that reality. If I don't, my best medical care may be futile. This study is a call to action for healthcare systems to systematically and proactively identify people who are caregivers so we can provide care that works for them in the context of the critically important care they give to others. Caregivers are an overlooked extension of our healthcare system."

The researchers stress that while caregivers face additional challenges, these challenges are modifiable. "Something can be done to support caregivers," said Makelarski. "Things got worse for everyone during the pandemic, but even more so for women caregivers. And these are things that we can work toward intervening on, to better support this essential component of our healthcare system."

They hope that these results will help further efforts by the federal government to formalize support resources for caregivers; they also plan to share the results with community organizations and representatives who can help raise awareness on this issue and advocate for systemic change.

"Traditionally, medical care has been primarily focused on what happens within the boundaries of the body and the four walls of a clinic or hospital," said Lindau. "But there are drivers outside the walls, such as access to food and transportation and a safe community, that affect a person's health. How can women caregivers provide care for their loved ones if they don't have enough food to eat themselves, or are subject to violence in their home or community? Women caregivers are bridging the great big gap between the healthcare system and home for our rapidly aging population and it's in all of our best interests to support them."

For Foote, whose sister passed in 2020, being able to support her sister was exhausting, but she was grateful for the opportunity to be there. "I always said that if she needed me, I would come help take care of her," said Foote. "The COVID-19 pandemic made everything a lot more work, but it was nice to be living with my sister again, to be there for the day to day."
Blocking the action of calcium signals in immune cells suppresses the most common form of asthma, but without compromising the body's defenses against flu viruses, a new study finds.

Led by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, experiments showed that removing the gene for a calcium channel  specifically the calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel made up of ORAI1 proteins  thoroughly reduced asthmatic inflammation in the lungs of mice caused by house dust mite feces, a common cause of allergic asthma. Blocking signals sent through this channel with an investigational new drug called a CRAC channel inhibitor had a similar effect.

The study revolved around the use of charged particles, mainly calcium, by human cells to send signals and flip biological switches. When triggeredwhether by viral proteins or allergens -; immune cells called T cells open channels in their outer membranes, letting calcium rush in to turn on signaling pathways that control cell division and secretion of cytokine molecules that help T cells communicate with other immune cells.

Past work had found that CRAC channels in T cells regulate their ability to multiply into armies of cells designed to fight infections caused by viruses and other pathogens.

Published online in Science Advances on October 7, the new study showed that the CRAC channel inhibitor reduced allergic asthma and mucus build-up in mice without sabotaging their immune system's ability to fight influenza, a main worry of researchers seeking to tailor immune-suppressing drugs for several applications.

Our study provides evidence that a new class of drugs that target CRAC channels can be used safely to counter allergic asthma without creating vulnerability to infections. Systemic application of a CRAC channel blocker specifically suppressed airway inflammation in response to allergen exposure." Stefan Feske, MD, Senior Study Author, the Jeffrey Bergstein Professor of Medicine, Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Health

About 25 million Americans suffer from asthma, with repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of those have asthma related to inhaled allergens, say the study authors.

Targeting calcium channels

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Allergic asthma is characterized by increased type 2 (T2) inflammation, which involves a subset of T cells called T helper (Th) 2 cells, say the study authors. Th2 cells produce cytokines that play important roles in both normal immune defenses, and in disease-causing inflammation that occurs in the wrong place and amount. In allergic asthma, cytokines promote the production of an antibody type called IgE and the recruitment to the lungs of inflammation-causing immune cells called eosinophils, the hallmarks of the disease.

In the new study, the research team found that genetic deletion of ORAI1 in T cells, or treatment of mice with the CRAC channel inhibitor CM4620, thoroughly suppressed Th2-driven airway inflammation in response to house dust mite allergens. CM4620 is under development by the company CalciMedica, which partnered with NYU Langone in the current study, and is in phase 2 clinical trials for COVID-19 associated pulmonary inflammation and acute pancreatitis.

Treatment with CM4620 significantly reduced airway inflammation when compared to an inactive control substance, with the treated mice also showing much lower levels of Th2 cytokines and related gene expression. Without calcium entering through CRAC channels, T cells are unable to become Th2 cells and produce the cytokines that cause allergic asthma, the authors say.

Conversely, ORAI1 gene deletion, or interfering with CRAC channel function in T cells via the study drug, did not hinder T cell-driven antiviral immunity, as lung inflammation and immune responses were similar in mice with and without ORAI1.

"Our work demonstrates that Th2 cell-mediated airway inflammation is more dependent on CRAC channels than T cell-mediated antiviral immunity in the lung," says study co-first author Yin-Hu Wang, PhD, a post-doctoral fellow in the Feske lab. "This suggests CRAC channel inhibition as a promising, potential future treatment approach for allergic airway disease."
Military personnel who were deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq may have been exposed to significant amounts of dust and other respiratory hazards, leading to persistent respiratory symptoms and diseases like asthma and bronchiolitis. Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and National Jewish Health teamed up to investigate lung disease seen in previously deployed military personnel.

Heather Lowers, a research geologist at the USGS, will present findings looking at the characteristics of dust retained in the lungs of previously deployed military personnel Monday at the GSA Connects 2022 meeting in Denver.

I never in my career thought I would be looking at human lung tissue. Through some previous work that we had done looking at first responders to the World Trade Center, we were connected with a team of pulmonologists and lung pathologists who were trying to better understand how inhaled particulate matter could cause lung injury. Several of my co-authors at National Jewish Health have a Department of Defense grant to look at what is causing some of the unexpected lung injury in people that were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan." Heather Lowers, Research Geologist, USGS

With funding support from the Department of Defense, National Jewish Health has built a clinic to evaluate previously deployed military personnel who were experiencing symptoms of lung injury. Lowers' job as geologist on the project was to develop a method to extract and analyze particulate matter found in the lungs. Using techniques to produce high-resolution images of microscopic particles and characterize their elemental composition, Lowers evaluated the composition and size of inorganic particles found in the lungs.

Of the 250 deployers who came to the National Jewish Health clinic, 65 had a surgical lung biopsy as part of their clinical care, and 24 gave permission for their lung biopsy to be studied for this research. The lung biopsies of the 24 deployers were compared to 11 civilian control samples from donated lung specimens that matched the age and smoking history of the deployers.

"We found that generally speaking, the military deployers did have more retained dust in their lungs per cubic centimeter of tissue that we looked at compared to the controls. And the particles generally seemed to be a smaller size as well, compared to the dust that was retained in the control group," said Lowers.

They also found that both deployers who reported low/no sandstorm exposure or medium-high sandstorm exposure had higher amounts of dust in their lungs than the control samples.

"In general, even when there are no dust storms, soldiers work in a pretty dusty environment. So we were looking at a culmination of all that would have been inhaled during their deployment," said Lowers. "Even driving a truck across the desert floor, you're going to kick up dust and breathe it in."

While these analyses provide helpful insight into the lung injury seen in previously deployed military personnel, Lowers hopes that more samples can be studied to more fully evaluate the characteristics of retained dust in the lungs.

"One of the challenges I've learned working with human subjects is that it's very difficult to get enough people enrolled in these studies. So, while we're generally seeing differences between the controls and the deployers, the number of samples are limited," said Lowers.

Based on the increased amount of dust that is found in the lungs of previously deployed military personnel, useful mitigation strategies will be needed to reduce deployers' exposure to dust.
Fairbanks, AK (99707)

Today

Rain showers this evening with mostly cloudy conditions overnight. Low 26F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Rain showers this evening with mostly cloudy conditions overnight. Low 26F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA) is collaborating with European Tour operators for promoting Bahrain and Maldives as joint destinations.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, to the Kingdom. BTEAs CEO, Dr Nasser Qaedi stated that the Authority is working with fourteen European holiday operators to develop joint destination packages through the national carrier Gulf Air for Europeans travellers to Bahrain and the Maldives.

Dr Qaedi said these packages come as part of the wider BTEA project to promote the Bahraini tourism sector in international markets through active cooperation with the private sector. Target countries for these packages include the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The packages will include flights as well as accommodation.
Agencies | Geneva

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director- General, yesterday honoured Dr Jalila bint Sayed Jawad Hassan, Bahrains Health Minister, for efforts in vaccination.

The honour, Health Ministry said, constitutes a qualitative addition for Bahrain, whose membership exceeded two consecutive terms in the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) of the World Health Organisation.

The Minister of Healths membership is the longest term of an expert in the WHOs Global Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation. The WHO Director-General honoured a number of the committee members yesterday.

Recently, the World Health Organisation launched a case study documenting Bahrains strategic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing how the country managed to overcome critical challenges through preparedness and early response.
TOKYO, Oct 08 ( Nikkei ) - Reservations for international flights to Japan in December and January have increased fivefold ahead of next week's resumption of visa-free travel, All Nippon Airways said Friday.

Travel demand has surged after the Sept. 22 announcement by the government, which will also ended Japan's cap on daily arrivals and a requirement for chaperoned tours. The eased rules take effect Tuesday.

A weak yen has stoked interest in travel to Japan in Hong Kong, Singapore and elsewhere in Asia, according to ANA.

The Japanese carrier said it received five times as many reservations per day for December and January flights from Sept. 24 to Sept. 30 than it did from Sept. 5 to Sept. 11. ...continue reading
For decades, residents of the Japanese island of Okinawa have strongly opposed hosting the dozens of US military bases set up there. But a subtle shift in perception appears to be under way among Okinawan, driven by heightening regional security concerns.

Group of 90 Japanese lawmakers visit war-linked Yasukuni shrine

Kyodo - Oct 18

A cross-party group of around 90 Japanese lawmakers on Tuesday visited the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo for its fall festival, a move expected to irritate some Asian neighbors who view it as a symbol of Japan's past militarism. A cross-party group of around 90 Japanese lawmakers on Tuesday visited the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo for its fall festival, a move expected to irritate some Asian neighbors who view it as a symbol of Japan's past militarism.

Japan PM orders probe into Unification Church after Abe assassination

arabnews.com - Oct 17

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida ordered on Monday a government probe into the Unification Church, after the assassination of former premier Shinzo Abe renewed scrutiny of the sect. Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida ordered on Monday a government probe into the Unification Church, after the assassination of former premier Shinzo Abe renewed scrutiny of the sect.

Former PM Abe's state funeral cost lower than previous estimate

NHK - Oct 15

The Japanese government says the actual cost of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo's state funeral last month was over 1.2 billion yen, or more than 8 million dollars. The Japanese government says the actual cost of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo's state funeral last month was over 1.2 billion yen, or more than 8 million dollars.

North Korea launches new ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan

MSN - Oct 14

North Korea's military launched an unspecified ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan -- known as the East Sea in South Korea -- on Thursday, early Friday morning already in Pyongyang, South Korean military sources said. North Korea's military launched an unspecified ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan -- known as the East Sea in South Korea -- on Thursday, early Friday morning already in Pyongyang, South Korean military sources said.

Japan to abolish health insurance cards by 2024, integrate with 'My Number'

NHK - Oct 13

The Japanese government plans to abolish health insurance cards in the fall of 2024 by integrating them into "My Number" ID cards. The Japanese government plans to abolish health insurance cards in the fall of 2024 by integrating them into "My Number" ID cards.

Myanmar military sentences Japanese journalist to 3 more years in prison

Nikkei - Oct 13

A Myanmar military tribunal on Thursday sentenced Japanese documentary filmmaker Toru Kubota to an additional three years in prison for violating immigration laws. A Myanmar military tribunal on Thursday sentenced Japanese documentary filmmaker Toru Kubota to an additional three years in prison for violating immigration laws.

Japan launches third Taigei-class submarine for JMSDF

The Diplomat - Oct 13

Japans Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has launched the third Taigei-class diesel-electric attack submarine (SSK) on order for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). Japans Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has launched the third Taigei-class diesel-electric attack submarine (SSK) on order for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

Japan's main ruling LDP punishes member for calling ex-PM Abe Shinzo 'traitor'

NHK - Oct 13

Japan's main ruling Liberal Democratic Party has decided to suspend a member from party offices for one year after calling former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo "a traitor." Japan's main ruling Liberal Democratic Party has decided to suspend a member from party offices for one year after calling former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo "a traitor."

North Korea launches two more missiles into Sea of Japan

rte.ie - Oct 09

North Korea fired two more ballistic missiles into the sea on Sunday, the South's military said, the latest in a blitz of launches amid tensions over US-led military exercises in the region, Yonhap News Agency reported. North Korea fired two more ballistic missiles into the sea on Sunday, the South's military said, the latest in a blitz of launches amid tensions over US-led military exercises in the region, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Japan's missing children: The lingering trauma of North Korean abductions

FRANCE 24 English - Oct 08

In the 1970s and 1980s, North Korea organised a kidnapping campaign in "enemy" countries. As one of its closest neighbours, Japan became a prime target. In the 1970s and 1980s, North Korea organised a kidnapping campaign in "enemy" countries. As one of its closest neighbours, Japan became a prime target.

US bases on Okinawa inevitable: perceptions shift in Japan on American military presence

South China Morning Post - Oct 08

For decades, residents of the Japanese island of Okinawa have strongly opposed hosting the dozens of US military bases set up there. But a subtle shift in perception appears to be under way among Okinawan, driven by heightening regional security concerns. For decades, residents of the Japanese island of Okinawa have strongly opposed hosting the dozens of US military bases set up there. But a subtle shift in perception appears to be under way among Okinawan, driven by heightening regional security concerns.

Kishida faces backlash over son's appointment

WION - Oct 07

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is facing accusations of nepotism after he appointed his inexperienced son to be his executive secretary. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is facing accusations of nepotism after he appointed his inexperienced son to be his executive secretary.

North Korea fires missiles again as U.S. carrier redeployed

Kyodo - Oct 06

North Korea fired two ballistic missiles early Thursday from near Pyongyang toward the Sea of Japan, the sixth round of launches since late September, after a U.S. aircraft carrier was redeployed to the waters, the Japanese government and the South Korean military said. North Korea fired two ballistic missiles early Thursday from near Pyongyang toward the Sea of Japan, the sixth round of launches since late September, after a U.S. aircraft carrier was redeployed to the waters, the Japanese government and the South Korean military said.

Myanmar tribunal sentences Japanese documentary maker to prison

Nikkei - Oct 06

A Myanmar military tribunal on Wednesday sentenced Japanese video journalist Toru Kubota to seven years in prison for violating the electronic transactions law and three years for incitement, according to diplomatic sources. A Myanmar military tribunal on Wednesday sentenced Japanese video journalist Toru Kubota to seven years in prison for violating the electronic transactions law and three years for incitement, according to diplomatic sources.

Japan approves Pfizer's BA.5-tailored COVID-19 vaccine

Kyodo - Oct 06

Japan's health ministry on Wednesday granted special fast-track approval to U.S. pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc.'s updated coronavirus vaccine tailored to protect against the now-prevalent BA.5 subvariant. Japan's health ministry on Wednesday granted special fast-track approval to U.S. pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc.'s updated coronavirus vaccine tailored to protect against the now-prevalent BA.5 subvariant.


file photo The controversial 'religious conversion' event where anti-Hindu god slogans were raised have sparked a political fight and now the matter has reached the Delhi Police after the BJP filed a complaint. The controversial 'religious conversion' event where anti-Hindu god slogans were raised have sparked a political fight and now the matter has reached the Delhi Police after the BJP filed a complaint.



BJP's Delhi President Adesh Gupta has lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Cabinet Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam, for the alleged conversion programme where anti-Hindu god slogans were raised.



Gupta has requested the Delhi Police to lodge the FIR under sections 153A, 153B, 295A, 298, 505, 506 of the Indian Penal Code.



According to information, the programme was held at Ambedkar Bhawan in Central Delhi.



"They released the video of the programme and made it viral. The video was exasperating and mischievous in nature. These social media posts are created with the obvious motive of inciting violence and promoting hatred," said the Delhi BJP President in his complaint.



Gupta has alleged that during the anti-NRC protests, same tactics were used to incite violence by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders.



The complaint said that a 'sabha' (rally) was held at Ambedkar Bhawan on October 6. This Sabha was organised by AAP and their concerned leaders where oaths were administered which continuously demeaned various Hindu gods and goddesses and subsequently everyone was asked not to follow Hinduism, considering it to be a bad religion.



"That videos were made of such speech and were subsequently shared on various social media platforms to get maximum reach and propagation so that the religious sentiments of people of the Hindu religion may be attacked and subsequently a state of riot and disturbance be created on a national level," the complaint added.



The Delhi Police said that they were looking into the matter.




CALGARY, AB, Oct. 5, 2022 /CNW/ - Heartland Generation Ltd., and its affiliates (collectively "Heartland Generation"), is pleased to announce the company been selected by the Government of Alberta, as part of their Carbon Sequestration Tenure Management process, to evaluate a carbon sequestration hub which will support the advancement of the company's Battle River Carbon Hub ("BRCH") project. This innovative project will integrate hydrogen production, carbon sequestration and clean power to advance Canada towards its goals of net zero.

Battle River Carbon Hub (BRCH)

The BRCH project will utilize existing infrastructure at Heartland Generation's Battle River Generating Station ("BRGS") along with new hydrogen production to generate reliable, clean electricity, creating new economic opportunities within Alberta's rural communities.

The BRCH project also includes an open-access carbon sequestration hub, proximate to the BRGS, that will capture and sequester carbon emissions from Heartland Generation, and other industrial sources in the region, safely and permanently.

"CCUS and hydrogen are both key components of Canada's energy transition, and we are proud to play a role in advancing our industry and our country towards its net zero goals," said Rob Dutton, Chief Executive Officer of Heartland Generation. "We look forward to working together with the Government of Alberta and our local stakeholders on the continued advancement of our BRCH project."

About Heartland Generation

Heartland Generation is one of Alberta's largest power generators, supplying more than 2,660 MW of reliable power to industrial, commercial and residential consumers. The company's balanced portfolio of contracted and merchant facilities provides dependable, stable baseload power along with the flexibility to serve periods of peak electricity demand.

Heartland Generation is building a better bridge to a clean energy future through its innovative decarbonization strategy. As the first large-scale power generator in Alberta to transition completely off coal, and one of the largest cogeneration operators in the province, we are now driving toward further industry decarbonization and our goal of contributing to a net zero economy by 2050.

Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Heartland Generation is owned by ECP, a leading U.S.- based private equity firm supporting the energy transition through investments in electrification and decarbonization of infrastructure assets.

SOURCE Heartland Generation

For further information: Media Inquiries, Sue Watson, Manager, Communications, [email protected], 403.828.3550
Cold War plot to kill Castro with poison pen disrupted by Cuban intelligence

by Jefferson Morley

Rolando Cubela, a Cuban revolutionary who plotted with the CIA to kill Fidel Castro, died in Miami in August, his passing unnoticed in the English-language U.S. press. While the U.K. Telegraph ran a (paywalled) obituary, neither the New York Times or the Washington Post has reported the death of a man whose rise and fall once convulsed the governments of Cuba and the United States and generated headlines worldwide. Rolando Cubela Secades was 89 years old.

I heard about Cubelas death independently from three friends in Miami who heard the news from his family. He was living in a Miami nursing home until he passed, they said. Cubacute, a Spanish language news site in Miami, quoted Cubelas sister saying he had died of a respiratory infection.

Fidel Castro and Rolando Cubela ( Right) with top Communist party members in Cuba (Credit: Cubacute)

The son of a tailor from the provincial city of Cardenas, Cubela enrolled as a medical student at the University of Havana where he emerged as a leader of the rebellion against the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. In October 1956 he gained notoriety for assassinating Col. Antonio Blanco Rico, a top military officer, in a Havana nightclub. Cubela won glory in December 1958 when his Revolutionary Directorate forces joined with Fidel Castros July 26 movement to win the decisive battle of Santa Clara, which toppled the Batista regime and brought Castro to power.

Amid a struggle for control of the University of Havana campus, Cubela was elected president of the student federation, a politically powerful position. At first he was a revolutionary firebrand, celebrating the closing of a pro-American newspaper and the defeat of the CIA-trained brigade at the Bay of Pigs in April 1961. But as Cubela became disenchanted with Castros hard left turn to one-party socialism, he turned on his former comrades.

In August 1962, he met with two CIA men in a Helsinki nightclub. He said he was not interested in risking his life for any small undertaking, the CIA reported but if that he could be given a really large part to play, he would use himself and several others whom he could rely upon. Known by the code name AMLASH, Cubela subsequently underwent secret training at a CIA safe house in France.

In a series of meetings in Paris in the fall of 1963, Cubela said he was ready to act against Castro himself. If you cant get rid of the rabies, he told one of his CIA handlers, just get rid of the dog. He only needed a weapon. Deputy director Richard Helms approved sending a pen, fitted with a poisoning mechanism, to Cubela. On November 22, 1963, an undercover officer was showing the pen to Cubela about the same time President John F. Kennedy was struck down by an assassins bullet in Dallas.

When Cubela learned of JFKs death, his CIA handler reported that Cubela was visibly moved and asked Why do such things happen to good people?

Cubela continued to plot with CIA agents through 1965. Although Helms would always deny the AMLASH operation was an assassination plot, Carl Jenkins, a CIA military trainer, said in a 2021 interview that he supplied the rifle that was sent to Cubela in Cuba.

Thanks to an undercover agent in Miami, Cubas intelligence service got wind of Cubelas intentions and Cubela and a co-conspirator were arrested in February 1966, and charged with plotting with the CIA. Cubelas trial attracted reporters from all over the world, drawn by a story rife with betrayal and intrigue.

On the stand, Cubela was contrite, admitted that he had planned the physical elimination of Castro while personally falling apart.

I was carrying around a series of preoccupations and contradictions, the product of long struggle after the triumph of the Revolution, he said, perhaps referring to his recurring nightmares about Col.Blanco Rico, the man he assassinated in 1956. Cubela said he fell into a disorderly life, a life of parties, cabarets, a completely insane life. I was decomposing and deteriorating.

Sentenced to death, Cubela was spared when Castro let it be known he didnt favor the death penalty for his former comrade. Among revolutionary men, Castro said, nothing can replace the bond of the beginning. Cubelas sentence was commuted to 25 years, which he served in La Cabana, the fortress overlooking Havana Bay while serving as a doctor for his fellow inmates.

Double Agent?

Cubela was still in jail a decade later, when U.S. congressional investigators first learned about CIA plots to kill foreign leaders. The disclosure of the AMLASH conspiracy roiled Capitol Hill and the CIA, leading to the creation of a Senate select committee, led by Sen. Frank Church, which investigated the CIA for the first time.

Cubelas revolutionary background and Castros leniency bred suspicion that Cubela had been a double agent informing the Cuba leader of the CIAs plans to kill him. Was AMLASH actually a conscious double agent for Castro? asked a Washington Post report in 1976, or was he perhaps so transparent and emotionally exploitable that he unwittingly provided an equivalent service?

Castro denied that Cubela was a double agent and CIA director Helms said the same thing, about the only subject the Latin revolutionary and the urbane spy chief ever agreed on.

Freedom

Cubela didnt like to talk about his past, according to Santiago Morales, a fellow prisoner. When Morales came down with tonsillitis, Cubela arranged for an operation and the two men became friends.

Everybody liked him, Morales, who now lives in Miami, recalled in an interview. He had no special privileges. We talked a lot but, as a rule never got into details of our reasons for being there.  He told me . about being interviewed by Raul Castro in prison.

Morales says he got the impression that Cubela believed Raul Castro had intervened with his brother to spare his life.

Cubela and Morales were released in August 1979 along with several thousand political prisoners as part of an agreement between the Carter administration and the Castro government. Cubela moved to Madrid where he married and worked as a cardiologist. In 2005, he participated in two demonstrations organized by the Democracia Ya Platform, one of them in front of the Cuban Embassy in Madrid.

He later moved to Miami to be closer to his children.

He was done with politics. He didnt want to go back, Morales said. He had a good life. He was a great guy. But he never got rid of his past. Cubela spoke only in passing about his execution of Colonel Rico, Morales said, but it remained painful.

Its one thing to kill not knowing who youre killing, but when theres a name and a family and a pleasant human beingand they say he [Colonel Rico] was a pleasant human beingit hurts. And it didnt lead to a happy ending, Castro, not Cubela, prevailed in the struggle for power.

In the end, I think he had been beaten by the events, Morales said. It was a miracle he was alive.

This article was first published on Spy Talks, click here to read the original

Jefferson Morley is a Washington author and veteran journalist whose novelistic non-fiction books explore untold chapters in the history of the American nation. A skilled investigative reporter, Morley combines granular detail with storytelling verve to capture unknown realities of subjects as disparate as the Central Intelligence Agency and Americas legacy of racial violence. Morleys newest book, The Ghost: The Secret Life of CIA Spymaster James Jesus Angleton. Visit his personal website at jeffersonmorley.com
About eight insurgents have been reportedly killed when Boko Haram fighters clashed with members of the Islamic State in West Africa Provinc...





About eight insurgents have been reportedly killed when Boko Haram fighters clashed with members of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) faction of the terrorists in the fringes of the Lake Chad.





The ISWAP also seized large quantities of ammunition in the inter-rivalry clash which occured on October 6, when a team of the ISWAP group attacked and inflicted a huge casualty on its adversary at Krinowa axis in the North East of Marte in Borno State.





An intelligence source told Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad that 12 Boko Haram fighters were returning from Marte after receiving large quantities of weapons from the camp of the Boko Haram Amir Jays, Bakura Wulgo.





The Jamaat Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Dawah wal-Jihad, Boko Haram terrorists had despatched a 12-man team from Gaizuwa, in Bama to go in search of weapons after suffering devastating defeat and losses due to the sustained intensified intelligence-led Air Strikes, heavy artillery bombardment and ground, offensives by the Nigerian Military troops of Operation Hadin Kai.





The Boko Haram terrorists occupying Gaizuwa, otherwise known as Gabchari, Mantari and Mallum Masari had lost almost all its weapons, vehicles and motorcycles leaving the badly depleted fighters vulnerable for attacks by the Nigerian troops, as well as the ISWAP rival fighter led by Baana Chigori in the area.





The sources said that eight terrorists were killed in the ambush, three terrorists including Goni Gado, Abou Adam and Abou Abubakar returned to Gaizuwa at about 12pm on Friday October 7, with bullets wounds, while one other was either missing or dead.





In the same vain, the Boko Haram leadership held a brief meeting and despatched another team of 11 fighters led by one Amir Baba Kaka to seek support from Amir Jaichige a terror kingping who was under the leadership Ali Ngoshe, in the axis of Mandara Mountains.





The Boko Haram had cried out that the ISWAP may soon take over all its camps and urged other JAS fighters to help them from collapsing, the sources said.
The Katsina State Police Command says it arrested no fewer than 1,503 suspected criminals, killed 27 bandits and had 1,116 suspects facing t...





The Katsina State Police Command says it arrested no fewer than 1,503 suspected criminals, killed 27 bandits and had 1,116 suspects facing trial within the last eight months in the state.





The Command further noted that it rescued 393 victims of kidnappers within the same period under review.





The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Idrisu Dabban Dauda disclosed this at the commissioning ceremony of the Dandagoro Divisional Police headquarter converted to AIG Zone 14 headquarters by the Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba on Friday.





A total number of 1,503 suspected criminals were arrested in connection with 1,024 reported cases, while a total number of 1,116 arrested suspects are undergoing prosecution in various competent Courts of Law in the State.





267 suspected Armed Robbers were arrested and charged to Court, 304 suspected Kidnappers were also arrested and charged to court. While 393 kidnap victims were rescued from the hands of kidnappers, and 27 bandits were neutralized during various encounters with our men, CP Dabban said





Dabban also put the number of suspected cattle rustlers arrested within the period under review at 526 while 1,366 cows, 1,211 sheep, 271 goats and 10 donkeys were recovered from the assailants.





He further disclosed 209 suspects were also arrested in respect of 169 reported cases of rape and unnatural offences and they have been charged to court, while 64 victims of Human Trafficking were rescued in six reported cases of Human Trafficking which have been transferred to NAPTIP office in the neighbouring Kano State.





The Katsina Police Commissioner also said the command arrested 209 suspects in respect of 159 reported cases of rape and other natural offences and they have since been charged to court.





He also noted that 64 victims of human trafficking were also rescued in six reported cases and they have been transferred to Kano NAPTIP office for further investigations.





CP Dabban commended both Federal and State Governments for their enormous assistance in providing operational equipment, arms and ammunition to the Katsina Police Command.





He also appreciated the efforts of traditional rulers and citizens for their numerous support in the fight against banditry.
Murtala Ajaka, deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says Chris Ngige, minister of labour and employ...

Murtala Ajaka, deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says Chris Ngige, minister of labour and employment, should resign if he cannot support Bola Tinubu, the partys standard bearer.

Ajaka was reacting to comments made by Ngige when he appeared on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

When asked whether he would endorse Tinubu or back Peter Obi, the flagbearer of the Labour Party, Ngige described the question as difficult.

Both of them are my friends. My choice will be in the ballot box. Whether conscience or no conscience, on that day in February, Ill have one vote, he had said.

In a statement on Saturday, Ajaka criticised the minister over the remarks.

The presidential primary election had long ended and the party had settled for the choice of Senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, hence all the party leaders should put their ambitions behind them for now to deliver the partys presidential ticket, the deputy spokesman said.

It is expected of a serving minister in an APC government to be a trusted Apostle of Bola Ahmed Tinubus presidency in 2023, who along other party leaders laboured to ensure the enthronement of the same government in 2015 which they are now serving in.

Chief Ngige and other APC appointees, especially in the federal cabinet should not forget in a hurry that they are holding onto partys mandate, hence the need to protect it with whatever it requires, but if they can no longer protect the interest of the APC in public and that of our presidential candidate (Tinubu), I think the honourable thing to do is to step aside from the government formed by the APC.

With this type of public comment from a sitting minister in a ruling party who cannot declare on national television his choice of presidential candidate, how on earth is the party expected to fare in the forthcoming presidential election?
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has sent a message of condolence to his Abia state counterpart, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu over the death of the...





Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has sent a message of condolence to his Abia state counterpart, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu over the death of the former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Vincent Ogbulafor.





Ortom in the condolence message noted the contributions of Ogbulafor to the growth of the PDP, especially when he served as national secretary, national chairman and until his death, a prominent member of the PDP board of trustees (BOT).





The Governor lamented the demise of Ogbulafor at this time when his wealth of experience in party administration would have been handy to resolve intractable crises within the party.





Ortom pointed out that Ogbulafor was a true party man who was fair and firm to all.





In Ogbulafor, he said that the PDP and the political class have lost a colourful and fine gentleman. Well miss his deep political craftsmanship, the governor noted.





Governor Ortom recalled his days in the National Executive Council, NEC of the PDP under late Chief Ogbulafor as national chairman, saying, when i was the national auditor of the party under him, Ogbulafor exemplified humility and dedication to duty with the way he led the PDP. He was such a leader per excellence.





He was however consoled that Ogbulafor left a record of excellence services to the party, the nation and humanity at large.





The Governor prayed that God in His infinite mercies, grant the deceased eternal rest and the immediate family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
The Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has said that the recent happenings in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has shown that its paten...

The Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has said that the recent happenings in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has shown that its patented technology for sharing sleazy funds was alive.

The Director of Public Affairs and Spokesperson of the Council, Festus Keyamo, stated this in a statement issued Friday while reacting to a statement credited to the PDP that APC wasnt ready to govern Nigeria.

He said in the past few weeks, the PDP has entertained Nigerians with scandalous issues that showed the party remains a clear and present danger or threat to Nigerias treasury and equity.

Keyamo noted that the public space has been inundated with allegations made by no less a person than a prominent Governor of the PDP accusing its National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu of being patently corrupt and allegedly collecting a bribe of N1 billion from one of its candidates.

The spokesperson noted that the said governor even threatened to reveal more if there was a denial.

Keyamo stressed that Ayu was yet to deny or debunk this allegation for fear of being stripped totally bare in public.

He queried: Is this the party that claims it is ready for governance and that Nigerians can trust? A party without any iota of shame?

The spokesperson, therefore, called on the PDP to desist from its hallucinations and concentrate on rescuing itself before even thinking of rescuing Nigeria.

He said the country was yet to recover from that trauma and the PDP was still showing that its patented technology for sharing sleazy funds was alive.

Keyamo stated: It appears all their pipelines for siphoning and redistributing public funds are still very much intact and are, in fact, steaming to return to full operation.

We advise the PDP to desist from its hallucinations and concentrate on rescuing itself before even thinking of rescuing Nigeria.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Femi Fani-Kayode has described supporters of the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labou...





A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Femi Fani-Kayode has described supporters of the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi as poor little children.





The former Aviation Minister, who is a staunch supporter of the APC presidential flagbearer, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, made the assertion in a tweet on his verified Twitter handle.





He stated this while lamenting social media attacks from the Obi supporters who are popularly called Obidients.





He wrote, The problem with Peter & his Obidients is that they know how to throw punches but they dont know how to take them.





They enjoy hurling insults at others but they cant take insults themselves. One small jab & their glass jaws are broken & ego shattered. Poor little children.





It was reported that Fani-Kayodes recent write-ups are targeted at Peter Obi and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar in a bid to market Tinubu.
While far from an alliance, the SCO is increasingly utilized for managing Eurasian affairs without traditional Western mechanisms and organizations.

by John P. Ruehl

Held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 15 to 16, the 2022 summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of State Council demonstrated that the SCO was continuing to evolve into a viable international political congregation independent from the West.

Beginning in the early 1800s, international organizations (IOs) began to emerge as modest arbiters of European affairs. But during and after World War II, new IOs established themselves as far more prominent actors on a global scale. The United Nations (UN), the Arab League, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and several other IOs were created to manage the affairs of their member states.

Participants attend an extended-format meeting of heads of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states at a summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan September 16, 2022. [ Photo: Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan]

After the Soviet collapse, more IOs were created to manage the independence of new states, globalization, and regional cooperation. The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), created in 1991, attempted to coordinate military, economic, and political policies between post-Soviet states. The European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU), created in 1993 and 2002, respectively, bound member states more forcefully to common economic and political norms. Other IOs, like the Arctic Council (1996) and Asia Cooperation Dialogue (2002), aimed to foster broader regional cooperation.

Most new international organizations meshed neatly with the Western-led liberal world order. But in 2001, the formation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was formally announced, and it established itself as an exclusionary outlier. Originally known as the Shanghai Five when it was created in 1996, it included China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, with Uzbekistan later joining when it evolved into the SCO in 2001.

The SCO was created partly to help coordinate a new era of peaceful relations between Moscow and Beijing and to manage their coalescing interests in Central Asian states. In addition, combatting the Three Evils of extremism, separatism, and terrorism were major priorities for the organization, which included data and intelligence sharing and common military drills among its member states.

Over time, the SCO began to embrace greater political and economic integration. Support for autocratic rule and limiting criticism of human rights violations set it apart from other Western-aligned IOs, with the SCO also overseeing the growth of joint energy projects, the fostering of trade agreements, and the introduction of the SCO Interbank Consortium in 2005 to organize a mechanism for financing and banking services in investment projects supported by the governments of the SCO member states.

But the organizations most pressing vocation was facilitating a multipolar world order. Investing in an independent forum for economic, political, and military affairs outside of Western influence became a key component of Russian and Chinese attempts to reduce Western power in global affairs.

Russia and China have also developed complementary mechanisms to the SCO, which have helped decentralize its mission. Following the blacklisting of several Russian banks from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) in 2014, for example, the Kremlin approved the creation of the System for Transfer of Financial Messages (SPFS) to replicate SWIFT and introduced the National Payment Card System (now known as Mir), while China created the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS).

These initiatives even proved attractive to states that were more aligned with the Western-led global order. India and Pakistan began SCO accession talks in 2015 and officially joined the organization in 2017. Despite relatively positive relations with the West, India and Pakistan have both faced Western criticism over human rights and democratic backsliding in recent years. Indias introduction of platforms like RuPay in 2012 and Unified Payments Interface, which eroded the traditional dominance of Visa and Mastercard in the country, also complemented SCOs attempts to reduce Western economic preeminence globally.

At the 2022 summit of the SCO Heads of State Council, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reiterated that the SCO was not an anti-U.S. or anti-NATO alliance. But the organizations original motive to create a multipolar world was echoed in its Samarkand Declaration, the final declaration of this meeting, and continues to conflict with Washingtons attempts to maintain the U.S.-led world order. According to the declaration, the member states confirm[ed] their commitment to [the] formation of a more representative, democratic, just and multipolar world order.

This core stratagem continues to appeal to countries around the world. Alongside the leaders of its eight member states, the SCO invited the presidents of Belarus, Mongolia, and Iran as official observers to the recent summit. Having started its accession process in 2021, Iran signed a memorandum of understanding with the SCO to join the institution by April 2023.

The SCO would likely alleviate Irans sense of economic isolation stemming from Western sanctions, a sentiment shared by Iranian officials at the summit and something that was also noted back in 2007. Belarus has also found itself under increasing sanctions in recent years and enhanced its accession procedures to join the SCO in Samarkand.

The presidents of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Turkey were also invited to the SCO summit as special guests, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announcing that his country would seek full membership to the SCO. In 2012, Erdogan joked to Russian President Vladimir Putin about abandoning Turkeys EU aspirations if Russia would allow them into the SCO. Turkeys renewed attempt comes at a time when its ties with the rest of the Western world are increasingly strained and could instigate other NATO states, and potentially the EU states, to join the SCO as well.

The SCO has also established strong relations with other IOs. Representatives from ASEAN, the UN, the Russian-dominated CIS, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) were invited to the 2022 summit. Notably absent were any representatives from the EU or NATO. Meanwhile, in 2005, the U.S. was rejected from gaining observer status, solidifying the SCOs status as a bulwark against U.S. influence in Eurasia.

Like all major international organizations, the SCO faces systemic obstacles that hinder its effectiveness and long-term viability. At the recent summit in Uzbekistan, Chinas Xi Jinping was welcomed to the country by his Uzbek counterpart, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Putin, however, was greeted by Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, highlighting Russias strained relations with many of the former Soviet states and the growing strength of Beijing over Moscow. Unlike in the CSTO and the EAEU, Russia is not the dominant actor in the SCO, and will increasingly have to contend with Chinas predominant authority.

Disputes also remain between SCO member states. India and Pakistan, for example, are afflicted with an ongoing struggle over Kashmir. China and India have their own territorial disputes and have engaged in minor violent skirmishes since India joined the SCO. Additionally, deadly clashes between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan erupted during the recent summit, while admitting Armenia and Azerbaijan, both of which are SCO dialogue partners, will only further increase the number of members currently locked in their own territorial disputes.

But the SCO has consistently portrayed itself as a vehicle to supervise these issues. The leaders of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan met for talks during the summit to assuage tensions. And since 2002, the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) has encouraged military coordination between member states, with the Indian and Pakistani militaries conducting RATS drills in 2021. More drills between them are planned for October, and while they are aimed primarily at countering unrest from Afghanistan, they are also part of SCOs attempts to manage relations of member states.

China and Russia have also agreed to synergize the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the EAEU to help mitigate possible tension between them, with both Xi and Putin meeting on the sidelines of the 2022 SCO summit and pledging to respect each others core interests.

The SCO member states clearly believe the organization can, and has greater potential to, effectively manage their concerns and regional affairs, and its appeal continues to grow. Besides the additional SCO dialogue partners (Cambodia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt were granted the status of SCO dialogue partners at the 2022 SCO summit. Myanmar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the Maldives were also granted the status of dialogue partners.

Russian and Chinese influence will fall as more members join, which will also dilute consensus within the organization. But it remains a Beijing and Moscow-led initiative to manage world affairs and to demonstrate that the international community is not just the West. With almost half of the worlds population and a quarter of the global GDP, the SCO is increasingly becoming a representative of the Global South.

By pooling together other IOs into an umbrella forum, the SCO can further its goal of challenging the wider Western-dominated IO ecosystem and prevent Washington from setting the global agenda. This will require the constructive management of Russian and Chinese ambitions and the increasingly complex needs of more member states.

This article was produced by Globetrotter.

John P. Ruehl is an Australian-American journalist living in Washington, D.C. He is a contributing editor to Strategic Policy and a contributor to several other foreign affairs publications. He is currently finishing a book on Russia to be published in 2022.
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Mostly cloudy this morning. A few showers developing during the afternoon. High 49F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low near 35F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Overcast with rain showers at times. High 49F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low around 35F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Xinjiang celebrates bumper harvest of chilli peppers

Ecns.cn) 13:10, October 08, 2022

A harvester works in a chilli pepper plantation base in Tiemenguan city, northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Oct. 6, 2022. A chilli pepper plantation base in Xinjiang embraced harvest with a total planting area of more than 1,300 hectares. (Photo: China News Service/Bei Kebin)

A harvester works in a chilli pepper plantation base in Tiemenguan city, northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Oct. 6, 2022. A chilli pepper plantation base in Xinjiang embraced harvest with a total planting area of more than 1,300 hectares. (Photo: China News Service/Bei Kebin)

A harvester works in a chilli pepper plantation base in Tiemenguan city, northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Oct. 6, 2022. A chilli pepper plantation base in Xinjiang embraced harvest with a total planting area of more than 1,300 hectares. (Photo: China News Service/Bei Kebin)

A harvester works in a chilli pepper plantation base in Tiemenguan city, northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Oct. 6, 2022. A chilli pepper plantation base in Xinjiang embraced harvest with a total planting area of more than 1,300 hectares. (Photo: China News Service/Bei Kebin)

A harvester works in a chilli pepper plantation base in Tiemenguan city, northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Oct. 6, 2022. A chilli pepper plantation base in Xinjiang embraced harvest with a total planting area of more than 1,300 hectares. (Photo: China News Service/Bei Kebin)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Oppo has expanded the A77 series to include the A77s, a 6.56-inch handset with a 90 Hz display and a 5,000 mAh battery. Also equipped with a Snapdragon 680 chipset, the Oppo A77s arrives with ColorOS 12.1 based on Android 12, among other features.

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The Oppo A77s has arrived, with the handset launching first in Thailand. While Oppo has not confirmed global availability yet, it has detailed that the A77s sells for THB 8,999 (~US$241) in Thailand. Unsurprisingly, the Oppo A77s is a mid-range smartphone, which means that Oppo has employed some cost-saving measures.

Specifically, the Oppo A77s has a 720p display, albeit a 6.56-inch IPS one that operates at 90 Hz. Additionally, although the display peaks at 600 nits, it has rather thick bezels, including a waterdrop notch for an 8 MP front-facing camera. Similarly, Oppo has equipped the A77s with a 50 MP primary camera but only a 2 MP monochrome sensor. Still, a 5,000 mAh battery is handy, as is 33 W wired fast charging via USB Type-C.
No new intelligence prompted President Joe Bidens nuclear Armageddon remarks, according to the White House.

Biden told a group of donors late Oct. 6 that the world faces the prospect of Armageddon due to Russian President Vladimir Putins perceived threat of using nuclear weapons.

No. No, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Air Force One on Friday, when asked whether new intelligence motivated Biden to make the comments.

The President was speaking about concerns about Putins threats to use nuclear weapons, just as he did at the U.N. General Assembly and we have done over the past few weeks, Jean-Pierre added.

Jean-Pierre also said that the United States has still not seen a reason to adjust its nuclear posture, nor does it have indications that Russia is preparing to imminently use nuclear weapons.

Russias nuclear rhetoric has been reckless and irresponsible. But if the Cuban Missile Crisis has taught us anything, it is the value of reducing nuclear risk and not brandishing it, she added later.

Putin said recently that we will certainly use all the means that we have to defend Russia and our people if Russias territorial integrity is threatened.

Russia is currently battling for more territory in Ukraine, which it invaded in February. America has provided billions in arms and other aid to Ukraine and has said Russia should withdraw.

Biden said Thursday that the United States faces for the first time since the Cuban Missile Crisis  a direct threat to the use of nuclear weapons, if in fact things continue down the path they are going.

He also said that he and other American officials are trying to discern an off-ramp for Putin.

Where does he find a way out? Where does he find himself in a position he does not, not only lose face but lose significant power in Russia, Biden said.

Jean-Pierre said U.S. officials believe only one country is responsible for the war, and that country is Russia.

They started this conflict, and Mr. Putin has the ability to stop this conflict today, she said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraines president, said separately on Oct. 6 that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization should make it impossible for Russia to use nuclear weapons, calling for preventative strikes as opposed to retaliatory ones.

Such statements are nothing other than an appeal to start yet another world war with unpredictable, monstrous consequences, Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin, said in response, RIA reported.

A spokesman for Zelenskyy later wrote on Facebook that the remarks were being misinterpreted.

Colleagues, you have gone a little too far with your nuclear hysteria and now you hear nuclear strikes even where there are none, he said. The president spoke about the period before February 24. At that time, it was necessary to apply preventive measures to prevent Russia from starting a war. Let me remind you that the only measures that were discussed at that time were preemptive sanctions.

From The Epoch Times
CROWN POINT  An Indianapolis woman was wanted Friday on charges she shot another woman earlier this week in Gary out of jealousy.

Carlita C. Johnson, 43, is accused of pulling up in front of a home in the 2400 block of Central Avenue about 1:50 p.m. Monday, records show.

The woman told police she knows Johnson because they both have been seeing the same man.

When the woman confronted Johnson, Johnson got out of a car with a gun and said, "(Expletive), I'll blow your head off," according to Lake Criminal Court records.

The woman told police Johnson tried to hit her with the gun, missed, pointed the gun at her and fired two times. She was shot in the shoulder, records state.

Johnson fled the area before police arrived, according to documents.

She's facing felony counts of aggravated battery, battery by means of a deadly weapon and battery resulting in serious bodily injury.

Anyone with information on Johnson's whereabouts is asked to call 911 or Gary detectives at 219-881-1210. To remain anonymous, call 866-CRIME-GP.
CROWN POINT  A judge rejected a Gary womans claim Friday she acted out of love for her children when she shot a pregnant woman during a fight last year and sentenced her to a maximum of four years in prison.

Pamela L. Hunter, 42, was a convicted felon and had no business possessing a gun at the time of the April 14, 2021, shooting in the 2000 block of Vermont Street in Gary, Lake Criminal Court Judge Samuel Cappas said.

Your mothers love caused you to shoot a pregnant woman? Cappas said. Im not making that connection.

Hunter pleaded guilty in July to one count of battery resulting in serious bodily injury, a level 5 felony.

After the shooting, Hunter and her family retreated into their home, leading to a standoff with Gary police, according to charging documents. Officers had to disperse a crowd of about 40 people, including several females who were throwing patio chairs, bottles and rocks at a house.

LaToya Pye, who had traveled from Indianapolis to Gary for her relatives funeral that day, said she wasnt able to feel her unborn child for a time after she was shot in the leg.

The baby, her only boy, survived and is now a year old, she said.

Im just glad hes still here and Im still here, Pye said. It could have been a different scenario.

Pye said she and her other children, some of whom witnessed the shooting, were traumatized.

I never expected any of this to happen, Pye said. I didnt even know her.

Hunters attorney, Darnail Lyles, said Hunter had a 2014 conviction for dealing cocaine and could have faced up to 12 years in prison if convicted on one felony count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Prosecutors agreed to dismiss that count in exchange for Hunters plea to battery resulting in serious bodily injury. The parties also agreed to a four-year cap on any sentence Hunter received.

Lyles said Hunter had been living a law-abiding life since her release from prison and raising her four children, three of whom are younger than 18 and need their mother, he said.

Then she runs into some drunk neighbors that want to start problems with her, Lyles said. Somebody among the drunk people sprayed her with Mace.

When Cappas questioned Hunters claim about acting out of love for her children, she said she had been maced and couldnt see when she pulled the trigger.

When you fire a gun, the bullet travels where the gun is pointed, Cappas said.

What sense did that make? he asked. You cant see and you pull the trigger?

Lyles said Hunter acted under substantial provocation and deserved another chance.

He recommended a 12-month jail sentence, with any additional time suspended in favor of probation.

Hunter said she started a T-shirt business and maintains several rental properties in Gary.

Im not the monster the media portrayed me to be, she said. Im not a violent person.

Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Taylor Young recommended a four-year sentence.

Hunter had three felony convictions, including one related to her decision to leave the Lake County Community Corrections program without permission following her drug dealing conviction. As a result of the previous case, Lake County Community Corrections refused to accept Hunter in her latest case.
CROWN POINT  Doctors at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park told Hunter Valles family he had about a 1% of survival after a devastating explosion at a Region steel mill.

The physicians told his family his internal organs would start failing. They talked about giving him palliative care to ease his suffering for his last days.

But Valles persevered, eventually emerging from a medically induced coma and life support after a March 3 explosion at the slag pits at Cleveland-Cliffs Indiana Harbor Works mill in East Chicago left him forever scarred with life-changing injuries.

Valles, a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, had to endure at least 46 surgeries, mostly skin grafts after he suffered third-degree burns on much of his body. Hes had to undergo grueling rehabilitation, learning to walk again despite not having any feeling in his feet.

After more than seven months in the hospital, Valles returned to his familys home in Crown Point on Friday. He rode in a caravan with police cars, fire trucks, EMT vehicles and roaring motorcycles thundering through the downtown. They passed a Welcome Home Hunter sign on Station 21 American Grill on Main Street and then past crowds of cheering well-wishers on the Old Lake County Courthouse Square in downtown Crown Point.

Its been a long time coming, a tearful Mary Valles said. Its so wonderful. We were waiting a long time for this.

Hunter Valles worked for Phoenix Services, a contractor that provides services to the steel industry. He was operating a loader when water infiltrated the slag pits, triggering a massive explosion. He escaped from the cab and made it to the top of the hill while he was on fire, suffering third-degree burns over 80% of his body.

Three members of his Chicago-based union rushed to him, risking their own lives, his family said.

He was airlifted to the University of Chicago, where surgeons rushed to try to save his life. Hes been rehabilitating for the last two months at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

They only gave him a 1% chance, Lisa Valles said. It was devastating. I collapsed on the front porch. We all thought he was dead. We cant believe hes home. Im happier than Ive been in my whole life. This is the best day ever.

Hunter Valles was surprised by all the fanfare. He waved to the crowd while the procession circled the square for a second lap.

It was surreal, he said. I wasnt expecting this at all. I never thought something like this would happen, to have that great of a welcome coming home.

Family, friends and fellow union members supported him throughout his ordeal, visiting him and texting him to see how things were going.

Its been a long road, especially just sitting in the hospital for months, Hunter Valles said. The pain is just horrible. And you didnt know what youre going to expect. I got to rehab. They got me on my feet. They got the ball rolling and wouldnt take no for an answer.

The physical therapy wasnt terrible but it was hard, he said. He started off stretching to reactivate muscles that lay dormant during the coma and to stretch his new skin. They eventually got him walking with the help of a walker.

He had no feeling in his feet because of the nerve damage, his father, Jeffrey Valles, said. Thats why hes got braces on both feet because he cant walk otherwise. Hes got no control over his foot function or his ankle function.

It took about two months of physical therapy to get him to walk again.

First he had to be able to stand, Jeffrey Valles said. That was a whole process. You have to stand before youre able to walk. You have to be able to balance yourself and gain the strength to walk. Its a bigger process than just getting him to walk.

His muscles atrophied during the medically induced coma.

When youre laying in a bed for five months, everything is still. Everythings contracted, Jeffrey Valles said. Its just trying to get all the muscles to fire again too. The muscles and nerves and everything arent working together. You need to get all that work.

He underwent at least 35 skin grafts.

They go in and remove the skin off the leg and off the abdomen, he said. Then it has to be wrapped in an allograph or cadaver skin to build the skin underneath it. Then they can skin graft over it. Every one of those surgeries was a process of removing skin or repairing the body or grating skin over it.

Hunter Valles, who met with his at-home outpatient nurse for the first time upon arriving home Friday, will have to undergo many additional surgeries.

Theres more coming. Hes not done, Jeffrey Valles said. The burns wiped out the stabilizing compartments in both legs. He lost approximately 75% of the muscle in his lower left leg, somewhere in that ballpark. Eventually, as he gets stronger, they will translate muscle from his quad to his lower left leg to give him some strength to be able to walk and have some stability.

Much remains unknown such as exactly how much nerve damage Valles suffered. Hes moving back in with his family where he will continue to receive outpatient care and go through rehabilitation.

Its an emotional roller coaster when you go to the doctor talking about palliative care, Jeffrey Valles said. The University of Chicago did a great job explaining how things were going to go. They had it mapped out. On day three, his kidneys were going to go. Fortunately, that situation didnt happen. Then they said on day five or day six his lungs were going to give out. That did happen. Its an emotional roller coaster when one second everything is going to be fine and then you have the rug pulled out from under you. It was that way pretty much the whole time until we found out he was going to rehab. Then we could finally breathe.

Its been a trying ordeal for everyone. The family still doesnt know what kind of life Hunter Valles can expect.

For us, for our family, for our brothers and sisters, its been hard, Jeffrey Valles said. With a burn patient, you never really know. Theres always that risk something will become infected. We knew that going into it. It was very scary, an emotional roller coaster. Its hard as a parent because theres nothing you can do. Youre just along for the ride. Thats not an easy thing for anybody.

Hunter Valless prolonged hospital stay took its toll on everyone. They have been anxious worrying about what kind of quality of life he can look forward to, what milestones he can reach and if there will ever be a day in which he wont be in so much excruciating physical pain.

It was tough, Jeffrey Valles said. A lot of ups and downs. A lot of sleepless nights. The couches are very comfortable at the University of Chicago. It was a very emotional roller coaster that left scars that will take a long time to heal.

But the family maintained faith despite the long odds Valles was initially given. They believed he would ultimately pull through.

We knew what he went through just to get out of the machine, Jeffrey Valles said. When the explosion happened at Cleveland-Cliffs, we knew how severe things were going to be, but we knew what he did to save himself with the help of the operating engineers who helped him out and the emergency response and the lady who called for the lifeline helicopter, the security guard who did. It was definitely a team effort. It definitely clicked on all cylinders or he wouldnt be here today.

Still facing a long road to recovery and an uncertain future, Hunter Valles has remained determined to survive.

Knowing what he went through, we knew he fought hard to survive, Jeffrey Valles said. We know hes a fighter. We know hes strong. We believed hes going to pull through.

A GoFundMe campaign is raising funds for the family's medical expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/f/hunter-valles?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp%20share-sheet&fbclid=IwAR25Mj6LUcPXJyf_OgSL10-zkwcGERHfIhX4BY23Vq3-EJ3Sau4H4ghRVFI
CROWN POINT  Veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq gather every Sunday in a garage filled with spare parts, tools and custom motorcycles in various stages of assembly.

Rock blares in the background as they turn wrenches, wire electric lines, tighten bolts, rev engines and talk shop.

They come to build their own bikes from spare and recycled parts ranging from the rusty to glistening chrome. They come to connect. They come for a sense of camaraderie they havent experienced since they left the uniform.

Operation Combat Bikesaver Chairman and President Jason Zaideman describes it as hot rod therapy. It aims to combat veteran post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, depression, homelessness and suicide. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 17.7 veterans commit suicide a day, and studies have suggested that number could be significantly higher.

Zaideman founded the unique veterans service group targeting younger veterans of more recent wars in a shed outside his Cedar Lake home where he hand-built his first motorcycle, a dramatic-looking chopper with a spiderweb, skull, wide handlebars and a specialized Cray Z license plate. The nonprofit will celebrate its seventh anniversary in a few weeks.

Operation Combat Bikesaver, whose tagline is veterans restoring veterans, long occupied a cramp cinderblock garage on a cluttered gravel lot just north of Lemon Lake County Park in Cedar Lake. But it recently moved to much more spacious digs at 1670 E. North St. in Crown Point. It now has seven times as much space after opening in a business park, which Zaideman said will allow it to greatly expand its services, such as by offering veterans classes on woodworking and art.

Operation Combat Bikesaver also has grown across the country, operating chapters in Alabama, California and soon Hawaii. The volunteer-run nonprofit hopes to establish more chapters but wants to maintain strict quality control, to ensure, for example, that the outposts are always open for shop day on Sunday so that veterans in crisis can always show up and will never be turned away.

The veterans service group took off after being featured on Mike Rowes Returning the Favor show on Facebook a few years ago. It got tens of thousands of new followers on social media, hundreds of T-shirt orders and calls from people all around the country. Donations have since flooded in, including tools and parts the veterans use to craft their own custom motorcycles.

It also offers other services, including financial assistance to members who might be struggling, help with filling out Veterans Affairs paperwork and group therapy sessions where members can talk it out. Its trained participants how to be mechanics, even helping some land jobs in that field.

Operation Combat Bikesaver offers an alternative to traditional veterans service groups like the Veterans of Foreign Wars or the American Legion, which cater to older veterans.

This isnt sitting in a bar and drinking, Zaideman said. This is working in your garage and making something, sharing a mission with your fellow veterans.

Zaideman, whose father served as a Marine during the Vietnam War, followed him into the military and served for eight years as an Army engineer at Fort Riley in Arizona. He realized the therapeutic potential of making motorcycles after his discharge when working on his bike and losing track of time.

You get lost in your own world, he said. You lose track of time and forget about everything.

At Operation Combat Bikesaver, veterans work together on community builds before building their own bikes and help each other out with their projects. They can relate to one another in ways they often cant relate to civilians. Many miss such intense bonds after leaving the service.

Veterans return home and find theres nothing like what they had in the service, Zaideman said. They can talk to each other and understand each other here. They can say whatevers on their mind and be open with each other here. Were all brothers, brothers and sisters here.

The nonprofit is an approved veterans program through the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs and has been the subject of an ongoing Indiana University study on the positive outcomes its steered veterans toward. It served an estimated 1,869 veterans a year between 2015 and 2021 when open two days a week. It eventually would like to offer services 24/7.

Operation Combat Bikesaver is now looking to equip its new space, such as by building out a garage for working on cars. They are planning to expand their services to include skills like woodworking now that they have the space to broaden their appeal to veterans who might not be into motorcycles.

Were open to all veterans, Director of Public Relations Andrew Hasty said. Anyone from any branch of the service is welcome. They just need to come in. Theyre always welcome here.

Its working on raising funds to renovate and update the space such as by auctioning off a 2012 Custom EVO Hardtail motorcycle a Navy veteran donated. Its also offering support memberships that come with wristbands, dog tags and stickers.

For more information, visit combatbikesaver.org or email info@combatbikesaver.org.
Grand Cal (copy) The Grand Calumet River in the Miller Woods is shown.

EAST CHICAGO  The Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday that it will require the East Chicago Sanitary District to stop untreated wastewater discharge into the Grand Calumet River.

The EPAs order, under the Clean Water Act, requires ECSD to stop discharges of untreated sewage into the Grand Calumet River by Oct. 11. ECSD must install bypass piping and repair the ruptured sewer pipe, which carries almost 80% of the systems wastewater to the treatment plant.

According to the order, ECSD must increase communication with the public through a public service advisory previously issued about the combined sewer overflow. It must post results of daily sampling in the river online.

A semi-truck fell into a sinkhole Sept. 28 on Alder Street and caused a 42-inch sewage pipe to break. Raw sewage flooded the wastewater treatment site and temporarily blocked traffic on Indianapolis Boulevard.

Wastewater is flowing out of a combined sewer overflow point on the west side of Cline Avenue into the east branch of the Grand Calumet River at a rate of about 8 million gallons per day, according to the EPA.

The EPA said it is working Indiana Department of Environmental Management to monitor the issue. IDEM responded to the spill on the first day, and its wastewater treatment plant inspectors have been on-site each weekday since.

The EPA recommends avoiding the area until further notice.

Representatives from IDEM and East Chicago were not immediately available to comment.
Here are the recent bookings by the Porter County Sheriff's Department. All information is taken directly from the website.
Students, faculty explore national parks to enhance understanding of geology





Fourteen Northwest Missouri State University students and four faculty members developed a deeper understanding of geological principles during a summer field trip traversing landscapes in the United States western region.

Jeff Bradley, a senior instructor of geology, and other faculty have led the summer field trip since 2013.

Our main goal was to give students an extended field experience thats not possible during the spring and fall semesters, Bradley said. This trip, like all our field trips, gives students the chance to see firsthand the geological features that we discuss in our classes.

Northwest students and faculty stopped for a photo along Jenny Lake Trail at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming during a summer tour of national parks. (Submitted photos)

This year, the group embarked on a two-week tour exploring six national parks and monuments, including Yellowstone National Park and the Old Faithful geyser basin as well as Crater Lake National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Students made roadside stops, including this one in Oregon, to discuss the geology of the area and collect rock and mineral samples.

The group discussed and observed examples of geological phenomena such as rocks formed from the cooling of magma and lava, plutonic rocks, skarns and the formation of precious metals. Students developed presentations discussing the geological features they saw and collected precious gems, mineral and crystals for displays in the Garrett-Strong Science Building.

We had the opportunity to hike along Jenny Lake with the Tetons jutting up directly across the lake from us. It really made an impression on all of us, Bradley said. Another memorable location was at Lassen Peak in California. This is a dormant volcano at the southern end of the Cascade Mountains. We did some hiking there and had a chance to see some active geothermal features, such as hot springs and mud pots. This just reminded everyone that the volcano is clearly not extinct  only resting.

The field trip was Hunter Weakleys first time traveling outside Missouri, and it was a valuable experience that left a lasting impression on him.

Throughout the field trip, students gave presentations about the geology of the national parks they visited. In this photo, students Shelby Norman and Kate Kilpatrick discuss the geology of Lassen Volcanic National Park in California.

The two best things from this trip were the collecting stops and camping, Weakley, a junior general geology major from Lees Summit, Missouri, said. It was fun to learn about the stuff you are finding, such as garnets being in rhyolite, which is rare as they dont normally form in volcanic rock. For the camping aspect, I think it was cool to be close to nature. You got to see beautiful stars along a campfire in places that allowed it and share life stories and talk with one another. Its a trip where you can make friends for life.

In addition to working as a team with group members throughout the trip, Weakley gained in-field experience and honed note-taking skills as a geologist.

Weakley, who aspires to be a paleontologist, said he enjoyed the opportunity to become familiar with the United States vast geological landscape and connect with students who share a similar interest.

I really wanted to learn more about the Earth, he said. You see these things every day, pass by tons of rocks and just think their rocks. You could pick one up and it could be a fossil or granite, which could have feldspar and so many more things in there that you dont know. Every day you just look past and dont get the appreciation.

While the field trip draws students from varied majors and academic interests, the opportunity to visit national parks and monuments allows participants to see significant areas that are set aside and preserved for future generations.

Aside from a deeper understanding of the geologic principles that students are taught in the classroom, we also hope that students gain appreciation for the fragility of the natural environment, Bradley said. The overall design of the field trip is to promote teamwork, regardless of career path. We use geology as a means to achieve that goal, which should serve all students well in the future.
Dmitri Shostakovichs career is the most deeply politicized in Russian music history, perhaps in all music history. Arguably his most politicized composition is his alluring, macabre opera Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk.

Lady Macbeth, which is being revived at the Metropolitan Opera through Oct. 21, was condemned in the Soviet press in 1936, two years after its successful premiere in Leningrad. The opera was performed in that city, now called St. Petersburg, some 50 times in 1934, and it had been presented in Cleveland, New York and Philadelphia, along with Buenos Aires, London, Prague, Stockholm and Zurich. But the hammer came down. Shostakovich was censured by the Stalinist regime and feared for his career, as well as his safety.

Or at least thats how the story goes. But the archives of Moscows theaters tell a more interesting tale, I learned, as do fortuitously published documents from Russias federal archives and private holdings.

Lady Macbeth is based on an 1865 story by Nikolai Leskov, as adapted by Shostakovich and Alexander Preys. The title character, a childless merchants wife, Katerina Izmailova, lives grimly in a grim burg. (Mtsensk is an actual place near the city of Oryol, known in the 19th century for its crafts. Its not far from Moscow by Russian standards, less than four hours by train.) To escape her surroundings, and to enact vengeance on her besotted, cheating husband, Katerina takes Sergey, a laborer at a flour mill, as her lover after he sexually assaults her.
While in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention, Ms. Sorokin accrued one million Instagram followers when her exploits were dramatized this year in a series on Netflix about her time, in her mid-20s, as Anna Delvey, the heiress persona she fabricated. She persuaded some of Manhattans elite to believe her fake back story and created a business plan to open an arts social club on Park Avenue South but ultimately went to jail after the project fell apart.

Ms. Sorokin went to banks and other investment groups with her business plan, but prosecutors said she wanted to use the money to pay for her upscale lifestyle. When City National Bank gave her a $100,000 line of credit, she spent $40,000 in a month on designer clothing and luxury hotels, according to evidence presented at trial. By the next month she had gone through the rest of the money, and then some.

With the project quickly fading from reality, she went to Marrakesh with Rachel Williams, a friend at the time, who was a photo editor at Vanity Fair. Ms. Sorokin left her with a $62,000 bill. In 2019, Ms. Williams testified before a jury that the bill, which she had charged on her company credit card and was ultimately reimbursed by American Express, was the most traumatic experience Ive ever been through. The jury found Ms. Sorokin not guilty of stealing money from Ms. Williams, whose book about her experience with Ms. Sorokin was published shortly after the trial. (Ms. Williams had also signed an option with HBO, which has expired, according to her website.)

While in jail, Ms. Sorokin supplied drawings for two art shows inspired by her time as the socialite Anna Delvey, up through her detention. Ms. Sorokin, who said she attended the art and design school Parsons Paris, said she began sketching in earnest during her criminal trial in 2019 and continued in what she said was an effort to be very honest about my experiences.

Though she is being released from detention, this doesnt mean she gets to stay in the United States, said John Sandweg, who is representing Ms. Sorokin in her immigration case. All this means is that she gets to continue to aggressively pursue all her cases out of jail, off the taxpayers dime  and she gets to do it from home.
Abortion rights supporters won two temporary victories on Friday when judges in Ohio and Arizona suspended state laws banning the procedures.

In Ohio, a county judge indefinitely suspended a state law prohibiting most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. A few hours later, an appeals court in Arizona temporarily blocked its pre-statehood law banning the procedure.

The decisions marked progress for abortion advocates who have been fighting to restore access to the procedure in states that ban it.

The Ohio decision extends an earlier, temporary suspension of the law that was set to expire next week. The ruling means that the states abortion ban is suspended while the court case proceeds, providing a bit more certainty for abortion providers and women.
President Bidens declaration on Thursday night that the world may be facing the prospect of Armageddon if President Vladimir V. Putin uses a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine included a revealing side note: that Mr. Biden has been looking to help the Russian president find an off-ramp that might avert the worst outcome.

His logic came right out of the Cuban Missile Crisis, to which Mr. Biden referred twice in his comments at a Democratic fund-raiser in New York, a good indication of what is on his mind. In that famous case  the closest the world came to a full nuclear exchange, 60 years ago this month  President John F. Kennedy struck a secret bargain with Nikita Khrushchev, the Soviet premier, to remove American missiles from Turkey.

With that deal, which came to light only later, a disaster that could have killed tens of millions of Americans and untold numbers of Soviet citizens was averted.

For weeks now, Mr. Bidens aides have been debating whether there might be an analogous understanding, a way for the wounded Russian leader to find an out. They have offered no details, knowing that secrecy may be the key to seeking any successful exit and avoiding the conditions in which a cornered Mr. Putin reaches for his battlefield nuclear weapons. Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, reiterated on Friday that Mr. Biden had no new intelligence about nuclear weapons use and said she saw no indications the Russians were preparing to use them.
KYIV, Ukraine  As Russias forces lose ground in Ukraine, they continued to rain destruction and death on Ukrainian civilian targets, using artillery and missiles on Thursday and Friday to strike multiple cities and towns, often far from any combat.

Ukrainian officials and some military analysts say that as the Russian military retreats in the east and the south, it is growing more determined to destroy infrastructure and more indiscriminate about causing civilian casualties, using its advantage in long-range munitions as if to punish Ukraine for Moscows losses.

The barrage continued on a day when the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to human rights activists in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, an implicit rebuke to Russia and its president, Vladimir V. Putin, for his invasion of Ukraine.

Overnight nearly 40 Russian rockets hit Nikopol, on the Dnipro River, damaging at least 10 homes, several apartment blocks and other infrastructure, according to the head of the regional military administration, Valentyn Reznichenko. He said that further shelling on Friday evening killed one man and wounded another.
Stephanie Dabney, a principal dancer with the Dance Theater of Harlem who became an international star and a role model for aspiring Black ballerinas, died on Sept. 28 at a nursing home in Manhattan. She was 64.

Her sister, Janine Dabney-Battle, said the cause was cardiopulmonary arrest. Ms. Dabney had been living with H.I.V. since 1990 and had weathered numerous health complications.

Ms. Dabney was just 16 in 1975, when she joined the Harlem company, which was founded in 1969 by Karel Shook and Arthur Mitchell, the first Black principal dancer at New York City Ballet, to create opportunities for dancers of color.

Mr. Mitchell was a protege of George Balanchine, and Ms. Dabney was a natural fit for the companys Balanchine-based neoclassical style. Stephanie had it all: line, feet, technique, speed, imagination and the most important thing of all, heart, Virginia Johnson, the companys artistic director, wrote in an email.
In Buddhism and Hinduism, Indras net floats over the globe, protectively, revealing interconnectedness of life. Its an image that seemed ideal for the curator Sandhini Poddar, who was invited to create a special section at Frieze London (Wednesday through Sunday) for lesser-known galleries from around the world.

The image of an earthly net is about inclusion, Ms. Poddar said, but also could been seen as the fragility of connectedness in a world divided by environmental issues and the reality of wars past and present.

If you think about this idea of the earth as a witness over a long arch of time, you can talk about history, ancestry, language and the whole matrix of ideas, Ms. Poddar said in a phone interview. Everything is caught in this cause-and-effect relationship.

Indras Net, which will feature 18 artists from galleries from Asia to Latin America, is a chance for smaller galleries to get a bit of the spotlight at a major art fair. Ms. Poddar, a London-based curator of Asian art for the Guggenheim Museum in New York, is also helping to curate the Asian and African galleries at the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, which after many years of delay is scheduled to open in 2025.
The idea of keeping a beloved relatives tattooed skin and hanging it on a wall may be hard for some to imagine. But families who have worked with the Sherwoods say it brings comfort and emphasized that a persons tattoos often carry great meaning.

Margie Gatehouse, of Salt Lake City, said that as her husband was dying of cirrhosis this past spring, her daughters approached her with the idea of preserving his tattoo. She was stunned at the suggestion.

I thought it was morbid and thought that it wasnt even possible, Ms. Gatehouse, 52, said. How could you cut something off someone?

Her daughters, Courtney and Nichole, explained to their mother that their father was on board and that they had found Save My Ink Forever. They asked her to imagine how special it would be to have the black-and-white skull tattoo that has a ribbon with their names on it framed and preserved for years to come. She reluctantly agreed.

Now, Ms. Gatehouse says she couldnt be more grateful that she listened to her daughters as the frame, which hangs in her living room, continues to connect her to her husband.

Im glad that I didnt miss the opportunity, she said.

Historians trace the rise of tattoo preservation to the mid-to-late 19th century. Fukushi Masaichi, a Japanese physician, is credited as one of the pioneers in the field, said Karly Etz, a postdoctoral associate at the Rochester Institute of Technology who studies tattoo art history.
Dear readers,

In his essay Sun and Steel, Yukio Mishima described his writing aspirations like this:

My ideal style would have had the grave beauty of polished wood in the entrance hall of a samurai mansion on a winters day.

In addition to its provocative use of the third conditional tense (would have had, as though Mishima were transmitting from beyond the grave), the sentence offers a superb statement of artistic intent. The masterstroke might be the entrance hall specification, which throws Mishimas freeze frame into sublime high-def.

If the following writers were forced to come up with Mishima-style declarations, what would they look like? Just a little something to ponder as you read.

Molly
At the same time, Chinas imports of foreign goods have stumbled as Chinese consumers become even more cautious spenders and as the Chinese government subsidizes local companies to produce substitutes for imported products. The Shanghai stock market has dropped almost 17 percent so far this year.

The main task of Chinas ruling elite at the party congress, a gathering that happens once every five years and typically lasts a week, will be to confirm the lineup of Chinas leaders. But a keynote opening speech by Mr. Xi will also provide important clues for what the future holds for businesses in China and around the world.

Mr. Xis speech will be full of Communist Party ideological jargon and probably very long  his speech at the start of the last party congress, in 2017, lasted more than three hours. But buried in that jargon are likely to be some important messages. Heres what finance leaders and corporate executives around the world want to know.

Domestic Ideology: Common Prosperity

One of Mr. Xis favorite economic policy initiatives in recent months has a simple, innocuous-sounding name: common prosperity. The big question lies in what it means.

Common prosperity, a longtime goal of the Communist Party, has been defined by Mr. Xi as reining in private capital and narrowing Chinas huge disparities in wealth. Regulators and tax investigators cracked down last year on tech giants and wealthy celebrities. Beijing demanded that tycoons give back to society. And Mr. Xi has strongly discouraged speculation in housing, pushing instead for government subsidies for the construction of more rental apartments.

A regulatory crackdown on tech companies and after-school education companies contributed to a wave of layoffs that left one in five young Chinese city dwellers unemployed by August. Lending limits on Chinas highly inflated housing sector have triggered a nosedive in the number of fresh construction projects being started and a wave of insolvencies among real estate developers. Many Western hedge funds that bet heavily on the real estate developers overseas bond issues incurred considerable losses.

The term common prosperity was seldom used by top officials last spring during those setbacks. But Mr. Xi conspicuously revived it during a tour of northeastern China in mid-August. The Politburo subsequently mentioned common prosperity when it announced on Aug. 30 the starting date and agenda for the party congress.
Global isolation may be damaging to the regime, but global integration would be dangerous, as Mr. Sadjadpour wrote. The regime might see its best chance of survival in maintaining repressive rule and just the right amount of isolation. Ayatollah Khamenei wants to be neither North Korea nor Dubai. He wants to be able to sell Irans oil on the global market without sanctions, but he doesnt want Iran to be fully integrated in the global system.

Since Donald Trump ripped up the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, the Biden administration and other nations involved have been trying to revive it. That is a worthy effort, but negotiations for the deal, otherwise known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, are at a standstill over two Iranian conditions in particular that Western negotiators cannot meet: that the International Atomic Energy Agency end investigations into traces of uranium at undeclared sites, and that the United States provide guarantees the deal will not again be killed. It is up to Iran to choose whether to revive the deal, and its decision is not likely to be swayed by American behavior.

Whatever the future of the nuclear deal, its fate should not preclude the United States and its allies from vigorously supporting the desire of Iranian protesters for global integration, through better access to the essential tools of communication, organizing and protest.

The moral case is not solely the outrageous behavior of the clerical regime. It is also the fact that so much of the economic suffering of the Iranian people  rents that have multiplied, goods that have become prohibitively expensive, a currency that has plummeted so low that Iranians need stacks of bills to do everyday shopping  is the result of waves of American sanctions.

The U.S. needs to maintain its efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and this board supports continuing diplomatic efforts that could curtail Irans nuclear weapons program and open the door to future agreements. But some of the current sanctions have gone too far, and fallen mostly on the very activists that the United States would like to help. Indeed, the regime has used Irans economic isolation to further entrench its power. The United States thus has a major stake in helping Iranians to a better life, ideally one without sanctions, morality police or nuclear weapons.
Sarah Cornett

Oakland, Calif.

To the Editor:

Our 16-year-old son is scheduled for top surgery this December. He has been carefully researching and dreaming about this surgery for the last four years. I am his mother. I grew his body in mine. So I have struggled with the idea of his physical transition.

But as his parent, I also know my child. I know that this is who he was meant to be, who he always was. His joy, his confidence, his ecstatic love of his life since transitioning makes us certain that this is just one more step in his becoming his true self. And that he is ready, now.

We, his parents, and his trusted, dedicated physicians are those who are qualified to make this judgment, not the state.

Sandy Russell Jones

Highland Park, N.J.

To the Editor:

The subject of trans people seeking surgical and medication intervention is one that is fraught when we recognize that the subjects signing up are not consenting adults. Surgeons are performing permanent changes to childrens bodies. These treatments are based on decisions made by brains incapable of understanding long-term consequences. That fact is what makes the current stance of the medical community so alarming.

If gender identity is fluid and dynamic, then the rush to make the physical body chase a dynamic position of the mind in any given time period is at best a fools errand and at worst an act of genital and corporeal mutilation. I do not use these terms lightly; I use them primarily because we are talking about children, not consenting adults.

Please look to other countries that have researched this subject and have elected to delay such treatments until the patients are more mature and identity is more established.

Kathryn A. Geen

Mechanicsville, Va.

To the Editor:

Its striking how closely the arguments to restrict medical or surgical treatment of transgender adolescents resemble the tactics used to suppress abortion. Dispute the need for the medical procedure. Question the ability of the patient to make an informed decision. Stress the irreversibility of the procedure. Cloak paternalism in the warm tones of reasonable concern. And if all else fails, tell the story of the scarred survivor, the patient who voluntarily chose the procedure, only to experience deep and near-suicidal regret years afterward.
Today, Mr. Maduro is stronger than he was three years ago, and the opposition is in disarray.

Dropping the pretense that Mr. Guaido is president would set U.S. policy on a rational foundation but would not be an endorsement of Mr. Maduro. It could facilitate talks with Mr. Maduro over key areas, including the wave of Venezuelan refugees entering the United States and possible changes to economic sanctions related to oil exports. A resumption of consular activities would make it possible for citizens to obtain or renew visas and passports.

One of the greatest beneficiaries could be the Venezuelan opposition, which is in a turbulent, and necessary, state of flux. The opposition has been harshly repressed by a Maduro government committed at all costs to staying in power; while the opposition has made many missteps, it is the primary political force in the country committed to democracy and the defense of human rights, and it is therefore critical to finding a solution to the countrys crisis.

Over the last two years, most mainstream Venezuelan opposition parties have been thrown into crisis, hemorrhaging activists, splitting apart in leadership squabbles or watching once-loyal voters defect.

The government has frequently stepped in to stir the pot, using the courts or electoral authorities to order the takeover of parties by substitute leadership that is considered suspect by the rest of the opposition. But in most cases, the divisions were there to be exploited.

Venezuelans are fed up with opposition parties that often seem more interested in fighting with each other than in improving the countrys fortunes.

At the same time, new parties have emerged, organizing around new leaders.

The political changes were evident in elections held last November. The opposition won a third of the mayorships around the country, after previously holding fewer than one in ten. And although the opposition won just four governorships out of 23, it received a majority of votes in all but a few states. The reason it didnt win more governorships was that multiple opposition candidates split the vote, essentially handing victory to candidates allied with Mr. Maduro.

The lessons of November were powerful. The election showed that Venezuelans still see the ballot box as a way out of the nations troubles. It unmasked the weakness of the government party among voters. It demonstrated, once again, that lack of unity is the oppositions Achilles heel.
As a matter of dollars and cents, the removal of two piglets from a sprawling farm in rural Utah was not a huge loss for its owner, Smithfield Foods, the worlds largest pork producer.

But several weeks after a group of animal rights activists posted a video online of their nighttime incursion into the Circle Four Farms in Beaver County, local and federal law enforcement officials began a multistate investigation. F.B.I. agents raided animal sanctuaries in Utah and Colorado, and at one of them, government veterinarians sliced off part of a piglets ear in their search for DNA evidence of the crime.

The authorities never recovered the stolen piglets, and the federal government declined to press charges. But prosecutors in Utah pursued felony burglary and theft charges against the activists, who faced prison sentences if convicted.

On Saturday, a jury acquitted two of the activists on the charges, a somewhat unexpected verdict in a part of rural Utah whose economy is largely tied to the fortunes of agricultural giants like Smithfield.
In his statement to The Times, Mr. Vance said he had donated $80,000 of his own money to the nonprofit group, which was about a third of the $221,000 that it reported having raised over its lifetime. He declined to identify the groups other donors.

Mr. Vance said he did not take a salary. He did not have a formal leadership role but called himself honorary chairman.

How Times reporters cover politics. We rely on our journalists to be independent observers. So while Times staff members may vote, they are not allowed to endorse or campaign for candidates or political causes. This includes participating in marches or rallies in support of a movement or giving money to, or raising money for, any political candidate or election cause. Learn more about our process.

I wont promise anything for now, besides this: I will work hard to find solutions to the opioid and joblessness problems, and when we identify workable solutions, well do something about them, he wrote to members of his advisory board in 2017. He signed off, Looking forward to doing some good, JD.

Mr. Vance wanted to help grandparents, like his, who stepped in to raise children when parents were absent or unable. The task of figuring out how to do so fell to Jamil Jivani, a friend of Vances from Yale Law School who had been hired as the groups director of law and policy. Mr. Jivani and two researchers paid by Ohio State University  where Mr. Vance was a scholar in residence in the political science department  spent months researching family law, looking for policies that could be changed.

At the time, Mr. Vance was traveling for speeches, working for an investment firm and splitting his time between Ohio and Washington, where his wife and young son lived. Mr. Vance was largely absent from the nonprofit groups offices, according to an employee at the organization, who asked not to be identified while describing the groups inner workings. The person often studied in Mr. Vances spacious and frequently empty office on campus. It was very quiet, the person said.

Another person who worked for the nonprofit group said that, in hindsight, it had seemed aimed at serving Mr. Vances ambition by giving him a presence in a state where he had not lived full-time for several years. The person said it had felt as if much of the job involved giving outsiders the impression that Mr. Vance was in the state, said the person, who asked not to be identified for fear of antagonizing Mr. Vance and his supporters.

In November 2017, the groups research produced a result: an op-ed in The Cleveland Plain Dealer. In that piece, Mr. Vance urged the Ohio Legislature to adopt a bill that would help kinship caregivers like his grandparents.
Still, Mr. Trump returned no boxes.

By the fall, Mr. Stern was growing increasingly frustrated and dealing with Alex Cannon, a lawyer who had worked for the Trump Organization, the 2020 campaign and then Mr. Trumps political action committee. Mr. Cannon had also been involved in responding to requests for documents from the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

In a conversation in late October or early November of last year, Mr. Stern told Mr. Cannon that he had tried other avenues for retrieving the documents and failed. He acknowledged that the Presidential Records Act did not contain an enforcement mechanism but suggested that the archives had options, including the ability to ask the attorney general to assist in retrieving the documents, according to people briefed on the discussions.

Mr. Cannon told Mr. Stern that the documents would be returned by the end of the year, the people said.

Around that time, Mr. Cannon, who told others he worried the boxes might contain documents that were being sought in the Jan. 6 inquiry, called Mr. Trump, who insisted that the boxes contained nothing of consequence.

Nonetheless, Mr. Cannon told associates that the boxes needed to be shipped back as they were, so the professional archivists could be the ones to sift through the material and set aside what they believed belonged to Mr. Trump. What is more, Mr. Cannon believed there was the possibility that the boxes could contain classified material, according to two people briefed on the discussions, and none of the staff members in Mr. Trumps presidential office at Mar-a-Lago had proper security clearances.

It was around that same time that Mr. Trump floated the idea of offering the deal to return the boxes in exchange for documents he believed would expose the Russia investigation as a hoax cooked up by the F.B.I. Mr. Trump did not appear to know specifically what he thought the archives had  only that there were items he wanted.

Mr. Trumps aides  recognizing that such a swap would be a non-starter since the government had a clear right to the material Mr. Trump had taken from the White House and the Russia-related documents held by the archives remained marked as classified  never acted on the idea.
ATLANTA  Witnesses called to testify in a Georgia criminal investigation into former President Donald J. Trump and his allies have not always come willingly.

A number of them have fought their subpoenas in their home-state courts, only to have local judges order them to cooperate. That was the case with Trump-aligned lawyers John Eastman in New Mexico, Jenna Ellis in Colorado and Rudolph W. Giuliani in New York; Mr. Giuliani was also told by an Atlanta judge that he could come on a train, on a bus or Uber after his lawyers said a health condition prevented him from flying.

But the state of Texas is proving to be an outlier, creating serious headaches for Fani T. Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, who is leading the investigation into efforts by Mr. Trump and others to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia.

Last month, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the states highest criminal court, thwarted Ms. Williss effort to force Jacki L. Pick, a Republican lawyer and pundit, to testify in Atlanta, saying that her subpoena had essentially expired. But in a pair of opinions, a majority of the judges on the all-Republican court went further, indicating that they believed the Georgia special grand jury conducting the inquiry may not have the legal standing to compel testimony from Texas witnesses.
NAIROBI, Kenya  As fighting flared in northern Ethiopia last month, shattering a five-month truce and reigniting a destructive civil war, a small United States military aircraft carrying senior American diplomats crossed the front line on a secret mission to halt the bloodshed.

Flying low and taking measures to avoid detection, the jet traveled to Tigray, the besieged northern region that has been at war with the Ethiopian government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, before continuing to Djibouti for a round of tense peace talks, according to people familiar with the negotiations. In a measure of the distrust between the two sides, Mike Hammer, the American envoy to the region, flew aboard the U.S. Air Force plane as an assurance that it would not be shot down.

Tigray is the worlds unseen war, a sprawling conflict hidden behind a punishing government siege that has severed communications in the region, locked out reporters and left 5.2 million people in urgent need of food aid. United Nations investigators have called it a war crime.

But in recent weeks the fighting has surged to its most intense level yet  and the secret efforts at peace have given way to raging combat that many fear could quickly expand across the Horn of Africa, destabilizing the region.
With the Kremlin distracted by its flagging war more than 1,500 miles away in Ukraine, Russias dominium over its old Soviet empire shows signs of unraveling. Moscow has lost its aura and its grip, creating a disorderly vacuum that previously obedient former Soviet satraps, as well as China, are moving to fill.

On the mountain-flanked steppes of southwestern Kyrgyzstan, the result in just one remote village has been devastating: homes reduced to rubble, a burned-out school and a gut-wrenching stench emanating from the rotting carcasses of 24,000 dead chickens.

All fell victim last month to the worst violence to hit the area since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union  a brief but bloody border conflict between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, both members of a Russia-led military alliance dedicated to preserving peace but which did nothing to halt the mayhem.

Of course, they are distracted by Ukraine, Kyrgyzstans president, Sadyr Japarov, lamented in an interview in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital.
The 12-mile Kerch Strait Bridge linking the Crimean Peninsula to Russia, which was badly damaged by an explosion on Saturday, is not just the primary supply route for Moscows forces fighting in southern Ukraine. It is also deeply symbolic for President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, a pillar of his disputed claim to the Crimean Peninsula since the completion of the twin road spans in 2018.

Mr. Putin presided over the bridges opening, personally driving a truck across what is a physical link between Russia and Crimea  land that Mr. Putin seized from Ukraine in 2014 and annexed to international outcry.

Ukrainians loathe the bridge, whose symbolism and strategic importance for resupply has long made it a potential target. Over the summer, the Ukrainian military posted a taunting image on Twitter threatening to strike it with American-provided guided rockets. The video showed the launch vehicle, a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, floating on a pink inflatable pool raft in the strait, and the bridge in the background.

And at one point over the summer, it appeared to have been targeted: Russian officials said that a drone had triggered air defense systems. The Ukrainian government had no official comment at the time.
A court in Britain looked at a bag of 27 marshmallows this summer and considered the future of the soft, sweet treats: Were these marshmallows destined to be eaten straight from the bag or turned into smores?

The question may seem straightforward, but a tax tribunal presented with the sweets evaluated them in granular detail to determine if a food product called Mega Marshmallows would be subject to the same standard retail sales tax as regular marshmallows, which are about an inch shorter and about a half-inch thinner.

The court, known as the First-Tier Tribunal, examined the Mega Marshmallow packaging, past and present, noting that one version included a cartoon chef next to the words baking buddy; inferred that people were more likely to roast the marshmallows over an open flame than eat them as a snack; and assessed whether marshmallows tasted better raw or roasted.

Larger marshmallows are equally palatable whether eaten as a snack or after roasting, the court determined in a nine-page ruling issued last month.
KHARKIV, Ukraine  Four Russian missiles struck the city center of Kharkiv just after midnight on Saturday morning in one of the most intense attacks in weeks, targeting two building complexes used by the Ukrainian military.

One 45-year-old man was hospitalized with shrapnel wounds, the head of the Kharkiv regional military administration, Oleh Syniehubov, said on Telegram.

Three of the missiles landed in building courtyards, and a fourth landed in a park across the street. One missile landed on the grounds of the city library, an elegant pale yellow stucco building also used by the Institute of Agriculture, where Ukrainian soldiers had been using an annex in recent months.

On Saturday, uniformed soldiers examined a crater beside a mangled green bus. Two of the missiles had struck another building complex adjacent to the library, severely damaging part of a three-story building and nearby shops. Soldiers in civilian clothes barred entrance to the courtyard of the complex as police officials arrived to inspect the damage. The building seems to have been an ammunition depot, according to residents who posted videos of the aftermath of the strikes on social media.
Russias Defense Ministry on Saturday appointed a general with a reputation for ruthlessness and long experience fighting in complex wars to command its forces in Ukraine, where repeated setbacks have provoked highly unusual public criticism of the military as incompetent.

Gen. Sergei Surovikin, 55, who was already the commanding officer of Southern Military District and whose troops have been facing a fierce Ukrainian counteroffensive, will lead what Russia still calls its special military operation, the ministry said in a statement.

Although the general has specialized in infantry for much of his career, he also has commanded the Russian air force. He led the Russian forces that intervened in Syria starting in 2015, and American commanders sometimes consulted directly with him there to avoid clashes.

In Ukraine, Russian forces have been especially plagued by an inability to coordinate the infantry, artillery and air force, as Ukraine has gone on the offensive in recent weeks.
KYIV  Nearly every significant military gain for Ukrainian interests in the war with Russia has been met with jubilation from Ukrainians and their supporters, who flood social media with celebratory memes.

The blast on Saturday morning that damaged the vital Kerch Strait Bridge that links the Crimean Peninsula to Russia was no exception.

The bridge has both practical and symbolic resonance as it is not only a critical supply line for Russian forces in the countrys south but also a personal passion project for President Vladimir V. Putin.

Within hours of the explosion, several government agencies in Ukraine had posted some sort of meme or joke on social media to celebrate it, to poke fun at Mr. Putin or to hint at who might have been behind it.
KYIV, Ukraine  Russian shelling in the early hours of Saturday morning damaged the last line connecting the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to Ukrainian energy systems, according to Ukrainian energy officials, cutting the facility off from the power grid that is used to cool its reactors.

The plant has been disconnected from external power at least twice before, forcing it to rely on diesel generators to power safety equipment. The availability of fuel to power the generators has long been a concern.

Herman Galushchenko, Ukraines energy minister, said in a Facebook post on Saturday that there was only enough diesel fuel to operate the plant for about 10 days, adding that the professionalism of Ukrainian nuclear workers was now the only safeguard against a possible nuclear accident.

Energoatom, the company that operates the plant, in a statement shortly after midnight said that the power line was damaged due to another shelling by Russian troops. The statement said that it is necessary to repair and restore the operation of the communication lines of the ZNPP with the power system, but did not say how long that is expected to take.
A group of German journalists visited Ireland last week, cruising on the River Shannon. They were here as guests of Tourism Ireland, Failte Ireland and German cruising tour operator, Le Boat.

The visiting journalists  including representatives of popular travel magazines, a regional newspaper and a radio station  were here to find out more about cruising holidays on the Shannon and to experience at first-hand the spectacular scenery and the wealth of things to see and do in this part of Ireland.

The group cruised along the River Shannon, stopping off in Co Offaly to explore Banagher and Clonmacnoise.

Tourism Ireland was delighted to invite this group of journalists to visit Co Offaly and Ireland, said Nadine Lehmann, Tourism Irelands Manager Germany. Fact-finding visits like this are a really effective way for us to get positive exposure for cruising on the Shannon and Ireland  through their articles and broadcasts, the journalists will encourage their readers and listeners to come and experience this part of Ireland for themselves.

Germany is the third-largest source of visitors to the island of Ireland and one of the largest outbound travel markets in the world. In 2019, we welcomed 749,000 German visitors to the island of Ireland.
Multiple injuries have been reported after a devastating explosion at a Co Donegal service station.

The Applegreen service station located in the village of Creeslough sustained extensive damage in the blast. Surrounding buildings were also badly damaged.

Among those gathered at the scene cordon on Friday evening were relatives of people feared to have been in the station at the time of the explosion.

There were unconfirmed reports from the scene that people had been buried in the rubble following the mid-afternoon explosion.

Multiple emergency service vehicles are in attendance while a Coastguard helicopter is also providing support.

Letterkenny University Hospital has moved to major emergency standby, and appealed to the public not to attend its emergency department unless it is urgent.

Please contact your GP or NowDoc service in the first instance. NowDoc has increased staffing this evening to help deal with any additional demands, it said.

Applegreen said in a short statement that it is aware of a serious incident at its dealer-operated location at Creeslough.

Irelands deputy premier Leo Varadkar described the incident as tragic.

In a post on Twitter, the Tanaiste wrote: Terrible news from Donegal tonight.

Our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic events and with the emergency services responding.

Nina Gabel, 35, described distressing scenes at the cordon.

There was one woman who didnt know where her daughter was and she was very upset, she told the PA news agency.

There are emergency services everywhere, there were so many gardai and fire engines.

What looked like local farmers tractors were helping to dig out the rubble.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it has dispatched specialist crews to assist the Donegal Fire Service at a declared major incident at the service station.

It said: NIFRS are currently supporting colleagues from Donegal Fire Service to a declared major incident at Applegreen filling station, Cresslough, Co Donegal.

NIFRS have dispatched the specialist rescue team along with specialist officers.

Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty said it was after 3pm when the devastating explosion took place that has left a very, very dark cloud over the community.

It ripped right through this building, and this was a very busy location at that point in time, he told RTE news.

Three oclock, its just after school, people were going to collect their pensions. This is a very, very, very busy locality here at this shop, this petrol station, this deli, the post office at this time.

Theres just quiet, its surreal. People are just holding on for hope, holding on to hear news, positive news coming from the emergency services.

Fianna Fail councillor Anthony Molloy told the PA news agency it is beyond words as he knows the family who own the service station.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved, Mr Molloy said.

It looks horrific from what I can see from photographs. It looks terrible. Its just terrible.

I know the family. Its beyond words.

Local councillor Donal Mandy Kelly told PA the news was devastating.

He said: My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.

Independent Donegal councillor John ODonnell said he was praying there were no fatalities.

What were hearing is theres just absolute carnage in Creeslough at the moment, theres a massive gas explosion, he told BBC Radio Ulster.

The feedback Im getting from family and friends who are unfortunately down at the scene and in the area is just that the whole place is chaos at the minute, everybodys very, very taken aback and devastated at whats happening.

An Garda Siochana has asked motorists travelling towards Creeslough to use alternative routes.
Vladimir Putin signed a decree tightening security for the bridge, as Russia said three people were killed in the blast.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin was confronted by a member of his inner circle and accused of mishandling the invasion of Ukraine, according to a new report.
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Haiti is facing widespread unrest over shortages of basic goods and has warned of a potential "humanitarian crisis." The US embassy has warned its citizens to leave the country.
Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Micheal Martin said his "thoughts and prayers [are] today with those who lost their lives and those who were injured in this devastating explosion".
The German rail operator said that security authorities had taken over the investigation. It had earlier reported that the "technical fault" had been repared.
The national security law was introduced by Beijing in 2020 to clamp down on pro-democracy protesters.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praises his players following his sides 4-0 victory over Southampton and says Erling Haaland is an "incredible weapon" for his side.
India hit out at Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto for raising the J&K issue in Germany, saying the Union territory had borne the brunt of a terrorist campaign for decades. India also reminded Germany that all serious and conscientious members of the global community have the responsibility to call out cross-border terrorism.
The Ukrainian army has been capturing heavy weaponry since the start of the war, making it over half of its tank fleet according to a UK intelligence announcement.
Hundreds of protesters, including Jeremy Corbyn, gathered in a line that stretched from parliament's perimeter railings and snaked across nearby Westminster Bridge to the other side of the Thames.
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Photo: (Photo : Pexel/ Rodnae Productions)

Women typically handle more workload than men when it comes to supporting a family.

According to the recent American Caregivers Study by Fidelity released last July, an average of 36.2 hours each week are spent on doing support tasks by women who are both caregivers and employed, full-time or part-time. This is 35 percent more hours than men who are caregivers and employed.

Moreover, some women are caring not only for their children but also for their aging parents and are working simultaneously. These women who are part of the "sandwich generation" find it more difficult to balance parenthood, career, and caring for their parents.

What the sandwich generation is looking for

The vice president of global recognition at the Great Place to Work Institute, Sarah Lewis-Kulin, expressed that employees from the sandwich generation are "frequently navigating through crises."

Thus, finding support from their workplace is a "critical pillar" for these women. How their employers and managers show up for them is very much vital to their success and their decision to stay in the company or not.

About 17 percent of sandwich generation employees have decided to quit their job, and 27 percent have turned down promotions or opportunities for professional development because they could not find the support they need, according to Home Instead's recent survey.

The sandwich generation workers are looking for supportive workplace culture and good benefits that can provide solutions and flexibility in their challenging circumstances.

Read Also: 4 Different Ways to Care for Your Aging Parents

What do the best workplaces offer?

According to Great Place to Work survey data, about 61 percent of women caring for children and their aging parents have no plan to leave their current employers and desire to stay for a "long time," as they are given the right programs and support. This results in 91 percent of women from the sandwich generation working at one of the 2022 Best Large Workplaces for Women.

Stereotypes that parents and caregivers are "less invested" in their jobs exist, yet this is not how it looks for women of the sandwich generation at the best workplaces. These women in these workplaces are committed because they feel and see the support, and 9 out of 10 of these women admitted that their work is not merely a job but has a special meaning to them.

"The best workplaces have a few things in common. They all offer meaningful employee assistance programs (EAPs) with a lot of solutions that can help workers arrange care, or even subsidized backup care-not only for children, but also for elders, both in-home and at a center," Lewis-Kulin explained to Fortune.

Further, programs that become topnotch offer services for their employees that go the extra mile, like providing well-being checkups for aging parents in the comfort of their homes to lessen the worries and concerns of employees away from the family members they are caring for.

But more than anything, she emphasized that at the best companies, what they saw, especially through the pandemic, is that they listen "deeply" to their employees. When a company does that, it becomes "more flexible." A company has to do more than empower its leaders but charge their leaders to have a heart for their people, take care of them, and do the right thing for them.

The needs of these women and employees in the sandwich generation are essential things that companies must carefully consider. The number of Americans under this generation is expected to increase in the years to come as the baby boomers become 70 and 80 years old and millennials settle down and have their own families.

Related Article: Working Parents Are Starting To Realize They Can't Have the Best of Both Worlds
Photo: (Photo : Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images)

A mom and son from Northwest Indiana were killed on Tuesday, October 4, after a trailer detached from a semi on a highway, crashing into the vehicle that the two of them were riding.

Authorities responded to the 6300 block of West US 30 just before 7:50 a.m. on the report of a crash involving a passenger vehicle and a semi, according to WGN9.

Cops believe a 2019 Mack semi-truck, which Fulton native David Sutton drove, was pulling a white trailer. The 47-year-old had just exited a truck stop and was starting to travel eastbound on U.S. 30.

Mom and son pronounced dead at the scene after crash

The trailer, at some point, separated from the semi and hit a black 2022 Kia. Police said that the semitrailer was nearing the town of Wanatah shortly before 8 a.m. when the trailer separated from the tractor. According to the cops, the passenger vehicle carrying the victims struck the rear of the trailer.

Angela Oehmen, 36, of Wanatah, and her son, Joseph Oehmen, aged 14, were both pronounced dead at the scene following the heavy crash, according to Fox News. Sutton was not injured, according to the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office.

Another juvenile in the car was transported to a local hospital after suffering an upper-body injury. No details have been released regarding that person's condition apart from the juvenile getting treatment at that area hospital.

Joseph was a South Central High School student, and the community is grieving following his untimely death. The principal said in a letter to parents that their students and school community are saddened by this loss and are struggling to comprehend.

Read Also: Mom Uses Plastic Bin to Protect Baby Boy as Hurricane Ian Destroys Neighborhood in Florida

GoFundMe page created for Bryant Oehmen to help with expenses

A GoFundMe page has also been created for the man who lost his beloved son and wife in the tragic car crash on Tuesday. A family member set up the fundraiser for Bryant Oehmen to help him with the expenses.

His wife Angela and son Joseph were traveling east on U.S. 30 when their Kia car collided with the rear end of a trailer that had disconnected from the semi-truck of Sutton.

Heather Stockton wrote on the fundraiser that she is creating this GoFundMe for her cousin Bryant who lost his wife and son in an awful car accident this morning. She added that she couldn't imagine what they were going through and that her heart was breaking for them.

She then asked the people, out of the kindness of their hearts, if they could donate anything, saying that the family would appreciate anything. She closed her statement by asking the people to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers. A total of $9,157 has been donated thus far, still short of the fundraiser's goal of $30,000.

Related Article: St. Louis Cops Fatally Shots Teen Who They Claim Was Reaching for a Gun
Photo: (Photo : Pexel/Jonathan Borba)

A Louisiana mom running for candidacy in the U.S. Congress released a new ad campaign where she was seen giving birth, a significant image to express her fight against Louisiana's harsh laws on abortion.

Thirty-six years old Karie Darling released her ad campaign for candidacy against Congressman Steve Scalise Tuesday via her account on Twitter with the caption, "Louisiana ranks 50th in crime, 48th in education, and 46th in health care. I'm running for Congress to stop this race to the bottom because our children deserve better."

The ad's setting was their family's farm in St. Tammany Parish, where she is seen pregnant and doing daily farmwork with her husband and daughter. It then transitioned to a hospital scene where she was being taken inside in a wheelchair and to a hospital bed where she went into labor.

Fight against Louisiana's strict abortion laws

Darling used her intimate birthing moments to address how severe her state's abortion ban is, calling it one of the strictest in the country. She emphasized in her ad how crucial pregnant women should be protected rather than placing their lives at risk.

After the overturning of the 1973 Supreme Court case that legalized abortion as a constitutional right, Roe v. Wade, Louisiana was one of the states that banned abortion. However, it created exceptions for medical emergencies and circumstances when the unborn fetus is declared "medically futile." It can also prosecute medical professionals who are doing abortions.

The U.S. Congress candidate talked with Today Parents and shared that she was seven months pregnant, with a high-risk status, when she had her congressional campaign set in motion. This was shortly after the controversial overturning of Roe v. Wade last June.

She said that being in a high-risk pregnancy made her feel so terrified about the possibilities that could happen to her. Her first reaction was to move from Louisiana. However, she ultimately realized that moving wasn't the answer. If reproductive rights aren't protected, one day soon, there will be nowhere left to move.

Darling is running because she wants to represent women, and she wants to fight for them. She is focused on reproductive freedom, education, and storm mitigation, which she highlighted in her ad campaign.

She concluded that Louisiana residents deserve better than their current path. She is running to build a better path for the viewer, herself, and the newborn son in her arms.

Read Also: Baton Rouge Mom Claims She Was Denied an Abortion in Louisiana Despite the Abnormal Condition of Her Baby

Ad campaign 'stands out'

The ad campaign has gone viral since it was posted. It now has almost 63,000 views and has been retweeted and picked up by news and media entities.

According to American political scientist and columnist Lynn Vavreck, the ad stands out because it is "highly personal." It accomplished one of the two essential goals in a political race. It had a high potential to stir up attention, build name recognition, and motivate donations. However, persuading the people to understand a point of view might be more difficult than Darling expected.

Candidates should not assume that they can easily change people's minds because their belief systems have existed since they were young, especially regarding social or identity issues.

Related Article: Miracle in Louisiana as Abandoned 8-Month-old Baby Found Alive in Field After Going Missing Overnight
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ZULWINI  Investing is important because it can ensure your financial security in the present and in the future.

AlphSZ Group Assets Under Management (AUM) amounts to E2.7 billion in 2022. This was mentioned by AlphSZ Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Thandile Nxumalo, yesterday during AlphSZ and Ebenez evolution indaba at Royal Villas. AlphSZ is short for Alpha Eswatini.SANLAM Investment Management Swaziland Limited (SIM/SD) is now 100 per cent locally owned, as locals completed the acquisition of 65 per cent of the companys shareholding in August this year, having previously owned 35 per cent. Local investors under AlphSZ Group previously owned 35 per cent of Sanlam Investment Management Swaziland Limited and they now own 100 per cent.

Their investment is safe as the AUM has accumulated to E2.7 billion from E0 in 2011. This depicts an average growth of about E255 million annually.

The AUM includes 60 per cent of Segregated Pure Equity Mandates, 28 per cent Multi-Asset Class Mandates and 12 per cent Treasury Money Mandates.Nxumalo said the projects they were involved in include the contraction of FINCORP Headquarters Building in Mbabane as well as the United Nations Headquarters building.

Involvement

In terms of the project we have grown, there was zero but after our involvement in the UN and FINCORP projects, we have evolved, she said.

The group CEO added that the vision was to establish a traditional and non-traditional assets management business remains.She said they had the desire of Sanlam to work with local consortium led by management. Sanlam not only continues to provide portfolio management and administration services for foreign assets, but continues to be a role model, she added. Nxumalo also mentioned that the aim was to potentially list at the end of five years like Sanlam, therefore, they want to broaden local shareholder base.

Sifiso Nxumalo, AlphSZ Eswatini Chief Executive Officer (CEO) added that from an operational perspective, there would be practically no changes in the short-term. AlphSZ will continue to provide the same excellent service that it always has. Sanlam Investments SA will continue to provide portfolio management and administration services for the company on an exclusive basis for the next five years.

Continue

Client statements will, therefore, continue to be generated by Sanlam Investments SA as portfolio manager for foreign assets, he said. Nxumalo added that throughout this journey, the company has remained a responsible and active corporate citizen. He said they would continue to make meaningful strides toward developing Eswatinis economy. The Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, added that assets management was imperative in the country as it contributes to the economy. He said the country needs to be accommodative to attract more investors and grow the economy.

One of the biggest challenges we have faced is the decline in fiscal deficit, it was 6.5 per cent in 2021 and it is now at 4.5 per cent, the target is 1.5 per cent by the year end, he said.

The minister added that they had managed to reduce government expenditure in efforts to attract more investors locally. He added that the economy was outperformed in the last two years and that the economy was resilient throughout the COVID-19 period. Rijkenberg added that they had issued more licensing mines in the past months than they have in the past 10 years. Our economy is looking better but there is more to be fixed, he said.

Sanlam Group Chairman Elias Masilela also mentioned that there economic challenging that hinders the success of investments. One of the challenges he highlighted was corruption, he said investments have been lost due to unclear processing and transaction happening in between countries and businesses.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced that revenue from E-levy as at September 2022 amounted to 328.80million.



CommissionerGeneral of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah explained that on-month basis the country continues to see a 20% improvement in collection of the levy.



We commenced the implementation of this levy in May 2022. Revenue from E-levy as at September 2022 amounted to GHS328.80M, the GRA said.



It is therefore our expectation that, this will continue and improve domestic revenue generation to support government expenditure, he stated while announcing the Revenue Perfromance for 2022.



He further indicated that the GRA has acquired a USSD code that will allow every Ghanaian to check on their tax compliance status.



We have also acquired a USSD code that will allow every Ghanaian to check on their tax compliance status. This short code will be made public as soon as possible, he stated.



The controversial levy started on Sunday, May 1 amidst rejection of the policy by a section of Ghanaians especially the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) who thought that it threatened electronic transactions.













Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Travel to Kenya not only allows you to experience spectacular natural beauty in one of the world's most pristine settings but also gives you the chance to get up close and personal with some of Africa's most sought-after creatures. That is in addition to stunning vistas such as the sight of Mount Kilimanjaro, sprawling savannahs, and fantastic beaches.



Also, the country boasts unique, world-renowned attractions, such as the annual wildebeest migration, which is best sampled from the banks of the Mara River. It is the largest multi-specie overland animal migration on earth and occurs between July and October. A visit to the Masai Mara Game Reserve lets you see the massive herds as they make their way on the Kenyan side.



However, before you can down to enjoying all the sumptuous treats the country has to offer, it would be excellent first to figure out how you can plan your safari.



Below, we give tips on the key factors to consider when organizing your Kenya safari tours. We look at the first steps to take when planning the trip, how you can make your travel planning more manageable, and the best places to visit in Kenya.



Planning your Kenya Safari Tour



Engaging a reliable travel agent is one of the first things you should focus on when planning your travel to Kenya.



Picking a professional travel agent



Going on a guided tour while in a foreign land is advisable due to the amount of logistical planning involved. Having an agent allows you to delegate the logistics and frees you to focus on enjoying your trip.



Most professional Kenyan travel agents are eager to provide you with complimentary advice and answer any queries you might have regarding your choice of destination and activities. You may contact a Kenyan travel agent remotely via Skype or zoom, and they will happily answer all your questions. They will also advise you on the best destination choices to include in your itinerary and when to schedule your visit, thus allowing you to come up with the ideal itinerary for your budget.



Most importantly, consulting an expert means you have someone to take care of your domestic transportation and accommodation arrangements. On arrival, you shall not have to fret over where to get dependable transport or where to stay, as these shall have already been sorted out for you.



Best Places to Visit in Kenya



With the insights provided by your travel guide, it is now time to craft your itinerary. If you happen to visit Kenya for the first time, you may opt for the pre-set itineraries that your travel agent has already prepared. These are pre-made tour packages with fixed destinations and fixed prices.



However, it is also possible to have a customized luxury safari itinerary, which will be based on the destinations you pick. Bespoke itineraries allow you to decide the places you want to visit and for how long.



With that in mind, here are some of the best places to visit in Kenya:



a) Masai Mara Game Reserve



Now, you might as well plan on watching the Wildebeest Migration if you're going to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It is regarded as one of nature's most amazing phenomena and is considered the seventh wonder of the world.



When Wildebeests and zebras migrate from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara, the sound of their thunderous hooves crossing the plains while evading predators such as the African lion will chill your spine.











This incident has been referred to as one of Africa's most fantastic survival tales, and for a good reason. You will see jaw-dropping action as the crocodiles strive to claim their prey as the Wildebeests and Zebras struggle to cross the Mara River.



While at the Mara, you can choose to take in all the action by going on a game drive, or better yet, you could hover a few feet above the wildlife on board a hot air balloon.



b) Diani Beach



Diani town is a stunning location for a seaside escape, with a beach stretching out along Kenya's Indian Ocean coastline like a bright white lace.



Its pristine coastline boasts a coral reef teeming with vibrant marine life, great surf for water sports, opulent hotels and resorts, and acclaimed dining establishments. For the night owls, the towns well-known beach clubs are sure to keep your adrenaline pumping.



Another well-known tourist attraction in Diani is the Kongo Mosque, surrounded by enormous baobab trees that the Arabs planted in a lovely nursery. The Mosque is one of the few remaining examples of early human civilization.



You may also consider visiting Chale Island, an ideal tourist refuge because of its magnificent white sanded beach and impeccable coral reefs. Other popular beach holiday destinations in Kenya include Watamu Beach, Malindi Beach, Tiwi Beach, Kilifi Beach and more.



c) Lake Nakuru National Park



Lake Nakuru National Park is a breathtaking spectacle. A fiery sea of fuchsia flamingos graces the blue alkaline waters.



Although the flamingo population has been on a decline in recent years, the park continues to be one of Kenya's most beautiful locations, with enormous rocky outcrops rising above waterfalls, wooded hills, acacia forests, and lakes with euphorbia trees.



The park is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with scores of pelicans, kingfishers, cormorants, storks, ostriches, herons, and eagles, among other birds. The park is also easily accessible and home to gorgeous land mammals, such as the black rhino, Rothschilds giraffes, lions, waterbuck, hyena, colobus and vervet monkeys, olive baboon, zebra, and hippo. The cheetah, leopard, and buffalo are among the other large safari animals to watch while visiting Lake Nakuru National park.



Despite the park's modest size, a trip to Lake Nakuru will provide you with a rich and comprehensive safari experience.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Re: THE NUMBER OF E-BLOCKS (COMMUNITY DAY SECONDARY SCHOOLS) COMPLETED BY END OF DECEMEBER 2016



The attention of Board of Trustees and the Management of GETFund has been drawn to a raging political media debate on the number of Community Day schools (E-Blocks) that were initiated and completed by the end of the year 2016.



Particular reference would be made to a Facebook publication by the National Communications Officer, National Democratic Congress, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, on his wall on Monday, 2 October, 2022. This publication in summary claimed the erstwhile Government contracted one hundred and twenty-four (124) and completed about fifty (50) E-Blocks between 2014 and 2016.



Ordinarily, GETFund would have not responded to such typical debates within the political communications sphere. However, for the purposes of public records and research interests, it is incumbent on the Managers of the entity that funded the projects to set the records straight on this very important national subject matter.



The Fund therefore wishes to respond as follows:



1. From 2014 - 2016, the Government of Ghana awarded hundred and one (101) contracts on E-Blocks on the accounts of GETFund.



2. Within the same period, the World Bank, via its Secondary Education Improvement Projects (SEIP) financing agreement with the Ministry of Education, also awarded twenty-three (23) E-Block projects.



3. GETFund payments protocols to contractors on works done and certified by Consultants indicate each stage of project completion and the subsequent works to be carried out.



4. All the projects were results based oriented. That is the project is subdivided into stages of completions. For instance, the first thirty percent (30%) is completed by the contractor. Interim payment certificates are raised. The contractor gets paid and he/she proceeds to with the next stage of completion. These rituals are followed religiously until each project is completed and handed over to the Ministry of Education for usage.



5. GETFund has dates and records of all these stages for each E-Block. This demonstrates that it should not be difficult to determine when a E-Block project got started and completed.



6. By the end of the year 2016, twenty-two (22) of the E-Blocks being funded by GETFund were completed.



7. Within the same period, seven (7) of the World Bank funded E-Blocks were completed.



8. This brings the total completed E-Blocks by the end of the year 2016 to twenty-nine (29)



9. By the end of the year 2020, thirty (30) additional E-Blocks had been completed.



10. Out of these, fourteen (14) were funded by GETFund and sixteen (16) by the World Bank.



11. Ministry of Education in 2018 reviewed and terminated twenty (27) out of the hundred and one (101)



12. Currently, there are outstanding thirty-eight (38) E-Blocks which are in various stages of completion.



13. These thirty-eight (38) E-Blocks have been categorized into two (Il) phases.



14. Phase One (I) is made up of twenty-one (21) selected schools. GETFund has sanctioned clearance for the Ministry of Education to review the old rates as contracted since they are outdated and economically not viable.



15. The Phase two (Il) will comprise the other seventeen (17) ongoing ones. Successful completions of these projects as planned will total a ninety-seven (97) E-Blocks; GETFund (74) and World Bank (23).



16. It must be placed on record that, GETFund has funded facility upgrades (dormitories) in some of the hard-to-reach E-Block schools.



17. Hope this will serve as authoritative reference point on the subject matter on E-Blocks going forward.



Please, find attached list of schools with their contractual and location details.

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Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC), Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, has urged Parliament to exert its powers to check the Executive arm of government.

He said arguments that the Constitution had given many sweeping powers to the President could not be the case because Parliament equally had wide powers that enabled it to serve as an effective check on the other arms of government.



Speaking at a colloquium last Tuesday on the role of Parliament, Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh said even if the powers of the President were whittled down through a constitutional amendment, the President would still be powerful if Parliament failed to effectively perform its functions.



He said Members of Parliament (MPs) must realise that they were a check on the Executive and had a duty to serve in the interest of the nation, without toeing partisan lines.



The NMC Chairman, speaking with the Daily Graphic after the colloquium, said: We could even have a less powerful President but that President would still be powerful if MPs failed to assert themselves.



If MPs are not willing to serve their constituents and the public interest and rather think they serve the President, no matter how much power is taken from the President, he will still be powerful, Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh said.





The colloquium, part of activities to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2002 Class of the Ghana School of Law (GSL), was moderated by Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh, himself a member of the 2002 Class of the GSL.



It was on the theme: Parliament as a Countervailing Force for Effective Governance in Ghana: Challenges, Prospects and Recommendations.



Other speakers were the Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu; the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu; a Deputy Attorney-General, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, and the Director of the GSL, Yaw Oppong.



Constitutional review



Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh said although there was the need to review the Constitution, it must be noted that the President could become too powerful only with the support of Parliament.



For instance, he said, if the President appointed a minister who was not fit for the job and Parliament failed to scrutinise it but went ahead to approve him/her, then Parliament would have aided the Executive to be excessive.



The NMC Chairman said certain ministerial approvals by Parliament betrayed how the legislative body was influenced by factors other than approving nominees on their competency.



There is no way the President or the Executive arm of government will abuse its power or become too powerful without the tacit support of Parliament, he said.



Making a case for a review of the Constitution to reduce the powers of the President, Mr Iddrisu said the appointing powers granted the President had made him too powerful, to the extent that it had weakened critical institutions such as Parliament.



According to him, MPs, especially those seeking ministerial appointments, were at the mercy of the President and would, therefore, do anything to please him.



He also wondered why the President should be made to appoint heads of state-owned enterprises, such as Ghana Railway Company and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), describing it as not being a presidential function.



For the Majority Leader, the Constitution needed to be reviewed to make Parliament more effective and efficient.



He said, for instance, that the Constitution should be amended to make the Speaker of Parliament an MP and not an outsider.



Enough checks



Mr Oppong, who submitted that there was no need to reduce the powers of the President, contended that there were enough checks and balances to ensure that the President did not become too excessive.



For instance, he said, articles 2(1) and 130 of the Constitution had given the Judiciary the power to ensure that the President acted within the confines of the law.



The Supreme Court can strike down any or every act or omission of the Executive if it is inconsistent with any provision of the Constitution, he said.



Mr Tuah-Yeboah said Parliament was equally powerful, if not more than the Executive, as it had the power to remove the President and censure ministers, for which reason any failure on the part of Parliament should be placed at the doorstep of the legislative body.



No one is denying Parliament the power to check the Executive, but perhaps it has failed to do so from its own doing, he said.

Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo has received an award for her contribution towards the Ghana Green Building Projects.



The special award was conferred on the First Lady at the IFC/ EDGE Ghana Green Building Awards, held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.



On the same night, the Rebecca Foundation also received an award in the Education category for its green, sustainable market creches.



The awards were in recognition of the First Ladys dedication and commitment to building the Mother and Baby Unit at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi as well as her role in advocating for social change and climate action.



Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Akufo-Addo urged everyone to be a good custodian of the environment by preserving it for future generations.



According to her, the reckless abuse of the environment and natural resources is leading towards disaster, hence the need for everyone to be a climate advocate.



We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors but we borrow it from our children. One way to support the agenda for sustainable living, is in the building industry. Building green sustainable structures not only addresses climate concerns, but also provides an opportunity to impact the people who inhabit them, she said.



Mrs Akufo-Addo provided the positive impact of the Komfo Anokye Mother and Baby Unit to buttress her point.



I cannot give you a charge without taking on some responsibility myself. I am proud to highlight the Rebecca Foundations modest contributions to social change and in particular climate action, through our Lets Go Green Initiative and the construction of the Mother and Baby Unit at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, the first green hospital in Ghana and Africa certified by IFC EDGE.



The facility is able to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by two hundred and fifteen tonnes per year, save almost one thousand seven hundred- and eighty-megawatt hour energy consumption and ten thousand, four hundred cubic metres of water annually. These measurable benefits are evidence and motivation, for all of us to sign up as green advocates and EDGE Champions, she said.



Senior Country Officer, IFC Ghana, Cemile Hacibeyogl said climate change investment is a priority in IFC investments in developing countries indicating that the building industry is one of the sectors that contribute to greenhouse emissions.



She said a Design for Greater Efficiency App, has been deployed to offer a faster, easier, and more affordable way to build and brand green.



Young design students who participated in the green challenge competition were recognised for their green designs and were charged to continue to be green advocates and revolutionise the Ghanaian building industry.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Electricity Company of Ghana has ruled out any compensation for customers who were unable to buy electricity credits because of technical challenges based on the directive by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).



The Managing Director of the power distribution company, Samuel Dubik Masubir Mahama, said to compensate customers will only be done on a case-by-case basis.



He said the Company has no problem with the directive but will only compensate customers if they provide evidence of their challenges.



Recent disruptions in the prepaid metering system of the Company resulted in many customers going days without power.



The Company later announced resolution of the challenges in all the regions except the Ashanti Region, whose problem was solved on Wednesday, October 5, 2022.



But the PURC earlier in the week charged ECG to provide appropriate compensations for the failures recorded across the country as it breaches regulations of utility providers.



ECG is to pay a compensation of GH15 in credit equivalent to all affected lifeline consumers and GH120 and GH240 to residential and non-residential customers respectively.



According to the PURC, the directive is to exact responsive customer service from ECG.



But addressing journalists in Accra on Thursday, October 6, 2022, Mr Mahama insisted that the compensation cannot be for everybody.



What we are also seeing is that just by one person saying something, there were panic buys. There were people that didnt need to form queues but were in the queues. So, how should I compensate somebody who I shouldnt compensate?



He expressed unhappiness that the PURC went ahead in giving the directive, having not listened to his side.



Earlier, Charles Ayiku, the Manager in Charge of External Relations at the ECG, said his outfit was currently hamstrung.



For now, we cannot provide any compensation. As you are aware, we are going through some level of challenges, so I would plead that we conclude on that, and we can look at the issue of compensation.



But the Chief Executive Officer of the Consumer Protection Agency, Kofi Kapito, who had made an early call for compensation, insisted that the ECG was obliged to compensate customers.



If it [compensation] is not on the table, they better put it on the table because it is not fair, he said.



So the excuse doesnt hold water anymore because if you are telling me that you have identified the challenge, and you cannot correct it from Tuesday to Friday, it is not adequate.



Mr. Kapito also stressed that the challenge was the fault of the ECG.



This is not a force majeure. It is a man-made thing so nobody should tickle themselves by saying it is no fault of theirs. It is their fault.



Over two weeks, customers have been unable to purchase credit on their prepaid meters, either by using the ECG App or from vending outlets.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, has admitted that the government is currently failing in the fight against illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.



He, however, said that the government remains unwavering in its resolve to stop galamsey and it is confident that it will end the menace soon.



 yes, you say that we have failed in galamsey but it is an ongoing battle. And we think that, as a government, we are going to win at the end of the day.



Because there is a lot of goodwill amongst the stakeholders. The traditional authorities and other stakeholders know the harmful effect of galamsey on all aspects of life. So, ultimately, we will get together to control it, Dr. Afriyie Akoto told journalists at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, October 10, 2022.



The minister also refuted the assertions that galamsey is crippling Ghana's food production and has particularly destroyed many cocoa farms, leaving just a little.



 if you are talking about little of cocoa, it is not a little. Galamsey is nibbling at the edges because COCOBOD has done a survey which shows that 2 percent of areas under cocoa are being affected by galamsey. 98 percent is not little left, he noted.



Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has refuted suggestions that his government is not committed to the fight against illegal small-scale mining (galamsey).



According to Akufo-Addo, his government has been committed to the fight against the menace since his first day in office and its determination to curb it even cost his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), some votes in the 2020 General Elections.



The president, who made these remarks at a meeting with the National House of Chiefs and some Municipal Metropolitan and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in Kumasi, intimated that the votes he and his party lost showed that he really put his presidency on the line to fight 'galamsey'.



"Since I took office on January 7th, 2017, nearly six years ago, I have made it a central feature of my presidency to lead in the fight to rid our country of this menace, which we all now call galamsey. Indeed, it was an important aspect of my inaugural address that day. It has not been easy; it has not been popular and we have not gotten the immediate results that I was looking for.



Indeed, in the last election of 2020, my stance on the issue cost my party and I significant losses in the mining communities. It turned out that my statement that I was putting my presidency on the line in the fight against galamsey was neither bumbazed nor reckless. It was the simple truth, he said.



Akufo-Addo also urged chiefs across the country to get themselves into the fight against illegal small-scale mining since they are the custodians of land in the country.









Source: ghanaweb.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Three stalwarts of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) have so far declared their intentions to contest for the General Secretary position of the party.



They are the incumbent Deputy General Secretary, Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor; a former Minister of State, Franklin Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, and the Director of Elections of the party, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah.



The three, who confirmed their intentions to run for the position in separate interviews with the Daily Graphic, said their motivation was to return the NDC to power in 2024, inspire confidence in the youth and revive the spirit of patriotism among young men and women in the country.



They all said they had what was needed to return the party to power after serving in various capacities in the party and in government.



Messrs Kwetey and Ankrah, who served as Ministers of State in the Mills and Mahama administrations, said the time was apt for them to serve their party in the capacity of General Secretary and lead it to victory in the 2024 election.



Dr Boamah, for his part, reiterated the fact that he was the rightful person to be given the nod to serve as the party's General Secretary after working closely with his boss and current General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia.



The intention of the three to go for the General Secretary position follows the decision by Mr Asiedu Nketia not to go for re-election after serving in the position for 17 years (2005 to date).



The position of General Secretary is seen as one that would be hotly contested for as the party prepares to go for its national congress on December 17, 2022.



Although nominations for the various national positions is yet to be opened, all eyes are on the General Secretary position but at the end of the day, it is the party's delegates who will determine the one to serve in that capacity ahead of the 2024 general elections.



Others



Other names have popped up as possible contenders but they are yet to declare their intentions. These are a former Member of Parliament for Adentan, who was also a former Deputy General Secretary, Kofi Adu Asare; a former branch executive of the Obuasi constituency and a former Tertiary Education Network (TEIN) executive member for University of Ghana, Abdullah Ishaq Farrakhan and Yaw Boateng Gyan, a former National Organiser.



Mr Farrakhan contested Mr Asiedu Nketia in 2014 for the position of General Secretary but lost.



Mr Asiedu Nketia has made the General Secretary position very attractive as during his tenure, he was able to lead the party to wrest power from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2008 election and retained it in 2012 but lost to the NPP in 2016 and 2020 general elections.



Mr Asiedu Nketia, affectionately called General Mosquito, is seen as a political colossus in the NDC and, therefore, anyone who seeks to succeed him must have the clout, experience and ability to galvanise the grassroots of the party for victory in the 2024 general elections.









Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Charles Owusu says President Nana Akufo-Addo must begin to write what he terms as 'love letters' to his appointees and Heads of the various State institutions.



The love letter, which by inference refers to dismissal letter, according to the former Head of Monitoring Unit at the Forestry Commission, should be given to all Chief Executives of the institutions, MMDCEs and public officials in charge of the lands and natural resources sector but have become negligent.



The President met with the National House of Chiefs and MMDCEs at Manhyia on Wednesday, 5th October and charged them to join hands with him to eradicate galamsey activities.



The President said; "We have tried many initiatives, including that of the Community Mining Scheme, and the establishment of a new legal regime for dealing with the perpetrators of this phenomenon, which has imposed severe sanctions on those, Ghanaians and foreigners, convicted of illegal mining. Still, we have not won the fight.



"It is obvious that, if we are to win the fight, it would require a collaborative effort to do so. The fight against Galamsey can only succeed if it is a truly national battle, which no one seeks to exploit for political gain, as we saw in the last election. The progress of our country depends on all of us, all citizens of Ghana, all Fellow Ghanaians, pulling together to defeat this existential threat to our future."



He also stressed that we have to win that fight to keep our environment clean, and protect our heritage for our descendants, as you did in the past.



Charles Owusu slammed the MMDCEs and State institutions bosses for shirking their responsibilities, hence blaming them for the continuance of the galamsey menace and the influx of illegal miners in the country.



"I think it is high time the President started writing love letter to some people. The President needs to write love letter to some people; those who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the resources we're talking about today . . . I think that the people who are responsible for day-to-day work to prevent the [illegal] galamsey, they are not doing it," he said while speaking on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme.



He wondered why no punitive measures have been taken against these Chief Executives who have failed in their mandates with regard to ensuring there is no encroachment on the forest reserves and no galamsey activities in the mining communities.



"Indeed, the galamseyers voted against President Akufo-Addo and his party . . . Because all the mining areas, almost, the NPP lost the mining areas but when they lost, those people who were supposed to do their job but shirked the duties; the same people are still there.



"They are doing nothing and we will be insulting the Chiefs. I want to ask who goes for a lease from the palace? . . . The civil servants, the Chief Executives of these various State institutions responsible for the management of the day-to-day of those institutions, where are they? Why are they not talking?", he queried.

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Senior Chinese legislator attends G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit

Xinhua) 13:13, October 08, 2022

Chen Zhu, vice chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, delivers a keynote speech at the 8th Group of 20 (G20) Parliamentary Speakers' Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 6, 2022. Chen led a delegation to the summit held here till Friday. (Xinhua)

JAKARTA, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chen Zhu, vice chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, led a delegation to the 8th Group of 20 (G20) Parliamentary Speakers' Summit held here till Friday and delivered a keynote speech.

Chen said that exchanges and deeper cooperation among legislative bodies are of positive significance for the G20 to play its role.

Parliaments of the countries should uphold multilateralism and safeguard international equity and justice, adhere to openness and inclusiveness to jointly promote sustainable development of the world economy, and pursue green and low-carbon development to promote harmonious coexistence between man and nature, Chen said.

During the summit, Chen also met with Indonesia's House of Representatives' Speaker Puan Maharani, Saqr Ghubash, speaker of the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates, Suriname's National Assembly Chairman Marinus Bee and President of Inter-Parliamentary Union Duarte Pacheco.

Chen Zhu (L), vice chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Saqr Ghubash, speaker of the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

Chen Zhu (3rd R), vice chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Suriname's National Assembly Chairman Marinus Bee (2nd L) in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

Chen Zhu (2nd L), vice chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Indonesia's House of Representatives' Speaker Puan Maharani (2nd R) in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

Chen Zhu (L), vice chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with President of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Duarte Pacheco in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 7, 2022. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
MBABANE  Two men from Eswatini were killed at Harterbeeskorp, Ermelo, in the Republic of South Africa in a gang-related conflict.

It has been five months since the two men were killed, but their bodies have still not been claimed in a South African mortuary. Impeccable sources disclosed that both men were stabbed to death by their former prison mates as they were once incarcerated in a South African jail. According to the sources, the quarrel that resulted in the stabbing and subsequent death of Simanga Slender Maseko and Sakhile Malinga was over the matter of who is superior between two gang members - the 26s and the 28s (locally known as inombolo).

Maseko was the one who was murdered first and was then reportedly dragged by his killers and dumped in a dam at Hartebeeskorp. Police later came and retrieved the body from the dam and placed it on the pavement where I was able to take a picture. My wish is for his relatives to be able to locate him; unfortunately, his physical appearance could not be captured because the body was covered with a blanket, said Mbali Dlamini. The other victim, Malinga, who was said to have been a close friend with Maseko, was reportedly killed on his way to Eswatini to report his friends death to his family in Mbabane.

According to Dlamini, Malinga was escorted by his employers to Amsterdam towards Eswatini; however, the South African Police Service (SAPS) officers have confirmed that he was murdered on his way, days later. An African male, dark in complexion, normal in body size, height and age is estimated between 30 and 40 years, was found dead in Bevediel location in Mpumalanga province, South Africa.

Investigations

According to the information as per investigations, he is only known as Sakhile Malinga of Mankayane in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Anyone who knows the deceased or who knows the relatives can contact Detective Sergeant Mayaba of Harterbeeskorp Police station. Those with information can contact him on 0715215344 or office number 0178821000, said Detective Mayaba. The detective also disclosed that two suspects were arrested following the murder of the two emaSwati. However, he said one of the suspects died a month ago, while out on bail. Two African males were arrested, however, one died while out on bail and the other is still behind bars in connection to the murders of Maseko and Malinga.

Wars

According to the sources, the two emaSwati were once arrested and that is when they joined the prison gangs called the 26s and the 28s. A study reveals that the 26s are those responsible for gambling, smuggling and accruing wealth in general. The 28s are the warriors and responsible for fighting on behalf of all three groups, and the 27s are the guardians of gang law and the peace keepers between all the gangs. New rules and a strict code of conduct were drawn up. Worth noting is that common numbers used include 5, 13, 14, and 74. Numbers may represent letters of the alphabet (b=2, c=3). Local sets may use their area code to communicate their home. Gang members then tattoo these symbols and numbers, or even the name of their gang.
Michigan Jury Finds Jeffery Morris Guilty of Murdering Poker Pro Susie Zhao

October 07, 2022 Connor Richards Editor & Live Reporter U.S.

Warning: The following article contains graphic details involving murder and sexual assault.

It took a Michigan jury less than an hour on Friday, Oct. 7 to find Jeffery Bernard Morris guilty of murdering former professional poker player Susie Zhao in July 2020.

Morris, 62, was found guilty of first-degree premeditated murder and felony murder in Oakland County Circuit Court for the killing of Zhao, a regular in the Los Angeles poker scene whose badly burned and mutilated body was discovered in a state recreation area.

Read about the final day of testimony in the Susie Zhao murder trial

Justice At Last

After several delays spanning years caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, Morris finally went to trial this week in the graphic and disturbing case that has captivated the poker community.

Throughout the week, lead prosecutor John Skrzynski built the case against Morris, a convicted criminal who Oakland County prosecutors said Zhao had met in July 2020 after moving to Michigan to live with family during the pandemic.

Drawing on more than a dozen witnesses  an FBI special agent assigned to the case, a childhood friend of Zhao's who was one of the last to see her alive, a detective who testified that Morris had searched for violent sexual assault on his phone nearly 2,000 times in the month before the murder, to name a few  Skrzynski told jurors that Morris had met up with Zhao at Sherwood Motel and convinced her to be zip-tied before driving her to an isolated dirt road.

After laying her down in a "very secluded area," Morris "(took) his fist and he hit her" in the genital area before "sprink(ling) the gas can over her and ... light(ing) her on fire while she's still alive," according to prosecutors.

Lead prosecutor John Skrzynski (right) addresses the jury on Oct. 7, 2022

"(Morris) used Zhao to make his violent fantasies come true," Skrzynski told jurors on Day 1 of the trial.

In the coming days, defense attorney Michael McCarthy made numerous attempts to poke holes in the prosecution's story, including questioning the way detectives initially interviewed Morris and pushing back on DNA evidence that linked Morris to Zhao.

But it wasn't enough to convince the jury, who quickly returned to Judge Martha Anderson on Friday afternoon with two unanimous guilty verdicts after hearing several hours of closing arguments earlier in the morning.

Judge Martha Anderson

What We Learned During the Trial

While many of the case's grisly details were learned during the investigatory stages, this week's trial revealed new insights into the highly disturbing case.

Prosecutors showed jurors multiple graphic images of Zhao's burnt and splayed body, including images of a "significant deep wound" in Zhao's genital area and images of soot in her windpipe that revealed "Ms. Zhao was alive and breathing in the contaminants of combustion" when she was lit on fire.

The trial also brought out information about the 33-year-old's extensive struggle with mental illness, including being diagnosed with schizophrenia. In 2015, Zhao's mother, Fang Dai, attempted to have her daughter involuntarily institutionalized and later attempted to get guardianship, according to Skrzynski, who argued that Zhao's mental health made her a "vulnerable" victim.

Susie Zhao

On Day 2 of the trial, Michelle Lagrou, a childhood friend of Zhao, testified that she was with Zhao in the days ahead of the murder and that Zhao had been "acting somewhat strange" and "seemed more blankish." After learning about Zhao's schizophrenia diagnosis from the police, she said her friend's erratic behavior made "perfect sense."

Additionally, the trial revealed Morris' deep obsession with violent "punch-fisting" pornography.

A search warrant for the contents of Morris iPhone turned up nearly 2,000 web searches for violent sexual assault and pornography in the month ahead of the murder, including for keywords like "Asian" and "kidnap," which was crucial in building the prosecution's motive.

Jeffery Morris appears in court on Oct. 7, 2022

Morris, who appeared in court in a grey suit with an unkempt beard that he had grown since his 2020 arrest, sat silently next to his attorney throughout the week and was calm as the jury read its verdicts.

Sentencing for Morris will take place on Nov. 10, according to Judge Anderson. The 62-year-old faces a separate life sentence without parole for both counts.

Poker Community Gets Peace

The guilty verdict was undoubtedly a cathartic moment for those in the poker community who had patiently awaited justice for nearly two and a half years after several delays and pushbacks in the horrific case.

Zhao, a regular player and commentator on the Live at the Bike stream at LA's Bicycle Casino who had multiple deep runs in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, made a strong impression on many in the poker community with her bubbly personality and positive attitude.

Nothing will bring Susie Zhao back to life. Nothing will erase the horror she experienced or that which her family https://t.co/0pMuRxyNMu  Jennifer Newell (@WriterJen)

Those in the poker community who were friends with Zhao include Bart Hanson, David Tuchman, Allen Kessler, Brandon Shack-Harris, Xuan Liu and Ronnie Bardah, who called Zhao "extremely intelligent and a sweetheart" and "nice on and off the table."

She was one of the bubbliest and most vivacious opponents Ive ever had, said Clayton Fletcher, who played with Zhao in the 2015 Main Event. She was a very strong player who also liked to have fun at the table.
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Insurrection supporter Sen. Ron Johnson tried to portray himself as a friend to law enforcement during the Wisconsin Senate debate, and it did not go well.

Video:

Mandela Barnes calls Ron Johnson an insurrection supporter during Wisconsin Senate debate. pic.twitter.com/nMUZCqeLYv  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) October 8, 2022

Johnson said, Whenever I see a police officer, I go up to him and say thank you for your service. If I have time, I say please dont be dispirited by the allowed of you who are trying to defund you.

Barnes had a response ready, Im sure he did not have the same interaction with the 140 officers who were injured during the January 6th insurrection. One officer stabbed that middle stake. Another crushed between a revolving door. Another hit in the head with a fire extinguisher. When we talk about respect, lets think about the 140 officers he left behind because of an insurrection he supported.

It was that kind of night for Sen. Ron Johnson, who is running for office in violation of his term limit pledge. The most recent polling has the Wisconsin US Senate election tied at 47%-47%. Debates dont usually change minds, but very bad nights can swing some undecided voters in a close contest.

Ron Johnson did not have a good debate. When a candidate gets called out for being a supporter of the effort to overthrow the government, things are not going well.

It is going to be tough to upset an incumbent like Johnson, but Mandela Barnes sent a powerful message while looking the part of a United States Senator.
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Trump cooked up a plan to trade the government documents that he stole for documents about the Russia investigation.

The New York Times reported:

Mr. Trump floated the idea of offering the deal to return the boxes in exchange for documents he believed would expose the Russia investigation as a hoax cooked up by the F.B.I. Mr. Trump did not appear to know specifically what he thought the archives had  only that there were items he wanted.

Mr. Trumps aides  recognizing that such a swap would be a non-starter since the government had a clear right to the material Mr. Trump had taken from the White House and the Russia-related documents held by the archives remained marked as classified  never acted on the idea.

Trump is convinced that there are secret documents somewhere that will show that the FBI made up the Russia investigation into his 2016 campaign. The connections between the Trump campaign and Russia have already been proven.

It has been nearly seven years, and Donald Trump is still trying to make the Russia scandal go away.

The idea that the government would never swap documents because Trump was breaking the law never entered into the former presidents head.

Trump is still operating on some 1980s principle of leverage, and he has convinced himself that the world is The Apprentice and everything is a deal.

As the government demonstrated through its search of Mar-a-Lago, Trump doesnt have any leverage.

Donald Trump tried to get out of legal jeopardy by committing more crimes, which demonstrates that Trumps instincts are always criminal.
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Hundreds of protests are happening nationwide as Americans are joining women in marching for reproductive rights.

The DC march:

Thousands of people march in national women's day of action in Washington, DC as part of hundreds of nationwide protests for reproductive rights. pic.twitter.com/25Q6AgBbwY  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) October 8, 2022

The womens march in Denver, CO:

The start of the march in NYC:

In Foley Square today with @riseup4abortion and @NYCRevClub before start of the Womens March. pic.twitter.com/DyTh3M7ttR  Coco Das (@coco_das) October 8, 2022

The march in Pittsburgh, PA:

Right now at the city county building theres a womens march entitled we wont go back theyre fighting for abortion right and chanting our bodies our choice #WomensRights #ourbodiesourchoice #AbortionIsHealthcare pic.twitter.com/pnQK3ctnoo  Punya Bhasin (@Punya_Bhasin) October 8, 2022

It is important to keep in mind that each of the thousands upon thousands of people who are marching are some of the most likely individuals to vote in the midterm, and these voters will not be supporting Republican candidates who favor taking away reproductive rights.

The march hasnt gotten the attention that it deserves from mainstream media. If hundreds of thousands of Trump supporters took to the streets, cable news would be there with wall-to-wall coverage.

People fighting for their right to medical care so they dont die are treated like a third-tier story on a Saturday.

It doesnt matter if the media wants to pay attention because, in a month, these Americans will be casting their ballots for candidates that support reproductive rights.
MBABANE  A female teacher, out of shock at being attacked by a fellow educator while she was conducting lessons, wet herself in front of her pupils.

The teacher, whose identity will not be revealed because of the stigma she could be exposed to, had to be taken to her house by the head teacher after the incident, which her assaulter admitted was embarrassing. This incident occurred at Manzini Central Primary School, which is located next to the Mavuso Trade Centre. Nomphumelelo Nxumalo, who is close to retirement age and walks with the aid of crutches, is the one who carried out the attack and she used one of the support sticks to assault her colleague.

The reason for the attack was a missing key to the assaulted teachers locker, in which she had put test papers she needed for a class examination. A case of assault was eventually opened against Nxumalo and she made an appearance before Manzini Eswatini National Court President Zembe Dvuba.

In her submission, the complainant told the court that the relationship she had with Nxumalo had always been a healthy working relationship, until the day of the assault.

Misunderstanding

The two had just attended a meeting before they had a misunderstanding over the locker key. I had locked the locker without any idea that the accused had also put her stuff (test papers) there. After the short meeting, I quickly attended to some issue at the secretarys office. Upon return, I found the accused person going through my bag and at that time she looked a bit upset shouting something like I am a useless. I responded saying Id lost the key to the locker as I was annoyed by her behaviour, narrated the complainant. The complainant told the court that Nxumalo had hurled insults at her after being annoyed by her behaviour and at that time left.

I quickly opened the locker and sent one of the pupils to drop the test papers at the accuseds classroom. After my period I went to her class to ask if it was really necessary to shout insultive words in the presence of my pupils, but even then she continued insulting me saying you are now annoying me (soyangenyanyisa wena ulibele yini kantsi), further narrated the complainant. The complainant then said she went to the deputy principals office to report that the accused had threatened to assault her and she was scared. I then went back to my class and just when I was attending to my pupils, the accused emerged advancing to me and I took a few steps back to the other row in between the desks and she advanced further. She used one of her crutches to hit me on the back (buttocks). I might have been in shock, I peed on myself and the pupils were watching too, she said to the court.

Embarrassed

The accused said after assaulting me, ngikutjelile kutsi ngitakutfola meaning that I told you that I will deal with you. Embarrassed, I walked out of the class to the deputys office again and she reported the matter to the principal of the school, who then took me to my house, she added. The complainant in her submission further disclosed to the court that it took her a few days to regain confidence to face the pupils and the accused did not acknowledge that she was on the wrong. She failed to make a proper apology as she only stood at the door saying hhayi kabi kuloku lokwenteka, ngitsi nje ncesi. I wasoffended by her kind of apology and I decided to report and lay charges of assault against her at the police station in Manzini, that is all, the complainant said.

She called me cripple  accused teacher



Nomphumelelo Nxumalo, the teacher accused of assaulting her colleague in front of her pupils at Manzini Central Primary School, pleaded guilty to committing the offence. However, she told the court that the complainant had called her a handicapped which made her angrier and prompted her to commit the offence. The court had explained to the accused three alternatives and their significances to which she opted to conduct her own defence.

On this day we were in a rush after the meeting took long, yet I had put my papers in her (complainant) locker. I wanted to administer the test and I found the locker locked and I asked that they call her after I had gone through her bag. When she returned, before I could say a word, she said we are not working today as the locker is locked. I got so angry and left and she followed me insulting me, narrated the accused.

I just shouted and then hit her with the crutch once on the buttocks. the Regional Education Officer (REO) and the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) officers have been trying to handle the matter, said the accused in her defence. The court asked her if she was supposed to assault and insult her colleague in front of pupils, and she said no, but was supposed to report to the deputy or principal any misunderstanding. The accused was then asked why she had put her papers inside the complainants locker and was further asked if she aware that she had wetted herself in the process. The accused told the court that she hadnt noticed that the complainant had wetted herself but acknowledged that it was an embarrassing situation.

Justified

Furthermore, the accused was asked how she would have felt if someone had done such to her but she claimed that she was justified as the complainant had also insulted her. The accused when pleading guilty to the charges said it was true that she had insulted and assaulted the complainant, which resulted in her wetting herself in front of the pupils. The accused attributed her actions to anger and she further disclosed to the court that each teacher is allocated a locker at the school. The court president warned the accused and complainant that it was wrong to exchange words in front of pupils and also emphasised that it was unacceptable.

Let alone the extent of assaulting your colleague, she was embarrassed by such behaviour, worse peeing on herself and I find you guilty as charged, said the court president. In mitigation, the accused told the court that she was employed as a teacher and would lose her job if incarcerated. I am about to retire, this is the first of its kind, I am sickly and I must have overreacted, said the accused teacher. Court President Chief Zembe Dvuba found the accused guilty as charged and sentenced her to five months imprisonment or an option of a E500 fine, which she paid.

Attempts to get the deputy principal to comment to the matter failed as when reached, she referred the matter to the school chairperson and the REO.

The School Chairperson of Manzini Central Primary School, Victor Ngwenya, confirmed that they received the report of the assault of the teacher by her colleague. We are still waiting for the REO to take the necessary action against the teacher as the situation at the school is no longer conducive, he pointed out.

Regional Education Officer Sizwe Kunene also confirmed that the matter was reported to his office by the school administration. It is true, we know about the issue. We have once called the teacher and talked to her about the problem and she promised to mend her ways, he said.
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Two companies that participated in research partnerships at the Savannah River Site have pleaded guilty to submitting false paperwork to the Department of Energy.

Greenway Energy LLC and Savannah River Consulting LLC pleaded guilty on Sept. 14.

Greenway Energy was formed on Nov. 13, 2006, and its registered agent is Scott Greenway.

According to information provided to the court, the company is engaged in the research of hydrogen including production, storage and fuel cell technology applications. Earlier this year, the company received $400,000 from the Department of Energy to study hydrogen production and storage.

Savannah River Consulting was formed on Feb. 17, 2011, and its registered agent is also Greenway. According to information provided to the court, it engaged in commercial physical research in Aiken.

Both companies participated in research partnerships and received research grant funds from the Department of Energy as administrated by the Savannah River National Laboratory, according to the information provided to the court.

"Beginning at a time unknown but from at least Dec. 1, 2010 and continuing in or about September 2019 in the District of South Carolina and elsewhere, the defendants, Greenway Energy LLC and Savannah River Consulting LLC, made and presented to the United States Department of Energy claims upon and against the United States, that is: demands for payment for employee labor hours, knowing that the claims were false, fictitious and fraudulent," Assistant U.S. Attorney DeWayne Pearson wrote to the court.

Greenway signed plea agreements for both companies on Sept. 14.

Pearson signed the agreements on Sept. 28.

The agreement calls for the companies to pay fines and restitution as determined by the court at sentencing. It adds that the companies have agreed not to protest if they are suspended from being a federal contractor for a specified amount of time.

A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Fort Gordon's name change to Fort Eisenhower will soon be official.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin sent a memorandum to senior Pentagon officials Thursday accepting the recommendations of an independent naming commission formed to remove references to the Confederacy in the Department of Defense.

The recommendations include renaming the U.S. Army base west of Augusta after Dwight Eisenhower, the supreme commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during World War II and president from 1953-1961.

Fort Gordon, home of the U.S. Army Cyber Command and Cyber Center for Excellence, was named after John B. Gordon who served as a Confederate army general and later served as a U.S. senator from Georgia and as a governor of the Peach State.

Austin said he fully supported the committee's recommendations and that he was committed to implementing the recommendations as soon as a mandated 90-day waiting period expired and no later than Jan. 1, 2024.

Fort Gordon is among nine bases that will change names.

The others are: Fort A.P. Hill, Fort Benning, Fort Bragg, Fort Hood, Fort Lee, Fort Pickett, Fort Polk and Fort Rucker.

Fort A.P. Hill will be renamed after Dr. Mary Hill, the only female Medal of Honor winner.

Fort Benning's name will be changed to honor Lt. Gen. Hal Moore, a calvary officer depicted in "We Were Soldiers," and his wife, Julia, who worked to create casualty notification teams.

Fort Polk's new name will be named after Sgt. William Johnson, an African American Medal of Honor winner in World War I.

Fort Bragg will become Fort Liberty.

Fort Hood will be Fort Cavazos.

Fort Lee will be Fort Gregg-Adams.

Fort Pickett will be Fort Barfoot.

Fort Rucker will be Fort Novosel.
Co-working space once held a fraction of the office market, but the COVID-19 pandemic upended the office-worker segment of the commercial real estate industry.

Now, a trio of office-sharing companies are setting up shop in the Charleston area to tap into the new working arrangement that's expected to balloon over the next decade.

In Summerville, New York-based Serendipity Labs plans to open a second Charleston-area location in December in the live-work-play Nexton development. The office-sharing firm plans to announce two more Lowcountry locations in the next few months.

On the Charleston peninsula, Industrious, also a Big Apple-based co-working company, plans to open by year's end in part of the five-story speculative office building at 677 King St.

Farther south on the peninsula, Alpharetta, Ga.-based Thrive recently occupied the entire third floor of a four-story building at 174 Meeting St. in the banking district, just below the historic City Market.

Before the coronavirus outbreak in 2020, roughly 2 percent of all office space was shared, according to John Arenas, chairman and CEO of Serendipity Labs. By 2030, it's projected to balloon to 20-30 percent.

"That's a big change," Arenas said.

Adding fuel to the projected surge in co-working space is a recent report that predicts the value of co-working spaces worldwide will more than triple by the end of the decade.

Pegged at nearly $7 billion last year, the overall value of shared office environments globally is expected to grow to more than $24 billion in eight years, according to Next Move Strategy Consulting.

Flexible work space

The reason for the rise of co-working space is simple: employees got a taste of working from home during the pandemic and employers learned they don't need as much space to get the same amount of work accomplished.

The result, in many instances, is a hybrid model of employees working from home several days a week and coming to shared office space on occasion for team contact or in-person meetings.

"Tenants are reacting to employees who want more flexibility," Arenas said.

Arenas, who once had a small business in Mount Pleasant 25 years ago, said 80 percent of the leases in Charleston are under 5,000 square feet.

"In an office with 25 people, they don't need the same desk every day any more," he said. "Twenty-five people can fit into a lot less space than 200 square feet per employee because they aren't coming to the office every day, now that they have flexible work hours."

Arenas added, "When companies are renewing leases, they ask themselves, 'Do I need that much space?' The answer many times anymore is, 'I don't.'"

"Post-pandemic, some are getting rid of all office space," Arenas said. "It's very common for tenants to reduce space by less than half now."

Arenas believes every office building should have flexible office space.

"It's becoming the rule, not an anomaly," he said. "Companies want shorter lease times now. And landlords are bringing on flexible office operators as partners. If you leave it as conventional office space and tenants want something else, you are going to remain empty or not fill up."

The reason for the rise of co-working firms in the Charleston market is because the area has not stopped growing and continues to see an influx of new residents.

"It was an attractive place to escape to during the pandemic, and it has a healthy economy," Arenas said.

He also noted some traditional office workers and professionals want an escape from the home office to avoid distractions and meet face-to-face with team members from time to time.

"Those workers have more flexibility to choose how they want to work," he said.

Serendipity saw the need for a second location after filling the space in two floors of the five-story Portside building on the edge of Charleston Harbor in Mount Pleasant. The East Cooper location now has a wait list.

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The new 26,000-square-foot, free-standing building in Summerville will be at 700 Nexton Square Drive.

Inner-city preference

While Serendipity focuses on suburban markets, Thrive prefers inner-city areas for shared office space and saw Charleston as an underserved market.

"We purposely select coworking spaces that are located in downtown areas in walking distance to convenient services," said Chris Smith, Thrive's chief revenue officer.

"When people have the flexibility to work anywhere, they naturally are going to gravitate toward places where they love to be," Smith said. "The charm, walkability and amenities in downtown Charleston offer an option for people looking for a great everyday work experience."

For David Tisdale, Thrive's location is ideal. Tisdale, the vice president of demand generation for Wisconsin-based business accelerator Vx Group, said the company didn't see the need to sign a long-term lease for five employees in the previous 400-square-foot office on upper Meeting Street.

The company now rents month to month a third-story corner office with large windows overlooking lower Meeting Street, where tourists and professionals mingle among nearby shops and restaurants.

"We were looking for a place to go with the changing climate of real estate," Tisdale said. "This model fit for what we wanted. And we have a really nice view from here."

The company also decided that two workers would work remotely from Charlotte and the other three would work out of the shared-office site in Charleston.

Tisdale, who comes to the co-working space each weekday, said it was problematic for him to work from his James Island home with two children using bandwidth he needed for work.

He also believes the downtown location is more conducive for his business.

"You feel connected to the energy of the city by being down here," he said. "And I feel like there is a synergy from being around other companies."

For Thrive, the Charleston office is its first in South Carolina, but another is in the works. The company plans to open an office in Greenville by mid-2023.

Others are on the way as well. The company has partnered with private equity group 33 Degrees of Scottsdale, Ariz., to expand to 500 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Thrive currently operates in its home office as well as Milton and Canton, Ga., all in the Atlanta area, and in Columbus, Ohio. It also plans to add six additional sites near the Georgia capital as well as one each in Birmingham, Ala., and in Asheville, Chapel Hill and Winston-Salem in North Carolina.

For Industrious, it's the firm's first foray into the Lowcountry as well.

The firm leased 34,028 square feet on the second and third floors in the high-profile office structure between the Crosstown overpasses. It will feature 472 seats in private offices, shared workspaces, conference rooms and lounge areas.

"We are ... breaking into a market that we have been interested in for a long time, said Peri Demestihas, senior director of real estate growth at Industrious.

The firm decided to expand to Charleston because of the area's continued growth and the expected acceleration of flexible office space after the pandemic.

Industrious chose the location because of its proximity to major traffic arteries and nearby restaurants and other services.

The company, with more than 150 locations in 65-plus cities in the U.S. and abroad, prefers partnerships with landlords rather than signing traditional leases.

"Under this model, landlords are better positioned to meet the demands of modern occupiers, while Industrious is rewarded for strong performance," Demestihas said.

Industrious plans to open Dec. 1 on King Street.
The number of South Carolina high school students completing federal financial aid forms increased slightly this year, indicating college enrollment may be rising after years of decline.

The completion rate rose by 4.6 percent for the 2022-23 school year from the previous year, according to the National College Attainment Network, which tracks the completion rates using data from the Office of Federal Student Aid.

Even though the rate increase is minor, more students filling out applications could suggest a shift in trends after years of declining enrollment fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic. FAFSA completion rates are a good indicator that more students might be headed to college since a completed application can make higher education more accessible for many students, said MorraLee Keller, senior director of strategic programming for National College Attainment Network.

That document is really the gatekeeper document to federal, state and institutional money to help you pay for college, Keller said, So it is just a key fundamental step if you are in the position of needing some financial resources to help pay for college.

Overall, nearly 63 percent of the class of 2022 in South Carolina has completed the aid application for the 2022-23 academic year as of Sep. 23, according to the network.

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South Carolina ranks 13th in the country for the number of seniors completing the application this year. Louisiana topped the list with the highest percentage of seniors  nearly 71 percent  applying for aid. Tennessee followed closely with about 70 percent.

South Carolina's rates may not have been as high, but they still hover around the national trend. In total, nearly 58 percent of high school students across the country have completed the FAFSA, a 4.6 percent increase from the year prior.

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While Keller said the national numbers for the class of 2022 linger slightly lower than those for the class of 2019  the last group to apply before the pandemic hit  she was optimistic about the rates recovering in the next year or two. For instance, with students back to in-person learning, schools will have an easier time offering students assistance with filling out the FAFSA.

She attributed that difficulty in reaching and assisting students during remote learning, as well as the larger national conversations around student debt, as among the many factors that led the application numbers to dip in the last few years.

More Information The Post and Courier Education Lab is a multi-year project, employing four reporters, focused on the need for public education reform in South Carolina. The Coastal Community Foundation and Spartanburg Foundation serve as fiscal sponsors for the Education Lab, which is supported by grants from the Jolley Foundation, Intertech, anonymous donors, and generous donations on behalf of donors to The Post and Courier Public Service and Investigative Fund who designate to the Education Lab.

For places looking to boost their numbers, incentives from gift cards to festivals  can spur more students to fill out the FAFSA. Some states, such as Louisiana, go further and require students to complete the form before they graduate.

With roughly 680 forms filled out this year, about 80 more completed applications than the previous year, the Florence School District One had one of the highest increases in South Carolina from the last cycle. Maggie Gause, the districts director of student support services, said the increase can be tied to the districts graduation rates increasing.

When Gause joined the district in 2018, the graduation rate was about 82 percent. In 2021, it increased to about 91 percent. She said counselors take a proactive approach working with families to ensure students remain on track for graduation. They even have students sign an academic contract where they write out what they must do to graduate.

We're making them take accountability for what they have to do to have a secure future, Gause said.

And as a result, higher education seems more within reach to more students.

The FAFSA form for the 2023-24 academic year opened on Oct. 1. Visit studentaid.gov for more information.
MYRTLE BEACH  Dozens of Grand Strand residents gathered at Chapin Park Oct. 8 to rally behind women's rights, denounce abortion bans and promote voter registration before the Nov. 8 midterm elections.

The Women's Wave March For Our Rights in Myrtle Beach on Oct. 8 was organized by Grand Strand Action Together, a regional non-profit organization focused on the education and advocacy of various social, political and economic issues.

Lorraine Woodward, a member of the GSAT leadership team, said that the group has organized a women's march every year since 2017, in conjunction with the National Women's Movement.

This year, she said, they were especially motivated to hold the march because of the Supreme Court's June 24 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

"It's an assault on women, honestly, and it is an assault on our bodily autonomy," Woodward said. "No one else is putting those kind of restrictions on any other gender. We need to make sure that people understand that we are going to fight it until the end."

The court's decision repealed the constitutional right to abortion that had existed in the U.S. for nearly 50 years. The ruling now allows states to regulate abortion, and more than 20 conservative-leaning states, including S.C., are considering or have already implemented new restrictions.

The Oct. 8 march featured a variety of speakers  some as young as 17 years old  who expressed their frustration with the current state of American women's rights, which they described as being under attack by majority-Republican state legislatures, like South Carolina's.

Anna Shull, a senior at Horry County's Academy for the Arts, Science & Technology, was one of the youngest speakers at the Oct. 8 event. She said the right to an abortion was a matter of public health.

"As a student who plans on becoming a physician, I place a high value on science and the real effects that abortion bans like ours will have on public health," Shull said. "It is these horrifying realities that demonstrate the vital need to the right to choice."

A study from 2021 estimated that banning abortion in the U.S. would lead to a 21% increase in the number of pregnancy-related deaths overall and a 33% increase among black women. Increased deaths from unsafe or attempted abortions would be in addition to these estimates, per the Harvard School of Public Health.

Also, since the Roe v. Wade decision, there have been reports across the country of women being refused prescriptions to medications for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, among other conditions, due to those certain medications having the potential to cause miscarriages.

Shull also called out Republican legislators for, in her view, causing women more harm by taking away the right to an abortion.

"Not only will they not let a woman have an abortion, but they will not make any effort to improve the living conditions in this state for the women," Shull said.

Myrtle Beach residents Allie Harding, 31, Susan Blevins, 48, and Sarah Blevins, 19, said they wanted to attend the march because they feel angry about their rights as women being taken away in the wake of the Roe v. Wade decision.

"I already know someone whose gynecologist refused to give them a prescription for birth control based on their religious beliefs," Harding said. "It's a health care issue, to be honest, and a human rights issue. It needs to stop."

One of the main messages of the Oct. 8 rally was to promote voter registration before the upcoming Nov. 8 midterm elections. Two state Democratic candidates attended the event, including State House District 68 candidate Ernest Carson and State House District 106 candidate Ryan Thompson.

Also, State House District 61 candidate Ashlyn Preaux provided a statement for GSAT leaders to read at the rally because she could not attend. Preaux, the founder of the Palmetto State Abortion Fund, was one of the leaders of the June 29 abortion rights protest that took place in Myrtle Beach after the Roe v. Wade court decision.

At the Oct. 8 march, Woodward emphasized the importance of people registering to vote and then voting in the Nov. 8 election.

"People need to take a look at the choices that they have and what those platforms are for those candidates," Woodward said. "At the state level, they have tried numerous times to restrict women's health care in the form of abortion. They'll do it over, and over again. Right now, it's just all about voting."

The overturn of Roe v. Wade has been seen as an opportunity by Democrats across the country to mobilize their base on an issue that had traditionally acted as a bigger motivator for Republicans.

Residents have until Oct. 9 if they want to register to vote online, by fax or by emailing a completed application to their county voter registration office. (To register or update voter registration, visit scvotes.gov for more information.)

The last chance South Carolina residents have to register to vote in the Nov. 8 election is by mailing a registration application to their county voter registration office. It must be postmarked by Oct. 11.
The South Carolina Aquarium has partnered with the Berkeley and Dorchester county library systems by offering family-level aquarium memberships good for one-week periods to library card holders.

The membership allows free admission to the aquarium for up to two adults and eight children in the same household. Families can "check-out" the passes at their local library.

Dorchester County has four passes to rotate out one week at a time; Berkeley County has 10.

This isnt the library systems' first partnership. Both are involved in the state park pass program, which is a partnership between the South Carolina State Library and the state's parks and tourism entities.

The passes allow library card-holders to visit any state park for free. The Dorchester County Library also has a partnership with the Childrens Museum of the Lowcountry.

In the month since the aquarium partnership began, its been a success so far, said Sherryl James, Dorchester County Library branch manager. This partnership is part of the Dorchester County Librarys movement to expand its services.

The four passes  theyre checked out continuously, James said. The staff is very active in making sure the public knows its available because you cant reserve it. Theyre a hot commodity for sure.

Gene Brunson, Berkeley County Library System director, said he considers the aquarium one of the premier attractions of Charleston. Their partnership provides a great chance for Berkeley County residents to visit.

Its a great cultural opportunity to allow our residents to visit the South Carolina Aquarium, Brunson said. It does reduce barriers to visiting the aquarium, and it does promote the connection of visitors to water, wildlife and educational opportunities.

Both library systems worked with the Collaboration Summer Library Program for their summer reading programs. As a result, they both had the same theme: Oceans of Possibilities.

Brunson said there were over 200 attendees for summer programs presented by the South Carolina Aquarium held at the Berkeley County Library System. James said the director of the Dorchester County Library worked closely with the aquarium to do some summer programming, as well.

The goal is to minimize barriers and maximize opportunities for members of the community to experience the aquarium, said Kayla Webber, membership manager of the South Carolina Aquarium.

We hope that by offering these memberships to our community, more people can see the wonder within our walls and meet the animals and habitats that make up our great state, Webber wrote in an email to The Post and Courier.

The aquarium also has a partnership with the Charleston County Public Library, which started in early 2021. With 30 passes, Webber wrote that so far its been wildly successful, with over 4,500 families taking advantage of the partnership.

Webber wrote that the aquarium would evaluate the partnership annually to ensure that its serving the community in the best way possible. Both James and Brunson said they hope to continue working with the aquarium.
A woman traveling from California was arrested at the Charleston International Airport after police allegedly found more than 40 pounds of marijuana in her suitcases.

Ashley Thao Nguyen was booked Oct. 6 into Charleston County jail on the offense of trafficking marijuana.

Charleston County Aviation Authority police said they had received a tip that someone would be flying in "trafficking a large quantity of narcotics," according to an incident report. While investigating, an officer was told by an American Airlines employee that a bag, indicating a large red suitcase, "smelled like weed."

A drug-sniffing dog also found the bag's odor suspect, the report said. The suitcase had Nguyen's name on the tag.

Officers returned the bag to the carousel at baggage claim and watched as a woman, later identified as the 27-year-old Californian, picked up two suitcases, including the pungent red one.

Airport police approached Nguyen and asked to speak with her and then to search her bags.

Nguyen told the officers that she was meeting someone to give the suitcases to, but could not provide the name of the person or the location she was meeting them, accord the report. The suitcases were secured with combination locks, which Nguyen said she could not open though she said the bags were hers.

Inside the suitcases, authorities found 31 vacuum-sealed bags surrounded by hard black plastic. They weighed a total of 40.2 pounds, the report said.
MBABANE  Kenneth Maziya, the ESTVA Chief Financial Officer (CFO) who has contested for the position of CEO at the national broadcaster, has resigned.

Maziya when contacted by Eswatini News confirmed the latest development but refused to state reasons behind his decision. His resignation is taking place hardly three weeks after unknown people reportedly broke into the Eswatini Television Authority (ESTVA)s office and stole only a laptop belonging to him. The thugs entered Maziyas office through a window and only took his laptop, charger and external hard drive. To date, no arrests have been made. ESTVA Board Chairman Prince Sicunusa confirmed receipt of the CFOs resignation.

"The CFO just came to deliver the resignation to me last week without saying a word, the Board chairman said when called on Thursday. Maziya had been with ESTVA for the past four years after he was recruited from the sugar belt during the time of the late Bongani Gcokosiyancinca Dlamini as the stations CEO. He was later appointed acting CEO for the parastatal, a position he held for the past 18 months.

Appointed

Just recently, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Phesheya Dube, on behalf of the Minister, Princess Sikhanyiso, appointed Andreas Dlamini as the acting CEO. The CFO had been embattled in a court case where he was going head on with Princess Sikhanyiso in an effort to have her withdraw the appointment of the acting CEO. Maziya had argued that the minister should have endorsed the recommendation of the ESTVAs Board, which advised her to appoint him. He had been acting as the CEO for 18 months, until Dube announced Andreas appointment, a few weeks ago. Maziya is no longer pursuing the matter of the appointment of Andreas. Also, in the past few weeks, Maziya filed a notice of withdrawal at the Industrial Court. His Attorney, Thabiso Mavuso of Motsa Mavuso Attorneys, advised the court that the parties were pursuing other means of settling the matter. The court accordingly withdrew Maziyas application. ESTVA has been without a substantive CEO since the demise of Gcokosiyancinca last year.

Contested

The post of ESTVA CEO has been attracting controversies since the days of the late Dan Dlamini in the early 1990s. Celani Ndzimandze took over, but his contract was terminated on February 25, 2005, after a lot of infighting at ESTVA. At some point, the late Sabelo Masuku acted as the CEO, and his term was short-lived, as he faced numerous challenges there. Vukani Maziyas tenure was not a rosy one as his confirmation was not approved by the late Sibusiso Barnabas Dlaminis administration, despite the fact that he had passed the interview with flying colours.It was the administration of former Prime Minister Absalom Themba Dlamini, which eventually endorsed the consultancys recommendation for the appointment of Maziya.

His first assignment was a tough one as he had to deal with the then Director of Outside Broadcasting Unit (OB), Qhawe Mamba, who was employed by ESTVA, yet was also operating a private television station, Channel Swazi, now known as YemaSwati Channel. He created enemies for removing Mamba from ESTVA. He died in July 2010, while still holding the position of ESTVA CEO.

Gcokosiyancincas tenure of officer as the CEO met resistance as he had to offload staff that earned high salaries. He created enemies for declaring certain positions as redundant. For what he did, there were former employees who shunned the jurisdiction and competence of the Industrial Court and the Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration Commission (CMAC) in preference of the Ludzidzini Royal Council, which had been hearing their grievances.

Suspension

Vusigama Khumalo came in, to act as the CEO during the suspension of Gcokosiyancinca. It was not long before he faced challenges. Gcokosiyancinca bounced back, and Khumalo had to vacate the office. Since the retirement and unfortunate death of the former CEO, the public enterprise has been without a substantive CEO. It must be said that Kenneth Maziya has been acting as the CEO of ESTVA for 18 months. During the recent interviews for the post of CEO, Maziya became No.1. Consultants recommended for his appointment as the CEO of ESTVA. Princess Sikhanyiso, the Minister of ICT, did not endorse the recommendation.

The ESTVA Human Resource Policy, which is aligned to the Government General Orders, provides that an officer should not act for six months. For over six months, the policy states that the officer must be confirmed to the position. In the case of Maziya, investigations by our sister publication Times SUNDAY revealed that his contract was terminated before the lapsing of the six-month period.

Appointment

He would take a two-day break before he received another letter of appointment. This happened for a period of 18 months. In a second recruitment exercise conducted by SAMKHO, Mncedisi Mayisela and Kenneth Maziya scored high, as they both attained 83.3 per cent. SAMKHO stated that if Maziya was not appointed, Mayisela should be considered for the job or alternatively Phesheya Dube, before the latter was appointed PS.
At times, the search became a blur of green, all grass and stems and leaves.

Her eyes strained to find a clue as she stood in the open fields at Anne Springs Close Greenway. Other days, she scoured the roadsides for any sign of the rare plant.

And when all seemed lost, she closed her eyes for a moment and thought of him.

"Please," Kunsiri Grubbs would plead. "Please help me find this population."

Grubbs, a biologist at Winthrop University, spent much of her summer like this, on a quest to find one of the rarest species in the nation: the Schweinitz's sunflower.

Found only in the Carolinas' lower Piedmont region, which spans York and Lancaster counties in South Carolina and 10 North Carolina counties, the sunflower is a tall and tenacious plant, reaching heights of 6 to 10 feet. But unlike large commercial sunflowers, the Schweinitz's sunflower is not a showy plant.

Instead, it features relatively small, delicate yellow blooms.

But its future is in peril.

The plant has been on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's federally endangered list since 1991. Researchers estimate less than 100 known populations of this flower exist. In South Carolina, the number of known populations could be fewer than 20.

"This is one of the things that makes South Carolina unique," said Keith Bradley, a botanist for the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. "We have a suite of species that occur nowhere else other than South Carolina, or right on our border."

"And this," Bradley said of the rare sunflower, "is one of the things that makes Rock Hill a special place, because it's a remnant of an ecosystem that we've essentially lost."

The plant is native to the Piedmont prairie, an almost unimaginable environment today featuring large, sweeping areas of open grassland where buffalo once roamed.

With its preferred habitat disappearing due to centuries of farming and development and construction, the plant can be found blooming along unforested roadsides, powerline right-of-ways and other permanently maintained openings.

But as the habitat for this species becomes harder to find, it makes finding the sunflowers even more difficult.

That's why Grubbs set out with a pair of undergraduate students this summer to find and count these plant populations, which tend to bloom from August to frost.

Grubbs said DNR shared some of their data on the sunflower species, which acted like something of a map to guide her in her quest, but she soon noticed that the recorded counts were nearly 30 years old.

"But I know that some of these places that used to see the plant is gone, but that's my goal: to make sure we do what we can to get the most updated data so that we can do more to help this species survive," Grubbs said.

In the summer, because the flowers had not yet bloomed, Grubbs said it was very difficult to spot the plants even though its stem can appear purplish-red at times and has a distinctive bristles or hairs.

Some days, she took her students to areas like the Anne Springs Close Greenway, where she knew there were plants, so that they could examine the soil.

Her students would then record pH levels to measure the acidity or alkalinity in the soil.

"And we will continue doing it again this fall to see the difference between the springtime, and the fall time. And with the flowers in bloom, we should be able to count the exact number," she said.

The hope is that by counting the plants and studying them more closely, the research will reveal new ways to conserve this flower species so that it will be around for future generations.

But for Grubbs, this work has also been personal.

When Grubbs first arrived at Winthrop, she met Richard "Dick" Houk, professor emeritus of biology.

Houk spent nearly three decades studying and saving the Schweinitzs sunflower. He was a fixture in York County, and could often be found searching for the flowers on trails. Grubbs said sometimes they would go out into the field together, searching for this rare sunflower.

He towered above her, she said, laughing, and would often walk in front of her to clear the spider webs and scare away any snakes.

This summer, she thought of him as she searched. In her mind, she said, she would ask him for help any time she struggled to find the plant that blended into the summer grass and brush.

"He was so nice, so sweet, and he helped me so much early on in my career," she said.

When Houk moved into an assisted living facility, Grubbs continued to visit him. They took walks together when they could, even though it was no longer on the long trails they once traversed.

On Thanksgiving, she brought him a few blooms of the Schweinitz's sunflower to make him smile.

"Any time anyone mentions this species, his name will come up first," she said. "His name is on some of the S.C. DNR documents from 1994, 1996 that I'm trying to update."

And when Houk died in the fall of 2017, the Schweinitz's sunflowers were in bloom.

At his memorial service on campus, Grubbs cut a few of the flowers and put them in a small vase next to his picture, a tribute to the man who worked so hard to save them.

And whenever she found herself asking Houk for help this summer, Grubbs said she almost always found the population she was looking for.
The angriest voices about what might or might not be taught and allowed in our schools tend to come from people who dont have kids in school and dont have a clue what theyre talking about  as we saw in Greenville County last month when a couple of self-identified grandparents berated the school board with fabricated-from-whole-cloth stories about the district facilitating childrens self-identification as cats.

But there are plenty of complaints from parents that are based on things that actually happen, as we saw a few days earlier in Charleston County, after a parent complained to Gov. Henry McMaster when her seventh-grader was assigned to read an essay by a child who described transitioning from male to female.

We can debate whether parents should get upset about such assignments, but the fact is that many would, and not just fringy parents on the far right.

We also can debate whether S.C. law should give parents the right to review sex-related materials in advance and opt their children out of health classes, but the fact is that it does. And as Charleston County School District officials acknowledged immediately, this assignment clearly violated state law and the districts own policy.

People who are determined to believe with no evidence that their local school is setting out litter boxes and forcing students to treat other students as cats are not going to be deterred. But with a lot of parents who are upset about the culture in their childrens schools, there's room to achieve detente, if not consensus. What happened at Camp Road Middle School provides a good forum to acknowledge the problem, and consider how to work through it.

Initially, it looked like Mr. McMaster was replaying his demagoguery from last November, when he demanded that a school library remove a graphic novel with drawings depicting masturbation and oral sex  a week after S.C. Education Superintendent Molly Spearman had taken care of the problem. But after talking with McMaster education adviser Melanie Barton, I see the governors Camp Road response as a failed effort to address an actual problem.

Ms. Barton, a well-respected education policy expert who used to run the S.C. Education Oversight Committee, told me this looked like a great example of a school doing something inappropriate and not taking a parents complaints seriously. I dont think it was, but hold that thought while we listen to her concerns.

'Dismissed as a crazy person'

Parents, she said, "are not going to go back in the cave anymore," and as they grow increasingly outspoken about their kids' education, the districts should feel an obligation to create trust in the relationship between schools and parents. But instead of trying to develop that trust, they are dismissive of anyone who questions teachers, principals and school board members. If you question, you are dismissed as a crazy person.

Shes begged school districts to put their curriculum online, because she sees similarities between the current wave of anger over gender and racial issues and the bitter battles a decade ago over state education standards.

Ive got scars from Common Core, she said. But when we put Common Core out there (and said), Tell me what you dont like, all of the sudden the problem is gone.

Ms. Barton saw calling out the Camp Road incident as a way to say, Come on, Charleston: Lets do it better; we can do it better.

Unfortunately, thats not how it came off. I was only able to find that idea in Mr. McMaster's Sept. 20 letter to the district after talking with Ms. Barton, and rereading the letter, whose main purpose, in Ms. Bartons view, was to demand a clear policy for ensuring that parents can review all sex-education materials and opt their kids out of classes they arent comfortable with.

In fact, the district has such a policy. The problem is that a teacher failed to follow that policy, leaving the I am Leo article for a substitute to distribute, even though it wasnt on the syllabus parents had been provided, and wasnt even on the districts approved-reading list.

When a parent saw the reading, she contacted the principal, who, according to emails the district provided me, scheduled a meeting later that week and emailed the article to her that day. Within hours after the meeting, the principal notified parents that an assignment had been given that shouldnt have been, assured them it wouldnt happen again and reminded them how to opt their kids out of classes. The school also dealt with the teacher through its personnel policies, which is government code for disciplining him.

What about the questions?

The one glitch was when the parent asked for a copy of a reading-comprehension test the students had been given about the material. The principal showed her the questions but said she wasnt sure she could give her a copy.

The governors office cites this  along with the teachers defense of the reading  as evidence that the district had no clear policy and was treating the parent like a crazy person. And indeed, it does seem ridiculous to withhold the questions.

Deputy Superintendent Anita Huggins told me the principal is new to the district and just wanted to make sure the district allowed tests to be released. The principal received the OK that day, but didnt send the questions until three school days later, after the parent had reminded her. In the interim, the mother had complained to the governors office, which had confirmed she hadnt received the questions and readied the governors response  which was released to the media three hours after the principal hit send.

Im not convinced the district mishandled this, or that the governor's office realized the problem had already been resolved.

I am convinced that a conversation between the right person in the governors office and the right person in the school district could have prevented a dispute, which the governor chose to publicize, that bolstered beliefs on the right that the schools cant be trusted and beliefs on the left that Mr. McMaster is on a crusade against transgender children.

I am convinced too that the only way we can close the growing rift between schools and parents is to have fewer official statements and more conversations. And we have no time to waste.
We understand why a lot of conservative and even middle-of-the-road parents are freaking out over all the self-identification thats being embraced by the left  whether its girls self-identifying as boys or boys self-identifying as girls or children self-identifying as nonbinary.

Those on the left are doing their cause no favor by trying to shout down anyone who is uncomfortable with suddenly being told they have to abandon the binary approach to gender that matches the sex of nearly all human beings and has been accepted by society for millennia. Our attention span has become so short and our vision so myopic that we tend to forget that celebrating peoples decision to treat gender as mutable is not universally accepted, even in the political center. And it's still a very new phenomenon, even among the most liberal among us.

But the conservative backlash seems too often to be driven by exaggeration and even outright fabrication. Case in point: the cat allegations in Greenville County School District.

As The Post and Couriers Sara Gregory reports, two women stood up at the Sept. 27 school board meeting, gave their full names and declared in public that students were identifying as cats, the school district was putting out litter boxes and allowing them to meow in response to teachers questions and teachers and students were pressured to go along with this insanity and treat the students as cats for fear of retribution.

A story like that might make a compelling analogy for parents upset about school accommodations for transgender students ("Imagine if this happened ..."), but these stories werent told as analogy. They were presented as reports of what was actually happening in local schools. What was particularly disturbing was how sure of herself one of the women was when she named schools where she claimed this was happening, and how adamant she was when she demanded that the school board put a stop to it. And the enthusiastic applause, indicating that the two women were not alone in their thin-air beliefs.

We suppose its better to have people making those allegations in public, where they can be properly refuted, than simply continuing to spread an unfounded rumor. But its also disturbing that Superintendent Burke Royster was forced to ignore the business of educating children and instead use the forum of his superintendents message to deny those claims and call out their perpetrators for spreading such nonsense.

Whats next? Claiming, because you read it on social media, that space aliens have taken over the bodies of the teachers? Or maybe that actual cats have taken over the bodies of teachers. Or students. And heres whats so awful: No matter how absurd a hypothetical example we pose, theres almost certainly someone who will believe it. Nothing is too absurd any more, it seems, for someone to go out in public (or at least on social media) and insist that its true.

Heres a modest proposal: When it comes to claims about crazy things that allegedly are happening in our schools, we should follow a rule of thumb that we should be following in all areas of our lives: Dont automatically believe what you read on social media  particularly if its something that elicits a strong emotional reaction, or if it seems to confirm your worst fears about how crazy all those people on the other side of the political spectrum are becoming. (And unfortunately, there are plenty of legitimate examples of said craziness, on both extremes.)

And certainly dont pass it on unless you verify it.

Its not always easy to verify whether a rumor is true or false  particularly since proving it false means proving a negative. But an easy first step is to simply Google the claim: Are kids self-identifying as cats, for instance. If you see one obscure website that seems to confirm it, and numerous reputable sources that explain why its not true, chances are good its not true. If, as you would in this case, you see one instance of such an absurdity happening at one school in Australia, followed by numerous news articles about elected officials in this country having to apologize for incorrectly claiming it happened in their states, thats a good clue that its a fabrication.

We realize that people who worry that the woke mob is taking over the world tend to believe that mainstream media are part of that mob. But while theres no question that TV and radio networks and even newspaper reporters can allow their biases to influence their decisions about what topics to cover and which people to interview, they can almost always be counted on to get the basic facts right  and to correct them if they dont. People who work for established news organizations can be sued and lose a lot of money if they just make stuff up  something thats not a realistic deterrent for your Aunt Martha's Twitter posts.
Gender confusion has swept across the land, with the prescient lyrics of Lola now taken by academia as aspirational. Man today, woman tomorrow: you got a problem with that? Well, yes, most of us do. But not many have the courage and skill to fight back effectively. So far, the most powerful pushback has come from Daily Wire, in the film What Is a Woman?, starring Matt Walsh and produced and directed by Justin Folk.

Matt Walsh had the brilliant insight that the simple questionwhat is a woman?is unanswerable by the trans lobby and exposes the incoherence of radical gender ideology. Senator Marsha Blackburn put the principle to use in her questioning of Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson, who professed herself unable to solve the riddle because she is not a biologist.

As What Is a Woman? shows, being a biologist wouldnt help if you are a gender ideologue. Walsh goes from place to place, trying to find someone who can tell him what a woman is. You might think that at a womens march, everyone would know the answer to that question. No such luck. You might think that distinguished academics, therapists and surgeons who make lots of money from the trans zeitgeist would be able to tell us. Nope.

Tonight, American Experiment showed What Is a Woman? at a large suburban theater in the Twin Cities. Producer and director Justin Folk, a long-time friend of mine and collaborator with American Experiment, came to Minnesota for the event. It was a sensational evening, attended by more than 200 American Experiment members.

The film is amazingly good. A 90-minute movie about transgenderism might seem like castor oil, good for you but hardly a pleasure. But that is not the case. What Is a Woman is fast-paced, hugely entertaining, and, while sometimes gripping, is also funny. Our audience paid rapt attention. When the film was over, everyone stayed for a half hour of questions and answers with Justin. Here is the films trailer:

Our event tonight was the first time What Is a Woman has been shown in a theater, other than a private event in Nashville. For now, to see the film you need to join Daily Wire. That is a good idea in any event: with stars like Ben Shapiro, Candace Owens and Matt Walsh, the content never stops. You can join Daily Wire here.

At some point, What Is a Woman may be broadly available in theaters. Watch for it: it is one of the most entertaining, if enraging, documentaries ever.
In this second part of the interview with the Egyptian ambassador, he talks about the 2013 unrest in Egypt, the collaboration between Nigeria and Egypt to fight terrorism and other matters. Read the first part of the interview here.

Excerpts:

PT: Egypt is a country with a large Muslim population. How is the country dealing with violent extremism?

Mr Awab: Egypt has been combating terrorism and radical ideas from the 80s. Let us not forget that one of our presidents was assassinated by these elements, so Egypt is a pioneer in facing that challenge. And at one point in time, we felt we were facing that challenge alone, especially when we lost one of our great leaders to these elements.

We have been in the driving seat to combat terrorism and radical and extremist ideologies for over 40 years, so that is a fact. We have been through the trials and errors of how to do this most efficiently and effectively for 40 years and I can claim that we have been scoring very good successes at different stages and periods of our history.

We do also have the advantage of the history of the Al-Azhar Institute in Egypt as the champion and beacon of moderate Islam over the centuries, that is what Al-Azhar is all about. And that is why the extremist ideologies have been combated primarily behind the teachings of Al-Azhar.

Al-Azhar has the tools and instruments and the very strong and solid, credible scientific foundation that Islam is a religion of moderation, is a religion that encourages coexistence and it is a religion that does not take extremism and radicalism as the form of thinking about how the world should look like.

Not only what the government was able to do to fight the terrorists organisations and the violence they inflicted on our society, but we knew also that the society needs to understand when the terrorists are trying to penetrate their minds with terrorist ideologies. This is where I think we are in a very good position to have a comprehensive way to fighting terrorism and extremism; and this is the kind of advantage I think we can claim and the Al-Azhar emissaries now are all over the world, including in Nigeria, helping governments to ensure that the younger generations understand and can differentiate between the wrong ideology and the true nature and spirit of Islam, which is moderation and co-existence. We are not doing this only for ourselves, we started to deploy our knowledge to help and to serve all the Muslim society everywhere in the world.

PT: That brings me to the security relation between Nigeria and Egypt. There is not a lot of details on what this relation is about and I would like you to provide that.

Mr Awab: By the nature, security relations are confidential between governments and it is a lot of movement and it is not something that started yesterday. It is a long-standing collaboration and cooperation between the two countries  security relations which comes in the form of exchange of information, exchange of experience in certain areas and agreeing on a common approach to the security challenges that face Africa.

The most important element here is that we are no longer looking at North Africa, Sahel, West Africa in isolation as if these are separate geographic spaces. The current security challenges, whether terrorism, organised crimes, illegal migration, human trafficking, drug traficking, illicit trade in small weapons, many of these things do not stop at certain geographical sub-region in Africa. So what affects Nigeria within the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel and even in the Gulf of Guinea will affect the interest of Niger, Sudan, Libya; it will affect the trade relations that go through the Gulf of Guinea. So there is no more geographic isolation of countries and that is something that the two countries agree on and that is why the security relations is wider than the terrosism only. The security challenges are many and they come at different levels and I can say that we are engaged jointly at all of those different levels with exchange of information, training, capacity development and many of these joint cooperation schemes.

PT: Egypt has been described as unfree; as stifling human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of press. Is this a fair assessment of the current administration and Egypt?

Mr Awab: When you say has been assessed, by whom I will ask you? And thats why some of these assessments can be very subjective and I believe also Nigeria is subject to some of these assessments that are not necessarily correct. When you come and live in Nigeria and when I read PREMIUM TIMES and many of the press outlets and TV channels and then I hear some people say that, well, there are problems of freedom of press in Nigeria, and I live here and I do not sense that. I see a huge space of freedom of press in Nigeria as well.

When you go to Egypt, you need to live there and to experience how much space the press has, how much space bloggers and all forms of media, social media is having and then you can assess for yourself.

You know I am representative of the government in Egypt and my short answer to your question is no, this is not true. But that might not help you enough. So what I will say for example, is that we have been organising programmes for African press to go and meet their counterparts, ask these questions, meet the government authorities, ask these questions, stay there. Usually, these programmes are between two to three weeks, long enough to get a sense of how the media is operating and that would be the good answer to you.

So if I want to answer you, I would say no, this is not true. But this is something also that your ambassador would face from a journalist in Egypt  I am sure he will have the same answer.

PT: Still on that, I would like you to make some comments around the 2011/2013 protests, the massive protest in Egypt that made the news. Could you explain what happened that made people lose their lives the way they did?

Mr Awab: In 2013, there was a government in place in Egypt that did not really cater to the expectations and the aspirations and the nature and the history of the Egypt population. Egypt is a multicultural and multi-religious society.

We have a sizably Christian religion and we have a sizeably Muslim religion and there has not been a sectarian approach to managing our society, there has not been a geographic division between east and west and north and south.

Egyptians were living as a homogeneous society for a very long time and that religion was not the defining factor of who are the Egyptians and who are not the Egyptians. And when a government comes in place with a very clear tilting towards one group or when the other group of society feels threatened, but not only that, within the same group of the society, the Muslims who have been living more on the liberal side, religion is something that connects you with God and it so not a forum of defining how you look or how you act and what is right and what is wrong.

No one in Egypt, and we are a hundred plus million people, we are not a small country, no one would like to be lectured on what is right and what is wrong especially when it comes to religion and social traditions. So a government is usually catering to this nature. But that government of 2013 was seen as a government that does not really represent the true nature of Egypt and the society. So millions of people from different levels of society went down to the streets to say that we do not agree with this form of government.

And when we talk about millions, some estimates were about 30 million people at one point in time. And from 30 June to 3 July, 2013 and that was threatening as the society was going to be divided into two camps, both were on the streets and that meant that there could be violence within the same household, within the same society and that would not be tolerated, that would have really sent Egypt to a very difficult path and that is why the government had to be removed. And this is where the armed forces, which is not really biased  it has always been a very national institution but with a very strong sense of responsibility to the safety and security and the future of the country, this is what an army is there for, had to step in in favour of the masses and this is what happened in 2013 and then a democratic transition took place.

There have been challenges trying to address the remaining elements of the previous government and that has taken time also to address. But at the end of the day, what happened in 2013 was the will of the people, was the nature of the Egyptians that they found to be under serious risk and threat and the fabric of the society was under threat and this is one thing no one would have tolerated at that time. And thankfully, we are where we are today because we managed to save our society and country.

PT: The trade figures between Nigeria and Egypt are seemingly low. Is it due to absence of what to trade or Africas disenchantment with itself?

Mr Awab: It is true, and that is only true for intra-African trade generally. The sad reality is that Africa trades less with itself and more with the outside world and that is the anomaly that all Africans need to really repair and to address.

And I believe that one thing that Egypt is very proud of is that during its chairmanship of the African Union in 2019, President Abdel El-Sisi played a major role in pushing for the entering into force of the African Free Trade Area, which has entered into force but the negotiations are still ongoing on the details of certain elements. But that is one way to address the fact that Africa is not trading enough with itself.

The trade relations between Egypt and Nigeria is not an exception to this larger It is however growing and our jobs as embassies and trade missions in Egypt and in Nigeria is to identify untapped potential for trade and this is what we are doing. And not only trade but also investment opportunities in areas that would be of mutual benefits and this is what we are doing now. There have been quite a few trade missions that came from Egypt to visit Nigeria and deals have been signed. Of course, the numbers would have to show in the next statistics to see how that has helped.

There are a number of Nigerian businesses who have participated in the annual meetings of the AFREXIM Bank in June which is the bank established to promote trade and to support trade within Africa. Many businesses went to Egypt where we organised business to business meetings which was very promising, but that is also going to take time to show on the balance sheet.

There is another very important conference called the Egypt  Nigeria Trade and Exhibition and it is taking place in early October in Egypt, where also businesses from Nigeria are going to be matching with their counterparts in Egypt to identify trade relations.

Last year, we finally initiated the Nigeria-Egypt Business Council structured on both sides and have started meeting to also identify where trade relations can be boosted.

So the effort is not lacking to address exactly what you rightly mentioned as the numbers are not really up to the potential of two of the largest economies in Africa, they should really trade more and the numbers should look very differently. But this is something that is general in Africa and this is something that the two countries are working on whether bilaterally or within the Africa free trade agreement.

PT: Trade is a key part I see in countries GDPs. It is not only a Nigeria-Egypt problem, we see it across borders. How do you think this can be addressed?

Mr Awab: This is something I believe is on the mind of all the leaders. We do recognise that Africa has everything to be self sufficient in terms of economic growth and the fact that it is not happening yet is of course very disturbing. But at the same time, it is not that we are not doing something about it; we are doing something about it but that is also something that needs to be addressed structurally.

How do we learn from what happened during the Covid era when the supply chain was disrupted and many of the items that Africa imports from abroad could not come? Cant we use what we have in order to grow in industry? So I think industrialization but also the culture of agricultural development is the key, the two.

We can not say that all countries could be industrially and agriculturally sufficient. I think there has to be a mutual interdependence and an idea of where is the comparative advantage of Nigeria versus Egypt. Nigeria has lots of lands and many minerals that Egypt do not have; lots of water that Egypt do not have; so we can cultivate certain things here, and we can make use of our technology of irrigation and dealing with the scarcity of water for example to make hectare produce much more than what is does produce today.

That is the kind of mutual interdependence that will happen between these two countries and it will happen across Africa. Africa is blessed with a variety of climate, variety of land, nature and composition. Minerals, you find everything but they are not all in one country.

But at the end of the day, industrialisation and agricultural development is the answer but also the legal framework that facilitates the flow of commodities across borders in Africa is key, and that is also something we need to be working on.

This is for the future and it is something that leaders do recognise, they try to do something about it but it is still very challenging. But this is something that in my discussion here with my counterparts in Nigeria and the ambassador of Nigeria in Egypt, that is the kind of conversation we are bringing now as top priority. We speak about the security collaboration, the economic cooperation have equal priority now in our relations.

Chika Igba assisted with transcribing this interview.

Chiamaka Okafor is a reporter at Premium Times in partnership with Report for the World, which matches local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the globe.
MANZINI - SNAT President Mbongwa Dlamini is facing 109 possible absenteeism charges and he has been given five days to explain why he should not be disciplined.

According to an impeccable source, this is contained in a letter from the Under Secretary (US)/Schools Manager in the Ministry of Education and Training, Lungelo Nhlengetfwa to the leader of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), which is dated October 5, 2022. However, the source said the letter was submitted at the SNAT leaders school on Thursday and he was telephonically informed by the schools managers office to collect it from the head teacher. The source said when the unionist, who is a teacher at Moyeni High School at Mafutseni in the Manzini Region, arrived at his workplace on Thursday afternoon, he found that the head teacher was not there and he was advised to collect it the following day (yesterday).

Indeed, according to the source, yesterday the president of the teachers union went to his workplace, where he received the letter. He said the letter was addressed to him as a teacher of Moyeni High School. It is worth noting that the leader of SNAT started teaching at Moyeni High School in October 2021 and this was after he had been on suspension for two years and four months, which was effected while he was a teacher at Mhubhe High School.

Misconduct

The source said in the letter, Nhlengetfwa informed Dlamini about alleged misconduct complaints against him and that they used the Teaching Service Regulations to inform him about the matter. In the complaint of absenteeism, the schools manager said the SNAT leader was allegedly absent from work without permission from his immediate supervisor (head teacher) for a total of 109 days (from December 2021 to date (October 5, 2022)), the source said. Thereafter, the source said Nhle- ngetfwa added that the teachers alleged absenteeism had supposedly affected the teaching and learning at his school and the pupils he was supposed to teach, to be specific.

Again, he said the schools manager, through the letter, informed the SNAT president that his supposed conduct purportedly showed disrespect to his immediate supervisor as he allegedly went absent without permission. Therefore, the source said the schools manager stated that in light of the aforementioned, the SNAT president should give reasons, in writing, why disciplinary action should not be taken against him. On top of that, he said Nhlengetfwa also told the unionist to show cause why he should not be called upon to pay back to government all monies he had received as salary while he was allegedly not rendering any service to the employer - during his supposed absence from duty. The schools manager then informed the SNAT leader that his response should reach his office on or before October 12, 2022, the source said.

Absenteeism

On the other hand, SNAT Secretary General Lot Vilakati confirmed on behalf of the national executive committee (NEC) that their president did receive a letter from the schools manager yesterday. He said the letter suggests that their leader was facing possible charges of absenteeism. However, he asked not to dwell much on the letter because they were yet to consult with their legal team. Nonetheless, the secretary general said as a union, they were aware where this issue was coming from and going to. He said they believed there was an onslaught on their leader and, by extension, the teachers association.

He said this was because it was not the first time their leader received a letter from the office of the schools manager, asking him to show cause why he should not be charged for alleged misconduct. He said one of the recent cases took place during the month of August 2022, where he was served with a letter by the office of the schools manager on claims that he had allegedly put government into disrepute and further promoted hatred or contempt towards it. He also added that the president was also summoned by the National Commissioner of Police, William Tsitsibala Dlamini, regarding the issue of Commander whom he quoted when he was mandated by the union to advice teachers not to go to school as their safety was not guaranteed.

Confidential

On the other hand, the Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Education and Training, Bhekithemba Gama, said if the letter was written to the SNAT leader in his capacity as a teacher at Moyeni High School, his office would not discuss it with anyone else as such remained confidential between the department and the employee. Worth noting is that after being suspended for two years and four months (between May 2019 and August 2021), the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) lifted his suspension and transferred him from Mhubhe High School to Moyeni High School. In this matter, he was facing charges of alleged misconduct, which supposedly had to do with purported negligence and laziness to complete a scheme book and to prepare for lessons.
A radio worker in Imo State, South-east Nigeria, has remained in detention for two months now after he was arrested by the State Security Service (SSS) for playing a song considered offensive to the Governor of the state, Hope Uzodinma, via the station.

The detained worker, Casmir Uzomah, is a staff member of the Orient Radio-Television Station, which is managed by the Imo State Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), a media outfit owned by the Imo State Government.

He works in the technical department of the station.

He was arrested on 4 August, according to a report by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR).

The wife, Onyinyechi, has appealed to the state government and the SSS to free her husband.

They should please free my husband. I am not working, and my children need to go to school.

They said he played a song that was abusing the governor. I have not seen him since then, Mrs Onyinyechi, a mother of five, said, according to the ICIR report.

My Sister-in-law called me on that day and told me that they have arrested my husband.

She said I should take care of the children. (Calls to) his phone have not been going (through) since then, she added.

Nobody allowed to see him

Mrs Onyinyechi said her husbands elder sister went to the SSS office, but she was not allowed to see him.

They didnt allow anybody to see him, she said.

Chidi Uzomah, an elder brother of the detained radio worker, said his brother was still in the SSS custody and that he was unsure when he would be released.

Casmir is still in the SSS facility. He was invited by SSS on 4 August 2022, after a query was issued to him by the Imo State Commissioner of Information, Declan Emelumba.

Since then, he has been detained by SSS, and all efforts to release him have not worked, he said to the ICIR.

We wrote to the information commissioner, copied HRH Eze Okeke Eze, copied (head) of ministry of information, copied DG IBC, met Archbishop of Owerri Diocese, His Grace Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji to help talk with the governor, yet no way, Mr Chidi said.

He said he got a human rights lawyer to write to the SSS, asking for his brothers release, but that the SSS declined the request.

I personally wrote to the director of SSS, the letter of which was submitted on Monday, 3 October 2022. Our lawyer (equally) wrote for bail earlier in August when he was arrested. Yet no response, he said.

The President of the Association of Imo State Radio and Television Presenters, Jerry Osuji, said the association was working hard to get the journalist released.

I have spoken to the DG IBC. He assured me that he wants to know how such a song got to the station, he said.

Mr Osuji, who also works at the same station with Mr Uzomah, said that he had mobilised workers in the station to visit the SSS office to see the detained radio worker, but was unable to see him.

The information commissioner in Imo, Mr Emelumba, said the song played by Mr Uzomah that led to his detention by the SSS was very offensive and defamatory.

I was told that he played a song on IBC which was very offensive, calling the governor a murderer.

This man actually played a song that says the governor is a murderer and that blood is flowing in his hand. Even the NBC queried the IBC for playing such a song, he claimed.

I am not responsible for his arrest in any way; I was told he brought the song from outside and played it on the radio station. What is his motive for doing that?

The commissioner claimed the state government had nothing to do with his arrest.

The Director of SSS in Imo, Wilcox Idaminabo, on Wednesday, promised to respond to enquiries on the arrest.

But he was yet to do so as of the time of the report.
President Muhammadu Buharis apparent mismanagement of Nigerias diversity has fueled distrust, further polarised the country and made more citizens lose hope in the country, a new survey has found.

More than half (53 per cent) of Nigerians agree and strongly agree that Nigeria is polarised in the context of faith, ethnicity, and religion, and the survey states that Nigeria is more polarised in 2022 than it was four years ago.

The causes of polarization are ethnicity (62 per cent), political affiliation (60 per cent), and religion (57 per cent), according to the survey.

Findings revealed that 81 per cent of Nigerians are comfortable with their dual identity of being both Nigerian and from their ethnic group, but to different proportions. While 36 per cent are fine with being both Nigerian and members of ethnic groupings, 35 per cent identify more with their ethnic groups, and only 10 per cent feel more Nigerian than ethnic.

In the 2021 data, 4 in 10 Nigerians said they were proud of being equally Nigerian and from their ethnic group, while about a third (33 per cent) said they identified more with their ethnicity than with being Nigerian, compared to only 9 per cent that felt more Nigerian than ethnic.

This, perhaps, explains why 66 per cent of Nigerians believe that Nigeria is much more divided today (in 2022) than it was four years ago as opposed to the 10 per cent who said the country is much more united today, and 20 per cent who believe that the country has stayed the same.

But, this also means the proportion of citizens who believe that the country is much more divided today than it was 4 years ago increased slightly by one percentage point from 65 per cent in 2021 to 66 per cent in 2022.

On trust, religious leaders were rated more favourably (50 per cent), followed by traditional leaders (43 per cent).

However, trust in political leaders, which was low in 2021, got worse in 2022.

Trust for President Buharis government has substantially declined to 17 per cent from 26 per cent in 2021, the survey found.

The survey found that trust in the National Assembly and the Judiciary declined to 16 per cent and 22 per cent respectively. (from 22 per cent and 26 per cent in 2021).

The data reveals that the National Assembly (16 per cent) is now the least trusted public institution in Nigeria, overtaking the Nigeria Police Force, which was the least trusted (20 per cent)

in the 2021 survey.

About 60 per cent of citizens believe that the future of the country would be better than it is presently; compared to 27 per cent who expressed pessimism that the future would be worse; and 6 per cent simply do not foresee any change in the future.

In the past year, 59 per cent of Nigerians believed the country would have a better future while 27 per cent said the future of Nigeria would be worse.

The Survey

The 2022 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey (NSCI), a publication of Africa Polling Institute (API), was undertaken to develop a social cohesion index for Nigeria and measure citizens perception of the state of social cohesion, APIs executive director, Bell Ihua, said in a statement.

This years survey builds on two past editions (2019 and 2021) of APIs Nigerias social cohesion index.

The concept of social cohesion refers to the willingness of citizens of a country to cooperate and work together towards ensuring the survival and prosperity of the country, Mr Ihua, a professor of practice in opinion research, wrote.

Nigerias mark in social cohesion was 44.2 per cent in 2021. This year (2022), the Nigeria Social Cohesion Index (NSCI) is 39.6 per cent, a 4.6 percentage point decline from the 2021 figure, which was already a shortfall from the 50 per cent average.

API said this indicates a weakening of the state of cohesion in the country over the last year.

Conducted between the months of May and June 2022, the study adopted a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods, with the Citizens Perception Survey (CPS) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) adopted for primary data collection.

A total of 7,245 people were contacted, out of which 5,178 interviews were completed, representing a response rate of 71.5 per cent. All interviews were conducted by Face-to-face Household Interviews, using the Stratified Random Sampling technique; with citizens aged 18 years and above, API said.

The interviews were conducted in five major languages: English, Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba; and geographic quotas were assigned to ensure that all Senatorial District and States were proportionately represented in the sample.

Drawing from the literature, and building upon the 2019 and 2021 survey round, this current edition captures attitudes and perceptions of citizens using 13 key indicators to measure social cohesion in Nigeria,

The 13 indicators, computed using primary data from both quantitative and qualitative approaches, were identity, trust, social justice, participation, patriotism, worth, future, gender equity (not equality), natural resources governance, impunity, corruption, peacebuilding, polarization, and coping strategies.

This is a product of world best practices in methodological design, whose reliability or internal consistency was tested with Cronbachs Alpha Value which equals 0.510, because values less than that are usually not acceptable, said Ifeanyi Onwuzuruigbo of the University of Ibadan, and Hauwa Yusuf of Kaduna State University, who were involved in the survey.

Other findings

The report also showed that the proportion of Nigerians who feel disappointed in the country has increased from 49 per cent in 2021 to 50 per cent in 2022.

Also, 61 per cent of Nigerians said the federal government is not making enough effort to promote a sense of inclusion for all ethnic groups, an increase from the 58 per cent of citizens who held the same belief last year.

Only 12 per cent assessed the government positively on social justice; compared to the 27 per cent who assessed them fairly. About 67 per cent said the law does not apply equally to citizens.

Majority of Nigerians (96 per cent) consider human rights abuses and violations a problem in the country; while 44 per cent believe that such many cases of human rights violations are never reported to the Police.

Interestingly, 60 per cent of citizens are very or somewhat likely to report such cases to community and religious leaders as opposed to the Police (56 per cent), the report added.

On participation and patriotism, 71 per cent of Nigerians are willing to cooperate with fellow citizens to make Nigeria more socially cohesive, whereas 42 per cent expressed willingness to join the military to defend the Nigerian state.

Herein lies a major promise to savour in the report and a great hope for remaking Nigeria, wrote Omoniyi Ibietan, the Head of Media Relations Management at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Natural resource governance is perceived very poorly, as 65 per cent of Nigerians feel the government is mismanaging revenues from natural resources. A significant proportion (77 per cent) of those who feel the natural resource governance policy is unfair and insufficient are based in the South-South region.

Similarly, 53 per cent of Nigerians rated the Buhari administrations action on gender equity as poor, and 80 per cent of Nigerians feel boys and girls should have equal access to education, and 71 per cent believe boys and girls should be assessed based on their qualifications, competence and track records.

On the other hand, 61 per cent agree that women should be given the opportunity to lead in politics, corporate entities, and religious organisations; and 60 per cent agree that women should be given equal opportunity in family inheritances.

On impunity, 53 per cent of citizens believe that impunity thrives in the current administration; 83 per cent believe impunity amongst government officials is increasing; while 63 per cent believe that state agents such as the police and military are often perpetrators of human rights abuses.

Study findings on corruption governance reveal that 75 per cent believe the level of corruption has increased in the past year while 76 per cent of citizens perceive the governments effort at halting corruption as poor, and 87 per cent are of the view that the path to justice is paved with corruption.

As regards peacebuilding, 67 per cent rate the government poorly and 58 per cent believe peacebuilding can be achieved better through local efforts.

While the government is rated as inactive in peacebuilding, however, churches and mosques, as well as civil society organisations, are rated highly in helping citizens to cope with the challenges of poor social cohesiveness.

In terms of social protection, 53 per cent of Nigerians said they do not rely on the government for support with the challenges of poverty and insecurity in Nigeria against 47 per cent who affirmed that they rely on the government.

Also, 68 per cent disagree and strongly disagree that the government is doing enough to assist Nigerians to cope with the present economic realities. However, 15 per cent agree that the government is doing enough.

In other to cope with the challenges of poverty and insecurity, 44 per cent of Nigerians resort to relatives, ethnic and communal groups for succour; while 41 per cent resort to prayers in their churches and mosques and 12 per cent resort to support from government to survive.

On self-worth, 63 per cent of Nigerians say they feel extremely or somewhat dissatisfied about their lives as Nigerians, and top destinations for those with a tendency to emigrate are the United States (28 per cent), United Kingdom (15 per cent), Canada (14 per cent), Saudi Arabia (9 per cent), and Dubai (8 per cent).

Recommendations

API urged the federal government to strengthen existing policies, legislation and institutions that help to create a sense of belonging, promote trust, foster good governance and provide a conducive atmosphere for citizens to thrive and fulfil their life aspirations.

It recommends that Nigerias legislation and policies on citizenship should be rejigged to encourage social and inclusive citizenship that de-emphasize indigeneity and discourage the exclusion of citizens based on indigeneity.

Unemployment and poverty alleviation programmes like the Nigerian Social Investment Programme (NSIP) and NAPEP should be revived and strengthened to tackle the problems of poverty, unemployment and underemployment, API advised.

In addition, the federal government should adopt a hybrid of conventional and unconventional peacebuilding initiatives as the main thrust of its conflict management strategies.

It has been established that Nigerians trust traditional and religious leaders more than public officials and institutions, API said in the statement signed by Mr Ihua. To absolve the problem of trust deficit, traditional and religious leaders should intensify efforts to mitigate against local conflicts, discrimination and hate speech since they are closer to the people and earn more trust of the people than the government.

CSOs can also play a huge role in helping to rekindle public trust for civil authorities. While theres evidence to suggest that effective implementation of programmes and policies that improve the livelihood and well-being of citizens can help to rebuild trust; CSOs can guide government towards focusing on policies, programmes and projects that would have more impact on the lives of citizens, especially at the grass-root levels, the group said.

It advised citizens to engage their leaders and other critical stakeholders in dialogue and ensure they render an account of their stewardship.

In doing so, emphasis should focus on contributions to social cohesion and building a strong and prosperous Nigeria.

Citizens should discourage statements and actions that can impede the peace and unity of the country, and avert conflicts, chaos and civil unrest; especially as the country gears up for the next General Elections. Also, the trend of destroying and vandalising public properties needs to stop.

Finally, while Nigerians remain resilient and committed to working together for a better country; we reiterate the need for a national dialogue to help renegotiate the fault lines that currently threaten our shared existence as a nation, API said.
A Chief Magistrate Court in Akure has ordered the remand of a teenager, Tope Momoh, in a correctional centre for allegedly killing his mother.

Musa Al-Yunnus, the chief magistrate, gave the order Friday when the case came up for hearing.

Mr Momoh, 18, allegedly strangled his mother to death during an argument in Ikakumo Akoko Community, Akoko North-East Local Government Area of the state, on 6 September.

He was arraigned before the court on a one-count charge of murder.

The prosecutor, Nelson Akintimehin, told the court that the defendant killed his mother in the middle of the night for calling him a bastard.

He added that he confessed to the crime two weeks after the deceased had been buried.

According to the prosecutor, the offence committed contravenes Section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. II Law of Ondo State, 2006.

The prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendant in a custodial centre, pending the outcome of an advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Pleading in court, the defendant said, I did not have rest of mind since my mother has been buried. So, I was forced to confess that I strangled her to death. I want the court to show me mercy.

Mr Al-Yunnus, in his ruling, ordered the defendant to be remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre and adjourned the case till 20 October.

Meanwhile, the court also remanded a student, Adebanji Fisayo, for alleged obbery and attempted rape.

Mr Fisayo, who is said to be a student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, was alleged to have robbed a fellow student, identified as Salaja Florence, at gun point.

He was also alleged to have attempted to rape her in the process.

The incident occurred on 28 September, when he robbed the victim of N30,000 and other personal belongings at L88 Hotel in Owo Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Fisayo was arrested by the police and later charged to court.

He was arraigned before the court on a four count-charge bordering on robbery and attempted rape.
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State on Friday signed a resolution from the State Assembly de-recognising Celestine Omehia as a former governor of the state.

The state lawmakers on Thursday passed a resolution to de-recognise Mr Omehia as a former governor. They ordered him to refund over N600 million he got as entitlements from the Rivers State Government.

Mr Wike, a lawyer, said when he was informed of the lawmakers decision he sought legal advice from the state attorney general, who told him that in the first instance the recognition was extrajudicial that the Assembly has no power to change the judgment of any court, not to talk about (the) Supreme Court.

Now they (lawmakers) have sent a resolution to me, without looking back I have signed it as an instrument and it would be gazetted for record purposes, the governor said.

Mr Omehia became the governor of Rivers State briefly in May 2007 after Rotimi Amaechi, who won the governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the election was denied the ticket by the then leadership of the party

The Supreme Court in October 2007 voided the PDPs action, saying that Mr Amaechis name was wrongly substituted with Mr Omehia. The court sacked Mr Omehia and directed that Mr Ameachi be sworn in as state governor.

Mr Omehia, who hails from Ikwere Local Government Area as Mr Ameachi, was not recognised as ex-governor until June 2015  a month after Mr Wike, who is also of the same Ikwere ethnic nationality, became the governor of the state.

Messrs Wike and Omehia were political allies but they fell apart when the latter decided to support Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the PDP for the 2023 elections against the wishes of Mr Wike.

Messrs Wike and Atiku have been engaged in a political battle after the PDP presidential primary which the former vice president won.

Mr Wike is leading a group of party chieftains who are calling for the removal of the National Chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu.

Mr Omehia belongs to a faction of the PDP in Rivers which is loyal to Messrs Ayu and Atiku. The former national chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus, also belongs to the faction.

Governor Wike after endorsing the resolution said he was aware that people would politicise the action.

Once you know your conscience is clear and you are doing the right thing, you dont bother yourself, you move on and do the work you are supposed to do, the governor said.
The Presidential Campaign Council of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), says the aggrieved governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are doing the lords work with the attack on the leadership of the opposition party.

The council, in a statement issued by one of its spokespersons, Festus Keyamo, said the PDP governors have exposed the leadership of the opposition party as lacking the capacity to unite it.

The aggrieved PDP governors led by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, have refused to back the presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar, over imbalance in its leadership.

The governors are demanding the removal of the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, as a condition to support and campaign for Atiku.

They said a southerner should replace My Ayu who is from the North as Atiku.

Mr Wikes recent allegation of corruption against Mr Ayu has thrown the main opposition party into further crisis.

Some of the governors can tell you. Will he (Ayu) deny the fact that he didnt collect N1 billion from Lagos? Let him deny it, I will tell him who gave him the money, not from the Lagos State Government. The money was given to him in Lagos, he said.

A few days after the allegation by Mr Wike, several NWC members returned about N120 million sent to them by the party.

The NWC members who returned the money are the National Vice Chairman (South-west) Olasoji Adagunodo; the Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja; the National Vice Chairman (South), Dan Orbih, and the National Women Leader, Stella Affah-Attoe.

PDP unrepentant

In the statement, Mr Keyamo said the PDP has not changed as a political party, adding that Nigerians can no longer be deceived by the party.

These frank and honest Governors are doing the Lords work for us. Every week, we are treated to a new revelation about the PDP crisis and its profligate and thieving nature. A leopard can hardly change its spot, which means that the PDP is not repentant of its old ways, he said.

Mr Keyamo attacked the PDP for abandoning the rotational agreement for the ambition of Atiku.

He added that the candidate of the PDP cannot cede the opportunity to others in the spirit of national inclusion and cohesion, having consistently put his own personal interest above national interest. These concerns were expressed by some PDP Governors themselves.

Amidst the crisis, the ruling party and its candidate, Bola Tinubu, have reached out to the Wikes camp to reach political arrangements.

Mr Tinubu reportedly met with the PDP governors in London in August though the outcome of the meeting remains unknown.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, says labour controllers across the states of the federation are monitoring schools to ensure compliance with the ruling of the Court of Appeal on the strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Mr Ngige stated this when he appeared on Politics Today, a programme on Channels TV on Friday.

He insisted that members of ASUU must obey the court order or risk contempt of the court.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported that the court gave the order after dismissing the unions application for a stay of execution of an earlier ruling of the National Industrial Court directing the university lecturers to resume work.

The three-member panel of the Court of Appeal led by Hamma Barka granted the union permission to appeal the ruling of the industrial court but ruled that it must first resume work to be allowed to file the appeal.

I have asked labour controllers in the states and the zones to go to the schools and see if the vice chancellors have opened the gates.

If they dont, they will be charged for contempt, he said.

Mr Ngige said ASUU must return to the NIC in the interest of the students.

The minister added he transmitted seven issues to the NIC, one of them being the no work no pay policy of the federal government. He stated that the court is going to have a final say on the policy.

I will advise them for the benefit of the children, to go back to school. Then go back to the court (National Industrial Court). It will grant them either of two things. One, set up an Alternative Dispute Resolution to look at seven issues I transmitted to the court. The ADR will be domiciled in the court.

Two, if the claimants and the defendant can go back to their primary root, the Ministry of Education, he said.

Mr Ngige said he was forced to take the union to the court after all other efforts failed to address the lingering strike.

ASUU strike

Lecturers of public universities in Nigeria embarked on strike on 14 February, over federal governments refusal to implement a 2009 agreement on matters bordering on increased funding of universities and increasing lecturers salaries.

Following its inability to resolve the dispute with ASUU through negotiations, the federal government, through the Minister of Labour and Employment, referred the matter to the industrial court for resolution.

The government asked the court to determine the legality or otherwise of the strike.

The government also asked the court to determine whether ASUU members are entitled to emoluments for the period they have been on strike.

The Nigerian government wanted the court to adjudicate on the propriety or otherwise of the strike.

President Muhammadu Buhari had also announced during budget presentation on Friday, that his government will not sign any agreement with the union unless it is sure of being able to implement such.

Mr Buhari also announced that N470 billion has been allocated for salary enhancement for tertiary institutions and revitalisation of the schools
The trial of Kunti Kamara, a former battlefront commander for the United Liberation Movement of Liberia, began Monday at the French Court of Appeals for crimes against humanity, torture and acts of barbarism allegedly committed in Liberia between 1993 and 1994.

Known as Kunti-K among other war names, the 48-year-old is being prosecuted under the legal principle of universal jurisdiction, which says that crimes committed against all of humanity know no borders and can be tried anywhere in the world.

In an early phase of the investigation Kamara denied all the allegations.

I will continue to prove that these people are criminals in Liberia and that there are people behind them in Liberia; someone is manipulating them to prosecute me, he told investigating judges according to the indictment. Everyone will be able to tell you I am innocent.

But Kamara admitted to being a commander of two sections of ULIMO rebels. He also allegedly admitted reporting to a commander called Deku and another called Mohammed Tumuyah.

He said he joined ULIMO because he wanted to defend himself against Charles Taylors National Patriotic Front of Liberia forces.

The trial will last four weeks and will hear from more than three dozen witnesses and experts including many who have been brought here from Liberia by the French prosecution team.

It is expected Kamara will testify on his own behalf. Alieu Kosiah, Kamaras ULIMO ally who is appealing his own war crimes conviction by a court in Switzerland last year, will also testify.

Kamara upended Kosiahs defense case when he appeared as a defense witness and testified that Kosiah had committed the crimes for which he was accused. His testimony shocked the defense. The prosecution and civil parties said it was crucial to the success of their case.

The case is being brought by Frances Anti-Terrorist unit within the public prosecutors office. Until now the unit has only tried cases related to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

France had a strong presence in Rwanda in the colonial period. This is the first time in France that a trial has been held for acts committed in a country other than Rwanda.

Among the many gruesome allegations against Kamara is the torture and murder of one man who was said to have had his elbows tied together behind his back before Kamara cut open his rib cage, removed his heart and ate it.

Other charges allege Kamara forced victims to transport goods for ULIMO. There are also allegations of rape and sexual slavery by Kamara and men under his command. The indictment generally alleges Kamara joined in ulimos reign of terror of people in Foya.

In Lofa, ULIMO survivors celebrate trial

In phone calls some alleged victims of Kamaras crimes told New Narratives/Frontpage Africa that they knew him by his other war name Co Kundi.

Many named him as responsible for the the 1993 ngisakornjai murders in which they said six men Saah Gborway, Zaza Gbanya, Saah Musa, Augustine Pillo, Tamba Africa (a well know black smith) in Foya, and Tamba Sumnor were allegedly murdered by Kamaras rebels on his orders.

Victims family members said they were pleased to see Kamara face trial in France given successive Liberian governments have refused to hold Liberias accused war criminals to account in a war and economics crimes court as recommended by the countrys Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Since our own governments have refused to punish these people for the things they did to us during the war, let the international community punish them, said Evelyn Pillo, who claimed her youngest brother Augustine was among the six men killed in the Ngisakornji murders.

Just as Kosiahs victims told a team of NN/FPA reporters in 2020, Kunti-Ks alleged victims are calling for the death penalty, or life imprisonment Kamara. France, like all of Europe, has abolished the death penalty.

Kunti-Ks trial comes two years after he was rearrested by French authorities after he had violated his bail conditions by attempting to flee France to Guinea.

A nationalised Dutch citizen, Kamara had attempted traveling with an expired passport. He told French investigators that he had intended to visit Kosiah in Switzerland.

The Paris Court of Appeal had ordered his release in 2019 on grounds that prosecutors had violated his human rights by not issuing a communication permit to his lawyers before debate on the extension of his pre-trial detention.

His initial arrest in France followed a formal complaint to French prosecutors on behalf of his alleged victims by Swiss based human rights organization, Civitas Maxima and its Liberian partner, Global Justice and Research Project.

The two organizations have been behind dozens of investigations of alleged Liberian war criminals in the US and Europe. Some of them have led to convictions and sentences, including Kosiah and Mohamed Jabateh.

The trial in France should send a signal to those who murdered Liberians during the two Liberian civil wars that the long arm of the law will find them, irrespective of where they may be hiding or whatever threats they may issue, warned Hassan Bility Director of the GJRP in a text message. I want them (alleged Liberian war criminals) to know that the rest of the civilized world is standing with us.

Liberian law enforcement assist French investigators

Liberian police and French investigators from the Central Office for Combating Core International Crimes and Hate Crimes traveled to Foya in Liberia, took photographs and reconstructed alleged crime scenes. They also interviewed alleged witnesses of Kamara during those investigations.

Kamara is the second warlord to be directly prosecuted for his alleged role in any of the Liberias two civil wars, which officially ended in August 2003. Kosiah was the first.

The Swiss Federal Criminal Court will hear an appeal to his conviction in January next year. Jabateh, also known as Jungle Jabbah, is the third ex-ULIMO commander to face prosecution. He was found guilty of criminal immigration fraud by the US Eastern District Court of Pennsylvania in 2017. Hes currently serving a 30-year sentence.

Kamara is standing trial 16 months after he testified on Kosaihs behalf in his (Kosiahs) own war crimes trial.

Kamara did tell the court that Kosiah was present on the scenes of the hostilities and did commit the crimes he was convicted and sentenced for.

His testimony shocked the defense and turned the entire trial on its head. The prosecution and civil party believed it was crucial to their victory against Kosiah.

Kosiah also implicated Kamara by telling the court during the first phase of the trial (December 2020) Kamara was involved in the capture of Lofa. He said Kunti confirmed this to him.

Fresh calls for war crimes court

Kamaras trial begins as Beth Van Schaack, US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, is visiting Liberia to ask the administration of President George Weah for progress on accountability for the Liberian civil wars.

As you also know, there has been no accountability here on the criminal side, or the civil side for those who have been most responsible for those abuses I will be having some meetings with members of the government and I plan to ask: what the status of the draft statute is and why it is not being put forward; what are the blockages and how can the blockages be solved? Ambassador Van Schaack said at a news conference her countrys Ambassador to Liberia, Michael McCarthy.

The ambassadors visit comes as the Liberian Government has been sued at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice over its failure to investigate and ensure prosecution for the St. Peters Lutheran Church massacre, killings also recorded by the TRC.

The civil suit was filed by survivors of the carnage, a few months after a Philadelphia court awarded them a $US84 million damages judgement against Moses Thomas, the commander of the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit on the night of the mass killings.

The government has yet to respond to the suit.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of the West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Vincent Ogbulafor, is dead.

Although his family has yet to confirm his demise, reports say Mr Ogbulafor died on Thursday night at the age of 73 in Canada.

Channels Television reported that the third Deputy Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Godfrey Oneuka, confirmed the death of the politician.

Mr Ogbulafor, a prince, hailed from Olokoro in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State.

He was originally a member of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) when democracy was restored in the country before he crossed to then ruling PDP.

He served President Olusegun Obasanjo first as minister for economic matters and special projects before he was appointed the national secretary of the PDP.

Mr Ogbulafor became the national chairman of the PDP in 2007 during the administration of late President Umaru YarAdua. His tenure was uneventful because of Mr YarAduas long illness that eventually took his life in May.

He was forced to resign after he allegedly fell out with the cabal in the Presidency and was succeeded by a former governor of Enugu State, Okwesilieze Nwodo.

Mr Ogbulafor was once quoted as saying that the PDP would rule Nigeria for at least 60 years.

Only in September, Mr Ogbulafor was among the former national chairmen of the PDP listed as members of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the party.

The council has the mandate to run the campaign of the partys presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, for the 2023 election.

Buhari mourns

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family of Mr Ogbulafor.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Saturday in Abuja, Mr Buhari commiserated with leaders and members of the PDP, the Olokoro Royal family in Umuahia, government and people of Abia State over the loss of the former party chieftain.

According to the president, the former national chairman will be remembered for his role in the nations democratic growth.

He commended the zeal of the late prince of Olokoro in sustaining the unity and progress of the country.

Mr Buhari prayed that God would accept the soul of the departed, and comfort his family.

Ogbulafor, left a legacy of excellence  Mark

A former President of the Senate, David Mark, described the demise of Mr Ogbulafor as a huge loss to the party and the nation at large.

This is contained in a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, on Saturday in Minna.

Mr Mark noted that the deceased was a fine gentleman who was passionate and committed to the growth and sustenance of the nations nascent democracy.

As a minister of the Federal Republic, Ogbulafor demonstrated unwavering commitment to the ideals of nationhood. Likewise as national secretary, national chairman and a prominent member of the PDP board of trustees, he demonstrated uncommon loyalty to the party and the Nigerian state, he stated .

Mr Mark lamented the demise of Ogbulafor at this time when his wealth of experience in party administration would have been needed to resolve the myriads of crises facing the party.

He added that Mr Ogbulafor was one of the best and fertile minds in Nigerian political environment because he was fair and firm in the discharge of his duties.

Mr Mark noted that the late Mr Ogbulafor would be remembered for his uncommon dedication to duty , humour, honesty and loyalty to his fatherland.

He urged PDP faithful, the government and people of Abia State to take solace in the fact that Mr Ogbulafor left a good legacy worthy of emulation for all.

Mr Mark prayed that God in His infinite mercies, grants the deceased eternal rest and the immediate family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss
The Nigeria Immigration Service on Saturday said it rescued nine victims of human trafficking along the Kazaure  Daura road in Jigawa State, North-west, Nigeria.

The head of the command, Ahmad Bagari, told reporters that the victims were intercepted on 7 October, at about 5:00 p.m. as they were about to leave the country for Europe via the Niger Republic and Libya.

Personnel of Nigeria Immigration Service, after a tip-off, credible intelligence about the movement of the victims from Kano to Niger through Kazaure, mounted a stop and search exercise at our checkpoint at Tsamiyar Ilu, in Kazaure LGA.

However, on sighting the presence of our personnel, the driver attempted to evade interception by over-speeding and manoeuvring around the checkpoint resulting in an accident where some of the victims sustained minor injuries.

They have all been treated at General Hospital Dutsek the official said

Mr Bagari said the nine victims consist of eight females and a male, all between the ages of 22 to 37 years old.

He added that the victims are natives of Enugu, Osun, Ondo and Ogun states. He added that one of them has an expired Nigerian Standard Passport.

He identified the victims as Chidi Ken-Atlanta, 37, from Enugu State; Hafsat Folarin, 24, from Ogun state; Sekinat Shotola, 24, from Ogun State; Darasinmi Oyelekan, 24, from Oyo State; and Adewale Taiye, 28, from Osun State.

Others are Olayinka Maryam, 28, from Osun State; Adewole Modupe, 26, from Ondo State; Okewole Temitope, from Ogun State; and Tawakaltu Babatunde, 22, from Ondo State.

In the course of interrogation, the victims stated that they were being conveyed from Kano State by a driver who would convey them to the border to the Niger Republic. There were no incriminating items/drugs found in their possession.

The Comptroller General Immigration Service (CGIS) Idris Isah Jere has directed that the victims be handed over to NAPTIP, and also advises parents, guardians and the general public to desist from sending their children/wards abroad for non-existing greener posture.

Nigeria is far better than the so-called greener pasture abroad in form of freedom and other expectations. It is pertinent to state that, this trend of human trafficking has its inherent risks and dangers in the form of victims being exposed to slavery, forced labour, death in the desert and at sea, en route to their perceived destinations, and even organ harvest.

The general public is further advised to report cases of human trafficking and other related criminal acts to the nearest security agencies, Mr Bagari said.
The Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products (ADITOP) says the current fuel scarcity in the FCT is caused by flooding at Koton Karfe in Kogi.

Koton Karfe is a community between the FCT and Lokoja where floods had been wreaking havoc lately.

The floods in the area have submerged a greater part of Koton Karfe and Lokoja and have also grounded vehicular movement.

ADITOP also attributed the scarcity to the fact that alternative roads to get to the FCT are damaged and ridden with potholes making it difficult to get to the federal capital.

The association said the situation was frustrating and urged the Ministry of Works and Housing and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to fix a glaring solution.

President of ADITOP, Lawan Dan-Zaki, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday that the solution was to hasten the reconstruction of the damaged Lambata-Lapai-Agaie-Bida Road in Niger that serves as alternative route.

He said the failed roads, which posed difficulties for truck drivers to ply, would have served as alternative routes for use by petroleum products transporters.

A lot of our trucks are loaded with petroleum products but cannot go through the flood area freely, while the empty ones cannot return to load products.

We have two big rivers in Nigeria  River Niger which links Northwest and Southwest Nigeria and River Benue, which affects Lokoja and Eastern parts of the country.

The bad roads are a challenge to the Federal Ministry of Works, so we appeal to the Federal Government to hasten work on alternative roads.

This is imperative because our truck drivers spend 10 days while going through the damaged Lapai-Agai-Bida Road and another 10 days while returning to depots, he said.

Mr Dan-Zaki also lamented the frustration faced by truck drivers hauling petroleum products across the country.

Lapai-Agai-Bida Road linking southern part of the country to take products from Lagos is completely damaged.

Lokoja Road which we have been managing to transport products from the eastern parts is submerged by flood.

It is also difficult to take the eastern road carrying products from Calabar-Oghara-Port Harcourt-Warri because the road is bad and truck drivers spend more than a week in trucks queues, he said.

Mr Dan-Zaki also told NAN that truck drivers usually avoided Mokwa Road through Kaduna because of insecurity, adding that drivers were being kidnapped on that route.

We are appealing to the Federal Government to ensure that the ministry and FERMA do the needful to avoid recurrence of fuel scarcity, he stressed.

The ADITOP president said the NNPC Ltd. had discharged its function by importing sufficient petroleum, but damaged and poor road network and flooding had made it difficult for trucks to distribute the products.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority says measures were being put in place to truck petroleum products via alternative routes to mitigate the fuel scarcity.

Reacting to the development, Moshood Samotu, Controller, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in Niger, said work was on-going on the Lambata-Lapai-Agaie-Bida Road.

He said the contractor had been ordered to begin palliative work on soft sections.

He explained that torrential rains had been hindering the movement of articulated vehicles through the soft sections, thereby causing gridlock between Agaie and to Badegi towns.

He said 51 per cent of reconstruction work on the Lambata-Lapai-Agaie-Bida Road had been achieved as of September.

He added that the restriction of articulated vehicles from using BidaMinna Road by the Niger government diverted all Lagos and Abuja- bound articulated vehicles to the Lambata-Lapai-Bida Road.

Mr Samotu told NAN that the high traffic volume hampered smooth operations at the construction site, causing slow progress of work.

The Lokoja-Abuja Road is under gridlock, a development that diverted vehicles to Lambata-Lapai Road.

The Lambata-Lapai section has been completed to an appreciable level, but the Bida-Agaie-Lapai section of the road is still under reconstruction, Mr Samotu said. (NAN)
The Arab Tourism Organization (ATO) recently signed a co-operation agreement with King Salman International University (KSIU) in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt mainly aimed at the development of the tourism sector and upgrading the skills of the Arab youth in this field.

The agreement was signed by ATO President Dr Bandar bin Fahd Al Faheed and KSIU's President Dr. Ashraf Saad Hussein in the presence of a number of officials from both sides, reported SPA.

The agreement stipulated that ATO shall accredit the KSIU's faculty of Tourism and Hospitality as a regional hub for training Arab youth, in addition to approving programs and courses in the tourism field and managing reservations and sales for travel and tourism agencies, it added.
A one-storey building collapsed in Kano Friday, killing two siblings aged 15 years and 11 years.

Their eldest sibling aged 17 years was, however, rescued alive.

The spokesman of the Kano State Fire Service, Saminu Abdullahi, stated on Saturday in Kano that the house was located in the Kofar Mata Hauren Gadagi area of Kano.

We received a distress call at about 10:50 p.m. from one Jamilu Salisu-Zango that the 50 feet x 40 feet structure used as dwelling house collapsed from the top floor.

ALSO READ: School building collapses in Ondo

We sent our rescue team to the scene and the three siblings were brought out of the debris. Two of them were unconscious, he stated.

Mr Abdullahi added that the victims were rushed to the Murtala Muhammad Special Hospital for medical attention where doctors confirmed two of the siblings dead.

The corpses were handed over to the police at Kofar Wambai Police Station, while an investigation into the accident went underway, he stated.

(NAN)
a word to those who he has assisted politically and otherwise over the last 30 years: it is YOUR turn to join hands together and lift him up by praying for him, standing by him, identifying with him and assisting and supporting him to achieve his dream of becoming the seventh democratically-elected chief executive and Head of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Yemi Osinbajo, a legal guru, a jurisprudential genius, a professor of Law, a highly-acclaimed pastor, a well-respected Servant of the Living God, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a writer and author of many books, an expert on the law of evidence and our nations vice president, came from very humble beginnings and yet has done so well.

His story is one that we can legitimately describe as an excellent example of the accomplishment of the Nigerian dream.

God is clearly with this man and no-one can take that away from him.

His humility appears to have opened many doors for him and the Lord has granted him favour both before the Heavens and before men.

Yet, in my view, the greatest honour that has been bestowed on him so far was to have had the privilege of representing President Muhammadu Buhari and our beloved country Nigeria at the historic and utterly resplendent state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

He was there with no less than 200 other heads of state and government, 500 officials representing various countries from all over the world and kings, queens and members of all the royal families of Europe.

In addition to that, he was there with a sea of adoring faces and a massive and utterly devoted Union Jack-waiving crowd that lined the streets of Central London from the gates of the 319-year-old Buckingham Palace, leading up to the 753-year-old Westminster Abbey and to the beautiful country roads leading to the 952-year-old Windsor Castle just outside the nations capital.

This was an event that was dramatically and dazzlingly remarkable in its pomp, pageantry, ceremony, magnificence, historical content, military precision, unprecedented perfection and mind-blowing splendour.

It was also an event which was done in honour of one of the greatest, most majestic, most revered, most respected, most disciplined and most-loved monarchs of not just the Royal House of Windsor but also of Great Britain, Europe and indeed the entire world.

Yet, it didnt stop there.

She was also a monarch who sat on the throne of her ancestors and forefathers and reigned for longer than ANY other in the history of Great Britain, whilst in the history of Europe the longevity of her reign was second only to that of King Louis X1V of France (the Sun King) who built the beautiful Palace in Versailles and who ruled his nation for 72 years from 1643 till 1715.

Queen Elizabeths reign, which spanned from 1952 till 2022, was as outstanding, dramatic and eventful as was her funeral.

It was a truly grand occasion, the likes of which, in terms of achievement, celebration, solemnity, historical relevance, international significance and good old fashioned splendour, may NEVER happen again.

Even more remarkably, it is one that was watched on live television by no less than four billion people, which is just over 50% of the worlds entire population and which represents a world record in terms of live television-viewing.

All this and providence, coupled with the finger of God, made it such that the individual that represented our great nation of 200 million people at such an august gathering and historic occasion was a diligent, scholarly and hard-working yet modest little man of a very humble background from a sleepy small town called Ikenne, near Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, South-Western Nigeria by the name of Yemi Osinbajo.

This is a great testimony to the awesome power of the Living God.

seven years after he was elected Vice President, the person that nominated and ensured that Osinbajo reached this exalted height is taking his own shot at the Presidency and is indeed the presidential candidate of the APC, the political party to which Osinbajo belongs It is incumbent upon the Vice President and every other person that has benefitted in any way from that persons goodwill and favour to support him in this great endeavour.

I am aware of the fact that the Vice President is a committed Christian and a praying man and the Lord has clearly answered most, if not all, his prayers.

For all he has achieved in his life we give thanks to God, and we give Him alone the glory.

Yet, having said that we must NEVER lose sight of the fact that God used just ONE person to make all this-possible for Osinbajo who, before his political elevation, was nothing more than the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice for Lagos State.

That person appointed him as that Commissioner in 1999 when he himself was elected Governor of Lagos state and he kept him there for eight years.

In 2015, eight years after he left the exalted office of Governor of Lagos state, that same person single-handedly nominated him to be the running mate to President Muhammadu Buhari in the presidential election and his nomination was graciously accepted.

Consequently, Osinbajo was elected vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and has been there for the last seven years and will be there, God-willing, till 29th May 2023.

Today, seven years after he was elected Vice President, the person that nominated and ensured that Osinbajo reached this exalted height is taking his own shot at the Presidency and is indeed the presidential candidate of the APC, the political party to which Osinbajo belongs.

It is incumbent upon the Vice President and every other person that has benefitted in any way from that persons goodwill and favour to support him in this great endeavour.

I have no doubt that the Vice President will do this and has been doing so ever since the conclusion of the party Convention but it is still worthy of mention as an example to others.

The person in question is Osinbajos political godfather, benefactor and mentor and his name is none other than Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Asiwaju of Lagos and the Jagaban of Borgu.

He deserves hearty congratulations and thanks from all of us for what he has done in the life of his political son Yemi Osinbajo and indeed in the lives and careers of so many of his other political sons and daughters.

Most political fathers and mentors do not delight in the rise of their protegees and often go out of their way to downgrade and suppress them or even destroy them after they leave power and office.

The reason for this strange disposition and attitude is inexplicable and I have long pondered over it.

Yet, this is NOT the case with Tinubu. He takes pleasure in his sons and daughters rising.

He builds up his own, stands behind them and lifts them up, despite the fact that he has suffered many betrayals from quite a number of them over the years that were evidently afflicted with what one can only describe as Absalomic tendencies.

May the light of God dispel every darkness, may the finger of God remove every obstacle, may the sword of the Lord cut short every naysayer, may the glory of God return to our nation and may Lagos, the centre of excellence and a state that has done so much for our country and given so much to our people, produce its first President of Nigeria.

For those that do not know who Absalom was and what he did to his father, King David, I suggest you read the Holy Bible.

Absalom wished death, destruction, shame and disgrace for his father, entered into open rebellion against him and attempted to steal his crown and take his throne.

He was seized and enveloped by an evil spirit which sought to take, by any means necessary, that which belonged to his father.

This is what Bola Tinubu has been subjected to on several occasions by some of those he has helped in the past.

Yet, he keeps forgiving, keeps loving and keeps showing them kindness.

He keeps repaying evil with good, not only to those who betrayed him but even to those who may have despised and poured venom on him in the past for no just cause.

This, in my view, is actually the secret to his success and the source of his power.

His forgiving nature pleases God and provides a strong defence for him.

Constantly doing good to others, even though one may be repaid with evil and betrayal in return is a great and holy virtue.

Few can display this rare trait and Bola Tinubu ranks amongst those few.

I close with a word to those who he has assisted politically and otherwise over the last 30 years: it is YOUR turn to join hands together and lift him up by praying for him, standing by him, identifying with him and assisting and supporting him to achieve his dream of becoming the seventh democratically-elected chief executive and Head of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

May God make a way for him, and may He crown the efforts and grant the prayers of those of us who have lined up behind him in this great and noble quest.

May the light of God dispel every darkness, may the finger of God remove every obstacle, may the sword of the Lord cut short every naysayer, may the glory of God return to our nation and may Lagos, the centre of excellence and a state that has done so much for our country and given so much to our people, produce its first President of Nigeria.

Finally, may all those in the political arena who I respectfully describe as Asiwajus disciples, protegees and mentees, who have not done so already, join the rest of us by saying a big AMEN to this prayer.

God wills it.

Femi Fani-Kayode, the Sadaukin Shinkafi and a former Nigerian minister of Aviation/Culture and Tourism, is the Director of the Special Media Projects and Operations and New Media of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.


Religion has become a major factor in Nigerias electoral process as part of the identity politics that our politicians play to gain an advantage over their opponents. This is not just about politicians anymore. The average Nigerian tends to see everything through the lens of religion.

My organisation is putting together a webinar on the topic: Spotlighting the Vicious Cycle of Poverty and Insecurity in Nigeria. Someone sent us a direct message asking that we include a northern Muslim, specifically from Borno State as one of the speakers. While there is nothing wrong with diversity in terms of region, I didnt understand why the person had to be a Muslim as if insecurity and poverty are biased against religion.

For so long, the majority of Christians have stayed away from politics because of the perception that Politics is a dirty game. However, over the years, there has been an increasing call for Christians to be involved in politics. I have also written several articles on the Role of the Church in Nation Building where I argued not only for the active participation of Christians in Politics but the impact that can be made in promoting good governance and development if we live true to the tenets of our faith.

As the country prepares for the 2023 General Elections, religion has once again dominated the conversation, particularly because of the APCs Muslim-Muslim ticket. The issue of Muslim-Muslim tickets is infuriating some Christians and Christian leaders. Some have come out to speak vehemently against it and have vowed to work against the party.

While its good that Christians are now interested in politics and governance, I think it is important for church leaders to focus more on the critical issues of nation-building, good governance and development that can resolve the plethora of challenges confronting the country. Religion has not anyway helped to promote good governance and development. If anything, it has become a tool of manipulation, suppression, incessant crises and in some instances waste and corruption, like in the case of state-sponsored pilgrimages.

Rather than focus on the religion of the candidates, I would rather that these Christian leaders focus on the fundamental challenges that are confronting the country. The question we should be asking is who is best to help resolve these issues. We should be scrutinizing the programmes of these candidates and where possible find out from each one of them how they intend to resolve the pressing and fundamental problems we are facing as a people.

Poverty, insecurity, poor healthcare system and other social problems we are confronted with do not discriminate in terms of religion. Nigerians all across the country are suffering from the effect of poor leadership. Both Christians and Muslims, in the North and South, are all suffering and groaning. I believe we should make a case for the well-being of every Nigerian irrespective of the religion they practice or the part of the country they hail from. Religion would not have overshadowed the core issues if that were the case.

I believe pursuing any religious agenda would not save our country. If anything, it would continue to plunge us into crisis and impede the development of the country. I believe the suffering Muslims of the country deserve rescuing like every other person. And if that is the case why should religion be a dominating factor in our conversation around the elections at the expense of the core issues?

One of the arguments that have been made for religious balance in the tickets of the various political parties is so that the interests of Christians can be protected. We dont need leaders who would protect the interest of Christians. We need leaders who would protect the interest of the common Nigerians irrespective of their religion or ethnicity. Politicians have typically and largely protected their own interests and those of their cronies

It has also been said that Christians should vote in defence of their faith. I believe this is in response to some of the sense killings of Christians that we have witnessed in parts of the country. A recent example is Deborah, who was accused of blasphemy in Sokoto State. As sad as this reality is, I dont think the protection of our faith lies in the hands of politicians. This recent incident happened with a Pastor as Vice President. Since the start of the fourth republic, we have had either a Christian President or a Christian Vice President. How has that improved the socio-economic conditions of Christians in particular or Nigerians as a whole?

Religion is a highly sensitive subject in Nigeria. Those who use it as a lens to view the world around them often become emotional, which makes them sensitive, sentimental, biased and sometimes angry. All of these can blind them to the core issues of fairness, fundamental challenges that are confronting us, the well-being of the generality of all Nigerians as well as the competence and capacity of those running for office. As long as these core issues are not on the front burner, the church will not make the desired impact on the development of the country.

I dont know for how long we can continue like this as a country. Nigeria has to come out of the doldrums, and for that to happen, we must focus on the core and critical issues. How do we resolve our politys fundamental and structural defects that have stifled good governance and development over the years? Can insecurity, poverty and other social-economic challenges be adequately resolved without resolving these fundamental issues? Which among the candidates that are presently running can resolve these issues? I believe these are what we should focus on in place of religion.

Frederick Adetiba is a transformation specialist, social reformer, management consultant and the lead pastor of The Finishing Church, Abuja. You can connect with him via www.fredadetiba.com and @fredadetiba on social media.
XIAMEN, China, Oct. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In the past few days, the Renewable Energy India Expo was successfully held in New Delhi, India. Antaisolar, the leading supplier of the whole industry chain in PV mounting system, accomplished its first show in India, its advanced technology of trackers aroused many clients' interest during the expo.

For the first time Antaisolar attended the event, brought its advanced 1P Tracker TAI-Simple based on the requirements of the Indian market, which is perfectly compatible with bifacial modules and large-size modules (In this exposition, they installed the tracker with Vertex 670W module from Trinasolar to show how it works). Also, as its name suggested, the operation is quite simple. It only took several hours for the workers to complete the installation on site. Besides, it is worth mentioning that the unique U-type beam helps greatly improve the torsional resistance performance. With these strengths, TAI-Simple greatly impressed visitors, and countless inquiries and consultations overwhelmed the staff on site.

After the opening ceremony, Vineet Kumar, country manager of Antaisolar, made an excellent speech at the conference. He shared the latest technologies about Antai's tracker and specified the reliability, adaptability, and innovations of Antai's product, his speech also provided the audience with a better understanding of how trackers improve the LCOE of solar plants. Many people praise the speech for its fruitful content.

Antaisolar has started cultivating in the Indian Market for years, its yearly production output reaches 2.5GW in India. By cooperating with local OEM, Antaisolar always provides fast delivery and perfect after-sale service. Antaisolar also has its subsidiary based in India, the team consists of local staff full of experience, and they can provide you with the most professional suggestions.

As is revealed in the expo, Antaisolar shows great ambition towards India, for India is a bounteous country with great potential for renewable energy. With a mission of Raise A Green World, Antaisolar has been dedicated to energy transition for years, it will keep delivering satisfying products and services to the world. Together, let's move to the new generation of Antaisolar.

Website: www.antaisolar.com

SOURCE Antaisolar
BOGOTA, Colombia, Oct. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) informs that to comply with the provisions of Part III Title I Chapter VI of the Basic Legal Circular issued by the Financial Superintendence of Colombia (E.C. 029 of 2014), the Board of Directors of Ecopetrol S.A. ("Ecopetrol" or the "Company") approved the implementation of measures aimed at guaranteeing the adequate representation of shareholders at the extraordinary General Shareholder's Meeting to be held on October 24, 2022, and in this regard the Board instructed the Company's management to:

Inform shareholders of their right to be represented through the appointment of a proxy and indicate the legal requirements of the proxies to be granted for such purpose.

Appoint those who will validate the shareholders' proxy assignments, advising that those proxies that fail to meet the minimum requirements established by law will not be admitted as valid, nor any proxy form where the name of the respective appointed representative is not clearly defined will be accepted.

To abstain from making any recommendations or determinations regarding the proxy selection of the shareholders.

Inform the employees of the Company that they will not be able to recommend to the shareholders that they vote for a certain list.

Refrain from suggesting, coordinating, or agreeing with shareholders regarding i) the submission of proposals at the Meeting; and/or

ii) voting in favor or against any proposal discussed in the Meeting.

ii) Verify that the shareholders do not grant proxies to persons directly or indirectly related to the Company's management or employees.

Inform that the Legal Affairs Vice Presidency of Ecopetrol was appointed as the area responsible for supervising the review of proxies.

Inform that the Vice-president of Corporate Affairs of Ecopetrol was appointed as the officer responsible for verifying the compliance with the above measures.

The previous measures were adopted by the members of the Board of Directors of the Company in a meeting held on October 7, 2022, and are disclosed prior to the celebration of the respective meeting of the General Assembly of Shareholders.

Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 18,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas

distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and Mexico, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector. This press release contains business prospect statements, operating and financial result estimates, and statements related to Ecopetrol's growth prospects. These are all projections and, as such, they are based solely on the expectations of the managers regarding the future of the company and their continued access to capital to finance the company's business plan. The realization of said estimates in the future depends on the behavior of market conditions, regulations, competition, the performance of the Colombian economy my and the industry, among other factors, and are consequently subject to change without prior notice.

This release contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements, whether made in this release or in future filings or press releases or orally, address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, including in respect of the Company's prospects for growth and its ongoing access to capital to fund the Company's business plan, among others. Consequently, changes in the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward -looking statements: market prices of oil & gas, our exploration, and production activities, market conditions, applicable regulations, the exchange rate, the Company's competitiveness and the performance of Colombia's economy and industry, to mention a few. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

For more information, please contact:

Head of Capital Markets

Tatiana Uribe Benninghoff

Email: [email protected]

Head of Corporate Communications

Mauricio Tellez

Email: mauricio [email protected] p etro l.com.co

SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A.
BOGOTA, Colombia, Oct. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chief Executive Officer of Ecopetrol S.A. ("Ecopetrol" or the "Company") invites the Shareholders of the Company to attend the Extraordinary General Shareholders' Meeting (the "Meeting") to be held on monday october 24, 2022, starting at 8:00 a.m., at the International Business and Exhibition Center Auditorium (CORFERIAS) located at Carrera 37 No. 24 - 67 in Bogota.13 No. 36 - 24 in Bogota

The agenda for the Meeting will be:

Safety guidelines Quorum verification Opening of the General Shareholders' Meeting by the Chief Executive Officer of Ecopetrol S.A. Approval of the Agenda Appointment of the Chairperson of the Meeting Appointment of the commission responsible for scrutinizing elections and voting Appointment of the commission responsible for reviewing and approving the Meeting's minutes Election of Board Members

The Meeting will be broadcast live via streaming on Ecopetrol's website.

Shareholders may consult the support documentation for the agenda items on Ecopetrol's website. Shareholders who cannot attend the Meeting in person may resort to legal representation employing a proxy form (a.k.a. power-of-attorney) duly granted in writing to a trusted proxy, who must meet the requirements established in Article 184 of the Colombian Commercial Code. Proxy form templates can be downloaded from Ecopetrol's website.

Except in cases of legal representation, Ecopetrol administrators and employees may not represent shares other than their own while they are employed by the Company, nor substitute the powers conferred thereon.

For the legal representation of the shareholders, strict compliance will be given to the provisions established in the Basic Legal Circular 029 of 2014 regarding illegal, unauthorized and unsafe practices of securities issuers.

FELIPE BAYON PARDO

Chief Executive Officer

Recommendations

In case you are representing other shares, please have the respective proxy form and any respective additional documents at hand.

To avoid overcrowding, guarantee the adequate participation of all shareholders and ensure their entry to the venue, CORFERIA's doors and registration points will open as of 7 a.m.

Only one companion will be allowed for those shareholders requiring special assistance.

The admission or distribution of advertising elements and any other material that may affect the normal course of the Meeting is prohibited

If you have symptoms associated with COVID-19, please do not attend the Meeting. We recommend attendees have proof of their complete vaccination series at hand, that they practice the correct use of masks (over nose and mouth), maintain a physical distance of at least 1 meter and wash hands frequently.

No kits or refreshments will be provided.

Additional information is available at:

Shareholder Services Office

Bogota phone number: from abroad (+571) 307 7075 / from

Bogota (601) 307 7057; rest of the country: (+57) 01 8000 113434

Email: [email protected]

www.ecopetrol.com.co

SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A.
LONDON, Oct. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Huobi Global announced today that the controlling shareholder has completed the transaction to sell its entire shareholding in Huobi Global to the buyout vehicle managed by About Capital Management (HK) Co., Limited ("About Capital"). Upon completion of the transaction, the buyout vehicle of About Capital will control the majority stake in Huobi Global. The transaction only involves the change of controlling shareholder and has no impact on Huobi's core operation and business management teams. According to About Capital, post transaction Huobi Global will embrace a series of new international brand promotion and business expansion initiatives, including a global strategic advisory board led by leading industry figures, the injection of sufficient capital in margin and risk provision fund, as well as measures to further enhance competitiveness. Upon successful implementation of the initiatives, Huobi Global will be well positioned to provide first-class trading and investment services to international investors.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, About Capital is a fund management company founded in 2008. About Capital specialises in special situation strategy to identify long term investment opportunities. Since its inception, it has won a series of prestigious industry awards among the best performing funds in Asia.

Commenting on the Huobi Global acquisition, Ted Chen, CEO of About Capital, said "We are very pleased to complete the transaction. Huobi Global offers the best of breed virtual asset investment services to millions of international users. We believe the virtual asset industry is still in its early stage and there is tremendous upside for long term growth. We are confident that the holistic approach to rebuild Huobi Global as the premier international virtual asset exchange would solidify both the recognition and trust of Huobi's international users."

Leon Li, the founder of Huobi, said: "This transaction marks a new chapter for Huobi Global. Over the past nine years, we have witnessed Huobi's ascendence into one of the largest virtual asset exchanges in the world. Following Huobi's exit from the Chinese mainland market in 2021, we have accelerated our globalization push amidst a challenging market environment, which adds to the impetus for Huobi to seek a new shareholding structure with a global vision and international resources. We believe the successful acquisition by About Capital vehicle will contribute to Huobi's global expansion in both aspects."

It is understood that the transaction also includes a series of important measures to ensure the smooth transition of daily operations, improved risk capital provision and stability of the core management team.

Huobi Global Introduction

Founded in 2013, Huobi Global is one of the largest virtual asset exchanges in the world. Huobi Global serves millions of users across international markets. Since its establishment, Huobi Global has committed to providing first class virtual asset investment services. Huobi Global's robust infrastructure, product innovation and capital strength provide a truly customer-centric and secure trading environment to help our international users to achieve their investment objectives. Please refer to Huobi's official website for more information: www.huobi.com

About Capital Introduction

About Capital Management (HK) Co., Limited is a fund management company based in Hong Kong. It was founded by Mr. Ted Chen in 2008. Previously, Mr. Chen was a founding partner of China's leading investment manager Greenwoods Asset Management. He has over 30 years of successful experience in the capital market and investment management industry. About Capital focuses on exploring long-term investment opportunities. Please refer to the official website www.aboutcap.com

SOURCE Huobi Global
NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 31, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT), if they purchased the Company's shares between February 19, 2021 to June 8, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Get Help

Abbott investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-abt-1/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Abbott and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On February 17, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") announced that its inspection of the Company's Sturgis, Michigan facility, prompted by consumer complaints of infant illness, had yielded several positive contamination results for the Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria, linked to infant illnesses and death. On the same day, the Company, without mention of the FDA investigation, recalled certain infant formula products, including the popular brands Similac, Alimentum and EleCare, all manufactured in Sturgis. On this news, shares of Abbott declined by $3.79 per share, or 3.14%.

Then, on March 22, 2022, the FDA reported that, although not "final FDA determinations," its most recent inspection conducted between January 31, 2022 and March 18, 2022 revealed that the Company failed to establish process controls "designed to ensure that infant formula does not become adulterated due to the presence of microorganisms in the formula or in the processing environment" and failed to "ensure that all surfaces that contacted infant formula were maintained to protect infant formula from being contaminated by any source." On this news, shares of Abbott declined by an additional $4.97 per share, or 4%.

Finally, on June 8, 2022, it was reported that a whistleblower complaint identifying numerous serious examples of misconduct at Sturgis related to the above had been filed with the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration ("OSHA") in February 2021, and that OSHA had delivered that complaint to Abbott Laboratories and the FDA during the same month. On this news, shares of Abbott declined by an additional 3.5%, further damaging investors.

The case is Pembroke Pines Firefighters & Police Officers Pension Fund v. Abbott Laboratories, No. 22-cv-04661.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
End corruption in Sri Lanka, says MPs

Colombo, Oct 8 (UNI) Two prominent Sri Lankan MPs have called for a war on corruption which they said has become a cancer in the island nation.

Prof G L Peiris of the main opposition SLPP party said Sri Lanka needed to address "widespread corruption" before it receives meaningful aid from foreign countries to overcome its economic crisis.

The World Bank has said that when it gives aid and loans to Sri Lanka in the future, it will do the auditing itself. We really need to put an end to largescale corruption," The Island newspaper quoted him as telling Parliament.
Oral presentation highlights preclinical data of ATG-031, an in-house discovered anti-CD24 monoclonal antibody

Three poster presentations showcase preclinical data of ATG-101, a PD-L1/4-1BB bispecific antibody developed in-house, ATG-018, an ATR inhibitor discovered in-house, and ATG-027, a B7H3/PD-L1 bispecific antibody discovered in-house

Antengene has global rights to these pipeline assets

SHANGHAI and HONG KONG, Oct. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 37th Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Annual Meeting (SITC 2022), set to take place on November 8-12, 2022, in Boston, Massachusetts (United States), via in person/virtual attendance, Antengene will release data from preclinical studies of four pipeline assets, ATG-031, ATG-101, ATG-018, and ATG-027, in one oral presentation and three poster presentations. As the world's largest and most anticipated gathering in the field of immuno-oncology, the SITC Annual Meeting is designed to promote scientific exchanges and cooperation for improving treatment outcomes for cancer patients.

Details of the oral presentation are shown as below:

Title: ATG-031, a first-in-class anti-CD24 antibody, showed potent preclinical anti-tumor efficacy by blocking "don't-eat-me" signal

Abstract#: 482

Date: November 11, 2022

Time: 5:20 PM  5:35 PM (Eastern Time)

(6:20 AM  6:35 AM Beijing Time, November 12, 2022)

Presenter: Dr. Jay Mei, Antengene

First Author: Dr. Peng Chen, Antengene

Corresponding Authors: Dr. Bo Shan, Dr. Bing Hou, Antengene

Details of those three poster presentations are shown below. All posters will be presented at:

9:00 AM  9:00 PM (Eastern Time)

(10:00 PM November 10 to 10:00 AM November 11, 2022 Beijing Time)

Title: ATG-101, a tetravalent PD-L14-1BB BsAb, demonstrates potent in vivo anti-tumor efficacy in ICI-resistant or refectory mouse tumor models

Abstract#: 1150

Date: November 10, 2022

Presenter: Dr. Bing Hou, Antengene

First Author: Dr. Wenhui Yu, Antengene

Corresponding Authors: Dr. Bo Shan, Dr. Bing Hou, Antengene

Title: Discovery of blood pharmacodynamic biomarkers for ATR inhibitors

Abstract#: 76

Date: November 10, 2022

Presenter: Dr. Bin Jiang, Antengene

First Author: Dr. Ya Kong, Antengene

Corresponding Authors: Dr. Shan Bo, Dr. Bing Hou, Antengene

Title: ATG-027, a first-in-class B7-H3/PD-L1 bispecific antibody, shows potent T cell activation capability and in vivo anti-tumor efficacy

Abstract#: 1397

Date: November 10, 2022

Presenter: Dr. Linjie Tian, Antengene

First Author: Dr. Wenhui Yu, Antengene

Corresponding Authors: Dr. Bo Shan, Dr. Bing Hou, Antengene

About Antengene

Antengene Corporation Limited ("Antengene", SEHK: 6996.HK) is a leading commercial-stage R&D-driven global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative first-in-class/best-in-class therapeutics for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, in realizing its vision of "Treating Patients Beyond Borders".

Since 2017, Antengene has built a broad and expanding pipeline of 15 clinical and preclinical assets, of which 10 are global rights assets, and 5 came with rights for Asia Pacific markets including the Greater China region. To date, Antengene has obtained 24 investigational new drug (IND) approvals in the U.S. and Asia, and submitted 6 new drug applications (NDAs) in multiple Asia Pacific markets, with the NDA for XPOVIO (selinexor), already approved in mainland China, South Korea, Singapore and Australia.

Forward-looking statements

The forward-looking statements made in this article relate only to the events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. In this article, statements of, or references to, our intentions or those of any of our Directors or our Company are made as of the date of this article. Any of these intentions may alter in light of future development. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause future results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement, see the section titled "Risk Factors" in our periodic reports filed with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's Annual Report for year-end December 31, 2021, and subsequent filings with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

For more information, please contact:

Investor Contacts:

Donald Lung

E-mail: [email protected]

Mobile: +86 18420672158

PR Contacts:

Peter Qian

E-mail: [email protected]

Mobile: +86 13062747000

SOURCE Antengene Corporation Limited
NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 31, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Azure Power Global Limited ("Azure" or the "Company") (NYSE: AZRE), if they purchased the Company's securities between June 15, 2021 and August 26, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Get Help

Azure investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-azre/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Azure and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On August 29, 2022, the Company disclosed that its Chief Executive Officer had resigned, less than two months after his appointment and that it had "received a whistleblower complaint in May 2022 alleging potential procedural irregularities and misconduct by certain employees at a plant belonging to one of its subsidiaries." During the Company's review of these allegations, Azure "discovered deviations from safety and quality norms" and "also identified evidence of manipulation of project data and information by certain employees."

On this news, shares of Azure declined by $4.61 per share, or approximately 44.07%, from $10.46 per share to close at $5.85 on August 29, 2022.

The case is Gilbert v. Azure Power Global Limited, No. 22-cv-7432.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
New corporate mission revealed: to become a leading digital intelligence service provider in the financial industry of China

BEIJING, Oct. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bairong Inc. ("Bairong" or "the Company", 6608.HK), a leading independent AI & cloud-based SaaS provider in China, recently held the 2022 Digital Intelligence Conference (DIC) in which they laid out ambitious plans to become an industry leader. Themed "Lead with Digital Intelligence, Meet the Future", Bairong CEO Zhang Shaofeng announced their new corporate mission at the conference: to become a leading digital intelligence ("DI") service provider in the financial industry of China.

"The application of DI is expected to expand from the internet and technology sectors to encompass virtually every sector over the next ten years, with finance services as a prime example," said Zhang.

The integration of digital technologies into China's real economy is already well underway. The country now has the world's second largest digital economy, raising the bar when it comes to DI. The combined value of all key sectors that are either partly or fully a part of the digital economy now accounts for 7.8% of the country's GDP. With their new corporate mission, Bairong is well-positioned to become a major contributor to the expansion of digital financial inclusion by helping financial institutions to digitalize, through DI innovation and digital transformation.

Bairong sets out plans to become industry leader with the launch of the Tianmu plan

During the conference, Bairong launched the Tianmu plan, an initiative that sets out the ambitious goal to make the Company an industry leader in developing premium products, solutions and technologies.

For Bairong's Tianmu plan, ORCA, a software framework that has been in development for several years, provides fundamental technical support. ORCA empowers financial institutions with professional capabilities in model building and deployment without incurring any additional cost. According to tests and application in financial scenarios carried out by the Company, the framework improves the performance of average models by 300% and complex models by 700%. The solution can be used in a wide range of business scenarios, including model management platforms, business deployment automation, and automated model iteration for intelligent marketing scenarios.

According to the Tianmu plan, Bairong will continue collaborating with major banks and other financial institutions in the realm of DI innovation, with the aim of creating DI-based intelligent operation, wealth management and precision marketing solutions for the financial sector.

Bairong rolls out the Bairong Smart Cloud to create a precision marketing ecosystem service

The Bairong Smart Cloud, a precision marketing ecosystem service targeting the financial sector, was launched at the conference. By connecting financial entities with scenario partners who serve niche markets with self-driving traffic, such as taxi hailing and food delivery, Bairong's AI-powered ecosystem is designed to assist financial entities in achieving their DI-based marketing goals. By doing so, the service allows banks to reach and serve target groups more efficiently while reducing unnecessary expenses associated with customer acquisition.

"By building a large-scale, neutral precision marketing ecosystem for the financial sector, Bairong has helped financial service providers upgrade their business model by connecting them with premium mobile applications, further enhancing the quality and efficiency of financial services in the real economy," said Bairong's senior vice president and product line head Duan Ying.

Currently, Bairong's financial institution clients include large Chinese state-owned banks, joint-stock banks and urban commercial banks. With the precision marketing ecosystem service, the company is providing over 40 million premium customers with access to products and services from banks.

In addition to continuing innovations in technology, Bairong has also contributed to the construction of a healthy industrial ecosystem by fulfilling its social responsibilities through the application of technologies that empower the quality-driven development of financial inclusion, sustainable finance and rural finance.

About Bairong Inc.

Founded in March 2014, Bairong is a leading independent AI & cloud-based SaaS provider in China serving more than 6,000 financial services provider clients. Bairong was the largest independent financial big data analytics solutions provider in China. Adhering to the mission of empowering every financial services provider in China with smart and comprehensive data analytics, Bairong has built a cloud-native technology platform that supports the full business cycle of FSP clients, including data analytics, decision-making support and smart consumer operation solutions, enabling them to improve risk management ability, promote user activity and operational efficiency. Bairong also provides big data marketing and distribution services that enable FSP clients to reach and serve their target customers more effectively.

For more information, please visit: http://ir.brgroup.com.

SOURCE Bairong Inc.
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardiac Imaging Associates ("CIA") is notifying certain individuals of a recent data privacy incident that may impact the privacy of a limited amount of information. CIA is unaware of any misuse of individual information and is providing notice to potentially affected individuals out of an abundance of caution.

What Happened? CIA provides medical imaging services for certain health care providers. CIA recently concluded its investigation into a April 2022 data privacy incident involving potential unauthorized access relating to an internal email account. Upon learning of the activity, CIA immediately took steps to secure the account and, with the assistance of forensic specialists, began an investigation to determine the nature and scope of the activity. CIA determined that an unauthorized actor had access to an email account between approximately March 30, 2022 and April 6, 2022. Although CIA was unable to determine if the unauthorized actor viewed any particular email or attachment as a result of this activity, in an abundance of caution, a thorough and time-intensive review of the contents of the email accounts was conducted to determine if any personal information may have been accessible within the email account and to whom that information relates. CIA's review was recently completed on August 17, 2022. On October 7, 2022, CIA began providing notice of this incident to potentially affected individuals and regulatory authorities, as required.

What Information Was Involved? Though it varies by individual, the types of personal and/or medical information that may have been accessed or acquired by the unauthorized actor included: names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account information, payment card information, medical diagnosis and condition information, medical laboratory results information, medication and prescription information, and medical treatment information. At this time, CIA is unaware of any or actual or attempted misuse of the affected information as a result of this incident.

What Are We Doing? CIA treats its duty to safeguard information as an utmost priority. CIA responded immediately to this incident and worked diligently to provide potentially affected individuals with accurate and complete notice of the incident as soon as possible. With the assistance of third-party specialists, CIA also took steps to enhance the security of its systems. As part of CIA's ongoing commitment to the privacy and security of information in its care, CIA is reviewing existing policies and procedures and implementing internal training protocols to mitigate any risk associated with this incident and to better prevent future incidents.

For More Information. Individuals seeking additional information regarding this incident can call CIA's dedicated, toll-free number at (833) 708-2890, Monday through Friday 8 am  10 pm CST, Saturday and Sunday 10 am  7 pm CST (excluding major U.S. holidays). Please reference engagement number B071116. Individuals may also write to CIA directly at: 8581 Santa Monica Blvd., #471, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

What You Can Do. CIA sincerely regrets any inconvenience this incident may have caused. Although CIA is unaware of the misuse of any personal information impacted by this incident, individuals are encouraged to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft by reviewing account statements, explanation of benefits, and monitoring free credit reports for suspicious activity and to detect errors. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the appropriate insurance company, health care provider, or financial institution.

Under U.S. law you are entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus. To order your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. You may also contact the three major credit bureaus directly to request a free copy of your credit report.

You have the right to place a "security freeze" on your credit report, which will prohibit a consumer reporting agency from releasing information in your credit report without your express authorization. The security freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in your name without your consent. However, you should be aware that using a security freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in your credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application you make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. Pursuant to federal law, you cannot be charged to place or lift a security freeze on your credit report. Should you wish to place a security freeze, please contact the major consumer reporting agencies listed below:



Experian TransUnion Equifax



P.O. Box 9554 P.O. Box 160 P.O. Box 105788



Allen, TX 75013 Woodlyn, PA 19094 Atlanta, GA 30348-5788



1-888-397-3742 1-888-909-8872 1-800-685-1111



www.experian.com/freeze/center.html www.transunion.com/credit-freeze www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services



In order to request a security freeze, you will need to provide the following information:

Your full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.); Social Security number; Date of birth; If you have moved in the past five (5) years, provide the addresses where you have lived over the prior five years; Proof of current address, such as a current utility bill or telephone bill; A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver's license or ID card, military identification, etc.); If you are a victim of identity theft, include a copy of either the police report, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft.

As an alternative to a security freeze, you have the right to place an initial or extended "fraud alert" on your file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumer's credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer's credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer's identity before extending new credit. If you are a victim of identity theft, you are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Should you wish to place a fraud alert, please contact any one of the agencies listed below:



Experian TransUnion Equifax



P.O. Box 9554 P.O. Box 2000 P.O. Box 105069



Allen, TX 75013 Chester, PA 19016 Atlanta, GA 30348



1-888-397-3742 1-800-680-7289 1-888-766-0008



www.experian.com/fraud/center.html www.transunion.com/fraud-victim-resource/place-fraud-alert www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services



You can further educate yourself regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, security freezes, and the steps you can take to protect yourself by contacting the consumer reporting agencies, the Federal Trade Commission, or your state Attorney General.

The Federal Trade Commission can be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580, www.identitytheft.gov , 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. You can obtain further information on how to file such a complaint by way of the contact information listed above. You have the right to file a police report if you ever experience identity theft or fraud. Please note that in order to file a report with law enforcement for identity theft, you will likely need to provide some proof that you have been a victim. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement and your state Attorney General. This notice has not been delayed by law enforcement.

SOURCE Positron Imaging Associates, Inc.
MACAO, China, Oct. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 10th Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo (MITE) took place at the Cotai Expo of the Venetian Macao on September 23. A total of 12 units of Chongqing participated in this tourism exhibition, including three districts in Chongqing, Qianjiang, Wulong, and Nanchuan districts, four key tourism enterprises, and four cultural institutions.

Chongqing Cultural and Tourism Delegation strives to enhance the international visibility and reputation of the tourism brand image of "A Land of Natural Beauty, A City with Cultural Appeal" through various forms, such as cultural and tourism theme halls, tourism promotion conferences, Chongqing-Macao exchange, and cooperation symposium, featured cultural performances, and intangible cultural heritage interactive experiences.

At this year's MITE, Chongqing has set up six booths. Exhibitors brought delicate cultural products, such as Xiushan folding lanterns, Wulong Fairy Mountain black tea, Fuling Caixiang Chinese knots, and Rongchang pottery. Each exhibitor actively conducted on-site sales and negotiations with local specialty food, exquisite cultural and creative products, intangible cultural heritage gifts, and publicity materials.

On the same day, the 2022 Chongqing Tourism Macao Week and Chongqing Tourism Promotion Conference (Macao) were held at the main stage of Hall A, Cotai Expo. Qin Dingbo, deputy director of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, delivered the opening speech. Qin said that Chongqing and Macao have close exchanges and mutual assistance in culture and tourism. Next, it is hoped that the two places will further strengthen cooperation in hotel management, talent training, tourism law enforcement, cultural and artistic creation, cultural exhibition, cultural heritage protection, and youth research.

At the event, the travel agency companies and tourism marketing enterprises from Chongqing and Macao signed cooperation agreements. For example, Chongqing Wulong Tourism Industry (Group) Co., Ltd. signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Macao Multinational Holdings Group.

Enterprises from Wulong and Nanchuan districts introduced high-quality tourism routes to the guests. Chongqing also presented guests with luxury cultural and tourism gift packages, such as Air Macau round-trip tickets, luxury cruise tickets, hot pot experience tickets, hot spring hotel experience tickets, boutique scenic spot tickets, exquisite creative products, and featured local snacks.

After the conference, the 2022 Chongqing  Macao Cultural and Tourism Exchange and Cooperation Symposium was held in Sicily Hall. More than 40 representatives of the cultural and tourism industry from Chongqing and Macao attended the meeting.

SOURCE iChongqing
Company announces core group of top agents already signed on to location

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Equity Union CEO, Harma Hartouni, announced the addition of its eighth branch, to be located at 25124 Springfield Court, Valencia. With the addition of the Santa Clarita location, this year the company has announced the growth of its operations to Brentwood, Toluca Lake, Palm Springs, Palm Desert and Woodland Hills.

Equity Union is Expanding to Santa Clarita

The Santa Clarita branch is launching with several local industry veterans having sold collectively over 1,000 homes including Dippy Chhina, one of the Santa Clarita Valley's most successful and respected REALTORS, with sales and marketing experience that spans three continents, and Rebecca Mendoza, an industry veteran and a 30+ year resident of Santa Clarita. Also signing on to the Equity Union Santa Clarita location are top producers Justin Marlang with the Real Group, Lara Hutchins with Love Live LA and Sandy Segovia, among others.

"Our newest Equity Union location features many large private offices for its top producers, advanced technology and systems to support agent's business operations and growth, as well as a high-level mentorship program for new agents getting into the industry," said Harma Hartouni, CEO of Equity Union.

About Equity Union: Founded by Harma Hartouni, groundbreaking REALTOR and inspiring author of the memoir Getting Back Up, Equity Union was created to be a completely unique real estate company. With an unparalleled commitment to service, integrity and excellence, we're ready to both inspire your vision and help you bring it to life.

About Harma Hartouni: Harma Hartouni is a self-made entrepreneur and developer, owns a real estate company employing hundreds of residential and commercial real estate agents in Southern California. Among awards and recognition received, The National Association of REALTORS named Harma one of their top "30 Under 30" brokers in the country, and the Los Angeles Business Journal has recognized him as one of their "40 Under 40" Most Influential Business Owners.

-END-

Additional Info Contact:

Dan Stueve

Vice President, General Manager

Equity Union

(310) 595-5875

[email protected]

SOURCE Equity Union
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Oct. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kahera provides bespoke solutions as well as professionalism and top-quality expertise in meeting each client's needs. The company was founded in 2015 by Kechi, who has done an impressive job of building its reputation and client base.

Kahera's approach to boutique travel management for their high-end clientele is very simple  they take care of their clients' every needs from the moment they contact Kahera to when they commence their journey and returned from their trip.

Since starting the business, the team at Kahera has shown a commendable enthusiasm in Delivering Exceptional client service. In addition, privacy and confidentiality are non-negotiable values for them, hence it is no wonder that the demand for their expertise has soared as it has.

Meet the Founder

Kechi is a Nigerian born, UK raised entrepreneur who has fast become a trailblazer in the travel industry and is well known as the Concierge Extraordinaire within the elite traveling community. Her company, Kahera, provides unique and tailored journey management solutions for High and Ultra-High Net worth individuals across the world.

Founded in 2015 in Abuja, Nigeria, Kahera is a leader in the luxury travel community; with a presence in the USA, Barbados and the UK. Their services span more than travel, members can enjoy visa consultations, acquire a 2nd passport, corporate mobility, to name a few.

We asked Kechi what sets them apart from other companies and she stated "Kahera is founded on the principles of efficiency, flexibility, quality and unrivalled end-to- end customer service. What sets us apart is our professionalism and an unwavering dedication to the 'little things' that further enhances the customer experience." "I am a perfectionist" says Kechi, "so I'm so grateful that I am doing what I'm genuinely passionate about. We think of everything related to your journey management so all you have to do is relax and enjoy your experience."

As an entrepreneur herself, Kechi's passion is enabling other entrepreneurs to reach their full potential as one of the hindrances is being able to travel freely for meetings, setting up a company or just to become a digital nomad. "Acquiring a 2nd passport can be expensive for young entrepreneurs, it is why we have started promoting residency programs such as the D7 visa which allows entrepreneurs to live and work in beautiful Portugal. We have seen a number of applicants from America and Europe, it is cost effective with clear path to citizenship after 5 years of lawful residency."

In this post-covid world, people are embracing the idea of visiting and relocating to more countries, especially due to the enhanced remote working culture. We are here to assist with all facets of that trip or relocation, from visas, looking for a new home, schools, job opportunities etc. Our aim at Kahera is to provide a stress-free luxury experience.

Contact Details

Tel UK: +234 902 047 4997

Tel Nigeria: +44 7309 041100

Tel US: +1 (246) 233-6069

Web: www.kaheraluxury.com

Instagram: @kaheraluxury

Twitter: @kaheraluxury

Facebook: Kahera Luxury

SOURCE Kahera
NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 17, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against MINISO Group Holding Limited (NYSE: MNSO), if they purchased or acquired the Company's securities pursuant and/or traceable to the Company's October 2020 initial public offering (the "IPO"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.

Get Help

MINISO investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-mnso/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

MINISO and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information in its IPO Registration Statement, violating federal securities laws.

On July 26, 2022, market researcher Blue Orca Capital reported on a myriad of issues involving the China-based company, including that "there is overwhelming evidence that MINISO misleads the market about its core business" and that "Chinese corporate filings also indicate, in our view, that the chairman siphoned hundreds of millions from the public company through opaque Caribbean jurisdictions as the middleman in a crooked headquarters deal," among other things.

On this news, the price of MINISO's American Depositary Shares fell $1.08, or 14.98%, to close at $6.13, on unusually heavy trading volume.

The case is Ashraf v. MINISO Group Holding Limited, No. 22-cv-05815.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until November 28, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Olo Inc. (NYSE: OLO), if they purchased the Company's shares between August 11, 2021 and August 11, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Get Help

Olo investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-olo/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Olo and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On August 11, 2022, the Company announced disappointing results for 2Q2022, disclosing lowered revenue guidance and a flat active location count due to the loss of 2,500 Subway locations resulting from Subway's implementation of direct integration with marketplaces, and that the Company expected the remaining Subway locations to also end their contracts by 4Q2022 or 1Q2023, which effects the Company claimed to have incorporated into its guidance months earlier without informing the market.

On this news, shares of Olo stock plummeted approximately 36%, from a closing price of $12.99 per share on August 11, 2022, to a closing price of $8.26 per share on August 12, 2022.

The case is Pompano Beach Police and Firefighters' Retirement System v. Olo Inc., No. 1:22-cv-08228.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE American: AMPE) between December 29, 2020 and August 3, 2022, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important October 17, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Ampio securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Ampio class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=8201 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than October 17, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) defendants inflated Ampio's true ability to successfully file a Biologics License Application for Ampion, the Company's lead product purportedly to treat individuals with inflammatory conditions including, but not limited to, severe osteoarthritis of the knee; (2) defendants inflated the results of the AP-013 study of Ampion and the timing of unblinding the data from the AP-013 study; and (3) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' statements about Ampio's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Ampio class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=8201 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
Hamirpur (HP), Oct 8 (UNI) The BJP has stepped up its activities in wake of the coming assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh.

BJP President J P Nadda, who belongs to Bijapur village in Bilaspur district, has intensified his activities in the state to give a victory to the party.

Nadda is meeting all the elected representatives of the Hamirpur parliamentary constituency at Baru in Hamirpur town on Sunday.

The BJPs chief election strategist, Sudan Singh and Union Information Broadcasting Minister and local MP Anurag Thakur will also take part in the two-hour function.

Sources in the BJP told UNI that the party is going to adopt a do or die policy in the meeting for winning all the 17 assembly seats of Hamirpur parliamentary constituency.

In 2017, the BJP won only two out of five seats in Hamirpur district.

Former Chief Minister P K Dhumal and his Union Minister son Anurag Thakur have been moving in all parts of the constituency to woo the cadres and people.

However, the party is facing teething problems in matters of allotment of ticket.

While a section of workers want Dhumal to contest from Sujanpur, another wants him from Hamirpur.

The district BJP chief Baldev Sharma, who lost twice to I D Lakhanpal of the Congress from Badsar seat, is facing a rebellion in the party.

In Bhoranj (Reserve) seat, sitting MLA Kamlesh Kumari is facing teething problems from former MLA Dr. Anil Dhiman. Dr. Dhiman is the son of six-timer MLA, the late Ishwar Dass Dhiman, a former Education Minister.

In Nadaun, former MLA Vijay Agnihotri is facing tough opposition from Vandna Yogi, a RSS activist.

Narendra Thakur, the BJP MLA from Hamirpur, also faces opposition from old timer cadres.

UNI CSS SY MR
President Joe Biden praises the Italian American community in Columbus Day Proclamation.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Basil M. Russo, the national leader of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations, recently sat down with senior White House staff to offer guidance on the significant and often overlooked history that binds the Italian American community to Columbus Day.

The final product was this year's Columbus Day Proclamation, a historically accurate document that traces the struggles and rise of the Italian American culture, and reflects the winding path to assimilation that many of America's immigrants know all too well.

Columbus Day parades are stepping off in major cities across the country, from New York City, Boston and Pittsburgh to Cleveland, Chicago and beyond. Happy Columbus Day to all, as we celebrate 500 years of immigration to the U.S. (Credit: Z. Tarlacz)

"This breakthrough comes at a critical time as America's 'culture wars' grind on, but as the White House demonstrated, there's a great deal that can be achieved through meaningful dialogue," said Russo. "My fellow Italian American leaders were instrumental in this effort, and it's time to continue the conversation on local and national levels with other groups and cultures who wish to sit down and listen to one another."

President Joe Biden's inclusive piece, released Friday night, was a welcome departure from past proclamations that drew criticism from the Italian American community for conflating the Columbus Day holiday with prevailing social issues.

"Dear Mr. Russo, thank you again for all of your guidance on this year's Columbus Day proclamation. We really appreciate it, and look forward to working with you," said Will McIntee, Senior Advisor, Office of Public Engagement, The White House.

We offer our thanks to President Biden and Mr. McIntee and look forward to working closely with the White House to secure separate holidays for Italian Americans and Indigenous Peoples.

Russo, along with dozens of delegates from the Conference of Presidents, has spent the past year traveling to Rome's parliament and the Vatican to establish diplomatic and cultural ties; they have also mobilized hundreds of Italian American organizations to pursue initiatives that range from public policy and advocacy to education, language and developing cultural institutions.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE OF PRESIDENTS OF MAJOR ITALIAN AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS

Formed in 1975 and based in NYC, the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations is comprised of 58 of the most influential, cultural, educational, fraternal and anti-defamation groups in the nation. The Conference of Presidents is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution.

SOURCE The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations
HEFEI, China, Oct. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A field demonstration and technical session on water-saving and drought-resistant rice (WDR) was held in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province on Wednesday, to discuss and exchange views on WDR online and offline.

Industry experts, including researchers, government officials and crop producers who attended the event, believed that water-saving and drought-resistant rice key to high-quality crop production.

Photo taken on Sept. 28, 2022 shows the field demonstration and technical session on water-saving and drought-resistant rice (WDR) held in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. Photo shows that agricultural expert is introducing water-saving and drought-resistant rice to event participants.

He Fengyang, vice mayor of Hefei City, addressed at the event, saying that Hefei will make efforts to build itself as a "city of crop production" by cultivating leading enterprises, building major innovation platforms, and optimizing urban planning.

Noting that the WDR could mitigate unfavorable environmental factors, such as climate variability and uneven distribution of water resources, Pan Xin, deputy chief of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Anhui Province, said that the WDR represents a new solution for the high-quality agricultural development in the province.

Pan added that the area of WDR in Anhui has accounted for 70 percent of that in China.

General Manager of Fengda Group Wu Zhiyong said that the company works with the Shanghai Agrobiological Gene Center (SAGC), creating new form of cooperation between research institute and enterprise. Fengda Group has become a major promotion organization for the WDR.

Chief Scientist of the SAGC Luo Lijun delivered a report at the event, introducing the characteristics and future development of the WDR.

The event also saw the launching ceremony of the Innovation Federation of WDR Industrial Chain.

Besides, during the event, the SAGC has signed two contracts with Tencent Technology Beijing Co., Ltd. and the county government of Changfeng, respectively, to explore further cooperation.

It is learned that the WDR, developed by the SAGC, can produce yields of over 550 kilogram per mu (1 mu = 0.067 hectare). The WDR has been promoted in China and other countries along the Belt and Road, with yearly pilot rice paddies of three million mu of in China.

See the original link:https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/330385.html

SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road
Kiev, Oct 8 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has outlined the key challenges for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia, the presidential press service reported.

Speaking through a video link at the informal meeting of the European Council, Zelensky on Friday said that the main challenge for Ukraine is the physical protection of its energy facilities from Russian strikes.

Ukraine needs enough air defence systems to prevent possible attacks on its energy infrastructure, he noted.

Another challenge for Kiev is a demilitarisation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine and the restoration of its functioning, the President said.

Post-conflict reconstruction is the third important task for the government, the Ukrainian leader noted, voicing his appreciation for those countries that have already started working under Ukraine's Fast Recovery Plan, Xinhua news agency reported.

The informal European Council meeting was held in Prague, the Czech Republic, on Friday to discuss the situation in Ukraine, as well as energy and economic issues.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War
New York, Oct 8 : New York City Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency in response to a record-breaking influx of asylum seekers into the city, mostly from the southern border of the US.

An executive order was issued on Friday to formally direct all relevant agencies in the city to coordinate their efforts to respond to the asylum seeker humanitarian crisis and construct humanitarian relief centres on a transitory basis.

The state of emergency will remain in effect for 30 days and may be extended, according to the executive order.

Adams also called for emergency federal and state aid to handle the continued influx of asylum seekers, including legislation allowing asylum seekers to work, a decompression strategy at the border, a coordinated effort to move asylum seekers to other cities, emergency financial relief and immigration reform, Xinhua news agency reported.

The shelter system in New York City is now operating at near 100-per cent capacity accommodating more than 61,000 people, and the city would have more than 100,000 asylum seekers next year if current trend continues, according to Adams.

"That's far more than the system was ever designed to handle. This is unsustainable. The city is going to run out of funding for other priorities," he said.

More than 17,000 asylum seekers, mostly from South America, have been bused directly to New York City from the southern border since April, he added.

To accomodate the asylum seekers, the city has contracted 42 hotels as emergency shelters with one humanitarian emergency response and relief centre under construction on Randall's Island, and is working with the New York Governor's office on identifying additional locations for relief centres and staffing resources.

Adams said New York City expects to spend at least $1 billion by the end of this fiscal year starting October 1 on the migrant crisis.

He blamed political motivation and lack of coordination for the man-made humanitarian crisis.

"If our city had had coordination or even just cooperation from any of the states sending buses, or more support from our partners, then maybe we could have budgeted, staffed, and allocated resources for these asylum seekers," he added.

Nearly a month ago, Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a public emergency in the nation's capital due to the arrival of thousands of migrants bused from the southern states of Texas and Arizona.
Tehran, Oct 8 : The Iranian Legal Medicine Organisation confirmed that the death of 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini was not a result of alleged blows to her head or vital organs, a state news media outlet reported.

In its final statement on Amini's death, the forensic organisation on Friday said the conclusion was drawn after examining the CT scans of Amini's brain and lung as well as her corpse, and according to the results of her autopsy and pathological tests.

Amini died because of ineffective cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the early minutes, which caused severe brain hypoxia, it noted, adding she was pronounced dead on September 16 at Tehran's Kasra hospital after multiple organ failure despite all efforts to save her.

She underwent craniopharyngioma surgery at Milad Hospital in Tehran in 2010 to remove a brain tumor, according to forensic organisation, Xinhua news agency reported.

Protests over Amini's death erupted across Iran, first in her native province of Kurdestan before spreading to several other cities, including the capital Tehran.
Jerusalem, Oct 8 : The Police in Israel have arrested eight residents, all between the age groups of 13 to 15 for stabbing an Indian-origin teenager to death at a birthday party in the northern city of Kiryat Shmona, local media reported.

Yoel Lehingahel, 18, had immigrated from India less than a year ago with his family to Nof Hagalil, a city in the Northern district of Israel. He belonged to the north-eastern Indian-Jewish community of Bnei Menashe.

Along with a 15-year-old resident of the nearby Chatzor Haglilit town, police have detained seven more youths, all aged between 13 and 15, the Times of Israel reported.

A fight involving more than 20 teens broke out at a birthday party which was attended by Lehingahel, Meir Paltiel, who works with the community of Indian-Jewish immigrants to Israel, news portal Ynet reported.

In a Facebook post, Ronen Plot, Mayor of Nof Hagalil, described Lehingahel as a "happy" boy who had expressed his desire to join an IDF combat unit.

"A whole life cut short because of an act of violence, which in my eyes was an act of terror in every way," Plot said.

Lehingahel was a member of the Bnei Menashe Jewish community that has been immigrating to Israel over the past two decades from the north-eastern Indian states of Manipur and Mizoram.

Some 3,000 Bnei Menashe have immigrated to Israel in recent years, with another 7,000 remaining in India.

They are believed to have descended from the biblical tribe of Manasseh, one of the 10 Lost Tribes exiled from the land of Israel more than 2,700 years ago.
Srinagar, Oct 8 : Vehicular traffic has been disrupted along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway at Mahar due to shooting stones, Traffic Police said on Saturday.

"Shooting stones disrupting traffic movement at Mehar on Jammu-Srinagar national highway," Jammu and Kashmir Traffic police added.

The highway is the lifeline of the Kashmir Valley and the main road link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country.

Kashmir-bound trucks laden with essential supplies and other vehicles pass through the highway and fruit carrying trucks from Kashmir head for rest of the country through this road.
Seoul, Oct 8 : North Korea stressed on Saturday that its latest missile tests were "regular and self-defence" actions against US military threats, taking issue with a UN aviation agency's condemnation of its recent ballistic missile firing.

In a statement, North Korea's National Aviation Administration (NAA) said: "The missile test launch by the DPRK is a regular and planned self-defensive step for defending the country's security and the regional peace from the US direct military threats that have lasted for more than half a century." The DPRK is the acronym for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, reports Yonhap News Agency.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialised UN agency handling affairs related to international air navigation, formally described the North's continued launching of ballistic missiles over or near international air routes without prior notice as a serious threat to the safety of civil aviation.

The North, however, claimed its missile testing did not pose any threat or harm to the safety of civilian aviation or neighbouring countries.

It made clear that its missile activities are aimed at countering US military threats and criticized the ICAO's move.

"We categorically condemns and rejects this as a political provocation of the US and its vassal forces aimed to infringe upon the sovereignty of the DPRK," the NAA said.

North Korea has ratcheted up tensions on the peninsula with a string of weapons tests, including the firing of an intermediate-range ballistic missile over Japan on Tuesday.

Pyongyang's missile tests are widely viewed as its protest against joint military exercises by South Korea and the US as the Kim Jong-un regime regarded them as a rehearsal for invasion.

The allies staged large-scale annual combined military drills from late August till early September.

They also staged joint naval exercises involving a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan, earlier this week in a show of force against the North's provocations.
London, Oct 8 : British households could face blackouts this winter if there are reduced European electricity imports and insufficient gas supplies in the country, a report warned.

In the extreme scenario, it could erode the security of supply margins and mean some customers could be without power for pre-defined periods during the day, said the Winter Outlook Report published by National Grid ESO, the electricity system operator for Britain.

However, the event is "unlikely", Xinhua news agency quoted the report as saying.

"This would be necessary to ensure the overall security and integrity of the electricity system across Great Britain. All possible mitigating strategies would be deployed to minimise the disruption," it added.

An analysis from energy consultancy Watt-Logic said that rolling blackouts are not likely this winter.

It noted that various measures would be taken before possible blackouts, like appeals for unpaid voluntary demand reductions from households.

This measure "could be very effective if properly communicated", it added.

But, "it is important to recognise the risks and manage them proactively, ahead of time, rather than relying on short-term demand reduction to avoid blackouts".

In a separate report about the security of gas supplies, the British government said its infrastructure "can meet gas demand across a range of scenarios, including a combination of exceptional demand caused by severe weather conditions and the failure of the largest single piece of infrastructure on the gas network".
New York, Oct 8 : "American dream gone wrong", says the family of the Punjab-origin Sikh family of four, including an eight-month-old infant, who were murdered in California Their immigrant dream ended when eight-month-old Aroohi Dheri, her parents Jasleen Kaur, 27, and Jasdeep Singh, 36, and her uncle Amandeep Singh, 39, were violently kidnapped from their trucking business in Merced on Monday and found murdered on Wednesday.

The family said in an online fundraiser on gofundme.com: "As immigrants to America, they worked tirelessly for 18 years to achieve safety, security, and community for themselves and their families." The Merced County Sheriff's Office verified on Friday that the fundraiser was indeed the family's and the only one authorised by them after it had issued an alert about the possibility of unauthorised appeals.

The family's gofundme page said that they all lived under one roof with Randhir Singh and Kirpal Kaur, who were the parents of Amandeep Singh, and Jasdeep Singh, and the wife of Amandeep Singh, Jaspreet Kaur and their children, six-year-old Ekam and nine-year-old Seerat.

The two brothers were "the primary bread earners for the family (and) supported their elderly parents", the appeal said.

As of 8.45 p.m. in California on Friday, the appeal had received $102,238 from 1,070 people.

The appeal has a goal of $250,000 to support the education of Ekam and Seerat and "provide financial relief" to Jaspreet Kaur and the elderly parents.

The gofundme page gave a picture of a tight-knit, happy family now shattered by the tragedy.

The family said on the gofundme page that Amandeep Singh "routinely donated food to the local food bank and found comfort in his faith, never missing Sunday service in the temple".

Jasdeep Singh and Jasleen Kaur married three years ago in India and were re-united two years ago in the US after her immigration came through.

"They were barely starting to make memories together as a family with their baby," the family said.

"Aroohi loved to run around the house in her walker and was a joyous child" much loved by her grandparents and cousins, they added.

Randhir Singh and Kirpal Kaur were "overjoyed" by the birth of their granddaughter and "recently travelled to India to plan a Lohri celebrating Aroohi's arrival in the family", they said.

Jesus Manuel Salgado, a former convict who had worked for the family's trucking business, has been arrested formally and charged with four murders and kidnappings, according to the Sheriff's Office.

His brother, Alberto Salgado, was arrested on Thursday evening "for criminal conspiracy, accessory, and destroying evidence", the Office added.
United Nations, Oct 8 : The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution on solidarity with and support for Pakistan in the wake of the recent devastating floods that has so far killed at least 1,700 people and led to losses worth $40 billion.

The resolution, adopted on Friday by consensus, urges the international community, in particular donor countries, international financial institutions and relevant international organisations, as well as the private sector and civil society, to extend full support and assistance to the Pakistani government in its efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts of the floods and to meet the medium- and long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction needs, reports Xinhua news agency.

It calls on the international community to scale up its humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation of Pakistan, in order to repair and strengthen the country's prospects for achieving sustainable development, and encourages member states, the UN, and humanitarian organisations to continue to work together to address the different needs of affected populations, particularly the most vulnerable.

It emphasizes the need for the international community to maintain its focus beyond the present emergency relief, in order to sustain the political will to support the medium- and long-term rehabilitation, reconstruction and risk reduction efforts as well as the adaptation plan led by the Pakistani government at all levels.

The resolution welcomes the proposed convening of a pledging conference for the long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction phases in the disaster-stricken areas, to be held at the earliest opportunity, and calls on all member states to participate at the highest level.

Stressing the urgent need to enhance adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather events, the resolution urges member states to continue to engage in adaptation planning processes and to enhance cooperation in disaster risk reduction.

It recognises that enhanced access to international climate finance is important to support mitigation and adaptation efforts in developing countries, especially those that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.
Rajkot, Oct 8 : The Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday alleged that the ruling BJP in Gujarat was putting up anti-AAP posters in the city and playing the Hindutva card to digress the people's attention from its failures.

AAP leader Indranil Rajguru charged the ruling party with failing to give qualitative education, health facilities and generate employment.

Justifying his allegations, Rajguru said BJP is in power in Rajkot Municipal Corporation, and the state government, so such hoardings in public places have come up over night, these were put up on Friday night and the corporation has not removed them. Had it been put up by any other party, the Municipal Corporation officers would have swung into action and removed it. Party will take legal action for putting up such anti-AAP hoardings.

He further alleged that had the ruling party been giving good social services, people would have not started liking AAP. The ruling party is not able to digest the rising popularity of AAP in Gujarat and fearing losing electoral ground in the state, BJP has returned to its old tricks of playing Hindutva card.

In said posters and hoardings, it mentions the oath taken by the AAP minister Rajdendra Pal while adopting Buddha religion, "I will now onwards not believe in Lord Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh", it shows Arvind Kejriwal in skull cap and stating, "These are AAP's words and culture." BJP state vice-president Bharat Boghra has refuted allegations of his party being behind the hoardings saying the people of Gujarat will never accept anti-Hindu thinking and beliefs.
New Delhi, Oct 8 : Although the price of milk has increased in the last two years, a large portion of the population in Delhi-NCR believe that the quality has not improved much.

To understand the pulse of the consumers on their milk, online community platform LocalCircles conducted an extensive survey in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) to understand how households consume milk, their preferences, issues of quality and freshness.

Consumers were asked about queries related to consumption as well as got them to question their milk supplier on the supply chain aspects to get a better understanding for their own benefit as well as make fact-based contributions to the survey exercise.

One of the top concerns that the consumers have regularly raised is the quality and purity of milk, and in some cases concerns about adulteration.

Out of the 9,356 respondents, two in three believe that the milk they consume is not pure and only one-third believe that they are getting pure cow or buffalo milk.

Of the two-third respondents, 21 per cebt believe the milk bought by them has some water, fat and milk powder added; another 21 per cent believe that besides water, fat and milk powder, the milk procured by them has adulterants; and 17 per cent believe the milk is being diluted with water.

In addition, 8 per cent of the respondents were uncertain about the quality of the milk they are consuming.

Many consumers are also of the understanding that toned and double toned milk has skim milk powder in it. Also, in community discussions, some consumers expressed concerns about external fat being added to milk in some cases in an attempt to achieve certain metrics.

Similarly, on asking how many litres of milk does a household consume each day, 58 per cent households in Delhi-NCR shared that they purchase 1.5 litres or more per day.

Of the 9,230 responses received to the query, 37 per cent households shared that they consume 1.5-2 litres of milk on a daily basis; 11 per cent consume 2.5 to 3 litres; and 10 per cent consume over 3 litres.

On the other hand, 28 per cent households indicated they consume 1 litre and 14 per cent consume only half a litre.

In effect, nearly one in three households in Delhi-NCR consume half to one litre of milk every day.

As per the survey, nearly 48 per cent of the 9,008 respondents said that their milk is being transported anywhere between 250-500 km before reaching them.

Another sizable chunk, 47 per cent, felt that milk being bought by them reached them after being transported over 500-1000 km.

Just 1 per cent of the respondents felt the travelling distance was over 1,000 km, while another 1 per cent were uncertain.

Only 3 per cent of the respondents said that their milk came from within a 250-km distance.
Mandi : , Oct 8 (IANS/ 101Reporters) When young Nekram Sharma of Nanj in Karsog block of Mandi set out on a mission to revive a forest exactly three decades ago, he had two things in mind -- ensuring fodder for cattle in his village and preventing deaths and injuries in falls from heights.

Women had to tread the narrow paths in risk-prone valleys located far away from Nanj to get cattle fodder then. Alarmed by the situation, Nekram, fresh from graduation, approached the forest department for advice on how to revive the forest adjacent to the village, named Prog, which had turned barren due to overgrazing.

Many families had lost a member to slippery slopes, yet they were not ready to join him at first. It took four years, that too after they noticed the benefits that had begun to trickle in.

Initially, people would uproot the saplings or set the forest floor on fire in order to allow new grass to grow in the upcoming season. Many thought Nekram had a political motive and continued to graze their animals in the area where he had planted saplings. Finally, thorny bushes had to be used to keep the saplings intact. They were removed only when the plants were big enough.

"It was difficult, but when they saw the benefits everyone came on board," Nekram told 101Reporters.

Today, Nanj stands as a testimony to how effective community participation makes life easier and better. Every day, a vehicle carrying milk cans leaves for the market from the village. Animals have been highly productive, thanks to Prog forest that provides them with fodder. Not just the cattle rearers in Nanj, even thousands from Khaniyal, Mandi, Mamel and Sarahan panchayats have reaped rich dividends.

Restoring the green patch Grassy shrubs were present in abundance in the area, but plants that can serve as rich fodder for cattle were missing. So, Nekram decided to plant broad-leafed plants and trees on 215 hectares of forest land between the period of 1992-1996.

"I first researched the plants and trees that could serve as fodder for animals. In the beginning, I bought 5,000 saplings of shahtoot (mulberry trees) from the forest department nursery and planted them with the help of some villagers," Nekram said.

According to Dr Vimal Choudhary, broad-leafed plants can ensure fodder for decades together. "Their branches can be cut during winter, when grass is in shortage," said Choudhary, who heads the Department of Agroforestry at Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Solan.

Dr Sushil Sood, a senior veterinarian with PhD in reproductive technology, claimed that broad-leafed plants served as better fodder as they carried higher levels of nutrients.

Draupadi Devi, who is involved in forest conservation, said they had planted 40-plus varieties of plants and fruit-bearing trees. The results are quite astonishing as the forest is now home to mango, pomegranate, lemon, guava, bamboo, shahtoot, kachnar, byul, amla, ber, sheesham, dadu, jamun, drek and sheersh.

The forest department is closely associated with the conservation from the beginning itself, suggesting species suitable for the place and providing saplings from its nurseries. The department also spreads awareness among locals on forest conservation and community participation. Nekram mentioned the role played by former divisional forest officer Ashok Kumar Simal in increasing the plant diversity of the forest.

Benefits aplenty Chandramani Sharma of Nanj said forest revival changed his life. "Prog forest has bolstered the livelihood of not just me, but every cattle rearer and farmer in the locality." Women sell amla and pomegranate collected from the forest, which earn each of them around Rs 20,000 per annum.

Village women Krishna Devi, Chandravati and Vimala Devi said in unison that they have been spared from long walks in search of cattle fodder. There was a time when they had to set off to distant places along risky routes to find fodder, hoping and praying all the while that they would not fall into a gorge.

"Remember, we had to return home with heavy loads of fodder on our heads. It was a tiring task, not to mention that it would take us the entire morning and most of the afternoon to get back home." They said rescue was very difficult when someone fell off the slope. "Many died before reaching the hospital." Baldev Sharma and Ram Kishan had gone through such harrowing times. "My daughter Babli Devi had gone to cut grass, but she never returned. She was just 26," lamented Sharma, as he recounted the incident that happened 30 years ago.

Kishan told 101Reporters that his mother, now aged 75, escaped only because of luck from the jaws of death some 40 years ago. "She slipped and fell while fetching fodder. She had to be taken to the state hospital in Shimla." Prog forest has also improved the groundwater levels in the locality. "We have 10 baolis (reservoirs) around the village. Four of them now hold water throughout the year, while the rest are very much on the path of revival," Nekram beamed.

Future perfect The participation of every community member has made a difference in Nanj. Women from the Mahila Mandal patrol the forest during the day. They also create fire lines to prevent forest fires.

Right now, Prog forest is off-limits for grazing. "We find new pastures for animal grazing and hold regular meetings to inform people not to graze animals and lit fire in the forest," said Nekram. Once the fodder in Prog forest is ready for harvest, villagers come together to cut and distribute it among themselves.

The people in Nanj are also taking steps to conserve biodiversity of the region by scattering seeds of indigenous species of plants and nutritious grains such as foxtail millet and barnyard millet during monsoons.

What more, taking inspiration from their story, the whole of Karsog is set to adopt the plan. Over 70 Jungle Bachao Samitis have come up in the block, and there has been an increase in community participation. Nekram also visits nearby villages and holds Van Mahotsavs to share their story.

(The author is a freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters.)
Chennai, Oct 8 : Actress Divi Vadthya, who has just returned from Italy where she met actor Denzel Washington on the sets of 'Equalizer 3', says the Hollywood star is super humble and grounded.

Taking to her Instagram to share details of her first trip abroad, Divi said, "Had an amazing time on the sets of 'Equalizer 3', in Rome." She thanked cinematographer Robert Richardson, who, she said was the one who made it possible for her to meet the unit of 'Equalizer 3'.

"Thank you Bob - the great cinematographer Robert Richardson for making this happen and giving me this wonderful experience.... Without you, this wouldn't have happened. Three years ago, I worked as an assistant for him in India for an ad film", she further noted in her social media post.

Talking about Denzel, she mentioned, "Met Denzel Washington - such an amazing person he is. Super humble and grounded. Loved the conversation with him. I watch his speeches and follow his videos. He motivates and gives a lot of strength, also spreads a positive aura." She also wrote about the director of the film and their style of working.

She said the clarity Antoine Fuqua, the director of the 'Equalizer' series and films like 'Training Day' has towards the a scene and see him work on the sets was incredible.

"My respect for them (has) increased 10 times after seeing them work. So happy to share this. My trip to Rome was worth it. This is my first time out of India and I shall cherish these memories forever."
Srinagar, Oct 8 : Jammu and Kashmir government is planning to instal 'Srinagar Eye' on the pattern of 'London Eye' in the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar, in a boost to the tourism sector.

"A giant Ferris Wheel would be part of the Srinagar Eye to attract tourists to the Lake." "We have also submitted the site proposal for approval. Environmental impact, financial involvement in modelling etc are being considered by the government before the proposal gets approval.

"Environmental assessment is the main hurdle and once cleared at that level, Srinagar Eye would become a reality sooner than most of us believe," said an official.

In London, London Eye or the Millennium Wheel as it is called, is constructed on the banks of Thames. It is Europe's tallest cantilevered observation wheel which attracts more than 3 million tourists each year.
Chennai, Oct 8 : Shocked by the early morning swoop by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on September 22 against the radical Islamist outfit Popular Front of India and foisting of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) against its leaders, many Muslim outfits are planning a regrouping and protests across the state.

The Mainathaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) of Jawaharullah MLA conducted protest marches at Chennai and Madurai against the UAPA "misuse" by the Central government and said that the act has no place in a democratic country.

The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), the political arm of the Popular Front of India which is not banned, is also planning demonstrations across the state. The Islamist organisations are also planning seminars and discussions throughout Tamil Nadu under the guise of Human rights organisations, a trick they have employed in Kerala after the ban on the Student Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).

In Coimbatore, a few days ago an Islamic NGO was formed, Islamic Federation of Tamil Nadu with members drawn from the SDPI, Islamic Law Research Council, and a few other organisations.

The office bearers of the organisation informed media persons that the NGO was formed to work for the socio-economic development of the Muslim community in Coimbatore. Coimbatore had witnessed major communal clashes between Islamist organisations and Hindu movements and the February 1998 serial bomb blasts took place in Coimbatore. The bomb blasts were aimed at the then Deputy Prime Minister of the country, L.K. Advani. While Advani escaped unhurt, 58 people were killed and more than 200 grievously injured in the blasts.

Sources in the central agencies told IANS that such organisations would erupt in many parts of Tamil Nadu in the days to come and would conduct media seminars, discussions on human rights violations, and other activities which SIMI used to conduct earlier.

The protest march conducted by the Manithaneeya Makkal Katchi (MMK), the CPI, CPI-M and the VCK participated giving it a semblance of respect.

An officer who is keeping a tab on the activities of Islamic movements subscribing to the ideology of SIMI told IANS, "These organisations are trying to rope in former ultra-left activists, and will also invite leaders of the left parties and some Dravidian outfits as well as Dalit movements to get a semblance of respect from the society and we are keeping a close watch on that."
London, Oct 8 : E-commerce platform Shopify has committed to new practices to make consumers safe from buying fake products from webstores hosted by its platform.

Following dialogues with the Commission and the network of national consumer protection (CPC) authorities, multinational e-commerce platform agreed to make several improvements to make shopping safer for customers, bringing it in line with EU rules.

"Almost 75 per cent of internet users in the EU are shopping online. This is a huge market for scammers and rogue traders to exploit, and they will continue to do so unless we act," said Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice.

"We welcome Shopify's commitment to ensure that traders operating on its platform are aware of their responsibilities under EU law, and are taken down if they break the rules," Reynders said in a statement.

The dialogue first originated following the receipt of numerous complaints, which peaked during the pandemic, through the European Consumer Centres.

The complaints mainly related to web stores hosted by the platform, found to have engaged in illegal practices, such as making fake offers and fake scarcity claims, supplying counterfeit goods or not providing their contact details.

Shopify has now committed to create a fast and effective "notice and action" procedure for national consumer authorities and to change its templates to push traders to be more transparent towards consumers.

The company will address the issue of web shops providing insufficient information about their companies, as well as missing mandatory information on consumer rights.

Shopify also agreed to take down the concerned web shops, as well as provide the relevant company details.

Such breaches could include, for instance, fake scarcity claims, pressure selling, counterfeit goods, or undelivered products, for example.
Los Angeles, Oct 8 : The 'Shape of Water' director Guillermo del Toro takes a very dim view of anybody slandering the legendary Hollywood filmmaker, Martin Scorsese.

The Oscar winning filmmaker took to social media to defend Scorsese against an "offensive, cruel and ill-intentioned" essay published by The Critic that slammed Scorsese as an "uneven talent" whose "self-indulgence has "debased his talent," reports Variety.

"I very, very seldom post anything contradictory here," del Toro posted, "but the amount of misconceptions, sloppy inaccuracies and hostile adjectives not backed by an actual rationale is offensive, cruel and ill-intentioned. This article baited them into traffic, but at what cost?" "To be clear: If God offered to shorten my life to lengthen Scorsese's, I'd take the deal," he continued in his post. "This man understands Cinema. Defends Cinema. Embodies Cinema. He has always fought for the art of it and against the industry of it. He has never been tamed and has a firm place in history." The essay in question, criticised 'The Wolf of Wall Street' for being "achingly slow" and called 'Raging Bull', "across-the-board bad filmmaking," two claims del Toro outrightly rejected. The filmmaker wrote that "film language discussions, history lessons and research may be needed" for anyone who thinks such things.

"When I read pieces like this one. Aimed at one of the most benign forces and one of the wisest, I do feel the tremors of an impending culture collapse - and I do wonder: 'To what end?' and find myself at a loss," del Toro concluded.

Del Toro has long been an outspoken champion of Scorsese. During the festival rollout of 'The Irishman' in 2019, del Toro posted a lengthy Twitter thread in which he praised the film as a masterpiece for how it "transmogrified all the gangster myths into regret."
New Delhi, Oct 8 : In the latest development to the controversy surrounding the upcoming mythological film 'Adipurush', Swami Chakrapani Maharaj, National President of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, has called for a body of Hindu seers to be included in the Censor Board to stop any anti-Hindu movie from releasing.

Chakrapani claimed that people in Bollywood have always mocked the Hindu religion and now the time has come to oppose them.

"They won't succeed in defaming Hinduism if we have a body of seers in the Censor Board. Every movie should first be reviewed by the body which will thoroughly check if the religion is being defamed or not," he added.

Swami Chakrapani's demand comes after several organisations have joined hands demanding the ban of the Prabhas-Saif Ali Khan starrer.

On Thursday, the Sarva Brahmin Mahasabha sent a notice to Om Raut, the director of 'Adipurush', asking him to remove controversial scenes from the film in seven days or else face legal action.

The film's trailer has triggered netizens over its content.

While some people on the Internet are trolling the poor VFX, others are criticising the film over inappropriate portrayal of gods in the film.

Saif's look as Raavan with beard made social media users question if he is playing Raavan or "Babar" or "Alauddin Khilji" in the film.

Earlier on Tuesday, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra reportedly expressed his anguish over the portrayal of the gods in the film.

Mishra said that Hanuman was shown wearing leather clothes while the description of his appearance is clearly given in the Hanuman Chalisa.

'Adipurush' is a retelling of the Ramayana. Prabhas's character is termed as Raghav, which is another name for Lord Ram. Saif plays Raavan, while Janaki (Sita) is played by Kriti Sanon.
Kolkata, Oct 8 : A parallel affair with a girl as well her mother resulted in a brutal murder of a 21-year-old man, whose body was recovered from Magrahat in South 24 Parganas district, police said on Saturday.

A total of six persons, including now-deceased Ayan Mondal's girlfriend, her mother, father, brother and two of their associates, have been arrested by the cops of Haridevpur Police station, under whose area the victim was a resident.

During investigating, the police got definite clues that a parallel affair that the deceased was having with the girl as well as her mother resulted in a feud, following which he was brutally murdered and his body dumped at a secluded place at Magrahat.

City police sources said that Mondal, an app cab driver by profession, tried to connect with his girlfriend on Wednesday evening on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami. However, since she repeatedly disconnected his calls, Mondal reached her residence in an inebriated state.

"There he entered into a tiff with her mother and even assaulted her. Soon his girlfriend arrived followed by her brother and father and the fight took a nastier turn. In the heat of the moment, her brother hit Mondal on his head with a heavy and blunt object leading to his instant death," a city police official said.

Thereafter, the four decided to somehow dump the body in a secluded place. The brother contacted two of his close associates, hired a pick-up van, wrapped the body, took it to a secluded place at Magrahat and dumped it. The entire process was completed by late Wednesday night.

On Thursday morning, Mondal's family filed a missing complaint at Haridevpur Police Station and finally on Friday night the body was recovered.
Ahmedabad, Oct 8 : The mental health of employees is increasingly being given utmost priority and has become a crucial determinant in their overall health. The fact that poor mental health can lead to burnout among employees, seriously affecting their ability to contribute meaningfully to both their personal and professional lives is something every employee is aware of.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also estimated that the economic loss due to mental health conditions could amount to $1.03 trillion for the 2012-2030 period.

Now, more and more companies are being cognizant of how various situations can potentially take a toll on the emotional and mental well-being of its employees. And they have decided that it is best not to ignore signs of their emotional and mental stresses and address them like any physical ailment.

Companies are now investing in the well-being of its employees, their families and have made it their top priority to create tailor-made programmes for their employees' wellbeing which are holistic, customizable and accessible.

"We understand that in a fast-paced business environment, it can be challenging to manage multiple personal and professional commitments. Keeping up with the demands at both home and work can often lead to stress and anxiety. Hence, we started this Emotional Wellness Programme as part of Adani Cares, our integrated suite of services and support platforms from which we hope we all benefit. It is essential that we continue to strive to build an inclusive, empathetic work culture," a spokesperson from Adani Group shares.

This initiative is in association with ICAS (Independent Counselling and Advisory Services) which is a Wellness & Wellbeing (W&W) service of the highest international standards that is effective and makes a difference to the lives of people in the organization.

Employees can avail free telephonic counselling or if recommended by the counsellor they can also avail face-to-face counselling.

Ummul Ranalvi, Partner and Managing Director of ICAS India, who has over 25 years of experience in designing and implementing HR interventions to enhance organizational effectiveness, says: "Even three years ago, companies were not so inclined to provide mental health services to their employees. But the pandemic has changed the whole perspective and made people aware of how important mental health is. Until then companies were concentrating a lot on physical health." Lauding companies like Adani for taking steps to de-stigmatise mental health and bringing it to the forefront, she continues: "All major companies are our clients in India and we can say that companies have now realised that poor mental health and stress at the workplace can be a contributory factor to a range of physical illnesses like hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, among others.

"Now, companies are creating awareness and offering solutions. They are also making sure that within an organisation, atmosphere is less toxic, sensitive and open."
Chennai, Oct 8 : Opposition parties in Puducherry, including DMK and Congress, have come out in protest against the government's move to introduce CBSE pattern syllabus in government schools of the territory.

Puducherry Education Minister A. Namassivayam has recently submitted a petition to the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan seeking the Union government's approval for the new education pattern in the territory.

The main resentment is that Hindi will be made mandatory and there won't be any option to study under the state board. Opposition leaders pointed out that this would lead to the implementation of the National Education Policy.

DMK leader and leader of opposition in the Territorial assembly, R. Siva told IANS that there was something fishy in the move and that the education minister did not even discuss the matter in the territorial assembly. He also said that the previous Congress- DMK government had even passed a resolution in the assembly against the implementation of the NEP.

The DMK leader said that CBSE syllabus would need teachers qualified under the Central Teachers Eligibility test and recruitment will be of teachers from other states.

However, A. Namassivayam told IANS that the government plans to introduce the CBSE syllabus in all schools upto Class 9th and that this would help the students crack competitive exams like NEET and JEE. He also said that the NEP syllabus would help the students be ready for the 21st century.

Puduchery is not having a syllabus of its own with Karaikkal and Puducherry following the Tamil Nadu board, Mahe area following the Kerala board and the Yanam territory following the Andhra Pradesh board and the implementation of the CBSE pattern would help to bring about a uniform education pattern in the territory.

Member of Parliament and Congress leader V. Vaithalingam opposed the move of the UT government. He said that with the emphasis on CBSE, there would be complete neglect of Tamil language and asked whether Mathematics and Science would be taught in Tamil.

K. Arogyasamy, social activist and retired school principal from Puducherry told IANS, "The government should bring up an open discussion across the territory and then bring this in the assembly and then only introduce CBSE pattern if required".
Kandahar, Oct 8 : In recent weeks, the Taliban have carried out inspections of girls' schools in the Kandahar province and expelled hundreds of pubescent female students, media reported.

They have joined the estimated 3 million girls in Afghanistan who are being deprived of an education.

Since seizing power last year, the militant group has barred girls who are 13 or older or above the sixth grade from attending school, RFE/RL reported.

The expulsions in Kandahar are part of the Taliban's enforcement of its deeply controversial ban, which has fuelled protests inside the country and attracted international condemnation.

According to the Taliban's extremist view of Islamic Sharia law, girls who have reached puberty must be segregated from male students and teachers. The militants have claimed that, due to a shortage of female teachers, they cannot permit pubescent girls to attend school. Before the Taliban takeover, many girls' schools were already segregated.

The Taliban have not given exceptions to girls who started school late, had to repeat school, or have learning disabilities, RFE/RL reported.

Fawzia, a 15-year-old who was in the fifth grade, was expelled from her school in Kandahar's Daman district last month. She said the Taliban kicked out more than 100 girls from her school alone after carrying out an inspection.

Mawlawi Fakhruddin Naqshbandi, the provincial head of the Taliban's Education Ministry in Kandahar, confirmed the expulsions. He said girls who were 13 or older or had reached puberty were being expelled.

Afghan women and girls have taken to the streets to protest the Taliban's ban and demand their basic rights since the militant group seized power in August 2021.

Last month, schoolgirls, women, and even Afghan elders openly demonstrated their support for girls' education in social media posts and street protests across the country, in a rare display of defiance under the Taliban, RFE/RL reported.
New Delhi, Oct 8 : Despite a ban on stubble burning in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana, farmers continue to burn stubble in the fields between the harvesting of paddy and the sowing of wheat, which contributes heavily to the pollution enveloping Delhi during the winter season. This year also both the states have recorded incidents of stubble burning.

The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) that tracks the burning of crops in the field has suggested that Punjab has recorded lesser cases of stubble burning this season so far. The data from IARI suggests that only 320 fires have been reported so far this year, against 620 and 1,935 in 2021 and 2020 respectively. The Consortium for Research on Agroecosystem Monitoring and Modelling from Space (CREAMS) of IARI monitors the stubble burning and provides daily reports.

Meanwhile, the air quality in the capital city has deteriorated and Stage-1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been enforced after an order was issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday.

To combat the air pollution, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced a 15-point Winter Action Plan from September 30. While announcing the action plan, he had said that air pollution due to stubble burning remains a top concern at this time of the year. A bio-decomposer, prepared by Delhi's Pusa Institute, would be given free to farmers. Secondly, an anti-dust campaign will start from October 6. Active monitoring will be done by 586 teams.

Kejriwal informed that for vehicular pollution, around 380 teams have been formed to check enforcement of the PUC policy. He also announced that the ban on crackers will continue like every year. The GRAP would be followed to forecast for three days at a time. Along with this, he also urged the neighbouring states to ensure that most vehicles coming from outside are CNG vehicles.

The Delhi government has decided that petrol and diesel will not be available without a PUC (pollution under control) certificate at the petrol pumps in the national capital from October 25.

While speaking to the media on October 1, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said, "If the AQI remains between 200-300, then as per GRAP, strict compliance will be taken on the dust generation from construction, waste management and an order can be issued to stop the generator set." He elaborated that if the AQI goes between the 300-400 level, a ban on tandoors and diesel sets will be imposed and the parking fees will have to be increased along with metro trips. Vehicles coming from outside will be banned if the AQI goes between 400-500 and big vehicles in Delhi will be banned, he added. If the AQI goes over 450, more strict steps will be taken, said Rai.

The Delhi Government on Thursday also launched a month-long intensive anti-dust campaign. A total of 586 teams including 33 DPCC teams have been formed to implement and monitor the anti-dust norms. "The anti-dust campaign will be run in Delhi from today till November 6. It is compulsory for all construction sites to follow all 14 anti-dust norms; strict action to be taken against violators. 586 teams including 33 DPCC teams have been formed specially to implement and monitor the anti-dust norms", Rai said.

Meanwhile, the Centre also held a review meeting on September 30 ahead of the crop burning season with Delhi's adjoining states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav had expressed his 'concern and dis-satisfaction' over the preparedness in Punjab in taking concrete action towards Air Quality Management.

However, as the air quality has started deteriorating in the capital city, the blame game has also started between the Centre and the states over the rising pollution level. "Earlier Arvind Kejriwal would blame stubble burning in Punjab for pollution in Delhi. Now that the AAP is in power in Punjab, stubble burning has started again and it will choke Delhi and the rest of North India in no time. What is Kejriwal doing to ensure that Delhi breathes clean air?", asked Amit Malviya of the BJP in a tweet on Friday.
New Delhi, Oct 8 : From dementia to altering brain structure in kids, from sudden heart attacks to autism risk -- the health impact of long-term exposure to air pollution is not just respiratory illnesses, as several new studies have documented this year alone.

These new investigations raise a fresh alarm for the governments and agencies in India to fast-track their efforts to safeguard the population from air pollution.

Exposure to above-average levels of outdoor air pollution increases the risk of death by 20 per cent, and the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 17 per cent, according to a team of researchers, including one of Indian origin.

The study, published in the journal 'PLOS ONE' in June, showed that using wood or kerosene-burning stoves, not properly ventilated through a chimney, to cook food or heat the home also increases the overall risk of death (by 23 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively) and cardiovascular death risk (by 36 per cent and 19 per cent, respectively).

"Our study highlights the role that key environmental factors of indoor/outdoor air pollution, access to modern health services, and proximity to noisy, polluted roadways play in all causes of death, and deaths from cardiovascular disease in particular," said researcher Rajesh Vedanthan from NYU Langone Health.

In a first-of-its-kind study, published in the peer-reviewed journal 'Environmental Pollution' in September, researchers linked exposure to air pollutants like particulate matter PM2.5 -- particularly in the first five years of life starting from the womb -- and alterations in the brain structure that may put children at psychiatric and cognitive disorder risks later in life.

The study, led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), found an association in children aged 9-12, between exposure to air pollutants in the womb and during the first 8.5 years of life and alterations in white matter structural connectivity in the brain.

Abnormal white matter microstructure has been associated with psychiatric disorders (depressive symptoms, anxiety and autism spectrum disorders).

In April, China-based researchers claimed that exposure to air pollutants -- even at levels below World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines -- may trigger a heart attack within an hour.

The study, published in the American Heart Association's journal 'Circulation', found exposure to any level of four common air pollutants -- fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide -- could quickly trigger the onset of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

ACS is an umbrella term describing any situation in which blood supplied to the heart muscle is blocked, such as in a heart attack or unstable angina, chest pain caused by blood clots that temporarily block an artery.

"The adverse cardiovascular effects of air pollution have been well documented. But we were still surprised at the very prompt effects," said Haidong Kan, professor in the School of Public Health at Fudan University in Shanghai.

"Another surprise was the non-threshold effects of air pollution. Any concentration of air pollutants may have the potential to trigger the onset of a heart attack," Kan added.

According to UK-based researchers, air pollution is likely to increase the risk of developing dementia.

The Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants in the UK published its findings in July this year, after reviewing almost 70 studies that analysed how exposure to emissions affect the brain over time.

The 291-page report concluded that air pollution is likely to increase the risk of accelerated "cognitive decline" and of "developing dementia" in elderly people.

Experts believe this is due to the impact of pollutants entering the circulatory system, affecting blood flow to the brain.

Last month, another study found that the impact of breathing diesel exhaust fumes may be more severe for women than men.

Hemshekhar Mahadevappa and Neeloffer Mookherjee from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada, looked for changes in people's blood brought about by exposure to diesel exhaust.

In both females and males, they found changes in components of the blood related to inflammation, infection and cardiovascular disease, but they found more changes in females than males.

"These are preliminary findings, however, they show that exposure to diesel exhaust has different effects in female bodies compared to male and that could indicate that air pollution is more dangerous for females than males," said Mookherjee.

This is important as respiratory diseases such as asthma are known to affect females and males differently, with females more likely to suffer severe asthma that does not respond to treatments.
Chandigarh, Oct 8 : Just days ahead of the national capital getting shrouded in a thick blanket of smog, farmers of Punjab and Haryana, aptly called India's prominent granaries, have started setting their fields on fire to quickly clear off the crop residue of paddy so that the field is ready for the next crop, mainly wheat.

Both states have two growing seasons: one from May to September and another from November to April. Many farmers rotate between crops, planting rice in May and wheat in November.

Punjab annually generates 20 million tonnes of paddy straw and this is normally set on fire to quickly clear the fields for the next crop, resulting in choking of the National Capital Region (NCR) in October and November.

As per the state agriculture department, the estimated waste generation from paddy harvesting in Haryana is around 3.5 million tonnes, with the crop mainly produced in Karnal, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Ambala, Fatehabad, Sirsa, Yamunanagar and Panipat districts.

Punjab recorded 71,304 paddy fire incidents in 2021, 76,590 in 2020, 55,210 in 2019 and 50,590 in 2018, with many districts including Sangrur, Mansa, Bathinda and Amritsar, witnessing a large number of such incidents.

Comparatively much lower than Punjab, Haryana reported 6,987 fire incidents during the paddy harvest season in 2021 and 9,898 in 2020.

Sounding a warning note, a Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) official told IANS that the farm fire incidents is expected to reach its peak close to Diwali on October 24.

With numerous farm fires across Punjab and red outlines on satellite images showing the approximate locations of active burning, the Centre has warned the state government to chalk out a comprehensive action plan at the micro level for effective control of paddy stubble burning.

During the Assembly elections in Punjab this year, the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP party had promised to address the stubble burning issue. The national capital, also under the helm of the AAP government, gets shrouded in a thick blanket of smog particularly in October and November as the stubble fire picks up in the adjoining states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Joining the blame game, Amit Malviya, in-charge of BJP's National Information and Technology Department, said earlier Kejriwal would blame stubble burning in Punjab for pollution in Delhi.

"Now that the AAP is in power in Punjab, stubble burning has started again and it will choke Delhi and the rest of North India in no time," Malviya tweeted. "What is Kejriwal doing to ensure that Delhi breathes clean?" Last month, the AAP governments in Punjab and Delhi joined hands to combat stubble burning by spraying Pusa bio-decomposer on 5,000 acres in Punjab as a pilot project.

Agricultural experts say promoting crop diversification and shifting to a short duration paddy crop in Punjab can help reduce the stubble burning problem.

An estimated 39 million tonnes of paddy straw are being burnt every year in Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

However, PPCB Member Secretary Krunesh Garg does not see crop diversification as the long-term solution as it does not mean that biomass will not be produced by other crops.

"It will just be another kind of biomass waste, like cotton sticks and mustard straw waste coming from Rajasthan to Punjab. The issue with respect to the burning of this fuel will always remain. So we need to find solutions, both in situ and ex-situ. A combination of these can only be effective." Garg said it is not that the problem is not being addressed. "We are mapping it down to the block and village level, but it will take 4-5 years for proper problem resolution." Punjab Agriculture Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal told IANS the state is taking all possible steps to stop stubble burning in the paddy harvesting season that began on October 1.

To manage the stubble, the government is distributing 56,000 machines under in-situ management, taking the total tally of machines to 146,422.

Punjab saw 692 cases of stubble burning till October 7 with most of the incidents have been reported from the border belt of Majha region. Amritsar tops the chart with 25 stubble burning cases so far.

To minimise the farm fire incidents, the state government is making red-entries in the revenue records of farmers for indulging in the illegal practice.

Joining the issue, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan), the state's prominent farmers' outfit, said the small landholding farmers are forced to burn the stubble out of compulsion.

At the meeting with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, BKU leaders asked him not to penalise farmers for setting ablaze the straw as they can't afford to hire or buy heavy machinery for in-situ management of stubble.

Post-harvesting the wheat straw is used as fodder for the livestock, while paddy straw in the fields is set on fire by the farmers to quickly clear their fields for the next crop.

Due to field fire incidents from October to November, the problem of air pollution is widely prevalent in and around the rural area, causing major health effects.

Due to the climatic conditions, the air quality in NCR also deteriorates, with contribution from various local sources such as domestic, vehicular, industrial and municipal solid waste dump fires.

The latest in the series of measures taken by the Punjab government to tackle stubble burning include provision of crop residue management machines to the panchayats, cooperatives and individual farmers for in-situ crop residue management, use of paddy straw as energy resource for biomass based plants, monitoring and enforcement stubble burning, as well as awareness campaign in the farming community.

At a workshop organised in Chandigarh on October 3 by Delhi-based Climate Trends, Panjab University and PGIMER Chandigarh, representatives from pollution control boards, experts, practitioners and farmers came together to discuss the ground solutions.

Industry voices present at the session explained how there is no supply chain architecture for procuring the stubble waste from fields to provide to relevant industry.

They say there is a scope for entrepreneurs to build a startup economy by setting up logistics. There is a demand for aggregators.

Speaking on challenges of running an ex-situ utilisation industry, Ashish Kumar from German company Verbio India Pvt Ltd said: "Verbio does the biomass waste collection on our own because that kind of supply chain didn't exist in India.

"Each stubble waste bail weighs 400-450 kg that can only be handled by mechanised systems only. This entire value chain of procurement, production and final supply of the gas for revenue generation is owned and operated by us, so imagine the complexity of this for a business owner.

"Our business model of converting biomass waste into fuel, which can be utilised by automotive or commercial purposes, can survive on three revenue streams -- manure, gas, and carbon credits.

"Right now we can only generate revenue for gas, but the other two are not set up in India and till then these businesses will not be very viable." Paddy straw is also used as in waste-to-energy plants, brick kilns and end products.

Canada's Saskatchewan-based company Clean Seed recently announced it had entered into a Letter of Intent with the Northern Farmers Producer Company Limited Mega Farmer Cooperative to market and distribute 1,000 smart seeder machines from 2023-2025 in both Punjab and Haryana.

With its multipurpose solutions such as managing straw and accurate seed and fertilizer placement in combination with the unique no-tillage practices, the smart seeder machines can bring a paradigm shift, Consul General of Canada in Chandigarh, Patrick Hebert, told IANS in a recent interview.

(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)
New Delhi, Oct 8 : The Supreme Court has said that no long adjournment should be granted while recording the statement of prosecution witnesses and the cross-examination should be recorded either on the same day or on the day following.

A bench of Justices Ajay Rastogi and C.T. Ravikumar said the mandate of law itself postulates that examination-in-chief, followed with cross-examination, is to be recorded either on the same day or on the day following. It emphasised that there should not be a long adjournment.

The bench said: "We do not want to dilate at this stage since the trial is pending but we would like to observe that the trial judge may take a note of the judgment of this court in reference to Section 309 Cr.P.C and not only expedite the trial but the examination-in-chief/cross-examination is to be recorded either on the same day or on the day following but no long adjournment should be granted while recording the statement of prosecution witnesses." It made this observation while hearing plea seeking quashing of bail granted by the Allahabad High Court to a person in a murder case.

Counsel for the petitioner informed the bench that there were three eye-witnesses as per the calendar of witnesses and charge sheet has been filed and statement of a witness by this time has been recorded which took almost three months to conclude.

"So far as statement of PW-2 is concerned, part of the examination-in-chief was recorded on September 21, 2022 and despite request been made the mandate of Section 309 Cr.P.C. is not being followed which has been considered by this court in 'Vinod Kumar versus State of Punjab (2015)'," noted the bench.

Section 309 of the CrPC deals with power to postpone or adjourn proceedings.

The top court, in its order, said: "The mandate of law itself postulates that examination-in-chief followed with cross-examination is to be recorded either on the same day or on the day following. In other words, there should not be any grounds for adjournment in recording the examination-in-chief/cross-examination of the prosecution witness, as the case may be." In an order passed in March, the high court granted bail to a person for the alleged offences, which also included murder charges.

The top court has scheduled the matter for further hearing after six weeks.

--IANS ss/vd

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Mumbai, Oct 8 : From being an actor, director to producer, Ajay Devgn is known for donning multiple hats. In 2008, he directed and produced 'U Me Aur Hum', he also produced and acted in 'Raju Chacha' and in 2022 he directed 'Runway 34' which is inspired from an incident of a flight from Doha to Kochi in 2015.

Ajay shared that having grown up on film sets (his father Veeru is a renowned action director) has armed him up with various skills of filmmaking.

The actor said: "I have grown up on film sets, from assisting to handling the camera, from editing to taking up small tasks on the sets. These experiences have contributed to the kind of artiste I have transformed into today. As an actor, I've always liked the challenges." 'Runway 34' is a riveting story of aviation clubbed with courtroom drama. Along with Ajay, it features Rakul Preet Singh and Amitabh Bachchan.

Ajay further shared what he liked about the film: "Exploring something new interests me a lot. This genre, aviation drama, is fairly new in the country and it's a genre that I really enjoy. The script has a lot of drama, thrill, emotion and suspense. In order for audiences to experience the situations with us, everything had to feel real, the aircraft, the cast, the environment." "I think reality will grip the audience the minute they set eyes on their screens", he added.

Briefing about her character, Rakul added: "My character plays the first officer in the film, who is stuck in a conflict which adds to the drama of the film. This marks a milestone in my career as it was a unique role and very challenging at the same time." "Through the whole process Ajay Devgn truly inspired me because of the way he juggled his roles as an actor, director and producer on the set. And top of all, collaborating with Amitabh Bachchan was like a dream come true. Being on the same set as him really allowed me to learn so much," concluded Rakul sharing how it was to share screen with Big B and Ajay.

'Runway 34' will have its world television premiere on Zee Cinema on Saturday, 8 p.m. IST.
Moscow, Oct 8 : The claims peddled by the US State Department about the damage to the Ukrainian agro-industrial complex clearly play into the hands of those who benefit from rising food prices and disruptions in supplies, said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.

"US State Department spokesman Ned Price routinely shifts the blame for the worsening global food crisis onto Russia. In particular, references are being made to a report put out by the Washington-funded Conflict Observatory NGO on the damage that had allegedly been inflicted by our country on Ukrainian grain depots during the special military operation. A familiar story. There was an 'observatory' with regard to the situation in Syria.

"It was based not in Damascus or Aleppo, but in London (we covered this earlier) in a building that used to be a pizza place. Nominally, they created an entity that the British authorities, NATO, and Anglo-Saxons generously supplied with money and most importantly, fake facts. The same thing is now happening in the US. They are financing this entity, portraying it as civil society, and supplying it with materials. Later on, they will be citing these materials," Zakharova said.

The report, which is financially backed by US official bodies, states that "at least" one in six food warehouses in Ukraine had been impacted since February, and about 8.4 million tonnes of grain were destroyed, damaged or "stolen", which puts in jeopardy Ukraine's ability to fulfil its obligations to the UN World Food Programme and deals a blow to the Istanbul deala which fact will impact the poorest countries.

"We know perfectly well that NATO countries can't sleep or eat because all they do is think about the poorest countries out there. They are using these groundless allegations to put forward heinous statements accusing our country of war crimes," said Zakharova.

The armed forces of the Russian Federation target only military infrastructure and enemy troops. This has been stated. It is a fact that no "conflict observatory" in the United States is in a position to refute, she said.

The goal of the United States is to head off any accusations of possible disruptions in shipments of agricultural products from Ukrainian ports that may come from the developing countries, as well as of the "strange geography" of the end recipients of grain, she said.

"We would also like to point out that the United States is the main sponsor and supplier of weapons to Kiev, which uses them to strike civilian targets such as shopping centres, shops, markets, and food warehouses. This includes agriculture processing plants, which, according to the West, make products the poorest countries needed so badly. When agricultural facilities are showered with shells fired from American weapons, the United States temporarily forgets about the poorest countries that need food," she added.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War
Hyderabad, Oct 8 : Hyderabad police have announced closure of most of the flyovers in the city in view of Milad-un-Nabi processions in the city on Sunday.

Except Begumpet, Langar House, Dabeerpura, and Lalapet flyovers and PVNR Express Way, all flyovers in the city will be closed for traffic from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Police Commissioner C.V. Anand also imposed traffic restrictions/diversions to relieve traffic congestion, to maintain smooth flow of traffic and ensure public safety.

The main procession will start from Syed Quadri Chaman and pass through various parts of the old city including Falaknuma, Aliabad crossroads, Laldarwaza crossroads, Charminar, Gulzar House, Madina, Nayapul bridge, Salarjung Museum, Purani Haveli, Etebar Chowk before concluding at Volta Hotel Bibi Bazar.

The vehicular traffic will be diverted at several places along the procession route. The Police Commissioner said the traffic will be stopped or diverted at 25 points in the south zone.

In view of the processions in other parts of twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, traffic will be diverted at various places in north zone, west zone, east zone and west central zone.

The Police Commissioner chaired a video conference with all senior officers, SHOs and traffic wing to review the security and traffic arrangements for the Milad-un-Nabi festival and related processions, meetings to be held from Saturday night.

Since the celebrations are usually marked with bike rallies, processions and meetings emphasis was laid on streamlining traffic arrangements, including diversions, barricading and closing flyovers etc. The traffic officials were instructed to close the flyovers and ensure the procession moves in the pre-determined routes without any hindrances. The concerned zonal DCPs were tasked to liaison with R&B officials to ensure proper barricading is in place.

Instructions were given to close all the establishments in time to prevent any untoward incident and unnecessary crowd movement. City police chief has asked to bind over all the communal history sheeters and keep a watch on the suspects. He urged all the police personnel to be more mobile and visible on field since the event would witness participation of youth in large numbers.

Proper deployment of additional forces, anti-sabotage checks, and several operational issues were discussed in length. Anand asked officials not to be complacent.

Arrangements were being made particularly to cover vulnerable areas of mixed population and places of worship. Special teams will be deployed to keep a tab on rash driving and prevent unlawful assemblies.

Senior officers heading the Law & Order, Special Branch, and other wings shared previous experiences and other vital operational issues and listed preventive measures. Anand exhorted the SHOs to liaise with peace committees, and on-boarding more youngsters.

The police is also keeping a close watch on social media platforms to check spreading of any unverified or malicious posts. The social media monitoring team was tasked to maintain high vigil.
Shimla, Oct 8 : Two trekkers from Belgium, Peter Van Geit and Sneha, have been trapped in the high mountains of Bara Bhangal in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district for five days, officials said.

In a message, they have requested for their timely evacuation.

In the message, Geit said he and his friend Sneha crossed over the Kaliheni Pass on October 5 after hiking from Sangchar to Bara Bhangal.

"Currently we are stuck at Devi Ki Marhi II Shepherd rock shelter for the past four days. Sneha got snow blinded and is still unable to see. Therefore, we are unable to move out of the tough terrain situated at a height of 14,000 feet above sea level. Our location: 32.22396 degree N, 76.99276 degree E, rock shelter next to the Kaliheni nala stream covered with green tent cover," he said in a message to his Kullu-based travel agency that alerted the local administration.

Kangra Superintendent of Police Khushal Sharma told IANS that the district administration is in touch with the trekkers over phone.

"The district administration has also sent a requisition to the Indian Air Force for making available a chopper for their rescue," he said, adding that a rescue team has been sent from Kullu.

Bara Bhangal, part of the Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary that is spread over 944 sq km at an altitude above 3,000 metres, is not accessible by road.
BJP is the only national party that has mass support: Nadda Image Source: IANS News

BJP is the only national party that has mass support: Nadda Image Source: IANS News

BJP is the only national party that has mass support: Nadda Image Source: IANS News

Guwahati, Oct 8 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president J.P. Nadda on Saturday said that BJP is the only national party that exists in the country, adding it is driven by strong principles.

The senior BJP leader made the remarks while attending the inauguration ceremony of the new state headquarters of the party's Assam unit, here.

He said: "BJP is the only party now which has national presence driven by strong principles. We have cadres and we also have the support of people." Nadda further mentioned that the situation of the Congress party is pathetic and the party has no idealism left behind.

The situation of other political parties is also worse and they are not following any principle or idealism like BJP has been doing since its inception.

Explaining the plan for further expansion of the BJP, Nadda said that in 2014, when Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, a proposal was placed by then national president of the party Amit Shah to install party offices in all district headquarters of the country.

"It was planned to build 512 district offices of the BJP and within just 8 years, 236 offices have been already built... the work is in progress to build another 154 similar offices," he added.

He expressed confidence that within a very short period of time, in every district headquarters of the country, the BJP will have its own office building.

Nadda also congratulated Assam BJP leaders for building a "wonderful office here which has all facilities like a digital centre, research centre, small and large conference rooms, e-library, etc".

"I hope these facilities will be utilised by the cadres to further expand the party's footprint in Assam and northeast," Nadda said.

The BJP president also mentioned the contributions of his predecessors like Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay, and others.

Earlier, Nadda planted a sapling at the State Guest House here in presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and other party leaders.

Nadda will return to Delhi later on Saturday evening.
London, Oct 8 : The BBC has given a controversial burial to one of its popular current affairs programmes - 'Dateline London' - after its remarkable 25-year run.

The decision has disappointed many within and outside Britain, for the weekend half-hour programme, which discussed subjects of international interest and was aired on both domestic and world services of the BBC, commanded a viewership of 12-15 million, according to its executive producer Nick Guthrie. It was also reportedly quite inexpensive to produce.

A significant section of Dateline's audience was in India, ranging from Indian diplomats to influential folks who regard the BBC to be a credible source information.

In China, where the BBC is available only in foreigners' residences and selected hotels, the state censor would blackout the transmission every time anything uncomplimentary was said about the People's Republic.

In a 'goodbye speech' at a Dateline farewell party, Guthrie, a BBC veteran since 1968, hinted the broadcaster's management had succumbed to pressure from the British government by scrapping the programme.

He said: "Just because a particular group, government, lobby groups, whatever, object to views expressed by others does not mean the BBC has to kow-tow. All the more important it has to stand up robustly for freedom of speech." Since the premiership of Margaret Thatcher, the BBC, a public broadcaster under a Royal Charter, has often been under pressure when a pro-private sector Conservative party is in power. This was most acutely felt when Boris Johnson was recently the Prime Minister. His government threatened cuts to the organisation's funding, which come from licence fees from UK households.

Dateline, with a panel of mostly foreign correspondents stationed in London, reflected independent views, with no restrictions on fair criticism of authorities, including the British establishment.

In anticipation of cuts, the BBC embarked on an economy drive, including merging channels.

A spokesperson for the BBC stated: "As a 24-hour news channel (referring to the domestic service, which was one of platforms premiering and repeating Dateline), we are constantly reviewing our output and exploring how our schedules can best deliver news content that is valuable and relevant to viewers." She went on to say: "As the channel's output has evolved, we now have a number of programmes that offer a similar experience to our audience, from 'The Context' with Christian Fraser to 'Unspun World' with John Simpson." Guthrie mentioned in his speech: "I am concerned the BBC has decided to merge News 24 with World TV. I am sad they could not find a spot for Dateline on the new channel. As I find BBC people talking to BBC people (however brilliant they are), no substitute for lively discussion between outside experts and opinion makers. Why? Because the BBC people are not allowed opinions and it is opinions that the public wants to hear." The first presenter of Dateline was Charles Wheeler, an impeccable BBC journalist, who was the network's correspondent in India in the late 1950s and early 1960s, married an Indian and was Boris Johnson's father-in-law. The programme was granted a mere six-week contract.

Guthrie claimed there were only three formal complaints about Dateline's content in its quarter of a century existence. One of these was from the Indian government, which objected to the London correspondent of Hindustan Times criticising the late Queen Elizabeth's mother, known as The Queen Mother, 'over something'! "Every week for those past 25 years some of the most distinguished commentators and foreign correspondents based here in London have been able to give their views on current events," Guthrie underlined.

For 15 of those years, Ashis Ray, who was previously a presenter of South Asia Survey on the BBC's World Service and then South Asia bureau chief and editor-at-large at CNN, was a familiar face on Dateline as the London correspondent of The Times of India, Business Standard and other Indian publications.

"I will miss Dateline," he reflected. "It involved polite, yet enlightening and penetrative submission of views, mostly very well moderated."
Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 : A nine-year-old boy has been allegedly branded with a hot iron rod in Odisha's Cuttack city by his uncle and aunt for "being stubborn", the police said on Saturday.

The child narrated the barbaric incident before his maternal grandparents during Durga Puja vacation. Following this, they lodged a complaint before Markatnagar police station in Cuttack on Saturday.

According to the complaint, the minor boy was staying with his uncle and aunt in CDA Sector-7 area of Cuttack. As the boy is little mischievous, they allegedly branded him with a hot iron rod, causing a deep mark in hands. The couple has also allegedly given mental and physical tortures to the boy.

Following the death of his mother in 2018, the boy was initially under the custodian of his maternal grandparents. His father abandoned the boy and married somewhere else, said Madan Mohan Rout, the grandfather of the victim.

Later, in April this year, his uncle (brother of the father) and aunt took the minor boy with them for his schooling. "And, this incident came to limelight now," he said.

"We request the police to immediately arrest his uncle and aunt... and the boy should stay with us till 18 years," said Rout.

However, Srutibala Sahu, the aunt of the minor boy, refuted the allegations and said the marks on his hands came up as he accidentally touched a hot pan in the kitchen.

The Markatnagar police have registered a case under different sections of IPC against the uncle and aunt, and started investigation into the incident.
Hyderabad, Oct 8 : A top leader of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) surrendered before the Telangana police on Saurday.

Aluri Usha Rani, a divisional committee member of the north sub-zonal bureau of the Dandakaranya special zonal committee of CPI (Maoist), laid down arms before Director General of Police, M. Mahender Reddy.

Usha Rani alias Vijayakka alias Pochakka is a native of Tenali in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh and was brought up at Gudivada in Krishna district. She surrendered on health grounds.

According to the police, she was involved in several violent incidents both in Telangana and Chhattisgarh. She participated in a total of 14 offences during her underground life in both the states. These include five attacks on security forces, three exchanges of fire with the police, three blasting of buildings, one abduction and two assault cases.

The DGP appealed to the Maoist cadres to join the mainstream and take part in the advancement of the nation through constructive participation and benefit from the rehabilitation process of Telangana state, which includes immediate relief with suitable amount and other support measures.

The DGP said Usha Rani will be provided total rehabilitation by the state as per the policy. He also gave her Rs 50,000 cash towards meeting her immediate expenses.

Usha Rani disclosed that many of the senior cadres of CPI (Maoist) over 60 years of age are suffering from severe health problems and are not getting due attention or treatment on account of lacking access to medical facilities.

According to her, many members of the central committee, including Muppala Laxman Rao alias Ganapathi, ex-general secretary of CPI (Maoist), are suffering from ill health due to old age.

Laxman Rao, unable to move across the struggle areas in the country, was relieved from the responsibilities of general secretary. Now his health condition is highly precarious.

She told the police that the organisation suffered setbacks, both militarily and organisationally, due to arrests, deaths and surrender of important as well as senior cadres.

Post 2014, the top leadership of CPI (Maoist) had gone into a self-preservation mode, wherein the functioning underwent drastic transformation, giving more priority to secrecy. As a result, there is visible gap between the top leadership and the lower cadre, leading to denial of information on the developments taking place in the organisation.

Usha Rani also disclosed that most of the recruitment today happens from the tribal belts of Dandakaranya, which is also reducing day by day, both quantitatively and qualitatively.

Usha Rani hailed from a revolutionary family and had joined the organisation with a lot of expectations to bring change in the society. She actively participated in armed struggles for more than three decades and failed to see the light at the end of the tunnel, the police said.

Her father Bhujanga Rao, a government teacher, took voluntary retirement in 1985 and joined in CPI(ML) People's War Group. He went underground and worked as special zonal committee member for about 10 years. He used to translate Prabhath magazine of CPI(ML) People's War Group from Telugu to Hindi.

He spent underground life in different towns of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra, and served as den keeper for providing shelter to the senior underground cadres.

Usha Rani's mother Lalitha Parameshwari also worked for the CPI(ML) People's War Group along with Bhujanga Rao.

In 1984, while pursuing her B.Sc from the ANR Degree College, Gudivada, Usha Rani joined RSU under the leadership of Kalleguri Prasad, a central organiser. She joined the CPI(ML) People's War Group in 1991.

In 1998, her husband Mukka Venkateshwar Gupta alias Kiran, the Nalgonda district secretary and south Telangana regional committee member, died in an exchange of fire while retreating after on attack on the Yadagirgutta police station.
New Delhi, Oct 8 : Election Commission (EC) has proposed to the Law Ministry to let one candidate contest from one constituency only.

Although it is one of those electoral reforms which had also been proposed in the past, but, the sources said that the proposal gained momentum after Rajiv Kumar was appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner.

Sources said that the proposal was sent to the Ministry, and the government is in discussion with the Commission regarding the proposed electoral reforms. Meeting in this regard is likely soon, said sources.

As per the existing electoral law, a candidate is permitted to contest election from two different constituencies in a general election or a group of bye-elections or biennial elections. If a person is elected from more than one seat, then the person can only hold on to one of the seats that he or she won.

As per the Commission, when a candidate contests from two seats, it is imperative that he has to vacate one of the two seats if he wins both. This, apart from the consequent unavoidable financial burden on the public exchequer and the manpower and other resources for holding bye-election against the resultant vacancy, would be an injustice to the voters of the constituency which the candidate is quitting from.

In 1996, the Representation of the People Act was amended to restrict a person from contesting polls from more than two seats. Before the amendment, there was no bar on the number of constituencies from which a candidate could contest.

AS per the Proposed Electoral Reforms, the Commission has recommended that the law must be amended to provide that a person cannot contest from more than one constituency at a time for conduct and better management of elections. In case the provision needs to be retained, then there is a need for an express provision in law requiring person who contests and wins election from two seats, resulting in bye-elections from one of the two constituencies, to deposit in the government account an appropriate amount of money being an expenditure for holding the bye-election.

The recommendations made by the Election Commission in 2004 as to the amount to be deposited in the government account for being used as the expenditure for holding the bye elections has to be increased from Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh to something more appropriate for serving as deterrence to the candidates.
Kolkata, Oct 8 : A court in Kolkata on Saturday sent five of the seven persons arrested in connection with the murder of a 21-year-old man Ayan Mondal to police custody till October 12.

Two others, who are below 18, have been sent to juvenile home.

Those sent to police custody include Ayan's girlfriend, her father, mother, one among their two associates, and the driver of the pickup van that was used to dump Mondal's body at a secluded place.

The brother of Mondal's girlfriend, who allegedly killed him by hitting on the head with a blunt and heavy object, being a juvenile, was sent to the juvenile remand home. So was the fate of a friend of the latter who helped the family to dump the body.

The body of Mondal, who was missing since Wednesday evening, was recovered from Magrahat in South 24 Parganas district on Friday night.

On Saturday, the police arrested seven persons in connection with the murder. Later, they were presented in the court.

The preliminary investigation has hinted towards a love triangle -- involving Ayan, his girlfriend and her mother -- behind the murder.

The police while probing the matter got some clues which indicated towards a parallel affair that the deceased was having with the girl as well as her mother, and that resulted in a feud after which he was brutally murdered and his body dumped at a secluded place at Magrahat.
Kolkata, Oct 8 : A recent data released by the Ministry of Home Affairs that showed West Bengal in poor light on account of high rate of early marriages of girls in the state has prompted the principal opposition parties to launch a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress-led state government.

The MHA data showed that 54.9 per cent of the girls in West Bengal are married before the age of 21, which is not only far above the national average of 29.5 per cent, but also highest among all the Indian states. At 54.6 per cent, neighbouring Jharkhand came second.

Following the release of the data, the question that is doing the rounds in Bengal is whether the state government's much-hyped 'Kanyashree' project, a financial assistance scheme for girl students to encourage them to go for higher studies instead of opting for early marriage, has lost its appeal? According to Bengal BJP spokesman Samik Bhattacharya, in a state like West Bengal, where there are 45 lakh migrant workers and the state government's prime focus is to spend taxpayers' money behind festivals, the other key factors of women empowerment get neglected.

"As far as the government schemes are concerned, the common people never get their benefits unless they are close to the ruling party. So I am not really surprised that the MHA figures show a high rate of early marriages of girls in West Bengal," he said.

CPI(M) state secretary Md Salim said that besides the state government's negligence in checking early marriages of girls, a section of ruling party leaders is even patronising the evil of early marriages, especially in rural Bengal.

"Preventing social evils like early marriages requires socio-political movements to create awareness among the people. On the contrary, the ruling party leaders are often heckling activists who are individually trying to create awareness against early marriages. Trinamool is encouraging this social evil to retain their vote banks. So it is natural that the rate of early marriages among girls in West Bengal is high," Salim said.

Repeated attempts made by IANS to contact the state Women & Child Development Minister, Sashi Panja, failed as the calls went unanswered.
Shimla, Oct 8 : The detailed project report (DPR) of the Bulk Drug Park to come up in Himachal Pradesh's Haroli in Una district has been given the final approval by the Central government, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said.

He said the Scheme Steering Committee of the Union government gave its final approval on Saturday.

Expressing pleasure on the consent given by the Scheme Selection Committee, the Chief Minister said the final approval of this project of national importance will herald the second industrial revolution in the state, especially in the pharmaceutical sector.

He said the project was the result of the 'double engine government' of the Centre and the state governments that works in unison and strengthened the spirit of competitive and cooperative federalism.

Thakur said the state government and the Industries Department were committed to execute both Medical Device Park and Bulk Drug Park in a time-bound manner so that the entire region could reap the benefits of the mega projects.

He said it was an historic moment both for the state government and people, adding the Bulk Drug Park will not only ensure the retention of existing pharma formulation units in the state but also will be a step towards making India self-reliant in API sector.

The Chief Minister said this project would be implemented through Himachal Pradesh Bulk Drug Infrastructure Ltd which would be state implementing agency.

He said the total estimated cost of the Bulk Drug Park Project was Rs 1,923 crore, out of which the eligible CIF for the government of India grant was Rs 1,118 crore and the remaining amount of Rs 804.54 crore would be borne by the state.
U.S. university launches Helen Foster Snow Cultural Center to boost links with China

Xinhua) 15:15, October 08, 2022

CEDAR CITY, United States, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Southern Utah University held a grand ceremony in Cedar City in the U.S. state of Utah on Friday for the establishment of the Helen Foster Snow Cultural Center, which is aimed at creating a platform for sharing Chinese language and culture.

The center is named after Helen Foster Snow, an American journalist who reported from China in the 1930s. She was wife of Edgar Snow, the author of Red Star Over China.

Born in Cedar City, Helen Foster Snow left for China in 1931 and helped document the revolution in China.

The center will provide a place for teaching Chinese language and culture, China-related research, and Utah-China economic development, the university said.

Addressing the ceremony, Minister Jing Quan of the Chinese Embassy in the United States said Snow's story was well known by many Chinese people, and she was regarded as the bridge-builder between China and the United States.

Jing expressed his hope that the center will become a school to learn the Chinese language, a museum to experience Chinese culture, a place to strengthen the China-related research, a link to enhance Utah-China economic development, and a bridge to connect American and Chinese people.

Calling the center a bridge between the two countries, Adam Foster, president of the Helen Foster Snow Foundation, told Xinhua that the center offers an opportunity for students and scholars from the two countries to come together and work together to open people's minds and hearts.

"I hope the people-to-people exchanges will create more understanding and more cultural awareness on the U.S. side for China and the Chinese people, and will do the same thing for China to the United States," he said.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
New Delhi, Oct 8 : Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the special military operation has revealed a few alarming facts, including illegal military biological programmes at Pentagon-installed labs, as well as experiments with the creation of prohibited chemicals.

"Yesterday, Volodymyr Zelensky called on his Western handlers to take a pre-emptive nuclear strike against Russia. This character actually gave the world further evidence of the threat emanating from the Kiev regime. It is to neutralise that very threat that the special military operation was launched," said the Minister while speaking at the fourth meeting of the United Russia Party General Council Commission for International Cooperation and Support for Compatriots Abroad, Moscow on October 7.

"His 'soul friends' in Poland recently reaffirmed that they had the same dreams of acquiring nuclear weapons. So far, at this stage, Warsaw wants to join NATO's practice of conducting joint nuclear missions, which grossly violate the requirements of the Non-Proliferation Treaty," said the Minister.

"What about NATO? In addition to its lies and threats against us, the alliance, together with the EU, continues to reiterate its all-out support for Zelensky, who is at the forefront of Ukraine's struggle for European values, freedom and democracy," he said.

"As has been repeatedly explained, Russia's Military Doctrine and the Fundamentals of State Policy on Nuclear Deterrence remain unchanged. Any attempts by Washington or its vessels to distort this reality or our approach are aimed at intimidating the international community, forcing its sensible part to follow the failed path of reckless support for Kiev in all its crazy schemes," he added.

"The European Political Community, proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron, held its inaugural summit on Thursday. Head of EU diplomacy Josep Borrell proudly stated in its wake that the process of forming a security structure has been launched without Russia. They are dancing to Kiev's tune and encouraging the insane fantasies of the people who are still in power there. The US and its allies are taking on enormous responsibility for the dangerous ratcheting up of international tensions, pumping weapons into Vladimir Zelensky's Ukraine despite his openly proclaimed nuclear ambitions," said the Minister.

"As you remember, French President Emmanuel Macron once diagnosed the North Atlantic Alliance with 'brain death'. Judging by the way NATO is nurturing the neo-Nazi regime in Kiev, this 'disease' has gone too far," the Minister added.

Once again, we warn the US and other sponsors of the Kiev regime against deeper involvement in the situation as parties to the conflict, he said.

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Guwahati, Oct 8 : While chairing a meeting with Chief Ministers of northeastern states and top police officials in Guwahati, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday asserted that stern actions would be taken to check the drug menace in the region.

He said that Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) earlier decided to destroy 75,000 kgs of drugs and it is a matter of happiness that NCB already crossed the target by destroying around 1.5 lakh kgs of narcotic substances.

"But, the war against drugs is not yet finished. We have dreamt of a drugs-free India and for that, all stakeholders should work together," he added.

Shah further said that the Union Government has formulated a two-fold approach to deal with the drug menace which has spread all over the country.

"Strong actions will be taken against those involved in drug peddling, while those who are the victim and fell into this vicious cycle, government machinery will work to bring them into the mainstream of the society," he added.

Union Home Minister also said that narcotic substances were primarily peddled into the country from Myanmar and Afghanistan. In the meeting with NCB officials and security personnel here, he has directed to increase the vigil along international borders.

Shah has virtually inaugurated destroying of around 40,000 kilograms of drugs in the northeastern states.

As per the official statement, drugs weighing around 11,000 kg in Assam, 8,000 kg in Arunachal Pradesh, 4,000 kg in Meghalaya, 1,600 kg in Nagaland, 398 kg in Manipur, 1900 kg in Mizoram, 1500 kg in Tripura and 12,000 kg in Tripura were destroyed on Saturday.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, euphemistically called a 'special military operation by Moscow when it launched the offensive, more than 7 months ago was not expected to last more than a few days or weeks. The fact that Ukraine has withstood the onslaught of the mighty Russian army, albeit with the support of armaments generously provided by the West chiefly USA, has come not only as a rude shock to Russia but also as a huge surprise to the world.

The whole world particularly the developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America, are suffering heavily due to the disruption in supply chains, and shortages and high prices of energy, food and fertilizers.

Europe's Dependence on Russian Energy Europe has also been severely impacted because of its heavy dependence on Russia for its energy requirements.

Europe is the biggest purchaser of Russian crude, receiving 138 million tons in 2020 out of Russia's total exports of 260 million tons - or 53%. Europe, which imports almost all of its crude, gets a quarter of its supply from Russia. In theory, Europe could replace those barrels from suppliers in the Middle East, whose exports now mostly go to Asia, as well as source oil from the United States, Latin America and Africa. But it would take time for global markets to make that adjustment.

Russian gas makes up around a third of all-natural gas used in Europe. Among the continent's major economies, Germany imports around half of its gas from Russia, while France obtains a quarter of its supply from the country. According to the latest available data, it is relying more heavily on Norway. Italy would also be among the most impacted major economies at a 46% reliance on Russian gas. The U.K., on the other hand, draws half its gas supply from domestic sources and imports mostly from Norway and Qatar. Gas used in Spain also comes from different locations, the biggest trade partners being Algeria and the United States.

Some smaller countries in Europe rely exclusively on Russian gas, namely North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Moldova. Dependence also exceeds 90% of gas supply in Finland and Latvia.

It's much more difficult to find alternative sources of natural gas because it is delivered mainly by pipelines. It is easier to find other sources for oil, which mostly moves by tankers and is traded globally.

Much of the Russian gas is exported via Nord Stream I pipeline. Capacity was expected to double early this year with the operationalization of the second pipeline-Nord Stream 2. However, before the second pipeline could start functioning, Germany halted its certification on 22nd February in response to the Russian decision to recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics.

The Brewing Challenge At the beginning of the conflict, Europe was struggling to find ways to stop paying $850 million a day to Russia for its energy supply viz. $450 million a day for oil and $400 million per day for natural gas. EU leaders realized that reversing decades of dependence on Russian oil and gas is not a simple matter.

Reducing Europe's dependence on Russian gas has been widely discussed for the past 15 years by EU leaders in Brussels. Despite alarm bells from a January 2009 crisis that led to the disruption of Russian gas transiting through Ukraine for two weeks, and Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, Europe has not stemmed natural gas imports from Russia. In contrast, Russian gas deliveries to Europe increased post-2014. Europe also started importing Russian LNG from 2017.

Today Europe is struggling to contain an energy crisis that could lead to rolling blackouts, shuttered factories and a deep economic recession. Russia has choked off the supplies of cheap natural gas used by the continent for years to run industries, generate electricity and heat homes.

The crisis deepened over recent weeks when Russia's state-owned exporter Gazprom closed Nord Stream I, the main pipeline carrying gas to Germany, blaming an oil leak and claiming the problem could not be fixed because of wide-ranging sanctions which restrict supply of spares and equipment to Russia. European officials claim that this represents the weaponization of energy by Russia which the latter vehemently denies. Europe is however convinced that this is energy blackmail, aimed at pressurizing and dividing the EU for its support to Ukraine against Russia's invasion. To compound matters further, both Nord Stream I and II developed leaks ostensibly due to sabotage which has made them unusable for transportation of gas to Europe. Two powerful explosions tore apart the Nord Stream I and Nord Stream II natural gas pipelines on 26th September, 2022, severely testing five decades of Russia-Europe energy cooperation.

European Union energy prices had doubled since Russian President Vladimir Putin took Nord Stream 1 offline on 31st August, 2022, but now they are set to spike even higher. As Europe heads into winter, people are dimming the lights and switching off ovens because their most significant source of natural gas supply has been switched off. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) officials have called the explosion "deliberate, reckless and irresponsible acts of sabotage." But it is still unclear who is responsible for them.

Various sources suggest it may have been Russia, Ukraine or even the United States-but no matter who carried out the attack, it certainly highlights how vulnerable Europe's energy grid is. Targeted attacks on the energy sector have been increasing in recent years, but the Nord Stream attack takes things to a new level. These pipelines are made of thick steel, lie between 260 and 360 feet beneath the surface of the Baltic Sea and are protected by a cement casing. As risk analyst Peter Burgherr pointed out, only "state actors" have a realistic chance of destroying Nord Stream.

The Nord Stream attack is the type of incident that sparks wars. Former Central Intelligence Agency Director John Brennan thinks Russia is the most likely suspect behind the attack, arguing that Putin wants the explosion to be a signal to Europe that Russia can reach beyond Ukraine's borders. Meanwhile, Putin is pushing the idea that "Anglo-Saxon" nations blew up the pipeline to hurt Russia's economy. Other experts have even put forth the idea that Poland, Ukraine or one of the Baltic states may have blown up the pipeline in an attempt to sow division between Germany and Russia.

Regardless of who attacked the pipeline, as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters, the sabotage is a "a tremendous opportunity to once and for all remove the dependence on Russian energy and thus to take away from Vladimir Putin the weaponization of energy as a means of advancing his imperial designs." Many American energy officials undoubtedly hope that the developing strain between Germany and Russia will expedite a European realignment to America.

Europe's Response To effectively confront this challenge, Europe has lined up all the alternative gas supplies it could: shipments of liquefied natural gas from the United States (in March, the US and EU agreed to scale up American liquefied natural gas exports to Europe to 1,765 billion cubic feet per year starting in 2023), more pipeline gas from Norway and Azerbaijan. Germany is keeping coal plants in operation that it was going to shutter to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is also keeping the option of reactivating two nuclear power plants it was set to close. EU has approved a plan to reduce gas use by 15% by next March, roughly the amount experts say will need to make up for the loss of Russian gas. Yet those conservation measures are voluntary in member countries for now.

National governments have approved a raft of measures: bailouts for utilities forced to pay exorbitant prices for Russian gas, cash for hard-hit households and tax breaks. For example, Germany has approved a third support package with Euros 65 billion ($64.3 billion) in aid for consumers. Such spending will add to national deficits but will soften the downturn that economists are predicting for the coming six months.

More steps are coming. EU Commission President says a new proposal will include a price cap on natural gas and measures that could decouple the price of electricity from gas.

Perhaps most important in the short term, Europe has managed to fill 85% of its storage for winter with the help of LNG and diminished consumption because of high prices. Storage levels have kept rising even after the Nord Stream 1 cutoff. Partly as result, gas prices have fallen to their pre-cutoff level, although they are still painfully high.

Conclusion The next half year is destined to be particularly challenging for Europe, not only in the battlefields of Ukraine but also in the hearths and industries across the continent.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative

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Bengaluru, Oct 8 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday his party will win the upcoming assembly elections in Karnataka hands down.

The Gandhi scion, who is currently leading the party's Bharat Jodo Yatra in Karnataka, said: "I am pretty certain that the Congress party will win the elections hands down." Answering a question on in case of fractured mandate in Karnataka, will the Congress party join hands with the regional party JD-S, he maintained that these are questions that are better answered by CLP leader and Congress party in Karnataka. "But, this question you can ask to both of them (BJP and JD-S)," Rahul Gandhi said.

"In my experience, over the last few days I have spoken to many. What I have been hearing from them is that they are tired of corruption, 40 per cent commission that this government is taking. They are also disturbed by the price rise and level of unemployment Karnataka is facing," he explained.

Talking on the opposition of the Congress party to the National Education Policy (NEP), he said: "We are opposing NEP because it is an attack on the ethos of our country, it distorts our history.

"We are opposing it because it concentrates power in the hands of few people, it takes away power and centralizes the education system and we want a decentralised education system that reflects our history, tradition and language," Rahul Gandhi said.

Answering a question on divisions within the Congress party in Karnataka, he said: "We are not a fascist party. We are a party that believes in discussion, conversation and are perfectly happy to have different viewpoints in the party." He noted that the party understands that in order to win elections, "we have to work together as a team and that is exactly what is happening".

Commenting on the ban on PFI, he stated, "I have been saying speech after speech, it does not matter which community they come from, spreading hatred and violence is in India is an anti-national act and we will fight anybody who spreads hate and violence."
New Delhi, Oct 8 : Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Durgesh Pathak on Saturday alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Gautam Gambhir has been found to be illegally encroaching upon public land, and has been "exposed" by his party's MLA Anil Bajpai only.

"BJP legislator Anil Bajpai wrote to Delhi L-G complaining about how BJP MP Gautam Gambhir has encroached upon MCD's Dhalaos for personal use. MCD lands are meant to be used only for public use, giving them to someone for personal use is a criminal act. Demand L-G Vinai Kumar Saxena to conduct a time-bound investigation and ensure strict punishment for all culprits. We had earlier exposed a similar case where a BJP councillor had allotted MCD land to her own husband," AAP MLA and MCD poll in-charge Durgesh Pathak said.

Pathak said that encroaching upon the government land and using it for illegal activities is a criminal act as per the Constitution and various other laws.

"In East Delhi, none other than BJP's MP of the constituency Gautam Gambhir has encroached upon MCD lands. This is not my claim. This has been revealed by BJP MLA of Gandhi Nagar, Anil Bajpai, who belongs to his own party. He has urged the Delhi L-G that there should be an inquiry in this matter to find out how this happened," said Pathak.

"The issue is that the MCD has a lot of land and the MCD uses it for many public works, like creating a garbage dump, collecting and then processing the garbage. The MCD also builds schools, small dispensaries, community halls and toilets. These lands are utilised for public welfare. The letter that Anil Bajpai wrote states that these spaces made to collect garbage, cannot be transferred to any individual person, nor can it be transferred for any private activity by the MCD, it is to be given for public activities or usage," he said.

"When we raised our concerns regarding the same, the BJP tried to dismiss them by saying that these people belong to AAP and they only do this. But now, the same concern has been raised by the BJP MLA Anil Bajpai himself through this letter. Anil Bajpai is a respected and senior member of the BJP and he was appointed as the observer by the party in the Presidential elections," Pathak further said.

"He has raised a complaint and given details of the manner in which Gautam Gambhir and his NGO were allowed to encroach the lands belonging to MCD. These lands belong to the people of Delhi and not to some individuals or NGO. This is a criminal act. AAP demands from LG to investigate the entire incident in a time-bound manner. Strict actions should be taken against Gautam Gambhir and the concerned individuals as per the Constitution and other laws of the country.

"Earlier, these lands used to get illegally encroached, but now they are being legally handed over to individuals, which is very dangerous. AAP vehemently opposes and condemns it. We demand time-bound investigation and strict actions against the culprits," he added.
Bengaluru, Oct 8 : The Karnataka cabinet on Saturday gave nod to enhance the reservation for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the state as per the recommendations of Justice Nagamohan Das Committee report.

It has been decided to issue a government order immediately increasing the reservation for SCs from 15 per cent to 17 per cent, and from 3 per cent to 7 per cent for STs in Karnataka.

Law Minister J.C. Madhuswamy stated that a sub-committee has been formed under the Law Minister in connection with internal reservation. The government order regarding enhancement of reservation would be out in one or two days.

This would help education and recruitment and the government has taken a decision to empower SC and ST communities. There are 103 castes under SC category and 56 to 57 castes under ST category. These communities cannot be neglected, he stated.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said: "I feel blessed since I got the opportunity to hike reservations for SC/ST. All of our efforts must be towards humanity. Religion is like a vehicle to reach it. If they understand this, there will be love and affection not only in the state but in the country and the world. Our country needs a culture. The value of any country will increase depending upon the culture, heritage and the history of every citizen".

Speaking after inaugurating 'Sarvadharma Sansat-2022' organised by Rashtriya Basava Pratishtana here, he said when equal opportunities are given to bring changes, they will come up according to their strength and capacity. It is not possible to build a healthy society if they are denied opportunities and remain oppressed and face problems for generations.

The CM said 12th century social reformer Basavanna has propagated equal opportunity, respect and work dedication for all. "There is a need to bring equality not only in religion but also in gender. They must bring equality from family to mankind. Knowledge has no caste or religion." The religious seers belonging to SC and ST communities have felicitated CM Bommai at his official residence Krishna for taking a decision to enhance reservation.
Bengaluru, Oct 9 : Karnataka Transport Minister B. Sriramulu on Saturday issued orders to seize Ola, Uber vehicles who are challenging the authorities in Bengaluru.

Sriramulu while talking to reporters stated that in spite of the orders by the Transport Department to stop services, the cab aggregators are active.

"The officers have been given directions to seize Ola and Uber cabs. The team has been dispatched in this regard," he added.

He explained that notice has been issued to both the companies for violations in connection with minimum fare rule. The future course of action would be decided in one or two days, he stated.

Minister Sriramulu stated that they are receiving complaints against the cab aggregators every year. "They are supposed to give service and comfort to the customers. There are also some technical issues involved," he said.

"The conditions have been laid down at the time of issuing of licence. Those conditions are not meant to be flouted. After complaints of violation of conditions, the department had issued notices to them and sought answers. Once the response is received, a decision will be taken," the Minister stated.

However, sources in the transport department maintained that action could not be initiated against cab aggregators as there is a case pending in the High Court of Karnataka.

Karnataka Transport Department on Friday had issued notices to the app based aggregators Ola, Uber, Rapido to immediately stop their auto services and directed them to give explanation on charges of exorbitant charges levied to customers.

The Transport Department has warned that if the explanation is not given and order is not complied, they would face legal action.

THM Kumar, State Transport Department Commissioner had stated that they received a large number of complaints for two to three days. The complaints were raised specifically on cab aggregators charging double the amount for auto services.

They have been issued notices and given three days' time to answer on allegations. "A decision would be taken once we receive the response," he explained.

Sources said that the minimum auto fare is Rs 30 and the waiting charge of Rs 5 for 5 minutes has been fixed officially. But, cab aggregators are allegedly charging Rs 100 as minimum fare and a large section of people have raised complaints against it.
Islamabad, Oct 9 : The United States and its allies are seeking Pakistan's support for the resolution to be tabled at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) next week against Russia for invading Ukraine, Express Tribune reported.

The US and its western allies are set to move a resolution at the UNGA, condemning the Russian invasion and seeking withdrawal of Russian forces from the Ukrainian territories, Express Tribune reported.

In order to garner maximum support, the US is particularly eyeing support of the countries, which abstained from voting in March on the similar resolution, the report said.

Pakistan at the time joined China, India and other countries to stay away from voting, something that drew strong reaction from European countries and the US.

They termed abstention as equal to backing the Russian invasion. Pakistan defended its move, insisting that siding with either side would deny the country a role of a possible peace broker.

Pakistan has maintained delicate balance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It did express concerns over the humanitarian situation in Ukraine but stopped short of denouncing Russia.

However, the US and other European countries want Pakistan to take a clear stance, Express Tribune reported.

Ahead of the expected voting on the resolution against Russia, many western countries are in contact with Pakistan to seek its support.

Since the change of government, there have been visible exchanges between Pakistan and the Western countries. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session met several European leaders, including from France, Germany, Spain and others.

There has also been a flurry of meetings between Pakistan and the US in recent months.

While Sharif held a brief interaction with US President Joe Biden, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto and Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa made back-to-back visits to Washington.

It is believed that in these interactions, Russia has remained one of the main talking points between the two sides. Diplomatic sources said the US is certainly keen that Pakistan abandons its policy of "neutrality" on Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Foreign Office sources told The Express Tribune that Pakistan is unlikely to change its stance because it doesn't want to become party to the conflict between big powers.

Nevertheless, officially Pakistan is tight-lipped and is not ready to reveal its strategy before the UNGA voting.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War
Astana : , Oct 9 (IANS) World No.7 Novak Djokovic advanced to the final of the Astana Open after Daniil Medvedev retired from the pair's semifinal clash at the end of a dramatic second-set tie-break due to a leg injury, here on Saturday.

Medvedev's retirement came moments after Djokovic had clinched a dramatic tie-break to level the match at 4-6, 7-6(6). It was an unfortunate end to what was shaping up to be one of the matches of the year on the ATP Tour, with both players bringing a high level to their 11th ATP head-to-head meeting.

"I really hope that his injury is nothing too serious. I know Daniil, he's a great guy, he's a fighter, he's a big competitor. He wouldn't retire from a match if he didn't feel that he [could] continue or [if it wouldn't] worsen his injury. He told me that he pulled an adductor muscle in his leg," said Djokovic.

"It was such a close match, particularly in the second set. I would probably say he was a better player on the court in both sets. I was fighting and trying to find a way. I found a way to win the second, but I'm just sad for the tournament and for these people who were enjoying the battle, and for Daniil that it had to end this way," he added.

Djokovic will now aim to seal back-to-back titles in Sunday's final against Stefanos Tsitsipas, who was a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 winner against Andrey Rublev. The Serbian, who lifted his 89th tour-level crown in Tel Aviv last week, leads Tsitsipas 7-2 in their ATP head-to-head series.

Incredibly, this was Djokovic and Medvedev's first meeting of 2022 -- and only the second event where they were in the same draw, after Roland Garros. It was also Djokovic's first match against a Top 10 player on a hard court since the 2021 ATP Finals, where he fell to Alexander Zverev in the semifinals. On the other hand, Medvedev was seeking his first indoor hard-court final since that same event.

The battle between the second and fourth seeds was a master class in geometry, as the two players artfully carved a dizzying array of intricate, intuitive shots.

There were, improbably, three consecutive breaks of serve in the first set, two of them belonging to Medvedev, who converted his only two break opportunities. Serving at 5-4 he raced out to 40/0 and took the set on his second opportunity.

There were no breaks of serve in the second set and so it came down to a tie-break. Medvedev won the first point, then Djokovic employed the drop shot on four consecutive points -- and won them all. Ultimately, he won the tie-break on yet another drop shot when Medvedev's forehand lob sailed long.

By winning Wimbledon in July, Djokovic is guaranteed to qualify for the ATP Finals as a current-year Grand Slam champion who finishes within the Top 20 of the ATP Race To Turin should he win the Astana Open.

Victory at the ATP 500 would give Djokovic enough points to guarantee that he will be in the Top 20 of the Race on the Monday after the Paris Masters.
Dublin, Oct 9 : Ten people, including a primary school-aged girl, were confirmed dead by Irish police on Saturday following an explosion at a petrol station in Donegal, Ireland.

The police described the explosion as a "freak accident", Xinhua news agency reported.

Police confirmed that all victims were from the Creeslough area where the blast ripped through the Applegreen petrol station and convenience store, causing widespread damage, including to surrounding buildings and cars, on Friday, according to media reports.

The explosion took place just after 3:00 p.m. at the Applegreen petrol station on the outskirts of Creeslough in an area near the Republic of Ireland's northwestern tip.

Search and rescue efforts are continuing but police have said they are not expecting further casualties, said the reports.

The cause of the explosion remained unknown and police had yet to announce the launch of an inquiry as the search through rubble went on.
The Sister League of San Diego (formerly Big Sister League of San Diego) has welcomed Gina Mancuso to the Board of Directors for a two-year term following a unanimous vote. Gina is excited to get to work giving back in service of the Sister League of San Diegos inspiring mission.

Sister League of San Diego (SLSD) provides less fortunate women with the helping hand they need to work toward a path of stability and independence. Founded in 1942, SLSD is celebrating 80 years of providing affordable, safe housing and supportive programming to adult women in San Diego affected by mental health issues, homelessness, trauma, and domestic abuse. Their long-term goal is to develop confident and self-sufficient women.

Gina Mancuso is a local entrepreneur and business owner. In 2007, she founded the marketing agency Mancuso Media, which is celebrating its 16th year with her as President. Gina is also a real estate business owner with eXp Realty of California, working with buyers and sellers all over San Diego but with a focus on North County. She is very active with philanthropy in the community, working with numerous non-profits, including the San Diego Food Bank.

Gina looks forward to contributing her more than 20 years of advertising expertise and extensive community connections to bring more recognition, assistance, and support to Sister League of San Diegos mission so they can continue their essential work serving our community.

Learn more about the Sister League of San Diego: https://sisterleaguesd.org/

Learn more about Gina Mancuso: https://www.mancusomedia.com/ and https://ginamancuso.exprealty.com/
rezStream will join over 200 people representing the lodging industry comprising owners, operators, and general managers of inns, resorts, bed and breakfasts, hotels, and motor inns for the annual NEIRA 2022 Annual Conference. This years event will be held November 2-4 at the Omni Mt Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, NH.

Join Jeff Hebrink, Sales Director at rezStream, as he will be hosting a micro-learning session on Six Ways to Strengthen Your Website Booking Presence.

About the Educational Session

Whether you like it or not traveler expectations have changed. Some will find it difficult to stay at a hotel that does not see cleanliness policies as a cornerstone amenity. While others are seeking a higher connection and relationship through the usage of loyalty programs and other benefits. Join rezStream and explore the six ways you can improve your website that will strengthen your online reservations and enhance the way guests book online.

Hospitality professionals have seen the industry undergo tremendous changes in the last couple of years. With these changes we have seen many exciting developments in hospitality technology, digital marketing, hotel services, and travel trends. As a result, many industry professionals are excited to see what is new, get educated on a variety of industry topics, and see the latest new products and services.

Registration for the 2022 New England Inns & Resorts Association Conference is now open. See full details at https://www.neiraannualconference.com/register.html

About New England Inns & Resorts Association (NEIRA)

New England Inns & Resorts Association is a collection of more than 300 independently owned and operated lodging properties throughout the six New England states. After more than 100 years of connecting travelers with the regions best inns, resorts, and hotels, NEIRA continues to earn its reputation as one of the most respected and influential hospitality organizations in New England.

About rezStream

rezStream, located in Denver, Colorado, is an industry leader in property management software, online reservation booking engine technology, hotel website design, and Internet marketing for the travel industry and independent hoteliers. Thousands of unique users in the US use property management products and services created by the team at rezStream. As always, rezStream remains committed to providing the best products and services to the independent lodging industry. For more information, please contact rezStream at 866.360.8210 or visit our website at http://www.rezstream.com.

Media Contacts:

Jeff Hebrink - Sales Director - jeff.hebrink@rezstream.com

Lyles Armour - Marketing Director - lyles.armour@rezstream.com

Phone number:

Toll: (866) 360-8210 Phone: (303) 872-0220
Rebuilding Florida quickly with a cost effective Flood and Hurricane resistant zero wood building system

In Case of Hurricane, Flood or Fire, reach out to Eco-friendly GigaCrete Building Systems, designed to survive.

Category 5 Hurricane approved. Zero Wood. Super-insulated (R28-60). Fire resistant. Flood resistant. Mold/mildew resistant. Fast and economical build. The perfect replacement home following a Hurricane, Flood or Fire.

Las Vegas based GigaCrete, Inc., a leader in next generation building materials technology, developed the disaster-resilient GigaCrete Building System.

Miami Dade was the first county in Florida to certify hurricane resistant standards for structures (HVHZ). The GigaCrete Building System, a patented steel-framed insulated panel system, easily passed the Miami Dade County Category 5 Hurricane testing with sustained wind speeds of 245mph (394km/hr) which was their test equipment maximum capability, without failure (Cf. NOA #19-0326.04 & NOA #20-0922.04).

Andrew Dennis, inventor, and founder of GigaCrete, Inc., stated, "GigaCrete homes have withstood some of the worst Atlantic basin hurricanes on record including Joaquin Cat-4, Matthew Cat-5, Irma Cat-5, Maria Cat-5, and Dorian Cat-5.

GigaCrete's woodfree, super-insulated, energy-miser homes resist not only hurricanes but also floods, wildfires, a recent 5.8 earthquake on Guam without a single crack (Zone 4), noise (STC 52), salt spray, insects, and vermin. As an option, the house can be made bulletproof by using our BallistiCrete the Worlds first ballistic rated wall plaster, Dennis added.

If flooded, a low-pressure water wash of interior/exterior walls puts the waterproof house back into service as a home. GigaCrete's proprietary non-Portland surface coatings, resistant to abuse and impact (3500psi exterior and 8500psi interior), do not support the growth of mold or mildew.

The GigaCrete Building System is shipped to the jobsite as a pre-engineered materials kit. All components can be carried by hand. Pre-cut components fit together with minimal measuring, allowing foolproof assembly by low-skill labor using simple tools. GigaCrete's patented system may take a day or two to erect on a prepared concrete slab. From prepared slab to turnkey is measured in weeks not months.

Typical stick-built houses that get in the way of powerful hurricane-force winds and gusts usually end up as un-repairable structures or as a debris field of pick-up sticks, said Dennis.

To compound matters, stick-built houses inundated by storm surges or floodwaters serve as de facto Petri dishes for toxic mold and mildew; damp wood and drywall support their growth. Wet fiber glass insulation between the wood studs loses its effectiveness and must be replaced.

This litany of failure as applied to stick-built begs the question, Why are stick-built homes still constructed in known high-risk zones with hurricanes, storm surges, and floods, not to mention wildfires?
Music icons Erykah Badu, Herbie Hancock, Yasiin Bey, Questlove, Sonny Rollins, Wynton Marsalis, Robert Glasper, and others pay tribute to Hargroves legacy as an acclaimed composer in HARGROVE.

HARGROVE, a verite style documentary chronicling the last year of GRAMMY Award-winning trumpet legend Roy Hargroves life, will screen at major international film festivals around the United States and Europe, including the Seattle International Film Festival, Dallas International Film Festival, Urban World Film Festival in New York City and Doc'n Roll Film Festival in London, England.

Get Information and Buy Tickets to Upcoming "Hargrove" Screenings below or by following @HargroveDocumentary on Instagram:

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2022 at 7PM - Seattle International Film Festival, DocFest Program - Founded in 1976, the Seattle International Film Festival believes in films unique power to share original stories, diverse perspectives, and rich emotional journeys. SIFF Is hosting its second annual DocFest program, a celebration of all films documentary, from October 6-13, 2022.

SIFF Cinema Uptown

511 Queen Anne Ave N

Seattle, WA 98109



DALLAS, TEXAS - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16th at 4PM - Dallas International Film Festival - Montgomery Arts Theatre on Sunday, October 16 at 4PM at Booker T. Washington High School for the Visual and Performing Arts which Hargrove attended in the '80s. Erykah Badu, who was an executive producer of the film with Janine Sherman Barrois, will be at the event.

Montgomery Arts Theatre

at Booker T. Washington High School

for the Visual and Performing Arts

2501 Flora Street

Dallas, TX 75201

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27th, 2022 - Urban World Film Festival - In their 26th year, Urbanworld remains in a class of one by creating communities and spaces where Storytelling, Technology and Community converge. Our mission as a festival and an organization continues to have urgent relevance as the storytellers and ideas presented across our festival platforms lift up the best of storytelling, technology and culture.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6th, 5PM - Doc'n Roll Film Festival - The 9th edition of Doc'n Roll Film Festival, our headline, BFI-supported November festival, will run across London cinemas and 11 regional cities simultaneously from 27 October to 13 November 2022.

Barbican Cinemas

Beech St, Barbican

London EC1Y 8AA

United Kingdom

Future Screenings can be found at HargroveDocumentary.com

Filmed in the jazz clubs of New York, Los Angeles and across Mediterranean Europe (Vienne, Perugia, Sete, Sorrento, and Marseille) on what would be his final tour, HARGROVE shines a bright spotlight on the genius of Roy Hargrove and his enormous contributions to the art of jazz. Key conversations expand beyond Roys personal story and enter the terrain of what it means to be an artist, particularly in America. HARGROVE dives into the significance of Black music in America while offering a glimpse into the politics of power and race in the music industry. Roys narrative reverberates within todays Black Lives Matter movement with issues of ethics, exploitation, and empathy called into question.

Music icons Erykah Badu, Herbie Hancock, Yasiin Bey, Questlove, Sonny Rollins, Wynton Marsalis, Robert Glasper, and others pay tribute to Hargroves legacy as an acclaimed composer in HARGROVE. First-time director Eliane Henri unveils an epic love letter to Black music with a rare up-close and personal look at an artist whose peers deem a musical prophet. HARGROVE further documents Roys impact on Black music and his place in the history of jazz.

Poplife Productions Presents

in Association with Folding Chair Productions

HARGROVE

Produced by Eliane Henri & Dana Guerin

Executive Produced by Janine Sherman Barrois &

Erykah Badu

"Thanks to Henris persistence, we have the amazing merger of two talented artists, the filmmaker and the musician.  DownBeat

He was an amazing musician.  Herbie Hancock

He could hear paint dry.  Ralph Moore

On the occasion of debuting the Hargrove documentary, Poplife Productions is working in collaboration with MusiCares to raise funds in Roys honor.

The MusiCares Foundation provides a safety net for the music community in times of need, and together we can promote wellness, care, and compassion in the lives of the next generation of musicians.

To donate to MusiCares in honor of Roy Hargroves life and legacy to to MusiCares.org

About the film HARGROVE

HARGROVE is a verite style documentary, chronicling the last year of trumpet legend Roy Hargroves life. Filmed in the jazz clubs of New York as well as across Mediterranean Europe during his final summer tour, this film shines a bright spotlight on Roy Hargroves enormous contribution to the art of jazz. HARGROVE exposes the dark and challenging sides of an artist pure in form, yet vulnerable to everyday realities. Music icons including Erykah Badu, Herbie Hancock, Yasiin Bey, Questlove, Sonny Rollins, and Wynton Marsalis pay tribute to Hargroves artistry, impact, and legacy. An epic love letter from first-time Black director Eliane Henri, this film features stunning live performances by Hargrove in the last year of his life.

About Director Eliane Henri

Eliane Henri is a Black female filmmaker who began her long-standing career in Hollywood as a Creative Director in the music industry working for her mentor Quincy Jones in the 90s, and moving into PR & Special Events as a Director at Harrison & Shriftman, a multi-national PR firm in the early aughts. In 2003, Henri founded her own event production company, Poplife Productions, where she produced events and experiences for cultural icons including Forest Whitaker, Naomi Campbell, Yasiin Bey, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, Sean P. Diddy Combs, and Yoko Ono. In 2013, Henri segued into documentary production as an associate producer on the film Feel Rich: Health is the New Wealth, executive produced by her mentor Quincy Jones. In 2014, Henri produced the inaugural Getting Real Documentary Film Conference for the International Documentary Association (IDA). In 2016, she returned to produce both the 2nd biannual Getting Real Conference as well as the 32nd Annual International Documentary Awards. Hargrove is her directorial debut.

Runtime: 105 minutes

Website: https://www.hargrovedocumentary.com/

Facebook: @HargroveDocumentary

Twitter: @FilmHargrove

For media inquiries, please contact:

Eliane Henri

Eliane@poplifeproductions.com

(213) 886-9630


The Justice Reform Foundation was created by Justin Magnuson after he was wrongfully accused and falsely incarcerated. "President Bidens decision to amend the long-standing misguided practice of mass incarceration based on outdated marijuana laws is a welcome step in the right direction," said Justin Magnuson, Founder and President of the Justice Reform Foundation.

The Justice Reform Foundation (JRF), along with its founder, Dallas-based entrepreneur Justin Magnuson, are praising the Biden administration for its latest steps to pardon those with federal charges for simple possession of marijuana. The Justice Reform Foundation is committed to serving as advocates for those impacted by Americas broken criminal justice system and is encouraged by this sign of progress at a federal level.

"President Bidens decision to amend the long-standing misguided practice of mass incarceration based on outdated marijuana laws is a welcome step in the right direction," said Justin Magnuson, Founder and President of the Justice Reform Foundation. Convictions based on marijuana possession  a drug that is legal for medical use in 39 states and legalized in 19 states  have not only ruined the lives of hundreds of thousands American citizens, but also dealt serious damage to the U.S. economy. The rate of unemployment for those who have a criminal record, including for drug related crimes, is almost 30%. Decriminalizing the use and possession of marijuana will help address these issues, and I hope that state governors around the country, including here in Texas, will see the importance of taking these steps.

The announced overhaul of the U.S. policy on marijuana will result in pardoning all individuals with federal charges of simple possession of marijuana. It will also, according to President Bidens statement, relieve the collateral consequences of prior federal convictions for marijuana possession, including issues such as finding employment and housing.

In addition, President Biden encouraged all state governors to pursue the same action at the state level, noting that no one should be in a federal prison solely due to the possession of marijuana. After the announcement, Beto ORourke reiterated his campaign promise to legalize marijuana and expunge cannabis possession records in Texas if he is elected Governor.

The Justice Reform Foundation, based in Texas, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those impacted by the broken U.S. criminal justice system.

Magnuson added: While we are encouraged by this announcement, we still have a long way to go fix the widespread inequities within our criminal justice system. The Justice Reform Foundation will continue its work, raising awareness around these issues among legislators, particularly in our home state of Texas. Every person, regardless of their background, should receive equal and just treatment under the law.

To learn more about the Justice Reform Foundation, visit https://justicereformfoundation.org/. To request an interview with Justin Magnuson or a representative of the JRF, please contact Tamar at info@justicereformfoundation.org.

About the Justice Reform Foundation

The Justice Reform Foundation (JRF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those impacted by the broken U.S. criminal justice system. JRF focuses on educating and affecting change on topics like unlawful detainment, the need for bail reform, the importance of decriminalizing marijuana, prosecutorial misconduct, the abuse in the use of confidential informants, and the disparate treatment among classes of citizens.

About Justin Magnuson

Justin Magnuson is a Dallas-based entrepreneur who put himself through college and business school by working in sales before starting a neurodiagnostic testing company. He earned the prestigious recognition of making Inc. 5000s list for five years in a row before ultimately selling the company. Magnuson then started a second successful business in the medical field which is continuing to flourish. After investing in a legal cannabis business, Magnuson found himself detained in county jail for 20 months despite his innocence and harming the positive reputation hed earned. Since his recent release, Magnuson has been working toward rebuilding his life, including starting the Justice Reform Foundation to help those impacted by a broken criminal justice system.
Customers who wish to buy the newest 2023 Toyota Sequoia can do so at the Colonial Toyota dealership.

SUV enthusiasts who love to drive large full-size vehicles will love this new release from Toyota. The brands popular full-size SUV, the Sequoia, is back in a new version. With a pumped-up exterior body build, spacious cabin and cargo bay, and numerous advanced technology features, the latest 2023 Toyota Sequoia is now available for purchase near Milford in Connecticut. The Colonial Toyota dealership in Milford carries this new SUV in its inventory.

Interested buyers can explore the 2023 Toyota Sequoia virtually via the dealership's website and learn more about its features and technical specs. Alternatively, they can visit the dealership in person and take a closer look at the vehicle. This way, drivers can test-drive the 2023 Toyota Sequoia and analyze how it performs in real-time. Buyers who love off-roading in addition to their daily commute should check out this powerful full-size SUV in person. For further details, please contact the dealerships expert sales steam.

Please visit the colonialtoyotact.com website to learn about the various Toyota offers, services and coupons available at the Colonial Toyota dealership. For detailed information on the mighty 2023 Toyota Sequoia, kindly visit the dealership at Colonial Toyota, 470 Boston Post Road, Milford, CT 06460 or contact them by phone at 203-403-6890.
Click here for old website
The turmoil caused by the global pandemic was not enough to unseat the RELX Group as the worlds largest book publisher in 2021. Though sales fell 3% from 2020, the STM and legal publisher still held a healthy lead over second-place Thomson Reuters on the Publishers Weekly annual global ranking. For the most part, the subject areas that RELX specializes in held up well in 2021.

The top six publishers in 2020 all held their positions in 2021, and while there was some shifting among the top 10 players, no company dropped out of the group. Those 10 largest publishers generated sales of roughly $35 billion in 2021, up slightly from 2020, and accounted for 53% of all sales of the 50 companies included on this years ranking.

Bertelsmann remained in third place on the list despite a small revenue decline in the year due to a drop in sales in its education group that offset another good year of trade sales. Revenue at Pearson, which has reorganized itself to become a publisher of life-long learning materials rather than an educational publisher, was roughly flat in 2021, keeping it in fourth place.

HarperCollins moved up to seventh place, from #10 in 2020. HC, whose sales are from the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021, benefited not only from an overall increase in consumer book sales in the U.S. but also from acquisitions that added a total of $55 million to its fiscal 2021 revenue: $32 million came from the companys April 2020 purchase of three childrens books groups in Europe that had been owned by Egmont, and $23 million came from the purchase of the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt trade division, which was completed in May 2021.

With its decision to sell its trade division, HMH transformed itself into a learning technology company and joined the growing number of former book publishers that are betting everything on moving into the digital space. In April of this year, HMH took part in another growing trend of onetime textbook publishers when it was acquired by the private equity firm Veritas Capital for $21 per sharea deal that gave HMH an equity value of approximately $2.8 billion.

In 2021, McGraw-Hill Education was sold by one private equity firm, Apollo Global Management, to another, Platinum Equity. Platinum paid $4.5 billion for MHE; Apollo bought the company eight years earlier for $2.4 billion. MHE executives said they were looking forward to working with Platinum to expand the companys digital operations.

This phenomenon of educational publishers expanding beyond their traditional businesses is not limited to the U.S. In recent years, educational publishers in Brazil, Germany, and South Korea have evolved to become learning companies by developing more digital offerings and providing a variety of services to learners and educators.

English-language publishers werent the only ones that fared well over the course of the pandemic. Chinese publisher Phoenix Publishing and Media reported a 9% increase in sales, placing it in the 10th spot on the global ranking and maintaining its position as the largest Chinese book publisher, ahead of China South Publishing & Media Group (#17 on the list), China Publishing Group (#27), and China Science Publishing & Media (#38).

One place below China Science is Eksmo-AST, by far the market leader in the Russian book business. Its 32% increase in sales last year was due in part to the purchase of the countrys second-largest consumer book publishing house, Azbooka-Atticus, as well as the acquisition of the book retail chain Chitai Gorod through its own retail arm, Bukvoed.

The total sales of the publishers in PWs annual ranking has grown consistently over the years, fueled by acquisitions of both major competitors and smaller companies. As of early October, the publishing world is still waiting to find out whether Bertelsmann and its Penguin Random House subsidiary will succeed in buying Simon & Schuster (currently #23 on the global ranking), after the U.S. Department of Justice sued to block the sale. French media group Vivendi is also working to takeover Lagardere, parent company of Hachette Livre, the worlds sixth-largest book publisher, with holdings in both trade and educational publishinganother case of high-level consolidation thats been making headlines for over a year. In what seems to be a rare acknowledgment that consolidation has its limits, Vivendi said it would consider selling all or parts of the publisher it already owns, Editis#24 on the global ranking and the second-largest trade publisher in France, after Hachette Livreif it does complete the acquisition of Lagardere.

Top Publishers Worldwide by Revenue, 2021 by Publishers Weekly on Scribd
Ausma Zehanat Khans Blackwater Falls (Minotaur, Nov.) is a stunning series launch, per PWs starred review, that follows Det. Inaya Rahman as she investigates the murder of a teenage Syrian refugee whose body is found nailed to a mosque door in the small town of Blackwater Falls, Colo. When compromised colleagues and racial tensions complicate the investigation, Rahman must figure out whom she can trust as she hunts the killer. Khan spoke with PW about unlikely pairings, crime fictions portrayal of law enforcement, and the isolation of small-town life.

Rahman is a woman of color with a birds-eye view of the racial dynamics in police activity. Was it a challenge to have her walk that line?

Definitely. I proposed the series thinking those tensions could be reconciled through the dignity of my characters, but I quickly realized that approach wouldnt do justice to the big questions about policing that were facing today. So striking the right balance on the page and refusing to accept easy answers was one of the most challenging tasks. Any time I was tempted to put a halo on Inaya or fellow detective Cat, I brought the thoroughly corrupt sheriff to the forefront of my story.

How dooes the towns character influence the way the mystery unfolds?

Blackwater Falls is a small, tight-knit Colorado backcountry community with a quite obvious racial divide and a sheriffs department thats used to acting with unchecked power, almost like a private fiefdom. It feels claustrophobic, where all the characters know each other and the discovery of the killer is more devastating, as a result.

How did you approach writing about a town as tight-knit as Blackwater Falls?

For me, developing the various communities in Blackwater Falls reflected a great deal of my own upbringingthe multicultural, multiracial communities I grew up in so it was like coming home. This series is also very much about solidarity, the ways in which we build it or betray it. Solidarity cant be assumed. It has to be built. Writing Blackwater Falls was part of that process.

Are there conventions of detective fiction you wanted to subvert?

The trope of hero cop as good guy. Often crime writersand readersbegin with the idea that detectives are people you can trust to do right and to have a moral code. Det. Inaya Rahman has clear internal conflicts as a police officer that are exacerbated when she faces down Blackwaters sheriff as a woman of color partnered with another woman of color. So Blackwater Falls is really in conversation with how weve treated policing in crime fiction.

Was there a character dynamic you were particularly excited to explore?

I happily confess I have always loved romantic tension between a pair of lead detectives. In my former crime series, the love lives of my detectives were quite mysterious and tortured, but with Blackwater Falls, I was excited to put together a very unlikely pairing in the form of a detective whose faith and skin color have made her a target, and her supervising lieutenant, a man who is as hostile to his own culture and heritage as its possible to be. That was great fun to write.

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As a first-time author, publishing a book was a long-term dream. My book, Release: A Womans Guide to Releasing Weight in Midlife Through Becoming Your Bodys Best Friend, was the culmination of 10 years of my career and the result of a lot of work. It was only 10 days after my book had launched on Kindle Direct Publishing that I received the most heart-wrenching email.

The alert from Amazon KDP notified me that it had come to the companys attention that my book might include one or more images that I didnt have the rights to and, therefore, my book had been made unavailable for sale. The only option given to me was to provide proof of usage rights within five days.

I understand that Amazon takes copyright issues very seriously, and I am grateful for this. However, I was disappointed that, as an author who did nothing wrong, I was not given any grace period from the time of the email, nor was I given the name of the person or company that made the complaint.

Upon doing much research, my team realized that there is not a lot of information readily available on how to navigate Amazon flagging books and making them unavailable for purchase, aside from some author forums. So I reached out to a YouTube creator who often talks about the publishing industry, and his advice was helpful. He told me to have patience, reply to each Amazon email with as much information as I had, and expect the process to take a few days, if not longer.

His reassurance gave me hope to navigate the process and eventually get to a resolution, and it also inspired this article so more authors facing this issue have a plan for how to proceed.

Seeking a resolution

As a new author, I was told I would encounter some challenges along the way. However, one that I did not expect was having to prove that my cover image was indeed free to be used commercially.

When searching for a book cover designer, I selected someone who came recommended, signed a contract giving me full rights to all the intellectual property he would produce, and agreed to share all source files upon completion of the project. As I was hiring a professional, I assumed that he had rights to the image used. I thought I had covered all my bases.

When Amazon pulled my book from the Kindle store and requested proof of rights, the designer initially failed to comply, but, upon my insistence, he eventually provided me with a link from Unsplash, the only information he had.

Documentation I provided that was deemed insufficient by KDP included a copy of the designers signed contract and the source files he provided, links to the Unsplash image and the image license stating that I had the rights to use the image for commercial use, and screenshots of my Instagram conversation with the photographer, in which he confirmed I was able to use his image on my book cover.

 As a new author, I was told I would encounter some challenges along the way. However, one that I did not expect was having to prove that my cover image was indeed free to be used commercially. 

I was quite concerned. I had done a significant amount of promotion for the book launch, only 10 days prior, and my book cover image was everywhere. Changing the cover so soon would have been time-consuming and costly and could lead to confusionall of which I was trying to avoid.

The resolution came once the photographer kindly agreed to sign an official letter that I would then share with Amazon. KDP finally accepted this as sufficient proof, and my book was reinstated in the Kindle store within 48 hours of the approval email.

I feel lucky that the photographer, who had nothing to gain from helping me, decided to take the time to do so. If I had not been able to find him or if he had been unwilling to sign, I do not believe that my book would have been reinstated, which is a scary thought for any author.

During the week of my launch, my book ranked as a #2 and #3 bestseller on Amazon Canada within different categories and was promoted on the Hot New Release list in Canada and the United States. Since the issue occurred, I have been unable to rank within the Kindle store.

Recommendations

If you have already published a book and Amazon flags it, respond early and often. With each reply I sent to KDP, it seemed that the five-day response deadline reset. In scenarios like this, in which the author may be waiting days to hear back from a designer or trying to track down a photographer, five days may not seem sufficient, so I recommend keeping the communications going and updating KDP along the way.

If you are embarking on a cover design process, prepare yourself for any potential future challenges by getting a form of image use permission that KDP will accept. Here is what I used that KDP considered acceptable: it was titled Image Use Authorization and included the following:

I, [photographers name], confirm that I am the original owner of the image titled [image title; image URL] and that under the [image site] license, [author name], owner of [book title], is allowed to use the image for his/her/their book cover.

a photo of the original image

my Kindle book cover

an image reference numberin my case, the Unsplash pages unique URL

the photographers signature and date

Whether you are a new author working on your cover design or you have an already published book, I hope my experience will help you, should you find yourself in my shoes.

Juliana Leamen is the founder of Naturally Joyous Inc., a holistic menopause transition expert, an author, and a podcaster.
DEAL OF THE WEEK

Ex Capitol Police Chief Sells Courage Blackstone Publishing acquired North American rights to Steven Sunds Courage Under Fire: Under Siege and Outnumbered 58 to 1 on January 6. Sund, the former Capitol Police chief, was represented by Shane Salerno at the Story Factory, who described the advance for the book as near seven figures. The title is set to be released Jan. 3, 2023, three days before the second anniversary of the Capitol riot, and is, per the publisher, like Black Hawk Down at the U.S. Capitol. Josh Stanton at Blackstone, who bought the book, added that Sunds account contains details that "will alter some of the accepted facts about January 6 as well as new insights about the cover-up that followed, including shocking new information that the American public needs to know.

Allendes Wind Blows to Ballantine

For Ballantine, Jennifer Hershey took North American rights to Isabel Allendes The Wind Knows My Name. The publisher said the novel, sold by Johanna Castillo at Writers House, is inspired by an actual case involving a daughter separated from her mother at the U.S. border and intertwines past and present, tracing the ripple effects of war and immigration on one child in Europe in 1938 and another in the U.S. in 2019. Ballantine added that Allende came across the story through an organization supported by the Isabel Allende Foundation. Allende is a perennial bestseller and has also received numerous awards, including the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters and PEN Center USAs Lifetime Achievement Award. The Wind Knows My Name is set for summer 2023.

Miller Goes Antiquing at Atria

Atria Books Natalie Hallak won C.L. Millers debut novel, The Antique Hunters Guide to Murder, at auction. Bought in a three-book, North American rights agreement with Simon & Schuster Canada, the novel is set to launch a series that follows a young woman who gets drawn back into the sometimes-dangerous world of antiques hunting after the mysterious death of her estranged mentor. Hannah Todd at the Madeleine Milburn Agency represented Miller, whose mother, Judith Miller, is an antiques expert and frequent guest on Antiques Roadshow and consulted on the book. Slated for spring 2024, The Antique Hunters Guide is, Atria added, for fans of Agatha Christie, The Maid, and The Thursday Murder Club.

Gallery Games the Throne with Andersen

Christopher Andersen (The Day Diana Died) sold The King: The Life of Charles III to Aimee Bell at Gallery Books in a world English rights agreement. Andersen, who was represented by Ellen Levine from Trident Media Group, has been covering the royal family for nearly 50 years, and the book, set for November, is the first major biography of Charles since he ascended the throne. Gallery said Andersen has been working on the book for almost five years, and that it will be a vivid and unsparing yet sympathetic portrait of one of the most complex and enigmatic figures of our time. The King, Atria continued, draws on research and interviews with sources including palace staffers, royal protection officers, courtiers, colleagues, and intimate friends of the royal family.

Putnam Preempts Chens Debut

For Putnam, Tara Singh Carlson preempted North American rights to Karissa Chens debut novel, Homeseeking, from Michelle Brower at Trellis Literary Management. The author is editor-in-chief of Hyphen magazine, a nonprofit news and culture publication about Asian Americans. Homeseeking is, Putnam said, a sweeping tale about two childhood sweethearts in Shanghai who are separated by war in 1947 as 16-year-olds and reunited by chance in their 70s at a 99 Ranch Market in Los Angeles. Pitched in the vein of Pachinko, the novel had, at press time, sold in eight international deals.

Random House Signs Acker's 'Episode'

Camille Ackers A Very Special Episode was acquired by Random Houses Jamia Wilson in a two-book world English rights agreement. Eleanor Jackson at Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary Agency represented Acker, author of the acclaimed 2018 novel Training School for Negro Girls. The new novel, the publisher said, follows a young Black socialite who, while about to realize her professional ambitions, discovers a strange and secret housing facility that is tailored to a very specific vision of the past, the set of her favorite 1990s sitcom about a close-knit, middle-class Black family who never met a bootstrap they couldnt grip. The second book under contract, Mothership, is a story collection.

Gallery Re-ups V.C. Andrews Franchise

Gallery Books has signed a world rights agreement with A and E Studios to publish four more titles in the V.C. Andrews franchise. A and E acquired the franchise in 2021 and through this deal, negotiated by Alec Shane at Writers House, Rebecca Strobel will edit the titles and Andrew Neiderman will continue to write them. (Neiderman has been penning the Andrews titles for more than 35 years.) The first book under contract is set for 2023.

Khorram Gets Wined Up at Forever

At auction, Sam Brody at Forever bought YA author Adib Khorrams adult debut, the Wine Pairing rom-com series. The three-book North American rights agreement was brokered by Molly ONeill at Root Literary. The titles, Forever said, were pitched as a modern, BIPOC- and queer-centered Sex in the City. The publisher elaborated that the series follows the fierce friendshipsand many bottles of winethat sustain three gay, Iranian American millennial men as they navigate misguided meet-cutes and steamy second-chance romances. The books are set to publish in fall 2024, fall 2025, and fall 2026, respectively.
As it has for so many people, the pandemic has prompted some changes in my life, and one change in particular may prove surprising to some of my librarian friends and colleagues: Ive resolved to only read the books I really want to read.

You see, I am an avid fiction reader. But I must confess that I have always been self-conscious about my reading tastes. As a librarian and readers adviser, I always believed that I had to read serious nonfiction and not just fiction to be good at my job. And in retirement Ive had a hard time shaking that feeling, even though so much of what I have learned in life I've learned from reading novels.

Apparently, Im not alone. Nancy Pearl, the most notorious reader in our profession, shares similar feelings of angst over her fidelity to fiction.

I belong to a book group that has met weekly for the past four years, where we each talk about what were reading that week, Nancy told me recently. There are people in the group who mostly read nonfiction. And even though Ive spent my life, or at least my career, assuring people that the definition of a good book is a book that you, the reader, enjoy, when its my turn to talk Im always a little embarrassed. I find I still preface my choices by saying apologetically, Oh, my book this week is just a mystery. Or, when Ive finished rereading Georgette Heyers The Grand Sophy for the umpteenth time, I feel I need to add that Heyer not only invented the regency romance but that she was a terrific social historian as well. No matter how many times I tell others not to feel apologetic about the books they read, theres still part of me that does it too.

When I was library director for Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL) in Ohio, I would dread the weeks leading up to my annual January appearance on a local public radio show to share my top book picks of the previous year. Knowing Id be joined by the book editor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the owner of Macs Backs bookstore in Cleveland Heights, I would let anxiety drive my holiday reading. I should have spent the holidays with what I love: a delicious menu of mysteries, contemporary literature, and magical realism. Instead, I always found myself cramming nonfiction books to catch up.

In fairness, it was during those holiday nonfiction binges that I discovered many wonderful titles such as Moby-Duck by Donovan Hohn, Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo, Evicted by Matthew Desmond, and The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson. So it isnt that I dont like nonfiction (I do). But, looking back, my life was 50 weeks of fiction and a desperate two-week binge of nonfiction so I could present as a well-rounded reader.

 So what if a reader like me wants to remain in the world of fictionthats not a bad thing, is it? 

Why, though? There is an undeniable force in fiction that promotes compassion, empathy, and understanding. As young children, we are surrounded by story and encouraged to relish the rich, imaginative worlds created in picture books and to lose ourselves in the chapter books that are read to us. And its through these stories that we learn to read and learn to love reading, which is foundational to our broader learning and education. So what if a reader like me wants to remain in the world of fictionthats not a bad thing, is it?

Turns out, it isnt at all. In fact, according to Richard Restak, my new favorite scientist (sorry, Anthony Fauci), a healthy love of fiction is actually, well, healthy.

Restak is clinical professor of neurology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and the author of more than 20 books on the human brain. I came to know him after reading his most recent book, The Complete Guide to Memory: The Science of Strengthening Your Mind. And at the top of his list for supporting memory health as we age: reading more fiction.

My conclusion about the effect of reading fiction came from my experiences with patients, Restak says. I noted that as they aged, they tended to avoid fiction, because they had difficulty remembering the characters, places, and actions.

But rather than avoiding fiction as we age, we should actually lean in, Restak explains. Research shows that reading complex fiction with multiple characters and situations can actually lead to cognitive gains, precisely because it forces one to pay attention to character, plot, setting, and language, all of which provides vital exercise for the brain and helps with memory retention. Historical fiction related to ones life experience may especially help support memory, as the easiest memories to retain are those connected to an image or emotion. But it is not necessary to overdo that, Restak stresses. A simple plot with half a dozen or so characters can be also very stimulating.

Speaking of memories, I vividly recall a popular statement emblazoned on T-shirts and tote bags at past library conferences: So many books, so little time. As I look to my own reading future, I am reassured that reading all the fiction I want is time well spent. But, as the slogan suggests, time can be hard to find in todays frenetic, connected world full of distractions and responsibilities, and reading a good novel for many probably seems like a luxury.

Making the time to read fiction is important, though, Restak says. And he practices what he preaches. He really did make time to read fiction as he toiled in medical school and residencies, he says. And amid his busy research and writing schedule, he still sets aside time to read novels.

I have always prioritized time for reading fiction, Restak notes. When in medical school, I read The Alexandria Quartet in the evening just before bedtime. Sometimes I could only manage part of a chapter and sometimes just a page or two, but I kept at it and finished that work.

Recently, Restak read The Count of Monte Cristo with his wifeand enhanced the experience by listening to the audiobook as well. I find that an audiobook is good for writing and maintaining an active writing career, he points out. While you are listening to the book, you can envision how the author probably wrote it in terms of paragraphing and punctuation, and it is easy to check these things by looking down at the book while listening to the audio version.

Furthermore, Restak acknowledges that libraries and librarians have, and have always had, an important role to play in keeping people reading. I think there is a role for libraries in motivating older people to become readers, he adds.

So there you have it, doctors orders: read more fiction. Make time to read more fiction. Have a patron who only wants to read fiction? Go ahead, indulge them. And why not mix in some audiobooks to enhance the experience? This is one doctor's prescription I am happy to have, and one librarians will be eager to fill.
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The color of the publishing industry is slowly changing, and Hachette Book Group is continuing to take steps to bring more BIPOC writers to the table in an equitable way. Spearheaded by its new chief diversity officer, Carrie Bloxson, and senior v-p of communication, Sophie Cottrell, HBG sponsored and cohosted a Hurston/Wright Writers Week Workshop retreat for the first time this summer. Started in 1996, the workshop has helped many emerging Black writers develop into award-winning authors. For HBG, cohosting the retreat was an opportunity to amplify the efforts of a long-standing organization that already serves the communities the publisher wants to support. We certainly didnt want to start from scratch at Hachette, Bloxson said of the decision to work with Hurston/Wright, because we know that there are organizations that are already doing this work.

Bloxson joined HBG as the companys first-ever chief diversity officer in February 2021. She was previously interim CEO and chief marketing officer at the social impactfocused DoSomething.org. Before that she spent six years as v-p of marketing at HarperCollins, launching campaigns for various titlesan experience she said informs her strategy in helping HBG better advocate and foster more diversity, equity, and inclusion in publishing. We really wanted to make a concerted effort to work with communities and organizations that are helping writers of color to drive something measurable and impactful, Bloxson said. Hachettes mission and the goals of Hurston/Wrights board of directors aligned, and we thought that this workshop would be an excellent example of that to start, she said.

Hurston/Wright partners with various universities around the country to facilitate its weeklong writers retreats. Writers are admitted based on submissions, with retreat costs varying based on location and room and board. Emerging and mid-career writers in the genres of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry take up residence on campus as retreat participants and are immersed in a week of professional instruction, including feedback on submitted works, writing workshops, and discussions on craft.

Hachette helped sponsor the retreat at Rutgers University in New Jersey and directly funded two emerging writers who attended the retreat as Hachette fellows. Hurston/Wright Foundations executive director Khadijah Ali-Coleman credited the success of the Rutgers retreat, which had a total of about a dozen participants, to Hachettes support. Hachette has always approached us from a place of What can we do to help?  Ali-Coleman said. The success of this summer program, its really been due to that collaborative approach.

The Hurston/Wright retreats best takeaway for Hachette fellow Jacqueline Ballantine was simply being in the room with smart, driven, ambitious writers who were all Black, she said. I truly had no idea just how beneficial it was to be in that type of environment. Her forthcoming novel will explore themes of nontraditional mother figures and colorism.

As part of HBGs Hachette fellowship, Ballantine and recipient Marrion Johnson were invited to Hachettes office in New York City to learn more about the book publishing process, from start to finish, and meet departmental editors working on books in their subjects of interest. I came into the workshop just ready to be accepted, Ballantine said. The visit to Hachettes offices was just the icing on this already beautiful cake.

In a virtual event, Hachette also invited all Hurston/Wrights summer retreat participants to a panel discussion detailing how books are acquired, published, and marketed. The aim was to support the writers attending the retreat as well as establish relationships with emerging talent, removing some of the mystery from the publishing process, Bloxson said. Through continued partnerships, she aims to help make Hachettes DEI efforts bigger and better.

The benchmark here is not super quantitative, she explained, because its really hard to measure how engaging the experience wasother than making sure that we get candid feedback from fellows and the retreat residents.

As Hachettes chief diversity officer, Bloxsons goal is to hold the publisher accountable to its diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments in a way that promotes equity. That we live that through not only internally at Hachette but also externally through the communities that we serve, she said.

It was the third writers retreat for Johnson, but a pivotal step in his literary trajectory, he said, to feel witnessed and affirmed by peers who share similar struggles as Black writers. So that was something that I left with and am holding on to, he said. And I hope that we can pass that on to other writers who come next. Johnson is working on a forthcoming novel that delves into themes of freedom, spiritually and physically, during American slavery entitled The Promised Land.

A new program

Earlier this year, Hurston/Wight named its first novel Writer-in-Residence program recipients, awarding $15,000 sponsored residencies to two writers whose works are poised to make an impact. The residents received room and board, four weeks to focus on their writing, and the opportunity to lead a Hurston/Wright weeklong workshop. As a Writer-in-Residence recipient, multigenre writer Destiny Birdsong taught the retreat at Rutgers.

With input and support from publishers like Hachette, Hurston/Wrights Writer-in-Residence program was designed understanding that there are inequities that exist in the publishing industry, Ali-Coleman explained. We recognized that one of the major things that facilitates writers to continue writing, but also to move toward publishing, is their access and their connectivity to publishing houses.

The publishing industry is expanding in a good way, Ali-Coleman said, adding: We are recognizing that its not merely about the inequity in terms of how many Black writers are published, but what types of conversations and relationships are being formed with Black writers, even before it gets to the submission process.
True crime is sometimes dismissed as low-brow fare featuring lurid tales of serial killers and sexual deviants, but a wave of new books focused on the intersection of crime and technology shows the genre can serve as a window into our growing digital reliance.

By marrying a taut crime narrative with detailed descriptions of cutting-edge tools used by police and criminals, including the dark web, satellite communications, and genetic genealogy, true crime is especially well suited to educating the public, notes Matt Potter, author of We Are All Targets, an in-depth look at hackers and cyberwarfare due from Hachette in January. Theres something in true crime culture that can give society at large the key to unlock the skullduggery and the terrible shenanigans that are happening in the world of Big Tech, he says.

PW spoke with Potter and the editors of four other forthcoming books about how true crime can illustrate the risks and rewards of technology.

Communication breakthrough

As with advances in fingerprint analysis in the early 20th century, digital technology has proven a boon to law enforcement. In Satellite Boy, a March release from Counterpoint, Andrew Amelinckx draws an unexpected link between the 1965 launch of Intelsat 1, the first 24-hour commercial communications satellite, and the arrest of Canadian bank robber Georges Lemay, who was spotted on his yacht in Florida after his photograph was broadcast on TV via the new satellite.

Counterpoint executive editor Dan Smetanka, who acquired the book, says he was drawn to the split-screen quality of Amelinckxs narrative, which juxtaposes the tale of Lemays daring bank robbery with the history of space-based communications. Ive never been underneath a Canadian bank and blown up floors to get to the money, he explains, but at the same time I was taken by how the book spoke to these larger issues of connectivity and the beginnings of how technology was going to influence crime and the detection of crime.

Edward Humess The Forever Witness, a November release from Dutton, documents how advances in the analysis of genetic material helped solve a very different case in Washington State. Police had been investigating the 1987 murder of a Canadian couple for decades when Det. Jim Scharf sent a sample of the perpetrators DNA to a lab, which eventually led genetic genealogists to the killer.

The Forever Witness, which PWs starred review called a fascinating look at how technology has revolutionized crime solving, explains the development and practices of forensic genetic genealogy, says Stephen Morrow, an executive editor who acquired the book for Dutton. But the book also delves into the risks of sharing ones genetic information publicly.

If you give your DNA to a searchable database, you can implicate some relative youve never met, and you dont know youre doing it, Morrow says. And who owns that database? Who owns that information about you?

Follow the money

Technology plays an even larger role in books looking at crimes taking place in the dark corners of the web. In Andy Greenbergs Tracers in the Dark, a November release from Doubleday dubbed a must-have for the true crime shelf in a starred PW review, investigators turn the tables on criminals using supposedly untraceable cryptocurrency.

The tale of how police and academic researchers probed flaws in the blockchain technology at the heart of cryptocurrencies also upends tropes of the true crime genre, which tends to focus on the criminal masterminds more than on the cops who chase them, says Yaniv Soha, the Doubleday senior editor who acquired the book.

We have an obsession with those highly visible criminals, and the criminals in this book are kind of in the shadows through most of the story, Soha says. This is more The Untouchables model of Eliot Ness and his gang.

Renee Dudley and Daniel Golden spin a similar tale in The Ransomware Hunting Team, an October release from Farrar, Straus and Giroux that PW called an engrossing underdog story. The good guys in the story are self-taught hackers like Michael Gillespie, who started cracking ransomware cases while working at a mall computer-repair store. Alex Star, the FSG executive editor who acquired the book, says he and the authors drew inspiration from Michael Lewiss hit business books The Big Short and Flash Boys. With Lewis, for me, Star says, theres a model of having interesting characters who are somewhat outsiders with interesting traits and then bringing in a larger social paradigm and knowing how to explain the hard stuff, knowing when to start and when to stop.

While some of these tech-focused true crime titles find their models in bestselling business books, others are essentially science books with a murder plot, and still others are works of investigative journalism. This wide-ranging approach to the genre, says Matt Potter, the We Are All Targets author, is good for readers and for publishing.

What publishing needs, he says, is voracious omnivores like true crime writers tend to be, saying, Ooh, whats that going on down that side alley? 

Michael Bournes debut novel, Blithedale Canyon, was published in June by Regal House.

Read more from our New True Crime 20222023 feature:

The Thrill of the Chase: PW talks with Barbara Rae-Venter

In 'I Know Who You Are' (Ballantine, Feb. 2023), Barbara Rae-Venter discusses her work using DNA to crack cold cases, including that of the infamous Golden State Killer.
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 10/07/2022



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

couple Elizabeth Potthast and Andrei Castravet have welcomed their second child into the world."HE'S HERE! We welcomed sweet precious baby boy Winston Leo Castravet into the World on 10/4/2022 weighing 7lbs 10oz 20in long," Elizabeth captioned several family photos, including Andrei and their daughter Eleanor, on Friday, October 7."Our hearts are SO filled with joy right now and we are already loving being a family of four. Ellie is a proud big sister and all about her baby brother 'Win'! Having a baby boy is totally different energy and I'm loving it so much!!!"Elizabeth added the following hashtags to her post, "#winstonleo #thecastravets #familyoffour #boymomma #inlove #mommasboy."Andrei posted the same pictures on his own Instagram account and wrote, "I'm so proud and excited to be a Dad again to my son Winston Leo!! Welcome to the world! And now You are our favorite reason to lose sleep at night #winstonleo #prouddad #tlc #iloveit."The couple told Us Weekly in an interview they are "so honored and pleased" to introduce their new little bundle of joy, adding, "[We] cannot wait to grow together."Elizabeth and Andrei, 36, celebrated their baby shower last month, just three months after they revealed the baby's sex.The reality TV couple first announced they had Baby No. 2 on the way in March."We are so extremely excited to announce that we are expecting baby Castravet #2!" Elizabeth captioned a beach-themed family photo, which proudly showed off her baby bump, at the time."Ellie is SO ecstatic to be a big sister and help momma! We appreciate all of your love and support and cannot wait to have you on this journey with us!"Andrei posted the same photo on his own Instagram account and wrote to his followers, "We are pleased to announce that due to hard work and a good attitude we will be promoting our daughter to big sister."Around that time, Elizabeth also posted a sweet tribute to her daughter, who was born in 2019."My baby is gonna be a big sister. For a while it was hard for me to imagine having another baby that would 'take my attention away' from Ellie and share my love but as time grew I realized how amazing of a big sister Ellie would be and how she would love a sibling!" Elizabeth gushed."Now I can imagine the 2 together and how much love will go around! Can't wait to be another mommy to a precious little baby and man is Andrei gonna be even more of a DILF."Elizabeth was a 27-year-old from Tampa, FL, and Andrei was a 31-year-old from Chisinau, Moldova when he came to America on a K-1 visa.After originally appearing on Season 5 of , Elizabeth and Andrei also returned for Seasons 4, 5, 6 and 7 of : Happily Ever After?. (The spinoff's seventh season is currently airing on Sunday nights at 8PM ET/PT on TLC).The couple had met on a dating app in 2016 when Elizabeth, the youngest of ten children, was planning a visit to Dublin and decided to "see what was out there" before she visited the city.Andrei, originally from Moldova, was living in Dublin and working as a bouncer at the time of Elizabeth's visit.It took time for Elizabeth's family to warm up to Andrei, as they said they found him controlling. They also disapproved of Elizabeth's hasty decision to wed after knowing Andrei for such a short amount of time.However, Elizabeth and Andrei tied the knot in late 2017.In October 2018, Elizabeth's brother-in-law Orlando Davis accidentally revealed the couple was expecting their first child together.Elizabeth and Andrei later confirmed the news, and the couple welcomed Eleanor in January 2019.Season 5 of : Happily Ever After? featured Elizabeth and Andrei having a second lavish wedding in Moldova so Andrei's whole family could attend.Elizabeth didn't like seeing a "chauvinistic" side of Andrei while planning the big event, and he often snapped at her for being "OCD" and annoying.Following the worst of the coronavirus pandemic, TLC announced in March 2021 that Elizabeth and Andrei would be part of : Happily Ever After's Season 6 cast.Andrei was shown joining Elizabeth's family's real estate business under the guidance of her father Chuck Potthast, which resulted in explosive family arguments amongst Elizabeth's siblings.Elizabeth and Andrei were working towards financial stability after COVID-19 impacted Elizabeth's real estate career and put a lot of stress on their relationship.And Season 7 of : Happily Ever After? just featured Elizabeth and Andrei having a housewarming party in their new house in Florida. Elizabeth's family also accused Andrei of ostracizing Elizabeth from them, and Charlie Potthast still had unresolved issues with Andrei.Elizabeth and Andrei have also made appearances on : Pillow Talk and : Love Games, which streamed in early 2021.Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage!
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 10/07/2022



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

star Jill Chin has provided context to her love-triangle drama with Romeo Alexander and Kira Mengistu and also revealed where she and Kira stand now.On 's eighth season, Romeo stepped foot onto the beach in Mexico and said, "It's been so long since I've seen her, but I still think there is something there between me and Jill. But I am afraid Kira will be here. As long as she doesn't get in the way of me and Jill, [it should be fine]."Once Kira arrived in Paradise, she assumed that Romeo was going to be her man, which erupted an argument between the two women.Jill said it's been "so rough" watching the episodes back, telling Us Weekly on its "Here for the Right Reasons" podcast, "I don't think I've been able to catch a break."Jill -- who claimed on the show that Kira "always goes after guys" that she likes -- revealed that she was actually with the physician from Pennsylvania when the pair met Romeo."Kira and I were really good friends after [ Clayton Echard 's The Bachelor season] and we were in New York and we met up with Romeo and then it was pretty clear that there was some flirtation going on between Romeo and I," Jill shared."At first, I was like, 'No, no, no. It's just nothing.' I'm like, 'Eh, I'm not really into him,' or whatever. Then we developed a friendship, and it was definitely more of a flirty friendship and it was obvious that there were feelings on both sides."But the architectural historian from Rhode Island said she and Romeo "never crossed the line" from platonic into romantic."We never went on a date, we never kissed each other. I was purposefully just keeping that really separate cause that gets, like, super messy," Jill said.Jill noted how all three of them were "good friends" -- until Romeo and Kira kissed in a club one night."Romeo told me, but Kira hadn't told me," Jill recalled, "and I was really hurt by that because I was really close with them."Jill said she and Kira actually talked things out after that night and "squashed the beef" before their appearance on ."Kira had apologized to me and was like, 'I know the trust is broken, but you've been nothing but a good friend to me.' And I'm like, 'Yeah, absolutely. Like, it's just gonna take some time to, like, heal from this. We'll be fine,'" Jill explained."And then I kind of separated myself from both of those situations, so I hadn't talked to them since February or March. And then when I got down to the beach, I thought it was all gonna be okay."Jill said she "wasn't really expecting to see" Romeo, a mathematician from New York, on the beach."And so that kind of escalated things, for sure," Jill said on the podcast.Once Romeo arrived in Paradise, Jill apparently assumed they were going to have a conversation because they hadn't talked in "so long."But she said she never anticipated Romeo would want to grow their connection and date her."When I saw him coming in being like, 'I want to pursue Jill,' that really surprised me," Jill admitted.But what was even more surprising was her fight with Kira on the beach. Jill shared how she was in "shock" when Kira began "throwing insults" at her."I was definitely taken aback by it, and in the moment, I was super emotional. People were like, 'Jill, why were you crying? You won!' But I am so non-confrontational, and so for that to happen on the first night was really jarring to me," Jill explained."I wish we sat down and had an honest conversation, but unfortunately, that's the way it went down."Jill called Kira an annoying "b-tch," and Kira said she felt disrespected by Jill.Jill told Us that she and Kira ultimately agreed to keep their distance from each other on the show because they weren't getting to a "healthy" place.And since filming the show, Jill confirmed, "We haven't spoken at all."On the latest episodes of , Romeo hit on Brittany Galvin , which resulted in all three bachelorettes being done with Romeo and wanting nothing to do with him.Jill only accepted a rose from Romeo in order to meet other men who would be coming soon to the Paradise resort."I always try to live with no regrets and, you know, I learned a lot from that situation. So I honestly don't think I would've done anything differently," Jill said when looking back on the whole situation."I think [Romeo] was able to show me that he wasn't ready for this relationship," she added, "and so I moved on from that and I think that's valuable in itself."Although Romeo and Kira attended Harvard University at the same time, Jill said she doesn't think the pair knew each other then.Kira, for her part, cleared that up during a Thursday appearance on the "Talking It Out with Bachelor Nation" podcast co-hosted by Bryan Abasolo and Mike Johnson "We graduated the same year at Harvard. We didn't know each other super well, but we definitely were acquainted," Kira reportedly clarified."We didn't, like, hang out together. We weren't in the same friend groups. But I definitely recognized him when the cast list for The Bachelorette came out."'s eighth season airs Monday and Tuesday nights at 8PM ET/PT on ABC.Interested in more The Bachelor news? 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An arrest report says the man who allegedly stabbed eight people on the Las Vegas Strip, killing two, said they were laughing at him and he let the anger out."
The Georgia midterm elections take place on Tuesday, Nov. 8. All polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day. Early voting begins on Monday, Oct. 17 at 8 a.m and closes on Friday, Nov. 4 at 5 p.m., although times may vary depending on polling location.
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Has been working as a photojournalist since 2007, before moving into newspapers, he worked with an NGO called Project HOPE. He then went to work for the Press and Sun-Bulletin in New York, and then in New England working for the Brattleboro Reformer.
Son Chhay, vice president of the Candlelight Party, speaks to reporters as he leaves Phnom Penh Municipal Court on October 8, 2022.

A Cambodian court on Friday ordered Son Chhay, vice president of the main opposition Candlelight Party, to pay more than U.S.$700,000 in damages for defamation, his lawyer told Radio Free Asia.

Hun Sens ruling Cambodian Peoples Party, or the CPP, and the National Election Committee, a supposedly impartial election monitor, brought two lawsuits against Son Chhay after he talked with a news outlet about election irregularities two days after the countrys commune elections on June 5.

The Candlelight Party took about 19 percent of the countrys 11,622 local council seats in that vote, whereas the CPP captured about 80 percent.

Son Chay said the results do not reflect the will of the people, who were intimidated. Their votes were bought and stolen," Australias ABC News reported. And independent election monitors and NGOS reported irregularities.

Those comments earned him defamation charges. In addition to having to pay 3 billion riels (about $726,000) to the ruling party, Son Chay was also slapped with fines totalling 17 million riels (about $4,100) that must be paid to the CPP, the election committee and the court, his lawyer Choung Chou Ngy told RFAs Khmer Service.

He criticized the decision, saying his client only expressed his political views and did not defame anyone.

What Son Chhay said was to advocate for election reform but the court convicted him and ordered him to pay 3 billion riels to the CPP. It is very unjust, he said, adding that he intends to consult with his client about the appeal process.

Son Chhay denied he was guilty of defamation and vowed to continue to criticize the election process until it is reformed.

What I have done was not to anger anyone or for anyones benefit, he told RFA. I talked about free and fair elections. [But] people dont have freedom. People only express their views and are being arrested for defamation, he said.

RFA was not able to reach election spokesman Hang Puthea for comment, but the organization issued a statement saying that justice was served. Through the verdict today, the NEC has been proven innocent, restoring its reputation and dignity as a national institution, it said.

The court shouldnt have tried Son Chhay because he has the right to freedom of expression, Yi Soksan, a senior official with the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association, told RFA.

It is sad when a political party files a complaint with the NEC to resolve election issues, and not only do they fail to resolve the issue, the institution thats supposed to be a referee instead files a complaint against the political party, he said.

Fridays verdict came amid discussions between Candlelight and the Khmer Will Party party over a potential merger ahead of the 2023 general election, scheduled for July.

The Khmer Will Partys president, Kong Monika, said a merger is what the people want, and would set an example for other political parties to prioritize national interest over personal ones. The Khmer Will Party is the same as the Candlelight Party. We want supporters of democracy to stay united for a positive change, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party is eager to join hands with Khmer Will, Thach Setha, the partys vice president, told RFA.

Ruling party spokesman Sok Ey San downplayed the significance of the two parties merging. He said that the opposition has still not recovered from 2017, when the Supreme Court dissolved the Cambodia National Rescue Party, or CNRP, which at that time had been the main opposition party.

The CPP is not afraid. The CNRP lost to the CPP. Now the CNRP has split up to at least seven parties, and only two of those will merge so the CPP is not worried, he said.

The Khmer Will Party did not win any seats in the communal election, garnering only 7,556 votes nationwide.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
Intense factional negotiations will decide who joins him on the all-powerful Politburo standing committee.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang raise glasses during a reception at the Great Hall of the People on the eve of the Chinese National Day in Beijing, China, Sept. 30, 2022.

Ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping is widely expected to seek a third term in office at the party congress, which opens in Beijing on Oct. 16.

What is less predictable is how long that term will be, and how much support he will need from rival factions in the party to achieve it, analysts told RFA.

"No major leaks have occurred so far," Li Cheng, director of the John L. Thornton China Center at the Brookings Institution, told RFA in a recent interview, adding that the closed-doors nature of internal negotiations wasn't unusual, but the lack of leaks ahead of the congress was "a rare phenomenon."

Currently, analysts are unsure of who will make it into the 25-member Politburo, still less of the makeup of the next Politburo standing committee, current a seven-member body at the heart of political power in China.

They do agree that Xi is likely to be replacing incumbent premier Li Keqiang -- who has spoken off message recently regarding the direction of economic policy -- with a strong political ally.

"There are different points of view within the CCP Central Committee, and different factions have formed," political scholar Li Ting told RFA, referring to Li Keqiang's vocal public support for the "reform and opening up" policies of Deng Xiaoping, which Xi has been moving away from in recent years.

"Li Keqiang speaks and acts on behalf of a different faction [from Xi's 'princelings' faction]," he said.

The relative clout of these different factions will affect Xi's success in achieving a third term, along with the Politburo standing committee line-up that suits him best, analysts said.

"In the first two terms of Xi Jinping's tenure, especially the first term, he governed through cooperation with political partners, but in the third term he will run the country with his henchmen," Li Cheng said.

While Xi's anti-corruption campaign won him widespread public support earlier in his tenure, public anger has grown over the economy-slowing lockdowns brought by his zero-COVID policy and among the urban middle-classes, where many are paying back mortgages on homes yet to be completed by developers, Li said.

Shanghai party chief Li Qiang takes part in a group discussion held on the sidelines of the National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, March 6, 2018. Credit: Associated Press Scenarios

Li said there are no guarantees, however, that Xi will only seek another five-year term in office, now that term limits have been abolished through amendments to the constitution in 2018.

He could seek an indefinite term, or present himself once more for a fourth term in five years' time, he said.

In a recent analysis, the Asia Society suggested five potential scenarios resulting from the party congress.

In one, current Shanghai party chief Li Qiang or a "similarly loyal dark horse" Xi ally, takes over as premier from Li Keqiang.

"Li [Qiang]s competitiveness has been undermined by Shanghais serious and embarrassing difficulties in containing outbreaks of COVID-19 earlier this year," the report said. "Should Li nonetheless take the position, it would therefore indicate that Xi remains in a very powerful political position."

In another, Wang Yang, loosely allied with the CCP Youth League faction, gets the job, with Li Qiang as executive vice premier.

If Xi manages to achieve a Politburo standing committee packed with his allies, this would suggest he now enjoys "unbounded" power within the party, it said.

"This scenario appears to remain relatively unlikely, but it is hardly impossible," it said.

But if Xi's influence is more limited than that, he may be forced to expand the standing committee to nine seats to make room for enough of his allies alongside compromise candidates, it said.

Intense bargaining

Political commentator Wu Gang said the behind-the-scenes negotiations are likely to be intense.

"There will be a lot of bargaining," Wu said. "I think the most likely [outcome] is that he serves another five years at least."

There have also been rumors that vice premier Hu Chunhua, aligned with the Youth League faction, and CCP general office director Ding Xuexiang, are likely to be in the new Politburo standing committee line-up.

According to the Asia Society report current convention sets the resignation age at 68. Among current Politburo standing committee members, Xi is 69, Li Zhanshu is 72 and Han Zheng is 68, while Li Keqiang, Wang Yang and Wang Huning are all over 67.

The reports expects Xi to focus on promoting younger allies to replace them.

Wu said the ideal outcome for Xi would be to be voted in for a lifelong third term in office.

"They want him to get lifelong tenure," he said. "Otherwise, there would be no guarantee of a stable future for his supporters."

Political scholar Xu Guang said it was hard for Chinese leaders to remain relevant for all time, however.

"When all's said and done, it's a logical impossibility for [Xi] to go from victory to victory [indefinitely]," Xu told RFA. "Victories always come to an end."

"Dialectical materialism teaches us that ... any extreme will be reversed, and that this is inescapable," he said. "Just as a person can't stay young forever, revolutionaries can't last forever within the party."

"The trajectory of human life is a parabola," he said. "We've had the second generation revolutionaries; next it'll be the third generation -- can the revolution last forever?"

Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Rights group says the move is part of Hong Kong authorities effort to silence criticism from journalists.

A court in Hong Kong on Friday sentenced a prominent online radio host to two years and eight months in prison for sedition and money laundering, charges he confessed to in a plea deal.

Prior to his February 2021 arrest, Edmund Wan Yiu-sing, known by his DJ name Giggs, hosted programs that reported and commented on Hong Kong and Chinese politics for D100, an independent online radio station. Wan also hosted a program for RFAs Cantonese Service from 2017 to 2020.

Authorities charged that Wan hosted programs that incited others to resist or overthrow the Chinese Communist Party and promoted Hong Kong independence, the Hong Kong Free Press independent news outlet reported.

Last month, Wan pleaded guilty to one charge of seditious intent for on-air comments he made in 2020, and three charges of money laundering related to crowd funding transactions. In exchange, six other charges were left on file, which means they cannot be pursued without the courts permission.

The charges come under a law, created when Hong Kong was under British rule, that defines sedition as "intent to arouse hatred or contempt of the Hong Kong [government] or to incite rebellion, and cause dissatisfaction with it."

The sedition law was revived by the administration of Chief Executive Carrie Lam during the 2019 protest movement and has been used to arrest pro-democracy activists.

The sentence was an example of Hong Kong authorities relentless efforts to silence political criticism by journalists, Iris Hsu, China representative for the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists, said in a statement.

The government should stop using the colonial-era sedition law and apparent retaliatory charges of financial crimes against the press, she said.

The money-laundering charges were for using his website and social media accounts in February 2020 to call for donations to support Hong Kongers who moved to Taiwan for study.

In addition to the time in prison, the court also ordered Wan to hand over HK$4.87 million (about U.S. $620,000) in assets.
The groups say their victims were targeted for publicly supporting the junta.

Former Brigadier General Ohn Thwin is seen in this undated photo at the Tatmadaw (Military) Day Parade in Naypyidaw, Myanmar.

Armed opposition groups have assassinated five former officers in Myanmars military, including one believed to have close ties to the vice chairman of the junta, for what they claim is their public support of the regime and as retribution for the execution of prominent pro-democracy activists.

The assassinations -- which highlight the increasingly complex idea of "justice" and who defines it in Myanmar's post-coup chaos -- took place over a 10-month period between November 2021 and September this year, RFA Burmese has learned, based on data compiled through local media reports and testimonies from sources with knowledge of the four incidents.

Anti-junta groups killed Navy Lieutenant Commander Thein Aung, the chief financial officer of military-owned telecom company Mytel, on Nov. 4, 2021 in Ma Yan village tract, in Yangon regions Kungyangon township; Captain Thein Myint, the chairman of the War Veterans Association of Naypyidaws Tatkon township, on Jan. 16, 2022; Major Tin Maung Aye on Feb. 3, 2022 in Yangons North Dagon township; and Brigadier General Ohn Thwin, the head of the Myanmar War Veterans Association, and his son-in-law, Captain Ye Tayza, on Sept. 24, 2022 in Yangons Hlaingtharya township.

The assassination of Ohn Thwin  who had served as Myanmars ambassador to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and South Africa  made him the highest-ranking junta target killed by armed opposition groups since Thein Aung in November last year.

Sources say that Ohn Thwin was the mentor of Vice Senior General Soe Win  the juntas vice chairman and second-in-command  although RFA was unable to independently verify the claim. The Myanmar War Veterans Association, which he ran, is a source of recruits for the juntas operations to wipe out the countrys armed resistance, according to a report by the Irrawaddy online news journal.

Former Navy Lieutenant Commander Thein Aung [left] and ex-Major Tin Maung Aye. Credit: Citizen journalist and Tin Maung Aye Facebook Lawless acts

Speaking to RFA about the killings, Sayar Kyaung, spokesperson for the anti-junta Yangon Urban Guerrilla Association, said his group is targeting ex-military officials working for the junta, and not every veteran or former officer.

Some veterans understand justice. They keep silent [about their opposition to the junta], even though they dont publicly show support for the people, he said.

Others are still working for the junta and standing up for them. We are targeting these kinds of veterans. We believe this is the right thing to do.

Sayar Kyaung said veterans like Ohn Thwin have become pillars for the junta and are spreading the wrong messages and ideas to the people.

He did not provide details about how his group defines support for the junta, or wrong messages and ideas. It was also unclear who is responsible for making such decisions and ordering the assassinations.

Ohn Thwin was known to denounce officials from the National League for Democracy (NLD), which was ousted by the military in a Feb. 1, 2021 coup, and had posted comments applauding authorities for violently cracking down on peaceful anti-junta protests.

A group known as the Inya Urban Force claimed responsibility for assassinating Ohn Thwin because of "his public support for the junta." The group has also claimed that it doesnt target every military veteran.

Urban guerrilla groups based in Yangon, Mandalay and Naypyidaw also say their attacks are in response to the junta's July 25 execution of four democracy activists, including prominent former student leader Ko Jimmy and a former NLD lawmaker. Prior to those executions, which prompted protests at home and condemnation abroad, only three people had been executed in Myanmar in the past 50 years.

However, Thein Tun Oo, executive director of pro-military think-tank Thaynaga Institute for Strategic Studies, composed mostly of ex-military officers, characterized the slaying of military veterans who are no longer actively serving in the military as "an act of cruelty.

They may have served in the military in the past. But they are now civilians, as they have retired from their service, he told RFA.

We question why they feel the need to kill civilians. There are many questions to answer. Killing veterans without providing a proper reason is a very brutal and murderous act.

Thein Tun Oo claimed that the juntas executions of the four democracy activists was a lawful action taken through the judicial system after moving through the appeals process, while the killing of former military officers is lawless.

Public support

A resident of Yangon, who spoke to RFA on condition of anonymity for security reasons, called the assassination of former top military officials like Ohn Thwin an important step in the fight against the military regime.

It is not easy to kill top military officials like that. The assassins must have carefully observed his daily life and meticulously planned for the attack, she said.

The assassins are also putting themselves in danger to do that. If they get caught, they will be crushed brutally. They would be killed or get multiple lengthy prison sentences. So, I think this is a very important act in fighting against and getting rid of the military regime.

Residents of Naypyidaw told RFA that some former military officials from Yangon and Mandalay moved to the capital after the assassination of Ohn Thwin, presumably out of fear for their safety.

Political analyst Than Soe Naing told RFA that while killing former military officers is not a moral act, it is necessary in a revolution.

These assassinations by revolutionary fighters will dishearten members of the military and dissolve unity in the military. So, I conclude that this is an indispensable act in the success of a revolution.

Than Soe Naing said that the assassination of Ohn Thwin sends a clear message to the juntas supporters and others who acted as pillars of the military regime that they are no longer safe.

In April, then-Vice Chairman of Myanmars Central Bank Than Than Swe, widely seen as pro-military, was the target of an unsuccessful assassination attempt, when unknown assailants shot her at her apartment complex in Yangon amid a public outcry over a new Central Bank directive ordering the sale of all U.S. dollars and other foreign currency at a fixed rate to licensed banks.

The 55-year-old was sworn in after the military seized power from Myanmars democratically elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government in a Feb. 1, 2021, coup.

Believed to be the most senior junta official to be shot since the takeover, she was severely injured in the incident, but lived.

In August, she was promoted to head the Central Bank amid a shake-up of the banks leadership analysts warned was part of a bid by the military regime to assume control of the countrys financial sector and extend its grip on power.

The Yangon Region Military Subdivision Administration, a coalition of anti-junta Peoples Defense Force (PDF) paramilitaries and allied guerrilla groups, announced on April 7 that they had carried out a total of 1,128 attacks on military targets over the previous seven months, including the attack on Than Than Swe.

Thailand's Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) says authorities in Myanmar have killed at least 2,338 civilians in the more than 20 months since last year's coup, mostly during peaceful anti-junta protests.

Translated by Ye Kaung Myint Maung for RFA Burmese. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Nine children were killed and a dozen severely injured over two months in seven regions.

Artillery and landmine blasts have killed at least 51 civilians and severely injured 122 others, including more than 20 children, over the past two months in seven Myanmar states and regions where the military is fighting armed opposition groups, according to reporting by RFA Burmese.

The incidents occurred between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30 this year in Magway, Sagaing, and Bago regions, and Kayin, Kayah, Chin, and Rakhine states, RFA learned in a series of interviews with family members, rights groups, and anti-junta Peoples Defense Force (PDF) paramilitaries.

Nine children were among those killed and a dozen others were left with severe injuries that included lost limbs from the blasts, which sources said were mostly the result of junta troops firing artillery into villages and landmines triggered near residential areas, farms, and camps for people displaced by violence.

RFAs research found that the number of deaths and injuries from such incidents in the seven regions and states increased from 21 and 46 in August to 30 and 76 in September.

The toll does not include the number of deaths and injuries resulting from junta airstrikes, bombings, and gunfire from troops on the ground.

In one of the incidents documented by RFA, a seven-year-old child named Maung Gyi was killed on Sept. 25 when an artillery round hit his home in Na Ga Yar village, in Rakhine states Kyauktaw township.

The uncle of the boy, also known as Moung Ko Naing, told RFA that the shell was fired by junta troops from the 9th Military Operations Command (MOC-9) in Kyauktaw at around 11 p.m. that evening.

The roof of the house was destroyed by the explosion, he said.

A shell fragment from the artillery blast hit Kyaw Maungs son who was in the house. He was killed on the spot.

The incident in Na Ga Yar came just four days after a shell fired by MOC-9 injured four members of a family in the same village, sources said, and amid increased clashes between junta troops and ethnic Arakan Army (AA) insurgents following a two-year lull.

The fighting in Rakhine has claimed the lives of eight civilians and injured 24 others over the past two months.

In compiling data for this report, RFA found that the highest number of casualties from artillery and landmines occurred in Kayah and Rakhine states, as well as Sagaing and Bago regions. The four states and regions accounted for 40 deaths and 95 injuries in August and September, or nearly 80 percent of the total number of casualties.

An elderly Rakhine man is carried by fellow villagers after he was injured by a landmine believed to be buried by the junta troops in a village in Kyauktaw, Rakhine state on Sept. 8, 2022. Credit: Citizen journalist Indiscriminate attacks

Banyar, the director of the Karenni Human Rights Group (KnHRG), told RFA he had seen a substantial increase in the number of casualties in Kayah state after junta troops changed from using more precise, defensive tactics to random, offensive ones.

At first, the troops planted landmines in the vicinity of their camp, but now we see them planting several landmines wherever they go. They clearly intend to hurt civilians, he said.

For example, we have seen the landmines they planted on roads leading to homes, in residential compounds and near the stairs of houses.

Banyar said the military also used to exclusively shell areas where there was ongoing fighting.

These days, they dont appear to have any specific target and fire at random, he said.

Sometimes, they fire shells to blanket an entire area. These shells fall and explode around civilians and cause severe casualties.

RFAs research found that PDF troops also regularly use artillery and landmines to target the military, although none of the incidents documented for this report were attributed to such attacks.

Myo Thura Ko Ko, the spokesperson of anti-junta Cobra Military Column, which engages with the military on a nearly daily basis in Kayin state, told RFA that his group is careful when firing artillery to avoid civilian casualties.

We  fire artillery with accuracy and care, he said, adding that Cobra fighters only use the kind of mines that wont harm the civilians.

Myo Thura Ko Ko claimed that his group had never caused any civilian casualties, while junta troops target civilians.

Calls by RFA seeking comment from junta Deputy Information Minister Major General Zaw Min Tun went unanswered Friday.

However, in May, the spokesman rejected claims that the military has targeted civilian areas with artillery. He said, at the time, that only PDF fighters plant landmines near villages and on roads, while the military only uses landmines to defend camp positions.

Stronger response needed

Min Zaw Oo, executive director of the Myanmar Institute for Peace and Security (MIPS), said the relevant authorities should take action against those who are responsible for civilian casualties, regardless of which side they are on.

Whenever there are violations that cause harm to civilians, the relevant armed group should take effective action, he said.

It is necessary to have mechanisms for investigation and prosecution in place to respond to these kinds of violations. They will only continue if such mechanisms are weak.

Research compiled by MIPS found that a total of 4,398 civilians died from artillery blasts, landmine explosions, death by torture, shootings and targeted killings, in the more than 20 months since the military seized power in a Feb. 1, 2021 coup.

RFA also contacted UNICEF and the United Nations refugee agency via email seeking comment on the situation of civilian casualties in Myanmar, but had yet to receive a response by the time of publishing.

London-based Amnesty International said in July that junta troops are committing war crimes through their indiscriminate use of landmines  mostly locally made M-14 and MM-2 landmines that have been banned by international treaties.

Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Indonesian activists in Jakarta carry a banner protesting against Chinas treatment of ethnic Uyghur people and calling for a boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Jan. 4, 2022.

The U.N.s human rights body should not be used for purposes of political rivalry, Indonesia said Friday after it voted against a U.S.-led proposal to debate Chinas alleged human rights abuses against the Muslim Uyghur minority.

The 19-17 vote by the U.N. Human Rights Council on Thursday drew an angry response from Uyghur and other human rights advocates, who accused governments in the voting majority of pandering to China.

Indonesia, the worlds most populous Islamic-majority country, was among council members that voted to block discussion of a United Nations report, which found Beijings abuses against the Uyghur community could constitute crimes against humanity.

Other nations rejecting the proposal included Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan. The Gambia, Libya and Malaysia were among 11 countries abstaining.

Achsanul Habib, director of human rights and humanitarian affairs at Indonesias Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the council should be an inclusive forum for countries to have impartial dialogue and not [be] selective in its approach to human rights issues.

We voted no because we dont want the politicization of the Human Rights Council, [for it] to be used for the purpose of political rivalry, he told a news conference.

In this regard, Indonesia also cooperates, coordinates and consults with all parties, including with the countries that support [the proposal], with western countries and China.

The call for discussion followed an August United Nations report that said Chinas repression of Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity.

The report said serious human rights violations had been committed in XUAR in the context of the Chinese governments application of counter-terrorism and counter-extremism strategies.

Chinese regional authorities are believed to have held close to 2 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in a vast network of internment camps since early 2017.

Febrian Ruddyard, Indonesias permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva, explained the no vote by saying the human rights council should focus on building an environment that encourages all countries to fulfill their human rights obligations.

We believe the approach taken by the council today will not yield meaningful progress  especially because it does not enjoy the consent and support of the concerned country, he told council members.

Based on these reasons  we are therefore not in a position to support the draft decision  regarding the convening of a debate on the situation of human rights in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

Meanwhile, China accused Western countries of propagating falsehoods, insisting that issues related to Xinjiang are about countering violent terrorism, radicalization and separatism.

For some time now, the U.S. and some other Western countries have been misinforming the public about Xinjiang and seeking political manipulation in the name of human rights simply to smear Chinas image and contain Chinas development, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said in a statement posted Thursday on its website.

Refusing to stand on the right side of history

Dolkun Isa, president of the World Uyghur Congress, alleged that China was using the pretext of religious extremism to carry out atrocities against the Uyghur minority.

China has carried out its genocide against Uyghurs largely because of Uyghurs belief in Islam.  Basically, China has declared war on Islam and has been attacking Islamic beliefs and values, he told Radio Free Asia (RFA), an online news service affiliated with BenarNews.

For Muslim countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Qatar and UAE to vote at the U.N. in support of Chinas ongoing genocide against Uyghur Muslims is not only an assault on Uyghur Muslims, but also an assault on Islam itself. To stand together with a regime that is committing genocide against a Muslim people is to be complicit in the same genocide.

Human rights are universal, said Rushan Abbas, executive director of the Campaign for Uyghurs.

By refusing to stand on the right side of history and justice, governments that voted no or abstained have made it easier for China to carry out the ongoing genocide against Uyghurs, and hindered the progress toward real justice and accountability for the victims, he told RFA.

Meanwhile, Greg Barton, an Indonesia scholar at Australias Deakin University, said Jakartas move was disappointing, but not surprising.

It would have been good to see Indonesia being more bold, but at least, unlike a number of other countries, Indonesia did not simply rehash the propaganda of the Chinese government and deny that there is a problem of human rights abuses on a massive scale occurring in Xinjiang, Barton told BenarNews.

Domestic political considerations also influenced the Indonesian position, he said.

A yes vote would have been used to argue that President [Joko Widodo] Jokowi was capitulating to pressure from his hardline Islamist critics, he said.

It seems likely that a major factor was that Jakarta was facing intense pressure from Beijing and did not want to trigger a major falling out with the Chinese government, he said.

However, Taiwanese scholar Si Jianyu believes the lure of investment from Beijing is the reason Indonesia and some other Central Asian republics voted against discussing the Uyghur situation at the U.N. Human Rights Council.

The real reason for Indonesia to be against the motion is that Chinas Belt and Road Initiative has big investment in Indonesia, and they wont forget about the investments and focus on the human rights issues in Xinjiang, Si, a researcher at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taiwan, told RFA.

Xinjiangs human rights situations are not important to them. The human rights records in their own countries are not so good either.

Rene Pattiradjawane, a scholar at the Center for China Studies in Jakarta, said Indonesias vote was in line with its non-alignment foreign policy.

Indonesia should not be lured into a campaign to vilify China for the interests of other countries, he told BenarNews.

Indonesia in any context will not want to join anti-China bullying.

Alim Seytoff of RFA Uyghur and Gao Feng of RFA Mandarin contributed to this report by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated news service.
Russian air strikes have destroyed almost one-third of Ukraine's power stations since October 10, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on October 18 as Moscow launched a fresh wave of air attacks that hit Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, targeting residential areas and energy infrastructure.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, Russian protests, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy tweeted that the attacks had caused massive blackouts across Ukraine and that there was "no space left for negotiations" with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Another kind of Russian terrorist attacks: targeting (Ukraine's) energy & critical infrastructure. Since Oct 10, 30 [percent] of Ukraines power stations have been destroyed, causing massive blackouts across the country. No space left for negotiations with Putin's regime," Zelenskiy wrote.

The Kyiv prosecutor's office said two people were killed in the October 18 strikes in the Ukrainian capital after five others lost their lives in drone attacks the previous day.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance will deliver air-defense systems to Ukraine in the coming days.

Speaking at a security conference in Berlin, Stoltenberg said the systems would help Ukraine defend itself against attacks, including by drones made in Iran that have been used in a new wave of lethal kamikaze drone strikes across the country.

"The most important thing we can do is deliver on what allies have promised, to step up and deliver even more air-defense systems," Stoltenberg said.

Earlier on October 18, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, the deputy head of Ukraine's presidential office, said there had been three Russian strikes on an unspecified energy facility in northern Kyiv.

"The situation is critical now across the country. It's necessary for the whole country to prepare for electricity, water, and heating outages," Tymoshenko told Ukrainian television.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the attack was on "critical infrastructure."

The northern Ukrainian city of Zhytomyr was left without water and electricity supply after Russian air strikes, but its mayor told RFE/RL that the services had been largely restored.

"Around noon, we connected the main sewage plant, and the water supply was more or less operational. Currently, approximately 80 percent of the city has electricity, but the central part of the city remains without it," he said.

Russian troops also shelled energy facilities in Dnipro and blasts were reported in Kharkiv.



Explosions also shook the cities of Kriviy Rih and Mykolayiv, local officials said, a day after Russia launched waves of kamikaze drone strikes that killed at least seven people, four of them in Kyiv, and damaged infrastructure in the Ukrainian capital and several other cities across the country.

"Kriviy Rih. Explosions in the northern part of the city. We are in shelters," Oleksandr Vilkul the head of the central Ukrainian city's military administration said on social media, adding that so far there were no reports of casualties or damage.

In the southern port of Mykolayiv overnight shelling killed at least one person, Mayor Oleksandr Sienkovych said early on October 18.

The same day, British intelligence identified the drones used by Russia in the attacks as being Iranian-made.

In its daily intelligence bulletin on October 18, the British Ministry of Defense said that Russia's heightened tempo of long-range strikes over the past week against targets across Ukraine included so-called kamikaze drones provided by Iran.

"[Strikes] have been conducted by cruise missiles, air defense missiles in a surface-to-surface role, and Iranian-provided Shahed-136 one way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles," British intelligence said.

U.S. President Joe Biden's spokeswoman, Karine Jean-Pierre, told reporters that the White House strongly condemns Russias missile strikes and said the attacks continue "to demonstrate [Russian President Vladimir] Putins brutality.

She said the United States "will continue to impose costs on Russia, hold them accountable for its war crimes."

The United States, Britain, and France agreed that Iran supplying drones to Russia would violate a UN Security Council resolution that endorsed the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six powers.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said on October 17 that more than 100 such drones had struck Ukraine in the past week, hitting power stations, sewage treatment plants, bridges, and playgrounds.

"A third of Ukraine's energy infrastructure was affected," a ministry statement said.

Both Russia and Iran have repeatedly denied that Iranian drones are being supplied to Moscow.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on October 18 that Moscow had no information about whether or not Iranian drones were used in attacks against Ukraine earlier this week.

On October 17, Iran also stuck to its denial that it is supplying the drones to Russia, while the Kremlin has not commented.

Asked for comment, the Iranian mission to the United Nations repeated a statement issued by the government on October 14 that said it supports upholding the UN Charter and the UN attempts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine.

The United States warned on October 17 that it would "not hesitate to use sanctions or take actions" against companies and countries working with Iran's drone program.

"Anyone doing business with Iran that could have any link to UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) or ballistic missile developments or the flow of arms from Iran to Russia should be very careful and do their due diligence -- the U.S. will not hesitate to use sanctions or take actions against perpetrators," State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters.

"Russia deepening an alliance with Iran is something the whole world -- especially those in the region and across the world, frankly -- should be seeing as a profound threat," Patel said.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, dpa, and AFP
An early morning blast and ensuing fire hit a section of the dual road-and-rail Crimea Bridge over the Kerch Strait and a span of the road bridge collapsed into the sea on October 8. A helicopter helped extinguish the blaze of several oil-carrying train carriages. The three-year-old, 19-kilometer bridge -- whose construction was launched by Moscow soon after it annexed Ukraines Crimea in 2014 -- became a symbol of Russian revanchism and has been used to transfer troops, weapons, equipment, and fuel from Russia to Ukraine during the current invasion. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an official investigation into the bridge incident, and Russian Investigative Committee representatives were seen on the bridge hours later.
More scattered protests and crackdown violence struck Iran on October 8 as demonstrators angry over the death of a young woman detained over the dress code continued to defy officials' warnings of tough punishments to stem weeks of unrest.

Videos posted on social media from trusted sources showed small protests in Tehran, Karaji just outside the capital, and a few other cities.

There were also reports of striking workers in several cities in heavily Kurdish areas, where public outcry was initially strongest when word spread that 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died three days after being picked up in the capital by Iran's morality police.

The Oslo-based Iran Human Rights group said at least 92 protesters have been killed by the security forces, although other groups cite death figures of 160 or more, along with hundreds more injured and thousands arrested.

A Norway-based network of human rights campaigners which monitors abuses in heavily Kurdish northwestern Iran said Iranian riot police opened fire on people in at least two cities on October 8, with the protests in their fourth week.

"Security forces are shooting at the protesters in Sanandaj and Saqqez," said the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights.

They also used tear gas against crowds, the group said.

The group later said clashes were continuing into the night in Sanandaj and Saqez, along with Kermansha, Bukan, and Fardis.

A widely followed Twitter account called Tavsir1500 reported shootings at protesters in Sanandaj and Saqez..

Videos shared by Hengaw showed young women or girls chanting "Woman, life, freedom!" at a school in Saqez, Amini's hometown in Kurdistan Province.

Others waved their mandatory Islamic head scarves in the air in a daring challenge to the strict hijab laws that have been part of systemic discrimination against women and girls under Iran's religious leadership since the 1979 revolution.

In another video it shared, a group of girls could be heard chanting the same phrase -- the catchcry of the protests -- as they entered a school in Sanandaj, the capital of Kurdistan Province.

Another video Hengaw claimed was from Sanandaj showed a driver slumped at the wheel after the group claimed he was shot dead while honking amid a street demonstration.

AFP confirmed the presence of a large banner on an overpass in central Tehran that read, "We are not afraid anymore. We will fight."

Iranian expulsions, censorship, and interrupted communications make reporting inside the country difficult.

Eyewitness accounts said Amini had been beaten during her arrest, while her father has said she suffered bruises to her legs and has held the police responsible for her death.

The state-controlled ISNA news agency said on October 7 that Iran's Forensic Medicine Organization had determined "underlying diseases" were the cause of Amini's death, while making no mention of whether she had suffered any injuries. A report on state television added that the forensic report showed Amini's death was related to "surgery for a brain tumor at the age of 8."

The street protests quickly spread after officials denied the dress-code enforcers were responsible before any investigations were done, and senior leaders including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have since suggested that foreign elements are behind the unrest.

Hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi has made similar charges, including at a ceremony on October 8 at Tehran University to mark the start of the new academic year.

After Raisi addressed professors and students at the female-only Alzahra University in Tehran, women students were seen on video posted on social media chanting "Raisi get lost" and "Mullahs get lost."

The Oslo-based group Iran Human Rights said young women on the campus were seen shouting "Death to the oppressor."

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
With its forces struggling against a dramatic Ukrainian counteroffensive, Russia's Defense Ministry on October 8 named General Sergei Surovikin as the new overall commander of Kremlin forces engaged in Ukraine.

The move marked the first official announcement of a single overall commander for all Russian forces fighting in Ukraine since its February 24 invasion of the country.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, Russian protests, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

The announcement also came just hours after a blast and fire suspended traffic and damaged a key bridge linking Russia to the occupied Crimean Peninsula early on October 8 in a fresh blow to Moscow's prestige, although the origin of the blast has not been determined.

"By the decision of the defense minister of the Russian Federation, General of the Army Sergei Surovikin has been appointed commander of the joint group of troops in the area of the special military operation," the statement said, using the Kremlin's term for the invasion of Ukraine.

Since 2017, Surovikin has led Russia's Aerospace Forces -- an office created in 2015 when the Russian Air Force, the Air and Missile Forces, and the Space Forces were placed under one command.

In June, Surovikin was placed in charge of Russian troops in southern Ukraine. He had previously served in Tajikistan, Chechnya, and Syria.

In April, the BBC and CNN, citing Western officials and sources, reported that General Aleksandr Dvornikov had been appointed overall commander of Russian forces in Ukraine. The latest announcement did not mention Dvornikov.

Dvornikov has a notorious reputation for his conduct in the war in Syria, where Russia bombed civilian districts. Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded Dvornikov the Hero of Russia medal, one of the country's highest awards, for his work in Syria.

Moscow in recent weeks has faced increasing -- and unprecedented -- criticism for the mounting losses in Ukraine, much of it from those with close ties to the Kremlin.

Many pro-Russia military bloggers have slammed the progress in the war, and the leader of Russia's North Caucasus region of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, has vocally called for replacement of many of the militarys top generals.

As Ukraine continues to liberate settlements in its eastern region from occupying Russian troops, Moscow has in fact replaced other top commanders in its armed forces.

The head of Russia's North Caucasus region of Daghestan, Sergei Melikov, wrote on Telegram on October 7 that North Caucasus native Lieutenant-General Rustam Muradov had been appointed to lead the Eastern Military District.

The district is based in Russia's Far East, but much of its personnel is currently taking part in Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

Muradov, who among other Russian officials has been slapped by Western sanctions, led troops in Ukraine's eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, parts of which have been under Russia-backed separatists' control since 2014. He also commanded Russian peacekeepers in Azerbaijan's breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

RBK news agency on October 7 cited sources close to the Russian military as saying Muradov replaced Colonel-General Aleksandr Chaiko without giving any details.

There has been no official confirmation of the report.

WATCH: An early morning blast and ensuing fire hit a section of the dual road-and-rail Crimea Bridge over the Kerch Strait and a span of the road bridge collapsed into the sea on October 8.

On October 3, RBK reported that the commander of the Western Military District, Colonel-General Aleksandr Zhuravlyov, had been replaced shortly after dramatic Russian losses in northeastern Ukraine in September and Ukraine's recapture of the strategic city of Lyman in the Donetsk region.

In September, General Dmitry Bulgakov, deputy defense minister in charge of logistics, was replaced by Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev, who is accused by the European Union of orchestrating a siege of the Ukrainian port of Mariupol early in the war that killed thousands of civilians.

In August, state media outlets in Russia said the commander of the Black Sea fleet had been fired after Ukraine carried out several successful attacks, including the sinking of Russia's missile cruiser Moskva and the loss of eight warplanes in an attack on a Russian base in Ukraine's Crimea that was seized by Moscow in 2014.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service, RBK, AP, AFP, and Reuters
PSKOV, Russia -- The governor of Pskov, an impoverished region in Russia's northwest, says he's committed to rebuilding schools in an occupied part of Ukraine. His own constituents want him to fix schools closer to home.

Governor Mikhail Vedernikov, 47, who has risen quickly through the political ranks, agreed in August to supervise the reconstruction of schools in Beryslav, a Russian-controlled district on the Dnieper River in Ukraine's Kherson region.

During a carefully choreographed tour of Beryslav, which has been heavily damaged since Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine last February, Vedernikov noted the schools did not have windows, doors, or heating. In a post on Telegram, he told his constituents in Pskov that his team would step in to solve the problems.

"We will do everything to provide people [in Beryslav] with everything they need and help them return to normal life," he said in August.

Meanwhile, pupils and families in Pskov, which Vedernikov has run for five years, also want comfortable places to learn. They say the reconstruction of several schools in the region, including in the cities of Pskov and Pechory, has been delayed, creating havoc for some pupils and teachers returning for the new academic year.

WATCH: Amid Moscow's ongoing war in Ukraine, Russian schoolchildren are receiving a new patriotism class that teaches them about the need to "defend the Motherland when it's in danger." But a few teachers have refused to teach the course.

Pskov school No. 10 opened its doors on September 1, like most schools across Russia. What the pupils and parents found was not to their liking: Classrooms were still under renovation, wires were dangling from the ceiling, construction waste littered the floor, and workers were lingering onsite.

Due to the shortage of renovated rooms, the school had to cut the number of lessons per day and hold physical education classes outside despite inclement weather. Parents worry that dust and contaminants from the construction work could aggravate their children's allergies or asthma.

In one school in the town of Kunya, children began the year without electricity in the classrooms. Parents there also complained about dust, dirt, and scaffolding. The problems were resolved after complaints were raised with Vedernikov's office.

Problems still linger though in Pechory. Two out of the three schools there are still being remodeled even though work was supposed to be completed by September 30.

Parents say the remodeling is so far behind schedule that the schools may not fully reopen until the end of the year. Some pupils are required to take breaks between classes because of the lack of rooms.

"The children are not fed. They are hanging around somewhere [during their breaks]. Their routine is upended," Yelena, the mother of a student at a Pechory school, told RFE/RL, asking that her last name be withheld. "[Parents] are very unhappy."

In the meantime, the Pechory school administration has decided to use available rooms at a kindergarten and a children's cultural center to accommodate some pupils and teachers. Others are taking classes remotely.

The construction delays and mishaps are nothing new for Pskov, one of the poorest regions in the country, in part due to mismanagement over the past three decades.

It has taken Pskov seven years to transform a partially completed, Soviet-era hotel project into a student dorm with additional facilities.

Pskov began construction of a 320-room Intourist Hotel on the banks of the Velikaya River in the 1980s but the project was abandoned after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Various attempts over the ensuing years to complete the project, including as an apartment complex, failed.

Finally, in late 2015, it was decided to incorporate the building into the Pskov State University campus with its opening set for mid-2019.

Amid multiple changes of contractors, the opening date was pushed back to 2020, 2021, and then 2022. Last month, the governor's office said the building would open in early 2023.

It has taken Pskov even longer to build a small retirement community.

Social Town, as the project is known, consists of five low-rise, multi-unit apartment buildings and an administrative building with various facilities including a rehabilitation center.

Pskov broke ground on the retirement community, which is designed to host slightly more than 100 people, in 2013. Vedernikov said he hopes the project will be completed by the end of the year.

Ivan Prishchepa, a former employee of the regional Committee for Construction and Housing and Communal Services of the Pskov, said Vedernikov has no business trying to oversee school projects in Kherson with such a poor track record at home.

"If we cannot control even what is being done in Pskov and Pechory, then I have no idea at all how and who will control it there [in Kherson]," he said. "These are elementary things -- you first need to put things in order at home, and only then in another place."

Prishchepa said extensive construction delays are a nationwide problem with roots in the federal law that regulates the public procurement system.

Companies that meet certain requirements are allowed to take part in construction tenders, but "no one checks" how competent they actually are, he said -- and as a result contractors win tenders they have no chance of completing on time.

Schools in Pechory as well as Social Town outside Pskov are being built by Sarmat, a contractor based in Kazan.

Nina Yaroslavtseva, director of a Pechory school, said Sarmat met all the requirements and described it as a "reputable" firm. However, some workers at the school say they have not been paid in full by Sarmat and are refusing to show up, resulting in the delay.

"I have never received a salary in full, only tiny advances," said a worker at one of the schools in Pechorakh who asked his name not be used for fear of retaliation.

"Many guys didn't receive any money, and they gave up," he said.

Vedernikov's office has tried to reassure the workers, saying they would be paid, but Olga Litsovskaya, the mother of a young construction worker, is doubtful.

She said her son and other workers were recruited through a social media post with promises of a high salary of 1,500 rubles a day ($25) but were never given a legal contract confirming the daily pay rate.

"What are they going to do? Go to the prosecutor's office to complain [they weren't paid]? They don't even have any documents," said Litsovskaya.

RFE/RL's attempts to reach the company were unsuccessful.

Sarmat doesn't have a long history on the construction market, having been registered only in April 2019. But it has won a host of tenders, including many state-related, during its short existence.

The company appears to have a track record of problems. According to Russian business records, it has already been a defendant in 16 arbitration cases.

It's unclear who founded Sarmat, and its ownership is masked by a shell company. Its website gives no information about its management while its "corporate" email is a Gmail account.

Russia's construction industry has historically been nontransparent and considered deeply corrupt, a state of affairs that appears to have worsened during President Vladimir Putin's 23 years in power.

Longtime associates of Putin, including brothers Arkady and Boris Rotenberg, have been major beneficiaries of Russian state construction spending.

Following so-called referendums that were widely dismissed abroad as a sham and an escalation of the war, Putin and his government now claim Kherson and three other partially occupied Ukrainian regions belong to Russia.

In a speech on September 30, Putin promised to rebuild the four regions -- where Russian attacks have killed thousands of people, driven millions from their homes, and destroyed towns and cities.

If Russia retains control over parts of the regions or seizes more territory -- both uncertain prospects in light of recent Ukrainian gains -- it would need to spend hundreds of billions of dollars that it "doesn't have" to rebuild them, Russian economist and Putin critic Sergei Guriyev said in a recent interview.

Other Kremlin critics say such a massive undertaking would likely line the pockets of the elite at the expense of ordinary Russians, who may see living standards sink even further over the coming years as Western sanctions cause an extended economic contraction.

A large-scale effort to rebuild in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine could also delay the modernization of schools and other social infrastructure in Russia due to budget limitations.

Pskov's school modernization program foresees upgrading 33 buildings at the cost of 1.5 billion rubles ($24.5 million).

Prishchepa said Putin's new curriculum to instill patriotism in pupils and students will fail if they continue to see things like water dripping from school ceilings. Everything else is "just words," he said.

"Make repairs, that's patriotism for you. That is how you need to instill [patriotism]. Students are not fools; they understand everything perfectly," he said.

Written by Todd Prince based on reporting by RFE/RL's North.Realities
BELGRADE -- President Aleksandar Vucic says France and Germany have encouraged Serbia to allow its former province Kosovo to join international institutions and organizations, including the United Nations, in exchange for early membership in the European Union.

He quickly added that such a solution was unacceptable to Belgrade and contravened Serbia's constitution.

Neither Paris nor Berlin has confirmed the offer of any such quid pro quo deal.

"The bottom line is that Serbia allows Kosovo to join all international institutions and organizations, including the UN," Vucic told a press conference in Belgrade on October 8. "For that, Serbia would get quick entry into the EU and probably significant economic benefits."

Vucic and his ruling Progressive Party (SNS) consistently reject Pristina's 2008 declaration of sovereignty and have waged a decade-long campaign to discourage others from recognizing Kosovo, which fought a war of independence from Serbia in 1998-99.

Serbia's constitution declares that the overwhelmingly ethnic Albanian Kosovo is part of Serbia, although more than 100 countries recognize its independence.

But he also acknowledged damage that Belgrade's position might be doing to Serbia and the possibility that the costs might eventually outweigh Serbian objections.

"We will stick to [our Kosovo policy] until the the damage caused to Serbia is so much greater that we would have to accept a different reality," Vucic said. "Maybe a future government will make a different decision."

Vucic said Serbia would face consequences if it recognized Kosovo and he regretted accepting EU facilitation of efforts to resolve Kosovo's final status, a process that has been continuing intermittently for a decade.

"Since then, regardless of the signed Brussels agreement, we have not been able to put the formation of the Union of Serbian Municipalities on the agenda," Vucic said in reference to Pristina's continuing opposition to formalizing structures in majority-Serb northern Kosovo supported diplomatically and financially by Belgrade.

Vucic said Serbia's position on Kosovo was increasingly complicated "because the Western countries will try, as they think, to solve the problem of Kosovo in one way or another by Kosovo joining UN and because they think that way they would solve intra-European matters."

He also said the West is seeking to eliminate an argument frequently cited by President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials to defend Moscow's actions.

Russia has leveraged its diplomatic support for Belgrade in the Kosovo dispute into trade, weapons, and other ties, in addition to citing it in criticism of Western decisions or justification for Moscow's actions.

Vucic said Serbia will maintain its refusal to impose sanctions on Russia, a position that has raised tensions given Serbia's candidate status for EU membership and ongoing accession talks.

A handful of EU countries including Spain, Slovakia, and Romania also don't recognize Kosovo.

Vucic suggested EU member and sometimes ally over ethnic issues in the former Yugoslavia Croatia was an "unreliable partner" as evidenced by events around an eighth EU sanctions package against Russia.

The Serbian president earlier accused Zagreb of removing a paragraph that would have granted Serbia and other landlocked Western Balkan countries an exemption allowing them to continue receiving Russian seaborne crude oil.

He said as part of its energy-diversification efforts, Serbia planned to build a $100 million oil pipeline toward Hungary, whose nationalist populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been accused of democratic backsliding and cozying up to Putin.

Another plan would see a pipeline via North Macedonia the Albania's Drac port.

Vucic said on October 8 that "at the moment Serbia has eight notes on the withdrawal of recognition of Kosovo."

He noted that Kosovo's admission process to the Council of Europe is expected to begin next month.
Chinese language learning broadens children's horizon, say British teachers

Xinhua) 16:29, October 08, 2022

Students of Kingsford Community School pose for a group photo with presenters at the prize-giving ceremony for the winners of the Chinese proficiency competition -- "Chinese Bridge" -- for primary-and secondary-level students in London, Britain, Oct. 7, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

LONDON, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- As China is a major country on the global stage, to study China and its language can broaden children's minds and improve their career prospects, British teachers told Xinhua on Friday.

"China is at the center of many developments. It's going to be important for our next generation of young people to understand China's culture and to also be able to work in the Mandarin language," said Joan Deslandes, head teacher of Kingsford Community School in east London.

She made the remarks at the prize-giving ceremony at London's Chinatown for the winners of the Chinese proficiency competition -- "Chinese Bridge" -- for primary- and secondary-level students. Altogether, nearly 500 British students participated in the two competitions held earlier this year online.

"But more important is that I recognize that China has a wonderful history and culture that is unknown to many of the young people in the UK and I felt it would be broadening their minds and broadening their understanding and supporting their development as global citizens if they were to learn the language," she said.

In 2000, Kingsford became the first school in Britain to introduce compulsory lessons of Mandarin into the curriculum.

Around 140 students and teachers from 17 schools were present at Friday's event. They interspersed the prize-giving ceremony with performances including Chinese songs, Chinese traditional dances and Chinese musical instruments.

"And those were just only a small number of them who won the competition, but behind that there are very many schools teaching Chinese, and a lot of enthusiasm about having Chinese as a language option in this country," said Katharine Carruthers, director of the UCL Institute of Education Confucius Institute for Schools.

"China is playing an important part in the whole world global vision. We need to equip the children with all the skills and that involves language and cultural understanding, to be able to stay connected as they grow up," said Suzanne Haigh, head teacher at Kensington Wade. The London-based school is the first prep school in Britain to offer a bilingual immersive English-Chinese education for boys and girls from ages 3 to 11.

"In terms of prospect for employability, knowing the Chinese language, being able to communicate effectively with people from China can only benefit the young people of this country," said Deslandes.

"In our diverse world where there are so many challenges that have to be faced, it's only through bringing our young people together, through learning each of those languages, learning about each other's culture that the important cooperation that we need between all our nations for the future success of every country on this globe can continue," she added.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Santee Mayor John Minto has registered his concern with San Diegos Metropolitan Transit System about proposed changes to bus service in the city.

Minto, a member of the MTS Board of Directors, sent a three-page letter to MTS Chief Executive Officer Paul Jablonski, Chairman Harry Mathis and fellow MTS board of directors earlier this month outlining the effect of changes and cuts to bus service proposed in the agencys Transit Optimization Plan.

The objective of the Transit Optimization Plan was to create a more efficient and viable route system, Minto wrote. In one sense, it was to enable the system to operate more like a business. However, a successful business cannot cut its way to profitability without also focusing on growing their market share.

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Minto said that when the plan was discussed, the board envisioned a scalpel approach to excise unproductive loops and stops, but never these massive ax cuts to entire segments of our community.

The plan would effect Routes 832, 834 and 870 in Santee. Route 832 covers a seven-mile loop, Route 834 nearly 15 miles of service. MTS has proposed changing 832 into a shortened loop and altogether eliminating 834 and 870, a regional express route to Kearny Mesa.

Santee also has a San Diego Trolley hub in its Town Center; no changes are expected with the trolley.

Santee city staff found that proposed changes would eliminate service to four of the top seven locations with the highest ridership in the city, including at Mast Boulevard near West Hills High, Magnolia Avenue near Woodglen Vista Park and at Cuyamaca Street at River Park Drive.

Minto said restructuring and/or cutting the bus routes would severely affect seniors, students and working families who depend on the bus system.

These are the types of baseline services that define a community and its quality of life, Minto wrote to MTS.

According to MTS spokesman Rob Schupp, 832 is proposed to be reconfigured to reach housing in west Santee, as well as to provide an alternative to students now using the 834. The route goes west to Fanita Drive and the walk to West Hills High is one-half mile on an accessible and lighted pedestrian path, he said.

Schupp said that in MTS surveys, people said they would prefer to walk longer if frequency was increased; the 832 is proposed to go to 45-minute service from 60-minute service.

Bud Rabaya, who represents many regular bus users as president of the Santee Mobilehome Owners Action Committee, said losing the routes would cause a big hardship on seniors living in one of the citys many mobile home parks.

Some seniors cant drive anymore, and they dont know about or cant afford to use UBER or Lyft, Rabaya said. The bus stops are spread out a long way and its too far for many people to walk to the trolley. A lot of the seniors, when it is hot in the summer, how can they walk? It would really affect seniors and kids that dont drive. For some people who want to use the trolley, they need the bus to get to it.

Last fall, MTS launched the Transit Optimization Plan to evaluate its current network of services. MTS collected nearly 4,000 online surveys and received feedback at 15 outreach events across the region.

Since then, MTS analyzed the findings and linked them with its own system performance data, route segments and ridership patterns. It has proposed more than 60 route/schedule changes this year, including the ones in Santee.

Once the final proposals are set, MTS will present them at a public hearing; no date has yet been set for the hearing. Upon approval by the MTS board, system changes countywide would be phased in beginning in September.
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Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Two men are on a road through nothingness, somewhere in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast. One is an undercover detective, pretending to be the point man for a shadowy but high-rolling gang of drug runners. The other is probably a child killer. Even if he isnt, he has plenty to hide  including his real name. Neither man can let his guard slip for a second. Thomas M. Wrights The Stranger is a fictionalised interpretation of the real-life hunt for the abductor of 13-year-old Daniel Morcombe, who was kidnapped  and later presumed to have been murdered  in 2003. Brett Peter Cowan was convicted in 2014, following an eight-year series of investigations, and is now serving life imprisonment. The bones of The Stranger are taken from this real case, but Wright has changed the names, invented characters and refers only briefly to the crime itself, which was committed many years before the story begins. It is the encounter between the hunter and the hunted that is the real meat of this story. The mechanics of an undercover investigation are fascinating, says Joel Edgerton, who plays the detective as well as serving as The Strangers producer. But what fascinated all of us more was the psychology of a relationship of two men who are trapped in a car and trapped in each others lives, but who are constantly lying to each other. And that there is so much at stake. Our show is kind of like The Truman Show, but malevolent. From the first moment we realise we are in the middle of an undercover operation it is obvious that the police think they have their culprit. This echoes the facts of the real investigation. What they did not have was conclusive evidence  including, most importantly, a body. Only one person knew where it was; they needed him to talk in a way that his interrogators in the initial investigation had not been able to persuade him to do. This is a Hail Mary, last resort, says Wright. There are very few operative strategies beyond the use of this undercover technique. Edgerton is the star and producer of The Stranger. Credit:Ian Routledge By the time this net begins to tighten in The Stranger, the fictional suspect Peter Morley has moved states, changed his name to Henry Teague and is drifting in search of easy work. He might reasonably think that theyre not going to get him now. As played by Sean Harris  who says he deliberately steered away from researching the real story and, in particular, from finding out anything about Cowan  Teague is an unsavoury figure, someone who makes your flesh crawl despite being pathetically hangdog, asking to be liked. He is also, quite clearly, none too bright. When he falls into conversation with a man on a bus who says he has some work going, he never suspects he is a mark.

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Next day, he meets his chief contact, known to him and to us only as Mark. Gruff but seemingly easy-going, Mark is charged with getting close to the murderer. Henry needs a mate; it doesnt take much to win his confidence. The toll that mateship takes on Mark himself, however, is probably beyond a civilians comprehension. Having to agree with the opinions and laugh at the jokes coming from this man, when what you want to do, every moment youre with him, is destroy everything about him, says Edgerton. Yet instead, youve got to go oh, thats so funny! More than that, an investigation involving the police forces in two states depends on his ability to keep laughing convincingly. A few clues  Marks anxiety when his son disappears during a game of hide and seek, a sudden burst of tears when he is alone in a forest, a nightmare in which Henry springs his real identity  suggest the tension behind his habitually stony expression. Imagine if we made this movie and the rule was that we would only get one take of everything, Edgerton adds. You still dont get anywhere close to the stakes involved. Of what it means if you get it wrong. It is ostensibly an acting job, but Harris says he sees no real comparison between working undercover and performing for a camera. Its like people saying to me oh it must be so dark for you playing Henry. Well, really, no. I get my food brought to me, I get to go home every night, I get driven to set, I get to hang out with everyone, he points out. There is no applause for the performers at the end of a successful undercover operation, no red carpets, no Oscars. Edgerton never met or saw the real Mark; nobody will ever do that. If someone in his line of work gets to celebrate at all, it will be at a gathering smaller, Edgerton says, than the number of people in the room where we do this interview. And then they go home, where they have to tell a new set of lies about what they did that day. Edgerton says with a smile that he did do some research behind the scenes, but he cant really talk about it. Because we were investigating the truth, taking that truth and telling a fictionalised version of it, which is about protecting everyone involved. Whether that protection has been enough is a matter of dispute. Last May, The Stranger screened  to great acclaim from the audience and critics  at the Cannes Film Festival. The following month, when it was announced that it would be a headline feature at the Melbourne International Film Festival, the Morcombe family protested in strong terms against what they saw as the exploitation of their sons terrible story. We think this is most distasteful, most hurtful, and has no community benefit whatsoever, Bruce Morcombe told the ABC. All it is, is blood money.

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Daniel Morcombes parents appeared regularly in media coverage of their sons disappearance, setting up a foundation to promote child safety while successfully maintaining public interest in the case. In 2017, it was covered in Casefile: True Crime Podcast. In 2018, Courier Mail crime reporter Kate Kyriacou published The Sting, a forensically detailed and much-admired account of the intricately plotted investigation. The Morcombe family declined to be involved in The Stranger, however, from the outset. The actor, the cameraman  theyve all made money out of the movie, but the hurtful thing is, they are using Daniels name to promote [it], Denise Morcombe said. Sean Harris and director Thomas M. Wright on the set of The Stranger. Credit:Ian Routledge/Netflix Speaking in Cannes after the films premiere, Wright said he deliberately avoided linking his story to the real case. When it comes to the politics of naming the perpetrator or the victim, it became clear very early on that this film was going to be fictionalised. [Naming the individuals] might appear to be a kind of thoughtful gesture, I think its really hollow. I thought I had no right to represent that child or any right to presume anything about that family or their grief or what they went through. I also had no interest in representing that real individual who committed the crime. What interested him  what would not, he says, let him go when he read the story of the police investigation  was the dark reality of human violence and how other people responded to it. Im not innately interested in the police, he says. I have a natural distrust of police. It was really the provocation of the material itself and what I saw there that I just could not turn away from. It was the scale of the investigation, the operation and the narrative challenge to find a form for that. It also had to do with the conflict for those central figures. And it had to do with questions it raises for me about darkness and human violence, trauma and mental health that have been part of my life and I think they were elements of parts of my own history that I wrestled with, in the making of this film.  Im not interested in making a public service announcement with this film, but there is a reality of mental health implications for the people in this sort of work. Thomas M. Wright says hes not innately interested in the police, but was drawn to the scale of the investigation. Credit:Scott McNaughton It was also a story told at one remove from the victim. These are people who dont know the victim or the family. As much as the film is defined by the human capacity for violence, all the connections in the film are through empathy. That included his own response; The Stranger is a personal story. What I could do is find my own relationship to the subject matter and enter into it as deeply as I could, which led to a seriousness in the way the subject is dealt with and the form of the film. Because there are films that could be made of this material that I have no interest whatsoever in seeing.

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The proportion of the states top HSC achievers who attend disadvantaged schools is shrinking as analysis of results shows the states education divide is widening.

Almost 60 per cent of the highest achieving students are concentrated in the most advantaged schools, according to an analysis by a leading education commentator that exposes an intensifying education divide as a growing number of students see no final exam high-achieving peers in their own schools.

Tom Alegounarias, the former chair of NESA, said concentrations of needier students affects student and teacher expectations, the work required of teachers and the support needed from systems. Credit:SMH

While top HSC achievers were once spread around NSW schools, this is no longer the case, Chris Bonnor said, a former principal and researcher who analysed distinguished achiever figures from 2005 to 2021.

They have almost disappeared from low socio-economic schools in all locations, and at the disadvantaged end of most sectors.
[The review] was initiated in response to multiple expressions of community concern, particularly in relation to the use of statutory declarations, rather than any specific concerns about fraud, they said. We are seeking feedback and further input from members of our own and the broader community, representative organisations and other universities on this culturally significant matter. But the proposed policy has been criticised by students and academics, concerned the institution already struggles to attract Indigenous students. The universitys 2021-2024 Indigenous strategy says it is committed to increasing Indigenous enrolment: 0.9 per cent of its students identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, compared to a national sector average of 1.72 per cent. On Wednesday, the University of Sydneys student representative council passed a motion opposing the change, which it believes could exclude deserving students from needed support.

This new policy is likely to disproportionately affect Indigenous people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, a group of Indigenous students opposing the change said in a statement. In some circumstances students may come from abusive families, have been in foster care or for other reasons not be able to get family documentation to undergo the process that has been proposed. Professor Jakelin Troy, a Ngarigu woman and director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research at the university, said she understood why the change had been made, but was sad about the outcome. Its a response to a push from some parts of Aboriginal Australia, but not all of us, she said, adding it was untrue to say Indigenous students were being excluded from scholarship opportunities because they were being taken by people with lesser connections to community. We have scholarships going begging every year; nobody has been excluded from a scholarship because we dont have enough.

The policy will not apply retrospectively, but will impact future students seeking Indigenous scholarships, including housing scholarships, and applicants for Indigenous staff roles. Students and staff will not be prevented from otherwise identifying as Indigenous on campus and will still be able to access the universitys Gadigal Centre, which provides academic, pastoral and cultural support to Indigenous students. While Moran was sympathetic to students who may be impacted  its no fault of theirs, the university should never have allowed it  he described self-identification of Aboriginality as a nightmare thats got out of control. The number of people identifying as Indigenous in Australia has been increasing since the 1980s. In the 2021 census, 3.2 per cent of people identified as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, double the proportion 20 years ago. Statutory declarations are an established way of demonstrating Indigenous identity to state and federal bodies if a person cannot gain confirmation from an Indigenous organisation. Supporting documentation is usually also required.

Loading For example, the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office allows statutory declarations as a last resort, with an explanation for their use ideally provided in the declaration along with supporting documents. Under the universitys existing policy, enacted in 2015, students and staff needing to establish they are Indigenous for the purposes of accessing specific programs, services or opportunities can provide a statutory declaration affirming they meet the three-part test if they cannot produce Confirmation of Aboriginality from a land council in an area they reside or previously lived, or an incorporated community organisation, such as an Aboriginal medical or legal service. Other Sydney universities allow a person to identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander using a statutory declaration if confirmation documents are not available. At UNSW, supporting documentation must be provided, but this can be as informal as a letter from a students high school. Western Sydney University requires at least a second statutory declaration from another Indigenous person who is not a relative, while Macquarie recognises self-identification without further documentation.

However, the University of Newcastles policy is similar to that proposed by the University of Sydney. Moran hoped the change at the University of Sydney would spur reviews at other universities. A spokesperson for UNSW confirmed it was also currently undertaking a review of guidelines and decisions regarding confirmation of Aboriginality for [its] programs, appointments and scholarships and would publish revised guidelines following an internal consultation period. Macquarie University Aboriginal academic Professor Bronwyn Carlson, author of the book The Politics of Identity: Who Counts as Aboriginal Today?, said scrapping statutory declarations was a move that will create issues. Loading
The Central River City, centred around Parramatta, fared better with $15.8 million but most of that money went to events at Olympic Park.

Yet, as Mary Ward reports , it received only $899,500 from Destination NSW for 10 events in 2021-22, from $82.6 million spent across the broader city. And all of that money was spent on sporting events.

The government describes Western Parklands City as the economic powerhouse of Sydney , a region that takes in eight local government areas from Hawkesbury to Wollondilly.

The news that western Sydney has received only a fraction of Destination NSW event funding feeds into a worn-out tale of two cities, which is in dire need of a rewrite.

As chair of the Western Sydney Arts Alliance Andy Marks says, the western Sydney arts sector has given up asking for event funding because its requests are so rarely successful. This is despite the regions stellar record when it comes to holding big-ticket events, like the Ramadan market in Lakemba.

Destination NSW chief executive Steve Cox says the organisation is limited to funding events that draw large visitor numbers from more than 50 kilometres away  from interstate and overseas. But it is hard to accept that western Sydney cannot host these sorts of events. Again, to quote the government, the Western Parklands City presents 100,000 hectares of opportunity, surrounded by 700,000 hectares of rural and natural areas.

It deserves a chance to shine on the national and international stage. Destination NSW must broaden its vision and think outside the square, to ensure this critical part of Sydney receives its share of grants to support its economic growth.

The population of western Sydney is also growing at a much faster rate than the rest of the city. In the electoral seat of Macarthur, which takes in Campbelltown, the population grew by 27 per cent in the five years between 2016 and 2021, while Greater Sydney more broadly only grew by 8 per cent. If you include areas like Canterbury-Bankstown, in the inner south-west ring, western Sydney accounts for about 40 per cent of Greater Sydneys population.

That is a significant and growing number, and western Sydney residents deserve investment relative to it, for everything from events to infrastructure.
Western Sydney community leaders are calling for investment to create a tourism economy before the regions international airport opens, as new data reveals most money to attract visitors to the city is being spent in the east.

Figures provided in response to questions on notice to a budget estimates hearing last month showed a significant disparity in funding provided to each of Sydneys three cities by state tourism agency Destination NSW.

Of the $82.6 million spent funding Sydney events in the 2021-22 financial year, $65.9 million went towards 35 events in the Eastern Harbour City, a region stretching from the northern beaches to Sutherland.

There was $15.8 million invested in the Central River Citys 20 events, although $14.1 million of this sum was spent on the 10 events at Sydney Olympic Park and seven of the remaining 10 events were motorsports at Eastern Creek. Just three events were funded in the Western Parkland City, totalling a $899,500 spend.
Police have laid their first charge over the fatal shooting of a man in Brisbanes inner south-west on Tuesday.

On Friday night, police arrested a 30-year-old East Brisbane man, who they have since confirmed has been charged with murder.

Police respond to Tuesdays shooting in Corinda. Credit:Nine News

The man was set to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday over the shooting at close range of a 38-year-old who intervened in a confrontation between a group of people in Corinda.

Police said the group was armed with significant weaponry  including the 12-gauge shotgun allegedly used to shoot the victim in the chest  and was assaulting another man before dawn when the victim left his car, which was parked across the street.
My first time on the receiving end of a protest was confronting. On Tuesday evening, eight or nine noisy trans activists tried  but failed  to shut down a forum I was chairing at the University of Melbourne. Their efforts to stop about 100 people  mostly university staff and students  from holding an interesting and important debate have left me puzzled and worried.

The forum they interrupted  and tried to stop completely  was at the periphery of transgender issues, but the same has been happening with lively discussions on other topics, including religious belief. It is a small example of a bigger problem. If you demand respect, then you have to give it.

Protesters tried to shut down a discussion at the University of Melbourne on Tuesday. Credit:Wayne Taylor

This weeks confected furore over the clumsy handling of the appointment of a new CEO at Essendon Football Club bore similar hallmarks. It has been widely mislabelled as a tussle over freedom of religion. It was no such thing. This was an arm wrestle over respect.

Reduced to its simplest, someone starting a new job had a conflict of interest. Andrew Thorburn had to choose which of two leadership roles he valued most. You cannot be a leader in a church that has condemned abortion and homosexuality while simultaneously heading up a pro-diversity AFL club. Thorburn can believe whatever he likes, and nobody ever argued otherwise. But there are consequences for him that follow that choice. Portraying him as the victim is disingenuous.
According to the recent report by environmental consultancy firm Water Technology, most of the coastal damage occurred immediately after the $720 million channel-deepening project which was overseen by the Port of Melbourne Corporation. The erosion at Portsea is considered to be caused by increased swell wave heights due to increased internal reflections trapping more swell waves along the south side of the shipping channel following the channel-deepening project in 2008 and 2009, the report states. Lindsay Foxs clifftop compound in Portsea. Credit:Eddie Jim The report, which was peer reviewed by international coastal engineering expert Dr Ida Broker, reveals that man-made processes caused the accumulation of about 50,000 cubic metres of sand at Point King and Shelly beaches This erosion has not occurred in isolation. Since 2009, there has been significant erosion along Point Nepean Beach to the west, and significant accretion along Shelley Beach and Point King Beach to the east, the report by Water Technology states.

The Nepean Ratepayers Association, which represents more than 360 Mornington Peninsula locals, obtained the report from the council under freedom of information laws and has engaged Sydney-based law firm Beatty Hughes and Associates. The group, via its lawyer, raised concerns with Environment Minister Lily DAmbrosio last month and has urged the government to consider a range of measures to stop further erosion and repair the affected beaches, according to correspondence obtained by The Sunday Age. The proposals to restore the damaged coastline include the construction of a 100-metre groyne at the eastern end of Portsea front beach, and an offshore breakwater or further dredging to deflect waves from the affected areas. The association has also urged the Victorian land titles office to reject the pending application by the Fox family to further expand the boundaries of its Point King estate.

The evidence is now overwhelming of the link between the bay dredging project, loss of the Portsea beach and transfer of sand to the Point King beach, the associations president, Colin Watson, said in a letter to the department on September 26. The two pending applications in the Office of Titles cannot now possibly succeed. The Queen of the Netherlands dredging the Port Phillip shipping channels in 2008. Credit:Rebecca Hallas The Water Technology report provided to council in February is not the first study to draw a link between the channel-deepening project and erosion damage along the Portsea coastline. The Department of Environment and Primary Industries commissioned research from the same consultancy firm in 2013, which found that wave energy had been redistributed along the Mornington Peninsula following the completion of the project in December 2009.

The department commissioned a second study from the CSIRO, which also found that dredging contributed to larger and more powerful swells at the southern end of the peninsula. Evidence from wave-modelling studies also indicates that it is conceivable that the channel-deepening project may have increased the height of waves impacting the beach at Portsea, and therefore some degree of attribution to the channel-deepening project is possible, the CSIRO report stated. The report said that a definitive cause would be difficult to establish because of the absence of long wave records at Portsea beach that pre-date the erosion event and channel-deepening project. But research conducted by engineering services company Cardno, commissioned on behalf of the Fox family, found no definitive link between channel deepening and the dramatic changes to Portseas coastline.

Cardnos report did concede that recent changes east of Point Franklin (Shelly and Point King beaches) are larger than any previously recorded. There have been suggestions that the dredging associated with the channel-deepening project in Port Phillip Heads and South Channel may be responsible, although no mechanism has been demonstrated, the Cardno report stated. Lindsay Fox with Premier Daniel Andrews in June at the site of Victorias new Melanoma and Clinical Trials Centre. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui The same research found that since 2009, the shoreline has moved seaward through accretion at an average rate of 5.8 metres per year. A spokesman for the Fox family declined to comment on the latest report by Water Technology, or its potential impact on the pending application for a boundary realignment.

Last year, Fox lost a case against the planning minister in the Supreme Court of Victoria that would have allowed him to develop part of the beach he successfully claimed as his own in 2013. The legal challenge followed a decision in 2014 by then Liberal planning minister Matthew Guy, to change planning rules that rezoned any land acquired because of accretion from residential to public conservation and resource. The amendment restricted what Fox could do on the foreshore land he gained in 2013, and would apply to any future realignment of his boundary. The trucking magnate has insisted for more than two decades that his property line extended across the Point King beach to the margin of Port Phillip Bay.

Loading Over this time, he has installed bollards, a lawn, trees, hedges and security cameras to protect his boundary. In 2000, he told The Age he would never stop fighting for what was rightfully his: As far as Im concerned, whats mine is mine and I will fight for it all the way. I will not stop. A state government spokesperson said the science behind the changes to Portseas beaches was not settled. Erosion is a naturally occurring process, the spokesperson said. The 2013 CSIRO report ... found it was not possible to attribute erosion at Portsea to a single factor.
Isaah Yeo, co-captain of the 2022 rugby league premiers the Penrith Panthers, has October 12, 2002 tattooed on his left arm. It is inked along with the name of his uncle Gerard, one of the six Coogee Dolphins rugby league team who died that day in the Bali bomb blasts that killed 202 people, 88 of them Australian.

The Dally M Captain of the Year, along with other male members of the Yeo family, including his father Justin, have body art honouring Gerard, who was 20 and on an end-of-season footy trip when he was killed in the Sari Club explosion.

The memorial to victims of the Bali bombings. Credit:AP

Twenty years on, many Australians also have an indelible yet invisible tattoo of the date of this tragedy marked on their hearts. Many of us will be returning to Bali this week in our minds, and at memorial services across the region, from Coogee to Kuta. Im encouraging us all to go back to Bali in real life too, now that international travel is possible. Our nearest, largest neighbour needs us as it comes to terms with the toll taken by COVID-19.

Im just back from Bali and can attest that, while the school holiday and post-footy season crowds are slowly starting to return to the isle of the Gods, businesses and people there are still hurting.
Food delivery riders and gig economy workers would secure workers compensation and portable leave entitlements if NSW Labor wins government next year, under a policy to overhaul conditions for vulnerable on-demand workers.

The opposition will this week begin consultation with unions, academics and business groups to draft legislation providing gig platform workers with the same workers compensation benefits currently offered in traditional industries.

The policy would also include a portable entitlement scheme for disability, home care and community service workers, allowing them to accrue leave and other entitlements.

Gig economy would secure greater protections and entitlements under the proposal, if NSW Labor win government next year. Credit:James Brickwood

Proposed extensions to the Industrial Relations Act would see ride-share and food delivery workers granted access to minimum rates and conditions, while grouping provisions of the Payroll Tax Act would be reviewed to ensure on-demand platforms do not obtain an advantage over businesses.
Five years after the death of Lady (Mary) Fairfax some of the grand mansions that once made up her vast property portfolio are still being sold off, and the historic Orielton Homestead at Harrington Park is the latest up for sale.

The widow of Sir Warwick Fairfax died in 2017, aged 95, and the crown of that portfolio, her Point Piper home, the 1881-built Fairwater residence, sold a year later for a national house price record of $100 million to tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes.

Orielton Homestead is set on 6.5 hectares at Harrington Park.

Orielton Homestead predates Fairwater by almost half a century, although its location on Sydneys outskirts near Camden will ensure it is a small fraction of the price.

It was built about 1830 by Scottish grazier John Dickson as an outstation for his farm manager, and after a few extensions over the decades was significantly rebuilt in the 1870s and 1880s into the heritage-listed homestead that stands today by wealthy goldfields widow Harriet Beard.
While Joe Biden is not on the ballot until the presidential election in 2024, the midterm elections generally represent the first electoral chance Americans have to express their approval or displeasure with the president of the day.

September 2, 2022

by Farrah Tomazin
Lavishly dark in its period drama trappings,opens with a bang - a modern-day set design is narrated by a woman who reminds you that these are the characters stories and they believe them. Everyone has their own story - be it science or religion, and such is the crux of the central debate at play in Sebastian Lelios latest. An English Nurse is called into Ireland question a so-called miracle child who hasnt eaten for months yet looks perfectly healthy.Context is key here and the film uses the backdrop of the Irish famine to tell this story - its routinely felt, Tom Burkes character, a stuffy upper lip Telegraph journalist - has lost his entire family to the hunger. Pughs character isnt ready for the communitys open hostility towards her - and the tension can be cut with a knife edge. To watch over the child, a Pughs Nurse is joined by a Nun - and they are told to report back to an oversight committee of ranging political beliefs. How far would you go as someone brought in just to watch when you know you have the power to intervene?asks - questioning those who stand by and do nothing. It adopts a quiet approach to this full of nuance, even if you dont understand certain actions the film gives convincing justification for them - and the performances at its core get the most out of it. Florence Pugh is of course excellent but she always is, a commanding screen presence of quiet, burning rage.Adapting Emma Donaghues 2016 novel is no easy task but Lelio lives up to the opportunity for the most part in a film that's only aging well. Potentially the film moves a little too tepidly and feels a little too understated until its zero-to-a-hundred second act, but it gets its point across effectively - the framing device bookending the movie opening in a movie studi doesnt feel quite as effective as it should and takes you out of the film rather than enhances it - until the title credits show up you'll be confused for a few seconds as to whether you're actually watching a period drama at all; but the transition into the narrative was a delight and shows the true power that stories have in us all. There are parts wherecan feel dry but instead it manages to overcome that thanks in part to its focus on character; human emotion - and reaction to the science/religion debate that has occupied humanity for eternity - and this film here takes place in harsher times too, when faith was more dominant over fact.Kila Lord Cassidy is going overlooked opposite Burke and Pugh but its as much her movie as it is theirs, a committed unflinching performance. Her very presence on screen is enough to say a thousand words even with a role of few. Pugh is in command over her own character her in ways unlike no other performance this year or the last; the more showboatyorsacrificed for a return to the Pugh of(which cinematographer Ari Wegner also shot, and is excellent again here; on the back of an undefeated 2021 showcasing her status as one of the best currently working cinematographers) - its a drama thats only warming to me with time. Sebastian Lelios direction too is a rare feat of accomplished brilliance as the filmmaker continues to make nothing but stellar films, the 2017shows his understanding of character and humanity, and its not the first time he has put religion and faith under the spotlight. Here he does so again, effectively to the letter. It hits hard and to the core - and may not grow on you immediately but the more time removed fromthe more you bask in its brilliance
Gaborone (Botswana), 8 October 2022 (SPS) - The Diplomatic Corps accredited to Botswana organized a luncheon on Friday to bid farewell to the Ambassador of the Sahrawi Republic to Botswana and its Permanent Representative to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Mr. Malainin Lakhal, along with the ambassadors of Mozambique and Japan.



The ceremony was attended by representatives of all countries accredited to Botswana, in addition to representatives of SADC, various United Nations agencies, the European Union, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Botswana.



The Sahrawi ambassador thanked the attendees for the farewell ceremony, noting the firm and honorable position that Botswana has always adopted on the Saharan issue, pointing to the great role played by the President of Botswana, Mr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, in particular in developing bilateral relations between the two countries.





The Sahrawi ambassador stressed the gravity of the international situation in recent years, pointing out the need for diplomacy to play a pivotal role in easing the atmosphere of disputes and international conflicts, and to build bridges of friendship and peace between peoples, stressing the need to build international relations on the basis of mutual respect, dialogue, and observing international law and human and peoples' rights.



Following the speeches of the three ambassadors, the dean of the diplomatic corps, Angolan Beatriz Morais, presented the three ambassadors with symbolic gifts.



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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)  Florida officials began planning to transport migrants to other states in July and told potential contractors their task would be to relocate them on a voluntary basis, according to state documents.

The documents released Friday night to The Associated Press and other news organizations provide new details about the program that culminated in the Sept. 14 flight of 48 mostly Venezuelan migrants from San Antonio, Texas, to Martha's Vineyard, an island off Massachusetts.

The flight has spawned an investigation by a Texas sheriff and two lawsuits amid criticism that the program was a political stunt by Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to appeal to his conservative base.

DeSantis is running for reelection this year and is frequently mentioned as a potential 2024 presidential candidate. His office did not immediately respond to an email Saturday seeking comment about the document release.

According to the documents, the program as outlined in July was intended to assist in the voluntary relocation of Unauthorized Aliens who are found in Florida and have agreed to be relocated elsewhere in the country. It made no mention of finding migrants in Texas.

One Florida-based bidder that was not chosen, Gun Girls Procurement Solutions Inc., quoted a price of $26,000 to transport a minimum of five people and a security staffer to Massachusetts. Another potential bidder that provided price options was a New York-based charter jet company called Wheels Up, the documents show.

Ultimately, state officials chose Vertol Systems Co., based in Destin, Florida, and has so far paid the firm $1.56 million for the Martha's Vineyard flight and possibly for a second flight to Delaware, the home state of President Joe Biden, that didn't happen. No other flights have been announced.

The records show that an Ohio-based charter company, Ultimate JetCharters, was subcontracted to fly the migrants from Texas to a brief stop in Crestview, Florida, and then on to Martha's Vineyard.

In Massachusetts, meanwhile, officials said Friday that all of the Venezuelan migrants, who are seeking asylum in the U.S., have left a temporary shelter at a military base on Cape Cod.

In an email statement, Gov. Charlie Baker's administration said it is grateful for the collaborative efforts between several state agencies and non-profit providers to ensure each individual received necessary humanitarian resources and access to new housing options.

Some of the migrants have sued DeSantis and other Florida officials in Boston federal court, claiming they were the victims of a fraudulent and discriminatory scheme to relocate them.

Florida Sen. Jason Pizzo, a Democrat, has also filed a lawsuit in state court in Tallahassee contending that the Massachusetts flight is a violation of state law partly because the migrants were not in Florida at the time. The Legislature authorized $12 million for the relocation program that specifically cites migrants within Florida borders.

Associated Press writer Jennifer McDermott contributed from Providence, Rhode Island.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other U.S. market regulators are getting serious about reigning in the crypto market.

But there is one big unsettled question central to their goals: Is cryptocurrency a security?

The latter half of the crypto portmanteau belies the dilemma: currency, a deliberate choice by the movements founders, underscoring their ambition to supplant fiat currencies as both a store of value and a means of exchange.

Its fair to say that since Bitcoin (BTC) launched in January 2009, crypto has become the Wild West of financial markets. In the past, its decentralized nature kept it from the prying eyes of governments and other regulatory bodies.

Cryptos lack of oversight is the very thing thats so compelling for many enthusiasts. But with few regulations in place, the doors are wide open to nefarious actors who prey on naive investors.

The May crash of stablecoin TerraUSD wiped out more than $600 billion in value and caused a rash of insolvenciesnot to mention deepening the crypto winter. The Biden administration responded by outlining a framework for crypto development that included nods in the direction of crypto regulation.

Lets look at the state of play in crypto regulationand see if we get clarity on whether or not crypto is a security.

SECs Gensler Believes that Cryptocurrencies Are Securities

SEC Chair Gary Gensler is on record voicing his displeasure with the current state of crypto regulation

Gensler famously said in June that crypto exchanges that dont cooperate with the SEC are operating outside of the law and may be at risk of enforcement action.

At the heart of Genslers pitch for making the SEC the sheriff of crypto is the argument that cryptocurrencies are securities.

But what are securities? The Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 lay out the definition of a security in painful detail. But a more helpful guide can be found in the Howey Test.

The Howey Test comes from a 1946 Supreme Court ruling in the SEC v. W.J. Howey Co., which has been reaffirmed in the courts several times. Under the Howey Test, a transaction is considered to be a security if it meets the following four criteria:

Money is invested.

There is an expectation the investor will earn a profit.

The investment is in a common enterprise.

Profits are generated via the efforts of others.

Promoters are marketing and the investing public is buying most of these tokens, touting or anticipating profits based on the efforts of others, Gensler said in a Sept. 8 statement.

In a recent appearance on CNBC, he reiterated his case on crypto. The law is clear. I believe based on the facts and circumstances most of these tokens are securities, he said.

And that means those cryptos must be registered with the SEC under federal laws for securities.

The SEC Has Been Cracking Down on Crypto

The SEC announced in May that it was nearly doubling its Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit in May. Since then, the SEC, Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) have become more active with crypto enforcement. Take a look at some of the laundry list of charges:

On Sept. 19, the SEC charged crypto influencer Ian Balina with failing to disclose compensation he received from promoting an unregistered sale of Sparkster crypto assets.

On Sept. 22, the CFTC settled charges against bZeroX and its founders for violating the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and CFTC regulations.

On Sept. 28, the SEC charged The Hydrogen Technology Corp. and its former CEO for the unregistered sale and price manipulation of crypto asset securities.

Bloomberg reported that the SEC was investigating popular crypto exchange Coinbase (COIN) for allowing users to trade unregistered securities. The SEC also filed an insider trading complaint against a former Coinbase product manager and identified nine cryptocurrencies as securities, and Coinbase insists it doesnt list securities.

Two additional cases have been particularly high-profile in the recent regulatory crypto enforcement actions.

Kim Kardashians SEC Fine

In early October, reality TV star and social media influencer Kim Kardashian agreed to pay a $1.2 million settlement to the SEC tied to charges that she failed to disclose compensation she received for promoting crypto asset EthereumMax on Instagram in June 2021. The SEC fine was over four times more than what she made from the promotion.

Based on the penalty doled out to Kardashian, the SEC might be more interested in the visibility of its crypto crackdowns.

Ripple and the SEC

The other major ongoing cryptocurrency regulatory battle is in the courtroom between the SEC and Ripple (XRP) over the sale of its cryptocurrency XRP.

The SEC has brought charges against Ripple, alleging that the companys sales of XRP are illegal securities offerings and that they raised over $1.3 billion through an unregistered, ongoing digital asset securities offering.

Ripple counters the accusation, claiming XRP is a virtual currency, not an investment contract, and therefore not subject to SEC securities laws.

Gordon Allott, CEO of BroadPeak Partners, says the Ripple case should be settled soon and taking on the SEC is an uphill battle. What you do with your crypto can turn it into a security. If you use crypto issuance to fund your operations, it will get the SECs attention.

Crypto and The STOCK Act

Attorney William Powers, a partner at Nossaman, said that the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act of 2012, otherwise known as the 2012 STOCK Act, could provide crypto investors with insight into where Congress stands on the issue.

The 2012 STOCK Act requires all members of Congress to publicly disclose transactions of stocks, bonds, commodities futures, and other forms of securities within 45 days on their websites.

The U.S. House and U.S. Senate ethics guidance explicitly calls for members of Congress to disclose cryptocurrency transactions, seemingly implying that they are classified under the STOCK Act as other forms of securities.

Several members of Congress have subsequently disclosed their crypto trades.

These disclosures demonstrate that there appears to be consensus that cryptocurrencies are considered a type of security covered under the STOCK Act, at least when it comes to trading by members of Congress, Powers said.

Future SEC Regulations for Crypto

Currently, U.S. crypto regulations future remains in the air as regulators continue investigating the market and determining the best path forward.

The U.S. Treasury Dept. is expected to complete an illicit finance risk assessment on decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in early 2023. Meanwhile, Gensler has asked SEC staff to fine-tune compliance for crypto security tokens.

But more regulations may not necessarily be bad for crypto investors, some experts say.

Having cryptocurrency regulations in place would mean that projects, exchanges, and all cryptocurrency-related businesses are held to a higher standard and as such, are beneficial to investors. Additionally, it protects investors interest, allowing for legal recourse against crypto scams and projects that breach these regulations, says Bobby Ong, co-founder and chief operating officer of CoinGecko.

But Jeremy Wagner, financial analyst at Trading Pedia, says crypto regulation will also cost crypto enthusiasts. More regulation could also lead to more restrictions on how cryptocurrencies can be bought, sold, and used. Additionally, more regulations could make it more difficult for innovative new projects to launch in the cryptocurrency space.

More from Forbes Advisor
WILDWOOD  A spat between a mayor and a wedding venue is disrupting the peace found in the hilly, picturesque land where Wildwood meets Franklin County.

What started as a noise complaint by Wildwood Mayor Jim Bowlin has blossomed into dueling public accounts of how and why the mayor confronted attendees about loud music during a wedding reception this past weekend.

Bowlin said noise from the venue is an issue for residents  like him  who live in nearby houses throughout the hills. The venue says Bowlins complaint is unfounded and he caused a scene during the receptions dinner hour.

On Saturday evening, Bowlin went to the venue to address concerns about loud music, which he said violated Wildwoods noise ordinance. The mayor said he quietly waited in the vestibule to talk to someone about the musics volume, likening it to a rock concert that shook the ground; Silver Oaks Chateau owner Ron Tate said Bowlin yelled and disturbed around 50 guests, and the music was at an appropriate level.

Silver Oaks employee Alyssa Ringkamp was at the reception as a guest and told the Post-Dispatch she was stunned at how aggressive Bowlin acted.

I pulled him to the side and said, Can I help you? and he just started yelling about how the music was too loud ... (and) it was reverberating throughout the hills, she said, noting he showed up to the formal event in shorts and a windbreaker looking very disheveled.

Tate wrote in an email to Wildwood City Council members that Bowlin stormed into the indoor balcony, which overlooks the main reception area during dinner, then touched a woman on her bare shoulder to get her attention. Tate asked council members to take action in response to the mayors behavior.

Bowlin, in response to the email sent to council members, denied Tates account. He told the Post-Dispatch he waited in the foyer to talk to someone about the musics volume, and he said he never touched a woman.

Tates venue is just under half-mile east of the county line in Franklin County. Bowlins subdivision is on the other side of the line, in St. Louis County.

Bowlin has been Wildwoods mayor since 2016, and before he was elected he publicly opposed the construction of Silver Oaks nine years ago because the area is residential. He is also the president of the Meadow Forest Estates Subdivision, one of two subdivisions near the venue.

Bowlin told the Post-Dispatch he was representing residents when he complained about the noise that was readily audible from well over a mile away.

Four of Bowlins neighbors told a reporter they never hear noise coming from Silver Oaks and didnt recall hearing anything Saturday night, either.

One of the venues closest neighbors, a couple who has lived in their home for 42 years and asked not to be named, said they hear more noise coming from the two nearby subdivisions than the wedding venue.

I think I had one (resident call). Maybe, I mean, I didnt, the phone wasnt, you know, really ringing off the hook, Bowlin said. But I think I may have had one (resident). There wouldnt have been any more than that.

Bowlin said he believed the hills and various altitudes of the home could factor into who can hear what.

The back of the venue, which includes a patio, deck and an area to hold wedding ceremonies, faces southeast toward those hills  a design Tate said was intentional to direct noise away from nearby residences.

Bowlin noted in his email that under Missouri law, municipalities can enforce their nuisance ordinances against loud noise within one mile of their borders.

I had two options: The option I chose, which was to personally let you know about it, or advise the authorities, Bowlin wrote to Tate. I chose the former because I believed it to be a more neighborly way to address the situation.

The mayor wrote he did not scream but had to raise his voice when speaking to someone at the venue because of the loud music.

In any event, please note that it was not my intention to interfere with the event being held at your venue, Bowlin wrote.

Tate also claimed Bowlin has a history of harassing the venue via email.

What he did Saturday night was completely out of line, he wrote.

The mayor said he did not know what past harassment Tate was referring to and believed this was the first time he reached out about a noise complaint, and if he had reached out he said it would have been quite some time ago.

There are multiple security cameras in the foyer of the venue, but Tate said the business lawyer has instructed them not to release the footage.

The Post-Dispatch reached out to all 16 Wildwood council members for comment on Tates email. Fourteen did not immediately respond, and two declined to comment.

Still another of Bowlins neighbors had a different take: He said he never hears anything from Silver Oaks, but he noted that noise from the newly opened Westwind Hills, a wedding venue slightly closer to their homes, can be heard  and felt  for hours.

But when asked, Bowlin said he was absolutely sure the noise he heard came from Silver Oaks.

We just want him to leave us alone, Tate said.
ST. LOUIS  In the early morning hours of July 26, many area residents awoke to floodwater filling their homes, or to the din of blaring car alarms from vehicles getting overtaken by murky brown water. Too much rain was falling far too fast.

The weather system dumped more than 9 inches on St. Louis  about a quarter of the citys annual average  compressed largely within a few hours. That same week, torrential rain storms settled on Eastern Kentucky, where up to 16 inches fell and water rushed into peoples homes so swiftly that many didnt get out in time.

Forty people were killed in Eastern Kentucky. Two people died in St. Louis.

Longtime residents in both regions, no strangers to severe storms and flooding, said theyd seen nothing like it before  and theyre right.

The rainfall totals obliterated previous records in each area by a margin that was difficult for some experts to fathom  topping St. Louis single-day record by more than 2 inches, for instance. It was yet another example that rain isnt falling the way that it used to, with both the magnitude and intensity of extreme rain events increasing throughout recent decades, across a large part of the country.

The late-July storms that devastated St. Louis and Eastern Kentucky helped showcase the risks wrought by a climate that is growing hotter and wetter  and more prone to dumping massive rains and flash flooding on communities whose creeks, streams and drainage systems are not equipped to handle such volatile waters.

The shifting trends and escalating flood risk raises urgent questions about societys readiness to cope with the change, as once-unheard-of rainfall extremes become more frequent.

We are not doing enough. This last flood sure proves it, said Bob Criss, a Washington University emeritus professor who studies regional flooding. This problem is not going to get better. Weve got to make it better.

More fuel to work with

In the wake of Julys floods, the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk  a University of Missouri-based journalism partnership that includes the Post-Dispatch  asked climate data nonprofit Climate Central to analyze 50 years of rainfall patterns.

Findings showed that the eastern half of the U.S. is getting far wetter on average, with some areas  including parts of the Mississippi River basin  now receiving up to 8 more inches of rain each year than 50 years ago, based on data from the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Climate change models show further increases are likely in coming years, said Climate Central data scientist Jen Brady, who helped with the analysis.

And when it rains, it pours: Not only is more rain falling, but its also falling harder in many places, like St. Louis, according to further analysis from Climate Central.

The trend is largely tied to heat. As greenhouse gases from fossil fuels heat the Earth, that warming extends to the oceans and the Gulf of Mexico  a primary source of the atmospheric moisture for the Eastern U.S. Warming oceans produce more water vapor, and a warming atmosphere can hold more moisture, which can then deliver more precipitation in short windows of time.

Were getting warmer and were getting wetter, said Pat Guinan, Missouris state climatologist and a professor at the University of Missouri. We are in an unprecedented wet period.

Recent decades have given rise to a stark divide seen across the continental U.S., with the western half of the country becoming increasingly arid and prone to drought, while the eastern half is faced with exceptional moisture, often delivered in bursts.

The Midwest is one region absorbing the brunt of all that water. Since 1958, the Midwest has seen a 42% increase in the amount of precipitation that falls during the most extreme events, said Ken Kunkel, a professor at North Carolina State University who studies extreme rainfall and is a lead scientist behind the federal National Climate Assessment report.

The future will be characterized by more extreme events, simply because our source of water vapor will be hotter, said Kunkel. The system will have more fuel to work with.

That helps drive risks of high water even in certain places set apart from increasingly flood-prone major rivers, with widespread flash flooding as a separate  and in some ways greater  danger.

At this point, no community in the country is safeguarded from flooding, said Laura Lightbody, director of the Pew Charitable Trusts flood-prepared communities project. Were seeing it flood in more places than ever expected before.

Dont just blame the weather

Flash flood risk is shaped by more than weather alone. Pavement-heavy urban areas and places with constricted rivers or hilly topography compound the threat and are especially vulnerable.

Around St. Louis, even an inch and a half of rain in an hour can trigger localized flash flooding, with small urban tributaries swelling with stormwater far faster and more dramatically than the regions major rivers. In St. Louis County, for example, creeks can rise as much as 10 feet in an hour.

Meanwhile, in one Appalachian town, the North Fork Kentucky River shattered its previous height record by more than 6 feet in Julys flooding, rushing in fast enough to destroy the U.S. Geological Survey sensor designed to monitor the river.

That explosiveness means flash floods can present a far more sudden threat to people and property than the gradual rise of rivers carrying water collected from afar.

You can get caught by rapidly rising water and its hard to anticipate, Kunkel said.

Flash floods are made even more dangerous by many densely developed and heavily populated urban settings, say experts like Criss, who in recent years has shifted his research focus more toward flash floods.

Such flood risks can vary widely from place to place, but can be especially pronounced in small, flashy watersheds that are unusually sensitive to bursts of incoming water. One of the epicenters of damage near St. Louis, for example, occurred along the upper stretches of the River Des Peres, a highly urbanized waterway that experts like Criss have identified as the most prone to flash flooding in Missouri, and have long voiced concerns over.

The river essentially acts as an urban drainage ditch, converted largely into a straightened concrete sleeve that can be easily overwhelmed with water funneled its way during storms  delivered more quickly and plentifully by all the surrounding pavement and other impervious surfaces.

Its a combination that doesnt mix well with more extreme precipitation  facing people and property with heightened flash flood risks.

Intense rainfall is just making it all the worse, said Criss. [But] I dont want to just blame the weather all the time. That makes it like were not responsible. ... There is plenty we can do in our local communities to improve the way we build and treat our creeks.

Experts cite examples of precautions that range from pursuing buyouts of high-risk properties, limiting and corralling runoff, building water storage projects, and better floodproofing homes and basements.

Some similar risk factors are at play in rural Appalachia  another epicenter of this summers flood damage. There, rugged terrain leaves homes to be built almost exclusively along rivers and at the foot of mountains. Water travels quickly along the steep slopes to the residents below.

The regions history of strip mining and mountaintop removal also contributes to the danger, because the damaged land is often unable to soak in water as it naturally would. Even remediated mine lands often consist of compacted soil and grass, which arent nearly as effective for flood mitigation as the forest that once occupied the land.

Its like pouring water on a tabletop, explained Mary Cromer, of the Appalachian Citizens Law Center, who recently sat before members of Congress and painted the destructive picture of the flooding that put the law center and most of her town of Whitesburg under water.

More rainfall presents urgent challenges and imperatives: How can a city retool the built environment to withstand stronger flooding? How do people get out of harms way?

Most existing structures were built to withstand conditions and expectations based on what used to happen  not the climate trends happening today, nor future projections.

Historical data is no longer a good predictor of the future, Kunkel said. As a result, he adds, were not building things to the level of resilience that wed expect.

In freshly flooded places around the U.S., various forms of recovery are underway  a process that could take a long time.

In Kentucky, residents were told to expect years of rebuilding. But some, like Cromer, worry climate change will make rebuilding a Sisyphean task, poised to repeat itself without certain changes and precautions.

We know flooding like this will happen again, she said.
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP)  A court in Cambodia on Friday imposed a heavy fine on a leading opposition politician after finding him guilty of defamation for saying that nationwide local elections in June were unfair.

Son Chhay, deputy president of the Candlelight Party, had said in an online interview after the polls that the National Election Committee was biased in favor of the governing Cambodian Peoples Party. He also alleged there was vote-buying and intimidation of voters.

The National Election Committee and the Cambodian Peoples Party each sued the veteran politician for defamation.

The Phnom Penh Municipal Court fined Son Chhay 9 million riel ($2,250) in the election committee case. In the case filed by the Cambodian Peoples Party, he was ordered to pay a fine of 8 million riel ($2,000) to the state and 3 billion riel ($750,000) in compensation to the governing party.

The Candlelight Party is likely to be the biggest and most credible party challenging Prime Minister Hun Sen's Cambodian Peoples Party in next years general election.

The governing party faced a much stronger challenge ahead of the 2018 election from the highly popular Cambodia National Rescue Party. But it was disbanded just months ahead of the polls by a controversial court ruling that it had plotted the illegal overthrow of the government.

Cambodian courts are widely believed to be under the influence of the government, and the disbanding of the governing partys main rival allowed it to sweep all of the seats in the National Assembly.

Virtually all of the former Cambodia National Rescue Party leaders are in hiding, in jail or in self-imposed exile abroad, fearing arrest.

The Candlelight Party is the unofficial successor to the Cambodia National Rescue Party. The governing party won Junes local elections with 74.3% of the votes, with the Candlelight Party receiving about 22.3%.

The large fine imposed on Son Chhay, the most prominent figure in the Candlelight Party, will pressure the opposition party ahead of next year's polls, especially since it operates on a shoestring budget. Hun Sens party controls the levers of government and is close to nearly all newspapers and broadcasters.

The Cambodian Peoples Party has held an iron grip on power for decades and controls almost every level of government. Hun Sen, an authoritarian ruler in a nominally democratic state, has held power for 37 years.

In recent years, his government has aggressively pursued legal action against its opponents, hindering their ability to operate freely, and sometimes hounding them into exile or jailing them.

Speaking to reporters on Friday after the verdict was issued, defense lawyer Choung Chou Ngy called the decision an injustice and said he will talk to Son Chhay about lodging an appeal.

This story is a political case and from my observation, I have seen that they wanted to kick him out from entering the political arena, the lawyer said.

-

This story has been corrected to show the Cambodian riel value of compensation awarded to Cambodian Peoples Party was 3 billion riel instead of 30 billion. Dollar value remains $750,000.
Grainy video evidence was important in the conviction of Stephan Cannon, who was sentenced to life in prison for killing retired St. Louis police Capt. David Dorn during 2020 rioting. But also key, the prosecutor said, was cooperation from the streets  that is, witnesses who recognized a wrongful act and spoke up rather than remain silent.

There are some in progressive corners who argue against any cooperation with the police and prosecutors because they are perceived as the enemy. Such progressives claim to stand for the oppressed and downtrodden, and anything that leads to the incarceration of the downtrodden is inherently unfair and corrupt. The problem with that mentality  rooted in a long pattern of past police and prosecutorial abuses  is that it helps a lot of extremely dangerous criminals to stay on the streets because others refuse to speak up and cooperate with those in the criminal justice system.

A Gravois Park businessman said that after a recent drive-by shooting next to his home, a neighborhood progressive activist criticized him for letting police review the businessmans home security-camera video for images of the shooters. The activist treated shunning the police as more important than catching the shooters.

In Cannons case, a lot of people were out protesting police abuses on June 2, 2020, after the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Some witnessed Cannons cold-blooded shooting of Dorn, who was trying to protect a friends pawn shop from looters. Regardless of how they felt about the police, those witnesses stepped forward to testify.

You know you really did something wrong when the streets come in on you, St. Louis prosecutor Marvin Teer told jurors in July. And the streets came in on Stephan Cannon right away. Those witnesses recognized that the need to get Cannon off the streets was the most important consideration  as it should be.

Sadly, their cooperation was not the norm. The fear or refusal to cooperate is what prevents St. Louis authorities from putting dangerous people behind bars and making the city safer. Progressive leaders like Mayor Tishaura Jones and Rep. Cori Bush proudly speak of their antipathy for the police. Their message gets translated on the street as: Dont cooperate. So people dont.

Jones and Bush ironically wind up undermining one of their key allies, Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner, whose abysmal conviction record is due in large part to the repeated refusal of witnesses to come forward.

People who are afraid of retaliation from the criminals can always phone in anonymously. But refusing to help because of past police abuses is a senseless and surefire way to ensure St. Louis violent crime keeps worsening. If politicians like Jones and Bush are truly interested in cutting the crime rate, public encouragement of cooperation would go a long way toward making the streets safer for everyone.
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of a- (Excellent) of Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Company B.S.C. (GIG BAHRAIN) and its subsidiary, Takaful International Company BSC (GIG BAHRAIN TAKAFUL), both of which are domiciled in Bahrain. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect GIG BAHRAINs balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The ratings also factor in lift from GIG BAHRAINs parent company, Gulf Insurance Group K.S.C.P., due to the strategic importance of GIG BAHRAIN to the group.

GIG BAHRAIN TAKAFULs ratings consider its strategic importance to GIG BAHRAIN. The company provides a platform to underwrite takaful business domestically and increases the overall operations market share in Bahrain. Following its acquisition by GIG BAHRAIN, GIG BAHRAIN TAKAFUL has reported improved technical results, with further improvements expected from operational synergies.

GIG BAHRAINs balance sheet strength is underpinned by risk-adjusted capitalisation that was at the strongest level at year-end 2021, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). GIG BAHRAIN benefits from a relatively conservative asset allocation and a reinsurance programme placed mostly with reinsurers of good credit quality, which mitigates the elevated credit risk associated with the companys high cessions on commercial risks. AM Best expects GIG BAHRAINs risk-adjusted capitalisation to remain at the strongest level.

GIG BAHRAINs underwriting performance has improved following managements actions in its motor line of business, increased retention of profitable business and further synergies with GIG BAHRAIN TAKAFUL, as evidenced by a 2021 combined ratio of 90.8% against a five-year (2017-2021) weighted average of 93.9%. AM Best expects prospective underwriting performance to remain strong.

GIG BAHRAIN has a leading position in Bahrains insurance market and a strong competitive position in Kuwait. The company maintains an excellent domestic franchise, which has been strengthened following its acquisition of GIG BAHRAIN TAKAFUL. The company writes a well-diversified portfolio on a gross premium basis; however, on a net premium basis, its portfolio is concentrated heavily toward motor and medical risks.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Bests Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Performance Assessments, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2022 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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William Keen-Tomlinson

Associate Director, Analytics

+44 20 7397 4395

[email protected]

Christopher Sharkey

Manager, Public Relations

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159

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Tim Prince

Director, Analytics

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Al Slavin

Communications Specialist

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Source: AM Best
NEW YORK & LONDON & SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Financial technology solutions provider MonetaGo today announced that its co-founder and CEO Jesse Chenard will transition to the role of Executive Chairman, and that Neil Shonhard, currently President, will become Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221007005256/en/

(Photo: Business Wire)

Shonhard joined MonetaGo as Managing Director, Asia Pacific in June 2020 before becoming company president in August 2021. His prior experience includes 12 years at financial services firm TP ICAP, as well as senior roles at securities firms in Europe and Asia. As Executive Chairman, Chenard will remain closely involved with MonetaGo's activities and act as advisor to the companys management team.

Since entering full production in 2018, MonetaGos Secure Financing system has processed over 3.5 million transactions in India. MonetaGo has partnered with SWIFT to provide banks globally access to the Secure Financing system via SWIFTs Global API. More recently, MonetaGo has been mandated to build the Trade Finance Registry in Singapore.

Since its inception, MonetaGo has been laser-focused on developing a standards-based approach to fraud prevention, continuously improving its roadmap, convening stakeholders in the public and private sectors, and scaling internationally.

Building MonetaGo with such a wildly talented, innovative and creative team has been the gift of a lifetime, says Chenard. Weve built a growing global business that has already helped to unlock trade finance for companies both large and small, and were just getting started.

Chenard continues: In our next chapter, we are focused on cementing our position as the worlds foremost provider of trade finance fraud prevention technology and continuing to bridge information silos across the trade ecosystem. Neil is a great leader for this new phase of development. As company president, he has driven MonetaGos success, meeting the stringent requirements of our clients in one of the most highly regulated industries on earth. As CEO, he will take MonetaGo to the next level, making trade finance work better for everyone.

MonetaGos engagement with regulators, policymakers and industry leaders on the key opportunities and challenges in managing fraud risk have long distinguished it as a company, and as a team we are now poised to transform the way trade is financed, says Shonhard. I am humbled to be taking the reins as CEO at such a pivotal time, and I look forward to collectively building on the work done so far to lead the company into its next chapter of growth and impact.

About MonetaGo

MonetaGos Secure Financing solution enables banks and traditional financiers as well as non-bank financial institutions, fintechs and trade finance funds to check for fraud and duplicate financing. By reducing fraud in trade finance, MonetaGos business activities align with worldwide political and regulatory mandates that empower institutions to sustain supply chains and extend their books of business into new markets and undeserved sectors, all while maintaining privacy and enabling critical real-time decision making.

MonetaGo has been awarded Best Fintech Startup in Trade 2021 by Global Trade Review, while its Secure Financing solution has been recognised as Best Solution in Trade Finance at the AMTD DigFin Innovation Awards at the Hong Kong Fintech Week 2021, and Most Effective Bank-Fintech Partnership at the IBS Intelligence Global Fintech Innovation Awards 2021.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221007005256/en/

For more information contact:

Matt Stapleton

Head, Marketing

[email protected]

+65 9654 9402

Source: MonetaGo
Oral presentation highlights preclinical data of ATG-031, an in-house discovered anti-CD24 monoclonal antibody

Three poster presentations showcase preclinical data of ATG-101, a PD-L1/4-1BB bispecific antibody developed in-house, ATG-018, an ATR inhibitor discovered in-house, and ATG-027, a B7H3/PD-L1 bispecific antibody discovered in-house

Antengene has global rights to these pipeline assets

SHANGHAI and HONG KONG, Oct. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 37th Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Annual Meeting (SITC 2022), set to take place on November 8-12, 2022, in Boston, Massachusetts (United States), via in person/virtual attendance, Antengene will release data from preclinical studies of four pipeline assets, ATG-031, ATG-101, ATG-018, and ATG-027, in one oral presentation and three poster presentations. As the world's largest and most anticipated gathering in the field of immuno-oncology, the SITC Annual Meeting is designed to promote scientific exchanges and cooperation for improving treatment outcomes for cancer patients.

Details of the oral presentation are shown as below:

Title: ATG-031, a first-in-class anti-CD24 antibody, showed potent preclinical anti-tumor efficacy by blocking "don't-eat-me" signal Abstract#: 482Date: November 11, 2022Time: 5:20 PM  5:35 PM (Eastern Time)(6:20 AM  6:35 AM Beijing Time, November 12, 2022)Presenter: Dr. Jay Mei, AntengeneFirst Author: Dr. Peng Chen, AntengeneCorresponding Authors: Dr. Bo Shan, Dr. Bing Hou, Antengene

Details of those three poster presentations are shown below. All posters will be presented at:9:00 AM  9:00 PM (Eastern Time)(10:00 PM November 10 to 10:00 AM November 11, 2022 Beijing Time)

Title: ATG-101, a tetravalent PD-L14-1BB BsAb, demonstrates potent in vivo anti-tumor efficacy in ICI-resistant or refectory mouse tumor modelsAbstract#: 1150Date: November 10, 2022Presenter: Dr. Bing Hou, AntengeneFirst Author: Dr. Wenhui Yu, AntengeneCorresponding Authors: Dr. Bo Shan, Dr. Bing Hou, Antengene

Title: Discovery of blood pharmacodynamic biomarkers for ATR inhibitorsAbstract#: 76Date: November 10, 2022Presenter: Dr. Bin Jiang, AntengeneFirst Author: Dr. Ya Kong, AntengeneCorresponding Authors: Dr. Shan Bo, Dr. Bing Hou, Antengene

Title: ATG-027, a first-in-class B7-H3/PD-L1 bispecific antibody, shows potent T cell activation capability and in vivo anti-tumor efficacyAbstract#: 1397Date: November 10, 2022Presenter: Dr. Linjie Tian, AntengeneFirst Author: Dr. Wenhui Yu, AntengeneCorresponding Authors: Dr. Bo Shan, Dr. Bing Hou, Antengene

About Antengene

Antengene Corporation Limited ("Antengene", SEHK: 6996.HK) is a leading commercial-stage R&D-driven global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative first-in-class/best-in-class therapeutics for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, in realizing its vision of "Treating Patients Beyond Borders".

Since 2017, Antengene has built a broad and expanding pipeline of 15 clinical and preclinical assets, of which 10 are global rights assets, and 5 came with rights for Asia Pacific markets including the Greater China region. To date, Antengene has obtained 24 investigational new drug (IND) approvals in the U.S. and Asia, and submitted 6 new drug applications (NDAs) in multiple Asia Pacific markets, with the NDA for XPOVIO (selinexor), already approved in mainland China, South Korea, Singapore and Australia.

Forward-looking statements

The forward-looking statements made in this article relate only to the events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. In this article, statements of, or references to, our intentions or those of any of our Directors or our Company are made as of the date of this article. Any of these intentions may alter in light of future development. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause future results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement, see the section titled "Risk Factors" in our periodic reports filed with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's Annual Report for year-end December 31, 2021, and subsequent filings with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

For more information, please contact:

Investor Contacts: Donald LungE-mail: [email protected] Mobile: +86 18420672158

PR Contacts:Peter QianE-mail: [email protected]Mobile: +86 13062747000

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SOURCE Antengene Corporation Limited
NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Blocking the action of calcium signals in immune cells suppresses the most common form of asthma, but without compromising the body's defenses against flu viruses, a new study finds.

Led by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, experiments showed that removing the gene for a calcium channel  specifically the calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel made up of ORAI1 proteins  thoroughly reduced asthmatic inflammation in the lungs of mice caused by house dust mite feces, a common cause of allergic asthma. Blocking signals sent through this channel with an investigational new drug called a CRAC channel inhibitor had a similar effect.

The study revolved around the use of charged particles, mainly calcium, by human cells to send signals and flip biological switches. When triggeredwhether by viral proteins or allergens  immune cells called T cells open channels in their outer membranes, letting calcium rush in to turn on signaling pathways that control cell division and secretion of cytokine molecules that help T cells communicate with other immune cells.

Past work had found that CRAC channels in T cells regulate their ability to multiply into armies of cells designed to fight infections caused by viruses and other pathogens.

Published online in Science Advances on October 7, the new study showed that the CRAC channel inhibitor reduced allergic asthma and mucus build-up in mice without sabotaging their immune system's ability to fight influenza, a main worry of researchers seeking to tailor immune-suppressing drugs for several applications.

"Our study provides evidence that a new class of drugs that target CRAC channels can be used safely to counter allergic asthma without creating vulnerability to infections," says senior study author Stefan Feske, MD, the Jeffrey Bergstein Professor of Medicine in the Department of Pathology at NYU Langone Health. "Systemic application of a CRAC channel blocker specifically suppressed airway inflammation in response to allergen exposure."

About 25 million Americans suffer from asthma, with repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of those have asthma related to inhaled allergens, say the study authors.

Targeting Calcium Channels

Allergic asthma is characterized by increased type 2 (T2) inflammation, which involves a subset of T cells called T helper (Th) 2 cells, say the study authors. Th2 cells produce cytokines that play important roles in both normal immune defenses, and in disease-causing inflammation that occurs in the wrong place and amount. In allergic asthma, cytokines promote the production of an antibody type called IgE and the recruitment to the lungs of inflammation-causing immune cells called eosinophils, the hallmarks of the disease.

In the new study, the research team found that genetic deletion of ORAI1 in T cells, or treatment of mice with the CRAC channel inhibitor CM4620, thoroughly suppressed Th2-driven airway inflammation in response to house dust mite allergens. CM4620 is under development by the company CalciMedica, which partnered with NYU Langone in the current study, and is in phase 2 clinical trials for COVID-19 associated pulmonary inflammation and acute pancreatitis.

Treatment with CM4620 significantly reduced airway inflammation when compared to an inactive control substance, with the treated mice also showing much lower levels of Th2 cytokines and related gene expression. Without calcium entering through CRAC channels, T cells are unable to become Th2 cells and produce the cytokines that cause allergic asthma, the authors say.

Conversely, ORAI1 gene deletion, or interfering with CRAC channel function in T cells via the study drug, did not hinder T cell-driven antiviral immunity, as lung inflammation and immune responses were similar in mice with and without ORAI1.

"Our work demonstrates that Th2 cell-mediated airway inflammation is more dependent on CRAC channels than T cell-mediated antiviral immunity in the lung," says study co-first author Yin-Hu Wang, PhD, a post-doctoral fellow in the Feske lab. "This suggests CRAC channel inhibition as a promising, potential future treatment approach for allergic airway disease."

Along with Feske and Wang, the study was led by co-first authors Lucile Noyer and Sascha Kahlfuss in the Department of Pathology at NYU Langone Health. Other NYU Langone researchers in this study were Dimitrius Raphael, Anthony Tao, Ulrike Kaufmann, Jingjie Zhu, Marisa Mitchell-Flack, Ikjot Sidhu, Fang Zhou, and Martin Vaeth. Also study authors were Sean Saunders and Paul Thomas of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, and Maria Curotto de Lafaille at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. Kenneth Stauderman of CalciMedica Inc., La Jolla, California, was also a study author.

This study was funded by National Institutes of Health grants AI097302, AI130143, AI150747, AI121832, AI130343 and AI133076. Additional funding came through postdoctoral fellowships from the German Research Foundation, the SASS Foundation for Medical Research and the American Society of Hematology, as well as through a Bernard Levine fellowship from New York University. The Experimental Pathology Research Laboratory is supported by Cancer Center Support Grant P30CA016087 from NYU Langone's Perlmutter Cancer Center.

Feske is a cofounder of CalciMedica, which provided the CRAC channel inhibitor for the current study, while Stauderman is the chief science officer of CalciMedica. Both have financial interests in the company, with the relationships managed in accordance with the policies of NYU Langone.

Contact: Gregory Williams [email protected]

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SOURCE NYU Langone Health
The 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the Communist Party of China (CPC) holds its seventh plenary session in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 7, 2022. Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CCDI, addressed the meeting. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

BEIJING, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held its seventh plenary session on Friday.

Participants at the session reviewed and approved a CCDI work report to the upcoming 20th CPC National Congress, according to a communique released after the plenum.

The communique said the report will be submitted to the seventh plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee, which will open on Oct. 9, for deliberation.

Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CCDI, addressed the meeting.

A total of 129 CCDI members attended the session, and two other attendees were present in a non-voting capacity.

The 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the Communist Party of China (CPC) holds its seventh plenary session in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 7, 2022. Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CCDI, addressed the meeting. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)
TAIPEI, Oct. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The year 2022 marks the 19th anniversary of GEEKOM, one of the world's top brands in the Mini PC market. GEEKOM was founded in 2003 in Taiwan, China, and expanded globally in 2021. Through ongoing efforts and innovation, GEEKOM provides high-performance computing products that are scientifically and technologically appealing to consumers all over the world. After years of precipitation and product development, GEEKOM has grown from obscurity to global popularity and established a strong brand identity. Its products are now sold to customers in over 40 countries worldwide.

In celebration of its 19th anniversary, GEEKOM has launched the MiniAir 11 Special Edition. It comes wrapped in specially designed packaging, and includes a stylish mascot figurine and a customized mouse pad as gifts! With the unique pattern printed on the upper cover, the MiniAir 11 Special Edition presents an atmosphere of creativity and profundity. No one doubts it is a must-have item for everyone, and you can get it right now for a better price!

Furthermore, GEEKOM has not forgotten to bring Gfans the exclusive anniversary sale, offering special celebration prices on the most popular Mini PCs, including the Mini IT11, Mini IT8, Mini IT8 SE, and MiniAir 11.

The Mini IT11 offers the ultimate configuration and features everything you'd expect, from the powerful CPU to the finest hardware and design. Even those looking for a Mini PC with a higher computing performance will find it the best option.

An awesome little Mini PC like the Mini IT8 is pretty good for daily usage due to its most useful configuration, high-grade components, and most favorable price. This tiny device will be ideal for day-to-day web browsing, work, video, streaming, etc.

If you need a PC for home and office use, the Mini IT8 SE is the best choice. It will boost all of your tasks thanks to its powerful enough CPU, easily expandable memory and storage, and other features at an affordable price.

The MiniAir 11 blends dependable performance, extensive connectivity, and great flexibility into an incredibly small form factor. It is a cost-efficient PC with daily solutions for home media, kiosks, collaboration and streaming, digital signage, etc. And you can now save more when you bundle the MiniAir 11 with a Carrying Case or a Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Set .

During the anniversary sale, all purchases earn you double Gfans points. Spend less to snap up your favorite Mini PC and earn double points. It's either now or never!

As part of the anniversary celebration, GEEKOM also unveiled its mascot, Geagle, a stylized eagle that symbolizes GEEKOM's brave and fearless spirit. Come over and take a closer look at him. He wears a GEEKOM logo-style telescope, representing the pursuit and perseverance of dreams. His wings are metal mechanical arms that evoke a sense of technology. It's hard not to say hello to Geagle and make some wonderful memories with him.

What a way to celebrate the GEEKOM's 19th anniversary! Look no further, get whatever you need at www.geekompc.com. Just keep in mind that GEEKOM's 19th Anniversary Party begins on October 8th, 2022 and ends on October 31st, 2022.

GEEKOM has reached an important milestone of 19 years, and we look forward to the many exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Stay updated with GEEKOM

Web: www.geekompc.com Email: [email protected] Instagram: @geekompc Facebook: GEEKOM TikTok: @geekompcYouTube: GEEKOM PC Twitter: @geekompc Linkedin: GEEKOM PC

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SOURCE GEEKOM
WHARTON, N.J., Oct. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Carbon Express Inc. ("Carbon Express") announced that it has completed the sale of 100% of the company to The Kenan Advantage Group, Inc., ("KAG"). Carbon Express is a Wharton, New Jersey- based company that transports liquid bulk products throughout North America, including chemicals, transformer oil, motor oil, lubricants and water treatment chemicals.

"We believe in serving our customers first and foremost," commented Steve Rush. "We've been committed to building a strong and positive reputation with our customers and our employees for many years. By joining KAG, we believe we are remaining true to this commitment and are excited about the future potential going forward," continued Rush.

According to Karen Rizzuto, KAG's SVP of Operations, Specialty Products, "The acquisition of Carbon Express is another great strategic fit to our expansion in the specialty products market. Their operating region and customer base complements our footprint today, but also provides additional expansion opportunities in the Northeastern U.S. Along with a tremendous attention to customer service, the leadership team focuses on an employee centric model with a strong emphasis on safety. This commitment is important to all of us."

As part of the transaction, the entire Carbon Express team will join KAG within its Specialty Products division, including approximately 65 professional drivers/independent contractors. Carbon Express' Executive Chairman and founder Steve Rush will remain with the company throughout the transition and President, Sean McAllister, will continue to manage the daily operations. McAllister will also look to capitalize on growth opportunities with the additional assets and resources KAG can provide.

Advisors

Bengur Bryan & Co., Inc. acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Carbon Express.

Greenberg Dauber Epstein & Tucker, P.C. acted as legal counsel to Carbon Express, and Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC acted as legal counsel to KAG.

About Carbon Express

Carbon Express, headquartered in Wharton, NJ, transports liquid bulk products across the United States and into Canada (www.carbonexpress.com). Established in 1983, the company is a leader in the transport of lubricant base oils and other petroleum products.

About The Kenan Advantage Group

The Kenan Advantage Group, Inc. (KAG), North America's is the largest tank truck transporter and logistics provider (www.thekag.com). The company operates through its six operating groups consisting of KAG Energy, KAG Specialty Products, KAG Food Products, KAG Merchant Gas, KAG Canada and KAG Logistics.

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SOURCE Carbon Express
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SEOUL, South Korea  North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters on Sunday, the latest of a recent barrage of weapons tests, a day after it warned the redeployment of a U.S. aircraft carrier near the Korean Peninsula was inflaming regional tensions.

South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that it detected two missile launches Sunday between 1:48 a.m. and 1:58 a.m. from the Norths eastern coastal city of Munchon. It added that South Koreas military has boosted its surveillance posture and maintains a readiness in close coordination with the United States.

Japanese Vice Defense Minister Toshiro Ino also confirmed the launches, saying Pyongyang's testing activities are absolutely unacceptable as they threaten regional and international peace and security.

Ino said the weapons could be submarine-launched ballistic missiles. We are continuing to analyze details of the missiles, including a possibility that they might have been launched from the sea, Ino said.

North Koreas pursuit of an ability to fire missiles from a submarine would constitute an alarming development for its rivals because its harder to detect such launches in advance. North Korea was believed to have last tested a missile launch from a submarine in May.

The South Korean and Japanese militaries assessed that the missiles flew about 217 miles and reached maximum altitudes of 56 to 60 miles before falling into the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida separately instructed officials to gather and analyze all information they could and expedite any updates about the tests to the public. His office said it also was seeking to ensure the safety of all aircraft and ships in waters around Japan while preparing for any contingencies.

South Koreas presidential office said National Security Director Kim Sung-han called an emergency security meeting over the launches where members reviewed the South's defense preparedness and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation with the United States and Japan to counter the growing North Korean threats.

Seoul warned that Pyongyang's consecutive provocations will deepen its international isolation and increase the instability of the regime by worsening its economy and peoples livelihoods.

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement that the launches didnt pose any immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to its allies. But it said the launches highlight the destabilizing impact of North Koreas unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. It said U.S. commitments to the defense of South Korea and Japan remain ironclad.

The launch, the Norths seventh round of weapons tests in two weeks, came hours after the United States and South Korea wrapped up two days of naval drills off the Korean Peninsulas east coast.

The drills involved the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and its battle group, which returned to the area after North Korea fired a powerful missile over Japan last week to protest the carrier groups previous training with South Korea.

On Saturday, North Koreas Defense Ministry warned that the Reagans redeployment was causing a considerably huge negative splash in regional security. The ministry called its recent missile tests a righteous reaction to intimidating military drills between South Korea and the United States.

North Korea regards U.S.-South Korean military exercises as an invasion rehearsal and is especially sensitive if such drills involve U.S. strategic assets such as an aircraft carrier. North Korea has argued it was forced to pursue a nuclear weapons program to cope with U.S. nuclear threats. U.S. and South Korean officials have repeatedly said they have no intentions of attacking the North.

North Korea has launched more than 40 ballistic and cruise missiles in over 20 different events this year, exploiting a division in the U.N. Security Council deepened over Russias war on Ukraine as a window to speed up arms development.

The record number of tests included last weeks launch of a nuclear-capable missile that flew over Japan for the first time in five years. It was estimated to have traveled about 2,800-2,860 miles, a distance sufficient to reach the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam and beyond.

South Korean officials say Pyongyang may up the ante soon by conducting an intercontinental ballistic missile or a nuclear test explosion, following a traditional pattern of manufacturing diplomatic crises with weapons tests and threats before offering negotiations aimed at extracting concessions. There are also concerns about provocations along the Koreas land and sea borders.

Sunday's launches came on the eve of the 77th anniversary of the foundation of the North Korean ruling Workers Party.

Earlier this year, North Korea tested other nuclear-capable ballistic missiles that place the U.S. mainland, South Korea and Japan within striking distance.

North Koreas testing spree indicates its leader, Kim Jong Un, has no intention of resuming diplomacy with the U.S. and wants to focus on expanding his weapons arsenal. But some experts say Kim would eventually aim to use his advanced nuclear program to wrest greater outside concessions, such as the recognition of North Korea as a legitimate nuclear state, which Kim thinks is essential in getting crippling U.N. sanctions lifted.

South Korean officials recently said North Korea was also prepared to test a new liquid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile and a submarine-launched ballistic missile while maintaining readiness to perform its first underground nuclear test since 2017.

Associated Press writer Kim Tong-hyung in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report.
SEOUL, South Korea  North Korea warned Saturday the U.S. redeployment of an aircraft carrier near the Korean Peninsula is causing a considerably huge negative splash in regional security, as it defended its recent missile tests as a righteous reaction to intimidating military drills between its rivals.

The North Korean Defense Ministry statement came a day after the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan began a new round of naval drills with South Korean warships off the peninsulas east coast. The Reagan and its battle group returned to the area after North Korea fired a powerful missile over Japan earlier this week to protest the carrier group's previous training with South Korea.

The Reagans redeployment is an event of considerably huge negative splash to the regional situation, an unidentified spokesman at the North Korean Defense Ministry said in remarks carried by state media. The armed forces of (North Korea) is seriously approaching the extremely worrisome development of the present situation.

He also called the Reagans return a sort of military bluffing to issue a warning over North Koreas righteous reaction to the extremely provocative and threatening joint military drills of the U.S. and South Korea.

North Korea regards U.S.-South Korean military exercises as an invasion rehearsal and is especially sensitive if such drills involve U.S. strategic assets like an aircraft carrier. North Korea has argued it was forced to pursue a nuclear weapons program to cope with U.S. nuclear threats. U.S. and South Korean officials have repeatedly said they have no intentions of attacking the North.

In the past two weeks, North Korea has fired 10 ballistic missiles into the sea in five launch events, adding to its record-breaking pace of weapons tests this year. The recent weapons tests include a nuclear-capable missile that flew over Japan for the first time in five years and demonstrated a range to strike the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam and beyond.

Earlier this year, North Korea tested other nuclear-capable ballistic missiles that place the U.S. mainland and its allies South Korea and Japan within striking distance.

North Koreas testing spree indicates its leader, Kim Jong Un, has no intention of resuming diplomacy with the U.S. and wants to focus on expanding his weapons arsenal. But some experts say Kim would eventually aim to use his advanced nuclear program to wrest greater outside concessions, such as the recognition of North Korea as a legitimate nuclear state, which Kim thinks is essential in getting crippling U.N. sanctions on his country lifted.

The Reagan carrier groups latest training with the South Korean navy is to end on Saturday.

South Korean officials recently said North Korea was also prepared to test a new liquid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile and a submarine-launched ballistic missile while maintaining readiness to perform its first underground nuclear test since 2017.
TOKYO  A United Nations human rights expert urged Japan's government on Friday to provide evacuees from the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster with more support, including housing, jobs and other needs, regardless of whether they fled forcibly or not.

Wrapping up an investigation of the evacuees' human rights conditions, Cecilia Jimenez-Damary said Japan has adequate laws to protect internally displaced people. They include a nuclear disaster compensation law that requires the plant operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, to cover damages, and other government-led revitalization and reconstruction programs. But she said they have not been effectively used to address the vulnerability of the evacuees.

Those laws should not remain just laws on the books, but they should be implemented, she said. Unfortunately, because they are not fully implemented, to a certain extent, this explains the proliferation of litigation against TEPCO and the government.

Three reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant melted after a massive earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011, knocked out cooling systems, releasing large amounts of radiation and displacing more than 160,000 people at one point. About 30,000 people remain displaced in and outside of Fukushima.

Thousands of people have filed about 30 lawsuits demanding compensation from both the government and TEPCO for the loss of livelihoods and communities because of the disaster. The Supreme Court in July dismissed four lawsuits, saying the government cannot be held liable because the damage from the tsunami that hit the plant could not have been prevented even if measures had been taken.

Jimenez-Damary said the evacuees have received unequal treatment depending on whether they were forced to leave no-go zones or left voluntarily. Voluntary evacuees are seen as having left unnecessarily and are excluded from TEPCO compensation and many other government support measures.

The categorization of forced evacuees and voluntary evacuees, especially when it comes to receiving support and assistance, should therefore be dropped in practice, she said, adding that the discrimination has no justification under international law.

She said she was very concerned about the termination in 2017 of housing support for voluntary evacuees in Fukushima that led to the prefectural government filing a lawsuit against people who remained in dorms for government employees despite an order to leave.

Jimenez-Damary, the U.N. special rapporteur on human rights of internally displaced persons, met with Japanese officials, experts, human rights organizations and evacuees in Tokyo, Fukushima, Kyoto and Hiroshima during her Sept. 26-Oct. 7 visit to Japan. Her preliminary report is expected early next week, followed by a full report to be issued in June 2023.

She acknowledged efforts by the central and local governments to address the vulnerabilities of evacuees, but said, I would like to stress that there has to be an improvement.

Jobless rates among working-age evacuees exceed 20%, substantially higher than the national average of 3%, she said.

Evacuations also broke up one-third of the families that often maintain two households. Mothers who evacuated with their children often became unemployed and separated from their husbands, who stayed behind and secured their jobs, Jimenez-Damary said in a statement released later Friday. Children are often stigmatized and bullied by their classmates, who consider them as unjust recipients of large sums of compensation or spreaders of radioactivity.

She raised concern about the government's recent shift away from supporting evacuees toward coaxing them into returning to their hometowns after they reopen, or face the loss of their support.

Jimenez-Damary also noted considerable concern about the continuing effect of radiation exposure, especially to children who are now young adults," as well as other anxieties suffered by evacuees. She called for continuation of the prefecture-sponsored free thyroid screening to enable continued monitoring of the issue and provide much needed data to see evolution of health risks over time, with a view to ensure focused treatment programs to those who are suffering.

Seven people from Fukushima who were children at the time of the disaster and later developed thyroid cancer have filed a suit seeking a total of more than 600 million yen ($4 million) in compensation from TEPCO and the government.

More than 290 people have been diagnosed with or are suspected of having thyroid cancer from a survey of about 380,000 residents aged 18 or younger at the time of the disaster. The occurrence rate of 77 per 100,000 people is significantly higher than the usual 1-2 per million, their lawyers say.

Government officials and experts have said the high rate in Fukushima is due in many cases to overdiagnosis, which might have led to unnecessary treatment. Some even suggest scaling down of the checks.
LYMAN, Ukraine  Ukrainian authorities are just beginning to sift through the wreckage of the devastated city of Lyman in eastern Ukraine as they assess the humanitarian toll, and possibility of war crimes, from a months-long Russian occupation.

Few of the buildings in the city in the Donetsk region  an area which Moscow illegally claimed as Russian territory last week following a staged "referendum"  have survived without damage, and most houses are without basic utilities.

Walls around the town bear graffitied reminders of the four-month occupation by Russian troops, with words like "Russia," "USSR" and "Russian World" scrawled on surfaces that are riddled by bullets.

Mark Tkachenko, communications inspector for the Kramatorsk district police of the Donetsk region, said Friday that authorities are still searching for the bodies of civilians amid the destruction, and trying to determine causes of death.

"They will look at when people died and how they died. If it was in the period when the city was occupied and they have injuries from Kalashnikov rifles, then of course, it's a war crime," Tkachenko told The Associated Press.

While it is still unclear how many died in the city since it was overrun by Russian forces in May, he said, Lyman today has become a "humanitarian crisis" which could still hold further grim discoveries.

"Some people died in their houses, some people died in the streets, and the bodies are now being sent to experts for examination," he said. "For now we are looking for grave sites, and there are probably mass graves."

The road approaching Lyman, which Russians used as a strategic logistics and transport hub during its occupation, is littered with miles of desolation left behind from intense fighting as Ukrainian troops pressed to retake it late last week.

The forests surrounding the city were decimated by the fighting, and the burned out and twisted wreckage of dozens of vehicles lined the road which was pockmarked by craters from falling rockets.

Tetyana Ignatchenko, spokeswoman for the Donetsk regional administration, said the city's civilian infrastructure had been "completely destroyed," and that an effort was ongoing to clear it of the bodies of Russian soldiers abandoned during their army's retreat.

"Police and criminologists are working, looking for Russian bodies and collecting them in the streets and forests. There are very many of them because the occupiers didn't bring them with them," Ignatchenko said.

As they left Lyman, Russian soldiers placed mines on the bodies of some of their fallen comrades, set to explode when Ukrainian authorities attempted to clear them, said Tkachenko of the Kramatorsk district police. Some had exploded, but caused no injuries.

As Ukrainian authorities entered the city, they found that many civilian residents had been killed by shelling while others, mostly older people, had died during the Russian occupation because of a lack of food and medicine, Tkachenko said.

Looting of civilian homes by Russian soldiers, he said, was widespread.

Anatolii, 71, a Lyman resident who lined up in the city's central square Friday to receive humanitarian aid, said Russian soldiers generally left people his age alone, but that he had heard rumors of prolonged detentions of civilians and that his daughter's home had been robbed.

"I was looking after my daughter's house when they came over and opened the house with a crowbar and stole everything that they needed and escaped," he said. "What could I say, and to whom? Could I fight with them? No."

The liberation of Lyman came as the latest in a series of gains by Ukrainian forces as part of successful counteroffensive operations in the Kharkiv, Donetsk and Kherson regions.

Even as Ukraine has recovered thousands of square miles of territory in the last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed treaties to illegally annex the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. Western leaders decried the move as illegitimate and a reckless escalation of the war, which began on Feb. 24.

As Ukrainian forces moved back into liberated cities and towns, they discovered some instances of mass graves and torture sites, such as those recently observed by AP journalists in recaptured settlements in the Kharkiv region.

In one liberated city, Izium, an AP investigation uncovered 10 separate torture sites.

Ukrainian media earlier reported the discovery of a mass grave in Lyman, but authorities on site wouldn't confirm or deny its existence and wouldn't elaborate further, saying only that investigations were ongoing.

But Donetsk Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko on Friday said that two burial sites had been found in Lyman, including around 200 individual civilian graves and a mass grave with an undetermined number of bodies.

On Friday, Tetyana, who didn't want to give her last name, wheeled a hand cart full of squashes toward her house on the outskirts of Lyman on a street where most houses bore damage from the fighting.

Her home had been heavily damaged in a Russian attack, she said, pointing at what used to be a window in her kitchen from when a rocket came through the wall.

"I was at home and fell into the bathroom, and my daughter was in the hallway. How we weren't killed, I don't know," she said. "The storage shed is destroyed, the roof was destroyed, but now we've repaired it. Here you see the doors are also damaged."

Tetyana pointed to a pair of green trousers she was wearing, and several camouflage coats hanging on hooks outside her house. She'd found the Russian uniforms, she said, "laying around. All my stuff was destroyed so I have nothing to wear."

Daria Yevheniivna, 15, said that while she had spent most of the occupation at home in hiding, she now feels a new sense of hope that her city can be salvaged.

"Everything got better," she said. "It became very calm. I don't hear shooting anymore, and I can sleep in the house, not in the cellar. People became more kind."

Anatolii, who also didn't give his last name, complained as he spoke on the central square that some of his neighbors only watched Russian television, which he said had "messed with their heads." He has tried to influence them, he said, but without success.

"There are some people who were waiting for the Russians, but I am Ukrainian, and we don't like them," he said.

"War is war. This is a real war," he said. "Russians shout that it's a special operation, but it's only a special operation for them. For us, it's a real war."
A National Park Service study released Friday cites 24 properties potentially worthy of National Historic Landmark consideration because of their significant connections to the Cold War.

The properties range from Camp David in Maryland and a Nike missile facility in San Francisco to the Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site in the Marshall Islands in the Pacific and a B-29 bomber that rests under water in Nevada.

The study, titled Protecting America: Cold War Defensive Sites, was made in partnership with the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers and the Cold War Advisory Committee, the Park Service said in a news release Friday.

Historians still debate the exact starting date of the Cold War, a political and ideological conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union that commenced soon after the end of World War II in 1945.

The Cold Wars ending is clearer; Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev signed a decree dissolving the U.S.S.R. on Dec. 25, 1991.

Both sides maintained vast nuclear arsenals, and the threat of global obliteration was a constant during the Cold War decades.

While the two superpowers did not ever engage directly in a hot war, the conflict played out in many ways in all corners of the world.

Puppet states, proxy wars, espionage and counterespionage, overt and covert operations, subtle intimidation and raw violence, threats and bluster, public pronouncements and secret treaties, alliances and betrayals, paranoia and credulity, lies mixed with truth, smoke and mirrors  each side toyed with reality and illusion to gain advantage, the study states.

As a former Cold War Veteran, I understand this study meets an urgent need to identify Cold War properties that are rapidly disappearing, Chuck Sams, director of the National Park Service, said in the release.

This study provides a framework for scholars, researchers, and educators to share a deeper history through the power of place, he said.

In general, properties must be at least 50 years old or exceptionally important to be considered eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or designation as a National Historic Landmark, the release said.

Most properties associated with the Cold War are not that old, and many have been demolished as sites have been deactivated or have been so altered as to be lacking in sufficient integrity for designation or listing, the study states.

The 24 properties highlighted in the study, while nationally significant regarding the Cold War, require further analysis as to whether they meet the requirements of a National Historic Landmark designation, the study states.

Among them is a B-29 heavy bomber that crashed into Lake Mead, Nev., in 1948 while testing an experimental guidance system for an intercontinental ballistic missile guidance system. The submerged wreckage was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011, and a study of its eligibility as landmark is underway.

The Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site in the Marshall Islands was the site of numerous nuclear detonation tests from 1946 to 1959, including the first hydrogen bomb. It became a World Heritage Site in 2010.

A number of missile launch facilities are listed. Three are associated with the Atlas, the first generation of ICBM missiles, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., and sites in Wyoming and Colorado.

Hundreds of Nike missile facilities were built in the United States during the Cold War, but most have been demolished or vastly reconfigured, the study states.

Still existing are sites in Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Calif.; Everglades National Park, Fla.; Fort Hancock and the Sandy Hook Proving Ground, N.J.; Alaska; and Indiana.

A lesser-known site, the blandly named General Purpose Laboratory (Building 9400), at Camp Evans, Wall Township, N.J., was used for seismic monitoring and air sampling to detect nuclear tests by foreign nations.

The attic of Pierce-Mill barn, in Rock Creek Park, Washington, D.C., was used by FBI agents for electronic surveillance of nearby embassies of Soviet Bloc states.

A link to the study and full list is at www.nps.gov/articles/000/cold-war-theme-study.htm.
George C. Marshall was doubtless moved to be equated with George Washington. As Harvard University granted the secretary of state an honorary law doctorate on June 5, 1947, its citation called him a soldier and statesman whose character and ability brook only one comparison in the history of this country.

But Marshall - the former Army chief of staff during World War II and then arguably the countrys most admired public servant - had something else in mind as he received applause from a crowd of 15,000 in Harvard Yard: pitching a multibillion-dollar aid plan for the broken European continent.

Seventy-five years later, as Russias war against Ukraine retests the historic bond between Western Europe and the United States, the legacy of the Marshall Plan has gained renewed relevance - as has the need to understand the frequently miscast initiative.

The Marshall Plan has become a favorite analogy for policymakers, said Harvard political scientist Graham T. Allison, yet few know much about it.

One reason for the confusion was the anodyne nature of Marshalls speech itself. It is logical that the United States do whatever it is able to do to assist in the return of normal economic health in the world, Marshall told his receptive, if somewhat puzzled, audience that day, without which there can be no political stability and no assured peace. That was about as rousing - or as specific - as his short address got.

There was no mention of the Soviet Union, against whose influence the plan was directed. Any government which maneuvers to block the recovery of other countries cannot expect help from us, he said. That was it.

Marshalls speech was vaguely worded for two reasons, said Steil, director of international economics at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of The Marshall Plan: Dawn of the Cold War. First, Marshall wanted to put the burden on the European countries themselves to come up with an integrated recovery plan. Also, Marshall wanted to avoid the impression that he was trying to divide Europe.

The Soviet Union was nominally welcome to join too. Moscow was carefully not excluded, said Steil, but behind the scenes it was prodded to exclude itself.

European leaders certainly got the message. Within hours of Marshalls speech, the British and French foreign ministers were conferring about how much aid they needed to regain their economic health and in what form. This collaboration - and the economic ties that bound the 16 nations that ultimately received U.S. loans, grants or commodities over the four-year plan - laid the groundwork for European integration.

Marshall has recently come under criticism from revisionist historians for claiming principal authorship of the plan. But Marshall never denied that the European Recovery Plan - the policys official name, which he always used - was the work of many hands.

The plans true godfather, according to Steil, was Marshalls boss, President Harry S. Truman. Truman laid the ideological groundwork for it in a March 1947 speech in which he asked Congress to provide financial support for the Greek government against a Communist insurgency. Articulating what would become known as the Truman Doctrine, the president argued that the United States was compelled to assist free people in their struggles against totalitarianism lest its spread undermine the foundations of international peace and hence the security of the United States.

Trumans belief that the Soviets would meddle in Greece turned out to be wrong. But when Marshall led a delegation to Moscow the following month, he came away convinced that the Kremlin had little interest in aiding Europe, which was in social and economic turmoil and had just struggled through the hunger winter of 1946-47.

The patient is sick, Marshall said in a nationally broadcast radio address upon his return from Russia, while the doctors debate the cure. Something had to be done to help Europe and fend off Moscows efforts at expanding Communism. Piecemeal aid of the sort that Congress had just granted Greece would no longer do.

Marshall enlisted the big thinkers on the State Department planning staff, led by George Kennan, known as the author of the containment policy for deterring the USSR. The result was the Marshall Plan - a moniker Truman fostered because I wanted General Marshall to get full credit for his brilliant contribution to the measure he helped formulate, the president said in his memoir.

Marshall led a furious campaign to pass the plan, crisscrossing the country giving pep talks and interviews. I worked on that as if I was running for the Senate or the presidency, he later said.

On Nov. 11, 1947, Marshall made an impassioned case for the plan before a joint session of the House and Senate foreign affairs committees. Now his words were anything but anodyne.

We must not permit the free community of Europe to be extinguished, he said. Should this occur, it would be a tragedy for the world.

Nor was there any need to mince words about Moscow. After briefly flirting with the idea of cooperating, Joseph Stalin had made clear his opposition to the plan, forcing Europes Communist bloc to reject it.

It is now clear that only one power, the Soviet Union, does not for its own reasons share the goal of restoring Europe, Marshall said.

The Cold War, a phrase that had just come into use that fall, was on. And so was Americas first line of defense: the Marshall Plan.

Seven months later, Congress enacted the Economic Cooperation Act, providing $17 billion ($160 billion today) in loans and grants to the 16 participating countries.

Did it work? Economically, its not clear: The plans own accounting showed that the aid to the recipient countries accounted for just about 3 percent of their combined national income between 1948 and 1951. The importance of the Plan to Europes recovery remains a one of contention amongst historians, said Fredrik Logevall, a Harvard historian and author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire and the Making of Americas Vietnam.

But there is little doubt of its success in fortifying European unity and democracy. It strengthened Western Europeans belief in democracy and capitalism and tied the region more firmly in a U.S.-led economic union and later a military alliance, Logevall said. Moreover, it helped to undermine Soviet influence in Europe.

Logevall added, It served Americas strategic purposes, but it was also charitable to a degree seldom seen in international politics.

It is impossible to imagine the E.U. or NATO without the Marshall Plan, Steil said.

However, the plans political and moral legacy was undermined by the Donald Trump administrations derisive treatment of the U.S.-European alliance, Steil said. And now its being tested again by Vladimir Putins Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

Amid that fight, Marshalls successor, current Secretary of State Antony Blinken, is invoking the Marshall Plan in an effort to maintain the transatlantic unity that has bound the United States and its European allies for three-quarters of a century.

In June, on the anniversary of Marshalls Harvard speech, Blinken tweeted that in 1947, European nations rallied to the call to come together, united in purpose, contributing to the revival of Europe. Answering the call together, we can once again prevail, just as the U.S. and Europe did together 75 years ago.
The man, who remains unnamed, denies the charges

A Dublin man is to stand trial accused of harassment and coercive control of a woman and threatening to share "intimate" pictures.

The accused, 55, appeared before Judge Bryan Smyth at Dublin District Court on Saturday charged with three offences, including one under new so-called revenge porn laws.

The Director of Public Prosecutions directed that he must face "trial on indictment" in the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers.

The defendant denies the charges and is not being named to protect the alleged victims right to anonymity.

The man remained silent throughout the hearing and was granted bail.

He is accused of harassing the woman at various locations in the State over 16 days in February 2021. Under section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, that offence carries a maximum seven-year sentence.

He had a connected charge for persistently engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour with a person with whom he was or previously had an intimate relationship, which had a serious effect on the injured party. It is an offence contrary to section 39 of the Domestic Violence Act, which can result in five years imprisonment.

The final charge was under the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020 for threatening to distribute or publish intimate images without consent with intent to cause harm.

On conviction, it can carry a maximum seven-year sentence.

Judge Smyth noted from defence counsel Patrick Jackson that there were statutory reporting restrictions concerning the alleged injured party. Under the 2020 law, the media cannot report "any information" that could lead to the identification of the complainant.

Judge Smyth noted that gardai had not yet canvassed the woman on this issue.

The court heard that in reply to each count, the accused said: I deny that charge.

There was no objection to bail after gardai canvassed the defence about conditions.

Judge Smyth ordered the man to have no contact with the woman and to stay away from two areas in Dublin, sign on twice a week at his local garda station, and reside at his home address.

He was also ordered to give gardai his mobile phone number.

Judge Smyth remanded him on 200 bail to appear again in January to be served with a book of evidence and returned for trial to the higher court. There was no application for legal aid.

Section five of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act provides anonymity to the complainant. It states nothing can be published that is likely to enable the identification of the alleged victim of the offence.

President Michael D Higgins signed the legislation into law in December 2020. The Act came into effect last year and is known as Coco's Law after 21-year-old Nicole Fox took her own life following years of online bullying and harassment.

It also criminalises so-called revenge porn, where people distribute or threaten to distribute or publish intimate images of others online to embarrass or harass victims.
Eoin Hickey (23) of Moyne Road, Ranelagh, Dublin told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that he was unable to stop his behaviour

A young man who engaged in the prolonged, persistent and serious harassment of a teenage girl by sending her hundreds of sexually explicit messages has been jailed for 16 months.

Lawyers for Eoin Hickey (23) of Moyne Road, Ranelagh, Dublin told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that he was unable to stop his behaviour even after gardai warned him as a result of his poor cognitive abilities.

The victim, now aged 20, told the court in a victim impact statement that Hickey had stalked her relentlessly online, setting up hundreds of fake online accounts to contact her to get around online safety measures.

She said she feared her stalker was someone from her school and she became afraid of going to school and of going out. The court heard that Hickey sent the woman videos showing a male masturbating, and messages stating suck my dick and give us a wank.

She was aged 15 to 18 at the time of the harassment from November 2017 to July 2020, while Hickey was aged 18 to 21. The woman did not know him and Hickey, who chose her randomly, never attempted to arrange to meet, the court heard.

The woman said she was in a constant state of terror and she continues to have extreme trust issues with men.

This man has stalked me in the most depraved manner. He always found a way of contacting me. I felt completely violated, she said in a statement read out in court by prosecuting counsel, Fiona McGowan BL.

Phillip Rahn SC, defending, told Judge Martin Nolan that at the age of 14 Hickey was diagnosed with developmental disorders, inclding autism spectrum disorder. A 2018 assessment of his emotional maturity and life skills found Hickey's ability to self regulate and inhibit behaviour when necessary was extremely low.

Counsel said Hickey's culpability was lowered by his lack of ability to stop himself. He said that his client has since put support structures in place to prevent him reoffending.

Hickey pleaded guilty to harassment on dates between November 2017 and July 2020.

Sentencing him today/yesterday (FRIDAY), Judge Nolan said the harassment carried out by Hickey was prolonged, persistent and serious and had a serious effect on the young woman.

He said Hickey failed to stop harassing the teenager even after he was approached by gardai and warned to stop.

Judge Nolan accepted that Hickey has his own challenges, but he said he believed Hickey must have known to some degree that what he was doing was having an effect on the injured party. He said that if Hickey had stopped when warned by gardai then things might have turned out differently.

This is a serious case and it's a sad case, Judge Nolan said. A young lady's life has been interfered with and it's a sad case where a judge has to impose what could be seen as a harsh sentence on a person with challenges.

He handed down a sentence of three years and suspended the final 20 months on a number of conditions, including that Hickey have no further contact whatsoever with the young woman.
A WAITRESS became a money mule for smishing scammers when she met them at a party and they took advantage of her.

Sherazaan Lunat (26) let the fraudsters use her bank account to transfer 5,000 in scam proceeds, a court heard.

She was spared a criminal record after she made a 1,000 charity donation.

Judge Bryan Smyth applied the Probation Act at Dublin District Court.

Lunat, of Sugar Loaf Peaks, Kilmacanogue, Co Wicklow, pleaded guilty to money laundering.

Garda Neill Gavin said that on November 11, a transaction of 5,000, the proceeds of a smishing fraud, entered the accuseds account.

When she was arrested, Lunat admitted providing unknown individuals with her bank login details which facilitated this, Gda Gavin said. She did not receive any benefit from it.

Defence solicitor Peter Connolly said the accused met the people at a party and they took advantage of her. Lunats judgment left her and she was extremely reckless.

While she did not financially benefit, the carrot often is if you give your bank details, youre going to get something out of what happens, he said.

The DPP consented to the case being heard at district court level and the judge accepted jurisdiction.

The accused had no previous convictions.

Gardai were dealing with hundreds of these cases, Mr Connolly said, to which the judge replied: There must be some very naive people around.

Mr Connolly said this was an ingredient of youth. Lunat also lacked financial resources at the time, but accepted this was not an excuse. She made a foolish and reckless decision to get involved.

Lunat was very sorry, had learned her lesson and was very worried about what might happen, Mr Connolly said.

Her family were very law-abiding and intended to travel to Australia.
Prison service prepares for one of its biggest ever security operations if Dowdalls returned to jail

Increased Garda presence outside the CCJ for the appearance of Jonathan Dowdall and Gerry Hutch Picture; Gerry Mooney

The Irish Prison Service is preparing for one of its biggest ever security operations ahead of the expected imprisonment of state witness Jonathan Dowdall.

This individual is under severe threat from his former associates in the Hutch gang as well as obviously the Kinahan cartel so his security arrangements will require very careful consideration if he is returned to the jail system. It is potentially a big headache, a senior source told the Irish Independent.

Jonathan (44) and his father Patrick Dowdall (65) are due to be sentenced at the Special Criminal Court next week for their role in the murder at the Regency Hotel of Kinahan gangster David Byrne.

The father and son have pleaded guilty to facilitating the February 5, 2016, murder of Mr Byrne by making a room at the hotel available for a criminal organisation or its members the day before the attack.

Jonathan Dowdall was originally charged with Byrnes murder alongside gang boss Gerry The Monk Hutch but this charge was dropped on Monday after he agreed to testify in the upcoming trial of The Monk and two other men.

Jonathan Dowdall (left) keaving court with father Patrick Dowdall

Despite his co-operation with gardai who he provided a detailed statement to about the Regency Hotel murder, Jonathan Dowdall may still be given a prison sentence for his role in the notorious murder that inflamed the Hutch/Kinahan feud.

At this stage it is not known if he will be handed down a jail sentence but considering the gravity of the offence he has pleaded guilty to, along with his previous convictions, it is very possible that Jonathan Dowdall will receive some kind of custodial sentence, a source said.

If this happens his security will be the responsibility of the prison authorities who will carry out a detailed security assessment on him in conjunction with the gardai.

There is no doubt that having a prisoner like this, who is under such huge threat, poses headaches and problems that will need to be addressed, the source said.

There would be plenty of prisoners who would take up a hit on Dowdall if given the opportunity to so

If he is jailed later this month, Dowdall will be first committed to the high-security Portlaoise Prison but it is still not known where he could be transferred from there.

In whatever prison he may be sent to he will require a highly restrictive protection regime for his own safety.

When the former Sinn Fein councillor served just under six years in prison for falsely imprisoning and water-boarding a man at his Navan Road home in 2015, he served the vast majority of his sentence on the so-called Hutch landing of Wheatfield Prison.

This is the high-security 3G wing of the west Dublin jail which Dowdall was released from in April after sharing the prison wing with Gerry The Monk Hutch since the 59-year-old was extradited from Spain and charged with David Byrnes murder last September.

Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch   REUTERS

There is obviously not a chance he will be going back there, and it is unlikely he will go to Wheatfield at all, a prison insider said.

Because of the perceived strength of the Kinahan cartel in both Mountjoy and Portlaoise prisons, these are also places which would not be safe for him.

There has been a lot of speculation about Arbour Hill because it previously housed state witnesses who gave evidence in the Veronica Guerin trial but that was a very long time ago, and the prison does not now have a sufficient security profile.

Another problem with Arbour Hill is that a number of Hutch gang associates live near the jail which would be a massive security headache if Dowdalls family were visiting him.

At this stage, a secure unit in the Midlands Prison could be the best option but nothing has been decided yet and there is always a possibility that he might get a suspended sentence and not enter the jail system at all.

WhatsApp accounts set up by the Hutch mob continue to be actively stoking tensions in the situation

There has been a recent murder in the prison system which shows how volatile it can be, and there can be no doubt that there would be plenty of prisoners who would take up a hit on Dowdall if given the opportunity to so, the insider added.

There is huge tension in the capitals gangland scene this weekend after last Mondays seismic developments in court.

A number of people connected to Dowdall, including some who have no involvement in crime, have been officially warned by gardai of an active threat against their lives.

Sources say that with Dowdall in a secure location being protected by gardai, a number of secretive operations have been ongoing to ensure the safety of family members and those close to the former politician.

Mountjoy Prison

There are a number of armed patrols paying more than just passing attention to a number of properties in Dublin, a source said.

One of these is a house in the Swords area, and there are also a number of properties in the north inner city that gardai are trying to protect from attacks by the Hutch gang.

This is a crime organisation which is gripped by paranoia and while the gang members know that Dowdall will testify against The Monk, they are worried what he has told gardai about other gang members and the workings of their organisation, a source said.

To say that they are hurting now is an understatement, and that is what makes this such a dangerous situation  they are extremely dangerous people who are prepared to lash out because of what has happened, the source added.

WhatsApp accounts set up by the Hutch mob continue to be actively stoking tensions in the situation  with one sinister posting showing a photograph of an innocent close female associate of the state witness who faces spending the rest of his life abroad living in the Witness Security Programme.

Another message claims that the Hutch gang know the contents of letters that Dowdall sent from prison and phone calls he made from jail to a female associate in which he allegedly said that no matter what, he will not get life in jail.

Gardai are monitoring these social media accounts as well as providing protection to more people than in many years since the Hutch/Kinahan feud was at its murderous peak six years ago.
Coroner said Chloe Dempsey had a lot of substances in her system after being found dead in her hostel room

An inquest has heard that recent murder victim Tony Dempsey formally identified his sister last year after she died from a drug overdose at a homeless shelter in Dublin.

Chloe Dempsey was found dead in her room on March 1, 2021 by staff at the Phoenix Lodge Hostel on Parkgate Street who were concerned when she failed to appear for breakfast.

A sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court heard a post-mortem examination on the body of the 23-year-old mother-of-two  who had previously lived at Michael Mallon House, Vicar Street in the Liberties  showed she died from multi-drug toxicity.

A murder investigation was launched last month after the discovery of the body of Chloes brother, Tony Dempsey (28) which had been left to decompose in a flat used as a drugs den in Kevin Barry House, Coleraine Street, Dublin 7.

Mr Dempsey, who was originally from Inchicore, had suffered severe head injuries when gardai came across his remains on September 12.

Gardai were alerted to the scene after residents complained about a strong smell as well as anti-social activity at the property, which is managed by the Peter McVerry Trust.

It required the results of a post-mortem examination to help establish his identity because of the state of decomposition of his body.

It is believed he was brutally beaten to death in the apartment in the north inner city and his body was left to decompose for up to 10 days, despite large numbers of people visiting and staying in the property.

It was the latest tragedy to beset the victims family as his mother, Christine, died in July last year at her home in Crumlin.

Murder victim Tony Dempsey

Mourners at Mr Dempseys funeral, at St Bernadettes Church in Crumlin last month, were told that the deaths of his mother and sister in a short space of time last year had been a devastating blow for him.

A local priest observed that the Dempsey family had been living a nightmare after the loss of three members in the recent past.

The inquest into his sisters death yesterday heard that Mr Dempsey had identified her body to gardai at Dublin City Mortuary in Whitehall on March 2 last year.

Garda Daniel Smith said prescription drugs had been found on a bedside locker in Ms Dempseys room but there was no evidence of any note being left for her family.

An uncle of the siblings, also called Tony Dempsey, told the hearing that Chloe had a drug problem which was her main downfall.

Mr Dempsey said he had last seen his niece about a week before her death.

She was doing OK. She was always looking great. She presented herself beautifully, he recalled.

Mr Dempsey said not having access to her children made his niece turn to drugs and she had been living in a homeless shelter.

His brother, Shane Dempsey, said Chloe had lived in his home for a long period but had moved out.

Shane Dempsey said she had asked if she could move back in about a month before her death but he refused as he was concerned that she was still using drugs.

He expressed guilt for not letting his niece live with him but said he had to think of his own children.

Mr Dempsey said his niece was caught in a vicious circle in relation to drugs and having access to her own kids.

The coroner, Clare Keane, said post-mortem examination results showed Ms Dempsey had a lot of substances in her system.

Returning a verdict of death by misadventure, Dr Keane said she had heard no evidence to suggest there was anything intentional about the victims passing.

Addressing Ms Dempsey's family, Dr Keane said they had nothing to blame themselves for, in what was a very tragic death.

She expressed condolences to the relatives of Ms Demspey, acknowledging that they had experienced a lot of losses in the past 18 months.
Their bodies remain at scene which is preserved for forensic and technical examination

Gardai at the scene in Clonee, Dublin 15

Gardai have launched an investigation after the bodies of a 35-year-old woman and her seven-month-old baby son were found at a property in west Dublin this afternoon.

Emergency services and gardai arrived at the scene of the tragedy at around 3pm after being alerted by witnesses.

Gardai discovered the remains of the mother and her infant son at the house in the Beechfield Estate, Clonee, Dublin 15.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the baby boy was the victim of foul play while toxicologists will now be called in to try and determine the cause of the mothers death.

At this early stage, gardai are not seeking anyone else in relation to the tragedy and, according to sources, no-one was in the house the time of their deaths.

Sources said a note which was found at the scene will now be a major focus of the investigation.

The mother and her infant son are understood to be Irish nationals.

Tonight, the two bodies remain at scene which has been preserved for forensic and technical examination.

The local coroner and office of the State Pathologist have been notified.

A Garda Family Liaison Officer has also been appointed to liaise with the family.

A garda spokesperson said: "Shortly after 3pm today, Gardai and emergency services attended at a house in the Beechfield area of Dublin 15.

A female adult (40s) and a baby boy were discovered inside the house deceased. They were both pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

Their bodies remain at scene which is preserved for forensic and technical examination.

The local Coroner and Office of the State Pathologist have been notified. A Garda Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to liaise with the family.

The outcomes of a post-mortem examinations will determine the course Garda investigations into both deaths.

No further information is available at this time.

Last night, social media users described their shock at the news.

One Twitter user wrote: So much pain and suffering right now. My thoughts & prayers are with this woman and the baby boys family, loved one's & friends.

While on Facebook, one local woman wrote: Oh my God I'm lost for words ..another little angel baby in god's heavenly home forever more.so sad.
How the pint-sized gangster choreographed his court outing to look confident and carefree despite facing a possible lengthy jail term

IRISH gangster John Gilligan managed a smile for the cameras this week after appearing in a Spanish Court on drug charges.

The trial of the 70-year-old mobster was put back until next April after his son Darren failed to show up in court, while Gilligan himself had failed to reach agreement on the sentence he will accept from State Prosecutors.

Journalist Gerard Couzens was in court to witness the antics of the ageing criminal and his co-accused, which include his girlfriend Sharon Oliver and his long-term associate Fat Tony Armstrong.

He tells Nicola Tallant how Gilligan choreographed his court outing to look confident and carefree despite facing a possible lengthy jail term.

Crime Word Podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and Soundcloud.

MORE EPISODES 
Jevgenijs Lapkovskis family visited a Garda Station where Gardai alerted police in Essex

A man who rang his family in Ireland to ask for advice after he violently assaulted another man has been handed down a sentence of life in prison.

A court heard how in April, Jevgenijs Lapkovskis (36), rang his family and said I think I killed someone.

His family urged him to contact emergency services but he feared he would ruin his career and his life.

After receiving the frantic phone call, his family reported the incident to An Garda Siochana, who notified Essex Police.

Police then rushed to an address in Brentwood where they discovered the body of Lee Murrell (29).

Lee Murrell

Despite attempts to treat him for his serious injuries, Murrell was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Lapkovskis, of Warley Hill, Brentwood, was arrested at the scene and later charged with murder.

He initially claimed it was self-defence and pleaded not guilty to murder.

Proseccutors described the attack on Lee as severe and sustained assault as various objects including a vacuum hose and a bottle were used.

Toxicology tests showed that both men had consumed alcohol and cocaine.

However, at the beginning of his trial at Basildon Crown Court, Lapkovskis entered a guilty plea.

On Friday October 7 he was sentenced to life behind bars with a minimum of 14 years.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Antony Alcock said that Lapkovskis had no choice but to admit what he had done.

My thoughts are with Lees family. No conviction will ever bring him back but I hope todays result will help them move forward.

Jevgenijs Lapkovskis had denied Lees murder but such was the weight of evidence against that we had compiled during our thorough investigation, hes had no choice but to admit what he has done.

He now faces a life-sentence and a significant amount of time in prison.

In a statement, Lees family said: Today we finally have justice for Lee.

After six gruelling months of waiting to see if we would have to endure an emotional and exhausting trial and waiting to find out why Lees life was taken needlessly and tragically, we didnt get all the answers we wanted and perhaps we never will.

We would like to thank Essex Police, the justice system and the support services who all worked so hard for Lee with sheer determination and dedication, they continued.

Without their efforts, I fear that an extremely dangerous individual would be free to walk the streets.

Thank you for giving us time to grieve while we try and rebuild our lives.
He was handed down seven years behind bars for his part in a spree of 54 burglaries

Police in the UK have issued an appeal after Dubliner Laurence Connors escaped from prison.

Laurence, who goes by Larry, left the open prison at 11.15 pm on Wednesday, October 5th.

He is described as being 5ft 8, with blue eyes and brown hair.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Derbyshire police said: We are appealing for help finding a prisoner who has absconded from HMP Sudbury.

Laurence Connors left the open prison at around 11.15 pm on Wednesday 5 October.

The 30-year-old, who is Irish and goes by the name Larry, is 5ft 8in tall, has blue eyes and brown hair.

Connors was convicted for burglary at Reading Crown Court in July 2020. He has links to Reading, Derby and London.

If you have seen Connors or know of his whereabouts, please contact us quoting reference number 30 of 6 October.

They have asked anyone with information to contact them on Facebook or Twitter. They can also call 101 or anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111

The 30-year-old, who was being held from HMP Sudbury, was convicted for burglary in July 2020.

Connors, who hails from Tallaght, was given a seven-year sentence behind bars for his part in a spree of 54 burglaries across England.
The world of Irish dancing has been rocked by allegations in recent days. Photo: Getty   Getty Images

Leading Irish dance organisation An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha (CLRG),was aware of formal complaints of alleged cheating at least five years ago, it has emerged.

It is understood that the detailed complaint from an American dance school, which related to a major dancing contest a number of years ago, was investigated but not upheld.

But now, the Irish Independenthas seen screenshots of a conversation from the same year that the formal complaint was made, which appears to show the same judge engaging in cheating.

There is growing anger among some of the members of the CLRG, who only learned key details about the controversy that the dance body is embroiled in from the Irish Independentthis week.

This week, the Irish Independentrevealed that a dossier appearing to show screenshots of judges and dance teachers arranging to cheat was handed to the CLRG in July.

But an email seen by the Irish Independent shows that the dance bodys members were only informed about the allegations on September 26.

In an email with the subject line URGENT AND CRITICAL INFORMATION, the CLRG said that it had appointed a former Court of Appeal judge to lead an immediate investigation into the allegations of cheating.

However, a number of CLRG members said they only learned from the media this week that the prestigious Irish dancing body had known about the cheating allegations for months previously.

One CLRG member said they were disgusted that the organisation only appeared to tell its own members when details of the scandal started to leak outside of the top tier of the organisation.

The CLRG  the oldest and biggest Irish dancing organisation in the world  has refused to say why there was such a delay between it finding out about the allegations and telling its own members about it.

It is also refusing to confirm who the former Court of Appeal judge leading the inquiry is, and when they were appointed  whether it was in July when the complaint was first made, or in September when the allegations started to be leaked online.

Earlier this week, the CLRG bemoaned the fact that the scandal had been made public, claiming it could prejudice its own investigation into the claims.

In an email to its council and comhairle members on Thursday, it appeared to warn members off speaking to the press.

Meanwhile, documents shared with the Irish Independentshow that an American CLRG dance school formally complained to the organisation about alleged cheating a number of years ago.

A detailed analysis of judges scores at a major competition showed what the school alleged was one judge tanking the schools students.

Tanking is when a judge marks one dancer or dancers from one school so low that it destroys their chances of making a recall or a top 50 at a competition.

It is understood that the claim was investigated, but does not appear to have been upheld.

But screenshots obtained by the Irish Independent appear to show the same judge accused of tanking engaging in cheating at another competition around the same time.
The incident allegedly occurred during the party's conference

Former NIO minister Conor Burns has been sacked as a Conservative minister and suspended as a Tory MP after eyewitnesses allegedly saw him touching a young man's thigh at a hotel bar, according to reports from the BBC.

One eyewitness claims that they saw Mr Burns touch the man  who is understood to have not been known to him  during the early hours of Tuesday, in Birminghams Hyatt Regency hotel bar.

The incident allegedly occurred during the party's conference, and had multiple onlookers, one of whom is believed to have told Mr Burns to stop what he was doing.

This claim has been disputed by friends of the Bournemouth West MP and the Belfast-born politician has further denied any wrongdoing himself.

The BBC said that it has not spoken to, or heard the account, of the individual the ex-minister was seen with.

Downing Street has not commented further on the circumstances surrounding Mr Burns dismissal on Friday afternoon.

A Conservative spokesperson confirmed the British trade minister had been asked to leave government with immediate effect by the Prime Minister Liz Truss following a complaint of serious misconduct.

It is also understood that concerns were raised about "inappropriate comments" made by Mr Burns on that night.

Friends of the MP maintained that he was very drunk and that his inebriation was further exacerbated by pain medication he was taking as he had hurt his ribs.

An ally of the sacked minister told the BBC: "He feels imprisoned without any of the process of the police or a trial."

The source added that his career has been ruined, as even if he were to be exonerated and the whip was restored, he would have lost his ministerial role.

The prime minister is reported to have not spoken to Mr Burns since his sacking.

Conservative sources have suggested that Liz Truss was determined to use this incident to demonstrate her authority, with one stating: "The prime minister has been clear that the highest standards in public life must be maintained."
Mother tells of devastating wait for news Sniffer dogs brought in to aid search for survivors Death toll expected to rise today Gas leak thought to be most likely cause of disaster

Emergency services continue their work at the scene of an explosion at Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal. PA photo   PA

An aerial view of the devastation in Creeslough, Co Donegal. Photo: NW Newspix

Emergency services personnel from both sides of the border were working under floodlights through the night. Photo: Mark Condren

The scene of a suspected gas explosion beside the Applegreen station in Cresslough Co.Donegal Photo: Brian McDaid

Emergency services continue their work at the scene of an explosion at Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal. PA photo   PA

A young girl, two teenagers, four men and three women are among the dead as gardai confirmed 10 fatalities after an explosion at a petrol station in Donegal.

A Gardai spokesperson said: An Garda Siochana continue to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding an explosion at a premises in Creeslough, County Donegal on Friday 7th October, 2022.

A total of ten fatalities have now been confirmed arising from this incident (four men, three women, two teenagers  one male and one female, and one younger female child). A further 8 people continue to receive treatment in hospital.

A search operation at the scene has concluded and no further casualties have been located.

The Garda Technical Bureau have commenced an examination of the scene, with assistance from other expert agencies including the health and safety authority and national utility companies.

The local Coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist have been notified and post-mortem examinations will take place over the coming days.

Garda Family Liaison Officers have been appointed and are providing support and information to those impacted by this incident.

An incident room has been established at Milford Garda Station.

Traffic diversions on the N56 at the scene of the incident remain in place.

No additional information is available at this time.

The tragedy happened at the Applegreen Service Station on the outskirts of the village of Creeslough just after 3pm yesterday.

An Garda Siochana continue to request that any road users intending to travel to the Creeslough area for any reason consider alternative routes as Emergency Services continue to deal with the ongoing incident.

In an instant, the small village of Creeslough was plunged into a tragedy of almost unspeakable horror.

A gas leak is thought to be the most likely cause of the blast which destroyed the villages only shop, as well as apartments overhead.

Emergency services personnel from both sides of the border were working under floodlights through the night. Photo: Mark Condren

Emergency services and local volunteers worked through the night to reach people still trapped in the debris. Sniffer dogs were also assisting with the search.

At one point around 10.30pm last night, rescue workers stopped all the machinery and blew whistles to signal a period of utter silence during which they hoped to hear possible survivors in the debris of the Applegreen service station and apartments.

The mother of a child believed to be trapped inside described to the Irish Independent how she was originally told her daughter was dead, only to be told later that it was not her daughter who had been found near the entrance of the shop and she remains missing.

The distraught woman paced up and down past the garda cordon trying to ask each passing emergency service person if they had news of her child.

She stood for hours in the cold, waiting to know if her child was dead or alive.

She told the Irish Independent she had rung all the hospitals seeking information but the teenager had not been transported to Letterkenny, Altnagelvin or Sligo hospitals.

The woman said she had to tell her husband first that their daughter was dead and to make his way to Letterkenny hospital where she believed her remains had been taken.

She then had to tell him she was not dead but missing and to search for her among the injured in the hospital.

An aerial view of the devastation in Creeslough, Co Donegal. Photo: NW Newspix

Amid the chaos, the family of another woman was told she had been found conscious in the forecourt and was on her way to hospital, only to later be told it was not her and she was unaccounted for.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin described it as the darkest of days for Donegal and the entire country.

Helicopters airlifted survivors from the scene, and ambulances ferried the injured and the dead to Letterkenny Hospital.

The blast, which is believed to have originated in one of the apartments, happened at around 3.15pm.

Such was the ferocity of the explosion, it was heard several kilometres away.

It collapsed the roof of the two-storey apartments and blanketed the forecourt in rubble and glass. The site includes a petrol station, shop, deli counter, post office and a hairdresser.

At the time of the explosion there were groups of schoolchildren inside.

Former education minister Joe McHugh remained at the scene with local volunteers throughout the rescue.

He said he first heard the news when he was in the local pharmacy and immediately rang his family to see if they were safe.

It is a tragedy for this closely- knit community. People are here waiting, and they dont know what has happened to their loved ones.

My thoughts are with these families. What they are going through is beyond words, an emotional Mr McHugh said.

Families desperately looked on as rescuers used specialist equipment to try to locate those trapped under the debris.

The scene of a suspected gas explosion beside the Applegreen station in Cresslough Co.Donegal Photo: Brian McDaid

The blast came out of the blue on a bright autumn afternoon when locals and visitors to the glamping site across the road would normally have been milling around the busy community hub.

Emergency services from both sides of the border worked under floodlights through the night to try to locate and rescue those feared still trapped inside.

It is understood those working on the site and searching for survivors in the rubble were concerned the building could further collapse.

The service station and adjoining post office is run by the well-known and respected Lafferty family.

The complex, which sits at the entrance to the village coming from the Termon direction, contains several apartments above the service stations shop which house a number of young families.

Large parts of the facade of the upstairs apartment complex were ripped off during the explosion, and the roof collapsed, along with the roof of the service station, while several cars were damaged by masonry propelled by the force of the blast.

Inside the apartments passers-by could see beds and pictures hanging from walls.

In a statement Taoiseach Micheal Martin said his thoughts and prayers were with those who have lost their lives and those injured in what he called a devastating explosion.

I wish to express my deepest sympathies to their family, and friends, and to the entire community of Creeslough, on this darkest of days for Donegal and the entire country.

People across this island will be numbed by the same sense of shock and utter devastation as the people of Creeslough at this tragic loss of life.

Mr Martin added: I would like to thank all the members of the emergency services, from across the North-West and Northern Ireland, who responded so quickly to the scene, and who are working throughout the night in extremely traumatic circumstances.

Emergency services continue their work at the scene of an explosion at Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal. PA photo   PA

Local priest Fr John Joe Duffy said the community was numb and devastated.

One local man who lives just a kilometre from the scene said he was thrown from his seat as he worked at his desk.

I couldnt believe the power of it and I didnt know what had happened. We drove into town and it was just carnage, he said.

There was no ambulances or gardai at the scene at that stage because it had literally just happened.

I saw one person on the ground.

Miraculously we saw another man in the upstairs apartment and he actually wasnt injured at all, and he came down on a ladder.

Emergency services rushed to the scene of the incident with Northern Irelands ambulance, air ambulance and fire and rescue service also coming to the aid of their colleagues in Donegal along with the Irish Coast Guards Rescue 118 helicopter from Sligo.

Letterkenny General Hospital implemented an emergency planning protocol and appealed for the public not to come to the emergency department unless necessary, and instead contact their GP or the NowDoc service.

Applegreen managing director Fiona Matthews extended the firms sympathies last night.

We are deeply saddened and shocked to learn the devastating news that lives have been lost in todays tragic incident at Applegreen Creeslough in Co Donegal. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the deceased, those who have been injured, and the wider Creeslough community, she said.

Creeslough is a small village and the supermarket and Applegreen outlet operated by our local partners there are at the heart of the community. Like the rest of Ireland, tonight we stand in solidarity with that community.
I just really like Irish people

Actor Cillian Murphy has said returning to live in Ireland with his wife and children has been the best decision the family has ever made.

The Peaky Blinders star (46) and his wife Yvonne relocated their family from London to Dublin in 2017 after more than 14 years in the UK.

"I've always been very proud of the fact that I am Irish, and my wife is Irish, and the kids were of a certain age (and) we wanted them to be close to their (grand) parents. Just there's less people here, that was a consideration, he laughed.

"It was the best decision we made, coming back, 100pc. It really was. I think that's a narrative of Irish people to go away and to come back, you know? It seems to be. I would rather be in Ireland.

"Certainly, in my game, it seems to be people go away for long periods to kind of establish yourself or whatever it might be, to prove that you can play other parts other than an Irish person and to come home.

I just really like Irish people.

The Cork native was speaking alongside Professor Pat Dolan to discuss the new book that they have edited, Ionbha: The Empathy Book for Ireland.

The book was published by Mercier Press and all proceeds "will go directly to delivering the Activating Social Empathy education programme in Irish schools and youth work organisations".

The pair are working on an educational campaign for emotional awareness and what empathy means for people in Ireland.

Murphy said it is something that can be taught in secondary schools and that so far, 100 schools have adopted the programme.

The plan is to get it in every secondary school in Ireland, in my own life I was thinking about how its relevant to me and I think its relevant to me in my job, he told Brendan OConnor on RTE.

I think its probably at the heart of an actors craft, if I can use that word, its essential to be empathic and to understand another character.

The other factor was being the dad of two boys, and I think its very important for us raising boys that we treat them empathy and try and raise empathetic lads.

Prof Dolan said the research shows that if young people learn empathy education at school, they achieve better grades.

Empathy is a practice, but it is the secret sauce because it is the difference in youth, for example being less narcissistic, less into homophobic bullying or whatever it is, its the one common thread, he said.

The teenage brain is still growing and one of the good things that is growing is the capacity in your brain to develop empathy.
The pair have not spoken for more than 20 years

Jimmy Carrs Limerick-born dad is reportedly set to sue the comic over his autobiography.

Jim Carr Sr (77) is reportedly sick of his sons lies about him and has made the decision to pursue legal action.

A source told The Mirror that the businessman is sick of being the butt of his son's gags.

"The last thing Jim wanted to do was take his own son to court, but enough is enough. He's sick and tired of this false characterisation of himself that is being presented.

Jimmy's snide comments about his dad have been going on for years. The straw that broke the camels back was this new book and some of the things he has been saying on podcasts, they said, referencing Carrs 2021 release Jimmy Carr, Before and Laughter.

"I know it's fashionable nowadays not to get on with your father, but Jim's had enough of the lies. He is a businessman and has a reputation to defend. The only way to put a stop to the nonsense is by suing for defamation."

Jimmy Carr was raised by his Irish parents in Buckinghamshire.

After his mother died in 2001, he allegedly stopped speaking to his father.

Last year he opened up about his relationship with his estranged father.

Speaking on the Parenting Hell podcast with hosts Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe, Carr said that while he wants "the best" for his father, he doesn't want him in his life.

"Its not a secret, I havent seen my dad in 21 years and you know the line, 'My mothers dead and my fathers dead to me'  which sounds very cold, until you meet the guy, he joked.

"Its a weird thing where Im acutely aware that things dont always work out Im aware that sometimes it goes the other way and that could be terrible and theres no bitterness and theres no anger there.

"I want the best, I just cant have that guy in my life," he added.

"Theres a bit of sadness there and you worry, 'Could something go wrong with my kid?' You want to prevent that, but its hard.

No stranger to controversy, Jim Carr Snr previously said that a 2013 honour given to him by Limerick City should be stripped from him, over insults about Limerick in his book.

Jimmy was presented with a Certificate of Irish Heritage by Limerick politicians as part of the Gathering Ireland initiative in 2013.

In the book, the Channel Four host made a quip about his parents' decision to move to Slough.

He wrote: "I might seem urbane, but Im the son of two immigrants from Limerick who moved to Slough (they moved from a sh** town to another sh** town, I guess they knew what they liked)."

Speaking to the Limerick Leader, Jimmy Snr blasted the joke and demanded an apology for the city.

I am not shocked or surprised that my son referred to Limerick and Slough as [sh** towns ].

"He is, after all, a shock jock. His defence will be they are only words, Im only having a laugh.

"But there are people reading that Limerick is a s*** town and Slough is a s*** town.

"Ironically, we didnt move to Slough, we moved from Limerick to South Kensington, London, Jim said.

The businessman also slammed his son for including the joke: How many potatoes does it take to kill an Irishman? in his book.
The kakapo is an extraordinary parrot and a biological scientist has one more reason why.

One of the worlds must unusual parrots, New Zealands kakapo, is just as special on the inside, according to research by a scientist at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.

The parrots gut microbiome  the collection of bacteria and other microorganisms that can affect health and growth  seems to be unlike any other birds, says Dr Annie West, of the School of Biological Sciences.

She analysed faecal samples from 67 chicks in 35 nests during her PhD for a study published in the journal Animal Microbiome.

Kakapo chick. Photo: Andrew Digby..

With only 252 of the parrots left alive, researchers welcome any and every clue that may assist in helping the remarkable birds to survive and thrive.

As with humans, the microbiome is an increasing focus of research into animal health, taking on an extra importance for critically endangered species such as the kakapo. Humans and animals are hosts to a diverse array of bacteria and other microorganisms.

Analysis of the microbiome samples, which were collected in 2019, confirmed the kakapos gut microbial community is less diverse than usual for a herbivore, with Escherichia coli bacteria the dominant species.

In an extra twist, levels of Escherichia coli vary substantially between individual kakapo. Searching for animal microbiomes with similar E. coli dominance and individual variation, the closest fit uncovered so far is a mammal, Chinas giant panda.

The kakapo gut microbiome is yet another example of just how unique and quirky these beautiful birds are, says Annie.

Dr Annie West. Photo: Supplied.

One focus of Annie's study was checking on the Department of Conversations practice of removing chick faecal material from kakapo nests.

Could hygiene be coming at the expense of an optimal microbiome? Annie found the removals didnt make much difference to the microbiome, but DOC has since mostly dropped the practice as part of limiting human interventions as much as possible.

The research did show, however, that supplements fed to hand-reared chicks could substantially alter their microbiomes, although the effect seemed to be transitory. Thats led to a renewed focus on supplements ingredients and potential effects.

Heavier than any other parrot, with a weight of as much as 4 kilograms, all kakapo live wild on five offshore islands where they are intensively managed by the Department of Conservation.

While its the worlds only flightless parrot, the kakapo uses its strong claws and bill to climb high into trees to feed. Another unique trait: it's the only lek breeding parrot, meaning males mount competitive displays to be chosen by females each breeding season. Kakapo are also suspected to be among the worlds longest-living birds.

Few animals in Aotearoa are so heavily monitored, with each bird wearing a backpack transmitter for tracking and activity monitoring.

The kakapo and its closest relatives, the kea and kaka, are members of a parrot family that branched off in Gondwana early in the evolution of the worlds parrots and have been around for as long as 29 million years.

The birds live on islands including Whenua Hou (Codfish Island) and Pukenui (Anchor Island) at the bottom of the South Island and Te Hauturu-o-Toi (Little Barrier Island) near Auckland.

Dr Wests study built on previous research by Professor Mike Taylor, Dr Elena Perry and Dr David Waite.

Learn more about the use of animals in research and teaching at the University of Auckland
Tania Tapsell has claimed victory as Rotorua's new mayor.

Tapsell attracted 6254 votes, a lead on closest rival Fletcher Tabuteau of 2862 votes.

At her election party at Rotorua's five-star Pullman Hotel, Tapsell gathered supporters to "welcome" them but surprised them with the result.

"I just got a phone call to say I am going to be your future mayor of Rotorua.'

Rapturous applause shot up from the crowd, followed by hugs from family and friends.

People lined up to congratulate Tapsell.

"I really want to thank everyone."

"So now we can party," Tapsell joked.

Moments later, she announced that Sandra Kai Fong would be the deputy mayor of Rotorua.

Tapsell said Kai Fong was the highest-polling councillor.

Tania Tapsell and Kai Fong. Photo: File.

Progress results for the election are yet to be officially released.

Tapsell, 30, is the first Maori woman elected to the role in Rotorua. The final results will be announced late next week.

The last Maori mayor was Harry Dansey, in 1941.

Tapsell said she had a lot of work to do.

"We have a plan and we need to start moving forward."

She said she wanted to call all the successful councillors.

"It's very important that we have a functional council and work together so I'll be asking them what their top priorities are."

Tapsell's mother, Roana Bennett, said Tapsell was very humble and committed, and will bring "intelligence and energy and the dedication the city needs".

She said people did not see how humble Tapsell was.

"She carries a lot of humility with her," says Roana.

"Tania has always been interested in politics and grown up in a political family."

Her father, Terry Tapsell. said he was "absolutely elated. So happy for her. She just works so hard."

"Pretty fitting she was successful. We're just absolutely over the moon."

When Council candidate Fisher Wang arrived at Tapsell's party, Tapsell yelled across the room with a very concerned look on her face, "Fisher. Are you in?" She then hooted when he said he was.

Tapsell said Wang had been one of the hardest-working councillors: "Well done, Fisher."

Wang said he was honoured by the support from the community.

"And a bit speechless.

"We have a big job ahead. I'm looking forward to working with Tania and Sandra and working together as a council for Rotorua".

Rotorua MP Todd McClay arrived at Tapsell's event.

He said it was wonderful news and Tapsell had campaigned hard.

"I'm extremely proud of her and believe she will do extremely well for our district," says McClay.

"I want to thank all of the candidates who put their names forward. They can be proud of their campaigns. They raised important issues and were professional and respectful.

Earlier, supporters steadily trickled into Tapsell's election party at Rotorua's Pullman Hotel - about 40 people, made up mostly of friends and family, including husband Kanin Clancy.

Tapsell, a three-term Rotorua Lakes councillor, announced her mayoral bid in May on a platform of stopping "the spend", building a safer community and "smart" investment.

Tapsell, who ran in the 2020 election as the National candidate for East Coast, is the great-niece of Sir Peter Tapsell, a former Labour Party Speaker of the House and cabinet minister.

Tapsell was unsuccessful in her bid for the seat, losing to Labour's Kiritapu Allan by 6331 votes.

Tapsell is Rotorua's 15th mayor, and was first elected to the council in 2013 at age 21. At that time, she was the youngest elected councillor in New Zealand.

At her campaign launch, Tapsell said she wanted to increase the council's spend on crime prevention and community safety to $1.5 million annually, something she will need to get a majority of councillors to vote with her on.

She also said she would spearhead an operational review of the council and if necessary, a restructure aimed at delivering better value for money.

Tapsell also wanted the council to invest in destination marketing and create a Rotorua development strategy aimed at enabling better housing and job opportunities.

During the term, Tapsell opposed the Rotorua reserves proposal and Three Waters reform.

Steve Chadwick, who has been the mayor since 2013, announced in 2021 she would not run again.

-Local Democracy Reporting is Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Those who missed seeing the latest group of 52 SpaceX Starlink satellites pass overhead on Thursday and Friday nights may have another opportunity this evening.

Tauranga Astronomical Society president David Greig says weather permitting, the internet satellite 'train' should be viewable from 8.32pm on Saturday October 8 as it passes over New Zealand.

"It will be passing high across the upper South Island / Kaikoura from North West to South East.

"As seen from the North Island and top of the South Island, Starlink G4-29 will rise in the North West at 8:32pm and will pass highest across the south western sky reaching maximum altitude at 8:35pm," says Dave.

"As seen from Tauranga, Starlink will reach a maximum altitude of 24 degrees, passing just above the Southern Cross."

Dave says the satellite train will disappear into the Earth's shadow in the South-East at 8:38pm.

For those watching from Christchurch and the lower South Island, Starlink will rise in the North West at around 8:32pm and will pass highest across the north eastern sky at 8:35pm.

"The satellite train will disappear into the Earth's shadow in the South-East at 8:38pm."

The Thursday and Friday night passes were quite spectacular as seen from many locations around New Zealand and Dave says tonight's pass will be best for people in Canterbury, upper South Island and lower North Island.

"There may be another opportunity for observers in the lower South Island to Canterbury on Sunday night from 8:44pm," says Dave.

The Tauranga Astronomical Society have posted the charts and data below on their Facebook page. Dave says they are from the Heavens-Above website with the viewing location set to Tauranga.

SpaceX lofted 52 of its Starlink internet satellites to orbit on October 5, just hours after launching astronauts toward the International Space Station for NASA.

The Starlink satellites lifted off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base Wednesday at 7.10 p.m. EDT (2310 GMT; 4.10 p.m. local California time).

The Falcon 9's first stage came back to Earth and made a pinpoint landing 8.5 minutes after launch on the SpaceX droneship Of Course I Still Love You, which was stationed in the Pacific Ocean.

While the Falcon 9 first stage came in for its landing, the upper stage continued powering its way to orbit. The 52 Starlink satellites were deployed as planned about 62 minutes after liftoff, SpaceX confirmed via Twitter.

Starlink is SpaceX's ever-growing megaconstellation that beams internet service to customers around the world. SpaceX has already lofted more than 3,400 Starlink satellites to date and plans to orbit many more: The company has approval to launch 12,000 of the spacecraft and has applied for permission for up to 30,000 on top of that.
The Western Bay of Plentys new mayor James Denyer is thrilled to have won, but didnt want to celebrate too early because it was a tough race.

Progress results show Denyer has taken out the Western Bay of Plenty District Councils top spot with 3593 votes, ahead of Te Puke businessman Mark Boyle with 2261 votes followed by previous deputy mayor John Scrimgeour, with 2231 votes.

Speaking shortly after the results were announced yesterday, Denyer said he thought the mayoral race would be close enough that he would have to wait until this afternoon when the preliminary votes were confirmed.

It was a tough race, there were lots of good candidates, so I didn't want to put the champagne on ice, he told Local Democracy Reporting.

The 46-year-old has been elected to mayor after serving as a Katikati-Waihi Beach councillor in the previous triennium.

When asked what skills he will bring to role, Denyer replied: he brings financial skills from his previous career, is hardworking and out there in the community a lot.

I've got a younger perspective and there's a lot of change happening in local government at the moment, and that needs a certain agility to navigate.

Those changes include the contentious Three Waters reform, the Resource Management Act reform and the Future for Local Government review.

Denyer said the Future for Local Government review, that is looking at how local democracy and governance needs to evolve over the next 30 years, could have far reaching impacts.

I want the best for our community, for our district.

I'm here to represent them, to listen to them and to achieve their aspirations and goals.

He listed transport as a perennial challenge for the Western Bay of Plenty.

Denyer is a passionate supporter of the Katikati Bypass, that the community has lobbied central government for, for 20 years.

He also wanted to see stage two of the Takitimu Northern Link (TNL), from Te Puna to Omokoroa started.

Construction on stage one, from Te Puna to Tauriko, began this year, but the government delayed stage two for five to ten years.

The TNL stage two and the Katikati bypass, they'll be a political decision.

I enjoy good relationships with our local MPs and want to make sure that they know we want those things.

Denyer has lived in Katikati with his wife Victoria and their two children since 2009.

Although he is a Katikati resident, he wants to work for the whole district.

One thing I heard clearly during the campaign is people in Te Puke are fed up with the traffic situation there, and they want a solution for that. So, I want to see what is possible there.

He said he is looking forward to working on the new Waihi Beach Library, the new Te Puke swimming pool and the continued development in Omokoroa.

Denyer will govern 11 councillors with four of them being new to the council table.

The newcomers are Andy Wichers, Richard Crawford, Rodney Joyce and Tracey Coxhead.

They join current councillors John Scrimgeour, Grant Dally, Anne Henry, Allan Sole Murray Grainger, Margaret Murray-Benge and Don Thwaites.

The new mayor said the initial period at council was very important to build the councillors as a team.

I do plan to be a collaborative leader and involve everyone and value everyone's opinion and get some exciting stuff done.

His advice to the new councillors was: There's two main things to realise at council.

One is there is a lot of reading and secondly, that things don't happen as quickly as you might like them to.

Denyer replaces Garry Webber who retired after 12 years, serving two terms as mayor and two terms as a Kaimai Ward councillor.

Webber told Local Democracy reporting he was really pleased for Denyer.

A lot of good candidates put their hat in the ring, but James will bring a new approach.

Hes a younger generation, hes got a very good background, really good history and he will be an asset not only to Western Bay, but I think to the wider Bay of Plenty region.

In total 59 candidates contested the 32 seats comprising of the mayor, councillors and community board members.

The district's five community boards of Waihi Beach, Katikati, Omokoroa Te Puke and Maketu each have four seats.

Official and final results will be available by Friday, October 14 and available at generationchange.nz and the Western Bay of Plenty District Councils website.

Progress results votes received:

Mayor

James Denyer: 3593

Katikati-Waihi Beach Ward (3 seats)

Anne Henry: 1623

Rodney Joyce: 1605

Allan Sole: 2019

Kaimai Ward (4 seats)

Tracey Coxhead: 2391

Murray Grainger: 2349

Margaret Murray-Benge: 2362

Don Thwaites: 2575

Maketu-Te Puke Ward (4 seats)

Richard Crawford: 1570

Grant Dally: 1585

John Scrimgeour: 2112

Andy Wichers: 1340

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.




Following a brief ceremony led by Monsignor Guillermo Elias at the Sanctuary and Monastery of Las Nazarenas in Downtown Lima, the temple doors on Tacna Avenue opened at noon to start the long-awaited procession of the holy image.



Crowded with worshipers , Emancipacion Avenue wore a dim purple color due to a large number of faithful with the traditional outfit of that color, which identifies devotion to the Christ of Pachacamilla.



Surrounded by the singing of incense burners, the image moves to the applause of those who follow it on foot, as well as those who watch it from balconies and rooftops, where they had prepared small tributes for the Lord.

The platform is carried with great devotion by 36 members of the Lord of Miracles Brotherhood.

"Thank you, Lord" and "Long live Lord of Miracles" are the most heard phrases during this first procession of the Christ of Pachacamilla, whose image was kept in storage for at least two years due to the public health measures implemented with the hope of avoiding the increase in COVID-19 cases.

During this time, many worshipers visited the facade of the Monastery, where the sacred image is kept, in search of a miracle especially of a medical nature because of the large number people who had become sick from SARS-CoV-2.

Hand-in-hand with a detailed care plan for the faithful who join the latest procession, believers have turned to the streets to welcome the Lord of Miracles and thank him for the health and lives of their loved ones, as well as to honor the memory of those who had left them early due to the pandemic.



Today, the image goes through Emancipacion Avenue, as well as Chancay and Conde de Superunda Streets.

Lastly, it will return to the Sanctuary of the Nazarenas at around 7:00 p.m. (local time).





The remaining processions are scheduled for October 18th, 19th, and 28th. The last event is planned for November 1st.





About Lord of Miracles

Known as the Christ of Pachacamilla, Lord of Miracles constitutes Peru's most heavily attended religious festivity and is celebrated by all strata of society in homage to the Crucified Christ.

This image is a replica of a centuries-old mural of the crucifixion painted by a slave in the 17th century.

The Lord of Miracles became a motive for worship after the wall on which it was painted miraculously survived a destructive earthquake unscathed.





(END) KGR/MVB

With great devotion and amid heartfelt musical notes, a human sea enthusiastically accompanies the image of Senor de los Milagros (Lord of Miracles) in his first procession on Saturday after two years of confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Publicado: 8/10/2022
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YEREVAN, OCTOBER 8, ARMENPRESS. The United States is particularly pleased with the progress on an EU observer mission that will be dispatched to the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and this mission has the potential to build confidence between both sides, United States State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said at a press briefing.

..we are encouraged by the meeting of the president and prime minister of Armenia and Azerbaijan yesterday, and we welcome the efforts of President Macron and European Council President Michel to build momentum behind a comprehensive peace process. And we are particularly pleased with progress on an EU observer mission to the region, and this mission has the potential to build confidence between both sides and continues to bolster negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Patel said when asked about the meeting in Prague.

Within the framework of the first meeting of the European Political Community in Prague, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met on October 6, 2022 at the initiative of the President of the French Republic and the President of the European Council.

Armenia and Azerbaijan confirmed their commitment to the UN Charter and the Alma-Ata Declaration of 1991, through which both sides recognize each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty. They confirmed that this will serve as basis for the work of the commissions on delimitation and that the next meeting of these commissions will take place in Brussels by the end of October.

Armenia expressed its agreement to facilitate the EU civilian mission along the border with Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan agreed to cooperate with the mentioned mission to the extent it will be concerned. The mission will start its work in October, for a maximum period of two months. The purpose of the mission will be to build confidence and, through its reports, support the border commissions.
SpaceX will soon fly the USSF 44 mission that will deliver the payload to orbit, helping the United States Space Force to bring two satellites outside the planet. The Falcon Heavy is the vessel of choice here, and it is the famous large-capacity rocket from SpaceX which has not flown for three years, with the spacecraft only being used three times since its 2018's release.

The world may be focusing on Starship for the massive power and thrust capabilities for long-haul missions, but the Falcon Heavy can bring massive loads as well.

SpaceX Falcon Heavy to Launch USSF 44

(Photo : Joel Kowsky/NASA via Getty Images)

The United States Military's Space Force already has a placeholder for its future launch of the USSF 44 mission, employing SpaceX and its Falcon Heavy to bring their payload to orbit. The information it released on its live stream placeholder claims that there would be two satellites coming, an unnamed massive one, and a micro-satellite called the TETRA-1.

The rocket would launch from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, taking place later this month by October 28.

The exact time for the launch is not yet confirmed for now, but Space Force said that it will reveal the time for the public to tune in to for its launch. The livestream video placeholder is found below this article for your viewing needs.

Read Also: SpaceX's Crew-5 Astronauts Finally Reaches the International Space Station After a Successful Launch

Space Force Employs the Resting Rocket

According to CNET, the Falcon Heavy has not flown since 2019, and the resting rocket has different postponements and was kept in SpaceX's hangar for a long time. Now, it is preparing for its next mission and dusting off the cobwebs for its October launch, delivering the US Space Force's cargo to orbit, being its chosen vessel for its requirements.

SpaceX and its Rockets

SpaceX is famous for its reusable rockets that are available for many missions and launches toward orbit, delivering different payloads that will go on their way to space. One of its recent projects of SpaceX is the NASA DART mission which made a significant help to the venture, particularly by bringing the device to orbit via the Falcon 9.

The Falcon 9 rocket also made the recent Crew 5 astronauts reach their destination on the International Space Station, together with the Dragon vessel from the company.

On the other hand, its massive capacity spacecraft, the Falcon Heavy, saw many postponements for its use, but it is still seeing contracts and bookings from many that need it. The rocket is also reusable, particularly as it is a combination of three Falcon 9s strapped together to produce significant power to launch its missions.

SpaceX has a massive array of spacecraft available from their development and innovation, most of which are centered on the Falcon series. The Falcon Heavy may be resting and awaiting its mission, but it is still a capable rocket that can carry massive loads to space, and deliver it with ease for those that need to send their tech to the great beyond.

Related Article: SpaceX Falcon Heavy to Launch NASA's Roman Telescope for Dark Matter, Exoplanets, and MORE

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U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order Friday, Oct. 7, to establish a new framework that protects the privacy of personal data transferred between the U.S. and Europe.

Since a European court overturned a prior version of data safeguards in 2020, the new framework significantly improves the state of data security across the Atlantic.

Schrems II Decision

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Services James Sullivan released a public letter after the decision.

Known as the Schrems II, the European Court of Justice's (ECJ) July 16 judgment in Data Protection Commission v. Facebook Ireland and Maximillian Schrems, Case C-311/18 has generated considerable doubt over firms' capacity to transmit personal data from the European Union (E.U.) to the U.S. in a way consistent with E.U. law.

In addition, the ECJ's Schrems II ruling requires organizations that use EU-approved data transfer mechanisms to verify whether foreign legal protections comply with E.U. data protection rules.

Therefore, the U.S. Government has created an authoritative report to help organizations examine whether their data transfers give adequate protection in compliance with the ECJ's ruling. It describes the substantial constraints and protections in the U.S. pertaining to government access to data.

Read Also: Data Privacy Protection: How to See What Data Websites Get from You

The New Framework

People in the E.U. will be able to seek recourse through an independent Data Protection Review Court (DPRC) made up of members from outside the U.S. government, thanks to the new framework. According to the CNBC report, the fact sheet released in March said that the committee would have complete authority to adjudicate claims and direct remedial steps as necessary.

An initial inquiry of complaints will also be carried out by the civil liberties protection officer in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence before an issue is referred to the DPRC for further consideration. Additionally, its decisions are legally binding but subject to the independent body's assessment.

The executive order directs the U.S. intelligence community to change policies and procedures to reflect new privacy protections. It requires the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, an independent organization, to analyze these updates and determine if the intelligence community has followed binding redress judgments.

The E.U. will then determine the measures' "adequacy," said the White House. It will examine the data protection measures to restore data transport.

Reactions from Industry Companies

Tech companies and industry groups hailed the decision. Meta President of Global Affairs Nick Clegg said that the firm appreciates this amendment to U.S. law as it will serve to protect the global accessibility of the internet and its ability to keep families, businesses, and communities in constant contact.

TechNet President and CEO Linda Moore are thanking Biden Administration for ensuring efficient and successful cross-border data transfers. She added that the company "will continue to work with the Administration and members of Congress from both parties to pass a federal privacy bill."

Read Also: U.K. Says TikTok Fail to Protect Children's Data Privacy; Information of 13-Year-Old Users Allegedly Processed

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Shopify, a multinational e-commerce company, has agreed to implement adjustments to its platform related to shopper safety and the fight against fake products.

Regulatory intervention in the European Union was prompted by a number of complaints, said the Commission in a statement released on Friday, Oct. 7.

The Increasing Number of Complaints

According to the EU, the number of complaints regarding the B2B e-commerce platform increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. These complaints centered around online shops accused of engaging in illegal activities like "making fake offers and fake scarcity claims, supplying counterfeit goods, and not providing their contact details."

Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders stated in the press release that 75% of internet users are making purchases online, so swindlers and dishonest merchants have a lot of potential victims on this platform. Thus, this initiative is paramount to be implemented.

"We welcome Shopify's commitment to ensure that traders operating on its platform are aware of their responsibilities under EU law, and are taken down if they break the rules," Reynders remarked.

Related Article: Shopify to Complete Acquisition of Ecommerce Fulfillment Startup Deliver in $2.1 Billion Deal

Upcoming Changes in the Platform

As per TechCrunch's report, the modifications that were agreed upon include a commitment to creating a quick and effective "notice and action" system for national consumer authorities to report problems that they identify, as well as an agreement to update its templates to encourage merchants to be more honest with customers.

It is reported that Shopify will shut down stores at the EU consumer protection authorities' request and disclose relevant company facts to the regulators.

As for its templates, the EU stated that Shopify decided to include fields for firm information and contact details in its Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Refund Policy generators for online stores.

The company committed to providing merchants with unambiguous instructions on how to comply with EU consumer law, to be specific.

Additionally, national consumer authorities are opting to strengthen their collaboration with the Canadian Competition Bureau against Shopify merchants who are not based in the EU or European Economic Area (EEA). This will be done in an effort to combat merchant fraud.

What Happens Next

With all this, the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC) will be responsible for keeping a close eye on the execution of these commitments and any further complaints that customers lodge.

Efforts may also be taken on a national level to ensure that EU standards are adhered to and that all platforms follow the same set of norms.

EU and Amazon

In July, the EU also filed a directive to another e-commerce company. The Commission directed Amazon to streamline the procedure for canceling its Prime membership subscription service on its sites, both on desktop and mobile devices.

Amazon agreed to change its complex canceling process for Prime after complaints were made in April 2021.

TechCrunch reported that Amazon started to make some revisions to the Prime web interface, such as labeling the cancel button with clearer text and shortening the explanatory wordings.

Related Article: EU Forces Amazon to Change Prime Service Cancelation by Being Able to Quit in Just Two Clicks

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Google reveals its plan to open its first data center in Japan next year as part of the company's wider and increased investment in the world's third-largest economy.

The Japan Times reported that a blog post was published on Thursday, Oct. 6, by Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, confirming that the new facility is situated in Inzai, Chiba Prefecture.

According to Pichai, the firm's ambitions to integrate Japan into the international economy will be bolstered by opening its third Asian data center in Chiba. The other facilities are located in Taiwan and Singapore.

More Infrastructures to be Built

The plan is only a part of the tech group's overall investment of $730 million in local infrastructure, which began in the previous year and will continue until the year 2024. Apart from this, Google is leading the development of a brand new undersea cable dubbed Topaz that will connect Japan and Canada.

The tech group currently has cloud regions in Tokyo and Osaka, which enable it to provide local companies services related to storage and infrastructure.

Yet, on the other hand, it is in the process of constructing its very own data center, which will serve all of the company's services, including YouTube, Gmail, and the rest.

In a news report by Nikkei Asia, it is confirmed that the firm decided to spend 100 billion ($690m) in Japan through 2024 in order to capitalize on the expansion in the Asia-Pacific area.

"Google's partnership in Japan is now deeper than ever," said the CEO in a surprise appearance at a recent Google launch event in Tokyo. "Japan has a history of being at the forefront of the world's most advanced technologies."

The executive said that Google seeks to promote the digital transformation of Japanese enterprises via its cloud computing business. This is in addition to the firm's objective, which is to boost the ease of internet services for Japanese consumers. He said he sees the potential in Japan to take the lead in digital transformation.

As part of his trip to Japan, the CEO will be meeting with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to discuss Google's investment ambitions in the country. This week, he already met with some student developers from local universities.

Also Read: Google Pixel 7 Might Feature MicroSD Support, Manual Image Leak Suggests

Respond to Economic Instability

Pichai told Nikkei Asia that the firm is "responding to the macroeconomic uncertainty." He added, "As a business, we've always known ad spending is correlated to macroeconomic performance, and so we take that into account."

Google to Slow Down the Pace of Hiring

The initiative is expected to speed up the operation of Google products and services while supporting economic activities and employment.

However, the CEO also mentioned that beginning in 2023. The group will moderate the pace of hiring. Despite that, it will continue to seek qualified candidates for key positions, particularly in product development and engineering, as well as other essential activities.

Also Read: Google to Shut Down Stadia in January 2023: Are You Expecting It?

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On May 31, 2009, Air France Flight 447, a nighttime flight from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, went missing. Almost four hours after takeoff, there were no warnings before the plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. An incident graphic timeline by ABC News shares in detail what has been known about the horrifying fate of Flight 447.

Atlantic Crash

The 2009 crash, which claimed the lives of all 228 onboard passengers and crew, is regarded as one of the worst and most puzzling aviation tragedies of modern times. One theory holds that the co-pilots relied too much on the automated systems of the aircraft and lacked adequate training.

More than 13 years after the tragic commercial flight accident involving the Air France jet, the French plane manufacturer Airbus will be in Paris next week for a historic trial, much to the comfort of relatives who have been seeking justice for more than a decade.

According to The Strait Times, after a two-year quest for the plane's black boxes, French investigators discovered that the 205-ton jet's pilots had ignored warnings and improperly handled a momentary loss of data from disabled sensors.

News of these findings sparked protests from bereaved families asking for French carrier and planemaker Airbus to take responsibility for the apparent lethal mistakes on their end.

Stalled Justice

The Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) also revealed to the public that prior to the crash, Air France had reported concerns about increased freezing sensor incidents and had begun receiving improved speed probes. Following the disclosure of the information, BEA made several safety recommendations.

Read Also: SpaceX's Crew-5 Astronauts Finally Reaches the International Space Station After a Successful Launch

Following experts, the landmark trial will hinge on the relevance of pilot and sensor error, inconsistent displays, or fatigue. In addition, the Paris hearing next week will be the first time that French corporations, rather than individuals, have been put on trial for "involuntary manslaughter" as a result of an airplane crash.

The trial against Air France and Airbus for their indirect roles in the Rio-Paris crash that claimed 228 lives in 2009 was ordered by the Paris Court of Appeal on Wednesday, Oct. 5.

According to Aviation24, the general prosecutor's office requested this most recent decision of the court of appeal's investigative chamber, which invalidates the dismissal that was made in 2019 in favor of the airline and the manufacturer at the conclusion of the investigations.

A Closer Look

Reuters reports that, despite the pending trial, the maximum fine for either company, if found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, is US $220,612, or five times the highest possible financial penalty for an individual, who, unlike a company, is also subject to imprisonment. It will be interesting to see how the justice system will play out in this case.

The 2009 incident, which is regarded as one of a small number of accidents that changed aviation, caused a broad reshaping of training and technology. But reforms have either been thwarted by industrial disputes or have slowed to the methodical rate of global regulation.

Related Article: New Study Shows the Possibility of Space-Based Advertisements Inspired by SpaceX Starlink Satellites

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Malaysia's four most prominent telecoms businesses have agreed to purchase equity in the state-run infrastructure entity that controls the network Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB). The government-owned 5G agency released the news on Friday, Oct. 7.

The Big Four Telco Companies That Signed Up

The DNB said that four businesses - Celcom Axiata, DiGi Telecommunications, YTL Communications, and Telekom Malaysia - decided to take up a total of 65% stock in the agency.

The government retains a 35% stake in the company via the Ministry of Finance; this stake is known as a "golden share," and it is accorded preferential status in areas relating to ownership, sale, and transfer.

In preparation for a potential merger between Celcom Axiata and Digi Telecommunications, each of the company will take a 12.5% stock holding. Meanwhile, YTL Communications and Telekom Malaysia will each acquire a 20% ownership investment in DNB.

In the event that the merger was not finalized by the middle of 2023, DiGi firm confirmed that its share would grow to 17.5%, bringing it into parity with the other three operators. The proposed merger was approved by Malaysian authorities earlier this year.

According to DNB, these operators were expected to make 5G services accessible to their end consumers beginning this month and moving forward. This is despite the fact that it was still in discussions with carriers on arrangements to utilize the agency's network.

Read Also: India Launches 5G Services for Airtel, Jio and Vodafone Users

It's Finally Happening After Months of Delayed Talks

The announcement comes after months of delayed discussions between the companies and the government.

The government attempted to overcome the impasse that had developed in February on the agency's price and deployment plans for 5G by making an offer to sell 70 percent of DNB's shares to six different operators. Having said that, the first offer was only for 65%.

Two large operators, Maxis and U Mobile, had agreed to buy a portion of the company but subsequently backed out of the negotiations in August. This caused a disruption in the government's intentions to negotiate deals with the remaining carriers.

Holdups in Negotiations Left Malaysia Further Behind its Regional Rivals

The rollout of 5G services has been frequently delayed due to complaints from telecom companies and lawmakers over a lack of transparency and discriminatory pricing.

In order to have more control over the implementation of 5G, Maxis and U Mobile were even advocating for a dual wholesale network regime.

In March, the government agreed to allow private operators to own DNB so companies could protect their investments. The deal was supposed to be finalized by the end of June. Due to the lengthy negotiations, Malaysia is farther behind its regional rivals in providing the technology.

Before these delays, the government anticipated that 5G will generate RM650 billion and 750,000 new jobs by 2030.

Related Article: AT&T Reveals New List of Devices That Will Get a Software Update to Connect to its 5G Network

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Twitter is now nudging its users who take screenshots of tweets to share the post instead.

The social media giant looks to be encouraging its users to directly share tweets than simply posting screenshots of them elsewhere.

(Photo : Leon Neal/Getty Images)

In this photo illustration, the logo for the Twitter social media network is projected onto a man on August 09, 2017 in London, England. With around 328 million users worldwide, Twitter has gone from a small start-up in for the public 2006 to a broadcast tool of politicians and corporations in 2017.

Twitter Nudges Users Who Take Screenshots

If you are looking to share a viral tweet, you might have been guilty of taking a screenshot and sending it to your friends.

Not to mention that these popular Twitter posts sometimes end up on other platforms too, such as Instagram and Facebook, as -- you guessed it - screenshots.

But according to a recent report by Android Police, this cross-posting habit lessens the traffic to the original posts. It's not really a new thing as we often see TikTok videos get reposted on Instagram and Facebook Reels.

This time, it looks like Twitter is also trying to discourage cross-posting tweets on the microblogging platform.

As per a news story by Ars Technica, the social media giant appears to be working to encourage its users to use the share button.

A new update on Twitter, which seemingly only shows up to a select number of users, now reminds users to share tweets instead of merely taking a screenshot of them.

Read Also: Twitter's Status Feature: Platform Expands Testing, Adds More Status Options Including Twitter Slangs

Share Tweet Instead?

The well-known social media expert, Matt Navarra, disclosed that the social media platform is now showcasing a prompt when users take screenshots of tweets.

(Photo : LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP via Getty Image)

This photograph taken on October 26, 2020 shows the logo of US social network Twitter displayed on the screen of a smartphone and a tablet in Toulouse, southern France.

He further notes that there are two options that users can choose: either they go on to "Share Tweet" or decide to "Copy link."

Upon taking a screenshot of a Twitter post, a pop-up will remind users to "Share Tweet instead," which comes with an option to share it directly or copy the link.

The social media analyst says in his recent post that "Twitter doesn't want you to screenshot tweets anymore." He further suggests that the social media giant is now encouraging users to view tweets from the platform instead of merely looking at screenshots.

Ars Technica notes that there seem to be three versions of the new Twitter prompts. One only shows a "Share Tweet" option, while the other version comes with a "Copy link" button. There is also a double-stacked counterpart, which features the two options.

One of the Twitter users replied to the post of Navarra, saying that the prompt does not feature any option to close it. However, it is worth noting that the pop-up vanishes on its own after a few seconds.

Twitter doesnt want you to screenshot tweets anymore



It wants active users on platform viewing tweets INSTEAD of via screenshots on rival platforms



One of these now pops up when you take a screenshot  pic.twitter.com/YY0GtF3lVb  Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) October 7, 2022

Related Article: Twitter Mixed Media: You Can Now Mix GIFs, Clips, and Pictures on One Tweet-Here's How

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Tesla's GigaPress from Italy's IDRA Group finalized the 9,000-ton die-casting machine and already shipped out the massive device to the country. Insiders already claim that the machine is coming shortly to Gigafactory Texas, as it is already in the Houston port in late September, soon to deliver the humongous machine to create the Cybertruck.

Elon Musk said that he is excited to see the machine in action when it arrives in Giga Texas soon.

Tesla GigaPress: IDRA Group's 9,000-ton Machine is in the US

(Photo : IDRA Group)

Alexandre Tourville confirmed via Twitter that the Tesla GigaPress is already in the country, allegedly arriving at the Houston port last week and is headed to Gigafactory Texas soon. The GigaPress is the 9,000-ton die-casting machine designed for the Cybertruck to soon create the electric pickup's unibody for its mass production.

Tourville claimed that the machine left Italy last September 3 and arrived 25 days later in Houston on September 28, with a screenshot of its shipping tracker details. It seems like it is already processing on the port, with the casting machine heading to Tesla's latest Gigafactory, also where the tech CEO is currently based in the company's latest plant.

Read Also: Tesla Semi Production Kicks Off: Elon Musk Says Pepsi to Get First EV Truck Deliveries

Coming Soon to Giga Texas to Produce the Cybertruck

Elon Musk claims that he is excited about the GigaPress' arrival to Giga Texas, but did not reveal any dates on when to expect the new machine from IDRA Group. The Tesla CEO also did not confirm when the machine would start creating the Cybertrucks it was made to manufacture, as well as the vehicle's expected delivery dates for next year.

Tesla's EVs and its Casting Machines

Instead of press machines that place metal sheets in molds or definitive shapes to create a vehicle's body, Tesla is using die-cast machines to create its unique unibody shells to bolt on EV drivetrains. IDRA previously completed an order for its massive casting machine, and it is the only link to Tesla's technology, previously supplying one for the Model Y.

Back in 2019, Tesla claimed that it focuses on a massive casting machine for its Cybertruck, and it is the last piece of the puzzle for the electric pickup to start its production.

Previous reports claim that the company is already looking for a new supplier for its GigaPress, and it will change its makes from Italy's IDRA Group to Switzerland's Buhler. However, Tesla's reason for the supplier change remains unknown, and this saw no further updates from the Swiss company or the EV manufacturer.

Still, this new delivery from IDRA with the 9,000-ton casting machine intended for the Cybertruck is coming soon to its flagship factory in the country. It will soon start on the Cybertruck for its much-awaited arrival, after numerous delays on the supposed debut of the vehicle. IDRA Group's machine is a key device to bring the Cybertruck into mass production, possibly for 2023.

Related Article: 3D Printed Materials: Tesla May Use This Tech as Developed by MIT Students



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According to administration officials, President Joe Biden's dire warning that a nuclear "Armageddon" is imminent was intended to send a clear message that no one should downplay the danger posed by Russia's use of tactical nuclear weapons in its conflict with Ukraine.

As reported first by AP, the president delivered this warning during a Democratic fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 6, and it seemed to go beyond what is currently believed by American intelligence agencies.

However, US security officials have said there is no proof that Russian President Vladimir Putin is about to launch a nuclear attack.

Possibility of "Armageddon"

At the conclusion of his fundraising speech, Biden delved into the situation in Ukraine, claiming that Putin was not joking when he mentioned the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons or biological or chemical weapons.

He added that the world had not faced the possibility of "Armageddon" since Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He claimed that the threat from Putin is real "because his military is - you might say - significantly underperforming."

Since Russia has suffered a number of tactical defeats on the battlefield, Biden's national security staff has been warning that Russia may use weapons of mass destruction in Ukraine.

The president's statement on Thursday represented the U.S. government's strongest nuclear stakes warnings to date, according to A.P.

Biden wanted to caution against underestimating the threat posed by tactical nuclear weapons, according to a U.S. official who spoke to the A.P.

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity and said there are some concerns in the administration that Russia has decided it can use its nuclear arsenal in a "full-blown" nuclear attack on Ukraine.

They added it would only face a limited response from the U.S. and Western allies committed to preventing the Ukraine conflict from becoming a larger war.

Read also: Richest Man in Ukraine is Helping His Country's War Against Russia by Producing Portable Steel War Shelters

"Catastrophic Effects"

Putin has frequently hinted at utilizing his nation's large nuclear weapons, most recently when he announced plans to enlist Russian forces to fight in Ukraine last month.

A.P. further noted that this is not the first time Biden appears to defy the margins of U.S. policy. In an interview with CBS's "60 Minutes" last month, Biden stated that in the case of a Chinese invasion, the U.S. military would defend Taiwan.

The U.S. policy toward Taiwan hasn't changed, the White House declared following the interview. This policy states that Washington seeks a peaceful resolution of Taiwan's status but leaves open the possibility of sending the U.S. military in the event of a Chinese invasion.

Top U.S. officials have also acknowledged that the country has privately warned Russia of "catastrophic" repercussions if it deploys nuclear weapons in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine last month.

"Any use of nuclear weapons would have catastrophic effects for, of course, the country using them, but for many others as well," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement with B.S. News program '60 Minutes' in New York.

Related Article: U.S. Spends $92 Million to Send Its Most Accurate Artillery Shell to Ukraine

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YEREVAN, OCTOBER 8, ARMENPRESS. Liverpool has been selected as the host city for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, following a tight bidding race with the city of Glasgow, organizers announced.

The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will take place in the Liverpool Arena next to the River Mersey on Saturday 13 May with Semi-Finals on Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11 May.

The UK is hosting the contest on behalf of Ukraine.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 8, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended the opening of the new Palliative Service Clinic at the Fanarjyan National Center of Oncology in Yerevan. The ceremony was also marking the 75th anniversary of founding of the Fanarjyan National Center of Oncology.

The National Center of Oncology is certainly one of the most important healthcare institutions of our country. And we live at a time when, indeed, being diagnosed with cancer is not a verdict. Cancer is now being classified in the range of other common diseases especially in this pace of development of modern technologies. I am glad to see that we are able to gradually achieve this perception in Armenia as well. What matters for us is to do everything so that we dont have to treat a disease in late stages, but to have the kind of policy and form the kind of environment where diseases will be diagnosed and prevented early on, the PM said in his speech.

Pashinyan revealed that his administration is close to making a highly important decision pertaining to the accelerator at the Yerevan Physics Institute, which should help in the early diagnosis of cancer.

We must have a new level of healthcare with the development of this kind of institutes. But I have to say that healthcare has so far been one of the sectors where we had very little to be ashamed of, moreover, we didnt have anything to be ashamed of. Even if some kind of problems existed, for example building-related, they have been addressed and resolved timely. Weve had very serious successes in the scientific-academic area and now its time for these successes to be maximally in line with international processes. It is time for us to have a new level of access to healthcare all across the country, and the accessibility to healthcare in all provinces and villages should be an important objective just like we consider the access to education to be an important objective, the PM added.

In his speech the PM was also pleased to note that both private and governmental healthcare organizations are also listed as the top corporate taxpayers, and the taxes paid by them are also directed to fund the healthcare sector itself.
The Spanish fan who traveled on foot to Qatar to watch the World Cup has disappeared: "We fear that he is being held in Iran due to the political situation"
Seven Djiboutian troops have been killed in clashes between the army and an armed opposition group, a presidential adviser says.

Djibouti, home to one of east Africa's major ports as well as US and Chinese military bases, has faced sporadic violence, usually sparked by protests against the government of President Ismail Omar Guelleh, whose party has a tight hold on power.

The latest attack in the north of the country was carried out on Thursday night by the Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUD), Alexis Mohamed, an adviser to Guelleh, told Reuters.

A spokesperson for FRUD, made up of members of the ethnic Afari community, denied being involved in the attack and instead blamed a splinter group.

FRUD, formed in 1991, signed a peace deal with the government in 1994, when it split into two groups with one staying out of the accord.

Assailants attacked an army post in an area called Garabtissan in Tadjourah region on Thursday night, leading to the deaths and an unspecified number of injuries, Mohamed said.

"The barbaric act perpetrated... by a terrorist group against our army established in the north of the country will not go unpunished," he said.

FRUD spokesman Ibrahim Hamabou Hassan said in a statement the violence was "unjustifiable" and accused an armed splinter group run by former military soldiers of carrying it out.

The last attack by FRUD was in January 2021, when one policeman was killed, Mohamed said.
Recent rainfall has eased drought conditions for much of New York state, but officials are requesting that residents continue to reduce wasteful water usage.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation on Saturday issued an update on drought conditions across the state as drought status has improved to Normal from Drought Watch for multiple regions, including most of upstate, because of recent rainfall and higher levels of ground and surface water.

The following counties will return to Normal designations: Albany, Broome, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Erie, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Herkimer, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Niagara, Onondaga, Oneida, Ontario, Orleans, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Seneca, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins, Washington, Wyoming and Yates.

Despite the encouraging hydrological conditions, all New Yorkers are urged to continue reducing unnecessary water waste, fixing leaks, and choosing efficient water fixtures.

The following counties will remain in Drought Watch designations due to ongoing precipitation deficits, unseasonably low streamflows, and groundwater declines: Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, and Ulster. A watch is the first of four levels of state drought advisories, which are watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. No mandatory restrictions are in place under a state Drought Watch.
First female principal at Catholic High to take over as president of Baton Rouge school
Entergy has finished replacing the transmission line that crosses the Mississippi River to bring power to metro New Orleans. The line, which was knocked down nearly a year ago by Hurricane Ida, required building massive towers in Harahan and Avondale. (Handout photo by Entergy)
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size This story is part of the October 9 Edition of Sunday Life. See all 13 stories . Nakkiah Lui was three months pregnant with her first child when she was offered a two-year television writing deal with HBO in the United States last October. Though best known for her ABC shows Black Comedy (2014) and Preppers (2021), it was a play she wrote that caught the attention of HBO and changed the course of her creative life. The First Nations actor, writer, comedian and publisher talks to Sunday Life about her inspiration, motherhood and how shes using her voice to pursue change. Tell us about the HBO deal. Its an exclusive two-year deal for television. I dont know if there has ever been a First Nations person from Australia who has done this and I am both proud and scared shitless. But I think thats a really good combination because it means you have to prove yourself and go in with some bravado. I was developing a project with them based on the New York Magazine podcast Tabloid: The Making of Ivanka Trump. They came back to me after I did that developmental work. I also wrote a play, Blackie Blackie Brown: The Traditional Owner of Death, in 2018. Its about a vigilante superhero on a mission to kill all the living descendants of those who massacred her great-great grandmothers people. The idea was to explore how you deal with colonisation through anti-violence. I think its the best play Ive written, and the hardest. It got a lot of negative press and made me anxious and scared. Funnily enough, that play got me representation at [talent agency] WME, with the script passed to producers and various networks; its the reason why I have the HBO deal. To know Im working for the network that gave us The Sopranos, Sex and the City and Curb Your Enthusiasm is pretty bloody cool. Will you relocate to the US? Ive been mostly able to work from home and pop over to LA for meetings. I love Sydney, but we will see what happens. With everything moving to Zoom over the past couple of years, it opened the door for me to work overseas without leaving home. I got to be in the [virtual] room of the miniseries The Great and it was incredible. That just couldnt possibly happen in person. Where do you find the inspiration for your writing? It comes from my lived experience and my familys lived experience. Sometimes I eavesdrop on the train and observe the world around me. I spend a lot of time reading, watching films and TV and listening to radio. I take in news and podcasts. I also like wandering around museums and seeing other people interacting with the art. I was recently behind a year 1 class on a Picasso tour and I tagged along because their interactions with Picasso were more interesting than the work itself.

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Common Hours dress. Credit:Bec Parsons Youre one of the countrys most in-demand writers, playwrights and screenwriters. When did you realise you had the gift of the gab? There was no illuminating moment when I realised it was something I was good at. I have written ever since I can remember. My maternal grandmother, Joan, was not only my best friend, but a huge inspiration. My new publishing imprint, Joan, which is about to release four books, is named after her. She always told me how lucky I was to be able to read and write; I always had a book in my hand as a kid. Mum tells a story of me having a shower and holding a book outside of it so I could keep reading. I wrote a short story in high school and Mum sat me down to give me a lecture about plagiarism. The story was so good she thought I had copied it. She feels terrible about that now. I wrote my first play at boarding school in Canada, aged 16. I left Sydney with three books in hand: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Box the Pony by Scott Rankin and Leah Purcell, and a photocopy of The 7 Stages of Grieving by Deborah Mailman and Wesley Enoch. Readings always been an escape and writing is an extension of that. I use it as a way of connecting to people and understanding myself and the world. How was it to be the first Indigenous woman to win a scholarship to attend an international school, Pearson College UWC, in Canada? It was pretty amazing. I remember thinking, How do I explain what its like to be a young Aboriginal person in this global community? I came from a tight Aboriginal community in western Sydney and hadnt been away from my parents for more than a few nights at school camps. I reverse-charged calls back home because I was homesick, but the boarding school experience is one of the best things I have done. Loading You will be releasing a book by Brooke Boney via the Joan publishing imprint. How did you meet? I dont remember where we met but we have known each other for a long time. We are both Gamilaroi women. Wed message one another and then started hanging out. We got really close after doing a Vogue shoot together two years ago. Brooke is an incredible writer, an accomplished journalist, and a huge inspiration to me. Her book will be a collection of essays and stories, an interrogation of love, race and politics. She is smart, warm, funny and cool.

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Tell us about meeting your husband and working with him. Gabriel Dowrick is a screen editor and writer and Im very proud of him; he won an Australian Screen Editors Guild Award for best editing in a drama for Wakefield. We met on Black Comedy when he edited our first season. I like to joke that he fell in love with me in the editing suite. I figured that if anyone can watch my bad takes and crass jokes and still want to go on a date with me, well  But he wanted to go on the ultimate date: get married. We married in 2019 and now have a child. He is my silver lining of colonisation. How are you finding motherhood? I still feel like I am in the washing machine of it all. Ive learnt that I can nurse the baby and write on my laptop when Lux, whos 11 weeks old now, isnt squirming. Thats a new discovery. Every day I learn something new. Ive realised that either my family really loves me or they love my daughter more! They come to do chores so I get to have a few minutes in the shower; its a thinking space and I come out and write down ideas. If anybody reading this has parenting tips, please send to me via Twitter. Bondi Born tunic. Bianca Spender Clarion pants. Bottega Veneta shoes. Credit:Bec Parsons Has motherhood shifted your perspective on what matters in life? I am a Type A personality: I like to tick boxes and am very achievement-focused. What has been surprising is how caring for a baby stops you in your tracks. It grounded me and made me think about myself as a person beyond being a creative. Instead of constantly trying to push forward, I am more aware of wanting to build her a foundation thats filled with values and love  and that comes from the bottom up. Being a mother has changed my focus a lot, but I also worked up until the Saturday before she was born. How has being in the public eye and speaking up as an Aboriginal woman impacted your work life? I would get a lot of messages on social media  some great, but also racial slurs for saying something on a panel that someone didnt like. These people would send mail to my parents house about a skit I had done, or something I had said. That type of violence is scary. I wouldnt have a career if people in this country didnt have a capacity to listen and to laugh and have empathy with you. I dont want to take that for granted. When I started doing comedy my mantra was, We want people to laugh with us and like us. Now I realise you dont need to be liked.

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The first came during a conversation with a colleague about how we could possibly educate younger employees about the mysterious ways of office work. You know the drill: pencil skirts, sad desk salads, photocopier paper jams and loading the dishwasher. But there was a problem: the Zoomers didnt seem interested in coming into the office. They were fine to, well, Zoom.

Even as Joe Biden declares the pandemic over and the World Health Organisation announces we are approaching the beginning of the end, its clear that COVIDs impact on work is more monumental than we could ever have imagined. A couple of incidents lately have highlighted this massive cultural shift for me.

A recent survey said that one in three Australians would quit their job, or start looking for a new one, if their employer announced they had to return to the office full-time. The stats tell a similar story in the US where, in Washington, D.C.  the city in which I live  nearly half of all workers are working remotely. Thats seven times more than before the pandemic.

How will we teach them to be professional? I wailed. Maybe our version of professional is just out-of-date, my colleague countered. Maybe, we concluded, the Gen Zers could teach us elder Millennials a thing or two about work in the virtual era.

Such as respecting others boundaries. This has become more important as the line between work and everything else blurs. Life is now about looking at one big, bad screen. Which brings me to my second realisation. Pre-pandemic, I rolled my eyes when 20-somethings talked about work-life balance. What are they doing in their spare time thats so important anyway, was my unkind thought.

One distinct memory I have is editing Amy Winehouses obituary in the back of a rental car while touring the Kalamata region of Greece.

But as COVID dragged on into year two and now  impossibly  calendar year three, I started to see their point. My younger colleagues diligently updated their status on work email and messaging services whenever they were away from their desk. They let everyone know what they were up to, whether that was a dentist visit, a walk or a quick jaunt to London.

This radical disclosure was jarring for me. Millennials came of age in workplaces where time away from the desk was a source of shame. You hid when you were away from it, and you stayed until after your boss went home to prove what a good worker you were. To that end, I used to spend holidays checking my phone for work tasks. One distinct memory I have is editing Amy Winehouses obituary in the back of a rental car while touring the Kalamata region of Greece. Another is ruing the lack of phone reception in an especially remote area of Ireland because I couldnt download an email from my boss.
The increasing likelihood of the international economy falling into a recession could see share prices in Australia continue their downward trajectory even if the country avoids recession itself.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers warned this week Australia will not be immune to a potential global recession, saying storm clouds are gathering in the international economy. The weight of opinion around the world is that the global situation has gotten much worse, even in the last few weeks, he said.

US investment manager Pimco is forecasting shallow recessions and rising unemployment across the large developed markets, with a swift rebound in growth unlikely.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers says storm clouds are gathering in the international economy. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Researcher Morningstar, in its latest report on the outlook for the Australian and New Zealand sharemarket, says recessions in Europe and the United States are more likely and the era of cheap and easy debt appears to be over.
Eastern suburbs residents have raised concerns about the hiring of public spaces for corporate events after Waverley Council agreed to rope off a section of Bondi Beach for a 5000-person party.

The guests -dressed in all white - will pay up to $93 plus a $15 membership fee for the privilege of eating dinner on the sand on November 12.

The White Dinner on Bondi Beach in 2013.

The organisers of the Diner en Blanc, or White Dinner, will pay Waverley Council $32,411 for the one-off commercial dining event. The dinner was previously held on Bondi Beach in 2013 and has also been staged at Cockatoo Island, Centennial Park and outside the Sydney Opera House.

Guests will bring their own picnic or pre-order a hamper, with only wine that is pre-ordered allowed at the event.
There have been chaotic scenes across the state overnight as wild weather saw the NSW SES forced to carry out 21 dangerous flood rescues.

They included the rescue of a person who became trapped in their vehicle with water up to their seat when intense flash flooding hit the Central Coast, a vehicle that overturned in floodwaters at The Freshwater on the Clarence River near Grafton and a medical evacuation in northern metropolitan Sydney.

New South Wales SES Commissioner Carlene York urged people to show additional caution on the roads.

I reiterate, it is very dangerous out there on the roads and we are seeing a lot of flash flooding and the rivers are still rising, she said.

They have not peaked in some locations.

York said the ground was so saturated it raised the likelihood of dangerous flash flood in the event of further rain.

The Yarramundi Bridge at North Richmond was closed in the early hours of Sunday morning.

York said it was very likely the North Richmond bridge and the Windsor bridge would be closed later tonight because the rivers are still rising.

We will close those bridges if we find it is dangerous and the water is likely to overflow in those areas, she said.

The NSW SES has issued 94 warnings, including six emergency warnings, as a result of the weather event.

The newest evacuation orders are for parts of Lower Portland, the community of Agnes Banks near Richmond and the Riverside Ski Park at Cattai.

We again have a lot of resources out there that are helping the communities when they most need assistance from us, York said.

A really important time for our communities who are at risk of flooding or effects of the weather to prepare and get some provisions in if you think you might be cut off again.

NSW SES has clarified the rescue of the overturned car occurred at The Freshwater on the Clarence River near Grafton.
The $1.9 billion is expected be gained over a four-year period with the probability that organisations adept at avoiding or minimising tax obligations will continue to do so. And the financial costs and legal fees incurred in a tax squeeze on multinationals has to be taken into account. Couldnt we just see a trickle down sum in tax revenue arising from Labors hairy-chested election promise?

Your editorial ( Tax squeeze on multinationals overdue , The Sunday Age, 2/10) made the clear point that the $1.9 billion Labor expects to gain from multinationals in tax revenues is not enough with a national debt approaching $1 trillion.

There are more responsible budgetary steps to take rather than backing that horse to hit the winning post.

Des Files, Brunswick

Things have changed

The current beat up about the possibility of the federal government at least modifying the tax cuts legislated in the previous governments term  tax cuts that will substantially benefit those that dont need them  mystifies me.

Sure the then opposition supported the legislation during the term of the previous government  all oppositions make pragmatic political decisions. And now it is being accused of the possibility of breaking an electoral promise when the cost of these cuts will weigh heavily on the economy? Tax cuts that it has now emerged will be funded by borrowing?

Give me a break. Remember the aphorism attributed to Lord Keynes: When the circumstances change I change my mind. What do you do, Sir? Circumstances certainly have changed this year.

So, Anthony Albanese, bite the bullet and make the right decision.

Bob Malseed, Hawthorn

Labor in the drivers seat

You report that Caucus members unwilling to be named cited the debate over the carbon tax a decade ago as proof of the cost of breaking a promise (Ministers reject quick backflip on tax cuts, The Age, 6/10).
New grain varieties, advancements in technology help to ensure bumper crop China is expecting another bumper autumn harvest this year, with grain harvesting in full swing across the country, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Based on the latest survey by the ministry, 33.6 million hectares of autumn grain crops have been harvested nationwide as of Monday, equal to 38.6 percent of the projected total and up by 2 percentage points from the same period last year. Almost 70 percent of the autumn grain harvest has been completed in Southwest China, and in Northeast China more than 20 percent has been finished, the ministry said. Zhu Juan, an official with the ministry, said major grain producing areas are entering their harvesting seasons and the country is likely to record a bumper autumn harvest. Autumn grains in Northeast and Northwest China and on the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain in North China are growing very well, and the average per unit yield of corn, rice and soybean has increased, Zhu told the People's Daily. The ministry has sent expert teams to offer technical guidance to help with harvests and released guidelines for South China to help it combat the impact that drought and high temperatures have had on the growth of rice and corn. Hong Jiantao, a farmer in the city of Shangqiu, Henan province, said he is confident that his corn and soybeans will have a good harvest this year. Experts surveyed his fields recently and he is expected to make around 34,500 yuan ($4,800) per hectare, he said. Technologies have played an increasingly important role in the country's agricultural development. In Shangshui county, Henan province, while harvesting sesame was carried out manually in the past, this year, combine harvesters helped local farmer Liu Tianhua to reap 9 hectares of sesame in less than a day. Liu planted a new variety of sesame this year that can be harvested by machine because its stalks are stronger than other varieties. The change will save him more than 50,000 yuan in labor costs, according to China Central Television. Cao Zhibin, an expert at Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, said the rice variety developed by his team is more resilient in high temperatures than most other varieties, and can achieve a 650-kilogram yield per mu despite the prolonged heat and drought this year.


Beijing (Gasgoo)- On September 30, Chinas major auto group, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd. (Geely Holding) announced that it has officially acquired 7.60% stake in English luxury performance vehicle maker Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc (Aston Martin).

Photo credit: Aston Martin

Li Donghui, CEO of Geely Holding, said that "We are delighted to officially become an investor in Aston Martin. Geely Holding has rich experience in supporting the transformation of companies it held, and has a solid accumulation of technology in the fields of electric supercars and intelligent connected vehicles, which will help Aston Martin achieve greater success in the future. We look forward to working with Aston Martin to explore synergistic opportunities as Aston Martin remains committed to its strategy to achieve long-term sustainable growth and profitability. "

Geely Holdings well-established track record of successful acquisition includes its stake in the Swedish premium auto brand Volvo, and other international marques such as Daimler, Proton, and Lotus.

Among which, under Geelys guidance, Lotus has already rolled out a high-performance full-electric SUV, the Eletre, in China on June 1, 2022.
That was followed by another two months to choose the Mickleham location, which prompted a fight with the federal government over funding. The contract to build it was awarded to Multiplex in July. By the time it opened, international arrivals were allowed back into Victoria and the facility was being used to house people in the community who couldnt isolate at home. Guest rooms at the Mickleham quarantine facility. Credit:The Age It was useful for those people, sure, but not particularly essential. Now, Mickleham has become a bit of a political hot potato. Despite driving the idea originally, including choosing the location, the state government is happy to hand over the keys and the ongoing running costs to the federal government on January 1.

When quizzed by the media in the past, Premier Daniel Andrews has responded by saying the facility is not ours. By that, he means the Commonwealth paid for it, so its up to them to figure out how to extract some value for taxpayers. The federal government has yet to decide what it will do, with a spokesperson telling The Sunday Age that all options for repurposing the centre were being considered. Several suggestions have been canvassed, including turning it into crisis accommodation for the homeless or people fleeing family violence. However, those uses dont seem feasible because of the sites location nearly 50 kilometres from the CBD, with limited public transport connections. The facility was built for isolation, after all.

Which highlights another problem: Mickleham has to be ready to stand up quickly as a quarantine facility again in the future, meaning vulnerable residents would need to be kicked out if a new virus shows up. Similar concerns would apply to using it to house refugees, another idea flagged in recent months. The state opposition, meanwhile, has already proposed that the facility be used to take the pressure off the health system by housing non-acute patients blocking hospital beds. Andrews has rejected that plan as unsuitable, also citing the isolation factor.

The most workable option, and what seems like the eventual solution, is for it to become emergency accommodation for people fleeing bushfires or floods. About 1200 people were evacuated from Mallacoota during the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/20. The site in Mickleham chosen for the quarantine hub. Credit:Joe Armao Victorias former emergency management commissioner, Craig Lapsley, said that having a facility such as Mickleham available would provide a useful alternative to hotels or Airbnb rentals that had housed people in the past. I know when we went through 09 [the Black Saturday bushfires], we spent a huge amount of time asking: How many caravans could we get? How many houses could we get?, he told The Sunday Age.

Lapsley said Mickleham could provide well-structured accommodation, with plenty of government services already on site, as well as safety for families who might be traumatised by disaster. To have something that is pre-planned and ready to go, and it might not suit every scenario, but it certainly is a very positive piece of infrastructure in building those emergency plans for the state, he said. Former emergency management commissioner Craig Lapsley. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui Some changes would be needed to make it work, however, including softening the hard edges of security that were installed to protect the community from COVID-19. There are more than 500 CCTV cameras at Mickleham, as well as lockable fencing and trackers on staff to assist with contact tracing.

Loading They dont need to be quarantined, so relax the security side of it to allow the community to feel as if theyre not, its a terrible word, but prisoners or being controlled is important, Lapsley said. As for its location in Melbournes outer north, Lapsley said that was not a major downside, as long as people werent away from their community for too long. Its positioned in outer metropolitan Melbourne, so its good for anywhere from the Dandenongs around to the coast, he said. Yes, its got merit, but theres a number of things in the execution of it that you need to be very mindful.
The Australian Federal Police has seized $1 million in cash and charged a 34-year-old West Australian man with dealing in the proceeds of crime as part of an investigation into alleged money laundering.

Investigators arrested Christopher Alan Dean around 6pm on Thursday in a car park at City Beach, and seized about $1 million cash from the boot of the vehicle he was driving.

Christopher Alan Dean. Credit:Facebook

Investigators also executed a search warrant at Deans home in Perths northern suburbs, where they seized a mobile phone and a minor amount of cash.

It will be alleged the man was linked to local criminal groups.
Perth Festival and US fossil fuel giant Chevron will be parting ways after a decades long partnership agreement has been scrapped from mid-2023.

The announcement comes after a four-year campaign over concerns the festival was helping to greenwash the oil and gas company and calls to divest itself from fossil fuels.

Chevron Gardens at Perth Festival in 2017. Credit:Jessica Ferguson

Perth Festival Executive Director Nathan Bennett praised Chevrons contribution over the 18-year association, including ten years as a major partner, but said in a statement the partnership will end after the 2023 Perth Festival.

We appreciate that Chevron has decided to focus on other opportunities and thank them for supporting the Festival to make the arts accessible to as many people as possible over the term of this successful partnership, Bennett said.
I think for the foreseeable future working from home is with us, said Tim Piper, the Victorian head of business lobbyists the Ai Group. Companies are taking long-term positions in relation to work from home, he said, with many locking in long leases based on the lower levels of office-based work. The end of pandemic rules comes despite an average of six Victorians still dying each day with coronavirus. Last week, among 9230 new cases, there were 43 coronavirus-related deaths. But serious cases have fallen dramatically. By Friday 137 patients were in Victorian hospitals with coronavirus, down from a peak of 906 in July.

Deakin University chair of epidemiology Catherine Bennett said the reporting of positive results by Victorians had been dropping off. She said that while the removal of laws requiring results to be registered would see this decline further, many would still record their positive case. I dont think people are reporting because its mandatory, Bennett said. Some would continue to record positive tests as a requirement of their job, or because they were in a class of healthcare worker still required to do so in order to receive financial aid. Announcing the changes to the pandemic laws on Friday, Andrews said the new framework would give people the choice to do what is right for them and their community. Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier highlighted the governments failings. Credit:Penny Stephens But opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier said many of the decisions made by the premier and his ministers had detrimental impacts on Victorians.

Victoria had the harshest of restrictions with the worst outcomes, Crozier said on Saturday, promising a royal commission into the COVID response if the Coalition was elected at next months state election. While the official declaration of the pandemic ends on Wednesday, vaccine mandates remain in place for health workers and aged care. A range of experts said it was crucial that Victoria did not forget key lessons from the pandemic once the formal declaration ended. Professor Allen Cheng, director of infection prevention and healthcare epidemiology at Alfred Health and a former deputy chief health officer, said one of the most important lessons was the way in which the pandemic had shown governments it was possible to address systemic disadvantage and health inequity. He said by the time he left Victorias Department of Health in 2021, the gap in vaccination rates between the rich and poor was 6 per cent  compared with 30 per cent in NSW.

That was a very deliberate policy of government saying this is a thing we want to fix and make sure there is equity, Cheng said. That was largely successful in Victoria. We always talk about social determinants of health and people getting left behind  that [vaccination drive in 2021] shows you can fix it and there are policies that can fix it. Former deputy chief health officer Allen Cheng. Credit:Jason South Of 1500 Victorians to die with coronavirus over the past three months, 50.3 per cent had not received a third vaccine dose, while 308 of those who died had received three doses. Despite the upcoming dropping of mandatory isolation and testing laws, working from home for many is likely to continue.

Loading Kamal Farouque, principal lawyer at Maurice Blackburn and an employment and workplace law expert, said employees had no express right to continue working from home other than via agreements with their employer over flexible working arrangements. However, he said that over the course of the pandemic working from home had suited many white-collar employees. And so those [employers] who dont offer the choice of working from home, with the tight job market, will find themselves losing staff and will be less attractive as a place to go for employment. Farouque said it was now an expectation in many workplaces that working from home would be allowed at least some of the time. There is no going back because the practicality of working from home and peoples expectations that it will be offered is now entrenched, he said. The pandemic had opened up much-needed conversations about job insecurity, and the critical work of low-paid workers, Victorian Trades Hall Council secretary Luke Hilakari said. It also showed the importance of programs like JobKeeper and that employer groups and unions can work together to make change.

The pandemic was a profound moment for Australian workplaces, he said. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation state secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick said one crucial lesson from the pandemic was the low level of coronavirus deaths in public sector aged care in Victoria. Lisa Fitzpatrick from the ANMF, Premier Daniel Andrews, Luke Hilakari from Trades Hall and ACTU secretary Sally McManus march together in Melbourne in 2018. Credit:Justin McManus Just 3 per cent of coronavirus aged care deaths in Victoria occurred in public homes. Of 2523 deaths recorded in Victorian aged care by last month, 97 per cent were in private and not-for-profit homes. Victorias 179 public aged care homes have strict ratios of nursing staff to residents. The higher number of nurses and staff employed to care for people living in public aged care facilities was a protective factor, Fitzpatrick said. Having more nurses employed in private aged care will significantly reduce the pressure on our ambulances and public hospital emergency departments and beds.
Flight ticketing data has pointed to a surge of people leaving. The number of one-way tickets sold from Russia rose 27 per cent from September 21 to September 27 compared with the week prior, according to Spain-based ForwardKeys, which analyses booking reservations. Pins with anti-war slogans placed on a table in the home of Eva Rapoport, the Istanbul coordinator for The Ark, a group helping Russians fleeing their country in Istanbul, Turkey. Credit:AP Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announced that Russia planned to enlist 300,000 men and, on October 4, said more than 200,000 people had been drafted so far. Where are most of them going to? Some are heading to Kazakhstan, which shares the worlds second-longest land border with Russia. Russians can enter without a passport or a visa.

The Kazakh interior minister said on October 3 that more than 200,000 Russians had entered since September 21, while about 147,000 left in the same period, although their final destination was not clear. Russian YouTube vlogger Niki Proshin, 28, shoots a video log for his YouTube channel in Istanbul, where Russians have flocked to since the mobilisation. Credit:AP The interior ministry of Georgia, where Russians can also enter without a visa, said 68,887 Russians had arrived from September 21 to 29, while 45,624 had left. For both countries, it was unclear how many of the Russians who left had travelled to third countries. ForwardKeys air travel booking data reported a triple-digit increase for the week ended September 27 in one-way tickets from Russia to Tbilisi, Almaty, Istanbul, Tel Aviv and Dubai.

Loading Turkey, a popular tourist destination for Russians and others, reported a rise in Russian arrivals and flights since mobilisation was announced. One man told Reuters he flew to Istanbul airport the next day partly to avoid conscription. Some 3 million arrived in Turkey from Russia this year until the end of August, up 22 per cent from last year, official data showed. Many Russians have also been heading to Europe. How many get to the EU or other European countries?

The European Union saw a surge in arrivals after Putins announcement. Some 66,000 Russian citizens entered the bloc from September 19 to 25, a 30 per cent rise from the previous week, data from the blocs border agency Frontex showed. Loading The number fell to 53,000 in the week starting September 26, Frontex said, citing a stricter EU visa policy and Russian measures to keep military-age men from leaving. Most Russians entering the EU already had residence permits or visas, while others had dual citizenship, Frontex said. Finland, which has a 1300-km border with Russia, has been the main point of arrival in the EU. Finnish data showed the number of Russian tourists arriving via four southern border crossings doubled in the days after Sept. 21.

From Sept. 21 to October 5, 59,975 Russians arrived in Finland through the four checkpoints, with many leaving to other European countries, while 36,116 Russians went home, Finnish border guard authority data showed on Oct. 5. How are European countries reacting? Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland began turning away Russians holding tourist visas issued by any of the EUs Schengen states on September 19. Finland followed suit on September 30. Norways Arctic border with Russia is the last direct route into Europe open to Russian Schengen tourist visa holders. Norways justice minister said on September 30 the government could ban further arrivals from Russia at short notice if necessary. Russian President Vladimir Putin stands before a map of Russia and the region - where his citizens are fleeing. Credit:AP

Since mobilisation began, German embassies in Armenia, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Belarus have seen a surge in enquiries from Russian citizens seeking to travel to Germany and the EU. Cars queuing toward the border crossing at Verkhny Lars between Russia and Georgia, leaving Chmi, North Ossetia - Alania Republic, in Russia. Credit:AP An interior ministry spokesperson told Reuters the German constitution enshrined the right to political asylum but said: Due to this case-by-case examination and the severely limited possibilities to travel from Russia to Germany, we assume that there are only a few cases. A French minister said France would also be selective on who was allowed to remain in the country, taking into account a persons situation and the security risk. We will make sure dissident journalists, people who fight the regime, artists and students can still come here, Junior Minister for European Affairs Laurence Boone said on October 5.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- China's vehicle inventory alert index (VIA), which reflects the inventory pressure on automobile dealers, rose 4.3 percentage points year on year in Sept. 2022, according to the China Automobile Dealers Association (CADA).

The VIA stood at 55.2% last month, edging up 0.5 percentage points from the previous month.

The index in Sept. was still above the official warning threshold (50%).

The CADA said China's auto market was in a traditional peak season in Sept., when the market demands were supposed to evidently recover. Nevertheless, some cities faced losses on new vehicle sales due to the sporadic occurrence of the coronavirus cases in the first half of Sept.

There were some tailwinds for auto sales recovery in the second half of Sept., including the sales promotion by automakers and dealers, the preferential policies by both central and local governments, the roll-out of new vehicle models, and the effect of the Mid-Autumn Festival and back-to-school season.

The association revealed China's auto retail sales are anticipated to reach roughly 2.1 million units in Sept., jumping around 20% from the year-ago period.

In Sept., the VIAs of imported & luxury brands and Chinese indigenous brands reached 52.1% and 58.3%, sliding 0.9 and 0.4 percentage points over a month ago, respectively, according to CADA's data. Meanwhile, the index for mainstream joint-venture brands grew 2 percentage points month over month to 55.6%.
Batavia, NY (14020)

Today

Overcast with rain showers at times. High 44F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low 36F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- NIO hosted NIO Berlin 2022, a launch event in Europe under the theme "A New Horizon", on October 7, 2022 (Germany Time), announcing it will build a comprehensive operation system in four European countries, namely Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden.

The startup said it will kick off reservations of its three newest modelsthe ET7, the EL7, and the ET5to consumers in the aforesaid four countries through a flexible subscription model. Subscription users will become members of NIO's user community.

Photo credit: NIO

NIO added it will establish sales and service networks in these countries to directly serve its users. The NIO center in Berlin is about to open for business. In other cities, such as Hamburg, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Goteborg, NIO Centers are under construction and will be put into use soon.

In addition, NIO will further improve the deployment of its power network in Europe. The company said it has had access to 380,000 charging piles and its European-spec charging map has been put into use as well. It plans to deploy 20 battery swap stations in Europe by the end of 2022, and raise the total number to 120 by the end of 2023.

The company aims to build 1,000 battery swap stations outside China by 2025, most of which will be located in Europe.

As for R&D investment, NIO set up an innovation center in Berlin this year to work on R&D of intelligent cockpit, autonomous driving, and energy technologies. On Sept. 16, NIO's Power Europe Plant in Hungary delivered its first Power Swap Station to Germany. Notably, NIO Power Europe Plant, as NIO's first overseas plant, is the manufacturing, service, and R&D center for NIO's power products in Europe.
COVID-19 metrics in Coconino County mostly continued to fall this week, according to the latest reports from Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS). Meanwhile, local monkeypox vaccine eligibility has changed, while the total number of cases remains the same.

Coconino County still has a reported total of four monkeypox cases as of Oct. 3. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) U.S. map, 26,385 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed across the country as of Thursday. A total of 478 cases have been reported in Arizona.

Last week, 25,613 monkeypox cases had been confirmed nationwide, with 478 in Arizona.

Monkeypox vaccine eligibility in Coconino County changed this week, according to CCHHS. Doses are still prioritized for those at higher risk of infection, though the requirements for these categories has changed.

People at higher risk for monkeypox, according to CCHHSs website, include those who have been exposed to someone diagnosed with the disease, who have had multiple sex partners or been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD, which includes acute HIV, chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis) in the past year. Those who have had sex at a commercial sex venue or in association with a large public event in a geographic area where monkeypox transmission is occurring in the past six months are considered high risk as well.

Those who expect to experience any of these risks and those with sexual partners in a high-risk category are also considered high risk and eligible for the vaccine

Certain categories of healthcare workers are also eligible for the monkeypox vaccine based on their risk, specifically those in settings where daily exposure to the infection is anticipated. This category includes lab workers routinely working with monkeypox specimens and healthcare personnel in sexual health clinics or who primarily serve LGBTQIA+ communities.

The vaccine is not recommended for the majority of healthcare workers at this time unless they have a known monkeypox exposure, CCHHSs website specified. Only providers who work in settings where exposure to monkeypox infection is anticipated on a daily basis or have had high-risk exposure to an individual diagnosed with monkeypox are eligible for vaccination.

Those who are in one of the high-risk categories for monkeypox or who are interested in receiving the vaccine can fill out CCHHSs vaccine interest form (available in English and Spanish) or call 928-679-7300 for assistance.

More information about monkeypox symptoms and prevention can be found at coconino.az.gov/monkeypox. CCHHS advises anyone who believes they have monkeypox or its symptoms to call their healthcare provider or the CCHHS information line (928-679-7300).

COVID metrics were mixed, with most falling, in Coconino County the week ending Oct. 1, according to the latest dashboard data report. The county is still at a low community level, with a 4.2 per 100,000 rate of new COVID admissions and 5.6% of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID patients over the past week.

These community indicator metrics are higher than in last weeks report, however  for the week ending Sept. 24, the county had a 3.5 per 100,000 rate of new COVID admissions with 0.8% of staffed in-patient beds occupied by COVID patients.

The number of new cases continued to fall this week (to 95 or a rate of 66.6 per 100,000 from 111 or 77.7 per 100,000 the week before), as did the rate of positive tests. A total of 8.4% of the 1,071 tests conducted last week had positive results, compared to 9.6% of 1,209 tests last week.

Seven people have been hospitalized with COVID each of the past two weeks (10 the week before) and no COVID deaths have been reported in the county since the week ending Sept. 3. The incidence of visits with COVID-like illness (CLI) to county hospitals fell slightly this week as well (to 3.6% from 4.4% the week before).

Residents aged 25 to 44 and 45 to 64 had the highest case rates for the week (78 and 77 per 100,000, respectively) while those between the ages of 18 and 24 had the highest positivity at 12.2%.

More information about COVID in Coconino County is available at coconino.az.gov/2294/COVID-19-Information.
In this file photo, emergency crews work at the scene of an accident, in San Diego on March 15, 2021. (Gregory Bull/AP Photo)

3 Bounty Hunters Accused in San Diego Burglary, False Imprisonment

NATIONAL CITY, Calif.Three people working as bounty hunters have been accused of burglarizing a house after arresting the resident in National City, then unlawfully detaining their suspects girlfriend and her father.

According to the California Department of Insurance, the defendants were working illegally as bail fugitive recovery persons during a June 10 incident in National City.

Daniel Johnathan Hawks, 43, and Annette Bianca Garcia, 36, were arrested this week on suspicion of kidnapping, burglary, false imprisonment and other crimes, while a third defendant, 48-year-old Jesse Wagner is at large.

All three defendants worked at a company called Fugitive Warrants, which a Department of Insurance spokesman said is based out of San Marcos.

On June 10, officials say a bail fugitive recovery agent contacted National City police and said they were pursuing an armed woman.

Police responded and during the ensuing investigation, determined that Wagner and his team had arrested a fugitive, then burglarized his home, according to the Department of Insurance.

The defendants then allegedly tracked down their suspects girlfriend, who was not wanted for any crimes.

While she was in a car being driven by her father, the defendants allegedly made a traffic stop on their car, then took the girlfriend and her father back to her house. Wagner and his team falsely imprisoned them in an attempt to locate the fugitives firearms, according to the Department of Insurance, which says an investigation is ongoing into the hiring of the unpermitted bail fugitive recovery agents by the licensed bail agent.

On Friday, Hawks and Garcia pleaded not guilty in a Chula Vista courtroom to several felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from the incident.

Hawks faces nearly 20 years in state prison if convicted of all counts, while Garcia faces six years. Both are charged with burglary, false arrest under color of authority, failure to notify law enforcement prior to arresting a bail fugitive and being a bail bondsman carrying an unauthorized weapon, while Hawks is also charged with felony counts of kidnapping and false imprisonment.

Wagner faces many of the same charges, as well as a count of exhibiting a taser towards one of the victims, possessing body armor while being a felon and acting as a bail bondsman while having a prior felony conviction. The criminal complaint indicates Wagner was convicted in San Bernardino County of robbery in 2006.
Emergency services continue their work at the scene of an explosion at Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal, Ireland, on Oct. 8, 2022. (PA Media)

2 Teens, 1 Child Among 10 Killed in Irish Petrol Station Explosion

Ten people are confirmed to have been killed following an explosion on Friday at a petrol station in Donegal, Ireland.

The explosion occurred at around 3:20 p.m. on Friday at an Applegreen service station in Creeslough, Co. Donegal. The blast tore through the forecourt, convenience store, and apartment blocks connected to the building.

Four men, three women, two teenagers, and a girl of primary school age were killed. All casualties were from the Creeslough area.

A further eight people were taken to hospital on Friday.

Emergency services from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland were deployed to the scene following the explosion.

Three of the bodies were found by Friday evening, four were found overnight, and three more were recovered on Saturday.

The search and recovery operation is still ongoing, but a spokesperson for the Irish police An Garda Siochana said emergency services do not expect to find more casualties.

Emergency services continue a search and recovery operation at the site this afternoon, he told a a press conference in Donegal.

But based on the information available to An Garda Siochana at this time it is not expected that there will be any further casualties located and there are no outstanding reports of unaccounted-for persons, he said.

The cause of the explosion is unclear, Superintendent David Kelly of Milford garda station said it seemed to be an accident but police are following certain investigative angles.

At this point in time, we have to keep an open mind in how we investigate this but our information at this point in time is pointing towards a tragic accident, he said.

That said, being a garda [(police officer)], I have to take a holistic and overall viewpoint, but thats where we are going at the moment, he added.

We are following certain investigative angles but for operational reasons, I am not going into that.

Emergency services continue their work at the scene of an explosion at Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal, Ireland, on Oct. 8, 2022. (Brian Lawless/PA Media)

Earlier on Saturday, President Michael D Higgins said the tragedy was a terrible blow to a community that is closely knit and where every loss and injury will be felt by every member of the community and far beyond.

All of our thoughts must go out to all of those who have been affected. Those who have received news of the loss of a loved one, those injured, and, most of all, those who are waiting with anxiety for news of their loved ones, he said.

The president paid special tribute to local community members and emergency services on both sides of the borders.

All of our best thoughts and prayers go to those who have lost their lives and their families, he said.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the tragedy is absolutely devastating and the scale of it is quite shocking.

An explosion ripping through the normality of a community, with people going to the shop, the normal toing and froing of life, the prime minister said.

Martin expressed his sympathies to the families and friends of those who died or have been injured, and he offered the warmest tribute to the emergency services.

We are in great debt of gratitude and we thank them for what they have done, he said.

The entire nation is mourning for the people of Creeslough this morning. I think everybody is shattered by the scale of this.

We will ensure that all the services of the state will be there for the people for the community in the days and the times ahead.

Catholic Bishop Alan McGuckian visited the Donegal village.

Describing the darkest day in Donegal, he urged all parishes in the diocese of Raphoe to come together to pray at mass this weekend.

PA Media contributed to this report.
A pro-life activist holds plastic unborn babies during a protest on Capitol Hill in Washington, on July, 29, 2010. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

Abortion Ban Indefinitely Blocked in Ohio Amid Ongoing Suit

Lawsuit proceeds after judge grants permanent injunction

Ohios abortion ban, which applies after a fetal heartbeat is detected, has been blocked indefinitely amid ongoing litigation brought by abortion providers challenging the state laws.

Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Christian Jenkins previously issued a temporary injunction on Sept. 14, which blocked the abortion ban for 14 days, before granting the preliminary injunction on the abortion ban on Friday.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) noted that Jenkins has yet to release a written order for his decision. The court has asked for written findings of fact and conclusions of law to be submitted by the parties and then will issue a written order, it said in a release.

After the written order is issued, abortion in Ohio will be legal up to 20 weeks of pregnancy until the case is resolved.

The preliminary injunction will be in place for the duration of our case, which means abortions will be legal in Ohio for a period much, much longer than the temporary restraining order granted, Planned Parenthood said in a statement, adding it is thrilled with the judges decision.

In announcing his decision from the bench on Friday, Jenkins pushed back on the state governments arguments that the Ohio Constitution doesnt ever mention abortion and so does not protect the right to one.

It is simply wrong to argue that a right does not exist because it is not specifically listed in the [U.S.] Constitution, Jenkins said.

This court has no difficulty holding that the Ohio Constitution confers a fundamental right on all of Ohioans to privacy, procreation, bodily integrity, and freedom of choice in health care decision-making that encompasses the right to abortion, he added.

Abortion providers had argued in their suit that the fundamental right to an abortion was guaranteed under the Ohio Constitution. They filed the legal challenge after the states fetal heartbeat abortion ban was enacted after Roe v. Wade was overturned in late June.

The state is expected to appeal.

Ohio Right to Life President Michael Gonidakis said the group was saddened but not surprised by Jenkinss decision.

The abortion clinics literally forum shopped to get the outcome they wanted, he said in a statement. This is a moment in time for the pro-life movement and we are convinced that the Ohio Supreme Court will overturn this ruling. Nowhere in Ohios Constitution does a right to an abortion exist.

Ohios heartbeat law was signed by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine back in 2019. A Republican-controlled state legislature had passed the bill, dubbed Senate Bill 23 (SB 23). The law bans abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can be as early as six weeks into pregnancy. It doesnt include exceptions for rape or incest, or fetal anomalies. However, it includes exceptions for medical emergencies or medical necessities. If a doctor is found to have violated the law, they could face fines of up to $20,000 and loss of his or her medical license.

The 1973 Roe v. Wade decision had prohibited states from banning abortions prior to when the fetus is deemed viableor potentially able to live outside its mothers wombdeemed at around the second trimester of pregnancy at 24 weeks. Roe had largely enabled abortions up until 24 weeks across the country for up to five decades, overturning state laws that had been in place prior to 1973.

According to the pro-abortion nonprofit Guttmacher Institute, at least 66 clinics have stopped offering abortions across the United States since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June. The clinics are located in the 15 U.S. states that have imposed complete or six-week abortion bans since Roes repeal.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Judge Brent Harris is used to heavy lifting -- sometimes its his case load, other times it's a 90+ pound poles thrown competitively in local Highland Games. After being appointed to the bench in June, the new judge finally had the chance to formally celebrate his new role this weekend.
Activists Protesting Oil Industry Use Products Only Made Possible by Petroleum, Energy Insiders Note

At a recent charity event held by J.P. Morgan Chase in San Francisco, activists attempted to take over by protesting the financing of the oil and gas industry. When doing so, they wore and used products only made possible by the industry, industry insiders note.

Stop The Money Pipeline, a coalition of groups committed to stopping the flow of oil, claimed to take over one of Chases largest events of the year to make it clear: world destroyers dont get to have positive PR events. They protested at a Chase Corporate Challenge, which organizes the worlds largest corporate running event.

The 3.5-mile-long race is held in 15 locations in eight countries to promote fitness and friendly competition. The beneficiary of the San Francisco race was Steph and Ayesha Currys Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, which seeks to end childhood hunger and ensure students have access to a quality education and safe places to play.

The coalition argues, If we stop the flow of money, we can stop the flow of oil.

Since the Paris Agreement was adopted, Wall Street banks have provided $1.4 trillion to the fossil fuel industry. Big asset managers are the worlds largest investors in coal, oil, and gas, it states on its website.

The fossil fuel corporations driving the climate crisis depend on this support of the financial sector. Thats why were pushing banks, insurance companies, and asset managers to end fossil financing. If we stop the flow of money, we stop the flow of oil.

Activists protested riding in kayaks and holding signs stating, Chase: Dont run away. Stop funding climate chaos. They wore signs stating, crop failure, ocean acidification and ecocide.

But everything they wore and the signs they held were made possible by the oil and natural gas industry, Midland-based Oil and Gas Workers Association board member Richard Welch told The Center Square.

These protesters who are attempting to boycott fossil fuels are doing so while using the very products theyre hoping to end, he said. From the masks on their faces, to the vinyl signs their holding to the plastic poles and even their clothesthey are all made possible by the oil and natural gas industry.

The ink, markers, reflective vests, and eyewear theyre using were all made possible by the oil and gas industry. One could even make the assumption that the transportation they used to get to San Francisco and to the bank was made possible by fossil fuels. Even the kayaks they used were made by fossil fuels.

Hoping to educate Americans about the value of the oil and natural gas industry, Welch said, Fossil fuels are in every aspect of our lives.

While the protestors claim fossil fuels create crop failure, Welch points out most of the crops we eat, from wheat to corn to a range of vegetables are harvested by farmers using tractors. Those tractors run on diesel, not windmill juice.

Western Energy Alliance also maintains that climate change policies dont account for thousands of products Americans use on a daily basis derived from petroleum. These include the computers, phones, access to the Internet, roads, and means of transportation, that Stop The Money Pipeline protestors use.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Agency, products derived from petroleum include transportation fuels, fuel oils for heating and electricity generation, asphalt and road oil, and components for making the chemicals, plastics, and synthetic materials that are used in nearly all products on the market.

To put this in perspective, one 42-gallon barrel of oil creates 19.4 gallons of gasoline. The remainder is used to make more than 6,000 products ranging from electronics to luggage to office supplies and computer chips.

Commercial and residential products like paint and paint brushes, floor wax, safety glasses, linoleum, caulking, roofing, curtains, fertilizer, tires, mops, rugs, toilet seats, pillows, upholstery, refrigerators, dishwasher parts, are all made from petroleum, the alliance points out. So are health-related products like rubbing alcohol, aspirin, medicine, heart valves, medical devices, bandages, anesthetics, surgical masks, dentures, antiseptics, hand sanitizers, antihistamines, cortisone, and artificial limbs. None would be possible without petroleum, those in the industry point out.

When asked at a recent House Financial Services Committee hearing if Chase had a policy against funding new oil and gas products, its CEO, Jamie Dimon, replied, Absolutely not. That would be the road to hell for America.

The Biden administrations plan to tax and increase fees on the industry will only cause the cost of these products to go up, the alliance has argued. Stopping the flow of oil would bring nearly every aspect of society, on a global scale, to a halt, industry experts maintain.

Stop The Money Pipeline is a project of 350.org, a Brooklyn-based 501(c)(3) organization. It calls for revoking the social license of the fossil fuel industry and taking money out of the companies that are heating up the planet, according to its website. Its received funding from San Francisco-based Tides Foundation, as well as from groups linked to billionaire George Soros, the Washington Free Beacon has reported, in addition to numerous funds and foundations.

By Bethany Blankley
Anti-Communist Writer Hong Kongs Voltaire Lee Yee Dies At 86

CCP and HK National Security Law Indirectly Causes Death of Lee, Scholar says

Lee Yee, a famous Hong Kong writer, died of illness in Taipei on Oct. 5 at the age of 86. His daughter posted an obituary on her Facebook page. The funeral arrangements will be announced soon, she said.

Hong Kong columnist Chip Tsao and scholar Simon Shen pointed out that Lee had recently been diagnosed with COVID-19 and had undergone heart surgery. Tsao described him as Hong Kongs Voltaire. who was born in China, loved China, but later fell in love with Taiwan and Hong Kong, fought against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and finally perished in worrying about the future of Hong Kong and China.

Shen said bluntly that Lee moved to Taiwan due to the political changes in Hong Kong and his death was indirectly caused by the CCPs repressive regime and the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNS).

Leftist When Young, Anti-communist Later

Lee Yee, whose original name is Li Bingyao, was born in Guangzhou in 1936. He moved to Hong Kong in 1948 and completed his studies in Hong Kong. In 1970, Lee founded the leftist magazine The Seventies Monthly. He broke away from the Leftist Camp in 1981 and renamed the magazine The Nineties Monthly, criticizing the China-Taiwan Cross-Strait relations. His stance became anti-communism.

Starting in 2007, he wrote editorials for the defunct newspaper Apple Daily and often publicly criticized the CCP. He bade farewell to his column in 2021, saying that the implementation of the HKNSL was a real pressure that he has never encountered in more than 60 years of writing.

Lee later moved to Taiwan and began to write posts under the title A Losers Memoir on Facebook, narrating his change of stance and his views on the future of Hong Kong. He also paid special attention to the situation of Hong Kong youngers who fled overseas.

His Last Article Recalled Hong Kongs Social Movement

On Sept. 15, Lee published his last article A Losers Memoir 0916, describing the Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement, which started a large-scale social movement in Hong Kong in 2019, with more than 1 million people participating in some of the marches, as a memory that he wanted to forget, but he cannot forget.

On June 30, 2020, the HKNSL was forcibly passed by the CCP government and gazetted before Hong Kong people knew the content of the provisions. Lee wrote, The ending is a tragedy, but who can predict that it might not become the vitality of the future?

He described it as the enlightenment of Hongkongers. Power can suppress the behavior of awakened people, but it cannot suppress this awakening. For example, he said, referring to the long queue of Hongkongers and the sea of flowers after Queen Elizabeth IIs death, it showed where peoples hearts are, which is a silent protest against power.

On Sept. 19, Lee revealed that he had suspended the update of A Losers Memoir due to illness, and added, I am okay. Dont need to worry about me.

From CCP Loyalist to Promoter of Democracy and Freedom

Lee was a representative of the liberal intellectuals in overseas Chinese society.

In 1948, Lee followed his family to migrate to Hong Kong. He graduated from a left-wing school and believed in socialism. Then, he worked at the publishing and editing department of Shanghai Shuju (Publishing House).

In 1956, Lee began to contribute to newspapers and periodicals. In 1970, he founded the leftist magazine The Seventies Monthly and served as the editor-in-chief. The magazines stance supported the Cultural Revolution of China and the Baodiao movement. Lee united the Taiwanese and Hong Kong exchange students in America, while his magazine was regarded as a bandit magazine by the Taiwan government at that time.

However, at the end of the Cultural Revolution in 1976, Lee became disillusioned with his youthful belief in socialism.

In 1979, The Seventies Monthly was banned by the CCP for its coverage of the Wei Jingsheng case and Deng Xiaopings anti-democracy. The Seventies Monthly published three editorials in a row questioning the CCPs ban on the magazines entry to China and the publication of articles on privileged CCP classes. In 1981, Lee announced his departure from the leftists. Wei Jingsheng was a democratic activist in China, jailed and later released on medical grounds following a high-level diplomatic by the U.S, in 1995. On his release, he flew to Detroit.

In 1989, the Tiananmen massacre occurred in China, the protest was forcibly suppressed with thousands dead when the government declared martial law and sent the Peoples Liberation Army to occupy parts of central Beijing. The social movement of China was suppressed, the Chinese intellectuals fled overseas, and Lee became disillusioned with Deng Xiaoping. He decided to break away from the CCP and went to Taiwan with his publications to explore the path of Chinese democracy and freedom.

Lee once interviewed Xu Zhucheng, Editor-in-chief of Wen Wei Po. Xu had been persecuted and imprisoned by both Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) and the CCP respectively. Having been jailed in KMT and CCP prisons, Xu arrived at a thought-provoking conclusion: when the KMT was in power, his mind was free, and his family and friends regarded him as a hero even when he was imprisoned; However, imprisoned by the CCP, he lost his freedom of thoughts, and his relatives and friends cut ties with him and pretended that they did not know him.

80-year-old Lee Moves to Taiwan

In 1997, after the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong and the implementation of the one country, two systems, Lee moved back to Hong Kong, a place that he was more familiar with when he was growing up.

Lee believed that intellectuals should have independent thinking and freedom of expression. He did not agree with Hong Kong nationalism, and believed that the target of resistance should be the CCP regime rather than the Chinese people. He had written a column in Apple Daily for 25 years, and even though his point of view on some issues was different from that of Apple Daily, he still had the courage to say what he thought was right.

Another political and current affairs commentator, Ng Chi Sum, said that when he was writing for Apple Daily during Lees tenure as the editor-in-chief, even though the two of them had different views, his articles were still published without editing. Ng praised Lee as a very tolerant person.

In 2019, after the Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill (AELAB) Movement broke out in Hong Kong, the CCP forced the launch of the National Security Law. Lee believed that the prospects of Hong Kong had come to an end so he moved to Taiwan for safety.

Having to move and adapt to a new environment in his 80s had taken a toll on his health. Shen bluntly said that the regime and the HKNSL indirectly caused the death of Lee.

Tsao, a Well-known Hong Kong Current Affairs Commentator: Hong Kong Voltaire

Lee was born in China, loved China but was forced to emigrate to Taiwan and Hong Kong in the 1990s, and finally died of worrying about Hong Kong and China. Chip Tsao, a well-known current affairs commentator, regards Lee as Hong Kongs Voltaire.

Tsao described that Lee was different from other social activists. He did not advocate the independence of Hong Kong and Taiwan because he had a sense of national identity with the Chinese. However, he advocated tolerance of dissent, safeguarded freedom of speech, and hoped that China will have a multi-party democratic system and that those in power must be supervised by the press.

Lee hoped that China would become better and that the Chinese people would live a better life, but in his later years, he realized that hope seems to be impossible. He could only spiritually support the next generation in Taiwan and Hong Kong to find their way.

In his later years, he wrote his autobiography under the title A Losers Memoir, lamenting a life of struggle; but his life did not fail, it was the CCP culture that failed, said Tsao.
A pro-life activist holds a plastic fetus in a protest in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, on June 23, 2022. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

Appeals Court Blocks Near-Total Abortion Ban in Arizona

The Arizona Court of Appeals on Friday temporarily blocked a 150-year-old law in the state that bans nearly all abortions.

The three-member panels ruling (pdf) comes after a state judge ruled on Sept. 23 (pdf) to lift an injunction against the abortion ban, which makes it a crime to provide an abortion unless the mothers life is in danger. On Sept. 30, the judgePima County Superior Court Judge Kellie Johnsonrejected an effort by abortion activists to freeze her order (pdf).

The panel on Friday said that Johnson had erred in her ruling, and granted Planned Parenthoods motion for an emergency stay.

The abortion ban at issue in the case was first enacted in the Civil War era in the 1860s, before Arizona became a state, and was in effect until the Supreme Court made its Roe v. Wade decision in 1973. An injunction was later put on Arizonas abortion ban in the same year.

Roe had largely enabled abortions up until 24 weeks across the United States for up to five decades, overturning state laws, before it was overturned by the Supreme Court in late June.

After Roe was overturned, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, a Republican, asked the court to restore the abortion ban.

Appeal by Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood of Arizona appealed and argued that subsequent pro-life laws have since been passed by Arizonas legislature and those laws should supersede the near-total ban from the 1860s.

Those laws include one that bans abortions after 15 weeks, signed by Republican Gov. Doug Ducey in late March, that took effect on Sept. 24.

But Roe. v Wade was the only reason why an injunction was in place against Arizonas near-total ban, Johnson said in late September. She sided with Brnovichs office, finding that the 1973 injunction should be entirely vacated because it was based solely on Roe v Wade, which has since been overturned.

The Arizona Appeals Court sided with Planned Parenthood on Friday, saying that other legislation passed in the state since Roe should be considered.

Arizona courts have a responsibility to attempt to harmonize all of this states relevant statutes, Presiding Judge Peter J. Eckerstrom wrote in the brief order.

The court further concludes the balance of hardships weigh strongly in favor of granting the stay, given the acute need of healthcare providers, prosecuting agencies, and the public for legal clarity as to the application of our criminal laws.

The latest ruling means that while the case proceeds, abortions can legally resume in the state at least up until 15 weeks after pregnancy.

The Arizona Appeals Court has set a hearing for next week on Oct. 11, to determine whether Planned Parenthoods full appeal should be expedited and to set a briefing schedule.

Tom Ozimek contributed to this report.
Australian Government Rejects Medicare Levy Hike

The Australian government has rejected calls for raising the Medicare levy to alleviate the strain on the health systems across states and territories.

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said while the government acknowledged that the public health system was under pressure, it was not considering lifting the levy temporarily or permanently.

Thats not something that were considering, but we do want to work with the states and territories to make sure that we can adequately fund their health systems, he told reporters in Canberra.

The Medicare levy is a type of tax imposed on Australian taxpayers to help fund the countrys public health system. The levy is two percent of an individuals taxable income and is calculated when they lodge their tax return.

Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister and Treasurer Andrew Barr has called for a one percent increase to the Medicare levy for the top income tax bracket. He reasoned that the current funding model of the national health system was no longer sustainable.

ACT chief minister Andrew Barr at the Jobs And Skills Summit in Canberra, Australia, on Sept. 1, 2022. (Martin Ollman/Getty Images)

Speaking at the Revenue Summit in Canberra, he said his proposal would transform the Medicare levy from a flat tax into a progressive one and that it could be implemented whether or not the government proceeded with the stage three tax cuts.

The Medicare levy is now an embedded feature of our tax system. And to make it more enduring and to align with the principles of our society, it must also become progressive in its application, Barr said.

This is an achievable tax increase, he said.

Former Consumer Watchdog Chair Calls for Higher Taxes

As debates are heating up on the stage three tax cuts, former Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chair and economist Rod Sims has called on the government to impose higher taxes on fossil fuels, carbon, minerals and land to fund its spending.

He said taxation was the only way to improve the federal budgets bottom line and support higher spending.

We have a lot of tax spaces out there, and we need to have a discussion about what expenditure levels we want, he told ABC TV.

If we want higher expenditure, we can only do it through higher taxation. Theres no other way.

Sims also proposed that the government implement a carbon tax as part of its plan to transition Australia to a net-zero economy rather than offering incentives to boost the take-up of renewable and low-emissions technologies.

Speculations on Governments Tax Cuts

While federal ministers have consistently backed the stage three tax cuts, there have been speculations that the government is considering making some changes that will primarily benefit people with high incomes.

Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones did not comment on the tax cuts but noted that the government was considering many significant issues ahead of the October budget.

Addressing attendees at the tax conference, he said the budget was in a structural deficit and that the cost of servicing the debt was a burden to government finances.

The amount of money that we are going to spend next year on servicing the trillion dollars worth of debt we inherited will outstrip the amount of money that was spent on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme, he said.

At the same time, he said the October budget would focus on tackling near-term issues and delivering major election commitments.
Border Deception: How the US and UN Are Quietly Running the Border Crisis

'Human trafficking every step of the way'

Commentary

An EpochTV special report entitled Border Deception: How the US and UN Are Quietly Running the Border Crisis reveals that what Americans are being told about the border crisis is an illusion.

In the report, which aired Sept. 29, Joshua Philipp, editor and senior investigative reporter for The Epoch Times and host of the EpochTV segment Crossroads, uncovers alarming details about what is really happening at our nations border.

Philipp says his investigation found a coordinated effort, with the cooperation of foreign governments, financing from the United States, and a pervasive program being run by various NGOs and the United Nations, to facilitate human trafficking every step of the way, all through Central America, up through Mexico, and into the American heartland.

Philipp begins his investigation at the mouth of the Rio Grande, as he interviews noted war correspondent Michael Yon. Yon says hes been tracking migrants worldwide. He explains that many immigrants must get through the cartels to get to Mexico, often crossing multiple countries borders in a dangerous trek.

Yon makes it clear that the human rights crisis is real. But are the cartels facilitating the crisis, as many believe? Since the migration journey often begins in Colombia and Panama, and sometimes even further south, its clear that governments in each country are involved in pushing migrants northward. Is this a coordinated effort, and what is the motive?

Who Are These Immigrants?

Retired Marine Corps officer Tim Lynch, a resident of Roma, Texas, tells Philipp that in the past, the illegal immigrants coming to his town were families claiming asylum. Eventually, border agents recognized the same children reappearing every week. In response, agents began separating the families and doing DNA tests, finding that 30 percent of the children did not belong to those crossing with them.

Lynch comments that everything happening at the border involves politics. The expectation is that illegal immigrants will reliably vote Democrat, he says. If they were expected to vote Republican, the Democratic Party would ensure they were kept out of the country.

Local rancher Blake Ward tells Philipp he recalls illegal immigrants coming to his house when he was a child, asking for water. He recalls that they were humble, in need, and always looking for work. Now, the immigrants approach him multiple times a week and often display demanding and entitled behavior as they ask for food and demand to charge their phones. These are very different from the immigrants who had holes in their shoes, had clearly made a long trek, and were truly in need. Now, the immigrants are well-dressed and even appear to be profiting from what they do.

Philipp found that these immigrants are assisted by charity groups, which is not surprising.

But how can charity groups cover such high costs? If law enforcement is passing immigrants to charities, is it through a legal agreement? Who pays for it? Is this a local issue or something bigger?

To find more answers, Philipp interviewed Sherrif Brad Coe of Kinney County, Texas. Coe says that crime from illegal immigrants, including human smuggling cases, takes up his entire manpower each week. His department is kept busy catching immigrants and handing them over to buses that transport them further into the country. NGOs pay for the buses, but he is kept in the dark about the organizations to which he has to pass the immigrants.

How Are the US Government and the United Nations Involved?

The EpochTV episode features Wisconsin Congressman Tom Tiffany, who has been personally investigating the border crisis. Tiffany has accused the federal government of running a human trafficking operation. He explains that one of the first things President Joe Biden did after his inauguration was get rid of the Trump era remain in Mexico policy, begin what is known as catch and release, and end border wall construction.

As a result of these policies, millions of people come over the border illegally. Tiffany says it is evident that the U.S. government, at the behest of the Biden administration, is facilitating illegal immigration. Its behavior sends a signal to the rest of the world that has put illegal immigration on steroids, and incentivizes people to come to the United States illegally.

Tiffany connects some of the dots between the U.S. government and the NGOs facilitating the transfer of immigrants from the border into the country. He shows how a foreign entity facilitates the resettlement of illegal immigrants within America, rather than the U.S. government.

That organization is called the International Organization for Migration (IOM), part of the United Nations. According to its website, most of its funding comes from the U.S. government, several sub-branches of the U.S Agency for International Development, and from the State Department. IOM appears to work directly with the State Department, says Philipp. Its New York branch is a liaison between the organization and the State Department.

The IOM website states that refugees arriving in the United States are offered interest-free travel loans, with funds furnished by the State Department. Immigrants are to repay this debt within a specific timeframe. However, collection of the payback is left to the NGOs.

American taxpayers are financing the mass migration into the United States, including for operation costs and for direct payments to the migrants, says Phillip. The money is going through various NGOs which are involved in resettling refugees. The United Nations, meanwhile, is facilitating the migration into the U.S. under the guidance of the State Department.

Are Immigrants Truly Seeking Asylum?

Next, Philipp investigates whether the massive number of asylum cases is legitimate. The United States cant keep track of these cases, and its unclear how the U.N. can ensure repayment for the immigrants expenses.

Auden Cabello, Real Americas Voice correspondent, explains to Philipp that there are two types of migrants: those who qualify as asylum seekers and those who do not. Haitians, Cubans, and Venezuelans cross the border and turn themselves in so they can claim asylum. They want to get arrested so they can be processed.

Many of these migrants carry papers saying that they have lived in Mexico for a lengthy period of time. These papers allowed them to travel freely in Mexico without being arrested and deported. However, once the migrants reach the border, they discard those papers, not wanting Border Patrol to know theyre coming from Mexico and have been living there for a long time, perhaps long enough to have permanent residence. These immigrants want to say they are coming from their country of origin and that they were being persecuted there, so they can claim asylum.

According to Cabello, NGOs teach and direct migrants how to accomplish all of this. The funding for this comes from the U.N., NGOs, and Catholic charities, he says.

Cabello says that Border Patrol is so busy processing people that employees of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) are the ones who receive the illegal immigrants and turn them over to Border Patrol. The National Guard watches and does not intervene. In the past, these immigrants would be turned over to U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but ICE is so overwhelmed that it is not housing or deporting illegal immigrants anymore.

Philipp visits a popular border crossing, examining discarded documents and finding flyers with the U.N. logo. Cabello walks him through the process, showing how immigrants come from the Mexican side, cross, change into dry clothes, and walk to DPS, where they are held until Border Patrol comes.

Cartels: Not the Main Players

Philipp says that cartelswhich weve been told are the main playersare playing a much smaller role than Americans have been told. They may profit from immigration and human trafficking along the way, but they have little presence in much of the actual border crossing. Migrants cross, turn themselves in, and apply for asylum in order to be shipped directly into the nations heartland.

Border Patrol and law enforcement have become the funnels for the NGOs running this operation. And even more so, the people crossing are getting paid money to do this. And that money is coming out of the pockets of American taxpayers, says Philipp. Many migrants, as the interviews reveal, intentionally hide their country of origin and discard their identities to defraud the amnesty system.

Why Is the American Public Being Deceived?

Our investigation uncovered that the border crisis reality is a United Nations operation being financed by the U.S. government, with the goal of moving and resettling migrants throughout the United States, Philipp concludes. The open policy, along with the financial incentives, is drawing people in by the hundreds of thousands.

This EpochTV episode will leave viewers wondering about the real motive behind these detrimental policies and asking why the American public is being deceived about what is actually fueling the border crisis.

Watch Border Deception: How the US and UN Are Quietly Running the Border Crisis on Epoch Cinema here.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Bruce Pardy: Three Judges Forbear COVIDs Hegemony in the Courts

Commentary

A year ago in The Epoch Times, I described how Canadian courts were embracing the official COVID narrative. In cases across the country, judges have given deference to governments and public health authorities rather than scrutinize the rationales for COVID measures and mandates. Some have gone so far as to take judicial noticefinding facts without evidencethat the situation was as public health officials and government agencies represented it to be.

For instance, in September 2021 Justice M.T. Megaw of the Saskatchewan Court of Queens Bench granted an order allowing the father of a 12-year-old girl to vaccinate his daughter over her own objections and those of her mother. The judge concluded without the necessity of any specific proof that the COVID-19 virus posed a serious and significant health risk to children like the 12-year-old, and that the Pfizer vaccine was safe and effective for her to receive.

Other courts have done similarly. COVID vaccines are safe and effective, government policies during COVID have been sensible and justified, and the rationales for these measures are not to be questioned: These have become judicial orthodoxies. Courts have been determined not to get into the weeds on COVID, and judicial notice has been their out. The science of lockdowns, quarantines, masking, and vaccine mandates has yet to be subjected to full scrutiny in a Canadian legal proceeding. The hegemony of the COVID regime in the courts has seemed almost complete.

But not quite. Over the past year, a few judges have pushed back.

In August 2022, almost a year after the case in Saskatchewan, in a case with similar facts, the Ontario Superior Court came to the opposite result. A father sought an order requiring his ex-wife to vaccinate his 12-year-old daughter against the daughters wishes. In dismissing the fathers request, Justice J.C. Corkery concluded that requiring the girl to be vaccinated against her will would put her at risk of serious emotional and psychological harm and would have irreversible physical consequences, since vaccination cannot be undone. In the absence of expert witnesses, he declined to simply rely on government assertions and take judicial notice of medical facts about the vaccine.

I am not prepared to take judicial notice of any government information with respect to COVID-19 or the COVID-19 vaccines, Corkerys decision reads. Absent judicial notice, there is certainly no presumption that it is in a childs best interest that she be vaccinated.

In refusing to take notice of the alleged safety of the vaccine, Corkery relied upon earlier decisions of two of his Superior Court colleagues. In December 2021, in a family law judgment not dealing with COVID, Justice J. Breithaupt Smith described how courts taking judicial notice of the safety and efficacy of vaccines are in error.

According to the Supreme Court of Canada, Breithaupt Smith explained, courts may take judicial notice only of facts that are clearly uncontroversial and beyond reasonable dispute. Disputed scientific facts, such as whether a medication is safe and effective, are neither. Like all alleged facts, they must be proven through witnesses who are subject to cross-examination by the other side. While lay witnesses testify on what they saw (the car was grey), or what they did (I stopped the car at the intersection when the light turned red), expert witnesses are permitted to state their professional opinion on matters within their expertise, as long as the facts upon which the opinion is based are also independently established.

However, some facts are so obvious and uncontentious that having to prove them would be silly and a waste of judicial resources. The sky is blue. A statute with Royal Assent has been validly passed. Of such facts judicial notice may be taken. But judicial notice is not meant to apply to the very issues that are in dispute, such as whether a COVID vaccine is safe for a child to take. A statement concerning the safety and efficacy of any medication in the prevention or treatment of any condition is, in and of itself, an opinion, Breithaupt Smiths judgment reads. Judicial notice cannot be taken of the opinion of any expert or government official that a medical treatment is safe and effective.

In February 2022, in another family law dispute, Justice A. Pazaratz dismissed a fathers motion to require his 10-year-old and 12-year-old children to receive a COVID vaccination over their wishes and the objections of their mother. Pazaratz, adopting Breithaupt Smiths reasoning, said that taking the governments version of things as the truth was not only contrary to the law but foolhardy.

The list of grievous government mistakes and miscalculations is both endless and notorious, he wrote, citing Thalidomide, internment camps, residential schools, and forced sterilization of Inuit women among the examples, Catching and correcting those mistakes is one of the most important functions of an independent judiciary.

On their own, these decisions will not turn the ship around. They do not overrule other decisions at the same or higher level of court and will not constitute binding precedents on those courts. Nevertheless, that there are judges with courage and clear thinking willing to call out the errors of the prevailing approach is no small thing.

Perhaps there may yet be a judicial renaissance on coercive COVID measures, and their scientific rationales will eventually receive the scrutiny that they deserve.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Mainland Chinese media fjsen.com article dated April 30, 2022, about the Fuzhou Police Overseas Service Station in New York City, screenshot taken Oct. 8, 2022. (Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

National Security Concerns Raised Over China-Run Police Outpost in New York: Security Expert

The 54 police service centers opened by Chinese authorities outside of mainland Chinaincluding one in New York Citythat reportedly use coercion to repatriate Chinese people might also be a tool for sabotage or espionage, according to a security policy expert.

Frank Gaffney, the executive chairman of the Washington-based Center for Security Policy, sees those outposts as part of the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) campaign of global transnational repression.

The Chinese are not simply forcing people to go back to China and stand trial, but they may be giving them directions to do other things, such as espionage, recruitment, influence operations, sabotage, or subversion, Gaffney told NTDs China in Focus program.

He said those are the sorts of things that we need to ensure do not continue.

Gaffney described the regimes police operations as instruments of reaching out and not just touching but garroting individuals that they seek to either extricate from wherever they may be and return [them] home to face prosecution there for some cause.

230,000 Compelled to Return

With such a vehicle, the regime could also compel foreigners to China to suffer whatever fate the Chinese Communist Party would have in mind for them, he said.

Some 230,000 people have been compelled to return to China, he said about the report of the police service centers operating in 30 countries across five continents. That alone is an extraordinary indictment of what these service centers are actually servicing.

Fuzhou Police Overseas Service Station in New York, USAhttps://t.co/3Sjz7CCkvn  pic.twitter.com/WToNiQRIGQ  Geoff Wade (@geoff_p_wade) August 8, 2022

China claims 230,000 suspects of fraud and telecom fraud were successfully persuaded to return to China from April 2021 to July 2022, according to the report by Safeguard Defenders (pdf), a human rights organization.

Gaffney said he believes the operation is likely contrary to U.S. law, given that theres no reciprocity agreement in place to allow the FBI to operate in China.

Thats the sort of thing that we will not accept, I believe, in our country, not from our own law enforcement agencies, and certainly not from a foreign to say nothing of a hostile foreign one, like the Chinese Communist Party, he said.

He further pointed to the book titled Unrestricted Warfare by two Chinese military officers in 1999, which he said, laid out  different ways in which the Chinese Communist Party, in a period before they became strong enough militarily to fight us the old fashioned way, could wage war against us.

It took the form of economic warfare, political warfare, information operations, subversion, threats to our electric grid, and not least, biological warfare.

Course Correction Needed

Given the potential threat that the Chinese operation in New York poses, Gaffney urged its swift closure and an immediate investigation to unravel its nature.

The probe should seek answers to questions such as, Has there been some sort of authorization given to allow the Chinese to do this? If so, on what basis, with what constraints? Is there, in fact, oversight of what theyre doing, he said.

Theres a question of who knows about these operations? What do they know about them? Is this being done with the Biden administrations permission? he asked.

The United States needs to press other governments to shut down similar operations in their countries, particularly in Canada, Gaffney said.

You can find very easily those operations reaching into our country if they were allowed to continue.

Gaffney pointed to the U.S. policy with the Chinese communists which he said President Ronald Reagan went against during his administration.

We are still at this moment, engaged in what Ronald Reagan ran against in 1980, namely, detente or engagement policy with this enemy. He recognized thats a formula for disaster, he noted.

We really need a course correction on this, he argued.

This Chinese Communist Party is not just a mortal threat to us, it is a horrific, indeed mortal threat to its own people.

We ought to be de-legitimating it, we ought to be countering at every turn its influence operations, he said. We need to try to help the Chinese Communist Party meet an end at the hands of the Chinese people at the soonest possible moment.

It is in all of our interests that that happens.

Correction: The number of overseas police stations was incorrectly stated. There have been 54 stations identified, not 110. The Epoch Times regrets the error.

Hannah Ng Reporter Follow Hannah Ng is a reporter covering U.S. and China news. She holds a master's degree in international and development economics from the University of Applied Science Berlin.
Comedian Judy Tenuta arrives at the opening of The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club at Universal Citywalk in Los Angeles on May 28, 2009. (Chris Pizzello/AP Photo)

Comedian Judy Tenuta Dies at 72

LOS ANGELESJudy Tenuta, a standup who cheekily styled herself as the Love Goddess and toured with George Carlin as she built her career in the 1980s golden age of comedy, died Thursday. She was 72.

Tenuta died Thursday afternoon at home in Los Angeles, with her family around her, publicist Roger Neal told The Associated Press. The cause of death was ovarian cancer.

She was a very funny, amazing performer, Neal said, and it was always a happy time to be around her.

Tenuta had claimed her birthdate as Nov. 7, 1965, but she was born in 1949, Neal said. She was old school so she would never tell her real age, but now that shes gone we can tell her real age, he added.

She was among a generation of performers who drove the popularity of live comedy in clubs nationwide.

Devastated to hear of the passing of my dear, dear friend, the lovely Miss Judy Tenuta. I cant believe shes gone, Weird Al Yankovic, who worked with Tenuta on his 1990s TV series and a 2006 music video, wrote on Twitter.

Michael McKean, of Spinal Tap fame, wrote on Twitter, One of a kind.

In 1988s American Comedy Awards TV special, Tenuta was named best female comedy club performer opposite male winner Jerry Seinfeld. Other honorees that year for their club or screen work included Robin Williams, Lily Tomlin, and Bette Midler.

I would trade it in a minute, if I could just be a wife and mother, said Tenuta, who accepted her award from Carlin.

Tenuta was a two-time Grammy nominee, getting back-to-back nominations in 1995 and 1996 for best spoken word comedy album.
A woman rides bicycle front of a mural signed by Clacks-one and Heartcraft_Street art, depicting women cutting their hair to show support for Iranian protesters standing up to their leadership over the death of a young woman in police custody, in a tunnel in Paris, France, on Oct. 5, 2022. (Francois Mori/AP Photo)

Disputing Irans Version, Mother Says Teen Was Beaten to Death

DUBAI, United Arab EmiratesThe mother of a 16-year-old Iranian girl has disputed official claims that her daughter fell to her death from a high building, saying the teen was killed by blows to the head as part of the crackdown on anti-hijab protests roiling the country.

Nasreen Shakarami also said authorities kept her daughter Nikas death a secret for nine days and then snatched the body from a morgue to bury her in a remote area, against the familys wishes. The bereaved mother spoke in a video message Thursday to Radio Farda, the Persian-language arm of the U.S.-funded station Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

Nika Shakarami has become the latest icon of the protests, seen as the gravest threat to Irans ruling elites in years. Attempts by authorities in recent days to portray the teens death as an accident could signal concern that the incident is fueling further anger against the government.

The protests, which enter their fourth week Saturday, were sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police. They had detained Amini for alleged violations of the countrys strict Islamic dress code.

A woman holds a placard with a picture of Iranian Mahsa Amini as she attends a protest against her death in Berlin on Sept. 28, 2022. (Markus Schreiber/AP Photo)

Young women have often been leading the protests, tearing off and defiantly waving their headscarves as they call for toppling the government.

The protests quickly spread to communities across Iran and have been met by a harsh government crackdown, including beatings, arrests, and killings of demonstrators, as well as internet disruptions.

Human rights groups estimate that dozens of protesters have been killed over the past three weeks. On Thursday, the London-based group Amnesty International published its findings about what appears to be the single deadliest incident so farin the city of Zahedan on Sept. 30.

The report said Iranian security forces killed at least 66 people, including children, and wounded hundreds, after firing live rounds at protesters, bystanders, and worshippers in a violent crackdown that day. Iranian authorities claimed the Zahedan violence involved unnamed separatists. More than a dozen people have been killed since then in the area, the report said.

Meanwhile, Nika Shakaramis mother pushed back against attempts by officials to frame her daughters death as an accident.

In her video message, she said that the forensics report showed that Nika had died from repeated blows to the head.

Nikas body was intact, but some of her teeth, bones in her face and part of the back of her skull were broken, she said. The damage was to her head, she said. Her body was intact, arms and legs.

Earlier this week, Irans police chief, Gen. Hossein Ashtari, claimed that the teen had gone to a building and fell from the upper floor at a time of gatherings. He said that the fall from that height led to her death.

Nasreen Shakarami said her daughter left her home in Tehran in the afternoon of Sept. 19 to join anti-hijab protests. She said she was in touch by phone with Nika several times in the next few hours, pleading with her to come home. They last spoke before midnight. Then Nikas mobile was off, after she and her friends were shouting names of forces while they were fleeing, she said.

The following morning, the family searched for Nika at police stations and prisons, but had no word of her whereabouts for nine days. Authorities finally handed over the body on the 10th day and the family headed to the city of Khoramabad for burial, she said. Authorities repeatedly demanded to take possession of the body, which was in the meantime stored in the Khoramabad morgue.

On the day of the planned funeral the family learned that the body had been snatched from the morgue and was taken to a remote village for burial, under heavy security, Nasreen Shakarami said.

Since the confirmation of her death, Nika has emerged as another icon of the protests, alongside Amini. A photo of Nika, wearing a black T-shirt and sporting a stylish two-tone bob haircut and eyeliner, has been widely circulated on social media.

Authorities arrested Nasreen Shakaramis brother and sister. The sister, Atash, later said on Iranian TV that her niece fell from a high building.

Nikas mother said she believes her siblings had been pressured to echo the official version.

Iran has a long history of broadcasting forced confessions.

Also Friday, the official IRNA news agency quoted the coroners office saying examinations found that Mahsa Amini died of cerebral hypoxiain which oxygen supply to the brain decreases. It said she suffered multiple organ failure but her death was not led by blunt force trauma to the head, organs, and vital parts of the body.

It said Amini suffered heart arrhythmia, hypotension, and loss of consciousness before been taken to a hospital.

Aminis family rejected the coroners report, because authorities had failed to consult with medical specialists as requested by the family, BBC Persian reported. Mahsa Aminis father has previously said her corpse showed clear signs of being bruised and beaten.
A health worker preparing to take swab samples from residents at a COVID-19 drive-through testing site in western Sydney on Aug. 4, 2021. (Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images)

Doctors Union Criticises Labor Government for Health System Management

The government of the Australian state of Victorias massive health budget is not delivering a positive outcome for workers, the states peak doctors union says in its Victorian election statement ahead of the Nov. 26 poll.

The Victorian branch of the Australian Medical Association says healthcare staff burnout continues to remain unaddressed in the post-pandemic period.

AMA Victoria President Roderick McRae argued that the crisis has built up over decades, across multiple administrations, mainly due to the lack of sophisticated, coordinated, long-term planning. The approach has failed to recognise increasing demand and capacity constraints as systems stretched to cope, he wrote in a Victorian election statement of AMA, which has been sent to parties.

McRae also criticised the Labor governments A$12 billion (US$7.69 billion) pandemic repair plan for not improving the bleak situation in the healthcare system.

Today, the plight of general practice, indeed its business viability, remains dire, McRae said.

The states peak body for doctors is proposing a new division within the Victorian health department to improve the communication between hospitals and general practitioners.

Major Parties Weigh In

The coalition has promised to invest $300 million in rebuilding the hospital if it gets elected, while the Labor government has it awaits the finalisation of a masterplan and funding agreement.

Victorian premier Daniel Andrews, however, dismissed the AMAs overall assessment.

Our government has invested $150 billion in our health system since we came to office, he said.

Im not accepting of that conclusion, and the facts tell a very different story.

However, a Victorian government spokesperson told AAP it was already establishing a new specialised chief GP adviser position to embed more knowledge of the area in the health department.

It comes as Victorias pandemic declaration is set to relapse, with the state becoming the nations first to scrap mandatory COVID-19 isolation.

The pandemic declaration will end from 11.59 p.m. on Wednesday, and Victorians will no longer have to isolate after testing positive for the virus, with people instead strongly recommended to self-quarantine.

AAP contributed to this report.
Photo by Danny Upshaw via Cahokia/Indigenous People's Day Phoenix Fest

As people gather at events across the U.S. to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day, organizers want them to remember its not just a day of celebration, but also a reminder to everyone that Indigenous people are still here and thriving.

Its to counter the colonial narrative that this land was discovered. We were never discovered, said Laura Medina, the coordinator for Indigenous Peoples Day Arizona (IPDAZ) and co-founder of Matriarch Ways. Weve always been here. Weve always had our own civilization that was different than the colonizers.

Indigenous Peoples Day typically falls on the second Monday of October, and its the day that honors the Indigenous communities that have lived in the U.S. for thousands of years. It is commonly becoming a replacement for Columbus Day, which celebrates the Italian explorer who made contact with the Americas in 1492.

Indigenous Peoples Day is about celebrating the indigeneity of people all over the world, said Melody Lewis, co-founder of Cahokia, an Indigenous-led creative space in downtown Phoenix.

This includes Indigenous people belonging to non-federally recognized tribes, First People of other countries, and the 574 federally-recognized tribes in the United States; 22 of those tribes are here in Arizona, Lewis added.

South Dakota became the first state to officially recognize Native Americans Day, commonly referred to as Indigenous Peoples Day in other parts of the country, in 1990. South Dakota has one of the largest Native American populations in the country.

Now, more than a dozen states and the District of Columbia recognize Indigenous Peoples Day. Those states include Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin.

In Arizona, it is common for cities and tribal nations across the state to have their own celebrations in honor of Indigenous Peoples Day. Still, the state does not recognize it as a holiday and does not replace Columbus Day.

Phoenix has recognized Indigenous Peoples Day since 2016, but only as an annual commemoration event. The citys recognition did not create an official city holiday or replace Columbus Day.

Theres been big headways in challenging that narrative, Medina said as more people start recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day and hosting events to celebrate it.

Indigenous peoples narrative directly threatens the validity of colonization, she said. Colonization depends on our erasure as Indigenous people.

IPDAZ is challenging the erasure of Indigenous communities by hosting its annual Indigenous Peoples Day celebration that features Indigenous topics, artists, panels, music, and food.

Medina said the IPDAZ planning committee brings a full weekend of events with land acknowledgments, movement celebrations and community building from Oct. 8 through 10. All the events are free, family-friendly, and drug/alcohol-free zones.

We were never discovered. Weve always been here. Weve always had our own civilization that was different than the colonizers.  Laura Medina, coordinator for Indigenous Peoples Day Arizona

IPDAZ is a grassroots organization hosting Indigenous Peoples Day events since 2015. Medina said they honor the work of the grassroots organizers who led them before her.

The 2022 IPDAZ gatherings kick off on Oct. 8 with a trash pickup along the Rio Salado Trail on 2801 S. 7th Ave., which Medina said is a way of giving back to Mother Earth.

The celebration continues on Oct. 9 at Steele Indian Park with a Day of Movement. There will be a spiritual run, and the last half mile will be open for walkers or those who need help to lay down their prayers.

Its very important to lay down our prayers, to ensure the protection of our people, Medina said, and IPDAZ worked with Oodham community leaders to host the spirit run.

All of the events are happening on the ancestral homelands of the Akimel Oodham and Pee Posh peoples.

It is very important for us to center Oodham people and make sure that they are seeing themselves in this (celebration), Medina said.

On Oct. 10, IPDAZ has a day of activities, starting with a conference from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring self-care, sovereignty and land preservation sessions. Afterward, there will be live art, music, dance, food, creative expression and more.

Medina said seeing more people coming out to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day and participate in events across the valley is excellent because it shows the power behind our need as Indigenous people to come together and challenge this narrative together.

IPDAZ is not the only event happening in the Phoenix area.

For the first time, an Indigenous Peoples Day Phoenix Fest is happening in downtown Phoenix on Oct. 10 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. It is being hosted by Cahokia, the downtown Phoenix art and creative space, which opened its doors on Indigenous Peoples Day in 2021.

The festival will provide an opportunity to see and hear accurate representation of the wide diversity of Indigenous cultures, languages, and expressions of art, Lewis said.

The founders of Cahokia partnered with the Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation, The Churchill, NDN Collective, Native Guitar Tours, Seven Layer Army skateboards and many others to create a celebration honoring Indigenous People.

Collaborating with other businesses to shut down roads in downtown Phoenix for the Indigenous Peoples Day Phoenix Fest goes along with Cahokias mission of Indigenous place keeping and taking up space, said Mike Webb, the artspace cultivator for Cahokia.

We need to be in the middle of downtown taking up space, amplifying Indigenous voices, and making sure people know that the Indigenous community is here, Webb added. We want to create safe spaces in urban areas for the Indigenous community to thrive.

The festival will have a vendor market, food trucks, skateboard demos and competitions, a community zone, Indigenous film screenings and musical performers.

Its our time, and we have the right connections, the right collaborators, and the right energy just to be able to really blow this day up and make sure its known, Webb said.

To amplify the civic engagement, out-of-state organizations NDN Collective and New Mexico Community Capital will provide additional resources during the event.

For full details about the event, visit the Indigenous Peoples Days Phoenix Fest website.
Drug Gang Kills 20 in Attack on City Hall in Southern Mexico

SAN MIGUEL TOTOLAPAN, MexicoA drug gang shot to death 20 people, including a mayor and his father, in the mountains of the southern Mexico state of Guerrero, officials said Thursday.

Residents began burying the victims even as a video posted on social media showed men who identified themselves as the Tequileros gang claiming responsibility for the mass shooting.

The Guerrero state security council said gunmen burst into the town hall in the village of San Miguel Totolapan Wednesday and opened fire on a meeting the mayor was holding with other officials.

Among the dead were Mayor Conrado Mendoza and his father, Juan Mendoza Acosta, a former mayor of the town. Most of the other victims were believed to be local officials.

The walls of the town hall, which were surrounded by childrens fair rides at the time, were left riddled with bullets. However, residents said the attack that killed the mayor occurred a few blocks away.

Totolapan is geographically large but sparsely populated mountainous township in a region known as Tierra Caliente, one of Mexicos most conflict-ridden areas.

There were so many victims that a backhoe was brought into the towns cemetery to scoop out graves as residents began burying their dead Thursday. By midday, two bodies had already been buried and 10 more empty pits stood waiting.

A procession of about 100 residents singing hymns walked solemnly behind a truck carrying the coffin of one man killed in the shooting. Once they neared the cemetery, several men hoisted the coffin out of the truck and walked with it the waiting grave. Dozens of soldiers were posted at the entrance to the town.

Ricardo Mejia, Mexicos assistant secretary of public safety, said the Tequileros are fighting the Familia Michoacana gang in the region and that the authenticity of the video was being verified.

This act occurred in the context of a dispute between criminal gangs, Mejia said. A group known as the Tequileros dominated the region for some time; it was a group that mainly smuggled and distributed opium, but also engaged in kidnapping, extortion and several killings in the region.

Totolapan was controlled for years by drug gang boss Raybel Jacobo de Almonte, known by his nickname as El Tequilero (The Tequila Drinker).

In his only known public appearance, de Almonte was captured on video drinking with the elder Mendoza, who was then the towns mayor-elect, in 2015. It was not clear if the elder Mendoza was there of his own free will, or had been forced to attend the meeting.

In that video, de Almonte appeared so drunk he mumbled inaudibly and had to be held up in a sitting position by one of his henchmen.

In 2016, Totolapan locals got so fed up with abductions by the Tequileros that they kidnapped the gang leaders mother to leverage the release of others.

While the Tequileros long depended on trafficking opium paste from local poppy growers, the growing use of the synthetic opioid fentanyl had reduced the demand for opium paste and lowered the level of violence in Guerrero.

Also Wednesday, in the neighboring state of Morelos, a state lawmaker was shot to death in the city of Cuernavaca, south of Mexico City.

Two armed men traveling on a motorcycle fatally shot state Deputy Gabriela Marin as she exited a vehicle outside a pharmacy. A person with Marin was reportedly wounded in the attack.

Based on the information we have, we cannot rule out a motive related to politics, Mejia said of that killing. The deceased, Gabriela Marin, had just taken office as a legislator in July, after another member of the legislature died, and there were several legal disputes concerning the seat.

The killing of Mendoza brought to 18 the number of mayors slain during the administration of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, and the number of state lawmakers to eight, according to data from Etellekt Consultores.

Mexicos Congress this week is debating the presidents proposal to extend the militarys policing duties to 2028. Last month, lawmakers approved Lopez Obradors push to transfer the ostensibly civilian National Guard to military control.
Tesla and SpaceX Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk speaks at the SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition in Washington on March 9, 2020. (Susan Walsh/AP Photo)

Elon Musk Says Taiwan Should Become Special Administrative Zone Under China

Commenters disparage the idea

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has sparked a flurry of critical reactions after telling the Financial Times that he thinks conflict over Taiwan is inevitable and the self-governed island should become a special administrative region under Beijings control, like Hong Kong but more lenient.

Musk made the remarks in a Financial Times interview published on Oct. 7, after being asked about China, where Tesla manufactures as much as half of its total output.

If an open conflict over Taiwan were to break out, which Musk said he thinks is bound to happen, then Tesla would get caught up in it, he said. Apparently wishing to avoid business interruptions, Musk then expressed his eyebrow-raising take on the fate of the island, which Beijing has long vowed to gain control over, by force if necessary.

My recommendation  would be to figure out a special administrative zone for Taiwan that is reasonably palatable, probably wont make everyone happy, Musk is quoted as saying.

He said he believes its possible or even probable that they could have an arrangement thats more lenient than Hong Kong.

When the former British colony was returned to China over two decades ago, Beijing vowed to preserve Hong Kongs capitalist system for 50 years and so allow residents to enjoy many freedoms that Mainland Chinese cannot. But Chinas communist rulers have, in recent years, taken increasingly hardline measures to hamstring Hong Kongs political system and stifle dissent.

Bad Taiwan Take Of The Year

Musks suggestion for Taiwans future status drew a series of critical reactions.

Good grief. First he wants to surrender #Ukraine to #VladimirPutin. Now he wants to give #Taiwan to #CCP #China, wrote Benedict Rogers, co-founder and chief executive of Hong Kong Watch, an organization that monitors human rights and rule of law issues in Hong Kong, in a Twitter post.

The answer, @elonmusk, is: NO. NO. NO, Rogers added.

Rogers reference to Musk wanting to surrender Ukraine to Russian President Vladimir Putin refers to Musks four-part proposal to facilitate peace in the Ukraine-Russia war that includes affirming Crimea as part of Russia, Ukraine pledging military neutrality, and UN-supervised elections in the regions of Ukraine Putin has annexed.

Lev Nachman, a professor of political science at Taiwans National Chengchi University, took to Twitter to say that the people of Taiwan overwhelmingly oppose a One Country Two Systems framework for the islandthe concept that was supposed to be implemented in Hong Kong.

Nachman cited a 2021 study that showed nearly 90 percent of Taiwanese opposed such a framework, arguing that this number is likely higher today.

Its not even a two-sided issue, everyone in Taiwan would be against what Musk is proposing, he wrote.

I nominate Elon Musk recommending Taiwan accept One Country Two Systems as bad Taiwan take of the year, Nachman added.

Michael Caster, who co-founded the non-governmental organization Safeguard Defenders, which promotes the rule of law and human rights in Asia, said in a post on Twitter that Musk appears willing to throw #Taiwan under the bus to appease his business relations in #China.

Beijing Vows to Resolutely Crush Taiwan Independence

Musks Taiwan proposal was met with an enthusiastic reaction from Hong Kong politician Regina Ip, known for her pro-Bejing stance on various issues, including backing Hong Kongs draconian National Security Law (NSL) that the UN and the European Union have recommended be repealed.

Elon Musk has spoken well on Taiwan suggesting it should become a special administrative region like Hong Kong! The world should pay attention to this voice of reason and pragmatism, Ip said in a post on Twitter.

When Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning was asked about Musks remarks on Saturday he used the opportunity to reiterate Beijings position that it plans to push for Taiwans reunification with the mainland and vowed to resolutely crush Taiwan independence secessionist attempts

Chinas communist regime recently ramped up its military threat against the self-ruled island.

China has acted increasingly aggressively when it comes to Taiwan, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a recent interview, according to CBS News. That poses a threat to peace and stability in the entire region.

Even though the United States ended formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979 and switched recognition to Beijing under the One China policy, Washington maintains a robust, unofficial relationship with Taipei and is legally bound to provide it with the arms necessary to defend itself.
The Bitcoin logo appears on the display screen of a cryptocurrency ATM in Salem, N.H., on Feb. 9, 2021. (Charles Krupa/AP Photo)

EU Bans All Russian Crypto Wallets and Payments in New Sanctions Package

Further tightening its financial sanctions against Russia for invading Ukraine, the European Union has announced a complete ban on crypto payments to Moscow.

The existing prohibitions on crypto assets have been tightened by banning all crypto-asset wallets, accounts, or custody services, irrespective of the amount of the wallet (previously up to 10,000 was allowed), the European Commission said in an Oct. 6 press release. The new measures have been introduced as part of the eighth package of sanctions and will thus cease all crypto payments between Russia and the European Union.

The ban came into effect on Thursday. The only Russian entities and residents allowed to procure services of European crypto providers will be those who live or operate in the EU bloc.

The new EU move comes as Russian officials have decided to allow cross-border settlements in cryptocurrencies. The Russian central bank and the Ministry of Finance have as a whole agreed on a bill to this effect, according to a report by Russian-based publication Kommersant.

Russia is also planning to launch a digital ruble next year and use it for mutual settlements with China. In an interview with Russias parliamentary newspaper last month, Anatoly Aksakov, head of the financial committee in Russias lower house of parliament, pointed out that digital currencies will allow for financial flows that bypass systems controlled by nations hostile to Russia.

If we launch this, then other countries will begin to actively use it going forward, and Americas control over the global financial system will effectively end, Aksakov said.

Funding War With Crypto

An Oct. 7 report by TRM Labs, a digital asset compliance and risk management firm, identified pro-Russian groups collecting donations in cryptocurrencies to fund Moscows war against Ukraine. As of Sept. 22, such groups have raised roughly $400,000.

An analysis of Telegram posts revealed that the collected funds are used to support combat training close to Russias Ukraine border as well as buying supplies for militias affiliated with Moscow.

One of the paramilitary groups collecting donations is Task Force Rusich, a Russian entity sanctioned by the U.S. Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Since the beginning of the Ukraine invasion, Task Force Rusich has collected more than $144,000 in funds.

In an interview with CNBC, Ari Redbord, head of legal and government affairs at TRM Labs, said that such pro-Russian groups are likely using crypto exchanges that might not be complying with anti-money laundering and other similar regulations.

Theyre probably using non-compliant exchanges to off-ramp those funds [into fiat currency], Redbord said. And you can do that. You just cant do that at scale. And I think thats where  well say, will there be more? Of course, therell be more. But will it be billions of dollars? Highly unlikely.
Heather Idoni holds her grandson at her bookstore in Linden, Mich., in a file image. (Courtesy of Heather Idoni)

EXCLUSIVE: Pro-Life Activists Arrested on Federal Charges Speak Out

Some of the pro-life activists who were charged with violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act last week are speaking out.

Federal authorities announced charges on Oct. 6 against 11 activists who blocked a clinic entrance in Tennessee in 2021. All of the activists were charged with violating the law. Known as the FACE Act, the law prohibits threatening or obstructing people who are trying to obtain or provide abortions. Some of the activists also were charged with civil rights conspiracy.

As I face the unjust charges in D.C. and now Tennessee, my only desire is to walk through everything in Gods grace. I have no regret in standing for righteousness in defending the innocent unborn children, Heather Idoni of Michigan told The Epoch Times in an email.

It is a privilege to be counted worthy to share in these light and momentary troubles that cant come near to what my Savior suffered for me.

Idoni was previously charged with blocking an abortion clinic in Washington. She was hit with a FACE Act violation and civil rights conspiracy because she allegedly conspired to injure, oppress, threaten, and intimidate patients and employees at the Carafem clinic in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, according to charging documents.

Idoni was among those who were seen blocking access to the clinic on March 5, 2021, in a livestreamed video titled Rescue, posted by a co-defendant.

The group stated that its intention was to block women who were seeking abortions. They sat and stood in a hallway outside the clinics entrance, sang songs, and read Bible verses. Many were charged with trespassing because they refused to leave the scene after several hours.

Eva Edl is another person present at the time who has been charged with a FACE Act violation. The 87-year-old survived a concentration camp after World War II, according to her biography.

When I place my body at the entrance of Abortion Clinics, I am only doing what I wish people in my country had done for me when I was shipped in a cattle car to be exterminated in a concentration camp in Yugoslavia, Edl told The Epoch Times via email. Life begins at conception and deserves equal protection at all stages of development or decline.

Edl referred to several Bible verses, including Acts 5:29, which she paraphrased, writing: I cannot permit myself to be intimidated by what my present government might do to me. I am committed to obey God rather than men.

Eva Edl in a file image. (www.shelookslikemylittlegirl.com)

Pretty Ludicrous

Dennis Green was with two of his children outside the clinic in 2021. He said that the trespassing charge led to what was essentially a guilty verdict, but that he and his children are set to have their record expunged soon if they stay out of trouble.

Green told The Epoch Times he believes the new charges are politically motivated.

Theres no doubt about that. Its unheard of to spend a couple of hours peacefully and prayerfully sitting down in the hallway  and no violent intent, to be charged with something [like this], he said.

Its pretty ludicrous, especially when you see whats going on in our society today where people burning down cities go without charges, yet peaceful Christians would be facing heavy charges like this.

Green acknowledged that per the wording of the FACE Act, some people would say the group violated the law.

But our intent was not to violate any law but to save a babys life. It wasnt a protest, he said.

There was a baby scheduled to die that day. We peacefully, prayerfully interposed to save that babys life. And in all of society and other situations, to break a law to save human life is accepted, whether crossing a property boundary to pull a child from drowning in the pool or going into a burning building without asking the property owners permission to save a life.

And there were children scheduled to die that day. So I would say we did not violate a law in that we were upholding a higher law: saving human life.

Green and a number of others who were charged have been arrested, processed, and released on their own recognizance, according to information from the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. Contact information for some of the defendants couldnt be located; others didnt return requests for comment.

Carafem, the organization that runs the clinic, said it welcomed the charges. A spokesperson told The Epoch Times in an email, Carafem is pleased to see that the federal government is enforcing the law to protect health care providers and patients who seek vital health care.
A view shows a fire on the Crimean Bridge, also called the Kerch bridge, at sunrise in the Kerch Strait, Crimea, Oct. 8, 2022. (Stringer/Reuters)

Explosion Destroys Part of Crimea Bridge, Disrupts Russian Forces Supply Route

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an investigation

A massive explosion on Oct. 8 involving a truck on a bridge that links Russia and Crimea killed at least three people and caused a fire that destroyed a section of the bridge, Russian authorities said.

The span is regarded as a key supply route for Russian troops in southern Ukraine.

The Crimean Bridgealso called Kerch Strait Bridge or Kerch Bridgeis a 19-kilometer (12-mile) structure that traverses the Kerch Strait and links southern Russia to the Crimean Peninsula. The Kerch Strait links the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

Russias National Anti-Terrorism Committee said that the explosion triggered a fire on the parallel rail section, where seven railway cars carrying fuel caught fire. The blast also caused a partial collapse of two sections of the bridge.

At least three people, presumably the passengers of a car that was driving by the truck that exploded on the bridge, were killed, the Russian Investigative Committee said in a statement.

The bodies of a woman and a man were recovered from the water, their identities are being established, the statement reads, according to Russian state-owned TASS news agency.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed about the explosion; he ordered the creation of a government panel to deal with the emergency.

A ferry service is ready to be launched, it will start operating later today, Crimean leader Sergey Aksyonov said on Oct. 8 on Telegram, per TASS. We will announce a timetable later.

The Crimean Peninsula is key to sustaining Russias military operations in the south. If the bridge is made inoperable, it would make it significantly more challenging to ferry supplies to the peninsula. While Russia seized the areas north of Crimea early during the invasion and built a land corridor to it along the Sea of Azov, Ukraine is pressing a counteroffensive to reclaim them.

The explosion took place hours after multiple blasts early on Oct. 8 in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, which triggered a series of secondary explosions. The citys mayor, Ihor Terekhov, said that the series of explosions were due to missile strikes aimed at the center of the city, which caused fires at one of Kharkivs medical institutions, as well as a nonresidential building. There were no reports of casualties.

Bridge Explosion The Beginning: Ukraine Official

Meanwhile, Mikhail Podoliak, an aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, posted on Twitter that the explosion is the beginning.

Crimea, the bridge, the beginning. Everything illegal must be destroyed, everything stolen must be returned to Ukraine, everything occupied by Russia must be expelled, he wrote in English.

Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian officials have also previously stated that Ukraine would use force to retake Crimea. Podoliak in August threatened the bridge, telling The Guardian that its an illegal construction and the main gateway to supply the Russian army in Crimea and that such objects should be destroyed.

Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 after a vast majority in Crimea voted in a referendum in March of that year to reunite with Russia and secede from Ukraine. The vote took place after anti-Russia, pro-European Union factions overthrew then-Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovychs government, in an armed coup in February 2014.

The referendum was condemned by the United States and the European Union, with the latter saying in a statement (pdf) that the poll was illegal and illegitimate. Both the United States and the E.U. issued sanctions in response to the vote.

The Crimean Bridge, a $3.69 billion project, was built following the annexation of Crimea. Russia opened the first part of the span to car traffic in May 2018. The parallel bridge for rail traffic opened the following year. Before the bridges existence, the Crimean Peninsula could only be reached from Russia by sea or air.

It was Russias only land link to the peninsula until Russian forces seized more Ukrainian territory on the northern end of the Sea of Azov in heavy fighting, particularly around the city of Mariupol, in 2022.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Florida Surgeon General Recommends Against mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines for Males Aged 1839

Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo announced new guidance on messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines on Oct. 7, specifically recommending against administering mRNA COVID-19 vaccines to males aged 18 to 39.

Messenger RNA is the technology utilized by both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, the most administered vaccines in the United States and a number of other countries.

The new guidance follows a Florida Department of Health analysis to evaluate vaccine safety, the department said in a bulletin.

The statewide analysis of vaccinated Florida residents aged 18 years or older (pdf) found an 84 percent increase in the relative incidence of cardiac-related deaths among males aged 1839, within 28 days of mRNA vaccination.

Non-mRNA vaccines were not found to have these increased risks, the Florida Department of Health noted.

Given the high level of global immunity to COVID-19, the benefit of vaccination with mRNA vaccines is likely outweighed by this abnormally high risk of cardiac-related death among men in this age group, the department said.

As such, the State Surgeon General recommends against males aged 18 to 39 from receiving mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, it said. Those with preexisting cardiac conditions, such as myocarditis and pericarditis, should take particular caution when making this decision.

Far less attention has been paid to safety and the concerns of many individuals have been dismissedthese are important findings that should be communicated to Floridians, Ladapo said in a statement, referring to the analysis.

In the new guidance (pdf), Floridas health department said it also continues to stand by its guidance for pediatric COVID-19 vaccines it issued in March. That guidance (pdf) recommends against COVID-19 vaccination for healthy children and adolescents aged 517. It now also recommends against COVID-19 vaccination among infants and children under five years old.

A COVID-19 vaccine is prepared in a file image. (Stephen Zenner/Getty Images)

Statewide Analysis

The analysis from the Florida Health Department that informed Ladapos latest recommendation had sought to evaluate the risks of all-cause and cardiac-related mortality following COVID-19 vaccination.

Residents in Florida aged 18 years or older who died within 25 weeks of having received a COVID-19 vaccine, since the start of the vaccination roll-out in the stateDec. 15, 2020were included. The study end date was June 1, 2022.

People were excluded from the study if they had a documented COVID-19 infection, had a COVID-19-associated death, had received a COVID-19 vaccine booster, or had received their last COVID-19 vaccine after Dec. 8, 2021. The last criterion was put in place to make sure that each person was followed up after 25 weeks.

The study found that COVID-19 vaccination was not associated with an elevated risk for all-cause mortality, but was associated with a modestly increased risk for cardiac-related mortality 28 days following vaccination.

Results from the stratified analysis for cardiac-related death following vaccination suggests mRNA vaccination may be driving the increased risk in males, especially among males aged 1839, according to the analysis.

It also noted that the risk for both all-cause and cardiac-related deaths was substantially higher 28 days following COVID-19 infection.

As such, the study concluded that people should weigh the risk associated with mRNA vaccination with the risk associated with COVID-19 infection.

The analysis was a self-controlled case series (SCCS), which is a study design originally developed to evaluate vaccine safety, the department stated. The SCCS method uses individuals as their own control, such that comparisons are made within individuals.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administrations authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use in 2020 marked the first time it did so for vaccines that use mRNA technology.

According to the FDA, the mRNA vaccine contains a small piece of virus mRNA that instructs cells in the body to make the distinctive spike protein of the virus. When a person receives the vaccine, his or her body produces copies of the spike protein which does not cause disease, but triggers the immune system to learn to react defensively, producing an immune response against the virus, according to the agency.

The mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and from Moderna have both been linked with heart inflammation, including myocarditis and pericarditis, data from around the world have suggested. Younger populations, especially young men, have been observed to experience these conditions at much higher than expected rates, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously suggested. A small number of deaths from heart inflammation after COVID-19 vaccine have also been reported.

The primary regimens of the vaccines, which are two doses administrated several weeks apart, were insufficient to protect against infection and showed waning efficacy in protecting against hospitalization amid newly-emerging variants. This prompted the governments of many countries to recommend boosters and subsequent boosters throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
Hypertension Drug Timing Is Still Controversial: Heres What Can Help

Hypertensionhigh blood pressureis closely related to the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In recent years, blood pressure monitoring and management have become more refined and individualized, but questions still remain about whether morning or evening is best to take antihypertensive drugs.

Substantial evidence suggests that nocturnal hypertension, increased morning blood pressure, and pre-morning hypertension are all associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease. Many experts propose that blood pressure should be dynamically controlled 24 hours a day to reduce the adverse effects of nighttime high blood pressure. To achieve 24-hour BP control, administration of antihypertensive drugs at night or before bedtime is considered a potentially more effective strategy to control nocturnal hypertension, restore natural nocturnal BP drop, and suppress or eliminate morning BP spikes.

However, bedtime administration may be associated with significant risks, such as a sharp drop in blood pressure during nighttime sleep that may lead to cardiovascular complications and can lower treatment compliance.

One might argue that taking hypertension medication at bedtime is a reasonable approach for people who dont drink alcohol, or who suffer from nighttime high blood pressure alone or high morning blood pressure. To date, the supporting evidence, clinical relevance, and indications for bedtime medication remain controversial.

For example, in 2017, the American Diabetes Association recommended taking one or more blood pressure medications at bedtime. This recommendation has not been endorsed by other organizations or diabetes guidelines, possibly due to the criticism it has received.

On the other hand, a 2019 study by scientists in Spain, published in the European Heart Journal, shows that taking blood pressure medication before bedtime is more protective of cardiovascular outcomes than regular morning administration. As these findings have not been confirmed by other investigators, the methods, results, and conclusions of these studies have been questioned. However, the data has drawn a lot of media attention and influenced some specialists, practitioners, and patients.

What Is Nocturnal Hypertension?

Usually, blood pressure is relatively high in the morning, peaks around midday, and drops in the evening; blood pressure is usually higher during the day and lower at night.

For a healthy person, morning blood pressure is less than 130/80 mm Hg, and nighttime blood pressure is less than 110/65 mm Hg. When nighttime blood pressure decreases by 10 percent to 20 percent of an individuals daytime blood pressure, it is considered a normal decline; a higher or lower dip is not a good sign.

Nocturnal hypertension is when nighttime blood pressure is higher than 110/65 mm Hg. Nocturnal hypertension is often masked because nocturnal blood pressure changes may not receive sufficient monitoring and attention.

In both hypertensive patients and the general population, nocturnal hypertension and unreduced blood pressure are associated with an increased risk of organ damage and adverse cardiovascular and renal outcomes. People with diabetes seem to be more prone to autonomic dysfunction, and the higher the nighttime blood pressure, the higher the risk of diabetic nephropathy.

A large proportion of patients with nocturnal hypertension have intractable hypertension, in which the nocturnal drop in blood pressure is not significant. These hypertension patients are usually associated with sympathetic nervous system overactivity, obesity, salt retention, and aldosteronism (adrenal gland overproduction of the hormone aldosterone).

The traditional view recommends the application of hypertension drugs upon waking up in the morning, because this may better control the peaks of fluctuations in blood pressure. However, recent studies have shown that oral antihypertensive drugs at night may bring more benefitsespecially the Hygia Chronotherapy Trial, which has pushed this debate to a climax.

The Hygia Chronotherapy Trial, published in 2019, is a controlled prospective trial that investigated 19,084 hypertension patients whose mean age was 60.5 years. They were divided into two groups, the similarity being that they were all taking at least one antihypertensive drug. The difference between the groups was the time at which they took the antihypertensive: One group took it at night before bedtime and the other group took it in the morning upon waking.

During more than six years of follow-up, 1,752 patients developed at least one adverse cardiovascular diseasefor example, myocardial infarction or stroke.

The trial results show that patients who took the drug at night had a 45 percent lower risk of a major cardiovascular event, a 49 percent lower risk of stroke, a 34 percent lower risk of myocardial infarction, and a 40 percent lower risk of coronary revascularization. The risk of heart failure was reduced by 42 percent and the risk of cardiovascular death was reduced by 56 percent.

The publication of the Hygia findings sparked widespread discussion, with Blood Pressure, a journal of the European Society of Hypertension, quickly publishing an editorial refuting the findings of the Hygia study.

It began with critiquing the methodology of the study: There is no evidence that the strict rules that apply to RCTs were implemented, no indication of how the conduct of the study was monitored and no documentation of the membership of the event adjudication committee or of audit by independent investigators.

It also cast doubt on whether it was technically possible to measure what the Hygia study claimed to measure: Ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPM) were made with Spacelabs instruments that barely last 48 h in clinical use even when rechargeable batteries were used. Performing 48 h measurements on more than 19,000 patients annually would result in an enormous battery consumption. At last, in total, the HYGIA study should have produced over 150,000 long-term blood pressure measurements with a failure rate of less than 10%  which we cannot achieve in clinical use  not even with Spacelabs devices.

The board advised more than caution, it wrote that we must disregard the Hygia data completely, warning of dangers for patients who experience blood pressure in the middle of the night.

The TIME study, published at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2022, also refuted the Hygia study. TIME is a large prospective randomized trial designed to test whether evening antihypertensive dosing improves major cardiovascular outcomes compared with morning dosing. The study, one of the largest cardiovascular studies ever conducted, provides further answers on whether blood pressure medication should be taken in the morning or evening.

The risk of heart attack, stroke, and vascular death appears to be similar regardless of the timing of the antihypertensive medication. Hypertensive patients can choose the timing of taking antihypertensive drugs according to their personal habits, said lead researcher Professor Thomas MacDonald, of the University of Dundee, UK

Judging from these studies, it may be too early to conclude the best treatment time for hypertension. The question of whether nighttime dosing might be more beneficial than morning dosing is nuanced and far from settled.

Who Should Take Antihypertensive Drugs Before Going to Bed?

Cardiovascular outcomes are affected by circadian blood pressure patterns in hypertension patients, and assessment of these patterns using 24-hour BP monitoring improves outcomes. In fact, the time of antihypertensive drug administration should be formulated according to individual blood pressure classification:

1) For non-dippers (nocturnal blood pressure decreases by less than 10 percent of daytime blood pressure) and reverse dippers (nocturnal blood pressure higher than daytime blood pressure), evening dosing can be used to adjust blood pressure. This dosing method has potential cardiovascular and cerebrovascular benefits.

2) For extreme dippers (nocturnal blood pressure decreases by more than 20% of daytime blood pressure), since the risk of an excessive drop in nighttime blood pressure cannot be readily assessed, it is prudent to take it in the morning.

What is dipper blood pressure? At this stage, the following algorithm is used: (daytime blood pressure  nighttime blood pressure)/daytime blood pressure x 100, and this number is taken as a percentage.

If this value is between 10 and 20 percent, it is dipper blood pressure; this is a normal blood pressure rhythm.

The following three are abnormal blood pressure rhythms, all of which are harmful to the body:

If this value is > 20%, it is extreme dipper blood pressure.

If this value is < 10%, it is non-dipper blood pressure.

If nighttime blood pressure is higher than daytime blood pressure, it is reverse dipper blood pressure.

Natural Ways to Avoid Nighttime Hypertension

Maintain a regular schedule for work and rest, make sure you get enough sleep, prevent overexcitement, and avoid drinking strong tea or coffee before bed. A hot bath can help you sleep better and lower blood pressure at night. At least 30 minutes before bedtime, shut off the electronics.

Some studies suggest that taking a certain dose of melatonin will help with nocturnal hypertension. Healthy people secrete high amounts of melatonin at night, but patients with nocturnal hypertension tend to secrete less.

A 2014 study published by the Archives of Medical Science shows that more than 30% of non-dippers with diabetes restored their normal circadian rhythm of blood pressure after they took melatonin; both the 3 mg and 5 mg doses administered had significant effects.

As the issue of melatonin overdosing is of concern, ask your doctor if you can lower your blood pressure at night by taking melatonin, and what the ideal dosage is. However, patients with several common disordersfor instance, an autoimmune conditionmight not be able to lower blood pressure by regulating melatonin.
"Giggs," host of a D100 Radio programme was given a jail term of 32 months on Sept. 7. Profile picture. (Adrian Yu /The Epoch Times)

Hong Kong Online Radio Host Jailed For Sedition and Money Laundering

The case has a chilling effect on free speech

Giggs Edmund Wan Yiu-sing, host of a D100 Radio programme in Hong Kong, who had pleaded guilty to one count of sedition and three of money-laundering, was handed a jail sentence of 32 months on Sept. 7.

On Feb. 7, 2021, officers from the national security department arrested Wan on a charge of seditious intent, according to a police statement. After two years, Wan appeared in front of Judge Adriana Noelle Tse Ching and was given the prison sentence for four out of the 10 charges against him. The rest were kept on file.

On Sept. 7, Wan entered the courtroom and waved to the observers who shouted, Morning Uncle Giggs, hold on. Uncle Giggs, I love you, and all of us love you. With his hands on his chest and tears in his eyes, Wan bowed slightly in response to their encouragement.

The sedition charge related to 39 radio programmes Wan hosted between February and November 2020, which allegedly contained seditious content, some of which promoted Hong Kong independence and incited others to resist or subvert the Chinese Communist Party.

Judge Tse: Clearly Flouting the Law

Wan publicly supported the anti-Extradition Law Amendment protests, also known as the 2019 Hong Kong protests, and called for donations through his website and social media to support the protesters who sought refuge in or went to study in Taiwan. Authorities said there were clear signs of money laundering in three bank accounts linked to Wan, including a disproportionate amount of funds and multiple large transactions made without clear reasons.

As all of his video programmes were free for people to view around the world, judge Tse said Wan had more widespread influence than is seen in sedition cases involving the distribution of pamphlets.

Tse also said Wan had persisted in his seditious acts for five months after the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) went into effect, which showed he was clearly flouting the law.

Commenting on the NSL, reporter Yupina Ng said, The law has a chilling effect on the most basic civil liberties of Hong Kong residents and has made it almost impossible for Hong Kong journalists like me to do their jobs.

Pro-democracy legislator Shiu Ka-chun said, Giggs has been struggling for the entire legal process and asking if he should be made a scapegoat or give his daughter a dad as soon as possible. Shiu said that Wan had cried many times and believes that Wan decided to give his daughter a dad as soon as possible.

After taking into account the 20 months Wan has already spent in custody since 2021, he could be released in two to three months.

Sump: Giggss Case Spreads a Chilling Effect in Hong Kong

Sump, a political commentator and President of the Taiwan-Hong Kong Association, co-hosted the D100 programme with Wan. After Wans arrest, Sump said in an interview that the sentence was a blow to the critics, especially those who dare to express their opinions on the internet.

The case is also the biggest political investigation that has affected Hong Kong residents such that they no longer dare to comment on politics.

Wan was prosecuted under Articles 9 and 10 of criminal offenses to avoid the use of the NSL because foreign countries expressed serious concern about how Hong Kong applied the NSL. Even many political prisoners were not tried in the National Security Court, but the sentences imposed were very heavy, said Sump.
A sign is posted on the exterior of Twitter headquarters in San Francisco on April 27, 2022. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

How Delay in Twitter Trial Could Benefit Elon Musk

Delaware Chancery Court Judge Kathaleen McCormick on Thursday stayed the legal battle between Elon Musk and Twitter Inc. until Oct. 28 to allow the two parties to close the deal.

Delving on the development, Future Fund analyst Gary Black suggested the deferral was to Musks advantage. The postponement of the trial date gives Musk more time to get the financing together, Black said.

Financial companies, including big Wall Street banks, are under pressure amid market uncertainties precipitated by a rising rate environment. Yields on bonds have shot up, creating distress in the credit market, which, in turn, has made it difficult for banks that have promised debt financing to resell the debt.

Secondly, the fund manager noted that the trading window for selling shares has been closed for Musk until Tesla Inc. reports its earnings on Oct. 19. If the billionaire needs to offload shares to close any funding gap, he can do it only after the earnings release, Black added.

This also gives Musk time to get more equity investors to invest in Twitter, Black said.

MuskTwitter Diverge

McCormick mentioned in the ruling that Musk is optimistic about the deal closing on or around Oct. 28 but Twitter is not confident enough. The social media platforms lawyers said they oppose the motion for the stay, reasoning that Musks agreement will not ensure the transaction will close fast enough.

Reacting to Twitters move, Musks lawyers argued in a filing that there was no need for an expedited trial to order the Tesla CEO what he is already doing.

Yet, Twitter will not take yes for an answer. Astonishingly, they have insisted on proceeding with the litigation, recklessly putting the deal at risk and gambling with their stockholders interest, Musks team said in the filing.

The team also argued that proceeding toward the trial is not only an enormous waste of party and judicial resources but will also undermine the ability of the parties to close the transaction. The trial will be a distraction for Musk and team from working to secure the necessary financing and preparing for a transition of the business, it added.

In effect, a trial would keep the merger transaction in limbo for longer, casting an unnecessary cloud of uncertainty over the company, Musks lawyers said.

Twitter Stock Under Pump

Black said Twitter shares could fall further with more time until the deal closes. The stock, which ran up steeply in recent sessions in anticipation of the Musk reviving deal, slumped 3.72 percent to $49.39 on Thursday, according to Benzinga Pro data. It fell an incremental 1.90 percent in after-hours trading.

By Shanthi Rexaline

 2022 The Epoch Times. The Epoch Times does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
When she was 19, writer Emily Maloney found herself facing about $50,000 in medical debt after hospital treatment for a mental health crisis. The debt followed her throughout her twenties, hurting her credit and leading to stressful calls from collection agencies.

Her experience is all too common: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports that about 1 in 5 U.S. households carries medical debt. People with medical debt are more likely to face anxiety, stress or depression and avoid filling prescriptions because of the cost.

The risk of medical debt looms over every consumer and impacts their lives, says John McNamara, assistant director of consumer credit, payments and deposits markets at the CFPB. He adds that recent changes to the way medical debt is reported by credit bureaus should help consumers: Paid medical debts will no longer show up on credit reports and no new medical debt will show up until 12 months have passed (up from six months). In addition, in the first half of next year, the credit bureaus will stop reporting unpaid medical debts under $500.

Eventually, Maloneys debt was resolved through a combination of a helpful customer service representative and exceeding her states statute of limitations. She wrote a book, Cost of Living, based on her experiences. She wants to assure others facing medical debt that they can take steps to reduce it.

It takes time, but you can appeal the insurance companys decision or ask (the provider) for a discount, so its worth a shot, she says.

In other words, consumers might have more power than they think. Here are some ways to exercise that power over your medical debt.

Review Your Bill Closely

It can be tempting to shove a large bill into the trash in frustration. But Dan Weissmann, creator of An Arm and a Leg, a podcast about the cost of health care, instead recommends checking closely for errors made by the care provider or insurance company.

Its an unfair amount of homework for us to do, because if you find an error, then you have to complain and invest your time, but some medical bills have errors, he says.

Weissmann says its also worth checking your rights under the No Surprises Act, which went into effect in January 2022 and protects consumers from some types of unexpected medical bills.

Ask Your Provider for Assistance

Many hospitals offer financial assistance to those who meet income thresholds. If you get an amount you werent expecting, call the hospital and say, Am I eligible for a discount? What is your policy on financial assistance? says Richard Gundling, vice president at the Healthcare Financial Management Association, an association of financial executives in the health care industry.

Hospitals often have charity care policies to grant a lower price or even forgive the debt altogether, but consumers may have to be aggressive in asking for them. Eligibility for the programs varies by state and hospital, but nonprofit hospitals are required to have financial assistance policies. Hospitals may also offer payment plans, so you have more time to pay.

Hospitals can also connect you with financing options such as personal loans and medical credit cards, which can be helpful but also pose risks. The CFPBs McNamara warns that credit cards, for example, can accrue additional interest charges.

Be Persistent and Enlist Support

Lorraine Coughlin, president of LMC Medical Claims Management in West Palm Beach, Florida, helps people work out medical bills with insurance companies for a living. She says the number one strategy is persistence.

You have to make the phone call and ask questions. Dont just make payments if you get a surprise bill, she says. Sometimes it might take an hour or more, but making that call can save you thousands of dollars, she says.

Medical billing advocates like Coughlin can do that work for you, but they typically charge a fee and a percentage of any savings. McNamara warns there are predators who call themselves billing or consumer advocates but in reality, they could take your money without providing any real assistance. He recommends doing some research before sharing any personal information or paying upfront fees.

If you are struggling to get satisfactory answers from your insurance company and are employed, Gundling suggests asking your companys employee benefits contact for help. They can be your advocate, he says.

Get Ready for the Next Medical Bill

The ideal time to work on handling medical debt is before you have it, Gundling says. With the rise of high-deductible health insurance plans, even people with insurance will increasingly face pricey bills, which makes an emergency fund even more important.

If you know you have a plan with a large deductible, have the cash in the bank, he says.

You could try setting money aside through automated deposits into a high-yield savings account or taking advantage of a health care flexible savings account if your employer offers one.

Similarly, Gundling suggests asking questions about what your insurance covers and which providers are in-network before seeking care whenever possible.

The bottom line is that attacking, not ignoring, medical debt can be your best hope of eventually putting it behind you as Maloney did.

By Kimberly Palmer of NerdWallet

The Epoch Times Copyright  2022 The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. The Epoch Times does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. The Epoch Times holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided.
Japans Toyota Finds Wheel, Airbag Fixes for Recalled EVs

TOKYOJapans top automaker Toyota said Thursday that it has identified how to fix its 2023 model year bZ4X crossover electric vehicles after recalling 2,700 of them in June out of concern wheel bolts might become loose, risking a crash.

The fix will enable Toyota Motor Corp. to resume making and selling the EVs, a key model in the companys effort to strengthen its electric lineup. Toyota officials said they hoped the fix would help restore the companys reputation for quality.

The maker of the Prius hybrid and Lexus luxury models has scored success with its hybrids and fuel cells, but it has at times been seen as a straggler in electric vehicles. The bZ in the models name stands for a beyond zero series, referring to its being free of emissions.

Toyota said new bolt parts needed to fix the problem with the bZ4X will become available for all global customers by November. The company said hub bolts and wheels of all vehicles in the recall will be replaced at no cost to customers.

Since issuing the global safety recall, Toyota has been investigating the cause of the problem. It said that if the hub bolts attaching the wheels to the cars became loose, the wheels might loosen and cause a crash. The company showed a diagram illustrating that an extra part could be added to the bolt to secure it in place.

Among the vehicles subject to the latest recall, about 2,200 were destined for Europe, 270 for North America, 112 for Japan, and 60 for the rest of Asia, according to Toyota. They were produced between March and June.

No crashes have been reported, according to a statement on the transport ministrys website.

Toyota also announced a fix for a strap on the curtain-shield airbag in the same vehicles under recall. The faulty strap could injure the driver when the airbag deploys, the automaker said.

By Yuri Kageyama
A woman is detained by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer after marijuana was found in her vehicle while entering into the United States from Mexico in San Ysidro, Calif. on Sept. 23, 2016. (John Moore/Getty Images)

Lawmakers, Experts React to Biden Marijuana Pardon

After President Joe Biden on Oct. 6 announced his decision to pardon every person who was convicted of possessing marijuana on a federal level or in the District of Columbia, some lawmakers are applauding the move while some experts are more skeptical.

There are thousands of people who were previously convicted of simple possession who may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result. My pardon will remove this burden, Biden said in a statement about the pardon.

The Biden administration said there are over 6,500 people with federal convictions from 1992 to 2021 and thousands of others with convictions under D.C. law.

Possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor that can land a person up to one year in jail on the first offense, two years in jail on the second offense, and three years in jail for each subsequent offense. No people, however, are currently in federal prison solely for possession of marijuana, a Biden administration official told reporters on a call.

Under federal law, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug. Schedule I is the highest classification, reserved for drugs that have a high potential for abuse and for which there is no accepted medical use, according to the Controlled Substance Act.

But a growing number of states have decriminalized marijuana possession and other marijuana-related offenses in recent years, and federal officials rarely bring federal charges against people who are violating federal law.

Sending people to prison for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives and incarcerated people for conduct that many states no longer prohibit, Biden said.

Anthony Coley, a Department of Justice spokesman, said the agency will expeditiously administer the Presidents proclamation and start implementing a process that will provide the relevant people with certificates of pardon.

Bidens proclamation makes clear that the pardons do not apply to any other offense, and do not apply to non-citizens who werent legally present in the United States at the time they possessed marijuana.

Along with his pardon of federal-level offenses, Biden is urging governors across the country to pardon state-level marijuana possession charges.

President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the federal governments response to Hurricane Ian in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington on Sept. 30, 2022. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Biden expanded on the decision in a Twitter thread.

As Ive said before, no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana, Biden wrote. Today, Im taking steps to end our failed approach.

He continued: First: Im pardoning all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession. There are thousands of people who were previously convicted of simple possession who may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result. My pardon will remove this burden.

Second: Im calling on governors to pardon simple state marijuana possession offenses. Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely for possessing marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either.

Third: We classify marijuana at the same level as heroin  and more serious than fentanyl. It makes no sense. Im asking

[Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra] and the Attorney General to initiate the process of reviewing how marijuana is scheduled under federal law.

Id also like to note that as federal and state regulations change, we still need important limitations on trafficking, marketing, and underage sales of marijuana.

Biden concluded the thread: Sending people to jail for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives  for conduct that is legal in many states. Thats before you address the clear racial disparities around prosecution and conviction. Today, we begin to right these wrongs.

Democrats Applaud the Move

Democrats were quick to applaud the presidents action.

I applaud the president for yesterdays executive action on marijuana, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), the Senates foremost progressive, said on Twitter. But weve got a long way to go. I happen to believe that marijuana should be legal all over this country.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks to reporters after a lunch with President Joe Biden and Senate Democrats at the U.S. Capitol in Washington July 14, 2021. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) echoed the sentiment.

[President Bidens] announcement of exoneration for simple marijuana possession makes sense in a nation where dozens of states have already legalized it, Durbin wrote on Twitter. Now lets make sense out of fed marijuana banking restrictions & barriers to medical research, which are impossible to explain.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) also commended the move in a Twitter thread. Pelosis son works in the marijuana industry, which has blossomed in California since being legalized.

This is a day of hope and healing, as [President Biden] takes historic steps to reform Americas approach to marijuana, Pelosi commented. These transformative actions are the latest manifestation of Democrats unyielding commitment to justice, especially for those unfairly harmed by cannabis criminalization.

She continued: Failed federal drug policieswhich have specifically targeted communities of colorhave torn apart too many families. By pardoning those arrested for simple marijuana possession, and encouraging governors to follow suit, the President is advancing racial and economic justice.

[House Democrats] applaud these bold actions, which build on the progress we forged in passing our Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act, Pelosi said, referencing a House-passed bill that would decriminalize marijuana at a federal level. The measure has stalled in the Senate, where it likely lacks the support needed to overcome the 60-vote filibuster threshold.

Our proud Democratic Majority will never relent in fighting for these reforms, and more, as we work to advance justice for all, she concluded.

This legislation decriminalizes marijuana at the federal level and empowers all to participate in the cannabis industry.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) talks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Aug. 12, 2022. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), one of the most progressive members of the House of Representatives, agreed.

91 percent of Americans support legalizing marijuana, Omar wrote in a thread. Your voices and organizing efforts made yesterdays announcement from [President Biden] possible.

Never let anyone tell you organizing doesnt matter, she continued.

Omar repeated Pelosis call to decriminalize marijuana entirely.

Next step, legalizing marijuana nationwide, Omar said. The House passed the MORE Act to decriminalize marijuana. Its time for the Senate to step-up and pass the bill.

Omar also claimed that legalizing marijuana is a civil rights issue.

Black Americans are 3.5X more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession compared to white Americans, despite similar usage, Omar claimed. Its time we begin undoing the devastation caused by the war on drugs.

The move also attracted the commendation of some state level politicians.

Beto ORourke, who is running an uphill fight to become the governor of Texas, also applauded the move, and promised action at a state level if hes elected.

When Im governor, we will finally legalize marijuana in Texas and expunge the records of those arrested for marijuana possession, ORourke wrote.

A Step in the Right Direction: Mace

In addition, a small handful of Republicans joined Democrats in applauding the move.

Former Illinois Republican and U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh was among the Republicans in favor of the executive action.

Lets quit messing around, Walsh wrote on Twitter. Marijuana should be legalized nationwide. Just do it.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who has been one of the most vocal GOP proponents of legalizing marijuana, also praised the White House.

In an appearance on Fox Business Kennedy, Mace encouraged the decision, citing the value of the industry and the dangers of alternative drugs like opioids.

I wanna give credit where credit is dueI dont always agree with the Biden administration, Ive been very vocal about thatbut this is a step in the right direction.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) greets supporters during her event on the night of South Carolinas GOP primary elections in Mt Pleasant, S.C., on June 14, 2022. (Allison Joyce/Getty Images)

She continued, The president wants to pardon people for very simple possession [and] nonviolent offenders of cannabis at the federal level, and he wants to encourage our governors across the country to do the same.

I think thats a great first step. I have a bill  called the States Reform Act, thats one piece of the puzzle to addressing cannabis in this country, Mace said, citing her own legislation that would amend the marijuana clauses of the federal Controlled Substances Act.

But theres more to do, Mace continued. This is a multi-billion dollar industry that needs regulation, that needs to have some guard rails to ensure were not selling marijuana or cannabis to kids and our youth, and to ensure also that those who need it for medical reasons, like our veterans who have PTSD  can get medical care that isnt gonna get them addicted to very dangerous opioids.

Mace concluded, I applaud the president, Im gonna give credit where credit is due, and agree with him on this position.

A Meaningless Gesture: Anti-Marijuana Group

Scott Chipman, vice president of Americans Against Legalizing Marijuana (AALM), was more skeptical of the move, which he told The Epoch Times was a meaningless gesture.

Asked about AALMs position on the issue, Chipman said, Its kind of a meaningless gesture because its going to have virtually no real impact other than the headlines.

Chipman explained that the real-world effects of the executive action will be minimal at best. The story behind federal marijuana possession charges, Chipman said, is more complicated than what Biden is letting on.

While most people imagine that [Biden is] pardoning a black or brown, young man who was was arrested for joints in their pocket, the situation is more complex, Chipman said.

The notion of a black man getting out of prison because of Bidens pardon, Chipman said, is not the case. Thats never been the case. Thats not the case here. Hes only expunging records. Nobodys getting out of jail about this.

Chipman continued, No one is in federal prison for simple possession. Literally no one.

He continued: Approximately 6,500 people since 1992, have had a marijuana possession conviction on their records. Thats what this White House has said6,500. There were only 1,734 marijuana offenders sentenced in 2019. And not all of them were sentenced to prison.

Most of them pled down from much more serious charges, Chipman noted. And they also have other charges on their record in addition to a marijuana charge. So expunging a marijuana record is not going to get rid of felony assault or bank robbery, or murder. So youre still gonna have a record for most of these people. Thats not their only charge.

According to statistics, Chipman added, federal marijuana convictions generally entail more than a few joints worth of marijuana. Instead, Chipman said, citing stats from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, the median amount of marijuana involved in a conviction for marijuana-only possession offenders was 115 pounds.

One-hundred-and-fifty pounds is a huge amount, Chipman said, noting that, depending on how theyre assembled, thats enough marijuana for around 100,000 joints. These are typically drug dealers, theyre traffickers who are preying on our young people with a drug that is very dangerous to their health.

Generally, Chipman explained, most people who end up with a federal simple possession chargea charge which is generally handled at the state rather than the federal level, are people who pled down from much more serious charges, including violent charges or possession with intent to distribute.

An activist smokes marijuana during the annual NYC Cannabis Parade & Rally in support of the legalization of marijuana for recreational and medical use in New York City on May 1, 2021. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)

Long-Term Changes Unlikely

Chipman also told The Epoch Times that long-term, changes to the way marijuana is scheduled are unlikelydespite Bidens effort to look at rescheduling the drug.

The marijuana industry is spinning this as if this is a move towards legalization because of his call for the review of the scheduling of marijuana. Theyre very good at public relations, Chipman said, explaining that under normal circumstances the Department of Health and Human Services is required to look at several legislatively-determined factors in deciding how to schedule a drug under the Controlled Substances Act.

The reality is, this will be done in a review process by Health and Human Services, civil servants, Chipman explained. And theres a requirement for eight factors of analysis. This has been done multiple times, most recently in 2015. And every time this analysis has been done, the marijuana rescheduling has failed. This is not new, its been done over and over again.

So unless theres going to be some thumb put on the scale, and the same criteria is used, Chipman concluded, this will not pass the muster of rescheduling.

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith looks on during a news conference in Toronto on July 22, 2016. (Colin Perkel/The Canadian Press)

Liberal MP Calls for Comprehensive Review of His Governments Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

A Liberal MP wants a comprehensive review of his governments response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as more accountability and transparency are needed to answer to Canadians when it comes to implementing measures that affect the whole country.

We need a greater level of accountability and transparency. And so in this case, we need the health minister ideally to identify the key drivers of pandemic risks, describe how Canadian activities contribute to that risk, and then put in place measures to mitigate that risk, said Nathaniel Erskine-Smith in an interview with the National Post, reported on Oct. 7.

Erskine-Smith said he doesnt have any specific failure in mind that he wants the review to focus on, but would rather leave it to experts with the right experience and knowledge to judge the governments response.

In a perfect world, wed be striking a committee of people who are much smarter than me and with relevant expertise to answer that very question, he said.

Former Health Minister Patty Hajdu suggested last April that a full investigation into Canadas response will be required at the appropriate time. To date, the Liberal cabinet has yet to launch a task force with specific timelines and plans on how the issue will be discussed.

In an email to The Epoch Times, Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos office said reviews are already underway through the auditor general and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The Government of Canada has committed to a COVID-19 response review, and more information will be communicated in due time, spokesperson Anna Maddison said.

Learning the Lessons

Erskine-Smith said in the interview that the federal government should take the opportunity to learn from COVID so that the country is better prepared for future pandemics.

Learning the lessons to inform those best efforts going forward is, I think, where the greatest value is, he said.

In June, the Liberal MP put forward a private members bill calling for a comprehensive review of the federal response to the pandemic.

Specifically, the bill requires Duclos to set up an advisory committee to review the pandemic response in order to reduce the risks associated with future pandemics and inform a pandemic prevention and preparedness plan. It also requires the health minister to consult other ministers in creating the new plan.

Finally, it amends the Department of Health Act to provide that the Minister of Health must appoint a national pandemic prevention and preparedness coordinator from among the officials of the Public Health Agency of Canada to coordinate the activities under the Pandemic Prevention and Preparedness Act, the bill said.

The bill completed its first reading on June 17, with a second reading pending. According to the Parliament of Canadas website, the bill has been placed in the Order of Precedence since June 20.

There is a worry that we dont learn the appropriate lessons, and one of those lessons has to be that we have stronger public accountability for all future governments, whatever political stripe, Erskine-Smith said.

Im Skeptical

This isnt the first time the Liberal backbencher voiced his opinion about his partys approach in handling the pandemic.

In a speech on Feb. 21, Erskine-Smith said he had concerns about the invocation of the Emergencies Act by his government and the extension of its measures for 30 days.

Im skeptical that the strict legal test was met for the Acts invocation, and Im not convinced that the emergency measures should continue to exist beyond today, he said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act on Feb. 14, using it as a means to quash the protests against COVID-19 mandates and restrictions by truckers and their supporters in Ottawa and across the country.

In May, Erskine-Smith criticized his partys travel restrictions, saying the vaccine mandates were no longer justified.

On Sept. 26, the government announced it was ending federal COVID-19 entry rules, and the use of ArriveCan became optional on Oct. 1. The decision was made based on the latest evidence, available data, operational considerations, and the epidemiological situation, both in Canada and internationally, a government news release said.

Editors note: This article was updated to add comments from Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Sam and Barbara Dawson use binoculars to get close-up views of whales and seals as they swim by just offshore. Dick and Mary Beatty prefer to get up-close and personal with schools of multicolored fish while they snorkel and scuba dive. For Tom and Jean Coss, the big thrill is hobnobbing with a friendly ghost named Maggie.

As disparate as these experiences may seem, they share a common trait. All three couples are overnighting in a lighthouse that was constructed long ago to help ships avoid dangerous hazards and guide them safely into harbors.

Various forms of ship warning lights were first used thousands of years ago. Some geologists believe that a platform excavated along the coastline of India, which they date to about 2,000 B.C., supported a fire to mark the entrance to a port. A similar structure indicated the harbor of Piraeus in Athens in the 5th century B.C.

Given their variety and beauty, lighthouses serve as magnets for people to see, enjoy, climband in some cases to sleep in. Beacons located along both coasts of the United States as well as overlooking inland bodies of water accept overnight guests who immerse themselves in the stories they have to tell and enjoy the activities that are available.

Lighthouses offer a combination of history, education, and just plain fun. Some people are fascinated by the technology employed to build lighthouses in their precarious settings and to construct the lenses that send their beams of light out for many miles.

Folks who spend one or more nights in a lighthouse getaway can delve into its past, leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind them, and often enjoy an inviting list of other activities, too.

The Race Point Lighthouse in Massachusetts where the Dawsons were whale- and seal-watching is one of a number of sites that present opportunities to commune with Mother Natures creatures. Eagles sometimes wing close to the Little River Lighthouse in Rockland, Maine.

Guests at the Little River Lighthouse in Rockland, Maine, are in for some excellent eagle-spotting and stargazing. (Courtesy of Phototrip/Dreamstime.com)

Perched on an island reached by a short boat ride, it also offers excellent stargazing in the ink-black sky unmarred by light pollution.

The Saugerties Lighthouse on the Hudson River in New York state is popular with birders who have catalogued close to 200 species that have been observed there. They include some with colorful names such as ring-billed gull, black-capped chickadee and tufted titmouse.

The aquarium of fish with which the Beattys swam was beneath a structure that was modeled on oil-drilling platforms. The light station was constructed off North Carolina to warn vessels of the Frying Pan Shoals, which have caused a high number of shipwrecks. Guests who stay in the tower also enjoy world-class fishing and breathtaking views of the Milky Way. Getting there becomes part of the adventure as its only reachable by a long boat ride or helicopter flight.

Two historic lighthouses share Daufuskie Island off the coast of South Carolina. Haig Point Lighthouse was built in 1873 and the Bloody Point Lighthouse 10 years later. The Haig Point tower is said to be inhabited by the first lighthouse keepers daughter, Maggie, who suffered a broken heart due to a lost love.

Speaking of romance, the Sand Hills Lighthouse Inn on Lake Superior in Michigan has been selected by American Historic Inns as one of the 10 most romantic inns in America. It also has been highly rated for serving outstanding food. Its Victorian charm is expressed in architectural and decorative touches, with amenities that include a fireplace, air conditioning, and whirlpool bathtubs.

Some lighthouse accommodations do double duty as mini museums that tell their story and that of the industry. Browns Point Light Station, an art deco structure in Washington state, has a hands-on museum where guests can ring the original 1903 fog bell. Besides its reputation for birding, the Saugerties Lighthouse houses a small museum.

The red-brick Two Harbors Lighthouse tower in Minnesotas lake country houses historical exhibits. A popular item in the collections is the Fresnel lens, a composite glass that makes light beams visible from great distances. Developed by the French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel in 1822, it has been called the invention that saved a million ships.

Those who would rather do than simply see have opportunities to chip in with chores at some lighthouses. Duties of renters at Browns Point in Tacoma, Washington, include raising the flag, keeping a log, and opening the facilities for day visitors. At the Rose Island Lighthouse in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, guests who fill the role of lighthouse keeper complete the many tasks required to keep the facility in good operating condition.

At the Rose Island Lighthouse in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, overnight guests can work as a lighthouse keeper. (Courtesy of Kmbris/Dreamstime.com)

This introduction includes several of many lighthouses throughout the United States that welcome guests to stay for a night or longer. The list occasionally changes as facilities are altered or closed for repairs, taken out of service, or otherwise become unavailable, so its important to check the latest information before you travel.

If You Go

The United States Lighthouse Society (USLHS.org) has a catalog of lighthouses located throughout the country. Another site, LighthouseFriends.com, offers a state-by-state listing of lighthouses and a map indicating which ones offer overnight guest accommodations.
Police tape blocks off the crime scene in Sacramento, Calif., on Feb. 28, 2022. (Andri Tambunan/AFP via Getty Images)

Man, 68, Fatally Struck With Scooter in LA Liquor Store Robbery; Teen Suspects Sought

LOS ANGELESPolice were searching Oct. 7 for a group of juveniles suspected of fatally injuring a liquor store clerk with a scooter in Highland Park.

The group of two girls and two boys entered Tonys Market near the intersection of Figueroa Street and E Avenue 40 about 8 p.m. Thursday and attempted to steal various items, FOX11 reported.

The clerk, 68-year-old Steven Reyes, attempted to stop the suspects, but one of them struck Reyes over the head with a scooter and the group fled the scene with the stolen items, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).

Reyes was taken to a hospital by paramedics, where he died of his injuries.

A description of the suspects was not available, but the LAPD reported investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from the area.

Anyone with information on the robbery was asked to call the LAPD at 877-527-3247. Anonymous tips can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or submitted online at lacrimestoppers.org.
A warning to looters is painted on the side of a car destroyed during Hurricane Ian in Pine Island, Fla., on Oct. 3, 2022. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

NCDF Warns About Potential Fraud in Aftermath of Hurricane Ian

The National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) has warned citizens that the extreme devastation caused by Hurricane Ian might provide grounds for unscrupulous thieves to defraud people.

Based on 200,000 historical complaints received by the NCDF, the agency provided a few examples of disaster-relief fraud that may target victims. Fake charities can solicit donations under the names of well-known organizations. Individuals impersonating insurance company representatives and government officials may look to collect money from potential victims in return for disaster assistance.

Criminals can use the opportunity to collect personal information like date of birth, bank account information, and social security numbers. Fraudsters can start soliciting victims to invest in non-existent ventures offering recovery efforts. Some individuals or entities may also begin to overcharge for goods and services that are critically needed by survivors.

Fraudsters targeting individuals who are already suffering from the impact of Hurricane Ian is despicable and an inexcusable crime, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Gathe Jr., who serves as the executive director of NCDF, said in an Oct. 7 press release by the Department of Justice.

NCDF also warned that survivors might be frequently victimized by theft of property from abandoned homes and businesses.

To avoid becoming a victim of disaster fraud, NCDF advised people not to engage in any phone call or email claiming to be from insurance companies, investment firms, or government officials. Instead, people should directly contact these individuals or entities through a well-advertised email address or phone call.

NCDF asked people to only make donations to known charities, also after contacting the charity directly. The agency advised citizens to donate using credit cards or checks rather than cash, avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails, and desist from transmitting donations to specifically named individuals.

Fraud Warnings, Looting

In addition to NCDF, other agencies have also issued warnings about scams in the aftermath of hurricane Ian.

In a Sept. 28 update, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) asked people to only donate to charities with a proven track record of dealing with disasters and exercise caution when donating to individuals on crowdfunding websites.

In a consumer alert published on Sept. 30, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein asked people to report instances of price gougingexcessive prices charged on goods and servicesto his office.

The AG also warned people to be skeptical of any person who provides a limited-time assistance offer. If an offer is only good now or never, its probably not a good deal. Get recommendations from friends or neighbors and only do business with companies you trust or have vetted, the alert said.

Officials from Lee County, Florida, had recently arrested and charged four people for allegedly looting the homes of Hurricane Ian victims.
Nebraska Governor Says He Could Replace Sen. Sasse If Certain Scenario Unfolds

Nebraskas governor said on Oct. 7 that he may end up being appointed to the U.S. Senate to fill a seat that would become vacant if Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) ends up resigning to become the president of the University of Florida.

Gov. Pete Ricketts, a Republican, did not rule out replacing Sasse but did say he would not appoint himself to the position.

If I choose to pursue the appointment, I will leave the appointment decision to the next governor and will follow the process established for all interested candidates, Ricketts said. It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as the governor of Nebraska. It is the greatest job in the world, and it will remain my number one focus for the remainder of my term.

Under Nebraska law, the governor appoints a senator if a vacancy arises in the middle of a term. Sasse was re-elected in 2020.

Ricketts is finishing his second term as governor due to term limits. He is scheduled to leave office in early 2023.

Republican Jim Pillen, backed by Ricketts, is vying to replace Ricketts against Democrat Carol Blood.

Nebraska has not had a Democrat governor since 1999.

Ricketts said Sasse called him on Thursday to say he planned to resign from the Senate to take the job in Florida. According to the governor, that was the first time he heard about the plan.

Media reports said Sasse plans to resign before the end of the year. Sasses office declined to comment. Sasse said in a statement he was interested in the University of Florida job but did not offer timing for when he might leave the Senate. The University of Florida announced this week that its presidential search committee recommended only one person, Sasse, to the schools Board of Trustees.

Sasse, asked by the National Review what he would tell Nebraskans disappointed by his leaving the Senate in the middle of a term, said: Nebraskans have well understood that I didnt expect to be in politics as a lifelong calling. I need to get back to building stuff. The best picture in the dome of the U.S. Capitol is Washington surrendering power.

The Nebraska governor would have to appoint a senator within 45 days of a vacancy arising, according to the Nebraska Secretary of States Office.

A special election would then be held in 2024, and the winner would take office in early 2025 for approximately two years.

Senate terms are six years.

Ricketts ran for the U.S. Senate in 2006. He received 36 percent of the vote. Democrat Ben Nelson won with 64 percent of the vote.

Nelson chose not to run for re-election in 2012. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) is the other senator representing Nebraska at this time.
Mark Ellis (L), brother of Peter Ellis, speaks to the media outside a court in Wellington, New Zealand, on Oct. 7, 2022, in a still from video. (TVNZ via AP)

New Zealand Mans Convictions Overturned 3 Years After Death

WELLINGTON, New ZealandNew Zealands Supreme Court on Friday took the unusual step of overturning a mans convictions even though he died three years ago.

The court found there had been a substantial miscarriage of justice after Peter Ellis was convicted of sexually abusing children at the day care center where he worked as a teacher more than 30 years ago.

Usually appeals end once a complainant dies. But in this case, the court found it was in the interests of justice for the appeal to continue even after Ellis died from cancer in 2019 at age 61.

When Ellis was first put on trial in 1993, it was against a global backdrop of concern about satanic ritual abuse.

The case against him relied on the recollections of very young children, and many questioned its merits from the outset.

Ellis was convicted in 1993 on 16 counts of sexual abuse against seven children who attended the Christchurch day care center. He spent seven years in prison and always maintained his innocence.

The Supreme Court found the evidence of prosecution witness Karen Zelas, a psychiatrist who supervised the interviews of the children, lacked balance and suffered from circular reasoning.

The court found Zelas failed to inform the jury of other possible explanations for behaviors among the children that ranged from bedwetting and sleeping problems to sexualized behavior.

The court also found Zelas hadnt fully explained the risk that the childrens evidence had been contaminated, for instance by their parents, who had met with each other before the trial.

Ellis brother, Mark Ellis, told reporters that the decision had been a long time coming.

I wish my brother was here, because it was really what he deserved, he said.

However, the parents of some of the children Ellis was accused of abusing said they were shocked and saddened by the decision and that the court had favored a criminal over the victims.

One unusual argument made by Ellis lawyers was that under indigenous Maori customs and values, a persons manatheir prestige and staturecontinues after they die. Ellis himself wasnt Maori but the court accepted the argument could apply to any New Zealander.

While the argument didnt end up being a decisive factor, the court found it supported and strengthened its conclusion that the appeal should continue after Ellis death.
Orange County Doctor Pleads Guilty to Illegally Prescribing Drugs

LOS ANGELESAn Orange County physician pleaded guilty Oct. 7 to conspiring to illegally prescribe more than 120,000 opioid pills to nearly 20 people over a six-year span without a legitimate medical purpose in exchange for cash and insurance payments.

Dr. Dzung Anh Pham, 61, of Tustin, who owned Irvine Village Urgent Care, entered his plea to a federal charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, a crime that carries a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Sentencing was set for Jan. 6.

Pham and co-defendant Jennifer Nguyen, a pharmacist, conspired to distribute narcotics such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and amphetamine salts, according to papers filed in Los Angeles federal court.

Nguyen, 51, of Irvine, is expected to plead guilty to the conspiracy charge on Oct. 14.

As [the] defendant knew many pharmacies would not fill his prescriptions, he would direct his patients to co-defendant Nguyen and Bristol Pharmacy to fill the prescriptions, prosecutors wrote.

In November and December of 2017, Pham issued prescriptions to one client, a known addict, for hundreds of pills of oxycodone, prosecutors said. He also wrote prescriptions for the clients spouse though he never evaluated her.

The plea agreement lists 18 other clients, and stated that between January 2013 and December 2018, he wrote prescriptions for a total of approximately 53,693 pills of oxycodone, 68,795 pills of hydrocodone, and 29,286 pills of amphetamine salts.

When Pham was charged in 2018, prosecutors said five people who received prescriptions from the doctor died of overdoses.
A mock tombstone in front of the Chinese consulate in San Francisco on Oct. 1, 2022, commemorates the victims of the Chinese Communist Partys violence. (Jason Blair/The Epoch Times)

Protesters in California Hold Rallies Against CCP on Chinas National Day

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) held its 73rd National Day on Oct. 1. Meanwhile, protesters in California and around the world rallied against the CCP, citing its long history of violence, human rights violations, and totalitarianism.

Groups in northern California held two rallies, one in Berkeley and one in San Francisco.

In the morning, protesters went to the University of California Berkeley, where the Consulate General of the Peoples Republic of China in San Francisco was scheduled to speak. They delivered an open letter to the university, stating that allowing the Consulate General on the campus will contribute to the whitewashing of crimes committed by the CCP.

In San Francisco in the afternoon, representatives from a number of different communities and countriesincluding Tibet, Vietnam, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan, and morecould be seen in front of the San Francisco Chinese Consulate. Speakers denounced the communist regime for its human rights abuses and the disasters it has caused around the world.

Dont listen to the communists; lets watch what they do, Jeff Doan, a representative from San Franciscos Vietnamese community, said over the microphone. As long as communist China remains there, the world will suffer.

So today we are here with freedom-loving people around the world to fight against the evil China empire and to fight for the freedom of all the nations occupied by China, Bob Freeman from the Far East Freedom Youth League said to the crowd.

In between speakers, there were chants such as Stop the occupation; stop the genocide! Protesters would also say the name of a country that is occupied or heavily influenced by the CCP and then call China out now!

Nearly 1 million Tibetan children have been forcefully taken away from their parents, forcing them to live in a colonial boarding school and cutting them off from their families, language, and religion, said Lobsang Chodon in a speech.

Chodon is a representative from the San Francisco Regional Tibetan Youth Congress and also spoke at the earlier protest in Berkeley. The Tibetan Youth Congress was founded 52 years ago on Oct. 7.

Protesters rally outside the Chinese consulate in San Francisco on Oct. 1, 2022. (Jason Blair/The Epoch Times)

Some protesters wore masks and sunglasses to hide their identities to protect their family members who are still living under CCP rule. The regime has been known to harass family members of people who speak out overseas.

I urge the U.S. government and all the countries around the world to seek compensation from China. Thats number one. Number two, [the] Communist Party is the evil that causes all the crises here. Someone needs to take them down and take them out, a protester whose face was hidden with a hat, sunglasses, and mask said at the microphone.

Ken Chan, a member of the Northern California Hong Kong Club, said in an interview that people in Hong Kong have recently been arrested for their social media posts.

You can imagine this thing only happened in mainland China a couple of years ago. Now its happening in Hong Kong, Chan told NTD, a sister media of The Epoch Times.

Valeria Samson was a foreign student in Beijing at the time of the Tiananmen Square Massacre in 1989. She was arrested and detained at one point during that time and realized that it was only her American citizenship that kept her from experiencing the full wrath of the CCP.

She comes to the protests in San Francisco every year because she sees that things keep getting worse.

Its totalitarianism. Its on the rise around the world, and its terrifying. It sounds as though we have not learned from the lessons of the past, Samson told NTD. We want to live in peace. We dont want these threats continuing year by year, taking away rights, drip by drip, like a wound that keeps bleeding and you cant stop it. Pretty soon therell be no more blood left.
The United States is truly afraid of a technologically-advanced China. So much so that it couldn't even see it is isolating itself.

On October 3, the New York Times reported that the Biden administration is expected to announce new measures described as "some of the most significant steps taken to cut off China's access to advanced semiconductor technology." These measures include a "broad expansion" of the foreign direct product rule, prohibiting any firm around the globe that uses American-made technologies from selling to entities in China that are targeted by the US, and attempts to control the sales of cutting-edge American-made tools to semiconductor industry in China.

What's interesting is that, as the NYT ran the story of the new restrictions, Barron's published a piece detailing the reasons of a scientific brain drain from the United States to China. According to the article, more than 1,400 Chinese scientists from corporations and top-tier US academic institutions like Harvard and MIT have left the United States for China in 2021. As a "significant percentage" of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) researchers are of Chinese descent, the article claims that the brain drain will be a major challenge for US to compete with China.

The leave is credited to three reasons: Heightened geopolitical tensions between the US and China that began during the Trump administration; a feeling of being the least included at work; and prejudice toward them since the COVID-19 outbreak.

In simpler terms: The United States is not helping itself at all.

This isn't a complete surprise, considering that the United States over two successive administrations have been plagued by the paranoia of what could happen if China surpasses the US on the technological front. In mid-September, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said at a technology summit that technology export control is more than just a preventative tool, but a "new strategic asset in the US and allied toolkit to impose costs on adversaries, and even over time degrade their battlefield capabilities." It had become very clear that technological protectionism is the doctrine. The $280 billion CHIPS and Science Act was designed specifically for this purpose.

Such a whole-of-the-government mobilization against China could only antagonize scientists in the United States even more and speed up these scientific brains  which are at the foundation of US's scientific developing - leaving its shores. Meanwhile, its effectiveness on containing China is dubious to say the least.

It is reported that, despite being put on the Entity List to limit its ability to reach advanced technology nodes of 10 nanometers or below in 2020, China's Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation had advanced to a quasi-7-nanometer process. According to the International Business Strategies Inc.'s data, China will approximately supply more than one-fourth of the chips it consumes in 2022, more than doubling the share in 2015. SEMI, the global industry association for electronic manufacturing and supply chain, projects that China will lead the world with 31 major semiconductor factories built by the end of 2024. Only 12 are expected to be built in the US by that time.

Scientific advancement in the information era relies on open communication and exchanges. The United States, through its government policies and the unintended consequences of its political actions, have been setting up barriers that are more effective at walling itself off rather than achieving its original purpose of containing China. And a country isolated cannot thrive in a globalized and interdependent world. (Source: CGTN)


Sheriff: Father Killed Wife, Parents While 4 Children at School

BUFFALO, N.Y.A father of four shot and killed his wife and mother at different locations in New York before killing his father and himself at a shooting range while his children were in school, authorities said Friday.

Sheriffs deputies responding to the outdoor range in Newstead, northeast of Buffalo, on Thursday found the body of Erik Bergum alongside that of his father, Mark Bergum. Mark Bergum had been shooting at the range when his son arrived and joined in, Erie County officials said at a news conference.

The son actually started shooting at the range, and then after shooting at the range, went ahead and killed his father, District Attorney John Flynn said.

The investigation led to the discovery of the bodies of Erik Bergums wife, Mary Beth, and his mother, Nancy Bergum, at two separate homes in the town of Clarence, Sheriff John Garcia said.

Every time I received a call it was gut-wrenching, Garcia said at a news conference, when the mother was found dead, when the wife was found dead. Thank God the kids were at school.

Erik Bergum outlined the killings in a note that was found in his car, indicating he planned the shooting spree, authorities said. The note did not include a motive.

Investigators believe Bergum shot his wife first and then drove to his mothers house and killed her.

Garcia called it chilling how Erik Bergum, after killing the women, was able to drive to the rural shooting range and join his father in target practice before killing him. Murder-suicides are often crimes of passion, the sheriff said.

For that to be planned out, were thinking that morning, and for him to actually shoot at the shooting range with his rifle and have a great grouping from 100 yards lacks that passion and its so calculating, he said.

Flynn said Mark Bergum had earlier told a witness at the range that his son was coming to join him and the witness moved over to make room.

There is no indication that the father was aware of what the son had just done, Flynn said.

Erik Bergum and a partner owned a home theater and home security business, authorities said. Bergum was convicted of misdemeanor insurance fraud related to the business in 2011 and received probation.

Mary Beth Bergum originally was from Maryland. Her father was en route to western New York Friday, Garcia said.

By Carolyn Thompson
Sheriff Urges Floridians to Shoot Looters in Wake of Hurricane Ian

The message that hurricane-ravaged Florida is an inhospitable place for looters was driven home by an outspoken Polk County sheriff, who in a media appearance on Friday urged Floridians to shoot looters breaking into their homes so they look like grated cheese.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd issued the warning during an Oct. 7 appearance on Fox & Friends, while commenting on the problem of looters preying on vulnerable households in the wake of Hurricane Ians devastation.

I would highly suggest that if a looter breaks into your home, comes into your home while youre there to steal stuff, that you take your gun and you shoot him, Judd said.

You shoot him so he looks like grated cheese because you know what? Thats one looter that will not break into anyone elses home and take advantage of them when theyre the most vulnerable and the most weak, the sheriff added.

A warning to looters is painted on the side of a car destroyed during Hurricane Ian in Pine Island, Fla., on Oct. 3, 2022. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

It comes as parts of Florida face a long road to recovery following the hurricane while opportunistic thieves look to take advantage of the chaos.

Florida police have made several arrests in connection with looting activity, including a group of illegal immigrants.

Besides being on guard for looters, Floridians should watch out for fraudsters. The National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) has issued a related warning, calling instances of criminals targeting hurricane victims with scams like trying to get them to invest in non-existent recovery efforts a despicable and inexcusable crime.

Carried Out in a Pine Box

The Polk County sheriff said that disasters like the Category 4 hurricane that left a swath of destruction in its wake strengthen community tieswhich criminals try to undo.

If there are looters that think they are going to take care of these people, they may break in, but they should be carried out in a pine box because that is unacceptable, Judd said.

People have a right to be safe in their homes. They have a right to their property, to be safe even when part of their home may be torn away, the sheriff said.

The sheriffs warning follows a similarly stern threat issued last week by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who warned opportunistic thieves not to ransack homes or face dire consequences.

You Loot, We Shoot

At a press conference in Fort Myers, DeSantis remarked about seeing a sign directed at would-be looters displayed at a business in nearby Punta Gorda that read you loot, we shoot.

They boarded up all the businesses, and there are people that wrote on their plywood, you loot, we shoot, DeSantis said. At the end of the day, we are not going to allow lawlessness to take advantage of this situation.

We are a law-and-order state, and this is a law-and-order community, so do not think that youre going to go take advantage of people whove suffered misfortune, the governor added.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in Surfside, Fla., on July 3, 2021. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The epicenter of the hurricanes devastation was in Lee County, where the storm made landfall.

The death toll from the storm as of Oct. 7 was at least 101, according to a tally by The Associated Press.

Officials estimate the hurricane caused billions of dollars in damage.
Members of the U.S. Marshals patrol outside the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, February 6, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The jury is in its third day of deliberations in the trial for El Chapo (Joaquin Guzman), who is accused of trafficking over 440,000 pounds of cocaine, in addition to other drugs, and exerting power through murders and kidnappings as he led the Sinaloa Cartel. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Sinaloa Cartel Money Launderer Sentenced to Over 15 Years in Prison

SAN DIEGOA former attorney who laundered drug money for the notorious Sinaloa Cartel was sentenced in San Diego federal court Oct. 7 to more than 15 years in prison.

Prosecutors say Juan Manuel Alvarez-Inzunza, 41, coordinated the movement of millions of dollars in drug proceeds. Some of the money was used to fund cocaine shipments into the United States, according to a prosecutors sentencing memorandum, which identified Alvarez-Inzunza as the lead defendant in a long-running wiretap investigation into the cartel.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Alvarez-Inzunza was previously designated under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act for laundering money for top cartel leaders, including Joaquin El Chapo Guzman Loera and Ismael El Mayo Zambada.

According to prosecutors, Alvarez-Inzunza arranged for couriers to pick up drug money in the United States and worked with others to transfer the funds to Mexico, Central America and other countries.

Messages between Alvarez-Inzunza and others were intercepted by federal agents, leading to cash seizures in New York, Boston and Detroit. The U.S. Attorneys Office said agents intercepted more than $4 million before it could leave the United States.

Other intercepted messages tied him to drug purchases and the importation of narcotics into the country, according to prosecutors.

His defense attorney, Frederick Carroll, wrote in a sentencing brief that his client previously worked as a civil attorney in Mexico. A client that approached him for a legal matter worked for the cartel, the attorney wrote.

A series of small decisions to work with these people ultimately resulted in a situation where he could not extricate himself from his newfound employa situation he deeply regrets now, Carroll wrote.

Alvarez-Inzunza was indicted in 2015, arrested in Mexico the following year and remained in Mexican custody until last year, when he was extradited to the U.S.

After pleading guilty earlier this year to one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, a San Diego federal judge sentenced him Oct. 7 to 188 months in prison.
South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa gestures as he addresses Africa National Congress (ANC) delegates at the National Recreation Center in Johannesburg on July 29, 2022, during the first day of the party's National Policy Conference. (Phill Magakoe/AFP via Getty Images)

South Africa May Soon Take Land Without Compensation

But one farmer says that the troubled republic faces bigger immediate challenges

South Africas National Assembly passed legislation on Sept. 28 that would allow the government to seize land without paying the owners, a practice known as expropriation without compensation.

This thing is emotional. We cannot deny it, South African farmer Herman J. Roos said in a Sept. 29 message to The Epoch Times.

He noted that the law wouldnt change Article 25 of South Africas constitutiona more radical move that the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has frequently advocated.

The Expropriation Bill, the latest effort toward land reform in a racially and economically divided nation, is still awaiting approval from the National Council of Provinces.

It would then need the signature of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has publicly supported expropriation without compensation for years.

The legislation passed over the objections of several minority parties.

Notably, the National Assembly is dominated by the countrys ruling party, the left-wing ANC.

It controls more than 57 percent of the seats in the 400-seat chamber. The second-largest party, the centrist Democratic Alliance, controls less than 21 percent of seats, followed by the openly communist Economic Freedom Fighters at a little less than 11 percent of seats. The right-populist Freedom Front Plus, known for its opposition to expropriation without compensation, has just 2.38 percent of the body, or 10 seats.

Groups representing black farmers in the country have typically favored expropriation without compensation, as noted in a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Thats against the backdrop of mass landlessness among the supermajority of South Africans who are black or colored (a specific multiracial category in the country). Years after the end of apartheid and its racial restrictions on land ownership, much of South Africas land remains concentrated in the hands of white farmers.

A file image of South African President Frederik W. de Klerk and African National Congress (ANC) representative Nelson Mandela at a joint press conference on Aug. 7, 1990, in Pretoria, South Africa. (Alexander Joe/AFP/Getty Images)

The new legislation would repeal the countrys 1975 law on land expropriation, which requires both the buyer and seller to be willing. Critics of that law point out that it dates from the apartheid era.

Under the new law, the government could take land in the public interest without compensating its owner in certain limited circumstancesfor example, when the land is being held speculatively and not being cultivated. In those cases, uncompensated seizure could ultimately be considered just and equitable, according to the legislation.

Yet in practice, expropriation without compensation wouldnt necessarily be easy. Cases could be held up in the justice system.

The state has always had the power to expropriate land at minimal costs, depending on the circumstances, Sue-Mari Viljoen, a law professor at South Africas University of the Western Cape, told The Epoch Times in an Oct. 4 email. It now stipulates that the state may pay nil Rand [South Africas currency], provided that it is justified, and a court would have to verify such justification.

Children play near a farm in Limpopo Province, South Africa, on Oct. 31, 2017. (Gulshan Khan/AFP/Getty Images)

Public Works Minister Patricia de Lille, a member of the left-wing, environmentalist party Good, denied that the legislation would lead to the mass redistribution of private property without fair procedures or equitable compensation.

Many times, those against the Expropriation Bill have been people who were never subjected to laws that stripped people of their property or rights to own property, she said during a Sept. 28 parliamentary debate over the measure. It is our responsibility to correct the historic injustice of land ownership patterns in South Africa.

It Is a Clear Warning: Farmer

Although hes deeply troubled by the legislation, Roos thinks his country and sector face more pressing issues, at least for now.

One is the price of energy, which has risen precipitously. The power grid has started to fail. Frequent outages, lasting hours at a time, are now the norm.

Soweto residents picket near the entrance to state entity Eskom Offices at Megawatt Park in Midrand, near Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 9, 2021, because of the ongoing electricity disruptions. (Phill Magakoe/AFP via Getty Images)

In an Oct. 4 interview with The Epoch Times, Roos said unreliable electricity interferes with irrigation. That, in turn, damages crops.

You need to irrigate between two to three inches a week just to have enough water put down so that you can have your crop grow properly, but now, you cant put down one inch properly, he said.

Rooss second-greatest challenge is fertilizer. When Russia started cutting off the gas to Europe, fertilizer giants, such as Norways Yara, began to cut production.

South Africas difficulties dont end with agriculture.

The country may soon be financially gray-listed by the Financial Action Task Force. That could scare off vital foreign investment.

South Africas persistently high unemployment rate, currently at higher than 33 percent, is another major problem. So is the frequency of violent crime, including the brutal murder of farmers.

Crosses are planted on a hillside at the White Cross Monument, each one marking a white farmer killed in a farm murder, on Oct. 31, 2017, in Ysterberg, near Langebaan, South Africa. (Gulshan Khan/AFP via Getty Images)

Yet, even amid these issues and worries of a worldwide recession, Roos doesnt expect an economic slowdown to crater the demand for farm products such as his own: There will always be a need for food.

He doesnt discount the potential for more aggressive efforts at land redistribution by the ruling party, up to and including a change to the constitution.

It is a clear warning of the intention of what the ANC wants to do, Roos said.

Viljoen also sees it as a signal to farmers, although she said active farmers likely need not worry.

I think that landowners should be a bit more cautious of how they deal with their property. To let valuable land stand vacant and unused for years/decades might now be viewed as irresponsible use when we are struggling to give effect to land reform and housing imperatives, she wrote.

Why Expropriate?

The debate over expropriation has much to do with how South Africas 1996 post-apartheid constitution treats private property.

Its Bill of Rights references the nations commitment to land reform, and to reforms to bring about equitable access to all South Africas natural resources. That language embeds specific historically contingent redistributive aims into its fundamental definition of property.

While the U.S. Bill of Rights does allow for eminent domain, its Fifth Amendment requires just compensation. That amendment also clarifies that people cant be deprived of property without due process.

Responding to the ANCs pro-expropriation rhetoric, the libertarian Foundation for Economic Education stated in 2018 that the property rights of all South Africans are at risk, as one cannot truly have property rights so long as the government can arbitrarily take land away.

Other commentators, such as Viljoen, see the justice of expropriation without compensation.

Her recent law article on the push for expropriation, Wasting Land Amid Landlessness, suggests that the state is not only allowed, but perhaps even ordained to overthrow and overtake ownership, with a stewardship vision, in line with the Constitution.

Roos believes that the ANC is caught between the idea of democracy and the idea of communism.

A file image of Jacob Zuma at a rally celebrating the South African Communist Partys 85th anniversary in Pietermaritzburg on July 30, 2006. Zuma served as South African president from 2009 to 2018. He was also the president of the African National Congress (ANC) between 2007 and 2017. (Alexander Joe/AFP via Getty Images)

He pointed out that the Soviet Union trained many of the ANCs exiled leaders during the apartheid period.

Roos worries that redistribution wont end until all property is transferred to the government. He cited the nationalization of land in neighboring Mozambique after it became independent from Portugal.

The Epoch Times contacted representatives for the Economic Freedom Fighters, the ANC, and Freedom Front Plus for comment. None of them responded by press time.
Special counsel John Durham arrives at federal court in Washington on May 18, 2022. (Teng Chen for The Epoch Times)

Special Counsel Durham Can Keep Witness List for Danchenko Trial Secret: Judge

Special counsel John Durham can keep a list of witnesses he plans to call in an upcoming trial secret, a judge ruled on Oct. 7.

U.S. District Judge Anthony Trenga, a George W. Bush appointee, approved a motion from Durhams team.

The witness list will be sealed and remain under seal until further order from the court, Trenga said.

Durhams prosecution of Igor Danchenko, a key source for the anti-Donald Trump dossier compiled on behalf of Democrats ahead of the 2016 presidential election, is set to start on Oct. 11.

Michael Keilty, an assistant special counsel, asked the court on Oct. 7 to seal the list.

Given that this case has garnered significant media attention, the government is concerned about the potential harassment of its witnesses should they be identified this far in advance of trial, Keilty wrote.

Prosecutors plan to publicly file the list, which they provided to Danchenkos lawyers, on Oct. 10, Keilty said.

Defense lawyers didnt object to the proposal, he noted.

The filing cited rulings in other cases that sealed witness lists. In one, re Knight Pub. Co., the court wrote that a trial court has supervisory power over its own records and may, in its discretion, seal documents if the publics right of access is outweighed by competing interests.

Prosecutors havent shed much light on potential witnesses in court filings. They did say that they wanted to call Bernd Kuhlen, a German citizen who was a manager at the Ritz Carlton hotel in Moscow in 2016, while discussing Danchenkos shifting statements regarding the claim that Trump, while staying at the hotel, made a degenerate request of hookers.

But Trenga denied the request, noting that none of the charges against Danchenko relate to the so-called pee tape.

Danchenko allegedly lied five times to FBI agents during interviews and was charged in 2021. The statements relate to his sourcing of information from Charles Dolan, a longtime Clinton family associate, and his alleged interactions with Sergei Millian, a businessman who used to be president of the RussianAmerican Chamber of Commerce.

It was later revealed that the FBI paid Danchenko as a confidential human source for more than three years.

Prosecutors have said that they plan to call Dolan but that Millian wont testify because of concerns about his personal safety and the safety of his family.

Danchenko has pleaded not guilty and said that he told the truth in the interviews.

He provided information to Christopher Steele, the ex-British spy that compiled the anti-Trump dossier while being paid by Hillary Clinton, who was vying with Trump for the presidency, and the Democratic National Committee.

The dossier is infamously full of salacious, unsubstantiated accusations. Many of its claims have been ruled inaccurate or false by federal investigators, including the Department of Justices Office of the Inspector General.
Top Medical Center to Pause Transgender Surgeries on Minors After Backlash

A top medical center in Tennessee is pausing the removal of breasts and other procedures that it says were performed on transgender youth in recent years.

The Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) disclosed the pause in a letter to a state representative on Oct. 7.

VUMC doctors have performed breast removals and other surgeries for youth who think theyre a different gender, according to lectures given by VUMC doctors. Archived versions of the webpage for the VUMC pediatric transgender clinic says that puberty blockers and gender-affirming therapy are among the services offered.

The transgender clinic, which also services adults, has performed gender-affirming surgical procedures for an average of five minors per year since it started in 2018, Dr. C. Wright Pinson, deputy CEO, told state Republican Rep. Jason Zachary in the new letter.

All of the minors were 16 or older, none received genital procedures, and parental consent was obtained for all patients, according to Pinson.

Zachary and 61 other Tennessee House Republicans in September asked VUMC to pause what they described as surgical mutilations of minor children until they had a chance to craft and pass legislation that prohibits such procedures.

Pinsons letter, a response to the request, said that VUMC would pause the surgeries for minors while the center reviews a new version of recommendations by the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) and consults with local and national experts on the updated recommendations.

WPATHs recommendations say that youth should show several years of persistent gender diversity [or] incongruence before being given hormones or surgeries but the group also removed any age restrictions regarding transgender surgeries, which include breast removal and womb removal.

The review may take several months, Pinson said. He also said that if new laws are passed VUMC will comply with them.

Zachary said in a statement that he appreciated the response.

Glad that VUMC has paused surgeries for children at their transgender clinic. This is a win for the safety of our children, but were committed to ensuring this never happens in Tennessee again, Tennessee House Majority Leader William Lamberth, a Republican, said in a statement.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, has called for lawmakers to pass legislation that would not allow permanent, life-altering decisions that hurt children, and a number of legislators said they plan to craft bills to that effect and introduce them in January when lawmakers are due to gather.

Brad Jones contributed to this report.
A man walks past a Toyota logo at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on Oct. 24, 2019. (Edgar Su/Reuters)

Toyota Says About 296,000 Pieces of Customer Info Possibly Leaked

TOKYOToyota Motor Corp. said on Friday it had found that about 296,000 pieces of customer information from its T-Connect service might have been leaked.

Toyota said 296,019 email addresses and customer numbers of those using T-Connect, a telematics service that connects vehicles via a network, were potentially leaked. The affected customers are individuals who signed up to the services website using their email addresses since July 2017.

A third party access could not be confirmed from the access history of the data server where the information was stored based on security experts investigation, Toyota said in a statement.

At the same time, it added that third-party access could not be completely ruled out.

There was no possibility, though, that users sensitive personal information, such as names, phone numbers, or credit card information, were leaked, Toyota said.

The Japanese automaker did not confirm cases of the information being misused but cautioned that there is a possibility of spamming, phishing scams, and unsolicited email messages being sent to the users email addresses.

The automaker said a contractor that developed the T-Connect website accidentally uploaded parts of the source code with public settings from December 2017 until Sept. 15 this year.
Jeremy Catholique, a member of the Lutsel Ke Dene First Nation and shift supervisor at Vital Metals Nechalacho rare earth elements mine in the Northwest Territories, overlooks bags of concentrated ore ready to be shipped to the plant in Saskatoon. (Bill Braden/Vital Metals)

Two Canadian Companies Aim to Rival Chinas Monopoly of the Rare Earth Metals Market

The plan involves making Saskatoon a key link in the global rare earths supply chain

SASKATOONMost people use rare earth elements every day, although they may only have a vague idea of what these metals are.

Rare earth elements are the building blocks of many technologies and are prized for their magnetic and catalytic properties. They permeate our lives, according to David Connelly, VP of strategy and corporate affairs with Vital Metals, which owns Canadas first and only rare earth mine, located in the Northwest Territories.

Its extremely significant, given the worlds reliance on one supply chain where up to 90 percent of rare earths are either mined or processed in China, Connelly told The Epoch Times.

Whether its a wind turbine or an electric vehicle, or an LED lightbulb or a computer or a cellphonename 100 itemsthey all use rare earths, and they either cant operate or would operate much less efficiently without them.

Vital Metals is building a $20 million rare earth extraction facility in Saskatoon to process the metals it mines, with plans to sell the mixed rare earth carbonate produced to other companies in Europe and the United States for separation and further processing.

Mike Crabtree, president and CEO of the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC), also sees the significant potential of rare earths.

Its phones, its cars, its satellites. Its going to be as important to the 21st-century economy as oil and gas was to the 19th and 20th century, he said in an interview.

SRC is building a $55 million rare earth processing facility in Saskatoon, virtually next door to the Vital Metals plant. The SRC plant will include processing, separation, and metals stagesthe first of its kind in North America. Both are scheduled to be fully operational in 2024.

Various rare earth oxides. (Saskatchewan Research Council)

Rare earths have been produced for decades, but China has cornered much of the worlds market. And so various countries, including Canada, are striving to develop their own supplies. The need has ramped up in recent years because of the push to a greener economy.

The difference has been the drive towards net zero, the drive towards the energy transition, said Crabtree. So it is the wind turbines, the electric vehicles, the larger scale use of these rare earths for this energy transition that has turbocharged the whole market for this.

Connelly says the rising demand is a major challenge.

The world is going to struggle to meet the demand that is generated or required, he said. Many developed and developing countries have set deadlines  for the adoption of electric vehicles and also de-carbonization of their energy grids.  It is very hard to see how that demand can be met.

The only other rare earths mine in North America is the Mountain Pass project in California.

Chinas Rare Earth Dominance

In June 2021, the Standing Committee on Natural Resources presented a report before the House of Commons noting that, considering that the demand for rare earth metals and Chinas dominance in the field, it is important for Canada to develop the sector.

One of the committees recommendations was that the federal government renew its support for the Canadian mining sector so that it can take advantage of the many opportunities offered by developing critical minerals and recognize their unique contribution to advanced technologies and the energy transition.

According to Mining.com, China controls over 80 percent of mined cobalt and over 85 percent of refined cobalt for electric vehicle batteries, having acquired strategic mineral assets across the world in the past decades. It controls 100 percent of the worlds spherical graphite production, a critical component in electric vehicles.

Vital Metals began production at its Nechalacho Project in the Northwest Territories in 2021. Operated by a subsidiary called Cheetah Resources, the companys goal is to be the lowest-cost producer of rare earths outside of China.

Connolly said the company hopes to get production started from its nearby, larger Tardiff deposit within a couple of years.

That deposit should be able to provide a significant percentage of the worlds rare earths that dont come from China, he said.

In light of Chinas monopoly of the rare earths market, the U.S. government has been taking steps to establish a domestic supply chain for rare earths and other minerals vital for battery-making.

Block of NdPr metal alloy produced by the Saskatchewan Research Council. (Doug Lett/The Epoch Times)

Making Saskatoon a North American Hub

Vital Metals has said the plan is to make Saskatoon a key link in the global rare earths supply chain, making the city a North American hub for the processing and researching of rare earth elements.

Last month, a rare earth elements summit was held in Saskatoon that attracted a lot of interest.

In the audience there were two companies that specialize in the separation of rare earths that were clearly evaluating Saskatchewan as a place for a rare earth separation facility, said Connelly.

He believes Saskatchewan has a lot of advantages, including a strong workforce, good training facilities, and relatively low costs.

However, while the potential is there, no one is pretending it will be easy. Crabtree says China has a significant advantage, and a big head start on the rest of the world.

The Chinese have invested long and hard in developing its position, he said. It is going to take time and investment to build a competitive position to that.

But both Crabtree and Connolly believe one advantage is the environmental stewardship involved. The SRC plant, for example, will recycle all the water and chemicals it uses.

The public are not going to tolerate driving around in EVs where there has been substantial environmental damage, or where there has been an inappropriate use of labour, Crabtree said.

And Connelly points to the environmental record and indigenous partnership at the Nechalacho project. About 70 percent of employees at the mine are indigenous, and the company has a close working relationship with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. He notes that no water or chemicals are used in mining, and no toxic tailings are produced.

There are relatively few rare earth deposits that are as benign and environmentally friendly to mine as the Nechalacho Project, he said.

So while there is a long way to go, both men believe the developing industry has tremendous potential.

Having established Canadas and North Americasand in fact the worldsonly rare earth chain that is absolutely independent of China or Russia and solely flows through friends and allies, is a very substantial achievement for Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, Connolly said.
Ukraine Declares It Recognizes Japans Claim to Russian-Occupied Kuril Islands

Ukraines government has declared its support for Japan regarding its claim to the disputed Kuril Islands, which have been under Russian control since 1945.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree recognizing Japans sovereignty and territorial integrity, including the Kuril Islands, following a debate in the Ukrainian parliament on Oct. 7.

Ukraine confirmed its respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Japan, including its Northern territories, which are still under Russian occupation, Zelenskyy said in a statement.

He called on the international community to recognize Japans claims and emphasized the need to de-occupy all disputed lands that Russia has claimed and is trying to keep.

Russia has no right to these territories. Everyone in the world knows this well. And we must finally act, Zelenskyy remarked. Only in this way can we return the full force to international law.

His remarks came after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed laws annexing four Ukrainian regionsLuhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Khersonas a result of a referendum that Ukraine and the West deemed to be a sham.

Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian forces liberated 776 square kilometers (299 square miles) of territory in the east and 29 settlements from the Russian pseudo-referendum this week, including six in the Luhansk region.

Russia, by its example, will show all potential aggressors of the world that an aggressive terrorist war in our time is a way to weaken and inevitably destroy the one who starts such a war, he said.

Kuril Islands Dispute

The Kuril Islands, known as the Northern Territories in Japan and the Southern Kurils in Russia, consist of four islands: Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and Habomai. The former Soviet Union seized them at the end of World War II.

Japan claimed that the islands have never been held by foreign countries and that they have been under illegal occupation by Russia, and the former Soviet Union before that, since 1945.

The two countries never formally signed a peace treaty due to the dispute. Japan initiated peace talks with Russia, but they were later terminated by the Kremlin after Japan imposed a slew of sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine war.

The Russian foreign ministry said that it would be impossible to discuss this fundamental document on bilateral relations with a state that holds an explicitly unfriendly position and seeks to harm the interests of Russia.

Aside from the suspension of peace treaty talks, Russia has also suspended visa-free travel for Japanese citizens and withdrawn from talks with Japan on expanding economic activities.
Philippine marines amphibious assault vehicles maneouver next to a Philippine BRP Tarlac navy landing platform dock ship during a joint amphibious landing exercise with U.S. Marines at a beach facing the South China Sea in San Antonio town, Zambales province on Oct. 7, 2022. (Ted Aljibe/AFP via Getty Images)

US, Philippines Begin Large-Scale Joint Military Drills to Bolster Defense Ties

Japan and South Korea participate in the exercises as 'observers'

The Philippines and U.S. Marines are conducting a two-week joint naval exercise to bolster military ties, while Japan and South Korea are participating in the drill as observers for the first time.

The Kamandag 6 is being held in the Philippine islands of Luzon, Batanes, and Palawan through Oct. 14. It involves 530 Philippine marines, 2,550 U.S. Marines, and 100 Philippine navy and air force personnel.

Some 30 Japan Ground Self-Defense Force personnel and 100 South Korean marines are also participating in the exercise, according to the U.S. Marine Corps.

The Kamandag exercise certainly boosts our territorial defense capabilities as we continue training with our allied forces in the region, Brig. Gen. Raul Jesus Caldez, the acting commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, said in a statement.

The drill will include a combined arms live-fire exercise in central Luzon featuring aircraft and high mobility rocket systems, as well as amphibious operations along the eastern and northern coasts, according to the U.S. Marine Corps.

A U.S. Marine officer (R) gives instructions to Philippine marines wearing protective gear and using joint chemical agent detectors during a chemical warfare exercise as part of a joint amphibious landing training at a beach facing the South China Sea in the town of San Antonio, Zambales Province, Philippines, on Oct. 7, 2022. (Ted Aljibe/AFP via Getty Images)

The joint exercise on the Philippine islands are occurring concurrently with a U.S. Marine exercise in Japan involving 1,400 troops of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and 1,600 U.S. Marines.

Bolstering Military Ties

The United States and the Philippines are allies under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which stipulates that the countries would defend each other if attacked.

The latest joint drill follows a meeting between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Philippine counterpart, Jose Faustino, in Hawaii on Sept. 30, during which they pledged to bolster military cooperation to tackle regional challenges.

Faustino said security engagement is a key pillar of PhilippinesU.S. bilateral relations and that his government would continue to engage in diplomacy with China to address the volatile situation in the South China Sea.

We continue to engage with like-minded countries and make sure that the rule of law and the rules-based international order will prevail in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, he said at a joint press conference.

China has increased its influence in the South China Sea through its artificial islands and military buildup. It claims the majority of the South China Sea under its so-called nine-dash line, despite competing claims from other nations.

Faustino also expressed concern over Chinas ongoing military drills near Taiwan, saying that more than 130,000 Filipino workers in Taiwan could be in danger if Taiwan is attacked.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to conquer it by force if necessary. Any attack on Taiwan could threaten Philippine security because of its proximity to Taiwan, which sits on the north side of the Luzon Strait.
Frontier Airlines is ending service between Bismarck and Denver in about a month.

The city announced the airlines decision in a late-Friday statement, saying Frontier cited a shift in network strategy due to crew/operational constraints as the reason. The last flight will be Nov. 3.

Airport Director Greg Haug said Frontiers move is unfortunate for Bismarck and the region.

This is an extremely challenging time for the airline industry as they adjust their operations to accommodate labor shortages and rising costs, he said.

Frontier did not immediately respond to a Tribune request for comment Saturday. Frontier Group Holdings Inc., the parent company of Frontier, in July reported a profitable second quarter, with a 43% increase in revenue from the second quarter of 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic. The company said it expected record revenue in the third quarter.

Airlines have struggled to rebound from pandemic disruptions and staffing shortages. North Dakota Aeronautics Commission Executive Director Kyle Wanner said last month that airlines havent been able to add flights or seats in North Dakota as the industry continues to reprioritize the utilization of its fleet and works to improve its staffing issues.

That has hampered passenger growth. Monthly airline boardings at North Dakotas eight commercial service airports in July slipped below 2021 levels for the first time this year.

Boardings were down 18.8% from July 2019, before the onset of the pandemic in early 2020. Bismarcks drop was less than half a percent, however.

The Bismarck Airport still will have flights to Denver through United Airlines. Delta, American and Allegiant also serve the capital city.

We are optimistic that Bismarcks market will continue to offer air service that meets the needs of the community and surrounding region, Haug said.
In this handout image released Sept. 13, 2019, by South Korean Defense Ministry, USS Nimitz (3rd L), USS Ronald Reagan (2nd L), and USS Theodore Roosevelt (L) conduct operations with South Korea's destroyers during a joint naval drill in East Sea, South Korea, on Nov. 12, 2017. (South Korean Defense Ministry via Getty Images)

US Redeploys Aircraft Carrier, Sanctions Entities Aiding North Koreas Nuclear Program

The United States staged another round of joint drills with South Korea with an aircraft carrier and sanctioned entities aiding North Koreas nuclear programs, as tensions on the Korean Peninsula ratcheted up.

The maritime drills were held in waters off South Koreas east coast, involving the USS Ronald Reagan carrier strike group, and will run through Oct. 8, according to South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff.

We will continue to strengthen our operational capabilities and readiness to respond to any provocations by North Korea, JCS said, Reuters reported.

The U.S. aircraft carrier previously participated in trilateral ballistic missile defense drills alongside Japanese and South Korean warships in response to North Koreas missile launch over Japan on Oct. 4.

It was redeployed after North Korea held its sixth missile test in less than two weeks on Thursday and flew fighter jets near the South Korean border, prompting South Korea to scramble 30 fighter jets.

Sanctions Targeting Illegal Transfer of Petroleum

Washington on Friday sanctioned two individuals and three entities involved in illicit ship-to-ship transfers of petroleum to North Korea, which it said directly supports the authoritarian regimes weapons program.

The sanctions targeted Singapore-based Kwek Kee Seng, Taiwan-based Chen Shih Huan, and Marshall Islands-registered company New Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd for their roles in managing the Courageous vessel.

The vessel has participated in several illegal deliveries of refined petroleum to North Korea and engaged in deceptive shipping practices, including disabling its automatic identification system, according to the U.S. Treasurys statement.

The sanctions also include Anfasar Trading Pte. Ltd, and Swanseas Port Services Pte. Ltd, both of which are based in Singapore.

Tensions have risen sharply on the Korean Peninsula amid North Koreas recent barrage of missile tests, which experts say were aimed to distract the United States and its allies.

Grant Newsham, a retired U.S. Marine officer, said in a commentary published on Oct. 7 that North Koreas actions will force the United States and Japan to use their limited resources against it, diverting their attention away from the situation in Taiwan.

The Americans and the Japanese have limited resources. They are forced to devote some portion to guard against North Korean missiles (and maybe nuclear weapons) directed against Japan and U.S. bases in the country and beyondor to handle a conventional fight on the Korean Peninsula, he wrote.

North Korean actions are properly viewed as part of a comprehensiveif loosely coordinatedeffort to distract and put the Americans and the Japanese (and the South Koreans) on the back foot, Newsham stated.

And this all ties into a Taiwan scenario. Whenever China decides it is done waiting for Taiwan to give up without a fight, expect North Korea to make a move that requires serious U.S., Japanese, and South Korean attention.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during the 52nd General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Lima, Peru, on Oct. 6, 2022. (Cris Bouroncle/Pool via Reuters)

US Reviewing Response Options on Saudi Relations After OPEC+ Cuts, Blinken Says

LIMAThe United States is reviewing various options regarding its relationship with Saudi Arabia after Riyadh and other OPEC+ nations agreed this week to large cuts in oil production, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday.

As for the relationship [with Riyadh] going forward, were reviewing a number of response options. Were consulting closely with Congress, Blinken said at a news conference in Lima alongside his Peruvian counterpart.

Blinken did not specify what steps Washington was considering. President Joe Bidens administration has been mulling a response after the OPEC+ oil producers, which include Russia, agreed on Wednesday to slash production.

Democrats in the U.S. Congress called on Thursday to slash military sales to Saudi Arabia. Some lawmakers question Washingtons security ties with Riyadh, angered by civilian deaths in Saudi-led military operations in Yemen as well as alleged human rights abuses.

Bidens administration worries that decreased oil output could push up the price of gasoline right before the Nov. 8 midterm elections, when Democrats will defend their control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Biden has yet to announce what steps Washington might take in response to the cuts. Blinken said during the news conference in Peru that Washington would not do anything that infringes upon its interests.

Thats, first and foremost, what will guide us, and we will keep all of those interests in mind and consult closely with all the relevant stakeholders as we decide on any steps going forward, Blinken said.

By Humeyra Pamuk
A medical attendant disinfects the rubber boots of a medical officer before leaving the Ebola isolation section of Mubende Regional Referral Hospital in Mubende, Uganda, on Sept. 29, 2022. (Hajarah Nalwadda/AP Photo)

US to Begin Screening Travelers Coming From Uganda for Ebola

WASHINGTONThe United States will begin screening travelers coming from Uganda for Ebola as an additional precaution aimed at trying to prevent an outbreak in the African country from spreading, the Biden administration said Thursday.

There have been no Ebola cases from the outbreak reported outside Uganda, and the risk in the United States is considered low. U.S. officials described the screening move as an additional precaution.

The screenings will begin rolling out immediately. Travelers who have been in Uganda at any point during the past 21 days, which is the incubation period for the virus, will be redirected to one of five U.S. airports for Ebola screening: Kennedy International Airport in New York, Washington Dulles International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, Chicagos OHare International Airport, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The screening applies to any passenger who was in Uganda, including U.S. citizens. It involves a temperature and symptom check conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC will also collect contact information that will be shared with local health departments at the travelers destination.

The administration says about 145 people per day enter the United States from Uganda, with most already arriving at the five large airline hubs. Anyone scheduled to fly into a different airport will be rebooked by their airline, the administration said.

Also Thursday, the CDC sent a health alert to doctors, urging them to get a travel history from patients who have Ebola-like symptoms.

The Ebola virus disease is mainly spread through contact with blood and other bodily fluids of an infected person who is sick or died. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, and sometimes bleeding.

This marks the sixth Ebola outbreak in Uganda, but this one has escalated quickly. As of Thursday, there have been 44 confirmed cases and 10 confirmed deaths since the first case was diagnosed Sept. 19.
Wisconsin Judge Orders Officials to Stop Allowing Voters to Spoil Ballots and Cast New Ones

Voters in Wisconsin cant cancel their ballot and cast a new one once a vote has been cast, a state judge has ruled.

Waukesha County Circuit Judge Brad Schimel granted a request on Oct. 5 for a temporary injunction against the practice, which had been promulgated to officials across the state by the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC).

Wisconsin voter Nancy Kormanik sued the WEC over its guidance, which states that clerks can give completed and submitted absentee ballots back to a voter, arguing that doing so violates a Wisconsin law that states that the clerk shall not return the ballot to the elector once submitted.

The guidance was issued after several candidates dropped out of high-profile races, including Democrat candidates for the U.S. Senate, such as Alex Lasry.

Schimel, a Republican and a former Wisconsin attorney general, sided with Kormanik and ordered an injunction that took effect on Oct. 7.

Restoring Integrity and Trust in Elections is representing Kormanik. The group was started by former Bush administration official Karl Rove and others.

Todays ruling is another major victory for Wisconsin voters. WECs unlawful guidance destroys voter confidence and taints the integrity of Wisconsins elections. Once a vote is cast, it is cast. Period, Derek Lyons, president and CEO of the group, said in a statement.

WEC didnt respond to a request for comment.

The defendants appealed the decision to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, which hasnt yet ruled on the matter.

A temporary injunction can later be rescinded, stayed, or made permanent. The case is still ongoing.

Voting has already started in Wisconsin, where the governors mansion and a U.S. Senate seat are among the positions up for grabs.

The Democratic National Committee has intervened in the case, siding with the WEC.

We disagree with this decision to restrict voting access in Wisconsin, particularly as voters in the state have already begun to cast their ballots, a committee spokeswoman told media outlets in a statement.

The decision is the latest against the WEC, which some lawmakers have proposed abolishing.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled this year that ballot drop boxes are illegal after WEC tried to keep the boxes in place. And Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Aprahamian has found in several rulings that WEC guidance stating officials can fix issues with absentee ballot witness certificates was illegal.

Wisconsin law does not authorize election officials to correct, modify, alter, or add to an absentee ballot certification, the judge said in one of the rulings, Wisconsin Public Radio reported.

WEC withdrew the guidance after the ruling.
Airlines eager to reopen Japan routes

BANGKOK: Local airlines are banking on borders reopening in Asian countries, but are cautiously planning their routes as a weak currency and high fuel costs still afflict the industry.

tourismeconomics

By Bangkok Post

Saturday 8 October 2022, 10:02AM

Local airlines are preparing to add more international flights from Bangkok as Asian countries reopen. Photo: Bangkok Post

Tassapon Bijleveld, chief executive of Thai AirAsia X (TAAX), said Japans planned reopening on Oct 11 has been a tremendous help in driving load factor for all routes to this country, reports the Bangkok Post.

The airlines average load factor for its Japan routes already tallied 85-86% and is expected to increase to 90% by the end of this month as demand continues to grow.

Japan has the fastest growing routes at the moment for every airline that flies to that nation. The advantage for this market is theres less impact from currency exchange as both the Thai baht and Japanese yen are weakening, he said.

Average airfares for Japan routes across the market recorded a surge to B16,000 for low-cost carriers. For routes with high demand, particularly Tokyo via Narita airport, airfares could surge to more than B20,000 on average because of limited seat capacity and high jet fuel costs.

In response to the demand influx, TAAX accelerated its plan to resume flights to New Chitose airport in Hokkaido to December, while flights to Kansai airport in Osaka were rescheduled to this month from January. Those two routes were suspended for almost three years because of COVID-19 protocols.

Mr Tassapon said the airline will prioritise routes to Japan, with a target to reach the same frequencies as before the pandemic.

Next year, TAAX plans to expand its international flights with the addition of two new jets.

Surging fuel prices and the weak baht remain obstacles. Fuel costs have gradually decreased from a peak in the second quarter to around US$100 per barrel, but this is still considerably higher than usual rate, he said. Its also more difficult for airlines to seek fuel supply sources because of the Russia-Ukraine war and fuel shortages in Europe.

According to the International Air Transport Associations jet fuel price monitor on Sept 30, the average price for Asia and Oceania was $113.81 per barrel, a 15% decline from one month ago, but 32% higher than the same period last year.

As Taiwan is scheduled to reopen borders for Thai travellers without quarantine on Oct 13, Thai Lion Air plans to resume flights to Taipei in December this year, starting with five flights per week before adding daily service in January, said Nuntaporn Komonsittivate, head of commercial operations at the airline.

Thai Lion Air wants to restart its service to Kathmandu in Nepal with three flights per week in November, with flights to Singapore set to restart on Oct 30. Nok Air is reportedly planning to add services to Taipei by early next year.
Man City fuelled by red-hot Haaland as Liverpool face Arsenal test

FOOTBALL: Liverpools faltering Premier League title challenge could suffer a fatal blow if leaders Arsenal win tomorrows (Oct 9) marquee match-up at the Emirates Stadium.

FootballPremier-League

By AFP

Saturday 8 October 2022, 11:30AM

Erling Haaland has scored 19 goals in 11 competitive games in a remarkable first season with City following his move from Borussia Dortmund. Photo: AFP

Powered by Erling Haalands incredible form, Manchester City will aim for another goal spree against Southampton, while Manchester United could turn to Brazilian midfielder Casemiro after their derby demolition.

Liverpool face defining period

Virgil van Dijk has urged Liverpool to embrace the pressure of a potentially defining period in their stop-start season.

Hampered by an unusually sluggish start, Jurgen Klopps side are already 11 points behind Arsenal and can ill-afford to fall further adrift.

Winners of just two of their first seven league games, Liverpool follow that crucial clash in London with a Champions League trip to Rangers on Wednesday before Manchester City visit Anfield on Oct 16.

After a damaging 3-3 draw with Brighton last weekend, Liverpool recovered their equilibrium by beating Rangers 2-0 in midweek and Van Dijk wants his team to take that momentum into the Arsenal game.

Its something to look forward to. They (Arsenal) are in a fantastic moment but if you look at our results in the Premier League I think no one would give us a chance there, said defender Van Dijk.

But we know what we are capable of, we know what is expected. They are in the best moment of their lives, full of confidence, and its a big game.

Lasagne fuels Haalands hot streak

As defenders across Europe struggle to sate Erling Haalands appetite for goals, the Manchester City striker has revealed his recipe for success.

Haaland is in such prolific form that he was only needed for the first half of Citys 5-0 rout of Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday, during which he netted twice.

The 22-year-old has scored 19 goals in 11 competitive games in a remarkable first season with City following his move from Borussia Dortmund.

And the Norway star says his dad Alfies home-cooked lasagne has played a key role in his blistering run.

Ive had it before every home game now and that turns out fairly well, so there has to be something special he adds to it, said Haaland.

I help out very little. I mostly lie on the couch watching him. Thats the way it works.

With Haaland adding the attacking fulcrum City had lacked since Sergio Agueros departure, the champions have embarked on a power surge featuring 29 goals in their first eight league games.

No wonder City boss Pep Guardiola was quick to deny reports in Spain this week that Haalands City contract contains a clause that allows Real Madrid to sign him from 2024.

Ten Hag wrestles with Casemiro dilemma

Erik ten Hag could finally give Brazil midfielder Casemiro his first Premier League start as the Manchester United manager tries to steady his side after their reality check at Manchester City.

Uniteds four-match winning league run came to a painful end when City hammered them 6-3 last weekend.

Ten Hag believes that chastening defeat should serve to refocus his players for tomorrows trip to Everton, but he has a significant selection dilemma to solve first.

Since signing Casemiro from Real Madrid for an initial 60 million in August, Ten Hag has used the five-time Champions League winner sparingly due to Scott McTominays solid performances.

Casemiro has made four substitute appearances in the Premier League, with his only starts coming in the Europa League, but the derby meltdown could be the trigger for a sustained promotion to the starting line-up.

I said already before, it had nothing to do with Casemiro, it was all to do with Scott, said Ten Hag. Im sure Casemiro will play a really important role.

Fixtures

Today (All Phuket times)

Bournemouth v Leicester (9pm)

Chelsea v Wolves (9pm)

Manchester City v Southampton (9pm)

Newcastle v Brentford (9pm)

Brighton v Tottenham (11:30pm)

Sunday

Crystal Palace v Leeds (8pm)

West Ham v Fulham (8pm)

Arsenal v Liverpool (10:30pm)

Monday

Everton v Manchester United (12am)

Tuesday

Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa (2am)
Phuket airport celebrates 34 years of service, hopes for Russian, Chinese flights

PHUKET: Flights from Russia to Phuket are scheduled to resume from late October while the Chinese market may begin coming back around the year end, said Monchai Tanode, General Manager of Phuket International Airport.



By The Phuket News

Saturday 8 October 2022, 09:00AM

Mr Monchai was speaking to the media yesterday (Oct 8) after a merit-making ceremony on the occasion of the 34th anniversary operations at Phuket International Airport . The anniversary was celebrated under the slogan "Prime Destination through Secondary Hub Airport". Representatives from various government agencies and the private sector joined the event.

Mr Monchai said that the improvement in the COVID-19 situation resulted in growing numbers of flights and passengers served by Phuket International Airport.

In January-August this year 849,406 passengers went through the airport, the number of flight arrivals and departures totaled 9,167, he said.

Mr Monchai also confirmed that three Russian airlines have notified Phuket International Airport about their readiness to fly to and from Phuket performing at least two flights per day. Mr Monchai did not name the companies.

The Phuket News sister paper Novosti Phuketa earlier reported that Russias flag-carrier Aeroflot confirmed two regular flights per day from Oct 30 and IKAR Airlines announced an unspecified number of flights from Oct 29. Russias S7 Airlines announced flights to Bangkok from Nov 2 (five flights per week), yet it is not clear if S7 going to be the third Russian carrier to fly to Phuket.

Mr Monchai forecasts passenger traffic through Phuket International Airport will reach 13 million people next year. In 2019 the airport recorded its historical maximum of 18mn.

After 34 years of operations the Phuket International Airport is ready to continue to develop and drive constant changes for good including taking care of the community and the environment alongside its aviation business. We are ready to step into our 35th year of quality operations, building confidence in passengers and satisfying clients under the motto Safety is the standard. Service is the heart, the airport said.

Mr Monchai admitted that airport faces challenges and sometimes experiences problems such as the recent emergency repairs of the runway resulting in flight delays and diversions.

Mr Monchai did not mention the most recent incident when the airport came under fire after security personnel forced two tourists to leave the taxi they ordered via an app because the car was not from a cooperative listed among the airports partners.
North Dakota Department of Transportation officials will visit four American Indian reservations this month to provide non-driver photo identification cards that can be used for voting in the upcoming general election.

Scheduled events are:

Belcourt, Derrick Dixon Event Center, 1210 William Hardesty St., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday

Fort Yates, courthouse, 303 Second Ave., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday

New Town, Northern Lights Wellness Center, 710 E. Ave., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, Oct. 17

Fort Totten, The Blue Building, 816 Third Ave. N., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 19.

A federal judge in April 2020 approved an agreement between North Dakota and tribes settling a legal dispute over the states voter ID requirements that at one point reached the U.S. Supreme Court. The deal includes provisions that aim to ensure Native American voters have valid IDs and can meet the state requirement of a provable street address.

The agreement ensures that tribally designated street addresses are accepted as valid, and it calls for the state to work with tribes to distribute free nondriver ID cards on all reservations within 30 days of statewide elections.

The ID cards will be issued at the reservation events to North Dakota residents who do not have a driver's license or tribal identification card. The cards are free to anyone 18 or older and will be mailed out in about five days, the department said.

Anyone wishing to obtain a card must have a certified birth certificate and court-issued name change documents if applicable, along with a Social Security card. They must also provide proof of North Dakota residency. Acceptable residency documents and information about the photo ID events and North Dakota voting requirements is at vote.ND.gov.

Our goal is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to vote in the upcoming elections, said Brad Schaffer, director of DOT's Driver License Division.

The Nov. 8 general election will decide county, legislative, judicial, statewide and congressional races, along with proposed measures that would impose term limits on state lawmakers and the governor and legalize recreational marijuana.
Phuket mental patient with knives, off his meds taken into custody

PHUKET: A man known to have refused his medication for a mental condition and who was seen walking around in the dark carrying a machete on Koh Maphrao last night (Oct 7) has been taken into custody and returned to Vachira Phuket Hospital for treatment.

Safetypolice

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Saturday 8 October 2022, 06:05PM

The village headman of Baan Koh Maphrao, in Moo 6, Koh Kaew, reported the mans behaviour to Muang District officials at 11am today, said Muang District Chief Suwit Suriyawong.

The man was seen walking in the village throughout the night, unable to sleep. He walked amongst the chickens, disturbing them all night, while carrying what was described as a short dark weapon and a machete, Mr Suwit said.

Local police had already been informed of the mans behaviour, but local residents thought it prudent to inform local administrative officials as well, as they believed the man could be a danger to the public, he added.

District officials, accompanied by Territorial Defense personnel (OrSor) and patrol police in Koh Kaew travelled by boat to Koh Maphrao, also called Coconut Island, only to discover the the man, identified later only as Mr Charan, 37, had already taken a boat to Laem Hin Pier on Phuket, where Mr Charan was taken into custody.

Officers found he was carrying in his bag two long knives and psychiatric medication issued by Vachira Phuket Hospital.

Mr. Charans mother told police that her son had been more unpredictable in his behavior, adding that he was more likely taking illicit drugs for his condition instead of the medication prescribed by Vachira Phuket Hospital.

Mr Charan had been to therapy many times, she said, but had never shown long-term signs recovery/

The exact mental issue that Mr Charan has been diagnosed with has yet to be named by officials.

Mr Charan did have an appointment to return to Vachia hospital on Monday, his mother said.

Mr Charan initially refused to return to Vachira hospital today. Officers invited him to get into a pickup that would take him to Vachira hospital. Instead, Mr Charan lay on the ground and told officers they would have to pick him up and place him in the car. The officers obliged and placed him in the back of the pickup, but Mr Charan later agreed and was taken to Vachira hospital to receive further treatment.

Police noted that Mr Charan tested positive for drug use through a preliminary urine test. They also said that he was, for now, technically being processed under a charge of attempted murder.
Pub, bar raids for sex and drugs find nothing

PHUKET: A series of raids on pubs and bars in Phuket Town accused of operating as brothels and venues for the sale of drugs found no breaches of any laws that officials brought action against.

crimepolice

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Saturday 8 October 2022, 05:11PM

The raids on six popular venues in Phuket Town last night (Oct 7) were carried out on by a contingent of no less than 20 officers from 9pm to 10:30pm, said a report by the Muang District Office.

The report named a long list of officials involved in ordering and carrying out the raids, including that the raids came under the direction of Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew, and consequently by Phuket Vice Governor Pichet Panapong, Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Somprat Prabsongkram, Muang District Chief Suwit Suriyawong and Wichet Suyanan, a Deputy District Officer also from the Muang District Office.

The raids were led by Deputy District Security Officer Danai Jaikeng joined by police officers commanded by Phuket Town Police Deputy Chief Pol Lt Col Chatchai Chunu, said the report.

Also bolstering the ranks of the raiding party were Territorial Defense personnel (OrSor) attached to the Muang District Office.

The six pubs and bars raided were named as Ploenchit, Sound Up, At Five, Cosmos, Ther and The Column.

The raids were instigated by a complaint posted on popular Thai-language social media page that accused some of the venues of operating as brothels with drugs sold on the premises, notably in the bathrooms, said the report.

However, according to the report, the officers found no evidence supporting the accusations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is moving to tighten security along a key bridge to Crimea after an explosion caused part of the bridge to collapse
By Guo Xiaobing

Deputy Speaker of Russias Federation Council Kosachev recently said that evidence has been found proving the military purposes of Americas biolabs in Ukraine. Thats actually no secret.

According to the report submitted by the US to the Meeting of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) in November 2021, the Biological Threat Reduction Program (BTRP) of the US Department of Defense (DoD) alone has supported 336 biolabs in Africa, East Europe, Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, along with a number of overseas biosecurity labs directly operated by the DoD. Whats the US up to with such a massive amount of biolabs?

First, it wants to timely discover abrupt contagious diseases and signs of terrorist bio-attacks to ensure homeland security. Thats why it has extended its antenna for biosecurity beyond its borders to discover and prevent risks as early as possible. Second, it wants to make sure the US militarys overseas operations wont be obstructed by contagious diseases or bio-attacks, and the troops could be able to act effectively even in face of a pandemic. Third, it wants to collect various kinds of viruses and bacteria that might be used in bio-warfare and occupy a spot at the forefront of this potential new battlefield. It is also reported that the overseas biolabs associated with the US military are working with biopharmaceutical companies, and the viruses and bacteria collected overseas are used for commercial profits.

A review of history would show that the US military has set up biolabs across the world to directly serve the national strategy for hegemony, and has deployed them according to the expansion of Americas military and political clout. During WWII, it set up the No.2 and No.3 medical research institutes of the navy in Guam of the Pacific Theater and Egypt of the North African Theater. During the Cold War, the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) set up the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) Medical Research Laboratory in Southeast Asia for the main purpose of containing China.

After the Cold War, overseas biolabs are mostly located in hotspot regions. In Northeast Asia, America carried out the Jupiter program in Busan, ROK for anthrax and botox tests; in Eurasia, the US military had a cooperative bio-contact program, under which biolabs are built in Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.

In recent years, the US military has adjusted the layout and tasks of its overseas biolabs as the focus of its combat-readiness efforts is moved from counterterrorism to major-country competition. It moved the No.3 naval medical research institute from Egypt to Italy with its contracting forces in the Middle East. As per the request of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff meetings, the overseas biolabs have also made the bio-monitoring network more flexible, agile and modular to better support the country in prolonged battles, crises, and conflicts. The series of activities by the US have put relevant countries on high alert. Even before the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out, Moscow accused Washington of deliberately collecting the DNA samples of Russian people for suspicious purposes.

The US military claimed that its overseas biolabs collected the various pathogens for bio-defense purposes rather than to develop bio-weapons. We would like to believe that, but as is said in the arms control circle, we trust but verify. Unfortunately, the US refuses to demonstrate its self-claimed transparency on this issue but has unilaterally obstructed the adoption of the BWC verification protocol while complaining about smearing and demonization by other countries.

Biological arms control is special in that the biological agents can serve dual purposes, are easy to hide, and cannot always draw a clear line between attack and defense. To address this, the verification protocol has proposed a series of feasible measures including application, visit, questioning and verification, which have been endorsed by most countries.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown clearly that viruses can lend a heavy blow to human development and security. If they are used in bioweapons, or they or bacteria are modified by certain state or non-state actors into more targeted and destructive weapons, the consequences would be unimaginable. There were two biological arms races in human history  during the WWII and during the Cold War, and the risk of a third one cannot be excluded if an effective verification mechanism cannot be put in place. The US should act in unison with the international community to establish an effective multilateral biological arms control verification mechanism.

(The author is the Director of the Center for Arms Control Studies, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations)

Editor's note: Originally published on china.com.cn, this article is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information and opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn.
North Dakota voters will decide whether to impose term limits on the governor and state lawmakers -- a change supporters tout for bringing in new blood and opponents decry as unnecessary and a blow to institutional knowledge of the Legislature.

Measure 1 would add a new article to the state constitution, effective Jan. 1, 2023, imposing term limits of eight cumulative years each in the House and Senate. The governor could not be elected more than twice. Term limits would not be retroactive -- meaning the service of current officeholders would not count against them.

The measure's language also would bar the Legislature from proposing amendments to alter or repeal the term limits; only citizens would be able to do so. The measure does not affect Congress.

Measure Chairman Jared Hendrix says he's found a general sense that people don't feel well represented at local and congressional levels, especially since a similar term-limits measure narrowly failed in 1996.

"I think what's changed since then is just down-ticket nationally, if you look at the approval rating of Congress, if you look at people's perception of legislative effectiveness, I think, from the top down to the bottom, there's just a huge groundswell of a need for reform, and I think people inherently know that you're not going to get reform with the same people stuck in positions for decades," said Hendrix, who also is the Minot-area District 38 GOP chairman.

Three outgoing legislative leaders -- who have served a combined 72 years in office -- oppose the measure for reasons such as the turnover rate already in the Legislature and the years it takes to gain a firm understanding of state agencies' workings and budgets. Republican majority leaders attribute the measure to perceived frustration.

"The folks who are sponsors of it haven't shown a lot of love for the governor or for the Legislature, and that's fine. I'm adamantly opposed," said House Majority Leader Chet Pollert, R-Carrington.

Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner and Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman, who along with Pollert are not returning next year, also oppose the measure.

Fraud dispute

The measure was roiled in fraud allegations that reached the state Supreme Court last summer.

The court mandated a public vote on the measure, despite Secretary of State Al Jaeger initially rejecting it, citing irregularities such as handwriting discrepancies, noncitizens circulating petitions, and pay-per-signature bonuses which state law prohibits.

Jaeger and Attorney General Drew Wrigley maintain fraud occurred. Hendrix says their claims are "just not accurate."

Authorities are investigating the alleged irregularities that led Jaeger to reject the measure.

'Good first step'

A Tribune analysis counted 66 of 141 lawmakers who have served more than eight years; 28 have served 20 years or more.

Notably, about 30 lawmakers won't be back next year, several of them high profile due to retirements, reelection losses and redistricting.

North Dakota's longest-serving governor, Democrat Bill Guy, was in office from 1961-73. U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., served 10 years as governor from 2000-10. Gov. Doug Burgum won his second term in 2020.

Burgum in a statement said, "We fully support term limits and have for years. While most statewide offices arent included in the measure, its a good first step and we support it and encourage North Dakotans to give it their full consideration.

'Echo-chamber mindset'

Hendrix said government can stagnate with resistance to change and new ideas, "and you get a status quo that emerges, and the way that typically emerges is from relationships, and the way relationships emerge is with time."

He cites constituents' frustration with the 2021 Legislature defeating numerous election-related bills.

"I would use as an example of something where the electorate is far ahead of where, unfortunately, the echo-chamber mindset has gotten," Hendrix said.

Rep. Jeff Magrum, R-Hazelton, is one of several Republican lawmakers who are members of the measure's sponsoring committee. He thinks term limits will bring new energy and ideas to the state Capitol.

"This would open it up for other people to be involved, and we would probably create a true citizen legislature as the founders intended," said Magrum, a rancher and master plumber who is running unopposed for a Senate seat.

The Republican-controlled House of Representative last year killed a similar term-limits measure Magrum proposed. It failed 12-78.

Fifteen states have term limits for lawmakers; 36 states have gubernatorial term limits.

'No need'

Wardner, R-Dickinson, sees "no need" for term limits.

He said the measure would take away voters' freedom to elect the people they want. He also cites the turnover already in the Legislature -- about 70% since 2011 by his math.

"Sometimes you need some people that are around for a while that have experience that can explain it to the new ones coming in so that they know what some of the visions are, and those people coming in, if they don't like it, they don't have to follow that," Wardner said.

He sees some of the measure's backers frustrated with how the 2021 Legislature handled so-called "freedom bills," such as legislation banning state-issued mask mandates and vaccination requirements. Despite the Legislature having "corrected all those things," some people feel "they didn't get their way," according to Wardner.

"We listen to our constituents, and that's just the way it is," he said. "This is really a solution looking for a problem."

Knowledge is power

Lawmakers have a lot to learn when in Bismarck, according to Heckaman, D-New Rockford.

"If you think you can learn it in eight years, which would be four sessions, you're mistaken," she said. "I think to understand all of the different workings of all the agencies and then the in-depths of appropriations takes a long time to get knowledgeable about it, and when you don't do that, someone else will take over and run North Dakota rather than the legislators will, I'm afraid."

State government appointees would stand to benefit from what the measure would do, particularly with "running the budgets," she said.

Hendrix finds "fundamentally arrogant" the argument that term limits would hurt the Legislature's institutional knowledge.

"Take anyone in any profession. I think we have nurses and schoolteachers and farmers and, for that matter, janitors that have plenty of knowledge and life experience, and that's how our government is intended to work because nobody has a monopoly on knowledge," he said.

He said the Legislature's current turnover rate confirms the measure as a good idea, being already close to the proposed limits.

"The turnover doesn't necessarily occur in a lot of the right positions or in the positions of leadership, so yes, there's turnover in the chamber, but there's not necessarily a turnover in leadership, not to the same level," Hendrix said.

Lobbyist Lacee Bjork Anderson said, "It's incredibly critical that the state has lawmakers who are fully informed and up to speed on the budgets and the issues and how they impact the state and its citizens, and that's just not something that can happen overnight."

Lawmakers would have to turn more and more toward others with knowledge on issues when longtime members leave the Legislature, she added.

Recruitment?

Both Senate leaders said recruitment is difficult for legislative candidates, especially in rural areas where some people might be the only one with their expertise in their community, such as health care, and can't be gone for four months every two years.

Hendrix said he doesn't see a problem with finding candidates, citing qualified, potential candidates who choose not to run until an incumbent retires.

U.S. Rep. Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D., a former state party chairman who recruited candidates, said term limits over the long term would lead to a full-time Legislature.

He said he thinks the measure, along with another to legalize recreational marijuana, will pass.

"And that's perfectly OK. The world will go on," he said.
Several hundred people have joined an LGBTQ pride march in Montenegro that was held amid strong opposition from the influential Serbian Orthodox Church in the small conservative Balkan country
Jonathan Friedman is director of free expression and education programs at PEN America and the lead author of Banned in the USA: The Growing Movement to Censor Books in Schools. This column was produced by Progressive Perspectives.
ORESTE P. DARCONTE is a former publisher of The Sun Chronicle. Reach him at opd999@gmail.com .
Norm Pattis, attorney for Alex Jones, listens to Attorney Chris Mattei during his closing statements in the Alex Jones Sandy Hook defamation damages trial in Superior Court in Waterbury, Conn., on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022. (H John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media via AP, Pool)
Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below.

D.P. writes: I wonder if you can help, as I am facing a delayed redemption of my investment bond, issued by Leonreed Limited, which also calls itself Leonne International.

Tony Hetherington replies: In 2020, you invested 20,000 in loan notes issued by Leonreed, the company behind Leonne International. You were promised interest at 12 per cent a year, and redemption of your investment in July 2021. Well, July 2021 arrived but your money never did.

And exactly where your money went is unexplained. Leonne International is a bizarre business, headed by a bizarre character, Michael Haston, who has also used the name Michael McQueen.

Lost in space: Leonreed, headed by Michael Haston, said it put 2million into a satellite firm

It claims to be 'a leading multinational private equity firm', and its detailed brochure boasts: 'The team at Leonne International is experienced in proactively identifying, targeting and acquiring profitable businesses where value can be added through enhancing performance with the provision of long-term capital and operating support to the management teams.' Fine words, but empty words. It claims to have 12 offices spread across six continents, with investments in healthcare, the media, and financial services.

It says it is in partnership with world-league firms including Goldman Sachs, KPMG and JPMorgan. Yet the only accounts the company has ever produced show that it does not have a single employee.

In fact, Leonreed has failed to file accounts for 2021 that were legally due in June this year. On August 30, officials at Companies House began proceedings to have the company struck off, but just over a week ago, on September 30, they suspended action temporarily. This often means that a creditor has asked for a company to be kept alive so it can be sued, or that an investigation has begun.

At the time you invested with Leonne International, the company had announced that it was pouring more than 2million into a completely separate business that was planning to build a rocket launching site in Shetland.

The Shetland Space Centre is run by SaxaVord UK Spaceport, headquartered in Grantown-on-Spey, south of Inverness, and the investment would have given Leonne a 20 per cent stake in the project, which was to offer launch facilities for commercial satellites.

At the time, the space project's chief executive Frank Strang said he was 'delighted to have Leonne International as a partner'. Relations have clearly soured since then. They cannot have been helped by a warning issued by the Financial Conduct Authority in March 2020  just weeks after you invested  pointing out that Leonne was not authorised to offer investments or other financial products, and telling potential investors to be wary.

Frank Strang told me: 'SaxaVord UK Spaceport does not have links with Michael Haston or any of his companies. SaxaVord UK Spaceport is not involved in or privy to the arrangements between Michael Haston (and any of his companies) and his or their investors, whether in relation to corporate bonds or otherwise.'

He declined to say whether the promised 2million had ever reached his company in the first place, but he has said that any funds that arrived were repaid and that Leonne has no stake in the Spaceport scheme. And this means that all questions now land at the door of Michael Haston.

I asked him to explain why you had not been repaid when your loan note matured last year. I also asked him to confirm that however much he did invest in the Spaceport project had since been refunded. And I asked for details to back up his brochure's claims about stakes in major businesses. Haston told me he was happy to discuss everything I had asked.

He said: 'We have done some fantastic things here at Leonne and will continue to do so.' And he added: 'Let me know how you would like to proceed as I am sure you are aware that I will pursue legally any inaccurate or misleading information.'

I offered Haston five separate times and days when we could speak. He said he would email the answers to my questions. When no answers arrived, Haston told me he had been 'extremely busy' but was reviewing what you had told me about your loan note.

Finally, more than a month ago, Haston promised: 'I'll have the required questions and the position on Mr P emailed across to you by early next week.' Of course, he didn't, and he has stayed silent since then. Haston is no stranger to dodgy company dealings and failed firms. Last year, two management consultancy companies he headed were compulsorily struck off by Companies House, along with two financial administration businesses.

And in 2017, Haston was charged with fraud, though proceedings were later dropped, with the authorities announcing: 'The Crown reserves the right to proceed in the future should further evidence become available.'

In the absence of any answers from Haston, huge question marks hang over the claims in his investment brochure. The questions I put to him must now be repeated, whether by the Insolvency Service, the FCA, or even the police. He should not be allowed to walk away from this.

It cost me 60...to talk to Sky!

E.S. writes: I contacted Sky TV to amend my contract. I was on hold for over an hour and to my horror, I found I was charged nearly 60.

I contacted the phone company O2, who said Sky set the charges. Sky offered me Tesco vouchers, which I refused as I paid in pounds, not Tesco vouchers.

We are over 70, on a fixed income, and this amount is a week's shopping for us.

Overcharged: Sky appears to have kept an old expensive premium rate number in use

Tony Hetherington replies: I spoke to O2, which told me you had called 0844 241 4141, an expensive premium rate number operated by Sky. To its credit, O2 even said that if Sky did not repay you, then O2 would.

There is some disagreement over who profits from the charges. What is clear is that this is an old number that Sky appears to have kept in use, while at the same time replacing it with a cheaper service.

Sky told me: 'As a gesture of goodwill, we have refunded the charges.'

If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TS or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned.
President Biden had some sassy fun today as he outed hypocritical Republicans who called the bipartisan infrastructure bill "socialism" but were then eager to stick their paws in the kitty once it passed.

"A guy named Paul Gosar, he's written three separate letters to the administration asking for projects in his district. He says it would enhance the quality of life  boost the economy," Biden said, referencing a report by CNN on said hypocrites. Biden then leaned into the mic and, in his signature theatrical aside, whispered, "He voted against it. He said it was all socialism."

"Kentucky Representative Andy Barr," Biden continued, tattling on the GOP congressman for bashing the bill as 'The biggest socialist agenda!' but then putting "three different projects" on his wish list, "citing the importance of the safety and growth of his district."

"Rand Paul  Go down the list, look it up," Biden said, holding the CNN article up in the air. "I didn't know there were that many socialist Republicans," Biden deadpanned. "I gotta say, I was surprised to see so many socialists in the Republican caucus."
The demise of Bank North is raising concerns about the financial strength of other challenger banks as they contend with the cost-of-living crisis and a near meltdown in financial markets.

Bank North had failed to raise enough cash to qualify for a full banking licence.

Since 2013, the Bank of England has approved 54 new licences for banks including Monzo, Starling and Atom.

Going south: Bank North had failed to raise enough cash to qualify for a full banking licence

A recent report from EY found revenue and profitability for challenger and specialist banks had risen last year while provisions for bad debts fell.

It said banks remained well capitalised  meaning they had set aside sufficient reserves to deal with any downturn and to keep growing.

But EY added: 'The geopolitical and economic picture may create significant challenges ahead.'

Judging from the bombed-out share price of Metro Bank  one of the least capitalised banks EY surveyed  investors may already be factoring this in.

Braemar on 'naughty' list

Shipping broker Braemar became the latest company to join the Investment Association's naughty list after almost 29 per cent of investors rebelled against last year's pay plan.

The firm insists it will now 'encourage an open and constructive dialogue directly with its shareholders'.

Braemar joins a string of high profile names  including WH Smith, Ocado, Informa and housebuilder Berkeley  which have faced shareholder ire this year.

Vote of confidence for The Style

Online fashion group In The Style received a vote of confidence from serial investor Bill Currie last week.

William Currie Investments took a 4.15 per cent stake in the company, whose shares have dived by more than 80 per cent this year.

Currie is a former Barclays analyst who turned to investing and made his name as an early backer of future stars including Asos, Boohoo and THG.

Former Tesco boss Sir Terry Leahy is also on Currie's team. Currie's support is likely to be welcomed by In The Style, which floated on AIM in March 2021.

The company is known for its collaborations with influencers and TV personalities including Stacey Solomon, a former contestant on The X Factor.

LSE links with China hit

Efforts by the London Stock Exchange Group to forge links with China have been knocked after the Chinese state-owned oil group Sinopec announced plans to quit the bourse.

Sinopec does not have a full listing on the LSE, but its stock can be traded on the exchange.

However, Sinopec's board has approved plans to delist these shares  known as ADSs  on November 1.

It said this was due to low trading and administrative costs.

But it comes as tensions mount between the UK and ChinBut it comes as tensions mount between the UK and China, with Chinese takeovers of British firms coming under scrutiny.

Contributor: Patrick Tooher
Credit Suisse has offered to buy back up to 2.7billion of its own debt in an attempt to calm jittery investors.

The troubled bank announced the symbolic move after a torrid six months, in which its shares have plunged almost 40 per cent amid fears that it will have to raise cash for a drastic restructuring.

Earlier this week, the price of its credit default swaps  financial instruments bought by investors which effectively act as insurance if a company reneges on its debts  soared, in a sign that shareholders were becoming increasingly worried about Credit Suisse's future.

Torrid time: Credit Suisse shares have plunged almost 40 per cent amid fears that it will have to raise cash for a drastic restructuring

In an attempted show of strength, the lender said yesterday that it would buy back some of its bonds from investors to reduce its debt and to prove it was not struggling for cash.

Analysts at Saxo Bank said it was 'trying to bolster sentiment by buying back credit'.

Credit Suisse has been weighed down by its involvement in a string of scandals over the past couple of years, from the collapse of Greensill Capital to the implosion of hedge fund Archegos.

The bank has shaken up its board and claims it is improving its risk management practices but new chief executive Ulrich Korner is expected to announce a more radical plan over the coming weeks.

Despite Credit Suisse's attempted show of strength, speculation still swirled on social media over the lender's financial health, with some comparing the bond-buying offer to a similar move from Deutsche Bank when it had its back against the wall in 2016.

The German lender had to slash its operations following a series of regulatory fines, and did not make an annual profit again until 2021. Dixit Joshi, a former Deutsche executive, recently joined Credit Suisse as its finance boss.

But Credit Suisse investors seemed mollified  and shares rose by 5.4 per cent.

Tensions grew so strained among investors and clients that top executives spent last weekend reassuring them about how much the overhaul would cost.

Analysts have speculated that the bank will have to raise up to 3.7billion to pay for Korner's restructuring plan.

Credit Suisse has also put up for sale the five-star Savoy hotel which it owns in the centre of Zurich, sparking further concerns that it is facing a cash crunch.

In a statement, the lender said that its offers to buy bonds back were 'consistent with our proactive approach to managing our overall liability composition and optimising interest expense and allow us to take advantage of market conditions to repurchase debt at attractive prices'.
Ambitious: Crew Clothing wants to continue expanding with 40 more outlets

Middle-class fashion chain Crew Clothing is on the hunt for new sites as it bets on a high street revival.

It has already opened more than 20 outlets in the last three years, taking its number of shops to more than 100, mostly in the South, but chief executive David Butler wants up to 40 more. 'We had no intention of [opening so many shops] but Covid gave us a huge opportunity to reset the business,' he said.

Online order data has helped show where the brand is most popular. He has also had some good rent deals from landlords 'nervous' about the number of empty shops.

'We took a very different view to most retailers. From April 2020, we decided to very aggressively extend our store estate,' he added.

Crew's most recent accounts show sales rose 40 per cent to 82.7million last year.

Profit before interest, tax and other costs increased 80 per cent to 16million. Demand has remained buoyant this year, Butler said.

Other retailers opening stores include Ikea, which has begun opening small outlets on high streets.

It wants to invest 1billion in London over three years.

Also expanding is fitness chain PureGym which wants to double its number of clubs in the UK to more than 1,000 by 2030.
Stellar career: Dan Hart has spent nearly 40 years working in the industry

Most schoolboys dream of a space adventure. Few ever experience the thrill of launching their own rocket into orbit. But Dan Hart is one of the lucky ones.

'There is a level of intensity that picks up as you approach a launch,' says the Virgin Orbit chief executive.

'As soon as the rocket leaves the factory, everybody shifts into a different mindset. I look around and see people putting on their game faces,' he says, referring to the heightened sense of anticipation that comes with each event.

Despite a 40-year career involving around 140 launches, Hart's boyish appreciation of space has not waned. Nor has the novelty of watching rockets lift off. His next mission could be his most ambitious yet. Virgin Orbit is leaving its California home for its first overseas launch  in sunny Cornwall.

The business, founded by Sir Richard Branson, has teamed up with British consortium Spaceport Cornwall to put a satellite in space as soon as the end of this month. This will be the UK's first ever orbital launch.

Excitement has been building on both sides of the Atlantic. Hart believes it could turbocharge the UK's space race.

Britain already has a grow ing space sector, which employs 47,000 people. It has been estimated the global race for space could be worth $1.25trillion by 2030  a growth rate of more than 6 per cent a year between now and then.

Hart says: 'The British satellite market has been a leader, so there is an enormous amount of growth. What is happening now is the formation of a complete ecosystem. Look around Cape Canaveral [in Florida]. All these businesses support space, build satellites, operate satellites. And I think that can happen in Cornwall.'

Newquay Airport will play host to the mission that will see Virgin Orbit's Cosmic Girl aircraft takeoff carrying a rocket, which is then dispatched into the Earth's orbit.

Last week, Virgin completed a full launch rehearsal  suggesting the day is close. The mission could signal a step-change for Britain's burgeoning space sector, already worth 16.4billion.

Hart adds it could also open the door to Virgin Orbit opening offices in London and Cornwall, and potentially producing parts of its rockets on English soil.

Like many others, Hart's fascination with space started on a late summer evening in 1969.

'I was watching a grainy TV set and seeing Neil Armstrong take his first steps on the Moon. It was hard to make out as an eight-year-old, but it struck me as something important, something with real potential. That set my path.'

The son of an oil painter, Hart grew up in New York and completed a physics degree at the local university in Albany.

He was hooked by a career in space when he was involved with his first launch with Boeing's space division aged just 22. 'You're completely caught after that'. This was followed by 30 years at the aerospace company before his career was transformed when he received a call from Branson five years ago.

He took the helm at Virgin Orbit in 2017 and has since taken the company from California dreamers to an established space service. He has racked up over a billion pounds in costs so far and his workforce has swelled from 200 to 650.

Hart admits there were doubts about the firm's capabilities and a 'necessary grain of salt' attached to his team's enthusiasm.

But Virgin Orbit has so far completed multiple launches under his watch and has clients including the Sultanate of Oman and the US Department of Defence.

Bold: Virgin Orbit charges 10million per launch in the US and is planning its first one in Britain

'We have put up 33 satellites in space across four launches over 18 months,' Hart says proudly. 'I don't think anybody has ever done anything quite like this at this pace and success rate.' With a charge-out fee of 10million per launch, it is easy to see why he is eyeing hundreds more by 2025.

Virgin Orbit has just one modified 747 aircraft among its fleet  Cosmic Girl. But Hart claims it can fly as many rockets that his team can create. He said: 'Right now, we are focused on ramping up and making rocket launch a standard operational activity.

'We have somewhere between one and two dozen customers. In a year and a half, I imagine that will multiply by a factor of five.'

However, neither Hart nor Branson's ambition stops at 500km, low Earth orbit. Next on their list are interplanetary missions that could launch satellites around Mars or Mercury. Virgin Orbit has already struck a contract with Nasa.

So could the Moon, which has held so much fascination for him since childhood, be next on his bucket list? 'We could be there in a couple of years, so not too far off,' he said. 'That would be the perfect symmetry because that is how it all started in my mind.'
Britain continued to be heavily reliant on Russian coal after Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, according to new figures.

The Government pledged to end all imports from the country six months ago.

Reliant: Official figures show Vladimir Putin's coal accounted for 19 per cent of the UK's imports from April to June

But official figures show Russian coal accounted for 19 per cent of the UK's imports from April to June. That means around 266,000 tons came from Russia.

The UK intends to cease imports of Russian coal and oil by the end of 2022.

Over summer, the UK imported no oil or gas from Russia for the first time on record.

Total coal imports rose to 1.4million tons  44 per cent higher than during the same period last year, as coal helped boost electricity supplies.

The US was the largest supplier, accounting for 54 per cent of imports.

MPs called for a ban on Russian coal in Britain earlier this year and large steel makers, including Tata and British Steel, halted its use.
Apple's AirTags are an excellent way to know where your luggage isand a snitch on airlines who don't know where your luggage is. Lufthansa is the first to ban them after "an awful summer of lost bags", reports Ben Schlappig. The carrier cites the industry's undead policies against electronic devices on flights.

Lufthansa argues that baggage trackers fall in the category of portable electronic devices, and are therefore subject to dangerous goods regulations issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This is specifically because of the transmission function. Lufthansa claims that the transmission function needs to be turned off during flight when in checked luggage, just as is required for cell phones, laptops, etc. My first thought is that I'm not surprised to see Lufthansa be the first airline to add a ban like this. Lufthansa isn't exactly a customer-friendly airline, and the airline has had an awful summer when it comes to lost bags (I even had a delayed Lufthansa bag experience). AirTags empower travelers in terms of knowing exactly where their bags are, and I imagine that's something some airlines don't actually like. If you look at Twitter, you'll see a ton of people expressing frustration with Lufthansa because they know exactly where their checked bag is, while the airline refuses to help.

Embedded below is the real problem, for airlines: passengers publicly exposing the stock deceptions and delaying tactics used on the ground by staff, and gathering hard data on baggage handling failures.

@lufthansa just travelled ATH-MUC-CDG Business Class with 2h30 transit. Somehow you've lost my bag in between?! Apparently your team can't find it (your system is down I'm told)! @Apple AirTag says it's in Toulouse!! Can I please get my bag back before you send it somewhere else? pic.twitter.com/QxwFooJDRl  KeepOnDiscovering (@mallo75004) August 30, 2021

Update: Confirmation from Lufthansa.
A blast on the strategic road-and-rail bridge linking Russia and the Crimean peninsula on Saturday brought down sections of road taking traffic in one direction, damaging a crucial supply route for Russian forces in Ukraine.

The blast on the Kerch bridge, for which Russia did not immediately assign blame, prompted gleeful messages from Ukrainian officials but no direct claim of responsibility.

Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and the 19-km (12-mile) bridge linking it to Russias transport network was opened with great fanfare four years later by President Vladimir Putin himself.

It now represents a major supply route for the Russian forces who have taken control of most of southern Ukraines Kherson region, and for the naval port of Sevastopol, whose governor told locals: Keep calm. Dont panic.

It was not yet clear if the blast was a deliberate attack or an accident but the damage to such high-profile infrastructure came at a time when Russia has suffered several battlefield defeats and could further cloud the Kremlins messages of reassurance to the wider Russian public that the conflict is going to plan.

It also took place a day after Putins 70th birthday.

The head of Ukraines National Security and Defence Council, Oleksiy Danilov, posted a video of the burning bridge on social media alongside a video of Marilyn Monroe singing Happy birthday, Mr President.

Since the start of the invasion on Feb. 24, Ukrainian officials have made regular allusions to their desire to destroy the Kerch bridge, seen in Ukraine as a symbol of Russias occupation of Crimea. Ukraines postal service said on Saturday it would print a special stamp to commemorate the blast.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Kyivs reaction to the destruction of civilian infrastructure testifies to its terrorist nature.

The Russian National Anti-Terrorism Committee said a freight truck had blown up on the bridges roadway at 6:07 a.m. (0307 GMT), causing seven fuel tanker wagons to catch fire on a train heading for the peninsula on the bridges upper level.

It said two spans of road bridge had partially collapsed, but that the arch spanning the Kerch Strait, the waterway through which ships travel between the Black Sea and Azov Sea, was not damaged.

Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian governor of Crimea, said on social media that the road bridge was still intact in one direction, although traffic was suspended while the damage was assessed.

Images posted on social media showed one half of the roadway blown away, and the other half still attached, but cracked, while a train on the upper bridge was engulfed in flames. The images could not immediately be verified.

Others taken from a distance showed thick smoke pouring from part of the bridge.

THE BEGINNING

An adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy posted a message on Twitter saying the incident was just the beginning but stopped short of saying Ukrainian forces were responsible for the blast.

Everything illegal must be destroyed, everything that is stolen must be returned to Ukraine, everything occupied by Russia must be expelled, Mykhailo Podolyak wrote.

Moscow has presented largely Russian-speaking Crimea as a historic and cherished part of Russia and, especially this year, one where Russians could holiday in large numbers, supposedly safe from the war.

Kirill Stremousov, the Russian-installed deputy administrator of the Kherson region, said the bridge incident will not affect the army supply very much.

But there will be problems with logistics for Crimea, he added in a post on social media.

Mykola Bielieskov of the Ukrainian Institute of Strategic Studies, which advises the presidency in Kyiv, said the Kerch bridge was irreplaceable for Russias invasion forces, and if it were severed, the whole Russian southern front will crumble quickly and easily.

Although Moscows forces have seized a stretch of coastal Ukraine linking the Kherson region and Crimea to Russia, Bielieskov said the transport connections there were poor, and that Russia had preferred to send reinforcements to Kherson along the more circuitous route of the bridge into Crimea.

Russian Railways said trains heading for Crimea would be subject to extra checks, and that it was working with the government to find the best way to deliver goods to the peninsula.

In a video message Aksyonov, the Crimea governor, said he wanted to assure Crimeans that the Republic of Crimea is fully provided with fuel and food. We have more than a months worth of fuel, and more than two months worth of food.

The Russian governor of Sevastopol, which has separate territorial status in Crimea as home to the Black Sea fleet, also sought to reassure locals.

We are not cut off from the mainland! Mikhail Razvozzhayev posted on Telegram. Keep calm. Dont panic.

SOURCE: REUTERS
SATURDAY, Oct. 8, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- When summer turns to fall, the shorter days can cause some people to feel the "winter blues." Now one expert offers information on how to cope with seasonal depression, which comes during the cold, dark months of the year.

Also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), the condition can reflect a change in serotonin levels and be linked to depression.

"According to the Mental Health America National Organization, symptoms of seasonal depression can be similar to those that occur with depression," said Jeannie Larson, a professor at the University of Minnesota. "It can sometimes be difficult to discern SAD from other types of depression."

A diagnosis of seasonal depression can only be made after two consecutive occurrences of depression that begin and end at the same time every year, along with no symptoms during other times of the year, Larson said.

While about 5% of the U.S. population experiences SAD, the numbers are as high as 10% in the northern latitudes, a 2013 study showed.

Women have higher rates of SAD, which tends to start when person is between 20 and 30 years old.

Symptoms include those of depression, anxiety, mood changes, sleep problems, changes in eating habits, lethargy and sexual problems.

The condition may present as feelings of misery, guilt, hopelessness, diminished interest in activities and loss of self-esteem. A person may feel tension or be unable to tolerate stress. Sometimes a person with SAD has mood extremes, with periods of mania in spring and summer. Other symptoms can include increased appetite, loss of libido, desire to avoid social contact and disturbed sleep.

A person with SAD may feel symptoms worsen as the winter begins and feel more isolated or anxious than in the past because of ongoing stressors from the pandemic.

"The beginning symptoms of SAD may exacerbate the preexisting stressors from COVID, making one less capable of dealing with issues then one might have been able to before," Larson said in a university news release.

Larson manages the Nature-Based Therapeutic Services at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum of the University of Minnesota, and her areas of expertise include therapeutic horticulture, animal-assisted interactions and therapeutic landscapes.

She is working with an interdisciplinary team of scientists to look at the effects of walking in green and suburban environments on a patient's mood and other outcomes.

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health has more information on seasonal affective disorder.

SOURCE: University of Minnesota, news release, Oct. 4, 2022
Gardai do not expect any further fatalities following an explosion in Creeslough, which has claimed ten lives.

Four men, three women, a teenage boy, a teenage girl and a young girl of primary school age were killed in Fridays horrific blast at the Applegreen complex.

At the request of the local coroner, the names of the victims are not yet being released.

Eight other people were hospitalised, seven of whom are said to be in a stable condition at Letterkenny University Hospital. One person who was airlifted to a hospital in Dublin remains in a critical condition.

Superintendent Liam Geraghty told a media briefing at Milford Garda Station that officers were quite satisfied that there would be no further casualties. The deceased, he said were, from the North Donegal area.

Post mortem examinations will be carried out on the bodies, which have been taken to LUH.

Superintendent David Kelly said that, while Gardai were keeping an open mind, they are treating the incident as a tragic accident.

Emergency services rushed to the scene after the alarm was raised at around 3.20pm on Friday. Crews were on site within ten minutes. They arrived to what was described as a very traumatic and confused scene.

Six brigade crews, involving 65 members of the Fire Service, were mobilised by Donegal County County Council, its Director of Emergency Services, Gary Martin, said. A structural engineer and road services personnel were also deployed.

Eight emergency ambulances sped to the scene with a further three tasked on Saturday morning, JJ McGowan, Chief Ambulance Officer with HSE West, said. Emergency services from Northern Ireland were also involved.

Crews worked overnight to clear the rubble from the forecourt. They were aided by a team of specialised officers using cameras, listening devices and sniffer dogs.

Teams of local contractors and farmers helped to clear the debris from the scene

Officers from Milford Garda Station responded to the call initially with assistance subsequently drafted in from stations in Letterkenny, Ballyshannon and Buncrana. A team from the Garda National Technical Bureau arrived in Creeslough on Saturday morning.

Gardai are working with the local coroner, Dr Denis McCauley, and liaison has been arranged with the bereaved families.

We are dealing with very traumatised families, Superintendent Geraghty said.
The death toll from an explosion at an Irish petrol station has risen to nine and the search for further fatalities is ongoing.

A search and recovery operation is continuing in the village of Creeslough, Co Donegal, as dozens of rescue workers try to locate several people who are still missing.

Hot drinks, water and food were handed out to members of the emergency services and the media as search and recovery efforts continued.

A local garda was seen comforting a woman in tears as she was led towards the scene.

Friday afternoons blast ripped through the Applegreen service station and convenience store and adjacent buildings.

Having announced three fatalities on Friday night, the Irish police force, An Garda Siochana, confirmed a further four deaths on Saturday morning and another two just before midday, bringing the total to nine.

The force said: Emergency services remain at the scene in a search and recovery phase of this operation.

An Garda Siochana can now confirm nine fatalities as a result of this incident. The search and recovery for further fatalities continues.

Eight people were transferred to hospital on Friday.

The Garda has not provided any information on the suspected cause of the explosion.

A major emergency response operation involving first responders from both sides of the Irish border extended through the night.

Tractors continued to transport rubble away, as members of the community gathered at the edge of the cordon.

Two rescue workers were on a raised platform above the site of the explosion and a digger was working through the debris on Friday.

Sniffer dogs were being used amid the rubble.

At one point on Friday night all machinery was turned off and onlookers were asked to remain silent as rescue workers attempted to detect survivors beneath the debris.

Applegreen founder and chief executive Joe Barrett said the company was utterly shocked and saddened by the tragic incident in Creeslough.

Mr Barrett said: Yesterday was a very dark day for Creeslough, for Donegal, for Ireland, and for all of us in the wider Applegreen family.

This is a hugely tragic event, and I would like to offer our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the deceased, and to the entire community in Creeslough.

We are utterly shocked and saddened at what happened yesterday. I would also like to offer our thanks to the emergency services and first responders who are dealing with the incident.

We have been working with our local partners in Creeslough since 2014. We are providing them with assistance and support locally at this very difficult time.

Statement by President Michael D. Higgins following the terrible tragedy in Creeslough, Co Donegal https://t.co/qWPBfbZWoJ  President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) October 8, 2022

The President of Ireland Michael D Higgins expressed his shock at the terrible tragedy.

All of our thoughts must go out to all of those who have been affected, he said.

Those who have received news of the loss of a loved one, those injured and, most of all, those who are waiting with anxiety for news of their loved ones.

This tragedy is a terrible blow to a community that is closely knit and where every loss and injury will be felt by every member of the community and far beyond.

Irish premier Micheal Martin said that he will visit the village of Creeslough.

My thoughts and prayers are tonight with the entire community of Creeslough following todays devastating explosion. Thinking too of all the emergency services, from across the north-west and NI working in very traumatic situation.  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) October 7, 2022

I think the entire nation is shocked at what has happened, its an unspeakable tragedy, he told reporters in Cork.

Our thoughts and our payers, our hearts go out to the people of Creeslough, to the families of those who have lost their lives and who have been injured, and to the entire community who are numbed and shocked by what has happened.

Its very very difficult to comprehend as people go about their daily lives, that something like this could happen in the middle of the day.

Its been extraordinarily difficult and traumatic for people as theyve had long waits, huge anxiety and stress, waiting for news of their loved ones.

The Taoiseach pledged supports for the community in Creeslough to help get through the enormous trauma.

He also paid tribute to the emergency services personnel including those from Northern Ireland who at times in danger rescued people and did everything they could to comfort people.

That will be long remembered, he said.

That solidarity and that sense of strong community between the essential services.

Donegal TD Pearse Doherty, who was at the scene on Saturday morning, said there were a number of people missing.

He told the PA news agency: This explosion not only ripped the heart out of this building, but ripped the heart out of this community and left a huge amount of devastation.

There are a number of people still missing and the emergency services are working tirelessly to remove debris and to recover other individuals who may still be in that building.

Tragic scene at Creeslough, Co Donegal, on Saturday morning where it is now confirmed seven people have died following an explosion pic.twitter.com/bWPMzNoYs0  Jonny McCambridge (@McCambridgeJ) October 8, 2022

Agriculture Minister and Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue, speaking from the scene of the blast, said: It has been a very difficult time overnight as the emergency services have worked their way through the rubble.

It is a really challenging, traumatic situation here in Creeslough. There is real devastation here in this local community.

Prayers were said in the local church in Creeslough on Saturday morning for all those suffering.

The congregation at St Michaels Church heard there was a tsunami of grief in the community.

Fr John Joe Duffy said: From our hearts, with all our hearts and with all our souls, we pray for those who have died, we pray for those who were injured, we pray for all who were involved we pray for those who are there continuing to help and have helped since yesterday.

We pray also for those family members who are bereaved and we pray for those who still are waiting news.

We keep them all very much in our hearts.

On Friday night a coast guard helicopter airlifted some of those who were injured in the blast from Letterkenny University Hospital to Dublin.

Northern Irelands air ambulance was also deployed, as were fire crews and ground ambulances from the region.

Letterkenny hospital appealed to the public not to attend its emergency department unless it was urgent.
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Officials at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have announced that they are pausing gender affirming surgeries for minors in order to review their practices
Two New York hospitals have agreed to pay more than $165 million to 147 former patients who have accused a former gynecologist of sexual abuse and misconduct
A Washington state man accused of assaulting a woman at Olympic National Park and causing a park evacuation during an armed standoff has been sentenced to three years of probation
NEW DELHI (AP)  India's government on Friday said it has rescued about 130 Indian workers from Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia after they were lured by agents for fake job opportunities in the information technology sector in Thailand.

Arindam Bagchi, the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, said some fraudulent IT companies appear to be engaged in digital scamming and forged cryptocurrencies. The Indian workers were held captive and forced to commit cyber fraud, he told reporters.

The companies appear to be operating through agents in Dubai, Bangkok and some Indian cities and were recruiting Indian workers through social media advertisements for fake highly lucrative jobs in Thailand, he said.

Many of the workers were taken illegally across the border into an area of Myanmar that is difficult to access because of the local security situation, Bagchi said.

He said nearly 50 workers have been brought back to India from Myanmar, while some others were still in Myanmar police custody for questioning because they illegally entered the country without visas.

He said 80 other Indian workers have been rescued from Cambodia and Laos.

Last month, M.K. Stalin, the top elected official of India's southern Tamil Nadu state, said in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that 300 Indians, including around 50 Tamils from the state, were being held captive in Myanmar.

Citizens of other countries in the region have suffered in similar scams.

On Thursday, 21 Malaysians rescued from human traffickers in Cambodia and Laos returned home. Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said the government has now rescued 273 people out of 401 reported missing in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Most have returned except for 60 still in immigration detention centers in those countries who are waiting to be processed, he said.

A U.N. envoy has said the scam networks, which often have links to transnational organized crime, are set up in countries with weak law enforcement, attracting educated young workers with promises of high earnings. The workers are then subject to isolation and the threat of violence unless they succeed in cheating victims reached by phone into transferring payments into overseas bank accounts.
Little Havana bar again was named among 50 best in world
The Kansas City Fraternal Order Of Police recently announced an endorsement in the 4th District council contest.

The FOP support longtime Northeast leader Henry Rizzo over incumbent Councilman Eric Bunch.



This is important for a lot of reasons but let's look at a few right now . . .



Council Dude Eric Bunch has been a constant critic of KCPD and even demanded the resignation of former Chief Smith.



Even more interestingly for voters . . .

It's still early in the contest and the FOP nod sends a clear message that detractors of councilman Bunch feel comfortable in announcing their opposition.



The KC FOP isn't making any other endorsements as of yet.

Meanwhile . . .

The councilman's former assistant and current activist Crissy Dastrup continues a low-key campaign that seems to be more focused on garnering support amongst social justice advocates and progressives who don't align with bike supremacy & streetcar promotion above all else . . . Her power move threatens to further erode the councilman's base.

Insiders warn that there's a very real chance that council dude Bunch might not make it into the primary despite a clear cut advantage as an incumbent.



Remember . . .

Earlier this week councilman Bunch suffered EMBARRASSING REBUKE at a Northland Neighborhood meeting and he has been strangely quiet since . . . Not doing much to counteract some of the more virulent criticism directed his way that is taking hold amongst a growing contingent of the 4th District who reside across the bridge.

Here's the main point for KC voters to take away . . .

The Kansas City, MO 4th District contest has taken shape and the FOP along with law enforcement proponents are boosting Henry Rizzo in a march to victory and greater political power for police amongst council.

Mr. Rizzo has a strong history of public safety support throughout his career . . . So this is a smart move ahead of election season.

Finally . . .

What voters are witnessing might the the swan song for "transit-oriented" politicos who mistakenly believed their worldview would garner unquestioned support at 12th & Oak. Rather, it seems that millennial efforts have met with little success, growing skepticism and frustration with neighborhood and voter resistance to "transformative" schemes hoping to regulate human behavior by way of overly complex traffic rules.

Four years ago Councilman Bunch represented a new hope for Kansas City's urbanist elite. Now, more pressing issues like public safety and economic reform have moved to the forefront.

Developing . . .
We'll talk more about rising Kansas City metro violence in a bit but in this quick rundown we want to share info, news, crime scene reports and notes on police action in the past 24 hours.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

KC 360 eyes early 2023 launch in Kansas City neighborhood to address violence The new year is going to bring a new, more comprehensive approach for addressing gun violence in Kansas City. It's called KC 360, it's coming to the Santa Fe Neighborhood, and it's modeled after a wildly successful approach in Omaha, Nebraska.

2 wounded in shooting at Eisenhower Park in KCK The Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office is investigating a double shooting Friday evening at Eisenhower Park.Investigators said deputies were called about 5:45 p.m. to the park on a reporting shooting and found two victims. They were taken to a hospital.Authorities said no arrests have been made.Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.

Suspect charged in Excelsior Springs kidnapping, sexual assault EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. - A suspect has been arrested and charged in connection with a suspected kidnapping and sexual assault in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. Police say Timothy Haslett Jr. has been charged by Clay County prosecutors with first-degree kidnapping, first degree rape and second degree assault.

Neighbors help woman who said she was held against her will, sexually assaulted EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. (KCTV) - Neighbors helped a woman who was going door to door screaming for help around 7:47 a.m. Friday. She told neighbors and police she escaped a home where she was held against her will and sexually assaulted near Old Orchard Avenue and south Kimball Avenue.

Trial date set for mother whose toddler son was found dead, had drugs in his system KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A Kansas City charged in connection with the death of her son has had her trial date set. Michaela Chism, accused of first-degree child endangerment (involving drugs), will appear before jury trial Dec. 19.

KCK Vietnam War veteran receives replacement medals for his service For the last couple of years, a Kansas City, Kansas, man has been trying to replace the medals he had earned for his military service. Frank Parra is a Vietnam War veteran. He was decorated several times for heroism under fire. But over the years, he lost track of those medals.He never lost track of what happened.

Slain Kansas City firefighter remembered as 'kind, honest' big brother by loved ones KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Those who loved Anthony Santi remember him as kind, honest and a role model in the community. According to Christy Still, Santi was the type of person who always stood up for what he believed was right. She said he was like a "big brother" to many.

Kansas City firefighter dies in off-duty tragedy Kansas City firefighter Anthony "Tony" Santi died on Thursday, Oct. 6, off-duty at a gas station in Independence, Mo. Greater Kansas City Local 42, the union Santi belonged to, said in a release that Santi was attempting to come to the defense of a gas station employee near US 40 Highway and Sterling Avenue.

Developing . . .
There's news of another plague emerging in Kansas City.

Even if it only impacts the birds . . . Locals might want to take this one seriously given that we've seen the power of "public health concerns" to completely transform our society.



Here are the basics . . .



"Zoo officials said in a news release Friday that starting immediately, the zoo will begin removing some of its birds from their outdoor habitats. The hope is to decrease the birds' exposure to wild birds, which have the potential to carry the bird flu."



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Citing an increased risk for bird flu, Kansas City Zoo to remove some birds from outdoor habitats After a recent suspected outbreak of avian flu at the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead in Overland Park, Kansas, the Kansas City Zoo has announced it is taking precautions to protect its animals from the disease.Zoo officials said in a news release Friday that starting immediately, the zoo will begin removing some of its birds from their outdoor habitats.The hope is to decrease the birds' exposure to wild birds, which have the potential to carry the bird flu.

Related reading . . .

The Pandemics Legacy Is Already Clear - All of this will happen again. Recently, after a week in which 2,789 Americans died of COVID-19, President Joe Biden proclaimed that "the pandemic is over." Anthony Fauci described the controversy around the proclamation as a matter of "semantics," but the facts we are living with can speak for themselves.

You decide . . .
Politicking on personal tragedy works . . . Sometimes.



Sadly . . . Pushing a depressing topic as part of an election sales pitch just seems like a bit of a downer.

Again . . . To be fair . . . We understand that Rep. Cori Bush and her connection to "the squad" is a lot more exciting than tradition KCMO Democratic Party politics that's usually done over brunch and by way of EPIC donor checks from corporate owners or very rich people who need to buy a vast array of favors.



Notice that the top of the Missouri ballot isn't signing on to this crusade of human misery . . .



Missouri Democrats see abortion rights as a key issue to draw out their supporters for down ballot races in November. They point to a vote across state lines in Kansas, where voters overwhelmingly rejected a ballot measure that would have eliminated the right to an abortion in the Kansas constitution.



While Trudy Busch Valentine, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Missouri, has used abortion rights as a wedge issue in her campaign, she isnt participating in the tour. Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, who is the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, activated Missouris ban. He is heavily favored to win the election in November.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Three residential break and enters were reported in the citys East York district from Oct. 11 to Oct. 17, according to Toronto Police Service. Thats up from one reported during the previous week.
City of Toronto encourages all eligible residents to get COVID-19 vaccines and boosters to have better protection this fall and winter. - John Rennison/The Hamilton Spectator file photo
Gifts from New York State and Erie County on Saturday morning made the first anniversary celebration especially happy for Buffalos Centro Culturale Italiano.

State Sen. Sean Ryan presented a $100,000 grant to the organization at the event. The money will be used to fund the renovation of the courtyard at the center to make more outdoor programs possible.

Assemblyman Bill Conrad announced a $50,000 commitment to expand programming and increase the quality of events, including language classes, said Lindsey Lauren Visser, deputy director at the center.

And Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz provided a $60,000 grant through a cultural capital campaign. The money will allow the center to complete and install its exhibit on Italian immigration, settlement and contributions to Western New York. The exhibit is set to open spring 2023, Visser said.

So it was a good day all around, she said.

The Italian Cultural Center of Buffalo promotes and celebrates Western New Yorks Italian culture and heritage. One year after opening in the renovated former North Park Branch Library at Delaware and Hertel avenues, the center has grown to include more than 1,000 members and received Best Cultural Programming 2022 recognition from Buffalo Spree Magazine.

This year has exceeded our wildest dreams, said Executive Director John Vecchio. The outpouring of support from the community has been tremendous and we hope weve made them proud.

The CCI has accomplished a great deal in a short time, Ryan said in a written statement.

"From the adaptive reuse of the former North Park (Branch) Library to the robust schedule of programs and events, the CCI has become a vibrant asset to our community. I have been happy to support this project and to provide the capital to make it possible, he said.

Saturdays event also was a celebration of Italian Heritage Month. The cultural center will offer programs throughout the month to provide people the opportunity to learn more about the cultural contributions of Americans with Italian lineage.

The center was founded by Dr. Francesco Giacobbe and his late wife, Renata, in 2010. Its mission is to preserve and promote Italian culture, heritage and language through educational opportunities and community engagement.

For more information about CCI, visit ccibuffalo.org.
A federal judge has sentenced a 29-year-old Buffalo man convicted in April of drug and firearm possession charges to nine years in prison.

Frankie Cook had faced a mandatory minimum term of 97 to 121 months after he pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. He also admitted being in possession of a 9mm handgun, despite already having been a convicted felony.

U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo sentenced Cook on Thursday to 108 months in prison.

Cook, who was convicted in 2020 of second-degree attempted criminal possession of a weapon, was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth T. Molisani, who handled the case.

About two weeks after his conviction, Erie County Probation officers went to Cooks residence on Dartmouth Avenue in Buffalo for an initial information visit and found what appeared to be a drug preparation station with gloves, masks and plastic bags in the basement.

They also discovered a safe hidden behind a speaker with approximately 240 grams of fentanyl, 156 grams of heroin, drug paraphernalia, a .45 caliber magazine, .45 caliber ammunition, 9mm ammunition, and a stolen loaded 9mm handgun inside, according to the court papers.
This morning , we kick off the show today with someone who is no stranger to the Morning Edi
RNA Nanotherapeutics is one of the many startups that have come out of the UC Venture Lab pre-accelerator program and received seed funding.

It's a very inclusive and supportive environment, Zhang said of the Venture Lab. I learned a lot about business development, and it makes you feel comfortable and excited to launch a startup.

UCs Venture Lab, operated by the Office of Innovation, provides a launch pad for entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into a startup reality. The UC Venture lab is located in the 1819 Innovation Hub in the Cincinnati Innovation District, providing a connection point to talent, support and funding to help launch new companies.

Those initiatives were borne out of the universitys desire to facilitate impact for researchers, in this case helping them advance their ideas from bench to bedside. Dr. Zhangs work is exemplary of the talent within UC. We are proud of his efforts to solve problems that matter, said Kaethe Beck, associate vice president for operations in the Office of Innovation.

The Venture Lab pre-accelerator program is available for free to all members of the university community. The program provides guidance for launching a startup and pairs aspiring entrepreneurs with executives for mentoring.

For researchers to find and partner with appropriate business sources helps them get to their end game, which Xiaoting's end game is to save more lives, said Joe Buse, a Venture Lab entrepreneur-in-residence who partnered with Zhang to move RNA Nanotherapeutics forward. He has been enabling breast cancer research for more than 20 years. We want to save lives.
Estonia will make a decision next week on a new package of military assistance to Ukraine.

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said this on Twitter, Ukrinform reports.

"Ukraine has momentum on the battlefield. We must all do more now so it can free its territories. That's why Estonia will decide next week on a new military aid package. We'll give Ukraine more ammunition, winter and individual equipment," Kallas wrote.

In relation to the country's GDP per capita, Estonia is among the leaders of countries that help Ukraine.

At the beginning of autumn, the Armed Forces of Ukraine received THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle from Estonia for transporting wounded soldiers from the battlefield.
In order to try to launch another attack on Kyiv, Russia needs to build up the relevant capabilities. This would take two to three months.

Commander of the Joint Forces, Lieutenant General Serhiy Naiev, announced this on the air of a nationwide telethon, answering the question of whether a new attack on Kyiv is possible, Ukrinform reports.

"It is possible, indeed. To this end, it is necessary for them to build up the relevant forces. This will take some time. In order to create the appropriate capacity, the one we would feel, about two to three months are needed," said Naiev.

At the same time, the commander assured that the capital is currently protected much better than it was at the onset of the full-scale invasion. Also, the claim that the Russian army is worlds second-strongest is a myth, Naieve emphasized.

"Their idea of them being second-strongest in terms of might was designed for the information space. It's just a myth that was debunked by our citizens, our Army, our leaders, our president," said Naiev.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to cross into Ukraine on multiple fronts. Russian forces have been shelling key infrastructure facilities, carrying out massive strikes on residential areas of Ukrainian cities and towns, employing artillery, MLR systems, warplanes, ballistic missile launchers, and most recently kamikaze drones. Martial law has been introduced in Ukraine and general mobilization has been declared as the country is repelling the Russian onslaught.

Also, Ukraine officially filed a lawsuit against the Russian Federation with the UN International Court of Justice in The Hague.

On September 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced mobilization, after which activists and opposition figures in Russia called for the citizens to take to the streets in protest.

Russian Defense Minister Serhii Shoigu announced that 300,000 reservists would be called up as part of the partial mobilization move.

On September 30, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed documents on the "accession" into the Russian Federation of the puppet entities "DPR" and "LPR", as well as the territories of Kherson and Zaporizhia regions of Ukraine captured by the Russian army.
Police are investigating a shooting early Saturday morning that sent a Buffalo man to Erie County Medical Center, according to Buffalo Police Department spokesperson Michael J. DeGeorge.

Officers responded to a call at 3:20 a.m. at the 2300 block of Seneca Street, DeGeorge said, just east of Cazenovia Park. Detectives determined a man was struck by gunfire "during some type of dispute at an establishment."

The 40-year-old Buffalo man was taken to ECMC and listed in stable condition, according to DeGeorge.

Anyone with information is asked to call or text the Confidential TIPCALL Line at (716) 847-2255.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin wants to negotiate a "new grand bargain" with the West, which is partly about Ukraine, according to Ibrahim Kalin, a spokesperson for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

That's according to CNN, Ukrinform reports.

"Our understanding is that Mr. Putin wants to have a new grand bargain, a new deal with the West. It's partly about Ukraine, no doubt. But the larger issue is really a new deal between Russia and the Western world," Kalin said.

According to him, Moscow feels that the agreements made at the end of the Cold War, under Presidents Mikhail Gorbachev and Boris Yeltsin, no longer reflect the Russia of today.

"There is a new Russia, there is a new world, there is a new reality, and they want to have a new bargain," Kalin said.

He also said that, despite the Ukrainian side's rejection of Vladimir Putin as a person with whom any negotiations can be conducted, in his opinion, negotiations will likely resume at some point.

"The question is: When we will come back to it and how much damage will have been done by then?" Kalin said.

Earlier in a phone call with Putin, Erdogan said he was ready to mediate in the negotiation process to achieve peace.
Another victim who was injured in Russias missile attack on a convoy of civilian cars in the city of Zaporizhzhia, which took place on September 30, 2022, has died in hospital today.

The relevant statement was made by the Main Department of the National Police of Ukraine in the Zaporizhzhia region, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

As a result of missile strikes on a civilian column at a car market, launched on September 30, a total of 32 people were killed and 91 injured as of today, the police said.

On FREEDOM TV Channel, Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration Head Oleksandr Starukh noted that another victim had died in hospital.

A reminder that, on September 30, 2022, Russian troops struck a convoy of civilian cars at a checkpoint in the city of Zaporizhzhia with S-300 missiles. For security reasons, the checkpoint used for evacuation purposes has been closed since then.

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Russian troops have launched a missile strike on the Donetsk regions city of Kurakhove. Three civilians were reported injured.

The relevant statement was made by Donetsk Regional Military Administration Head Pavlo Kyrylenko on Telegram, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Russians have launched a missile strike on Kurakhove this morning. As a result, three civilians were injured, six apartment blocks damaged. Explosives experts, rescuers and the police are working at the scene, Kyrylenko wrote.

Kyrylenko once again called on local residents to evacuate to safer areas, as the Donetsk regions entire territory remains at high risk due to Russian attacks.

A reminder that last night one civilian was killed and seven injured in Russias shelling of the Donetsk regions communities, namely Bakhmut, Toretsk and Soledar.

mk
In Zaporizhzhia, the body of the 19th victim was found under the rubble of buildings hit by Russian missiles.

The Main Department of the National Police in Zaporizhzhia region told this to journalists, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Works to eliminate the consequences of the missile attack is still ongoing. Rescuers, utility workers and about 100 residents of the city are dismantling the rubble from buildings hit by Russian missiles on October 6.

It was earlier reported that the bodies of 14 dead people were recovered from the rubble of a 5-storey residential building, including a child. Four more bodies were recovered from the rubble of a 4-storey residential building. Fourteen people applied for medical aid.

As Ukrinform reported, on the morning of October 6, the Russian forces shelled the center of Zaporizhzhia, destroying more than 50 buildings.

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Ukrainian Army has proved to the world that it skillfully employs NATO weaponry, destroying the invasion forces and liberating Russian-captured territories. Therefore, the allies have no arguments left to not provide Ukraine with an even wider range of weapons, which Lithuania has always advocated. Although the winter will be difficult for Europe, it will eventually free it from years of energy dependence on Russia. Ukrinform sat down with Lithuanias Foreign Minister Gabrielus Landsbergis to talk about these issues, and much more.

UKRAINES PATH TO NATO INVOLVES CONVINCING THOSE WHO ARE STILL HESITANT

- Minister, thank you for being so supportive to Ukraine in our struggle against Russia. In this respect, Lithuania and you personally, as head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, strongly support us on our path to NATO. What, in your opinion, can be done and what new formats could be applied to speed up the process? And how do you assess the latest statement by President Volodymyr Zelensky seeking accelerated procedure for Ukraine?

- First of all, Im not surprised that President Zelensky made the statement. I think that many have expected Ukrainian officials, politicians, leaders to say something like that. Ukrainian Army is already being armed as NATO army, is being trained as NATO army, so it only remains a question when it will actually become part of NATO and country becomes part of the Alliance.

So this question is in the room. Its a big elephant thats impossible not to notice. I think the first step is that the decision has to be political, it has to be made in political offices. So, the convincing needs to happen. We need to talk with our partners and try to convince everybody whos not yet convinced that Ukraines future is in NATO but also NATOs future is with Ukraine. I dont see it any other way.

- Speaking of alliances, regional, local unions and initiatives are also important now. The Lublin Triangle, LitPolUkrBrig, The Three Seas, and others. What kind of work is to be done within these formats or maybe others to help Ukraine repel Russian aggression? Im not saying, militarily but maybe in a consultation format or something else.

- Lithuania, due to our regional constellation, is a member of several formats as well, including Nordic-Baltic, Poland and Baltic, and then the Lublin Triangle Weve seen from our experience, when it comes to integration into EU or NATO, these formats are really helpful in speeding up the reforms. We share our experiences, are offered advice and experiences by others who went through the accession previously or were going through different experiences, so I think this is like a platform of helping each other out. So I think that Ukraines case would be similar  that the formats that youve mentioned would be those where you present the main issues that youre struggling with or need assistance with when it comes to designing laws or reaching the necessary criteria for the EU or NATO accession because they also have the political track when it comes to rule of law and other things.

WERE STILL AT THE ESCALATORY STAGE SO WE HAVE TO BE PREPARED FOR MORE EVENTUALITIES

- Now as the war is ongoing here in Ukraine, of course it has impact on the entire European region and the whole world to a certain point. What challenges and threats did you country face in connection with the full-scale Russian offensive? What is the current security situation in Lithuania and the entire Baltic region?

- I think were part of a global community when it comes to energy prices, food prices, everything that is happening as part of Putins war in Ukraine  its also part of Putins war against the global community. So there are these issues that we are facing. Its a challenge, but were still hoping we have enough European solidarity to overcome them. But obviously one of the biggest challenges is a geopolitical one.

For 30 years, Lithuania was one of those countries saying that Russia is a threat. That its an aggressive imperialistic power with no good intentions to its neighbors. We can say that weve been right. But these words do not make us safer. So we are very much keen on helping Ukraine win because it makes us more secure and also secures the whole region, but in the meantime were making sure that we can prevent any escalation to more countries so thats why in Madrid, where NATO pledges support to Ukraine, it also pledged support to countries in the Baltics, in the eastern flank, that they will be defended as well. So I would say that this probably one of things that were looking into.

- Now that Sweden and Finland are in the final stretch to NATO membership, have your contacts with these two nations expanded? Do you feel more secure, knowing that these two countries are about to become part of the Alliance?

- Its a very strong message. NATO is getting stronger. Through these decisions, the Baltic region is getting stronger. Id definitely like to see Finland and Sweden becoming members faster because I think that staying in this not yet situation is not safer to anybody. So I would definitely like to see them in. But with what were seeing happening in the Baltic Sea itself - Im talking about the recent sabotage on Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2  it makes you think whether the Baltic region is actually safer. I think that were still at the escalatory stage so we have to be prepared for more eventualities. And therefore, in order to compensate for them, we have to make sure that we invest in our safety as well, together with our allies here in the Baltic region. So I say that this is an important step but doesnt yet solve all the issues were currently facing.

- Speaking about eventualities and the recent incidents at the pipelines, do you believe your countrys energy infrastructure may be targeted in some kind of hybrid attacks, not directly militarily but no one knows who did that? Are you considering this possibility?

- It definitely makes you think that there is an actor in the Baltic Sea with an intent and capacity to attack infrastructure. And theres a lot of infrastructure in and around the Baltic Sea. So definitely I think it has to be thought through and at this stage all the countries are doing that mostly on their own, seeing what we can do in order to make our infrastructure more secure.

But I think it has to be approached through multinational formats, such as NATO. Because its a real issue. The sea itself is not really large. It means that any activity here affects everybody equally, even though it might have happened near Danish or Swedish territorial waters. But Lithuanian territorial waters are just a few hundred kilometers away. So it definitely affects all of our security. And it has to be seen as a common area for the need for increased security.

LITHUANIA IS HELPING THOSE STILL SEEKING THEIR WAYS TO GET OUT OF RUSSIA AND BELARUS

- Another sphere of security  information, the media space. We know that Lithuania has been among the champions of eradicating Russian propaganda. But what is the current situation of your information space? How did the arrival of Russian and Belarusian journalists influence it? To what extent has the influence of Kremlin propaganda remained in place?

- I would say that when it comes to Kremlin propaganda, we managed to make some necessary steps from the political standpoint. That means the decisions were made to limit TV channels, for example, that were actively promoting war in Ukraine and all that propaganda nonsense. So that was done. But also Id say that people in our country have already evolved to a certain level of knowledge and understanding of how to deal with propaganda, when its on social media, how to be certain of what is true and what is not. Weve been in this situation for a very long time. Were not new in this game. So Id say that theres a level of certainty that were doing alright at this point.

The arrival of Russian and Belarusian opposition and journalists in Lithuania, I think, has only had a positive impact because many of them are professionals in their field. This means they are providing not just Lithuanians, but a much broader community, with objective information as much as it is possible to get that information from Russia or Belarus and to spread it though independent channels. So it is useful and it is helpful. We are keen on continuing cooperation with those who arrived, and helping both who are already here and also those still seeking their ways to actually get out from Russia or Belarus.

GLOBAL INITIATIVE IS NEEDED TO RESTORE UKRAINE, SUCH AS A NEW MARSHALL PLAN

- Of course, Lithuania also welcomed lots of Ukrainians who were fleeing the war, and were thankful for that. But we also heard that Lithuania is participating in infrastructure restoration in Ukraine. What are Lithuania's future plans in this regard?

- The bottom line is that we are still looking for what is called a European of global initiative. Because when we are talking about the restoration of Ukraine, its not news to you, but its a huge country. Compared to Lithuania, its an enormous country. So any countrys single effort in most cases is a show of good will. But if were keen on restoring schools, bridges, hospitals, the whole infrastructure that is still being destroyed as we speak, we still need a concerted effort. Like a Marshall Plan that was established in Europe after World War 2, so there has to be a Marshall Plan for Ukraine. So thats the bottom line. But despite this fact, while were waiting, we will do our part to the best of our ability. We have a budget for next year that will be dedicated to it. It is actually being discussed now. The parliament will be presented the budget next week and it will have money allocated just for building certain objects. It could be schools, other social or cultural objects in Ukraine that we agree with the Ukrainian authorities that this is whats needed and this is what we can do. We will start working on that, Id say, next year.

THIS WINTER, EUROPE WILL PAY DIVIDENDS FOR DECADES OF BUILDING UP DEPENDENCE ON RUSSIA

- Speaking of costs, the winter is coming, and it will be really hard here in Ukraine as were aware of Russias plans to hit our energy infrastructure, our critical infrastructure, but we also understand that winter might be hard for many Europeans, too, due to Russias energy blackmail. How do you think Europe is prepared to live through this winter? Will it stand up to its current stance on Russia after the cold kicks in?

- I think that Europe now, as a Union, is prepared as much as it could get prepared in a short period of time. And yes, were paying a big price for that. But were also paying for decades of building on dependence on Russia. We overlooked what is called the national security margin in this and now we have to pay dividends for all the decades that we overlooked it. So this is whats happening and nobody should be extremely surprised that it has to be done. The diversification from Russian energy sources is happening extremely fast. And I hope that the best-case scenario would be that we would just have to live through one winter. It is probably not going to be very cold but it would be expensive. But we have to keep in mind that if we keep the solidarity alive, that could be the last winter thats so expensive. Secondly, we have to keep in mind that the Ukrainians currently will not have an expensive winter but, in many cases, a cold one. So we should not be complaining that much and rather show solidarity with those who are fighting for their sovereignty.

TO PUTINS NUCLEAR BLACKMAIL NATO MUST SHOW DETERMINATION THAT ITS RESPONSE WILL BE CRIPPLING

- Energy blackmail is not the only one Russia is putting forward. Theres definitely nuclear blackmail. Its being looked into very seriously by Ukraine and its partners. Theres saber-rattling, but we still take it seriously. What should be the way of collective deterrence needed to stop Putin in his tracks if he actually looks into employing such deadly weapons?

- I think that the messages and the wording used by NATO and some of the allies within NATO is the right one. Its first of all we cannot let Putin blackmail us  be it nuclear, be it Zaporizhia (Nuclear Power Plant - ed.), be it food or energy, the answer always has to be firm. And thats incredibly important. I think that the exact phrase was that in case Putin decides to do something that proves hes out of his mind, the answer would be crippling. And I think that we should stick to this. Not to necessarily go into more details  I dont think that its needed  but to show resolve, that the answer would be crippling.

ALL OF OUR STOCKS NEED TO BE OPENED FOR THE UKRAINIAN ARMY

- Talking about conventional weapons Given the latest gains of Ukrainian Army in the east and south somewhat changed the perception in the West of what Ukraine needs on the battlefield to successfully oust Russia from Ukraine? Is there any readiness to supply, perhaps, some other types of serious equipment? Say, main battle tanks, aircraft, more air defense systems, or new types of munitions for the already supplied platforms? Are you aware of any of such talks?

- Lithuania has always been advocating at all possible levels that Ukraine needs everything that we have, not giving any arguments like we just give you Javelins and Stingers, and maybe something else. It was clear that Ukrainian Army is able to, capable of using NATO-grade weaponry to successfully conquer back the occupied territories. Now we are at a point where the arguments that were used before are lost. Some of our allies would argue that this is too technologically advanced to teach and train Ukrainian soldiers, we even heard some arguments that it could be lost or destroyed or something like that. It is clear that all these arguments are no longer valid. If they are no longer valid, I dont see a reason why Ukraine should not be provided with everything that we have. Ive said it before, and Ill repeat it now, that all of our stocks need to be opened for the Ukrainian Army.

If training is needed, now we have platforms for that as well. People are being trained in many countries. As I understand it was mentioned by Josep Borrell that every European country now participates (to a different degree but still participates) in training Ukrainian soldiers. So I dont see any arguments. And if there are still debates ongoing, this is unfortunate because the longer the debate drags, the longer the war drags.

- I hope your counterparts in the EU and across the Atlantic will be as resolute as you are.

- Were keen on providing political arguments for that. Unfortunately, we dont have huge stocks of our own.

- To wrap this up, please convey our best wishes to the deeply respected Vytautas Landsbergis. We wish him good health. So heres a personal question: what does the example set by such an outstanding grandfather mean to you?

- Well, when I started as a politician almost a decade ago I considered that the historic times are over. That Lithuania had its moment in history when we reclaimed our independence and now were at this post-historic stage. Now its clear that I was wrong. Everybody was wrong. History is continuing, and Lithuanian history is continuing as well. But that raises the level of responsibility for everyone whos participating now. So there are many people, not just me, who would try to think deeper as to what kind of decisions, what kind of stance people like my grandfather, and others, had to take in the 1990s. How did they present themselves? How did they see Lithuania? How did they see their responsibility and Lithuanias responsibility in the 1990s? And probably we need to learn from them and apply the lessons of theirs to these times, to make sure were doing the right thing in these truly historic times.

Ievgen Matiushenko

Photo credit: Nina Liashonok and 15min.lt
A Ukrainian presidential decree reaffirming respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Japan, including its Northern Territories, and the adoption of a respective address by the Verkhovna Rada confirm Ukraine's commitment to the principles and norms of international law.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said this in a statement regarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Japan, Ukrinform reports.

"On October 7, 2022, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the Decree No. 692/2022 reaffirming respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Japan, including its Northern Territories, which remain under the occupation of the Russian Federation," the statement said.

It added that the adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of the "Address of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to the International Community Regarding the Northern Territories of Japan" and the signing of the aforementioned presidential decree are important steps that restore historical justice and reaffirm Ukraine's commitment to the universally recognized principles and norms of the international law.

According to the statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine consistently emphasizes that "in the modern world there is no place for the use of force to infringe the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any country, in violation of the international law."

"Russia, as an aggressor country, must bear full responsibility for its actions in violation of the sovereign borders of Ukraine and other countries of the world," the ministry said.
Russias war against Ukraine is only a harbinger of what can await any state on our continent or in other parts of the world.

The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in his video address to the participants in the 2BS (To Be Secure) FORUM in Montenegro, an Ukrinform correspondent reports, referring to the Office of the President of Ukraine.

Analyzing the elements of the Russian war against our state and the specific steps of the aggressor, we can draw conclusions about what forms and methods of protection we need for the sake of security. The first is unity. [] Russia is afraid of our unity. So it goes to great lengths to break it. But we are only strengthening our unity, the President of Ukraine said.

The second method is democracy, according to Zelensky. All European states must dismantle any Russian networks of influence for the sake of it.

The third is independence. In this regard, the President of Ukraine emphasized: We should recognize the obvious at all levels in Europe and the world: Russia is not a threat to one, but to everyone. Therefore, everyone must achieve complete independence from Russia, so that it cannot turn dependence on it into shackles: economic dependence, energy dependence, political dependence  any.

The fourth is weapons. One can estimate the amount of weapons that may be needed for defense, looking at the intensity of hostilities, which are now raging in Ukraine.

Finally, the fifth point is responsibility.

For many years, the head of Russia and his entourage have felt complete impunity. [] They carried out a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, because they do not believe that the world will be able to hold them accountable, not just for the crime of aggression against a sovereign state but for any crime imaginable. So, bringing them to justice is to guarantee long-term peace after this war, Zelensky stressed.

In his words, all the above is taken into account in Ukraines proposals for updating the security architecture of Ukraine and Europe.

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The Japanese society welcomed the decision made by the Parliament of Ukraine and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky on the Southern Kuril Islands as a just step of a friendly country.

"The decisions made by the Verkhovna Rada and the President of Ukraine [on the Northern Territories of Japan] were positively perceived by the Japanese society as a just step of a friendly country. Japan has no intention to return the Northern territories by force, but the joint actions of Ukraine and Japan in the political and legal field, especially taking into account Russia's aggression against Ukraine, should contribute to the punishment of the aggressor and the return of all the territories it occupied," Ambassador of Ukraine to Japan Sergiy Korsunsky told Ukrinform on Saturday.

The Ambassador pointed out that Ukraine's recognition of the four Southern Kuril Islands, which are called the Northern Territories in Japan, as those belonging to Japan is fair and legally justified. The diplomat noted that these islands had been occupied by the USSR and remained under the occupation of Russia.

"Actually, the decisions of the Verkhovna Rada and the President of Ukraine remove the contradictions that existed until now between the position of Ukraine as a sovereign and independent state and the legacy of the USSR," Korsunsky noted.

In this context, the Ambassador of Ukraine added that it was the USSR that had illegally occupied four islands belonging to Japan. The Soviet authorities evicted the native inhabitants from there, actually annexing the territory of another state.

"Russia is the successor of the USSR and continues to pursue the policy of occupation. But this does not apply to Ukraine like the rest of the democratic world. Now Ukraine's position is clear and understandable: we recognize Japan's sovereignty over Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and Habomai and call on the world community to facilitate their return to Japan," the diplomat explained.

He also drew attention to the fact that Ukraine and Japan are two countries in relation to which Russia pursues a policy of annexation.

Korsunsky noted that Japan's many years of attempts to resolve the issue of the return of the Northern territories through negotiations were unsuccessful, and Moscow repeatedly stated that the return was impossible.

According to the diplomat, Russia, in fact, does not conceal that the islands were captured contrary to the agreements adopted after World War II but categorically refuses to question its illegal actions.

The Ambassador of Ukraine also noted that the authorities of the Russian Federation were taking demonstrative steps aimed at the "development" of the disputed islands located in a depressed area.

"However, in fact, Etorofu has been turned into a naval base, where ballistic and cruise missiles, units of the Russian Navy are stationed. These territories are not developed," the diplomat stated.

As reported, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted an appeal to the international community regarding the Northern territories of Japan. The appeal is aimed at preventing the tolerance of occupation-related issues and drawing attention at the international level to the need to support Japan's sovereign territories and speed up the actual implementation of the 1956 agreements.

President Zelensky recognized by his decree the Northern Territories of Japan (the Southern Kuril Islands) as occupied by Russia and instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to proceed from the position that the Northern territories are an integral part of the sovereign territory of Japan.

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U.S. President Joe Biden congratulated the winners of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize: Ales Biliatski, Head of the Belarusian Viasna Human Rights Centre, Russias Memorial human rights organization, and Ukraines Center for Civil Liberties human rights organization.

This years Nobel Peace Prize winners remind us that, even in dark days of war, in the face of intimidation and oppression, the common human desire for rights and dignity cannot be extinguished. On behalf of the American people, I congratulate Ales Bialiatski of Belarus, Ukraines Center for Civil Liberties, and the Russian organization Memorial on this deserved honor, reads the statement by U.S. President Joe Biden published on the website of the White House.

The U.S. leader praised the important role of the Center for Civil Liberties during the Russian-Ukrainian war.

In the midst of Russias brutal and unprovoked war against Ukraine, the Center for Civil Liberties is documenting in real time the war crimes and atrocities Russia is inflicting on the Ukrainian people, he noted.

As reported, Ales Biliatski, Head of the Belarusian Viasna Human Rights Centre, Russias Memorial human rights organization, and Ukraines Center for Civil Liberties human rights organization became the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize winners.

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The man charged with murder in the 1978 cold case homicide of Linda Tschari did not take the witness stand during his trial in Erie County Court.

But he did speak in court outside the presence of the jury.

John M. Sauberan's comments came Thursday afternoon, after the jury was sent home for the weekend in preparation for Tuesday's closing statements and the deliberations to follow.

Sauberan took issue with how attorneys could characterize him in their upcoming closing arguments to the jury.

Attorneys and County Judge Sheila DiTullio were discussing the legal instructions jurors would receive before they start deliberating.

Jury gets glimpse of criminal past of man on trial for 1978 Buffalo homicide John Sauberan was indicted in March 2020 on a second-degree murder charge in the killing of Linda Tschari, 19, in a cottage on Pooley Place in February 1978. The charge came more than 40 years after the crime after prosecutors said he was linked to the crime scene by a DNA match.

What appeared to be at issue was something from the testimony of Buffalo Police Detective Mary Evans, who told the jury on Tuesday that Sauberan, who is of Native American heritage, was said to identify himself by the nickname "Chief the Thief."

Sauberan called it "a mischaracterization right off the bat," and named a woman who he said was the source of the nickname.

"She called me that when I was 13 years old," Sauberan said in court.

Sauberan, 63, is charged with second-degree murder in the February 1978 slaying of Linda Tschari, whose body was found in a cottage on Pooley Place on the city's West Side. Sauberan would have been 18 at the time.

Testimony in his trial began Monday. The prosecution rested its case Wednesday; the defense rested Thursday.

Old blood, new technology and new evidence: How a 44-year-old murder case went to trial More than four decades after the slaying of Linda Tschari, John M. Sauberan is on trial for her murder. A jury will hear closing arguments in the case on Tuesday.

In Thursday afternoon's discussion about legal instructions for the jury, prosecutors asked the judge to set boundaries that would prevent Sauberan's defense from attempting to portray their client as "some low-level burglar or thief."

"He's not just a small thief," Assistant District Attorney Ashley Morgan said.

Last week, Evans, the detective, testified she was told that Sauberan used to brag about breaking into people's homes and stealing things. He also was known to steal bicycles, Evans said.

Sauberan has prior criminal convictions, the detective told the jury, and was arrested in Buffalo on a robbery charge in 1979.

Paul Dell, one of Sauberan's defense attorneys, told the judge he would not attempt to use such a characterization in his closing arguments.

DNA evidence leads to trial in 1978 cold case: 'He was banking he would get away with murder' John M. Sauberan, 63, also known as John Fullagar, was charged in March 2020 with second-degree murder in Linda Tschari's death after prosecutors say he was linked to the crime scene through a DNA match.

That's when Sauberan spoke up, saying assertions he called himself "Chief the Thief" were false  "I never said that," he said  and the woman who told police he did was "mad because her bikes were stolen."

"But her bikes were stolen by her brother," he said.

Sauberan said he "can't believe she still harbors resentment" about it, adding that he would "still see her at Tops."

Closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday morning.
(@FahadShabbir)

ISLAMABAD, Oct 8 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Oct, 2022 ) :British High Commissioner Dr Christian Turner Saturday called on Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and exchanged views on matters of common interest.

The minister briefed the British High Commissioner about devastation caused by the recent floods in Pakistan, said a press release issued by the Ministry of Finance.

The minister underscored that Pakistan had long historic ties with the United Kingdom and relations between the two countries needed to be further expended for the mutual benefits of the two sides.

He also briefed the envoy about economic agenda and priorities of the government and said that present government aims to bring about economic and fiscal stability leading to economic recovery and growth.

Speaking on the occasion British High Commissioner extended his felicitations to the Minister on assuming his new responsibilities.

He expressed sympathy on the destruction caused by the floods and said that the UK stands with Pakistan in this difficult time and apprised on the humanitarian support provided by the UK Government to Pakistan for flood relief. He further extended full support of the British government and British people for the government in Pakistan.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar thanked the British High Commissioner for extending flood relief support to Pakistan.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th October, 2022) The death toll from an explosion at a gas station in the Republic of Ireland's County Donegal reached seven people, while eight more are injured,Ireland's National Police, An Garda Siochana, said in a statement on Saturday.

"An Garda Siochana can now confirm seven fatalities as a result of this incident (three fatalities were confirmed yesterday; four fatalities are now confirmed overnight). The search and recovery for further fatalities continues. Eight persons were transferred to hospital for medical attention yesterday," the message read.

Earlier in the day, The Irish Independent daily reported citing the police that at least three people died in the blast at the gas station.

The police are yet to provide details on causes of the incident.
An arrest warrant was obtained Friday night by police for Adam Bennefield, who police say is the suspect in the fatal shooting of his wife, Keaira Bennefield, Wednesday morning at Richlawn and Shawnee avenues, said Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia.

Bennefield is charged with second-degree murder and remains at-large, police said. Bennefield, who previously spent 15 years in prison for kidnapping, was released from custody in Cheektowaga on Tuesday following September assault charges. Police have said he could be armed and dangerous.

Anyone who sees Bennefield is asked to call 911 but to not engage or confront him. Crime Stoppers Buffalo has offered a $7,500 reward for information on Bennefield's whereabouts.

Suspect in Buffalo homicide was charged with assault in Cheektowaga the day before Law enforcement is looking for Adam R. Bennefield, 45, to question about the death of his estranged wife Keaira Bennefield, 40, who was shot in front of her children in her SUV at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at Shawnee and Richlawn avenues in the city's Leroy neighborhood.

Gramaglia said Thursday he believed Bennefield was still in the region. Police recovered a truck identified as Bennefield's shortly after he eluded officers Wednesday morning following the shooting and entered the Kensington Expressway driving in the wrong direction.

Keaira Bennefield, 40, was shot in front of her children in her SUV at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at Shawnee and Richlawn avenues in the city's Leroy neighborhood.

Bennefield was previously described as a person of interest in the case and was "wanted for questioning." An arrest warrant means the suspect has already been charged with a crime and may be taken into custody when found.

News reporter Maki Becker contributed to this report.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Athens, Oct 8 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Oct, 2022 ) :Cover-up allegations are dogging a short-lived Greek parliamentary investigation into a state wire-tapping scandal that wraps up next week without providing any real answers.

But the case, which has cast an unflattering light on the conservative government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, remains a priority for the European Parliament.

The European Union assembly is sending a fact-finding delegation in November to interview key witnesses.

The scandal could also impact the formation of a future Greek government, following a general election scheduled for 2023.

The affair broke in July when Nikos Androulakis -- a European Parliament lawmaker and leader of the Greek Socialist party (Pasok/Kinal) -- filed a legal complaint alleging there had been attempts to tap his mobile phone using illegal spyware known as Predator.

Within days, it emerged that Androulakis had indeed been under surveillance, separately, from the Greek intelligence service before he became leader of Pasok, Greece's third largest party.

In August, the Greek intelligence service chief, as well as a close aide and nephew to the prime minister, both resigned over the case.

This put the government in a tricky spot. For months it had fended off accusations of wire tapping made by two Greek journalists, one of whom claimed to have been hacked both by Predator and by state intelligence.

The Greek parliament responded by setting up a cross-party committee to investigate the scandal, which has drawn parallels to Watergate.
Paris, Oct 8 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Oct, 2022 ) :The French government on Friday advised its nationals visiting Iran to "leave the country as soon as possible", citing the risk of arbitrary detention.

"All French visitors, including dual nationals, are exposed to a high risk of arrest, arbitrary detention and unfair trial," the foreign ministry said on its website, adding "this risk also concerns people making a simple tourist visit".

The foreign ministry went on to warn that "in the event of arrest or detention, respect for fundamental rights and the safety of individuals are not guaranteed" in Iran.

The move came the day after Iranian state television broadcast what it said were "confessions" by two French nationals, five months after they were arrested in the Islamic republic.

French teachers' union official Cecile Kohler and her partner Jacques Paris have been detained in Iran since May 7 and stand accused of seeking to stir labour unrest during teachers' strikes earlier this year.

Iran had announced on May 11 the arrest of two Europeans "who entered the country with the aim of triggering chaos and destabilising society".
Bakhmut, Ukraine, Oct 8 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Oct, 2022 ) :Russian forces said Friday they had captured ground in Donetsk in east Ukraine, their first claim of new gains since a Kyiv counter-offensive rattled Moscow's war effort.

The announcement came as Russia's Orthodox leader said President Vladimir Putin's rule had been mandated by God, congratulating him on his 70th birthday, and as the Nobel Committee awarded the Peace Prize to rights defenders in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

Separatist forces in the war-battered Donetsk region said they had retaken a series of villages near the Ukraine-controlled industrial town of Bakhmut, which has been under Russian shelling for weeks.

AFP journalists in the centre of Bakhmut heard the sound of heavy artillery and multiple rocket launch systems near the remains of a smashed bridge over the Bakhmutka river.

"On the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic, a grouping of troops of the Donetsk and Lugansk republics, with fire support from Russian forces, liberated Otradovka, Veselaya Dolina and Zaitsevo," separatist forces said on social media.

The Donetsk region, which has been partially controlled by Kremlin-backed separatists for years, is a key prize for Russian forces, which invaded Ukraine in February.

But Ukraine's troops in recent weeks have been pushing back against Russian soldiers across the front lines in the south and in the east, including in parts of Donetsk.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said late Friday that his forces had recaptured nearly 2,500 square kilometres (965 square miles) in the counter-offensive that began late last month.

"This week alone, our soldiers liberated 776 square kilometres of territory in the east of our country and 29 settlements, including six in Lugansk region," he said.

He has pushed to punish Russia in other areas, urging Brussels to ramp up pressure on its energy sector -- a day after the EU imposed a fresh round of sanctions on Moscow.

The International Monetary Fund also announced Friday it would provide $1.3 billion in emergency aid to Ukraine.

The package will help meet Ukraine's "urgent balance of payment needs... while playing a catalytic role for future financial support from Ukraine's creditors and donors", the crisis lender said in a statement.
RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Oct, 2022 ) :Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday said the Armed Forces with the support of its citizens would never allow any country, group or force to politically or economically destabilize Pakistan.

Addressing the passing out parade of 146th PMA Long Course, 34th Technical Graduate Course, 65th Integrated Course, 20th Lady Cadet Course and 5th Basic Military Training Course held at Pakistan Military academy (PMA) Kakul, Abbottabad as chief guest, the Army Chief said Pakistan Army, with full support and confidence of the Nation had successfully turned the tide against the menace of terrorism in the last two decades and had ensured that organized terrorism was decisively rooted out from the country.

The COAS said, "This is indeed a unique accomplishment that not many countries or armies can claim." "You must also understand that persona of a just and impartial commander, who exhibits merit in dispensation of reward and punishment, is the one who will earn unconditional loyalty and obedience to his under command." He added that as a leader, you need to have courage and ability to take difficult decisions and then accept full responsibility. Correct decision-making requires competence and confidence.

The Army Chief underlined, "the contagious energy that you would instill in your men, when you lead them by example and not merely by words." He exhorted the passing out cadets that the safety, honor and welfare of their country come first, always and every time. "The honor, welfare and comfort of the men you command come next. Your own ease, comfort and safety come last, always and every time".

He mentioned that he must remind the cadets that the Armed Forces had paid both in blood and kind to safeguard its sovereignty and integrity, adding, "thousands of valiant sons had sacrificed their lives to enable us reach the place where we stand today." The COAS said that they were chosen to serve and protect their motherland which demanded the highest levels of dedication, sense of purpose and sacrifice. "This pledge must never be undermined as you have been amply equipped and prepared to diligently overpower future challenges and emerge victorious." Finally, he said, while concluding his speech, always remain alert and prepared to respond to and defeat all intrigues and conspiracies, hatched against our country with iron fist.

Among the passed out were cadets from Palestine, Maldives, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Iraq.

The COAS reviewed the parade and gave awards to distinguished cadets. The coveted Sword of Honour was awarded to Academy Senior Under Officer Muhammad Daood Khan of 146th PMA Long Course. The President's Gold Medal to Battalion Senior Under Officer Shoaib Akmal of 146th PMA Long Course, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Overseas Gold Medal to Company Senior Under Officer Jaggat Paudal of 146th PMA Long Course from Nepal, Chief of Army Staff Cane to Course Under Officer Mudassir Amin of 34th Technical Graduate Course and Commandant Cane awarded to Course Under Officer Haider Ijaz of 65th Integrated Course, Course Under Officer Zunaira Shafqat of 20th Lady Cadet Course and Course Junior Under Officer Hira Irfan of 5th Basic Military Training Course.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Imran Hamid Sheikh Saturday constituted two committees to probe into fire tragedy in Montgomery Bazaar which claimed seven lives in addition to inflicting burn injuries to four others

FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Oct, 2022 ) :Deputy Commissioner (DC) Imran Hamid Sheikh Saturday constituted two committees to probe into fire tragedy in Montgomery Bazaar which claimed seven lives in addition to inflicting burn injuries to four others.

He constituted a 7-member investigation committee comprising of Additional Deputy Commissioner Headquarters Kashif Raza Abad, Executive Engineer Buildings (EEB) Sara Qamar, Electrical Engineer Building Department Zafar Abbas, Civil Defense Officer (CDO) Mahmood Gill and three representatives of business community and directed to present the report within 10 days.

Similarly, he also formed 10-member course correction committee comprising of Deputy Director Development Tahir Mehmood, CEO Fesco Bashir Ahmad, Chief Officer Metropolitan Corporation Zubair Hussain, District Emergency Officer Ehtsham Wahla, DSP Traffic Zahida Parveen, EEB Sara Qamar, CDO Mahmood Gill and three representatives of Anjuman Tajran and directed it to compile a comprehensive report regarding fire safety measures in the plaza, installation of transformer, electricity wires, etc.

Meanwhile, the DC held a meeting with traders at Chowk Clock Tower and expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over tragic fire incident in Montgomery Bazaar plaza.

He appealed the traders' community to cooperate with the committees so that responsibility could be fixed for averting such incidents in future.
(@Abdulla99267510)

Pakistan's Permanent Representative at UN Munir Akram has highlighted that Pakistan is one of the most climate vulnerable countries in the world, even though our carbon emissions are less than 1 percent of global emissions.

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Oct 8th, 2022) The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution expressing support for Pakistan and strengthening of emergency relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction and prevention in the wake of the recent devastating floods.

The resolution was proposed by Pakistan and cosponsored by 151 countries to demonstrate solidarity with millions of people in Pakistan affected by the recent devastating floods.

While introducing the resolution, Pakistan's Permanent Representative at UN Munir Akram highlighted that Pakistan is one of the most climate vulnerable countries in the world, even though our carbon emissions are less than 1 percent of global emissions.

He also expressed Pakistans gratitude to all those who have provided assistance, and referred to the upscaled Flash Appeal and the preparation of a Plan for Reconstruction with resilience.

He asked for continuous support to Pakistan on ground of solidarity and climate justice.

The President of General Assembly expressed solidarity with the people of Pakistan and reminded that "climate catastrophe" is still unfolding in Pakistan, which he called an epic tragedy.

The UN Secretary General Anttonio Guterres recalled his recent visit to Pakistan and graphically described the disaster, and courage of Pakistani people.

He said massive needs require massive support.

Citing "climate injustice", the Secretary-General said that Pakistan is paying a "supersized price" for a climate emergency it did relatively little to create.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed adoption of a resolution by the UN General Assembly in support of reconstruction efforts in Pakistan.

In a tweet on Saturday, he said the world should respond vigorously to the UN revised aid appeal and provide access to climate finance and debt relief to Pakistan. He stressed these actions are critical at this stage.
(@FahadShabbir)

The United States abuses export control measures to target Chinese companies, while preserving its own technological hegemony, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a briefing on Saturday, commenting on Washington's new restrictions on China's access to US semiconductors and chip-making technology

BEIJING (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th October, 2022) The United States abuses export control measures to target Chinese companies, while preserving its own technological hegemony, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a briefing on Saturday, commenting on Washington's new restrictions on China's access to US semiconductors and chip-making technology.

On Friday, Washington added 31 Chinese tech entities to a so-called "unverified list", which includes companies that US officials were not able to inspect and determine if they are trustworthy enough for importing sensitive technology.

"Because of the need to maintain technological hegemony, the US abuses export controls to maliciously obstruct and suppress Chinese companies," Mao said.

The spokesperson stressed that Washington's policy departs from the principle of fair competition and violates international economic and trade norms, while not only damaging the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, but also affecting the rights and interests of American companies.

Mao added that politicization of science, technology, trade and economic spheres would not curb China's development and instead backfire on the US.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, said on Saturday that he is planning visits to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on October 26-28

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th October, 2022) The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, said on Saturday that he is planning visits to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on October 26-28.

"Pleased about President @TokayevKZ's invite to visit Astana & attend the Central Asian leaders meeting on 26-27/10.

 Also pleased about visiting Uzbekistan on 28/10 & meet with President Mirziyoyev," Michel wrote on Twitter.

Michel also said that the EU was ready to deepen its ties with the countries in Central Asia and support inter-regional cooperation there.

In 2020, the EU and Kazakhstan signed an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement covering a number of areas including trade and energy, Two years later, the same agreement was reached between the EU and Uzbekistan.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th October, 2022) Iran did not supply Russia with weapons for use in hostilities in Ukraine, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Friday.

Earlier in the day, Amir-Abdollahian held a phone conversation with his Finnish counterpart, Pekka Haavisto, to discuss bilateral cooperation, the crisis in Ukraine, and other topical issues.

"Although some countries provided military support to Ukraine, we never sent and will never send any weapons to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine since we believe that the solution to this crisis is political and offering any arms support to the two sides delays the chance for peace," Amir-Abdollahian told Haavisto, as quoted by the Iranian foreign ministry.

In late August, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the topic of Russia's alleged purchase of combat drones from Iran was artificially spread in US media.

Last week, the Iranian foreign ministry denied reports that Tehran supplied Russia with drones for use in Ukraine.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th October, 2022) The Russian troops have successfully repelled all attacks in the Kupyansk combat direction in the Kharkiv region and eliminated a total of over 220 Ukrainian fighters, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

"The enemy, using the forces of two reinforced battalions in Kupyansk direction, attempted an offensive toward the villages of Pershotravneve and Yahidne in the Kharkiv region.

All attacks of the Ukrainian troops were successfully repelled by the Russian army. Over 100 Ukrainian servicemen, two tanks, five infantry fighting vehicles and four cars were destroyed," the ministry said.

Another 110 Ukrainian military were eliminated in Petropavlivka settlement, the statement also said.

It added that over 30 Ukrainian fighters, three infantry fighting vehicles, and five pickup trucks were destroyed in Krasnyi Lyman direction by Russian military.
By Zhang Zhe and Li Zhulin

Major General Aroldo Lazaro Saenz (center), the UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander, shakes hands with a Chinese demining operator at a minefield assigned to the 21st Chinese peacekeeping multi-functional engineering contingent near the Blue Line, the boundary marker between Lebanon and Israel on October 10, 2022. (Photo by Li Zhulin)

BEIRUT, Oct.8 -- Major General Aroldo Lazaro Saenz, head of mission and force commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), visited the minefield assigned to the 21st Chinese peacekeeping multi-functional engineering contingent on October 6.

Maj. Gen. Lazaro and his entourage arrived at the minefield near the Blue Line on the Lebanon and Israel border on Thursday morning, where he listened to the report given by the Chinese peacekeeping multi-functional engineering contingent on their demining operations, and then put on a set of EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) protective equipment and entered the minefield. He talked with the Chinese demining operators and took group photos with them.

Maj. Gen. Lazaro said that the Chinese minesweeping contingent is highly professional and disciplined, and has maintained the records of "zero accidents" and "zero casualties", serving as an important supportive force for maintaining peace and stability in southern Lebanon.

China plays an important role in maintaining world peace and its contributions to the UN peacekeeping operations in Lebanon is appreciated, said Maj. Gen. Lazaro.

It is reported that since 2006, China has sent more than 7,000 peacekeepers in 21 peacekeeping forces to join in the UN peacekeeping operations in Lebanon. The Chinese peacekeeping de-miners have removed more than 15,000 mines and other types of unexploded ordnance, and the Chinese peacekeeping medical workers have provided medical assistance to more than 87,000 local people, making important contributions to maintaining peace and stability in southern Lebanon.
The Wednesday shooting of a mother in Buffalo has not only sparked an areawide hunt for her estranged husband accused of the killing, but an apparent statewide political firestorm too.

Top Republicans like gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin and state Republican Chairman Nicholas A. Langworthy are expressing outrage because the suspect wanted for killing Keaira Bennefield in front of her three children had been released from custody in Cheektowaga Town Court the previous night. They maintain that the victim would never have encountered the man police suspect may have shot her  Adam R. Bennefield  at Shawnee and Richlawn avenues around 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

Police: Arrest warrant issued for man accused of shooting his estranged wife in SUV Anyone who sees Adam Bennefield is asked to call 911 but to not engage or confront him. Crime Stoppers Buffalo has offered a $7,500 reward for information on Bennefield's whereabouts.

Zeldin cited the incident during his Thursday remarks before the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, reiterating his opposition to laws approved in 2019 that allowed the suspect to be released on his own recognizance despite a Sept. 28 charge of domestic violence against the victim.

Under the 2019 law, judges are not able to set bail for most misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies. Gov. Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature revised the bail laws earlier this year to give judges some discretion, but "dangerousness" is still not a factor judges can use to set bail.

"You just had a mother of three kids shot yesterday ... where the day before he was arraigned and released on his own recognizance because he was not bail eligible," Zeldin said Thursday. "Then yesterday he murders his wife in front of their three kids."

On Friday, Langworthy intensified the criticism during a news conference at Republican Headquarters in downtown Buffalo. The chairman, also a candidate on Nov. 8 for the 23rd Congressional District, claimed to reporters that Keaira Bennefield was so terrified of her husband that she donned a bulletproof vest to bring her children to school.

"This really is a serious and horrific failure of bail reform laws," Langworthy said. "This is chilling to the bone. But for the changes to our criminal justice system in 2019, this would never have happened."

The Hochul campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But it is expected that the death gaining widespread attention for its brutality and exposure to three young children will figure prominently in a Republican campaign hinging on criticism of bail reform and other initiatives spurred by the 2019 start of Democratic dominance in Albany.

Langworthy revved up the effort Friday following Zeldin's initial comments the previous day. He said the suspect sought for questioning "had no business being free" after Keaira Bennefield told police he had displayed a knife and box cutter during the Sept. 28 incident. Adam Bennefield turned himself in and was released in light of the new rules, but Langworthy said previous regulations would have granted the judge discretion to deny release.

"The only thing that would have stopped him was being behind bars in a jail cell," Langworthy said.

Because the new bail reforms (later modified to an extent by the Legislature and governor) were adopted as part of the overall state budget, Langworthy claims hearings and full discussion of the concept never took place.

"That's what happens when you use the budget to achieve something like this," he said. "There should have been a major, bipartisan discussion in all 62 counties of New York."

Like Zeldin the previous day, he acknowledged that some reforms were necessary. While making the unlikely suggestion of a special session to address the bail laws, he noted that Hochul has sought more "data" before considering more changes.

"We could hand them a spreadsheet," he said. "Maybe that will make them feel better.

"They're just trying to buy time to get through this election," the chairman added.

Police on Saturday said they had obtained an arrested warrant for Adam Bennefield after he was charged with second-degree murder and that he remained at-large.
The Russian embassy in Moldova said on Saturday that it handed a note of protest to Chisinau over an act of hostility at the building of the diplomatic mission, expecting those responsible to be found and prosecuted

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th October, 2022) The Russian embassy in Moldova said on Saturday that it handed a note of protest to Chisinau over an act of hostility at the building of the diplomatic mission, expecting those responsible to be found and prosecuted.

"On October 7, a hostile act was conducted against the Russian Embassy in Chisinau.

With the connivance of local authorities, the Russian diplomatic mission was attacked: firecrackers exploded and damaged the building, an attempt to illegally enter the embassy also took place," the embassy wrote on Telegram.

The mission noted that there were no victims among diplomats and their families.

"The embassy expects that such a hostile escapade will receive appropriate processional assessment and will not happen again, with those responsible to be punished," the mission said, adding that the incident was a blatant violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961.
DONETSK (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th October, 2022) Ukrainian troops have shelled the city of Ilovaisk in the Donetsk region using the US-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), the Donetsk People's Republic's (DPR) mission to the Joint Center for Control and Coordination on the ceasefire regime (JCCC) said.

"Shelling was recorded from the side of the armed formations of Ukraine in the direction: 0.00 (21:00 GMT on Friday) - Umanskoye - Ilovaisk: six missiles were fired from the M142 HIMARS," the DPR mission said on Telegram.

It added that Ukrainian troops also shelled the city of Donetsk shortly after midnight, using at least five 155mm artillery shells.
The United States is sending ambivalent signals to Russia over the ongoing military operation in Ukraine, which combine provocative militancy with some hints of a possible dialogue, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Saturday

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th October, 2022) The United States is sending ambivalent signals to Russia over the ongoing military operation in Ukraine, which combine provocative militancy with some hints of a possible dialogue, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Saturday.

"In recent days, public statements coming from the US Administration concerning the developments in Ukraine have combined provocative militancy with vague allusions to the possibility of an adequate US-Russian dialogue," Zakharova said in a statement.

Zakharova singled out US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and cited one of his recent statements over Russia that seemingly goes against his prior claims.

"He said that the US would be ready to respond if Moscow showed 'any seriousness of purpose.' Meanwhile, a couple of weeks ago he flatly denied the very possibility of finding a diplomatic solution," the spokeswoman noted.
The United States will review Haiti's request for foreign assistance to alleviate the precarious humanitarian and security situation, as the Caribbean struggles to respond to civil unrest and gang violence, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Saturday

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th October, 2022) The United States will review Haiti's request for foreign assistance to alleviate the precarious humanitarian and security situation, as the Caribbean struggles to respond to civil unrest and gang violence, State Department spokesperson Ned price said on Saturday.

US daily The Miami Herald reported on Friday that Haiti's interim government agreed to request the help of foreign military forces to respond to the crisis paralyzing the country.

Price said that Washington was "closely following the worsening health and security situation in Haiti," in particular criminal actions that hinder "urgent measures to address the threat posed by the spread of cholera to the Haitian population."

"In that context, we will review the Government of Haiti's request in coordination with international partners and determine how we can increase our support to help address Haiti's fuel shortage and security constraints, which are disrupting the flow of humanitarian assistance and support for lifesaving measures aimed at halting the spread of cholera," the spokesperson noted.

According to The Miami Herald, Haitian authorities, faced with mass protests, riots, and armed gangs, expect foreign partners to restore fuel supplies from the Varreux terminal and combat the cholera outbreak.

Haiti has long experienced social, political, and financial instability. The woes only deepened after the devastating 2010 earthquake and the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021.

Since the assassination of Moise, the country's already understaffed law enforcement agencies have struggled to keep crime at bay as gangs continue to gain in strength.
Tigrayans rally in Addis Ababa to protest against resumption of hostilities in Tigray (AFP or licensors)

As the two-years civil war in Ethiopia continues unabated, and risks extending to the entire Horn of Africa, the Catholic Church in Tigray calls upon the international community, as well as Catholic networks and religious leaders, to actively engage in reaching out to the Tigrayan people and in helping restore peace in the country.

By Lisa Zengarini

The Catholic Church in Tigray has once again urged for a peaceful solution to the two-year civil war in Ethiopia and for the immediate end to the shelling of civilians and civil infrastructures in the region, saying that the situation is desperate.

War in Tigray

The conflict broke out on 4 November 2020, when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attacked a dissident local government led by the separatist People's Liberation Front of Tigray (TPLF).

It has subsequently extended to other regions of Ethiopia, including the Amhara, Afar and Oromia state regions threatening peace in the entire Horn of Africa.

The federal army, ethnic militias and Eritrean soldiers joined forces to fight the Tigrayan rebels, who initially appeared to have been wiped out, but in mid-2021 regained much of the regional in a massive counteroffensive advancing towards the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, after Eritrean forces withdrew. However, an influx of military drones pushed the rebels back.

The war, which has killed thousands of civilians, has resulted in one of the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, with millions of displaced people lacking of food and basic services.

Resumption of hostilites in August after five-month ceasefire

After a five-months fragile ceasefire that offered some respite to the population, fighting in Tigray resumed in late August and a massive offensive is tearing the region apart again with drones and shells hitting indiscriminately civilians.

The latest incident occurred on 4 October when a drone attacked internally displaced people in Adi Daero, in western Tigray. Since the resumption of hostilities, the supply of humanitarian aid has been almost totally blocked.

Brutal attacks on civilians

In a strongly worded appeal earlier this week, Bishop Tesfaselassie Medhin, of the Catholic Eparchy of Adigrat, called international attention to the extreme brutality of the war and to the magnitude of the suffering endured by the Tigrayan people, noting that right now the conflict in Ethiopia is the largest active war going on in our planet.

On top of the pre-existing siege and suffering, the resumed all-round attacks with drones and warplanes, massive indiscriminate artillery shelling in crowded places, urban and semi-urban centers, market places, health education facilities, are destroying the lives of innocent civilians who have lost all means of coping with this monstrous terrorism.

Humanitarian crisis

The bishop further points to the impossibility for humanitarian aid supplies to access the territory.

It is very painful and shocking to see horrifying indiscriminate artillery shelling and bombardments against civilians who are then unable to get treatement, he said.

Essential drugs for chronic patients are no longer available (insulin, tablets of hypertension, ART, vaccine for rabbis, vaccinations for newly born children). () Survivors of brutal rape are unable to get post-rape care services as a result of the the siege and blockade () Over one and half million school children been deprived of their right to education.

Call for an immediate ceasefire and lasting peace

Bishop Medhin therefore called upon the international community, Catholic networks and national and international religious leaders, to voice their condemnation of the brutal violence perpetrated in Tigray, and to reach out to its people with all available means, while urging for an immediate ceasefire and political dialogue to ensure a lasting peace in Ethiopia.

AU-led peace talks scheduled for October 8 postponed

On Wednesday, both Ethiopia's federal government and TPLF forces accepted an invitation by the head African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, to meet for peace talks in South Africa, on 8 October.

The talks, which would be the first formal negotiations between the two sides since war broke out in November 2020, have been postponed for logistical reasons and, according to diplomatic sources, a new date has not yet been scheduled.

Ongoing conflict in Oromia

While attention is focused on the war in Tigray, another silent conflict is ongoing in the State Region of Oromia, in central-western and central-southern Ethiopia , where Prime Minister Abiy is conducting military operations against the Oromo Liberation Front (OLA).

Pope Francis' appeals for peace in Ethiopia

Pope Francis has repeatedly called for a peaceful solution to the war in Ethiopia. In a message sent for the Ethiopian New Year in September, he said he is praying for peace and reconciliation in the country.
Editor's note: Here is a look at immigration-related news around the U.S. this week. Questions? Tips? Comments? Email the VOA immigration team: ImmigrationUnit@voanews.com.



US Immigration Family Sponsorship



For decades, sponsorship through immediate families has been significantly backlogged, which immigration advocates say presents barriers to family reunification. An immigration researcher told VOA that it would take some pretty ambitious legislators to change the status quo. Story by VOA's immigration reporter Aline Barros.



US Appeals Court Sends DACA Case Back to Lower Court



A federal appeals court ruled on Wednesday that a program that has protected hundreds of thousands of young immigrants from deportation was unlawful but said current enrollees could renew their status and sent the case back to a lower court to consider a new Biden administration regulation. The court allowed for the current 594,000 DACA enrollees to maintain their status but continues to block new applications. Reuters reports.



2 Russians Seek Asylum in US After Reaching Remote Alaska Island

Two Russians who said they fled their country to avoid military service have requested asylum in the U.S. after landing in a small boat on a remote Alaska island in the Bering Sea, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski's office said Thursday. Karina Borger, a spokesperson for the Alaska Republican senator, said in an email that the office has been in communication with the U.S. Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection and that "the Russian nationals reported that they fled one of the coastal communities on the east coast of Russia to avoid compulsory military service." The Associated Press reports.



Blinken Announces Aid for Migrants, Refugees

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday announced new humanitarian aid to migrants and refugees in the Americas, on a visit to Peru. Blinken was on a regional tour that has taken him to Colombia, Chile and Peru, where he was attending the annual meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly, which closed Friday. Agence France-Presse reports.



Migration around the world



Kyiv-Sofia-Hollywood: The Unexpected Journey of Ukrainian Refugees

Fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, two mothers find themselves in an unusual place, Nu Boyana Film Studios, in Sofia, Bulgaria. Eastern Europes largest film company has participated in the production of more than 400 Hollywood films. This moving work, Kyiv-Sofia-Hollywood, follows these two women as they rebuild their lives in a new country and find their way in the film industry. On their journey, they overcome challenges and find success, and consider whether they will ever return to their homeland, Ukraine. Tatiana Vorozhko, a journalist and editor with VOAs Ukrainian Service, reports.



At Least 17 Migrants Killed, Dozens Missing in Twin Shipwrecks in Greece

At least 17 migrants died and dozens more remain missing after two boats packed with more than 140 refugees capsized in separate incidents in Greece. The sinkings are the deadliest in recent years and the tragedies add to rising tensions between NATO allies Greece and Turkey. For VOA, Anthee Carassave reports.



Refugees in Malawi Protest Food Ration Delays

In Malawi, hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers held protests Tuesday over delays for promised cash assistance to buy food. Protesters told VOA they have waited almost four months for promised handouts and are struggling to feed their families. For VOA, Lameck Masina reports from Blantyre, Malawi.



Angela Merkel Wins UNHCR Nansen Award for Protecting Syrian Refugees

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has won the prestigious Nansen Award from the U.N. refugee agency for providing a haven for more than 1.2 million refugees and asylum-seekers fleeing violence and persecution in Syria. Merkel welcomed the desperate people at the height of the Syrian conflict in 2015 and 2016, when other countries were turning their backs on them. Lisa Schlein reports for VOA from Geneva.



DRC Refugees to Uganda Expected to Double as Conflict Rages

The government of Uganda and the U.N. Refugee Agency say a surge of refugees fleeing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo is tearing apart families and stretching aid resources. The UNHCR says officials were prepared to help some 68,000 Congolese refugees expected in Uganda, but now 150,000 are predicted to arrive by year's end. Congolese refugees are streaming across Uganda's western border with the DRC to escape nearly a year of fighting between M23 rebels and DRC government troops. Halima Athumani reports for VOA from Kampala, Uganda.



News Brief



 In light of a recent federal appeals court ruling calling unlawful the program that has protected hundreds of thousands of young immigrants from deportation, U.S. Immigration Citizenship and Services Director Ur M. Jaddou said in a statement the agency will follow the court order and continue to accept and process DACA renewal requests.



 News outlets reported days after Hurricane Ian, significant numbers of immigrants are traveling to Florida to work on the cleanup process. According to TIME, CNN, and USATODAY, thousands of disaster response workers have crossed the country to rebuild after disaster strikes.
Global human rights groups that have long campaigned against the alleged human rights violations by the security agencies in Bangladesh, and they have criticized its government for offering promotions and rewards to officers who were slapped with sanctions by the U.S. government last year.

In December of 2021, the U.S. imposed human rights-related sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), an elite force of the Bangladesh security apparatus, along with six former and current officers, linking them to thousands of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in the country.

Although the RAB commanders remain implicated in grave human rights abuses including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed has offered them promotions and rewards instead of ensuring accountability, Meenakshi Ganguly, the South Asia director of Human Rights Watch said in a statement Wednesday.

Since 2010, human rights groups have published dozens of reports alleging the RAB, police, army and other security agencies in Bangladesh were involved in serious human rights violations, mostly of political activists and dissidents opposed to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas Awami League-led regime.

VOA reached out to RABs legal and media wing director Khandaker al-Moin, but he said he would not issue comments for a foreign media report. He directed the VOA to contact the home ministry. Bangladesh's home ministry did not respond to email carrying a VOA request for comment on the issue.

Continuing abuses

Between 2009 and June 2022, at least 2,658 people were killed extrajudicially, and 623 became victims of enforced disappearance in Bangladesh, the Hong Kong-based Asian Human Rights Commission, or AHRC, said in a statement.

The AHRC statement also noted that enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killings by the security forces continued in Bangladesh even after the U.S. sanctions were imposed.

After the sanctions, through June 2022, at least 25 people were killed extrajudicially, and 11 became victims of enforced disappearance in Bangladesh, the AHRC statement added.

Bangladeshi ministers and high security officials have all along denied that the government forces were behind the rights abuses.

Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, a former RAB commander, is one of the six sanctioned officers. On September 30, Al-Mamun was promoted to the position of police chief of Bangladesh.

HRWs Ganguly noted in her statement that Al-Mamun commanded the notoriously abusive force from April 2020 to September during a period when the RAB committed grave human rights abuses.

Benazir Ahmed, another sanctioned officer was the commander of RAB between 2015 and 2019, when officers under his command allegedly committed 136 reported extrajudicial executions and 10 enforced disappearances. While Ahmed faces travel restrictions to the U.S., the Bangladesh government made him part of an official delegation to a meeting at the United Nations, in New York, to bypass the ban, Ganguly said.

After the sanctions were imposed, Colonel Khan Mohammad Azad, the RAB deputy chief, said his force never violated human rights. "If bringing down a criminal under the law is a violation of human rights, then we have no objection to violating these human rights in the interest of the country," he said.



Earlier this year, PM Hasina awarded Col Azad and Al-Mamun with prestigious police medals for their boundless courage and heroic service to the country.

Government ignores abuses

HRWs Ganguly said: These actions [of the Hasina-led government] send the message to Bangladesh security forces that not only will the government ignore abuses, but it will reward them.

Security analyst and former Bangladesh Army officer Lt. Gen. Chowdhury Hasan Sarwardy (retired) said the Sheikh Hasina-led government has long used the countrys security agencies as a tool to suppress the opposition and stay in power.

The security agencies in Bangladesh have allowed themselves to be used by the current regime as a tool of oppression, in its interest. The agencies crack down on the political opposition and dissidents and end up committing serious human rights abuses, Sarwardy told VOA.

While keeping the government satisfied, they have become completely oblivious of the fundamental duties they are supposed to discharge and have turned their institutions into monsters. This phenomenon is ubiquitous with all law enforcement agencies in the country.

For years, U.S. human rights agencies and other global rights groups have alerted the Bangladesh government of the rights abuses being committed by the security forces, he noted.

But the government never bothered to investigate the charges. The governments inaction on this serious issue gives a clear signal that it did not take the U.S. sanctions seriously, he said.

Sanctions are still in place

Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman, liaison officer of the Hong Kong-based Asian Legal Resource Center, said that instead of investigating the allegations of abuses, the government promoted the accused and sanctioned officers to higher posts, and some of them were even awarded gallantry medals.

"As the enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings continue, the security agencies have increased coercing and intimidating the victims families. The human rights defenders monitoring the abuses in the country are being hounded and being threatened with dire consequences, Ashrafuzzaman told VOA.

"All the rule of law institutions have been systematically used to curb the rights of the people and deny the victims access to justice."

Meanwhile, in response to requests from Bangladesh government to withdraw the sanctions, Peter Haas, U.S. Ambassador in Bangladesh said that the U.S. policy on RAB has not changed.

"The sanctions are still in place. They will remain in place until there is accountability and reform. We said this privately, we said this publicly," he said.

Despite the criticism the force faced for the abuses, the just-appointed commander of RAB M Khurshid Hossain said on October 1 that it does not need any reform.

"We are not doing anything for which we need to reform our organization. We are performing our duties following the rule of law. So, there is no question of reform of this force, Hossain said.
As concerns grow of a possible nuclear conflict between Russia and the West over Ukraine, there are hopes China could defuse the crisis.

But Russias most influential ally may not have the desire or the ability to help, according to analysts.

If any power has influence over Putin, it is China, said Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS University of Londons China Institute.

The problem, according to Tsang, is that foreign policy under [Chinese President] Xi [Jinping] is guided by the China-first  not the world first  principle, meaning Beijing will be weighing the advantages or disadvantages of getting involved.

China is the only permanent member of the United Nations Security Council that has pledged to not be the first to use nuclear weapons. It is also Russias biggest trade partner and arguably the country with the most political influence over Moscow.

But some analysts say Beijing has little incentive to help Washington defuse the crisis because of its anger over the Biden administrations handling of U.S.-China relations, especially the Taiwan issue. They say U.S. weapons sales to the island that China hopes to reunify with one day, along with recent visits by high-level U.S. officials, are seen as emboldening Taiwans pro-independence ruling party.

That is a critical factor, because Beijing has to think: 'What am I doing this for, given the U.S. seems relentless in introducing measures every other day to harm Chinese interests, from trade to tech, from the Taiwan issue to the Indo-Pacific,' said Yuan Jingdong, a professor specializing in Chinese foreign policy at the University of Sydney.

And even if it wanted to, China may lack the ability to persuade Putin to end the war, some experts told VOA.

Chinas influence in the Ukraine war is very limited, said Zhu Feng, dean of the School of International Studies at eastern Chinas Nanjing University.

Given that the war is going strongly against Putin, urging him to end it now would amount to asking him to accept defeat, Zhu said.

Can China convince him? Convince him to die a political death? He wont listen, said Zhu.

Yuan agreed: Putin will simply say Thank you, but no thank you. He has to think about something more serious, including his very survival.

China has publicly called for negotiations and a peaceful resolution.

At a meeting with Ukraines foreign minister on the sidelines of a U.N. Security Council session in New York last month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said: As a responsible major country and a permanent member state of the U.N. Security Council, China has always been committed to dialogue for peace, never standing on the sidelines, nor pouring oil on the flame, still less seeking selfish gains. We always stand on the side of peace and will continue to play a constructive role.

Although Beijings stance on the war has been ambiguous  China has not condemned the Russian invasion and it, alongside Brazil, Gabon and India, recently abstained from a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning the Moscow-backed referendums in eastern Ukraine  Beijing has stopped short of providing Russia with political and military backing.

At a recent meeting between Putin and Xi, Putin revealed China had questions and concerns about the war.

Analysts say its possible Xi may have suggested ways of de-escalation in private conversations with Putin, and others speculate that China may not believe a nuclear crisis is imminent.

It's possible that China doesnt think Putin will use nuclear weapons because Putin is not suicidal, Zhu said. Putins personal political career will suffer a huge impact, and Russia will be downgraded into some kind of failed state."

Simon Chen, a political science professor at National Taiwan University, said the biggest worry for Beijing is Putin losing political power due to a total defeat in the war.

"It could hurt Putins chances of securing another term in office in the presidential election in 2024 and boost the chances of opposition democratic parties in Russia, which are close to the U.S., Chen said. "This is not beneficial to China and something China really doesnt want to see. That's why Beijing wants both sides to negotiate an end to the war."

Moscow losing the war could weaken Chinas strongest political ally against the U.S., said Yuan.

Russia's complete defeat would leave China [alone] against the U.S. and its European and Asian allies and partners and will make it very difficult for China to achieve what it has set out to do, Yuan said.

Tsang of SOAS argued that it may be in China's interest to play a much stronger mediating role, even if top Chinese officials might not see that as beneficial.

If China should successfully put an end to the war, it will emerge as a leading global peace maker and will do Chinas global image a ton of good, and the end of the war will also bring in economic benefits, said Tsang. The problem is that Xi cant see it, and no one in the Chinese government dares to tell him.

Working to end the Ukraine conflict could also help China achieve long-term geopolitical objectives and help China mend its image in other ways, analysts say.

Alan Chong, associate professor at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, says the Ukraine conflict has been used by Taiwan to allege that China will soon invade the island. The U.S. government, however, has said theres no evidence Beijing is preparing for an invasion.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is also feeding into European suspicions that Beijing's ambitious transcontinental trade routethe Belt and Road Initiativecloaks imperial intentions and debt traps for countries to fall into, a position that Beijing consistently denies.

China, however, may consider an image enhancement as having little value.

Improving image will not solve Chinas Taiwan problem. It may not even lead to the U.S. taking a less forceful approach toward Taiwan, so one might say that positive incentive is needed to nudge Chinas positions, said Sun Yun, director of the China Program at the Washington-based Stimson Center.

Ultimately, Beijings action or inaction on the Ukraine war appears to be based on its relations with Washington.

Seeking Chinese help with Russia while fanning the flames over Taiwan "doesnt work, said Chinese analyst Zhu, reflecting Beijings view. If you want China to help, why do you treat China the way you do?
It took 97 years for Viola Hippert, typically matter-of-fact about monumental events, to finally confront a moment that she feels makes no sense. She is preparing for a Sunday night celebration she half-seriously calls the great undoing, the North Park Theatre premiere of a film about her life, and the idea of her face on the big screen fills her with such disbelief she laughs out loud.

I'm a nobody, insists Viola, though she admits to one big reason the whole thing feels like treasure.

Her philosophy is built on courage and selflessness she saw firsthand, and she never thought she would have a chance of saying thanks from the cinematic spotlight of a beautiful 102-year-old landmark.

The film is called Ill find a way or make one  a Rosie story. It was created by Buffalo-raised filmmakers Rebecca Fasanello and Teresa Castillo, and it will be shown within a sequence of short films, beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday, all selected as part of the Buffalo International Film Festival.

This is just so perfect at the North Park, because it was born in 1920 and Viola was born in 1925, said Fasanello, who already suspects the presence in that classic theater of the white-haired and effusive Viola will be as moving and memorable as the film itself.

The 7 p.m. start is also ideal for a Buffalo Sunday in October, Fasanello said, since that gives anyone watching the Bills-Steelers game  either at the stadium or from a living room  just enough time to catch a breath and get to the theater.

Buffalo International Film Festival returns with screenings, filmmakers, exhibits and premieres The festival features more than 160 movies from across the country and around the world, including notable films made in  and with strong connections to  Western New York.

The notion was built upon Violas work at Bell Aircraft during World War II. She started as a teenager, not long beyond Lackawanna High School. She would climb on an afternoon bus at Kane Street and make a couple of transfers that carried her to downtown Buffalo, where she would catch one last bus to the plant  before she reversed it all, every night, on the way home.

That placed her among the legion of American women nicknamed Rosie the Riveters, women who stepped in to fill crucial factory jobs once millions of men left for the war. Historians speak of how that period broke down barriers, forever transforming the roles and aspirations of women in the American workforce, but Castillo and Fasanello said the film takes a particularly intimate approach with Viola.

She's such a strong person, a strong character speaking for this time in memory that is almost entirely gone," Castillo said. While the focus is Viola's time with Bell, Castillo found the most compelling portions to be "the intergenerational connection between strong women"  which begins with Viola's gratitude toward her mother and grandmother, and is reinforced by tight bonds that extend to Viola's own role as a great-grandmother today.

Her duties at Bell involved riding a three-wheeled bicycle between departments on the vast floor, delivering tools to workers handling different tasks. In high school, her smarts and diligence had earned the admiration of the principal, John Osborne, who encouraged her to master office skills, then helped her find work once she graduated  including the job during the war.

Eighty years later, the fiercely ethical Viola admits to one teenage subterfuge: On her application to Bell she did not admit to being a lightning-fast typist, or to any of her clerical skills.

She did not want to sit in an office. Her dad worked at the steel plant. Her mom baked for neighbors and did some cleaning at a tavern, where Viola often helped. The people she loved worked with their hands, and Viola had no hesitation:

In a factory, she was going to do factory work.

Youre no better than the next guy, she said. To me, I felt lucky to be able to do the stuff I did.

One admission: I have a peripheral connection to all this. A couple of years ago, I wrote a column about how Viola and a few others in the tiny surviving group of Buffalo Rosies had to cancel an annual reunion and celebration at the Steel Plant Museum, because of the risk of Covid-19.

Viola was a star in that column. At 95, she spoke of her frustration with what she called this damn bug, and she talked about walking laps in her basement to stay in shape, and she remembered how she "worked like a demon" at Bell during the war. The piece ran with a photo that showed Viola balancing a giant wrench on her shoulder.

For V-J Day, honoring factory 'Rosies' who helped win the war Even now, the generation that endured the war carries the memory of V-J Day with a mesh of joy, relief and sorrow.

Fasanello saw it. The initial inspiration was to simply make a 4-minute web extra for public television. But one idea led to another, and Fasanello envisioned something more in Viola and her outlook. That eventually led Fasanello and Castillo, working as a team, to overcome a sequence of pandemic hurdles to make their 19-minute film.

We hope, Fasanello said, this is a gift to Vi and her family.

In Western New York, it will also be a flashpoint for thousands upon thousands of us whose mothers or grandmothers did similar duty during the war, a film that provides a lasting tribute to a generation almost gone from our lives. Viola went to work when she was 8, cleaning house during the Great Depression for a neighbor who taught her how to do everyday jobs and do them well. Viola would earn a quarter each time that she brought straight home to her mother  a payment worth about $6 today.

Viola's parents were Serbian immigrants. She remembers how her dad would come home from the blast furnace to haul coke on the side for the bigwigs, and how he somehow taught himself to read and write in English. As a child in Lackawanna, Viola did that housecleaning for pay and helped her mother in the tavern before going to work as a teen at a drug store soda fountain, then riding the bus to Bell after the start of World War II.

The job helped distract her from wartime worrying. A few years earlier, she had been at the Croatian Hall for a "record hop" when a guy named Erwin Hippert, on his buddys urging, worked up the guts to ask her to dance. A song called Maria Elena was playing, with a central line that translates out this way:

Say that we will never part.

It was a prophecy. One dance, and they were a couple. Yet Joe  everyone called him that  left for the Navy while Viola worked at Bell throughout the war, which turned their eventual wedding in 1945 into a thankful statement about love and Joe making it home. Over 72 years of marriage, they raised two daughters, Sue and Jean, and Viola would build a career as what today would be described as an executive assistant at state Supreme Court.

Her husband was a volunteer firefighter, a guy who would fix a broken bike for any kid on the block, "someone always doing for someone else," Viola said. He died a few years ago, but she will tell you how she believes he is the same guy, even now, how she is confident he returns to settle into a favorite armchair and turn off her lights, if she neglects to do it. At 97, Viola has lost both Joe and their daughter Jean, but her attitude is unchanged:

"No lollygagging," Viola said. She still enjoys Mass, or making stops at the casino. Sue Lord, her daughter, said her mother witnessed the ultimate selflessness in childhood  Her parents were very giving people even when they had nothing to give  and Viola sticks with their philosophy:

She keeps going. Viola rarely went to the movies when she was a kid, and she is amazed a couple of filmmakers believe this little squirt from Steelawanna Avenue has a compelling story.

Im just a nobody, Viola said again, even if nobody else agrees.
The European Unions top diplomat Saturday condemned in the strongest possible terms Russias attempt to annex the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and said Russias forces must fully withdraw from the plant and return control of it to Ukraine.

High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell called the seizure of the nuclear power plant illegal, and legally null and void, and said a reinforced International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) presence at the site and its unhindered access to the plant are urgently needed in the interest of the security of Europe as a whole.

Earlier in the day, the IAEA reported that the Zaporizhzhia plant, the biggest in Europe, had lost its only external power source as a result of renewed Russian shelling and was forced to rely on emergency diesel generators.

All six reactors at the plant are shut down, but they still require electricity for cooling and other safety functions. The IAEA said plant engineers have begun work to repair the damaged power line.

The nuclear watchdog agency said the plants link to a 750-kilovolt line was cut about 1 a.m. Saturday local time. It cited official information from Ukraine, as well as reports from IAEA experts at the site, which is held by Russian forces.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi is traveling to Moscow to hold talks in the coming days about establishing a protection zone around the nuclear plant. He was in Ukraine Friday and met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding the situation. Transferring the plant to Russian ownership, Grossi said, is a violation of international law.

Russian shake-up?

Russia's Defense Ministry named General Sergei Surovikin on Saturday as the new overall commander of Kremlin forces engaged in Ukraine. It was the first official announcement of a single overall commander for all Russian forces fighting in Ukraine since its February 24 invasion began.

"By the decision of the defense minister of the Russian Federation, General of the Army Sergei Surovikin has been appointed commander of the joint group of troops in the area of the special military operation," the statement said, using the Kremlin's term for the invasion of Ukraine.

Surovikin had since 2017 led Russia's Aerospace Forces. In June, he was placed in charge of Russian forces in southern Ukraine.

Bridge partly opens

Saturday dawned with an explosion that partially collapsed a bridge over the Kerch Strait, an important road and rail link between Russia and Crimea and a vital supply line for Russias war effort against Ukraine.

No one has claimed responsibility for the blast that killed three people and shut down the bridge. Russian transportation authorities said limited road and rail traffic had resumed about 10 hours after the attack.

Zelenskyy, in a video address, indirectly acknowledged the bridge attack but not its cause.

Today was not a bad day and mostly sunny on our state's territory, he said. Unfortunately, it was cloudy in Crimea. Although it was also warm.

Ukrainian officials have repeatedly threatened to strike the bridge.

Moscow stopped short of assigning blame, but the speaker of Crimeas Kremlin-backed regional parliament accused Ukraine, while downplaying the severity of the damage.

Now they have something to be proud of: over 23 years of their management, they didnt manage to build anything worthy of attention in Crimea, but theyve managed to damage the surface of the Russian bridge, Vladimir Konstantinov, chairperson of the State Council of the Republic, wrote on Telegram.

The official Twitter account of the Ukraine government tweeted, Sick burn.

Mykhailo Podolyak, a Zelenskyy adviser, lauded the attack, tweeting, "Crimea, the bridge, the beginning. Everything illegal must be destroyed, everything stolen must be returned to Ukraine, everything occupied by Russia must be expelled."

Russian Foreign Ministry representative Maria Zakharova wrote on Telegram, The Kiev regimes reaction to the destruction of civilian infrastructure highlights its terrorist nature.

The Ukrainian postal service announced it would issue stamps commemorating the blast, saying in a statement that the images would draw on classic film posters to highlight the bridge's sacred significance to Moscow. The postal service previously released a set of stamps commemorating the sinking of the Moskva, a Russian flagship cruiser, by a Ukrainian strike in late May.

Investigation ongoing

The blast, reportedly a truck bomb, occurred even though all vehicles driving across it undergo automatic checks for explosives by state-of-the-art control systems. That has drawn a stream of critical comments from Russian war bloggers.

The truck was owned by a resident of the Krasnodar region in southern Russia, Russias Investigative Committee said. It noted that investigators arrived at his home as part of the inquiry and are looking at the trucks route and other details.

The 19-kilometer bridge across the Kerch Strait linking the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov opened in 2018 and is the longest in Europe. The $3.6 billion project is a tangible symbol of Moscows claims on Crimea, and it has provided an essential link to the peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

While Russia seized areas north of Crimea early on during the invasion and built a land corridor to it along the Sea of Azov, Ukraine is pressing a counteroffensive to reclaim them.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Haiti's government has agreed to request the help of international troops as gangs and protesters paralyze the country and supplies of water, fuel and basic goods dwindle, according to a document published Friday.

The document, signed by Prime Minister Ariel Henry and 18 top-ranking officials, states that they are alarmed by "the risk of a major humanitarian crisis" that is threatening the lives of many people.

It authorizes Henry to request from international partners "the immediate deployment of a specialized armed force, in sufficient quantity," to stop the crisis across the country caused partly by the "criminal actions of armed gangs."

"It is imperative to restart activities to avoid a complete asphyxiation of the national economy," the document states.

It wasn't clear if the request had been formally submitted, to whom it would be submitted or whether it would mean the activation of U.N. peacekeeping troops, whose mission ended five years ago after a troubled 11 years in Haiti.

Leave, US citizens told

On Friday, the U.S. Embassy warned that "U.S. citizens should depart Haiti now in light of the current health and security situation and infrastructure challenges." It also authorized the temporary departure of government personnel and their families.

U.S. State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel said earlier in the day that the U.S. is considering a request for a humanitarian corridor to restore the distribution of fuel within Haiti and coordinating with Haiti's prime minister and other international partners to determine how best to provide additional support.

"We strongly condemn those who continue to block the distribution of fuel and other necessities to Haitian businesses," he said.

Patel would not address the issue of where the troops to enforce the corridor might come from, saying that consideration was still in an early stage.

The petition comes after Luis Almagro, secretary-general of the Organization of American States, met Thursday with officials including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Haiti Foreign Affairs Minister Jean Victor Geneus to talk about the country's worsening situation.

Almagro tweeted late Thursday that Haiti "must request urgent assistance from the international community to help resolve security crises, determine the characteristics of an international security force."

Many Haitians have rejected the idea of another international intervention, noting that U.N. peacekeepers were accused of sexual assault and sparked a cholera epidemic more than a decade ago that killed nearly 10,000 people.

"I don't think Haiti needs another intervention," said Mathias Pierre, Haiti's former elections minister. "We have been through so many, and nothing has been solved. ... If we don't do it as Haitians, 10 years forward, we're going to be in the same situation again."

He called on the U.S. government to help reduce the amount of ammunition and guns flowing to Haiti and also to equip police officers so they have more weapons and the ability to run intelligence on gangs.

He also worried about the situation that an international security force would encounter.

"It's not an army they're facing," he said. "They're facing gangs located in poor areas and using the population as shields to protect themselves."

Haiti's National Police has struggled to control gangs with its limited resources and chronic understaffing, with only 12,800 active officers for a country of more than 11 million people.

The gangs have only grown more powerful since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise.

Resignation denied

As Henry's administration agreed on the request for foreign troops, his office issued a statement saying the prime minister had not resigned, rejecting what it called fake reports circling on social media that prompted hundreds of Haitians across the country to celebrate in the streets late Thursday.

"It is purely and simply strategies of fabrications, intoxication, orchestrated by ill-intentioned individuals, aiming to sow more trouble and confusion," his office said.

Protesters and increasingly powerful gangs have helped plunge Haiti into an unprecedented level of chaos, with the country paralyzed for nearly a month after gangs surrounded a large fuel terminal in the capital of Port-au-Prince, refusing to budge until Henry steps down.

As a result, crews have been unable to distribute about 10 million gallons of diesel and gasoline and more than 800,000 gallons of kerosene stored on site.

Protesters also have blocked roads ever since Henry announced in early September that his administration could no longer afford to subsidize fuel, leading to sharp increases in the price of gasoline, diesel and kerosene.

The document signed by Henry and other officials stated that such actions are having "catastrophic consequences."

Gas stations are shuttered, hospitals have cut back on critical services, and businesses including banks and grocery stores have curtailed their hours.

On Wednesday, the U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Office in Haiti proposed a "humanitarian corridor" to allow fuel and aid to those in need. It noted the country is also dealing with a new cholera outbreak, with several deaths reported and dozens of patients being treated.

"The most vulnerable people are the first to suffer from the blockage," the U.N. said.

At least 13 U.S. congressional leaders have demanded that the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden stop showing that it is backing Henry and suspend all deportations "given the extreme physical security risks and dire humanitarian situation."

It called on the U.S. government to support "legitimate efforts to create a transitional Haitian government that respects the will of the Haitian people and should make it clear to Henry that it will not support him as he blocks progress."

Henry has stressed that he has no interest in holding on to power and plans to organize general elections as soon as the violence is quelled.
Beijing highlighted the failure of a push by the United States and some Western countries to debate Chinas human rights record in Xinjiang at next years U.N. Human Rights Council. Uyghur rights groups voiced strong disappointment.

In a statement Friday by Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a spokesperson accused the U.S. and the West of misinforming the public, comments that came a day after the 47 member states of the U.N. Human Rights Council voted on the motion to debate Chinas treatment of Muslim communities in the Xinjiang region.

The draft resolution was rejected with 19 against, 17 in favor and 11 abstaining.

The resolution drafted by the U.S. and co-sponsored by Britain, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway, was presented to the U.N. Human Rights Council on Sept. 26, asking to discuss the findings of a U.N. Xinjiang human rights report at the next regular session of the council in March.

The 48-page U.N. report concluded in August that Chinas human rights violations against predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and other Turkic ethnic groups in Xinjiang may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity. The U.S. and some Western parliaments have designated Chinas human rights abuses in Xinjiang as genocide and crimes against humanity.

Chinas response

Beijing said the countries that supported the draft resolution propagated falsehoods on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and used U.N. human rights bodies as a tool to interfere in Chinas internal affairs and to serve the agenda of using Xinjiang to contain China.

The issues related to Xinjiang are not about human rights. They are about countering violent terrorism, radicalization and separatism, Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said.

Zhang Meifang, consul general of China in Belfast, posted a screen shot of the result of the vote. Justice Prevails! Zhang tweeted.

Rights activists disappointed

Uyghur rights organizations voiced a very different response to the vote.

Dolkun Isa, president of the Munich-based World Uyghur Congress, called the final vote a missed opportunity by council members to hold China to the same standard as other countries.

We are really disappointed by the reaction of Muslim countries, we have witnessed once again how strong the ties of our so-called Muslim brothers and sisters are with China, Isa told VOA in an email. The international community cannot fail the victims of the Uyghur genocide.

Many of the countries that voted against the resolution were Muslim-majority countries.

More than 60 Uyghur rights groups around the world released a joint statement, urging the U.N. and its human rights experts to take concrete action according to their mandates on the human rights situation in Xinjiang.

In the statement, Uyghur groups said that by voting against the motion, member states have blatantly disregarded previously accepted principles of objectivity, dialogue, impartiality, non-discrimination, and non-selectivity within the Human Rights Council.

The road to justice is never an easy one, Omer Kanat, executive director of the Washington-based Uyghur Human Rights Project, said in the statement. The Chinese governments singular goal has been to silence even a discussion of the issue  we cannot allow this to happen.

International rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch also released immediate statements shortly after the resolution failed, calling the result a betrayal.

Todays vote protects the perpetrators of human rights violations rather than the victims  a dismaying result that puts the U.N.s main human rights body in the farcical position of ignoring the findings of the U.N.s own human rights office, Agnes Callamard, secretary-general of Amnesty International, said.

[T]he extremely close vote highlights the growing number of states willing to buck the pressure from China to remain silent, take a stand on principle and shine a spotlight on Chinas sweeping rights violations, said Human Rights Watch China Director Sophie Richardson.

Phil Lynch, director at the International Service for Human Rights, tweeted a chart of the vote.

The reasons some countries, even those that are predominately Muslim, abstained or voted against the resolution are complicated, analysts said. In Africa, observers say many countries do not want to pick a fight with China, the source of investments and loans on infrastructure projects.

Chinas claim that it is fighting extremists and separatists in the Xinjiang region also resonates with some nations, according to analysts.
Female students in Tehran chanted "Get lost" on Saturday as Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visited their university campus and condemned protesters enraged by the death of a young woman in police custody, videos on social media showed.

Raisi addressed professors and students at Alzahra University in Tehran, reciting a poem that equated "rioters" with flies, as nationwide demonstrations entered a fourth week.

"They imagine they can achieve their evil goals in universities," Raisi said on state TV. "Unbeknownst to them, our students and professors are alert and will not allow the enemy to realize their evil goals."

A video posted on Twitter by the activist 1500tasvir website showed what it said were women students chanting "Raisi get lost" and "Mullahs get lost" as the president visited their campus. Another social media video showed students chanting: "We don't want a corrupt guest," in reference to Raisi.

Reuters could not immediately verify the videos.

A state coroner's report denied that 22-year-old Mahsa Amini had died from blows to the head and limbs while in the custody of the morality police and linked her death to preexisting medical conditions, state media said on Friday.

Amini, an Iranian Kurd, was arrested in Tehran on Sept. 13 for wearing "inappropriate attire" and died three days later.

Her death has ignited nationwide demonstrations, marking the biggest challenge to Iran's clerical leaders in years. Women have removed their hijabs in defiance of the clerical establishment while furious crowds called for the downfall of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The government has described the protests as a plot by Iran's enemies, including the United States, accusing armed dissidents  among others  of violence in which at least 20 members of the security forces have been reported killed.

Rights groups say more than 185 people have been killed, hundreds injured, and thousands arrested by security forces confronting protests.

After a call for mass demonstrations on Saturday, security forces shot at protesters and used tear gas in the Kurdish cities of Sanandaj and Saqqez, according to the Iranian human rights group Hengaw.

In Sanandaj, capital of the northwestern Kurdistan province, one man slumped dead in his car while a woman screamed "shameless," according to Hengaw, which said the man had been shot by security forces after he honked his horn as a sign of protest.

A senior police official repeated the claim by security forces that they did not use live bullets and told state media that the man had been killed by armed dissidents.

State media played down the protests across Tehran, the capital, reporting limited demonstrations in dozens of areas. It said many bazaar traders had shut their shops for fear of damage in the unrest, denying there was a strike.

Social media tells different story

But videos on social media showed what appeared to be the largest protests in the past three weeks in many Tehran neighborhoods, including a crowd filling the streets in the lower-income southern neighborhood of Nazi Abad.

Videos shared on social media showed protests in several major cities. One video showed a young woman lying unconscious on the ground after she apparently had been shot in the northeastern city of Mashhad, Iran's second most populous city.

The Norway-based Iran Human Rights said at least 185 people had been killed in the protests, with the highest number of killings in the restive Sistan-Baluchistan province in the southeast.

As state TV showed footage of Ayatollah Khamenei on its main evening news, the broadcast was briefly interrupted, apparently hacked, with his image, surrounded by flames, next to pictures of Amini and three other women allegedly killed during the protests.

The protests' signature slogan, "Woman, Life, Freedom," could be heard as the Edalate Ali hacker group posted its web addresses. The group last year hacked security cameras and exposed mistreatment of prisoners in a jail mostly holding political prisoners.

After a weekly meeting, Raisi and Iran's head of judiciary and parliament speaker called for unity.

"Currently, the Iranian society needs the unity of all its strata regardless of language, religion and ethnicity to overcome the hostility and division spread by anti-Iranians," they said in a statement.

Hengaw also carried a video of emergency personnel trying to resuscitate a person and said one protester had died after being shot in the abdomen by security forces in Sanandaj. Reuters could not verify the video.

One of the schools in Saqqez city's square was filled with girls chanting "Woman, life, freedom," Hengaw reported.

The widely followed 1500tasvir Twitter account also reported shootings at protesters in the two northwestern Kurdish cities.

A university student who was on his way to join protests in Tehran said he was not afraid of being arrested or even killed.

"They can kill us, arrest us but we will not remain silent anymore. Our classmates are in jail. How can we remain silent? the student, who asked to remain anonymous, told Reuters.

Internet watchdog NetBlocks said the internet had been cut in Sanandaj again amid protests in Kurdish areas.
Ten people including a schoolgirl were killed in an explosion at a gas station in Ireland's northwest, police said Saturday suggesting a "tragic accident" may have been to blame.

The blast occurred around 3:20 p.m. (1520 GMT) Friday in the County Donegal village of Creeslough, Ireland's police, the Garda Siochana, said in a news conference Saturday.

"The 10 casualties are four men, three women, two teenagers  a boy and a girl  and a younger girl," said police, adding that all the victims appeared to be locals.

The death toll was not expected to rise, as no one remains unaccounted for, the police said.

Authorities are treating the incident with an "open mind" but said that "our information at this moment in time is pointing towards a tragic accident."

Focus will turn to the causes of the incident once the search and recovery operation is completed.

Rescue efforts by Ireland's emergency services went on through the night after the blast ripped through a gas station forecourt and a nearby apartment complex.

An aerial photograph taken after the explosion showed the gas station building was destroyed.

Two two-story residential buildings behind it had collapsed, while the facade of a similar adjacent building was blown off.

Resident Kieran Gallagher, whose house is about 150 meters (500 feet) from the scene, said the blast sounded like a "bomb."

"I was in my house at the time and heard the explosion. Instantly I knew it was something  it was like a bomb going off," he told the BBC.

At a service at the local church Saturday morning, Father John Joe Duffy said the community had been hit by "a tsunami of grief."

Many emergency services vehicles remained at the scene overnight, including fire services from both sides of the border with British-run Northern Ireland.

Gardai and civil defense personnel were also involved, and a coastguard helicopter airlifted some of the injured from Letterkenny University Hospital to the capital Dublin for further treatment.

'Shocked and numbed'

The university hospital, some 24 kilometers (15 miles) from the explosion, was placed on an emergency status to deal with "multiple injuries," it said in a statement.

Ireland's premier Micheal Martin called it a "very dark day" as he spoke to the media briefly before heading to the scene.

"The scale and enormity of it, it's such a small community, it means that almost everybody will know on a friendly basis people who've lost their lives," he said.

"It's a very dark day for the people of Donegal and for Ireland."

Martin spoke to members of the emergency services after arriving, thanking them for their efforts.

"We do need to get to the bottom of all that," he said of the tragedy.

"This is a scale of death and injury that we do not want to see happening as people go about their daily lives.

"A young child in the shop loses her life, and two teenagers," he added. "It is truly a shocking, tragic event that has brought an incredible toll on this community."

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue, who represents northeast Donegal in the Irish parliament, compared the scenes to events during the decadeslong sectarian conflict on the island of Ireland over British rule in Northern Ireland.

"People are shocked and numbed," McConalogue told Irish broadcaster RTE.

"The scenes from the event are reminiscent of the images from The Troubles years ago, in terms of the scene on the ground and the damage and the debris."

Creeslough is around 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the border with Northern Ireland and has a population of about 400 people.

The Applegreen service station is on the N56 road, which loops around the northern tip of the Irish Republic.

Applegreen tweeted that the news was "devastating."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the deceased, those who have been injured and the wider Creeslough community," said the company.
Kenyan authorities have announced plans to lift the countrys ban on genetically modified crops, in part to deal with a record drought that is causing hunger across the Horn of Africa. The move is opposed by those concerned about potentially harmful effects on health, the environment and small farms. But supporters say lifting the ban will improve food security.

Speaking earlier this week, Kenyan President William Ruto said lifting the ban on genetically modified organisms is part of the governments response to the drought ravaging the country.

Anti-GMO groups have faulted the move to lift the ban, citing concerns about potential harmful effects on Kenyans health and agriculture.

At a press conference in Nairobi, more than 10 civil society organizations asked the government to reinstate the ban and look for alternative solutions to the challenges of food security in the country.

Ann Maina is national coordinator of one of the groups, the Biodiversity and Biosafety Association of Kenya.

Theres so much controversy related to this, Maina said. It is important that we as Kenyans do not open the door to a situation where we can see more challenges of health, environment and socioeconomic concerns affecting the Kenyan population.

Kenya has prohibited cultivation of genetically modified crops and the importation of food crops and animal feeds produced through biotechnology innovation since 2012.

The move followed a controversial study in France that linked GMO products to cancer. The study was later discredited and removed from the publishing journal.

The governments move paves the way for importation of GMO products, which the government says will help boost food security.

Dr. Roy Mugiira is CEO of the National Biosafety Authority of Kenya, the government agency that oversees genetically modified organisms in the country.

Lifting the ban wont just help Kenya, he said, but other countries in the region that are experiencing drought.

[Kenya and other countries] will be able to access emergency food aid through the United Nations World Food Program, he said.

A number of African countries, including Kenyas neighbors Tanzania and Uganda, have bans on genetically modified agriculture. The lifting of the ban in Kenya is already causing jitters, with Tanzania stepping up vigilance on GMOs following Kenyas move.

A 2021 survey by Route to Food found that 57% of Kenyans are not willing to consume genetically modified food.

Nairobi resident Adeti Mahaga falls into that category.

Right now, the world is really struggling to control cancer, this fight against cancer, Mahaga said. So, a lift on GMO with a reason of trying to make food accessible to all Kenyans is like throwing Kenyans lives to the gutters, because that means in three years well be registering very, very high cases of cancer.

Experts at the Texas-based MD Anderson Cancer Center and other major research institutions say there is no proven evidence of a link between genetically modified foods now on the market and risk of cancer.

Jeremy Omondi of Nairobi said he might support the move.

Right now, we have people that are really suffering from drought, he said. They dont have food, they dont have water. And if that is the only way that the government can ensure that theres enough food for all Kenyans across the country, then I will support it.

U.N. relief organizations said last week that Kenyas food security situation is likely to get worse in coming months because of continued poor rains and high food prices. It said an estimated 4.4 million people likely will need some kind of aid.
Several hundred people on Saturday joined an LGBTQ pride march in Montenegro, held amid strong opposition from the influential Serbian Orthodox Church in the small conservative Balkan country.

Montenegro's 10th pride event was dubbed "No more buts," reflecting demands that more be done to stem hate speech and harassment of LGBTQ community despite huge steps that have been made in the past years.

"We gathered here for the 10th time to show we are human, (that we are) live beings made of flesh and blood, wishes and dreams, but rejected and ignored, discriminated and trampled upon because of love," said activist Stasa Bastrica.

Montenegro is a highly conservative, male-dominated society and initial pride marches here were marred with violence. As the country seeks European Union membership, authorities have backed pride events in recent years and approved same-sex partnerships in 2020.

On the eve of the march, the influential Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro held a prayer protest Friday against the pride march, saying it jeopardizes traditional values and family. Hundreds attended the church-led protest, including some pro-Serb officials.

The Serbian church, which also holds significant following in Montenegro, held a similar gathering in Serbia ahead of a pan-European pride event there last month.

After splitting from Serbia in 2006, Montenegrins have remained divided among those supporting pro-Western policies and those favoring closer ties with fellow-Slavic countries Serbia and Russia. Pro-Western leaders in Montenegro have accused Serbia and its church of seeking to maintain influence and turn Montenegro away from the West.

Bastrica said the church and other conservative forces in Montenegro have fueled hatred against LGBTQ community by "making us the main enemy of the majority and ... insanely blaming us for the disappearance of marriage, family (values) and sometimes natural disasters, and all in the name of God."

Another activist, Danijel Kalezic said Friday's church-led gathering illustrated divisions in Montenegro. He insisted that the LGBTQ community will not give up their demands.

"We don't want them (officials) to come here and take photos with us," Kalezic said. "We want results. No more buts!"

The Serbian church in Montenegro also led weeks of protest ahead of the 2020 election that toppled long-ruling pro-Western authorities and paved the way for the formation of a pro-Serb government. A former Slavic ally of Russia in the Balkans, Montenegro in 2017 defied Moscow to join NATO.
North Korea fired two ballistic missiles early Sunday, Japanese authorities said, marking the seventh such launch by Pyongyang in recent days, a series of exercises that has sparked widespread alarm in Washington and Tokyo.

Both missiles reached an altitude of 100 kilometers and covered a range of 350 km, Japan's state minister of defense, Toshiro Ino, told reporters. The first was fired around 1:47 a.m. local time (1647 GMT) and the second one about six minutes later.

Both fell outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, and authorities were looking into what kind of missiles were launched, including the possibility that they were submarine-launched ballistic missiles, he said.

The U.S. military said it was closely consulting with allies and partners following the launches, which it said highlighted the "destabilizing impact" of the North Korean nuclear arms and ballistic missile programs.

Still, the U.S. assessed the latest launches did not pose a threat to U.S. personnel or American allies.

"The U.S. commitments to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remain ironclad," the Hawaii-based U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement.

On Tuesday, nuclear-armed North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile farther than ever before, sending it soaring over Japan for the first time in five years and prompting a warning for residents there to take cover.

Ino said Tokyo would not tolerate the repeated actions by North Korea. The incident was the seventh such launch since September 25.

North Korea, which has pursued missile and nuclear tests in defiance of U.N. sanctions, said on Saturday its missile tests were for self-defense against direct U.S. military threats and had not harmed the safety of neighboring countries and regions.

"Our missile tests are a normal, planned self-defense measure to protect our country's security and regional peace from direct U.S. military threats," said state media KCNA, citing an aviation administration spokesperson.

The United States and South Korea held joint maritime exercises on Friday, a day after Seoul scrambled fighter jets in reaction to an apparent North Korean bombing drill.

The United States also announced new sanctions on Friday in response to North Korea's latest missile launches.
Luis Almagro, the chief of the Organization of American States (OAS), confirmed Friday that he faces an internal investigation over a romantic relationship with a staff member, but denied it might have violated the organization's ethics policies.

Almagro's remarks, at the end of the OAS's annual summit this week in Lima, followed a report by The Associated Press that described a "long-running" consensual relationship with a Mexican-born woman two decades his junior.

"My team and I are very calm, because we have always taken the appropriate measures, so that no situation would be in violation of (OAS) rules," Almagro told a news conference.

"I was never a supervisor of any person with whom I had a relationship, I never promoted her and never raised her salary in any way."

The woman, who was not identified, has been on unpaid leave since June, the AP said.

Almagro, who has led the Washington-based OAS since 2015, previously served as foreign minister in his native Uruguay. He is separated from his wife, the AP added.

On Friday night, Peru's ambassador to the OAS, Harold Forsyth, said he was aware of the relationship but denied there had been any impropriety.

"What I know is he has a relationship with a woman who works at the OAS," Forsyth told Canal N television.

The allegations came just weeks after the Inter-American Development Bank fired President Mauricio Claver-Carone following accusations, which he denies, that he had a relationship with a subordinate.

The OAS' ethics guidelines say staff must not have intimate relationships when they interfere with the performance of their duties or "disadvantage others in the workplace."

They also dictate that managers must step back from "supervising or evaluating" the other individual.
The city of Philadelphia issued an apology Thursday for the unethical medical experiments performed on mostly Black inmates at its Holmesburg Prison from the 1950s through the 1970s.

The move comes after community activists and families of some of those inmates raised the need for a formal apology. It also follows a string of apologies from various U.S. cities over historically racist policies or wrongdoing in the wake of the nationwide racial reckoning after the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.

The city allowed University of Pennsylvania researcher Dr. Albert Kligman to conduct the dermatological, biochemical and pharmaceutical experiments that intentionally exposed about 300 inmates to viruses, fungus, asbestos and chemical agents including dioxin  a component of Agent Orange. The vast majority of Kligmans experiments were performed on Black men, many of whom were awaiting trial and trying to save money for bail, and many of whom were illiterate, the city said.

Kligman, who would go on to pioneer the acne and wrinkle treatment Retin-A, died in 2010. Many of the former inmates would have lifelong scars and health issues from the experiments. A group of the inmates filed a lawsuit against the university and Kligman in 2000 that was ultimately thrown out because of a statute of limitations.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said in the apology that the experiments exploited a vulnerable population, and the impact of that medical racism has extended for generations.

Without excuse, we formally and officially extend a sincere apology to those who were subjected to this inhumane and horrific abuse. We are also sorry it took far too long to hear these words, Kenney wrote.

Last year, the University of Pennsylvania issued a formal apology and took Kligmans name off some honorifics like an annual lecture series and professorship. The university also directed research funds to fellows focused on dermatological issues in people of color.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  An explosion Saturday caused the partial collapse of a bridge linking the Crimean Peninsula with Russia, damaging an important supply artery for the Kremlin's faltering war effort in southern Ukraine and hitting a towering symbol of Russian power in the region.

Nobody immediately claimed responsibility for the blast, which killed three people. The speaker of the Russian-backed regional parliament in Crimea accused Ukraine, but Moscow didnt apportion blame. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly threatened to strike the bridge, and some lauded the destruction on Saturday. But Kyiv stopped short of claiming responsibility.

The explosion, which Russian authorities said was caused by a truck bomb, risked a sharp escalation in Russias eight-month war, with some Russian lawmakers calling for President Vladimir Putin to declare a counterterrorism operation," shedding the term special military operation that had downplayed the scope of fighting to ordinary Russians.

Putin signed a decree late Saturday tightening security for the bridge and for energy infrastructure between Crimea and Russia, and put Russias federal security service, the FSB, in charge of the effort.

Hours after the explosion, Russias Defense Ministry announced that the air force chief, Gen. Sergei Surovikin, would now command all Russian troops in Ukraine. Surovikin, who this summer was placed in charge of troops in southern Ukraine, had led Russian forces in Syria and was accused of overseeing a bombardment that destroyed much of Aleppo.

Moscow, however, continues to suffer battlefield losses.

On Saturday, a Kremlin-backed official in Ukraines Kherson region announced a partial evacuation of civilians from the southern province, one of four illegally annexed by Moscow last week. Kirill Stremousov told Russias state-run RIA Novosti agency that young children and the elderly could be relocated because Kherson was getting ready for a difficult period.

The 19-kilometer (12-mile) Kerch Bridge, on a strait between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, is a symbol of Moscows claims on Crimea and an essential link to the peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. The $3.6 billion bridge, the longest in Europe, is vital to sustaining Russia's military operations in southern Ukraine. Putin himself presided over the bridges opening in 2018.

The attack on it will have a further sapping effort on Russian morale, (and) will give an extra boost to Ukraines, said James Nixey of Chatham House, a think tank in London. Conceivably the Russians can rebuild it, but they cant defend it while losing a war."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a video address, indirectly acknowledged the bridge attack but did not address its cause.

Today was not a bad day and mostly sunny on our state's territory, he said. Unfortunately, it was cloudy in Crimea. Although it was also warm.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine wants a future without occupiers. Throughout our territory, in particular in Crimea.

Zelenskyy also said Ukrainian forces advanced or held the line in the east and south, but acknowledged very, very difficult, very tough fighting around the city of Bakhmut in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russian forces have claimed recent gains.

Russias National Anti-Terrorism Committee said a truck bomb caused seven railway cars carrying fuel to catch fire, resulting in the partial collapse of two sections of the bridge. A couple riding in a vehicle on the bridge were killed, Russias Investigative Committee said. It didnt say who the third victim was.

All vehicles crossing the bridge are supposed to undergo state-of-the-art checks for explosives. The truck that exploded was owned by a resident of the Krasnodar region in southern Russia, the Investigative Committee said, adding that the man's home was searched and experts were looking at the trucks route.

Train and automobile traffic over the bridge was temporarily suspended. Automobile traffic resumed Saturday afternoon on one of the two links that remained intact, with the flow alternating in each direction, said Crimeas Russia-backed leader, Sergey Aksyonov.

Rail traffic was resuming slowly. Two passenger trains left the Crimean cities of Sevastopol and Simferopol and headed toward the bridge Saturday evening. Passenger ferry links between Crimea and the Russian mainland were being relaunched Sunday.

While Russia seized areas north of Crimea early in its invasion of Ukraine and built a land corridor to it along the Sea of Azov, Ukraine is pressing a counteroffensive to reclaim that territory.

The Russian Defense Ministry said its troops in the south were receiving necessary supplies through that corridor and by sea.

Russian war bloggers responded to the bridge attack with fury, urging Moscow to retaliate by striking Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Putin ordered the creation of a government panel to deal with the emergency. Gennady Zyuganov, head of the Russian Communist Party, said the terror attack should serve as a wake-up call. The special operation must be turned into a counterterrorist operation, he declared.

Leonid Slutsky, head of the foreign affairs committee in the Russian parliaments lower house, said consequences will be imminent if Ukraine was responsible. And Sergei Mironov, leader of the Just Russia faction, said Russia should respond by attacking key Ukrainian infrastructure.

Such statements may herald a decision by Putin to declare a counterterrorism operation.

The parliamentary leader of Zelenskyys party cast the explosion as a consequence of Moscows takeover of Crimea.

Russian illegal construction is starting to fall apart and catch fire. The reason is simple: If you build something explosive, then sooner or later it will explode, said David Arakhamia of the Servant of the People party.

The Ukrainian postal service announced it would issue stamps commemorating the blast, as it did after the sinking of the Moskva, a Russian flagship cruiser, by a Ukrainian strike.

The secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, Oleksiy Danilov, tweeted a video with the Kerch Bridge on fire and Marilyn Monroe singing her Happy Birthday Mr. President song. Putin turned 70 on Friday.

In Moscow, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the reaction of the Kyiv regime to the destruction of civilian infrastructure shows its terrorist nature.

The Crimean Peninsula is a popular destination for Russian tourists and home to a Russian naval base. A Russian tourist association estimated that 50,000 tourists were in Crimea on Saturday.

Elsewhere, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said Ukraines Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has lost its last remaining external power source as a result of renewed shelling and is now relying on emergency diesel generators.

Ukrainian authorities were also just beginning to sift through the wreckage of the devastated city of Lyman in eastern Ukraine, assessing the humanitarian toll and possible war crimes after a months-long Russian occupation.

Some people died in their houses, some people died in the streets, and the bodies are now being sent to experts for examination, said Mark Tkachenko of the Kramatorsk district police.

Explosions also rocked the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv early Saturday, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and triggering secondary explosions. Ukrainian officials accused Russia of using surface-to-air missiles in two largely residential neighborhoods.

Kharkiv resident Tetiana Samoilenko's apartment caught fire in the attack. She was in the kitchen when the blast struck, sending glass flying.

Now I have no roof over my head. Now I dont know what to do next, the 80-year-old said.

Stepanenko reported from Kharkiv, Ukraine. Francisco Seco contributed from Kharkiv and Justin Spike from Lyman, Ukraine.
The chief of the Organization of American States is facing an internal probe into allegations he had a romantic relationship with a staff member that may have violated the organization's ethics policies, a media report said Friday.

The Associated Press, citing a half dozen sources, reported that Secretary-General Luis Almagro, 59, had formed a "long-running" consensual relationship with a Mexican-born woman two decades his junior.

Delegates of the democracy-building organization gathered in Lima earlier this week for the group's annual meeting.

Almagro, who has led the Washington-based OAS since 2015, previously served as foreign minister in his native Uruguay. He is separated from his wife, the report added.

The allegations came weeks after the Inter-American Development Bank fired President Mauricio Claver-Carone following allegations, which he denied, that he'd had a relationship with a subordinate.

The OAS could not immediately be reached for comment and Reuters could not independently verify the report.

In a comment to The Associated Press, an OAS spokesman denied that Almagro was ever the woman's supervisor, though she was reported to have had the title "adviser" to the secretary-general in earlier online biographies.

"Almagro never took part in any decisions regarding this staff member's interests within the OAS," spokesman Gonzalo Espariz is quoted as having said.

The woman, who was not identified, has been on unpaid leave since June, the report added.

The OAS ethics guidelines say staff must not have intimate relationships when they interfere "with the performance of their duties or to disadvantage others in the workplace."

It also dictates that managers must step back from "supervising or evaluating" the other individual.
A man in a donkey cart comes wheeling through the dust, carrying two small, silent boys. The sky is overcast. It could rain. It won't. It hasn't for a very long time.

Mohamed Ahmed Diriye is 60 years old, and he's completing the grimmest journey of his life. He set off from a seaside city on the northern edge of Somalia two weeks ago. People were dying. Livestock were dying. He decided to abandon work as a day laborer and flee to the other end of the country, crossing a landscape of carcasses and Islamic extremist-held territory along the way.

Seven hundred miles later, he is exhausted. The food has run out. He clutches a battered stick in one hand, the nearly empty cart in the other. His boys are just 4 and 5.

They had tried to escape, Diriye says. "But we came across the same drought here."

More than 1 million Somalis have fled and discovered that, too.

In Somalia, a nation of poets, droughts are named for the kind of pain they bring. There was Prolonged in the 1970s, Cattle Killer in the 1980s, Equal five years ago for its reach across the country. A decade ago, there was Famine, which killed a quarter-million people.

Somalis say the current drought is worse than any they can remember. It doesn't yet have a name. Diriye, who believes no one can survive in some of the places he traveled, suggests one without hesitation: White Bone.

This drought has astonished resilient herders and farmers by lasting four failed rainy seasons, starting two years ago. The fifth season is underway and likely will fail too, along with the sixth early next year.

A rare famine declaration could be made as soon as this month, the first significant one anywhere in the world since Somalia's famine a decade ago. Thousands of people have died, including nearly 900 children under 5 being treated for malnutrition, according to United Nations data. The U.N. says half a million such children are at risk of death, "a number, a pending nightmare, we have not seen this century."

As the world is gripped by food insecurity, Somalia, a country of 15 million people shaking off its past as a failed state, can be considered the end of the line. The nation of proud pastoralists that has survived generations of drought now stumbles amid several global crises descending at once.

They include climate change, with some of the harshest effects of warming felt in Africa. Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which stalled ships carrying enough grain to feed hundreds of millions of people. A drop in humanitarian donations, as the world shifted focus to the war in Ukraine. One of the world's deadliest Islamic extremist groups, which limits the delivery of aid.

The Associated Press spoke with a dozen people in rapidly growing displacement camps during a visit to southern Somalia in late September. All say they've received little aid, or none. A day's meal might be plain rice or just black tea. Many camp residents, overwhelmingly women and children, beg from neighbors, or go to sleep hungry.

Mothers walk for days or weeks through bare landscapes in search of help, at times finding that the withered, feverish child strapped to them has died along the way.

"We'd grieve, stop for a while, pray," Adego Abdinur says. "We'd bury them beside the road."

She holds her naked 1-year-old in front of her new home, a fragile hut of plastic sacks and fabric lashed together with cord and stripped branches. It's one of hundreds scattered over the dry land. Behind a thorn barrier marking her hut from another, giggling children pour cherished water from a plastic jug into their hands, sipping and spitting in delight.

The home the 28-year-old Abdinur left was far superior  a farm of maize and dozens of livestock in the community where she was born and raised. The family was self-sufficient. Then the water dried up, and their four-legged wealth began to die.

"When we lost the last goat, we realized there was no way to survive," Abdinur says. She and her six children walked 300 kilometers (186 miles) here, following rumors of assistance along with thousands of other people on the move.

"We have seen so many children dying because of hunger," she says.

At the heart of this crisis, in areas where famine likely will be declared, is an Islamic extremist group linked to al-Qaida. An estimated 740,000 of the drought's most desperate people live in areas under the control of the al-Shabab extremists. To survive, they must escape.

Al-Shabab's grip on large parts of southern and central Somalia was a major contributor to deaths in the 2011 famine. Much aid wasn't let into its areas, and many starving people weren't let out. Somalia's president, who has survived three al-Shabab attempts on his life, has described the group as "mafia shrouded with Islam." But his government has urged it to have mercy now.

In a surprise comment on the drought in late September, al-Shabab called it a test from Allah, "a result of our sins and wrongdoings." Spokesman Ali Mohamud Rage claimed that the extremists had offered food, water and free medical treatment to more than 47,000 drought-affected people since last year.

But in rare accounts of life inside al-Shabab-held areas, several people who fled told the AP they had seen no such aid. Instead, they said, the extremists continue their harsh taxation of families' crops and livestock even as they withered and died. They spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation.

One woman says al-Shabab taxed up to 50% of her family's meager harvest: "They don't care whether people are left with anything."

Some flee their communities at night to escape the fighters' attention, with men and even young boys often being forbidden to leave. One woman says no one from her community was allowed to leave, and people who received assistance from the outside would be attacked. Weeks ago, she says, al-Shabab killed a relative who had managed to take a sick parent to a government-held city and then returned.

Those who escaped al-Shabab now cling to a bare existence. As what should be the rainy season arrives, they wake in camps under a purple sky, or a gray one offering the tiniest specks of moisture.

Children send up kites, adults their prayers. Black smoke rises in the distance as some farmers clear land just in case.

In the only treatment center for the most severely malnourished in the immediate region, 1-year-old Hamdi Yusuf is another sign of hope.

She was little more than bones and skin when her mother found her unconscious, two months after arriving in the camps and living on scraps of food offered by neighbors. "The child was not even alive," recalls Abdikadir Ali Abdi, acting nutrition officer with the aid group Trocaire, which runs the center of 16 beds and has more patients than they can hold.

Now the girl is revived, slumped over her mother's arm but blinking. Her tiny toes twitch. A wrist is bandaged to stop her from pulling out the port for a feeding tube.

The ready-to-use therapeutic food so crucial to the recovery of children like her could run out in the coming weeks, Abdi says. Humanitarian workers describe having to take limited resources from the hungry in Somalia to treat the starving, complicating efforts to get ahead of the drought.

The girl's mother, 18-year-old Muslima Ibrahim, anxiously rubs her daughter's tiny fingers. She has saved her only child, but survival will require the kind of support she still hasn't seen.

"We received a food distribution yesterday," Ibrahim says. "It was the first since we arrived."

Food is hard to come by everywhere. At midday, dozens of hungry children from the camps try to slip into a local primary school where the World Food Program offers a rare lunch program for students. They are almost always turned away by school workers.

Mothers recall having to eat their stockpiles of grain and selling their few remaining goats to afford the journey from the homes and lives they loved. Many had never left until now.

"I miss fresh camel milk. We love it," says 29-year-old Nimco Abdi Adan, smiling at the memory. She hasn't tasted it for two years.

Residents outside the camps feel the growing desperation. Shopkeeper Khadija Abdi Ibrahim, 60, now keeps her goats, sheep and cattle alive by buying precious grain, grinding it and using it as fodder. She says the price of cooking oil and other items has doubled since last year, making it more difficult for displaced people to obtain food with vouchers handed out by WFP.

Hundreds of families continue to emerge from the empty horizon across Somalia, bringing little but grief. The true toll of dead is unknown, but people at two of the country's many displacement camps in the hardest hit city, Baidoa, say over 300 children have died in the last three months in rural areas, according to aid organization Islamic Relief.

One day in mid-September, 29-year-old Fartum Issack and her husband carried a small body along a dusty track to a graveyard. Their 1-year-old daughter had arrived at camp sick and hungry. She was rushed for treatment, but it was too late.

The graveyard opened in April especially for the newly displaced people. It already had 13 graves, seven of them for children. There's easily room for hundreds more.

Issack and her husband chose to bury their daughter in the middle of the empty ground.

"We wanted to easily recognize her," Issack says.

At the camp, eight other hungry daughters are waiting.
Tropical Storm Julia formed Friday in the Caribbean Sea, triggering hurricane watches and warnings for Nicaragua and Colombian islands.

Julia had maximum sustained winds of 65 kph late Friday afternoon and was moving west at 30 kph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. The storm was about 725 kilometers east of Colombia's Providencia Island.

Nicaragua issued a hurricane warning from Laguna de Perlas to Puerto Cabezas.

Julia is forecast to pass by Colombia's San Andres and Providencia islands Saturday night on its way to landfall in Nicaragua early Sunday.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro said via Twitter that the government was preparing shelters on the islands. San Andres authorities announced a curfew for residents beginning at 6 a.m. Saturday to limit people in the streets.

Yolanda Gonzalez, director of Colombia's Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies Institute, said Julia could be a Category 1 hurricane when it passes the islands late Saturday.

A greater threat than Julia's winds were rains of 13-25 centimeters -- even 38 centimeters in isolated areas -- that the storm was expected to dump across Central America.

This rainfall may cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides through this weekend, the National Hurricane Center said.

Julias remnants are forecast to sweep across Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and southern Mexico, a region already saturated by weeks of heavy rains.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and his team are working to expand and extend for a year a U.N.-brokered deal allowing Ukrainian Black Sea grain exports, which could expire in late November.

"We're trying to remove the uncertainty to ensure that people are publicly saying that, 'Yes, this will be extended a further year,' but we're not there yet," said U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric, adding that U.N. officials are also working to facilitate Russian grain and fertilizer exports.

U.N. aid chief Martin Griffiths and senior U.N. trade official Rebeca Grynspan are set to travel to Moscow in about a week to discuss both issues with senior Russian officials, Dujarric told reporters.

"The secretary-general and his team are engaged in intense contacts on these issues. Mr. Guterres and the team are working hard on having an expanded and extended Black Sea Grain Initiative," he said. "They're working actively to remove also the last obstacles to facilitate the export of Russian grain and fertilizer."

Facilitating Russia's food and fertilizer shipments is a central aspect of a package deal brokered by the United Nations and Turkey on July 22 that also restarted Ukraine's Black Sea grain and fertilizer shipments.

Russia has criticized the deal, complaining that its exports were still hindered. Moscow could object to extending the pact allowing Ukraine's exports beyond late November.

The deal included ammonia, a key ingredient in nitrate fertilizer. A pipeline transporting ammonia from Russia's Volga region to Ukraine's Black Sea port of Pivdennyi (Yuzhny) was shut down when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24.

The United Nations is now trying to broker a resumption of those ammonia exports.

Ukraine and Russia are both key global grain and fertilizer exporters. The United Nations said the agreement on Russian and Ukrainian exports is needed to tackle a global food crisis that it said had been worsened by Russia's war in Ukraine, pushing 47 million people into "acute hunger."
The United States on Saturday said it was reviewing a request for international support from Haiti, which says it is seeking a "specialized armed force" to address a crisis caused by a blockade of the country's main fuel port.

The U.S. State Department said criminal actors were undermining Haiti's efforts to halt the spread of cholera.

"In that context, we will review the Government of Haitis request in coordination with international partners and determine how we can increase our support to help address Haitis fuel shortage and security constraints," it said in a statement.

It did not offer details on how the United States might help Haiti address its security constraints.

The Montana Accord, a group of Haitian intellectuals and activists that has been highly critical of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, described his request as an act of treason and said that foreign troops would only make things worse.

"History teaches us that no foreign force has ever solved the problems of any people on earth," the Montana Accord said in a statement, adding that Haiti instead needs support for its police force.

"It is our Haitian police force that will have the ability to once and for all solve the insecurity problems that Haitians are experiencing."

Haiti has ground to a halt since a coalition of gangs blocked the Varreux fuel terminal last month. The lack of gas and diesel has crippled transportation and forced businesses and hospitals to halt operations.

It has also led to a shortage of bottled water, just as the country confirmed a new outbreak of cholera, the spread of which is controlled through hygiene and clean water.
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For more than seven decades, despite differences on human rights and the Arab-Israeli conflict, the US and Saudi Arabia maintained a close alliance based on an exchange of security for oil. Lately, that arrangement has been showing signs of stress. US President Joe Biden initially cooled relations over the 2018 murder of columnist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents. He worked to patch things up in July, in order to cajole the worlds largest crude exporter to ramp up output and thus nudge global oil prices down. But an early October decision by Saudi-led OPEC to cut back on production has put the relationship on even rockier footing than before.

1. Whats the history of US-Saudi ties?

In 1945, US President Franklin Roosevelt and Saudi Arabias founder King Abdulaziz ibn Saud held a historic meeting aboard the USS Quincy in the Suez Canal. They disagreed vehemently about the future of what was then British Mandatory Palestine, with the American supporting Israels establishment in part of it and the king opposed to a Jewish state in the Middle East. They nevertheless laid the groundwork for a strategic arrangement whereby the US provided security guarantees to Saudi rulers in exchange for access to the kingdoms vast oil reserves. Over the years the US complained, but not loudly, about the constraints on civil rights and the unequal treatment of women and minority Shiite Muslims in the kingdom. Ties occasionally veered off course. In 1973, Saudi Arabia led an Arab oil boycott of the US and other countries that supported Israel in that years Arab-Israeli war, contributing to a recession in the West. Still, the relationship endured. It was deepened by Irans 1979 Islamic revolution, which overthrew a US-backed monarch in a country that rivals Saudi Arabia for regional dominance, and by Iraqs 1990 invasion of Kuwait, which borders Saudi Arabia.

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2. Why did things sour between the US and Saudi Arabia?

The Sept. 11 attacks on the US, which were masterminded and mostly orchestrated by Saudi nationals, introduced a bitter note in 2001. More than that, a broader, structural change undermined the fundamentals of the relationship in recent years: The shale boom has made America the worlds largest producer of oil and thus less reliant on imports from the Middle East. At the same time, de facto Saudi leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has abandoned the kingdoms usual, cautious foreign policy in favor of an assertiveness thats made Saudi Arabia a vexing ally for the US. He launched a disruptive blockade of Qatar, which hosts the largest US military base in the region, and a devastating intervention in Yemens civil war. US intelligence assessed that he ordered the 2018 operation that ended with the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi government, inside the countrys consulate in Istanbul. The crown prince has denied any involvement in the killing while accepting symbolic responsibility for it as the countrys unofficial ruler.

3. What did Biden do?

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Whereas US President Donald Trump had embraced Saudi Arabia, making it the first place he visited overseas after taking office in 2017, Biden took a different approach. During his campaign for the presidency, he vowed to make Saudi Arabia a global pariah over the murder of Khashoggi, whod been a US citizen and Washington Post columnist. Biden didnt actually go that far after taking office in 2021, but he did step back from the Saudis.

 He released a report blaming Prince Mohammed for Khashoggis killing.

 Unlike Trump, who met and spoke directly with Prince Mohammed, Biden shunned him. The White House said it was more appropriate for the president to deal with his counterpart, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and relegated the crown prince, who is also the defense minister, to liaise with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. This was seen in the kingdom as insulting to the man who already effectively rules the country and will almost certainly become its next king.

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 Biden ended US support for Saudi Arabias offensive operations in Yemen, including related weapons transfers. The Saudi bombing campaign, aimed at dislodging Iran-backed Houthi rebels who took over Yemens capital and surrounding areas in 2014, has been widely criticized for disproportionately affecting civilians. Biden preserved assistance aimed at helping defend Saudi territory from Houthi attacks.

4. Why did Biden try to smooth things over?

Russias war in Ukraine caused oil prices -- and thus gasoline costs for US consumers -- to spike, creating a risk that voters will punish Bidens Democratic Party in congressional and state elections in November. So in July, the president swallowed his pride, flew to Saudi Arabia, and publicly met with Prince Mohammed in an effort to repair ties. The following month, Saudi Arabia responded with one of the smallest production hikes in OPECs six-decade history -- just 100,000 barrels a day extra in September.

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5. Why is OPEC cutting production now?

Officials from member countries defended the cuts as necessary to protect their own economies as well as the oil industry from the risk of a global economic slowdown. The Oct. 5 agreement among members of OPEC and its allies, including Russia, is to reduce collective output by 2 million barrels a day from November. Because many members already arent meeting their output targets, the actual oil supply will fall by only about half that amount. Still, its the biggest cut since 2020.

6. How has the US responded?

The Saudi decision infuriated Bidens team. In response, the US planned to release an additional 10 million barrels of oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve in November to partially offset the reduction in OPECs output, and officials said theyd consider releasing more. White House officials threatened to consult with Congress on ways of reducing OPECs influence over oil prices. Members of Congress have called for a revival of a bill called the No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels Act, known as NOPEC, that would empower the US Department of Justice to file an antitrust lawsuit against OPEC. Other lawmakers have suggested curtailing arms shipments to the Saudis. Both of those options, however, risked escalating tensions with the kingdom with unknown consequences.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

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Florence Pugh has said the passion director Sebastian Lelio brought to the set of The Wonder was exactly what she needed at the time.

The British actress, 26, stars as Lib Wright in the adaptation of Emma Donoghues novel directed by Chilean filmmaker Lelio  who won an Oscar for his 2017 feature A Fantastic Woman.

Arriving at the films UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival, Pugh told the PA news agency: Sebastian is an incredibly diverse and sensitive creator.

He is someone who is considerate of every single person and being, whether it is crew or cast.

There is no leaf unturned and he will do that until he finds the right thing. And for me, that was exactly what I needed at the time.

Sebastian Lelio (Ian West/PA)

I had this ultimate passion in my lap obviously all day and that is truly fantastic.

Speaking about shooting in Ireland, she said: Ireland, honestly I was thinking about moving there. I absolutely loved living there.

The people are There is nothing like their hospitality. I truly, truly enjoyed every second of it.

The Black Widow actress stars opposite Toby Jones, Ciaran Hinds, Dermot Crowley, Brian F OByrne and David Wilmot.

Florence Pugh arriving for the UK premiere of The Wonder during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 (Ian West/PA)

Mank actor Tom Burke and Calm With Horses star Niamh Algar also feature alongside Elaine Cassidy and her daughter Kila Lord Cassidy.

Algar told PA: This is a really beautiful film, it was such a joy to work on with the cast and crew. It was such a lovely environment and set, Sebastian the director, I was a huge fan of his work, just working with people you admire is great.

Even though this film was based just after the famine, it was far from a famine on set, it was every Friday Florence would bring in food, it was like a tea-stand, all these boxes of doughnuts and cookies, she is such a generous human being. It was so nice to have that.

Phenomenal actors such an incredible calibre of actors to share this film with. It was a masterclass.

'It's incredibly dark and I love doing dark films apparently!' Florence Pugh on what drew her to #TheWonder#LFF pic.twitter.com/nnAH8Y9Z1J  BFI (@BFI) October 7, 2022

Set in the Irish midlands in 1862, the psychological thriller is inspired by the 19th century phenomenon of the fasting girls.

Story continues

Pugh plays an English nurse who is brought to a tiny village to observe 11-year-old Anna ODonnell, a young girl who stops eating but remains miraculously alive and well.

Tourists and pilgrims mass to witness the girl, who is said to have survived without food for months, as the film explores if the village is harbouring a saint surviving on manna from heaven or if there are more ominous motives at work.

Describing what drew him to the project, Lelio told PA: I loved the novel and I really liked the fact it explored this condition between science and religion, between fact and fantasy, reason and magical thinking.

I thought that made it a very timely story of today. Reason versus fanaticism sounded really like what is going on in our world today.

That was really interesting and also I really loved the two women at the centre, the nurse and the girl. That relationship, that transgenerational sorority that takes place there, I thought it was a really unique type of relationship to portray in a film.

Kila Lord Cassidy and Elaine Cassidy (Ian West/PA)

Talking about shooting on location in Ireland, he said: I really loved filming in Ireland. I had to adjust to a bit of the schizophrenic weather but apart from that, I loved the people and I had a great, great team.

Donoghue, who also co-wrote the screenplay for The Wonder, praised Pugh for the positivity she brought to the set.

She told PA: What was lovely was that I actually got to watch her work. I got to go for 10 separate days to the set and be there hour after hour in the little tent listening in and watching on the monitor.

Describing Pugh as tireless, Donoghue added: She would do a take 20 times if needs be. Just endlessly energetic and imaginative and intelligent.

And she set a really lovely, friendly tone. She had doughnuts delivered for the whole crew. That kind of thing. She was just wonderfully warm as well as hard-working.

Speaking about adapting the book for the screen, she added: It is exhilarating because it has only been six years since the novel came out but six years is a long time compared with how books (work).

And so often film projects just dont happen, so I just couldnt be happier to have reached this culminating point, and in particular to bring it to London.

The Wonder will be released on Netflix on November 16.
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Although the matter is reportedly still up in the air, Im hoping the Supreme Court releases its report on the investigation of a draft opinion in last springs abortion case. But I doubt well learn the identity of the leaker. We never do. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight I consider the leak contemptible, but we mustnt be starry eyed. The court has leaked for most of its existence. At times there have only been hints, such as the advance word alleged to have been passed to President Franklin Roosevelt before a key 1935 decision on private gold ownership. Other disclosures have been more detailed. Either way, the leaker almost always remains unpunished.

Lets begin in 1854, when Representative Zedekiah Kidwell took to the House floor demanding an investigation of Justice Robert Cooper Grier for allegedly giving friends early notice of the outcome of a major case concerning rights on the Ohio River. Though the Judiciary Committee in due course cleared Grier of wrongdoing, some historians think its likely that he leaked. Perhaps he also spoke to the newspapers: On two of the five occasions when the case came before the justices, the New York Tribune published the outcome in advance.

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Jump ahead two years to oral argument in Dred Scott v. Sandford. In 1856, immediately after the justices held their private discussion of the case, the gist of their positions appeared in the Tribune. This was of course a gross breach of confidence, wrote Justice John Catron a year later, as the information could only come from a judge who was present.

The irony is that Catron offered his condemnation in a letter to family friend James Buchanan, who had asked him whether Dred Scott would be decided before his March 1857 inauguration as president. By this time, at least three newspapers had reported accurately that the ruling would go against Scott, who claimed that once his owners took him to a state where slavery was illegal, he was free. The Tribune reported both the reasoning and that the court would be nearly divided  as indeed it was.

As for Catron, not long after venting his fury over the leaks, he told Buchanan when the decision would come down. The president-elect also heard from the previously-investigated Grier, who shared in confidence not only the probable result and the undergirding argument, but also the reasoning of the dissent. Buchanan, for his part, altered his inaugural address to take the leaked information into account.

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Writing in the 1920s, the legal scholar Charles Warren conceded that Griers detailed letter to the president-elect would not at the present time be regarded as one of strict propriety but noted that justices of the era would commonly impart in confidence to an intimate friend or relative the probable outcome of a pending case as long as the seal of secrecy was imposed. History is silent on whether those regular disclosures affected the inner workings of the court. What we can say is that no official inquiry of the Dred Scott leaks ensued.

Over the next few decades, however, the court began to develop a strong anti-leak ethos, perhaps due in part to the publics growing fear during the Gilded Age that government employees were busily enriching themselves and their families. Small wonder, then, that there was outrage on all sides in 1919, when a law clerk named Ashton Fox Embry disclosed the justices vote in a pending case to friends who proceeded to trade on the information. An investigation ensued. Embry resigned and was indicted, but the charges were later dismissed, evidently because there was some question as to whether hed committed a crime.

From that day to this, leaks from the Supreme Court have regularly led to demands for investigation, but these have had little success. We do know the source of the 1973 leak to Time magazine of the Roe v. Wade decision, but not because of the investigation. We know because the culprit  a law clerk for Justice Lewis Powell  was so plagued by guilt that he turned himself in. Chief Justice Warren Burger must have been impressed by the young mans remorse, because no punishment ensued.

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Whats the right attitude toward leaks? Perhaps we should give the last word to Edward Douglass White, who was serving as chief justice at the time of the 1919 episode, where the law clerk and his friends exploited advance knowledge for money. In December of that year, White told a journalist that hed been concerned since taking the bench about whether the court could keep its secrets: In order to prevent a leak I wrote with my own hand the decision of the Supreme Court in the Standard Oil Case some years ago. (The case to which White referred, which led to the companys breakup, was decided in 1911.) White said that hed waited until the day before the decision was announced to hand the draft to the printer and done all the proofreading himself.

He then added a remarkable claim: There have been many rumors of leaks in the past, but I have investigated them and all but one were disproved. The true one involved someone White called a minor attache of the court who was tempted and fell. Apart from that episode, said White, No man would be so degraded as to interfere with the processes of the nations highest court. (He didnt say which case that earlier breach of secrecy involved.)

But the story has a startling denouement. The leaker was forced  White does not say by whom  to confess his role to the US president. A few days later, in Whites telling, the unfortunate minor attache died under mysterious circumstances. The chief justice didnt seem too saddened by the outcome. The business of the Supreme Court is a sacred thing, he said.

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I expect the report on the Dobbs leak to take the public relations-y position that the justices and their staffs still believe Whites dictum. And perhaps they do. Why then do I remain confident that the investigators havent found the leaker?

Because the news would have leaked.

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

 Abortion Case Leak Shows That the Supreme Court Is Broken: Noah Feldman

 The Supreme Courts Leak Investigation Is Self-Destructive: Stephen L. Carter

 Have You Seen the Latest Polls? Now Forget Them. Heres Why.: Jonathan Bernstein

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Stephen L. Carter is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. A professor of law at Yale University, he is author, most recently, of Invisible: The Story of the Black Woman Lawyer Who Took Down Americas Most Powerful Mobster.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

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Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size A little over a month ago, Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen confirmed that Australias ambitious renewable energy infrastructure project  the Snowy 2.0 hydro energy  was woefully behind schedule and possibly as much as $2 billion over budget. Theres a claim against Snowy Hydro (Ltd, the government-owned entity commissioning the project), Bowen told Sky News. It hasnt been finalised Were not about to commit to a $2 billion claim just like that, we will work to minimise the cost blowout. Snowy 2.0 was originally slated to begin acting as a battery for the nation by 2021 when first championed by former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull. Construction, pictured earlier this year, is now set to last until almost the end of the decade. Credit:Jamila Todera The claim was made by the consortium that won the tender to build the project, Future Generation JV, and followed concerns about the financial strength of the engineering firm working as part of the consortium, Perth-based, South African owned Clough, and whether the project was a white elephant. The delays and cost blowout was another sign of how supply chain constraints and a tight labour market have left their mark on the industry, curbing the plans of state and the federal governments and pushing some builders to the brink. But it was also another bad headline for the main shareholder in the Future Generation JV  Italys Webuild. Webuild, which was until 2020 known as Salini Impregilo, has faced a series of cost blowouts on its Australian projects and allegations from two unions  the Electrical Trades Union and the construction arm of the CFMEU  of having a terrible safety record in Australia.

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It also has led to questions about whether Webuild is bidding too low on projects and not building in enough of a buffer to absorb additional costs caused by global economic headwinds, or unexpected safety issues. Underbidding on government projects is not illegal in Australia, but the practice can cause headaches for state and federal governments which often, and as expected in the case of Snowy Hydro 2.0, have to pick up some of the additional costs incurred over the life of the project. Loading Concerns about Webuild underbidding  something the company denies  could have a significant impact on taxpayers given the group has picked up several major projects in the past five years. Along with its work on Snowy Hydro 2.0, Webuild is also part of the consortium that has been named the preferred partner for the contract to build the Gowrie-Kagaru section of the federal governments Inland Rail link. It has also won the contract to deliver the primary package for the North East Link road project in Victoria. It has also been a part of consortiums building Forrestfield Airport Link in Perth (which opens on October 9) and the Sydney Metro Northwest Skytrain Bridge. But the companys growth in this market and its sharp pricing on bids to win contracts hasnt been without complaint. Industry sources who declined to be named because they are either working on projects involving the company or have business relationships with the group say there have been cost blowouts and other problems, notably serious safety issues, across a range of its Australian projects. They say the cost blowout at Snowy Hydro 2.0 is reflective of the companys strategy to bid below its rivals to win contracts, even when those estimates seem overly rosy. A spokesman for Webuild told this masthead this week the project was highly complex and involved the consortium doing things that have never been done before, such as excavating a chamber nearly a kilometre underground to house the turbines.

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Webuild is working closely with Snowy Hydro and the joint-venture partners (its subsidiary Lane and Clough) to overcome challenges that are typical of complex engineering projects. Pietro Salini in Sydney a few years ago. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer The conditions have been made even more challenging by external factors such as the 2019-2020 bushfires in the Snowy Mountains, the COVID pandemic and subsequent lockdown, the war in Ukraine, and the effects on supply chains. Another industry source who was aware of issues on the project who declined to be named for business reasons said Webuild would be in for serious costs if Clough was unable to complete the project. If Clough goes under they [Webuild] are f---ed. Replacing a builder will add significant costs to the project, much of which the government would expect they would pick up. But the bad news about Snowy Hydro isnt the only controversy the company has faced recently. In Italy, the groups chief executive, Pietro Salini, has been battling criminal charges for bid rigging over the awarding of contracts to a Webuild-led consortium for the 7 billion ($10.7 billion) rail link between Genoa and Milan.

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Salini, who was facing a three-and-a-half year sentence if found guilty, was acquitted last week along with 20 other men charged as part of the same case. Seven other people charged as part of the investigation were found guilty of receiving money or services  via escorts  to rig the bidding to favour the Webuild-led consortium and working on the project and companies linked to a family member of Salini. Webuild was likened to a national hero for its work rebuilding and repairing the Ponte Morandi after its collapse killed 43 people. Credit: Salini and Webuild had always claimed the charges were inappropriately laid. During the only telephone conversation that is at the basis of my indictment, I asked [after the closing of the tender] for the maximum attention be given to the industrial capabilities, the financial solvency, and the reliability of the entrusted companies in the development of the works, Salini says. This was to be done no matter who they might be or who might be their owners - including members of my family  so as to guarantee, once again, the safety of the work sites and the workers, the success of the project and its usefulness to the community. The allegations have had no impact on Webuilds abilities to win the contracts for huge projects in Italy, Australia and North America.

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Webuild is a building behemoth in Italy, where it is listed on the Milan stock exchange and Italys Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Equity  the countrys nation-building fund similar to Australias Future Fund  holds a 16.67 per cent stake. The group has also been the beneficiary and the key proponent of a national project to effectively consolidate the industry to create a globally competitive infrastructure group that would benefit the Italian economy and people by providing strong revenue streams for the countrys pension funds and its sovereign wealth investment arm. This financial backing and its unbridled ability to grow through acquisition in its home country has helped Webuild grow into an infrastructure powerhouse with a construction backlog of 47.2 billion, of which 38 billion was construction, according to its most recent half-year results in June. The national freight network between Melbourne and Brisbane via regional Victoria will span almost 2000 kilometres. This includes major projects around the world including a high-speed railway between Dallas and Houston, Americas first project of that kind, and Grand Paris Express (Europes biggest rail and metro project). In Australia, Webuild has been growing quickly. The groups projects in Australia contributed 13 per cent of the groups construction backlog for the first half, compared with 1 per cent in 2015. The spokesman for Webuild says that Australia is among the groups biggest core markets in terms of the combined value of future projects that are of interest to the company.

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Ken Done and I are sitting by the window watching people trickle into the exhibition space. The paintings on the walls are a mixture of bright and dark, figurative and abstract. Most of them Ive never seen before, but somehow all of them feel familiar. Its always wonderful to be surrounded by your work, the acclaimed artist tells me.

Ken Done at the opening of his new solo exhibition Ken Done: Twenty Years at Bluethumb Gallery in Richmond. Credit:Paul Jeffers

Were at the opening of his new solo show in Melbourne, Ken Done: Twenty Years. As the title promises, its an exhibition that draws from his archive, starting in 2002 up to this year. Its a very specific time-frame  Done has been a full-time artist for over 40 years now  so I ask how it feels to look back at his paintings from the last two decades. I think it shows how I love to make work to give people pleasure, he reflects.

The time in which we live, where there are so many bad things in the world, I think that art should be more like poetry, should give you pleasure over time. I like to make things that are beautiful. I think for me thats the role of art.

The artist is in Melbourne for just one day. While hes here to open the exhibition in the evening, before speaking to me hed spent the day visiting the Picasso exhibition in the NGV.
Oprah Winfrey was discussing her profound affection for trailblazing actor Sidney Poitier  a longtime friend and mentor to her  when she was overcome by emotion during an interview on the documentary Sidney, a life-spanning portrait. She plunged her head into her hands and cried, I just love him so much.

Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Morgan Freeman, George Nelson, Robert Redford and Halle Berry were all interviewed in Sidney, and their reflections on the iconic performer and civil-rights activist are often illuminating. But Sidney means something intensely personal for Winfrey, a producer on the film.

Oprah Winfrey, a producer of Sidney, poses in front of a picture of the films subject Sidney Poitier at the premiere of the documentary. Credit:AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

I was trying not to lose it, actually, because my love for him is as deep and as strong as for any human being I know, Winfrey said in an interview at the Toronto International Film Festival, where Sidney premiered. He was my adviser, my counsellor, my friend, my comfort, my balm, my joy.

Sidney arrives eight months after the death of Poitier, the groundbreaking actor who paved the way for countless black actors in Hollywood and single-handedly revolutionised how they were portrayed on screen. Directed by Reginald Hudlin, Sidney was made with the co-operation of Poitiers family. Much of it had been completed before he died in January at the age of 94, including his interview with Winfrey.
FILE PHOTO: The logos of car manufacturers Nissan and Renault are pictured at a dealership Kyiv

(Reuters) -Nissan Motor Co Ltd is pressing partner Renault SA to cut its stake in the Japanese automaker and revamp their more than 20-year-old alliance, the Wall Street Journal said on Friday, citing people with knowledge of the talks.

French car firm Renault owns about 43% of Nissan, while the Japanese firm owns 15% of its top shareholder, but without voting rights.

In June, Nissan revealed for the first time some details of its alliance pact with top shareholder Renault that keep the latter from unilaterally increasing its stake beyond 44.4%.

Their talks cover the question of whether Nissan will join Renault's new unit being set up to house its electric vehicle (EV) assets in exchange for its French ally winding down the Nissan stake, the paper said.

Nissan's Chief Operating Officer Ashwani Gupta was among the firm's executives who visited France last month and discussed whether the Japanese car maker would invest in Renault's new EV business, the paper added.

Renault is pushing ahead with plans to split its EV and combustion engine businesses in a bid to catch up with rivals such as Tesla and Volkswagen in the race to cleaner driving.

It expects to unveil a detailed blueprint for the new EV entity this autumn.

Renault declined to comment on the report, while Nissan did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment outside normal working hours.

(Reporting by Rhea Binoy in Bengaluru; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
This story is part of the October 8 Edition of Good Weekend. See all 20 stories .

The late Doris Day, honey-voiced star of Hollywoods golden era, will be remembered for many things. One of them is establishing the 44-room Cypress Inn in Carmel, California, dubbed one of the pet-friendliest hotels around. And yet despite offering dog-sized showers, yappy hour in the bar and customised food bowls and beds, the Cypress has been sadly overlooked by insurance company Budget Directs 2022 survey of the worlds best cities for a pet holiday. Demand for pet-friendly hotels in Australia has risen, thanks to the pandemic and fewer people travelling overseas. Credit:iStock Drawing on data from Tripadvisor, and canvassing the 50 most-populated cities, the survey ranks Paris and Milan equal first for animal hospitality, with 594 and 359 pet-friendly hotels respectively (33 and 17 of them five-star). Next is Rome, with 1242 Fido-favourable lodgings, followed by Berlin, New York and Colombias Medellin. Loading And in Australia? Sydney rates 23rd and Melbourne 29th, prompting questions about our reputation as a pet-loving nation. Are we not moggy-munificent in our five-star lodgings? Must Rover endure boarding kennels instead of hatted restaurant fare?
Washington: Billionaire Elon Musk, days after floating a possible deal to end the war between Russia and Ukraine that drew condemnation in Ukraine, suggested that tensions between China and Taiwan could be resolved by handing over some control of Taiwan to Beijing.

My recommendation . . . would be to figure out a special administrative zone for Taiwan that is reasonably palatable, probably wont make everyone happy, Musk, the worlds richest person, told the Financial Times in an interview published on Friday.

Musk made the remarks when asked by the newspaper about China, where his Tesla electric car company operates a large factory in Shanghai.

Elon Musk has some ideas about resolving international disputes. Credit:AP

Beijing, which says democratically ruled Taiwan is one of its provinces, has long vowed to bring Taiwan under its control and has not ruled out the use of force to do so. Taiwans government strongly objects to Chinas sovereignty claims and says only the islands 23 million people can decide its future.
New York: A woman whose exploits posing as a German heiress to scam individuals and financial institutions out of hundreds of thousands of dollars and inspired a Netflix series is being released from immigration custody.

Anna Sorokin was scheduled to be released from ICE custody Friday evening, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement said.

Russian-born fraudster Anna Delvey Sorokin, pictured here in April 2019, pretended to be a wealthy German heiress in New York. Credit:AAP

The 31-year-old had been held by immigration authorities since March 2021 after she had served three years in prison for larceny and theft. Immigration authorities claim she has overstayed her visa and must be returned to Germany.

This week, a judge had cleared the way for Sorokin to be released to home confinement while she fights deportation. Under conditions imposed by Manhattan Immigration Judge Charles Conroy, she must post a $US10,000 bond, provide a residential address where shell stay for the duration of her immigration case and refrain from social media posting.
The logo of Renault carmaker is pictured at a dealership in Vertou

(Reuters) -Nissan Motor Co Ltd is pressing French partner Renault SA to cut its stake in the Japanese automaker as much as possible, ideally to 15%, and may consider raising funds to buy back the shares, a source familiar with the matter said.

The demands were made in exchange for Nissan agreeing to invest in Renault's new unit being set up to house its electric vehicle (EV) assets, said the source, who sought anonymity as the talks are not public.

Renault owns about 43% of Nissan, which wants its French ally to wind down the stake to 15%, drawing level with Nissan's share in the alliance partner, the source said.

The stake sale would not affect their business alliance and Nissan may need to raise funds to buy the shares back from Renault, the source added.

A Nissan spokesperson declined to comment. Renault did not immediately reply to Reuters' requests for comment.

The stake selldown talks were first reported by the Wall Street Journal and news agency Bloomberg said Renault was open to reducing its stake in Nissan, citing people familiar with the talks.

Renault is pushing ahead with plans to split its EV and combustion engine businesses in a bid to catch up with rivals such as Tesla and Volkswagen in the race to cleaner driving.

It expects to unveil a detailed blueprint for the new EV entity at a capital markets day this autumn.

As the negotiations intensify, Renault's Chief Executive Luca de Meo is set to attend Sunday's Formula 1 race in Suzuka, giving him an opportunity to speak with his Nissan counterpart, Makoto Uchida, another source said.

This weekend's talks are unlikely to yield concrete results, the first source said, but negotiations could bring a deal before Nov. 8, when de Meo plans to present an update of his strategy.

Alliance partners Nissan and Mitsubishi have not yet said whether they will take part in Renault's future EV unit.

The source said Mitsubishi was also considering taking a single-digit percent stake in Renault's EV unit.

(Reporting by Maki Shiraki and Satoshi Sugiyama in Tokyo, Akanksha Khushi in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Gilles Guillaume in Paris; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Ana Nicolaci da Costa)
Festivals  Rajasthan  Pushkar Fair

Pushkar Fair

Month : November

Significance: Believed to be the largest cattle trade fair in the world and coincides with a Hindu religious celebration

Date: 1.11.2022 - 8.11.2022

This fair is held at Pushkar town, 11 km from Ajmer in Rajasthan for twelve days annually during October- November. This cultural and trade cum religious fair is an attractive and lively spectacle with Rajasthani men and women in their colourful traditional attire, saffron-robed and ash smeared Sadhus (holy men) and thousands of bulls, cows, sheep, goats, horses and camels in richly decorated saddles. Perhaps the largest cattle fair in the world, it attracts more than one lakh people, from all over Rajasthan as well as tourists from different parts of India and abroad.

Trading of cattle, camel races and dazzling displays of bangles, brassware, clothes, camel saddles and halters make the fair colourful. Necklaces of glass beads from Naguar, pottery, printed textiles from Jodhpur and Ajmer are all on sale here. Farmers, cattle traders and breeders buy and sell their animals, leather whips, saddles etc. There are facilities for camel rides also.

This livestock fair coincides with the climaxing of a religious celebration. Pushkar is among the five main places of pilgrimage mentioned in the Hindu scriptures. It has a large number of temples including one of the only two temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in India. Hundreds of thousands of devotees take a ritual dip in the holy Pushkar lake on the day of the Kartik Purnima (full moon night of the Kartika month) and worship at the Brahma temple (Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Mandir). It is believed that Lord Brahma, the creator, wished to perform a 'yagna' following his long years of penance. During his sojourn in search of a place for yagna, Brahma dropped a lotus from heaven which created the lake Pushkar. It was on the Karthika night that a drop of nectar fell in this lake, thereby making it sacred. Pilgrims flock from all over India to be in Pushkar at this auspicious time. They also believe that all the 330 million Gods and Goddesses are present at Pushkar Lake during the occasion.

The trading which involves a great deal of bargaining between the cattle traders and the buyers add to the spirit of the fair. Apart from the religious rituals and trading, people participate in a number of cultural and sporting events. The variety of folk dances, dramas and songs lend colour and melody to the atmosphere that is already charged with excitement of the camel races and the cattle fair. The sweeping expanse of the desert becomes dotted with thousands of camels, stalls and camping families. The Rajasthan tourism Development Corporation has taken adequate measures to facilitate convenient access of the fair site and to accommodate the fairgoers.

Accommodation:

There are basic accommodation in hotels with tariffs ranging from US $50 to US $200 in Pushkar. Early booking is recommended as tariffs increase at short notice. There are also luxury tents with comforts like private showers, running water and other such amenities, priced between US$ 80 to US$ 125 ( for double occupancy, including 3 meals a day) depending upon the quality of facilities provided and can be booked on shorter notice.

Contact

Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation

Ph: 0141-2202353

E-mail : rtdcjpr@sancharnet.in

How to reach there



Air: The nearest airport is at Jaipur 138-km from Pushkar. Pushkar is 375 km from Delhi.

Rail: The nearest railhead Ajmer is 11-km from Pushkar. There are trains to Delhi, Agra Ahmedabad (526km), Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur . Two of the train services which connect Ajmer to Delhi and Jaipur are the Shatabdi Express and Pink City Express.

Road: Pushkar is well connected by road to major cities in Rajasthan. The two bus stands are Marwar bus stand near the post office and Ajmer bus stand from where there are regular buses to Ajmer (every hour from 6am to 10 pm) , Jaipur, Jaisalmer (490km), Bikaner (233km).
GURU Organic Energy Corp.

MONTREAL, Oct. 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GURU Organic Energy Corp. (TSX: GURU) (GURU or the Company), Canadas leading organic energy drink brand, today announced that Suzanne Poirier has resigned as a director of the Company. Ms. Poirier has accepted a new role as Senior Vice President Operations at Alimentation Couche-Tard, one of GURUs main clients. Given this new executive operational role and out of an abundance of caution, she resigned to avoid any appearance of conflict. Her resignation will be effective on October 7, 2022.

On behalf of the Board and management, I wish to extend our gratitude to Suzanne Poirier and thank her for her contributions over the last years. We also wish her all the best in her new role, said Joe Zakher, Executive Chair of the Board at GURU.

Ms. Poirier has served as a director of the Company since November 2020, including as Chair of the Audit Committee. The Company will work towards identifying a new independent director as soon as practically possible.

About GURU Products

All GURU energy drinks are plant-based, high in natural caffeine, free of artificial sweeteners, artificial colours and flavours, and have no preservatives. In addition, all drinks are organic, vegan and gluten free  and the best thing is their amazing taste.

About GURU

GURU Organic Energy Corp. (TSX: GURU) is a dynamic, fast-growing beverage company launched in 1999, when it pioneered the worlds first natural, plant-based energy drink. The Company markets organic energy drinks in Canada and the United States through an estimated distribution network of over 25,000 points of sale, and through guruenergy.com and Amazon. GURU has built an inspiring brand with a clean list of organic plant-based ingredients. Its drinks offer consumers good energy that never comes at the expense of their health. The Company is committed to achieving its mission of cleaning the energy drink industry in Canada and the United States. For more information, go to www.guruenergy.com or follow us @guruenergydrink on Instagram and @guruenergy on Facebook.

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For further information, please contact:

GURU Organic Energy

Investors

Carl Goyette, President and CEO

Ingy Sarraf, Chief Financial Officer

514-845-4878

investors@guruenergy.com

Media

Lyla Radmanovich

PELICAN PR

514-845-8763

media@rppelican.ca




STROUD TWP., Pa. - Police in Monroe County say a man's body was found in the Pocono Creek Friday morning.

The Stroud Area Regional Police Department said officers were sent around 9:15 a.m. to the area of Tanite Road in Stroud Township for the report of a fisherman discovering what he believed to be a dead body in the creek.

Crews recovered the man's body from the water around 12:15 p.m. with the assistance of fire personnel and turned it over to the Coroners Office, police said.

The coroner said an autopsy is scheduled for Monday.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  Thousands of chanting, singing people held a solidarity demonstration Saturday in The Hague in support of protesters in Iran who have taken to the streets since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini following her arrest for allegedly violating the Islamic Republic's strict dress code.

Protesters gathered on a central park in the city waved flags and banners emblazoned with texts including No to enforced headscarf in Iran, Justice cant wait and Stop bloodshed in Iran. Several lawmakers from parties across the Dutch political spectrum also attended.

Saturdays demonstration follows anti-government protests across Iran that were sparked by Amini's death.

The Iranian protests have triggered demonstrations of support across Europe, including by women cutting off locks of their hair, following Iranian women's example.

Oscar-winning French actors Marion Cotillard and Juliette Binoche, as well as other French screen and music stars, filmed themselves chopping off locks of their hair in a video posted Wednesday.

Dutch Justice Minister Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius also cut off a lock of her hair during a live television talk show this week.

The full extent of demonstrations in Iran and subsequent crackdowns remains unclear. An Associated Press tally of reports in state-run and state-linked media shows there have been at least 1,900 arrests connected to the protests. Demonstrations have been reported in at least 50 Iranian cities, towns and villages.

State television last suggested at least 41 people had been killed in the demonstrations as of Sept. 24. In the nearly two weeks since, theres been no update from Irans government. Rights activists put the death toll much higher.
PARIS  Family-owned Spanish beauty and fashion company Puig has named Eugenia de la Torriente as its chief communications officer, a newly created position that became effective Oct. 1.

De la Torriente is now responsible for the groups internal and external communications, and reports to Marc Puig, Puig chairman and chief executive officer.

More from WWD

De la Torriente was formerly managing editor of El Pais, where she oversaw the arts, lifestyle and culture sections and supplements. Prior to that, she served as Vogue Spain and Harper Bazaar Spains editor in chief. De la Torriente penned Puig, 100 Years of a Family Business, which was published in 2014 by Assouline.

Eugenia brings 24 years of experience in journalism, image creation, storytelling, strategy and communication, as well as high expertise managing teams and leading creative projects with a business focus on all kinds of platforms and channels, Puig said in a statement Thursday.

I am proud to become a member of a family project that has focused on creativity and responsibility for more than 100 years, de la Torriente stated. Puig is a story of passion and innovation and being part of this legacy is a very exciting professional challenge.

How Puigs corporate communications structure is specifically comprised now under de la Torriente could not immediately be learned. Puig had no comment.

Puig is a company with owned and licensed brands in the beauty and fashion industries. Its portfolio includes labels such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Carolina Herrera, Dries Van Noten, Byredo and LArtisan Parfumeur.

Click here to read the full article.
The Fall Art Tour is taking place Oct. 14-16 throughout the rolling hills of some of Wisconsins arts communities. It might offer up art-lovers the opportunity to see Baraboobians with paint brushes, Dodgevillians doing decoupage, a Mineral Point Pointillist, and a Spring Green sculptor.

Some of Wisconsins best-known artists are opening their studios from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, offering behind-the-scenes views into their spaces where the art is created and giving demonstrations on how that art is created.

During the three-day tour, in and around the art communities of Baraboo, Dodgeville, Mineral Point, and Spring Green, artists will be in their studios, demonstrating and selling their work. The artisans include painters, sculptors, potters, weavers, jewelers, woodworkers, mixed-media artists, and more. The once-a-year event gives visitors access to art spaces and artists not available otherwise. Its a rare glimpse into the areas creative community.

The arts play a vital role in each of these small communities, said Claire Johnston, who manages much of the tour and who, herself, is an artist. She is the owner, with Diana Johnston and Tom Johnston, of Johnston Gallery, located in Mineral Point. Watching people live out their dreams following their passions is inspiring for people of all ages.

With nearly 50 stops on the picturesque tour, the dreams realized are clearly evident. Artists on the tour include: Baraboos Anne Horjus, a Dutchman who does oil painting, mixed-media, and childrens book illustration; Dodgeville artist Carol Naughton, who creates tableware and functional pottery; Evan Lewis, located in Mineral Point, who creates kinetic sculptures powered by wind, and some by sound; and Spring Greens Dennis Phillips, who creates ready-to-wear and bespoke one-of-a-kind knits and limited hand-dyed silk.

Carol Naughton has been a participant in the tour for the last 15 years.

I have seen many of our artists develop their techniques, aesthetic, and depth of vision in their chosen fields, she said. Each year we also have new artists join the tour, which brings new ideas, areas of expertise, and experience.

It is not your typical art tour.

It differs from the traditional art fair in the sense that guests are able to go inside each of these studios and see, up close and personal, how these unique artists work their magic, Johnston said.

The magic grows, Johnston believes, in the unique settings in which the art is shown. Open during the tour will be breweries, school houses, old granaries, and chicken coops, to name a few.

Naughton said, I hope that this exchange of ideas and experiences inspires the visitors, as much as it inspires all of the artists on the tour.

Johnston concurred. I love seeing families and friends return year after year. There is such a deep well of creativity here and the Fall Art Tour really shines a light on it.

A swath of light will shine north of Baraboo all the way to the south of Mineral Point this coming weekend thanks to the arts.

Fall Art Tour October 14-16, 10 am - 6 pm Maps available at fallarttour.com.
A conservative activist is pushing officials to remove thousands of people from Wisconsins voter rolls, claiming that holes in the states database have allowed some people found by a court to be incompetent to vote remain on the voting rolls.

But the claim by Wisconsin Voter Alliance president Ron Heuer conflated people under a court-ordered guardianship, many of whom can vote, with the much smaller subset of those who have had their voting rights removed, a Wisconsin Watch review has found.

The initiative and others like it alleging other improprieties in election administration prompted the Wisconsin Elections Commission to issue guidance to election clerks earlier this month cautioning them against acting hastily on emails from third parties.

On Sept. 27, Heuer emailed the states more than 1,800 county and municipal clerks warning there are some 15,000 Wisconsin residents under a court-ordered guardianship but noting that fewer than 1,200 were listed in WECs voter roll file as incompetent.

Heuer concluded the true number of incompetent voters is underreported and thus the whole system is vulnerable to elder voting abuse.

But the information he cited was misleading.

To gauge how many people might be incompetent, Heuer requested guardianship numbers in each county between 2016 and 2021. Based on responses from about a third of the states district courts  and using a per-capita projection  he came up with the 15,000 estimate.

However, the numbers include everyone placed under a guardianship  even though not all of them have lost their right to vote. Also, some are dead and others may never have been registered to vote, so they dont appear in the public voter roll file.

WEC keeps incompetent voter data in a non-public file where local clerks can review it periodically to update registration information, WEC spokesperson Riley Vetterkind said.

It is possible you may find voters who, despite being adjudicated incompetent by a court, registered, continue to be registered, or voted in an election(s), Vetterkind said, although he declined to estimate how many. These cases are unfortunately a product of the limitations that state law currently places on the process for centrally compiling adjudicated incompetent records.

Vetterkind acknowledged the system for tracking incompetent voters could be improved, although he said it would require legislation to ensure they are tracked the same as other ineligible voters.

Due diligence

In its warning to clerks Oct. 3, WEC said it welcomes the input of third parties who wish to help maintain the accuracy of Wisconsins elections and active voter registrations. But it warned that private groups may represent partisan political viewpoints, provide incomplete evidence, make incorrect characterizations of the law, or rely on hearsay.

The letter noted, for example, that the appointment of a guardian or a finding of limited competency are not, by themselves, sufficient grounds to remove a persons right to vote.

Due to the confidentiality surrounding individual cases  a finding of incompetence would not show up on the states online court database, for example  third-party claims are unlikely to be accurate and should be validated through official sources, the letter said.

The letter also warned against taking at face value other claims such as that voters have moved, have listed a P.O. box as their address or are not indefinitely confined, since such statements often dont hold up on closer inspection.

Put simply, election officials should perform their due diligence before taking action to inactivate a voter record, the letter said. Inactivating a record based solely on the allegations of a private party is unwise and may violate the law.

Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell said he is reviewing the 1,013 ineligible voters in Dane County listed as incompetent in the WECs files after a sample of 20 included two who were still listed as active voters  one of whom voted after the court ruling. That person was adjudicated in November 2018 and voted in April 2019, but has not voted since, McDonell said.

Were going to review our data and make sure its accurate, McDonell told Wisconsin Watch.

Case spurs inquiry

Helping fuel the concern over ineligible voters is the case of Sandra Klitzke, a resident of the Brewster Village nursing home in Outagamie County, who voted in the November 2020 and April 2021 elections, even though a court had removed her right to vote in February 2020.

On March 31, the Thomas More Society filed a complaint with WEC on behalf of Klitzke and her daughter, Lisa Goodwin, who stated she could not explain why the WisVote voting records would have indicated that my mother voted in 2020 or 2021.

Normally the county register in probate mails notification of an ineligible voter to the WEC, according to Jennifer Moeller, president of the Wisconsin Register in Probate Association. The WEC then updates its information and notifies the local clerk, who is the only official authorized in Wisconsin to deactivate a voters registration.

Its unclear why Klitzkes name was not switched to ineligible in the WEC voter file, although it appears to have been an administrative error. Court records related to Klitzkes guardianship information are confidential under state law.

Town of Grand Chute Clerk Kayla Filen, who was not clerk at the time, confirmed her office did not deactivate Klitzkes registration until April 2022.

Klitzke had been registered as an indefinitely confined voter dating back to 2007 and had voted as recently as 2017 before the 2020 election, Filen said. Indefinitely confined voters automatically receive absentee ballots without having to request them, Filen said.

A Wisconsin Watch review of Klitzkes absentee ballot envelopes from 2020 and 2021 show them both signed in a shaky hand. In the 2020 election  when the WEC suspended the states special voting deputy program in nursing homes because of the pandemic  an employee at the county-owned facility had signed as a witness.

In 2021, two witnesses from the town of Grand Chute signed the envelope, reflecting the normal process of special voting deputies witnessing nursing home voting.

Heuer said many people have come forward with stories of loved ones with cognitive disabilities voting. His group has filed public records lawsuits in Brown, Crawford, Juneau, Kenosha, Lafayette, Langlade, Marquette, Ozaukee, Polk, Taylor, Vernon, Vilas and Walworth counties to obtain the names and addresses of everyone under guardianship.

Disability Rights Wisconsin opposes the release of the names of incompetent ineligible voters and lobbied WEC to shield them in the public voting file, said Barbara Beckert, Disability Rights Wisconsins external advocacy director.

During the pandemic, Beckert said her organization reminded nursing homes across the state that federal guidelines require them to affirmatively support the right of residents to vote.

Why arent we concerned about the vast majority of people who live in these facilities who have the right to vote and who might not be able to exercise it? Beckert asked.
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 26, 2022 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Group AG today announced that Andreas Tetzloff has been appointed President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada, effective October 1, 2022. Tetzloff succeeds Eva Wiese, who has been appointed Managing Director (CEO) of Mercedes-Benz Customer Solutions GmbH, effective October 1, 2022.

Andreas Tetzloff will begin his tenure as new President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada on October 1, 2022 (CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.)

"On behalf of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Mercedes-Benz Cars North America, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Eva for the great work she has done to deliver on our strategic objectives in Canada. Eva's collaborative approach has helped manage the business through an extremely volatile environment, including COVID-19, inventory shortages and supply chain complications. Eva has also established a strong and trusting relationship with our national dealer network, who will continue to be the driving force of change as we move to a fully electric and digital future," said Dimitris Psillakis, Head of Marketing and Sales, Mercedes-Benz Cars North America and CEO of MBUSA. "We are thrilled to welcome Andreas to Canada to build on the strong foundation in place. His vast retail and sales experience will serve Mercedes-Benz Canada's customers and dealer network well as we continue to focus on leading in electric, while pairing our highly desirable luxury products with a seamless customer journey."

In his new role as President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada, Tetzloff (50) will assume overall responsibility for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Benz vans. He will lead Mercedes-Benz Canada's 250 employees and a nationwide network of 59 authorized dealerships.

Tetzloff joined Mercedes-Benz AG in 1992. He held several positions in own retail, including Commercial Director responsible for HR and Finance in Frankfurt (among other positions), before then becoming sales director in Berlin in 2008. After serving as Managing Director of Porsche in Hamburg from 2011-2014, Tetzloff gained deep entrepreneurial experience as Managing Director of one of the largest dealer groups in Germany from 2015-2019, before returning to Mercedes-Benz Own Retail as Sales Director, Rhine-Main (the largest sales territory in Germany). In this role Tetzloff was also responsible for sales of new passenger cars own retail Germany and business development. Since March 2022, Tetzloff has been leading Mercedes-Benz Russia.

Story continues

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing, and service of Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG passenger vehicles and Mercedes-Benz Vans. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 250 people across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 59 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 36,240 vehicles in 2021. This positioned Mercedes-Benz as the top luxury manufacturer in Canada for the eighth consecutive year.

Further information from Mercedes-Benz Canada is available at media.mercedes-benz.ca

Mercedes-Benz logo (CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.)

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2022/26/c6361.html
It was October 11, 2021, the 10th International Day of the Girl Child. Peng Liyuan, special envoy for the Spring Bud Project to promote girls' education in China, announced the launch of an initiative to promote and implement the Spring Bud Project  Dream of Future Action. On January 7, 2022, the China Children and Teenagers' Fund (CCTF) launched Promoting Development of Liangshan Girls' Education project at Xining Middle School, in Xichang, a city in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, and it donated money and materials worth more than 48 million yuan (US $7.06 million) to help girls in Liangshan during the launch ceremony. As an important part of the Spring Bud Project  Dream of Future Action, the project will continue to support girls' education and all-round development in Liangshan.

Benefiting from Spring Bud Project

Liangshan, where Daliang Mountain is located, is home to the largest Yi communities in the country. It has 4.86 million residents, more than half of whom belong to the Yi ethnic group.

In the past, only a quarter of the school-aged girls in Liangshan were enrolled in primary school, and very few of those girls finished primary school. The dropout rate of ethnic girls was high.

In 1992, with the support of Margaret Chow Kit Bing, from Hong Kong, CCTF established Spring Bud Girls' Classes in Butuo County, in Liangshan, to help dropout girls of the Yi, Miao and other ethnic groups return to school.

Since it was launched by CCTF in 1989, the Spring Bud Project has raised more than 2.586 billion yuan (US $380.29 million) in donations, and it has used that money to help more than 3.96 million girls, including those in Liangshan, receive an education and realize their dreams.

The touching stories of Spring Bud girls who have changed their fates, and the fates of their hometowns, through education have been spreading throughout Liangshan.

Jidi Moshiliu

'I Want to Be a Teacher'

Jidi Moshiliu, one of the first graduates of Butuo County's Spring Bud Girls' Class, is a native of Youhao, a village in Diluo Town. She is now a teacher at Temuli Primary School, in Temuli Town, in the county.

She began attending primary school when she was 7. At that time, she was the only Yi girl among the nearly 50 students in her class. She dropped out of school when she was in the fourth grade.

One day, in September 1992, the village Party branch secretary visited Jidi's family, and told Jidi and her parents Jidi could return to school with the help of the Spring Bud Project. The family felt lucky, and excited, when they heard the news.

"I want to be a teacher," Jidi told herself during her first day in the girls' class. She cherished the opportunity to return to school, and she studied hard. After she finished middle school, she was admitted to a normal college.

Jidi became a teacher at Temuli Primary School in 2006, after she graduated from the college. She loves her job. She says she is happiest when she watches her students enjoy their time at school.

Jidi is the only woman teacher from her village. During the past three decades, she has witnessed great changes in her village. For example, the village has established a kindergarten, and the villagers' lives are continually improving.

She believes many of the changes in her village are the result of the implementation of the Spring Bud Project. She says she hopes all of the children on Daliang Mountain will receive a better education, and change their fates with knowledge.

Wang Fumei

Fighting Fate

Wang Fumei was born in 1977 in Yizi, an ethnic Miao village deep in Daliang Mountain. She began primary school when she was 9, but she dropped out of school three years later. Her family lived in difficult conditions, and she had to help her parents do the farm work.

One day, in August 1992, Wang heard about the Spring Bud Project. However, her parents didn't want Wang to return to school. The teachers and women's federation cadres persuaded her mother to visit the school, and the Spring Bud Girls' Class. Her mother finally agreed.

At that time, there were two girls' classes in Butuo, one in Temuli Primary School, and the other in Xixihe Central School (later called Buluo Township Central School). Wang eventually attended the latter class.

In 1996, Wang was admitted to Sichuan Radio and Television Secondary Vocational School, to study finance and accounting. After she graduated, she passed the county's civil service examination, and she worked in governmental departments in Jizhi Township, Xixihe Town, Buluo Township and Dala Township. Now, she is deputy head of Temuli Town.

When she worked in Dala, she was responsible for poverty-alleviation efforts in Boshi, an Yi ethnic village. In 2016, the village's per-capita income was less than 3,000 yuan (US $441). With the government's support and the concerted efforts of Wang and the villagers, the per-capita income increased to more than 4,300 yuan (US $632), within three years, through planting fruit trees, walnut trees and other crops.

Wang also organized Yi youth to learn employment skills, and she encouraged them to work outside of Daliang Mountain, to broaden their horizons.

Wang Fuxiu

Chasing the Dream

Wang Fuxiu is a cousin of Wang Fumei. She dropped out of school after she concluded her primary education. In 1992, she returned to school with the help of the Spring Bud Project.

In 1993, she and two other students were selected, as excellent Liangshan Spring Bud girls, to attend the summer camp in Beijing organized by CCTF. They participated in various activities, and they visited many sites in the city. Wang Fuxiu was more extroverted after she returned from the summer camp.

After she graduated from secondary vocational school, she passed the county's civil service examination. She applied to work in Sike, one of the most backward townships in the county. She always told the villagers about the importance of their children receiving an education. Two years later, she became president of the women's federation in Le'an Township.

In 2005, she began working in the finance office in Xixihe. In 2014, she was transferred to work in the organization department of the Butuo County Committee of the Communist Party of China.

In 2016, she was responsible for poverty alleviation in Yonggedeng Village. She encouraged the villagers to live a healthy lifestyle, and she arranged the construction of public restrooms and showers in the village. With her guidance, the villagers began planting water oats in 2019, and that helped them increase their incomes. She says she will lead women in starting their own businesses in the future.

Forging Ahead

On November 17, 2020, the last seven, national-level impoverished counties in Liangshan were removed from the poverty list. People of all ethnic groups in Liangshan, with people throughout the rest of China, achieved an all-round, well-off society, and they have continued forging ahead, toward the second centenary goal, which is to build a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful.

The Spring Bud Project, with a focus on poverty alleviation through education, and while promoting gender equality in education, has been operating in Liangshan for 30 years. The project has become an important force used by people of the Yi and other ethnic groups to shake off poverty and ignorance, and to start a new life of prosperity.

In January, after three months of preparations, CCTF's Promoting Development of Liangshan Girls' Education project was launched in Xichang. The project also promotes rural revitalization, and it helps consolidate the various achievements of poverty alleviation.

Zhu Xisheng, CCTF's then-Vice-President, says CCTF will give full play to its role as a public-welfare platform in achieving common prosperity, through the "third distribution system" (the creation of opportunities for high-income groups and enterprises to give back to society, including through voluntary gifts and charitable donations), and CCTF will embark on a new journey toward realizing the second centenary goal, together with people of all ethnic groups in Liangshan.

Photos Supplied by CCTF

(Women of China English Monthly September 2022 issue)
President Joe Biden has signed a classified policy tightening the rules for the CIA and the Pentagon to carry out deadly drone strikes and commando raids conducted outside of traditional war zones, US officials said and pictured, the US Army, at Camp Taji, Iraq, on February 27, 2011.
Hong Kong: Misleading commentary regrettable

The Immigration Department today expressed regret over a misleading commentary published by Ming Pao yesterday on the department's handling of the screening of trafficking in persons (TIP) cases.

The department stressed that it attaches great importance to the fight against TIP and has all along been conducting TIP initial screening with vulnerable people who are arrested or who put themselves forward to the authorities, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, by adopting the same standard and definition as stipulated in the Palermo Protocol.

If there is any TIP indicator revealed during the initial screening, its officers will conduct a full investigation and identification process to ascertain the presence of TIP elements.

Identified victims will be provided with appropriate protection and support.

In response to the commentary stating that TIP screening on detainees at Castle Peak Bay Immigration Centre has not been conducted, the department pointed out that the centre is actually a detention centre for those awaiting deportation/removal or claimants awaiting final determination of their torture claims.

The majority of detainees are people previously arrested for immigration offences and those pending deportation/removal to their country of origin. The department had earlier conducted TIP initial screening arrangements on them in accordance with the mechanisms.

It has all along strictly followed the established detention policies, and in accordance with the relevant legal requirements and legal principles established by the court.

According to the prevailing detention policies, while determining whether an individual should be detained, the department will consider all the facts and circumstances of a particular case. The mere presence of a particular factor does not automatically lead to detention or release. The factors listed in the detention policies are not meant to be exhaustive or in any order of priority or weight.

The department added that it will conduct regular and timely review of each detention case in accordance with the prevailing mechanisms.

This story has been published on: 2022-10-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
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On this week's "Center Stage" political podcast, Gov. Tony Evers outlines his accomplishments and answers questions about abortion, redistricting and why he thinks voters should reelected him Nov. 8: "The alternative really sucks," he says.

Click the blue play button to listen.

The Democratic governor met with the Wisconsin State Journal's editorial board this week, seeking its endorsement.

Phil Hands, our political cartoonist, quizzes Evers about school closings during the pandemic. Scott Milfred, our opinion editor, insists sheepshead is a better game than euchre -- and the governor agrees.

Our political podcasters discuss and play audio clips from the meeting. They also preview Sunday's forthcoming endorsement in the race for governor. Evers faces Republican challenger Tim Michels.

Find and follow Center Stage, with Milfred and Hands on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app. You also can listen to past episodes of "Center Stage" and see the podcast's webpage by clicking here.
The New York Times reports that President Biden told a group of billionaires at a fundraising event Thursday night: We have not faced the prospect of Armageddon since Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Biden continued: We are trying to figure out: What is Putins off ramp? Where does he find a way out? Where does he find himself where he does not only lose face but significant power? These are questions that Biden should ask himself.

Having instigated the US-NATO proxy war, provided Ukraine with unlimited weapons and money, pledged the reconquest of Crimea, and called for regime change in Russia, what is Bidens off ramp? How can he deescalate where he does not only lose face but significant power?

The Times, in a masterpiece of polite understatement, notes that Mr. Bidens references to Armageddon were highly unusual for any American president. Not merely unusual, absolutely unique. Moreover, he did not explain what he was doing to avoid a catastrophe.

Even more extraordinary, Biden issued this warning not from the Oval Office, in a public address to a nationwide and international audience, but to a select group of billionaires. In effect, he gave his super-rich backers advance warning to prepare their bunkers.

Biden warned that he is not exaggerating the danger. Putin is a guy I know fairly well. Hes not joking when he talks about potential use of tactical nuclear weapons or biological or chemical weapons because his military is you might say significantly underperforming.

The Times reported that Mr. Biden said he did not think it would be possible for Russia to use a tactical weapon and not end up with Armageddon. Coming from the US president, this means, in effect:

The United States will respond to Russias use of a tactical nuclear weapon with a full-scale thermonuclear strike against Russia; or Biden, claiming that Russias use of tactical weapons is imminent, will order a preemptive nuclear strike against Russia.

Both options, and especially the second, follow logically from Bidens remarks, which were made only hours after Ukrainian President Zelensky, in a statement reported prominently in the international press, called for preventive actions, preventive strikes against Russia.

Bidens statement Thursday is so reckless that there may be an inclination to deny its very real and horrific implications. There can be no greater mistake. In every sphere, the ruling elites exhibit not only recklessness, but a staggering indifference to human life.

A ruling class that responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with policies that deliberately accepted the deaths of more than one million Americans, and millions more worldwide, is prepared to take military actions that lead to the deaths of countless millions.

Even more fundamentally, the ruling elitesunder the pressure of the insoluble economic and social crisis of capitalismare not able to control the outcome of events instigated by their own policies and actions.

As Leon Trotsky wrote in 1938, on the eve of World War II, the ruling class now toboggans with closed eyes toward an economic and military catastrophe. World politics is now in the hands of maniacs, desperate to salvage their profits and wealth at the expense of humanity.

If mankind is to survive, the working class must disarm the ruling class, deprive it of political power, put an end to the capitalist system and reorganize society on the basis of socialism. There is no other way out of this historic crisis.

If there is to be a future, it must be fought for. Join the Socialist Equality Party!
Around 7,000 people formed a human chain around the Houses of Parliament in the UK Saturday, protesting the British governments persecution of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

Part of the human chain for Assange outside Parliament, Saturday, October 8, 2022 [Photo: WSWS]

The chain ran continuously from Parliament Square along the Palace of Westminster, across Lambeth Bridge, along South Bank to Westminster bridge, then back over the Thames river to Parliament Squareroughly two miles. The event was organised by the Dont Extradite Assange campaign.

7,000 form human chain in London to protest treatment of Julian Assange, October 8, 2022

Assange is currently held in Belmarsh maximum security prison in London. The United States government is seeking his extradition under the Espionage Act for exposing the war crimes and human rights abuses of US imperialism and its allies. It has plotted his assassination and levelled charges which carry a life sentence in solitary confinement. The WikiLeaks founder is seeking to overturn orders by the British judiciary and the home secretary approving his extradition. His legal team filed an appeal with the High Court in August.

Stella Assange, the WikiLeaks publishers wife, told protestors on Saturday, Julian is suffering and part of the point of making this human chain was to show that what is happening here is not a legal process, its not a legitimate process. It is the instrumentalisation of the law in order to persecute a person, a journalist, in order to keep him in prison indefinitely.

Julian Assange's wife, Stella Assange, addresses protestors outside the High Court in London, October 27, 2021. [AP Photo/Frank Augstein]

People around the world are witnessing this atrocity and that is what compels them to come here to show their solidarity, to show that they care about Julian. That they believe in justice, that they see what is happening here is a state that has committed crimes against innocent, that is now committing crimes against a journalist who exposed those crimes they committed.

Lets not forget that the US planned to assassinate Julian in the UK, while he was in the embassy and now theyve put him in the harshest prison in the UK for almost four years.

WikiLeaks editor Kristinn Hrafnsson said proceedings against Assange were not a legal case, because of the way the legal system has bent itself to the demands and requests of the government its appalling.

He continued, Julian is a political prisoner. He's being politically persecuted. The chain around Parliament is sending a message to those inside. They are there to serve the people on the outside. And those are Julians supporters. Thousands of them here today, and millions around the world who know that this is a travesty.

Labour MP and former shadow chancellor John McDonnell had the brass neck to announce, As we go into the 18 months up to a general election, this will become a general election issue. Every MP will be asked: do you stand up for journalism, do you stand up for the rights of journalist to report freely, do you stand up for his basic human rights, do you stand up for justice?

McDonnell was attending with his close ally Jeremy Corbyn, who deliberately kept silent on Assange throughout the 2017 and 2019 general elections when he was Labour leader, despite being confronted over the issue. Corbyn was asked, do you stand up for journalism? and refused. So did McDonnell. They conspired to prevent Assanges case becoming a general election issue. Only now that they have been reduced to impotenceMcDonnell on Labours backbenches, Corbyn expelled from the parliamentary Labour Party, do they raise the call for a campaign.

Reporters from the World Socialist Web Site spoke with some of the protestors.

Nigel, who works in construction, explained Assanges work was important because Government are lying to people, trying to trample on the world. How many peoples deaths are enough for the moneythats what it boils down to. And freedom of speech. Locking people up for telling the truth is criminal in itself.

Nigel protesting for Assange outside Parliament, Saturday, October 8, 2022 [Photo: WSWS]

Its not just about one man. This is about the world. The world should be looking after each other, and not trampling on each other all the time. Governments shouldnt be looking out for big business and industries: they should be looking out for the people  that is their job, and they are failing massively in that.

Nigel said he thought the cost-of living crisis was helping energise the Assange campaign: People are starting to question why theyre struggling so much. Its a massive problem and its going to get worse.

Asked about the international situation and the danger of war, he said, They go into whatever country they feel like, destroy it with a war or proxy war and rebuild it to suit them. They can then take every commodity from that country. In the rebuilding, they give the contracts to themselves. The arms industry make the first bit of the money, other industries afterwards, Then all the resources of those countries go back to the United States, or to Britain, were not squeaky clean in this.

This is whats happening with Ukraine. America has been in there for a long time winding the Ukrainians up to do their dirty work. And the main people who are going to lose on that are the Ukrainians. And the rest of Europe, because America has its sights on Europe. It wants Europe because its a good market, particularly gas and energy after the Nord Stream pipeline has been blown up.

Nigel said the Americans were responsible for the sabotage: The Russians arent going to blow up their own pipeline are they when they can switch it off. The mainstream media dont talk about any of this. Youve got to look deeper.

A number of those protesting travelled to London from other countries to do so. Mantas, who traveled from Lithuania that day to support Assange as part of the chain, told our reporters, Assange told the truth about war crimes, and he fought for human rights and freedom of the press.

Mantas protesting for Assange outside Parliament, Saturday, October 8, 2022 [Photo: WSWS]

The US and UK governments want to make a clear and obvious example of Assange so that no-one attempts what he did. The powers that be are trying to impose their own world view, control how people think, to seduce them into thinking nothing can be done or that the world is as its supposed to be, when we are actually entering into wholesale madness in the world.

He said of the war in Ukraine that the weapons manufacturers and businesses want to promote a new war, and they dont care about the consequences for the Ukrainian people or the Russian people. I dont agree with Putins actions, but I think there was another option, but Zelensky was encouraged to take a hard line and oppose any deals from the Russian Federation.

Mantas said of an anti-war movement, The seeds are growing. There is hope.

Another young worker described how Assange had exposed what our governments are doing in our name. We need to be aware of whats really going on and he helped to uncover that. No one responsible for the crimes he exposed has been prosecuted, but he has. Theyre basically shooting the messenger. And people need to know that.

A young worker protesting for Assange outside Parliament, Saturday, October 8, 2022 [Photo: WSWS]

Listing the crimes exposed by WikiLeaks he said, Where do you start? You can look at the video of an Apache helicopter shooting civilians. The Afghan and Iraq war logs and so on. People should look into it. Theres too much to go into herethat many crimes have been uncovered. People should look into what WikiLeaks has done what its expose and be objective about the matter.

Assanges case shows that if anyone finds out something like this and tries to tell the public then they can be prosecuted for it. So obviously that can threaten everyone.

Speaking about the war in Ukraine, he said, he was concerned just as much about Palestine. I dont just think the big bad scary Russians are a problem. Its any world power thats causing problems in the world. Britain, he added, was not a force for good in the world.

Jenny, a retired teacher, said Assanges case was clearly unjust, clearly impinges on our rights to hear what has happened. She continued, From the establishments point of view, [its important to] keep all this nasty information tucked away, and thats what made him a particular target.

Retired teacher Jenny protesting for Assange outside Parliament, Saturday, October 8, 2022 [Photo: WSWS]

Jenny drew a comparison between the slandering of Assange and the anti-democratic campaign against left-wing members in the Labour Party: The really heavy guns were brought out, and then there was all of this rubbish about him [Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn] being a spy.

And then they found traction with the anti-Semitism campaign, which was so ridiculous that you wouldnt believe it was being tried, but it worked. It was a very emotive issue. In that particular issue, I think it was particularly vile. By using anti-Semitism as a weapon, it was being anti-Semitic. The number of Jewish people who have suffered, who were accused and were kicked out the labour party it was a particularly vile aspect.

Discussing the fight for socialism and an anti-war movement, Jenny said, I think that its going to be a long struggle, but we have to take every opportunity. If a revolution erupted tomorrow, Id get behind it.
Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson challenged Democratic Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes over his public safety stance Friday, while Barnes went after the Oshkosh Republican on abortion and Social Security.

Barnes defended his position to end cash bail and instead base defendants potential release on their risk to others, saying people should not be able to buy their way out of prison.

Sen. Johnson may not have encountered a problem that he cant buy his way out of, but thats not the reality for the majority of people in this state, he said at the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association debate.

We have a huge problem, skyrocketing crime, Johnson said in response, then called out Barnes for supporting reduction of the prison population.

To address violence, Barnes said Congress should fully fund schools. He also said there should be well-paying jobs in communities.

Johnson said the priority for addressing violence should be fully funding police. He then targeted Barnes, saying he supported defunding police. Barnes has consistently denied the charge. But the lieutenant governor has signaled support in the past for reducing police funding, CNN reported Friday.

Johnson came out against universal background checks to buy guns, saying additional gun control laws wouldnt work.

If gun control were the solution, it wouldve already been solved, he said.

But to the extent that laws already exist to mitigate gun violence, he said they should be enforced. He called for renewed faith and strengthened families to reduce gun violence.

Barnes said he supports background checks to mitigate gun violence.

2020 in focus

Johnson said former Vice President Mike Pence did the right thing by rejecting former President Donald Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. He also called the revelation that people close to Trump tried to get the senator to deliver phony electoral college ballots to Pence a non-issue.

Johnson repeatedly used the mention of the Jan. 6 riots to pivot to civil unrest in the summer of 2020.

If you want to talk about rioting, look at what took place in Kenosha, Johnson said.

Barnes defended Gov. Tony Evers handling of the Kenosha riots, which Republicans have said was inadequate and worsened the unrest. He said Pence did the right thing on Jan. 6.

Barnes went after Johnson for calling to move Social Security and Medicare from mandatory to discretionary spending programs. Such a shift would require congressional budgetary authorization every year  something Democrats say could lead to eliminating those programs. Johnson denies wanting to dismantle them and has said he wants to preserve them.

As to keeping those programs solvent, Barnes suggested raising taxes for the wealthy, adding that Social Security and Medicare should be kept as mandatory spending programs.

The greatest threat to Social Security and Medicare is completely out of control deficit spending and our growing debt, Johnson said in return, adding that he wants to preserve welfare programs by focusing on fiscal policy.

Court decisions

As to federal abortion policy, Barnes said he would vote to codify Roe v. Wade.

(Johnson) said that if women dont like the laws of their state, like the 1849 criminal abortion ban we have here, he said they can move, Barnes said. I cant think of a more callous, out of touch or extreme position to take.

Johnson pushed back, saying Barnes didnt support any limit on abortion access. The Oshkosh Republican called again for a referendum through which voters can decide what the limits of abortion should be. He did not say how he would vote on the measure.

This has been a divisive issue for 50 years because nine justices made a decision for all of us and it didnt solve the problem, he said.

Johnson dismissed the possibility that the U.S. Supreme Court would overturn its 2015 decision upholding the right to same-sex marriage.

This is another scare tactic by the left, Johnson said, adding that the country had more pressing problems.

Barnes noted that many people didnt think the landmark abortion case Roe v. Wade would be overturned, adding that same-sex marriage was a civil right he would back if elected to the Senate.

Climate change

On climate change, Barnes focused on flooding and its impact on family farms. He called Johnson out for having dismissed climate change in the past.

Johnson said he doesnt deny climate change but questioned whether anything could be done about it. He said electric vehicles in Florida are exploding because of Hurricane Ian.

You cant spend hundreds of millions of dollars on a problem that is not solvable, Johnson said.

There is another U.S. Senate debate Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. Madison residents can watch that debate on WMTV (Ch. 15).
On Wednesday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) quietly updated its national COVID-19 data surveillance protocols to switch from daily to weekly reporting of COVID-19 infections and deaths starting on October 20. Coming just before what is widely expected to be another devastating surge of the pandemic across the US this fall and winter, and three weeks before the US midterm elections on November 8, the move marks a major escalation of the Biden administrations homicidal forever COVID policy and is tailored to match Bidens lie that the pandemic is over.

CDCs Roybal campus in Atlanta, GA (James Gathany/Public Domain)

There is no scientific basis whatsoever to the CDCs change in policy, which undoubtedly had the direct approval of Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. On a FAQ page where the announcement was made, the agency claims that the switch will allow for additional reporting flexibility, reduce the reporting burden on states and jurisdictions, and maximize surveillance resources. In reality, there is no reporting burden on states and surveillance resources are now all but nonexistent.

Since the emergence of the Omicron variant nearly one year ago, the vast majority of US states have systematically dismantled their COVID-19 data reporting and surveillance systems. According to the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center, a staggering 32 states have already switched to weekly reporting of COVID-19 cases, while 29 states only report deaths weekly. North Dakota, Nebraska, and the District of Columbia have stopped reporting deaths from COVID-19 entirely. As a result of the CDCs new policy, in the coming weeks every state will likely switch to weekly reporting.

The CDC, the White House and state governments run by both the Democrats and Republicans have curtailed testing and contact tracing, and scrapped quarantine and isolation guidelines. Due to the closure of government-funded testing sites and the switch to unreported at-home testing, the official seven-day average of daily new cases is down to 41,248. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) estimates that the true number of infections now stands at roughly 530,000 per day, over 12 times higher than the official figure. In August, the CDC officially recommended against quarantining exposed individuals, as well as contact tracing and surveillance testing in most settings.

The CDCs latest COVID cover-up takes place as an average of over 400 Americans are officially dying of COVID-19 every day, or roughly the equivalent of the death toll from the September 11 terrorist attacks each week. The curtailment of data reporting is central to the broader normalization of the pandemic, a global process which has been imposed in nearly every country except China over the past year.

As accomplices in this vast social crime, the corporate media has dutifully remained silent and thereby facilitated the deepening COVID cover-up. The latest CDC policy change has not been reported on by the New York Times, Washington Post, Politico and other leading print outlets which collectively have thousands of staff writers, while the broadcast media has entirely ignored the issue.

Also this week, the CDC quietly removed COVID-19 travel notices for foreign countries from its website, and on Friday eliminated an automated self-checker chatbot designed to assist COVID-19 patients in finding testing centers and medical care. Both of these developments have also gone almost entirely unreported.

Throughout the past year, the World Socialist Web Site has been the only outlet to raise the alarm and continuously expose the efforts of the Biden administration and other world governments to scrap all mitigation measures, manipulate data and cover-up the pandemic.

In January, the WSWS broke the news that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was ending its collection of reports on daily deaths and other critical data from US hospitals. In March, only the WSWS seriously reported on the CDCs sudden elimination of over 72,000 COVID-19 deaths from its Data Tracker system. At every turn, the WSWS has given voice to the opposition to the ending of each new mitigation measure.

As news broke Thursday that the CDC is switching to weekly reporting, numerous scientists, doctors and anti-COVID activists denounced this latest unscientific policy. In one widely-shared tweet, Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a cardiologist and professor of medicine and surgery at the George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, wrote, With the onset of colder weather & an anticipated rise in cases its hard to ignore the obvious political explanation for this change. Theres no scientific reason.

The latest stage in the deepening COVID cover-up takes place as evidence continues to mount proving the horrific consequences of these policies. On Wednesday, the same day the CDC announced its switch to weekly COVID-19 reporting, the US Census Bureau released the latest figures from its Household Pulse Survey on Long COVID.

The survey found that 15 million adults in the US currently have Long COVID, of whom 81.4 percent are experiencing some level of difficulty in carrying out their daily activities. In total, roughly 3.8 million US adults report Long COVID symptoms that reduce their ability to carry out day-to-day activities a lot, while another 8.5 million report Long COVID symptoms that reduce their ability a little.

These figures correspond closely with a recent Brookings Institution report, which found that up to 4 million American adults have left the workforce due to being disabled by Long COVID.

Numerous scientific studies underscore that the forever COVID policy of perpetual waves of infection will result in the ongoing mass disabling of a significant share of the population, further lowering life expectancy and straining the health care system to the breaking point.

Among the most comprehensive studies on Long COVID is that being led by Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, the chief of research and education service at Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System. His teams most recent peer-reviewed study, published in late September, found that COVID-19 increases ones risk of a neurological disorder by 42 percent, and that seven out of every 100 people with COVID-19 develop some form of neurological disorder, including strokes, Alzheimers disease, seizures, Parkinsons-like symptoms, anxiety and depression and others. Other studies have found that COVID-19 causes elevated risk of numerous cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, kidney disease and more.

In a preprint study published on June 17, which is currently undergoing peer review, Dr. Al-Aly and his team found that people with two or more COVID-19 infections were twice as likely to die of any cause and three times as likely to be hospitalized in the six months after being reinfected, compared with people who had been infected once. In addition, people with reinfections had far higher rates of heart disease, kidney disorders and other ailments than those with just one infection. These results held for both people who were unvaccinated and for those who had received at least one dose of vaccine before their reinfection.

The results of this study and the immense body of research into Long COVID make clear that for the working class and society as a whole, there is no such thing as living with the virus and in no way is the pandemic over. In order to prevent perpetual mass death and the progressive disabling of ever-larger sections of the population, the only viable strategy is that of global elimination, in which all human-to-human transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is brought to an end. This requires the global deployment of every public health measure to stop viral transmission, including mass testing, rigorous contact tracing, temporary paid lockdowns, the safe isolation of infected patients and more.

The maintenance of this Zero-COVID elimination strategy in China, the most populous country on Earth with over 1.4 billion people, proves that this strategy is viable and must be expanded to every other country. The international working class, in unity with principled scientists and progressive layers of the middle class, must fight for this strategy to be implemented throughout the world.

The sociopathic pandemic policies demanded by the capitalist elites and implemented by the corrupt layer of petty bourgeois bureaucrats who head the CDC and other public health agencies are incompatible with the social needs of the vast majority of the worlds population, and must be consciously rejected.
Members of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) in Sri Lanka are vigorously campaigning for a forthcoming online meeting, titled Build an international working-class movement to stop nuclear war danger. A broad range of workers, young people and intellectuals have said they will participate in the event on Sunday, October 16 at 4 p.m.

[Photo: WSWS]

The US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine poses the real danger of becoming a nuclear conflict. The Biden administration has threatened to retaliate in kind following Russian President Vladimir Putins recent warning that he is prepared to use nuclear weapons.

Many of the workers who spoke to SEP and IYSSE members were unaware of the recklessness of US imperialism and its allies and their preparations for nuclear war. Sri Lankas mainstream media writes about the war in Ukraine but rarely reports on the nuclear war threats, and always minimises its consequences. The pseudo-left and the trade unions maintain a deathly silence.

The SEP meeting is a part of the struggle being waged by the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), the world Trotskyist movement, for the development of a unified anti-war movement of the international working class based on a socialist perspective to abolish capitalism, the root cause of war.

Suranga, from the Ratmalana railway workshop on the outskirts of Colombo, said: I only realised the gravity of the developing nuclear war threat through this discussion [with SEP campaigners].

Suranga [Photo: WSWS]

The crisis created by the coronavirus has been further intensified by the war. It has seen the prices of oil, gas and food explode, and growing scarcities of essentials. When the Sri Lankan governments carried out their communal war [against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam] the cost was put onto the working population. Now I see this happening on a global scale.

The current government is intensifying its witch hunt against workers and youth who fought against the burden of the crisis being imposed on them. In the last months, the police have arrested thousands of activists involved in the mass uprising in Sri Lanka. Working people cannot even afford three meals a day. In our workshop there are hardly any raw materials or proper tools to do our work.

We need to talk about these issues widely. At present only the SEP and the WSWS raise these vital issues with workers. I agree that the working class is the only force that can stop the war. Making workers aware and building an anti-war movement is vital.

A.M.K Amarakoon [Photo: WSWS]

A.M.K. Amarakoon, who works at Peradeniya railway station, about seven kilometres southwest of Kandy, said:

The war in Ukraine affects every aspect of the lives of people in the worldfrom children to the elderly. But I also believe that this war can be stopped by uniting the working people of the world against it. We cannot live like we previously did because our salaries are not enough to buy food and our childrens education has been affected. All these problems are the result of capitalism.

A nurse from the National Hospital in Kandy explained the desperate conditions at the facility, the second largest medical institution in Sri Lanka.

Vital medicines and equipment are scarce at the hospital, and we are even forced to clean and reuse disposable oxygen tubes, she said. The nurse then outlined a long list of important drugs not available at the hospital or at pharmacies.



This is the situation we face but look at what global leaders around the world are spending on war. How much will Biden spend on this war under the pretext of saving Ukraine? And look at British Prime Minister Liz Truss who is also pledging and spending a lot on war, she said. People are suffering in an untold manner. We must oppose this war because if they resort to nuclear weapons then we all will vanish.

Surekha Dharmasena, a writer, said: It is clear that just as the events in Austria had a decisive effect on the First World War, the US-led war in Ukraine against Russia threatens to ignite a third world war. Because Putin has threatened to use nuclear weapons the US is now also suggesting that it would not hesitate to destroy Russia for the sake of Ukraines security.

Surekha Dharmasena [Photo: WSWS]

The US has given more than $US51 billion in weapons to Ukraine and is supplying arms continuously. Washington has also promised billions to Taiwan, inflaming tensions with China. Through their anti-China agenda, US presidents have developed a friendship with India.

Biden, being a brutal imperialist leader, has the ability to embroil the whole world in war by manipulating the right-wing President Zelensky, who stands up for the Ukraine ruling elites reactionary interests. I also oppose Putins reactionary nationalism, she said.

Dharmasena emphasised the dangers of a nuclear confrontation that would create an uninhabitable planet. This is therefore a moment when no one can remain silent, she said, noting that Sri Lanka and the entire region was being drawn into Washingtons war preparations against China.

The building of a world anti-war movement under the leadership of the international working class, she continued, was an urgent task. It was only being fought for by World Socialist Web Site and the International Committee of the Fourth International. None of the other organisations reveal this looming danger. I will definitely attend the meeting and am working to make others participate, she said.

Saji, a student at Northwestern Universitys Faculty of Technology, strongly denounced the intervention of US imperialism in Ukraine and its provision of arms, money and military aid.

America has invaded and attacked many countries, like Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, on false pretexts. Iraq was said to have weapons of mass destruction, but nothing was found. Gold was looted from Afghanistan and Syria was destroyed. Now a war is being carried out against Russia, a conflict that will be more destructive than the Iraq war, he said.

Referring to the impact of the war on global food prices, Saji said: Importing wheat flour to Sri Lanka has become a problem, just like everywhere else in the world, including India. The war has also created shortages of petroleum and gas and Sri Lankas tea exports have gone down. We should really oppose this war.

A 21-year-old youth unable to get into university said he was planning to learn Japanese and travel abroad for work. He supported the forthcoming SEP and IYSSE meeting. An international movement of the working class can be built against the war. People in every country are now confronting the same harsh conditions we face with food prices rising all over the world. If the war goes ahead and nuclear weapons are used, an unimaginable situation will develop.

A non-academic worker from the University of Moratuwa said:Many of us do not know much about the Ukraine war because the media and the political parties in this country dont tell us the truth about it. The media does not even show the connections between the US and the Ukraine war, and theres been no conversation on the reasons for this war.



When the local media writes about the war they project Putin as a red devil and insist that all the people are suffering because of him. I only learnt that the Ukraine war was the result of a trap set against Russia by the US because of your explanations.

Sarath Wijesinghe, a teacher from Peradeniya, said: Weve seen the devastation caused by COVID over the past few years, what a disastrous impact it has brought to the world.

Sarath Wijesinghe [Photo: WSWS]

The war in Ukraine is ongoing but weve only been able to correctly understand it through the SEP, which has explained that its a war designed by the US for the looting of the resources in Russia. It has also affected the economic and social lives of all the countries of the world, he added.

Wijesinghe agreed that the war could only be stopped through the conscious intervention of the international working class and said he would attend the SEP-IYSSE online meeting on October 16.



To register for the meeting click here.
Guardian journalist Jonathan Freedlands first theatre work, Jews. In Their Own Words, is not a play. It is a propaganda performance to support anti-Semitism slanders against the socialist left.

The Royal Court Theatre in London, a venue with a history of groundbreaking theatre, has shamefully lent its artistic imprimatur to this campaign.

Jonathan Freedland speaking an an event of the Chatham House think tank in 2013 [Photo by Chatham House / CC BY 4.0

Even its supporters acknowledge that Freedlands piece does not work as drama. That was not its purpose. Ostensibly an investigation of anti-Semitism, the piece is performed by seven actors from texts of a dozen interviews conducted by Freedland. The title gives an impression of some overview of Jewish opinion. Who is he kidding?

The dramatis personae is a roll call of conspirators in the right-wing campaign against Jeremy Corbyn and any left movement within and outside the Labour Party. Once Corbyn became party leader in 2015, the Blairite right moved urgently to destabilise his leadership. They wanted to prevent any possibility of a Corbyn-led governmentfearing this would embolden millions of workers and youth opposed to austerity and warand to justify a broader clampdown on the left, socialists especially.

Central to this couporchestrated with sections of the Conservatives, the media, military and intelligence establishments and agencies of the Israeli governmentwere denunciations levelled against Corbyn and all left-wing opposition to Israels brutal suppression of the Palestinians conflating anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism.

This was focused on demands that Labour accept and act on the International Holocaust Remembrance Associations revised definition of anti-Semitism, which explicitly branded political criticism of the activity of the Israeli state, above all its policies towards the Palestinians, as anti-Semitic.

Two publications were key. The Jewish Chronicle provides the most naked support for Israel but has been regularly criticised by press regulators for its editorial inaccuracy and distortions.

The Guardian acted as the campaigns more sober house organ, with Freedland its linchpin. Ahead of the 2019 election, Freedland expressed his dread of Corbyn in Downing Street. He discussed Corbyn in terms reminiscent of the rise of fascism, saying that Britains Jews  for the first time in their history, have concluded that someone hostile to them is on the brink of taking democratic power.

Freedland spoke for a layer of exposed ex-liberals more worried by movement to the left than by the growth of the right. On stage we see a chart of rising anti-Semitic attacks, for example, but solely in the context of criticism of Corbyn. Jewish people facing attacks from the far right are politically disarmed. The growth of far-right racist violence receives nothing like the attention afforded to alleged left anti-Semitism. One speaker even says, We accept it [anti-Semitism] when it comes from the far right, but not from your own party.

The World Socialist Web Site is a trenchant political opponent of Corbyn, but accusations that he is a racist are risible. In 2016, even Freedland acknowledged thatNo one accuses [Corbyn] of being an anti-Semite. Yet three years later, alarmed at a possible Corbyn government, he joined the campaign branding Corbyn a facilitator of anti-Jewish hate.

Actor Tracy-Ann Oberman had previously suggested to Royal Court artistic director Vicky Featherstone a play about anti-Semitism on the left. Oberman, a virulent anti-Corbynite, recently had to pay substantial damages and apologise to an academic for falsely accusing him of anti-Semitism. On stage this elicits a handwringing: I made a mistake.

Such accusations were not confined to Labour, but also used to threaten cultural organisations into toeing the linethe Royal Court included. The theatre came under renewed pressure for hosting works like Caryl Churchills response to the 2009 bombardment of Gaza, Seven Jewish Children, and for last years Rare Earth Mettle by Al Smith.

Smiths play featured a predatory billionaire capitalist character, resembling Elon Musk, who wants simultaneously to solve the climate crisis and increase his profits by building electric cars. The character was named Hershel Fink.

There was an immediate outcry at this stupid use of a Jewish name for a malevolent billionaire (the character was not Jewish). Soon afterwards Featherstone contacted Freedland to act on Obermans earlier suggestion. The result is this long-planned smear piece against left anti-Semitism.

Freedlands piece is a cavalcade of anti-Corbyn plotters. It features MPs Margaret Hodge and Luciana Berger, both prominent in the Jewish Labour Movement (JLM). JLM, a pro-Israel Labour affiliate that was refounded and reorganised to oppose Corbyn, is affiliated to the Board of Deputies (BoD) of British Jews and the Zionist Federation of Great Britain and Ireland.

Margaret Hodge MP speaking on "Accountability in today's public services" at the Policy Exchange think tank [Photo by Policy Exchange / CC BY 4.0

This is less Jews. In Their Own Words than JLM. In Its Own Words.

Hodge led repeated provocations against Corbyn. She triggered the failed 2016 right-wing putsch against him with a motion of no confidence, later screaming in his face Youre a fucking anti-Semite and a racist!

She compared conditions inside the Labour Party to what it felt like to be a Jew in Germany in the 30s. Her emigre father had said, Youve got to keep a packed suitcase at the door Margaret, in case you ever have got to leave in a hurry.

Luciana Berger was also prominently involved in attempts by the Parliamentary Labour Party to remove Corbyn, leading to a no-confidence motion being levelled against her by her own constituency party.

Jo Swinson (front), the then Liberal Democrats leader and Luciana Berger leaving Westminster in London, after press interviews announcing that Berger would leave the Labour Party to join the Liberal Democrats. September 5, 2019. [Photo by Steve Nimmons / CC BY 4.0

Four far-right figures have been convicted of racially abusing Berger, including neo-Nazi National Action supporters. But the focus of her criticisms was always Corbyn and his supporters. She outrageously implied that her constituency partys anger was motivated by the same right-wing hatred. Berger later joined the Liberal Democrats.

Hannah Rose, a former president of the Union of Jewish Students, is another speaker here. She also left Labour rather than risk a Corbyn victory. Her sister Ella, a former JLM director who worked at the Israeli embassy, collaborated with Shai Masot, an embassy spy trying to discredit pro-Palestinian politicians and destabilise government figures seen as hostile to Israel.

The script defers throughout to Dave Rich of the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity which provides advice on identifying anti-Semitism. CST has close links to pro-Israel groups associated with leading anti-Corbynites.

Alex Waldmann as Dave Rich in Jews. In Their Own Words.

Rich is the author of The Lefts Jewish Problem: Jeremy Corbyn, Israel and Anti-Semitism (2016), taken from his CST-funded doctoral thesis.

The coups line is reinforced by fellow thinkers like Oberman and novelist Howard Jacobson, who campaigned against Corbyn from outside Labour, having voted Liberal Democrat to oppose Brexit.

In 2017, Jewish News reported groans when Jacobson told a meeting there was reason to believe there would be a Labour government by the end of that year. He was speaking alongside Joan Ryan, of Labour Friends of Israel, and right-wing Labour MPs integrally involved in anti-Corbyn plotting, like John Mann, to ensure that did not happen.

Freedland also presents the Financial Times journalist Stephen Bush, a supporter of Blairite Andy Burnhams 2010 campaign for Labour leadership and chair of the BoDs racial inclusivity commission. Echoing Hodges slanders, Bush speaks of a 19th-century equivalence drawn between money, capitalism and Jews, in order to attack socialist analysis at the time when Marx was writing.

Freedland only moves outside those plotting against Corbyn and the left to legitimise their smears and slanders further. We have Edwin Shuker, a member of the BoD, which states authoritatively and misleadingly on its website that We are the voice of the UK Jewish community.

We have a pseudonymised Talmudist, who sums up the argument: Zion is Jerusalem, it is home, therefore We have no other story. On this basis, We are all Zionists, and false accusations of anti-Semitism once again have free rein.

As Abram Leon, author of the Marxist study The Jewish question, noted, like all nationalisms and even more intenselyZionism views the historic past in the light of the present  [It] tries to create the myth of an eternal Judaism, eternally the prey of the same persecutions.

None of those championing Freedlands piece has any illusions about its qualities, which are not the point. What matters is its political intent, with enthusiastic descriptions like leftie mea culpa (Daily Telegraph) and an act of penance (Times).

This is underscored by the renewed attacks on Churchill. Jacobson, who led the charge in 2009, repeats his abuse here, calling her play mediaeval.

The political slander is directed at Churchills criticism of Israeli policy and her attempt to trace the ideological route from the horrors of the Holocaust to the repression of the Palestinians. Her title is attacked for referring to Jewish children, not Israeli or Zionist. This is how the slander works.

Reviewing Freedlands play in the Jewish Chronicle, John Nathan described Churchills humanitarian response to the atrocious death of Palestinians in Gaza as itself inhumane. He called this humanitarian response a 10-minute crime against humanity.

To get to that debased point requires a systematic campaign against any left movement of workers and youth. Freedland and the Court have given that campaign what Nathan describes as undoubtedly  a moment in the battle against Left-wing antisemitism.
On Monday, October 3, Jose Daniel Tejas Munos, a 30-year-old worker at the General Motors Silao Complex in central Mexico, suffered a horrible accident in the paint department, where the unit conveyor amputated his leg.

Based on reports from workers, local media reported that, as the medical team was working to stop the bleeding and as Daniel was undergoing excruciating pain, management showed up to look for ways to cover up the incident.

However, the news and pictures leaked by workers soon went viral and touched a nerve. This could happen to any of us, it will change his life and that of his family forever, he will simply get replaced by the company are common among the thousands of comments by workers online.

Deeply stirred, active and former workers of the Silao plant reached out to the World Socialist Web Site to register their anger, describe safety concerns, and condemn the new and so-called independent union (SINTTIA) for its bankrupt response.

Daniel had already lost a hand in the same job and, while he was reportedly standing in an area marked as entrapment zone, co-workers stressed that this is not an isolated incident and reflects the lack of safety measures and inhuman pressures workers face. The incident took place shortly before the end of his 12-hour shift.

Sergio, a former worker in the paint department with 26 years experience who was fired in 2020 for quarantining after contracting COVID-19, explained: There is a record of accidents for leg entrapment in that area. Its a red zone, but the company has really never done anything about it. Its a serious accident since the fellow worker lost his leg above the knee. In fact, before I was fired, an inspection worker had an accident. Thank God she managed to take her foot out, but the conveyor swallowed her shoe. Sergio concluded, Its a tragedy for the worker and his family.

Workers at the plant also informed the WSWS that accidents increased after the implementation of the 12-hour shifts, including one worker who lost an eye while assembling dashboards.

Arturo, a former worker with 23 years experience in repairs, paint and assembly at GM Silao, said: It could have been exhaustion because of the 12-hour shifts and also fear of pulling the Andon to ask for help and stopping the line because he had moved beyond his work area and into a critical area.

Fernando, another former worker with 23 years experience at the plant, indicated: This is an example of when there is no follow-up regarding unsafe conditions. What needs to happen before unsafe conditions improve? ... Until the worst happens.

An active worker in the [bastidores] chassis assembly area explained: The company makes you do something unsafe and, if an accident happens, it says on a tangent Why were you doing that? They want you to blame yourself. In this way, he said, GM distributed a statement on Daniels accident that implied that he was in an inappropriate area. The company cant cop out like that. Do you think we want such a thing to happen to us?

He added: The company slogan that Safety is our number one priority is false. Production is their number one priority. Its a business. Sometimes the machines break down, and workers must carry large parts and hurt themselves. They [management] dont want to stop the line. They claim that we can raise our hand and stop the line, but that is a lie.

The worker shared videos [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbZ5zkL3OyU] of misplaced rubber mats and workers being compelled to carry exhaust pipes. These are a bit tricky and can fall on ones foot and sometimes have sharp edges, or they could hit someone else. A bit farther ahead from where I work, due to the haste of sometimes being behind schedule, a co-worker dropped a suspension system with the machine and smashed another worker, whose finger was all black. That worker needed three weeks [to recover].

He also noted that on Monday, the same day as Daniels accident, a worker in final assembly fell down. The mats are in a terrible state. There are many things that are wrong, and they [management] dont care, he stressed. In fact, several Silao workers complained on social media that Daniels working area did not even have rubber mats.

The worker also complained that management has allowed COVID-19 to run rampant since the beginning of the pandemic. After his wife caught COVID at the plant, he was compelled to return to work after his two days off. They didnt care whether I might have the virus and could infect my co-workers, he said. He explained that while masks are still mandatory, social distancing is impossible.

Just during 2020, workers reported to the WSWS that at least 13 GM workers died due to COVID-19, including one who was working so sick that he died in the plant.

The union SINTTIA, which was sponsored and trained by the AFL-CIO and the US government to replace the discredited Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM) union, responded to the incident merely by vowing to complain to the Labor Ministry which workers saw as a cover for doing nothing.

A text message of a paint shop worker shared with the WSWS stated: Its embarrassing that we have an independent union, but, at a most difficult moment like that on Monday, no union representative showed up to the paint area to find out what had happened and how to help the injured worker in every way possible.

Another former GM Silao worker said to this reporter: I swear I feel so angry and powerless because they cop out so easily, and to think that the change that was promised was to improve serious situations like this in the workplace.

The chassis assembly worker commented that he had asked the union to intervene when a team leader prevented him from going to get a drink of water or go to the restroom for arriving a few minutes late. It was torture because we were in the hot season, he said. No union official showed up that time, and on two other occasions when he needed their support, they always sided with the company.

The lack of safety for workers is a global phenomenon, with the International Labor Organization estimating 1.9 million deaths yearly from work-related accidents or illnesses. These figures do not include the more than 20 million excess deaths globally and over 800,000 just in Mexico caused by the criminal let it rip policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under capitalism, all social concerns are subordinated to the accumulation of wealth of the corporate and financial oligarchy, which feasts on a pile of workers corpses, limbs, sweat and grief.

In order to stop the carnage, workers need to form organizations of their ownrank-and-file committeesto guarantee their right to a safe workplace, including by setting production speeds and shutting down the line or the plant if workers deem that conditions are unsafe.

Ultimately, this fight poses the need for uniting workers internationally to take democratic control over the global economy to meet social needs and not private profit.
Educators, parents, students: register now to attend the next online meeting of the Michigan Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee on October 15.

And please fill out our questionnaire to help us get the truth out about COVID-19 in schools.

Over a month into the fall semester at K-12 schools in Michigan, it has become abundantly clear to educators, parents and studentsdespite the incessant lies of the government and the unions that the pandemic is overthat COVID-19 is yet again spreading rapidly in school buildings across the state.

A teacher at Cass Technical High School, the largest school in Detroit, told our committee about the situation there. Teachers and students are out sick constantly and the district is hammering on attendance. About 2,500 students are packed into classes of more than 30 each, the teacher described. Id say about 40 percent of students, teachers and staff are masked. The building has many rooms without any windows or ventilation, and faculty in those rooms seem to have a high rate of illness.

But less than three weeks ago, in a 60 Minutes segment filmed in downtown Detroit at the North American International Auto Show, US President Joe Biden said, verbatim, The pandemic is over. He added, If you notice, no one is wearing a mask. Everyone seems to be in pretty good shape.

This was a lie.

Even the official numbers, which have always been an undercount, show that across the US an average of more than 50,000 people are now testing positive for COVID-19 and more than 400 are dying from it every day, according to the tracker Medriva. Pediatric hospitals in major cities including Chicago, New Orleans, Seattle and Austin have recently reported bed and staff shortages due to a sudden influx of patients with COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases following the reopening of schools.

In 2020 and 2021, the reopening of schools in the fall corresponded with huge surges in COVID-19 infections and deaths across the US and internationally. The result was two Winters of Death in a row, during which the lions share of the over one million Americans who have died from COVID-19 succumbed to the virus.

The reason that schools contribute so powerfully to community spread is well-understood by scientists. COVID-19 spreads from person to person via tiny aerosols that linger in the air. Buildings full of badly-ventilated classrooms packed with students and teachers from different households form an ideal transmission belt for the virus to infect entire communities. The same is true for Detroits auto factories and many other workplaces.

If anything, the danger is greater this year, because while the virus continues to circulate and new variants continue to emerge, systematic reporting of cases and deaths has been drastically cut back, and the mitigation measures taken in past years, inadequate as they were, have been almost entirely scrapped. Individuals are being left to fend for themselves while the virus continues to attack all of society.

On Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that starting October 20, they will switch from daily to weekly reporting of national COVID-19 infections and deaths. In June, the state of Michigan stopped location-based reporting of K-12 outbreaks, leaving educators, parents and students in the dark. The same Cass Tech teacher explained, one day recently we had dozens of teachers out, and there were no reports to the rest of us about what was going on. Students will self-report to their teachers that they have COVID, but theres no way of knowing any total numbers, and theres no contact tracing.

Though it no longer lists which schools are affected, Michigans coronavirus website indicates that there are now an astonishing 138 COVID-19 outbreaks presently underway at K-12 schools somewhere across the state, up from 123 the week before. An additional 21 active outbreaks are in a category that includes child care and school sports. But, as the webpage also states, Many factors [] may result in significant underreporting of outbreaks.

Michigan claims on another page that 132 per 100,000 school-aged children (5-18 years old) in the state now have active cases of COVID-19, with the largest percentage of them in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties of the metro Detroit area.

A Flint parent told our committee, My children are four and five and they caught COVID within three days of returning to school. They were sick on September 14th. I sent them back on the 20th because the school said when they are symptom free after five days they can come back. They went back to school on the 20th and now my five year old is sick again I can send them in with a mask, but what happens at school I cannot say, especially when they see everyone else without a mask.

A huge portion of cases are going totally unreported. Dr. Christopher Murray, director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), told NBC News last month that he estimated no more than 5 percent of cases are being reported to public health departments in the US. He further explained, Waning immunity from the last BA.5 round of infections and waning immunity from vaccination combined with people being indoors should combine to mean that we should see infections start to go back up starting in October and go up quite a bit.

Educators must act now to stop a third Winter of Death! Scientists have shown that COVID-19 can still be eliminated and the pandemic can actually be brought to an end, but only through a program that includes systematic testing, reporting and contact tracing, and critically, the temporary closures of workplaces and schoolsthe two primary vectors for the spread of the airborne viruswith parents and all workers provided with full financial support.

As a section of the international working class, educators could wield enormous power to fight COVID-19 if united in struggle with autoworkers, railroad and airline workers, Amazon workers, health care workers, and meatpackers, all of whom are also continuing to catch COVID-19 at work.

But in order to fight for such an outcome, educators must face the fact that the official trade unions, including and especially the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and National Education Association (NEA) and their affiliates, have played an outright treacherous role during the pandemic.

The teachers unionsin fact massive bureaucracies and unions in name onlyare some of the largest in the country, with millions of members across all 50 states from whom they collect dues and who they claim to represent. But far from waging a fight, the unions have facilitated the deadly forever COVID policy of the ruling class by keeping teachers divided between districts and states, isolated from other sections of workers in their areas, and misinformed about not only the dangers of the pandemic, but also the possibility of bringing it to an end through school and workplace closures.

This is perhaps expressed most sharply in the person of AFT president Randi Weingarten, a multi-millionaire who garners over $400,000 a year in teachers dues money. Last summer, Weingarten went on a nationwide Back to school for all tour, which culminated in the opening of schools for in-person learning in fall 2021 and the largest surge of COVID-19 to date in the US.

Our Cass Tech teacher explained the attitude of the Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT) bureaucracy. We havent had any communication from the district union regarding sickness and cases, and the union rep at my school told us we should consider what we want to do for ourselves, and that the district wasnt inclined to provide mitigations anymore. The school supplied us with surgical masks, which dont block aerosols, and a tiny HEPA filter and a fan for ventilation, but its not nearly enough and theres no guidance on how or why to use even these small token measures.

Weingarten and her ilk in the union bureaucracy do not answer to the needs and demands of rank-and-file teachers, many of whom work multiple jobs and scrape and save to buy school supplies and PPE for their classrooms. These people are not workers leaders, but toadies of the corporate-financial oligarchy.

According to Forbes, by May 4, 2022, the day that the official COVID-19 death toll in the US surpassed one million, the wealth of Americas 727 billionaires had increased by $1.71 trillion since the start of the pandemic. The unions made this huge upward transfer of wealth possible by keeping schools and workplaces open no matter the cost in lives, a policy they continue to implement today.

Teachers should follow the example of Will Lehman, the rank-and-file autoworker who is now running for president of the United Auto Workers (UAW). Lehman calls for abolishing the UAW bureaucracy, which like the teachers unions has prevented workers from fighting, and establishing a network of rank-and-file committees on the shop floors of every auto factory to put power directly into workers hands. The last two years have shown that teachers need such committees no less than autoworkers.

The Michigan Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee is fighting to stop the pandemic by organizing educators, students and parents independently of and in opposition to the teachers union bureaucracies. As part of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), our committee unites educators in Michigan with committees of educators across the US and internationally, as well as committees of autoworkers, railroad workers, transportation workers, Amazon workers, health care workers, and more, in a common fight to put workers in power and end the pandemic once and for all.

Educators, parents, students, register now to attend our next online meeting on October 15.

And please fill out our questionnaire to help us get the truth out about COVID-19 in schools.
On Tuesday, Stellantis Chief Manufacturing Officer Arnaud Debouef threatened the jobs of 5,200 workers during a visit to the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in suburban Detroit. Rather than oppose these threats, the United Auto Workers bureaucracy is blaming workers for ongoing production problems.

Will Lehman, a second-tier Mack Trucks worker and candidate for president of the UAW in the elections which begin this month, issued the following video statement in response, denouncing the threats to workers jobs.

For more information about Lehmans campaign, visit WillForUAWPresident.org.

**

Im Will Lehman and Im running for UAW international president. Stellantis Chief Manufacturing Officer Arnaud Deboeuf visited the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Detroit on Tuesday, to make demands for better quality and lower absenteeism and threatening to remove future work from the factory if the over 5,200 workers there dont comply. In classic form, the UAW is not launching a fight against these threats but is instead looking for a way to appease the company.

I call on all workers to oppose this attack on the workers at Warren Truck and mobilize in defense of their jobs. I met with workers at the plant in August and I know that a plant closure or any job cuts will rip away their livelihoods, devastate their families and destroy their neighborhoods. Workers cannot allow this to happen.

Stellantis made a net profit of $7.98 billion in the first half of 2022, up 34 percent compared to the first half of 2021. It paid its CEO, Carlos Tavares, $20.5 million, more than 300 times the average worker, plus a stock package worth some additional $32 million and long-term compensation of about $25 million. It was the workers, including the workers at Warren Truck who produced the wealth, not Tavares, Deboeuf and the other corporate executives.

Ray Curry and the rest of the UAW apparatus are nothing but tools of these corporations, and they are using these threats to extract even more wage and benefit concessions. Stellantis, Ford and GM are already slashing thousands of jobs in the US and internationally, and want to reduce all workers to nothing but low-paid temps.
When it comes to corn, Nebraska knows what it's doing. In the case of Sweet Harvest Popcorn Shoppe, even more so.

The business is coming up on 68 kinds of popcorn after the release of its newest flavors: cotton candy, blue raspberry lemonade and coffee toffee crunch, for the shop's third annual customer appreciation day.

Owner Katie Riesdorff started working at the shop when she was 14, after her sister got a job at the shop and told her to apply. She quickly discovered she liked it.

"Honestly, when I was 14, I didn't care about having a job, but my sister asked if I wanted to work there, I said sure and once I started doing it, I realized it's kind of fun," Riesdorff said.

One aspect Riesdorff loves about her work is the variety, she said. The ability to change things, experiment and create makes the job exciting for her.

"There's so many parts and I like being able to do different things and not get bored just doing one thing," Riesdorff said.

Riesdorff said by 16-years-old, she knew she wanted to continue working at the shop and working with popcorn. After high school, she attended Central Community College to obtain an associate degree and later to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for a bachelor's degree in accounting, just in case things didn't go the way she wanted.

"Once I got in I realized how much work that is. My sister owns an accounting firm and she does all that stuff so I can focus on this," Riesdorff said.

That focus paid off, as Riesdorff was able to buy the shop in 2019 and now gets to do what she loves.

After almost 12 years there, she has introduced 40 flavors, including bacon cheddar, mint, kickin' ranch, and the three new flavors being released for customer appreciation days. The process for flavor development, she said, is sometimes difficult but enjoyable.

"[It's] deciding what new flavors to come up with, figuring out the ingredients. Most of them I can base off other recipes," Riesdorff said. "It's difficult figuring out what people are going to like but more fun than hard."

Her process for flavor creation is admittedly pretty random, she said, ranging from personal tastes to brainstorming and searching for inspiration on Pinterest and seasoning vendors' websites.

"The new flavors, blue raspberry and cotton candy, are my two favorite flavors of everything, those are based off of that, and coffee toffee, everyone loves coffee," Riesdorff said.

The best part of the job, she added, is exactly what customer appreciation days are about: her customers.

"The best part is the customers that make you feel like it's worth it, what you're doing is worth it," Riesdorff said. "They want to make you feel good about your product and they keep coming back."

Zach Schultz, an employee at the shop, said all the people involved are what makes the job, both customers and coworkers.

"It's so laid back. I love Katie, she's so nice and the customers are always nice, unless they're not," Schultz said with a chuckle. "It's a pretty easy job, I love what I do here."

For customer appreciation days, the shop will offer two free samples to those who come in, as well as scratch-off coupons for the first 135 people who come in each day. Those who make a purchase are entered to win one of eight prizes. The shop will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 7-8.
North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles from the Munchon area of Kangwon Province to the waters off the peninsulas eastern coast, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff told reporters on Sunday.

The missiles were launched between 1:47 a.m. and 1:53 a.m. local time Sunday, according to Japans State Minister of Defense Toshiro Ino.

Both missiles fell outside Japans Exclusive Economic Zone, Ino added.

The first missile is estimated to have flown about 350 kilometers, or 217 miles, at a maximum altitude of approximately 100 kilometers, or 62 miles, according to Ino. The second traveled about the same distance.

Ino noted there were no reports of damages to vessels at sea, but the defense ministry is still analyzing the details and investigating what kind of missiles were launched, including the possibility they were submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

South Koreas military has strengthened its surveillance and vigilance and maintaining a full readiness posture while closely cooperating with the US, the countrys joint chiefs of staff said.

This is the 25th missile launch this year, according to CNNs count, which includes both ballistic and cruise missiles. The last launch occurred Thursday when North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles, the latest in a spate of launches in the past two weeks.

Japans Coast Guard instructed vessels to pay attention to information and to not approach any objects which have fallen in the sea. It also asked vessels to report any relevant information.

On Tuesday, North Korea fired another missile, without warning, which flew over and past Japan, causing Japan to warn its citizens to take shelter.

The missile Tuesday traveled over northern Japan early in the morning, and is believed to have landed in the Pacific Ocean. The last time North Korea fired a ballistic missile over Japan was in 2017.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned if North Korea continues down this road of provocation following its ballistic missile launch Tuesday, it will only increase the condemnation, increase the isolation and increase the steps that are taken in response to their actions.

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The US imposed new sanctions Friday, following North Korean recent ballistic missile tests, the US Treasury and State Department said.

North Korea usually fires its missiles into waters off the coast of the Korean Peninsula, making Tuesdays flight over Japan considerably more provocative.

The aggressive acceleration in weapons testing has sparked alarm in the region, with the US, South Korea and Japan responding with missile launches and joint military exercises. The US has also redeployed an aircraft carrier into waters near the peninsula, a move South Korean authorities called very unusual.

Japan issued a strong protest against North Korea through its embassy in Beijing, Ino said.

On Thursday, US, South Korean and Japanese warships performed a missile defense exercise in the Sea of Japan, the US-Indo Pacific Command said in a statement.

CNNs Ray Sanchez contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A megayacht linked to a sanctioned Russian oligarch has dropped anchor in Hong Kong, amid efforts by the West to seize the luxury assets of Russian elites in allied ports as the war in Ukraine drags on.

The Nord, a nearly 142-meter (466-foot) yacht that is said to be one of the worlds largest, was spotted by CNN on Friday in Hong Kongs waters, just minutes from the central downtown district. The vessel is estimated to be worth at least $500 million and widely believed to belong to Alexey Mordashov, an industrial billionaire, according to a yacht broker who spoke with CNN.

The yacht, 1.5 times the size of an American football field, arrived in Hong Kong on Wednesday from the Russian port of Vladivostok, according to the Chinese citys Marine Department. The government agency told CNN on Friday that it hadnt been notified about when the yacht would depart for its next destination.

As of Friday afternoon, the Nord was seen flying a Russian flag, with the name of its home base, Vladivostok, emblazoned on its stern. A few people, apparently crew members dressed in uniform, were spotted on the vessels deck.

The megayacht Nord flies a Russian flag in Hong Kong on Friday, Oct. 7. - Noemi Cassanelli/CNN

Mordashov is one of Russias wealthiest billionaires, with an estimated net worth of $18.7 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Thats down by $10 billion so far this year, according to the wealth tracker.

The tycoon is chairman of Severstal, a Russian steel and mining giant that at last count had 54,000 employees across 69 countries.

The US State Department sanctioned him and Severstal in June, in addition to three of Mordashovs other companies, his wife and two adult children.

In a statement at the time, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the Treasury Department was taking further action to degrade the networks allowing Russias elites, including President [Vladimir] Putin, to anonymously make use of luxury assets around the globe.

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The United States isnt the only country cracking down. Several superyachts tied to Russian businessmen have been seized this year in high-profile cases around the world, including in Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Mordashov has challenged sanctions against him in European courts. In May, he argued that an EU court should annul the decision to add him to a list of those penalized over the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to European Union filings.

I have absolutely nothing to do with the emergence of the current geopolitical tension and I do not understand why the EU has imposed sanctions on me, he said this spring, at the beginning of the war, according to TASS, Russias state news agency.

Nord seen anchored in Hong Kong on Friday, Oct. 7, just minutes by boat from the city's central district. - Noemi Cassanelli/CNN

Hong Kong may provide some refuge. Reached for comment by CNN on Friday, the Hong Kong Marine Department said that it would not comment on any individual cases of vessel entry.

The city requires overseas yacht owners to gain permission from authorities to enter, including showing proof of insurance, according to the Marine Department.

We note that certain countries may impose unilateral sanctions against certain places on the basis of their own considerations, it said.

But the government does not implement, nor do we have the legal authority to take action on, unilateral sanctions imposed by other jurisdictions, the department added, saying only that it would enforce sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council.

Russia and China  of which Hong Kong is a part  are two of the five members on the Security Council with veto power. Russia has consistently vetoed resolutions on the council in recent months, impeding action on Ukraine.

Severstal did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Mordashov on Friday.

A free ticket

MarineTraffic, the global maritime analytics provider, shows that the Nord arrived in Hong Kong this week after a seven-day journey through the Sea of Japan and East China Sea.

Its hard to know exactly why the crew chose to come to the Asian hub now, said Michael Maximilian Bognier, a yacht broker with Next Wave Yachting in Hong Kong.

But he noted that the port of Vladivostok could get relatively cold in the winter, making it tougher to maintain such a vessel.

Not [an] ideal climate to keep a boat like that, Bognier told CNN.

Asked whether the lack of sanctions could be a draw, Bognier acknowledged the current political climate wasnt helping.

This could be a reason why shes here, he said, referring to the yacht. It could be a free ticket.

Its rare to see proof of direct ownership of such lavish vessels. Bognier noted, however, that word usually got around about top industry sales and said it was common knowledge that Mordashov was the owner of the yacht.

Running a boat this size is almost [like] running a city or a business, he added.

The Nord was built by German shipping giant Lurssen.

This is definitely one of the most iconic yachts, said Bognier. Its got a very flat bow, not unlike an aircraft carrier actually. Thats a very distinctive feature about this yacht. So its very, very difficult, lets say, to mistake it for something else.

Sky-high carrying costs could make it tough for even the worlds wealthiest to maintain such assets. Bognier estimated that it could range from approximately $45 million to $70 million just to keep the yacht running each year, not factoring in variable costs of fuel or maintenance after any long journeys.

That would break down to an average bill of $100,000 to $200,000 a day.

The Nord is seen in Hong Kong on October 7, 2022. - Noemi Cassanelli/CNN

The Nord yacht boasts two helipads, and would likely have an extensive staff on board, including a full-time chef, fitness instructor, massage therapist, and possibly a helicopter pilot, according to Bognier.

When we talk about boats this size, these are standard items, he said.

CNNs Wayne Chang, Gianluca Mezzofiore and Josh Pennington contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
One of Japans largest retailers is testing the waters in the U.S. And if it works, shoppers can expect the company to follow in the footsteps of its sister brand, Uniqlo, and add its nameplate to big cities around the country.

GU, which has 450 stores, mainly in Japan, on Friday will open its first store outside of Asia in New Yorks SoHo district. GU was established in 2006 and is the second-largest brand in the Fast Retailing Groups portfolio after Uniqlo. The company, which had 250 billion yen, or $1.73 billion at current exchange, in sales in the last fiscal year, is eyeing 1 trillion yen in sales in the near future.

More from WWD

The name GU, which is pronounced by the letters G and U, is similar to the Japanese word jiyu, which means free and unconfined.

The New York store is located at 579 Broadway between West Houston and Prince Streets and is 2,900 square feet. It is technically a pop-up  the company signed a one-year deal for the space  but if successful, it will look for a space triple the size for a permanent store, according to Osamu Yunoki, chief executive officer of GU Co. Ltd.

Yunoki, who traveled from Tokyo to New York for the opening, said the decision to come to the U.S. is the first step in a plan to globalize the GU brand. Weve been focused on Japan, mainland China and Hong Kong and we may go to Southeast Asia next, but we decided to accelerate the growth by coming to the center of the world.

Although hes still taking a wait-and-see attitude and views the SoHo store as a good test of the American market, Yunoki said his dream is to have the U.S. ultimately be larger than Japan. Were going to learn and study and then after a year, we will restart, he said.

He said its also undecided how many stores the U.S. market can support, but wed like to open as many as Uniqlo, he said. It will be difficult to catch up, but the goal is to open GU stores side-by-side with Uniqlo flagships around the world. Uniqlo operates 2,300 stores worldwide and 44 in the States.

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He said the two concepts have different positioning, so opening next door wouldnt be an issue. GU offers more trend-focused products that attract a younger customer and prices are lower. For example, in the SoHo store, bombers retail for $59.90, heavyweight or cropped sweaters for $29.90, pleated pants for $39.90, a heat-padded puffer for $59.90 and T-shirts for $14.90. The store also carries sneakers and other shoes as well as accessories like hats.

The store is located in the heart of SoHo.

Among the most popular items in its home country are cropped cable turtlenecks for women, the heat-padded puffer made from recycled polyester, sweatshirts, a wide-legged womens pant and a super-wide mens cargo that has become popular with women.

Yunoki said the mix in the SoHo unit is less than half of what we have in Japan because of the smaller size of the store. Although there are a few dressier pieces such as blazers and pinstriped pants for women, the assortment has been curated to focus on what are expected to be the bestsellers here. Theyre easy to choose, combine and purchase, and theyre easy on the purse, he said.

The assortment was brought directly from Japan so there are signs throughout the store warning customers that the sizes run small. Yunoki doesnt expect that to be a problem and said the sizing can be adjusted in the future. But hes willing to observe and absorb the results before making any other major moves.

The store will employ six osharista, or style advisers, who will work with customers to find the right products and suggestions free of charge. For the New York opening, it also tapped three TikTok creators  Isa Sung, Ella Mendelsohn and Davis Burleson  to select some of their favorite pieces from the collection. These are exhibited in the store.

It is a great honor to be opening our first store in the United States, he said. New York is a place where people with diverse backgrounds come together from around the world, an exciting city where fashion, art, music and other varied cultural elements intersect. By opening a pop-up shop in the center of SoHo, we will be able to reach a wide range of customers, including New York residents as well as tourists, offering them products filled with the sense of trendiness exemplified in the GU brand message of Your Freedom, and allowing them to enjoy outfits that freely express their individuality.

The store opens to the public Friday.

According to Fast Retailing, for the first nine months of its fiscal year that ended in May, GU reported revenues of 190.5 billion yen, down 5.1 percent from the prior-year period with an operating profit of 17.8 billion yen, a 26.7 percent fall from the year before.

The parent company blamed the downward trend on sluggish sales of spring items, and production and distribution issues that caused the delivery of popular items to be delayed. Colored slacks, light denim tuck-wide pants, sweatshirt-style T-shirts, etc., performed well, but we couldnt introduce them in a timely manner, so overall sales failed to rise, and markdowns had to be taken, the earnings report said.

Fast said that beginning in June, however, the delayed products began arriving in stores, so the outlook for the future is brighter.

We were suffering from supply chain and COVID-19 issues, Yunoki said. Uniqlo offers more basics and they can carry over items to the next year. We cannot do that with trendy items so we had to offer a lot of discounts, but its better now.

In addition to GU and Uniqlo, there are six other brands in the Fast Retailing Group: Theory, PlsT (Plus T), Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse tam.tam, J Brand and Helmut Lang. Overall, the corporation operates more than 3,500 stores around the world.
A city official for Park Hills and Desloge has been charged following an investigation into a hidden camera allegedly placed in a bathroom in his residence to record a person staying at his home. Through the investigation, police reportedly discovered the camera was purchased using city funds.

Terance "Terry" Lee Cole, 54, of Desloge, was charged on Friday in St. Francois County with felony invasion of privacy and felony stealing ($750 or more).

Cole has been employed as the Parks and Recreation director of Park Hills since November of last year. He has served as an alderman representing Desloge's Ward 3 since he was elected in April 2021.

According to a probable cause statement, on Monday, the Desloge Police Department requested the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) to investigate an alleged invasion of privacy offense. DDCC investigators met with the officers of the Desloge Police Department who informed them of the allegations.

The report states that on Oct. 2, an 18-year-old male contacted the Desloge Police Department after reportedly finding a hidden camera in his bathroom at Cole's residence.

The 18-year-old male was residing with Cole at the time and reportedly had a private bedroom and bathroom in Cole's basement. The teen told police that at about 11:30 p.m. on Oct. 1, he went into his bathroom and found a hidden camera concealed on a shelf above the toilet.

The report states the camera was hidden inside a small cardboard box, and the camera lens was visible through a small hole in the front of the box. The teen immediately confronted Cole after discovering the camera, and Cole allegedly admitted placing the device in the bathroom.

The camera was brought to the Desloge Police Department and seized as evidence on Oct. 2. The device was identified in the report as a "PNZEO portable, wireless WiFi spy camera," which stores data on a micro SD card. There was no micro SD card with the camera at the time it was seized, according to police.

At about 5 p.m. on Monday, the report states that MSHP investigators spoke to Cole at his home in Desloge, where he invited them inside to talk in private. Cole told the officers that the teen had been residing at his house since July. He allegedly indicated he decided to install cameras in his home because he believed the teen was having unprotected sex with his girlfriend. The man also reportedly said the camera was "for protection/security."

Per the report, Cole told the investigators he never activated the camera or downloaded the application that operates the recording device on his phone.

According to police, Cole further explained that he was employed by the City of Park Hills and purchased four of the cameras using the city's budget but brought one of them home to try out. Cole claimed he never "set up" the camera or turned it on after putting it in place.

The report states Cole was asked about the missing micro SD card that the camera required for use. Cole allegedly retrieved a memory card from his pocket but said it had nothing on it because he had never inserted it in the camera.

Cole reportedly consented to searches of his iPhone and the 128 GB micro SD card he allegedly provided.

The report states an investigator previewed Cole's cell phone and found the man had previously downloaded the application to operate the camera, but it had since been deleted. The investigator later extracted the data from the iPhone using forensic software.

A search of the micro SD card revealed no apparent saved data on the card, and it was seized as evidence for further examination, according to police. Cole's iPhone was returned to him after completing the extraction.

On Tuesday, investigators reviewed the data extraction from Cole's cell phone. The report states there was evidence indicating the "Mini Cam" application used to operate the PNZEO spy camera had been downloaded to the phone and since deleted.

Noted in the report is that the owner's manual for the camera instructs the user to connect the phone's wireless local access network to the camera's WiFi signal by using the camera's unique UID number. The user then accesses the camera through an application called "Mini Cam." The camera records events to a micro SD card and allows the user to set motion detection recording. From the user's remote device, they can review data saved on the micro SD card, according to the report.

An investigator wrote in the report that through his training and experience, he knew that data on a mobile device could be easily stored, hidden, or shared over many different applications with any other device.

Later on Tuesday, police obtained a receipt from the City of Park Hills for the purchase of the spy cameras.

The report states that using City of Park Hills funds, Cole purchased two remote monitor night vision/motion detection cameras, two WiFi Mini wireless cameras, two 128 GB SD cards, two 64 GB micro SD cards, and four portable batteries from an online WiFi spy camera company. The total cost of the equipment purchases was $1,079.92, according to the report.

Park Hills City Administrator Mark McFarland and Police Chief Richard McFarland reportedly met with Cole. They asked him where the remaining three cameras, three memory cards, and four battery packs were. Cole allegedly told them he did not know where they were and said he last saw them in the city's parks and recreation office.

On Thursday, an MSHP forensic analyst used digital forensic tools to carve images and video from the unallocated disk space on Cole's micro SD card. Three nude images of the 18-year-old man were reportedly recovered on the card. The report states the recovered images appeared to be clippings from a video recorded by the hidden bathroom camera. Another image allegedly showed Cole's face in the camera's view as he attempted to set up the device in the 18-year-old's bedroom.

At about 1 p.m. Thursday, the report states that DDCC investigators contacted Cole at his house, and he agreed to a follow-up interview at the MSHP Troop C Service Center. There, Cole was again asked about the three cameras and micro SD cards that were unaccounted for. The man reportedly said that after receiving all of them in the mail, he opened one up and took it home to "tinker" with it. He said he left the others "in the shop" at the Park Hills Parks and Recreation Office.

After being confronted with some of the recovered digital evidence contradicting his statements, Cole requested an attorney, and the interview concluded, according to police.

Cole was taken to the St. Francois County Detention Center Thursday and placed on a 24-hour hold until formal charges were filed Friday afternoon. The man's bond has been set at $25,000. If released on bail, Cole is ordered to comply with GPS and pre-trial monitoring. He is further prohibited from having contact with the alleged victim in the case or anyone under the age of 18.

On Friday, additional electronic devices were reportedly seized from Cole's office at the Park Hills Parks and Recreation facility. According to police, a Dell Optiplex 3020 desktop computer and an HP laptop computer with SD card access were seized from Cole's office, and the items are pending a forensic examination.

Park Hills City Administrator Mark McFarland told the Daily Journal when he was made aware of the allegations, he placed Cole on unpaid suspension pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Daily Journal reached out to Desloge Mayor David Shaw, who declined to comment on the matter.

Cole is scheduled to make an initial court appearance in the case on Tuesday.
In what plays like Singapores answer to About Schmidt, never-too-late-to-live dramedy Ajoomma follows a widowed housewife as she steps out of her comfort zone by making a solo trip to South Korea. This upbeat debut from director He Shuming  whose title is the Korean equivalent of the all-purpose term of respect Auntie  offers longtime TV actor Hong Huifang (Housewives Holiday) a chance to shine in the title role, which has already netted her a Golden Horse Award nom. Selected to rep Singapore at the Oscars, affable Ajoomma is more of a dark horse in that race, albeit one with art-house sleeper potential.

Mrs. Lims life is light on excitement. What it lacks in drama, she fills by bingeing on Korean soap operas  a not-at-all-uncommon obsession among non-Koreans (including a growing number of Americans, thanks to services like Kocowa and Viki). Auntie, as most of the other characters call Hongs character, fusses a bit too much over her only son, who long ago agreed to accompany her on a special tour of Seoul. Now, mere days before theyre to depart, he backs out for a job interview in New York  one that would put some much-needed distance between the closeted young man and his overly suffocating mom (who sees her son embracing his boyfriend in an early scene).

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Auntie is anything but independent, and the thought of going on the trip alone intimidates her. But when she realizes that the tickets are nonrefundable, she decides to go anyway, showing up late to the airport and inconveniencing everyone else in the process. This sequence ought to be hilarious, but is the first of several clumsy set-pieces (Auntie is never shown taking the plane, for starters): While the others wait on the bus, tour guide Kwon-woo (Kang Hyung Suk) tracks down the straggler, plops her on a baggage cart and rolls her to the group. Then again, if K-soaps are your jam, what could be more charming than being thus squired through the airport terminal?

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Once on the bus, we learn that Auntie has opted for a Secret of the Stars tour, which, as the name suggests, serves to introduce fans to key locations from Korean TV series. Practically any time a television appears on screen  on the bus, at Aunties home, you name it  He fills it with endearingly corny extracts from such a show, enlisting Korean heartthrob Yeo Jingsoo (Hwayi: A Monster Boy), whose fine chin and cheekbones are an unspoken part of the joke (Koreans stars have notoriously sculpted features). As the film goes on, Auntie starts to project herself into the small-screen melodrama, which is a cute idea, a la Nurse Betty, even if her real-world adventures are wacky enough.

Its New Years Eve, and though chronic screw-up Kwon-woo should be tending to his tour group, hes instead preoccupied with trying to patch things up with his ex-wife. Ergo, he re-routes the bus to his mother-in-laws apartment, failing to notice when Auntie disembarks to take a call. Hong gives a fine enough performance, but lacks the tricky gift for farce that would have made her performance more comedic. We neither laugh at nor believe in her reaction when the bus pulls out and she frantically tosses her cellphone in the air (after which its immediately run over by a passing car, conveniently leaving Auntie with no way to call her son).

Suddenly stranded in a place shes ill-prepared to navigate on her own, Auntie lucks into meeting the nicest man in Korea, a kindly security guard (Jung Dong-hwan) who takes it upon himself to help her rejoin the group  only, He and co-writer Kris Ong have complicated the plot just enough to give these two seniors a chance to connect. Auntie knows a few Korean phrases she picked up from her favorite show, but the two communicate mostly through a mix of gestures and broken English. The guard takes her to dinner, then back to his home for a few scenes of quiet, understated intimacy. He takes the floor and offers her his bed. By the time they find Kwon-woo and the others, the two have bonded enough that the only mystery is what theyll do about the lovely cross-cultural friendship that has started to bloom. The last few scenes have less in common with K-soaps (or producer Anthony Chens award-winning art films) than a late-career Judi Dench movie. To be honest, its not so far-fetched to imagine her starring in a remake.

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The Arizona Court of Appeals has put on hold the territorial law that bans nearly all abortions in the state until a full appeal of an earlier ruling on it is heard.

The court's decision means that abortions could occur legally while the emergency stay is in effect, though presumably the procedure is subject to a newer law that bans abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Planned Parenthood Arizona said it would restart the procedure at its clinics following the ruling.

The organization has a likelihood of succeeding in its effort to keep an injunction on the 1864 law that was in place since the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, according to a unanimous ruling by a three-judge panel led by Presiding Judge Peter J. Eckerstrom.

The judges agreed with Planned Parenthood's argument that "Arizona courts have a responsibility to attempt to harmonize the state's" abortion laws. The 15-week law took effect last month.

The appellate judges wrote in their order on Friday that an "acute need" to straighten out the state's abortion laws existed.

"The court further concludes the balance of hardships weigh strongly in favor of granting the stay, given the acute need of healthcare providers, prosecuting agencies, and the public for legal clarity as to the application of our criminal laws. Notably, in the underlying litigation both parties sought some form of such clarification from the court," the ruling states.

State Attorney General Mark Brnovich had asked the Pima County Superior Court to lift an injunction on the 1864 law following the U.S. Supreme Court's June decision that overturned Roe. Superior Court Judge Kellie Johnson granted that request Sept. 23. A week later, Johnson rejected a request to put her order on hold.

The state appellate court's Division Two overruled that decision on Friday and granted the stay.

The territorial law mandates two to five years in prison for anyone who facilitates an abortion. Yet Gov. Doug Ducey maintains that a law he signed this year that allows abortion until 15 weeks of gestation  after which it's banned except to save the mother's life  supersedes the old law.

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Brnovich sent a letter to Ducey in late September asking him to order the Legislature into a special session to give "clarity" to the two abortion laws.

Eckerstrom ordered a scheduling conference to set a schedule for Planned Parenthood and Brnovich's office to submit briefs on the case to the appellate court and to determine whether the group's appeal "should be accelerated."

Abortions to resume after ruling

Planned Parenthood Arizona's president and CEO Brittany Fonteno said in a statement that abortions in its clinics would resume. But she warned that the law could still be later ruled valid.

"While today's ruling brings temporary respite to Arizonans, the ongoing threat of this extreme, near-total abortion ban that has no regard for the health care of those across the state, including survivors of rape or incest, remains very real," Fonteno said.

Brnovich's office later released a statement that read, "Our office understands this is an emotional issue, and we will carefully review the courts ruling before determining the next step."

The stay and even the pending appeal are unlikely to settle the matter. The losing side, whether the state or Planned Parenthood, could still appeal to the Arizona Supreme Court.

"The trial court ruling was well-reasoned," said Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy, a powerful conservative and anti-abortion advocacy group. "I fully expect it to be upheld."

In Maricopa County, a judge is set to preside over a fresh lawsuit filed Oct. 4 by an Arizona abortion doctor and the Arizona Medical Association that seeks to neutralize the territorial law with a court ruling that makes it apply only to non-physicians.

Similar to arguments Planned Parenthood has made in the injunction case, Dr. Paul Isaacson and the association claim that the state should consolidate not just the 15-week and territorial laws, but laws passed by the Legislature since 1973 that seem to recognize legal abortion through regulation of the procedure.

In a video conference call on Friday afternoon, Fonteno said she "welcomed" the effort in Maricopa County.

She also clarified that Planned Parenthoods Tucson clinic, which was one of the few in the state to provide abortions before Johnson's ruling to lift the injunction two weeks ago, would be the first to resume abortions. Phoenix and other locations would offer the procedure at a later date, she said.

Planned Parenthood will abide by the new 15-week law in the interim, she added.

Reach the reporter at rstern@arizonarepublic.com or 480-276-3237. Follow him on Twitter @raystern.

Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona abortion law: State appeals court puts 1864 ban on hold
Korean sales agent Finecut has added Secret: Untold Melody and The Dinner to its burgeoning Asian Contents & Film Market slate. Both titles are sourced from a deal with Hive Media Corp. (Inside Men, The Man Standing Next).



An adaptation of 2007 Taiwan hit Secret, Secret: Untold Melody is a romance film about pianist and a student. While the original film starred Jay Chou and Gwei Lun-mei, the Korean retread stars Doh Kyung-soo (a.k.a D.O. from celebrated K-pop group EXO) who has acting credits including Swing Kids and the Along With The Gods franchise, and rising star Won Jin-a (Netflixs Hellbound). Now in post-production, the film is directed by Seo You-min (Recalled).



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Black comedy, The Dinner is the first Asian adaptation of the Herman Koch bestselling novel of the same name that skewers the middle classes in a tale of two families whose children have committed crimes. It has previously been produced as films in the U.S., Italy and The Netherlands.



Hur Jin-ho (Christmas in August) directs a cast that includes Seol Kyung-gu The Merciless), Claudia Kim (Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald and The Avengers: Age Of Ultron), Jang Dong-gun (The Rampant) and Kim Hee-ae (TVs The World of the Married). The film is also in post-production.

Finecut is also handling rights on Greenhouse, which will play this week in the Busan International Film Festivals Vision section. Directed by Lee Sol-huithe film tracks the pain and suffering of a woman who suffers a psychological disorder.



Finecut comes to the Busan market fresh from Toronto and San Sebastian, where it debuted Hong Sangsoos Walk Up.

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Kapur Dhillon and Anastasia Pereira at a date night in San Francisco, 1952. Courtesy of Kartar Smith

US anti-immigrant sentiment in the early 20th Century led to a flourishing Punjabi-Mexican community.

The blend of religious customs and fusion food like roti quesadillas created a unique subculture.

Although the Punjabi-Mexican community has thinned, descendants are keeping their heritage alive.

In 1950, Kapur Dhillon had lost his leg in a farming accident when he met his future wife. Stuck in the hospital, Dhillon hired Anatasia Pereira as domestic help, and, after getting to know each other through conversations in English and Spanish, fell in love.

They made a somewhat unlikely pair. Dhillon was a first-generation Punjabi born in Paso Robles, California, in 1908. Pereira, of Spanish and French descent but born in Mexico, grew up in a turbulent household marked by divorce and alcoholism. Dhillon's college-educated Sikh family disapproved of their marriage, their daughter, Kartar Smith, told Insider.

But the couple found similarities between their respective cultures. Dhillon taught Pereira how to speak Punjabi, and she cooked him paella and ceviche, then eventually paratha and curries. They were also both marginalized in society: Pereira was considered Mexican and relegated to menial jobs like bussing tables and cleaning, and Dhillon was treated with prejudice because he was Indian.

"It was difficult being a person with brown skin back then in California," Smith said.

Dhillon and Pereira are just one of the hundreds of Punjabi-Mexican couples that formed a unique community in California. The unions led to the creation of a hybrid subculture, resulting in food like roti quesadillas and dances that fuse Bhangra and Mexican folk dance.

Anti-immigrant sentiment led to Punjabi-Mexican unions

In the early 20th Century, Sikh settlers began immigrating to the US in search of jobs and good farmland. By 1915, about 7,000 Indians were in the US, around 85% of whom were Sikhs, according to Harvard University's Pluralism Project.

Kapur Dhillon and Anastasia Pereira with a baby Kartar Smith, left, and Pereira's sister, brother-in-law, and children. Courtesy of Kartar Smith

But the settlers were met with anti-immigrant sentiment. On September 4, 1904, 500 white working men in Bellingham, Washington,  mostly members of the Asiatic Exclusion League  gathered to protest Indian immigrants working at lumber mills. Some attacked the homes of South Asian Indians, their aim "to get them out of town, and scare them so badly that they will not crowd white labor out of the mills."

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The fear was also bolstered by unfounded stereotypes of South Asians, who were deemed "troublesome" with a "bad" "code of morals."

Anti-immigrant sentiment led to the creation of exclusionary laws: The California Alien Land Act of 1913 prohibited the immigrant Sikh and Indian communities from owning farmland, and the Immigration Act of 1917 restricted the entry of Asians into the country, preventing the Punjabi workers from bringing their families to join them.

That left nearly 2,000 Punjabi men in a state of legal limbo, separated from their wives and children, Karen Leonard, professor of anthropology at the University of California in Irvine, told Insider.

Some instead chose to marry  or remarry  Hispanic women, bypassing miscegenation laws that prevented interracial marriage by putting "brown" on their marriage licenses. Leonard said nearly 400 Punjabi-Mexican couples were in California by the 1940s.

The birth of a fusion culture

The Punjabi-Mexican unions led to a unique subculture that fused elements from both heritages. Many Indian men changed their first names, like Mohammed to Mondo and Magga to Miguel, and Hispanic women took their husbands' last names. Families spoke Spanish but also went to gurdwaras or mosques and observed Ramadan.

Food was another area where the two cultures melded in harmony. Both Indian and Hispanic cuisines use similar spices like cumin and chili, and feature breads like tortillas and roti.

In 1954, Gulam Rasul, a migrant farmer, and his wife, Inez Aguirre Rasul, opened El Ranchero, a restaurant in Yuba City. On top of traditional Mexican and East Indian fare like enchiladas and chicken curry, El Ranchero had a special menu item: the roti quesadilla, roti topped with melted cheese, onions, and shredded beef, served with a side of dipping curry or hot sauce.

The roti quesadilla was something the Rasul family ate at their home, then brought to the restaurant to share with their community.

Dinner at the Singh family, another Punjabi-Mexican family, in 1951. Courtesy of Amelia Singh Netervala and SAADA

"They really enjoyed being able to feed the community and share their dishes with people," Tamara L. Rasul English, Gulam and Inez's granddaughter, told Insider.

When her father, Ali Rasul, took over his parents' restaurant in 1967, he continued to welcome their community into El Ranchero.

"People could just walk in through the kitchen. Someone was always buying him a beer," English said. "I called my dad 'the little mayor,' because everyone would always come to see him."

Descendants are keeping their heritage alive

The Punjabi-Mexican community began to thin as the US opened itself up to Asian and Indian immigration and more Punjabi women arrived. Marriages between Punjabis began to take force, and some Punjabi women disregarded the Mexican women in their communities, even kicking them out of gurdwaras, Leonard said.

The new Punjabi immigrants also reversed some practices that the Punjabi-Mexican community had formed, like sitting in chairs and eating with utensils, Moola Singh, a Punjabi-Mexican, wrote in Hardnews magazine in 2008.

"The newcomers didn't want to recognize those early pioneers  they had married out. But they had no choice! They got around laws, built comfortable and happy lives, and they are proud of them," Leonard told Insider.

The community further thinned as people left their hometowns and married outside the Punjabi-Mexican culture.

But many descendants are holding on to, or reconnecting with, their unique heritage: Kartar Smith, Dhillon and Pereira's daughter, recently learned Punjabi and the Rasuls' granddaughter Tamara English cooks Indian-Mexican food for her own children.

"There's so few of the older generation of our community left, so this is one way of keeping that channel to my culture open," English said.

Read the original article on Insider
Garry Kasparov delivers a speech Friday on the consequences of Russia's aggression towards Ukraine inside of the St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury, at the National Churchill Museum at Westminster College in Fulton (Madeline Carter/Missouri Independent).

FULTON  The invasion of Ukraine awakened free countries to the threat posed by Russia and Vladimir Putin, but whether they will sustain that resistance to dictators is an open question, former world chess champion Garry Kasparov said Friday during a speech at Westminster College.

On the Missouri campus where Winston Churchill warned in 1946 that the Soviet Union was cementing its hold on Eastern Europe behind an Iron Curtain, Kasparov said it is again time to confront the evil of authoritarianism.

Churchills speech, The Sinews of Peace, helped inspire President Harry Trumans policies of containment and the creation of NATO. Kasparov, a long-time critic of Putin, said a grand alliance of democracies can show dictators that freedom, and not profits, will define their future relations.

In 2015, Kasparov wrote a book titled Winter is Coming warning that the weak international response to Russias invasion of the Crimea would embolden Putin.

Today there is a clear and present danger, Kasparov said. Winter is here. It is still unclear if the free world is willing and able to meet this challenge.

Kasparov, who left Russia in 2013 as his political activity made life there more and more uncertain, made his remarks as he gave the Enid and R. Crosby Kemper Lecture during the 39th International Churchill Conference sponsored by Westminster. He delivered his half-hour talk in the restored St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury, Church, bombed in London by the Nazis in World War II and moved to Fulton to house the National Churchill Museum.

As he began his speech, Kasparov recognized other dissidents who accompanied him and who are fighting for freedom in their home countries, including Syria, Venezuela and Iran.

In Iran, women have taken to the streets in protest of strict Islamic controls on their lives.

Russians should be in the streets protesting Putin, Kasparov said.

If only Russian men were as brave as Iranian women, he said.

Kasparov grew up under communism in the Soviet Union and became the youngest world chess champion in 1985 at the age of 22. He was the worlds highest rated player when he retired in 2005.

He became involved in politics after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.

It was a glorious day, a day of celebration and a huge step forward for global freedom, Kasparov said. The problem was the next day.

Unlike Churchill and President Harry Truman, who brought Churchill to his home state for the 1946 speech, world leaders did not act to preserve the freedom won at the end of the Cold War, he said.

In 1991, unlike in 1946, we had managers instead of leaders, Kasparov said.

Hes been warning about the rise of Putin since 2001, Kasparov said. But Western Europe and the United States were more interested in accommodation, seeking profit in the revived Russian economy and ignoring the increasing repression.

In the 1930s, he noted, the appeasers of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler in Britain and France were seeking peace at any cost.

It was a brutal lesson to learn how high that cost was, Kasparov said.

Now, he said, Ukraine is paying the price of appeasing Putin.

The Ukrainians have reminded us what it looks like to fight for your land, your freedom, your family, he said.

Speaking to reporters after the speech, Kasparov said U.S. administrations of both parties are to blame for not being tougher with Putin. But he said President Joe Bidens administration is doing the right things to support Ukraine.

He is concerned that former President Donald Trump will win another term in 2024 and cut off support for Ukraine. Trumps supporters in Congress vote against aid to Ukraine and his cheerleaders on Fox News, especially Tucker Carlson, are telling Trump supporters that Putin is justified in the war.

I couldnt believe I would hear Russian propaganda talking points on American television, Kasparov said. I am still waiting for the true followers of Ronald Reagan to take their party back.

Kasparov joins a distinguished list of international leaders who have used Westminster as their venue in honor of Churchill, including Reagan, former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and former Polish President Lech Walesa.

Kasparov made his homage to Churchill in the title of his speech, calling it The New Sinews of Peace, and made several references to the inspirational British war time leader.

Few people outside, and many inside, Britain held out hope for victory over Hitler after the defeat of France in 1940. But Churchill rallied his nation and held out until the Soviet Union and the United States were drawn into the war.

On June 4, 1940, in a speech to Parliament, Churchill promised that we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be.

In February, when Russia invaded Ukraine, many expected a quick defeat and the U.S. offered to fly President Volodymyr Zelensky to safety. Zelensky gave the modern equivalent of Churchills words, Kasparov said.

The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride, Zelensky told the U.S., according to the embassy in Kyiv.

Churchills great-grandson Jack Churchill, who attended the speech, said he is 100% in agreement with Kasparov on the need to confront Putin and for the democracies to band together as they did after the 1946 speech.

I am very proud that my great-grandfather is an inspiration to the next generation of people fighting for freedom and democracy, Churchill said.

It is vital that the U.S. not diminish its support for Ukraine, Kasparov said in his speech. The United States, the arsenal of democracy in World War II, has assumed that role for Ukraine.

An America that does not defend liberty everywhere will see decay at home, a process that is already happening, Kasparov said.

The weapons being provided in aid and the extra costs for consumers because the war has disrupted energy supplies is a bargain, Kasparov said.

Who are we to complain about the price of gas, he said, when Ukranians are paying in blood for our sins?
easy life has released their brand-new sophomore album MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE today via Geffen Records.

An immersive and ambitious project in sound and storytelling, MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE takes the one-of-a-kind British band to a whole new level. The album was introduced by a stellar run of singlesBEESWAX, DEAR MISS HOLLOWAY, OTT, ANTIFREEZE, and FORTUNE COOKIE, and it includes features from BROCKHAMPTONs Kevin Abstract (who joined the group on their Glastonbury Pyramid Stage debut), New Zealand alt-pop superstar BENEE, and her Supalonely collaborator Gus Dapperton.

Album closer FORTUNE COOKIE is an emotive track, paired with a raw, live, solo performance visual from frontman, songwriter, and producer, Murray Matravers. Unguarded, affecting but deeply positive, FORTUNE COOKIE sums up the message of easy lifes second albumand showcases just how far theyve come, as musicians and young men. Recalling the stripped-back piano balladry of Randy Newman, its (as Murray sings) a reminder that if you believe youre in need of repairtake care: dedicated to any friend, family or band member who needs to hear just that.

The project drops alongside a flurry of activity for the trailblazing group, including the announcement of a huge UK, European, and North American headlining tour for 2023. Their North American run starts in Mexico City on April 20, before the five-piece heads to the US, including stops across the country, concluding in New York City on May 9.

Over the last few years, easy life has broken new ground for UK bands on the worlds stage. Observational, universal, and deeply personal, debut album lifes a beach explored an escapist fantasy of dreary middle England: here was a reminder to find the positives, even in the darkest of years, told through the prism of a seaside getaway.

Upon its release, the NME-Award-winners became the first band to perform within Fortnite (the worlds biggest game), also making their US television debut on ABCs Jimmy Kimmel Live! with a rousing performance of their song skeletons. Here are a band going where others dont and bringing their hugely impassioned global audience along for the next chapter of the easy life experience.

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Buy or stream MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE

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uDiscover Music is operated by Universal Music Group (UMG). Some recording artists included in uDiscover Music articles are affiliated with UMG.
In a Sept. 11 guest column (Ensuring third graders can read an urgent need in Akron), Steve France bemoaned the fact that despite years of effort to improve reading outcomes of students in Akron and around the country, a third of fourth- and eighth-graders read at a level described as Below Basic by the U.S. Department of Education. Only one-third of fourth-graders read at a level considered proficient or advanced. Indeed, as documented in the Beacon Journal, Akrons own I Promise School has experienced difficulties in helping struggling readers accelerate their progress in reading. France suggests that a communitywide effort is needed to increase the reading achievement levels of our students. We agree.

However, we also feel that relatively minor changes at the school and classroom levels could have a dramatic impact on student achievement. The National Reading Panel, a group of reading experts commissioned by Congress to review the science that supports reading development, identified five key components for success in reading: phonemic awareness (the ability to detect and manipulate the sounds of language), phonics or word decoding, vocabulary or word meaning, comprehension and reading fluency.

It is this last competency that is often neglected in our elementary classroom reading instruction. Greater emphasis in this one area would alone, we feel, lead to significant improvements in overall reading performance. Likewise, whenever literacy instruction happens without this essential component in place, the opposite outcome also holds true.

More:Akron superintendent: Report card confirms need for increased academic supports

We have proof. We are former directors of the Kent State University reading clinic (we call it Camp Read-a-Lot as it takes place over five weeks in the summer). We worked with children, primarily finishing grades K-8 who were experiencing significant difficulties in reading.

In our initial assessments of these children, we found that they were progressing in phonemic awareness, phonics and vocabulary. Their comprehension also was adequate if a text was read to them. However, when they had to read on their own, comprehension usually faltered. Although the problem on the surface was poor reading comprehension, the deeper concern was reading fluency. Although the students could decode the words they encountered, they usually read at an excessively slow pace and in a word-by-word manner.

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Their focus was on decoding the words  which they could do, albeit with great effort  and not on the meaning of the texts they were reading. When oral reading fluency and reading expressively (prosodic reading) became the foundations of literacy instruction, we observed children making significant gains in all areas of reading.

We developed a Fluency Development Lesson that aimed at improving students' ability to read words effortlessly and with good expression so that they could focus on meaning rather than on individual words.

Through repeated practice of short texts such as poems, plays, and jokes and riddles, children developed their reading fluency muscles and, as a result, their overall reading performance improved. In as little as 20 days (90 minutes per day) of instruction students made significant progress in reading  in many cases over a years growth.

Keep in mind that as struggling readers, these were students who in school failed to make a years growth in reading for a years worth of instruction. Our research findings of students success in reading have been published as peer-reviewed studies in major literacy journals.

More:'Largest score decline' in reading for nation's 9-year-olds, first-ever drop in math

The problem is that reading fluency was identified years ago as a missing component of most reading programs. Yet it continues to be relatively neglected in many classrooms where the instructional emphasis has been placed primarily on developing students competencies in phonics.

As professors, we are clearly big proponents of explicitly teaching phonics in the classroom. However, time and again we have observed that when fluency and meaning are not at the forefront of this instruction, children often do not develop the traction they need to move forward with greater reading success.

Exemplary educators understand this research and know how to apply it creatively and artfully. They personalize and go beyond the many prepackaged reading methods and programs to keep fluency and understanding at the forefront of their instruction. The results are significant gains in literacy acquisition, development and ultimately, learner success.

Research universities such as KSU, the University of Akron, the Ohio State University, the University of Cincinnati, and others have conducted study after study demonstrating what is needed to develop successful readers. Schools only need to reach out and partner with their local universities to develop reading programs that meet the specific needs of our children. When schools and universities work together and focus on what matters for struggling readers, we will see remarkable improvements in our students reading achievement.

Timothy Rasinski, Ph.D., is professor of literacy education and the Rebecca Tolle and Burton W. Gorman Chair in Educational Leadership at Kent State University. Belinda Zimmerman, Ph.D., of Cuyahoga Falls is professor emeritus of literacy education at Kent State.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Grasping fluency, meaning helps young children learn to read
Essano, the natural skin care brand from New Zealand, is targeting a new demographic stateside.

Meant for women older than 50, the brands Visible Repair range will be launching in Rite Aid with three stock keeping units, including a facial serum, a day cream and a night cream, each priced at $24.99.

More from WWD

The line was born out of white space in the market for Gen X consumers.

We know that women notice differences in their skin as they go through perimenopausal and menopausal stages of their lives, said Katarina Scrimshaw, senior marketing manager and brand lead for Essano. There wasnt a lot speaking to that age group, and we know from research that women at that stage of life really struggle with confidence levels. Theres nothing really speaking to them from a product standpoint.

She said the brand aims to be pro-aging, as opposed to launching an antiaging skin care. Its about being your best within your skin and having the confidence to go forward and be amazing women, so we launched a campaign about aging fearlessly.

Essano is certified organic and vows to have either entirely reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025. The company first came to the U.S. two years ago, and is now available in more than 5,500 doors nationally. Our retail partners are coming on board for this journey to deliver consumers more naturally formulated products, said Anthony Gadsdon, cofounder and president of Essano. Its great to see the natural skin care category evolve into mainstream skin care.

With a robust brick-and-mortar footprint, Gadsdons also focusing more on digital. Were building our presence on digital now, he said, but it really is, first and foremost, a brick-and-mortar launch strategy.

The companys sales volume is at $36 million in retail sales. Roughly $2 million of that comes from the U.S., where it is available in CVS Pharmacy and Rite Aid, among others, and Australia is its largest market. In New Zealand, Essano is the largest skin care brand, the company said.

From a consumer perspective, theres amazing success with the brand across Australasian markets, particularly our home territories Australia and New Zealand, and were looking toward where we can bring these products to additional consumers, Scrimshaw said. The U.S. market is the biggest natural skin care market in the world, so theres lots of synergies in terms of consumer preferences.

Click here to read the full article.
The once hard-hitting Alabama safety inked a new deal with the New York Giants on Thursday morning. He once played for the Giants from 2015 to 2018.

Collins, the Louisiana native, spent three seasons at Alabama. He was a unanimous All-American during his junior season in 2014. He was a key part of Alabamas first College Football Playoff appearance in 2015 against Ohio State.

Following the season finale, he declared for the 2015 NFL Draft and was drafted No. 33 overall by the New York Giants. Collins would spend four years with the organization before signing as a free agent with the Washington Commanders.

Now, he will reunite with the Giants once again. He is scheduled to join the team in London but isnt expected to play this weekend against the Green Bay Packers. It will be an interesting reunion considering how his free agency unfolded in 2018 when he chose to sign with a division rival.

The New York Giants are reuniting with 2015 second-round pick Landon Collins after he spent three seasons in Washington. https://t.co/GKnnEBWP0D  TheGiantsWire (@TheGiantsWire) October 6, 2022

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Collins professional career as well as other former Alabama players in the NFL.

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Kat Elliott in Wendell & Wild

It takes a visionary director to adapt Neil Gaimans Coraline in a successful manner, and Henry Selick is just that. But during a Saturday afternoon panel at New York Comic Con, the Wendell & Wild director says that choosing his protagonist for the project involved a key moment of collaborating with Jordan Peele, who he says pushed him to create a story that centers a young woman of color.

Everything changed and evolved once we got in business together, Selick shares. [Peele] convinced me that the protagonist should be young Kat Elliott... he convinced me Kat needed to be a person of color.

Read more

Selick, who calls Peele a total freak for stop-motion animation, says Peele urged him to make the choice based on Peeles own experience with the genre as a child.

Jordan said when he was a kid, it really upset him when hed see animated films where there was no one onscreen who looks like him, Selick shares. That sort of unlocked a door.

Wendell & Wild introduces Peeles unique knack for horror to Selicks whimsical, haunting animation. Peele and Selick first connected nearly a decade agoSelick says that, disappointed with his series The Shadow Kings failure to launch, he found inspiration in Key & Peele. After three seasons, he decided it was time to reach out.

With Key and Peele, it was always going to be that they were both going to be together, Selick explains. They required it, and thats how the magic happened.

Selick says he worked with caricature artist Pablo Lobato in order to create nuanced yet hilariously accurate animated versions of Key and Peele. In a new clip shared during the panel, Key and Peeles characters were revealed in all their goofy, monstrous glory. Selick also shared clips of some of the films alarming animated horror, and a longer first introduction to Kats life at her new school.

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Selick emphasized the breadth of Key and Peeles improvisational powers, asserting that there are two Grammy-winning comedy albums in just the outtakes of the film.

Overall. for Selick, finding the perfect voices that can resonate with a wide berth of fans young and old was key to building Wendell & Wild.

If you cast well, he explains you dont have to direct too hard.

Wendell & Wild will be available for streaming on Netflix on October 28.
Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker's final episode as the titular time traveler, "The Power of the Doctor," will air Oct. 23, the BBC has announced, also releasing a new trailer for it.

The clip features both the dreaded Daleks and actor Sacha Dhawan's The Master. "This is the day you are erased forever!" threatens Dhawan's villain, before deadpanning, "Bit of a conversation stopper..."

Meanwhile, the Doctor is joined by friends of the character's current and previous iterations, including Mandip Gill's Yaz and Sophie Aldred's Ace, the latter of whom was a companion of Sylvester McCoy's Seventh Doctor back in the '80s.

The BBC has also released a new synopsis for the episode, The Radio Times reports.

"In this feature-length special to mark her last adventure, Jodie Whittaker's Thirteenth Doctor must fight for her very existence against her deadliest enemies: the Daleks, the Cybermen, and her archnemesis, the Master," the synopsis explains. "Who is attacking a speeding bullet train on the edges of a distant galaxy? Why are seismologists going missing from 21st-century Earth? Who is defacing some of history's most iconic paintings? Why is a Dalek trying to make contact with the Doctor? And just what hold does the mesmeric Rasputin have over Tsar Nicholas in 1916 Russia? The Doctor faces multiple threats and a battle to the death."

Doctor Who

James Pardon/BBC Studios/BBC America Jodie Whittaker in 'Doctor Who: Legend of the Sea Devils'

News broke in May that Whittaker will be replaced in the role of the Doctor by Sex Education actor Ncuti Gatwa.

"The future is here and it's Ncuti!" the series' new showrunner, Russell T Davies, said in a statement. "Sometimes talent walks through the door and it's so bright and bold and brilliant, I just stand back in awe and thank my lucky stars. Ncuti dazzled us, seized hold of the Doctor, and owned those TARDIS keys in seconds."

Whittaker shot her part of the scene in which her Doctor will "regenerate" into Gatwa's version last year. "It was singularly the most emotional day on set I think I've ever had," the actress told EW. "It's a really bizarre feeling, because it's the best time I've ever had on a job, and I made the decision to leave it, so it's a really strange thing to do to yourself. It feels like you're giving yourself stitches  like, 'Why have you done it?' But it felt right."

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Watch the trailer for "The Power of the Doctor" below.

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'Timing is everything'

Whats that old expression? Timing is everything. All of a sudden, Gov. Mike DeWine is tossing out treats to we the voters.

More:Gov. Mike DeWine pitches eliminating Ohio sales tax on baby items amid abortion debate

Is he inspired by the spirit of Halloween or is it the upcoming November election in which he is up for reelection? Included in his bag of treats are a proposed elimination of sales taxes on baby items and expanded insurance coverage for lower-income mothers.

And just announced, a meager amount of state released funds for desperate food banks. Of which some of the above would have to be passed by our Republican-dominated Ohio legislature.

Good luck with that one, as they seem more interested in taking away womens right to choose, proliferation of guns, dictating school curriculum, gerrymandering voting districts, and their own pocketbooks. All of which seem more trick than treat in making Ohio, in DeWines words, the best place in the nation to have a baby and raise a family."

Susan B. West, Athens

What part of 'no law' is hard to understand?

The language is clear: Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion. The Constitution doesnt say some laws or a few laws. The prohibition against compelling the American citizenry to observe and support the tenets of a particular faith is absolute.

Thousands turned out for the first Ohio March for Life on Wednesday at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. The event was a show of support for ending abortion access in Ohio from the point of conception.

Unfortunately, it is apparent that the supporters of an absolute ban of abortion, including those who gathered at the Ohio Statehouse on Wednesday, (Oct. 6 "March advocates for banning abortion at conception") have rejected this foundational tenet of American freedom.

More:Ohioans march at Statehouse to oppose abortion

The crowd cheers as Jeanne Mancini speaks during the first Ohio March for Life on Wednesday at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. The event was a show of support for ending abortion access in Ohio from the point of conception. Ohio's Republican lawmakers are poised to ban nearly all abortions when they return to Columbus after the November elections.

More:Ohio lawmakers introduce bill banning abortion at conception unless mother's life at risk

Many of the speakers and others at the demonstration urged the adoption of their version of Christian principles to justify the restriction of the rights of others who believe differently. These people would, with no respect for our fundamental laws, establish their beliefs as compelling rules for all.

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No law means no law. Is that really so difficult to understand?

Ronald L. Solove, Columbus

Letters to the Editor

Share your thoughts:How to submit a letter to the editor for The Columbus Dispatch

'Faith in the spirit of liberty'

Near the end of her life, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was asked what she thought was the biggest threat to our democracy. She responded, A public that doesnt care about the rights we have.

More:Opinion: Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a role model and inspiration

In this July 24, 2013, file photo, Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg poses for a photo in her chambers at the Supreme Court in Washington. Ginsburg developed a cultlike following over her more than 27 years on the bench, especially among young women who appreciated her lifelong, fierce defense of women's rights. She died Sept. 18, 2020.

She went on to quote Judge Learned Hand: When the fire dies in the hearts of people, there is no judge and no constitution that can restore it. She concluded, So my faith is in the spirit of liberty.

I cannot express any better my sentiments about the upcoming election. It is imperative that we overlook the chaos and do what is required of citizens in a democracy  register to vote by Oct. 11 and vote on Nov. 8  so that we can renew our faith in the spirit of liberty.

Laura Moorman, Westerville

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Letters: Abortion ban supporters pushing their religion on others
In another example of the continued commercialization of art museums, PacSun has linked up with the Metropolitan Museum of Art to roll out a capsule collection that draws inspiration from paintings from the late 19th century.

The co-branded range is the first in a series with PacSun that is part of the museums licensing efforts in partnership with global licensing agency Beanstalk, which represents The Met in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Japan. It is not part of a larger multibrand initiative, according to Morgan Pearce, The Mets general manager of marketing, brand partnerships and licensing merchandising.

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Hoodies that borrow from Vincent Van Gogh arent new terrain, but the hook-up is a new path for the California-based chain. Billed as The Study of Fine Arts: Highlights From The Met Reimagined by PacSun, the fall and winter assortment features 30 basics, including T-shirts, socks and sweatshirts  florals and landscapes are integral to the mix. It is part of a one-year deal, according to according to Richard Cox, vice president of mens merchandising at PacSun.

To ensure that the original works did not get lost in translation, PacSun designers worked closely with museum staffers. The unisex range borrows from the works of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Henri Fantin-Latour and Van Gogh. Launching Thursday, The Met-inspired designs are being sold through PacSuns 200 stores and its e-commerce site.

Streetwear can increasingly be found in major museums and cultural institutions and the category has been a serious moneymaker in some situations. Last year, the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston unveiled a Church & State pop-up retail experience to link with its exhibition Virgil Abloh: Figures of Speech. That assortment featured exhibition-specific apparel designed by Abloh and limited-edition styles from his Off-White brand that were produced exclusively for the ICA. The merchandise was so popular that the pop-up was extended until nearly the end of last year even though the exhibition wound down in September 2021. The ICA generated about $2 million in retail sales from the pop-up with some of the proceeds earmarked for Ablohs estate and a huge amount going to the museum, according the ICAs director of retail Liz Adrian.

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With Figures of Speech on view through Jan. 29 at the Brooklyn Museum, limited-edition Off-White styles are helping to ring up sales through the Church & State shop. Shoppers can find apparel and accessories including a $3,360 square-patterned leather tote bag  a hefty purchase compared to typical gift shop fare. A $550 slim-cut hoodie has sold out online.

PacSuns museum-inspired designs are more affordable, with accessories retailing from $14 to $28 and apparel in the $30 to $80 price range. The brand was keen to partner with The Met, given its cultural relevance, influence of art on fashion, the breadth of artists work on view and the attention-grabbing Met Gala, Cox said. PacSuns targeted demographic is increasingly looking to discover art and art museums, as evidenced by their interest in Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and others, he said. They are looking for other ways to express themselves creatively outside of brands. Art speaks to them in different ways whether that is creating the art, taking art in or in this case wearing art, he said.

PacSun did not have to make a financial donation to the museum, Cox said.

Asked if The Met is speaking with other brands about similar ventures, Pearce said via e-mail, The Met is in conversation with a range of partners across various categories, all of which further The Mets mission to bring art to the day-to-day lives of consumers around the globe. The goal of our program is to find intuitive ways to inspire and delight customers across all demographics.

Click here to read the full article.
Image via Getty/Johnny Nunez

In an appearance on The RapCaviar Podcast, legendary producer No I.D. revealed J. Cole passed on beats that later went to Nas, Big Sean, and Rick Ross.

I used to have a running joke with J. Cole like, Yo, I gotta do a session with you so I can do a beat that youre not going to use, that I can get off,'" he said on the podcast joined by Hit-Boy, Bangladesh, and host Brandon "Jinx" Jenkins. I just need your inspiration. I thinkit was like a week or two we was working in the beginning. For him, I did the 'Control' beat, Nas' 'Stay,' 'Tears of Joy,' 'My Last,' and something else. And it was just like, 'Nah, that ain't it.'"

Its unclear what prompted J. Cole to pass on those beats, but the two did work together on Never Told from his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story. Thankfully the production found homes on the projects of other rappers, and Coles version of Stay did later surface on his EP Truly Yours in 2013. Most notably Control even saw Kendrick Lamar call out many of the biggest rappers out, which included Cole.

J. Cole really passed on the beats for:



Big Sean - Control

Nas - Stay

Rick Ross - Tears of Joy

Big Sean - My Last pic.twitter.com/o6O6lMBaJj  RapCaviar (@RapCaviar) October 7, 2022

In an interview with MTV News in 2013, Cole spoke about getting in the studio with No I.D. and said they made the most incredible songs in one week. He said that Stay was his favorite to come from the sessions, and it was going to turn up on his debut album, but by the time he decided he wanted it Nas had already grabbed it for himself.

As time goes on, Im not solidifying it, which basically means Im not locking down the beat from No I.D. Long story short, I didnt buy that beat from No I.D., and Nas bought that beat, Cole said. He didnt even know I did a joint on it either. I dont even know if he knows, but I had that shit first.

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Check out the full episode of the podcast below.

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Patrick T. Conley is Rhode Island's historian laureate.

Christopher Columbus, whose memorial statuary in the United States is exceeded only by Lincoln and Washington, is lately encountering very rough seas. A recent casualty of this unhistorical hysteria is Providences famed statue of Columbus that stood since 1893 in the citys Elmwood neighborhood.

This notable piece of art was crafted by the internationally renowned Gorham silverware company  one of Providences Five Industrial Wonders of the World, from the design of French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi who also crafted the Statue of Liberty. It was a focal point of the Worlds Columbian Exposition in Chicago, a mammoth fair that celebrated the 400th anniversary of Columbuss first voyage to the New World.

Those historically misinformed vandals around America who tear down statues of Christopher Columbus on the mistaken belief that this deeply religious, intrepid explorer personally sought to enslave Native Americans have a huge task before them.

Historians have shown that Columbus was inspired to find a western transatlantic route to the Orient not only to satisfy his navigational theory and obtain riches for the Spanish Crown but primarily to fund a new crusade to reclaim Jerusalem (the Holy Land) from the Muslims.

More opinion from Conley: Camp Cronin deserves to live on

Thinking he had made landfall in the East Indies southeast of China, Columbus called the natives he encountered Indians. Being a zealous Catholic named Christopher, he eagerly sought their conversion to Christianity and their salvation rather than their enslavement. Some Native Americans such as the Arawak responded positively to these religious overtures; others, such as the Carib, forcefully resisted them. When battles occurred, defeated Caribs were transported to Spain as captives.

Enslavement of an enemy was common practice at that time in Europe, Asia, Africa, and among most Native American tribes. Even papal pronouncements, such as the 1462 address of Pope Pius II, permitted enslavement of those captured in a just war, which the pope then proceeded to define.

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The Caribs, for whom the sea is named, got their revenge against the Europeans three decades later in 1528 by killing Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano. This unfortunate navigator had gotten a much more cordial welcome from local Native Americans when he visited Narragansett Bay in 1524  a voyage that eventually gave Rhode Island its name. Verrazzano described our natives as the most beautiful and have the most civil customs that we have found on this voyage ... and their manner is sweet and gentle.

More opinion from Conley: Thomas Dorr made education a fundamental right

In America, the names and presence of Columbus and Columbia are ubiquitous. Many cities, counties, and rivers are named in his honor along with the District of Columbia. There is even a federal holiday on the second Monday of October to celebrate his achievement and his Italian heritage. He is an icon to Italian-Americans. Also notable are the Knights of Columbus, a huge million-member Roman Catholic fraternal order. They need to be more vigorous in defending their patron and should not remain silent knights.

Although Columbus was a harsh and imperious commander, he did not commit nor would he condone the centuries of inequity and injustice that followed his voyages. He should not be the scapegoat for the incessant tragedies that followed his death in 1506 at the age of 54. To do so would be to use the post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy, or translated, after this, therefore because of this. Columbus' detractors assert that because maltreatment of the Native Americans followed the voyages of Columbus, these voyages directly caused that ongoing disastrous result.

Despite my defense of Columbus, few Rhode Islanders have honored, financially supported, and sympathized with Native Americans more than my wife Gail and I. However, we know that trashing Columbus, the daring navigator, does nothing to atone for the sins against them.

For those, like us, who understandably support an Indigenous Peoples Day, I believe America should celebrate it on Thanksgiving to commemorate that rare moment in 1621 when natives and colonists united in peace and prayer.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Conley: A defense of Columbus and Native Americans
As a former writer of national security rules regarding Russia, China and other countries, I urge you to vote to reelect Abigail Spanberger to a third term in the House of Representatives of the U.S. Congress.

Abigail has served as a federal law enforcement officer and a former CIA operative undercover. She is committed to see the U.S. gather the intelligence necessary to strengthen the effectiveness of our Armed Services and keep Americans safe.

In the last four years, she worked tirelessly for agriculture in Virginia and to increase job training and apprenticeships so all Virginians can prepare for good jobs, whether they go to college or not.

She is one of the good guys. Abigail has proven integrity and can be trusted to do the right thing for the people of Virginia.

Larry E. Christensen, Madison
Several local groups will work with national organizations to route federal payments of $600 apiece to Iowa's farmworkers, grocery store employees and meatpackers.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday that it was providing $670 million to 15 groups to make the payments, using money Congress allocated through an appropriations bill. The lawmakers set the money aside for employees in the U.S. food sector, which largely continued to operate during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of their applications to handle the money, the organizations listed local groups they would work with across the country to get the money to the workers. Six of those 15 groups are working with Iowa organizations:

Catholic Charities USA

The Cherokee Nation

The Hispanic Federation

The United Food & Commercial Workers Charity Foundation

The United Farm Workers Foundation

United Migrant Opportunity Services

A meeting room at the United Food & Commercial Workers Local 431 offices in Davenport.

Of the groups the USDA is working with, the UFCW Charity Foundation is the biggest recipient, getting $141.6 million from the federal government  about one-fifth of the total money. The union, which represents a range of employees but is best known for its work with meatpackers and grocery store clerks, represented about 15,400 workers in Iowa locals as of last year, a group that includes some members living and working in bordering states.

More:Iowa-based union's history-making president leads influential organization with tumultuous past

According to the union, the money it is receiving from the USDA will not just go to members. The UFCW is creating an online portal where anybody who has worked in grocery stores, meatpacking plants or on farms since the start of the pandemic can apply for funds. The workers will need to share some sort of proof of work, such as a W-2 form or a paystub, the UFCW said.

Hispanic Federation, which is receiving $44.3 million, will route some of that money through Council Bluffs-based Centro Latino of Iowa. United Migrant Opportunity Services, which is in Wisconsin and is getting $56.9 million, is partnering with Des Moines-based Proteus to provide funds to meatpackers and farmworkers in Iowa.

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"Proteus has the boots-on-the-ground contacts within the state of Iowa," UMOS spokesperson Roderick Ritcherson said. "We will be working closely with them to identify workers and meatpackers to help them fill out applications and so forth."

Ritcherson said the organization still needs to sign a contract with the USDA before it receives money, a process he expects to wrap up in 10 to 15 days. He said he believes UMOS will be able to start sending money to workers in 30 to 45 days.

More:Ex-union leader acknowledges defending company as COVID-19 ravaged Iowa meatpacking plant workforce

The organization has two years to route the money to workers. Ritcherson said many workers the organizations help may not get the funds at least until next spring if the process doesn't flow smoothly. He said many of those farm workers will leave the Midwest during the winter.

"We need to move quickly," he said.

Anthony Washington, 65, of Columbus Junction, poses for a photo, Monday, April 20, 2020, in Columbus Junction, Iowa. Washington was born in Brooklyn, New York, and moved to Columbus Junction in 2007 from Chicago to work at the Tyson Foods pork processing plant in town.

Catholic Charities USA, which received $9 million from the USDA, is partnering with two Iowa groups. Catholic Charities Sioux City plans to provide funds to meatpacking workers in Denison, Sioux City and Storm Lake, as well as some workers in Nebraska and South Dakota, Executive Director Amy Bloch said. Escucha Mi Voz Iowa, meanwhile, will route Catholic Charities money to meatpackers in nonunionized plants in Columbus Junction, Washington and West Liberty.

The group also plans to get money to farmworkers in the area, aiming to provide a total of about 1,800 checks.

Escucha Mi Voz Iowa lobbied local governments last year to use some of the federal COVID-19 relief money provided by Congress for "excluded workers funds." The money would go to immigrant workers who had not received federal stimulus checks in 2020 and 2021.

Johnson County and Iowa City agreed to create fund, with the county paying $2 million and the city chipping in $1.5 million. The local governments reported providing $1,400 each to about 2,200 residents.

Tyler Jett covers jobs and the economy for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at tjett@registermedia.com, 515-284-8215, or on Twitter at @LetsJett.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Some Iowa food workers to get $600 payments from U.S. government
One week after going to London as a member of the New Orleans Saints, linebacker Eric Wilson is headed back overseas with his new team, the Green Bay Packers.

Wilson, who was on the teams practice squad, traveled with the Saints to London to play the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last Sunday. The Packers signed him off the practice squad on Tuesday, and now hes headed back to London as a member of Green Bays 53-man roster.

Wilson didnt play in the Saints loss to the Vikings, but he could be on the field in a special teams role for the Packers on Sunday.

Its been a grueling week of travel for the veteran linebacker. From New Orleans to London is roughly nine hours of in-flight time. The way back is about 10. So 19 total hours there and back, plus a flight from New Orleans to Green Bay mid-week (roughly four hours), and now another international flight, this time from Green Bay to London (roughly eight hours). By the time Wilson returns to Green Bay early Monday, hell have traveled almost 40 hours in the air in a little over a weeks time.

Wilson told Wes Hodkiewicz of the teams official site that hes trying to make the most of it.

New #Packers LB Eric Wilson was in London last weekend with Saints, who played Vikings at Tottenham After signing, he laughed when told GB was playing there this wk. "I dont mind it. Its fun to travel and go overseas and play in different places. Trying to make the most of it"  Wes Hodkiewicz (@WesHod) October 6, 2022

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Story originally appeared on Packers Wire
The woman who said Herschel Walker paid for her 2009 abortion claims the former NFL player and Georgia GOP Senate nominee urged her to terminate another pregnancy two years later, according to the New York Times.

The couple ended their relationship after she refused to have the second abortion. She now raises their 10-year-old son with little involvement by Walker through beyond court-ordered child support and occasional gifts, the newspaper reported.

The Daily Beast first reported Monday that Walker paid for an abortion over a decade ago, based on the account of a woman who requested anonymity but who shared a get-well card from Walker with a signed personal check and a receipt from an abortion clinic.

Herschel Walker, the Republican nominee for Georgia's U.S. Senate seat, takes questions from the media after a campaign event in Athens, Georgia.

Walker immediately denied the report, calling it a "flat-out lie" in a statement on Twitter 17-minutes after the story was released. The Georgia nominee has continued to deny the story all week and said he plans to file a lawsuit against The Daily Beast. However, no lawsuit has emerge so far.

After Walker's vehemently denial of the report, the Daily Beast reported Wednesday that the anonymous woman is also the mother of one of Walker's children. Walker has four known children, including Christian Walker, who turned against his father in a string of tweets Monday.

I know my mom and I would really appreciate if my father Herschel Walker stopped lying and making a mockery of us.



Youre not a family man when you left us to bang a bunch of women, threatened to kill us, and had us move over 6 times in 6 months running from your violence.  Christian Walker (@ChristianWalk1r) October 4, 2022

The revelation drew accusations of hypocrisy from Walker's opponents given his strong opposition to abortion access and support of a national ban on abortion after 15 weeks without exceptions for rape or incest.

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The GOP continued to voice support for Walker with many, including former President Donald Trump, declaring the controversy a "distraction" by Democrats and the media.

More: Will an October surprise matter in Georgia? Walker abortion story a midterm test

National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla. voiced support for Walker in a statement Tuesday.

"When the Democrats are losing, as they are right now, they lie and cheat and smear their opponents. Thats whats happening right now," the statement said. "They know they are on the verge of losing the Senate, and they know that Herschel Walker is winning, so they have cranked up the smear machine."

More: At Herschel Walker campaign event, Ga. GOP candidate denies abortion report as supporters stick with him

The woman told the New York Times that she was frustrated watching Republicans rally around Walker while continuing to dismiss her experience and how Walker treated her.

"As a father, hes done nothing. He does exactly what the courts say, and thats it, she told the Times. He has to be held responsible, just like the rest of us. And if youre going to run for office, you need to own your life.

Satire: I don't care if Herschel Walker paid for an abortion or if he blew up the planet Alderaan

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Senate nominee Herschel Walker asks woman to have 2nd abortion: report
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The past seems to exercise its own gravitational pull. Even as progress keeps nudging us forward, with all our knowledge rooted in memory we tend to see contemporary events in the light of the past rather than of the future they are relentlessly ushering in. That can be a dangerous trap.

While George Santayana famously wrote in his book, The Life of Reason: The Phases of Human Progress, that those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it, a paradoxical corollary is also true. Those who cannot stop seeing the world primarily in terms of the past are condemned to be ill-prepared for change.

Putin Has Left the World No Other Option But Regime Change

The risks of that have seemed especially urgent this week. Major developments on the world stage have evoked defining moments of the 20th century, but seeing them primarily in that light could lead us to make the wrong choices in response to them. Helpfully, an event next week should serve as a reminder that the international landscape of the 21st century is very different from the one with which so many of our leaders are most familiar, a reminder thatif heededcan help guide us toward smarter decisions going forward.

In recent days, headlines have echoed the crises of the past 60 or 70 years, dominated as they have been by concerns about nuclear confrontation with Russia or tensions with the oil producing nations of the Middle East. But as the Chinese Party Congress convenes next week and that country commits to its course for the foreseeable future, it should serve to remind us that geopolitics in the years ahead will be increasingly heavily influenced by the presence, the needs, the ambitions, and the weaknesses of a new and very different rival. Weighed appropriately, these factors should lead us to see the world, the risks we face and the options before us in a new way.

For example, while many analysts were quick to note that the decision by OPEC to restrict production in the months aheadin the hope of pushing up oil priceswas a blow to the United States and the West and an aid to Russia, they neglected to note that Beijing, heavily dependent on foreign energy, was also hard hit by the decision.

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That is not to minimize the fact that OPEC was consciously giving a middle finger to the Biden administration, knowing full well the decision was one the U.S. hoped could be avoided or postponed, and that it would have a negative effect on the political prospects of President Bidens party in the coming U.S. elections.

Secretary-General of OPEC Haitham al-Ghais (R) and Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud (2nd L) hold a press conference after the 33rd OPEC and non-OPEC ministerial meeting in Vienna, Austria on Oct. 5, 2022. Askin Kiyagan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Even before the decision, senior U.S. officials indicated to me that it was increasingly clear to them in the weeks and months following Bidens trip to the region this past July, that the Saudis (and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in particular) were proving to be very difficult and unreliable partners. The sharpness of the response from the administration and from Democrats on Capitol Hill nonetheless underscored that the decision was particularly unwelcome and seemed to undercut all the reasons for Bidens visit during the summer, while boding ill in particular for future relations between Riyadh and Washington.

The fact that OPEC was casting its lot with Russia in the midst of that countrys brutal war against Ukraine also seemed to suggest that the region was choosing sides, and carried with it echoes of Cold War rivalry for influence in the Middle East, as well as past episodes in which the oil producers sought to throw their weight around. But in taking action that alienated not only the U.S. and allies from Europe to Japan, but also a China that is struggling with economic headwinds and can ill afford an oil price shock, the OPEC decision must be seen as short-sighted.

Perhaps most importantly, it serves as a vital reminder that the strongest responses the U.S. can muster toward OPEC are ones that are at least tacitly coordinated with the Chineseand therefore also as a reminder of the dangers of viewing the U.S. and Western relationship with its rising 21st-century rival in the same way we once viewed our 20th-century Cold War rival is a mistake. Indeed, it is the fact that the aligned energy self-interests of the West and China will accelerate the push to reducing worldwide demand for fossil fuels that will ultimately doom to increasing irrelevance the once swaggering petrostates.

Gasoline prices in Los Angeles County, California, on Oct. 3, 2022. Zeng Hui/Xinhua via Getty Images

That is not, of course, good news for Russia, which the late Senator John McCain once characterized as a gas station masquerading as a country. As such, it is a reminder of the fact that should the U.S. and China find ways to collaborate on progress toward green energy innovation and combating climate change, it will have the effect of weakening Russia.

At the same time, Russias increasing dependency on current Chinese energy demandwhile many of its customers reduce their dependence on its energy resources due to Ukraine-related sanctionsgives China increasing power over Russia. That influence is amplified by the fact that Russia as a pariah state with clear and growing social, economic, and military weaknesses needs its partnership with China to remain relevant as a major power.

For these reasons, the U.S. and our allies have wisely sought to reach out to China to help constrain Russias behavior in Ukraine. The success of that effort to datewhich has included discouraging China from providing arms to Russia to assist with its invasionshows a recognition of that shifting power dynamic in this new era.

Putins Headed Toward Defeat in Ukraine. The Only Question Is How Bad a Loser Hell Be.

That dynamic is especially important in light of the other flashback to 20th-century threats this past week, President Bidens comment on Thursday regarding the nuclear threat posed by Putin that We have not faced the prospect of Armageddon since Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Biden also said that he did not feel Putin could use tactical nuclear weapons and not end up with Armageddon.

Evocative of the worst days of the Cold War as Bidens remarks were, they should not produce the kind of eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation that marked the Cuban Missile Crisis and the darkest moments of that period. That is because not only is Russia comparatively weaker (as has been demonstrated in Ukraine) and the West comparatively stronger, but also because Russia is clearly the junior partner in its evolving relationship with China. And in respect to that relationship, for Russia to use nukes would be both anathema to Chinas need to maintaining global stability so it can focus on the economic issues that are pivotal to its own cohesion as a nation. Further, of course, Russia using a nuclear weapon would undermine Chinas security interests as the resulting response to Russia would undoubtedly profoundly weaken a security ally on which the Chinese had been hoping they could depend.

In other words, China no more wants Russia to go nuclear in Ukraine than we do.

President Joe Biden meets with Chinas President Xi Jinping during a virtual summit from the White House in Washington, DC, Nov. 15, 2021. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

And that is something that we and our allies can work within helping to manage this situationjust as working with China will be essential to addressing many other central issues of the decades ahead. This includes the climate crisis (as cited above) to pandemics, and from regional conflicts to regulating and securing the internet and next generation technologies.

This Sunday, in Beijing, the 20th National Party Congress of the Chinese Communist Party will convene. For the near term, this once-every-five-years event will cement the power of Chinese President Xi Jinping and confirm his status as Chinas most potent leader since Mao Zedong. It will also, however, give insights into both how he intends to hold onto that power, and who might be positioned to someday succeed him. You can also expect further expressions of Chinas ascendant role on the world stage and Xis clear intention to use that role to assert Chinese influence and shore up its economic and political strength in the years ahead.

Almost certainly, reaction to Congress will trigger the significant faction among U.S. officials, analysts, and commentators who view the future of Americas relationship with China as a second Cold War. Again, such a 20th-century framing is a mistake.

As Bad as the World Looks Right Now, Its Actually Worse

For the reasons cited above, the U.S. and the West have far more shared interests with Chinaand far more need of China to use its influence to support our goalsthan we ever did of or with the Soviet Union. Further, with 70,000 U.S. businesses in China and our economic fates deeply intertwined, zero-sum Cold War thinking is completely inappropriate here.

As the past week has shown, and the next one will underscore, the future demands we set aside the models and biases of the past. That future will not be less complex but it will be differently complex. Finding a way to manage a relationship with a new rival with whom we share many interdependencies is one complexity we must master. Understanding that rivals needs and relationships with the rest of the world is another. Understanding how new technologies will reshape economic and geopolitical relationships and the nature of power itself is a third.

This past week has evoked echoes of Michael Corleone, as events seemed to be saying just when we thought we were out of the 20th century, it seemed to pull us back in.

But that was an illusion and a deeply misleading one at that. It is important that as we consider the big challenges of this moment and of the future, we do so keeping in mind the perspectives of the players with whom we will be forced to contendand who will seek to lead alongside us or in our place on the global stage rather than being distracted by the Putins and the old school petrocrats who are fighting for a last moment of relevance before being consigned to historys dustbin.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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EPPING  Jane Kelly said it was a calling 14 years ago  10 dead barn owls discovered over the course of two months along the roadside of Route 101, struck by cars.

I felt it wasnt a coincidence, that I was supposed to be doing something, said Kelly, who reinvented her life as a retail store owner to become the Seacoasts leading raptor rehabilitator. The years saw thousands of recovered birds of prey, countless educational talks and a recurring role on the Animal Planet reality show North Woods Law.

Jane Kelly of On the Wing, holds Floki, a snowy owl, at her house in Epping on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022.

Now, Kelly is saying goodbye to the state where she discovered her passion and is moving home to Wisconsin where she was born and raised. She said she came to the difficult decision this year that she needed to be closer to family, and she will be back in the Midwest by the end of the month.

It was a bittersweet decision, Kelly said. I hate goodbyes.

Kelly said she will be continuing On the Wing in Wisconsin, while staying in touch with volunteers that helped her rehabilitate birds on her Epping farm. Plans are in the works for some of those volunteers to become certified and trained to continue Kellys work so Seacoast raptors still have someone watching over them.

Were losing an amazing person who has such a care and knowledge for the raptors in this area, said Kristin McConnell, one of the volunteers who hopes to continue On the Wings legacy in New Hampshire. She was just this matriarch of the sky dragons.

Jane Kelly of On the Wing, holds Lila, a Eurasian eagle-owl, in Epping on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022.

From store owner to raptor savior

Kelly moved to New Hampshire 19 years ago while she was still the owner of a retail store chain in the Midwest with locations in Chicago and Minneapolis. She was 43 years old when she began discovering those first barn owls on the side of the highway between Auburn to Hampton. She had no background in biology, zoology  no ologies as she likes to say  but confided in a close friend how troubled she was by the discovery.

Rat poison is killing snowy owls: Heres what On the Wing in Epping, NH is doing about it

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She said, The universe is speaking to you, Kelly said. From there, she took action, getting her start at the Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick in York, Maine, and three and half years later she started On the Wing out of her home in Epping. She took up falconry so she could work with the raptors and better understand how they hunt and maneuver. Over time she has built a crew of 18 to 24 volunteers and a network of programs to keep On the Wing funded.

Kelly has worked with all levels of law enforcement on a weekly basis while saving raptors, as she increasingly became a go-to for rehabbing injured birds of prey reported to officers. That led to her becoming a regular on North Woods Law, in which a camera crew follows New Hampshire Fish and Game officers as they responded to wildlife calls around the state.

Kelly, who appeared in more than one episode, admitted she found filming challenging. She said she was not an actress, and that she typically had to repeat herself multiple times for the camera.

I have a potty mouth, Kelly said. Probably had to do 25 takes.

'Time to enjoy my hard work': Exeter DPW director set to retire after 23 years

The show was fun even for Kelly who is reluctant to appear on camera. North Woods Law often showed officers stopping in at On the Wing to see how a given raptor was doing, as well as releases of raptors that were ready for flight.

Just count to three and let him go, Kelly says to Fish and Game biologist Pete Tate in a scene from one episode as they prepare to release a red-tailed hawk. She said her relationship with the conservation officers and staff has been like family since she began working with them.

Theyre like younger brothers to me, Kelly said. I will miss them.

'Cult favorite' toppings: Otto Pizza opens first NH location in Exeter

A passion for raptors

Kelly said rehabilitating birds is fulfilling, although it can be challenging emotionally. On the Wing took in 400 birds last year, but only 40% are returned to the wild.

In addition to physical injuries from cars, they also suffer from toxins after eating rodents that have consumed rodenticide. Some that cant return to the wild go into education, but many must be euthanized, she said.

Seeing deaths in waves during migration takes a toll on us, Kelly said. It can be rewarding, and it can also be very exhausting mentally.

The release of a bird back into the wild is something Jane treasures and does not take for granted. She holds releases in front of large groups and uses the opportunity for education. She never plans a release unless she knows the bird is ready, only once in 14 years had a bird failed to take off.

You want to make sure they can fly, Kelly said.

Solo, a turkey vulture, poses for the camera at On The Wing in Epping on Tuesday, October 4, 2022.

The connection between the public and the birds is inspiring, she said. The releases draw people from all walks of life, which she said speaks to the awe-inspiring power that nature holds. Last weekend she said On the Wing had crowds of about 150 people at their release, many looking at the birds up close with amazement. There will be one final release of five juvenile great horned owls on Oct. 15 at 4 p.m.

Those five minutes of harmony, of different people coming together, it just warmed my heart on behalf of wildlife, Kelly said. It just goes to show we can be together in harmony and set aside our differences.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Raptor rehabilitator Jane Kelly moving On the Wing: NH to Wisconsin
Anyone whos smelled a stink bug can recall the smell they emit  a pungent odour some have compared to pepper, rotten fruit or even cilantro.

The insects, formally known as brown marmorated stink bugs, are invasive to the US, and have spread their musty aromas to more than 40 different states.

This is more than just a problem for sensitive noses, as stink bugs can be a serious and detrimental agricultural pest on crops like fruit and corn.

Now, a new study suggests that as the climate crisis grows over the next few decades, these rank little creatures could spread even further across the country, bound to leave that tell-tale reek in their wake.

Brown marmorated stink bugs are native to eastern Asia and were first discovered in Pennsylvania about 20 years ago. Since then, theyve spread to areas all over the country, but are most concentrated  and cause the most problems  in the mid-Atlantic, parts of the Midwest and the west coast.

But researchers in this new study wanted to see just how far these pests might spread in the US, especially as the climate gets warmer and habitats change. So, the team used factors like temperatures and rainfall rates to model which parts of the country might become more or less habitable for stink bugs by the year 2080.

Overall, they found that the amount of suitable habitat for the insects could increase by 70 per cent under two different middle-of-the-road climate scenarios (meaning not the worst case for the climate crisis nor the best possible outcome for the climate). The results were published in August in the journal Pest Management Science.

While some areas, especially in the southeast, could see fewer stinkbugs as the climate changes, some areas could get a whole lot more welcoming. In particular, the authors point to the mid-Atlantic, the Great Lakes area and western valley regions, like around Sacramento, California in a press release on the study.

In general, warmer weather will help the stink bugs, as they dont like to be out in the cold, they add. But they also need water, so if places get warmer but too dry, that wont help the insects spread.

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The brown marmorated stink bugs smell has been described as like rotten fruit or cilantro (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

This isnt the first research to find that stink bugs may pose a bigger threat to the US on a warmer planet. Previous work, as noted by the US Department of Agriculture, reached much of the same conclusion.

The brown marmorated stink bug has already become a pest insect on many crops since spreading into the US two decades ago. The insects are not picky eaters  and have been found feeding on everything from grapes to lima beans, apples, corn, tomatoes and apricots, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Their feeding can sometimes make these crops completely unusable, the agency adds.

Every system will change with climate change, so the fact that you can grow garbanzo beans, lentils or wheat without these pests now, doesnt mean that you will not have them in a few years, the studys lead author, Javier Gutierrez Illan, an entomologist at Washington State University, said in the press release.

There are mitigating things that we can do, but it is wise to prepare for change.

In addition, as temperatures drop for the winter, brown marmorated stink bugs move inside to find warmer shelter  and they can settle as thousands of individuals in the cracks and crevices of buildings, EPA notes.

While the critters dont pose a serious threat to humans or pets, these hidden colonies can stink  literally. And if they start to spread to more parts of the country, more American could get a regular taste of that iconic odour.
No. 8 Tennessee (4-0, 1-0 SEC) will play at LSU (4-1, 2-0 SEC) Saturday.

Kickoff is slated for noon EDT at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The game will be televised by ESPN.

Saturdays game will mark the 16th time the Vols have played on Oct. 8. Tennessee is 11-4 in games played on this date.

The Vols last played on Oct. 8 in 2016, losing to Texas A&M, 45-38, in College Station, Texas.

Tennessee first played on this date in 1910, defeating Mooney School, 7-0. The Vols have lost three consecutive games contested on Oct. 8.

Tennessee defeated LSU, 20-6, Oct. 8, 1983.

Tennessees all-time results on Oct 8

1910: Tennessee 7, Mooney School 0

1921: Tennessee 21, Chattanooga 0

1927: Tennessee 7, Maryville 0

1932: Tennessee, 20, North Carolina 7

1938: Tennessee 7, Auburn 0

1949: Tennessee 39, Chattanooga 7

1955: Tennessee 13, Chattanooga 0

1960: Tennessee 62, Tampa 7

1966: Georgia Tech 6, Tennessee 3

1977: Georgia Tech 24, Tennessee 8

1983: Tennessee 20, LSU 6

1994: Tennessee 38, Arkansas 21

2005: Georgia 27, Tennessee 14

2011: Georgia 20, Tennessee 12

2016: Texas A&M 45, Tennessee 38

Story originally appeared on Vols Wire
Image via Getty/Brandon Bell

Following criticism over the Uvalde School Districts police force response to the Uvalde elementary school shooting, the entire force has been suspended.

As reported by ABC News, the announcement was made on Friday in response to the forces much criticized response to the May 24 shooting at Robb Elementary School which left 19 students and two teachers dead. The district noted that additional Texas Department of Public Safety troopers will be stationed at campuses. "We are confident that staff and student safety will not be compromised during this transition," reads a district statement. "Officers currently employed will fill other roles in the district."

Lt. Miguel Hernandez, who led the response to the massacre, and the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School Districts director of student services Ken Mueller have been placed on administrative leave. "The District remains committed to resolving issues with verifiable evidence. Decisions concerning the UCISD police department have been pending the results of the Texas Police Chiefs Association and JPPI investigation," reads the statement. "Recent developments have uncovered additional concerns with department operations."

In July, the Uvalde City Council said that every single officer involved in the response would be investigated. Pete Arredondo, the 50-year-old police chief for the school district, was fired after an unanimous vote in August. The 18-year-old perpetrator of the attack was inside the classroom he stationed himself in for over an hour before police broke inside and fatally shot him.

Footage from surveillance cameras inside the school further spurred anger from parents of children at the school. As reported by The Austin American-Statesman in May, the Texas Department of Public Safety admitted Arredondo made a mistake when he determined the perpetrator was a barricaded subject instead of an active shooter. Robb Elementary has since been permanently closed, and will be demolished with plans to rebuild.

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Vanessa Hudgens attends the photocall at the LuisaViaRoma for Unicef event at La Certosa di San Giacomo on July 30th in Capri, Italy.

Daniele Venturelli/Daniele Venturelli/Getty

Vanessa Hudgens is taking viewers on a magical journey.

The High School Musical alum, 33, revealed Friday that she has teamed up with Bunim-Murray Productions to make a documentary about her journey with witchcraft.

Entitled Dead Hot: Season of the Witch, the project follows Hudgens and her best friend, musician GG Magree, as they travel through Salem, Massachusetts, learning about witchcraft, ghost hunting and connecting with the spirit world.

RELATED: Vanessa Hudgens Says She Speaks to Spirits: 'This Is a Gift'

The 90-minute film is described on its official Instagram as an "intimate journey into the supernatural realm" that serves as a "coming-of-age story that explores identity, feminine power and sisterhood."

Other posts on the film's Instagram show the pair serving some witchy looks, including one of Magree and Hudgens holding goats in a field. Hudgens posted a behind-the-scenes shot on her own Instagram, as well as the official poster for the film.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free weekly newsletter to get the biggest news of the week delivered to your inbox every Friday.

Variety reported that the film came about after Hudgens and Magree agreed to seek out proper mentorship and training in the art of witchcraft, of which the outlet notes the pair are "self-taught students." They invited the crew to come along to document their findings.

"They've been doing little spells since they were kids, and they were just really interested in that world," Julie Pizzi, president of Bunim-Murray, told Variety.

She explained that the project took on a deeper message as they went on, despite it being a fun-filled shoot. Pizzi said the best way to describe the film is The Craft meets The Simple Life.

"They're so into it," she explained. "As we got to know them, we realized that their curiosity in connecting with the spirit realm and paranormal and supernatural exploration was so much deeper than ghost hunting. It's an exploration in the spiritual realm. It's a lot about self love, and them finding their inner strength and power."

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The Tick, Tick  Boom! actress has been candid in the past about her interest in the spirit world. In April, during an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Hudgens told host Kelly Clarkson that she's had "a lot" of run-ins with spiritual beings over the years and said she's "accepted the fact that I see things and I hear things."

"I remember getting ready for school when I was 8 years old, and there was  You know those ducks [toys] that you pull [the string]? There was one of those on the dining room table, and I started walking, and it just started going alongside me," she said.

RELATED: Vanessa Hudgens Is Channeling Her 'Spooky' Side with Her Latest Fabletics Collaboration

"I kind of shut it down for a while because it's scary," Hudgens continued. "The unknown is scary. But recently I was like, 'No, this is a gift and something that I have the ability to do, so I'm going to lean into it.'"

The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" - Arrivals

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Hudgens added that she uses a "spirit box," which she said helps her analyze "radio frequencies really quickly," adding: "Something about the electricity that it creates allows spirits to speak through it."

It has been a longtime hobby for Hudgens to explore worlds beyond. Speaking with PEOPLE in 2011, the actress said she was visited by an unearthly presence  something she could only explain as a ghost  while filming in North Carolina.

Hudgens recalled hearing footsteps while staying at an old house on location but couldn't find the source of them. "I was chasing around my ghost for like 10 minutes solid, and then it got way too freaky, and I just left," she said at the time.

RELATED VIDEO: Vanessa Hudgens Leads an All-Female Gang Against Ezra Miller in Asking for It Trailer

Hudgens confessed she was scared by the ghostly encounter, however, she tried to figure out the meaning of it.

"I feel like she might have lost a husband at war and she's waiting for her man to come back to her," Hudgens said. "It was definitely a female spirit. I could tell."
white lotus season 2

Tanya is back at The White Lotus!

In the first trailer for The White Lotus season two, we see one familiar face, as well as a slew of new characters  possibly more unlikeable than the first season cast.

Jennifer Coolidges Tanya is back in season two, this time shes on vacation with her husband from last season, Greg, and her assistant, which Greg is not too happy about.

Theres also an Italian family trying to connect to their Italian roots, but the patriarch of the family (played by F. Murray Abraham) is apparently the kind of man so hard to be around that none of the women of the family wanted to go on the vacation in the first place.

It seems his son, played by Michael Imperioli, is just as bad, as hes seen sneaking much younger sex workers into his hotel room every night.

Aubrey Plaza also joins the cast, playing Harper Spiller, the disaffected wife of a newly-rich man. As shes dragged along on his vacation to the high-end resort, she feels alienated from his fellow wealthy friends.

Italys just so romantic. Youre gonna die. They're gonna have to drag you out of here, the trailer ends on an ominous note.

Season two of The White Lotus also stars Adam DiMarco, Haley Lu Richardson, Will Sharpe, Simona Tabasco, Tom Hollander, Sabrina Impacciatore, Theo James, Meghann Fahy, Leo Wood, and Beatrice Granno. Its created, written, and directed by Mike White.

White, who is bisexual, won three Emmys for the first season of the show  for writing, directing, and for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. Murray Bartlett and Jennifer Coolidge also took home Emmys for Outstanding Supporting Actor and Actress, and the show won five Creative Arts Emmys.

The seven-episode second season debuts Sunday, October 30 at 9pm ET/PT on HBO. Check out the trailer below.

RELATED | Everything We Know About The White Lotus Season 2 So Far
Some of the last Conditional Use Permits for short-term rentals came before the Planning and Zoning Commission at the regular monthly meeting
Wawa gas station pump and convenience store

Jeff Greenberg / Contributor/Getty

Good news for anyone who loves a great convenience store: Wawa is heading to Georgia.

The beloved Pennsylvania-based gas station chain has slowly been making its way down South, with outposts in Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida. Now, Georgia residents can join the fan club, because the company announced that it is opening a location in the state by 2024.

That means plenty of time to start plotting out the perfect way to build-your-own hoagie, pick your favorite hot breakfast sandwich, and preferred coffee order. Wawa has built up a loyal fanbase thanks to its food, of course, but also the easy access it gives folks to fuel, ATMs, clean restrooms, and its excellent customer service.

"Our continued expansion plans will allow us to reach more customers with our quality fresh food, beverages and community support friends and neighbors," John Poplawski, Vice President of Real Estate for Wawa said in a statement to WSB-TV. "Expanding to Georgia is a natural extension from the Florida Panhandle, and we look forward to serving more communities along the East Coast."

As WSB notes, Wawa's announcement didn't specify which corner of the Peach State will be graced with Wawa's first location in the state. Don't fret if you live in Macon and the first outpost is in Valdosta, because the company says it could potentially open at least 20 more locations in Georgia. Cheap tasty coffee for all!
Legacy timepiece and jewelry retailer Wempe is celebrating the 35th anniversary of its U.S. president Ruediger Albers with a special exhibit of his favorite  and rare  timepieces and a cocktail party.

There is a lot to celebrate: Albers has been instrumental in the success and development of the U.S. market for the family-owned, Hamburg, Germany-based retailer, including exceeding $100 million in annual sales and maintaining the number-one boutique position companywide for the past 25 years.

More from WWD

Rudy is simply the heart of Wempe New York, said Kim-Eva Wempe, owner and managing director of Wempe Jewelers. He has the keen ability to make anyone walking through the door feel like family and leads his team, many of whom have been with him for at least a decade, some even two, in that same manner. Rudys contributions to Wempe are endless, as is his constant positive energy. But most importantly, he formed and empowered a very strong team around him that ensures that our company philosophy is being lived to the fullest every day of the year.

Chiara Wempe, Kim-Eva Wempe and Ruediger Albers at the party marking Albers 35 years with the German retailer.

Albers began his career with the retailer in 1987 as a master watchmaker at its Hamburg flagship store. Within a year he transferred to the New York location and has since held several leadership roles within the organization, including general manager, before being appointed president in 2002.

Rudy and his team at Wempe NYC have been the benchmark in U.S. watch retailing for over three decades. They have set the tone in terms of providing exemplary service with their legendary attention to details, in being able to advise/guide customers, present brands on their respective merits and in sharing their love for fine watchmaking, said Philippe Bonay, president of Panerai North America.

Under his tenure, Wempe has added e-commerce and expanded its U.S. flagship in Manhattan on three separate occasions, bringing the space from 2,500 square feet to 5,500 square feet, stretching more than half the city block on Fifth Avenue.

Ruediger Albers is a pioneer when it comes to promoting fine mechanical watches in the U.S. Undoubtedly, while he put Wempe on the map in New York, he also significantly contributed to the appreciation of watchmaking. It has always been a great pleasure for our team at Chopard, and myself in particular, to collaborate with Ruediger since he arrived in the Big Apple, said Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, president of Chopard.

Click here to read the full article.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the international community to recognize Japanese claims to four disputed islands that Russia has controlled for more than half a century.

Zelensky said in an address to the Ukrainian people on Friday that he had signed a decree recognizing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Japan, including the Russian-held territories.

The islands of Habomai, Shikotan, Kunashiri and Etorofu, referred to as the Northern Territories by Japan and the Southern Kurils by Russia, have historically been part of Japan, but Russia captured them in the final days of World War II in 1945. Japan contends that this was in violation of the Neutrality Pact that it and the Soviet Union signed earlier in the war.

Japan and the Soviet Union were not at war for most of the conflict until the end, after Germanys defeat.

The 1951 Treaty of San Francisco, which officially dismantled Japans empire, stated that Japan should give up its right to the Kuril Islands, but it does not recognize the Soviet Unions control over them. Japan argues that it should control the four southernmost islands in the chain.

Zelensky said Russia has no right to the territories, and the entire world knows this. He said the international community must de-occupy all lands that Russia has occupied and is trying to keep.

With this war against Ukraine, against the international legal order, against our people, Russia has put itself in conditions  and it is now only a matter of time  of the real liberation of everything that once was seized and is now under the control of the Kremlin, he said.

Zelenskys push comes as Ukraine has conducted a major counteroffensive to regain control of territory that Russia had taken earlier in the war. He said Ukrainian forces liberated almost 800 square kilometers of territory in the east and almost 30 settlements this week.

Zelensky said Russia will show all potential aggressors that conducting an aggressive terrorist war in the present day is a way to weaken and destroy the one that starts it.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A stock photo of a cross on top of a church. Erica Shires/Getty Images

A Mississippi woman called out a reverend for declining to baptize her child, per The Sun Herald.

Rev. Dewayne Warren wrote a letter to Kamri Mclendon saying that the ceremony can't be done before she is not married.

The pastor was met with major backlash under Mclendon's Facebook post.

A Mississippi woman says she felt "shamed" after a reverend refused to baptize her daughter, who had been born before she and her partner got married, the SunHerald reported.

The mother, Kamri Mclendon, detailed her experience in a Facebook post last month, saying that situations "like this are why young people are scared to go to church," according to the report.

I will be the first to admit that, yes, I have sinned and have done wrong in my life. but how did me trying to dedicate my daughter to Jesus turn into us being shamed for being young parents and unmarried?" the post said.

Mclendon said that after her "baby dedication" was confirmed, she received a letter from Rev. Dewayne Warren of Hickory Grove United Methodist Church  a church she's attended since she was a child.

"I am informed that you and the baby's father are living together in sin; the baby was conceived before the parents were married," Warren wrote in the Sept. 15 letter, according to the post. "The grandmother is living with a man in sin. You and the father have not been in regular, faithful attendance at our church."

The letter added that if the church conducted the ceremony, "it would set an example for our Youth and children."

The Herald reported that the church located in Sumrall, Mississippi  only backs monogamous heterosexual couples who are married, per their website. The comment section of Mclendon's post criticized the reverend's letter that left her heartbroken.

In an update on her Facebook post, Mclendon said that the superintendent met with the pastor and sorted out the issue.

Read the original article on Insider
Edward Enninful has condemned the UK governments plan to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda, with the British Vogue editor-in-chief instead calling for a more helpful and inclusive policy.

Enninful spoke candidly about the flaws he sees in the government plan during a conversation with Sky News Sarah-Jane Mee, which aired on Thursday.

While discussing the policy, which would see the UK government send asylum-seekers to Rwanda where they may be granted refugee status or be forced to seek asylum elsewhere, the Vogue editor referenced his own background as a refugee.

This country was built on refugees, people from India, people from Africa, from the Commonwealth, and sort of embraced all these countries, Enninful said. So I feel like sending people to Rwanda is not really the solution. Im a refugee, and I think refugees contribute to the country so we have to have empathy. I think sometimes its quite hard for people to show [empathy], but I think thats the only way forward when it comes to refugees.

Enninful himself immigrated to Britain after fleeing Ghana with his family in the 1980s. The journalist discussed his working-class childhood growing up in Ghana, and how his mother, a dressmaker, influenced his first teachings in the fashion world in his memoir A Visible Man.

The memoir, released last month, sees Enninful reflecting on his experience arriving in London in 1985, which he described as landing into another kind of war zone as a result of Thatchers cruel and repressive policies.

In place of the governments current plan, Enninful says he would like to see a more helpful and inclusive policy in place.

"You could be turning incredible people away."



Vogue UK editor-in-chief Edward Enninful - a former refugee - tells @skysarahjane that "we have to have empathy" towards refugees.



More on this story: https://t.co/PCLISgGS3B



 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/iCkC7fp25D  Sky News (@SkyNews) October 6, 2022

Because when you tell people that theyre not needed, when you tell people that theyre not wanted, thats a problem in itself, Enninful told Mee. You might be saying no to the next doctor who is going to discover the next vaccine, or the next prime minister. You could be turning incredible people away, so we have to be very careful.

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Despite the criticism and ongoing legal challenges over the government plan, which was first signed in April, Britains Home Secretary Suella Braverman recently said the government plans to continue with the policy, and potentially expand it.

Were looking actively at negotiating with countries who will take our asylum seekers, she said Tuesday.

Elsewhere during the interview, Enninful was asked about the possibility of UK Prime Minister Liz Truss being featured in British Vogue.

He explained that the magazine features people who are sort of doing things at the moment, who have something to do with the zeitgeist.

So, you know, were waiting to see how she progresses, he said. And then we will have that conversation again.

Enninful was also asked by Sky News about whether he felt there was a racist undertone to the tabloid coverage of the 2019 special issue of British Vogue guest-edited by Meghan Markle, and whether it resonated with his own experience taking over as the editor of Vogue in 2017.

I think to just say its racism really simplifies everything. When I took the job, I was an outsider, and I think she was seen as an outsider. I was Black, I was gay, I was working class, I was a refugee. So I was an outsider coming to take up this institutional role, he said.

What people didnt realise was that he was the ultimate insider, Enninful said, referencing his extensive background in fashion journalism.

I just buckled down and did the work, and I think thats what shes doing, he added.
Photo credit: Peacock



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Peacocks new true crime drama, A Friend of the Family, hit the streamer this week with its first four episodes. The miniseries has 9 episodes total and stars Jake Lacy, Anna Paquin, Colin Hanks, and Lio Tipton, and in an extremely chilling turn, the show is based on a true story.

First, a flashback: One of Netflixs most talked about documentaries, Abducted in Plain Sight , was released in 2017 and focuses on the same case as A Friend of the Family. The Netflix documentary is based on the book, Stolen Innocence: The Jan Broberg Story, making this new Peacock series the third iteration of one of the most-discussed kidnapping cases in recent history. In case you missed the documentary in your most recent scroll fugue state, heres the true story behind A Friend of the Family.

The key subjects here are Jan Broberg and pedophile Robert B Berchtold. In the 1970s, Robert abducted Jan two separate timesonce when she was 12 and again when she was 14, all in front of her parents eyes. The Brobergs and Berchtolds were a pair of close families in Idaho, spending so much time together that the Broberg daughters often referred to Berchtold as B or even dad occasionally. Robert became a figure in the Broberg family, developing intimate and occasionally sexual relationships with *both* Jan's parents, Bob and Mary Ann. He leveraged this parental trust to abuse and abduct Jan.

In October 1974, Robert kidnapped Jan for the first time. He told the Brobergs he was taking Jan horseback riding but instead drove her to Mexico. While in Mexico, Robert Berchtold and a 12-year-old Jan Broberg were married. Reflecting back on this time of her life, Jan remembers being brainwashed by Robert, who told her that the two were on a mission to save the Broberg family from aliens. He told Jan that the only way to save her family was for a Broberg daughter to have a child with him by the age of 16, and if it were not her, it would be one of her sisters. He then raped her, and shortly after, her parents flew to Mexico to find her. Upon returning to the U.S., Robert was arrested and charged with kidnapping.

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In the aftermath of the kidnapping, Jan said she had been brainwashed by Robert. He continued to send her letters, and Jan still believed she was still on a mission to save her family. Whenever the two were together, Robert would rape her. In time, he began an affair with Jans mother, Mary Ann Broberg. Evidence of their affair was used to lessen the kidnapping charges against him, ultimately shortening his sentence to just 10 days served in jail. During these 10 days, Robert convinced a few fellow criminals to burn down the Brobergs store for moneyand they did.

Photo credit: Peacock

In August 1976, Robert kidnapped Jan Broberg for the second time. He took her to California, where he enrolled her in an all-girls Catholic school and told the administrators that he was in the CIA and needed to keep his and Jans information completely private. Ultimately, the FBI tracked him down, pulled Jan out of school, and returned her to her family. Following the second kidnapping, Robert stood trial for the charge of first degree kidnapping but was only sentenced to six months in a mental facility.

Following the second kidnapping, the Brobergs kept their distance from Robert, and as Jan got older, she came to realize that the mission was a ruse and she had been raped. Together, Jan and Mary Ann Broberg wrote the memoir Stolen Innocence and hit the road on a speaking tour. Throughout this tour, Robert would occasionally show up and spin his story to the media, denying that he sexually abused Jan. She ultimately filed a restraining order against Robert, ordering him to stay away from her for the remainder of his life. In the end, Robertfacing charges related to a fight with a biker gangdied by suicide in 2005.

Jan herself is directly involved with the Peacock adaptation, on which she serves as executive producer. We know if people start talking about things that actually matter like this, it will make a difference," she told Variety. "So whether they are talking smack about my parents, theyre talking. Whether theyre talking about, That dumb Jan Broberg, how stupid could she be to think she was kidnapped by aliens? I dont care anymore. I want them to talk because, to me, that moves the needle closer to prevention, closer to awareness and closer to what I hope to stand for, which is hope that you can heal from trauma.

Clearly this story is rife with twists enough for a book, a documentary, and a drama miniseries, and it's brave of Jan to continue sharing her story with the public.

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A group of fishermen caught a whale (on video) off East Providence last week.

That's right. They spotted the minke whale in upper Narragansett Bay, more than 20 miles north of the open waters of Rhode Island Sound.

Fishermen Rich Byron, Jim Winterbottom and Jeff Sherman sent their video, taken off Bullocks Point, to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, which posted it to Facebook, saying, "Whale how about that."

The whale's presence in the upper Bay is a good sign, suggesting "a healthy and productive ecosystem," the DEM said. "The east passage and the channel to the Port of Providence is deep and minke whales likely follow it to feed on the abundant schools of small menhaden typically present in the Bay this time of year."

Minke whales are "occasionally observed in the upper Bay," the DEM said.

Minke whales grow to about 35 feet long, weigh up to 20,000 pounds and can live up to 50 years, according to NOAA Fisheries.

Their range includes New England and the mid-Atlantic, Alaska, the Pacific Islands, the Southeast and the West Coast, according to NOAA.

Their population is considered stable throughout almost all of their range, according to NOAA. "Minke whales in the United States are not endangered or threatened, but they are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act," according to NOAA.

"A number" of whale species "frequent the coastal and offshore waters of Rhode Island," according to the DEM, which says it works with NOAA and other partners to help protect them.

"When youre out on the water, remember to slow down for marine wildlife! Slowing down and giving marine wildlife space helps reduce the chances of collisions," the DEM said.

The DEM also offered links to NOAA's website for guidelines on viewing marine life "safely and respectfully," and their own website for safe boating tips.

jperry@providencejournal.com

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This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Fishermen spot whale in upper Narragansett Bay, off East Providence
SHANGHAI  After 12 years, Dover Street Market Beijing officially closed its Taikoo Li Sanlitun location on Friday.

According to the stores official WeChat account, Dover Street Market Beijing will be relocating to WF Central, a luxury shopping mall complex close to the Forbidden City. The new store is set to open in November.

More from WWD

In partnership with Hong Kong retailer I.T, Dover Street Market Beijing opened in 2010 under the name I.T Beijing Market. As Dover Street Markets only retail outpost in China, the all-white, four-story glass building became a landmark presence in the Taikoo Li Sanlitun North District.

Dover Street Market Beijings Taikoo Li Sanlitun location.

The stores brand selection and visual identity stayed in line with the Dover Street Market franchise. The only difference was the Beijing store was directly linked to a Bape store, an I.T flagship brand, on its ground floor.

In 2018, the store changed its name to Dover Street Market Beijing. The name switch was aimed at making Beijing a part of the DSM community, and it was not only a business decision, Adrian Joffe, chief executive officer of Dover Street Market, told local media at the time.

According to an I.T spokesperson, the WF Central Dover Street Market Beijing will be slightly bigger than the Taikoo Li Sanlitun one, which spans over 23,680 square feet.

Opened in 2018, WF Central is the first luxury shopping mall in the touristy Wangfujing area. It is home to luxury brands such as Dior, Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Saint Laurent. It also houses the first Serpentine Pavilion overseas.

Taikoo Li Sanlitun declined to reveal the next tenant for the building. According to Xiaohongshu, the popular social commerce platform, Louis Vuitton is set to take over the location and open a Louis Vuitton Maison, the equivalent of a major flagship.

Louis Vuitton has three Maison stores in China, located at Beijings China World Mall, Shanghais Plaza 66 and Chengdus Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li.

Click here to read the full article.
Tesla boss Elon Musk (NTB/AFP/Getty)

Elon Musk has proposed a solution to growing tensions between China and Taiwan  just days after coming under fire for suggesting a peace plan for Ukraine and Russia.

The worlds richest man said he believes conflict in Taiwan is inevitable, and  similarly to his propositions for Kyiv earlier this week  suggested handing over some control to Beijing.

China regards Taiwan as part of its territory, despite it having been governed independently since 1949 and recognised as a sovereign country by more than a dozen other nations.

Mr Musk said his recommendation would be to figure out a special administrative zone for Taiwan that is reasonably palatable, probably won't make everyone happy.

And it's possible, and I think [probable], in fact, that they could have an arrangement that's more lenient than Hong Kong, he told the Financial Times.

Hong Kong has recently experienced its largest-ever population drop, with 140,000 residents applying for special visas in the UK, offered in the face of political unrest in the former colony. It comes amid attempts by Beijing to exert increasing authority despite the one country, two systems principle agreed upon during its handover in 1997.

The same principle  initially developed with Taiwan in mind  was rejected by the islands government as recently as August after it was proposed afresh by China in a white paper, and has virtually no public support. At a news conference in Tapei, a foreign ministry spokesperson warned that only Taiwan's people can decide its future.

According to the Financial Timess editor Roula Khalaf, who interviewed Mr Musk as part of the papers Lunch with the FT series, the longest silence to any of her questions followed her enquiry about the risk to his electric car firm Teslas factory in Shanghai, which accounts for between 30 and 50 per cent of the firms total production.

Speaking against a backdrop of increasing US-China tensions, which came to a peak during House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosis visit to Taiwan in August, and the risk of a potential Chinese attempt to wrest control of the island, Mr Musk said that Tesla would be caught up in any conflict involving Beijing.

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But he reportedly appeared to assume that his Shanghai factory would still be able to supply to its customers in China, just not anywhere else. Apple would be in very deep trouble, thats for sure he added, before predicting that the global economy as a whole would take a 30 per cent hit.

Mr Musk said that Beijing has made clear its disapproval of his recent rollout of Starlink  the satellite communications system created by his company SpaceX  in Ukraine to help Kyivs military circumvent Russias disruption of the internet.

It was a development that further evidenced how Starlink could be used to circumvent censorship and repression by authoritarian governments, and Mr Musk said that Beijing sought assurances that he would not sell the product in China.

Despite his immediate support for Ukraine in the face of the invasion ordered by Russias Vladimir Putin in February, Mr Musk drew the ire of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky with a Twitter poll of his suggestions for ending the war.

Mr Musks ideas included Ukraine permanently ceding Crimea to Moscow, and holding votes in parts of Ukraine that the Kremlin says it is annexing  after Mr Putin ordered a series of sham referenda in a hasty bid to shore up his military gains in the face of an ascendant Ukrainian counter-offensive.

World news in pictures

7 October 2022: A protester hurls rocks amid clashes with Israeli soldiers following a demonstration against the expropriation of Palestinian land by Israel in the village of Kfar Qaddum in the occupied West Bank near the Jewish settlement of Kedumimon (AFP/Getty)

6 October 2022: Ukrainian firefighters push out a fire after a strike in Zaporizhzhia amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine (AFP/Getty)

5 October 2022: Amnesty International activists organize a sit-in at Rome's Capitol Hill in solidarity with protesters in Iran, (AP)

4 October 2022: A woman takes a moment for the victims of Saturday's soccer match stampede in front of gate 13 at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, Indonesia (AP)

3 October 2022: Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men and children perform the Tashlich ritual in the coastal Mediterranean city of Netanya, during which sins are cast into the water to the fish, ahead of the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, the most important day in the Jewish calendar (AFP/Getty)

2 October 2022: Supporters of Brazilian former President, and candidate for the Workers Party, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva react as they watch the vote count of the legislative and presidential election, in Brasilia (AFP/Getty)

1 October 2022: AC Milans Charles De Ketelaere, left, collides with Empolis Koni de Winter and Alberto Grassi, right during their Serie A football match at the Carlo-Castellani stadium (AFP/Getty)

30 September 2022: From left, Moscow-appointed head of Kherson Region Vladimir Saldo, Moscow-appointed head of Zaporizhzhia region Yevgeny Balitsky, Russian President Vladimir Putin, center, Denis Pushilin, leader of self-proclaimed of the Donetsk People's Republic and Leonid Pasechnik, leader of self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic pose for a photo during a ceremony to sign the treaties for four regions of Ukraine to join Russia, at the Kremlin in Moscow (AP)

29 September 2022: A man walks through debris on a street in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in Punta Gorda, Florida (AFP/Getty)

28 September 2022: Finland closes motorway so F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet pilots can practice landings in Joutsa, Finland (Reuters)

27 September 2022: This handout picture released on September 27, 2022 by the Danish Defence Command shows the gas leak at the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline as it is seen from the Danish Defence's F-16 rejection response off the Danish Baltic island of Bornholm, south of Dueodde (DANISH DEFENCE/AFP/Getty)

In response, Mr Zelensky created his own poll, asking: Which Elon Musk do you like more? One who supports Ukraine [or] one who supports Russia?

Ukrainian ambassador Andrij Melnyk replied that his very diplomatic response to Mr Musks suggestions was merely to f*** off, while Russian chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov accused the Tesla founder of moral idiocy, repetition of Kremlin propaganda, a betrayal of Ukrainian courage and sacrifice.

Following his remarks on Taiwan, one senior official familiar with security planning there told Reuters that Musk needs to find a clear-headed political adviser.

Wang Ting-yu, a senior politician in Taiwans ruling Democratic Progressive Party who sits on the parliament's foreign affairs and defence committee, responded to the Tesla founder: Individual independent companies cannot take their ownership as a joke.

So why should they casually pass off the democratic freedoms, sovereignty and way of life of 23 million Taiwanese? Its not acceptable for Ukraine, and Taiwan certainly wont allow it.

Asked about Mr Musks comments, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson told Reuters that Taiwan was a domestic affair, and said that Beijing would continue to adhere to the principle of peaceful reunification while resolutely smashing Taiwanese separatism.
A Texas man who once worked as a financial advisor and owned a microbrewery has been convicted on federal fraud charges after allegedly murdering one of his clients.

Keith Ashley, 50, was found guilty of 17 separate charges  including wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence and bank theft resulting in a death  after a week-long trial, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Texas announced in a press release.

The investigation into Ashley began after the purported suicide of one of his life insurance clients and financial advisees, James Seegan, 62, at his home in Carrollton, Texas  a northern Dallas suburb  in 2020.

James Seegan was found with a gunshot wound to the head by his wife, Sakidida Seegan, when she arrived home from work with the couple's son on Feb. 19. However, Sakidida Seegan noticed the gun was in James Seegan's left hand and she told police that her husband was right-handed and hated guns to the point that he made her get rid of a toy gun she bought their son, according to the Dallas Morning News.

RELATED: Brewery Owner Who Worked As Friend's Financial Adviser Allegedly Killed Him, Staged Death As Suicide, Then Drained His Account

His purported suicide note was printed off the computer and asked its reader to call Ashley, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported. While the alleged note was on the blood-splattered desk in front of where James Seegan was shot, the note itself was blood-free.

Carrollton Police eventually determined the gun had been purchased at a pawn shop in 2013, and that there were no fingerprints on it or the shell casings, the Fort Worth paper reported. They also found that Seegan had a hospital-grade paralytic, etomidate, in his system but hadn't recently been in the hospital and wasn't known to abuse drugs. Ashley, on the other hand, was a registered nurse who had last administered the drug to a patient the previous December, the Dallas paper reported.

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A police handout of Keith Ashley

Keith Ashley Photo: Carrollton Texas Police Department

They also determined that Seegan had a calendar appointment at 9:00 a.m. on the morning of his death, which read "Keith - Blood," an indication that he was planning to give Ashley  who was his life insurance agent  a blood sample for the purpose of updating his policy. The Seegan home was equipped with a Nest doorbell system, which recorded Ashley arriving at 9:31 a.m. on the day of James Seegan's death. A separate Nest camera, installed in the garage, was activated by a loud noise at 10:15 a.m., after which the doorbell camera captured Ashley leaving at 10:21 a.m., returning shortly thereafter to let himself into the home and then leaving the home before 11:00, the Star-Telegram reported.

Investigators say the purported suicide note was printed off of Seegan's computer at 10:17 a.m., according to legal filings in the case. Tests allegedly showed that a gunshot in the home in the area where Seegan's body was found would, in fact, activate the Nest camera in the garage.

Sakadida Seegan also told police that Ashley came to their home two days after her husband's death and asked to use her husband's phone to unlock a financial account with two-factor authentication. She said she saw him delete the two men's entire text message history. Police later discovered that Ashley had used the authorization to transfer $20,000 from the dead man's bank account to himself, the papers reported.

Jan Broberg attends the world premiere of "A Friend Of The Family"

Investigators subsequently determined that, though Ashley only claimed Seegan as an insurance client, the dead man had transferred $750,000 to Seegan's financial advisory firm in the five years before his death. They also discovered that Ashley had opened two life insurance policies in Seegan's name; Seegan's wife said she was unaware of the existence of the second policy, which was worth $2 million. Its beneficiary had been changed from Sakadida Seegan to a trust controlled by Ashley three weeks before her husband's death, the papers reported.

Carrollton police served a warrant on Ashley's home and business in September 2020, and found what they thought were multiple forged financial documents  including a document in which Seegan allegedly gave Ashley a $65,000 "gift"  the Star-Telegram reported.

That's when police called in federal investigators, according to Dallas-Fort Worth NBC affiliate KXAS and the Star-Telegram.

Federal investigators alleged in a November 2020 indictment that, starting in 2013, Ashley began soliciting clients for purported investments without risk, but actually pocketed at least $1.1 million and conducted a Ponzi scheme by using newer clients' money to pay off older clients. He allegedly spent the money he pocketed on expenses at his microbrewery, Nine Bands Brewery, at casinos, in addition to paying off personal credits cards and college tuition and student loans.

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A retired FBI agent who had been involved in the case testified that he believed there were at least eight victims in the fraud scheme, five of whom were over 65, the Morning News reported.

Ashley was indicted on the federal fraud charges and arrested in November 2020. His mother-in-law contacted the FBI after his arrest and told them she believed he'd also stolen $250,000 from her family and re-directed forged checks from their accounts to his home, the Morning News reported. Court documents in the federal case revealed that investigators found what appeared to be a draft of an apparent suicide note on Ashley's computer in which he allegedly admitted to stealing more than $100,000 from his mother-in-law.

He was indicted on capital murder charges for the death of James Seegan in Dallas County in April 2021, according to KXAS. Those charges are still pending, according to the Morning News.

Ashley faces up to life in prison for his federal conviction. If convicted of Seegan's murder in state court, he will face life in prison without the possibility of parole, but prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty.
Corvallis officials are begrudgingly complying with new climate-driven state rules that make it so developers won't need to provide parking in most cases.

Parking requirement changes are among the first mandates coming down the pike with so-called Oregons Climate Friendly Equitable Communities rules. The idea is to dissuade the use of cars to cut-down on greenhouse gas emissions.

The first phase of the rules related to parking must be implemented by Jan. 1.

Corvallis leaders were faced with two options: nix all parking requirements or implement parking requirement reforms in specified areas. Rather than trying to pinpoint those areas, the council ultimately opted the larger, more-encompassing option which would allow developers to forgo parking spots.

As one other councilor said, this pretty much sucks, putting it bluntly, Councilor Laurie Chaplen said. Im loathe (to do) either option.

Other councilors piled on, pointing out weaknesses in the citys public transit system, bemoaning state directives over local choice, and noting the possibility of huge, unintended consequences on a city that already struggles with housing and traffic.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

The City Council selected the first of two options, which will remove parking mandates across the city, at its meeting Monday, Oct. 3. It was a 7-1 vote, with Councilor Jan Napack opposing. Councilor Tracey Yee was absent from the meeting.

Were going to have a lot of parking on front yards if this goes through, Napack said. I think on a case-by-case basis, and not a blanket ruling, would be a better approach; its a more thoughtful approach. I just dont see this as appropriate without a lot of support from the state or federal.

A more complicated second option would have eliminated parking requirements within a half-mile of frequently-used transit corridors (a large swathe of the city), with the state rules applying outside those boundaries. It also blocked parking requirements for certain types of developments, and residential developments cant require more than one space per unit.

Those rules forgo minimum parking requirements for small and affordable housing units, including publicly supported housing, and theres no parking requirements for child care-, shelter- and disability-related facilities.

Gov. Kate Brown signed an executive order in 2020 directing the states departments to cut emissions. Much of populous Oregon, including most of the Willamette Valley, is under a 2050 deadline to reduce greenhouse gasses.
Thawanny Silva de Souza, 6, and Rafael Silva de Souza, 9, eat a lunch of rice, beans and egg in their familys house, in the Arco Iris favela in Recife, Brazil (Reuters)

The spectre of hunger hangs over Brazils presidential race this year like few before it.

Rampant inflation and fallout from the pandemic have pushed food insecurity here to levels nearly unrecognisable a decade ago. One in three Brazilians say they have struggled recently to feed their families.

Trailing in the polls and eager to offer relief, President Jair Bolsonaro dribbled budget rules to boost Brazils main welfare programme by 50 per cent through to the end of the year.

But that has failed to move the needle so far. Opinion surveys show his support among the poorest Brazilians flat or flagging since the more generous payouts started.

Luciana Messias dos Santos, 29, poses for a picture in front of her empty fridge at her home in the Estrutural favela in Brasilia (Reuters)

Thawanny eats a lunch of rice, beans and egg in her family's house, in the Arco Iris favela (Reuters)

Welfare recipients interviewed by Reuters in a half dozen states were reluctant to give Bolsonaro credit for the expiring election-year benefits. Most said they are pulling for his left-wing rival, former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who slashed hunger and extreme poverty with the help of a commodity boom during his 2003-2010 presidency.

In the slums of Brazilian cities, families are struggling to feed themselves as hunger rises in the powerhouse food exporter.

Were the forgotten ones. There is no lunch today, says Dona Monica in a favela called Arco Iris (Rainbow) on a river smelling of sewers and urine in the northeastern city of Recife where dengue is rife.

Carla Marquez, 36, who is six months pregnant, cries as she talks about gas and food prices in the room where she and her family live in Sao Paulo (Reuters)

Luciana stands with her son, as she cooks using firewood outside her home (Reuters)

In the centre of Sao Paulo, Brazils largest city, Carla Marquez lives in a room paid for by a church with her husband Carlos Henrique Mendes, 25, and their five-year-old daughter. We havent bought food in ages. Prices are absurdly high. Ive nothing to give her, the 36-year old mother said in tears.

UN HUNGER MAP

Brazils election looks to be yet another case of soaring global food inflation unsettling incumbents, but hunger has been mounting a comeback in Latin Americas largest economy for the better part of a decade.

Just eight years ago, Brazil hit its UN target for eliminating widespread malnourishment ahead of schedule. Since then, the share of Brazilians who say they cannot feed their families in the past 12 months has more than doubled to 36 per cent, according to the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) think tank.

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The result is a consensus across Brazils political establishment that the country needs a stronger social safety net. Almost every major party and candidate has backed emergency cash stipends to 20 million families, which benefit roughly one in four Brazilians  making it one of the worlds most far-reaching welfare programmes.

Elvira de Fatima Saraiva, 57, prepares dinner, the family's only meal of the day, in Porto Alegre (Reuters)

A view of the Brasilia Teimosa favela is seen beneath the residential buildings of the Boa Viagem neighbourhood in Recife (Reuters)

FGVs Marcelo Neri says he has never seen hunger so central to the electoral debate.

The whole political spectrum is talking about food insecurity, the emphasis is everywhere, he said.

Bolsonaro and Lula both promise they will work to extend this years more generous welfare programme or even expand it. Neither has explained how they would fund this  but analysts reckon it will mean the end of a constitutional spending limit that has defined fiscal policy for the past six years.

LULA LEADING RACE

Voter opinion polls showed that Bolsonaro did manage to narrow Lulas advantage earlier this year by increasing Auxilio Brasil and working to lower fuel costs, but Lula had begun to pull away again in the past two weeks.

Lula received 48.4 per cent in last Sundays first-round vote, with Bolsonaro on 43.2 per cent  meaning Lula fell short of outright victory. The outcome of the election will be decided in the second-round vote in three weeks.

Maria Jose holds her lunch, a bowl of rice, in front of her house in the Arco Iris favela (Reuters)

Luciana feeds her 10-month-old baby as he sits on the lap of her husband Felipe dos Santos, 26, at their home (Reuters)

The aid has not generated the effect the government had expected. The increase was seen by people as an electoral manoeuvre and they are rejecting the ploy, pollster Felipe Nunes, of Quaest Pesquisa e Consultoria, told Reuters.

FGV economist Mr Neri agreed Lulas credibility is higher among Brazils poor, because Bolsonaros social welfare measures have been erratic. The government reduced and then suspended emergency aid after the Covid-19 pandemic, and when welfare was restored it was at a lower value, he said.

Meanwhile, food prices have continued to go up, driven by fuel and transport costs, and have risen 9.83 per cent in the year.

People say Bolsonaro is helping. But he gives and then takes it away. It was much better with Lula, said Luciana Messias dos Santos, 29.

Carla dos Santos Feliciano, 38, pushes a buggy containing fruit and vegetables donated by merchants at the CEASA supply centre in Rio de Janeiro (Reuters)

Carla sorts through food that has been thrown out to find edible products to cook with, at the CEASA supply centre (Reuters)

In her wooden shack in Estrutural, Brasilias largest favela, she had to adapt her stove to cook with wood as fuel because gas is too expensive.

Bolsonaro has denied hunger has become critical in Brazil, irritated by the importance it has taken on in the election campaign.

Hunger in Brazil? It does not exist the way it is being reported, he said in August. Last week, his economy minister, Paulo Guedes, took on a survey by the Penssan Network that said 33 million people face starvation. Its a lie. That is false. These are not the numbers, he said.

In Rio de Janeiro, welfare recipient Carla Feliciano, 38, says she survives by picking fruit and vegetables from dumpsters outside the municipal market. She said life has become very difficult after the pandemic under the Bolsonaro government.

Welfare or no welfare makes no difference. I vote for Lula. I will die a Lula supporter, she said.

WELFARE AS ELECTION PLOY

Average income of poor Brazilians has fallen to levels of 10 years ago, widening the countrys stark social inequality.

Bolsonaro has focused on winning their votes which he needs to be re-elected  an uphill task running against Lula, whose conditional cash-transfer welfare programme called Bolsa Familia lifted millions from poverty when he was in office.

Carla sorts through food that has been thrown out to find edible products to cook (Reuters)

Izabela, 2, eats a meal made from food found in a garbage container by her mother Carla (Reuters)

Bolsonaro renamed the programme Auxilio Brasil to end the association of social welfare with Lula, but this has not brought the electoral dividends he had hoped for.

Bolsonaro has tried to play this card, but it wont help him, said Carlas husband Carlos, who scrapes by collecting scrap cardboard in the streets of Sao Paulo. He said he would vote for Lula and his Workers Party. His wife was not so sure.

Living in a tent with her children and grandchildren just half a mile from the presidential place in Brasilia, Edilene Alves says she sees through Bolsonaros ploy.

The distrust of Bolsonaros motives held by Carlos and Edilene was echoed by low-income Brazilians from Porto Alegre in the deep south to Salvador and Recife in the northeast.

They think we are dumb. Increasing welfare from 400 reais [70] to 600 reais does not help when supermarket prices have risen so much, said the migrant from Brazils poor northeast. People are going to die of hunger.
The Ubuntu philosophy, which was supposed to pivot pan Africanism, has struggled to become a realitywith certain African countries seeking a protectionist agenda even under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (Afcfta.)



Proponents of Ubuntuism such as South African fallen cleric Desmond Tutu see it as a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanityin this case all Africans. In Zulu, it means I am because we are.



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Even when it comes to technology, though some startups have tried to ride on the philosophy, a sense of commonness is lacking and technological progress on the continent is still limited to a few hubs.

But Google now wants to change all that. Through its $1 billion five-year investment plan, the company aims to use technology to unite all 55 countries. During its second edition of Google for Africa event on Oct. 5, the company highlighted that by providing multiple opportunities in the internet, offering training, and adding more African languages to its products, Ubuntiusm can be resuscitated.

Were donating $1 million in ad grants on a monthly basis and helping more than 40,000 people collaborate with Google Workspace for nonprofits. Going through this journey, we want to embrace the spirit of Ubuntu. I am because we are, Nitin Gajria, Google Africa managing director said during the livestreamed event. Gajria added that there will be ongoing Google Career Certificate scholarships to 5,000 more African youth through an additional $1.5 million funding.

Making internet more affordable

Googles Equiano subsea cable meant to reduce the cost of internet and bring more Africans online, has connected Saint Helena, Togo, Nigeria, Namibia, and South Africa to Europe and is set to expand the continents internet bandwidth by up to 20 times and Gajria says it will add more than $17 billion in economic growth to the continent.

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A 2021 report by Africa Practice and Genesis Analytics estimates that by 2025, the cable will add $10.1 billion, $7 billion, and $260 million to the GDPs of Nigeria, South Africa, and Namibia respectively. The 4G cable could also create 1.8 million jobs in the three nations.

Alphabets Project Taara has been beaming light-speed internet across the River Congo basin, connecting over 17 million peoples who reside in Kinshasa and Brazzaville. Taaras director of engineering said Taaras wireless optical link served nearly 700 TB of data in 20 days with 99.9% availability. However, this was after its other moonshot project Loon crumbled in Kenya and Uganda.

A new cloud center in South Africa was launched during the event, promising to add $2.1 billion to the countrys GDP, and help create more than 40,000 jobs by 2030. Niral Patel, director of Google Cloud Africa called it the cleanest cloud in the industry. We are expanding our network through the Equiano subsea cable and building dedicated cloud interconnect sites in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Lagos and Nairobi, Patel said.

African languages are joining the internet

Google is now building speech recognition algorithms to serve Africa, starting with the launch of voice typing support for nine more African languages on Gboard, the Google keyboard. The languages are isiNdebele, isiXhosa, Kinyarwanda, Northern Sotho, Swati, Sesotho, Tswana, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga.

At least 24 new African languages are now supported on Google Translate, Google said. Gboard supports 200 African languages but theres a long way to go since the continent speaks over 2,000 native languages and less than 1% is represented in the web.

Google country director for east Africa Agnes Gathaiya says a new functionality will allow African developers to use the 200 languages in app development.

If you talk to a person in language they understand, that goes to their head. If you talk to them in their own language, that goes to their heart, Gathaiya said. Acknowledging that African languages that use the Latin writing system have long lacked technological support for the full set of letters and accent marks that they use, she said Google has expanded its Questrial font to include a newly defined African-Latin glyphs set. Text on devices can now be accurately spelled.

Google has also updated its Street View feature in Kenya, South Africa, Senegal, and Nigeria with nearly 3,000 kms of imagery to help people virtually explore and navigate neighborhoods on Google Maps. But Street View is now only available in 11 African countries.

James Manyika, senior vice president, tech and society at Google said the company is partnering with the African Union to revive its unity in tech across all 55 member states through policy formulation for startup bills. These partnerships are essential to the future that we can build together. One where tech supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and also the talent powering Africas digital transformation. Google has opened a new talent development center in Nairobi.

Preserving Africas culture

The company is moving to help Africas top content creators in music, food, fashion, art, and sports. It is also digitizing art for preservation. We developed Eko for Show on Google Arts and Culture, a collaboration with seven cultural institutions. Mali Magic, for example, explores the culture of Mali by shining a light on heroic stories in a digital collection of sound and story, said Ola Fadipe, senior director of people operations at Google.

To support African entrepreneurs in growing and developing their talent, Google supports African small businesses through the Hustle Academy and Google Business Profiles, and to help job seekers learn the skills they need through Developer Scholarships and Career Certifications. Last year, 7,500 career scholarships were disbursed to help young people learn new skills and build their careers. Over 105,000 African developers have been trained on Android, web, and Google Cloud technologies.

Part of its $50 million Africa Investment Fund has been awarded to SafeBoda, an e-transport startup in Uganda and Nigeria, Carry1st, a South African mobile gaming startup and Lori Systems, an e- logistics startup in Kenya. Its Black Founders Fund has been praised for achieving gender parity.

The challenge ahead

Googles definition of Ubuntuism centers on making tech ubiquitous in every African nation, but 44 countries in the continent are yet to experience products such as Street View, and Google Maps updates on road networks across the continent can take several years compared to other regions. Rural Africa is not well mapped by Google, and businesses that rely on Maps for their operation such as taxi ride-hailing apps and e-logistics startups have their market limited to only urban centers, yet 58% of Africas population lives in rural areas.

Average internet costs are high, smartphone penetration is low, and the varying levels of progress of internet infrastructure across countries is also a hindrance to Googles delivery promisewhile a few are testing 5G, many others heavily rely on 3G.

But its Ubuntu projects make some business sense. Africas internet economy is estimated to grow to $180 billion by 20255.2% of the continents GDP, with 19 of the top 20 fastest growing economies being in the continent. About 60% of the continents population is aged under 25, and by 2050, a quarter of the worlds population will be Africa. Googles investments could one day help millions of Africans do business online, watch HD videos on YouTube, search for rural directions on Maps and Google in their local languages.
A North Carolina man with Down syndrome was fired from a Wendys restaurant without notice after he had worked there for more than 20 years, his family has said.

He was later reinstated at the restaurant after a Facebook post by his sister went viral.

Dennis Peek was set to retire from the fast food restaurant in Stanley, northwest of Charlotte in the southern parts of the state, on his own accord, but his family now says that he was removed from his post because he wasnt able to do his job like a normal person, WSOC reported.

Im out here because I need to be his voice for the way he was treated, Mr Peeks sister Cona Turner told the local TV station.

She said she discovered on Wednesday that her younger brother had been fired after working there for nearly 22 years.

I asked why and I was told he could not perform his duties, she said. He [doesnt] understand and we cant tell him he was terminated. We have not told him and we wont tell him.

Ms Turner shared her anger at her brothers firing on Facebook. After the story spread across social media, she said she got a call from Carolina Restaurant Group, which owns and runs the fast food restaurant. She said they told her that her brother could return to his role as soon as next week.

In a statement, the Carolina Restaurant Group said that we are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for our employees and our customers. This was an unfortunate mistake and lapse in protocol; we are in touch with the employees family, and we are looking forward to welcoming him back to work in the restaurant.

Disability Right North Carolina lawyer Christopher Hodgson told WSOC that it turns into discrimination, especially when somebodys making generalizations about someones disabilities and stereotypes about what they can and cant do, when its no longer based on what theyre doing, but fears around their own limitations.

My brother Dennis has worked at Wendys in Stanley for over 20 years and I am heartbroken to say they have fired him, Ms Turner wrote on Facebook on 5 October. His dream was to retire from there some day and he was looking forward to a huge retirement party, we may just give him that party and tell him he has retired because he does not understand being fired.

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They told me was unable to perform the duties of a normal persons job, she added. I am also looking into a wrongful termination of a special needs employee, wish me luck! I am very disappointed with the management at Wendys in Stanley, they have no idea how they hurt my brother!

In an update on the same post, she later added that they have offered Dennis his job back starting next week. My heart is overwhelmed by the support that you all have given my brother and myself! Thank you all so much!

The post has been shared more than 11,000 times.

Mr Peek has been described as a fun and cheerful person who often speaks about looking forward to his retirement, WSOC noted.

His family are now deciding whether to have an early retirement celebration for him and invite the friends he made while working at the restaurant or if he should return to the job, the outlet reported.

When reached by The Independent for comment, Wendys referred back to the statement issued by the Carolina Restaurant Group.

The Independent has contacted Ms Turner for comment.
Photo: Rokas Tenys (Shutterstock)

This Halloween, the internets been abuzz with talk about the new Netflix series, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. From general spooky season excitement, to Rick Ross asking Twitter to help find him a pair of Dahmer style glasses, people cant help but to be obsessed with the tale of the Milwaukee Cannibal. That is, of course, everyone except those who lived in the city during Dahmers reign of terror, and those who were a part of the very community the killer targeted.

Between 1978 and 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer sexually assaulted, murdered, and dismembered 17 men and boys; most of them Black, and most of them gay. Eric Wayne, a former Milwaukee drag star who performed frequently in the eighties, recently spoke with NBC News about how the Netflix series is not just a story for Hollywood consumption, but trauma the LGBTQ community of the city is being forced to relive due to its fanfare.

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Wynn, now 59, recalls dropping to his knees when he saw photos of the 16 boys, (some of whom he knew well) in a local Milwaukee newspaper during the summer of 1991. In his late teens, Wynn says that he would drive from his hometown in Illinois, across the Wisconsin border, and into Milwaukee to go to the gay bars in the area. He was also one of the few regular Black drag performers at Club 219, a venue that Dahmer frequented.

Wynn also recalls the fans and friends he made during his time performing at 219.

They used to come in there to see me because they actually had representation, he said of the young men.

Then, almost out of the blue, he stopped seeing some of his top supporters. But it quickly made sense when he was able to match his memory of some of his fans, to the faces he saw in the paper that summer.

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He had gotten every single one of those boys, and they were all Black, Wynn said. It ripped my heart out.

30 years later, Wynn and other members of the community say that the show, which debuted on the streaming platform on September 21, is too painful to relive. Wynn personally believes that while once a fan of director Ryan Murphy, (who is gay and often includes LGBTQ representation in his projects), that an apology from the director now is owed to the families of the victims.

Ryan Murphy has just been so amazing for the community, Wynn said, also mentioning that hes a fan of Murphys other series, Pose, the Netflix drama that captures New Yorks underground ballroom scene of the 1980s. And then to turn around and just slap us like this for profit and sensationalism  I was so disappointed.

Neither Netflix nor Murphy chose to respond to NBCs request for comment, however, the shows creators and lead actor spoke on the desire to center the story of the victims families, not Dahmer himself.

Its called The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, but its not just him and his backstory, Evan Peters, who plays Dahmer in the show, told Netflix Queue, the platforms digital publication. Its the repercussions; its how society and our system failed to stop him multiple times because of racism and homophobia. Everybody gets their side of the story told.
New Mexico House Rep. Nathan Small, D-Dona Ana, has served District 36 since his election in 2016.

LAS CRUCES  Southern New Mexico's former congresswoman and her husband, a state lawmaker seeking reelection on Nov. 8, were both hit with accusations of improper fundraising by Republicans this week, although the evidence made publicly available is scant.

The allegations erupted in the final month of Las Cruces Democrat Nathan Small's run for a fourth term in the state legislature.

Xochitl Torres Small, a Democrat who represented New Mexico's 2nd congressional district for a single term and currently serves as an undersecretary at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was the subject of a Sept. 30 complaint from U.S. Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., the ranking member on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.

Torres Small's successor in Congress, Republican Yvette Herrell, also sits on the oversight committee.

Comer wrote to the Office of the Special Counsel on Sept. 30 requesting an investigation into Torres Small's fundraising activity for Democrats, citing her role in founding Shield PAC, a political action committee supporting moderate Democrats in the House of Representatives, before her appointment to the USDA.

Xochitl Torres Small, then a member of Congress, is seen at a press conference at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020.

Comer suggested Torres Small may have violated the Hatch Act, which restricts political activities among federal employees depending on their position. The law would bar her from campaign fundraising and from political activity while on duty or using the imprimatur of her federal post.

Since 2021, Torres Small has served as Undersecretary for Rural Development at the agency, which offers loans, grants and technical assistance for a range of needs in rural communities, including economic development, housing, infrastructure and emergency services.

"Committee Republicans are concerned (Torres Small) continues to fundraise for Democrats while she serves as a political appointee in the USDA," Comer wrote in his letter. "Additionally, information obtained by Committee Republicans appears to show that she may be using her official position to raise money for her spouse, NathanSmalls, reelection campaign to the New Mexico House of Representatives."

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Comer's letter cites Torres Small's past activity as a paid consultant to the PAC, which she agreed in writing last year to terminate upon her confirmation to the federal post.

House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Rep. James Comer Jr., R-Ky., listens during a hearing on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, on Capitol Hill in Washington.

When asked for evidence that Torres Small had violated the Hatch Act, Comer's office declined on grounds of protecting its sources.

In a statement, Comer's office wrote, "Republican Committee staff received credible information about a possible Hatch Act violation from a whistleblower and provided that to (the Special Counsel) for an investigation. Ensuring the protection of whistleblowers remains a top priority and we will have no further comment at this time.

The Special Counsel's office confirmed receipt of Comer's letter, but did not comment on it further. The office explained that Hatch Act investigations may take weeks to several months to complete, and that its findings "are typically provided to only the complainant and the subject of the complaint."

Small: 'Ridiculous political stunt'

In New Mexico, state House Republican leader James Townsend of Artesia swiftly issued a letter to Nathan Small on Oct. 3 calling on him to return "every dollar your campaign has collected as a result of your wife's potentially improper fundraising activities."

U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small, D-NM, right, and her husband, New Mexico Rep. Nathan Small, D-Las Cruces, watch a presentation at the Las Cruces City Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 19, 2019.

Small is not a federal employee subject to the Hatch Act. Comer's letter insinuates, however, that Torres Small may have conducted fundraising on his behalf in violation of the law.

When asked if Townsend had reviewed evidence of any improper fundraising on Small's behalf, Republican caucus spokesperson Matthew Garcia-Sierra referred a reporter to Comer's letter requesting an investigation into Torres Small's activities and did not comment further.

Small called the letters "a ridiculous political stunt without merit" in a statement, pushing back against Townsend and Comer as well as his challenger, Kimberly Skaggs, who is the state Republican Party's executive director.

The statement makes reference to recent political mailers paid for by the state party in which a figure depicted in a stock photo was darkened.

"Representative Townsend and my opponent ... oversaw the racist mailings with doctored images sent out last week against Democrats (in) the state," he wrote. "And Congressman Comer has repeatedly defended Donald Trump's big lie about the 2020 elections. Much like Trump, they make accusations without any factual basis for their own partisan benefit."

Comer has raised questions about the integrity of the 2020 elections but did not join Republicans, like Herrell, who objected to counting any of the electoral votes that secured the presidency for Joe Biden on Jan. 6, 2021.

USDA Hatch Act Letter 09302022.pdf

Algernon D'Ammassa can be reached at 575-541-5451, adammassa@lcsun-news.com or @AlgernonWrites on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Nathan Small hit with fundraising allegation just ahead of 2022 election
This TikToker is coming clean about stealing from the celeb.

Paris Hilton responded to a fan who recently admitted to stealing a pair of sunglasses from her over 10 years ago.

TikTok user Greg Brown, who runs a popular science account under the name @asapscience, shared a video earlier this week to follow the viral trend where people tell personal stories to the beat of Nicki Minaj's track "Super Freaky Girl."

In his take on the trend, Brown recounted a story from 2007 when he and a friend stole a pair of Christian Dior sunglasses from the model, who is giving her take on the situation now that the truth has come out.

Hilton, 41, reposted Brown's original video on her own TikTok account on Friday alongside a video of herself, where she first appeared shocked to hear that he stole from her.

View the original article to see embedded media.

"One thing about is that I once robbed Paris Hilton, and I hope she never sees this cause I could go to jail," Brown's video began before he went on to explain that he was attending an M.I.A. concert in Toronto, Canada, at the time of the alleged heist.

"I left the concert, and then a big black car pulled up, and all these people screamed, and Paris Hilton got out."

Brown continued: "I actually grabbed her; there's a photo," while showing a picture of the interaction as proof.

After approaching the Paris in Love star, Brown recalled Hilton entered a club called The Government in Toronto, and the car she arrived in was parked outside, unlocked, and had no one in it; so Brown and his friend decided to get inside it.

"We were laughing, we were screaming. We were in Paris Hilton's car. Then my friend said 'Run,' and then I thought cops were coming, so we ran, but my friend was actually screaming with joy because she'd stolen her Christian Dior sunglasses," Brown explained. "Sorry, Paris, so we have Christian Dior sunglasses that are Paris Hilton's. We share them in a sisterhood of the traveling Paris Hilton sunglasses."

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"So yes, I robbed Paris Hilton. I hope that's okay, and please don't put me in jail. You're rich," he ended the video while Hilton shook her head, signaling that she wouldn't get him in any legal trouble over the incident.

Instead, Hilton just laughed along with the story and added the caption: "LOL!  Can you please do a reveal of the sisterhood of the traveling Paris Hilton sunglasses? "

She also included the hashtags "#ThatsNotHot," "#ButThatsHilarious" and "#ButAlsoPlsDontRobMe."

Brown has since uploaded another video revealing the pair of stolen sunglasses while apologizing again for breaking into her car and stealing the shades.

"Thank you for being such a good sport," he said, offering to send her the sunglasses back.

"Thnx 4 being KWEEN," he captioned the video.

More Pop Culture:
Beachgoers are being advised to watch where they step along the Gulf Coast. Purple flags are flying from Fort Morgan, Alabama, to Panama City, Florida, due to the presence of a frightful new species of jellyfish known as pink meanies.

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Marine Biologist Brian Jones told WPMI this happens on Gulf Coast beaches about every 10-12 years. They are currently being drawn to shore by an influx of their favorite snack: moon jellyfish.

"When they show up, they're definitely impressive and get a lot of attention," said Jones.

Pink Meanies

Crystal Ford A pink meanie in Panama City.

The Drymonema larsoni, commonly known as pink meanies, were first observed in the Gulf Coast in 2000. Scientists identified it as an entirely new species in 2011.

These pretty pink jellyfish are carnivorous and have stinging tentacles that can reach up to 70 feet long. A pink meanie weighing upwards of 50 pounds was documented on Dauphin Island in 2000.

Pink Meanies

Alena Downs Mitchell/@traveleyedgirl

"Studies have found that they will voraciously feed on large aggregations of moon jellyfish that periodically bloom in the Gulf," FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute explained on Facebook. "In fact, the pink meanie may be better adapted to feeding on moon jellyfish than all previously studied moon jellyfish predators."

Though they are considered not dangerous to humans, their sting can be quite painful.

Be careful out there, y'all!
Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief is now in Venice, FL, for a month-long relief effort in South Sarasota County.

VENICE  Mike Hibbard was vacationing with family in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, when he got the call to respond to Hurricane Ian as part of Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief.

Hibbard, a pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Fulton, Missouri, had to rush to Jefferson City, Missouri, for deployment, while an extended family member gathered Hibbards disaster response gear from his home in Auxvasse, Missouri and brought it to Jefferson City.

Earlier: Hurricane Ian: Venice moves toward cleanup

From there Hibbard  the white hat incident commander and his team of volunteers  went to a staging area in Birmingham, Alabama, to wait out Hurricane Ian and then report to Venice.

Mike Hibbard, is the white hat incident commander with large team of volunteers. The Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief is now in Venice, FL, for a month-long relief effort in South Sarasota County.

The team  initially about a dozen volunteers  arrived in Venice on Saturday and started its month-long outreach mission Monday, at First Baptist Church of Venice, 312 W. Miami Ave.

Monday night, the volunteer took 200 hot meals to residents of Country Club Estates  a manufactured home community located along the Intracoastal Waterway on the island of Venice.

When we took the meals out there last night there were people who gave us a standing ovation, Hibbard said in a Tuesday afternoon interview. There were hugs, tears  a couple people told us We havent had anything to eat for three days, and another said, Im so tired of eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches'.

Volunteers from the Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief are now in Venice, FL, gather for dinner Tuesday evening at the First Baptist Church of Venice.

The relief group, which is currently made up primarily of volunteers from Missouri and Illinois  the Illinois contingent arrived with a refrigerated semi truck load of food  was assigned to Sarasota County from Albee and Edmundson roads south to Englewood by Sarasota Countys emergency operations center.

Those in need can call 941-473-6397 to reach the disaster response command center and start the process of receiving aid.

Those who arrive in person can pick up food, water and ice at the church. Volunteer outreach teams can respond to clear debris at a home and put a blue tarp on a roof if warranted.

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This kitchen on wheels, is a large semi trailer, can produce up to 900 meals a day, here as volunteer Ron Turner, of Augusta, Kansas, prepares for the next day's meal. The Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief is now in Venice, FL, for a month-long relief effort.

Bob Knight, church administrator for First Baptist Church said that since disaster relief set up shop, weve had a steady flow.

Hot showers are available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the church. A hot dinner is served at the church at 6 p.m.  though on Tuesday night that was pushed back to 7 p.m., so volunteers could return from their own meal deliveries in south Sarasota County.

Hibbard said crews have responded to help secure homes in Venice  primarily at the manufactured home communities of Country Club Estates and Bay Indies  as well as in Englewood and North Port.

Some of the volunteers in the kitchen, Susan Blessing, of Nokomis, Sue and Ron Turner, of Augusta, Kansas, and Dennis Brown of Cole Camp, Missouri. Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief is now in Venice, FL, for a month-long relief effort in South Sarasota County.

Church staff and volunteers from First Baptist are helping the disaster volunteer start the assessment process. Age and health of the people seeking aid are factored in with property damage, as part of a triage and ranking process.

Once a request is received, an assessment team and a chaplain responds to the call.

The chaplain can meet spiritual needs and pray with the people and our assessor can assess the damage and we can rank it in priority, in terms of how important it is, Hibbard said.

Teams with different specialties respond, pending on the condition at the residence.

One team can handle clearing debris or removing a tree blocking access to the house, while another would respond if the job requires people to climb trees and big saws.

Those volunteer crews  made up of retirees or people using vacation time  perform the work free.

To streamline deployment, the Missouri Baptist response team has divided south county into six areas.

More volunteers are arriving daily  a saw team from Arkansas was scheduled to arrive Wednesday  and the contingent of volunteers could top out at between 80 and 90 people, though many volunteers will rotate home, too.

The Venice center is one of nine Southern Baptist Disaster Relief centers established to respond to Hurricane Ian and provide hot meals, cleanup and recovery assistance.

Other centers, which are staffed by other state disaster relief groups are at: McGregor Baptist Church, 3750 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers; New Hope Baptist Church, 431 Nicholas Pkwy. E, Cape Coral; Riverside Baptist Church, 8660 Daniels Pkwy., Fort Myers; Crossroads Baptist Church, 10721 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers; Murdock Baptist Church, 18375 Cochran Blvd., Port Charlotte; First Baptist Church, 1570 W Main St., Wauchula, First Baptist Church, 3000 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples; and Calvary Baptist Church, 48 N Fifteenth Ave., Arcadia.

Earle Kimel primarily covers south Sarasota County for the Herald-Tribune and can be reached at earle.kimel@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism with a digital subscription to the Herald-Tribune.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Venice-based Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief helps repair homes
The United States and South Korea on Friday began another round of joint military drills, this time involving a U.S. aircraft carrier in the waters east of the Korean peninsula, Seouls military announced.

The wargames  which come after the U.S., South Korean and Japanese militaries started ballistic missile defense exercises in the Sea of Japan  are set to go Oct. 7-8, Reuters first reported.

The exercises come at a time of heightened tensions in the region after North Korea conducted six missile launches in less than two weeks, the most recent on Thursday, when it also flew fighter jets near the border with the South in an apparent bombing drill.

The U.S. military and South Korean forces also held joint missile drills in response to North Korea launching an intermediate-range ballistic missile over Japan.

We will continue to strengthen our operational capabilities and readiness to respond to any provocations by North Korea through joint drills with  the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

Top defense officials from Washington, Seoul and Tokyo also spoke on Friday and condemned the latest launches from Pyongyang, which they stressed threaten the regions security, the ministry said.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command head Adm. John Aquilino also spoke with South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, where he said that his forces would support moves to prevent and respond to North Korean threats  including preemptive strikes if needed, the ministry said in another statement.

Lee also met with senior officials to emphasize the need to deliver a clear message that nuclear and missile development will only create a more difficult situation for North Korea, South Koreas defense ministry said.

North Korea, meanwhile, suggested its latest launch was in response to the U.S. moving its Navy strike group near its waters.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
North Carolinas Senate contest didnt start off as one of the must-watch campaigns of 2022, but in the closing weeks of the midterms the race is drawing the countrys attention.

Thats because ahead of Friday nights debate between Democrat Cheri Beasley and Republican Ted Budd, multiple surveys showed the race either tied or too close to call.

For much of the year the contest has flown under the radar, but that has begun to change in recent weeks.

Beasley, a former state Supreme Court chief justice, has leaned into her character and record as a judge as she seeks to be the states first Black women senator. She is focusing on protecting abortion rights and making health care more affordable.

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Budd, a three-term congressman, coasted through the GOP primary thanks to the backing of former President Donald Trump. He has emphasized lowering violent crime, securing the border and being a check on President Joe Biden, who holds a 34% approval rating in the state.

Given the Senate is evenly split at 50-50 with Vice President Kamala Harris as the tie break vote, Democrats have been feeling the pressure to pour more money into the race to help flip the GOP-held seat.

Thus far, Beasley has significantly outpaced Budd by raking in more than $16 million through June 30 versus his $6.5 million haul, according to campaign finance records.

Here is a breakdown of Friday's debate.

Budd dodges national abortion ban

The Tar Heel State, like many others, had a trigger law that took effect once the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June.

It now prohibits abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Budd has supported a bill that would create a national ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy, but Beasley has suggested the congressman supports a total nationwide ban.

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Budd said he has been "consistently pro-life" and pivoted to attacking Beasley's views. He said he signed onto the bill as a rebuttal to House Democrats supporting the Women's Health Protection Act.

"If they're going to do that, I'm going to counter that federally, but at the same time, I do believe it belongs to the states," Budd said.

Asked twice more about supporting a full ban nationally, however, the congressman didn't answer directly.

Politics: Former Proud Boys leader pleads guilty to seditious conspiracy in Jan. 6 attack

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Beasley said women deserve to have access to life-saving procedures and that as a former judge she believes in the protections and restrictions that were under Roe.

"The bottom line is Congressman Budd wants to be in between a woman and her doctor," she said. "And there was no place in the exam room for Congress and Budd."

Both pass on Biden v. Trump rematch

Like most voters, Beasley and Budd seemed unenthusiastic about a rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Asked twice if she'd join the current president on stage should he campaign in North Carolina, the former judge downplayed the possibility.

President Joe Biden gives an update on the federal government's assistance for Hurricane Ian.

"If it's an official visit, we'll just have to see if that's something that we're available," she said.

The moderator then asked Budd about whether Trump is a liability with general election voters. Budd pointed out the former president won North Carolina twice.

Budd said Trump endorsed him during the GOP primary because he is an "America first candidate."

When asked if Trump should run for president again in 2024, however, the congressman ducked, saying he is "going to exclusively focus on this (race) right now."

Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Youngstown, Ohio., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.

Beasley was then asked if Biden should seek reelection in two years.

"You know, I don't think he's going to ask me and so we'll see what happens," she said.

What about the 2020 election results?

Budd was among the147 Republican members of Congress who refused to certify the 2020 presidential election results, and he wouldn't say if Biden was the legitimate president during Friday's debate.

The congressman said he stood by that vote, arguing the GOP didn't have enough votes to overturn the last White House contest.

"The core of that vote was to inspire more debate," he said.

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The Budd campaign has argued Beasley is being a hypocrite and that she challenged the results of her 2020 loss for the state Supreme Court.

North Carolina knows Cheri Beasleys record. Shes proudly raised money with defunding our police radicals, let criminals loose on our streets, and backed Bidens failed agenda 100%. Cheri Beasleys focus is giving Joe Biden even more power, and that will hurt North Carolina. pic.twitter.com/FZ2ye3tYEf  Ted Budd (@TedBuddNC) October 6, 2022

But Beasley said it is "outrageous" to compare Budd's election denial to her seeking a recount after losing by 401 votes from almost 5.4 million ballots cast. The former judge pointed out how he once said the Jan. 6, 2021 attack at the U.S. Capitol was just patriots standing up.

"Once we saw the results, we were glad to concede," she said. "That's different (from) what happened with Congressman Budd, and that kind of election denial really is dangerous for this country."

Beasley, Budd differ on marijuana

The two candidates had wildly different views on Biden's announcement that he is pardoning people for simple marijuana possession, which would impact more than 6,500 people.

Budd came out swinging, saying it sends a "bad message to our children" and that he thinks it is outside of the president's constitutional authority.

"And why would you want to give amnesty to those who have broken our laws and encourage even more law breaking and encourage even more drugs... I think it's bad all around," he said.

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Beasley said the way she understands the president's pardons are that it applies to low-level marijuana offenses. She said she supports legalizing cannabis for medical and recreational use.

North Carolina Democratic Senate candidate Cheri Beasley speaks to a crowd during an election night event on May 17, 2022 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Budd said he opposes legalization for recreational use but is open to discussing medical purposes.

Beasley pressed on crime, police cuts

When the discussion turned to gun control, Budd said that the country must balance protecting the Second Amendment while keeping firearms away from dangerous individuals.

Congressman Budd and his allies are spending millions of dollars to lie about my record because they know we can win this race.



Thank you, @SymoneDSanders for having me on @SymoneMSNBC. pic.twitter.com/NleCj4sBjD  Cheri Beasley (@CheriBeasleyNC) October 2, 2022

But he then pivoted to calling the debate around guns part of a larger conversation about public safety and supporting law enforcement. He called Beasley soft on crime and claimed she supports efforts to slash police budgets.

"We got to treat cops like the heroes that they are," Budd said. "We can't have defunding, like my opponent has done fundraising with the leader of the defund the police movement."

More: Most Latino voters have already decided how they will vote, poll finds

Beasley took exception to Budd's comments and denied that she's raised campaign cash with anti-police activists.

"I do not support defunding the police," she said. "We must fund the police to make sure that they have the resources that they need to keep themselves and our community safe."

But Beasley said the country also must invest in community-based violence prevention programs. She said Budd shouldn't lecture her about crime when he called the Jan. 6 rioters patriots.

"I mean, Congressman Budd is really all talk," Beasley said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Takeaways: N.C. Senate candidates joust on abortion, weed and 2024
In the hills outside Seville, one travel journalist meets the very special pigs raised on acorns to become jamon iberico, one of Spains most prized culinary products.

Geography Photos/Universal Images Group/Getty Images The town of Aracena, in the heart of Spanish acorn country.

In Andalusia, they say the hog is king of the dehesa, the dehesa being the oak-studded landscape in the foothills west of Seville. On a bright fall day, Antonio Perez yodeled across his familys 600-acre farm, Finca La Barra, and el rey came running  the long-legged, gray-skinned, bristly backed hogs that are indigenous to the region. The animals had a feral look and clicked past us on feet as black as witchcraft. The pata negra, or black hoof, is the breeds genetic signature, its mark of nobility. Air-dried ham is a sacrament in Spanish cuisine, and these pigs fed on acorns, or bellotas, would become the most exalted version: jamon iberico pata negra de bellota.



Acorn season is a festive time in the mountain villages around Jabugo, a traditional center of artisanal ham production. When fall rains summon wild mushrooms from the soil and yellowing oak trees drop their rich harvest, the area has a kind of second spring  a season to eat and drink to the king.



I had flown in to Seville, the regional capital, the day before my visit to the dehesa, in order to try the ham on the plate before meeting it on the hoof. By 8:30 p.m., the citys sit-down restaurants had just opened. At the tapas bars, which still overflowed with a pre-dinner crowd, it was easy to find jamon iberico, sliced thin as lox. The popular places are mostly traditional and mostly good, including Bodeguita Romero and the atmospheric El Rinconcillo, which has been in business since 1670.



Courtesy of 5J Francisco Jesus Martin Diaz and his pigs, which are bred for the ham producer 5J.

Culinary-minded adventurers head to Espacio Eslava, not far from the giant open-air wooden pavilions known as Las Setas (the mushrooms) in La Encarnacion Square. Eslavas marble counter is tended by barmen as tidy as Swiss train conductors, and they do traditional sevillano tapas exceptionally well. Alternatively, you can have your mind blown by the kitchens inventions, such as huevo con boletus, a wild-mushroom cake topped with egg yolk and salted-caramel sauce. Nearer the cathedral, the restaurant Torres y Garcia likewise skews contemporary. The night I ate there, the menu of nueva cocina rustica  updated farm-to-table cooking  included grilled cabbage, pumpkin pizza, and a highly seasoned, lightly grilled piece of fresh pork, a delicious by-product of the ham industry.



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The next morning I met Maria Castro Bermudez-Coronel, the free-spirited daughter of aristocratic landowners and director of communication for ham producer 5J. The companys name is pronounced thin-ko ho-tas, in the thick Andalusian accent, and its seen as something like the Dom Perignon of pata negra, because of its combination of craft and scale. For my visit, Bermudez-Coronel had created an itinerary designed to illustrate the ham-making process from piglet to plate.



On the 90-minute drive to Finca La Barra, which raises hogs for 5J, Bermudez-Coronel talked me through the fall farming calendar. Normally the first rain comes in September, she said. We count twenty days, then everyone goes out mushroom picking. Favorite varieties include boletus, chanterelles, morels, the delicious Amanita caesaria, the more commonplace niscalos, and a lanky oddball called gallipierna, or chicken leg.



From left: Tim E. White/Image Source/Getty Images; Gunnar Knechtel/laif/Redux From left: Costillas, or pork ribs, cooked with rosemary honey at Espacio Eslava, in Seville; pigs are fed on acorns grown in the oak meadows of Andalusia.

Alas, my visit coincided with a dry spell, so mushrooms were few and far between. Still, we tried. Bermudez-Coronel had arranged our first stop with the dual purpose of meeting hogs and scouting wild edibles. Perez, as he walked out to greet us at Finca La Barra, looked as squarely built as the whitewashed ranch house behind him, although his sleek hair and long-lashed amber eyes carried a suggestion of glamour. He looks like a matador, Bermudez-Coronel said approvingly. (Later I learned that fighting bulls are also raised in this area. Grazing in the knee-deep grass that follows rain, they keep the woodlands open and well fertilized.)



The Iberian hog supports an entire agricultural economy, Perez explained as he drove us across the rugged property on a barely-there road. A boar is known as un macho and typically fathers many hams. A sow produces two litters of six to eight piglets per year. Each piglet, fattened on acorns and grass, represents money in the bank. (Corn-fed pigs, by comparison, produce industrial ham  beneath contempt.)



At one point Bermudez-Coronel singled out a holm oak from the hundreds in sight, and Perez brought down a hailstorm of acorns with a well-thrown stick. Beneath the peelable hull and bitterly tannic inner husk, the interior nut was mild and sweet. Any time you see an oak tree without acorns on the ground, that is the best one, Bermudez-Coronel said. The king selects the sweetest acorns first.



In the historic center of Jabugo, the buildings are made from porous, nougat-colored local stone, which conserves heat in winter, and are whitewashed to better reflect the summer sun. When I stepped out of the car at 5J, the light felt like a physical force. I fled into a salon where oak logs flickered in a baronial fireplace. There, mounted in a wooden holder, was the object of my trip: a cellar-aged ham from an acorn-fed hog, its black hoof still attached as proof of authenticity. A skilled carver pulled his thin knife across the ham like a violinists bow and handed me a ticket-size slice: deep red, white-marbled, translucent as stained glass, its heart-healthy fats liquefying between my fingers.



Courtesy of 5J Cristina Sanchez, the cellar master at 5J, in Jabugo, tests a leg of jamon iberico.

Bermudez-Coronel and I donned coveralls and hard hats for a tour of the bodegas, or cellars, beneath the tasting room. Hams were everywhere, by the thousands, by the tens of thousands. Curing is done by hand and takes at least two years, sometimes up to six. At the end, an inspector decides if the ham can be sold. Manuel Vega Dominguez, known as Inspector 52, happened to be on duty during my visit, and I watched as he laid his fingers on one specimen, like a doctor palpating a delicate patient. Duro (hard), he wrote in his notes, and sternly set it aside.



The inspectors are known as ham sniffers because they work with their noses as much as their fingers. Dominguez stabbed each ham he touched with the tip of a thin skewer, lifting it to his nose for a whiff. He paused over a paleta, a cured front leg. It smelled slightly different from the previous approved hams, and that difference was its flaw. If it doesnt smell like the bodegas, Inspector 52 said, its not 5J.



That afternoon, Bermudez-Coronel took me for a special lunch in the lost-in-time hill town of Linares de la Sierra. We left the car outside the village and walked through steep cobblestoned passageways to Restaurante Arrieros. The food was the best Ive had in half a dozen trips to Andalusia. Chef Luismi Lopez sent out tomato soup seasoned with liquid pork fat and a dollop of fig jam, a carpaccio made with iberico (raw pork!), and chunks of pork stewed in a thick sauce of sweet spices. Pork was king of the table at Arrieros; dessert was a steamed pudding made of acorn flour.



On my last night in acorn country, I met Bermudez-Coronel and her friends at Manzano, a modest tapas bar in Aracena. The chalkboard menu included a welcome surprisevegetables. I ordered braised artichokes and asparagus a la plancha to go with my ham. The ham arrived, and we ate. Then the artichokes and asparagus arrived, each platter covered in ham. The locals laughed uproariously at my surprise. In Spain, one said, ham is a vegetable.

A version of this story first appeared in the September 2022 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline "These Little Piggies."

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
Allen Nohl speaks at the Sheboygan County Veteran Memorial's name dedication in October 2021.

SHEBOYGAN COUNTY - Allen Nohl, 71, didnt talk about Vietnam when he came home to the United States.

Because then people knew who you were, and if they did, they would at times ridicule you, Nohl said. And then they would get friends behind them. All of a sudden, you had 10-20 people start barking at you and everything else."

With the anti-war movement and public opposition to the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War, many veterans coming home didn't share that they were soldiers for fear of hostility.

Carrying that stigma led Nohl to stay quiet about what he saw and experienced in Vietnam. He said for the first 15 years of being home, a lot of his friends didn't know what happened to him.

In 1970, he went to Vietnam as a Huey helicopter mechanic after enlisting in the U.S. Army and completing computer programming school in 1969. He said he was there for five months, until his helicopter was in a mid-air crash. Of the eight crew members involved in the crash, he was the sole survivor.

In addition to the crash, Nohl said he doesn't want to remember some other situations from his time in Vietnam, but "that's part of life."

"When you go to a war or war zone, them things are going to happen," he said. "You got to be prepared for that. And it's hard. You try to be an Iron Man, tough man."

Dealing with what happened in Vietnam is still a struggle, but in the last 20 years, Nohl has opened up more to his friends, he said.

YiaYia Wischki, 63, also didn't share she was a veteran for a long time. Being in the military wasn't celebrated in her family's Greek culture, and they didn't understand what post-traumatic stress disorder was, she said.

Wischki was stationed at the Seventh Corps in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1977, where she worked in offset printing.

While in the Army, she said she experienced a military sexual trauma incident.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs uses the term "military sexual trauma," or MST, to refer to "sexual assault or sexual harassment experienced during military service." MST also includes "any sexual activity during military service in which you are involved against your will or when unable to say no."

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After the incident, Wischki struggled with trusting others and was on guard. There are times she still has extreme sensitivity with tinnitus, a condition that induces a constant ringing sound in the ear, trouble sleeping and PTSD-related nightmares.

"There have been times I've had to pull off the side of the road and just stop because there was a song or a smell or a sign," Wischki said. "I don't know. But all of a sudden, I'm spinning. That's the word.

"I can't listen to loud music late at night it becomes too anxious for me," she continued. "And if I feel shamed in any way, my ass is up all night. Trying, talking to myself out loud, trying to defend myself because in the moment all I could do was run and hide or put on a mask."

Wischki said she wishes she'd known what PTSD was and had someone to talk to.

"(Someone) to go, Hey, girl, I know what you're going through. This is how it is for me,'" she said. "It may not be the same, but at least you know you're not alone,

Saving veteran lives

Today, Nohl, who is Sheboygan County Veterans Memorial Board president, and Wischki, who is Sheboygan County adjutant to the American Legion, are part of a local Be the One effort among veterans and American Legions in Sheboygan County to start mental health conversations among veterans.

The goal: save veteran lives.

Dawn Anderson, Random Lake Auxiliary 145 Vice President, wears a Be the One wristband at a local festival.

In 2019, an average of 17.2 veterans died by suicide each day, according to the VAs 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.

The high rate of suicide among veterans has been known for decades, Wischki said. But the isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, a shortage of mental health providers at the VA and many veterans lack of trust created the need for Be the One.

Not all veterans are comfortable talking with licensed mental health providers, despite resources being available through outreach efforts, like the Wisconsin Medical College and Wisconsin VA.

Regarding trust, regarding talking, because of the feeling of shame, we're going to talk to one another before we're going to talk to somebody else, Wischki said.

Nohl said some Vietnam War veterans are still hesitant to talk with non-veterans.

They still carry that stigma in a way," he said. "They don't want to be known."

Talking with others who've had similar experiences, however, has helped Nohl.

He's just an average Joe off the street, like me, he said. I'm not a professor, psychologist, Ph.D. type thing. And I think maybe people might take a little bit of a different look at it."

By wearing a red Be the One bracelet, veterans and non-veterans show their commitment to ask others how they are doing, listen when a veteran needs to talk and reach out when a veteran is struggling, according to the American Legion.

Be the One is asking veterans to actively be scanning your environment and pay attention, Wischki said. Be the one that is going to be kind or be the one that is willing to go out of their way a little bit to make sure that our fellow veteran is handed off to a resource.

Wischki said she's very fortunate for her fellow veterans' support.

There are days that my Legion family knows, I put out and say, 'I'm not in a good place,'" she said. "I have tremendous help.

Wischki said the American Legion has given her purpose, too. She said she wants to help prevent younger veterans who may be in their 20s, 30s or 40s from "spending 45 years thinking they're so messed up, they're not worth anything."

As she was dealing with PTSD from the MST she experienced, Wischki said Be the One would've helped her a lot.

As of May 2021 data, among those who were asked through the VA's health care screening program, one in three women and one in 50 men said they had experienced MST.

The effects of MST range from traumatic triggers to the physiological, issues that may not seem connected to MST but can upend a person's life. According to the VA, those who have experienced MST may experience feelings of numbness, trouble sleeping, issues with drugs and alcohol, difficulties in relationships, strong emotions like feeling depressed or irritable and physical health issues.

The VA offers specialized support and resources for those who have experienced MST, including mental health services for associated conditions like PTSD, depression and substance use problems, outpatient counseling and services through the VA's Vet Centers and access to an MST coordinator at every VA medical facility.

Those seeking care through the VA don't need documentation of the MST experiences or a VA disability rating.

A few online services include the Beyond MST app with 30 tools to help with challenges and symptoms and get connected with VA and community resources, Safe Helpline, a RAINN-operated hotline that is anonymous and 24/7, and Make the Connection.

Some non-VA resources include the Pink Berets, Service Women's Action Network and Protect Our Defenders.

For other women who have experienced MST, Wischki said Be the One is asking veterans to listen, not to judge.

They're using their hearts and their souls to pay attention," she said. "And I think that's why it will be much more effective."

Helping youth Be the One

YiaYia Wischki (middle) speaks with Random Lake Middle School staff.

As part of the American Legions four pillars  veterans affairs and rehabilitation, national security, Americanism and children and youth  Wischki is helping extend Be the One to youth.

Efforts began in July when she handed out 200 Be the One bracelets to youth at the NASCAR race at Road America. So far, they've given out 3,300 bracelets through several avenues, like schools and youth groups.

It is not just our police and firemen and army and military and veterans that are brave, she said. It takes incredible bravery to be a young person and be nice when no one else around them is being nice.

First starting at schools in Random Lake, Wischki said the campaign has expanded to schools in Plymouth, Ozaukee County, Pennsylvania and several universities like Milwaukee School of Engineering and Milwaukee Area Technical College.

Legion Riders Paul Sipe (left), Yiayia Wischki (middle) and DuWaynne Wieck (right) outside of Random Lake Schools.

Wischki said parents wont be the first people to know if their children are considering suicide; their friends will.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth in Wisconsin.

If you're wearing a bracelet, somebody knows," Wischki said. "You have an opportunity. If you're not wearing a bracelet, make the opportunity. That's what it is. It's us watching out for one another and we're asking our kids to watch out for one another and please tell."

To get young people involved with Be the One, the American Legion in Wisconsin's second district is challenging youth, grades 5-8 and 9-12, to join in groups of three to create a 90-second clip describing what Be the One means to them and why they think its important. The group to get the most likes and views on social media will win $500.

It's a vehicle," Wischki said. "If they put on the wrist band, they're saying, Yes, I heard you. I'm willing to wear it. Something clicked, If they take the challenge or even participate in the challenge, they're going to have to communicate it. So, they're not going to be isolated. They're going to find out they're not the only one. It helps eliminate the stigma and the shame of it. And by creating a media, they're able to let it go. They're able to put it out there.

More: Over 4,400 calls flood into Wisconsin's new 988 crisis line in first month, peaking at lunchtime

More: How a nonprofit that pairs support dogs with military veterans saves 'two lives with one mission'

To get connected with the Veterans Lifeline, dial 988 and then press 1. Or text 838255.

A local VA medical center and Vet Center can be found at https://www.va.gov/find-locations/.

To receive more information about the Be the One campaign and 90-second clip challenge, contact yiayia4legion@gmail.com.

Where to get help

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: A hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 988.

The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line: Connects veterans and service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responders, available via a toll-free hotline, online chat or text. 1-800-273-8255, press 1.

Crisis Text Line: A national and confidential text messaging service that connects individuals in crisis with trained listeners. Text "Hopeline" to the National Crisis Text Line at 741-741.

Contact Alex Garner at 224-374-2332 or agarner@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @alexx_garner.

This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Sheboygan veterans launch campaign to stem suicide among military vets
Elon Musk. REUTERS/Adrees Latif

Officials are pushing back on Elon Musk's proposed solutions to China-Taiwan tensions and the Ukraine war.

In a recent interview, he suggested making Taiwan a special administrative zone, similar to Hong Kong.

Neither Taiwanese nor Chinese officials appeared pleased by the billionaire's advice.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has weighed in on some of the world's most complex geopolitical and military conflicts this week, from China-Taiwan tensions to the war in Ukraine.

But the unsolicited advice has earned the billionaire pushback from nearly everyone involved.

In an interview with the Financial Times published Friday, Musk said the conflict between Taiwan and China could be resolved by making the island a "special administrative zone" similar to Hong Kong, noting that such an arrangement "probably won't make everyone happy."

The statement quickly angered Taiwanese officials, with one legislator threatening to boycott Tesla if Musk continues to advocate for the proposal, Taiwan News reported Saturday. Other officials argued that due to Musk's business interests in China, the tech mogul cannot maintain an objective view on the conflict.

"It is understandable that Musk must cooperate with him in order to do business. But now the world is more concerned about how to ensure Taiwan's democracy, human rights and freedoms," Luo Zhizheng, secretary-general of the Legislative Yuan of the Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan, said, per the outlet.

The Chinese government also pushed back, calling Musk's comment "inappropriate," Taiwan News reported separately on Saturday. A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said "the Taiwan issue is China's domestic politics," adding that the government will "resolutely suppress interference by foreign forces," according to the state-run outlet CCTV News.

It's a less extreme reaction compared to those of Ukrainian officials, who blasted Musk's plan for peace between Russian and Ukraine. The billionaire tweeted his thoughts on Monday in the form of a poll.

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.

In response, Ukraine's ambassador to Germany, Andrij Melnyk, tweeted, "Fuck off is my very diplomatic reply to you."

On Friday, the world's richest man said he's "trying to do the right thing" in regards to the war in Ukraine. Musk's SpaceX company has delivered 15,000 Starlink kits to Ukraine following Russia's invasion, a project that Musk says has already cost SpaceX $80 million.

Read the original article on Business Insider
FARMINGTON  The City of Farmington filed a document on Oct. 6 dismissing its lawsuit against the owners of the San Juan Generating Station in favor of using an arbitration process to seek the transfer of the now-closed power plant to the city.

"The city's efforts are ongoing, Farmington City Attorney Jennifer Breakell said Oct. 7 via email. The lawsuit has been dismissed and we will be entering into arbitration as allowed under the contract."

On Sept. 21 the City of Farmington filed a lawsuit in state court seeking a temporary restraining order against any decommissioning work at the power plant that could permanently prevent it from being restarted if the city takes it over.

The city also sought to keep the operator from abandoning air quality permits needed to run the plant, and to jumpstart negotiations on a plant takeover.

Defendants file to move Farmington's SJGS lawsuit to federal court

In related court documents, attorneys for the defendants also indicated they asked for arbitration, and seek a finding that the city has no right to take over the plant. The defendants are Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, New Mexico, Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems, and Tucson Electric Power Company.

The facilitys former operator is PNM, which is in charge of decommissioning activities that spurred the citys request for a temporary restraining order.

Farmington has agreed to voluntarily dismiss their lawsuit and asked for arbitration under the now expired SJGS exit agreement, said PNMs Director of Corporate Communications and Brand Management Raymond Sandoval. The arbitration process has been available to Farmington for the past four years and they only chose to exercise it at a time when the mine has closed, employees have been laid off, and the plant has already ceased operations..

Legal maneuvers continue

The case dismissal and a request by the city for emergency arbitration are part of a string of court actions Farmingtons attorneys have filed aimed at starting an arbitration process.

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Farmington is filing this Notice of Voluntarily Dismissal Without Prejudice because this Court lacks appropriate subject matter jurisdiction and cannot issue an effective Order enjoining Defendants actions which are continuing to have an immediate irreparable harm on Farmington, and Farmington intends to seek the relief it needs in the pending arbitration, its filing in federal court Oct. 6 states in part.

Power struggle: Farmington vows to get ownership of San Juan Generating Station

The city, which last week stated it would oppose the move by the plant owners to move the case to federal court instead of the state court selected by the city, reserved its right to refile.

In dismissing this action without prejudice pursuant to Rule 41(a)(1), Farmington does not waive and expressly reserves its rights to re-file its claims in a court of competent jurisdiction, including without limitation should relief sought be unavailable in the arbitration forum, the filing states.

The city also reserved the right to challenge federal jurisdiction over the matter if necessary in the future.

On Oct. 5 the citys legal team filed a request for emergency relief with the American Arbitration Association requesting the immediate appointment of an emergency arbitrator and emergency relief under the associations rules.

As set forth in the accompanying documents, emergency relief is required to prevent Respondents from engaging in actions that would result in the irreversible shutdown of the San Juan Generating Station in violation of Farmington's contractual rights to have ownership of that station transferred to it, causing Farmington immediate irreparable harm and undermining the Tribunals ability to render a meaningful final award to the city.

Legal bills keep accruing

Critics of the citys fight to take over the power station with its partner Enchant Energy cite the costs of litigation as well as environmental concerns as reasons they oppose the plan.

Farmington acknowledged last week that the cost of litigation over the course of the citys efforts to take over the plant has reached the $2 million mark.

City of Farmington goes to court seeking to enforce SJGS facility takeover rights

The website NM Political Report, after going over invoices gathered through an open records act request, put the sum last week at $2.2 million.

As Four Corners residents, we want to see the negotiated replacement power, solar and energy storage, and we want the ETA implementation money to go to the impacted coal workers and communities, Mike Eisenfeld of San Juan Citizens Alliance said last week in a joint release about the plants closure coordinated by Boulder, Colorado-based Western Resource Advocates.

Enchant Energy has been disingenuous and unaccountable on the progress of their project, which joins a long list of failed carbon-capture and sequestration projects funded through the Department of Energy, Eisenfeld continued. City of Farmington has expended nearly $2 million in legal fees supporting Enchants failed project with timelines now extending to 2027. Were looking at the immediate need for past and current owners to carry out their decommissioning and reclamation responsibilities within 90 days of SJGS and San Juan Mine closure.

This article originally appeared on Farmington Daily Times: City drops San Juan Generating Station lawsuit in favor of arbitration
Its been a federal crime for nearly 30 years to intimidate or interfere with any person trying to obtain or provide reproductive health care services. But two recent indictments by the Department of Justice for such violations have enraged some influential conservatives, who are now stoking a false narrative about a supposed war against the religious right.

It started with prominent anti-abortion minister Mark Houck, who late last month was arrested on federal charges that he allegedly twice assaulted a 72-year-old patient escort outside of a Planned Parenthood in Philadelphia. If proven, it would be a clear violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, a 1994 law that makes it a federal crime to use force or the threat of force to injure, intimidate or interfere with any person trying to obtain or provide reproductive health care services.

Earlier this week, 11 anti-choice protesters were arrested on the same federal charges after the group created a blockade in front of a Tennessee abortion clinic, livestreaming the event on Facebook as they actively prevented a patient and employee from entering. The group in Tennessee openly acknowledged what they were doing was a crime when one protester told the rest: If youre not planning on being arrested, do not sit in front of the door, according to the indictment.

But to hear many prominent conservatives tell it, the arrests were dramatic abuses of power by the Biden administration.

Biden Has Declared War On Conservative Christians, blared a headline for a Tucker Carlson segment about the Houck arrest. The hosts of Fox & Friends posited the ministers arrest was the start of the weaponization of the DOJ and the FBI for Bidens pro-choice purposes.

An anti-abortion advocate holds a cross outside of the Supreme Court during the March for Life, Jan. 27, 2017, in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Drew Angerer via Getty Images)

An anti-abortion advocate holds a cross outside of the Supreme Court during the March for Life, Jan. 27, 2017, in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Drew Angerer via Getty Images)

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) wrote a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, signed by 11 other Senate Republicans, which declared If the shocking reports about the FBI arresting a man Friday in rural Pennsylvania are true, then you have a lot to answer for, and later promised on Twitter that if Republicans take control in Congress next year, there will be public investigations into the matter.

Story continues

As for the Tennessee indictments, Its a rampage by Garland. This is getting ugly, tweeted one prominent columnist for the conservative Washington Examiner. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) called them partisan abuse on Twitter Thursday, and added Merrick Garland has done more to destroy the integrity of DOJ & the FBI than any AG in history.

Houck and the Tennessee group are just two examples of a nationwide network of activists who have, for decades, engaged in a campaign of intimidation that aims to block people from obtaining basic health care.The sudden conservative storm around the arrests has played fast and loose with the facts around both cases, and has the feel of a campaign, emboldened by the fall of Roe, that seeks to normalize obstruction to reproductive services.

There is something notable about the Tennessee arrests, compared to most FACE Act violations charged over the past decade. Every FACE Act prosecution prior to this year also involved an underlying crime: a mass shooting, a bombing, vandalization, destruction of property, or bomb and death threats. But the Tennessee protestors, as well as nine people involved in a similar protest in Washington, D.C., who were charged earlier this year, were indicted straightforwardly for obstructing access to clinics absent any underlying violence or illegal threat.

The arrests mark an escalation in the increasingly fraught battleground in front of clinics, which has often had deadly consequences.

Between 1977 and 2020, anti-abortion activists committed at least 11 murders, 26 attempted murders, 956 threats of harm or death, 624 stalking incidents and four kidnappings, according to an analysis from the National Abortion Federation. Anti-choice protesters have bombed 42 abortion clinics, set fire to 194, attempted to bomb or burn an additional 104 and made 667 bomb threats in that same time period.

Houck, 48, was arrested for two incidents that took place outside of Planned Parenthoods Elizabeth Blackwell Health Center on the same day last October. His alleged victim was a 72-year-old clinic escort, referred to throughout court documents as B.L., and who was trying to escort two patients exiting the Planned Parenthood when Houck shoved the volunteer to the ground, according to the indictment. In the second incident, the indictment states that Houck verbally confronted B.L. and forcefully shoved B.L. to the ground  causing injuries to B.L. that required medical attention. It notes that B.L. was wearing a bright-orange vest that identified him or her as a patient escort.

Some conservative outlets reported that the volunteer escort only mentioned being shoved by Houck once in a prior criminal complaint, although the federal indictment alleges there were two incidents.

If convicted, Houck faces a maximum sentence of 11 years in prison, three years of supervised release and fines up to $350,000. Seven of the 11 Tennessee protesters were charged with conspiracy against rights secured by the FACE Act, which holds similar sentencing and fines to the Houck charges. The other four Tennessee protesters face up to one year in prison and fines up to $10,000.

Assault is always a serious offense, and under the FACE Act, if the victim is targeted because of their association with a reproductive healthcare clinic, it is a federal crime, U.S. Attorney Jaqueline Romero said in the DOJs press release about Houcks arrest. Our Office and the Department of Justice are committed to prosecuting crimes which threaten the safety and rights of all individuals.

Houck often stood outside of the health center for hours, and tried to talk patients into going to the crisis pregnancy center located next door, Lindsey Mauldin, an employee of Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania who oversees security at the clinic, told HuffPost. The minister and father of seven touts himself as a sidewalk counselor and drives to Philadelphia once a week to protest two different abortion clinics, including the Planned Parenthood where this incident allegedly took place.

Houck has continued to protest in front of the clinic multiple times a week since the initial incident in October 2021, said Mauldin. Although, she noted, Houck has not been at the clinic since his arrest as he is legally prohibited from being anywhere near Planned Parenthood clinic while the case is ongoing.

We stay in touch with the police because it makes us nervous but he is allowed to be there, she said, noting that she and other clinic staff have seen him holding a knife in a holster belt when he protests. He also often wields a very large knife on his person while hes outside, which of course is a tactic to try to scare patients and security.

Conservatives dont seem to be contesting the facts of the assault. For her part, Ryan-Marie Houck disputed the DOJs allegations that her husband assaulted the clinic escort for doing his job, in an interview with anti-abortion website LifeSite News. She alleges that the clinic escort was saying inappropriate and disgusting comments to Houcks 12-year-old son who he often brings to the clinic when he protests, including telling the child your dads a fag. Ryan-Marie Houck said her husband told the clinic escort to stop speaking to his son, but he kept doing it and kind of came into [the sons] personal space. Thats when, she says, Houck pushed the volunteer away and he fell to the ground.

Many conservatives have focused more on the circumstances of Houcks arrest after Ryan-Marie Houck accused the FBI and a SWAT team of about 25 of barging into their home, guns blazing, to arrest Houck in front of his seven children, she told the Philadelphia Inquirer. She later recounted to Tucker Carlson that there may have been up to 30 FBI agents.

The FBIs Philadelphia field office responded to the Houcks claims, telling the Philadelphia Inquirer that the accusations were inaccurate and there was no SWAT team present, and described the arrest as in line with standard practices.

When reached for comment, Houcks attorney Peter Breen directed HuffPost to an earlier statement, which didnt go so far as to say there was a SWAT team present. This case is being brought solely to intimidate people of faith and pro-life Americans, Breen said last month.  ... In threatening form, after nearly breaking down the familys front door, at least five agents pointed guns at Mark and arrested him in front of his wife and seven young children, who were terrified that their husband and father would be shot dead before their eyes.

Houcks disruptive presence outside the clinic  which eventually, according to the indictment, escalated to assaults  is part of a broader anti-choice tactic stretching back decades. The religious right has a long history of violence against reproductive health care providers and patients, which is why Congress passed the FACE Act in 1994.

The Tennessee arrests appear to be clear violations of that same law  the people arrested livestreamed their blockade and were clear about what they were doing and why.

The activists, who ranged in age from 24 to 73, blocked the entrance to the Carafem Health Center Clinic, in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, one morning in March 2021. One protester livestreamed the incident on Facebook and encouraged anyone watching to come to the clinic and help stop as many murderous appointments as we can, according to the indictment.

Another protester asked a patient if she was trying to come to the abortion mill. When the patient walked away, the protester encouraged one of his children to approach her. The group livestreamed the patient speaking with an employee, and told the livestream audience she was a mom coming to kill her baby, according to the indictment. The patient and a clinic employee were barred from entering the health facility.

In both cases, providers of reproductive services welcomed the federal assistance in keeping patients and clinics safe.

The FACE Act was put into place to protect patients for this very reason, said Mauldin, the Planned Parenthood employee who oversees security at the Elizabeth Blackwell Health Center. Patients entering into our facilities already have to jump through a number of hoops to be able to access sexual and reproductive health care and Mr. Houck has been a longtime proponent of standing in their way.

I dont think this was an overreach. Mr. Houck has had a history of violating the FACE Act either through intimidation, scare tactics or in some cases pure violence, she added. He says ... that hell do anything to try to stop someone from having an abortion. What weve seen is just that.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
Texas Department of Public Safety logo

Two Texas Panhandle area first responders died in a crash Tuesday night, according to a statement from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) released Wednesday morning.

"It is with hearts full of sadness and grief, that we inform you, last night DVFD lost 2 of our own in a vehicle accident," the Dalhart Volunteer Fire Department said in a Facebook post. "While returning to station from a call earlier in the night, Firefighter Brendan Torres and Fire Chief Curtis Brown were involved in a motor vehicle accident with a semi. Chief Brown and Firefighter Torres were pronounced at the scene. As more information becomes available of funeral services, we will release that information. Please give the families, Firefighters, and their families space and time as figure out how to move forward."

The DPS statement says that on Tuesday, Oct. 4, at approximately 8:40 p.m., DPS troopers responded to a head-on collision involving a Dalhart Volunteer Fire Department vehicle (Chevrolet Tahoe) and a truck tractor towing a semi-trailer on US 54, northeast of Dalhart in Dallam County.

More:Amarillo Civic Center trial starts: 'Something is rotten in the state of Denmark'

The preliminary investigation indicates the truck tractor towing the semi-trailer was traveling northeast and the Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling southwest, when the driver of the truck tractor attempted to pass an unknown vehicle and struck the Chevrolet Tahoe head-on. The two Dalhart firefighters inside the Tahoe died.

The driver of the truck tractor was taken to a hospital in Dalhart with unknown injuries.

More:City of Amarillo: Road improvement project to impact traffic on Port Lane

The investigation is ongoing, and an official report about the crash is forthcoming.

This is a developing story; more information will be released as it becomes available.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: DPS: 2 Dalhart firefighters killed in head-on crash on US 54
There are plenty of races to keep an eye on during the 2022 general election on Nov. 8.

At the federal level, Democratic nominee John Fetterman will take on Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz for one of the state's U.S. Senate seats.

Another contested battle will be the Pennsylvania governor's race between Democratic nominee Josh Shapiro and Republican Doug Mastriano.

Other important races include the U.S. House 16th District as well as the state House 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th District.

Below is everything on the 2022 general election:

( in front of a story means it is available only to subscribers. But we have deals if you want to subscribe! Click/tap here to see them)

John Fetterman vs. Dr. Mehmet Oz for U.S. Senate

Lt. Gov. John Fetterman has shattered the norms of elected office. And experts say that's the promise embedded in his Senate run.

US Senate:John Fetterman has reforged every political office hes held. Now what?

Union rally:Sens. Bob Casey and Sherrod Brown stump with John Fetterman at rally in Erie

In his Senate race, Dr. Mehmet Oz has had to fight to convince people he's a Republican, an everyday person or even a Pennsylvanian.

US Senate:Americans trusted Dr. Oz on health. But will PA voters trust him on politics?

The details:Dr. Mehmet Oz releases health records to spotlight John Fetterman's stroke

Josh Shapiro vs. Doug Mastriano

Democratic gubernatorial Josh Shapiro nominee doesn't agree with the notion that a win for him in November would equate to a "third term" for current Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf.

For subscribers:A third term for Wolf? How Josh Shapiro contrasts with his opponent & current Pa. governor

During his failed 2018 bid for U.S. Congress, Doug Mastriano presciently pledged he would "shock the system."

Story continues

Now, as Pennsylvania's Republican gubernatorial candidate, attempts to explain this far-right figure's rapid rise from obscurity have generated breathless analyses from across America.

For subscribers:COVID created Doug Mastrianos governor candidacy in PA. Now we cant take our eyes off it

Though Josh Shapiro retains a commanding lead, gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano's cash-on-hand situation is the best it's been all campaign.

PA gov race:Doug Mastriano has new campaign finance reports revealing a key shift in Pa. governor race

A pair of state representatives from Allegheny County are seeking a high post in Pennsylvania that receives low attention.

While the governor's race takes up most of the campaign oxygen, Democratic state Rep. Austin Davis and Republican state Rep. Carrie Lewis DelRosso say their bids for the lieutenant governor's seat matter, too. The winner of this upcoming election will replace Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, who is running for U.S. Senate.

Here are their thoughts on the position's responsibilities: chairing the commonwealth's board of pardons, steering emergency response policy and  in an extreme event  taking the mantle as governor.

'A heartbeat away':3 reasons the Pa. lieutenant governor race matters

Analysis:The 5 developments that have reshaped the Pa. gov race this summer for Mastriano-Shapiro

PA House and U.S. Congressional races

Democrat Oliver vying for PA House seat long held by Sonney, GOP

Oliver faces Republican Jake Banta in the Nov. 8 general election. She's trying to become the first Democrat to hold the seat since Thomas Scrimenti.

4th Legislative District:Democrat Oliver vying for PA House seat long held by Sonney, GOP

Banta, fueled by discredited conspiracies, eyes Pa. House 4th District seat

Jake Banta, seeking the Republican nomination in the 4th Legislative District for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, waits to be interviewed at Uncle Charlie's Pub & Eatery in Edinboro on May 17, 2022.

Jake Banta wants to address jobs, inflation and election reform, but online he's spread false claims about politics and the COVID-19 pandemic.

4th Legislative District:Banta, fueled by discredited conspiracies, eyes Pa. House 4th District seat

Millcreek, Fairview voters will elect Ryan Bizzarro or Joe Kujawa for state representative

Democrat Ryan Bizzarro is seeking a sixth term in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Republican Joe Kujawa is a former Millcreek Township supervisor.

3rd District:Millcreek, Fairview voters will elect Ryan Bizzarro or Joe Kujawa for state representative

Dem incumbent Harkins, Libertarian Thomas square off for 1st District state House seat

The 1st District covers wards 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 in the city of Erie, as well as Lawrence Park Township.

1st Legislative District:Dem incumbent Harkins, Libertarian Thomas square off for 1st District state House seat

Analysis leading up to the 2022 general election and beyond

Voters could face at least six proposed referendums in spring 2023, including one that could pave the way to banning abortion access.

Pa. election 2022: No constitutional amendments on the Nov. 8 ballot, but big ones are looming

Bucks County Board of Elections Director Thomas A. Freitag runs mail ballots through the "dragon" machine to sort them to be counted on election day with results from their respective wards Friday, May 13, 2022 at Bucks County Administration Building in Doylestown.

The Senate majority leader and four Republican lawmakers who signed a pledge against Pennsylvania's mail-in balloting have used that very way to cast their votes in the last two years, according to an analysis of voter data by the USA TODAY Network Pennsylvania.

They're among nearly a third of Pennsylvania's 8.76 million registered voters who have cast a ballot by mail since no-excuse mail-in ballots were enacted through Act 77 in 2019. But unlike the many millions of other Pennsylvanians who voted the last two years, the Republican lawmakers' actions in privcontradicticts their words in public.

Mail-in ballots:Four Republican PA lawmakers used mail-in ballots after signing a pledge against them

Lake City Borough resident Michele Maher, 60, right, votes on Nov. 2, 2021, at the Lake Erie Community Center. Judge of elections Doris Schiller, left, and poll worker Tammy Johnson look on.

Erie County election officials have seen an unusual amount of Right-to-Know requests in the past two months, as people looking for voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election seek voter-related documents not available for public review.

Erie County Clerk Julie Slomski, who oversees the county's elections, said more than 20 Right-to-Know requests have been submitted to the Erie County Elections Department between August and September  with 15 requests coming in one week alone.

She said many of the requests appeared to be "copy and paste" requests  which all use the same language and wording  in search of cast-vote records, which are electronic, auditable records that are generated by ballot-counting machines and show a voter's selections.

Looking back to 2020:County election officials bombarded by requests seeking 2020 election voting records

Important information to know before heading to the polls

Judge of Elections Linda Rummel, 68, left, helps poll workers and voters at Washington Township polling place McLane Church on May 17, 2022.

To be a poll worker, you must be registered to vote in Erie County and be physically capable of sitting and/or standing for long periods of time, listening to voters and writing information, according to the Elections office.

Poll workers must arrive at their polling places at 6:30 a.m. and remain until work is complete at 8 p.m.

Become a poll worker:Positions are open for the 2022 election, and they need your help

Nov. 2 is Election Day.

Key races in the 2022 elections in Pennsylvania include seats for U.S. Senate, U.S. Congress, governor and lieutenant governor. Numerous candidates are running in the primary. Whoever wins the nomination in each party will advance to the Nov. 8 election.

To answer questions you may have as the primary election day approaches, the Erie Times-News prepared a Q & A.

Voting in Pa.:You have questions, we have answers

Vote

Take a look back at our coverage of the 2022 primary election.

Check out information you could use, including voting locations and your voting rights.

Previous election coverage:Erie County voters' guide to the races, candidates, issues in the 2022 primary

At the Assembly Room in the Millcreek Municipal Building, located at 3608 W. 26th St., Sally Leubin fills out her ballot as Erie County voters went to the polls during the primary election on May 17, 2022. Polls were open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Look back at the results from May's Primary Election across the state.

2022 PA Primary:Erie County 2022 primary election results

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Election Day 2022: Everything to know before heading to the polls
Alabama football welcomes in Texas A&M in a Week 6 SEC showdown circled on many fans calendars over the last few months.

Though it was originally thought to be a fight for the top spot in the SEC West with playoff implications and a battle between to feuding coaches, it has turned into anything but.

The Aggies rank No. 5 in the SEC West, have suffered two losses and are currently unranked. Jimbo Fishers job security has also raised a few questions, which means his focus is no longer on Nick Saban and his opinion on the name, image, likeness (NIL) policy.

ESPNs College GameDay crew broadcasted live from Lawrence, Kansas ahead of the Kansas vs. TCU Big-12 matchup.

It was unanimous when it came down to picking between the Aggies and the Crimson Tide: Alabama takes it.

ESPN College GameDay crew unanimously picks Alabama over Texas A&M pic.twitter.com/aKzfLXbNep  AJ Spurr (@SpurrFM) October 8, 2022

List

Roll Tide Wire staff predictions for Alabama vs. Texas A&M

List

Seven Alabama players projected in first two rounds in DraftWire's latest mock draft

List

5 Texas A&M players Alabama fans must know ahead of Week 6 matchup

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on Twitter @SpurrFM.

Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today!

Story originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) said in an interview aired on Friday that shes very concerned about diminished enthusiasm among voters in Georgia.

Just as a voter, I can tell you I am very concerned at the lack of enthusiasm in our state right now. Of course with my position as senior adviser to the president for public engagement, I have to be very careful in what I say about political affairs, the Biden official said on Joe Madison, The Black Eagle.

But I can tell you I dont feel and see the enthusiasm that I think voters across Georgia should have right now. And I know that oftentimes in midterm elections, people dont turn out to vote. I hope that wont be the case this year in Georgia.

The former Atlanta mayors comments come just one month out from the midterms where Georgia will play a decisive role in whether Republicans flip the Senate this cycle and if Gov. Brian Kemp (R) can win a rematch against Democrat Stacey Abrams.

The Georgia Secretary of States office suggested in May ahead of the primary that voters were enthused and turning out in record numbers. A press release from May 21 said the office saw a 168 percent increase over the 2018, the last gubernatorial primary and a 212 percent jump above 2020, the last presidential primary year in early voting this year alone.

Recent polling shows the race between Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and Republican Herschel Walker polling within the margin of error, while Kemp is shown to be polling ahead of Abrams.

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the Georgia Senate race a toss up and the Georgia gubernatorial race lean Republican.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Joe Biden announced Thursday he will pardon people federally convicted of simple possession of marijuana, a move that could affect an estimated 6,500 Americans.

The president noted that convictions for marijuana possession can lead to being denied employment, housing or educational opportunities, and said Black and brown people have been arrested and convicted at disproportionate rates.

"Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana," he said in a video announcement. "Its time that we right these wrongs."

The Justice Department will issue pardons to those eligible and an implementation process will begin "in coming days," according to department spokesman Anthony Coley.

Biden encouraged governors to follow his lead, as the vast majority of convictions occur at the state level. Here's what officials in Ohio and Kentucky have to say.

White House:Biden pardons those with federal convictions for possessing marijuana

Biden pardons marijuana convictions: Will Gov. DeWine do the same?

President Joe Biden said Thursday he will pardon people federally convicted of simple possession of marijuana, a move that could help more than 6,500 Americans.

What does this mean for people in Ohio and Kentucky?

Marijuana possession of less than 100 grams is a minor misdemeanor in Ohio, punishable in some cities by a fine of up to $150. Mandatory prison time only comes into play with marijuana possessions of at least 20 kilograms of marijuana.

It is illegal to possess any amount of marijuana in Kentucky.

Biden's pardons will only affect those with federal convictions, not anyone convicted of simple possession of marijuana under state law.

What do Ohio officials say?

DeWine reviewing Biden's request to pardon in Ohio

Through a spokesperson, Gov. Mike DeWine said he's reviewing Biden's request to extend pardons on a state level. Ohio doesn't issue blanket pardons, DeWine's spokesperson Dan Tierney told The Enquirer, so each person would have to apply individually.

In the past, DeWine, a Republican former prosecutor, has opposed legalizing recreational marijuana.

State Sen. Cecil Thomas: A 'bold and life-changing step'

State Sen. Cecil Thomas, a former Cincinnati police officer and Cincinnati City Council member, called Biden's pardons a "bold and life-changing step toward decriminalizing marijuana possession."These pardons will help thousands convicted of simple marijuana possession who have faced barriers to employment, housing and educational opportunities," the Democrat added, urging Gov. DeWine to "take the same bold approach in Ohio."

Story continues

Attorney General Dave Yost: Biden's pardons 'political, cynical abuse' of power

In a tweet, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost slammed Biden's blanket pardon as "the most political, cynical abuse of the pardon power in history. "

"To abuse the pardon power like this on the doorstep of an election is an astonishing level of cynicism," he wrote.

Yost, a Republican, supported the medical marijuana law in 2019 and said the federal government should reclassify marijuana as a Schedule II controlled substance, instead of the most-restrictive Schedule I, so more research can be done on the potential harms and benefits of its use.

To be very clear, the statute gives a president power reclassify marijuana administratively.



President Obama or President Biden could have done this literally at any point.



To abuse the pardon power like this on the doorstep of an election is an astonishing level of cynicism. https://t.co/r4OTTWqGuR  Attorney General Dave Yost (@DaveYostOH) October 6, 2022

Nan Whaley, candidate for Ohio governor, supports Biden's efforts

DeWine's Democratic challenger and former Dayton mayor Nan Whaley applauded the federal pardons on Twitter and said, if elected, she will work to legalize marijuana in Ohio and expunge the records of those convicted of minor marijuana possession.

Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey: It's 'important to be cautious'

In a statement, Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey stressed the importance of being cautious when it comes to pardoning marijuana offenses at the federal level.

"Often times there are accompanying crimes that were committed in tandem with marijuana offenses," she said.

McGuffey said she looks forward to more information about how this will impact state and local incarceration.

Biden pardons marijuana possession:Will Gov. Beshear follow suit in Kentucky?

What about in Kentucky?

Gov. Andy Beshear 'looks forward to reviewing' the details of Biden's plan

"The governor agrees that no one should be in jail simply because of possession of marijuana," Gov. Beshear's spokesperson Scottie Ellis said in a statement. "The White House had not alerted and has not briefed our office on exactly what his pardons may require and the specific details of what they will and will not cover. The governor looks forward to reviewing those details when available in his larger analysis on medical cannabis and how to move forward when the vast majority of Kentuckians demand it."

Kenton County prosecutor Rob Sanders: Federal pardons are 'political showmanship'

Rob Sanders, the Kenton County commonwealth's attorney, said he's never seen the federal government convict anyone of simple marijuana possession, so Biden's pardons are just "political showmanship."

"I think he knows his approval ratings suck and he's going into the midterms when he's about to lose both the House and the Senate, and this is just a political stunt in order to get a bunch of potheads to go out and vote Democrat," he said.

Sanders, a Republican, said he would not support Gov. Beshear extending the pardons on a state level, and that his issue lies with criminal records being expunged.

"I believe that employers should know their potential employees' history when they're considering who to hire," he said. "For instance, if my child's school was thinking about hiring school bus drivers, they should know who's got problems with marijuana use."

Boone County Sheriff Michael Helmig does not support the pardons

Helmig, a Republican, doesn't support President Biden's federal pardon, said his spokesperson Major Philip Ridgell. Helmig also would not support Gov. Beshear extending the pardons on a state level.

Just in general anything that removes or softens drug crimes as a whole, his position is, is that he would not support that. And he wouldnt support it whether it be from the president of the United States or at the governors level," Ridgell said.

Boone County Attorney Robert Neace, on the other hand, does

Robert Neace, a Republican, told The Enquirer he approves of President Biden's federal pardons and would support Gov. Beshear doing the same thing in Kentucky.

"I'll even go further and say I believe that marijuana should be legalized," said Neace, whose job includes prosecuting misdemeanors in district court.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Biden marijuana pardons: Reaction in Greater Cincinnati
Karly Pavlinac Blackburn. Courtesy of Karly Pavlinac Blackburn

Karly Pavlinac Blackburn, who lives in North Carolina, has been seeking a job in product marketing.

She printed her resume on a cake to send to Nike headquarters with the help of an Instacart driver.

Blackburn said a former colleague told her to think outside the box to get the company's attention.

Karly Pavlinac Blackburn had been laid off from her corporate job when she had the idea to print her resume on a cake and send it to Nike.

"I was fully prepared to buy this cake and just have it sit some random place somewhere," Blackburn, 27, told Insider. But with the help of a friend, a bakery, and a dedicated Instacart driver, her resume cake would land in the hands of the operations specialist she'd connected with at Nike's Valiant Labs.

Blackburn, who lives in Wilmington, North Carolina, and has been looking for a job in product marketing, said Valiant Labs, a startup incubator within Nike, "resonates" with her background.

Blackburn said she learned more about Valiant Labs after speaking with an operations specialist named Mac Myers, and though she discovered the company was not hiring, she still wanted to put her name on its radar.

Blackburn had gotten the idea for a cake resume from a former colleague who told her she had to think outside the box if she was going to get the company's attention.

After some research, she said, she discovered that a Nike publicity event was taking place in early September in Beaverton, Oregon, where Nike is headquartered. "I was like, what better a time to send a cake than to a party, right?" Blackburn said.

She ordered the cake and planned to have an Instacart driver pick it up to deliver to Nike's headquarters.

The driver, Denise Baldwin, told Insider she was "extremely shocked" when she saw the cake.

"I wasn't really expecting such a nice layout, detailed resume on a cake," Baldwin said. "I've never seen that before."

Blackburn's resume cake. Courtesy of Karly Pavlinac Blackburn

Blackburn explained to Baldwin through the Instacart app that she had been laid off and was passionate about a job with Valiant Labs. She said Baldwin promised she'd get the cake into Myers' hands.

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Baldwin was tasked with navigating the 286-acre Nike campus, finding her way through a party, and finding Myers  all with a cake and her 8-month-old son in tow.

"Not only was it amazing for me to be on the campus, but to find out I was there that day when all that stuff was going on was even more like, 'Wow, I can't believe this is happening,'" Baldwin said.

She communicated with security while corresponding with Blackburn to make sure the cake made it to Myers. Baldwin said she was given a map and a ride around campus to locate Myers before she was told he was in the LeBron James building. Baldwin said security personnel told her she could leave the cake at the front desk, where they would put Myers' name on it.

She declined. Wanting to make sure Blackburn's resume made it to Myers personally, she waited by the front desk with her son until Myers was called down.

Baldwin recalled that when Myers arrived, he called the cake "neat" and said he didn't even want to cut into it.

She sent a picture to Blackburn to confirm that the mission had been accomplished.

"I sent it to Karly for a confirmation so that she knew that it got exactly to the person she needed it to be to and she could have peace of mind knowing that her effort was received," Baldwin said.

Mac Myers holding up Karly Blackburn's cake

Mac Myers holding up Blackburn's cake.Courtesy of Denise Baldwin

"She waited for him to come up, and she gave it to Mac and got the cake in the right place, and all while holding her son in one arm and cake in the other," Blackburn said. "I don't know how she did that. She was amazing. It's crazy."

Baldwin told Insider she treats every delivery with the same dedication and service because that's how she was raised.

"I was just doing what I normally do and making sure that it got there," Baldwin said. "But I think I put a little bit more because I knew it was a resume and she really wanted this job. And I knew that if it was me and I wanted to go for Nike that I'd want somebody to take the time and put in the effort."

While Baldwin and Blackburn have not met in person, they've become long-distance friends. Baldwin, a pregnant mother of three, said Blackburn offered to mentor her.

"We talk every day, send messages," Baldwin said. "She found out I don't have a computer and I do everything on my phone, and so she's sending me a computer."

Denise Baldwin. Courtesy of Denise Baldwin

Blackburn said that she's still searching for a job that resonates with her and that she's talked with several companies since posting about her cake on LinkedIn. She said that remaining confident in her job search had kept her resilient.

"I've had other people reach out saying messages of how this has inspired them," Blackburn said, adding that "a really cool thing about LinkedIn" is that other people could hear her story and know "that they can go out and do whatever it is that they want to do."

She added: "Getting rejection after rejection is hard to see. But the thing is you just have to trust yourself and know that you're amazing and that you have great skills and qualities to offer to whatever company or job that you're applying for. And then the right fit will happen."

Read the original article on Insider
Laurens Van Beek, 25, grew up in Iowa City, Iowa, for the majority of his life. He went to elementary school, middle school, high school and completed a degree in computer science at the University of Iowa. In July, he left the United States and moved to Leuven, a city in Belgium just east of Brussels.

He didn't leave the U.S. willingly.

Before he turned 21, Van Beek was considered a dependent on his parents work visa. But after his 21st birthday, he no longer qualified.

Its frustrating that I cant go back to the people and the places that I grew up with," Van Beek said.

Van Beek is one of more than 200,000 U.S. residents called documented dreamers: children who immigrated to the U.S. legally as dependents on their parents' visas but age out once they turn 21.

If they can't secure their own visa to stay, theyre forced to self-deport from the only country they've really ever known, as Van Beek did.

It's a story that largely goes unheard in immigration policy due to the constant drumbeat of migrants crossing the southern border. In any conversation involving immigration reform, documented dreamers are swept aside  they feel invisible.

But that could change this month.

As Congress this fall takes up the National Defense Authorization Act (the annual budget for the Pentagon), there could be new protections passed for those dreamers. With the midterm elections looming, this could be their only shot.

The urgency of their plight was underscored Wednesday, when a federal appeals court ruled that an Obama-era policy that protects dreamers (undocumented youths who came to the U.S. as minors) known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, violated federal law. The three-judge panel sent a Biden administration effort to shore up DACA back to a lower federal court for further consideration.

While the ruling doesn't affect documented dreamers, the divisive politics surrounding immigration could reverberate negatively on Capitol Hill as they search for relief.

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Van Beek, the computer scientist, managed to stay for a few years longer through an international student visa. Once he entered the workforce as a software developer, he and his employer tried to secure an employment visa, which Van Beek said was incredibly luck dependent.

Van Beeks application for an H-1B visa was one of more than 300,000 when there were only around 65,000 visas to go around. His application was denied, and Van Beek, despite living in the U.S. since he was 7 years old, was forced to leave the place he called home.

The correct way isnt the way that works

The traditional path to American citizenship for immigrants is to apply for a green card to establish permanent residency.

When a parent is approved, so are their children. It sounds straightforward, but green card applications can take more than a decade to process due to heavy backlogs.

If any dependent turns 21 in that waiting period, theyre kicked off the application  which is exactly what happened to Aneesh Komanduri.

Komanduri came to the U.S. in 2007 with his family when he was 8. Four years later, his father applied for his family's green cards.

Surely Komanduris family would receive their green cards in a timely manner, they thought, at least within the next nine years, before Komanduri turned 21. It took more than 10. By then, Komanduri watched his immediate family  father, mother and younger brother  secure permanent residency.

Not him.

Were sort of helpless, Komanduri said. We didnt have much in our control. We were trying all we could.

Immigration's a notoriously divisive issue

While the immigration debate remains contentious and partisan, there exists a semblance of bipartisan support when it comes to protections for documented dreamers.

Related: Could Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' migrant tactic backfire politically with key voting bloc?

Rep. Deborah Ross, D-N.C., introduced an amendment to the NDAA providing new protections for documented dreamers. It would freeze a dependent's age at the time of a green card application, making it impossible to age out.

Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., speaks during a news conference calling for bipartisan legislation to protect documented Dreamers, outside the U.S. Capitol May 18, 2022 in Washington, DC.

The amendment would also grandfather in dependents who have already aged out of their parents visas, giving them a path to stay in the U.S. The House passed its version of the NDAA 329-101 in July.

An amendment was filed recently to the Senate version of the the military spending bill that would also provide the same protections for documented dreamers. A vote is expected to come after the midterm elections.

The proposal has bipartisan support among members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which includes Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. Both senators have been outspoken about their support of documented dreamers.

Its probably one of the most likely immigration-related things that could happen by the end of the year, said Dip Patel, founder of Improve the Dream, an advocacy organization for documented dreamers.

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., attends a Senate Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Spending Oversight on Capitol Hill August 3, 2022 in Washington, DC. Later today the U.S. Senate will hold a series of votes on Finland and Sweden joining NATO.

But Patel noted that the clock is running out. If control of Congress is split next year  which analysts and experts say is likely  Patel said any form of immigration reform could get blocked.

This needs to happen this year, Patel said. Unfortunately, the rhetoric has just turned it so no immigration reform is seen as positive.

Patel said the focus on the record number of migrant crossings along southern border hurts his goal of protecting documented dreamers.

Aging children really has nothing to do with the border," he said.

I dont know if I will be deported: Young immigrants prepare for DACA to end

Southern border: Number of migrants at U.S.-Mexico border again predicted to smash previous records

Skills and talent honed in the U.S., only to be kicked out

Forcing documented dreamers to self-deport is a waste of talent, Patel said. Roughly 99% of them are pursuing college degrees, and 87% of them are pursuing STEM degrees according to Patel.

A report from Republicans in the House Foreign Affairs Committee from 2020 notes: The U.S. also needs to continue to attract the best and brightest STEM talent from around the world, or risk falling behind in the global race for talent and losing its competitive advantage in innovation.

In a letter addressed to Senate leadership shared with USA TODAY, one advocacy group, Improve the Dream, says the situation completely contradicts the goal of keeping the U.S. competitive.

"Maintaining our nation's competitive advantage is essential to national security," the letter reads. "Currently we are forcing American-raised children, who have followed our laws and have been educated here, to leave. This does not make sense."

Despite aging out, Komanduri has managed to stay in the U.S. for a little longer on an international student visa. He has legal residence here at least until he finishes his doctorate in computer science at the University of Arkansas.

Hes researching artificial intelligence and how it can be improved for use in the economy. After he completes his degree, he'd like to stay in Arkansas to give back perhaps to the state's agricultural industry.

I got a couple years left to go, but Ive been finding my passion and applying my skills, Komanduri. In Arkansas, agriculture is a big thing and AI is used for so many applications.

It feels like your country doesnt love you back

Merry Joseph, 23, is in the same situation as Komanduri. She also aged out of her family's green card application and is staying in the U.S. through an international student visa. Joseph is a medical student at the University of Utah.

Ive always been super passionate about population health and becoming a community provider, Joseph said. I envision in the future being able to give back to my community and becoming an advocate for my community with medicine as a doctor.

The American Association of Medical Colleges estimates the U.S. could see a shortage of 124,000 physicians by 2034. Its an alarming statistic that Padilla highlighted in a hearing held by the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship and Border Safety. The solution, Padilla said, is immigrant health care workers.

Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., speaks during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee hearing to examine social media's impact on homeland security, Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022, on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Immigrants write our prescriptions; they care for us at our bedsides; they perform highly skilled procedures, Padilla said. And theyre often the cornerstone for rural and low-income communities.

Joseph wants to fulfill that role. But her status here isnt guaranteed  a reality thats always looming over her.

You love your country so much. But it hurts because it feels like your country doesnt love you back, Joseph said. Its hard to take it day by day. You try your best because the future frightens you.

It makes it even harder for her because she so desperately wants to give back to her community. If she had to self-deport, she would find herself in India, a country with an entirely different path for doctors  a lot of what she learned would be virtually useless, she said.

I would hate that in the future that I wont be able to do that and be able to give back to the community that gave so much to me and my family while we were growing up here," she said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: America's Documented Dreamers: Americans only until they turn 21
Michigan election officials rely on a list of registered voters to confirm that those showing up at polling locations on Election Day and those returning absentee ballots are eligible to participate in elections.

An accurate voter registration list is important, experts say. It helps ensure a smooth election, from determining how many polling locations to set up to making equipment purchasing decisions.

Some have suggested an up-to-date list may even boost voter turnout.

"If you have too many registered voters because they're not eligible to vote, it suppresses the turnout percentages, which I think sometimes actually suppresses it even more, becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy," former Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson told Michigan House lawmakers during a recent hearing on voter rolls.

"We see lower turnout numbers, we think, 'oh, no ones voting' and then that causes some folks to not vote," Grayson said.

Township board room is open as early voting polling place at Canton Township Administration Building in Canton, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020.

But while a 100% accurate voter list may be desirable, its a fallacy, he said.

"You'll never have a completely accurate list," Grayson said. "It's the holy grail, but we can always do better."

Michigan  like other states  has systems in place to flag and remove ineligible voters. Among the main reasons election officials cancel a voters registration: the voter moves or dies or there's a duplicate record.

Here's a guide on who can vote in Michigan and what happens when someone is no longer eligible to vote in the state.

More:Absentee ballots now available in Michigan: Here's how to request, return one

More:Lawmakers pass series of election bills following negotiations on preprocessing ballots

Who's eligible to vote in Michigan?

Those registering to vote must meet the following criteria:

They must be a citizen of the U.S.

They must be at least 17.5 years old. (To cast a ballot, voters must turn 18 on or before Election Day.)

They must be a Michigan resident and resident of their city or township for at least 30 days when they vote. (Voters who move within the state of Michigan within 60 days before an election can vote in the precinct where they registered at their previous address.)

They cannot be currently serving a sentence in jail or prison

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What happens when a voter moves?

If a voter moves to a different city or township in Michigan and updates the address on their driver's license or state ID, their registration is automatically updated as well.

If they stayed in the same city or township, they'll have their registration updated to the new address. If they move to a different Michigan city or township, their previous registration will be canceled and they'll be re-registered at their new address.

If a voter moves out of the state, there are a few ways to identify those individuals who need to be removed from the voter registration list.

The Michigan Department of State is alerted when a voter moves to a different state and surrenders their Michigan driver's license. The Michigan Secretary of State's Office receives the information and sends a notice of cancellation to the Michigan address where the individual registered. Their registration is canceled if they don't respond and dont vote or request a ballot within two November elections held in even-numbered years.

If the postal service returns a piece of election mail sent to a registered voter as undeliverable, clerks send a notice of cancellation to the Michigan address where the individual registered. Their registration is canceled if they don't respond and don't vote or request a ballot within two November elections held in even-numbered years.

Voters cast ballots at the polling place in Central United Methodist Church in downtown Detroit, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

How are dead voters flagged and removed from the rolls?

Impersonating a voter  including a dead person registered to vote  is a crime. A person who falsely impersonates someone else in an election, including by voting or attempting to vote for someone else, is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to four years, a fine of up to $2,000 or both.

Sometimes Michigan voters fill out and return their absentee ballot but then die before election day. Election officials are supposed to reject those ballots. A review by the Office of the Auditor General found 2,775 votes across eight recent elections  0.02% of the total ballots counted  were cast by voters who died before Election Day. The vast majority  98.5%  of those voters died within 40 days of the election, the auditor's review found.

The Social Security Administration sends deaths added to the "Master Death Index" to the Secretary of State's Office, and the Bureau of Elections cancels voter registrations of those listed on the index every week.

County clerks who also maintain death records currently inform local clerks of any deaths of registered voters in their municipality, so local election offices can cancel those voters' registrations. Under legislation recently passed by lawmakers, county clerks could also initiate the cancellation of those who died starting next year.

Vance Meads of Ypsilanti, right, prepares to vote at the polling place in Perry Elementary School in Ypsilanti, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Has anyone who's not a U.S. citizen been listed as a registered voter?

"Previous administrations have acknowledged the existence of non-citizens registered to vote," Aneta Kiersnowski Crisp, press secretary for the Secretary of State's Office, wrote in an email.

"We cancel those registrations, and the automatic voter registration system ensures they are encountered any time a non-citizen conducts a driver's license or state ID transaction," she said.

Non-citizens registered to vote who cast a ballot "create a permanent record of a crime enabling their subsequent prosecution," she added.

What are the laws on waiting to cancel a voter suspected to be ineligible?

Michigan election law bars the cancellation of voters' registration based only on their failure to vote. Clerks must wait two consecutive general elections before canceling the registration of a voter who fails to vote and doesn't complete and return a notice of cancellation to confirm their address sent from the clerk in the jurisdiction where they're registered.

That's consistent with federal law requiring a waiting period before canceling the registration of voters who have failed to respond to a notice to confirm their eligibility to vote.

How many inactive voters are slated for cancellation in Michigan?

As of August 2022, there were 912,110 inactive voters registered in Michigan, according to a Bureau of Elections report. Voters are marked "inactive" when sent a notice based on information that they moved or the fact that they have not voted in more than six years.

There are currently more than 500,000 voters slated for cancellation, according to the Secretary of State's Office. Of those, more than 100,000 are slated to be canceled next year while almost 450,000 are slated to be canceled in 2025. Many of those slated for cancellation in 2024 were initially identified through a statewide absentee ballot application mailing two years ago.

In 2020, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson sent absentee ballot applications to every registered voter in the state. It was the first statewide election mailing in over a decade, according to the Secretary of State's Office. Applications returned as undeliverable were used to send out notices of cancellation.

Voters who dont respond to the notice or don't vote or request an absentee ballot within two federal elections will have their registrations canceled. Those marked "inactive" in voter file still maintain their registration and right to vote.

Those who are eligible to vote but have had their registrations canceled can re-register before or up to 8 p.m. on Election Day Nov. 8.

Clara Hendrickson fact-checks Michigan issues and politics as a corps member with Report for America, an initiative of The GroundTruth Project. Make a tax-deductible contribution to support her work at bit.ly/freepRFA. Contact her at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. Follow her on Twitter @clarajanehen.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan voter list maintenance, explained
Story at a glance

Broadway Avenue, a wedding venue in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been cited for violating the citys human rights ordinance by allegedly refusing to marry same-sex couples.

The venues owners in July had said in a social media post that hosting same-sex wedding ceremonies would be inconsistent with their religious beliefs.

The post has been heavily criticized by social media users that have accused the venue of discriminating against the LGBTQ+ community and a petition for the city to enforce the ordinance and cite Broadway Avenue has collected more than 13,000 signatures.

A wedding venue in Grand Rapids, Michigan has been cited by city officials for allegedly refusing to host same-sex marriage ceremonies.

Grand Rapids officials in a citation issued earlier this week said the owners of Broadway Avenue, an event space that opened earlier this year, had violated a section of the citys human rights ordinance that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression by refusing to marry same-sex couples.

In a post on the venues Facebook and Instagram pages in July, Broadway Avenue owners Nick and Hannah Natale  a husband and wife couple  wrote that their business is a reflection of the values and beliefs we hold from our faith in Jesus Christ.

As a result, we would like our business to remain true to our Christian faith and this includes marriage, the pair wrote.

America is changing faster than ever! Add Changing America to your Facebook or Twitter feed to stay on top of the news.

When the Natales were asked in a comment on the post to clarify how their religious beliefs would impact their business logistically, they responded: The two people that are getting married at our venue must be a man and a woman.

The response drew swift backlash online from social media users that accused the couple of discriminating against LGBTQ+ people.

That was a lot of words for were homophobic, one Facebook user commented on the post.

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A petition calling for the city to enforce the human rights ordinance and cite Broadway Avenue has collected more than 13,000 signatures.

We hope to affirm that the City of Grand Rapids will remain an inclusive business environment where we do not have to tolerate discriminatory policies, nor do business with discriminatory people in our community, the petition states.

In an interview with Nexstar-affiliate WOOD-TV in Michigan, the couple said the venues policy also extends to transgender people because they believe marriage is a union between only biological men and women.

Our decision is not rooted in hate towards the community, Nick Natale told the outlet. Its just our belief on marriage.

David Kallman, an attorney for the Natales, in a statement to MLive.com said they were prepared to take the case to the state Supreme Court if necessary.

Were going to vigorously oppose this, Kallman said. Theyre totally unspecific here of what it is theyre claiming my client did, but the bottom line is were going to oppose any claim we committed any wrong here.

Kallman argued that Broadway Avenue cannot be legally cited because, while the Natales have stated publicly that they will not allow same-sex couples to marry at their venue, they have not actually denied any customers on those grounds.



A similar case involving two Michigan businesses went before the state Supreme Court in July, with Justice Elizabeth Clement, writing for the courts majority, ruling that a state law against sex discrimination also protects individuals from discrimination based on their sexual orientation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Miss USA Instagram

The winner of this years Miss USA pageant has insisted she rightfully won the contest after her defeated rivals blew up social media with allegations that the pageant was fixed for her to win.

RBonney Gabriel became the first Filipina American woman in the pageants 70-year history to claim the coveted crown at a glitzy ceremony in Reno, Nevada on Monday. At 28, Gabriel was also the oldest entrant to claim the top prize and was the first Asian American woman to have been made Miss Texas.

But her record-breaking victory was instantly soured when her fellow contestants allegedly walked off stage instead of being involved in a customary joint celebration. In the days since, Gabriels competitors have taken to social media to spill the tea on what they claim is evidence that the entire pageant was gifted to Miss Texas.

Most of the Miss USA contestants feel very strongly that there was favoritism towards Miss Texas USA and we have the receipts to prove it, Miss Montana Heather Lee OKeefe said on TikTok.

In another video, OKeefe called it a little suspect that a sponsor of the pageant, NIZUC Spa, shared a post of Gabriel receiving treatment at their facility less than 24 hours after the competition ended. The winner of Miss USA is given treatments at the spa as part of their prizebut OKeefe also pointed to a highlight video on the spas Instagram story showing Gabriel at the spa nine weeks before the pageant even took place.

OKeefe then raised suspicions about Gabriels apparent close relationship with Miss USA director Crystle Stewart, who was apparently pictured doing Gabriels hair. Its not clear when this photo was taken, if it was before or after the competition OKeefe said, But I can tell you this is the room where all the contestants were getting their hair and makeup done before the competition. In the same clip, she also alleged that one of the competitions sponsors only reposted Miss Texas Instagram uploads during the competition before she even wonthough OKeefe did concede that the same person separately sponsored the Miss Texas competition itself.

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Other competitors have vented their frustration online, with Miss New York Heather Nunez saying in an Instagram story that she felt humiliated, while Miss Alabama Katelyn Vinson wrote: Its crushing and heartbreaking to have worked so hard towards a goal only to realize you never stood a chance.

Despite the allegations, Gabriel spoke out on Friday to insist she won fair and square.

I would never enter any pageant or any competition that I know I would win, Gabriel told E! News on Friday, adding that she would be open to discussing the allegations with OKeefe.

I would love to communicate with her because I think theres a lot of allegations that are coming up that arent true, and people are leading to conclusions that just simply arent true, Gabriel said. I want to be transparent, and I want everybody to know that there was no unfair advantage and nothing was rigged.

Gabriel explained that she had paid to fly herself out for a promotional video with the spawhich had sponsored the Miss Texas competitionbut the video wasnt released until after shed been crowned Miss USA. She added that the picture with Crystle Stewart was taken on the morning after shed won the title.

She also claimed that it was timing issues that prevented the other competitors appearing with her on stage during her crowning moment, and that when I went back to the girls, they all hugged me.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Garland Joseph Nelson

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)  A Missouri man pleaded guilty this week to a cattle fraud scheme that he tried to cover up by killing two northeastern Wisconsin brothers.

The U.S. attorneys office said 28-year-old Garland Nelson, of Braymer, must forfeit more than $215,000 after admitting to mail fraud and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

He entered the plea just days after pleading guilty to two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of 24-year-old Justin Diemel and 35-year-old Nicholas Diemel, both from Navarino in Shawano County.

The brothers father reported them missing July 21, 2019, after they didnt return from a visit to Nelsons farm, where they had gone to collect a $250,000 debt. Nelson was supposed to be caring for cattle for the brothers, according to court records.

The Diemel family sent livestock to Nelsons farm to be cared for and sold between 2018 and 2019. The animals were neglected and many died. But Nelson charged the family full price, according to court documents.

Nick and Justin Diemel

When the Diemels asked for their money back, Nelson intentionally sent a damaged check to Nicholas Diemel, which prompted the brothers visit to his farm.

Prosecutors said Nelson shot the brothers and drove their pickup truck off of his farm. He told authorities he put the mens bodies in 55-gallon barrels and burned them. Nelson told investigators he dumped the remains on a manure pile and hid the barrels on his property, about 70 miles northeast of Kansas City, Missouri.

The remains were later found in Missouri and in a livestock trailer in Lincoln County, Nebraska, that had been purchased in Missouri.

He was sentenced to two life terms without parole for the killings. No sentencing date has been scheduled for the federal charges, but the crimes carry up to three decades behind bars, federal prosecutors said in a news release.

RELATED: 'Worst year of my life': Diemel family still without closure a year after Shawano County brothers killed in Missouri

RELATED: Wife of Shawano County man killed in Missouri said Garland Nelson will 'rot in hell'

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Missouri man who killed Shawano County brothers pleads guilty of fraud
A Texas mother is urging parents to keep their children from watching Hocus Pocus 2, claiming that film can unleash hell in ones home.

During a recent interview with KWTX, Jamie Gooch issued a warning about the plot of the Disney + film, which is a sequel of the fan-favourite Halloween movie, Hocus Pocus.

A worst case scenario is: you unleash hell on your kids and in your home, she said. The whole movie is based on witches harvesting children for blood sacrifices.

Similar to the plot of Hocus Pocus, Hocus Pocus 2 is centred on a group of women trying to stop three witches from kidnapping and harming the children of Salem, Massachusetts, after accidentally being brought back to life.

Gooch emphasised her concern about the film to KWTX and said viewers are unaware of what can come into their homes through [their] TV screen.

Do not watch this film, she continued. Everybody thinks its fake and innocent, but they could be casting any type of spell that they want to, anything could be coming through that TV screen into your home.

She went on to say she loves keeping her home safe, which is why she and her husband remain focused on what [theyre] bringing into it.

I love creating a safe environment for my family and friends to come into, I believe everything starts here, it all starts at home, she explained to KWTX. So beware--and be aware--of what were bringing into our homes and our everyday lives, my husband and our children should be experiencing something different here in our home than theyre experiencing out in the world.

The mother of three told the outlet her family hasnt celebrated Halloween for about four or five years, because it grieves me, the thought of exposing our kids to darkness.

Gooch added that the response to her beliefs has been wonderful in a sense that a lot of people agreed with me in that they already knew, there were some that didnt understand, but it was welcomed.

She emphasised that if people didnt agree with her thats fine, but for her, as a Christian, she claimed that she was held at a higher standard.

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This interview comes after Gooch shared a now-private and viral Facebook post, in which she encouraged mothers to think about what was happening in Hocus Pocus 2. In the Facebook post, shared via Mediaite, Gooch said that she felt a strong conviction to share a word with mothers, urging them to think about the films that they allow in their homes.

As Mothers and wives WE are the gatekeepers of our homes. Meaning whatever we allow in has a rightful place to reside and grow there because WE have given it permission, she wrote. What is actually happening when we watch these films? What are we subjecting our minds to? What are we welcoming into the homes of our families? I say all of this because I too have fallen into the trap a time or two, and the spiritual warfare I had to endure because of my own ignorance I wish on no one.

Hocus Pocus 2 features Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler, and Kathy Najimy, reprising their roles as the Sanderson Sisters.

During an interview withCBS This Morning this week, Parker described the movie franchises fan base and recalled how its become so diverse over the years, following Hocus Pocus release in 1993.

What is so wonderful and feels so good is that the audience has become so diverse for this, she said. People have integrated this into their lives, families and children and babysitters and grandparents and the LGBTQ-plus community. Its just remarkable.

The Independent has contacted Gooch for comment.
Laura Ingraham, host of The Ingraham Angle on Fox News - Credit: LightRocket via Getty Images

Republicans have a certain obligation to act as if everything President Biden does is an assault on American values. His sweeping pardons this week of thousands who were jailed for marijuana possession  and announcement that the drugs federal classification will be reevaluated  are no exception.

But, perhaps because the nation overwhelmingly believes that cannabis should be legal, and the issue doesnt stoke the culture war like matters of race, gender, and sexuality, the right-wing outrage machine had a mostly quiet reaction to these executive orders. Indeed, over the past year or so, several high-profile Republicans have actively pushed similar efforts. In May 2021, Rep. Dave Joyce and Rep. Don Young, of Ohio and Alaska, proposed to take cannabis off the federal list of controlled substances. And last November, Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina introduced a bill to decriminalize and regulate pot.

More from Rolling Stone

The extreme conservatives who did take a stab at condemning Dank Brandon could barely muster a reason to be angry. Sen. Tom Cotton and Newsweeks right-wing opinion editor Josh Hammer both took the line that many of the pardons were going to violent criminals who had pled down from much more serious charges. Neither was able to cite such a case. Ann Coulter, in a short Substack post, simply imagined one.

This is a desperate attempt to distract from failed leadership.



If you were wondering how Rs would respond to a move that was polling well (and many Dems think will help win votes next month). (2/2)  David Weigel (@daveweigel) October 6, 2022

Unbelievable.



BREAKING: Biden Pardons THOUSANDS of Violent Felons in Time for the Midterms, by @AnnCoulter https://t.co/yvbdNUcMeZ  Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) October 7, 2022

This is utter bullshit. Joshs has no idea what hes saying. Ive never seen a federal case pleaded down from possession with intent to distribute (let alone a violent crime) to simple possession. Federal plea bargain guidelines would prevent it without high-level approval. /1 pic.twitter.com/wiIeNETJLP  IfHatHadHappened (@Popehat) October 6, 2022

Meanwhile, the Daily Wire, which has previously run teeth-gnashing coverage on the physical, mental, and emotional problems associated with marijuana, published one straightforward news story on Bidens move toward decriminalization  and approximately ten times as much coverage of Tucker Carlson interviewing Kanye West. That outlets editor emeritus, Ben Shapiro, who this year said of weed, The Left really does wish to inoculate us all into submission, did not seem to address the pardons at all.

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On Fox News, Laura Ingraham made a very half-hearted slippery slope argument, pointing out that after Oregon legalized pot for recreational use, they also decriminalized possession of small amounts of cocaine, heroin, and meth, which is now punishable by a $100 fine. What exactly is being threatened here? Oregon didnt collapse into anarchy. Its a nice place to visit or live, in fact. And the law couldnt have passed without support from some of the states many conservative voters.

Ingraham: It starts with Marijuana but where does it go from there pic.twitter.com/uSMfpNvANM  Acyn (@Acyn) October 7, 2022

Renae Eze, press secretary for Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas, tried to sound tough and defiant when addressing whether her boss would pardon state-level marijuana offenses as Biden encouraged. Texas is not in the habit of taking criminal justice advice from the leader of the defund police party and someone who has overseen a criminal justice system run amok with cashless bail and a revolving door for violent criminals, she told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram  even though Abbott stated earlier this year that he thinks pot should be decriminalized.

No, it looks like the GOPs heart isnt in this fight, and the best a few mouthpieces can do is cycle through the motions. It makes sense: the partys legislators have already seen the writing on the wall, and their constituents desire for an end to the prohibition of cannabis. Few would find any benefit to standing in the way, and that group of hard-liners is rapidly dwindling. Besides, all Biden has actually done so far is expunge the criminal records of several thousand people no longer behind bars.

If the country continues in this direction, when weed finally becomes legal throughout the U.S., there may be no one left to get mad about it.

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Click here to read the full article.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte and Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal visit the town of Borodianka in Ukraine's Kyiv region in April 2022. Ukrainian Governmental Press Service/Handout via REUTERS

Ukraine applied to join NATO, but some members suggested it should wait until war with Russia ends.

Lithuania's prime minister told Insider why she believes NATO-Ukraine negotiations should start immediately.

She said Russian threats are not a reason to delay as Russia proved it doesn't need a reason to escalate.

Negotiations for Ukraine to join NATO should begin immediately, Lithuania's prime minister told Insider.

In an interview Thursday, Ingrida Simonyte said that the frequent argument for not doing so  that Vladimir Putin might escalate his invasion in response  did not stack up.

Putin, she said, had already escalated the conflict repeatedly and did not need an excuse in the actions of his adversaries to do so again.

This week nine of NATO's 30 members, including Lithuania, said they support Ukraine's eventual membership of the alliance.

But NATO's largest members, including the US and other nuclear-armed states like the UK and France, held off signing. A frequent argument is that a move like this could worsen Russia's invasion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center, holds Ukraines application for NATO membership in Kyiv on September 30, 2022. Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP, File

But, Simonyte argued, Russia had proven already that its escalations were not rational.

"When we speak about Russia as an escalator in this situation, we must ask ourselves: Is there a need of a real pretext for Russia to escalate? My answer is no," she said.

"I mean, this is a pretext that they most probably would use, but even without this pretext, it doesn't mean that the situation would be that much different."

Doubts about letting Ukraine join

Bulgaria's president said he did not join the nine-country declaration because he thought a decision on Ukrainian membership should only happen after the war with Russia ends.

He noted the "risk of the direct involvement of NATO countries in the war."

Once a country is a full NATO member, all the other members are obliged to respond to an attack on a member as it would to an attack on itself  making a war on one member a war on all of them.

Similarly, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said that he thinks Ukraine's application "should be taken up at a different time."

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Ukrainian troops fire an M777 howitzer in the Kharkiv Region on July 28, 2022. Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy/Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images

Putin has previously raged at the prospect of NATO growing further, and cited that fear as a reason for invading in February.

But Simonyte said that Russia was the one who forced countries like hers into NATO, creating the outcome it most feared.

"They were lying all the way about NATO enlargement and saying 'it was you who were pushing NATO boundaries close to Russia.' No  it was because of Russia that countries like mine wanted to join NATO."

"It's not because NATO just came and said 'Hello, we want to be here.'"

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks with soldiers during the NATO exercise 'Cold Response' in Bardufoss, Norway on March 25, 2022. Annika Byrde/Getty Images

A 'moral debt' to Ukraine

How Ukraine would fare in an application is unclear  all 30 existing members have to agree on letting a country join, and the process can take years even for countries who are not actively at war.

Simonyte said that the decision not to accept Ukraine earlier helped create the current war. NATO's assurances may have deterred Russia had Ukraine been a member, she said.

Irina Kuzkova, 83, stands in her flat at damaged building after latest Russian rocket attack in downtown Kharkiv, Ukraine, Monday, September 12, 2022. AP Photo/Andrii Marienko

Ukraine tried to join NATO in 2008, but Russia responded angrily and the process ground to a halt.

Simonyte said she thought this was a "great mistake" that helped encourage Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, its long war in the Donbas region, and the full-scale war of 2022.

She said that NATO owes "a sort of a moral debt" because of such missteps that demands a fuller response than giving the current military aid and training.

NATO had previously said that Ukraine needed other reforms to be considered for membership  including a much stronger response to corruption.

Simonyte said she believed starting negotiations would create a "very strong incentive" for any needed reform, saying it worked in her own country, which joined in 2004.

"What I know from my country's experience is that when you have a very clear goal, it is a very big motivation for a country to change."

"What Ukraine has demonstrated is that they are actually capable, very strong and, and very committed to the values that we share as our sort of basis for our coexistence. So why should we deny them a possibility to be part of the club?"

"There is no reason."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Russian dictator Putin turning 70 on Oct. 7

Tweeting on the occasion of Putins 70th birthday, Linkevicius said Russia needs to reject nuclear suicide, inevitably transform the Kremlin, acknowledge the craziness of (Putins) geopolitical adventure, withdraw from Ukraine, and try to restore ties with the world. To survive for now.

With Putin turning 70 years old on Oct. 7, in Russia it was decided not to hold any lavish celebrations in honor of the dictator in light of the Russian armys military failures in Ukraine. It has been claimed that Putin personally commands Russias invasion force.

Read also: UK floats war crimes tribunal for Russian leaders and soldiers

Russia has several time now held celebrations on various occasions that coincided with heavy Russian losses on the battlefields in Ukraine.

One such occasion was on Sept. 10, when Putin opened a large observation wheel in Moscow as the Russian army treated in panic and disarray from large parts of Kharkiv Oblast.

Then on Sept. 30, as Russians celebrated on Moscows Red Square the claimed annexation of occupied Ukrainian territories, the Ukrainian army was surrounding the Russian invasion forces in the key Donetsk Oblast town of Lyman.

Ukrainian forces went on the liberate the town, with the Russian army retreating and taking heavy casualties.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Lt. Gov. John Fetterman returned to Erie on Thursday with nearly a month remaining in his bid to be Pennsylvania's next U.S. senator  and this time he brought two of the fellow Democrats he hopes to join.

Senators Bob Casey, Sherrod Brown stump for Fetterman

Fetterman held a rally with about 150 supporters at the U.E. Local 506 Labor Hall in Lawrence Park. He was joined by U.S. Sens. Bob Casey, the commonwealth's other senator, and Sherrod Brown of Ohio.

"I live in Pennsylvania. I grew up in Pennsylvania and I am going to fight for Pennsylvania and the union way of life as we know it here in this union hall," Fetterman said during his speech Thursday.

Casey and Brown spent Thursday crisscrossing the Pennsylvania-Ohio border to stump for Fetterman and U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, the Ohio Democrat running against Republican J.D. Vance.

More:Candidates for Pennsylvania governor, Senate detail energy policies at shale conference

Brown, who was first elected in 2006 and is in the middle of his third term in office, said if Democrats can pick up two seats in the U.S. Senate, he wants the party to prioritize eliminating the filibuster, codifying Roe v. Wade and then passing the Protecting the Right to Organizing (PRO) Act, which would strengthen protections for workers who want to form a labor union.

Both Fetterman and Ryan are running for open Senate seats currently held by incumbent Republicans, Sens. Pat Toomey and Rob Portman, respectively. Neither senator is running for re-election.

Oz gaining ground on Fetterman in polls

Fetterman, who in August chose Erie to make his return to the campaign trail after suffering a stroke during the primary, has been running ahead of celebrity heart surgeon Mehmet Oz, but the latest polls have shown the race tightening in recent days.

Survey says:Fetterman's lead on Oz slips as Shapiro's widens over Mastriano in USA TODAY/Suffolk poll

@JohnFetterman tells Erie crowd at UE 506 Labor Hall that he will preserve the union way of life. He also pushes back on attacks from @DrOz about his record on crime. pic.twitter.com/KyGliveYXO  Matthew Rink (@ETNrink) October 6, 2022

Fetterman on Thursday pushed back on a barrage of attack ads from the Oz campaign on his record on crime, specifically Fetterman's role as chairman of the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons. Oz has accused Fetterman of wanting to "free convicted murderers," citing his support to grant clemency to 37 people.

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Fetterman said Oz is lying about his record on crime. Fetterman said he's running on that record, though, noting that gun violence motivated him to run for mayor of his hometown of Braddock.

"That's why I ran to be mayor," he said, "that was a big reason. And because I worked with the police and the community, we were able to stop the killings for five and a half years."

As lieutenant governor, Fetterman said he's worked with Gov. Tom Wolf to give people second chances, citing the Marijuana Pardon Project, which is an initiative that Wolf and Fetterman have taken up to expedite the pardon process for people with non-violent marijuana convictions.

He then lauded President Joe Biden's decision Thursday to pardon thousands of Americans who have been convicted on federal charges of simple marijuana possession. Fetterman spoke with Biden about marijuana policy reform in Pittsburgh on Labor Day last month.

"That's one of the things we asked for," he said. "We're delivering a real record on crime and second chances."

About 150 supporters turned out for the rally Thursday in Lawrence Park Township.

Oz responds

Oz issued a statement following Fetterman's Erie stop Thursday.

"What does John Fetterman know about workers?" Oz campaign spokeswoman Brittany Yannick said, citing the $25,000 of liens that were placed on properties once owned by Fetterman and an organization he founded, Braddock Redux, more than six years ago  liens that had been paid prior to Fetterman's first campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2016. Yannick also accused Fetterman of missing work as Braddock mayor

"Not only is John Fetterman out of touch with Pennsylvanians working middle class, but his support for radical policies would devastate our economy, hurt small business owners, and take jobs away from Pennsylvania," Yanick said.

This is a developing story. Return to GoErie.com for updates.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: John Fetterman joins Sens. Bob Casey, Sherrod Brown at Erie, PA rally
A Swedish lawmaker cut her hair during a speech before the European Union in solidarity with Iranians protesting the death of a woman in the custody of Irans morality police.

Abir al-Sahlani, a member of the European parliament who was born in Iraq, denounced the Iranian regime in light of the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old who was arrested for allegedly not wearing her hijab properly.

Amini allegedly collapsed after being arrested by the morality police, which is tasked with enforcing religious observance in the country, and died days later. Iranian officials have said she died from a heart attack, but Amins family and the United Nations have said she was severely beaten while in custody.

Aminis death has led to protests throughout Iran that have seen some Iranian women burning their hijabs and publicly cutting their hair in violation of Irans laws.

Hundreds of protesters have been arrested, and dozens have reportedly been killed.

Al-Sahlani said in her speech on Tuesday that the citizens of the EU demand an unconditional and immediate stop to all violence against women and men in Iran.

Until the women of Iran are free, we are going to stand with you, she said as she picked up a pair of scissors and cut her hair.

Al-Sahlani said history and Allah will not forgive the Iranian regime for the crimes against humanity it is committing against its own citizens.

The morality police stepped up their enforcement of religious observance under President Ebrahim Raisi, a hardliner who became the president of Iran last year. Former President Hassan Rouhani, a moderate who was term-limited, oversaw more lax enforcement from the police force.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Oct. 7Michael Henderson, 34, of Michigan, pleaded guilty on Friday to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to court records, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in which Henderson was a passenger in downtown Charleston on March 3. During the traffic stop, a police K-9 alerted to the presence of controlled substances in a duffel bag belonging to Henderson. Officers searched the bag and found approximately 5 pounds of methamphetamine.

Henderson is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 26 and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a $20 million fine.

----Travis John Miller, 39, of Beckley, pleaded guilty Friday to distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to court records, Miller admitted to selling approximately 26.94 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant at his Beckley residence on Oct. 19, 2021. Miller further admitted to selling quantities of methamphetamine to a confidential informant on Oct. 20 and Oct. 27, 2021.

On Oct. 29, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Miller's residence and found methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and a Hi-Point .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol.

Miller is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 27 and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, four years of supervised release, and a $5 million fine.

----Flaviano Mateos-Hernandez, 45, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty Friday to reentry of a removed alien and was remanded to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation proceedings.

According to court records, ICE agents arrested Mateos-Hernandez in Pineville on June 7 after identifying him in the course of an investigation. Mateos-Hernandez admitted that he was a citizen of Mexico in the United States illegally and that he had been previously deported from the United States.

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Mateos-Hernandez had no identification documents permitting him legal status in the United States.

Fingerprints matched Mateos-Hernandez to a prior administrative removal from the United States, which followed his arrest in West Virginia on June 7, 2016. While in West Virginia, Mateos-Hernandez was twice convicted of misdemeanor DUI in Wyoming County Magistrate Court on May 14, 2015, and April 10, 2016.

Mateos-Hernandez also twice agreed to voluntarily return to Mexico following arrests in California on Aug. 15, 2002, and Arizona on April 15, 2009. Mateos-Hernandez never obtained the express consent of the secretary of U.S. Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States, nor did he seek to reenter through other legal means.
Federal agents investigating Hunter Biden, according to multiple news reports on Thursday, believe there is enough evidence to charge the presidents son with tax crimes.

Heres a breakdown of the latest development:

Why is Hunter being investigated?

The investigation of President Joe Bidens son began in 2018, initially revolving around Hunters foreign business ties and consulting work. It was a major fixation for then-President Donald Trump.

In December 2020, the news broke that the Justice Departments investigation was focusing on Hunter Bidens Chinese business dealings and other financial transactions.

He said in a statement at the time that he takes this matter very seriously but I am confident that a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally and appropriately, including with the benefit of professional tax advisors.

For years, Hunter Bidens business dealings have resulted in questions that have followed Joe Bidens career.

What is the latest on the investigation?

The Washington Post on Thursday reportedthat federal agents believe they have enough evidence to charge Hunter Biden with tax crimes and a false statement regarding a gun purchase.

But now its up to the U.S. attorney in Delaware to decide if charges should be filed, the Post reported.

FILE - Then Vice President-elect, Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., left, stands with his son Hunter during a re-enactment of the Senate oath ceremony in the Old Senate Chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington on Jan. 6, 2009. Hunter Biden, an ongoing target for conservatives, has a memoir coming out April 6. The book is called aBeautiful Thingsa and will center on the younger Biden's well publicized struggles with substance abuse, according to his publisher. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)

The Wall Street Journal, which confirmed these reports, also noted that prosecutors are struggling with whether Hunter Bidens high-profile addiction issues would present a defense against potential charges.

The investigation, which had been ramping up in recent months, resulted in Hunter Biden paying around $1 million he had owed in back taxes, the Journal previously reported.

Whats the Delaware connection?

The First States top federal prosecutor, David Weiss, is leading the investigation. He was appointed under the Trump administration.

Attorney General Merrick Garland has said there will be no political interference with the Biden case, and that he would push Weiss to make a decision, the Washington Post reported Thursday.

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What could happen next?

Its unclear. These types of federal investigations could take years, the Washington Post reported.

The Wall Street Journal noted that the decision to ultimately bring a case against Hunter Biden would be up to the prosecutor, who must assess whether they think that evidence is strong enough to win a conviction at trial.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: What's going on with Hunter Biden? A breakdown of the federal tax probe
Democratic Congresswoman Karen Bass, a candidate for L.A. mayor, speaks at a pro-choice event at the Womens March Action Headquarters in Los Angeles on Oct. 3, 2022.

Signs at a pro-choice event at the Women's March Action Headquarters in Los Angeles on Oct. 3, 2022. Credit - Carolyn ColeLos Angeles Times/Getty Images

Since the Supreme Court eliminated the national right to abortion in June, abortion policy has been sent back to the states. Now some of those states are letting voters decide directly how abortion should be regulated within their borders.

Six states have amendments or measures affecting abortion on the ballot in 2022. Its the highest number of abortion-related ballot measures on record in a single year, according to Ballotpedia.

Before this year, there had been 47 abortion-related ballot measures since 1970. Most of those sought to restrict abortion rights in some way, and they often came from state legislators or other officials placing them on the ballot. With Michigan, this year marks the first time in decades that any state has a voter-initiated ballot measure that would enshrine abortion rights in a state constitution.

One of the six states has already put its measure to a vote. In August, Kansas became the first state to let voters weigh in on abortion since the Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization. Legislators had worked for years to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would have opened the door to more abortion restrictions by saying that nothing in Kansas constitution guarantees the right to an abortion. This tactic had already been used successfully in four statesAlabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, and West Virginiaeven before the fall of Roe v. Wade. But voters in Kansas overwhelmingly rejected the measure, maintaining abortion access in the state and indicating a growing backlash among voters to the Supreme Courts decision that may affect other state-by-state abortion battles to come.

Five other statesCalifornia, Michigan, Vermont, Kentucky, and Montanahave abortion ballot measures in November. Heres what you need to know about their proposals.





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California

In California, voters will weigh in on Proposition 1, which would enshrine abortion rights in the states constitution.

A yes vote supports changing the state constitution to say the state shall not deny or interfere with an individuals reproductive freedom in their most intimate decisions, which includes their fundamental right to choose to have an abortion and their fundamental right to choose or refuse contraceptives.

A no vote would reject this change. While that would mean the explicit new protections wouldnt be included, abortion would still be allowed in California under state law and the state supreme courts interpretation of the state constitutions current language.

State Democratic leaders introduced the new language after a draft of the Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs leaked in May, and in June after the final decision, the Democrat-controlled state legislature approved putting the measure on the November ballot.

The measure is expected to pass in deep blue California, but groups on both sides are still gearing up to fight ahead of November. The California Catholic Conference, which opposes Proposition 1, has called it an expensive and misleading ballot measure that allows unlimited late-term abortionsfor any reason, at any time, even moments before birth, paid for by tax dollars. The Yes on Proposition 1 campaign says the measure will not change current state laws, which provide for the right to choose an abortion prior to viability or to protect the pregnant persons life or health, and would safeguard these rights from future attacks.

Vermont

Voters in Vermont will have a similar choice to those in California. Article 22 would amend Vermonts constitution to protect the right to personal reproductive autonomy.

A yes vote supports amending the state constitution, while a no vote opposes the change. Abortion is currently legal at all stages of pregnancy in Vermont.

The effort behind this amendment started in the Vermont legislature in 2019. But the Vermont for Reproductive Liberty Ballot Committee, the group backing the proposal, says the Supreme Courts decision raises the stakes. Now that SCOTUS has struck down Roe v. Wade, state-level protections are vital to safeguarding access to reproductive health care, the group said.

Michigan

Michigan is the third place where voters will decide whether to add protections for abortion rights to the states constitution. The vote holds high stakes for the battleground state, as Michigan has an abortion ban from 1931 still on its books. The law is currently blocked by the courts while two cases challenge it, but abortion rights advocates see this proposed constitutional amendment as the best hope for permanently blocking the law or other bans from taking effect.

Read More: Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Her Fight for Abortion Access in Michigan

A yes vote would establish a new individual right to reproductive freedom, including right to make and carry out all decisions about pregnancy, such as prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, sterilization, abortion, miscarriage management, and infertility, according to the amendments summary. It would also prohibit prosecuting people for exercising their right to abortion and allow the state to regulate abortion after fetal viability except to protect the pregnant patients life and physical or mental health. A no vote would keep the status quo, meaning the legality of abortion in Michigan would likely hinge on the outcome of the current court cases.

The Michigan initiative represents the first time in decades that a voter-driven measure supporting abortion rights is on a states ballot. A coalition including Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, ACLU of Michigan, and Michigan Voices launched a campaign in January to put the proposal on the ballot, and the effort picked up steam once the draft of the Dobbs decision leaked in May. Advocates ultimately collected 750,000 signatures, far more than the roughly 425,000 required by the state to put the question on the ballot. But the measure still had a rocky time getting approved. Anti-abortion advocates in the state argued the text of the measure shown to voters contained spacing and formatting errors, and Republicans on the Michigan Board of Canvassers agreed with them, blocking certification of the initiative. The coalition supporting the measure then asked the state Supreme Court to weigh in, and the court ordered the Board of Canvassers to certify the measure in early September, ensuring it will appear on the ballot in November.

Kentucky

Kentuckys Amendment 2 is similar to what Kansas considered over the summer. The proposal would change the state constitution to say that it does not secure or protect the right to abortion or require government funding for abortion.

Like Kansas, Kentucky is a conservative state with a Democratic governor. But it is also one of 13 states that enacted a trigger law anticipating the fall of Roe, so it now has two abortion bans in effect: the trigger law banning nearly all abortions and a law that bans abortion after about six weeks.

The states only abortion clinic has challenged those laws, arguing they violate the right to privacy and personal autonomy in the Kentucky constitution, but the state supreme court allowed the laws to remain in effect while the case continues.

This means that a yes vote supporting the constitutional amendment could make it difficult for abortion rights supporters to keep fighting the states laws, while a no vote rejecting the amendment would keep the door open for the arguments the clinic is making.

Montana

In Montana, voters will decide on a different kind of ballot measure. The states LR-131 is a legislative referendum on the Montana Born-Alive Infant Protection Act and would establish that infants born alive at any stage of development are legal persons and would require providers to give them medical care after induced labor, C-sections, and attempted abortions. Medical providers who violate the law would face penalties up to $50,000 and 20 years in prison.

Montanas ballot measure comes after the states former Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock vetoed a similar bill in 2019. Now, a yes vote in Montana would enact the proposed legislation and the no vote would reject it. Montana currently prohibits abortion after fetal viability except to protect the life or health of the pregnant woman.

Supporters of the proposal say it is needed to make it abundantly clear that Montana protects all life. Opponents argue that it is unnecessary, as babies are protected under existing state and federal law regardless of how they are born. Health care providers that oppose the referendum say the legislation could interfere in already difficult situations such as a pregnancy complication where there is no chance the newborn infant will survive. Right now, a newborn baby with a fatal prognosis could be offered palliative care so the family can spend time with their dying infant, whereas providers fear the proposal would push them to pursue aggressive interventions even if the family does not agree.

Health care providers who oppose the measure also note that the situations the referendum references do not happen regularly. Third trimester abortions make up a very small percentage of abortions in the U.S.about 1% take place after 21 weeks of gestation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionand instances of babies being born alive after an abortion procedure are even more rare.
Here we go again. A terrible thing has happened to a Tennessee woman, because of Tennessees Republican policies.

The nation heartbreakingly watched recently as media outlets covered the brutal kidnapping and murder of Eliza Fletcher in Memphis. Eliza was kidnapped off the street at 4:30 a.m. during a marathon training run.

Recently, weve learned that the serial monster arrested for the crime kidnapped and raped another woman in November of 2021, but wasnt caught because nobody bothered to run the DNA. They already had his DNA on file from his first felony kidnapping back in 2000.

Hear more Tennessee Voices: Get the weekly opinion newsletter for insightful and thought provoking columns.

He was even a suspect in the case. Yet, nobody bothered to run the rape kit for his DNA. If they had, Eliza Fletcher would still be alive today.

This is not a new problem in Tennessee. In 2014, the last report, Tennessee had over 9,000 untested rape kits in its backlog. The fact that no public number has been reported since makes me certain the number has only increased overtime.

This is one of the reasons why only 6% of rapists are actually convicted, according to RAINN. This problem could be easily be fixed by Tennessees Republican leadership with some allocated funding.

Sign up for Black Tennessee Voices newsletter: Read compelling columns by Black writers from across Tennessee.

It's not surprising that they dont care.

These are the same Tennessee Republicans that have decided that Tennessee women should be forced to birth their rapists' babies.

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Things have only gotten worse for Tennessee women in 2022. Under Tennessee's new draconian abortion laws, if a woman this monster kidnapped and raped became pregnant, she would now be forced to give birth to his baby.

Laura Brown is a Tennessee native and business woman. She holds degrees from University of Tennessee Knoxville, Middle Tennessee State University, and Vanderbilt, and works in strategic management and communications.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: The Eliza Fletcher case shows why a backlog of rape kits is dangerous
Election 2022 Senate Georgia (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The woman who claimed Herschel Walker paid for her to have an abortion told The New York Times this week that the Republican Senate nominee in Georgia urged her to have a second abortion.

In a piece published on Friday, the woman told The Times that she ended her relationship with the former University of Georgia running back after she refused to terminate the pregnancy. She added that, since then, he has played a minimal role in the childs life other than court-ordered child support and gifts.

The woman, whose name The Times withheld, said she was frustrated seeing Republicans rally around him.

As a father, hes done nothing. He does exactly what the courts say, and thats it, she said. He has to be held responsible, just like the rest of us. And if youre going to run for office, you need to own your life.

The woman who spoke to The Times is the same person who spoke to The Daily Beast about Mr Walker sending a $700 check. She confirmed that $575 was for the actual procedure and $125 was for additional expenses.

Mr Walker has vehemently denied the allegation. The Independent has reached out to Mr Walkers campaign.

I know this is untrue. I know its untrue, he told conservative host Hugh Hewitt. I know nothing about any woman having an abortion.
A third grader has been honored as a hero by his school and local fire department after springing into action to save his friend from choking.

Garrett Brown, 8, was sitting near classmate Cashton York during lunch at Lakeview Elementary School in Norman, Oklahoma, on Sept. 15, music teacher Jordan Nguyen told Good Morning America in an interview published this week.

It was chicken nugget day, and the kids absolutely love it, Nguyen said. But during that lunch, a teachers and parents worst nightmare happened.

The teacher was across the cafeteria when Cashton started choking and couldnt breathe, she said. She rushed over as students yelled for help, but Garrett took things into his own hands in the meantime.

Instead of shouting, he jumped to the other side of the table, went behind Cashton, and did a couple of thrusts of the Heimlich maneuver, and it only took about two thrusts, and he was able to dislodge the food, she said. By the time I reached Cashton, the food had already dislodged, and he was breathing again.

Garrett told local news station KOCO News 5 that he learned the life-saving first aid procedure from his father.

My dad taught me, he said. I was choking, and he saved me and taught me to save someone else.

Garrett received a hero award at a school assembly where the two boys hugged as the audience clapped.

Officials from the Norman fire and police department also attended to celebrate Garretts actions.

The student says he learned the maneuver from his father, and we applaud the entire family for their safety preparedness efforts, the fire department wrote in a Facebook post. Congratulations, Garrett, thank you for your swift and courageous actions!

Related...
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks to reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House October 6, 2022 in Washington, DC. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

President Joe Biden announced Thursday he was pardoning federal marijuana possession convictions.

The action impacts thousands, but past mass pardons have been even greater, experts told Insider.

Jimmy Carter's pardon for Vietnam draft dodgers is estimated to have affected hundreds of thousands.

On Thursday, President Joe Biden announced he was pardoning all people with federal marijuana possession convictions, a significant move that impacts thousands  but past US presidents have made even larger blanket pardons.

"Pardon power is very little restricted. It's one of the most unfettered, unconstrained unilateral presidential powers that there is. And, to my mind, is often underutilized," Graham G. Dodds, a professor of political science at Concordia University and author of "Mass Pardons in America: Rebellion, Presidential Amnesty, and Reconciliation," told Insider.

"Ever since Gerald Ford pardoned Richard Nixon, it's something that presidents have shied away from, feeling there'd be political backlash for a liberal use of it," he said. "But in days of yore, it was used much more often."

In fact, mass pardons are almost as old as the US itself. President George Washington pardoned the leaders of the Whisky Rebellion, a violent uprising in the 1790s, and President Thomas Jefferson pardoned people convicted under the Alien and Sedition Acts, which allowed the government to deport noncitizens and restricted speech, Andrew Rudalevige, a professor of government and legal studies at Bowdoin University, told Insider.

But experts in presidential pardons told Insider Biden's announcement on Thursday was nevertheless significant. Officials said the action would impact 6,500 people who were convicted of simple marijuana possession at the federal level from 1992 to 2021, as well as an estimated thousands more who were convicted in Washington, DC.

"Obama issued about 1,700 commutations, based largely on what he deemed overly long sentencing guidelines for non-violent drug crimes, but it wasn't the complete set of all such people," Rudalevige said, adding that perhaps the largest blanket pardon in modern memory was issued by former President Jimmy Carter.

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In January 1977, Carter granted a "full, complete and unconditional pardon" to any person who violated the Selective Service Act, AKA the draft, from 1964 to 1973 during the Vietnam War. The pardon applied to all potential draft dodgers, including those accused and convicted, as well as those who had fled the country.

It's estimated that hundreds of thousands of men evaded the draft during the Vietnam War, and the US continued to prosecute draft dodgers even after the war ended. Tens of thousands of men were formally accused of draft dodging, while nearly 9,000 were convicted and 3,250 were jailed. An estimated 100,000 men fled the country, mostly to Canada, to avoid getting sent to war. Carter's controversial and unconditional pardon applied to them all.

A century earlier, another president issued a sweeping mass pardon to tens of thousands of men accused of treason. On Christmas Day in 1868, President Andrew Johnson issued a full pardon to all soldiers who fought for the Confederacy in the Civil War.

Johnson, who rose to the presidency after Abraham Lincoln's assassination, said the pardon would "renew and fully restore confidence and fraternal feeling among the whole, and their respect for and attachment to the national [e.g., federal] government, designed by its patriotic founders for the general good."

The public today often thinks of pardons as being issued in individual cases, particularly toward the end of a president's time in office. Dodds, whose book examines the history of mass pardons after rebellions and insurrections, said there is ample historical precedent of presidents using blanket pardons in the name of political reconciliation.

But he said mass pardons generally have been issued for mercy  when a president feels a punishment was inappropriate or too harsh. He also noted mass pardons have typically been unpopular with the public, but that the evolution of Americans' feelings about marijuana could make this one different.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Exclusive-Mexican regulator has no record of Pemex reporting methane leak, documents show FILE PHOTO: A fuel burner is seen at Mexico's state-run oil monopoly Pemex platform "Ku Maloob Zaap" in the Northeast Marine Region of Pemex Exploration and Production in the Bay of Campeche

By Stefanie Eschenbacher

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's environmental regulator has no records of state oil company Pemex reporting a methane leak last December at the country's top oil field, according to the regulator's response to a freedom of information request filed by Reuters.

"There are no records" of "a possible incident at the asset Ku-Maloob-Zaap in December 2021," regulator ASEA said in its Aug. 15 response to the Reuters request.

Pemex is obliged to report such incidents under Mexican law, said nine experts consulted by Reuters, all current or former officials at regulators or the energy ministry.

It is a legal requirement for companies to report such incidents within ten days, these individuals added.

Reuters could not independently establish if Pemex informed the authorities.

Pemex did not respond to requests for comment on the regulator's disclosures.

ASEA also did not respond to requests for comment on the possible legal breach and its consequences.

The methane leak at the Zaap-C platform, which first appeared on Dec. 8, was uncovered by researchers led by Itziar Irakulis Loitxate from the Polytechnic University of Valencia.

Their research, published in June by the European Space Agency (ESA), showed Pemex released about 40,000 tons of methane - a potent greenhouse gas - over 17 days in December.

The Zaap-C platform is part of the Ku-Maloob-Zaap cluster of oil fields which produce some 40% of the country's total oil output.

Pemex in September confirmed a leak in a statement that made reference to the scientists' study, but disputed the volume they had calculated. The company did not specify when the event occurred.

In June, Reuters requested records of all incidents since the creation of the regulator in 2015 reported by Pemex anywhere in the country deemed a risk to workers, public health and safety, the environment, oil and gas installations, or production.

Reuters, as part of the same request, also specifically sought records pertaining to the Ku-Maloob-Zaap incident in December.

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The methane leak from the Zaap-C platform was not among the 5,235 incidents ASEA disclosed to Reuters in its response.

Pemex, the world's most indebted oil company, has acknowledged in public statements the challenges it faces in maintaining and repairing ailing infrastructure.

Last year, the company confirmed two accidents at Ku-Maloob-Zaap that it attributed to failures in its gas infrastructure. In one accident, five workers were killed and six injured.

Last month, after Reuters had filed its information request about the December leak, Loitxate shared new data with Reuters that showed another methane leak of a similar magnitude earlier in August at the same platform.

Pemex has not commented on this leak, which satellites first detected on Aug. 5.

Invisible and odorless, methane is considered a much more potent driver of global warming in the short-term than carbon dioxide because it traps more heat in the atmosphere.

Mexico, along with around 100 other countries, has committed to reducing methane emissions 30% by 2030.

OBLIGATION TO REPORT

The experts interviewed by Reuters said not reporting the leak - even if the smaller volume of 2,224 tons Pemex said was released - would be a breach of the law because of the risks such incidents pose.

"An event of this scale clearly would have met the criteria (of needing to be reported)," said Sergio Pimentel, a lawyer and former senior official at Mexico's hydrocarbon and energy regulators.

Additional provisions to the law, passed in 2018, also set out differing timeframes under which methane leaks need to be repaired depending on their size - varying from 24 hours to several days.

A source at the energy ministry and another at Pemex said the company could try to argue the incident did not need to be reported under the original operating contract for the aged oil field cluster - discovered in 1979.

At that time, the harmful effects of greenhouse gases like methane were not widely accepted. Reuters was unable to contact Pemex's lawyers directly.

The experts interviewed by Reuters said that if Pemex is found to have knowingly not reported or repaired a methane leak, it could face a fine and individuals found responsible for wrongdoing could go to prison.

Pemex, they said, could also be stripped of the right to operate the cluster of oil fields, which produced 647,388 barrels of crude oil per day on average in the first half of this year.

(Reporting by Stefanie Eschenbacher; Editing by Stephen Eisenhammer and Marguerita Choy)
This article originally appeared on Velo News

Filippo Ganna says he will have to pull out the biggest ride of his career so far as he takes on the UCI Hour Record in Grenchen, Switzerland on Saturday.

Considered one of the best time trialists of his generation, and a top track star too, Ganna's record attempt has been one of the most hotly anticipated of recent years.

The Italian is expected to blast through Dan Bigham's record of 55.548 km, which was set in August, but that is easier said than done. Setting a new record will require Ganna to really push through the pain barrier in the second half of his ride.

"We hope to be well. In the power meter, the numbers are good. I don't know, I hope to be well, tomorrow we will see. For sure, tomorrow I need to do the biggest effort of my life. We will see if the condition is fine or not," Ganna said in a press conference from his hotel room Friday.

"For the last 30 minutes tomorrow, I don't know what I can think. Maybe, I will just try to breath normal and try not to feel the pain in the legs, and also the ass because it's a hard position."

Also read:

Ganna has done a few trial runs of his Hour Record attempt. Prior to the road worlds last month, he tested himself over the full hour but at a slightly slower than he is planning to do Saturday.

Meanwhile, earlier this week he did a full-gas 35-minute effort at the Montichiari velodrome in Italy. During that ride, he clocked an average speed of 56.169 kp/h, which would put him half a kilometer further than the Bigham's record.

A lot can change in the final 25 minutes of an hour record, so Ganna's not taking too much from that.

"Tomorrow is 60 minutes, so it changes a little bit. Maybe if it was 35 minutes tomorrow, I could say that it was really easy and at 36 I want to die," he said. "We tried the pacing before the worlds with a more conservative pacing to try and do an hour. We saw that I could do it a little bit more hard, more strong than they thought. We will see what we can do. During the race, I will decide on the real pacing.

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"During training, I was doing 16.5 and last week during the 35-minute test, it was 16 and 15.8. It depends."

For his record attempt, Ganna will ride a unique 3D-printed Pinarello Bolide. The new Bolide F HR 3D is a little heavier than Ganna is used to racing on at nine kilograms, but he's not overly concerned about that.

Once he's got his momentum up, he says that the weight won't really matter.

"It's heavier than a normal bike but it's faster. Nine kilos is a lot but it's ok. Maybe in the first three or four laps, you don't feel super fast, but after five minutes she flies on the track. We hope we can fly for one hour," he said. "Maybe [Fausto] Pinarello has put a lot of love inside and it is heavy with the love."

Just as important as Ganna's bike will be his gear selection. The Italian has been wavering between a few different choices. In the end, he says he's going for a slightly smaller gear so that he can pedal faster throughout his effort.

"For the gear, today and Monday I tried with the 65 and I have the idea to use the 66 but I prefer to stay with a little bit more a high cadence just in case. On the track, normally we stay around 170 or 120 rpm, tomorrow it's closer to a road race, about 96. If I have one more rpm then I think it can help me," he said.

Ganna has won a lot during his career, from world to Olympic titles, and grand tour stages. So, where in the ranks of his already glistening palmares would an hour record sit?

Well, it depends on just how good it is. Simply beating the record would not be enough to shunt it near the top of his achievements, he needs to smash it.

"For sure, the Olympics is the most important event that I have participated in and that win is the top level. The hour record, it depends tomorrow. If I do a good performance, but not like I wanted it could be in the middle of the races that I've won," he said.

"If I do one of the best performances ever, for sure it will be in the second place behind the Olympics. The Olympics for me is the most important event that I do and I think it's personal when it's a team effort with the guys and winning together is more important than winning alone. It's like life, together we can make the difference."

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Russian soldiers marching in a victory parade. Clips from the footage were used by Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake in a campaign ad promising to deploy the National Guard to secure the southern border of Arizona (screengrab/Shutterstock)

Senate candidate Kari Lake of Arizona's latest campaign advertisement featured a promise to "secure our borders"  a standard policy for a Republican running in a border states  but her ad had the unusual distinction of featuring Russian soldiers.

The Trump-backed GOP nominee's video includes stock footage of Russian soldiers marching in a victory parade, HuffPost reports.

In the video, a narrator promises that Ms Lake will "deploy the National Guard to secure our border," while showing images of Russian soldiers marching in formation.

The footage is still available from the stock image site Shutterstock. The footage caption says the video is from "Novosibirsk, Russia, 24 June, 2020: Victory parade."

Ms Lake's Democratic rival, Katie Hobbs, took the opportunity to blast the Republican.

If Kari Lake cant identify a uniformed member of the Arizona National Guard from a Russian soldier, she has no business leading our brave men and women as governor, she told The Heartland Signal.

NEW: Arizona GOP gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake uses footage of Russian soldiers marching in her campaign ad, claiming (incorrectly) that they are the Arizona National Guard. https://t.co/EmaoWstXtG pic.twitter.com/txTb4K8zZb  Heartland Signal (@HeartlandSignal) October 6, 2022

Republicans have been caught using stock footage from different countries in ads in the past. In September, the House GOP's "Commitment to America" video contained imagery from both Russia and Ukraine.

In that video, a narrator says the GOP is celebrating the "rich heritage of the American story and the vibrancy of the American dream" over footage of an oil drilling rig. The rig was located in the Volograd region, according to the man who shot the footage. He told HuffPost that another one of his scenes, which depicts a boy running through a field with a toy airplane, was also shot in Russia. Clips of a grocery store and a farmer were also filmed elsewhere in Europe.

Even the former president, Donald Trump, is not immune from stock footage snafus. In 2016, one of his campaign ads discussed illegal immigration and showed scenes filmed in Morocco.
The Jordan Buck statue was formally unveiled Sept. 24 at a Jordan Buck Day celebration in Danbury. The statue, which is 21 feet long and about 12 feet high, commemorates the former world record white-tailed deer shot in 1914 by James Jorden near Danbury.

DANBURY - The story and the buck are among the all-time greats in the world of white-tailed deer hunting.

Why not make the commemorative statue larger-than-life, too?

"Well, I guess we wanted people to stop and take notice, yes," said Don Chell of Grantsburg.

Chell was a driving force in the project to fund, construct and erect a statue to honor the Jordan Buck.

The deer, shot in 1914 by James Jordan along the Yellow River in Danbury, measured 206  inches under the Boone and Crockett Club scoring system.

These photos, provided by the Burnett County Historical Society, show James Jordan with the original buck rack and a replica mount.

Jordan Buck held world record for a typical whitetail until 1993

It was recognized in 1978 as the world record typical whitetail by the club. It held the top spot, arguably the most coveted big game trophy in the world, until 1993.

A 100-year celebration of the buck was held in Danbury in 2014.

But Chell, who was president of a Whitetails Unlimited chapter for more than two decades, wanted to have something more permanent.

He helped organize raffles to raise money for a statue, including raffles for a 25-20 Winchester rifle, the gun Jordan used to shoot the trophy buck.

Once the coffers were full enough an order was placed and the larger-than-life statue was produced at the FAST Corporation in Sparta.

It was finished about 18 months ago, but the site in Danbury wasn't quite ready, Chell said. So he stored the statue in a pole barn on his farm.

It was eventually placed on a plot of land along the Gandy Dancer Trail in Danbury and a "Jordan Buck Day" celebration was held Sept. 24.

The circuitous path of the statue mirrors elements of the Jordan Buck rack.

James Jordan's trophy buck rack sat in a vacant house in Minnesota for decades until his nephew bought it for $2 at a secondhand store

After Jordan shot the deer, he gave the head to George Van Castle of Webster, who offered to mount the buck for $5.

It would be the last time Jordan would see the rack for 50 years.

In the months after taking possession of the antlers, Van Castle moved near Hinckley, Minnesota, about 20 miles from Danbury. Jordan went to Webster in 1915 to check on the mount only to learn Van Castle and the rack were gone.

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Van Castle later moved to Florida, leaving his Minnesota house vacant for 40 years with Jordan's rack inside.

The record antlers collected dust until 1959, when Van Castle's house was purchased. Items found in the house were sent to be sold at a secondhand store in Sandstone, Minnesota.

As fate would have it, the rack was noticed by Bob Ludwig, Jordan's nephew. Ludwig bought the mount for $2.

Ludwig helped arrange a scoring for the huge rack: a panel measured it at 206  inches, bigger than any typical whitetail on record.

Ludwig told friends and relatives about the news and began to show off the rack. When Jordan saw it, he exclaimed: "That's my deer!"

But questions lingered until 1977, when Ron Schara, then outdoors writer for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, traveled to Danbury to hear Jordan's claim about the buck.

Schara's column about his meeting with Jordan caused Boone and Crockett officials to investigate further. They were convinced and in December 1978 the group's records committee officially declared Jordan as the hunter who killed the world-record whitetail.

Sadly, Jordan died two months before the records committee ruled.

The antlers of the Jordan Buck statue in Danbury mimics the massive 10-point rack on the former world record whitetail shot by James Jordan near Danbury in 1914.

The original rack of the Jordan Buck is now owned by and on display at Bass Pro Shops headquarters in Springfield, Missouri. Replica mounts are found at several sites in Wisconsin, including Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area in Grantsburg and Cabela's stores in Green Bay and Richfield.

Boone and Crockett Club now lists Jordan Buck as third all-time in its record book

The Jordan Buck is now listed as third all-time in the Boone and Crockett Club record book.

It was displaced as the world record in 1993 when Milo Hanson killed a 213  inch deer on his Saskatchewan farm.

Second is a deer taken in November 2021 by Dustin Huff in Indiana; it scored 211 4/8.

But now the Jordan Buck has a statue to top them all. The leaping form is 21 feet long, 14 feet high and 6 feet wide.

Danbury plans to hold an annual "Jordan Buck Day" in the fall.

"It's been quite a ride," Chell said. "But I guess you can say the Jordan Buck is finally home."

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CWD found at Vernon County deer farm

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection announced Wednesday that a white-tailed deer at a Vernon County deer farm tested positive for chronic wasting disease.

The CWD-positive buck was among a herd of captive deer at Hidden Valley Whitetails in Readstown, according to DATCP.

The business has about 28 deer remaining on its 1-acre property, the agency said.

The farm has been placed under quarantine, meaning no live animals or whole carcasses are permitted to leave the property. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and DATCP veterinarians and staff will conduct an epidemiological investigation at the site.

CWD is a fatal, neurological disease of deer, elk and moose caused by an infectious protein called a prion that affects the animal's brain. Testing for CWD is typically only performed after the animals death.

Three Wisconsin deer farms  Maple Hill Farms in Gilman, Red Wing Deer Farm in Waukesha and Van Ooyen Whitetails in Antigo  have been depopulated in 2022 after CWD was discovered in their herds. Each of the owners was compensated with tax-payer funds for the loss of the animals.

Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Jordan Buck, former world record whitetail, celebrated in Danbury
Letters to the editor present the opinions of readers on news stories and other pieces published by The Sun.

Unfair taxing system

Our community has an extremely unfair property taxing system. Taxpayers within the city of Gainesville provide police, fire and emergency services to the thousands of people who work and play within the city, but pay their taxes to the Alachua County Commission through a Municipal Service Taxing Unit. To compensate for this lack of funding, the Gainesville City Commission takes funds from Gainesville Regional Utilities to balance their budget. This amounts to an extra tax on the poor.

Years ago, the Florida Legislature copied an annexation statute from North Carolina, whereby urban fringe neighborhoods, upon reaching a certain density, were automatically annexed into the nearest city. Unfortunately, Florida added a codicil that those being annexed had to vote for the change, and the political shenanigans began.

In Gainesville many wise citizens tried to form a consolidated government modelled after Jacksonville/Duval or Columbia, Georgia, in order to create a fairer taxing system. The Sun supported the effort, but it never got off the ground.

It is time for our wise leaders to work out an intelligent tax plan that does not force the city of Gainesville into using regressive utility fees to compensate for an unfair property taxing plan.

Jean Chalmers, Gainesville

More letters to the editor:

Postcard on Gainesville mayoral candidate Ed Bielarski is deceptive

Hurricane Ian showed 'mind boggling' GOP hypocrisy on climate change

New solutions needed for Gainesville's massive cat population

Home insurance crisis

Florida accounts for over 70% of home insurance litigation costs in the country. This is the crux of the home insurance crisis we face in Florida. Its not natural disasters or hurricanes, although Hurricane Ian will no doubt exacerbate it. This crisis has been brewing for years due to defects in Florida law and the neglect by a state government focusing its energies on bogus social and politically divisive issues, instead of doing the hard work of solving real problems.

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Lax Florida laws led to the crisis with unscrupulous home owners, contractors and lawyers suing insurers for money based on questionable insurance claims and with litigation costs becoming increasingly unsustainable for most insurers. Many insurers are leaving Florida in droves or becoming financially insolvent.

Obtaining home insurance is becoming nearly impossible for many Floridians. If you're lucky enough to find an insurer willing to insure you or if you turn to the state-run Citizens Insurance, be prepared for sky-high premiums that are unaffordable for the majority of Floridians.

Unless we solve this crisis soon, we will face the cascading effects of this crisis with buyers unable to obtain mortgages due to the unavailability of insurance coverage, foreclosures becoming more commonplace and home prices plummeting. We could see the catastrophic collapse of the housing market in Florida.

Dennis Jaccarino, Gainesville

Mark of an autocrat

If Ron DeSantis is reelected as governor, he will continue to be responsible for the unacceptable senior death rate from COVID-19. He blames Canada for its poor COVID-19 response, but the death rate of seniors (over 65 years of age) stands at 12.40 in Florida vs. 5.67 in Canada per 1,000 seniors. Had Florida protected seniors as well as Canada, it would have saved over 30,000 from dying from the disease. Can Floridians trust DeSantis claim to love seniors when the next variants strike?

Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a Jan. 3 news conference at Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale.

He will also continue to remove Democrats from duly elected and appointed positions when he personally does not agree with their policies. He will also continue to encourage discrimination against women, minorities, members of the LBGTQ community and teachers. He will continue to punish corporations, such as Disney and the Tampa Bay Rays for using their First Amendment rights to free speech. A defeat of DeSantis in November would put a damper on his presidential aspirations.

When it comes to common sense, DeSantis is a contradiction. He defies higher authorities when he overrules national mandates, but he also defies lower authorities (county and city governments) when they issue mandates. This is the mark of an autocrat.

Jonathan J. Shuster, Gainesville

Dont legalize marijuana

Opium, heroin and fentanyl smuggling attracts much attention as they are so dangerous. But marijuana smuggling dwarfs that traffic in volume.

Effects of marijuana smoking include brain injury, in some cases leading to depressive psychosis and often suicide. Heavy users do worse in school and are more prone to drop out. They are dangerous drivers, especially at night, reacting as erratically as drunken drivers. We see this too often innocent lives lost because of it.

Many more revealing findings can be expected but enough factual evidence has come to light proving that recreational is harmful and dangerous and should not be legalized! My opinion is that the revenue it brings is not worth the trouble and drug using expense it will cause.

Tom Pennisi, Gainesville

Join the conversation

Share your opinions by sending a letter to the editor (up to 200 words) to letters@gainesville.com. Letters must include the writer's full name and city of residence. Additional guidelines for submitting letters and longer guest columns can be found at bit.ly/sunopinionguidelines.



Journalism matters. Your support matters.

Get a digital subscription to the Gainesville Sun. Includes must-see content on Gainesville.com and Gatorsports.com, breaking news and updates on all your devices, and access to the eEdition. Visit www.gainesville.com/subscribenow to sign up.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Letters on Gainesville taxes, Florida insurance, DeSantis, marijuana
Republican senator Lindsey Graham told a former police officer who was severely injured in the attack on the Capitol that he should have shot Trump-supporting rioters in the head, according to a new book.

The claim is one of a series of stunning revelations contained in former Capitol police officer Michael Fanones upcoming memoir Hold the Line.

Mr Fanone writes that he met Mr Graham, a key Trump ally, four months after the deadly siege in May 2021.

According to Politico, who obtained an advanced copy of the book, the South Carolina senator told him: You guys should have shot them all in the head. We gave you guys guns, and you should have used them. I dont understand why that didnt happen.

A spokesman for Mr Lindsey did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Mr Fanone reportedly told Mr Graham that laws covering the use of deadly force prevented them from opening fire on the crowd, Politico writes.

Mr Fanone suffered a traumatic brain injury and had a heart attack after being beaten and repeatedly shocked with a stun gun on January 6. He has since quit the police and become a CNN contributor.

He writes that the meeting with Mr Graham was attended by former Capitol officer Harry Dunn and family of slain officer Brian Sicknick to try to secure support for from Republican senators for a bipartisan commission to investigate the January 6 insurrection.

Lindsey Graham told former Capitol police officer he should have shot Jan6 rioters in the head (Getty Images)

Former D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone leaves the federal courthouse last week after the sentencing of Kyle Young (Associated Press)

Mr Fanone secretly recorded a meeting with Kevin McCarthy around the same time in which he told the House GOP leader that his attempts to play down the Capitol riots were not just shocking but disgraceful, according to Politico.

Republicans eventually filibustered legislation that would have created an independent panel to investigate the attack.

In an interview last week with Rolling Stone, Mr Fanone blasted Mr McCarthy as a f**king weasel b***h

A judge in Washington DC sentenced a rioter who assaulted Mr Fanone to seven years prison on Wednesday.

Judge Amy Berman Jackson told Kyle Young he was a one man wrecking ball that day as she handed down one of the longest sentences yet arising from the Capitol riot.

Hold the Line will be released on 11 October.
The timing was suspect, according to a royal biographer.

Last week, Buckingham Palace released a new royal portrait that caused a wave of controversy. In the snapshot, the new Fab Four  Kate Middleton, Prince William, King Charles, and Queen Camilla  posed together, while Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were noticeably missing from the picture despite being in town when it was taken.



Less than 48-hours later, the Sussexes shared two portraits of their own from their trip to the United Kingdom, and according to royal biographer Tom Bower, the timing was no accident. In fact, he says, the photos were intended to be a direct diss. It was all about, were back now on course to build Brand Meghan and the book, the Netflix series, the podcast, Bowers explained, adding that the images of Meghan and Harry were an attempt to humiliate the royal family. Everything is money. And to their advantage, they were in the public eye for seven days during the funeral or more, every day they were filmed.



Clearly not a fan of Markle, Bowers added, "You know, she has really got one interest, and thats Meghan and the casualties are the royal family, and as far as shes concerned, thats terrific.



Getty

:

Although the Sussexes seemingly put their animosity aside following Queen Elizabeth's death (they even had a private dinner with the new Prince and Princess of Wales), a source revealed that Prince Harry, Prince William, and their wives still found their interactions with each other "awkward."



"It was awkward. Both couples found it hard," an insider told People. "They were in a stoic spirit of just getting through it for the queen."

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Read the original article on InStyle.
SACRAMENTO, Calif.  Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday he would call a special session of the Legislature to consider a windfall profit tax on oil companies in response to the "outrageous and unconscionable" price of gas in California.

The governor told reporters the session would start Dec. 5, far enough away for his administration and lawmakers to prepare for what would likely be a tough fight to impose a new tax even with a Democratic super-majority in the Legislature. It would also take place after the November election, sparing candidates from having to take a difficult vote in the heat of campaign season.

Gas prices have climbed sharply in the last few weeks in California while staying steady or declining elsewhere, resulting in costs per gallon that average about $2.50 higher than in the rest of the country.

"Nothing justifies these outrageous and unconscionable prices," he said.

A new tax would require a two-thirds vote from the Legislature. Republicans have already come out in opposition, calling instead for the state to cut the gas tax  an idea Newsom quickly rejected because there's no guarantee the savings would be passed on to consumers.

"This is just price gouging," Newsom said. "They cant get away with it, they're fleecing you, they're taking advantage of you, every single one every single day. Hundreds of millions of dollars a week they're putting in their pockets."

Oil companies that maintain a strong lobbying presence in Sacramento are certain to battle the proposal, which the Western States Petroleum Association dismissed as theater.

If this was anything other than a political stunt, the Governor wouldnt wait two months and would call the special session now, before the election," the organization said in a statement. "This industry is ready right now to work on real solutions to energy costs and reliability if that is what the Governor is truly interested in.

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A state energy agency has asked refineries to explain the spike, which the oil industry has blamed on maintenance at refineries. Members of Congress from California have requested the Federal Trade Commission launch an investigation into possible market manipulation.

In calling for the tax while assailing the greed of oil companies, Newsom is escalating a political clash with the energy industry. He repeatedly excoriated the fossil fuel industry this year as he pushed through a climate change package and a powerful industry group bought ads in Florida attacking Newsoms energy record. Newsom then touted those wins before national audiences.

Big oil lost, and theyre not used to losing, Newsom told a crowd at Climate Week in New York City, telling a separate panel that Sacramento may be dominated by Democrats, but many of us are wholly owned subsidiaries of the fossil fuel industry.

Tax measures are never politically easy in Sacramento despite Democrats wielding the two-thirds majorities necessary to enact taxes without Republican votes. Newsoms ability to marshal those margins will gauge his effectiveness in whipping votes.

The governors gambit will immediately test a huge new class of legislative Democrats. Numerous incumbents are departing this year, and their replacements will be asked soon after taking office to vote on a tax increase.

It will also coincide with an Assembly leadership battle that is fracturing Democrats. Returning Democratic Assembly members will need to choose whether to keep Speaker Anthony Rendon atop the caucus or replace him with Assemblymember Robert Rivas, the latest episode in a standoff that has opened deep rifts.

Legislative leaders offered a measured response, saying the governor's proposal deserves strong consideration from lawmakers.

We look forward to examining the Governors detailed proposal when we receive it, Rendon and Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) said in a joint statement.
Absentee voting became controversial in Otero County when New Mexico Audit Force questioned the process and the results of the 2020 election.

The group's claims were later discredited by election officials and a Congressional committee, and Otero County Clerk Robyn Holmes assured voters absentee voting was a legitimate method of casting a ballot.

Absentee ballots are mailed out via an application process and counted on Election Day.

Holmes said her office assures voter information via absentee ballots are kept confidential to protect the privacy of voter as it is with in-person voting.

The first step to obtaining an absentee ballot is to apply for one either through the Otero County Clerk's Office or through the New Mexico Secretary of State's Voter Services Website NMVote.org.

Absentee ballots are then mailed out beginning 28 days before an election, this year that is Oct. 11.

Otero County Clerk Robyn Holmes smiles as ballot boxes come in for the count in the 2021 Local Election on November 2, 2021.

Those who applied for absentee ballots are flagged in the voter registration system as already having had a ballot mailed to them.

When an absentee ballot is filled out and ready to be returned, both the inner and outer envelopes must be filled out, including signature and four-digit birth year.

If someone's absentee ballot is being returned by someone other than themselves such as a relative or a caregiver, the person returning the ballot needs to put their name at the top of the outer envelope before it is returned, Holmes said.

If the signature or birth year are missing, the ballot could be rejected.

"Basically, if any ballots come to our office and they're not signed or they don't have the birth year on there, or office will contact the voter and let them know (so it can be fixed)," Holmes said. "We try to cure it before we hand it over to the Absentee Board."

Holmes recalled times when she drove out to a voter's residence to get the ballot signed in person as her office was unable to contact the voter through other means.

More:When does early voting in New Mexico start? Your voters guide to Otero County elections

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"They work so hard to vote and just because they didn't sign it, I didn't want it not to be counted," Holmes said.

The ballot can then be returned through the mail, at the Otero County Clerk's Office or by being put in a secured drop box. Two secured drop boxes are in place in Otero County: one at the Otero County Clerk's Office and the other at the Tularosa Public Safety Building.

Both secured drop boxes are monitored by 24-hour surveillance that begins recording when someone is near the ballot box. When the cameras come on, the Otero County Clerk's Office is notified and someone from the Clerk's Office will go and check the box. Boxes are otherwise checked every day.

Absentee ballots go through a chain of title that begins when the Otero County Clerk's Office picks up ballots from the drop boxes and signs a form and the ballot is scanned into the clerk's office computer and kept in locked ballot boxes, Holmes said.

The absentee ballots are kept in group of 50 inside the locked ballot boxes so the clerk's office can balance every night against what the computer says they should have in the ballot boxes.

"(The ballot) has to have our barcode on it that we mailed out to this voter in order for us to accept it." Holmes said. "So, if somebody is making fraudulent copies of ballots and tried to send them back to our office to be tabulated, if we do not have the barcode on the outside of the envelope, and we do not have proof that we have mailed this ballot out we will not accept it."

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Once absentee ballots are scanned into the county clerk's computer, the ballots then go to the Absentee Board which convenes the Friday or Monday prior to the election.

The Absentee Board is made up of a presiding judge, who functions as the manager of the board, two election judges and election clerks. The board has a balance of political parties with an equal number of Republicans and Democrats as well as the occasional Independent, Libertarian or Decline to State, Holmes said.

The Absentee Board and any other election boards deemed necessary have statutory requirements for their make-up and their handling of board vacancies and qualifications.

These are noted in the New Mexico Election Handbook which states that eleciton board member qualifications include the person must be a voter in the county where they are appointed to serve, be able to read and write,"have the necessary capacity to carry out an election board member's functions with acceptable skill and dispatch," and execute the baord member's oath of office.

The Absentee Board receives a list from the County Clerk stating how many absentee ballots were mailed out and how many were sent back.

When the ballots are signed over to the Absentee Board, the board then takes possession of the ballots, and the ballots are counted and checked for outside envelope signatures and verify the ballots by the list provided by the clerk's office. then the ballot outer envelopes are separated from the ballots and their inner envelopes. The ballots and inner envelopes are set onto a table to ensure voter anonymity is preserved. Then the ballots are run through the tabulator.

"This is all done prior to Election Day because on Election Day, our (Absentee Board) is sequestered when they come in to work in the morning at 6 a.m.," Holmes said. "They cannot leave until 7 p.m. that evening."

No polls or machines are closed out prior to Election Day, Holmes said.

For more information about the 2022 General Election, visit the Otero county Clerk's website www.co.otero.nm.us/225/Clerk or call the Otero County Clerk's Office at 575-437-4942.

Nicole Maxwell can be contacted by email at nmaxwell@alamogordonews.com, by phone at 575-415-6605 or on Twitter at @nicmaxreporter.

If you have questions about your subscription, please contact Customer Service at AlamogordoDailyNews@Gannett.com or call 1-877-301-0013.

This article originally appeared on Alamogordo Daily News: Otero County clerk explains absentee voting for 2022 election
MAQUON  On Friday human remains were found in a storage facility in Maquon.

The news was on the minds of locals as the Knox County Scenic Drive passed through the town of about 200 people 17 miles southeast of Galesburg.

"It's quite a shock," Toni Jurgensen said on Saturday.

Jurgensen, 58, has lived about 500 feet from the storage unit for 30 years.

"You wouldn't think it would happen in a small town like Maquon."

Josh Treadway of Maquon echoed those sentiments.

"It's very unusual and not what you expect to go on in a small town because you just see it on TV and it happened in a small town, near me," Treadway said. The 19-year-old Treadway has lived three houses down from the storage units.

Police have not released the identity of the person found or the person who owned the storage unit.

According to a release from the Knox County Sheriffs Department Saturday morning, the remains were located inside a large box in the storage unit at 105 E. 3rd St. after a complaint of a suspicious odor.

Upon arriving at the storage unit at 6 p.m. Friday, deputies spoke with the storage facility manager at Roberts Self Storage and the owner of the particular storage unit from which the smell was coming. The owner said the smell was coming from an opossum that had died in the unit.

When the owner was asked to open a large box within the unit, the owner advised police there was a body in the box.

Illinois State Police Crime Scene investigations were called to the scene. After a search warrant was obtained, the unit was entered and the box opened. Inside the box was decomposed human remains. Identification was not able to be made on the scene due to the condition of the body.

More:Burglaries in Galesburg: Neighbor witnesses water heater lifted from abandoned house

The owner of the storage unit was detained and later taken to St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg for medical reasons. Due to medical reasons, no charges have been filed at this time, the release says. Charges are pending upon results of the investigation.

More details will be released later.

This article originally appeared on Galesburg Register-Mail: Decomposed body found in storage unit in Maquon; identity not public
Irish woman politely got her point across to the princess.

During a walkabout in Belfast yesterday, Princess Kate was told Ireland belongs to the Irish by a woman in the crowd.

The woman, who was among those who turned out to see the Prince and Princess of Wales on their one-day visit to Northern Ireland, shook Kates hand and said, Nice to meet you but it would be better if it was when you were in your own country."

Kate appeared to laugh off the encounter.

Related: Prince Harry and Meghan Look Radiant in Never-Before-Seen Portrait Taken Days Before Queen's Death

Several days after Queen Elizabeth II died, King Charles III visited Belfast where he was greeted by a large sign erected on a mountain overlooking the city that said, We serve no King but Ireland.

During the Waless visit, Kate and William spoke to staff at a suicide prevention charity, and painted pumpkins with children in an art therapy session.

Kates outfit was all in shades of blue: a long powder blue coat paired with a pussy-bow blouse in the same color, and navy trousers.

Related: See the Engraved Tombstone that Marks Queen Elizabeth IIs Final Resting Place

The day before, the princess visited a maternity unit at a London hospital and embodied fall chic in a mustard yellow dress by Karen Millen.

She also wore a new pair of diamond earrings, which feature detachable drops on diamond-studded hoops.

While talking with a mother in the hospitals Special Baby Care Unit, Kate was asked if she would like to hold newborn Bianca.

Shes very sweet, Kate said as she cradled the baby.

Next up, Queen Elizabeth IIs Official Cause of Death has been Published
Photo credit: Luca Teuchmann - Getty Images

Queen Margrethe perhaps saw the drama rumbling in the British royal family regarding titles for the monarch's grandchildren and has announced changes to the Danish royal family titles.

Margrethe has two sons, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim, and eight grandchildren. Both and her sonsalong with their spouses and descendantshave the titles of count and countess of Monpezat, referring to Margrethe's husband, who was born Henri de Laborde de Monpezat.



Photo credit: Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images

Photo credit: MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN - Getty Images

All the grandchildren also currently use the title "prince" and "princess." As of January 1, 2023, however, only Frederik's children will retain their prince and princess titles. "The Queens decision is in line with similar adjustments that other royal houses have made in various ways in recent years," the Danish Royal Court said in a release. Joachim's children will remain in their place in the line of succession, and still be able to use their titles as counts and countess of Monpezat.

The Royal Court added, "With her decision, Her Majesty The Queen wishes to create the framework for the four grandchildren to be able to shape their own lives to a much greater extent without being limited by the special considerations and duties that a formal affiliation with the Royal House of Denmark as an institution involves."

Photo credit: MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN - Getty Images

Read the full release from the Danish Royal House below:

In April 2008, Her Majesty The Queen bestowed upon her sons, their spouses and their descendants the titles of count and countess of Monpezat. In May 2016, it was also announced that His Royal Highness Prince Christian, as the only one of The Queens grandchildren, is expected to receive an annuity from the state as an adult.

As a natural extension of this, Her Majesty has decided that, as of 1 January 2023, His Royal Highness Prince Joachims descendants can only use their titles as counts and countess of Monpezat, as the titles of prince and princess that they have held up until now will be discontinued. Prince Joachims descendants will thus have to be addressed as excellencies in the future. The Queens decision is in line with similar adjustments that other royal houses have made in various ways in recent years.

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With her decision, Her Majesty The Queen wishes to create the framework for the four grandchildren to be able to shape their own lives to a much greater extent without being limited by the special considerations and duties that a formal affiliation with the Royal House of Denmark as an institution involves.

All four grandchildren maintain their places in the order of succession.

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The U.S. Senate debate between Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly and Republican candidate Blake Masters displayed an intensity verging on contempt almost from the start.

It featured predictable disagreement on policy matters but also included surprisingly personal attacks that made for a lively debate.

Here are some of the biggest takeaways from the only scheduled meeting between the candidates.

U.S. Senate debate: Sen. Kelly, Masters spar on abortion, inflation and the border

Masters was on the attack

Masters, a first-time candidate trailing in the polls and likely way behind in fundraising, entered the debate needing to make an impression. He wasted little time framing Kelly as a rubber stamp for President Joe Biden and did it in blunt language.

Our border is in chaos, weve got drugs and illegal aliens just pouring in, crime is up, the cost of groceries. Actually, the cost of everything you need to live keeps going up and up, Masters said.

It wasnt like this two years ago. What changed? Joe Biden took over, and in Washington, Mark Kelly backs Joe Biden every single time, without thinking twice, without thinking of Arizona.

At one point during an exchange on migrants and drug trafficking at Arizona's border with Mexico  which all candidates agree is unacceptable  Masters suggested Kelly is the "worst senator of all time" and should resign.

Abortion has often seemed like a millstone hanging on GOP candidates since the Supreme Court erased federal abortion rights in June, and Masters has taken heat over his changing rhetoric on the issue. But on Thursday, he told viewers that Kelly is the radical on the issue.

On nearly every front, Masters hammered Kelly for his support of Biden's agenda and cast him as an ineffective lawmaker.

Looking for control: These are the midterm election races to watch

Kelly had enough of Masters

Kelly absorbed most of Masters' attacks and talked in his characteristically calm fashion. He cited, for example, money he secured for border protection, talked about reining in rising prescription drug prices through legislation and resisting calls to privatize Social Security.

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The answers were serviceable, if forgettable.

But Kelly unloaded what may have been the most memorable lines in the debate answering a question about abortion that turned into a scathing, personal indictment of Masters.

I think we all know guys like this, Kelly said in a flash of passion. Guys that think they know better than everyone about everything.

You think you know better than women and doctors about abortion. You even think you know better than seniors about Social Security. You think you know better than veterans about how to win a war. Folks, we all know guys like this, and we cant be letting them make decisions about us because its just dangerous.

At another point, Kelly told Masters to wait his turn to talk.

It was a side of Kelly voters may not have seen before.

OnPolitics: These billionaires are spending millions on 2022 elections

Trump wasn't a factor

Former President Donald Trump seldom goes a day without entering the political conversation, but Kelly and Masters scarcely referenced him during the debate.

Masters' arguably owes his nomination to Trump. And polling shows that while Biden is underwater with Arizona voters, Trump is even more so.

Masters needs to do better with independents, and cozying up to Trump likely wouldn't help on that front. Besides, Masters will do plenty of that on Sunday, when Trump is scheduled to hold another rally in Arizona.

But Kelly, who casts himself as an independent thinker in Washington, didn't really make an issue of Trump, either. He answered plenty for Biden.

Kelly decried what he called a "dumb" decision by the Biden administration over a policy change on the border that Kelly thinks will worsen the influx of migrants.

Libertarian Marc Victor offered as much on the subject of Trump as anyone else with a statement that assailed both parties and presidents.

One of them kisses Bidens ring, the other kisses Trumps ring, he said. I dont kiss anybodys ring.

Will the debate affect the outcome?

This is, of course, the most important consideration in the race.

Kelly turned in a performance that probably didn't hurt his standing with Democrats and was in line stylistically and rhetorically with independents who have liked him for years.

Masters likely helped himself with the few Republicans who were lukewarm about him before. He may have helped himself with independents by forcing them to consider Kelly as the reason for their angst over the economy and border conditions.

But improving Masters' standing with independents will be more difficult and take more resources.

Masters is behind. To change that, Masters needs allies with deep pockets to help blitz screens with messages attacking Kelly immediately.

MAGA Inc., a PAC aligned with Trump, has placed $1 million in new ads in Arizona beginning Saturday, according to AdImpact, an ad tracking company.

So far, the Senate Leadership Fund, a political action committee aligned with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has not invested in Masters' candidacy.

Beyond the millions it hasn't provided to help Masters' cause, it may have also sent a message to others that the traditional GOP cavalry isn't coming.

Billionaire Peter Thiel spent $15 million to help Masters, his protege, win the GOP nomination and is the obvious choice to invest more.

But time is running short to make any difference. Most voters will receive their early ballots next week.

Reach the reporter Ronald J. Hansen at ronald.hansen@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4493. Follow him on Twitter @ronaldjhansen.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

Subscribe to our free political podcast, The Gaggle.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 4 takeaways from Mark Kelly-Blake Masters Senate debate in Arizona
Oct. 8Residents in seven rural Northern New Mexico counties with communities that lie miles from supermarkets may find a grocery store rolling through as soon as January.

The Santa Fe-based Food Depot, a regional food bank, plans to rev up Food Mobile 2.0 early next year, offering fresh and nonperishable foods and dry goods to those in need with a 900-square-foot traveling market.

The $1.4 million mobile pantry is one of several initiatives Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced at a news conference Friday in The Food Depot's warehouse off Siler Road  projects funded through a $10 million Food Security Grant allocated by the Legislature earlier this year. The funds will be distributed to 40 organizations working to reduce hunger in the state, including in areas devastated by wildfires and floods.

The goal of Food Mobile Dos, as the traveling pantry is known, is to reach children, seniors and low-income families with little access to healthy food in far-flung locales.

"We take for granted most of us can go into a grocery store and do that," Lujan Grisham said.

Sherry Hooper, executive director of The Food Depot, said the mobile market is expected to provide 262,500 meals every month to more 12,000 people in Rio Arriba, Taos, Mora, San Miguel, Union, Colfax and Harding counties. It comes three years after the organization began operating its first Food Mobile  a blue bus  within Santa Fe County, Hooper said.

Feeding America, a Chicago-based nonprofit that tracks hunger statistics around the country, reports that 1 in 8 adults and 1 in 5 children in New Mexico, a state of just over 2 million residents, often go hungry.

Lujan Grisham and Hooper said one factor that compounds the challenge of eliminating hunger is the stigma some people associate with a need to ask for food aid. Seniors in particular may go without meals rather than admit they do not have the means to buy food, Hooper said.

The governor said community efforts, like the mobile pantry, can help remove such a stigma as people come together to select healthy food for their families.

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Scott Alexander, director of operations for The Food Depot, said the mobile pantry will stop in two communities per day, giving out about 250 bags of groceries at each two-hour stop.

Of the $10 million in grants, 50 percent was awarded to food banks and food pantries, and the rest went to nonprofit farmer cooperatives, food hubs, schools and senior centers, the Governor's Office said in a news release.

The awards include $176,700 for Pojoaque Pueblo to buy cold storage, vehicles and greenhouse equipment for the its agriculture and bison program, which provides fresh and locally grown crops and bison to tribal members in an effort to reduce obesity and diabetes.
An image the Department of Justice included in an August 30, 2022 court filing shows documents marked SECRET//SCI that were recovered from Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago club and home in Florida. (Department of Justice via The New York Times)

Late last year, as the National Archives ratcheted up the pressure on former President Donald Trump to return boxes of records he had taken from the White House to his Mar-a-Lago club, he came up with an idea to resolve the looming showdown: cut a deal.

Trump, still determined to show he had been wronged by the FBI investigation into his 2016 campaigns ties to Russia, was angry with the National Archives and Records Administration for its unwillingness to hand over a batch of sensitive documents that he thought proved his claims.

In exchange for those documents, Trump told advisers, he would return to the National Archives the boxes of material he had taken to Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Florida.

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Trumps aides never pursued the idea. But the episode is one in a series that demonstrates how Trump spent a year and a half deflecting, delaying and sometimes leading aides to dissemble when it came to demands from the National Archives and ultimately the Justice Department to return the material he had taken, interviews and documents show.

That pattern was strikingly similar to how Trump confronted inquiries into his conduct while in office: entertain or promote outlandish ideas, eschew the advice of lawyers and mislead them, then push lawyers and aides to impede investigators.

In the process, some of his lawyers have increased their own legal exposure and had to hire lawyers themselves. And Trump has ended up in the middle of an investigation into his handling of the documents that has led the Justice Department to seek evidence of obstruction.

The path began well before Trump left office.

Concern about Trumps habit of bringing documents to his White House bedroom began not long after he took office. By the second year of his administration, tracking the material he had in the residence had become a familiar obstacle, according to people familiar with his practices, and by the third year, there were specific documents that West Wing officials knew were not where they should be.

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In the closing weeks of his presidency, the White House counsel, Pat Cipollone, flagged the need for Trump to return documents that had piled up in boxes in the White House residence, according to archives officials.

It is also our understanding that roughly two dozen boxes of original presidential records were kept in the residence of the White House over the course of President Trumps last year in office and have not been transferred to NARA, despite a determination by Pat Cipollone in the final days of the administration that they need to be, Gary M. Stern, the top lawyer for the National Archives, told Trumps representatives in a 2021 letter, using an abbreviation for the agencys name.

Stern added that he had raised his concerns about the issue with another top White House lawyer in the final weeks of the administration.

Stern acknowledged to Trumps representatives the complications that had come with the abrupt end of Trumps term. We know things were very chaotic, as they always are in the course of a one-term transition, he wrote. This is why the transfer of the Trump electronic records is still ongoing and wont be complete for several more months. But it is absolutely necessary that we obtain and account for all original presidential records.

Throughout 2021, Stern doggedly pressed Trumps representatives to have him hand over the boxes.

Stern went back and forth about the issue with the people Trump had originally designated to represent him in dealing with the archives  among them Mark Meadows, the former White House chief of staff, and three lawyers who had worked in the White House Counsels Office.

In September 2021, as Stern increased the pressure on Trump to return the boxes, Trump told Meadows that there were about a dozen boxes that had been taken from the White House but that they only contained newspaper clippings and personal effects, according to three people briefed on the matter. (To some aides, Trump claimed that the contents of the boxes included dirty laundry.)

Meadows shared Trumps characterization of the contents of the boxes with Patrick Philbin, another of Trumps representatives to the archives and a former White House lawyer. Philbin in turn relayed the message  which months later would prove to be false  to Stern.

But archives officials made clear that even newspaper clippings and printouts of articles seen by Trump in office were considered presidential records. The archives often found personal effects among the materials presidents turned in, and the archives would send them back to Trump if they ever found any.

Still, Trump returned no boxes.

By the fall, Stern was growing increasingly frustrated and dealing with Alex Cannon, a lawyer who had worked for the Trump Organization, the 2020 campaign and then Trumps political action committee. Cannon had also been involved in responding to requests for documents from the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

In a conversation in late October or early November of last year, Stern told Cannon that he had tried other avenues for retrieving the documents and failed. He acknowledged that the Presidential Records Act did not contain an enforcement mechanism but suggested that the archives had options, including the ability to ask the attorney general to assist in retrieving the documents, according to people briefed on the discussions.

Cannon told Stern that the documents would be returned by the end of the year, the people said.

Around that time, Cannon, who told others he worried the boxes might contain documents that were being sought in the Jan. 6 inquiry, called Trump, who insisted that the boxes contained nothing of consequence.

Nonetheless, Cannon told associates that the boxes needed to be shipped back as they were, so the professional archivists could be the ones to sift through the material and set aside what they believed belonged to Trump. What is more, Cannon believed there was the possibility that the boxes could contain classified material, according to two people briefed on the discussions, and none of the staff members in Trumps presidential office at Mar-a-Lago had proper security clearances.

It was around that same time that Trump floated the idea of offering the deal to return the boxes in exchange for documents he believed would expose the Russia investigation as a hoax cooked up by the FBI. Trump did not appear to know specifically what he thought the archives had  only that there were items he wanted.

Trumps aides  recognizing that such a swap would be a non-starter since the government had a clear right to the material Trump had taken from the White House and the Russia-related documents held by the archives remained marked as classified  never acted on the idea.

A spokesman for Trump did not respond to a request for comment. A representative for the archives did not respond to a request for comment. Cannon declined a request for comment.

By the end of last year, a former adviser to Trump in the White House, a lawyer named Eric Herschmann, warned him that he could face serious legal ramifications if he did not return government materials he had taken with him when he left office. Herschmann told Trump that the consequences could be greater if some of the documents were classified.

Finally, after telling advisers repeatedly that the boxes were mine, Trump consented to go through them, which his associates said he did in December. Stern was alerted that the boxes were ready for retrieval.

But neither Trump nor any of his representatives informed Stern that they contained classified information. In January, the agency arranged for a contractor with a truck to go to Mar-a-Lago to pick up the boxes  which totaled 15, three more than the agency thought Trump had taken from the White House  and drive them to the Washington area.

Not knowing that the boxes contained classified information, agency personnel began opening the boxes in a room that did not meet government standards for handling secret materials. When they realized the sensitivity of the material, they quickly moved the boxes to specially secured areas, where their contents could be more closely examined.

Shortly thereafter, the National Archives alerted the Justice Department that classified materials may have been mishandled, leading federal authorities to open an investigation.

Around the time the archives retrieved the boxes, officials at the archives became skeptical that Trump had returned everything and made clear they believed there was more in his possession.

Trump told Cannon last winter to tell the archivists that he had returned everything. Cannon, concerned about making such a definitive statement to federal officials, refused to do so.

Their relationship ultimately became strained over the issue. Trump has told several advisers that he blames Cannon for the entire situation because the lawyer told him to give records back, while informal advisers like Tom Fitton, who runs the conservative group Judicial Watch but is not a lawyer, suggested Trump could claim the documents were personal records and hang on to them.

By the spring, a grand jury investigation had begun, and by June, the Justice Department was moving full steam ahead with the investigation, having issued a subpoena for any remaining classified material.

In a face-to-face meeting at Mar-a-Lago on June 3 between one of Trumps lawyers, Evan Corcoran, and a top Justice Department official overseeing the investigation, Jay Bratt, the lawyer returned another set of documents in response to the subpoena.

Another Trump lawyer, Christina Bobb, then signed a statement on behalf of Trump saying that based upon the information that has been provided to me, all documents responsive to the subpoena were being returned after a diligent search.

Yet two months later, during the Aug. 8 search of Mar-a-Lago, the FBI found more than twice as many documents marked as classified as had been turned over in June, including some in Trumps office. The FBI also found dozens of empty folders marked as having contained classified information. Among the crimes that the search warrant said the authorities might find evidence of was obstruction.

Bobb has hired a criminal defense lawyer and signaled a willingness to answer questions from the Justice Department.

In the aftermath of the search, investigators remained skeptical that they had retrieved all the documents and, in recent weeks, a top Justice Department official told Trumps lawyers that the department believed he had still not returned all the documents he took when he left the White House, according to people familiar with the discussions.

 2022 The New York Times Company
The American diplomat tasked with helping to end the grinding civil war in Yemen  which has claimed close to 400,000 lives and left the majority of the country's people dependent on humanitarian aid for survival  lamented on Wednesday the end of a six-month ceasefire without a truce agreement to replace it. U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking told reporters on a State Department telephone briefing that he feared the failure to reach a new peace agreement would bring a "return to war."

Lenderking said that if the fighting between Yemen's Saudi Arabian-backed central government and the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who hold a huge swath of the Arabian nation, does resume, it will "bring nothing but casualties and destruction on Yemen and will create further confusion as to where this conflict is headed."

The Houthis, whom Lenderking blamed for the failure of the negotiations, made it clear to CBS News that the fighting was indeed likely to resume, as they warned of an imminent "return to military operations."

U.N. seeks help to defuse "ticking time bomb" off Yemen's coast

The veteran American diplomat spoke soon after representatives from Yemen's government and the Houthis failed to strike a deal to extend the six-month nationwide ceasefire that was brokered by the United Nations. He blamed the Houthi rebels, accusing them of "imposing maximalist and impossible demands that the parties simply could not reach."

The truce had brought relative peace to Yemen after years of vicious fighting in the civil war that erupted in 2015. As of the end of 2021, the conflict had left more than 377,000 people dead, according to the U.N.

About two thirds of those people have died not from actual warfare, the U.N. says, but as a result of the dire humanitarian crisis inflicted upon the impoverished nation by the conflict  "indirect causes such as lack of food, health services, and infrastructure."

The war has left 73% of Yemen's population of 30 million entirely dependent on humanitarian aid.

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Lenderking said "key elements of the truce" were still holding, but there were reports of "low level" violence re-emerging around the country.

"Fuel ships continue to offload into Hodeidah port," the U.S. diplomat noted, referring to a key logistics hub held by the Houthis that Saudi-led forces had blockaded for months, preventing essential goods from entering the country. "There will be more continuity in civilian, commercial flights from Sanaa airport. These particular elements of the truce have been extremely effective and have delivered tangible results to the Yemeni people over the last six months."

/ Credit: Getty/iStockphoto

Lenderking indicated that one of the key sticking points in the failed negotiations over extending the ceasefire was getting Yemeni state employees paid. Many haven't received a salary in years.

"This has been a core demand of both parties, to have the ability to pay Yemeni civil servants who have not been paid for many years: teachers, nurses, civil servants," said Lenderking.

The Houthi negotiating team has demanded that police, military and other security personnel get their back-pay first.

"I think if we see more flexibility from the Houthi side going forward, then this opens the road, I think, to this much better peace option," Lenderking said. He is expected to return to the region as soon as next week to keep the negotiations going.

U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking takes part in a conference on Yemen's devastating war, hosted by the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, in the Saudi capital Riyadh, March 30, 2022. / Credit: FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP/Getty

"We want to see that those channels remain open," he said Wednesday. "They can create a path to durable peace. This is why I will return to the region in the very near future to continue this very energetic U.S. engagement to complement the efforts of the U.N. envoy."

Lenderking's hopes for greater flexibility by the Iranian-backed rebels were dealt an 11th-hour blow in the most recent negotiations: Just hours before the truce expired on Sunday, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree took to Twitter to threaten private oil companies still working in the country. He warned them to leave Yemen or their facilities would be seized.

"The fossil fuels belong to the people of Yemen and could be used to pay public servants' salaries," Saree tweeted.

A November 24, 2021 file photo shows Houthi fighters attending the funeral of fellow rebel fighters killed in fighting with forces of Yemen's internationally recognized government, in Sanaa, Yemen. / Credit: Hani Mohammed/AP

"This is not an impossible demand," Nasreddine Amer, another spokesperson for the Houthis, who heads the group's media center, told CBS News. "We only demand a true right of the Yemeni people Those employees have children, wives and families that they support from those salaries that were stopped. When we demand such payments, isn't that a humanitarian request?"

Amer blamed the failed effort to extend the ceasefire largely on the U.S. government, as the Houthis have done regularly. He accused Washington of backing the "stubborn" stance taken by the Saudi-led coalition.

"They did not adhere to the terms of the truce. So as the truce ended and they are still stubborn, I expect a return to military operations," he said. "This is not an analysis but an official declaration by our armed forces."

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A Virginia man who gunned down his ex-girlfriend and her father in front of the former couple's two children at her trailer more than half a decade ago has been convicted in the case.

Amos Jacob "A.J." Arroyo, 36, was found guilty by jurors on Monday of two separate counts of first-degree murder for the 2017 slayings of Patricia "Tricia" Joseph and her 67-year-old father, Jessie Abraham Barnes, according to the Newport News Daily Press.

He was also convicted of an additional six charges in connection with the double killing: two counts of felony child neglect, two gun charges, burglary with a dangerous weapon and shooting in an occupied dwelling.

Joseph and Barnes as they watched television with her two sons and Josephs boyfriend at a trailer in Newport News on July 30, 2017, WTKR-TV reported. At the time, Josephs two sons were aged six and one. Arroyo knocked on the door and opened fire before Joseph could answer it.

A police handout of Amos Jacob Arroyo

Amos Jacob Arroyo Photo: AP

One of those sons emerged as a key witness for prosecutors at trial.

The child, now 11, recounted on the witness stand how hed been playing with [his] toys on the day of the shooting when his father first knocked at the trailer door. When the child emerged from his bedroom to see what was going on, he said he witnessed his mother being shot.

"My dad started shooting ... and I saw my dad coming inside the house, the boy testified, according to the Daily Press.

Arroyo then entered the trailer and fired another 8-10 shots, chasing Barnes into the trailer's bathroom to kill him.

The boy then testified he remembered seeing his mother "had gotten shot to the ground" and that Barnes had been killed in the bathroom.

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"I followed my grandpa, because I saw him running to the bathroom," he added.

Joseph's boyfriend, Jonathan Yeanan, also took the stand during trial proceedings last week.

Story continues

Yeanan, who testified hed been romantically involved with Joseph for approximately six months at the time of her death, told the court he was about to leave her home when an armed Arroyo arrived at the property. He said he was able to survive by hiding in a closet at the residence as Arroyo opened fire.

"[Joseph] looked out the window, and said, 'Oh my God,'" Yeanan told emergency dispatchers. "Next thing you know, shots were fired and she he said, 'Oh, my God, he shot me.'"

Audrey Tate, left, and Beverly Wray, right, hold signs for their late niece on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022

He also told the dispatcher that the kids had witnessed the murders.

'Did you kill Mommy?' he told them that the boy asked Arroyo. 'Did you kill Mommy? Why did you do that?'

Arroyo reportedly replied that everything would be OK, and then fled. He spent six months on the lam in Georgia before turning himself into authorities in January.

Arroyo claimed that he was intoxicated at the time of the shooting and had gone to the house  with two handguns  intending to kill himself in front of Joseph.

The jury didn't buy it. Arroyo is now facing the possibility of life behind bars. His sentencing has been set for Dec. 2.
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First lady Jill Biden waves as she and President Joe Biden walk across the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Jill Biden will visit Tacoma and Seattle Friday and Saturday. (Susan Walsh / The Associated Press)
A barge holding a Deep Drone sits on anchor in Mutiny Bay as crews work to recover a floatplane wreckage on Sept. 27, 2022, off the west coast of Whidbey Island. (Karen Ducey / The Seattle Times)
U.S Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg meets people during a visit to the Wenatchee Valley on Thursday.
Uber as an app can have glitches, and sometimes these glitches can become a huge problem for its users. A similar incident happened in the UK when a man who booked a cab using the app was stunned to discover that Uber had charged him $39,317 (around Rs 32 lakh). A man named Oliver Kaplan ordered the taxi via Uber after finishing his shift at Buxton Inn in Manchester, England. He told South West News Service that he ordered a cab for a place about four miles away and, at the time, was quoted a price of $11 and $12, which he accepted as his fare.

Later on, he followed the normal procedure and got in the cab once the driver arrived, and the cab took him to his destination. He also told that it hardly took them 15 minutes to reach the destination. The following day Kaplan received a bill of $39,317, as per the reports of South West News Service.

Baffled by the amount, Kaplan contacted Uber customer service using the app to find out why he was charged the whopping amount. It said the amount couldnt be taken because I had insufficient funds, Kaplan claimed, saying the amount confused Uber customer service employees as well.

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Engineers from the company eventually came to the conclusion that Australia had somehow become the drop-off site. It's unknown what went wrong, but it's conceivable that a mistake led to the location changing from Witchwood, the Manchester bar, to Witchwood, an Australian park in Victoria. Hence, charging an unbelievable amount of money. Based on the reports, the issue was immediately rectified by Uber, and Kaplan got his amount back.

Kaplan isn't the first user of the ride-sharing service Uber to wake up with a hangover and a hefty bill. A British college student who was intoxicated made a mistake when ordering an Uber in March 2020. The inebriated student entered a location that was 250 miles away before dozing off for the entire five-hour trip. He woke up frightened to find a $1,700 bill waiting for him at the wrong location.
The IAF is one of the most celebrated and advanced forces in the country and India is celebrating the Indian Air Force Day on October 8, 2022. The IAF recently inducted the first batch of indigenously-developed Light Combat Helicopters (LCH). The HAL-made helicopters has been developed primarily for mountain warfare after a requirement for it was felt during the Kargil war in 1999. While the IAF choppers are known for performing multiple roles, including transportation of VVIPs like the Prime Minister of India, performing HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) operations, and transporting troops to uncharted territories, with LCH induction, IAF now has the most diverse range of attack helicopters.

The Light Combat Helicopter is the lightest combat chopper in the world and will provide a boost to the Indian Air Force's combat prowess. The new chopper inducted into the force is capable of aerial combat and will help the force combat slow-moving aircraft, drones, and armoured columns during conflicts. It joins other attack helicopters like the HAL Dhruv ALH, Boeing Apache to make India one of the only countries in the world to have such a diverse and advanced range of attack helicopters. As India celebrates its the Indian Air Force Day, we list out all the Indian Air Force attack helicopters that are serving the country like an unsung hero for ages.

Developed by the state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the 5.8-tonne twin-engine gunship chopper is armed with air-to-air missiles, 20 mm turret guns, rocket systems and other weapons. The choppers have been flown extensively in Ladakh and the desert sector to meet the requirements of the armed forces. It is compatible with stealth features such as reduced Visual, Aural, Radar, and IR signatures and crashworthiness features for better survivability. Several key aviation technologies like Glass Cockpit and composite airframe structures have been indigenised for LCH.

The Dhruv ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter) is the Indias most advanced indigenous helicopter being developed and manufactured by HAL. Dhruv has been used for a variety of roles right from SAR, Evac, and RTR operations apart from attack capabilities thanks to an attack variant called Rudra. However, the most prominent and famous among these is the Sarang Helicopter Display Team that uses special livery of Peacock in red colour and is world famous acrobatic helicopter team. The helicopter is a twin-engine chopper that can carry 14 passengers with two pilots and has a cruise speed of 250 km/hr.

Boeing Apache AH-64E

India recently sourced the globally renowned attack helicopters Apache from the US defence major Boeing along side Chinook cargo chopper for the IAF. Known as the worlds most advanced multi-role combat helicopter, the AH-64E is made by Boeing Defence and is known for its attack capabilities in modern day warfare. It is also used for missions including reconnaissance, security, peacekeeping operations, and most prominently, as an attack chopper. The speed and thrust of Apache is unmatched globally.

Mil Mi-24/25/26/35

Before Apache, Indian Air Force used Mil Mi-24, Mi25 and MI-35, Twin engine turboshaft assault helicopters. Apart from the attack capabilities, they are also capable of carrying 8 men assault squad. India has gifted multiple Mi-35 to Afgan Air Force in the past and Mi-25 was the first Attack Helicopter Squadron of IAF raised on 1st Nov 1983, while the Mi-35 was inducted in 1990. Theres also the biggest of the lot Mi-26 heavy-lift helicopter, which is limited only to 3 units now and has a capacity of 70 combat troops or 20,000 kg payload.
A female pilot of the United States based Southwest Airlines is suing the airline after her company allegedly failed to act against her ex-colleague over an indecent incident inside the cockpit. As per a report on Aerotime, a male captain of the said airline stripped inside the cockpit of the plane mid-air, while the female pilot was also present inside. The female pilot Christine Janning alleges that after she reported the behaviour of her co-pilot, Michael Haak, to the company and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the airline grounded her, while Haak continued to work despite an alleged history of sexual misconduct, according to AP News.

Lewd act inside cockpit

The incident took place in August 2020, during a passenger flight from Philadelphia (PHL) to Florida (MCO). As per Janning, Haak told her it was his final flight and he wanted to do something before retirement.

Following this statement, he locked the cockpit door and stripped himself naked. He began to watch pornography on his laptop, while taking photos and video of himself. Although, he didnt say and do anything with Janning.

Court inquiry

Janning reported Haak to FBI after three months of the incident and after an inquiry, Haak pleaded guilty in May 2021 to a federal misdemeanor. However, it was later revealed that it was not Haaks final flight with the airline. A US court sentenced Haak to one year of probation and a $5,000 fine.

Airlines response

As per Janning, when she reported the matter to the airlines management, she was informed that because the captain had retired, the airlines investigation was closed. She then went to the FBI, who charged the captain.

She was grounded for more than three months and was asked to take simulator training before being permitted to return to active duties. She also alleges that the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, union had conspired with Southwest Airlines and did nothing to support her.
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A United Nations organization on Friday adopted a "long-term aspirational goal" of making carbon emissions from air travel net zero by 2050 in response to growing pressure for airlines to reduce their pollution. Several major environmental groups praised the move, saying it could boost the production of sustainable aviation fuel. But they cautioned that it will be difficult to push countries to follow up with policies that actually reduce emissions.

Aviation is a relatively small contributor to overall climate-changing emissions, but its share is expected to grow. More people are expected to travel on planes in the coming years, and aviation lacks cleaner alternatives such as electric power that are widely available for cars and trucks.

Friday's decision in Montreal occurred during a meeting attended by representatives of nearly 200 nations that belong to the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization, or ICAO.

The decision capped nearly a decade of negotiations and occurred as aviation comes under more pressure to help meet conditions of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate, which aims to cap the rise in global temperature. Crucially, the ICAO agreement does not set targets for individual countries or airlines.

Mark Brownstein, a senior official at the Environmental Defense Fund, said the resolution raised hope that travel will be more sustainable. "But the work isn't over," he said. "Now is the time for countries to act by establishing policies that support achievement of a 2050 net-zero goal for aviation with measurable progress in the interim."

Dan Rutherford, who tracks the issue for the International Council on Clean Transportation, said that to hit the net-zero target, aviation emissions will need to peak and start decreasing as soon as 2025, "with richer countries taking the lead."

Environmentalists said reaching net zero will require greater use of so-called sustainable aviation fuel that is not made from fossil fuels because large electric- or hydrogen-powered planes are decades away.
Mumbai: After the backlash on Adipurush director Om Raut for "misrepresentation" of Ramayana, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader and film producer Ameya Khopkar came out in support of the director and his film. Ameya Khopkar supported the director Om Raut and slammed people opposing the release of the movie `Adipurush`.

Ameya Khopkar said, "We support Om Raut and his movie Adipurush. If you (BJP) are saying that you will not let the film run, this type of gundagardi will not be acceptable in Maharashtra. This film will get released and we MNS team are supporting the film."

He added, "After just seeing the teaser and for your dirty politics, you are stopping this film. They need to think beyond politics. This type of dirty politics we don`t accept, MNS doesn`t support this type of politics. It's very easy to say that we oppose this film but with this movie, 400 to 500 people feed their stomachs. We (MNS) support all religions whether it`s Hindu or Muslim, there is no difference for us. First, watch this movie and then take a decision, only watching the teaser you can`t decide whether it's right or wrong."

He continued, "Om Raut is a great director. He has previously created films like Tanaji and Lokmanya. He has also designed and executed a laser show which depicts the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Veer Savarkar Smarak in Shivaji park. Om Raut is a true hindutvawadi and I know him very well he can't direct movies against any Devi Devtas."

Ameya Khopkar said, "Has Ram Kadam ever seen Ravana in his life or does he have a photo of Ravana in his pocket? You must give liberty to directors. To give liberty doesn't mean to disrespect Devi and Devtas. I oppose this controversy and MNS gives its full support to this movie (Adipurush)."

Earlier, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra said, "We have an objection to the portrayal of the film Adipurush. It is not right to slander us by wrongly filming the focal points of the Hindu faith. I am writing a letter to filmmaker Om Raut to remove the objectionable scenes, if those scenes are not removed then we will take legal action."

Speaking to ANI, BJP spokesperson Malavika Avinash said, "I am saddened by the fact that the director let alone researching the Valmiki's Ramayana, Kamba Ramayana or Tulsidasa`s Ramayana, or the umpteen numbers of interpretations of Ramayana that are available across board as far as Thailand where they do beautiful performances of the Ramayana. The least he could have done is research our own films; there are so many Kannada films, Telugu films, Tamil films, which show how Raavana looked."

"He could have just looked up NT Rama Rao or Dr Rajkumar in `Bhookailasa` or any of these great actors, SV Ranga Rao in Sampoorna Ramayana, to understand how Raavana looked. The Raavana in the photograph that I see floating around is a guy who looks nothing Indian, who has blue eye makeup and is wearing a leather jacket. This is our history they are representing; they cannot do it in the guise of creative liberty," she continued.

Malavika stated that "Ramayana is who we were" and added, "it represents this nation, its civilisation and its people. So no one can take it for granted, let alone a film director. I am angry and I am saddened by this misrepresentation".

Raut made this film with the dream of bringing the story of Ramayana to the silver screen but ever since the first teaser of Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan and Kriti Sanon-starrer Adipurush dropped yesterday, there has been a unanimously negative response from various quarters.

People have largely been disappointed due to the film's poor VFX and the unrealistic look of various characters including Saif's Raavan. Seeing Saif donning short spiked hair, long beard and kajal eyes, several netizens have compared the actor's look in the film with that of Alauddin Khilji rather than Raavana. Adipurush has been produced by T Series and Retrophiles.

It is slated to hit the theatres on January 12, 2023, in IMAX and 3D. Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Om, Prasad Sutar, and Rajesh Nair, the film will be released in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada.




Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi 2022: Muslims all over the world celebrate this day by honouring and paying respect to the last prophet of Islam. The moon's sighting and the start of the third month, Rabi ul Awal, in the Islamic calendar (Hijri) determines the date of Eid Milad un Nabi, which varies every year. Eid-e-Milad will be celebrated this year on October 9 in India in accordance with the Gregorian calendar.

The festivities of Eid Milad un Nabi start one day before the festival and end the next day. Different people observe the day in various ways.

Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi 2022: Date

While the day is celebrated on different dates in different nations, Eid Milad un Nabi is observed as a public holiday in many nations. This year's Eid Milad un Nabi celebrations will start on the evening of October 8 and end on October 9, as the day is marked on the 12th day of the third month Rabi ul Awal.

In India, Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi will be observed on Sunday, 9 October 2022.

Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi 2022: Significance

Prophet Hazrat Muhammad is thought to have attained enlightenment in 610 AD in a cave called Hira close to where he was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Later, he preached Quranic principles. On this day, it is customary to listen to the hymns recited in the Prophet's praise in order to get both earthly and heavenly rewards. Muslims all across the world celebrate Eid Milad un Nabi with zeal, respect, enthusiasm, and grandeur as a remembrance of the generosity, compassion, and teachings of the Prophet.

Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi 2022: Celebrations

Many people observe a special fast called Nafl in honour of the Prophet, during which additional prayers from the holy Quran are offered. A line known as Durood-o-Salam is chanted in the name of Muhammad to complement the prophet (SAW). One of Islam's five pillars is charity or zakat, and on the occasion of Eid Milad un Nabi, people across the world feed the needy and donate what they can.

Also Read: Eid Milad un Nabi 2022: Wishes, greetings and messages to be shared with your loved ones

The fact that it honours the kindness, compassion, and teachings of the holy Prophet is what makes it a significant day for Muslims all over the world. To honour and show their love for him, his admirers celebrate the Prophet's birthday.

(Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on general beliefs and information. Zee News does not confirm this.)
Eid Milad un Nabi 2022: Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-Milad-un-Nabi or Eid-e Milad. This occasion honours the Islamic Prophet Muhammad's birth anniversary. For Muslims all over India, it is a blessed day since it serves as a reminder of the Prophet Muhammad's teachings and acts of kindness. The community has benefited greatly from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Also known as Nabi Day, Mawlid, Muhammad's Birthday, or the Prophet's Birthday, the festival Eid-Milad-un-Nabi is celebrated annually.

The Prophet is thought to have been born around 570 AD on the 12th day of the month of 'Rabi-ul-Awal'. Worshippers organize feasts and gatherings, and many Muslims pay a visit to shrines, mosques and dargahs.

Different countries celebrate the festival on varying dates as per the moon sighting. Eid Milad un Nabi will be celebrated in India on October 9. Here are some wishes, quotes and messages that you can share with your family, friends, and neighbours on the occasion of Eid Milad.

1) May Allah fill all of our hearts with kindness, love and patience. Eid Mubarak!

2) A blessed Mawlid to you, may Allah ease your hardships and shower prosperity on you.

3) Eid-Milad-un-Nabi is an occasion to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, it is an opportunity to celebrate him and his life

4) Eid is a time of celebrations, festivities, and prayers! May we all do good and get good in return. Happy Eid-Milad-un-Nabi!

5) The Prophet Muhammad said: Whoever sends blessings upon me, Allah will send blessings upon him tenfold. So let us send him our prayers this Mawlid.

6) May the light of this holy day enlighten our hearts and soothe our minds. Eid Mubarak!

7) May Allah listen to your prayers, blessing your family with good health and happiness.

8) On this sombre and auspicious occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, I wish that Allah gives you and your family a happy and blessed life.

9) Sending you my good wishes on the auspicious occasion of Eid Milad un Nabi. Lots of love and blessings!

Celebrate this day with your family and friends and spread the message of love and kindness.
Sharad Purnima 2022: According to the Hindu calendar, Sharad Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month. This time Sharad Purnima is falling on 9th October, Sunday. It is believed that on this day the moon is full of 16 phases. Along with this, according to another story, when the churning of the ocean was being done, Goddess Lakshmi appeared on the day of Sharad Purnima.

It is considered auspicious to worship Goddess Lakshmi along with the Moon god on Sharad Purnima. It is believed that on this day Goddess Lakshmi is on earth and showers blessings on her devotees. Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, which takes place in the eastern regions of the nation in the states of West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha, is a significant festival that comes after the Durga Puja and will also be celebrated on 9th October 2022.

Know the date, auspicious time, and importance of Sharad Purnima.

Sharad Purnima 2022: Date and time

Purnima date begins - October 9 at 3:41 am

Purnima date ends - October 10 at 2.25 am

Moonrise time - October 9 at 5:58 pm

Kojagari Lakshmi Puja timings

The Kojagari Puja will be held this year on October 9 according to the Panchang. Kojagiri's shubh muhurat falls on October 9 between 11:50 pm and 12:30 am.

Sharad Purnima 2022: Significance

Sharad Purnima has great importance in Hinduism. Sharad Purnima is also known as Kojagari Purnima, Kaumudi Vrat. It is believed that on this day Goddess Lakshmi appeared during the churning of the ocean. On this day, worshipping the mother in a proper way brings happiness, prosperity and wealth. It is believed that on Sharad Purnima all 16 Kalas (phases) of the moon are revealed, which results in the moon rays being associated with healing properties.

This festival is also celebrated as Raas Purnima in regions of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. It is believed that Lord Krishna performed the Maha-Raas which is the dance of divine love with his gopis on this day.

The devotees celebrate Sharad Purnima by preparing a sweet pudding (kheer) and placing it out in the moonlight overnight. The pudding (kheer) is then served to the entire family the following day as a religious offering (prasad).

(Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on common beliefs and information. Zee News does not confirm this.)
New Delhi: The prices of vegetables have shooting up for the past few days, disturbing the budget of common man. The prices are higher at wholesale and retail levels in Delhi-NCR region. The retail vendors say that they are also getting the commodities at increased price.

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As per latest rates, tomato is sold at Rs 54 per kg while potato is at Rs 18-22 per kg. Cauliflower and Bringjal are available at Rs 98 and Rs 45 per kg respectively.

What the reason behind the hike of vegetable prices?

The vendors say that the prices of vegetables and fruits are high because of supply crunch due to high rainfall and high transportation cost. Most vegetables in Delhi-NCR region come from Sahibabad. Excessive rainfall cause vegetables to rot in the agriculture fields.

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Similar case in Himachal, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh

In Himachal Pradesh, the nation's vegetable bowl, the unrelenting monsoon rains for more than two and a half months during the kharif season, or summer crops, have also severely impacted the crops of tomato, capsicum, peas, French beans, cucumber, and cabbage, causing an overall decline in production of up to 50%.

The vegetable prices in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh are also touching the sky owing to the shortage and they are getting remunerative prices.

The price of peas has doubled with its wholesale price in Shimla currently touching Rs 150-160 per kg as against Rs 70-80 per kg in this season a year ago, Nahar Singh Chaudhary, a wholesaler in the Dhalli market near here, told IANS.

Market analysts predict that after Diwali, when vegetables from the north Indian plains begin to enter the market, prices will return to normal. In Chandigarh, the cost of tomatoes has soared from Rs 30 per kg to Rs 60 per kg in retail. Peas from the Karsog and Shimla regions are selling for between Rs 200 and Rs 220 per kg in Chandigarh's retail market.

The damage to the vegetable crops in the hill state, according to farmers in the Shimla, Kangra, and Solan districts, was caused by high rains and the advent of a fungal disease that killed the crops more this monsoon than in the past.
Ahmedabad: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann have begun their two-day visit to poll-bound Gujarat from today (October 8, Saturday). Assembly elections in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled state are scheduled by the year-end. During these two days, Kejriwal, who is AAP's national convener, and Mann will hold an important meeting with social and other leaders in the state to chalk out plans for the upcoming elections, the party's state general secretary Manoj Sorathiya said.

Anti-AAP posters put up by BJP, claims Aam Aadmi Party

Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday alleged that the ruling BJP in Gujarat was putting up anti-AAP posters in Ahmedabad and playing the Hindutva card to digress the people's attention from its failures.

AAP leader Indranil Rajguru charged the ruling party with failing to give qualitative education and health facilities, and generate employment. Justifying his allegations, Rajguru said BJP is in power in Rajkot Municipal Corporation, and the state government, so such hoardings in public places have come up overnight, these were put up on Friday night and the corporation has not removed them. Had it been put up by any other party, the Municipal Corporation officers would have swung into action and removed it. Party will take legal action for putting up such anti-AAP hoardings.

He further alleged that had the ruling party been giving good social services, people would have not started liking AAP. He alleged that the ruling party is not able to digest the rising popularity of AAP in Gujarat and fearing losing electoral ground in the state, BJP has returned to its old tricks of playing Hindutva card.

The said posters and hoardings mention an alleged oath taken by AAP minister Rajdendra Pal while adopting Buddhism - "I will now onwards not believe in Lord Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh". The hoardings also show Arvind Kejriwal in a skull cap and state, "These are AAP's words and culture."

BJP state vice-president Bharat Boghra has refuted allegations of his party being behind the hoardings, saying the people of Gujarat will never accept anti-Hindu thinking and beliefs.

Kiren Rijiju slams Kejriwal & Co

Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju hit out at the AAP and its leadership saying he does not understand why Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and "his gang" hate Hindu and Hindutva so much. The minister's remarks came after a video clip purportedly showing Delhi Social Welfare Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam at an event where hundreds took a pledge to convert to Buddhism while denouncing Hindu deities went viral. In a series of tweets posted late on Friday night and on Saturday morning, Rijiju said, "I really don't understand the reason as to why Arvind Kejriwal and his gang hate Hindu and Hindutva so much." "I can understand about Rahul Gandhi but Arvind Kejriwal....," the BJP MP from Arunachal Pradesh said.

Every Indian should follow the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas', he added.
New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, addressing a press conference during Bharat Jodo Yatra in Karnataka on Saturday, October 8, said that Bharat Jodo Yatra is not for the 2024 elections but for the common peoples arm to fight against unemployment and inequality. He said that through the yatra, Congress want to unite people against the division of the country being carried out by BJP-RSS.

According to Congress, the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' is being held to combat the divisive politics of the BJP-led Centre and to awaken the people of the country to the dangers of economic inequalities, social polarisation and political centralisation.

Bharat Jodo Yatra is not for the 2024 elections and the Congress wants to unite people against the division of the country being carried out by the BJP-RSS, Gandhi said.

Rahul on Tharoor, Kharge

Speaking on various issues, Rahul Gandhi dismissed suggestions that the next party chief would be remote-controlled by the Gandhi family. He asserted that both leaders in the fray are people of stature and understanding and can not be controlled by anyone.

Asked about criticism from certain quarters that the next Congress president could be remote-controlled by the Gandhi family, the former party chief said, "Both the people who are standing (in the polls) have a position, have a perspective and are people of stature and people of understanding. I don't think either of them is going to be a remote control (chief) and frankly, this tone is insulting to both of them."

Gandhi also said that, by nature, he believes in 'tapasya' and wanted an element of suffering in this communication to people through the Bharat Jodo Yatra which seeks to cover a distance of about 3,500 km from Kanyakumari to Kashmir on foot.

Rahul on PFI

Speaking on the Popular Front of India, Gandhi said that spreading hatred and violence is an anti-national act and "we'll fight anybody who indulges in it".

My view is that it doesn't matter who the person spreading hatred is, it doesn't matter which community they come from, spreading hatred and violence is an anti-national act and we'll fight against such people, said Rahul Gandhi.

On National Education Policy

Gandhi also opposed the new education policy and alleged it of attacking the ethos of our country.

Speaking on NEP, Gandhi said, We are opposing the new education policy because it is an attack on the ethos of our country, it distorts our history. It concentrates power in the hand of a few people. We want a decentralised education system that reflects our culture

Congress' ideology

Speaking about the ideology of Congress, Gandhi attacked BJP-RSS of not liking his and the partys ideology and spending thousands of crores of media money and energy to malign his image.

He said, I have always stood for a certain idea, that disturbs the BJP and RSS. Thousands of crores of media money and energy have been spent to shape me in a way which is untruthful and wrong. That will continue as that machine is financially rich and well-oiled.

Indian Freedom Struggle

On freedom struggle, Gandhi accused RSS of not contributing to the Indian Freedom Struggle for Independence from Britishers. He accused RSS of helping the British and said that BJP can not hide such facts.

In my understanding, RSS was helping the British & Savarakar was getting a stipend from the British. BJP was nowhere to be found in the freedom struggle. BJP can't hide such facts. Congress & its leaders fought for freedom, Gandhi said.

He also said that he is not alone in the yatra and lakhs of people have joined it as they are tired of unemployment, price rise and inequality.

This was his third press interaction during the march. The yatra is in its Karnataka leg and marked its 31st day today.
Mandya: Mandya Police detained a few congress party workers for wearing t-shirts with 'PayCM' printed on them during the party's Bharat Jodo Yatra on Friday, October 7, 2022. The Bharat Jodo Yatra- led by the former president of congress Rahul Gandhi- resumed from K Mallenahalli in Karnataka's Mandya district on Friday. A huddle of party workers and supporters was moving behind Rahul Gandhi with some party workers wearing 'PayCM', 'PayAshwathnarayan', and 'PayEshwarappa' printed on them. Following this, the Mandya Police detained a few congress party workers wearing those t-shirts here.

#WATCH | Karnataka: Mandya Police detain a few Congress workers who were seen wearing t-shirts with 'PayCM', 'PayAshwathnarayan' and 'PayEshwarappa' printed on them, during the party's Bharat Jodo Yatra. pic.twitter.com/He56IDOcni  ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2022

"PayCM" is an aggressive campaign launched by Congress against the Basavaraj Bommai government, accusing it of massive corruption. The PayCM campaign appears to have started on September 21, when posters featuring Bommai surfaced in Bengaluru. These posters had a QR code with the message "40 per cent accepted here".

Once scanned, the QR code would take people to a parody "40 per cent Commission Government" website launched recently by Congress. If any, people would then be asked to file their complaints against the chief minister. However, the Karnataka government has dismissed the charges as politically motivated.

Earlier this month, a Congress worker was made to take off his t-shirt that featured the "PayCM" poster during the Bharat Jodo Yatra and an FIR has also been registered against him at the Chamarajanagar police station.

After which, Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar dared the state government on Sunday to act against him and former CM Siddaramaiah for wearing the "PayCM" t-shirt, alleging that several party workers were booked for wearing the same t-shirt during the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'.

"The government is sunk in 40% commission. All sections including farmers are suffering. On the one hand, there is corruption and unrest, on the other hand, there is the problem of farmers and unemployment. An atmosphere of fear has been created among the people," Shivakumar alleged.
New Delhi: Brijlal Khabri, the newly appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress president, took office at the party's state headquarters here on Saturday. The party's new regional leaders also took charge on the occasion, according to a tweet from the Uttar Pradesh Congress. "Newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Brijlal Khabri paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Ambedkar, and vowed to fight against the corrupt government," the newspaper wrote in Hindi.

"People from different walks of life and the party workers welcomed Khabri as his fleet moved from Jalaun to Lucknow. The enthusiasm among the workers was quite high," According to Ashok Singh, the party's state spokesperson. Priyanka Gupta, a Congress media panellist, said Khabri was warmly welcomed by the party's female workers as well. Senior Congress leaders Salman Khurshid and Pramod Tiwari, as well as former state Congress chief Ajay Kumar 'Lallu,' were present.

Also Read: Congress issues STRICT guidelines for presidential poll, DEBARS party office-bearers from...

Khabri's appointment is significant, especially in light of Lallu's removal in March following the party's worst-ever performance in the Assembly elections.

Also Read; 'Was not expecting support from big leaders': Shashi Tharoor after Kerala Congress chief sides with Kharge in polls

The Congress could win only two of the state's 403 Assembly seats this time, down from seven previously.

(Inputs from PTI)
Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday fulfilled his promise by rewarding free helicopter ride to toppers of classes 10 and 12 in Raipur's Police Parade Ground on Saturday. At least 125 meritorious students of Classes 10 and 12 board examinations in Chhattisgarh were felicitated and rewarded with a helicopter ride in Raipur on Saturday, an official said. The state and district-wise toppers of Classes 10 and 12 board examinations were given joyrides in a seven-seater helicopter in keeping with the announcement made by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, the PRO said.

#WATCH | Raipur, Chhattisgarh: Toppers of class 12 and class 10 were taken on a helicopter ride by the state govt as was promised by CM Bhupesh Baghel in May pic.twitter.com/gjHu8lGBKS October 8, 2022

This is for the first time that toppers of board examinations were being felicitated in such a unique manner, he said. A felicitation programme was organised at Police Parade Ground here, the official said.

Premsai Singh Tekam, the state minister said that the "programme is to encourage students as CM announced that students who would top in class 10 & 12 will be provided with a helicopter ride. That promise was fulfilled"

Raipur: We felt really good, it was for the first time that we had a helicopter ride. Other students will also be encouraged to perform well in their studies. Our parents were excited too, say students who were taken on a helicopter ride pic.twitter.com/OkJD45gSLw  ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) October 8, 2022

Earlier in May, the chief minister had announced that the top 10 meritorious students of Classes 10 and 12 board examinations will be rewarded with a helicopter ride.

Expressing gratitude, Varsha Dewangan of Raipur, who bagged the first rank in Raipur and 10th place in Chhattisgarh in the Class 12 board examination, said she was very excited during the ride and it was like a dream come true.

"It was a great pleasure and memorable moment for me to get a helicopter ride, as the place where I come from does not even have proper road connectivity and other facilities," said Devanand Kameti, a meritorious student of Class 10 from Naxalite-hit Narayanpur district.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: On the 90th-anniversary celebrations of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari announced that the government has approved the creation of a weapon system branch for the officers in the Force.

As quoted by ANI, while speaking at the IAF day celebrations, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said, "On this historic occasion, it's my privilege to announce that Govt has approved the creation of a weapon system branch for the officers in the Indian Air Force."

On this historic occasion, it's my privilege to announce that Govt has approved the creation of a weapon system branch for the officers in the Indian Air Force: IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, on the 90th-anniversary celebration of #IndianAirForce, in Chandigarh pic.twitter.com/0mVJR4gBbF  ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2022

In addition, he also spoke about the induction of Agniveers into the IAF. He said, "We've changed our operational training methodology to ensure that each Agniveer is equipped with the right skills&knowledge to start a career in IAF. In Dec this yr, we'd be inducting 3,000 Agniveer Vayu for initial training. This number will go up in the years to come."

"Induction of air warriors into #IndianAirForce through Agnipath scheme is a challenge for all of us. But more importantly, it's an opportunity for us to harness the potential of India's youth & channelise it towards service of the nation."

Also Read: Indian Air Force Day 2022: IAF celebrates 90 years - See schedule for the event!

Nearly 80 military aircraft and helicopters will participate later in the day in an Air Force Day fly-past at the Sukhna Lake complex in Chandigarh. The Indian Air Force is expected to put up a spectacular show with the range of aircraft at its disposal as part of the celebrations. It is for the first time that the IAF has decided to hold its annual Air Force Day parade and fly-past outside the Delhi-NCR.

President Droupadi Murmu and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will attend the aerial show at Sukhna Lake. Air Force Day marks the official induction of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1932.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said that women were not given representation in the Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao's Cabinet on the advice of some Tantriks. The Minister said that KCR, on the advice of Tantriks and numerologists, stopped going to the Secretariat, did not induct women for many years in his cabinet and now has changed party`s name to BRS on Tantrik`s advice.

"It was also stated that there will be social justice and women empowerment. But, for four years from 2014 to 2018, there was not a single woman minister in TRS government. Even after TRS`s re-election, there was no woman minister for almost a year. Apparently, women were not given representation in the Cabinet on the advice of some Tantriks," Sitharaman said.

Tantrik told KCR that women Ministers will bring bad luck, so he didn't appoint them in Cabinet

- Union Minister @nsitharaman



This is Shameful and disrespect towards all Women #KCRPracticesBlackMagic pic.twitter.com/xvqZXC98vw  BJP Telangana (@BJP4Telangana) October 8, 2022

In a reply to Finance Minister's Tantrik claims, Telangana Education Minister Sabitha Reddy said that there have been two woman ministers in the KCR cabinet for the last 3 yrs. It's embarrassing on your part that you are not informed on this basic information.

In a series of tweets, Reddy came down heavily on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

She tweeted, "Amma Nirmala Sitharaman garu, there are two women ministers in the TS Govt. Myself and my colleague Satyavathi Rathod have been serving the ppl of our state under the dynamic leadership of KCR garu for the last 3 yrs. It's embarrassing on your part that you are not informed on this basic information".

Amma @nsitharaman garu, there are two women ministers in the TS Govt. Myself and my colleague @SatyavathiTRS have been serving the ppl of our state under the dynamic leadership of KCR garu for the last 3 yrs. It's embarrassing on your part that you are not informed on this basic+ https://t.co/YKpnkWJrTb  SabithaReddy (@SabithaindraTRS) October 8, 2022

Meanwhile, adding to FM Sitharaman's remarks, the BJP Telangana unit tweeted, "Ur jump from Congress to TRS made difference. Until U came, women were banned in TS Cabinet by Tantric, which is what FM Smt Nirmala Sitharaman garu stated - no women representation in initial Cabinet expansions. Had u not put obligation of ministry, u wud be black magic toy of Tantric".

Ur jump from Congress to TRS made difference. Until U came, women were banned in TS Cabinet by Tantric, which is what FM Smt @nsitharaman garu stated - no women representation in initial Cabinet expansions. Had u not put obligation of ministry, u wud be black magic toy of Tantric https://t.co/yWWVO15naW  BJP Telangana (@BJP4Telangana) October 8, 2022

The Telangana Education Minister also lashed out at the BJP Telangana Unit for calling her 'black magic toy of Tantric' in one of its tweets.

She said, Thank you BJP Telangana and Nirmala Sitaraman garu. Calling me "BLACK MAGIC TOY" is evidence enough of your views and the respect you hold women in. Reminding you of facts and responsibilities is my fault.

Thank you @BJP4Telangana and @nsitharaman garu. Calling me "BLACK MAGIC TOY" is evidence enough of your views and respect you hold women in. Reminding you of facts and responsibilities is my fault https://t.co/e9V8JUiJDV  SabithaReddy (@SabithaindraTRS) October 8, 2022

"Narendra Modi garu is this what you and your party BJP teaches your cadre? Calling an elected public representative a TOY?", she said in another tweet.
New Delhi: Responding to the joint Press Conference of the Foreign ministers of Germany and Pakistan regarding Jammu and Kashmir, India said that global community members have a crucial role to play in calling out international terrorism and stressed on the fact that the foreign nationals have been its victim too. "All serious and conscientious members of the global community have a role and responsibility to call out international terrorism, especially of a cross-border nature. The Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has borne the brunt of such a terrorist campaign for decades. This continues till now. Foreign nationals have been victims there, as also in other parts of India. The UN Security Council and FATF are still pursuing Pakistan-based terrorists involved in the horrific 26/11 attacks", MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated in a press release.

Our response to media queries on comments regarding Jammu and Kashmir during recent joint press conference of the Foreign Ministers of Germany and Pakistanhttps://t.co/sZZ88zfQVa pic.twitter.com/K3hqhLZbjM  Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) October 8, 2022

Ministry of External Affairs added that when states do not recognize such dangers, they do grave injustice to the victims of terrorism. "When states do not recognise such dangers, either because of self-interest or indifference, they undermine the cause of peace, not promote it. They also do grave injustice to the victims of terrorism, the press release stated.

Also Read :'ALARMING': MEA slams Pakistan over 'increasing Indian prisoners death'

The sharp response from India comes after Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, Annalena Baerbock with her Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Berlin jointly addressed a press conference and mentioned Kashmir. "I truly believe that every country in the world has a role and responsibility for solving conflicts and for ensuring that we are living in a peaceful world. So, my call for peace doesn`t only count for Europe and the situation of the brutal war of Russia against Ukraine. But, this is also our responsibility to look at other regions with tensions or situations of war. Therefore, I really appreciate that we can have such close meetings and exchange of views with different actors in the world," said the German Foreign Minister.

"Germany also has a role and responsibility with regard to the situation of Kashmir. Therefore, we support intensively the engagement of the United Nations to find the peaceful solution in the regions," Baerbock said. "We see positive signals in these difficult times with regard to cross-border cooperation between Pakistan and India. We support all the engagements with regard to the ceasefire. We encourage Pakistan and India to follow the track of the Ceasefire to follow the track of the United Nations and intensity the political dialogue and political cooperation" she added.
Ahmedabad: The Gujarat police chief has ordered a probe into an incident where cops were caught on camera allegedly publicly flogging a few Muslim community members accused of hurling stones at garba dance participants in Kheda district, while a voluntary group has sent legal notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) over the issue. DGP Ashish Bhatia ordered the probe after videos of the flogging incident surfaced on social media and the authorities took cognisance of the widely circulated clips, officials said on Friday. Kapadvanj Deputy Superintendent of Police V N Solanki has been asked to conduct the inquiry and submit a report.

"Late last night, I was given the responsibility of conducting the inquiry into the incident. I will submit my report as soon as possible," Solanki told PTI.

However, he declined to provide details about the policemen allegedly involved in the flogging incident earlier this week. Seven persons, including a policeman, were injured after a mob comprising members of the Muslim community allegedly hurled stones at a garba dance event organised as part of Navratri celebrations at Undhela village of Kheda district on Monday night. The attackers objected to the event being organised near a mosque. The next day, videos surfaced purportedly showing police personnel publicly flogging three of the 13 accused arrested in the stone pelting case with a baton by holding them against an electric pole at an intersection in Undhela village. Of the 13 alleged attackers arrested for stone pelting, police had sought the remand of three.

A court in Kheda on Wednesday sent them to two-day police remand, while 10 others were sent to jail under judicial custody. According to the public prosecutor, two of the accused complained to the judge regarding the police action, following which the judge ordered their medical examination.

The viral video clips purportedly showed three men being brought out of a police van near the event venue on Tuesday before being taken towards an electric pole and held against it by a policeman, who pulled their hands. Another policeman can be seen hitting them below the waist with a baton. The images showed the alleged attackers apologising to the people gathered at the spot with folded hands after policemen asked them to do so. People present in a large number at the site cheered the police action.

The sarpanch (head) of Undhela village had organised the garba dance event at a temple and a mob from the Muslim community tried to stop it since it was being held near a mosque, police had said earlier. The temple and the mosque are located in close proximity. The police later registered a first information report (FIR), saying a mob of 150 people, including women, attacked the group performing garba (traditional Gujarati dance), with stones. Meanwhile, a voluntary organisation in Gujarat has sent legal notices to the Chief Secretary and the DGP over the flogging incident.

Convenor of the Minority Coordination Committee (MCC) Mujahid Nafees issued contempt notices to the officers. Through the legal notices dated Thursday (October 6), the MCC has urged the state government to take "appropriate and suitable departmental, disciplinary, punitive and criminal action against the erring police officials forthwith who have openly violated all rights of the victims by way of flogging".

Nafees said if no action was initiated, he will be constrained to initiate suitable legal action against the erring police officials and the respondents. "Those who were flogged belong to the minority Muslim community. Despite the atrocity at the behest of the police personnel having been widely reported, no action has been taken/initiated till date in complete violation of all rights of those flogged," stated the identical legal notices, sent through lawyer Anand Yagnik.

"Such open and brazen violation is not only against the protected right under Article 21, but against the whole constitutional spirit of a civilized society," the organisation stated. The alleged stone-pelting incident does not justify the flogging by police personnel to quell the hurt sentiments of the majority population of the village, it said. The police personnel responsible for the flogging incident are bound by the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and have no right to physically hit or intimidate anyone. There is no section in any police manual or the Indian Penal Code that allows police to indiscriminately assault citizens, the outfit said.
Kutch (Gujarat): The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in a joint operation seized 50 kg heroin valued at Rs 350 crore in the international market from a Pakistani boat off the state coast. The ICG and Gujarat ATS also arrested six Pakistani crew members from the boat named Al Sakar in Indian waters close to the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the Arabian Sea. The boat is being further investigated at the port of Jakhau in Gujarat.

Taking to Twitter the Indian Coast Guard said, "In a joint Ops with ATS Gujarat, the Indian Coast Guard apprehended Pakistani Boat Al Sakar with 06 crew in Indian waters of ArabianSea carrying about 50 Kgs heroin worth approx. 350 Cr. The boat is being brought to Jakhau for further investigation."

In a joint Ops with ATS #Gujarat, @IndiaCoastGuard apprehended #Pakistani Boat Al Sakar with 06 crew in Indian waters of #ArabianSea carrying about 50 Kgs heroin worth approx 350 Cr. Boat being brought to #Jakhau for further investigation. @DefenceMinIndia @narcoticsbureau October 8, 2022

Also Read: NCB, Indian Navy seize 200 kg of heroine worth crores from Iranian boat in Kochi, six held

"During midnight, a Pakistani boat was observed moving suspiciously in Indian waters, 5 nm inside notional IMBL and 40 nm from Jakhau. On being challenged, the Pakistani boat started evasive manoeuvring. However, both ships intercepted the Pakistani boat and forced it to stop. On boarding the boat, thorough rummaging was undertaken during which 50 kg of narcotics, believed to be heroin, was found concealed in five gunny bags.

This is the sixth such joint operation by the ICG and ATS, Gujarat in the last year and the second such operation in less than a month when 40 kg of drugs was seized from a Pakistani boat on September 14.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: The Indian Air Force will celebrate 90 years of excellence on Indian Air Force Day on Saturday (Oct 8). The Indian Air Force Day ceremony will take place over Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh. The celebrations will begin at 9 am beginning with a band march and parade contingent.

Later, it will be followed by the marching in of the IAF Colours. This is followed by the arrival of AOC-in-C of Western Air Command. Then the Chief of the Air Staff Vivek Ram Chaudhari will arrive; he is expected to unveil the new combat uniform for Air Force personnel on the day.

Painting the sky IAF blue!



Glimpses from the Full Dress Rehearsal of the Flypast practice for the upcoming Air Force Day celebrations.



Watch it LIVE here from 9:00 am onwards on 08 Oct 22.



- AVM PS Karkare, Gp Capt KD Beri pic.twitter.com/8j5uxe6If6  Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) October 6, 2022

Several captivating flypasts will take place such as the Rudra formation of ALH Mk IV. This will be followed by a speech at the Chief of the Air Staff and then the national anthem.

90 years of Indian Air Force.



Detailed planning, precision and coordination : the three major requirements for a good flypast.



IAF preparations are in full swing for the aerial symphony on 08 Oct 22 over Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh.



- AVM PS Karkare pic.twitter.com/DVmN3eL2tG October 5, 2022

This will be followed by the colours march-off parade. There will also be a demonstration by the Mechanical Transport team of vehicle dismantling and reassembly in a short period of time. This is followed by a performance by the Air Warrior Drill Team.

Toward the end, the CAS will unveil the new combat uniform for the IAF.
New Delhi: In a strong endorsement of Shashi Tharoor in the Congress presidential election, party MP Karti Chidambaram said on Saturday that the former diplomat's pragmatic modernism, combined with his appeal beyond the party, is critical in combating the BJP's "divisive politics." Chidambaram also stated that business as usual will not help Congress and that the party urgently needs reformist thinking. "Shashi Tharoor is my choice for Congress President. His pragmatic modernism, combined with his appeal outside the party, is critical in combating the BJP's divisive politics "Tamil Nadu's Sivaganga MP stated. "Status quo and business as usual won't help our party. There's an urgent need for reformist thinking in our party," Chidambaram was one of the proposers who signed Tharoor's nomination forms for the Congress presidential elections.

Responding to a social media user who claimed Tharoor embodies everything the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promotes as "English-enabled privileged elitism," Chidambaram questioned when language proficiency became a disadvantage and liability.

Also Read: 'Was not expecting support from big leaders': Shashi Tharoor after Kerala Congress chief sides with Kharge in polls

"Shashi Tharoor appeals to an audience well beyond the party faithful. Congress needs that now. His success is due to his own academic achievements, which aspirational India admires," he stated. Tharoor will face veteran Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge from Karnataka for the party's top position.

Also Read: Will Priyanka Gandhi contest Congress President election? Sonia Gandhi adds FUEL to the discussion after THIS

On October 17, Congress will vote for a new president. On October 19, the results will be announced. It will be the first time in over 24 years that a non-Gandhi has led the party.
New Delhi: In a first, Kashmiri victims of cross-border terror addressed United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) event which has been welcomed by India. Tasleema and Shuaib highlighted the plight of the terror victims, especially Kashmiri women. Addressing the sideline event, Tasleema said, "I have witnessed many close family members being brutally murdered by terrorists" highlighting, "we remain unacknowledged." Both Tasleema and Shuaib have worked and documented the plight of many of the victims at the grassroots level.

Shuaib explained, " like my family, the valley has witnessed thousands of innocent lives being lost at the hands of terrorism in 3 decades....It is more challenging for a women victim to speak about exploitation". Shuaib's father was killed by terrorists.

He said, "family of the victim of cross border terrorism continue to live in fear and threat. I have a strong faith in the international community, role to address these challenges.". He also showed a film highlighting the plight of victims.

Also Read: 'Grave injustice to the victims of terrorism': India slams Pakistan, Germany for remarks on Jammu and Kashmir

Meanwhile, welcoming the development, Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, in response to a question at a daily presser said, "we talk about terrorism in this way very dispassionately, I think directly listening to the victims makes a difference and it is a good step that the council can hear them directly, the victims of terrorism", adding, "I can't express what impact it will have right now, but it is important that a human face is given to the victims of terrorism, and they are not just numbers or figures."
New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said there was no intention of making Hindi alone the national language and threaten the identity of regional languages like Kannada. Rahul Gandhi said this during his interaction with representatives of many educational institutions and teachers on Friday.

"There was a discussion with Rahul Gandhi about the identity of Kannada. Then, he said everyone's mother tongue is important. We respect all languages. Everyone has a right in the Constitution," said senior leader of the party and former Minister Priyank Kharge to reporters while briefing them on the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi ties mother Sonias shoelaces during Bharat Jodo Yatra, picture of mother-son bond breaks internet

"Therefore, he (Rahul Gandhi) clearly stated that there was no intention of making Hindi alone the national language and threatening the identity of your language (Kannada)," said Kharge, who is also Congress's State media cell in-charge.

He said those who participated in the interaction confirmed that they were not related to the Congress party, but were participating in the yatra to save the Constitution.

Rajeev Gowda, chairman of AICC Research Department, said most of the participants in the interaction raised the issue of problems in the education sector since the BJP government has come into power and the implementation of NEP (National Education Policy).
Guwahati: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday, October 8, 2022, asserted that Assam and the Northeastern region marched ahead in the path of peace and development during the last eight years of BJP rule under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Seventy years of Congress since independence had pushed the North East to violence and anarchy while during the last eight years, Modi's leadership helped the region join with the mainstream, Shah claimed after inaugurating the new party office here.

The BJP government has established peace in Assam with 9,000 people laying down arms, he said. The prime minister has trebled the budget for the NE region, which has ushered in infrastructural developments in all sectors, the senior BJP leader said. Referring to the new party office, Shah said, "BJP offices are not buildings of brick and mortar alone but reflect the dedication, emotion, commitment and hard work of party workers".

Earlier, Shah along with BJP president J P Nadda inaugurated the party's new headquarters in the presence of Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, state party head Bhabesh Kalita, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and others.

Also Read: Amit Shah, JP Nadda in Assam today, will inaugurate biggest BJP office in northeastern region

The leaders then went through all floors of the six-storeyed building named after former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. Nadda also virtually laid the foundation stones of nine district party offices while Shah pressed the remote to do the same for 102 BJP regional offices in the state.
Chandigarh: As part of the ongoing war against anti-social elements launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Police have arrested three more members of the drone-based arms/ammunition smuggling module and recovered a fresh cache of sophisticated arms and ammunition from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday. A total of five members of this module have been arrested so far. Those arrested have been identified as Surinder Singh of village Barwala in Tarn Taran, Harchand Singh and Gursahib Singh, both residents of Valtoha in Amritsar. The Police have recovered Rs 1.01 crores cash, 500 grams of heroin, 17 pistols along with 400 live cartridges, one MP-4 rifle along with 300 live cartridges, two weighing machines and two currency counting machines from their possession.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Police team from Counter Intelligence Amritsar had arrested two members of this module including a prisoner identified as Jaskaran Singh and his aide Rattanbir Singh, after recovering 10 foreign-made pistols from locations pinpointed by them, taking the total recovery of pistols to 27.

Divulging details, DGP Gaurav Yadav said that during investigations it came out from Jaskaran Singh and Rattanbir Singh that their associate Surinder had picked up the consignment of arms/ammunition that was previously smuggled by them with the help of drones from Pakistan. Following inputs, Police managed to arrest Surinder on Friday and recovered 10 pistols along with six magazines and 100 live cartridges from his possession, he added.

Also Read: 'Caste system, Varna a thing of past': RSS chief Mohan Bhagwant

He said that after investigations revealed that Surinder, on the directions of Jaskaran Singh, used to pick consignments from Rattanbir to further deliver them to two brothers Harchand and Gursahib, the Police teams have also arrested them. The Police have recovered the remaining part of the consignment from their possession which includes seven Pistols, one MP-4 Rifle and 500 grams of heroin, besides, Rs 1.01 crore cash, Weighing machines and currency counting machines from their possession.

The DGP said that further investigations are on to determine the other consignments from Pakistan, which may have been retrieved by this module for further delivery to unidentified persons for the commission of anti-national activities, he added.

AIG Counter Intelligence Amritsar Amarjit Singh Bajwa said that during investigations, accused Jaskaran confessed that he is in contact with a Pakistan-based smuggler identified as Asif, who used to deliver the consignment of narcotics and arms/ammunition from Pakistan using a drone and Rattanbir used to retrieve them on his directions.

Meanwhile, a case FIR No. 30 dated 04.10.2022 had already been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station SSOC Amritsar.
Varanasi: Condemning Rahul Gandhi`s statement against Savarkar and Sangh, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Indresh Kumar on Saturday said the Congress MP is known for speaking out of fact and it is a form of his frustration over failure in politics.

Speaking to ANI, Kumar said, "Rahul Gandhi`s statement on Savarkar and RSS is full of lies. It has become a fashion of Congress to level false allegations against RSS and Savarkar. Savarkar was a freedom fighter and the Britishers had put him under life imprisonment. Rahul Gandhi should stop lying."

"Congress had divided the country. Nehru was the one who supported the British in the partition of India. They are actually the Nehru family, not the Gandhi family. Rahul Gandhi is known for speaking out of fact. This is a form of frustration of Rahul Gandhi`s failure in politics," added the Congress leader.

Rahul Gandhi who is leading Congress` Bharat Jodo Yatra said in a rally in Karnataka that Savarkar used to work for the British in the freedom struggle and he used to get money for it. The Congress MP further alleged that RSS also supported the British Raj.

Gandhi held an interaction with the masses as the Bharat Jodo Yatra resumed from Mayasandra, Tumakuru in Karnataka on Saturday and said that the party believes in fighting against those who spread hatred.

The Congress leader also jibed at the opposition and said, "I have always stood for a certain idea, that disturbs the BJP and RSS. Thousands of crores of media money and energy have been spent to shape me in a way which is untruthful and wrong. That will continue as that machine is financially rich and well-oiled."

According to Congress, the `Bharat Jodo Yatra` is being held to combat the divisive politics of the BJP-led Centre and to awaken the people of the country to the dangers of economic inequalities, social polarisation and political centralisation.

The yatra is in its Karnataka leg and marked its 31st day today.

Notably, all the party MPs, leaders and workers along with Rahul Gandhi are staying in containers. Sleeping beds, toilets and ACs are also installed in some of the containers. During the journey, the temperature and environment will differ in many areas.

The Congress suffered a debacle in the assembly polls held earlier this year and the Yatra is seen as an attempt to rally the party rank and file for the upcoming electoral battles.
New Delhi: According to police, four people were killed in a gas cylinder explosion here on Saturday, including three children. Sixteen other people were injured in the accident and are being treated at MGH Hospital. District Collector Himanshu Gupta has ordered an investigation and promised that anyone found to be responsible will be prosecuted by the law. According to ACP (Mandore) Rajendra Prasad Diwakar, at about 2 p.m. on Saturday, several LPG cylinders exploded in a house in the Kirti Nagar area.

Rajasthan | Four persons died and 16 got injured in a gas cylinder explosion in the Kirti Nagar area of Jodhpur pic.twitter.com/x9x0jyl0cw October 8, 2022

"The cylinders were stored in the home of one Bhomaram Lohar, a supplier," Diwakar explained, adding that the cause of the explosion was still unknown. He went on to say that the explosion happened while the cylinders were being refilled. "Three children and an elderly man were severely burned and died on the spot. Sixteen more people were taken to the hospital. Some of them are in critical condition "Diwakar continued.

Following the explosion, the house caught fire and a portion of it collapsed, causing panic in the surrounding area. The explosion also damaged two motorcycles and a vehicle used to transport the cylinders. Four dozen cylinders were recovered from the house during the rescue operation.

After hearing the news, administrative officials and public representatives rushed to the location. They also went to the hospital to meet with the injured and directed the administration to give them the best care possible.

(With PTI Inputs)
New York: Eight-month-old Aroohi Dheri was left for dead and died of exposure in a remote farm area in the US where her parents and uncle were killed, according to a family spokesperson. ABC30 TV station said that according to the spokesperson, she "was left for dead and died from exposure". Dheri, her parents Jasleen Kaur and Jasdeep Singh, and her uncle Amandeep Singh were kidnapped on Monday from the family's trucking business in Merced, California, and their bodies were discovered on Wednesday in the remote area of a farm.



Jesus Manuel Salgado, a former convict who was seen in a video taking away the four victims, was formally charged with four murders and kidnappings and booked into the Merced County jail on Thursday, according to the Sheriff`s Office. The Los Angeles Times reported on Friday that according to Sukhdeep Singh, a brother of Jasdeep and Amandeep, the accused murderer had worked for the family's company, Unison Trucking.



ABC30 said that according to the family spokesperson, whom it did not name, they had "parted ways" after a disagreement. Jesus Manuel Salgado's brother, Alberto, was arrested on Thursday evening "for criminal conspiracy, accessory, and destroying evidence", the Sheriff`s Office said. The perpetrator was taken into custody on Tuesday after he had attempted suicide and was taken to a hospital.



Merced Country Sheriff Vernon Warnke said that his family had reported to authorities that he had said he was involved in the kidnapping and before officers reached him, he had harmed himself. Officials had been alerted to the kidnapping when Amandeep Singh's truck was found burning and his family could not reach the victims. A chilling surveillance video from outside the trucking business showed Jasdeep Singh and Amandeep Singh first being led away at gunpoint and the kidnapper returning to take Jasleen Kaur and the baby.



The city of Merced started four days of evening candlelight vigils on Thursday (October 6) in memory of the family. It also issued a statement that "Merced stands with the Sikh community". Jesus Salgado had been convicted of a 2005 armed robbery of a family and sent to jail. He was released on parole in 2015.

The Los Angeles Times said that the case also involved another family that ran a trucking business for whom he had worked. Jesus Salgado was fired in 2004 because the family suspected him of stealing money, a mother and daughter from that family who were identified only as Kathy and Katrina told the newspaper. He had rounded up the family and visiting friends at gunpoint and made the mother open the family safe, emptied and even demanded her wedding ring, they recalled. He took them to the backyard pool and made them jump into it before fleeing, they said.

(Disclaimer: Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Zee News staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi: The WHO's recent alert linking cough syrups manufactured by an Indian pharmaceutical firm to the deaths of children in Gambia is "alarming" and there are some missing links that need to be "investigated", an expert said on Saturday.

The World Health Organisation on Wednesday issued an alert, saying four "contaminated" and "substandard" cough syrups produced by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited could be the reason for the deaths in the West African nation.

The four products are Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup and Magrip N Cold Syrup.

"The information from WHO that cough syrups manufactured by an Indian pharma company caused the death of 66 children due to the presence of ethylene glycol is alarming.

"There are, however, some missing links that need to be carefully ascertained and investigated," said Professor Y K Gupta, senior pharmacologist and vice chairman of the Standing National Committee on Medicines (SNCM).

Dr Gupta said the first death suspected to be due to the same reason was noted in July.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) received a communication from WHO on September 29 and the Indian government and the drug regulator immediately swung into action.

The letter was responded to instantly by seeking full details. Despite October 1 being a Sunday and October 2 being a national holiday, investigations were initiated, Dr Gupta explained.

"It is important to understand here that only new drug approval is granted by DCGI whereas license for manufacture and sale is given by state drug controller.

"In this case, the license for manufacture and sale was given by the state drug controller. The company was licensed to export only to this one country and not in any other country or in the Indian domestic market," he told PTI.

The other missing link is that of the 23 samples which were tested by WHO, ethylene glycol was found only in four samples, Dr Gupta said adding, "This is perplexing and needs clarification."

"Also, the importing country gets it tested as per defined standards or their pharmacopeia. It seems this was somehow missed," he said.

Indian regulations are very robust and have a zero tolerance policy in such matters. So one should not question the alertness of regulators, he said.

The Indian pharma sector is producing drugs and vaccines which are used throughout the world and they are known for quality, and people trust them, he stated.

Such isolated incidence must be thoroughly investigated and action should be taken but they must not be generalized and allowed to cast a bad shadow on the entire drug manufacturer in India, Dr Gupta added.
New Delhi: The internet sensation Anjali Arora, who shot to fame with the viral song Kacha Badam recently got trolled for wearing a revealing dress. The Lock Upp fame star shared some videos of her wearing a cleavage showing red short midi attire, looking super hot.

Anjali teased the videos sharing information about her new song Sajna Hai Mujhe which was released today on October 6, 2022. Anjali is quite popular on social media with over 11 million followers on Instagram alone. Recently, she featured in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa music video titled 'Saiyyan Di Mein Aana Re' which was released on August 10, 2022.

Digital content creator Anjali Arora shot to fame with her dance video of the Kacha Badam song. However, recently she made headlines for an alleged MMS viral clip which surfaced online.

The private video went viral and many assumed that the girl in it is Anjali, however, looks like that's not the case. Later, breaking her silence on the alleged intimate video leak, Anjali Arora while talking to Siddharth Kanan, spoke about it. She revealed such things affect her and her family.
New Delhi: Paras Kalnawat and Uorfi Javed used to date each other in past, however, they broke up in 2017. Recently, the two bumped into each other at 'Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 10' launch party following which it was reported that both even had an argument at the event.

Now, while talking to ETimes, Paras talked about the same and revealed what happened when they met at the launch party. He said, "We didnt fight at the party. In fact, she walked up to me and spoke to me nicely. People assumed that we were screaming at each other because the music was too loud and we had to literally shout to be heard. She even uploaded a story on her Instagram praising my performance on JDJ."

"I harbour no ill feelings against Urfi. I dated her for six months around five years ago. Though it was short-lived, it was my first relationship. So, I obviously went gaga over her. I was just 19 then. But it ended and I moved on. As long as people who matter to me know me, and I know myself as a person, being called possessive doesnt affect me. I have many female friends because they know that I wont ever overstep the line. I dont know what was going on in Urfis life when she said that about me. Also, I dont worry about the past. I prefer to live in the present," he added.

Concluding the conversation, Paras said, "Today, we are cordial and respect each other. I message her when I am in doubt. I take suggestions from her. Both of us are in a good space in life."
NEW DELHI: To raise the ever-rising anticipation of the audience, the makers have dropped the posters of the two most dynamic, versatile and confident women from the film: 'Amruta Khanvilkar' as Sonabai Deshpande and Sayli Sanjeev as Maharani Sai Bai Bhosale.

Since the motion poster of ZEE Studios' upcoming film 'Har Har Mahadev' has come out, it has ignited a new kind of fire amongst the audience to witness the story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj like never been seen before.

Amruta Khanvilkar plays the role of Sonabai Deshpande, who is out and out a fighter, a fierce woman whose eyes speak louder than words; she is the strength of her husbands armour. She is wedded to Baji Prabhu Deshpande and plays a vital role in lending resilience to her spouse. Sayli Sanjeev, who plays Maharani Sai Bai Bhosale, wife of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is not in the best of her health but is the biggest muscle behind the force that Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is.

Both the queens are diligent in their ways, and watching their journey unravel in the film is the most exciting semblance to watch.

Moreover, this first Marathi Multilingual film is set for its release this Diwali and looking at the teaser. We can guarantee it would be a whole new kind of experience to watch this cinematic wonder in the theatres.

Produced by ZEE Studios, Shri Ganesh Marketing and Films, and Directed by Abhijeet Deshpande. The film stars Subodh Bhave, Sharad Kelkar, Sayli Sanjeev, and Amruta khanvilkar in the leads. The film is all set to hit the theatres on 25th October 2022.
New Delhi: Garena Free Fire releases redeem codes on an everyday basis. The 12-digit redeem code consists of alphabets and numbers. Players can get rewards such as skins for in-game weapons and characters to improve their gaming experience.

ALSO READ | Flipkart delivers iPhone 14 instead of iPhone 13 in delivery; Twitterati react

Garena Free fire is banned in India. However, if you are located outside India, you can access the reward codes and redeem them. For that you will be required to visit official Garena Free Fire reward site and log in to your Facebook, Google, and Twitter IDs to access the Free Fire redemption page.

Check out the Garena Free Fire Redeem Codes for October 08, 2022

FFTILM659NZB

ESX24ADSM4K

3IBBMSL7AK8G

FFPLNZUWMALS

YXY3EGTLHGJX

FEDBGOWPNHJX

TDK4JWN6RD6

HHNAT6VKQ9R7

WD2ATK3ZEA55

HFNSJ6W74Z48

ALSO READ | Airtel 5G launch: Step-by-Step guide to activate 5G service on YOUR smartphone

How to Redeem Garena Free Fire codes for today, October 08, 2022

Step 1: Go to the official Garena Free Fire redemption portal



Step 2: Log in on the portal with either your Facebook, Twitter, Apple, Google, VK, or Huawei ID.



Step 3: Enter a redeem code in the designated text box.



Step 4: Click on the Ok button to get free rewards in your game account.

(Disclaimer: Garena Free fire is banned in India. Hence we advise people to adhere to government rules)
New Delhi: Google's premium smartphone series Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro will be around 15-21 per cent costlier in India compared to other countries, according to the prices revealed by the company. The company has started pre-booking the Pixel 7 at Rs 59,999 (USD 729.36) and Pixel 7 Pro at Rs 84,999 (USD 1033.27) on the e-commerce portal Flipkart. The devices would be available from October 13.

ALSO READ | Dearness Allowance Hike: THIS state increases the DA of its employees by 4%

"Powered by Google's next-generation Tensor G2 processor and shipping with Android 13, the Pixel 7 is priced at anP of Rs 59,999 and the Pixel 7 Pro is priced at anP of Rs 84,999. Both devices will be available for purchase starting October 13," Google said in a statement.

ALSO READ | Google Pixel 7 series, Pixel watch and more Pixel products launched; Check out prices, specs and other details - In PICS

The company has launched Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro at a global price of USD 599 and USD 899 respectively. When asked about the Pixel series being sold at a higher price compared to other countries, a Google spokesperson said, "We determine local pricing based on a number of factors, including local taxes and customs duties. We believe the pricing reflects the value of our premium phones, the high-end hardware specs, and the best-in-class AI-powered software experience."

Google has not disclosed its mobile phone manufacturing location. Google claims Pixel comes with all-day battery life which is based on a test done using a median Pixel user battery usage profile across a mix of talk, data, standby and use of other features. The Pixel 7 series will come with speech recognition technology that will enable the phone to transcribe audio messages on Google's Messages app which will help users read them as soon as they receive them.

According to market research firm IDC, the premium segment of over USD 500 was the highest-growing segment with 83 per cent growth on year-over-year basis in India, contributing 6 per cent of the market in the second quarter of 2022. TechArc chief Analyst, Faisal Kawoosa said that irrespective of phones being made in India or not, the brands have to make them for India and pricing is one key aspect that will amplify it.

"Google Pixel should have priced it appropriately for India market to make an impact which could also give them volumes later to make phones in India. The key to 5G success is going to be affordability across all segments," Kawoosa said.

He said Google also needs to go aggressive about Pixel and work hard on its awareness and visibility. "If Google does this rightly, we can expect Pixel to be a strong contender in the premium space only next to Samsung and OnePlus in the Android segment," Kawoosa said. The premium smartphone segment has shown huge growth during the recent festive season.

E-commerce firm Flipkart has recorded 70 per cent growth in sales of premium mobile phones during the eight-day long festive season sale which ended on September 30. Premium mobile phones costing Rs 20,000 and upwards comprised almost 50 per cent of the total mobile sales and more than 44 per cent of the buyers of premium mobile phones came from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Tech giant Google is in trouble again as the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered a fresh detailed probe against it for alleged unfair revenue-sharing terms with respect to news content. The order came in a case filed by the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA). The CCI will be clubbing this case with two other ongoing cases against Google where the allegations are substantially the same.

The first case against Google was filed in January this year by the Digital News Publishers Association in which the CCI ordered a probe against Google. Later, another case was filed by the Indian Newspaper Society and the same was clubbed with the first case.

The CCI said in a release that its probe division Director General (DG) will submit a consolidated investigation report for all three cases.

Also Read: PNG prices hiked by Rs 3 per scm in Delhi, Gurugram, other neighbouring regions; IGL raises CNG rates too

The News Broadcasters & Digital Association alleged in its complaint that its members are forced to provide their news content to Google to prioritise their web links in the Search Engine Result Page (SERP) of Google and Google free rides on the content without giving the content providers adequate compensation.

The NBDA also alleged that the search giant exploits the dependency of the members on Google for referral traffic to build services such as Google News, Google Discover and Google Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP).

The NBDA claimed that the revenue distributed by Google to news publishers doesn't compensate them for their real contribution to these platforms.

The complaint has been filed against Alphabet Inc, Google LLC, Google India Pvt Ltd, Google Ireland Ltd and Google Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. The association consists of national and regional private news and current affairs broadcasters and digital news media entities as its members.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: The popular show Bigg Boss has reached to its 16th season and fans are loving it. This time, many things have changed including 'Weekend Ka Vaar.' Salman Khan will now host the show on Friday and Saturday BUT there's a twist.

On Sunday, in place of Salman, famous TV star Shekhar Suman will be seen hosting the controversial reality show Bigg Boss 16 at 9:30 pm.

Makers revealed Shekhar's entry in the show will a blockbuster promo. In the video, Suman can be seen taking his mask off and saying that he will reveal everyone's real faces.

Shekhar Suman is a well-known comedian, host and anchor. This is a new twist to the show that no one saw coming. What will happen on Sundays is a true mystery that will unveil tomorrow. Till then keep watching this space for more updates.
USA: Police in Stockton, California, released surveillance video footage of a person sought for questioning in connection with a string of six murders and said the crimes could be the work of a serial killer "on a mission." The cases, which have left residents of the Northern California city on edge, have been linked by forensic ballistics evidence, Stockton Police Chief Stanley McFadden told a news conference. The shootings took place between April 10 and Sept. 27. Six victims were killed and a seventh survived her injuries.

"We don't know what the motive is. What we do believe is that it's mission-oriented. This person is on a mission," McFadden said. The chief said it was not clear what the victims, who included both men and women and ranged in age from 21 to 54, have in common. All but one were attacked in the Stockton area with the exception of a 46-year-old woman shot in Oakland who was the lone survivor.

Surveillance camera footage released by the Stockton Police Department showed a man who McFadden described as a "person of interest" from behind as he walked through the hallway of an apartment building or motel.

McFadden said detectives did not have evidence tying the man seen in the video to the shootings but wanted to speak to him as part of their investigation.

He asked members of the public watching the footage to pay attention to the man's "uneven stride" and unusually upright posture. A reward of $125,000 has been offered for information leading to an arrest.

Stockton is a city of more than 300,000 people in California's central valley, about 60 miles east of San Francisco.
Kathmandu: Nepal`s President Bidhya Devi Bhandari has been admitted to Tribhuwan University Hospital after her health deteriorated. The 61-year-old President was hospitalised after she developed cold-like symptoms and fever, Bhesh Raj Adhikari, President`s Secretary confirmed to ANI.

"She had been experiencing issues in her health since Friday. She has been admitted to the Teaching Hospital. Tests are being run and reports are expected," Adhikari told ANI over phone.

Bhandari, the first woman President of the Himalayan country was first elected to the post in 2015 succeeding second term in 2018. Her second tenure is set to expire early next year.

President Bhandari was last seen on Vijaydashmi on Wednesday on the lawns of her official residence, Sheetal Niwas where she offered `tika` and `prasad` to her family members and distinguished persons.

Meanwhile, this September, the apex court of Nepal issued a show cause notice to the office of President Bidhya Devi Bhandari for not authenticating the citizenship bill passed by both the lower and upper houses of the country`s Parliament.

A single bench of Justice Hari Prasad Phuyal ordered the President`s Office to submit the reason for not authenticating the bill to the Supreme Court, within 15 days.

The petitioners have claimed President Bhandari did not fulfil the constitutional obligation as per Act 113 (4) of the Constitution of Nepal seeking a mandamus from the apex court.

The petitioners also have claimed that the President doesn`t have the right of discretion as per the constitution and also have asked the verdict from the court over the case to be set as precedent.

This followed after Bhandari let the deadline for authenticating Citizenship Bill sent by the Federal Parliament pass. President`s political advisor Lalbabu Yadav confirmed that Bhandari has refused to authenticate the bill "in order to safeguard the constitution."
Kharkiv: Russian authorities said that a truck bomb on Saturday caused a fire and the collapse of a section of a bridge linking Russia-annexed Crimea with Russia - a key supply artery for Moscow's faltering war effort in southern Ukraine.

The attack on the bridge comes a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin turned 70, dealing him a humiliating blow that could lead him to up the ante in his war on Ukraine.

Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee said that the truck bomb caused seven railway cars carrying fuel to catch fire, resulting in a "partial collapse of two sections of the bridge."

Explosion on the #Kerch bridge which connects Russia to Crimea. Part of structure has collapsed. pic.twitter.com/wOntlXUvUh October 8, 2022

The committee didn't immediately apportion blame.

The Crimean Peninsula holds symbolic value for Russia and is key to sustaining its military operations in the south. If the bridge is made inoperable, it would make it significantly more challenging to ferry supplies to the peninsula.

While Russia seized the areas north of Crimea early during the invasion and built a land corridor to it along the Sea of Azov, Ukraine is pressing a counteroffensive to reclaim them.
Moscow: Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu on Saturday appointed Army General. Sergey Surovikin to command the joint group of forces involved in the Ukraine war. "Army General Sergey Surovikin has been appointed to command the joint group of forces in the area of the special military operation in Ukraine based on the Russian defence minister`s decision," reported TASS quoting Defense Ministry Spokesman Lieutenant General Igor Konashekov telling reporters. He earlier served as Commander of Russia`s Eastern Military District and led Russian troops in Syria, reported TASS. Notably, Russia recently annexed four regions of Ukraine - Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. The war between Russia and Ukraine appears to be entering a new phase after Kyiv dealt a big blow to Moscow`s grip after it recaptured 2,400 square kilometres of territory in the Kherson region in the south of the country "since the beginning of the full-scale war," a senior Ukrainian official said Friday, reported CNN.

Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the president`s office said six settlements had been liberated in the Kherson district as well as 61 in the Beryslav district. Tymoshenko said the evacuation of civilians continued amid massive destruction to critical infrastructure in towns like Arkhanhelske, Vysokopillia and Osokorivka, all of which saw weeks of heavy fighting and indirect fire. Demining is in progress, he added.

Also Read: 'Have I been told by anyone to stop buying Russian oil? The answer is..': Hardeep Singh Puri

Ukrainian forces have been making steady progress in Kherson since beginning an offensive at the end of last month, and their successes have sparked rare criticism of Moscow`s war effort among pro-Russian figures.

Also Read: Russian rockets slam into Ukrainian city near nuclear plant

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised his forces` counteroffensive in his evening address on Tuesday. "The Ukrainian army is making a rather fast and powerful advance in the south of our country in the course of the ongoing defensive operation," Zelenskyy said in his evening address." Our warriors do not stop. And it is only a matter of time before we will expel the occupier from all our land."
San Francisco: A man arrested in connection with the kidnapping and killings of four Indian-origin Sikh family members, including a baby girl, used to work for their trucking business and had a longstanding feud with them that got "pretty nasty" and led to their senseless murder, authorities and a relative said.

The bodies of 36-year-old Jasdeep Singh, 27-year-old Jasleen Kaur, their eight-month-old child Aroohi Dheri and the baby's uncle, 39-year-old Amandeep Singh were found on Wednesday evening in a rural orchard in the US state of California after they were kidnapped at gunpoint on Monday.

Also Read: US: DISTURBING! CCTV footage of INDIAN origin family kidnapped at gunpoint, later found DEAD- WATCH

Authorities said they were kidnapped from the family's trucking business in the central California city of Merced, and parts of the kidnapping were captured on surveillance video.

Jesus Manuel Salgado, 48, was formally arrested late on Thursday on four counts of murder and four counts of kidnapping in the case, Merced County sheriff's spokesperson Alexandra Britton said.

Police said, Salgado, a convicted felon, tried killing himself before being taken into custody on Tuesday.

"The primary suspect in the kidnapping and murder, Salgado, is a former employee who used to drive for the victim's trucking company. They had a disagreement and parted ways," a relative of the deceased family was quoted as saying by the NBC Bay Area television station.

The relative also said that baby Aroohi Dheri was left for dead and died from exposure.

Warnke also said that he believes there might be a second person involved in the kidnapping and killings, but investigators are still collecting evidence.

"If that person is watching, might as well turn yourself in," Warnke said.

"Our detectives are like bulldogs. They're not going to give up. Once we find or determine that there was in fact a second person, they're going to go after and go after hard," he said.

The longstanding dispute between Salgado and the victims "got pretty nasty," Warnke was quoted as saying by KTVU television station.

Relatives of the family told investigators that Salgado had sent angry text messages or emails about a year ago after working with the trucking business, Warnke said.

Family members said nothing was stolen from the trucking company but that their relatives were all wearing jewellery. Warnke had said that after the kidnappings, an ATM card belonging to one of the victims was used in Atwater.

Public records show the family, originally from Harsi Pind in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, owned Unison Trucking Inc. Family members said they had recently opened an office for it in a parking lot the Singh brothers also operated.

Amandeep, the baby's uncle, is survived by his wife and two children in their teens.

Meanwhile, the city of Merced has organised a candlelight vigil for the family every night at 7 pm from October 6 to October 9.

Warnke did not say how the family was killed, adding that it appears they were killed before they were reported missing on Monday.

Salgado, already a convicted robber, was previously convicted of first-degree robbery with the use of a firearm in Merced County, as well as attempted false imprisonment and an attempt to prevent or dissuade a victim or witness.

He was sentenced to 11 years in state prison in that case, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.



He was released from prison in 2015 and discharged from parole three years later. He also has a conviction for possession of a controlled substance, the corrections agency said.
FORT RUCKER  Retirees and their families are invited to attend the Fort Rucker Retiree Health Fair Friday, Oct.28, from 8 a.m. until noon at Yano Hall on Fort Rucker.

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID Pandemic, Lyster Army Health Clinic will host the annual health fair for the military retiree community. The health fair is part of the events held in conjunction the annual Retiree Appreciation Day hosted by the Fort Rucker Retirement Services Office.

Lyster Army Health Clinic, along with other outside agencies, will have displays to educate retirees on disease management, digestive health, physical therapy, vision health, nutrition, and other health and wellness related topics. The Retiree Health Fair will also feature several on-post agencies including the Defense Commissary Agency (DECA), Exchange, Staff Judge Advocate, and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs. Participants will have educational opportunities including resources for veteran services and more. Along with health and wellness related information, participants can enjoy light refreshments and door prizes opportunities during the event.

To stay up to date on the Fort Rucker Retiree Health Fair, follow the Lyster Army Health Clinic Facebook page or visit https://lyster.tricare.mil/.

For inquiries on booth display opportunities contact Fort Rucker MWR at (334) 255-1898.
IPPG President and CEO Le Hong Thuy Tien said ASEAN businesses can take advantage of data, technology, and develop sustainable solutions to affirm their position in the world economy.

Attending the World Knowledge Forum 2022 (WKF) as a distinguished guest speaker following the formal invitation from the Secretary General of ASEAN-Korea Center, Le Hong Thuy Tien, President and CEO of Imex Pan Pacific Group IPPG, talked about the position of Vietnamese businesses in the world economy.

The event took place in Seoul, Korea, with the theme of "Supercompensation: Restoring Global Prosperity and Freedom." The forum invited featured experts, politicians and leaders of well-known global corporations. Winners of ASEAN Entrepreneurs 2021 and more than 55,000 online and in-person participants, including businesses from Korea and other countries, also attended the discussion.

According to the ASEAN Development Outlook (ADO) report of July 2022, ASEAN has made remarkable progress, becoming the fourth largest economy after the U.S., China and EU. ASEAN is also one of the most dynamically developing regions in the world with a total GDP of $3.3 trillion in 2021.

"There are many factors for ASEAN businesses to become key players," the IPPG President and CEO said. She pointed out several elements, including power of data and technology, sustainable solutions, and energy transformation.

Besides, businesses should expand their operational scale in alignment with organic growth, alliances, and M&A.

CEO Le Hong Thuy Tien (R) at the World Knowledge Forum 2022. Photo by IPPG

She shared IPPG's experience in overcoming the Covid-19 pandemic. The company shut down 25 offices and 1,200 stores and switched to remote working. When the supply chain and logistics were disrupted, IPPG established IPP Air Cargo, one of the first cargo carriers in Vietnam, to resolve the supply chain disruptions both locally and globally.

Tien mentioned the economic relationship between Korea and ASEAN: "Korea is the third largest bilateral trade partner of Vietnam in 2021. In the first seven months of 2022, Korea ranked second among 72 countries investing in Vietnam with a total investment of nearly $3.3 billion."

"Cultural exchange can lay the foundation for two countries' development, but the most crucial element is economic interchange, which involves sharing Korea's lessons of economic development and transition that help us implement strategies in the domestic market," said Thuy Tien.

The World Knowledge Forum, organized by the ASEAN-Korea Center and Maekung Media Corporation, is an intergovernmental organization that promotes economic cooperation between 10 ASEAN member countries and Korea.

The forum is held annually, welcoming experts from famous universities, entrepreneurs and politicians including Bill Gates, Jack Ma, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
An attendant pumps petrol for a car at a petrol station in Hanoi. Photo by Reuters

The Ministry of Finance refused a proposal to exempt special consumption tax on gasoline given the countrys tax rate is at a low level compared to many other countries.

The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry has recently proposed that the special consumption tax on gasoline be reduced to provide positive impacts amid global uncertainties.

The ministry said gasoline is a non-renewable fuel that needs to be used sparingly. Most countries impose the tax for example, in France (0.66 euro per liter), Germany (0.35 euro), South Korea (311 won per liter of absolute tax and 15% tax rate), Singapore (S$.41), China (1.52 yuan), Thailand (up to 6.5 baht), Cambodia (15%) and Laos (16%).

It said Vietnams special consumption tax on gasoline is lower than that of other countries, especially neighboring ones like Laos, Cambodia and China.

The current special consumption tax on gasoline is 10% with the same rate applied to value-added tax. The Ministry of Finance is proposing that the former tax is cut by half, and the latter by either 20% or 50%.

RON95 gasoline prices climbed to a peak in June before plunging to the current level of VND21,440 ($0.90) per liter, the lowest in 13 months.
Platforms were overloaded with iPhone 14 pre-orders as the sales launch of the latest Apple smartphone model attracted tens of thousands of customers.

Bao Tran in Ho Chi Minh City stayed up until 0:00 a.m. Friday to pre-order a purple iPhone 14 but the website she was on was frozen.

She switched to another seller and its platform ceased to operate at the payment step. Tran then tried a third store but all the purple models were out and she had to select the gold option.

Several platforms confirmed that they have recorded a surge in pre-orders.

As of 10 a.m. Friday, FPT Shop recorded over 93,000 pre-orders and 15,500 of them had put down a deposit.

This is a record high number of pre-orders for the electronic retailers. It tripled the number of pre-orders for iPhone 13. FPT Shop expects iPhone 14 sales to rise 200% from the previous model.

Another distributor of Apple products, ShopDunk, recorded 1,500 pre-orders in the first 30 minutes, a six-time surge compared to iPhone 13.

This means there was a pre-order for almost every second in the first half-hour of launching, said Pham Tuan Anh, a media representative for the company.

"There will likely be a shortage for iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max versions in the first week of delivery in Vietnam."

Many other stores reported that the all iPhone 14 Pro Max for the first delivery have been pre-ordered.

iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, however, are still available. CellphoneS, for example, recorded these models in only 5% of its total pre-orders.

iPhone 14 is sold from VND24.9 million ($1,040) to VND49.9 million in Vietnam.

The first official iPhone 14s are set to be delivered to Vietnamese users on October 14, and the second delivery October 24.
Vietnam Airlines aircraft at Tan Son Nhat airport in HCMC, August 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

A Vietnam Airlines flight from HCMC to Hanoi had to turn back Saturday morning so that a passenger could receive medical aid.

Half an hour after the carrier's Boeing 787 aircraft departed from Tan Son Nhat Airport at 10 a.m., a 44-year-old passenger suffered from high blood pressure and difficult breathing.

The crew provided medical support but the passenger's condition did not improve, so they decided to turn back. Doctors Tan Son Nhat airport gave the passenger medicine to reduce blood pressure.

A representative of Vietnam Airlines said the passenger is in stable health and being monitored at the airport's medical room.

The plane resumed its trip and arrived in Hanoi at 2:09 p.m., two hours later than schedule.

Also on Saturday morning, another Vietnam Airlines flight from Hue to Hanoi was delayed for 20 minutes after a passenger showed abnormal behaviors and were taken off the plane.

Earlier, a Vietnam Airlines plane flying from Germany to HCMC had to stop halfway in Azerbaijan on Friday morning (Hanoi time) as a German man on board got sick.
U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan is anchored at a port in Busan, South Korea, September 23, 2022. Photo by Reuters/Daewoung Kim

The United States and South Korea held joint maritime exercises involving a U.S. aircraft carrier on Friday, a day after Seoul scrambled fighter jets in reaction to an apparent North Korean bombing drill.

The United States also announced new sanctions on Friday in response to North Korea's latest missile launches this week, targeting a fuel procurement network that it said supports Pyongyang's weapons programs and its military.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the maritime drills with the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group would continue into Saturday in waters off South Korea's east coast.

The drills come after North Korea fired an intermediate range ballistic missile over Japan on Tuesday, then launched a pair of ballistic missiles into the sea on Thursday and flew warplanes near the South Korean border.

"We will continue to strengthen our operational capabilities and readiness to respond to any provocations by North Korea," South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
Two newly-passed Montana laws intended to stop majority owners of Colstrip from closing the power plant have been declared unconstitutional in U.S. District Court.

U.S. District Magistrate Judge Kathleen DeSoto ruled that the laws, which nullify key portions of the private business contract governing the power plant, violate the Commerce Clause and Contract Clause of the U.S. Constitution, as well as the Federal Arbitration Act, laws established to keep states from meddling in private agreements and business.

The ruling means the owners can go about operating Colstrip as they see fit, without fear of Montanas attorney general imposing $100,000-a-day fines or dictating maintenance and repairs the government finds necessary. The owners are also free to arbitrate their differences in Spokane, Washington as the business contract specifies. Montanas Republican-controlled Legislature and governor had attempted to force arbitration to take place in Montana.

Colstrip owners who sued the state praised the decision as restoring constitutional business rights.

Puget is very pleased with the outcome of this litigation. It affirms the freedom to contract, it protects the interests of PSE, and it protects the interests of the customers PSE serves, said Andrew Padula, spokesman for Puget Sound Energy. Puget has been generating coal power in Montana since the 1970s. The decision also facilitates the return to normal negotiations amongst the six owners of Colstrip rather than facing the prospect of external forces attempting to influence issues such as ongoing operations and budgeting,

The Seattle-region utility was joined in the lawsuit by Avista Corp, of Spokane, Washington, Oregon utilities Portland General Electric and PacifiCorp, of Eugene. Combined, the companies own 70% of the 1,480-megawatt power plant, which primarily serves customers in the Pacific Northwest.

Colstrip co-owners Talen Energy and NorthWestern Energy joined the state in defense of the laws, which the two companies supported in the 2021 Montana Legislature.

The Colstrip laws now join more than a half-dozen others from the 2021 Legislature that have been thrown out by courts for violating the state or federal constitutions, leaving the state's Republican Party howling about liberal bias" on the bench.

In the Colstrip case, the federal court ruled that the laws served no legitimate purpose and instead attempted to thwart the business decisions of the power plants majority owners. Gov. Greg Gianforte bluntly identified the laws as a strike against woke Washington state officials who in 2018 passed climate change legislation banning coal power from the portfolios of utilities doing business there. That ban starts at the end of the 2025.

Affordable power generated in Colstrip helped build Seattles big tech economy, but now woke overzealous regulators in Washington state are punishing the people of Colstrip with their anti-coal agenda. Montana stands with Colstrip, which is why I proudly sign SB 265 and 266, Gianforte said, when signing the bills into law in May 2021.

DeSoto ruled that the governors remarks made clear that Senate Bill 266 was passed for discriminatory purposes against Colstrips out-of-state owners. Senate Bill 266 put the owners in the position of having to decide whether to run the power plant the way Montanas attorney general saw fit, or face fines of $100,000 a day. The bills sponsor, Republican Steve Fitzpatrick of Great Falls, told fellow lawmakers that the Colstrip owners were in a bad divorce and that the Pacific Northwest owners intended to drive the powerplant into disrepair before leaving.

Colstrip owners in the Pacific Northwest had for several budgeting cycles been objecting to repairs that cost millions and werent necessary to keep the power plant running beyond Washington's coal power deadline. Oregon utilities Portland General Electric and PacifCorp, facing coal power bans starting in 2030, were arguing the same. Typically, utilities cannot bill customers for things unrelated to service. Charging customers in Oregon and Washington for repairs unnecessary to keeping the plant running while it served them, presented a regulatory challenge.

The second Colstrip law, passed through the Legislature as Senate Bill 265, dictated that arbitration of Colstrip owner disputes take place in Montana, not Spokane, as Colstrips Ownership and Operation Agreement required. The law also changed the number of arbiters from one to three. In legislative proceedings, Fitzpatrick, an attorney by trade, told lawmakers the bill was crucial because power plant co-owner NorthWestern Energy was pursuing arbitration to settle a key matter: whether closing the power plant required a unanimous vote or a majority vote, in which the Pacific Northwest utilities had the upper hand if they voted as a block. NorthWestern and Talen Energy shared a vote in an arrangement dating back to the 2001 sale of Montana Power, the state's legacy shareholder in Colstrip.

Again, I think it goes back to this very important public policy issue, whether the West Coast utilities should be able to shut down Colstrip, Fitzpatrick told lawmakers.

The court concluded that SB 265 substantially impaired the rights of the Pacific Northwest owners under the Contract Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prevents states from making law impairing the obligations of contracts.

There were lawmakers who recognized the Republican majoritys actions as unconstitutional, Judge DeSoto noted. One of the most outspoken was Andrea Olsen, an attorney and Democratic legislator from Missoula, who identified the laws as outright special legislation for one or a handful of companies, namely NorthWestern Energy and Talen Energy, the power plant owners who lobbied lawmakers for the bills.

Senate Bill 266 reaches deep into a 40-year-old contract and rewrites one provision to favor one party to the detriment of the other parties. This bill will send chills down the spine of any business, Olsen said, speaking to the bill on the state House floor.

The courts decision comes as Talen, $4.5 billion in debt, goes through what Bloomberg labeled one of the years largest bankruptcies and Pacific Northwest owners weigh surrendering their shares, rather than putting the closure of Colstrip to a vote. Puget Sound Energy last month agreed through a two-party agreement to transfer its shares to Talen by the end of 2025, at no cost. Talen indicates in legal documents that it would pursue Colstrip shares from other owners, as well.

Pacific Northwest owners told Lee Montana Newspapers that they havent ruled out surrendering their shares to Talen, as Puget has. They were asked whether the possibility of transferring shares made the courts ruling, which clears the path for arbitration and possibly a closure vote, a moot point.

We are happy with the judge's decision and view it as an important step in the legal process. Our priority, however, is still to find a commercial solution that meets the needs of the owners and allows us to exit Colstrip by the end of 2025. There are obviously a variety of ways that might occur, but our preferred path is a collective solution among the owners, said Annie Gannon, spokesperson for Avista Corp. At this point, it is still premature to speculate on what that might look like, what steps might be involved, or what avenues we might pursue if we are not able to reach an agreement with all co-owners.

The two-party agreement between Talen and Puget Sound Energy resulted from a bankruptcy court order that Talen come up with as a proposal for addressing the Pacific Northwest owners concerns about being bound to the power plant beyond 2025. Those talks fell apart after some Pacific Northwest owners disagreed with where talks were headed. Specifically, Portland General Electric told the court it didn't support the direction of the talks. But when others exited, Puget retained the law firm representing the Oregon and Washington utilities and pursued a share transfer.

PGE maintains that working constructively with all co-owners on a commercial solution that avoids arbitration or litigation is in the best interest of all parties, namely customers and the community of Colstrip, said Kevin Anderson, a Portland General Electric spokesman. Given the ownership structure, the two-party agreement could be a step in reaching an actual solution.

However, this agreement also triggers a series of rights for interested parties that may lead to more litigation before an all-party solution can be reached. We will continue to work with all parties and focus on the needs of our customers.

The rights of interested parties when an owner offers its shares for transfer, start with a first right of refusal by all other owners of the power plant. In other words, Puget has to offer every owner a chance for the shares under the same terms it is offering Talen. It was a first right of refusal that complicated Pugets 2020 attempt to sell its share of Colstrip Unit 4 to NorthWestern Energy for $1. Talen exercised its right for the power plant share, then attempted to apply the same right to a share of the Colstrip Transmission Line which was in the offing to NorthWestern, as well.

But Talen isnt a shareholder in the transmission line, and it was ruled in arbitration that it didnt have a first right of refusal for transmission, which is more valued than a share in the power plant.
ELKO  Voter IDs, mining proceeds and more issues were debated by the Democratic and Republican candidates for Assembly District 33 at a campaign forum Thursday evening.

Hosted by the Government Affairs Committee of the Elko Area Chamber, Democratic candidate, health care worker and veteran John Doc Garrard and Republican candidate and Relator Bert Gurr met at the Elko Conference Center to answer questions submitted by the community.

The election for Assembly representative comes as Assemblyman John Ellison is termed out at the end of the year.

Garrard, who said his family has lived in Elko County for four generations, explained his reasons for running as a Democrat. As a veteran in the military, Ive always served you. Ive always taken care of you.

For my entire life Ive been a healer, Garrard said. My family wanted me to run because they said, We need help. We know you can do it. I was a leader in the military and I took care of things.

Gurr said he was asked to run for office by some people that I trust and some people that trust me and thought I could do the job, pointing to his experience on the Legislative Real Estate Commission for six years.

Ive read every kind of legislation, he said. Ive done most of the things that need to be done to serve you well in the Legislature.

The candidates found some common ground regarding paid sick and family leave and minimum wage laws, but disputed how much government should be involved.

Sick days, paid family leave and medical leave affect people greatly, Garrard said. I spent a lot of time in the hospital taking care of people who had cancer, even young children. It devastates families. We need to have these kinds of laws to help take care of each other.

I think the government dictating minimums is not too bad an idea. Weve got businesses going under because of mandates and everything else, Gurr said. Medical leave is good. But [as far as] the governments role, I think they ought to stay on the edges of it and not right in the middle. The less government the better, I feel.

They shared similar sentiments on the concept of home rule but, again, disagreed on how much the federal government should be involved in local issues.

Home rule helps us, Gurr said. I think the smaller the government the better we are; the closer to home government is, the better off we are. Id prefer to have government closer here. Schools, roads and everything locally.

I agree with Mr. Gurr, I think politics is all local. Thats why Im running. Im from here, Garrard said. However, we have to get federal money to build our roads, our infrastructure. We need large amounts of help for, say, vaccines, or if we need to take care of a large fire. We need BLM firefighters to come in from other states.

Garrard added that he is proposing a central Nevada veterans facility to include Indian Health Centers. We need the veterans taken care of. We need local hospitals.

Both candidates stated they believe the distribution of net proceeds of mining tax needs to be changed due to other counties receiving more revenue than Elko County.

Im not sure how its distributed today exactly. When I find out how it is, I will probably not like it, Gurr said. Those big mines in Eureka County, they get most of the money and we get most of the people. So there are some iniquities there.

Yes, Eureka gets more. The gold is not mainly in Elko County, Garrard said. Ive seen the mines come and go three times. Gold isnt going to be there forever. Weve got to fix this. Weve got to rewrite it, its wrong. I agree with [Gurr].

When the candidates were asked about requiring proof of identification to vote and types of ID cards to present, they disagreed on the topic.

For the types of IDs to be presented at the polls, Garrard said he believed Tribal IDs were important and Gurr said state-issued IDs would prove residency for local elections.

Both candidates also explained their reasoning for their stance on the subject.

Ive voted by mail for 20 years. I didnt have to show my ID because I was on a military base, Garrard said. I think people should be allowed to vote by mail if grandma is in a wheelchair and she cant leave. I dont think she has to mail in her drivers license every time. That seems somewhat overreaching to me.

I absolutely support voter ID, Gurr said. Election integrity is the biggest issue we have going on in this country right now.
A book by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on the Party's rule-based governance, has been published by the Central Party Literature Press.

The book, compiled by the Institute of the Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee, contains 400 sections of Xi's discourses on the Party's rule-based governance, which are selected from more than 180 reports, speeches, articles and instructions made by him from Nov 15, 2012 to June 17, 2022.

Some of them were published for the first time, a statement on the book's publication said on Friday.

The CPC has made it clear that the Party's rule-based governance, which shall be rigorously exercised in line with regulation, is key to governing the country.

Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, the CPC Central Committee with Xi at the core has been adhering to the Party's rule-based governance in a rigorous manner and has greatly improved the intra-Party regulation and systems.

Xi has made a series of important discourses on the Party's rule-based governance, which are significant in playing the role of intra-Party regulation in upholding the central and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee and ensuring the Party's long-term governance over the country and the country's long-lasting tranquillity and stability, the statement said.

Xi's relevant discourses also have great relevance to ensuring that the Party is always a strong leadership core in the historical process of upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics, and providing a strong political guarantee for building a modern socialist country in all respects and comprehensively advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, the statement added.
Document will be formally submitted to upcoming CPC National Congress

A plenary session of the 19th Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection  the Party's top disciplinary watchdog  on Friday approved a work report to be submitted to the upcoming 20th CPC National Congress, which is expected to open on Oct 16 in Beijing.

The report, summarizing five years of commission work, will also be reviewed by the 19th CPC Central Committee at its seventh plenary meeting, which will start on Sunday.

A total of 129 CCDI members attended the seventh plenary session of the disciplinary watchdog in Beijing on Friday, and two other attendees were present in a nonvoting capacity, according to a communique released after the plenum.

Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CCDI, addressed the session.

At its sixth plenary session in January, President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said that since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee has improved Party conduct, upheld integrity and combated corruption with unprecedented courage and resolve.

Xi vowed to maintain a zero-tolerance stance on corruption and asked to continue to improve the Party and the State oversight systems.

While presiding over the 40th group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee in June, Xi said that since 2012, the Party has built a tight array of institutions that prevent corruption by forming a relatively complete system of intraparty regulations and anti-corruption laws.

The CPC Central Committee has enforced Party discipline and laws more stringently to prevent some from taking advantage of loopholes in the system and made sure that all the laws, regulations and institutions work effectively and create a synergy to make anti-corruption mechanisms more effective, he said.

Yang Weidong, a law professor at the China University of Political Science and Law, said that since the Party's 18th National Congress in November 2012, the system of intra-Party supervision and national laws supervision have been further improved to fight corruption.

With the Party's Constitution as the foundation, the CPC Central Committee issued a series of regulations and provisions to strengthen the intra-Party supervisory system and clarify the regulations in different areas such as organization, self-construction and supervision, Yang said.

The system was further improved since the Party's 19th National Congress in 2017, including revised regulations on disciplinary punishment that took effect in 2018 and revised regulations on Party accountability that came into effect in 2019.

Yang said that one goal of the fight against corruption is to set constraints on power and Party members, especially leading cadres, and these regulations set out a clear line between what can and cannot be done.

"In the process of establishing a system of intra-Party supervisory regulations, we have allowed the system to provide clear criteria for supervisors to judge," Yang said.

The improved supervisory system also puts forward higher and more detailed requirements for Party members and officials, and provides a solid foundation to make sure officials don't dare to, are not able to and have no desire to commit corruption, he said.

"Over the past five years, we have seen that China's anti-corruption efforts are not weakening. Instead, the authorities have made specific arrangements and intensified efforts based on the achievements since the 18th Party Congress," he said.

For example, besides regulations covering leading cadres of State-owned enterprises, regulations were also made to administer relatives of officials and retired officials, making overall supervision tighter.

Zhuang Deshui, deputy head of the Clean Government Research Center at Peking University, said that the introduction of a series of Party regulations reflects the CPC Central Committee's high level of attention paid to putting forward the strategy of ensuring officials dare not be, cannot be and do not want to be corrupt.

In doing so, the Party has aimed to infiltrate the sense of integrity into daily supervision, education and management.

Since the Party's 18th National Congress, discipline inspection and supervisory organs at all levels have not relaxed their discipline enforcement standards.

On the contrary, the intensified antigraft campaign has provided discipline inspection and supervisory organs with opportunities to strengthen their internal systems and mechanism construction, Zhuang said.

China's legal system for fighting corruption has also improved over the years, and Party discipline and administrative supervision have formed a synergistic relationship, said Yang.

In March 2018, the Supervision Law took effect. The Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure Law were also revised, offering sound legal support for fighting corruption.

In reality, public officials are not necessarily Party members. Therefore, improving the Supervision Law and establishing the National Supervisory Commission in 2018 effectively targeted corruption among civil servants who are not Party members, he said.

"The enforcement of Party discipline and national laws have achieved a seamless connection after years of effort made by authorities, enabling imposition of precise punishments for those involved in corruption and avoiding possible loopholes that may appear," he added.
Summer heat still struck northeastern Israel near Jordan Valley in early October, with noon temperature reaching as high as 36 degrees Celsius. Under the scorching sun, a group of Chinese constructors is striving to perfect their project.

The 344-MW Kokhav Hayarden pumped storage hydropower plant, located near the city of Beit She'an and some 120 km away from Tel Aviv, is built to become the largest pumped storage power plant in Israel.

It will also become the lowest power plant of such kind in the world, as the powerhouse lies 275 meters below sea level, according to building contractor Power Construction Corporation of China (PCCC).

Israel is eager to continue its efforts in diversifying sources of energy as well as developing renewable energy sources.

According to data released in 2020, renewable energy accounts for less than 7 percent of the total energy in the country. In 2022, the Israeli Ministry of Environment released a new renewable energy roadmap, targeting 40 percent of renewables in the country's power mix by 2030.

"Pumped storage hydropower provides an economical, efficient and stable way of hydroelectric energy storage. Acting similarly to a giant battery, it can store power and then release it when needed," explained Han Hongwei, general manager of the project.

"It is a configuration of two water reservoirs at different elevations which can generate power as water moves down from one to the other," he added.

In late September, construction of the lower reservoir, which lies 236 meters below sea level and with a storage capacity of 3.16 million cubic meters, was completed. The over 200,000 square meters of white impervious geomembrane is particularly eye-catching in the mountains beside highway 90, the longest road in Israel.

Ao Guohui, the project implementation manager, said that the team has gone all out to complete the reservoir before the arrival of the rainy season in November, so as to meet the requirements of flood control and achieve the water storage target at an early date.

According to Ao, as the project is located at the end of the northern extension of the East African Rift, the special geographical condition makes the construction process particularly challenging.

After numerous brainstorming and in-depth analysis, complex technical difficulties have been conquered one after another, and appropriate plans have been implemented step by step.

"For example, multiple anti-filter water cut-off troughs are added along the slope to divert underground water seepage into the reverse pumping well, which effectively solved the problem of excavation seepage," Ao said.

According to Han, the project, expected to be operational in early 2023, is undertaken by PCCC and General Electric as an EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contractor. An international team composed of over 700 people from 17 countries has been gathered, including China, France, Germany, South Africa, India and Moldova.

Despite the difference in cultural backgrounds and professional fields, everyone's competitive edge has been given full play, and an effective multicultural communication mechanism has been established, he said.

Ibrahim Monder, an Arab engineer in charge of production safety, told Xinhua in a deep tunnel where the -275 meters powerhouse was installed, that he has gained a lot of expertise through working with the Chinese team in the past five years, especially in the field of shaft sinking.

"If it hadn't been a Chinese company, the project would not have progressed so fast and the quality would not have been so good," said Yehuda Aronov, a Jewish execution engineer.

Getting along with Chinese colleagues day after day, Aronov has forged friendships with them, deepened his understanding of China, and mastered the elementary Chinese language.

With a passion for traditional Chinese culture, on the wall of his office, Aronov hung a portrait and philosophical argument of Laozi, a reputed Chinese philosopher who founded the philosophical system of Taoism, which read: "A long journey starts with a small step."
The domestic tourism revenue reached 287.2 billion yuan ($40.45 billion) during this year's National Day holiday, with about 422 million domestic trips made in China, said the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Short-haul trips were most favored by tourists, the ministry said. According to the statistics, suburban parks, countryside surrounding cities and city parks were the three most popular tourist destinations during the holiday, respectively attracting 23.8 percent, 22.6 percent and 16.8 percent of all domestic tourists.

Sites related to China's revolutionary history and tours with patriotic themes were also popular among tourists.
Illustrative image (Source: VNA)

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), the Russian expert noted that Vietnams human rights policies aim to fully promote peoples potential, and that the country has made marked progress in the implementation of the policies in different aspects.



Vietnam is a role model for other countries in this regard, he said.



According to Trofimchuk, Vietnams Constitution contains exclusive principles on human rights, and Doi Moi has facilitated their full implementation.



The expert also highlighted the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in ensuring human rights in Vietnam which, he said, has been combined with economic, external affairs and humanitarian aspects.



The Vietnamese Party and State have fulfilled tasks of promoting gender equality and ensuring human rights for disadvantaged people in a timely manner, Trofimchuk continued.



The expert commended Vietnams seriousness in ensuring human rights during the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the country shared its experience in the pandemic combat with the world.



He attributed Vietnams good economic growth in the context of obstacles like the suspended logistics supply chain to the effective measures and sound decisions adopted by the Party and the State.

Grigory Trofimchuk, Chairman of the Council of Experts of the Eurasian Research Fund (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam is also coordinating with the international community in protecting the environment, ensuring human rights and fulfilling humanitarian tasks, including those in South Sudan.



The country has proven itself as a reliable member of the international community in seeking solutions to serious and tough issues, he said, stressing that Vietnams contributions should be acknowledged by the world.



Vietnam is running for election to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in the 2023-2025 tenure with a hope to contribute more to the worlds joint efforts to promote and protect human rights.



It is honoured to be nominated by ASEAN countries with high consensus to become the blocs candidate for a seat in the UNHRC  the UNs inter-governmental agency comprising of 47 members in charge of promoting and protecting human rights around the globe./.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks at a plenary meeting of the General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, on Oct. 7, 2022. (Cia Pak/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called for international support for Pakistan in the wake of devastating floods.

The United Nations is working with the Pakistani government to convene a pledging conference to provide concrete support for rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, he told the UN General Assembly, which is expected to adopt a resolution on solidarity with Pakistan.

Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority said Thursday that 1,700 people had been killed by the floods since mid-June and 12,867 others injured in the South Asian Country.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on the same day that his government had spent about 450 million U.S. dollars in relief efforts.

"I urge donor countries, international financial institutions and other relevant international organizations, along with the private sector and civil society to fully support these efforts," Guterres said.

The United Nations launched the Pakistan floods response plan. The revised plan calls for 816 million dollars -- a surge of 656 million dollars from the initial appeal -- to respond to the most urgent needs through next May.

"We must act -- and we must act now," Guterres said. "Climate chaos is knocking on everyone's door, right now. We must step up and answer the call for the people of Pakistan. This global crisis demands global solidarity and a global response."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (at the podium and on the screen) speaks at a plenary meeting of the General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, on Oct. 7, 2022. (Cia Pak/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

Editor: WXL
Tourists visit the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, during the National Day holiday in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Tourists visit the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, during the National Day holiday in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Tourists visit the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, during the National Day holiday in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Tourists visit the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, during the National Day holiday in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Tourists visit the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, during the National Day holiday in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Tourists visit the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, during the National Day holiday in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Editor: GSY
A view of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2022. (Photo/ Xinhua)

The Communist Party of China (CPC) in the 20th century successfully led China, the worlds most populous country, to free itself from the oppression of colonialism, feudalism, and bureaucratic capitalist monopolism and established a socialist system, making outstanding contributions to the liberation of people all over the world, especially those living in the developing world. The reform and opening up initiative marked another giant leap forward for the CPC, transforming China from backwardness to the second largest economy in the world. China was also the first developing country to wage a decisive battle against and eradicated absolute povertyover the years, numerous development miracles of the country have stunned the world.

While celebrating these glorious achievements, its important to note that since entering the 21st century, and especially since the second decade, the changing dynamic of the CPC, China and the world has posed new governance requirements for the CPC. At the same time, to continue Chinas development miracles, the Chinese people must continue emancipating their mind, seeking truth from fact, and exploring new governance approaches from its own realities.

The 18th CPC National Congress in 2012 was a landmark congress as it sorted out the real challenges China faced and drew the blueprint of governance for the next stage, kicking off a new decade for the CPC. After the Congress, under the leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the CPC has made remarkable achievements in many areas, including strengthening internal discipline, boosting high-quality socio-economic development, and promoting the democratization of international relations, which highlighted the importance of the CPCs scientific and democratic governance to Chinas modernization and to world peace and development. In this process, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era was formed, as a fundamental guideline, it has reflected the CPCs exploration in modernizing its governance system and capacity at home on the one hand, and actively participating in global governance on the other. It is for this reason that the Thought was established as the guiding ideology of the entire Party at the 19th CPC National Congress, and the new compass for the CPC in governing the country.

Discipline within the Party is the prerequisite for Chinas governance reforms in the new era. History has shown with countless cases that any person or political party that sits on the laurel its achievement in the past will eventually be abandoned. Some African political parties that led the African people to victory in their struggle against imperialism and colonialism lost their ruling positions because their ideas or organizations degenerated and were eventually phased out over the course of Africas transformation and development after the Cold War. As the leading core of Chinas modernization drive, the corrupt and privileged few within the CPC must be promptly eliminated so as to enhance the Partys credibility in the society. After the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has vigorously intensified the self-discipline of the Party and addressed this issue through self-revolution. By removing disciplinary offenders from the leadership ranks, Party organizations at all levels have been strengthened. The CPC has demonstrated to the world its courage to face problems head-on, its determination to solve them and its wisdom to reflect on them, and thats how the firm foundation is reconsolidated for the CPC to lead the nation forward. Changes within the Party helped match the Partys governance capacity and system with the requirement of Chinas development, which has also set the stage for greater development in other critical areas.

Chinas sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development demonstrates its strong resilience in the new era. Eradicating absolute poverty is not only a common challenge for developing countries, but also an important target of the UNSDGs. Although many developing countries, including some in Africa, have been able to maintain relatively stable economic growth, there is a serious disconnect between growth and development and a weak resistance to risks, which highlights the need for sustainable and inclusive development. One of the key transformations powered by the 18th CPC National Congress was that high economic growth was geared towards high quality growth. Under the new development model, economic growth is synchronized with livelihood improvement, environmental protection, social equity and justice, as well as coordinated regional development. Inclusive development has enabled every individual, group and region to become a witness, participant and beneficiary of socio-economic progress, and thats why China managed to build a moderately prosperous society in all aspects. The sustainability of development has enhanced Chinas ability to withstand and manage internal and external risks. Chinas steady socio-economic growth was not halted by either the unilateralist actions of some western countries, or the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Quite on the contrary, Chinas achievements are bound to inject more momentum to global recovery in the post-Covid era and contribute to the human quest for peace and development.

Chinas win-win approach in global governance demonstrates the image of China as a responsible power in a changing world. At present, western powers are wielding the stick of unilateralism and protectionism for geopolitical gains, and Covid-19, climate change, terrorism and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have added to the uncertainty of the world. The conventional global governance system has increasingly proven to be unfriendly to developing countries. As the world stands at the crossroads, President Xi Jinping described the changing dynamic as unprecedented changes of the century and has introduced the cure of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Global Development Initiative (GDI) in building a community of shared future for all. Unlike the western thinking of competition, confrontation and zero-sum games, Chinas proposals are centered on equality and win-win cooperation, which embody the traditional Chinese philosophy of peace and benevolence. The fact that Chinas proposals have been welcomed and supported by Africa and the developing world highlights the significance of Chinese wisdom in promoting South-South cooperation and North-South dialogue.

Contributed by Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Center for China Studies (CCS) in Nigeria

Editor: Zhang Zhou
China's Pearl River region has embarked on a green development path, thanks to the water treatment efforts in the past years.

Liede River, a tributary of Pearl River, runs through downtown Guangzhou. Over the past few decades, rapid economic development and a sharp increase in population alongside the river have turned this area from a village to the most prosperous area in the metropolis.

However, this 5.1-kilometer-long river suffered deteriorating water quality in the wake of the growth.

Things changed after the Guangdong provincial government launched a campaign for water treatment in 2017.

Maozhou River in Shenzhen, once one of the most heavily polluted rivers in the city, has also embraced green transformation.

Through years of efforts, in 2019, all of the polluted water bodies in the 41.61-kilometer-long river were treated.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service

Editor: JYZ
* Homestays have agglomerated in Bohai Township, suburban Beijing, surrounded by forests, chestnut farms and the Great Wall, along with ecological and environmental protection and a tidier village appearance.

* With the joint efforts of government and villagers, the township is now home to 187 boutique bed-and-breakfasts (B&Bs), creating more than 400 jobs and securing over 6 million yuan (about 845,094 U.S. dollars) a year in homestead rental income for locals.

* Tourism creates comprehensive value by boosting primary and tertiary sectors. Locally grown chestnuts and mushrooms are served in dishes for tourists, and their cultivation is becoming more technical and standardized.

BEIJING, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Villagers in suburban Beijing have been busy harvesting chestnuts this autumn. New features in recent years are locals hosting tourists in B&Bs, young people returning to their hometowns to develop businesses, and working teams engaged in rural revitalization.

Boasting a forest coverage rate of 93 percent, a 500-year chestnut plantation history, and a 19.8-km Great Wall section, Bohai Township in the capital's Huairou District received over 900,000 tourists in the first seven months of this year.

Photo taken on Sept. 8. 2022 shows Dongtai Village of Bohai Township in Huairou District, Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Zhao Chenjie)

However, about a decade ago, the township faced the problems of dirty and disordered appearance, dusty and bumpy roads, and lagged crop production with limited marketing outlets.

BETTER ENVIRONMENT

"The dirty water was poured on the street, the road surface was full of cracks, and firewood was messily piled up in the yard," recalled Wang Wentian, a chestnut farmer at Dongtai Village in Bohai.

"We were quite envious of people from nearby villages who earned money through developing tourism," said Wang Dajiang, Party secretary of the village. "We tried to make a change, and improving the environment was the move."

With the joint efforts of villagers and local government, electricity replaced coal as heating energy in 2018, and a sewage treatment station was in place by 2019. Asphalt roads have been connected to doors, and solar-powered street lights have illuminated people's way home since 2021.

Wang Bojun, 34, son of Wang Wentian, quit his job in urban Beijing in 2016, and returned to his hometown.

"I firmly believe that rural tourism offers great opportunities," he said.

Wang Bojun cleans a table at his bed-and-breakfast in Dongtai Village of Bohai Township in Huairou District, Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 8. 2022. (Xinhua/Tian Chenxu)

In 2017 and 2018, Wang Bojun participated in a wastewater disposal project which provided villagers with jobs. Last year, he invested around 200,000 yuan to transform his homestead into a B&B. His father neither understood nor supported the gamble at first.

This summer, Wang Bojun's B&B received about three to four groups of visitors each week. "Our investment will be paid back soon as this year's revenue is expected to exceed 200,000 yuan," he said.

The improved environment of Dongtai Village and the emerging homestay facilities attract more tourists.

"We are both participants and beneficiaries of rural revitalization," he said.

QUALITY ACCOMMODATION

"I have been a carpenter since my 20s, but I had never imagined taking up a new job when I am old," said Wang Futian, 74, resident of Liuduhe Village of Bohai Township and now the host of the "Old Carpenter" B&Bs.

Wang made a living from furniture orders and gained a reputation in carpentry from folks of nearby townships when he was young. More than 20 years ago, Wang and his wife started accommodating tourists visiting the Great Wall nearby in their farmhouse.

"At that time, 10 yuan would be sufficient for an overnight slumbering on a collective sleeping board. There was neither a toilet nor a television inside the house," Wang recalled.

As the proportion of the middle-income group in China has grown, people have developed a higher demand for farmhouse quality.

Wang Futian shows a decoration made by himself at his bed-and-breakfast in Liuduhe Village of Bohai Township in Huairou District, Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9. 2022. (Xinhua/Tian Chenxu)

The old couple redesigned two farmhouses into B&Bs, divided private bedrooms, and established karaoke and chess rooms.

"These two homestays can host over 30 people and are usually fully booked ahead of holidays, earning us around 400,000 yuan a year," he said.

According to Peng Xingjin, director of the Bohai Township tourism service center, the township is now home to 187 boutique B&Bs, creating more than 400 jobs and securing over 6 million yuan a year in homestead rental income for locals.

COMPREHENSIVE VALUE

"These qualified homestays have become an up-to-date industry for villagers in Bohai to generate incomes," Peng said, adding that the township has positioned its B&Bs business as a key way to advance rural revitalization.

Bohai achieved a comprehensive tourism revenue of 172 million yuan in the first seven months of this year.

Wang Futian (L) picks jujubes with his wife Huang Mengzhen (C) and employee Liu Haiyan in the yard of his bed-and-breakfast in Liuduhe Village of Bohai Township in Huairou District, Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9. 2022. (Xinhua/Li Dexin)

Villager Liu Haiyan has worked at the "Old Carpenter" for four years as the housekeeper, receptionist and cleaner. "I used to earn merely a few thousand yuan a year by selling chestnuts. Now, I gain some 4,000 yuan each month," she said.

The used sheets and towels of the "Old Carpenter" are carried to a laundry that provides washing services for nearby B&Bs. A worker, Wang Jianrong, operating washer-dryer combos, said, "there were only two employees when the laundry was set up in 2017. Now, there are six, all of whom are locals."

Wu Shangjun, an expert with the Beijing agro-technical promotion center, began to work as Dongtai Village's first Party secretary one year ago. He brought villagers high-yield mushroom seeds.

Wu introduced stereoscopic cultivation, a planting method which grows mushrooms under chestnut trees. Wu believed that agriculture and rural tourism can boost each other.

Photo taken on Sept. 19. 2022 shows chestnut trees at a chestnut farm in Bohai Township of Huairou District, Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Tian Chenxu)

Although Huairou is famous for its chestnuts, the plantation scale and the nuts' economic value are not yet fully developed.

"We felt fatigued in trimming trees and picking chestnuts, only earning 10,000 yuan a year," said Wang Yanli, a local chestnut farmer. "Few of the younger generation were willing to take it over."

Li Sipeng, deputy head of the Beijing Juyuande chestnut planting cooperative, returned to Bohai in 2017 and contributed new ideas to the industry.

With 830 households as members, the cooperative has set standardized chestnut planting and picking guidelines for the member farmers, and offered technological support.

"We are now exploring producing refined chestnut snacks for bakeries and restaurants," Li said.

(Reporting by Pei Jianrong, Zhang Yuanpei, Li Dexin, Meng Yifei, Li Chunyu, Zhao Chenjie and Qiang Lijing; Video reporters: Zhang Tuo, Li Ye, Zhao Xinhu and Tian Chenxu; Video editors: Zhou Sa'ang, Zhang Yuhong and Zhu Cong) 

Editor: JYZ
Aerial photo taken on April 15, 2022 shows a view of Shanghai's Yangshan Port in east China. (Xinhua/Ding Ting)

"Everything that we do, in the end, it has to be backed by the people," said Vinnie Molina, national president of the CPA, in an interview with Xinhua. "I see that the CPC has got the backing of the Chinese people."

CANBERRA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's modernization is based on the development in the interest of its people, hence great support from the Chinese people for the initiatives from the Communist Party of China (CPC) in its leadership, said the leader of the Communist Party of Australia (CPA).

"Everything that we do, in the end, it has to be backed by the people," said Vinnie Molina, national president of the CPA, in an interview with Xinhua. "I see that the CPC has got the backing of the Chinese people."

The CPC, he said, has given "a strong leadership to the people of China in the development towards a socialist society," not least in rapid economic development including lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and impressive technological development, particularly in the area of space.

Photo released on June 11, 2021 by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) shows a selfie of China's first Mars rover Zhurong with the landing platform. (CNSA/Handout via Xinhua)

Molina was a carpenter who had been working with the construction union for about 25 years and likes watching videos on construction in other parts of the world.

"Some of the infrastructure that China has been able to develop are very impressive," he said. "As a construction worker, I feel very happy when I see those developments."

During the past two pandemic years, Molina saw China's respect of people's life from its handling of the disease. "We can contrast this with the treatment of COVID in other parts of the world." While lots of people across the world died from the COVID, he said, in China, "every life is precious."

Molina praised China for providing the COVID vaccine to the world. "Millions of people could benefit out of the Chinese biotechnology," he added.

A staff member checks vials of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine on an automated packaging line of Sinovac Life Sciences Co., Ltd. in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 23, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

China has provided more than 2.2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to over 120 countries and international organizations.

China's development is also in line with the interests of the world, Molina said. The CPC is committed to promoting peace, cooperation, mutual respect and development for a shared future.

"The development of the Belt and Road Initiative is very important, in which it treats developing nations with respect on an equal basis," he said.

In spite of the efforts, China was not reported fairly by some Western media, Molina said. "I think what goes on with some Western media is they only see things through their own lens."

Molina voiced hope that the Australian government could improve its relationship with China. "We should treat China as a partner," he said. 

Editor: JYZ
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi has said that after his trip to Russia he plans to visit Ukraine again in order to discuss the situation at Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).

"The resumption of direct shelling, hitting Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant's sole source of external power, is tremendously irresponsible. ZNPP must be protected. I will soon travel to Russia and again to Ukraine to agree on a protection zone. This is an imperative," Grossi said on Twitter on Saturday.

As reported, the Russian occupation forces again shelled the ZNPP last night. The power plant is completely blacked out, diesel generators are working, the press service of Energoatom reported, adding that the available reserves of diesel fuel for their operation in this mode will be enough for ten days.

Enerhodar Mayor Dmytro Orlov, in turn, said on the Telegram channel that as of 14:00 on Saturday power supply and communication were resumed. Works to resume water supply were in progress.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree to recognize four islands in the Kuril archipelago, the so-called Northern territories, as territory of Japan.

"An important decision was made today. It's fair. Legally perfect. Historical. Ukraine confirmed its respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Japan, including its Northern territories, which are still under Russian occupation. Today, I signed the relevant decree," the head of state in his video address on Friday night.

"There is a corresponding statement of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. And we call on everyone in the world to make similar decisions. Russia has no right to these territories. Everyone in the world knows this well. And we must finally act. We must de-occupy all the lands that the Russian occupiers are trying to keep for themselves," he said.

According to the president, "only in this way can we return the full force to international law. The UN Charter and the entire complex of treaties and conventions on which the international legal order is based will work only when the occupiers lose and the nations in the world are protected from any occupations."

"With this war against Ukraine, against the international legal order, against our people, Russia has put itself in conditions  and it is now only a matter of time  of the real liberation of everything that once was seized and is now under the control of the Kremlin," Zelensky said.

He also noted that "Russia, by its example, will show all potential aggressors of the world that an aggressive terrorist war in our time is a way to weaken and inevitably destroy the one who starts such a war."

"The aggressor must lose. So be it. So that such wars do not happen again and that the peace is really long-term. Nothing should be left for the invaders. I believe: justice will be restored for our partners as well," the Ukrainian president said.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), General Valeriy Zaluzhny discussed the training of the Ukrainian army in line with NATO standards with Inspector General of the Bundeswehr Eberhard Zorn.

"I have discussed training issues with the German Chief of Defence, General Eberhard Zorn. I'm grateful for the assistance. I'm confident, that training of units in accordance with NATO standards is vital for gaining interoperability," he said on the Telegram channel on Friday.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has said he meant "kicks by sanctions" speaking about "preventive kicks" against Russia in one of his recent speeches.

"When I said "preventive kick", I meant a preventive kick, not an attack, these are different things," the head of state said in an interview with BBC published on Friday night.

"I just want to tell them, the Russians, that the whole civilized world knows that we are not terrorists, we did not start this war. As I have said earlier, during two years of my presidency we proposed a dialogue, we sought opportunities to speak with President Putin, just a phone conversation  they rejected it all," he said.

"That is why I called  that was before February 24, before the invasion  I said that we were raising the issue of preventive kicks, kicks by sanctions. Not a dialogue, not words, but kicks  that is what I meant," the president said.

Earlier, in his speech at the Australian Lowy Institute, Zelensky said that NATO should make it impossible for Russia to use nuclear weapon.

"Preventive kicks are necessary, so that they know what they will face if they use nuclear weapon. Not the opposite  to wait for Russia's nuclear strikes in order to say them, 'Oh, if you do so, then get this'," the president said.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has said in an interview with BBC that he does not care about fate of Russian President Vladimir Putin after Ukraine wins the war.

"I don't care," Zelensky said to the question whether Putin would survive after Ukraine's victory.

According to the head of state, "Russia will be busy then with its internal affairs. And I think this is right a right thing to do, because one must not solve its internal issues by the seizure of other territories, economic problems  at the expense of other economies."

"They have to go back to their territories in order to stop making out explanations for their society and start to work, reform the state, implement some economic reforms and so on. I mean pass to their domestic policy is the right thing to do," he said.

"That is why I don't care what will happen to him. Let his society deal with him. It will be exclusively their own problem," he said.
Two burial sites were found in the town of Lyman in Donetsk region, which was recently liberated from the Russian occupation, there are separate graves of civilians at one of them and the second one is a mass grave, Head of Donetsk Regional Military Administration Pavlo Kyrylenko has said.

"We know about two burial sites in Lyman. One of them counts around 200 graves. According to preliminary information, these are separate graves where civilians were buried. The other one is a mass grave, in which, according to preliminary information, both military and civilians might be buried," he said on the Telegram channel.

Law enforcers are examining these sites and will start the exhumation procedure soon.

Kyrylenko also called on everyone to refrain from comments regarding the number of buried people and the reasons for their death until expert present their conclusions.

The official also said that 21 bodies of the civilians killed during the occupation have been reburied at the Sviatohirsk cemetery.

"During the battles for Sviatohirsk and the occupation, the deceased were buried in the streets and courtyards. All of the bodies reburied today have been identified and duly interred. Let them rest in peace  the rushists will be punished for every human life destroyed, mutilated and taken away by them," he said.
Twenty-one civilians killed, 31 wounded in Friday as result of Russia's aggression in Ukraine  Dpty Head of President's Office

Twenty-one civilians were killed and 31 wounded in the past 24 hours as a result of Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Tymoshenko has said.

"Victims among the civilian population as a result of Russia's armed aggression as of October 7, 2022: Dnipropetrovsk region  one killed, three wounded; Donetsk region  15 killed (including nine people killed earlier who have been just found), 17 wounded; Zaporizhia region  four killed, five wounded; Sumy region  one killed; Kharkiv region  six wounded (including four on mines)," he said on the Telegram channel.

According to Tymoshenko, this information was received from regional military administrations.
The number of people killed as a result of a missile attack on a humanitarian convoy in Zaporizhia on September 30 has risen to 32  another wounded person died in hospital, Head of Zaporizhia Regional Military Administration Oleksandr Starukh has said.

"Regrettably, we have one more victim of the terrorist attack on the checkpoint in the city  today, one more wounded person died in hospital," he said on the Telegram channel.

As reported, on September 30 at 07:10, the Russian occupation forces launched three strikes from the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system at the car market near Zaporizhia-Orikhiv highway. A convoy with civilians, who were trying to cross the checkpoint and enter the temporarily occupied territory, came under fire. Some 248 civilian cars were registered for exiting Zaporizhia. At the moment of the shelling attack, there were around 100 people on the spot.

Earlier, it was reported that 31 people, including two children, were killed and more than 90 wounded.
Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Mykhailo Podoliak has commented on the reports about a fire on the bridge across the Kerch Strait, which was illegally constructed by the Russian occupiers.

"Crimea, the bridge, the beginning. Everything illegal must be destroyed, everything stolen must be returned to Ukraine, everything related to Russian occupation must be expelled," he said on Twitter on Saturday.
The signing of by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky of Decree No. 692/2022, reaffirming respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Japan, including its Northern Territories, which remain under the occupation of the Russian Federation, reaffirm Ukraine's commitment to the universally recognized principles and norms of the international law.

"The adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of the "Address of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to the International Community Regarding the Northern Territories of Japan" and the signing of the aforementioned Decree of the President of Ukraine are important steps that restore historical justice and reaffirm Ukraine's commitment to the universally recognized principles and norms of the international law," it said in a statement.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine consistently emphasizes that in the modern world there is no place for the use of force to infringe the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any country, in violation of the international law. Russia, as an aggressor country, must bear full responsibility for its actions in violation of the sovereign borders of Ukraine and other countries of the world," the ministry said.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has said that democratic countries should stick to a number of principles, including unity, democracy, independence, responsibility,

"The first is unity. This is the foundation. This is something that should always be not only formally, but also in essence. Not only at summits, but also in deeds. [] Russia is afraid of our unity. So it goes to great lengths to break it. But we are only strengthening our unity. And therefore, we cannot be conquered by Russia. Neither Ukraine, nor Montenegro, nor any other state of the free world," the head of state said addressing the 2BS FORUM in Montenegro on Saturday.

Speaking about democracy, Zelensky noted that "the current leaders of Russia have an obsessive desire to break the principle of democratic change of power in all countries regarding which they have aggressive ambitions."

"They do not recognize the results of elections and people's movements when they lose influence because of them. And they try to stage coups or corrupt the political process when they choose a puppet to represent their interests. We have to strictly oppose this," he said.

Zelensky stressed that "all European states must dismantle any Russian networks of influence. So that there is no spread of misinformation, corruption and criminal politics."

"The third is independence. We should recognize the obvious at all levels in Europe and the world: Russia is not a threat to one, but to everyone. Therefore, everyone must achieve complete independence from Russia, so that it cannot turn dependence on it into shackles: economic dependence, energy dependence, political dependence  any," he said.

"And the fifth point is responsibility. For many years, the head of Russia and his entourage have felt complete impunity. [] They started a war against Ukraine in 2014 because they felt that they would not be punished for it. The war against Georgia showed them this," the president said, adding that "to bring them to justice is to guarantee long-term peace after this war."
Egypt's House of Representatives  the lower house of parliament  passed on Tuesday a law granting expats the right to import private cars without paying fees or customs taxes for four months as the government seeks to attract much needed foreign currencies.
Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN climate change high level champion for Egypt, said Tuesday that the National Initiative for Green and Smart Projects has led to the growth of a development culture in Egypt, especially among youth and women.
Long-distance British-South African swimmer and ocean advocate Lewis Pugh entered on Friday his 4th day of a 160-kilometre swim across the Red Sea to deliver a message to the world leaders who will gather at the COP27 in Sharm El-Shiekh to take action to protect oceans and coral reefs.
Tigrayan rebels said Tuesday that Ethiopian and Eritrean forces had taken control of the strategic city of Shire in northwestern Tigray.
Russia on Wednesday said military drills in Moscow-annexed Crimea had ended and that soldiers were returning to their garrisons, a day after it announced a first troop pullback from Ukraine's borders.

"Units of the Southern Military District, having completed their participation in tactical exercises, are moving to their permanent deployment points," Moscow's defence ministry said in a statement.

State television showed images of military units crossing a bridge linking the Russia-controlled peninsula to the mainland.

The statement said tanks, infantry vehicles and artillery were leaving Crimea by rail.

It comes a day after Moscow said it was pulling back some of the troops deployed on its neighbor's borders.

But Western leaders remain concerned that Russia could still launch an attack on Ukraine, with US President Joe Biden warning on Tuesday that an attack by Moscow remained "very much a possibility".

Biden said that despite Russian claims earlier in the day, Washington and its allies had yet to verify the withdrawal of any of the tens of thousands of troops he says Moscow has now mustered along Ukraine's border.

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Powerful explosions rocked a Russian air base in Crimea on Tuesday, killing one person and wounding several others, authorities said.

Russia's Defense Ministry said munitions blew up at the Saki base, and it emphasized that the installation had not been shelled. But Ukrainian social networks were abuzz with speculation that it was hit by Ukrainian-fired long-range missiles.

There was no immediate comment from Ukrainian authorities.

Videos posted on social networks showed sunbathers fleeing a nearby beach as huge clouds of smoke from the explosions rose over the horizon.

If the base was, in fact, struck by the Ukrainians, it would mark the first known major attack on a Russian military site on the Crimean Peninsula, annexed by the Kremlin in 2014, and a significant escalation of the conflict.

The headquarters of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in the Crimean port of Sevastopol was hit by a small-scale explosion delivered by a makeshift drone last month in an attack blamed on Ukrainian saboteurs.

Crimea's head Sergei Aksyonov said ambulances and medical helicopters were sent to the Saki air base and the area was sealed off within a radius of five kilometers (three miles).

One person was killed, according to the regional leader of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov. Earlier, Konstantin Skorupsky, the head of Crimea's health care department, reported five people were wounded, with one of them hospitalized and the others treated for cuts from shards of glass and released.

Officials in Moscow have long warned Ukraine that any attack on Crimea would trigger massive retaliation, including strikes on ``decision-making centers'' in Kyiv.

The Saki base was used by Russian warplanes to strike areas in Ukraine's south on short notice.

Earlier Tuesday, Ukrainian officials that at least three Ukrainian civilians were killed and 23 wounded by Russian shelling in 24 hours, including an attack not far from the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

The Russians fired over 120 rockets at the town of Nikopol, which is across the Dnieper River from the plant, Dnipropetrovsk Gov. Valentyn Reznichenko said. Several apartment buildings and industrial sites were damaged, he said.

Ukraine and Russia have accused each other in recent days of shelling the power station, the biggest nuclear plant in Europe, stoking international fears of a catastrophe.

In his nightly video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy invoked the 1986 disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine, which at the time was a Soviet republic. He called for new sanctions against Russia, accusing it of risking another nuclear disaster.

``We are actively informing the world about Russian nuclear blackmail,`` he said.

The Kremlin claimed that Ukraine's military was attacking the plant and urged Western powers to force Kyiv to stop.

A Russian-installed official in the partially occupied Zaporizhzhia region said an air defense system at the plant would be reinforced in the aftermath of last week's shelling.

Evgeny Balitsky, head of the Kremlin-backed administration, told Russian state TV that power lines and other damaged portions of the plant were restored.

``The plant is operating normally but, of course, with an increased degree of security,'' Balitsky said.

The Ukrainians in recent weeks have been mounting counterattacks in Russian-occupied areas of southern Ukraine while also trying to hold off the Kremlin's forces in the country's industrial Donbas region in the east.

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Massive explosions and fires hit a military depot in Russia-annexed Crimea on Tuesday, forcing the evacuation of more than 3,000 people, the second time in recent days that the Ukraine war's focus has turned to the contested peninsula.

Russia blamed the blasts at an ammunition storage facility in Mayskoye on an "act of sabotage'' without naming the perpetrators. As with last week's explosions, they led to speculation that Ukrainian forces may have staged an attack on the peninsula, which Russia has controlled since 2014.

Separately, the Russian business newspaper Kommersant quoted local residents as saying that plumes of black smoke also rose over an air base in Crimea's Gvardeyskoye.

Ukraine has stopped short of publicly claiming responsibility for any of the fires or explosions, including last week's at another air base that destroyed nine Russian planes. If Ukrainian forces were, in fact, responsible for any of the explosions, they would represent a significant escalation in the war.

Videos posted on social media showed thick plumes of smoke rising over raging flames in Mayskoye, and a series of explosions could be heard in the background. The Russian Defense Ministry said the fires at the depot caused damage to a power plant, power lines, rail tracks and some apartment buildings. It said in a statement that "there were no serious injuries.''

Earlier, Russia's state news agency RIA Novosti reported a fire a transformer substation after "a loud thump sound'' in what appeared to be a result of the blasts at the depot.

Crimea holds huge strategic and symbolic significance for Russia and Ukraine. The Kremlin's demand that Kyiv recognize the peninsula as part of Russia has been one of its key conditions for ending the fighting, while Ukraine has vowed to drive the Russians from the peninsula and all other occupied territories.

The district where the blasts happened, Dzhankoi, is in the north of the peninsula, about 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the Russian-controlled region of Kherson in southern Ukraine. Kyiv has recently mounted a series of attacks on various sites in the region, targeting supply routes for the Russian military there and ammunition depots.

Last week's explosions at Saki air base sent sunbathers on nearby beaches fleeing as huge flames and pillars of smoke rose over the horizon. Ukrainian officials emphasized Tuesday that Crimea, which is a popular destination for Russian tourists, would not be spared the ravages of war experienced throughout Ukraine.

Rather than a travel destination, "Crimea occupied by Russians is about warehouses explosions and high risk of death for invaders and thieves,'' Ukraine presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said on Twitter, though he did not claim any Ukraine responsibility for the blasts.

Crimea's regional leader, Sergei Aksyonov, said that two people were injured and more than 3,000 evacuated from the villages of Mayskoye and Azovskoye near Dzhankoi following the munitions depot explosions. who can we attribute the injured to?

Because the explosions damaged rail tracks, some trains in northern Crimea were diverted to other lines.

The Russian military blamed last week's blasts at the Saki air base on an accidental detonation of munitions there, but it appeared to be the result of a Ukrainian attack.

Ukrainian officials at the time stopped short of publicly claiming responsibility for the explosions, while mocking Russia's explanation that a careless smoker might have caused the ammunition to catch fire. Analysts also said that explanation doesn't make sense and that the Ukrainians could have used anti-ship missiles to strike the base.

A British Defense Ministry intelligence update said vessels in Russia's Black Sea Fleet "continue to pursue an extremely defensive posture'' in the waters off Crimea, with the ships barely venturing out of sight of the coastline.

Russia already lost its flagship Moskva in the Black Sea and last month the Ukrainian military retook the strategic Snake Island outpost off Ukraine's southwestern coast. It is vital for guaranteeing sea lanes out of Odesa, Ukraine's biggest port.

The Russian fleet's "limited effectiveness undermines Russia's overall invasion strategy,'' the British statement said. "This means Ukraine can divert resources to press Russian ground forces elsewhere.''

Meanwhile, in the Donbas, which has been the focus of the fighting in recent months, one civilian was killed in Russian shelling, and two others wounded, according to the Ukrainian governor of the Donetsk region, Pavlo Kyrylenko.

In Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, one civilian was killed and nine others were wounded by Russian shelling, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said. He added that the overnight attack on the city was "one of the most massive shelling of Kharkiv in recent days.''

Officials in the central region of Dniprotpetrovsk also reported shelling of the Nikopol and the Kryvyi Rih districts.

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Minister of Trade and Industry Ahmed Samir said that the initiative to implement the first commercial deal exporting food products from Egypt to Ghana falls within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

This came during Samir's speech in his virtual participation in the 10th ministerial meeting of the AfCFTA, currently in session in the Ghanaian capital, Accra.

Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry for Economic Affairs Ibrahim el-Sajini is leading the Egyptian delegation to the meeting.



The heads of state and government of member states gave directives to expedite the implementation of preferential trade agreement within the framework of the AfCFTA, the minister said.



He also noted that the current ministerial meeting is an important step towards the effective and equal implementation of the agreement, which was ratified by 23 countries and came into force in May of 2019.



Egypt stresses the importance of organising meetings between businessmen to discuss export opportunities in new sectors, the minister said.



He added that the Egyptian trade and industry ministry is preparing to hold introductory seminars to raise awareness among manufacturers and exporters of the importance of the agreement and the benefits from exporting under its umbrella.

AfCFTA launched a Guided Trade Initiative at its 10th African Trade Ministerial Meeting on Friday.

The initiative symbolises the beginning of commercially meaningful trade on a pilot basis between Ghana, Cameroon, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Tunisia.

These countries were selected to represent the five African Union (AU) regions, namely: Western, Central, Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa, respectively.

The trade initiative directed to the free trade zone aims to send a message to Africa and the rest of the world to start activating trade using the procedures of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

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Mahmoud Mohieldin, the UN Climate Change High Level Champion for Egypt, urged that governments  with private sector participation - develop infrastructures resilient to natural disasters as well as impacts of climate change such as heat, water scarcity, and energy deficiencies.

In a series of meetings in India, Mohieldin discussed with leading figures in the field of climate action in the South Asian country various climate action measures, including mitigation, adaptation, addressing loss and damage and financing climate projects, according to a statement released by his media office.

The climate change high level champion for Egypt has been holding meetings with officials from various countries as well as attending regional and international events to push discussions on urgent climate action in preparation for the UN climate change conference (COP27) that Egypt will host in the Red Sea city of Sharm El-Sheikh 6-18 November.

During a meeting with Amit Prothi, the director-general of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), Mohieldin stressed that adaptation measures require more government intervention as well as wider participation from the private sector.

He urged institutional investors and philanthropies to contribute more to the private sector efforts in financing adaptation measures.

Mohieldin, who is also the UN Special Envoy on Financing 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, stressed that the issue of climate action financing to address loss and damage will be on the agenda at the COP27.

During a meeting with Ajay Mathur, the director-general of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Mohieldin praised the efforts of the initiative to position solar power as the energy source of choice by 2030 toward climate mitigation.

The ISA initiative, which was launched by India in 2015 and joined by Egypt and 120 countries, aims to expand countries' reliance on solar energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

The ISA is set to present a report on progress in the areas of developing solar power technology, solar markets and solar investments at its upcoming general assembly meeting in mid-October, Mathur told Mohieldin.

Mathur noted during the meeting that solar energy has become a cost-effective energy source, citing an 80 percent decline in its cost of production in the last decade due to new solar power technologies, the statement added.

He also reviewed the ISA's planned rich activities programs at the COP27 which aim to promote investments in solar power production.

Meanwhile, in a separate meeting, Vibha Dhawan, the director-general of the Energy & Resources Institute (TERI), told Mohieldin that climate action in India is funded mainly through domestic resources' mobilisation.

Dhawan explained that India considers developed countries financing a catalyst not a tool of realization to climate action.

Both sides agreed on the importance of setting a timeline for Just Transition that factor different countries place on the spectrum of socio-economic conditions, instead of simply imposing a Net Zero goal without short to medium term plans of how to reach this goal.

Following the meetings, Mohieldin visited the National Institute of Solar Energy Campus and the TERI Gram Campus and Laboratories.

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Germany wants the question of loss and damage due to global warming to be discussed at this year's United Nations climate talks, Germany's foreign minister said Friday.

Vulnerable countries have long demanded that big polluters be held accountable for the effects that their greenhouse gas emissions are having around the world, including the tangible destruction caused by extreme weather and sea level rise resulting from rising global temperatures.

But rich nations that account for the majority of planet-warming emissions since the start of the industrial era have largely opposed efforts to formally debate the `loss and damage' issue for fear they might have to pay climate reparations.

Last year's U.N. climate talks in Glasgow failed to reach agreement on establishing a special fund for loss and damage.

Speaking after a meeting with her counterpart from Pakistan, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the recent devastating floods in the South Asian nation had shown ``what dramatic consequences the climate crisis is having in all regions.''

``As one of the hardest-hit countries worldwide, Pakistan is paying a high price for global CO2 emissions,'' Baerbock, a member of the environmentalist Greens party, told reporters in Berlin.

``That's why Germany will work toward a fair sharing of the costs at the COP27 in Egypt, putting the question of climate adaptation, but in particular also the question of loss and damage, on the agenda,'' she said, referring to the U.N. climate talks next month in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

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Egypts Health Minister Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar discussed on Saturday health sector cooperation with the Vice President of Italys San Donato Hospital Group Kamel Al-Ghribi and his accompanying delegation.

During the meeting, Abdel-Ghaffar reviewed Egypt's efforts to improve the health sector by launching initiatives and campaigns across the country for all ages, Health Ministry Spokesman Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar said.

The meeting tackled establishing a training centre for medical teams in Port Said governorate as well as holding training courses for doctors in all specialities and nursing staff under the supervision of globally trained cadres.

The minister also briefed San Donato's delegation on available investment opportunities in health projects nationwide.

Founded in 1957, the San Donato Hospital Group is one of the first hospital groups in Europe and the first in Italy. The leading private healthcare group includes 18 hospitals with a staff of 18,684, of which 5,766 are doctors.

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African integration and trade liberalisation is capable of stopping African boats of death in the Mediterranean and reducing poverty in the continent, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Wamkele Mene said Friday.

Wamkele Mene made his remarks during a celebration marking the launch of the first commercial deal under the AfCFTA umbrella. The deal is part of the Guided Trade initiative launched at the AfCFTA 10th African Trade Ministerial Meeting on 7 October in the Ghanaian capital Accra.

"What we have reached now in African integration has always been a goal dreamed by the founding fathers of the Organisation of African Unity since 1963," Mene added.

The matter, Mene noted, is not only limited to free trade and the flow of hundreds of thousands of goods, but rather "an indication that we have a vision and we are able to achieve it and liberate our continent by linking its bonds to each other."

The initiative will also contribute to "stopping the boats of death that the Africans go to them and end up with the loss of their lives in the Mediterranean," he added, assuring that African integration should be a tool to reduce poverty and for the welfare of the people of the continent.

The secretary-general said it took five years of work under the leadership and support of the Ghanaian president, whose country hosts the headquarters of the organisation, to reach an agreement on the African Continental Free Trade Area with rules of origin that govern entry to the African market.

The celebration included the inauguration of an exhibition of African products at Kotoko Airport as well as performances of the most famous dances and music from Ghanaian folklore.

The newly launched initiative included the launch of first shipments from between Ghana, Cameroon, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda and Tanzania within the framework of AfCFTA.

The shipments include 96 products, Mene added during Friday's event, expressing his hope that the number will double next year.

The initiative symbolises the beginning of commercially meaningful trade on a pilot basis between the seven nations that were selected to represent the five African Union regions, namely: Western, Central, Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa, respectively.

The AfCFTA, which seeks to boost intra-African trade, was ratified by 44 countries and came into force in May 2019 and is expected to be the largest free trade bloc in the world.

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Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias is traveling to Cairo on Sunday to hold talks with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry.

The ministers will have a one-on-one meeting followed by expanded talks focusing on bilateral relations as well as the latest developments in the Aegean and the Middle East.

The visit falls within the framework of the strategic relations between Greece and Egypt and the regular contacts between the two foreign ministers on issues of mutual interest.

Egypt and Greece are members of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF), an eight-state economic organisation that aims to create a regional gas market in the eastern Mediterranean and maximise use of natural gas in the region.

Greece is an important gateway to the European Union for Egyptian products and Egypt is the most important gateway to the African Union and Arab countries for Europe.

In August 2020, Egypt signed an agreement with Greece for the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) between the two countries to make the best use of their resources, particularly hydrocarbons.

Egypt also seeks to establish a power linkage with Greece and Cyprus, which is also a member of the EMGF, under a trilateral agreement signed in October 2021.

On Monday, Shoukry and Dendias talked to each other in a phone call where they affirmed that Libyas outgoing Government of National Unity (GNU) is not authorised to sign any international agreements as its mandate in Tripoli has expired.

The phone call came hours after the Tripoli-based GNU headed by Abdel-Hamid Dbeibah signed a series of preliminary economic agreements in the hydrocarbon and oil sectors with Turkey.

The deal came three years after Turkey and authorities in Tripoli signed a controversial maritime border deal with Turkey that granted Ankara access to a contested economic zone in the Mediterranean. Egypt, Greece and Cyprus have condemned the deal as a stark violation of international maritime laws.

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President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi congratulated the Egyptian people and the Arab and Islamic nations across the world on the anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad  Moulid El-Nabi.

"On this day, the eternal light of prophecy illuminated all of humanity, lifting the clouds of ignorance and illusion," the president wrote on his Facebook and Twitter accounts on Saturday.

The anniversary of Moulid El-Nabi, which is celebrated on the 12th day of Rabie El-Awwal (the third month of the Islamic calendar), falls this year on Saturday 8 October according to the Gregorian calendar.

"May Allahs peace and prayers be upon our honourable Prophet who was a unique role model of virtuosity. Let us make this redolent memory a beacon, a method and a model that solidifies our resolve and determination in building our lives and future," El-Sisi added.

On Wednesday, the president attended a ceremony held by the Ministry of Religious Endowments to celebrate Moulid El-Nabi.

During his speech at the event, the president stressed that "one of the most important lessons learned from the Prophet is confronting difficulties and challenges with determination and tirelessness."

First lady Intisar El-Sisi also greeted the Egyptian people and both the Arab and Islamic nations on the occasion.

"This blessed occasion inspires us to reflect on the true meanings of mercy, love, humility and true will," she wrote on her Facebook page today.

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US President Joe Biden is planning to attend the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) that is hosted by Egypt in the Red Sea city of Sharm El-Sheikh 6-18 November, according to a report in the Washington Post on Friday.

The Post's report cited two sources familiar with Biden's travel schedule who said the US president plans to attend the COP27 as part of a multi-nation trip to attend the G20 summit in Indonesia on 15 November.

Egypt and other developing nations are pinning high hopes on the fast approaching COP27 to push developed nations, who are mainly responsible for climate change, to honour their previous pledges to finance climate adaptation and mitigation efforts as well as address the issue of loss and damage.

So far, 90 heads of state have confirmed that they will attend the COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Wael Abul Magd, the special representative for the Egyptian presidency of COP27, told Reuters recently.

The US has been working closely with Egypt as the president of the COP27 to ensure the success of the conference in Sharm El-Sheikh.

John Kerry, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, has visited Egypt on two separate occasions twice this year to attend climate events and meet with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and other Egyptian officials to discuss COP27 and various climate issues.

Kerry has also been coordinating with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, the president-designate of the COP27, to develop agendas for the conference in Sharm El-Sheikh.

In February, Egypt and the US launched a climate working group that aims to advancing bilateral and multilateral climate goals in preparation for November's summit.

Both countries are also set to announce an agreement during the COP27 conference that support Egypt's National Nexus of Water, Food, and Energy (NWFE) plan to promote green projects

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Dr Mahmoud Mohieldin, the UN climate change high-level champion for Egypt, said that enhancing investments in renewables and emissions reduction projects will help achieve the net zero target.

Mohieldin remarks came during his speech via video to the event titled "Economist's Impact Sustainable Week: Countdown to COP27" held in Abu Dhabi.

The event was attended by John Kerry, US special presidential envoy for climate; Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber, UAE minister of industry and advanced technology; and a number of high-level officials, heads of companies and businessmen from all over the world.

Mohieldin, who is also the UN special envoy on financing 2030 sustainable development agenda, said that achieving net zero is not impossible, but it requires a pragmatic approach, scientific solutions and unifying regional and international efforts.

It also requires dealing realistically with the energy sector's challenges including with the failure in some cases around the world to make adequate transitions in the sector, he added.

Net zero refers to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to the point where they are equal to the amount being removed from the atmosphere.

Mohieldin highlighted the importance of the wisely managing the energy sector transition, especially when it comes to implementing new technologies.

He pointed to the necessity of investing in scientific research, developing energy technologies, seizing the opportunities related to solar energy, wind, green hydrogen and other green alternatives.

He explained that current crises, especially the war in Ukraine, proved the urgent need to diversify energy sources and enhance regional cooperation in this field.

Mohieldin said that financing the energy sector transition should not depend only on governments, pointing to the importance of public-private-partnerships (PPPs). He also praised the role of the private sector in financing and implementing mitigation measures in developed and developing countries.

The climate champion stressed that the energy sector transition requires scaling up and increasing PPPs, enhancing the joint work between state and non-state actors, and depending more on think tanks and scientific research centres in finding solutions that catalyst climate action.

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Israeli soldiers shot and killed two Palestinians on Saturday during a military raid in the West Bank, Palestinian officials said, in the latest confrontation that has made 2022 the deadliest year of violence in the occupied territory since 2015.

The raid occurred in the Jenin refugee camp in the northern West Bank, the site of repeated clashes between Israeli forces and local gunmen and residents. The camp is known as a stronghold of Palestinian militants and the army often operates there.

Palestinian officials said soldiers entered the camp early Saturday and surrounded a house. In videos circulated on social media, exchanges of fire could be heard. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported two dead and 11 wounded, three of them critically.

The Israeli occupation army said it arrested a wanted man and reported exchanges of fire in Jenin. It gave no further details.

The killing occurred a day after two Palestinian teenagers, ages 14 and 17, were killed by Israeli fire in separate incidents elsewhere in the occupied West Bank. Rights groups accuse Israeli forces of using excessive force in their dealings with the Palestinians, without being held accountable.

The Israeli military says it opens fire only in life-threatening situations.

Israel has been operating throughout the territory, especially in the northern West Bank, since a spate of deadly attacks in Israel last spring. Some of the attacks were carried out by Palestinian assailants from the area.

Israel says it is forced to take action because Palestinian security forces, who coordinate with the military in a tense alliance against Islamic militants, is unable or unwilling to crack down.

Palestinian security forces say the military raids have undermined their credibility and public support, especially in the absence of any political process. The last round of substantive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks ended in 2009.

Most of those killed are said by Israel to have been militants. But local youths protesting the incursions as well as some civilians have also been killed in the violence.

Hundreds have been rounded up, with many placed in so-called administrative detention, which allows Israel to hold them without trial or charge. Over 100 Palestinians have been killed in the fighting this year.

The violence is also fueled by deepening disillusionment and anger among young Palestinians over the tight security coordination between Israel and the internationally backed Palestinian Authority, which work together to apprehend militants.

Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war and 500,000 Jewish settlers now live in some 130 settlements and other outposts among nearly 3 million Palestinians. The Palestinians want that territory, along with east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, for their future state.

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The death toll from the migrant boat wreck at the Greek island of Kythira, which prompted a dramatic cliffside rescue, has climbed to at least 11, the coastguard said Saturday.

The bodies of six migrants were recovered by the Greek coastguard off the island at the south of the Peloponnese peninsula, where a sailboat believed to have 95 people onboard sank Wednesday night.

On Friday, the first five bodies were found.

Adverse weather conditions in the area were hampering the search efforts on Saturday.

The boat went down beneath a huge vertical cliff and survivors -- mainly from Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan -- were hauled to safety in a pre-dawn operation amid gale-force winds early on Thursday.

State broadcaster Ert reported on Saturday that one of the 80 rescued migrants was arrested because he was believed to be a people smuggler.

Another 18 people, most of them women, died when a boat carrying 40 people sank near the Aegean island of Lesbos early Thursday.

The group were Somalis and only ten were wearing lifejackets.

Greece, Italy and Spain are among the countries used by people fleeing Africa and the Middle East in search of safety and better lives in the European Union.

The Greek coastguard has said it rescued about 1,500 people in the first eight months of the year, up from fewer than 600 last year.

Officials note that smugglers now often take the longer and more perilous route south, sailing out from Lebanon instead of Turkey, to bypass EU patrols in the Aegean Sea.

"There is a sea route from Turkey directly to Italy, with smugglers using larger vessels, such as sailboats and fishing boats," said Greek Migration Minister, Notis Mitarachi at the MED5 ministerial meeting in Paphos Saturday.

"There must be pressure at an EU level on Turkey to prevent illegal departures otherwise the loss of life will continue," he said.

Greece has rejected persistent claims from rights groups that many migrants are illegally pushed back to Turkey without being allowed to lodge asylum claims.

Southern European nations -- Greece, Spain, Italy, Malta and Cyprus -- expect 160,000 asylum seekers to arrive on their shores this year, Mitarachi told reporters last month.

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North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters on Sunday, the latest in its barrage of weapons tests in recent days, after the North warned against the U.S. redeployment of an aircraft carrier for a new round of drills with South Korean warships.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement it detected the two missiles launched between 1:48 a.m. and 1:58 a.m. on Sunday from the North's eastern coastal city of Munchon.

It said South Korea's military has boosted its surveillance posture and maintains a readiness in close coordination with the United States.

The Japanese government also said North Korea fired what was possible ballistic missiles.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida instructed officials to do their utmost to gather and analyze information about the suspected launches and inform the public of any accurate information quickly, while ensuring the safety of aircraft and ships around Japan and preparing for any contingencies, according to his office.

The Japanese coast guard said it has warned ships around the country's coasts about falling objects and urged them to stay away.

The launch, the North's seventh round of weapons tests in two weeks, came hours after the United States and South Korea wrapped a new round of naval drills off the Korean Peninsula's east coast.

The drills involved the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and its battle group, which returned to the area after North Korea fired a powerful missile over Japan last week to protest the carrier group's previous training with South Korea.

On Saturday, North Korea's Defense Ministry warned that the Regan's redeployment was causing a ``considerably huge negative splash'' in regional security. The North's Defense Ministry said called its recent missile tests a ``righteous reaction'' to intimidating military drills between its rivals.

North Korea regards U.S.-South Korean military exercises as an invasion rehearsal and is especially sensitive if such drills involve U.S. strategic assets like an aircraft carrier. North Korea has argued it was forced to pursue a nuclear weapons program to cope with U.S. nuclear threats. U.S. and South Korean officials have repeatedly said they have no intentions of attacking the North.

North Korea's latest launches added to its record-breaking pace of weapons tests this year. The recent weapons tests included a nuclear-capable missile that flew over Japan for the first time in five years and demonstrated a range to strike the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam and beyond.

Earlier this year, North Korea tested other nuclear-capable ballistic missiles that place the U.S. mainland and its allies South Korea and Japan within striking distance.

North Korea's testing spree indicates its leader, Kim Jong Un, has no intention of resuming diplomacy with the U.S. and wants to focus on expanding his weapons arsenal. But some experts say Kim would eventually aim to use his advanced nuclear program to wrest greater outside concessions, such as the recognition of North Korea as a legitimate nuclear state, which Kim thinks is essential in getting crippling U.N. sanctions on his country lifted.

South Korean officials recently said North Korea was also prepared to test a new liquid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile and a submarine-launched ballistic missile while maintaining readiness to perform its first underground nuclear test since 2017.

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For the past few decades it was the talk of the town  the principal talk of every town around the globe.

Now there is hardly a peep about global warming. Could it be that we no longer regard it as an urgent threat that sometime later in this century or the next our planet will be a bit warmer?

In fact, that is all that has been left of the global warming emergency that the UN declared in its first report on the subject in 1990.

Global warming has been conveniently renamed climate change, after all, whats in a name? They both mean the same thing, the increase in Earths surface temperature due to the use of greenhouse gases.

Not only does it sound better, more serious, more heavyweight, climate change is a long-term, future change in the climate, which includes global warming. It matters little, the result is the same.

Bad humans are ruining our dear planet and we have to stop it.

The fact is, nobody cares. After three years of Covid-19, followed by a severe economic crisis, a war between Russia and Ukraine, and a shortage of fuel for the upcoming cold winter, our plates are lavishly overloaded and global warming is a distant noise that is hard to hear.

Yet the US Congress is set on their green deal, a bold plan to eliminate carbon emissions. That is impossible. What is possible is that it can eliminate our present lifestyle. With food, fuel, and commodity prices going through the roof, it has already started.

The Keystone pipeline under construction was shut down as soon as Joe Biden took office. It was to transport fuel from Alberta, Canada, to the US. At present, the US as well as Europe have a shortage of fuel and the US president had to go and beg the presidents of Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, despite unfriendly terms, to increase oil production.

Will that not affect global warming? Does it make any difference to Earth who or where oil is explored and extracted?

Ah, the pity of it. Millions of jobs lost, businesses folded, restaurants closed and a mammoth recession looming ahead.

Worse still are the billions of dollars spent daily by the US to defend Ukraine from the Russian invasion. Anyone ready to bet that Russia will lose this war?

War is the talk of the town.

Disregarding coronavirus, JLO and Ben Affleck, the funeral procession of the beloved queen Elisabeth II, the whining of Meghan Markle, and the future of the British Empire, war is always bad news.

So is the United Nations. It was the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (UNIPCC) that loudly warned the world of the ominous global warming.

The temperature will rise from 0.1 to 0.5 degrees Celsius in 30 years. Woe is me.

Yet, without fanfare, it later downgraded it to 0.3 degrees Celsius, but the harm was done and the trust was gone.

Sceptics came out of the woodworks disclaiming the UNIPCC findings and the danger of fossil fuels. Following a long period of panic, cries were heard that there was no solid evidence of global warming, or climate change, if you like.

Judith Curry, head of the Climate Science Department at Georgia Institute of Technology, admits that Climate Change is very, very complicated. Burning fossil fuels are a minor factor compared to others, such as ocean temperatures, soot, clouds, and solar radiation. Im also sceptical about our ability to do something about it.

A sorry history of bio-fuels, which was supposed to green up the earth by substituting for fossil fuels, caused deforestation.

Extravagant subsidies are being paid by consumers for uneconomic solar, wind, and even carrot power sources.

Enthusiasts say the risk is so great that we need to act now, because doing something is better than doing nothing. No, it is not.

Our primary source of energy is oil, gas, and coal. The worlds energy consumption is 84.3 per cent fossil fuels.

Serious scientists had serious questions. Even Kevin Trenberth, lead climatologist for IPCCC, expressed his concerns in his 2009 book Climategate. The fact is we cannot account for the level of warming at the moment. An admission from an honest scientist and they are becoming fewer by the second.

Scientists observe and report accurately; they pass no judgement  except for climatologists. The issue has become politicised and that is a dangerous threshold. Why should a political body like the IPCCC tell scientists what to do and when did scientists belief translate into proof?

It was one Albert Arnold Gore who rang a bell that was heard around the world. While a student at Harvard in 1970, he attended a lecture by an outstanding oceanographer, Roger Revelle in which he considered the possibility that human causes might effect climate change, but did not express any particular concern about possible negative impact of global warming.

Al Gore did.

He flew with the idea, enforced it globally as a senator and a vice president. Two decades later, in 1990, Robert Revelle presented a paper on ocean farming to lower CO2 from the atmosphere to the ocean.

Gore had become godlike. He went from $1.7 million as VP to $330 million as author, filmmaker, Nobel Laureate, divorcee, above all questioning his mentors mental capacity.

One fact all scientists acknowledge: now, not centuries from now, we cannot live without fossil fuels, confound global warming.

Unfortunately, the global warming hysteria as I see it is driven by politics, not science.

Freeman Dyson (1923-2020)

*A version of this article appears in print in the 29 September, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.

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Dramatic social media footage showed the bridge on fire with parts plunging into the water.

"Today at 6:07 am (0307 GMT) on the road traffic side of the Crimean bridge ... a car bomb exploded, setting fire to seven oil tankers being carried by rail to Crimea," Russian news agencies cited the national anti-terrorism committee as saying.

The bridge, personally inaugurated by President Vladimir Putin in 2018, is a vital transport link for carrying military equipment to Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine.

It is hugely important to the Kremlin and Moscow had maintained the bridge crossing was safe despite the fighting.

Ukraine's presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak earlier took to Twitter posting a picture of a long section of the bridge half-submerged.

"Crimea, the bridge, the beginning," he wrote.

"Everything illegal must be destroyed, everything stolen must be returned to Ukraine, everything occupied by Russia must be expelled."

The Ukrainian post office announced it was preparing to print stamps showing the "Crimean bridge -- or more precisely, what remains of it".

The Kremlin spokesman said Putin had ordered a commission to be set up to look into the blast, Russian news agencies reported.

Russia's powerful investigative committee opened a criminal probe into the explosion and sent detectives to the scene.

It said a truck exploded "on the automobile part of the Crimean bridge from the side of the Taman Peninsula".

This "caused seven fuel tanks to ignite on a train heading towards the Crimea Peninsula. As a result, two lanes partially collapsed."

Officials in Moscow stopped short of blaming Kyiv.

But an official in Russian-installed Crimea pointed the finger at "Ukrainian vandals." Another in the neighbouring Kherson region said repairs could "take two months".

And the spokeswoman of Russia's foreign ministry said that Kyiv's reaction to the blasts showed its "terrorist nature."

'Undisguised terrorist war'

"There is an undisguised terrorist war against us," Russian ruling party deputy Oleg Morozov told the RIA Novosti news agency.

"If we stay quiet and do not give an adequate response, then such attacks will multiply," he said.

There have been several explosions at Russian military installations in the Crimean peninsula.

If it is established that Ukraine was behind the latest blast, alarm bells may sound with the bridge so far from the front line.

The blasts come after Ukraine's recent lightning territorial gains in the east and south that have undermined the Kremlin's claim that it annexed Donetsk, neighbouring Lugansk and the southern regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.

The Moscow-installed head of the peninsula, Sergei Aksyonov, called on Crimeans to remain "calm" as authorities appeared to downplay the blasts.

"I call on everyone to clam down and not spread fake information," he said on Telegram. "The situation is being controlled, professionals are working on the ground."

He said rail links to Russia had been halted and added that authorities had set up food and heating points to help stranded drivers.

Authorities also tried to calm fears of food and fuel shortages in Crimea, which is fully reliant on the Russian mainland since Moscow annexed it in 2014.

Russia's transport ministry said a ferry service has been launched. Its energy ministry told agencies that the peninsula is fully provided with fuel.

The blasts came a day after President Vladimir Putin's 70th birthday.

Some Russian gains

Russian forces said Friday they had captured ground in Donetsk in east Ukraine, their first claim of new gains since a Kyiv counter-offensive rattled Moscow's war effort.

Separatist forces in the war-battered Donetsk region said they had retaken a series of villages near the Ukraine-controlled industrial town of Bakhmut, which has been under Russian shelling for weeks.

The Donetsk region, which has been partially controlled by Kremlin-backed separatists for years, is a key prize for Russian forces, which sent troops to Ukraine in February.

But Kyiv's forces have in recent weeks been pushing back against Russian soldiers across the front lines in the south and in the east, including in parts of Donetsk.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said late Friday his forces had recaptured nearly 2,500 square kilometres (965 square miles) in the counter-offensive that began late last month.

Zelensky has pushed to punish Russia in other areas, urging Brussels to ramp up pressure on its energy sector -- a day after the EU imposed a fresh round of sanctions on Moscow.

In the more than seven months since Russia's offensive, Putin has made thinly veiled threats of using nuclear weapons.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday warned the world was facing "Armageddon" as Putin may use his atomic arsenal.

But by Friday the White House dialled back the alarm, saying the president's comments did not reflect new intelligence.
An explosion Saturday caused the partial collapse of a bridge linking the Crimean Peninsula with Russia, damaging an important supply artery for the Kremlin's faltering war effort in southern Ukraine and hitting a towering symbol of Russian power in the region.

Nobody immediately claimed responsibility for the blast, which killed three people. The speaker of the Russian-backed regional parliament in Crimea accused Ukraine, but Moscow didn't apportion blame. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly threatened to strike the bridge and some lauded the destruction on Saturday, but Kyiv stopped short of claiming responsibility.

The explosion, which Russian authorities said was caused by a truck bomb, risked a sharp escalation in Russia's eight-month war, with some Russian lawmakers calling for President Vladimir Putin to declare a ``counterterrorism operation,`` shedding the term ``special military operation'' that had downplayed the scope of fighting to ordinary Russians.

Putin signed a decree late Saturday tightening security for the bridge and for energy infrastructure between Crimea and Russia, and put Russia's federal security service, the FSB, in charge of the effort.

Hours after the explosion, Russia's Defense Ministry announced that air force chief Gen. Sergei Surovikin would now command all Russian troops in Ukraine. Surovikin, who this summer was placed in charge of troops in southern Ukraine, had led Russian forces in Syria and was accused of overseeing a bombardment that destroyed much of Aleppo.

Moscow, however, continues to suffer battlefield losses.

On Saturday, a Kremlin-backed official in Ukraine's Kherson region announced a partial evacuation of civilians from the southern province, one of four illegally annexed by Moscow last week. Kirill Stremousov told Russia's state-run RIA Novosti agency that young children, their parents and the elderly could be relocated to two southern Russian regions because Kherson was getting ``ready for a difficult period.''

The 19-kilometer (12-mile) Kerch Bridge, on a strait between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, is a symbol of Moscow's claims on Crimea and an essential link to the peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. The $3.6 billion bridge, the longest in Europe, is vital to sustaining Russia's military operations in southern Ukraine. Putin himself presided over the bridge's opening in 2018.

The attack on it ``will have a further sapping effort on Russian morale, (and) will give an extra boost to Ukraine's,'' said James Nixey of Chatham House, a think tank in London. ``Conceivably the Russians can rebuild it, but they can't defend it while losing a war.``

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a video address, indirectly acknowledged the bridge attack but did not address its cause.

``Today was a good and mostly sunny day on the territory of our state,'' he said. ``Unfortunately, it was cloudy in Crimea. Although it was also warm.''

Zelenskyy said Ukraine wants a future ``without occupiers. Throughout our territory, in particular in Crimea.''

Zelenskyy also said Ukrainian forces advanced or held the line in the east and south, but acknowledged ``very, very difficult, very tough fighting'' around the city of Bakhmut in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russian forces have claimed recent gains.

Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee said a truck bomb caused seven railway cars carrying fuel to catch fire, resulting in the ``partial collapse of two sections of the bridge.'' A man and a woman riding in a vehicle on the bridge were killed, Russia's Investigative Committee said. It didn't say who the third victim was.

All vehicles crossing the bridge are supposed to undergo state-of-the-art checks for explosives. The truck that exploded was owned by a resident of the Krasnodar region in southern Russia, the Russian Investigative Committee said, adding the man's home was searched and experts were looking at the truck's route.

Train and automobile traffic over the bridge was temporarily suspended. Automobile traffic resumed Saturday afternoon on one of the two links that remained intact, with the flow alternating in each direction, said Crimea's Russia-backed leader, Sergey Aksyonov.

Rail traffic was resuming slowly. Two passenger trains left the Crimean cities of Sevastopol and Simferopol and headed toward the bridge Saturday evening. Passenger ferry links between Crimea and the Russian mainland were being relaunched Sunday.

While Russia seized areas north of Crimea early during its invasion of Ukraine and built a land corridor to it along the Sea of Azov, Ukraine is pressing a counteroffensive to reclaim that territory.

The Russian Defense Ministry said its troops in the south were receiving necessary supplies through that corridor and by sea. Russia's Energy Ministry said Crimea has enough fuel for 15 days.

Russian war bloggers responded to the bridge attack with fury, urging Moscow to retaliate by striking Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Putin ordered the creation of a government panel to deal with the emergency.

Gennady Zyuganov, head of the Russian Communist Party, said the ``terror attack'' should serve as a wake-up call. ``The special operation must be turned into a counterterrorist operation,'' he declared.

Leonid Slutsky, head of the foreign affairs committee in the Russian parliament's lower house, said ``consequences will be imminent'' if Ukraine was responsible. And Sergei Mironov, leader of the Just Russia faction, said Russia should respond by attacking key Ukrainian infrastructure.

Such statements may herald a decision by Putin to declare a counterterrorism operation.

The parliamentary leader of Zelenskyy's party cast the explosion as a consequence of Moscow's takeover of Crimea.

``Russian illegal construction is starting to fall apart and catch fire. The reason is simple: If you build something explosive, then sooner or later it will explode,'' said David Arakhamia of the Servant of the People party.

The Ukrainian postal service announced it would issue stamps commemorating the blast, as it did after the sinking of the Moskva, a Russian flagship cruiser, by a Ukrainian strike.

The secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, Oleksiy Danilov, tweeted a video with the Kerch Bridge on fire and Marilyn Monroe singing her ``Happy Birthday Mr. President'' song. Putin turned 70 on Friday.

In Moscow, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said ``the reaction of the Kyiv regime to the destruction of civilian infrastructure shows its terrorist nature.''

The Crimean Peninsula is a popular destination for Russian tourists and home to a Russian naval base. A Russian tourist association estimated that 50,000 tourists were in Crimea on Saturday.

Elsewhere, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has lost its last remaining external power source as a result of renewed shelling and is now relying on emergency diesel generators.

Ukrainian authorities were also just beginning to sift through the wreckage of the devastated city of Lyman in eastern Ukraine, assessing the humanitarian toll and possible war crimes after a months-long Russian occupation.

``Some people died in their houses, some people died in the streets, and the bodies are now being sent to experts for examination,'' said Mark Tkachenko of the Kramatorsk district police.

Explosions also rocked the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv early Saturday, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and triggering secondary explosions. Ukrainian officials accused Russia of using surface-to-air missiles in two largely residential neighborhoods.

Kharkiv resident Tetiana Samoilenko's apartment caught fire in the attack. She was in the kitchen when the blast struck, sending glass flying.

``Now I have no roof over my head. Now I don't know what to do next,'' the 80-year-old said.

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Chad's Gen. Mahamat Idriss Deby spoke with Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Footage from the Qatari royal court, or diwan, showed Sheikh Tamim with Qatar's foreign minister, while a Chadian delegation accompanied Deby.

A later statement on the state-run Qatar News Agency quoted Sheikh Tamim as backing a ``comprehensive national reconciliation in Chad,'' saying the ongoing negotiations between the military and the rebels represented a first step toward that.

Sheikh Tamim also reportedly wished Deby luck in an upcoming national dialogue planned in the Chadian capital of N'Djamena on Aug. 20. The talks had earlier been set for May.

Talks between the rebel factions and the military began in March in Doha, the Qatari capital. Deby's visit comes as diplomats hope the military government and the rebel groups would sign an agreement in Doha ahead of the Aug. 20 talks.

But it remains unclear whether the Front for Change and Concord in Chad, the main rebel group in the country, will sign a deal. That shadowy group, known by the French acronym FACT, is blamed for the 2021 killing of Chad's longtime President Idriss Deby Itno, who had ruled the country since 1990.

Mahamat Idriss Deby is the 38-year-old son of the slain president who leads Chad's Transitional Military Council.

Other rebel groups involved in the Qatar talks included the Movement for Democracy and Justice in Chad, the Union of Forces for Democracy and Development and others. They have called for Deby to declare he would not run in any coming elections, though the military junta has insisted that can only be decided in the national dialogue talks.

A planned 18-month transitional period in Chad is to end in the coming months, putting renewed pressure on the sides to reach an agreement. Already, Chad had grown frustrated by the 30 years of rule by Deby's father, leading to years of rebel uprisings in the former French colony that borders Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Libya, Niger, Nigeria and Sudan.

In July, Qatar's satellite news network Al Jazeera reported that over 20 rebel groups had withdrawn from the Doha talks. They had accused the military government of ``harassments, intimidation, threats and disinformation'' amid the negotiations.


Fifteen children were killed and 150 reportedly injured in the Gaza strip, as well as 14 children reportedly injured in Israel. When violence rages, it is children who pay the price. Beyond these figures, there are young lives. Many of them were cut short.



The impact of such escalations is huge, and continues even after a ceasefire is in place, affecting childrens ability to realize their rights and continuing to expose children and families to risks.



For many children, this was the fifth conflict they have lived through in the past 15 years. Many children are already living with the long-term psychological impact of continued exposure to violence.



Due to the lack of fuel, electricity supply in the Gaza Strip has been reduced to only four hours per day, affecting essential, life-saving services. This includes water supply from wells and desalination plants, raising concerns over the availability of safe and clean water. We welcome this mornings shipment of fuel and call for more of these crucial humanitarian deliveries to the Gaza Strip.



UNICEF is on the ground delivering, with partners, emergency health supplies, enough to reach more than 50,000 affected people. We are providing mental health and psychosocial support and working to refer children and families to available protection services where required.

UNICEF is working with partners for all children to go back to school safely at the end of August.



UNICEF once again calls on all parties to reach a long-term political and peaceful solution to the decades-long conflict, for the sake of all children and their future.
MASTV: Assistant Foreign Minister Hua Chunying recently posted 13 pictures on social media featuring landmark infrastructure projects printed on the banknotes of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, Algeria, Malawi, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Qatar, Kuwait and Tajikistan. All the projects are built by China. Can you tell us more on that?

Mao Ning: The tweets you mentioned posted by Assistant Foreign Minister Hua Chunying have indeed attracted wide attention and received many thumbs-ups for built by China. The infrastructure printed on those banknotes include ports, bridges, power stations, mosques, parliament buildings, stadiums and libraries. They are well-known name cards of built by China and shining examples of Chinas cooperation with fellow developing countries.

As the largest developing country in the world, China has always been committed to supporting and helping other developing countries in improving peoples livelihood and growing their economies. China has made tangible contributions to the economic and social development of these countries, which have been welcomed by the local people. By taking these concrete actions, China is honoring its commitment of always standing together with fellow developing countries.

We are also truly happy to see that recently, some key cooperation projects between China and other developing countries have made fresh progress. The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway connecting Cambodias capital and Sihanoukville started trial use on October 1. The expressway, the first of its kind in Cambodia, is a key project of its Belt and Road cooperation with China and marks the beginning of the age of expressway for Cambodia. A ceremony was recently held for the inauguration of the Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries Port (JCPDI Port), which is the first port designed, constructed and partially operated by Chinese companies in Saudi Arabia. It is expected to facilitate the socioeconomic development of Jazan Province and the Southwest part of Saudi Arabia. On October 6, the Velana International Airport in Maldives launched the first Code-4F runway and a modern seaplane terminal, which meet the takeoff and landing requirements of large planes like Airbus A380 and will notably improve the airports ability of receiving tourists. It is a landmark project of China-Maldives Belt and Road cooperation. With more progress expected under the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, China will deliver even more tangible benefits for the developing countries. We are sure that more such good news is still to come.

Reuters: Tesla founder Elon Musk in an interview with Financial Times suggested that a reasonably palatable solution to cross-Strait tensions would be for China to make Taiwan into a special administrative zone. How do you comment about this?

Mao Ning: The Taiwan question is Chinas internal affair. Chinas position on resolving the Taiwan question is consistent and clear. We remain committed to the basic principle of peaceful reunification and One Country, Two Systems and aim to work with the greatest sincerity and effort to achieve peaceful reunification. At the same time, we will resolutely defeat attempts to pursue the Taiwan independence separatist agenda, push back interference by external forces, and safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China Review News: Recently, the US Foreign Policy Association released a report titled The Business of America and China Is Business, calling on US policymakers to re-calibrate their mistaken assumptions and policy toward China, view China from a correct perspective and strengthen US-China economic and trade cooperation. Do you have any comment on this?

Mao Ning: I have read this report too and I am impressed by some of its observations. For example, the report essentially argues that China and the US have close economic and trade ties and US companies trust in China as an investment destination is increasing; China is an important business opportunity for the US and US tariffs levied on Chinese imports have hurt the US more than they have hurt China; and only when the US views China in an objective light can it formulate the right China policy and foreign policy.

The business and academic communities in the US have been calling for strengthening China-US cooperation recently. Institutions including the US-China Business Council and AmCham China said that its important to cooperate with rather than decouple from China, and that the US government needs to lower tariffs on China as soon as possible. According to statistics, the average return on US direct investment in China was 14.7% between 2000 and 2020, far higher than that of US outbound direct investment of 9.7%. In the first half of this year, China-US trade grew by 12.7% and the US paid-in investment in China increased by 26.1% year-on-year. This fully shows that the Chinese and American peoples aspire for cooperation and that China-US cooperation can deliver mutual benefits.

US policymakers need to listen more to the rational and objective voices of the business and academic communities, stop handling China-US relations with the outdated mindset of zero-sum games, stop letting its China policy be guided by the so-called political correctness, seriously uphold the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, and bring China-US relations back onto the track of sound and steady development.

Shenzhen TV: According to reports, in recent years, the Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. (TEPCO), which runs the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, has been exaggerating the safety of treated nuclear-contaminated water to visitors using a dosimeter that fails to detect radioactive tritium and only responds to highly concentrated cesium above a certain level. What is Chinas comment?

Mao Ning: We have noted relevant reports. TEPCO is known to have previously falsified data and covered up safety issues in the operation of the nuclear power plant. The international community has long held serious concerns over the legitimacy of Japans proposal to discharge the nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean, the reliability of its data, the effectiveness of the treatment system and the uncertainties about the environmental impact.

The potential harm of nuclear-contaminated water discharge to the marine environment, food safety and public health cannot be overlooked. It bears not only on the Japanese peoples basic human rights such as the right to health, but also on the rights and interests of all those living along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean.

We once again urge Japan to take seriously the legitimate and justified concerns of the international community and its own people and to have full consultation with stakeholders including neighboring countries and relevant international agencies. It must stop trying to push through the ocean discharge plan and instead dispose of the nuclear-contaminated water in a truly science-based, open, transparent and safe manner.

Yonhap News Agency: Recently, the DPRK has fired several ballistic missiles. It also denounced today the joint military exercises held by the ROK and the US. Do you have any comment on that?

Mao Ning: We noted relevant reports. We have also noted that the ROK and the US have recently held another joint military exercise. We hope parties concerned will stay committed to seeking a political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue and resolving each others concerns in a balanced way through dialogue and consultation. Given the delicate and complex situation on the Korean Peninsula, we hope relevant parties will refrain from moves or rhetoric that may be perceived as provocative and create conditions for the resumption of dialogue.

Hubei Media Group: It is reported that 38 people including more than 20 preschoolers were killed and many others were injured in a serious shooting at a daycare center in Thailands northeastern province of Nong Bua Lam Phu on October 6. Do you have any comment?

Mao Ning: We are shocked by the tragic shooting incident in Nong Bua Lam Phu Province of Thailand. We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and express sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured.

AFP: The US Department of Commerce has just announced new export controls on chips intended to stop China from acquiring sensitive technologies. This comes after the US blacklisted 13 more Chinese companies on Thursday, including DJI. Do you have any response to these decisions?

Mao Ning: In order to maintain its sci-tech hegemony, the US has been abusing export control measures to wantonly block and hobble Chinese enterprises. Such practice runs counter to the principle of fair competition and international trade rules. It will not only harm Chinese companies legitimate rights and interests, but also hurt the interests of US companies. It will hinder international sci-tech exchange and trade cooperation, and deal a blow to global industrial and supply chains and world economic recovery. By politicizing tech and trade issues and using them as a tool and weapon, the US cannot hold back Chinas development but will only hurt and isolate itself when its action backfires.

The Hindu: This is the question on the UNHRC vote on Xinjiang, which I know that the foreign ministry already issued a response too. So India was among the countries that did not support the vote and abstained on it. At the same time yesterday, Indias foreign ministry said that the human rights of people in Xinjiang should be respected, and India hopes that the relevant party will address the situation objectively and properly. I was just wondering if you have a comment on that.

Mao Ning: I have noted relevant reports. I want to stress that the issues related to Xinjiang are not about human rights. They are about countering violent terrorism, radicalization and separatism. Thanks to strenuous efforts, there has been no violent terrorist incident in Xinjiang for over five consecutive years. The human rights of people of all ethnic backgrounds in Xinjiang are protected to the greatest extent possible. The voting result at the Human Rights Council reflects the position of the international community, especially developing countries, of firmly rejecting the politicization of human rights issues. This once again shows that truth will always prevail and the attempt to use Xinjiang-related issues to suppress and contain China will not succeed.

Phoenix TV: According to new analysis by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), Chinese diplomats have been running a disinformation campaign in Solomon Islands. They have successfully convinced Solomon Islands outlets to republish Chinese government press releases and state media pieces and tried to shape public opinion. The ASPI report found that negative comments about China dropped from 49% of the total to 29% during this campaign, while positive comments about Beijing jumped sharply, from just 8% of the total to 41%. Critical comments about the West bounced up, from zero to 18%. Whats your comment?

Mao Ning: Since China and Solomon Islands established diplomatic relations three years ago, the Chinese side has vigorously promoted friendly exchanges and practical cooperation with Solomon Islands in various sectors guided by the principle of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, openness and inclusiveness. This has yielded tangible and fruitful outcomes and delivered concrete benefits to the local people. This is the fundamental reason why people in Solomon Islands have developed a more positive and appreciative view of China and why friendship has been deepening between our two countries.

In Solomon Islands and other Pacific Island Countries, people think highly of China because we have delivered for their countries. The people there know it best and their recognition means more than anyone elses. People can tell who exactly is running a disinformation campaign, and who is genuinely contributing to island countries development. Those who deliberately seek to sow discord with false narratives will achieve nothing.

CGTN: Recently, Burkina Faso saw the second coup this year. A group of military officers ousted the transitional president and dissolved the government and the interim parliament. They also plan to hold a national conference to elect a new transitional president. Do you have any comment?

Mao Ning: We are closely following the developments in Burkina Faso. We note its announcement that Burkina Faso will continue to observe the transition timeline that was previously agreed upon with the Economic Community of West African States. China respects the independent choices of the people of Burkina Faso and believes that they are capable of handling their internal affairs and keeping the country peaceful and stable. China is ready to work with the international community to play a constructive role in Burkina Fasos efforts to achieve stability and development.

Beijing Youth Daily: Earlier this month, the 101st session of the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) reviewed and approved the destruction plan beyond the year 2022 for the chemical weapons abandoned by Japan in China. Do you have any comment?

Mao Ning: Japans abandoned chemical weapons (ACWs) are one of the serious crimes committed by Japanese militarists during their war of aggression against China. The ACWs have long been a serious threat to peoples lives and property and ecological environment in the relevant areas in China. China has been urging Japan to completely and thoroughly destroy its ACWs in China as soon as possible in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the memorandums between the two governments. Japan missed the deadlines for the relevant destruction plan three times already and will soon miss the deadline for the fourth time. The way Japan is fulfilling its commitments is not satisfactory for people in both countries and the international community.

The OPCW held the 101st session of the Executive Council from October 4 to 7, during which it reviewed and approved the destruction plan beyond the year 2022 for the chemical weapons abandoned by Japan in China jointly submitted by China and Japan. This shows that the international community attaches importance to and supports the handling of Japans ACWs. China appreciates this. China strongly urges Japan to fulfill its political and legal commitments to the international community and China, implement the new destruction plan in a comprehensive, complete and faithful manner, and act in accordance with the CWC and inter-governmental memorandums to mobilize resources and increase input in an effort to move ahead the destruction process and completely and thoroughly eliminate the harm of ACWs as soon as possible.
Joseph Wu said Beijing aims to establish its dominance in the Western Pacific and annex Taiwan, which it claims as its own territory. That would include control of the East and South China Seas via the Taiwan Strait and preventing the U.S. and its allies from aiding Taiwan, he told a news conference in Taipei.

China says its drills were prompted by the visit to the island last week by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, but Wu said China was using her trip as a pretext for intimidating moves it has long had in the works. China also banned some Taiwanese food imports after the visit and cut off dialogue with the U.S. on a range of issues from military contacts to combating transnational crime and climate change.

The U.S. has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan in deference to Beijing, but is legally bound to ensure the island can defend itself and to treat all threats against it _ including a blockade _ as matters of grave concern. That leaves open the question of whether Washington would dispatch forces if China attacked Taiwan. President Joe Biden has said repeatedly the U.S. was bound to do so, in comments swiftly walked back by his staff.

The exercises show China's "geostrategic ambition beyond Taiwan,'' Wu said.

"China has no right to interfere in or alter'' the Taiwanese people's democratic process or interaction with other nations, he said, adding that Taiwan and the mainland are separate jurisdictions with "neither subordinate to the other.''

Since Thursday, China has sent military ships and planes across the midline in the Taiwan Strait and launched missiles into waters surrounding the island. Ignoring calls to calm tensions, Beijing has extended the exercises that amount to a blockade without announcing when they will end.

The drills have disrupted flights and shipping in one of the busiest zones for global trade. Taiwan has put its forces on alert, but has so far refrained from taking active counter measures.

On Tuesday, its military held live-fire artillery drills in Pingtung County on its southeastern coast.

The army will continue to train and accumulate strength to deal with the threat from China, said Maj, Gen. Lou Woei-jye, spokesperson for Taiwan's 8th Army Command. "No matter what the situation is ... this is the best way to defend our country.''

A visitor from the nearby port city of Kaohsiung said the exercises were necessary to "let China know we are prepared."

"I hope both sides can exercise restraint. Fighting a war is not good for the ordinary people,'' said the man, who gave only his surname Chen.

Taiwan, a former Japanese colony with only loose connections to imperial China, split with the mainland amid civil war in 1949. Despite never having governed the island, China's ruling Communist Party regards it as its own territory and has sought to isolate it diplomatically and economically in addition to ratcheting up military threats.

Taiwan is a crucial provider of computer chips for the global economy, including China's high-tech sectors. An extended crisis in the Taiwan Strait, a major thoroughfare for global trade, could have major implications for international supply chains at a time when the world is facing disruptions and uncertainty.
Madbouly made his statements during a meeting on Monday evening with representatives of nine foreign and local companies to follow up on the implementation of recently signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with these entities to launch new projects in Egypt.

The MoUs cover various sectors including electrical household appliances, fertilisers and chemicals, construction chemicals, car components and braids, ready-made clothes, information technology and medicines and vaccines, according to the statement.

The meeting was attended by representatives of Chinese electrical home appliance company Haier Egypt, Emirati fertiliser company CFC Group, Turkish domestic appliance company Beko Misr, the Italian construction chemicals Group Mabe, and Japanese car braiding giant Sumitomo Egypt.

Additionally, Japanese auto components manufacturer Yazaki Europe Limited, Egyptian ready-made company Alex Apparels, Egyptian digital solutions and ICT infrastructure provider Benya and Egyptian pharma firm Gennecs.

Madbouly said the planned projects will attract direct investments worth $1 billion and create some 35,000 job opportunities, according to a cabinet statement released following the meeting.

During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed by each company representative on the timetables of their projects. He stressed that that the government will periodically follow up on the projects to immediately remove any obstacles that may face investors.

He expressed his aspiration to witness the openings of the first stages of these projects in the immediate future.

Madbouly asserted that the importance of diversifying manufacturing and production locations is among the lessons learned during the coronavirus pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

"The current global crises that resulted from the ramifications of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis  and before that the coronavirus pandemic  was a very important lesson that the manufacturing process should not be concentrated into a specific geographical area in the world, as it is necessary to diversify the manufacturing and production areas," he said.

Meanwhile, Egypt is seeking to attract foreign investors to increase the private sector's participation in public investments, to 65 percent up from 30 percent currently, in the economy to take advantage of the new State Ownership Policy that delineates the state presence in certain sectors of the economy.

According to the policy, the government will exit 15 economic activities across seven sectors over the coming three years, including agriculture, water, sanitation, desalination, telecommunication and IT, retail, food and beverages, as well as construction.

The government will also exit a number of activities across the leather, timber, engineering, jewellery, chemical, textile, printing and pharmaceutical industries.

Billion-dollar investments

Electrical home appliance company Haier Egypt is set to establish a 200,000 square metre industrial complex in the 10th of Ramadan district in the Nile Delta governorate of Sharqia with investments of $130 million.

The project will be implemented in two phases, with the first phase to start production by the beginning of 2024 at a cost of $85 million, General Manager of Haier Egypt Ahmed El-Gendy told the meeting.

The project, El-Gendy said, will be completely self-financed by the company in the form of foreign direct investment, and is set to create some 3,500 direct and indirect job opportunities.

Emirati fertiliser company CFC Group will establish in February an industrial complex for the production of chemicals and fertilisers in Upper Egypt governorate of Qena, as part of the Integrated Industrial Partnership initiative signed recently between Egypt, the UAE, Jordan and Bahrain.

The project will be built over an area of 370,000 square metres in Nagaa Hammadi Industrial District, with total foreign direct investments estimated at $400 million, and a total paid-up capital of $100 million, CEO of the CFC Group Ahmed Khalifa said.

The complex will be the first of its kind in the Middle East and Africa, with a total production capacity of 1.5 million tons, Khalifa noted, adding that it is set to create up to 2,600 direct and indirect jobs.

The project, which will be built in accordance with green economy standards, is meant to meet the needs of the local market, with a large part of the production to be exported, he noted.

Turkish domestic appliance company Beko Misr has recently established a complex in the 10th of Ramadan district over an area of 114,000 square metres to produce 1.1 million units of refrigerators and ovens, with a total investment of $100 million.

The company plans to export 60 percent of its production to Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with production scheduled to start within one year, said Umit Gunel, general manager of Beko Egypt, during Monday's meeting.

Japanese car braiding giant Sumitomo Egypt is to start construction work in three months on its largest factory in Egypt in the 10th of Ramadan district, with investments estimated at $100 million.

The new factory, which is set to be completed within one year and seeks to export 100 percent of the production, will start the exporting process before the end of 2023, Ahmed Magdy, managing director of Sumitomo Egypt, said.

The Japanese company will establish a storage warehouse for raw materials to be used as a distribution hub for North and central African countries, Magdy pointed out.

Additionally, Japanese auto components manufacturer Yazaki Europe Limited is set to begin building a factory for the manufacture of electrical systems for cars in Fayoum governorate on an area of 60,000 square metres, with an initial investment estimated at 20 million euros.

The production process is scheduled to start in December 2024, according to Ahmed Badawi, the managing director of the Japanese company.

The project is expected to create 3,000 job opportunities in the upper Egypt governorate, he added.

Furthermore, local ready-made company Alex Apparels that acquired two ready-made factories is currently developing them in accordance with the European quality standards to reach a production capacity of more than 33 million pieces of clothing annually.

The new factories are expected to employ tens of thousands of workers, Ehab Mohy, the chairman of Alex Apparels, said during the meeting.

Alex Apparels will also establish a textile and dyeing factory with a production capacity of 70 tons of cloth per day and a workforce of 4,000 workers. They will also establish a green clothing factory, with an expected production capacity of 12 million pieces annually and a workforce of 2,500 workers.

Both planned factories are set to start production during 2023, Mohy added.

Also, Egyptian digital solutions and ICT infrastructure provider Benya has concluded 90 percent of the construction work of a fibre-optic cable factory, which is being established within the framework of the country's expansion of data centres.

Ahmed Makki, CEO of Benya, said 80 percent of the firm's equipment has already arrived, and it is expected to start production in November 2022.

The investments in the project's first phase will reach EGP 750 million and will cover 40 percent of local needs, he added.

Egyptian pharma firm Gennecs will establish a factory in Egypt for biopharmaceuticals and vaccines, with an expected cost of about $150 million in foreign direct investments, according to Nepal Dehba, the general manager of Gennecs.

The two-phase project is being implemented by a group of investors from Egypt, the UAE and Saudi Arabia and it aims to localise the vaccine industry, she added.

Gennecs, Dehba said, aims to cover the Egyptian market and export to Africa and the Arab countries with the new factory.

The factory will produce all types of vaccines with a capacity of 115 million doses per year, she noted, asking Madbouly to support the project and facilitate the issuance of the necessary licenses and procedures.
According to Maait, Egypt attained the highest GDP growth rate of 6.6 percent in 2008, compared to an average of 3.2 percent in emerging markets.

He noted that Egypt achieved an initial surplus, for the fifth consecutive fiscal year, worth EGP 100 billion in FY 2021/2022 (1.3 percent of GDP). In addition, the budget deficit contracted in FY 2021/2022 to reach 6.1 percent of GDP, down from 13 percent in FY 2012/2013.

Egypts GDP growth is expected to moderate to 5.5 percent in the current FY 2022/2023 and to five percent in FY 2023/2024 owing to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

The rate is expected to jump to seven percent in FY 2025/2026 and FY 2026/2027.

Egypt is eager to reduce all barriers for the sake of stimulating both local and foreign investments, including the Egyptian-Korean partnership in order to maximise Egypt's export and production capacities and provide more job opportunities, the minister told Hong.

Maait highlighted the distinguished relations between the two countries, stressing that the ministry is willing to support the Korean companies operating in the Egyptian market to expand their investment activities.

During the meeting, Maait invited the Korean ambassador to attend the meetings of the Finance Day, scheduled for November on the sidelines of COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh.

Hong underpinned the efforts of the Egyptian government to encourage and facilitate Korean investments, noting that 170 Korean companies operate in the Egyptian market with a total investments of $800 million.

We are looking forward to further economic cooperation with Egypt going forward, said Hong.

He noted that the trade balance between the two countries is tipping towards balancing due to the increasing Egyptian exports to South Korea.

Trade exchange between Egypt and South Korea rose by 23.6 percent during the first 10 months of 2021, recording $1.9 billion, up from $1.6 billion during the corresponding period in 2020, according to the latest figures published by the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS).

During the same course, the Egyptian imports from South Korea increased to $1.4 billion, up from $938.4 million, growing by 44.8 percent.
"A deal would mark one step forward but it does not mean that Lebanon has become a gas- or oil-producing country," said Marc Ayoub, an associate fellow at the American University of Beirut's Issam Fares Institute.

"We are talking of a timeline of five to six years... before the first gas" if commercially viable reservoirs are in fact found, the energy expert told AFP, describing the timeframe as "optimistic".

With the demand for gas rising worldwide because of an energy crisis sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Lebanon hopes that an offshore discovery would ease its current unprecedented financial downturn.

But more than a decade since it declared its maritime boundaries and an Exclusive Economic Zone, it still has no proven natural gas reserves.

One well drilled in 2020 by a consortium of energy giants TotalEnergies, Eni and Novatek showed only traces but no commercially viable gas deposits.

Further test drilling, in a block near the border, has been hampered by the maritime border dispute between Lebanon and Israel, which are technically still at war.

Following years of US-mediated negotiations, a draft proposal from Washington at the weekend was welcomed by both sides.

But Israel on Thursday said it would reject amendments to the proposal requested by Lebanon this week, further prolonging a final agreement.

A final deal, however, would allow "offshore exploration activities to continue," off Lebanon's coast, Ayoub said.

"But that doesn't mean that Lebanon has become rich... or that its crisis has been solved."

'First gas'

A 2012 seismic study of a limited offshore area by the British firm Spectrum estimated recoverable gas reserves in Lebanon at 25.4 trillion cubic feet.

The authorities in Lebanon have announced higher estimates.

Block 9 near the border with Israel contains the so-called Qana field or Sidon reservoir, and will be a major zone for offshore exploration by TotalEnergies and Eni that were awarded a contract in 2018.

"This time next year, we should know if there is a commercial discovery in Qana or not," Ayoub said.

"If we have a discovery, it will take... no less than three to five years after exploration" before production could start.

This time frame, according to Ayoub, assumes there are no delays by Lebanese authorities who are widely blamed for the corruption and mismanagement behind the country's financial crash.

It took months for the Lebanese Petroleum Administration (LPA) regulatory body to name its board after it was formed in 2012, because of political disputes over nominations.

Several bidding rounds for offshore gas and oil licences have been hit by delays since they began in 2013.

Already, Lebanon lags far behind Israel which has been investing in the offshore Karish field for years and is expecting its first gas within weeks.

Risky investment

Roudi Baroudi, an energy consultant, said that gas or oil production could start within three years if commercially viable reservoirs are found.

But to attract energy firms and benefit from potential discoveries, Lebanon desperately needs to undergo changes, he told AFP.

"Lebanon is not a good investment unless the government implements reforms," the energy expert said.

Reforms would provide "the basic assurances that international companies need to work with less risk".

State institutions in Lebanon have collapsed under the weight of the crisis, with strikes by civil servants adding to the paralysis.

An economic recovery plan has yet to take off more than three years since the financial downturn began, despite mounting pressures from foreign donors and the International Monetary Fund.

And political gridlock has caused a months-long delay in forming a new government amid fears of a presidential vacuum after Michel Aoun's mandate expires at the end of October.

With a bankrupt state unable to deliver more than an hour or two of mains electricity a day, energy firms may choose to work on their Lebanon projects out of Cyprus, according to Baroudi.

"With no rule of law, Lebanon is a jungle," he said. "It's absolute chaos, whether judicially, financially or in terms of regulatory" bodies.
A draft agreement floated by US envoy Amos Hochstein aims to settle competing claims over offshore gas fields and was delivered to Lebanese and Israeli officials at the weekend, following years of indirect negotiations.

Yet with negotiations having hit a roadblock, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz "instructed the defence establishment to prepare for any scenario in which tensions increase in the northern arena, including defensive and offensive readiness," his office said.

Lebanon and Israel have no diplomatic relations and their land border is patrolled by the United Nations. The two sides are technically still at war.

Israel had welcomed the terms set out by Hochstein and said they would be subjected to legal review, but gave no indication it sought substantive changes.

Lebanon presented its response to Washington's proposal on Tuesday.

A senior Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that Israel had received the Lebanese response to the meditator's proposal for an agreement.

"Prime Minister Yair Lapid was updated on the details of the substantial changes Lebanon is seeking to make in the agreement and instructed the negotiating team to reject them," the official said.

"Israel will not compromise on its security and economic interests, even if that means that there will be no agreement soon," the official added.

A Lebanese official involved in the negotiations told AFP that "Lebanon has not yet been notified of Israel's response".

The official, who requested anonymity as they were not authorised to discuss the talks, said Lebanese negotiators had been working with Hochstein "all night... to clarify some points".

Threats

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said earlier this week that the US proposal was "on the right track to assert Lebanon's rights over all its waters".

Washington's terms were also welcomed by the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, a major player in Lebanon that considers the Jewish state its arch-enemy.

Israel and Lebanon reopened negotiations on their maritime border in 2020, but the process was stalled by Beirut's demand that the map used by the United Nations in the talks be modified.

According to Israel, the US proposal gives Israel full control of the Karish field, which Lapid has maintained falls entirely within Israeli territory and was never a subject of negotiation.

The Israeli official on Thursday underscored that Israel is not negotiating with Lebanon over Karish and "will produce gas from the Karish rig as soon as it is possible to do so."

Hezbollah had threatened attacks after Israel moved a production vessel near the Karish field.

"If Hezbollah or anyone else tries to damage the Karish rig or threaten us -- the negotiations on the maritime line will stop immediately and (Hezbollah chief) Hassan Nasrallah will need to explain to the citizens of Lebanon why they don't have a gas rig for the benefit of their economic future," the official added on Thursday.

Israel election

Israel's November 1 general election has overshadowed the recent phases of the negotiations.

When Lapid praised Hochstein's draft and indicated a deal with Lebanon was close, opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu said he had "capitulated to Nasrallah's threats" and given "Hezbollah sovereign Israeli territory".

There was no evidence that the former premier had seen the US proposal and he offered no specifics supporting his charges against Lapid, his longstanding political rival.

On Thursday, Netanyahu reiterated that the hawkish government he hopes to form with his far-right and religious allies would not be bound by any maritime deal with Lebanon and took personal credit for Israel apparently stepping away from the deal.

"It was only the heavy pressure myself and my friends put on Lapid that caused him to back away from his capitulation agreement," said Netanyahu, who spent Wednesday night in hospital after falling ill while fasting during the Jewish Yom Kippur holiday.
This came as Lenderking provided the latest updates regarding the UN-mediated truce in Yemen, which expired on October 2nd without the parties reaching an agreement for an extension.



He also said that the US is concerned that the Houthis did not accept the UNs proposal for a truce extension on the 2nd of October.



"We do see that key elements of the truce continue to hold and that intensive UN-led negotiations and U.S. diplomacy continue unabated. When I talk about key elements of the truce holding, let me be clear what I mean. I mean that there is still a relatively low level of violence in the country. Fuel ships continue to offload into Hodeidah port. There will be more continuity in civiliancommercial flights from Sanaa airport. These particular elements of the truce have been extremely effective and have delivered tangible results to the Yemeni people over the last six months," he said.

He stressed that there is a stark choice that lies ahead, that "on the one hand, there is a return to war, which will bring nothing but casualties and destruction on Yemen and will create further confusion as to where this conflict is headed. [and that] On the positive side, there is the opportunity to not only extend but expand the truce  that is, to bring more elements, positive elements of the truce, the likes of which would include flights, as I mentioned; there have been ongoing and very energetic discussions with numerous countries on additional flight destinations."



He stated that the US would anticipate that the kind of processing for fuel into Hodeidah would be streamlined even further. "We expect to reach  be able to reach agreements on salary payments. This has been a core demand of both parties, right, to have the ability to pay Yemeni civil servants who have not been paid for many years: teachers, nurses, civil servants, to provide salaries for them," he said.



According to Linderking, these are the kinds of benefits that stand in the balance should the parties, particularly the Houthis, choose the path of peace. Its a very clear choice on the part as viewed by the international community and as viewed by the United States, he affirmed.



"We already have a public commitment from the Yemeni Government, the Saudi-led coalition, on the salary issue. The stumbling block to renewing the truce on Sunday was, in fact, the Houthis imposing maximalist and impossible demands that the parties simply could not reach, certainly in the time that was available. So, I think if we see more flexibility from the Houthi side going forward, then this opens the road, I think, to this much better peace option," he said.



The US envoy reiterated that Washington and UN and international diplomacy continue unabated. He affirmed that there is absolutely no let-up in the engagement among the parties and across the lines of the conflict parties and that all channels remain open.



He referred to the tangible benefits of the peace, saying it included a "dramatic reduction of 60 percent in civilian casualties; over 25,000 Yemeni citizens being able to fly on commercial flights in and out of Sanaa airport for the first time since 2016; theres five times more fuel per month coming onto the market through Hodeidah port compared to last year, which makes it more widely available and actually lowers fuel prices."



He called on the Houthis to listen to the calls from Yemeni men, women, and children, and to prioritize a brighter future for their country.



He reiterated that an extended truce opens the way to a durable ceasefire and to Yemeni-Yemeni talks that will decide the future of the country. "These are very significant possibilities that are within reach if the parties step forward and embrace it," he said.



He expressed the US concerns about the humanitarian situation in Yemen, arguing that most of the metrics that humanitarians look at to use to assess humanitarian needs point to the fact that the needs are great, and the funding is not adequate.
The ministers will have a one-on-one meeting followed by expanded talks focusing on bilateral relations as well as the latest developments in the Aegean and the Middle East.

The visit falls within the framework of the strategic relations between Greece and Egypt and the regular contacts between the two foreign ministers on issues of mutual interest.

Egypt and Greece are members of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF), an eight-state economic organisation that aims to create a regional gas market in the eastern Mediterranean and maximise use of natural gas in the region.

Greece is an important gateway to the European Union for Egyptian products and Egypt is the most important gateway to the African Union and Arab countries for Europe.

In August 2020, Egypt signed an agreement with Greece for the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) between the two countries to make the best use of their resources, particularly hydrocarbons.

Egypt also seeks to establish a power linkage with Greece and Cyprus, which is also a member of the EMGF, under a trilateral agreement signed in October 2021.

On Monday, Shoukry and Dendias talked to each other in a phone call where they affirmed that Libyas outgoing Government of National Unity (GNU) is not authorised to sign any international agreements as its mandate in Tripoli has expired.

The phone call came hours after the Tripoli-based GNU headed by Abdel-Hamid Dbeibah signed a series of preliminary economic agreements in the hydrocarbon and oil sectors with Turkey.

The deal came three years after Turkey and authorities in Tripoli signed a controversial maritime border deal with Turkey that granted Ankara access to a contested economic zone in the Mediterranean. Egypt, Greece and Cyprus have condemned the deal as a stark violation of international maritime laws.
During the meeting, Abdel-Ghaffar reviewed Egypt's efforts to improve the health sector by launching initiatives and campaigns across the country for all ages, Health Ministry Spokesman Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar said.

The meeting tackled establishing a training centre for medical teams in Port Said governorate as well as holding training courses for doctors in all specialities and nursing staff under the supervision of globally trained cadres.

The minister also briefed San Donato's delegation on available investment opportunities in health projects nationwide.

Founded in 1957, the San Donato Hospital Group is one of the first hospital groups in Europe and the first in Italy. The leading private healthcare group includes 18 hospitals with a staff of 18,684, of which 5,766 are doctors.
The UN Human Rights Council has appointed a special rapporteur to monitor human rights in Russia. The resolution was adopted on a vote of 17 in favor, 6 against, and 24 abstentions.

The debate on the initiative began just as a Belarusian activist and two humanitarian organizations based in Ukraine and Russia were announced as co-winners of this year's Nobel Peace Prize.

The significance was not lost on those attending the council session. Before the voting began, many delegates expressed concern about the worsening human rights situation in Russia. They deplored the severe restrictions on people's fundamental rights to freedoms of expression and assembly.

The U.S. ambassador to the Human Rights Council, Michele Taylor, said repressive tactics and attacks against dissenting voices have significantly increased since Russia launched its war against Ukraine. She said the extensive shrinking of civic space has discouraged Russians from actively participating in public life.

"These unrelenting domestic attacks on human rights enable Russia's war on Ukraine and its ongoing violations of the UN charter," Taylor said. "However, the Russian authorities' long-running and worsening repression within Russia more than justifies the creation of a special rapporteur. We will vote yes on this resolution and urge others to do so as well."
The only two European nations not invited were Russia and its neighboring ally Belarus.

The group was the brainchild of French President Emmanuel Macron and includes all 27 members of the European Union, plus 17 other nations, some of which are seeking EU membership.

Leaders from 44 European countries met Thursday in Prague in the inaugural meeting of the European Political Community, a new regional group seeking to find strategies to address shared concerns such as energy, the economy and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

In remarks to open the meeting, Macron said the group's existence is aimed at sending a message of unity to all European nations by building "a strategic closeness" and finding common strategies. He indicated the group was not seeking to compete with the EU but to find complementary projects.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who closely supported Macron in creating the summit, said the meeting sends a strong signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"It is very visible that all of us who are meeting here know that the Russian attack on Ukraine is a brutal violation of the security and peace that we have had in Europe over the last decades. And therefore, it is important that we reject this attack," said Scholz.

Thursday's summit featured an opening ceremony, followed by a series of meetings where leaders discussed the key challenges Europe faces: security, energy, climate, the economy and migration.

No formal policy statements, resolutions or declarations were expected from the summit.
Actor Kang Dong-won has started work on his next film, tentatively titled "Possession."

Based on a web cartoon of the same title, the spiritual thriller deals with a story of a man who happens to be an exorcist, forcing him to solve the case of a young girl who is somehow suffering from demonic possession.

The film also stars actors Heo Joon-ho and Lee Dong-hwi and actress Esom. Shooting began last month, but its release date has not been decided yet.

"I immediately experienced great chemistry with co-actors and other staff on the first day of shooting, so I expect it will be very fun," Kang said.
KYODO NEWS - Oct 8, 2022 - 13:50 | All, World, Japan

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday signed a decree to create a new operating company for the Sakhalin 1 oil and gas project, according to Russian media.

With the signing, Russia will ask foreign stakeholders if they wish to remain part of the project, which is partly financed by the Japanese government and companies, including Itochu Corp. and Marubeni Corp., through Sakhalin Oil and Gas Development Co., or SODECO.

SODECO holds a 30 percent stake in the project, which started producing crude oil in 2005. The decree was quoted as stating that foreign business partners will have one month to decide whether to invest in the new company.

"It remains an important project for the stable supply of energy," a senior Japanese industry ministry official said Saturday, although Japan currently does not import crude oil from Sakhalin 1.

The government has said Japan, which is highly dependent on energy imports, will maintain stakes in the Sakhalin 1 and 2 energy projects, despite the imposition of economic sanctions on Russia since its invasion of Ukraine.

Exxon Mobil Corp. of the United States, a major stakeholder in Sakhalin 1, announced in March its withdrawal from the project in the Russian Far East.

A new operator has already been set up for Sakhalin 2, which accounts for around 9 percent of Japan's liquefied natural gas imports.

Russia has authorized investments by Japanese trading houses Mitsui & Co. and Mitsubishi Corp. in Sakhalin 2, while British oil major Shell PLC, which held an approximately 27.5 percent stake in the predecessor company, exited from the project.

Related coverage:

Russia OKs Japan firm's investment in Sakhalin 2 energy project

Mitsui, Mitsubishi to keep stakes in Russia Sakhalin 2 energy project
KYODO NEWS - Oct 8, 2022 - 17:54 | World, All, Japan

Members of a trans-Pacific free trade pact could agree in principle to allow Britain to join as a new member this year, using the European country's case as a model for future aspirants, Japan's economic minister Daishiro Yamagiwa said Saturday.

Yamagiwa said at a joint press conference, following a ministerial meeting in Singapore of the regional trade deal, he believes that based on the views of some members, there could be a basic agreement "perhaps within this year."

The process of Britain's accession to the 11-member pact, formally known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, "will be a good precedent" in meeting the high standards for trade rules and transparency, said Yamagiwa, minister in charge of economic revitalization.

The one-day meeting discussed Britain's entry into the CPTPP, or the acronym for the regional free trade deal. Japan is chair of a working group on Britain's envisaged membership.

The country applied for accession in February last year, and a few months later, the CPTPP Commission, the group's top decision-making body, agreed to formally commence negotiations with Britain.

"Our energies are focused on getting the accession of the United Kingdom completed, this will serve as a pathfinder," Singapore Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong said at the same press conference.

Gan said at outset of the meeting that five countries have expressed interest in joining the CPTPP, without naming them.

But asked later on whether other applications, such as from China, Taiwan, Ecuador and Costa Rica, had been discussed, he said, "We did not discuss economy-specific applications."

In September last year, China, the world's second-biggest economy, filed its bid to join the pact, in an apparent bid to boost its clout in the Asia-Pacific region.

Singapore and Malaysia have said that they welcome China's bid to join the CPTPP.

Days after China's application, Taiwan submitted its own.

Members of the CPTPP issued a ministerial statement after the meeting saying progress has been made in the areas such as e-commerce, and aimed to push for digital trade. Gan also said the members are keen on pursuing "green" and digital economy.

To join the trade deal, the approval of all 11 members -- Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam -- is needed.

The pact, which entered into force in 2018, does not include the United States following its abrupt withdrawal from negotiations the previous year.
GENEVA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Human Rights Council on Thursday rejected a Xinjiang-related draft decision tabled by the United States and some other countries here at the 51st session of the Human Rights Council.

When the outcome of the vote was shown on the big screen, loud applause was heard at the conference hall of Palais des Nations in Geneva. Envoys of some member countries of the council congratulated Chinese diplomats there on the voting result.

Although the United States deliberately packaged the draft decision, and together with a handful of other Western countries added pressure on other members, the draft decision was rejected by most member countries, especially developing countries. The U.S.-led attempts ended with failure.

To attract more countries to vote for the draft decision, the United States and some other Western countries schemed to package it as a procedural issue that is neutral and has no political motives. However, the lie was debunked by representatives of other member countries.

"This proceeding exposes the deliberate interest of Western powers to instrumentalize the Human Rights Council to advance their geopolitical aspirations and selectively condemn the People's Republic of China," said Juan Antonio Quintanilla Roman, Cuba's permanent representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

"Many say we should give the council the opportunity to debate. But those same countries that want to debate now, where have they been for all these years?" asked the envoy.

"When the Chinese delegation, session after session, has organized side events, photo exhibitions, talks with authorities from the Xinjiang region, visits of hundreds of people, including diplomats based here in Geneva ... side events even during times of the COVID-19 pandemic, bypassing all obstacles, where have those countries been if they were really that interested in discussing the situation that concerns them in the People's Republic of China?" he went on to question.

Hector Constant Rosales, permanent representative of Venezuela to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said, "We warn about the dangerous steps that this hegemonic country is intentionally taking to turn this council into a stage for politicization and confrontation, using human rights as an instrument."

"The word dialogue is therefore used as a synonym of imposition in this case, and we cannot be complicit in this continuous politicization," he added.

Khalil Hashmi, Pakistan's permanent representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said, "Pursuit of an 'a la carte' approach driven by political considerations carries the risk of further accentuating politicization and polarization, it also undermines the credibility of this important UN body."

Maira Mariela Macdonal Alvarez, permanent representative of Bolivia to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said the draft decision covers up "its real intention of political manipulation, seeking to include China on the Human Rights Council's agenda in order to attack constantly to this country in the coming sessions."

She added that the move "clearly instrumentalizes the Human Rights Council for its geopolitical intentions."

Chen Xu, head of the Chinese Mission to UN in Geneva, said the United States and some other countries tabled the draft decision and packaged it as a procedural issue, attempting to justify the unauthorized and illegal "assessment," and to put Xinjiang-related issues that do not exist at all on the agenda of the council.

No matter how the draft decision is disguised, its ulterior motive is to take advantage of UN human rights bodies to interfere in China's internal affairs, he said.

"The Xinjiang-related issues are by no means human rights issues. They are about counter-terrorism, deradicalization and anti-separatism," Chen said.

He told the council that after arduous efforts, Xinjiang has seen no violent and terrorist incident for five consecutive years. The human rights of people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are protected to the fullest extent.

"Turning a blind eye to these facts and truth, the United States and some other countries had fabricated and spread numerous lies and rumors, in an attempt to smear China, undermine Xinjiang's stability and contain China's development," he said. "It is a typical example of political manipulation and the gravest violation of the human rights of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang."

Chen further stressed that so far, all country-specific resolutions of the Human Rights Council are aimed at developing countries, and the United States and some other countries, in disregard of their own serious human rights violations, are indulged in pointing fingers at others.

The result of the vote fully showed that people have a sense of natural justice. The deeds of politicizing and instrumentalizing human rights issues by the United States and some other countries are doomed to fail. 
MONTREAL, Canada, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) announced Friday it has reached historic agreement on a goal of net-zero carbon emissions for international flights by 2050.

Member states meeting at the ICAO assembly in the Canadian city of Montreal have adopted a collective long-term aspirational goal (LTAG) of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, one of the only global sector-specific climate goals, according to ICAO.

ICAO said on social media that LTAG aligns international aviation with the Paris Agreement and follows a commitment by the industry itself last year.

ICAO works with its 193 member states to set and audit safety, security, emissions, navigation, and facilitation standards to shape and improve international air operations. ICAO assemblies take place once every three years.

The 41st assembly is held from Sept. 27 to Oct. 7 at ICAO's Montreal headquarters, during which member states and representatives from international organizations have established ICAO's priorities, supporting the increased sustainability and digitalization of 21st century air transport. 
Mourners and relatives carry the body of a Palestinian man, who was killed by Israeli soldiers, during his funeral in the West Bank city of Jenin, Oct. 8, 2022. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Two Palestinians were killed and 12 others injured on Saturday during a raid by Israeli soldiers on a refugee camp in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, Palestinian medics and eyewitnesses said.

A man named Mahmoud Al-Soous died after being shot by Israeli soldiers in the neck, and another man was shot dead in the head. The injured, including two in serious condition, have been sent to hospitals for urgent treatment, said the Palestinian Ministry of Health in a statement.

Palestinian eyewitnesses said that an Israeli army force stormed the refugee camp and surrounded a house of a Palestinian wanted by Israel for being involved in attacks against Israel. Fierce clashes then broke out between the Israeli soldiers and Palestinian gunmen, they said.

An Israeli army spokesman said in a statement that when the Israeli troops stormed the refugee camp to arrest a wanted Palestinian member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, gunmen opened fire at the soldiers.

The Israeli army stormed homes of Palestinians every day on purpose, Governor of Jenin Kamal Abu Robb told Xinhua, condemning the Israeli army raid on the refugee camp.

"The Israeli occupation is trying to uproot the armed resistance in Jenin, but it will not succeed in doing so," said Hazem Qassem, spokesman of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), in a statement.

Tension in the West Bank has been mounting since March after the Israeli army intensified its military actions and operations against Palestinian militants and activists.

Since January, 111 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, including women and children, said the Palestinian health ministry. 

Protesters burn a tire during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the West Bank city of Jenin, Oct. 8, 2022. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)
MACAO, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) saw a recovery in the tourism market during the National Day holiday thanks to its sound epidemic-containment situation and promotional festive events.

To attract mainland tourists during the week-long holiday that concluded on Friday, Macao rolled out several promotional events, including a fireworks show, new interactive devices at the Macao Grand Prix Museum, and community tours.

Yang Yang, a five-year-old boy from Shanghai, traveled to Macao with his parents and grandparents during the holiday. Standing on the beachside near the iconic Macao Science Center, the family of three generations enjoyed the grand fireworks show above the sea together with crowds lining up the long coastline.

"We came to Macao this holiday particularly for leisure and shopping," the boy's father said. "The trip is well worth it."

According to statistics from the Macao Government Tourism Office, over 180,000 visitors, mostly from the mainland, entered Macao during the holiday. On Oct. 1, the first day of the holiday, Macao recorded a total of 37,000 visitor arrivals, the second highest daily record so far this year.

During the holiday, famous tourist spots such as the Ruins of Saint Paul's and the Largo do Senado once again saw crowds of tourists busy taking photographs and buying local specialty snacks. Some restaurants were fully booked.

A salesperson at a major shopping center on Taipa Island told Xinhua that they received about a third more customers on Oct. 1. "We hope this can continue throughout the holiday."

The Tourism Office has been promoting the city as a safe tourist destination on social media in the mainland. It has also worked with businesses to offer discounts for hotels and air tickets.

During the first three days of the holiday, the hotel occupancy rate in Macao reached 80.6 percent on average, showed data released by the office.

Staff at a hotel in the NAPE area of the Macao Peninsula said their rooms had been nearly booked out during the holiday. "You need to make reservations in order to enjoy our buffet dining services."

Many experts and scholars in Macao said the recovery boosted people's confidence in the prospects of Macao's tourism economy and the economy as a whole.

Li Xi, executive associate dean of the Faculty of International Tourism and Management of the City University of Macao, said the recovery in the tourism market had been long expected by the industry and local residents.

"The most important thing is to maintain the safe environment and continue to build Macao into a safe tourist destination," he said.

Lao Keng Chong, director-general of the Macao Innovation Development Research Association, said support at the national level makes it hopeful for the local tourism industry to achieve a breakthrough.

"With unique cultural charms as a bridge linking Chinese and Western cultures, Macao can attract tourists with its historical and cultural heritages in order to speed up economic recovery," Lao added. 
DAMASCUS, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian Foreign Ministry on Saturday demanded the immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria.

In a statement, the ministry said the U.S. presence in Syria was illegal and demanded an end to the U.S. support to the Kurdish-led militias, which the ministry said served the U.S. interests in Syria.

Meanwhile, the ministry condemned the theft of Syrian oil by the U.S. forces, saying that "the continuation of U.S. despicable policy of stealing Syrian oil across the Syrian-Iraqi border and transporting it to northern Iraq represents piracy and an attempt to return to the outdated colonial times."

It further said that the U.S. practices run counter to international law and UN charters, demanding the UN Security Council to condemn the act.

The ministry also said Syria reserves the right to get compensation from the United States for the losses it caused and the oil it plundered. 
BAGHDAD, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- A security officer in Iraq's Kurdistan region was killed on Friday by the explosion of two bombs attached to his car, the Kurdish Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) said in a statement.

The statement named the assassinated officer as Colonel Hawkar Abdullah, a Kurdish security officer, adding that the attack took place in Erbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.

The CTS said that the blast killed Abdullah and wounded four of his family members, adding that the attack was a terror act and investigation into the incident was launched.

Also on Friday, the Iraqi Interior Ministry's Intelligence Office said in a statement that the security forces spotted three Islamic State (IS) militants in a rugged area in the south of the city of Kirkuk, some 250 km north of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

Based on accurate intelligence reports, Iraqi warplanes conducted an air strike on the militants' hideout, killing an IS local leader and two militants, the statement said, adding that an intelligence force arrived at the scene and found the bodies of the three militants.

Over the past months, Iraqi security forces have conducted operations against extremist militants to crack down on their intensified activities.

The security situation in Iraq has been improving since the defeat of the IS in 2017. However, its remnants have since melted into urban centers, deserts, and rugged areas, carrying out frequent guerilla attacks against security forces and civilians. 
Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) in central China's Hubei Province celebrated its 70th anniversary on October 6.

At the anniversary celebration, Li Yuanyuan, Party secretary of HUST, said that during the past seven decades, HUST has brought up more than 700,000 talents of various kinds for the country.

President of HUST You Zheng said over the past 70 years, the university has trained a large number of high-quality graduates who work hard and make great contributions in their respective work. They include academicians, winners of the highest national science and technology awards, and models of the times.

In the last five years, the number of HUST graduates has remained at around 15,000 per year.

Situated in Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei Province, HUST is a comprehensive research university.
The China-proposed Global Development Initiative (GDI) will offer support to developing countries and steer global development toward a new stage of balanced, coordinated and inclusive growth, said experts. #GLOBALink





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Aerial photo taken on Sept. 30, 2022, shows the newly-constructed lower reservoir of Kokhav Hayarden pumped storage power plant in Beit She'an, Israel. (Xinhua/Handout via PCCC)



The Chinese-built 344-MW Kokhav Hayarden pumped storage hydropower plant, located near the city of Beit She'an and lies 275 meters below sea level, is expected to be operational in early 2023, which will become the largest pumped storage power plant in Israel.



JERUSALEM, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Summer heat still struck northeastern Israel near Jordan Valley in early October, with noon temperature reaching as high as 36 degrees Celsius. Under the scorching sun, a group of Chinese constructors is striving to perfect their project.

The 344-MW Kokhav Hayarden pumped storage hydropower plant, located near the city of Beit She'an and some 120 km away from Tel Aviv, is built to become the largest pumped storage power plant in Israel.

It will also become the lowest power plant of such kind in the world, as the powerhouse lies 275 meters below sea level, according to building contractor Power Construction Corporation of China (PCCC).

Chinese and Israeli constructors work at the Kokhav Hayarden pumped storage power plant in Beit She'an, Israel, on Oct. 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Zhuolun)



Israel is eager to continue its efforts in diversifying sources of energy as well as developing renewable energy sources.

According to data released in 2020, renewable energy accounts for less than 7 percent of the total energy in the country. In 2022, the Israeli Ministry of Environment released a new renewable energy roadmap, targeting 40 percent of renewables in the country's power mix by 2030.

Chinese constructors work at the newly-constructed lower reservoir of Kokhav Hayarden pumped storage power plant in Beit She'an, Israel, on Oct. 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Zhuolun)



"Pumped storage hydropower provides an economical, efficient and stable way of hydroelectric energy storage. Acting similarly to a giant battery, it can store power and then release it when needed," explained Han Hongwei, general manager of the project.

"It is a configuration of two water reservoirs at different elevations which can generate power as water moves down from one to the other," he added.

In late September, construction of the lower reservoir, which lies 236 meters below sea level and with a storage capacity of 3.16 million cubic meters, was completed. The over 200,000 square meters of white impervious geomembrane is particularly eye-catching in the mountains beside highway 90, the longest road in Israel.

Chinese and Israeli constructors work at the Kokhav Hayarden pumped storage power plant in Beit She'an, Israel, on Oct. 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Zhuolun)



Ao Guohui, the project implementation manager, said that the team has gone all out to complete the reservoir before the arrival of the rainy season in November, so as to meet the requirements of flood control and achieve the water storage target at an early date.

According to Ao, as the project is located at the end of the northern extension of the East African Rift, the special geographical condition makes the construction process particularly challenging.

After numerous brainstorming and in-depth analysis, complex technical difficulties have been conquered one after another, and appropriate plans have been implemented step by step.

"For example, multiple anti-filter water cut-off troughs are added along the slope to divert underground water seepage into the reverse pumping well, which effectively solved the problem of excavation seepage," Ao said.

Aerial photo taken on Sept. 30, 2022, shows the newly-constructed lower reservoir of Kokhav Hayarden pumped storage power plant in Beit She'an, Israel. (Xinhua/Handout via PCCC)

According to Han, the project, expected to be operational in early 2023, is undertaken by PCCC and General Electric as an EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contractor. An international team composed of over 700 people from 17 countries has been gathered, including China, France, Germany, South Africa, India and Moldova.

Despite the difference in cultural backgrounds and professional fields, everyone's competitive edge has been given full play, and an effective multicultural communication mechanism has been established, he said.

Chinese constructors work at the higher reservoir under construction of Kokhav Hayarden pumped storage power plant in Beit She'an, Israel, on Oct. 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Zhuolun)



Ibrahim Monder, an Arab engineer in charge of production safety, told Xinhua in a deep tunnel where the -275 meters powerhouse was installed, that he has gained a lot of expertise through working with the Chinese team in the past five years, especially in the field of shaft sinking.

"If it hadn't been a Chinese company, the project would not have progressed so fast and the quality would not have been so good," said Yehuda Aronov, a Jewish execution engineer.

Getting along with Chinese colleagues day after day, Aronov has forged friendships with them, deepened his understanding of China, and mastered the elementary Chinese language.

With a passion for traditional Chinese culture, on the wall of his office, Aronov hung a portrait and philosophical argument of Laozi, a reputed Chinese philosopher who founded the philosophical system of Taoism, which read: "A long journey starts with a small step." 
BEIJING, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Saturday said the fruitful outcomes of friendly exchanges and practical cooperation between China and Solomon Islands are the fundamental reasons why people in Solomon Islands have a positive perception of China.

Mao made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to an Australian report alleging that Chinese diplomats in Solomon Islands tried to shape public opinion in the country.

Since China and Solomon Islands established diplomatic relations three years ago, the Chinese side has vigorously promoted friendly exchanges and practical cooperation with Solomon Islands in various sectors guided by the principle of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, openness and inclusiveness, Mao said, adding that this has yielded tangible and fruitful outcomes and delivered concrete benefits to the local people.

"This is the fundamental reason why people in Solomon Islands have developed a more positive and appreciative view of China and why friendship has been deepening between our two countries," said the spokesperson.

She said that in Solomon Islands and other Pacific island countries, people think highly of China because China has delivered for their countries.

"People can tell who exactly is running a disinformation campaign, and who is genuinely contributing to island countries' development. Those who deliberately seek to sow discord with false narratives will achieve nothing," Mao added. 
* Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region has experienced a decade of extraordinary transformations with the support of the central government and the entire country.

* The living environment and quality of life of farmers and herders have significantly improved over the past 10 years.

* With heavy spending on the construction of railway and road facilities, Tibet has fostered rapid development and constant improvements to the lives of the locals.

* Improved transportation network has rendered a further boost to tourism in the region. Rural Tibet attracted more than 12.7 million tourists last year, generating about 1.6 billion yuan in tourism revenue and creating 64,500 jobs for farmers and herders.

By Xinhua writers Shen Hongbing, Cao Jian, Zhang Jingpin, Lyu Qiuping

LHASA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Located on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as the "roof of the world," southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region has experienced a decade of extraordinary transformations with the support of the central government and the entire country.

After years of efforts, rural residents in Tibet have achieved fruitful results and seen improved livelihood, with their per capita disposable income maintaining double-digit growth for 19 consecutive years.

Photo taken on June 3, 2022 shows a view of the Yamzbog Yumco Lake, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan)

In 2021, the per capita disposable income of rural residents in Tibet reached 16,935 yuan (about 2,385 U.S. dollars), 2.97 times the income recorded in 2012, said Du Jie, director of the regional department of agriculture and rural affairs. The income growth has been the highest nationwide for seven consecutive years.

"The living environment and quality of life of farmers and herders have significantly improved over the past 10 years," Du said.

NEW ROADS

With heavy spending on the construction of railway and road facilities, Tibet has fostered rapid development and constant improvements to the lives of the locals.

Since 2012, more than 337 billion yuan has been spent as fixed-asset investment in Tibet's transport sector, according to the region's transport department.

Over the past decade, three railway lines have formed a "Y" shape on the plateau region, with the latest Lhasa-Nyingchi line, the region's first electrified railway line, kicking off operation on June 25, 2021. The Lhasa railway station, where the three lines meet, has seen passenger flow up from 2.24 million in 2007 to more than 4 million in 2021.

A Fuxing bullet train runs on the Lhasa-Nyingchi railway in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 14, 2022. (Xinhua/Chogo)

In Cosibsumgyi Township, Ngari Prefecture, residents of Baka Village have enjoyed development dividends in local infrastructure.

"In the 1990s, local residents started to plant willow trees along the river valley. Considering the weather in Ngari Prefecture, plantations are usually carried out in April and May, when Cosibsumgyi is often snowbound," said Oizhu Doje, who hails from Baka Village.

Oizhu Doje recounted a time when the mountain was completely blocked for a month due to heavy snowfall, preventing the transportation of nursery stock to the outside.

At the end of 2020, an asphalt road was operational in the township. "The road, coupled with a series of favorable policies, has guaranteed smooth shipment for nursery stock," Oizhu Doje said.

The total length of roads in Tibet has increased by some 55,000 km to 120,000 km over the past 10 years, including more than 90,000 km of rural roads, according to official figures.

IMPROVED WELL-BEING

Improved transportation network has rendered a further boost to tourism in the region. Rural Tibet attracted more than 12.7 million tourists last year, generating about 1.6 billion yuan in tourism revenue and creating 64,500 jobs for farmers and herders.

Local residents pose for a photo in front of their new house in Gurum Township of Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 2, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan)

In Tashi Chodan, a community in the Nedong District of Shannan, known for its Tibetan opera, some 30 artists perform regularly for tourist groups.

Dawa Drolma, 52, one of the performers, said they have shows every night during the peak season.

Dawa Drolma and her family have also refurbished their house into a homestay with six beds. "During the busiest time, all rooms are full," she said, adding that the opera performance and homestay business bring the family an extra income of more than 50,000 yuan every year.

Located in a deep valley in the Himalayas, Medog County is besieged by high hills and primitive forests. For centuries, porters were the major transportation means for the county.

The situation significantly changed following the start of the operation of the Medog Highway in October 2013, with vehicles and machines flowing in. Children can now go to school by vehicle, and, whenever needed, patients can be transferred to the city hospital quickly, sometimes by ambulance. Porters are no longer needed.

Tourists take photos of the ruins of the Guge Kingdom in Zanda County of Ngari Prefecture, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Aug. 3, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhang Rufeng)

Thanks to the country's pairing-up assistance mechanism, by the end of June, seven batches of more than 1,300 medical professionals nationwide have trained more than 2,400 local doctors of different levels for Tibet. At the same time, hospitals in Tibet sent 1,800 local medical personnel to their pairing-up provinces and municipalities for further study.

By the end of 2021, more than 400 serious diseases could be treated without leaving Tibet, and more than 2,400 moderate diseases could be treated without the patients having to leave their cities. Moreover, the average life expectancy in Tibet rose from 68.2 years in 2015 to 72.19 years.

RURAL REVITALIZATION

Improved transport facilities, telecommunications networks and courier service coverage have contributed to e-commerce development in the region, with online shops and consumption surging rapidly. Local specialties are sold to other parts of China via online e-commerce platforms.

At a workshop in Chagyab County, more than 30 artisans were busy producing goldware and silverware, and their creations, such as pagodas and vases, were placed next to them.

A harvester operates in a highland barley field in Rasog Township of Gyangze County, Xigaze, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2022. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Maidoi Village in Chagyab County has a long history of manually processing goldware and silverware, and the craftsmanship has been included in the region's intangible cultural heritage list.

Tengpa Doje, an inheritor of the craft, said villagers earlier processed gold and silver at home with low efficiency and poor product quality.

"Thanks to the workshop, we can now sit together and discuss challenges we are facing, and pool wisdom to attract young artisans and consumers with our products," he said.

The workshop is part of the county's ethnic handicraft industrial park, which was established in October 2018 with a total investment of about 27.2 million yuan. The park, featuring Tibetan cultural handicrafts such as thangka painting, and goldware and silverware processing, has helped boost the income of local residents.

Sherab Doje, a local villager, joined the workshop three years ago. "I have learned how to make ethnic accessories, earning some 4,000 yuan a month," Sherab Doje said. Enditem

(Chen Shangcai and Fan Fan also contributed to the story. Video reporters: Lodro Gyatso; Video editors: Zhu Cong, Li Qin and Liu Xiaorui.) 
LHASA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Airports in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region have handled 438,000 flights, 45.6 million passengers, and 368,000 tonnes of cargo and mail in the past decade, authorities said Saturday.

The figures are far more than those in the previous 47 years when Tibet was open to civil flights, Zhang Wei, spokesman for the regional administration of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, told a press conference.

In 2021 alone, the region saw 59,900 takeoffs and landings, 2.79 times the number in 2012, reaching an annual growth rate of 12.1 percent on average.

From 2012 to 2021, the number of passengers handled by the airports in Tibet surged from 2.22 million to 6.03 million.

Civil aviation has accounted for a much higher proportion of the region's entire passenger transportation system, said Zhang.

Flights have now connected Tibet with 68 cities from 28 other provincial-level regions. 




SHANGHAI, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) --Two highly anticipated exhibitions were unveiled at Shanghai Bund One Art Museum this September to celebrate the China-Italy Year of Culture and Tourism.

The "Uffizi Self-Portrait Masterpieces" displays a total of 50 masterpieces from the 16th century to the 20th century.

The "100 Years of Modern Art" showed 57 masterpieces, covering a variety of art forms such as oil painting, photography, sculpture, installation, collage and paper.

Meanwhile, in the Museum of Art Pudong, visitors can get a free passionate and energetic trip in the "Design for fun" Italian contemporary design exhibition.







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Party chief of the Junmen Community Lin Dan (2nd L) talks with senior residents at a community canteen at Junmen Community in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 9, 2022. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

FUZHOU, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Five decades after she began her career as a community worker in Fuzhou City in east China's Fujian Province, Lin Dan remains committed to serving the local residents with undiminished enthusiasm.

"If you put in your all, you'll be able to do the job to everyone's satisfaction," said Lin, 74, who was elected as a delegate to the upcoming 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and is a recipient of the July 1 Medal, the highest honor in the Party.

Lin, who is also the Party chief of the Junmen Community, initiated the residents' talkfest to strengthen community governance.

These meetings, held around the 10th of every month, are joined by lawmakers, political advisors, government officials and resident representatives.

Issues ranging from individual household problems to public safety and infrastructure development of the neighborhood are discussed here.

For instance, electric vehicle owners in the community once faced a dearth of charging piles. After delegates reached a consensus on the number and location of charging piles during a talkfest, it took only three days to build additional piles in the area.

Jiang Wanfang, a local resident, shed light on a similar instance of efficient community governance by recounting how the problem of water shortage was fixed.

"We used to experience frequent water supply outages in the building I live in. The issue was discussed at the talkfest and the community representatives negotiated with the water supply company to solve the problem," Jiang said.

To ensure the well-being of the elderly and children, Lin and her fellow community workers established a community canteen for the elderly, a childcare center and a retirement home, making the community a warm and inclusive abode.

Lin comes to the elderly canteen at 11 a.m. every weekday to help those who have difficulty in moving freely.

There are more than 1,200 people aged 60 and above in Junmen. Some of them live alone and find it hard to cook on their own. The community canteen has not only relieved the elderly of the burden of cooking but also made it possible for them to eat a meal with two meat dishes and two vegetable dishes for just 10 yuan (1.4 U.S. dollars).

After wrapping up her work at the canteen, Lin goes to the childcare center. The center provides children with weekday meals and homework support at a monthly cost of 880 yuan per child.

"I will always strive to enhance community services and continue to work in the interest of the Party and the people," Lin said. 

Party chief of the Junmen Community Lin Dan (1st R) and community workers check the charging piles for electric vehicles at Junmen community in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 15, 2022. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

Party chief of the Junmen Community Lin Dan (L) visits the home of Gao Zhuying, a local senior resident, at Junmen Community in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 15, 2022. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

Party chief of the Junmen Community Lin Dan talks with children at a childcare center at Junmen Community in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 14, 2022. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Friday voiced serious concern over the Sept. 30 coup in Burkina Faso that ousted President Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, particularly given the serious regional security challenges in the country's Sahel region.

The second military takeover in Burkina Faso in eight months is regrettable and undermines stability, the members of the council said in a statement, calling on the parties in the West African country to settle their differences through dialogue.

The coup was the second this year in Burkina Faso. In the one on Jan. 24, former President Roch Kabore was overthrown, and Damiba was sworn in on Feb. 16.

The council members welcomed the call of the Economic Community of West African States for an end to violence and looting of all kinds, and underscored the urgent need for the restoration of constitutional order in Burkina Faso. They expressed their support for regional and continental mediation efforts.

The council members welcomed the statement issued by the African Union (AU) that reaffirmed the AU's opposition to any seizure or retention of power by unconstitutional means in Burkina Faso and demanded scrupulous respect for the timetable for a rapid return to constitutional order.

The council members further regretted that the political and security instability and the dire socio-economic and humanitarian situation in Burkina Faso would provide an opportunity for terrorist groups to wreak havoc in that country. They encouraged more international support to help address the situation in the country.

They also welcomed the advice of the UN Peacebuilding Commission regarding supporting peacebuilding efforts in Burkina Faso, including the commission's engagement and coordination with Burkina Faso's regional and international partners to effectively address the country's peacebuilding and transition challenges. 
MOGADISHU, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers have killed 14 al-Shabab militants, including a senior al-Shabab leader in charge of the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia, a military commander confirmed Saturday.

A commander of Unit 66 of the 14 October brigade who led the operation told SNA Radio that Mohamed Nur Shire was killed in a sting operation conducted in the Janale area Friday night.

"SNA killed Mohamed Nur Shire who was in charge of terrorism in the Lower Shabelle region and 13 conspirators in the Janale area," the military radio reported.

The commander said the main aim of the military operation was to foil an attack that the terrorists who have engaged the government in nearly daily attacks, were planning to carry out in the district.

He said Shire who was the extremist group's leader in the Lower Shabelle region was responsible for the planning and execution of terror attacks in southern Somalia.

The latest assault came as government forces backed by the African Union forces have stepped up attacks on al-Shabab in the central part of Somalia, killing more than 200 militants and recovering over 30 villages from the insurgents in the past three weeks.

The operations continue as the government on Saturday said it has suspended 40 Twitter and Facebook accounts that terrorists used to spread their propaganda and violent extremist ideology.

Deputy Information Minister Abdirahman Yusuf Adala told a news conference in Mogadishu, the Somali capital, that anyone found guilty of the dissemination of such hate propaganda will face the full force of the law. "Broadcasting terrorist news has been banned, the government has taken measures and closed about 40 social media accounts where terrorists were broadcasting their news, and any media or individual found spreading the message of that group will be targeted."

"Any person who spreads al-Shabab ideology will also be targeted," Yusuf said in the latest move which comes after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared an all-out war against the militants.

He said the military operations to flush out al-Shabab militants from their strongholds will be intensified to stop extortion of the Somali people and the spread of propaganda, intimidation, and extremism in Somalia.

President Mohamud last month called on citizens to stay away from areas controlled by the militants ahead of major offensives against the al-Qaida allied terror group. Mohamud said the militant group will be confronted on all fronts, noting that they will be subjected to airborne attacks including raids in a bid to weaken its presence in Somalia.

Despite increased operations, the extremist group still controls some parts of rural southern and central Somalia and continues to carry out high-profile attacks in Mogadishu and elsewhere. 
ISLAMABAD, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- An alleged serial killer took eight lives on Friday night in the Sheikhupura district of Pakistan's eastern Punjab province, police said on Saturday.

District Police Officer Faisal Mukhtar told media that all victims were sleeping in the open air at different farm houses in a village when the suspected killer approached them, who used a sharp axe in the killing.

Police and rescue teams rushed to the sites and shifted the bodies to the hospital.

The officer said the suspect was arrested and behaved like a mentally unstable person. He would be sent for a medical checkup for a final assessment.

According to the police, a search operation was still underway to find more bodies or any suspects.

The incident has caused panic among residents in the region. 
The Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS) has partnered with leading organisations from across the UAE and US to advance its mission of driving inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

UAEs ICT Fund, Sanad  a wholly owned subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company, Pittsburghs Elliott Group, Eithad Rail, UPMC, and Schneider Electric are amongst a list of partners that will help facilitate a global dialogue on the future of innovation, manufacturing, and advanced technology at the inaugural edition of GMIS America from September 28 to 30, 2022, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

The partnerships will help foster cross-sector collaboration through exchanging knowledge and expertise to address global industrial challenges and explore new areas of growth to drive economic progress worldwide. Discussions at GMIS America will help raise the efficiency and competitiveness of the industrial sector and highlight how advanced technologies can support the growth of sustainable industrial practices, driving economic growth and global prosperity.

Elliott Group (Title Partner) is joined by fellow US organisations, Richard King Mellon Foundation, the (UPMC), UPMC Health Plans, Schneider Electric, University of Pittsburgh, West Virginia University, National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), and Catalyst Connection.

Unmissable opportunity

Mike Lordi, CEO (Ret.) of Elliott Group, said: We are delighted to partner with the inaugural edition of GMIS America to join the global dialogue on advancing global industrialisation and net zero. It is a unique, unmissable opportunity to collaborate with experts and like-minded businesses to develop new projects and partnerships and work with key decision makers from governments, leading associations and global organisations.

Aided by access to the GMIS global partner network and the networking opportunities afforded by GMIS America, we look forward to exploring cross-border opportunities as we work together to reshape the future of the industrial sector.

UAE organisations Sanad and ICT Fund are joined by Etihad Rail and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) in partnering with GMIS to facilitate cooperation between American and Emirati companies and reshape the future of the industrial sector.

Founding partner

Commenting on the partnership, Eng Omar Al Mahmoud, CEO of ICT Fund, said: Following the success of previous editions of GMIS, and given Pittsburghs leading role as a pioneer in advancing the global ICT sector through its advanced research and innovation centers, we are excited to be playing a role as Foundation Partner with GMIS during their inaugural US edition. I look forward to participating in inspiring discussions that promote cross-border collaboration and help seize the opportunities presented by Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies that can further advance the ICT sector in the UAE and across the world.

Mansoor Janahi, Group CEO of Sanad, added: Manufacturers should have access to integrated industrial services that will allow them to focus on their core business and unlock new growth opportunities. We are honoured to partner with GMIS America to enable forward-thinking dialogue, networking, and business discussions to help enhance sustainable economic growth and drive partnerships between the UAE and the US.

The UAEs industrial strategy offers several opportunities for US companies to work closely with their Emirati counterparts to expand operations in the UAE and benefit from its strong industrial base. With more than three decades of experience in the aviation industry, Sanad has a wealth of expertise to contribute to this exchange.

Top delegation

A high-level UAE delegation is attending GMIS America to present the UAEs ambitious industrial strategy to enable investment, innovation opportunities and collaboration between the USA and Emirati businesses. As co-chair of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS), the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology will showcase the UAEs national industrial agenda (Operation 300Bn) and the Make It In The Emirates initiatives, highlighting the nations manufacturing opportunities, value propositions and priority sectors.

Commenting on the announcement, Namir Hourani, Managing Director of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit, said: Industrial breakthroughs will not happen in silos but at the intersection of multiple disciplines. We are honoured that key organisations from across the UAE and the US have placed their trust in us, and have joined us on our mission to encourage the adoption of green manufacturing practices, particularly using renewable energy sources such as hydrogen and low-carbon technologies.

These partnerships will further aid the exchange of knowledge and expertise, catalysing cross-sector collaboration to address the industry's challenges and explore new areas of growth that will ultimately lead to the advancement of economic growth around the world.

60 international speakers

Under the theme Advancing Global Industrialisation and Net Zero, GMIS America will convene more than 60 international speakers to drive sustainable manufacturing practices and the clean energy transition. It will connect influential leaders from government, business, and civil society to explore the future of manufacturing and how it fits into the global energy transition.

Hosted by Thomas Wolf, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, GMIS America will host multiple activities over three days. The event will comprise high-profile sessions across several formats, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, and fireside chats, as well as a gala dinner, interactive workshops and working groups on September 28 and 29.

On September 30, GMIS America will host exclusive site visits to advanced tech centers and industrial facilities throughout Pittsburgh to showcase the latest innovations and technology solutions available in the city and encourage cross-sectoral collaboration and partnership opportunities.

Set to take place annually in the US, GMIS America is a roadshow by the worlds most high-profile manufacturing and advanced technology conference, the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS). Co-chaired by the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, GMIS offers a voice and venue for global industry leaders to place manufacturing at the heart of economic regeneration and government policymaking and utilise technology as a tool for global cooperation and collaboration.-- TradeArabia News Service
PHNOM PENH, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni on Saturday signed a royal decree to sack Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Veng Sakhon from his post.

In the royal decree, the king said, "Veng Sakhon is dismissed from the post of the minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries."

"Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, must take responsibility to implement this royal decree from the day of signature," the king said.

Sakhon, 62, had held the post of the minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries since April 2016.

It's rare that a minister is fired from a job in the Southeast Asian nation. No reasons were explained for the dismissal, but in February, Hun Sen warned to dismiss Sakhon for incompetence and non-cooperation with other government ministries.

On Saturday, Hun Sen also made a decision, designating Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth as the acting minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, in addition to his current job. 
HOUSTON, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) on Friday suspended the entire school police force partly as a result of parents' protest over the fallout from police response to the May 24 mass school shooting that killed 19 children and two teachers in the small city of the U.S. state of Texas.

"The District has made the decision to suspend all activities of the Uvalde CISD Police Department for a period of time," a statement from the Uvalde CISD said. The department now includes four officers and one security guard.

"The District has requested the Texas Department of Public Safety to provide additional troopers for campus and extra-curricular activities," the statement said.

Officers currently employed will fill other roles in the district, the statement said, adding that Lt. Miguel Hernandez, who was tasked with leading the department in the fallout from the shooting, and Ken Mueller, the Uvalde CISD director of student services, were placed on administrative leave. Mueller has elected to retire.

The move came one day after the firing of Crimson Elizondo, the officer who was hired by the Uvalde school district despite being under investigation for her conduct as the first Department of Public Safety trooper to enter the hallway at Robb Elementary School after the gunman gained entry. She did not bring her rifle or vest into the school at the time, ABC News reported, citing an internal investigation.

Since last week, about a dozen of victims' families and local residents have been holding a round-the-clock vigil outside the school district headquarters, demanding the school district hold all school police officers accountable for their delayed action during the May 24 shooting.

A total of 376 law enforcement agents, including the school police officers, responded to the shooting but failed to intervene for 74 minutes.

Then Uvalde schools police chief Pete Arredondo, who was widely blamed for the botched law enforcement response, was fired in August in a unanimous vote by the Uvalde school board. A Texas House committee's report said that under the district's active shooter plan, he would have been the incident commander.

"Those were the people that failed us. They didn't protect the children or the staff," a parent said at a community meeting before the new school year started in early September.

"You've dug a big hole... You've got to get out of this hole someway somehow," another parent told city and school district officials at the meeting.

The Robb Elementary School, where the shooting took place, has been closed since then. Children who would have gone to Robb now instead go to another two elementary schools in the city. A virtual academy is also available for the families who don't want to send their students back to school. 
White House says Biden's statement about Armageddon not based on new intelligence 8 October, 04:56 PM Joe Biden (Photo:REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz)

U.S. President Joe Biden's statements about the prospect of Armageddon following Vladimir Putin's nuclear threats arent based on new intelligence, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a briefing on Oct. 8.

She added that the United States takes the Russian dictators nuclear threats seriously.

Read also: How Kyiv residents are reacting to the threat of a Russian nuclear strike on the capital

The comments of the U.S. President underscore what weve said many times before, namely how seriously we take the threat of nuclear weapons, Jean-Pierre said. We did the same when Russia made such threats during the conflict (before).

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The White House spokeswoman clarified that the United States hasnt received new data related to Russian nuclear threats, and "doesnt see any reason to change the deployment of strategic nuclear forces."

On Oct. 7, US President Joe Biden said the nuclear threats of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin might lead to Armageddon. He said that Russia doesnt use "light tactical (nuclear) weapons."

Earlier, Ukrainian intelligence said that they consider the threat of Russia's use of tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine "very high."

At the same time, according to the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, Russia is not expected to launch a nuclear strike in the near future.

The United States has said that in the event of Russia using nuclear weapons against Ukraine, the response of Washington and its allies will be decisive. Washington has warned the Kremlin of "catastrophic consequences should it attack non-nuclear Ukraine with nuclear weapons.

On Sept. 21, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, after announcing mobilization in Russia, once again threatened Western countries with the use of nuclear weapons, saying "this is not a bluff."



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NEW YORK, October 07, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Endometriosis Foundation of America, and its UpEndo Coalition, applaud passage of New Jersey General Assemblywoman Shanique Speights bill, A3212, to establish a Womens Menstrual Health Screening Program and requirements to screen appropriate patients for endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). On Thursday, September 29, the New Jersey Assembly Women and Children Committee, chaired by Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera, passed the bill with bipartisan unanimous support.

"The passing of this important legislation will help young people get diagnosed earlier and treated quicker for menstrual disorders like endometriosis that have an enormous impact on their fertility, mental health, and ability to thrive in society. Early recognition of what is and is not normal for those experiencing menstrual symptoms will have a huge social and economic impact. By raising awareness through screening programs, we can reach more young people at the right place and time to truly make a difference in their lives." - Tracey Haas, DO, MPH - Interim Executive Director, Endometriosis Foundation of America

Assemblywoman Speights bill represents a major step forward in ensuring that women in New Jersey receive early screening and diagnosis and help spread greater awareness of endometriosis through the creation of the Womens Menstrual Health Screening Program within the New Jersey Department of Health. Importantly it would also ensure greater education and awareness of endometriosis within the medical community.

"Today has been a historic day for New Jersey. The Assembly women and children committee has voted on 7 bills that address Menstrual health. Legislation such as these will positively impact women and girls in the state of New Jersey, especially A3212 which establishes a menstrual health screening program for individuals suffering from endometriosis and PCOS."  New Jersey Assemblywoman Shanique Speight

Diana Falzone, Endometriosis Foundation of America Ambassador and Executive Producer and host of EndoTV, submitted testimony to the committee in support of the bill. The UpEndo Coalition was created by the Endometriosis Foundation in 2021 to promote a better understanding of the extent and long-term health implications of endometriosis with the public, Congress, and state legislative leaders, build awareness about the short- and long-term consequences of living with this debilitating disease, and ensure policymakers are advancing research funding and other policy priorities.

"The passing of this important, impactful legislation for womens health thanks to Assemblywoman Speight, will undoubtedly have a positive impact on many peoples lives and overall well-being. The sooner diseases like endometriosis are diagnosed, the quicker medical intervention can begin which can hopefully spare many years of pain, misdiagnosis or lack thereof, suffering, and financial costs. Today is a win for bettering the healthcare system and bettering the lives of New Jerseyans."  Diana Falzone, Endometriosis Foundation of America Ambassador

The bill will now go before the full New Jersey Assembly and Senate in order to be sent to the Governor for the final signature. The UpEndo Coalition supports the signing of A3212 in to law, and respectfully urges Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and Senate President Nicholas Scutari to bring the bill up for a vote in the full legislature.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221006006029/en/

Contacts

Jeanne Rebillard, Jeanne@EndoFound.org
Doctors walk inside the Ebola isolation section of Mubende Regional Referral Hospital, in Mubende, Uganda (AP)

Four health workers are among 10 people who have died after an Ebola outbreak in Uganda that is being monitored by US and UK health authorities.

The eastern African nation will host a ministerial meeting on the outbreak of the Sudan strain of the virus which has no proven vaccine and has caused alarm in the region.

Acting director Ahmed Ogwell told journalists on Thursday the three countries that suffered the West Africa outbreak of Ebola in 2014-16, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, also are invited to the meeting taking place on Wednesday next week.

Relatives of a woman who died from Ebola prepare her grave in Kijavuzo village, Mubende district, Uganda (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Ugandan scientists and their partners abroad are looking to deploy one of two possible vaccines against the Sudan strain of Ebola, the WHO representative to Uganda told reporters Thursday.

But there are only 100 doses of the vaccine from the Sabin Vaccine Insitute, said Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam.

These manufacturers are looking to produce more, he said. We do not have sufficient data to deploy it in a large (population) and the supply is not there.

Currently the scientists are agreeing (on) scientific protocol for the study and as soon as the protocol is agreed ... I think the vaccine will be imported into Uganda. Hopefully within less than a week.

Uganda has had multiple Ebola outbreaks, including one in 2000 that killed more than 200 people.

Doctors stand in a circle to say a prayer before entering the Ebola isolation section of Mubende Regional Referral Hospital (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

There have been no Ebola cases from the outbreak reported outside Uganda. However the United States will begin screening travellers from the country as a precaution, the Biden administration said Thursday.

The risk in the US is considered low and health officials described the screening move as an additional precaution.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it is currently monitoring the outbreak and confirmed there are currently no cases of the disease in the UK.

Dr Meera Chand, UKHSA Director of Clinical and Emerging Infection, said: UKHSA constantly monitors emerging infection threats in collaboration with partners across the world.

Story continues

We are aware of an outbreak of Ebola cases in Uganda and are monitoring the situation closely. The risk to the public in the UK is very low.

Ebola is mainly spread through contact with blood and other bodily fluids of an infected person who is sick or died. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain and sometimes bleeding.

Additional reporting by AP
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's former printing and distribution center in West Milwaukee has been sold for $26 million.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's former production facility has been sold to a group affiliated with the company that last year bought the Chicago Tribune.

The printing and distribution center, at 3825 and 4101 W. Burnham St., West Milwaukee, was sold by Journal Sentinel Inc., a subsidiary of national newspaper chain Gannett Co., to 4101 W. Burnham St. Milwaukee WI LLC for $26 million.

That's according to newly posted state real estate records.

The buyer has the same address as Twenty Lake Holdings LLC.

Twenty Lake is the real estate subsidiary of New York-based Alden Global Capital LLC, according to published reports.

Alden is a hedge fund that owns more than 200 newspapers. Its holdings include the Chicago Tribune, which Alden obtained with its 2021 purchase of Tribune Publishing.

The sale of the West Milwaukee facility to an Alden affiliate raises the likelihood it will be used to print the Chicago Tribune.

Efforts to reach an Alden representative Friday for more information weren't initially successful.

Gannett, the nation's largest newspaper chain, put the production facility up for sale after announcing in March it would be closed as a cost-cutting measure. The Journal Sentinel stopped using the printing plant in May.

Gannett shifted printing of its 11 Wisconsin newspapers, including the Journal Sentinel, to its production plant in Peoria, Illinois.

Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Ex-Journal Sentinel production plant sold to Chicago Tribune affiliate
A stylized self-portrait by Cale Griffith

Cale Griffith was a quiet, unassuming sort of person and for the past five years had some serious health problems. And yet it seemed that everybody knew him, his mother said.

"He just knew people all over the country," Elaine Griffith recalled about her son. "You could be anywhere and someone would say, 'Is that you, Cale?' It was just incredible."

Cale Griffith grew up in Oakham and made friends with various people involved with the art and music scene in Worcester, attending lots of concerts when he was healthy. He moved around a bit, living in Costa Rica for a while teaching English as a second language, and then for several years in San Francisco, where he worked in security at the famous Zeitgeist bar. After moving back to Oakham he worked in real estate.

Artist Cale Griffith died suddenly in September.

But Cale Griffith was also making a name for himself and getting known as an artist in his own right. He had his first solo exhibition, "All You Need Is Here," planned for this month at the Worcester PopUp at the Jean McDonough Arts Center, 20 Franklin St.

Griffith died suddenly Sept. 17 at the age of 42. However, Elaine Griffith and Hank von Hellion, managing director of the Worcester PopUp, agreed that the exhibition should go ahead.

"All You Need is Here | A Posthumous Exhibit by Cale Griffith" is scheduled to be at the Worcester PopUp Oct. 12-25.

Doors will open for an opening reception at 4 p.m. Oct. 12. Typically for Cale Griffith, a lot of people who knew him are expected to attend.

"For a moment I thought we'd have to cancel it. I didn't want to," von Hellion said of the exhibition after learning about Cale's death. "He was really involved with the local music and arts scene. I knew he had a bunch of friends who cared about him. We thought about a posthumous exhibit."

Von Hellion spoke with Elaine Griffith. "Hank said, 'We'd like to still have the show if that's OK with you.' I said, 'Yeah, that's what I wanted to do,'" Elaine Griffith said.

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She had posted an announcement about her son's death on his Facebook page. Friends immediately responded with many stories of his acts of kindness.

"Five hundred and thirty people commented, reacted, and they all had stories. 'I went to San Francisco and he found me a couch to sleep on.' 'He would check up on me.' He was just known by so many people," she said.

Gathering at Ralph's Rock Diner

At 6 p.m. Oct. 24 at Ralph's Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., friends will also gather for Cale Griffith and share thoughts and memories, with several musical acts performing during the evening. "It's the closest thing to a service," Elaine Griffith said.

Scheduled performers Oct. 24 include Chuck and Mud, Bridget Nault, Gut Health, Not Bad Not Well, and Silent Drive.

A work by Cale Griffith

"He deserves attention for the things he did," Elaine Griffith said of her son.

Cale Griffith's work includes abstract art with bright colors and patterns on canvass and paper, von Hellion said. He worked with oils pastels and paint and also digitally.

Some of his canvass paintings are large. "We had been working on this (exhibition) two months give or take with Cale. He had some health issues. His mother had been helping," von Hellion said.

Cale Griffith was living back in the family home in Oakham. Five years ago he developed a bad allergy to mold. Then two years ago he suffered a stroke.

"That was a real shock," Elaine Griffith said of the stroke. Cale Griffith also suffered seizures.

"He was a long time convalescing," Elaine Griffith said.

"In spring he finally seemed to have enough energy." He was showing his art at different events and felt well enough to start socializing with the music scene again in Worcester, she said.

"He was just getting back on his feet. It takes a lot to come back, especially when you keep getting knocked down. He just was not doing well health-wise. He kept fighting to get over that. Life is just what it is, you don't know," she said.

In his quiet manner, Cale Griffith lived his life his way. He attended Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School in Palmer but obtained his GED on his own.

Zeitgeist has a reputation in San Francisco for asking patrons to leave for various infractions. But with Cale Griffith there, "He was a really gentle guy. Not like your typical power trip bouncer," his mother said.

Meanwhile, "He always had a vision for wanting to do something important," she said.

Cale Griffith had not really shown any leanings as an artist. Elaine Griffith, however, is an artist who has taught painting through her Art Is 4 Every 1 program.

In 2012, Cale was on his own in Oakham during a blizzard while his parents were on vacation. To perhaps pass the time, he created a picture with some of his mother's oil pastels. He sent her a text message with an image of it.

"It was a picture of a little house with the sky filled with all types of colors," Elaine Griffith said. "I told him it was very impressionistic."

Cale Griffith took that as encouragement.

"He was really working on that stuff 10 hours a day. He just got on a roll. He started painting. He wanted to paint big," Elaine Griffith said.

The family garage turned into a studio as Cale worked on large canvasses. "Huge paintings," his mother said.

Cale Griffith with one of his pieces.

He also "started working on his phone. Thousands of digital works on his phone and his iPad."

Elaine's husband and Cale's father, Eddie J. Griffith, died in 2013. The family also includes Cale's brother and sister James and Katie.

Cale Griffith decided to continue to live in Oakham with his mother after his father's death.

The real estate work was not really supporting him, but "he and I would go to shows. He'd sell a piece here and there. Last year had an open studio, invited everybody, and before you know it he sold $3,000 worth of work. I thought, 'Oh, we're onto something,'" Elaine Griffith said.

"He put works on an Instagram account. Every two or three weeks, he would sell one."

The pending Worcester PopUp show "was a big event. At last he was going to be doing a solo show," Elaine Griffith said.

The Worcester PopUp on its website says, "Cale Griffith had several health challenges the last 5 years that kept him from being out much with his many friends in the art and music scene. Planning this exhibit he was looking forward to connecting with many old friends and showing his abstract art that many admired and bought online.

"But Cales sudden passing in September has changed the show to a retrospective of his life as an artist and a chance for the community to come together and celebrate the man that so many loved for his kindness and compassion, as well as his incredible talent."

Cale Griffith's sudden death "was very, very unexpected, but not totally," given his health experiences, Elaine Griffith said.

"I was glad they said they were going ahead with the show."

Cale had made a list of the work he wanted to feature at the exhibit, but "we're adding some of his earlier work" to make it a retrospective," Elaine Griffith said. She's also put together a book, copies of which will be on sale at the exhibition, detailing her son's evolution as an artist, including that first text he sent with the picture of a house and the multi-colored sky.

For those interested in seeing Cale's entire collection, Elaine Griffith said she would be taking requests at the opening reception for studio tours.

"He was vey unassuming. He didn't go to college. He didn't have a big impressive job. The value of a life is not how much money you have, what kind of job you have. He made a mark, he really did," she said.

'All You Need is Here | A Posthumous Exhibit by Cale Griffith'

When: Oct. 12-25. Opening reception, doors open 4 p.m. Oct. 12.

Where: Worcester PopUp at the Jean McDonough Arts Center, 20 Franklin St., Worcester

How much: Free admission.

More info: jmacworcester.org

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Posthumous exhibit for Oakham artist Cale Griffith at Worcester PopUp
(Bloomberg) -- Taiwans financial regulator is tightening rules on short selling as a way to stabilize its equities market following the broader selloff in recent weeks.

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The new measure, effective October 1, will limit the volume of intraday securities lending orders to 20% of the average daily trading volume over the previous 30 days, the Financial Supervisory Commission said in a statement. That is reduced from 30% previously.

The new curbs come after a bout of volatility in global markets, driven by concerns about the Federal Reserves aggressive rate hikes and recession fears. Taiwans stock benchmark tumbled nearly 5% this week to close at the lowest since November 2020, capping its sixth consecutive week of losses.

We felt there is a need to take countermeasures in response to margin call and intraday securities lending ratio increases and we hope to stabilize market sentiment, Chang Chen-shan, director-general of Financial Supervisory Commissions Securities and Futures Bureau, said during a media briefing.

Regulators adopted similar short-selling measures back in March 2020 as the pandemic sparked panic selling, though the limit level was much more stringent. They later put an outright ban on short selling, which was removed in June of that year.

Taiwans decline is broadly in line with regional peers. The Taiex index fell 11% this month, while the MSCI Asia Pacific Index slumped 12%. The market has seen one of the biggest foreign outflows in the region this quarter.

(Updates with background, quote)

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2022 Bloomberg L.P.
The Rappahannock Area YMCA has launched a campaign to raise $10 million in the next five years to establish an endowment fund.

Doing so will secure our dreams of being able to continue our mission of helping others well into the future, said Margaret Haynes, chair of the endowment fund committee. It also will help the YMCA maintain its facilities and grow programs and services, she added.

Endowments are set up to provide long-term support for nonprofit organizations or causes. Typically, the principal, or initial investmentwhich Y leadership hopes will be $5 million in two years and $10 million in five yearsis left alone while a portion of the interest it generates is used for operating expenses.

The Rappahannock Area YMCA board has been discussing the strategic move for more than two decades, said CEO Barney Reiley, but in the past, it took all of our efforts to raise money for bricks and mortar.

Founded in 1974, the local YMCA opened its first facility, on Butler Road in southern Stafford County, eight years later. Later renamed the Massad Family YMCA, its become the largest YMCA east of the Mississippi River, according to Reiley. He tends to share that detail with anyone within earshot, said Don Newlin, one of the founding members of the YMCA board.

The Rappahannock YMCA later met its goal of having a facility in every county it serves. Branches opened in Spotsylvania County in 2003, King George County in 2008 and Caroline County in 2013.

While the financial impact from COVID-19 and the Great Recession werent necessarily a wakeup call that an endowment was needed, Reiley said, they did send the message, loud and clear about how important it would be to have this.

The economic downturn put a lot of organizations under financial stress, said Newlin, who manages an investment company that will oversee the YMCA endowment fund.

He and his wife, Beth, donated the first $500,000. Reiley said a total of $3 million had been pledged by the end of the YMCAs campaign kickoff, held Thursday at Gari Melchers Home and Studio in Stafford.

Organizations had to consider their ongoing ability to provide goods and services, Newlin said. The YMCAs mission is a little different in that it serves members, including those who cannot afford fees and program costs.

The YMCA has almost 30,000 members and an annual budget of $15 million, Haynes said. Each year, it awards almost $1 million in financial assistance to help pay membership fees or program costs, Reiley said. About 15% of the Ys membership, or 4,500 people, are helped financially in some way, he said.

The new endowment will provide the Rappahannock Area YMCA a safety net to make sure they can continue to do this in times of financial trouble, Newlin said.

A recent presentation by Reiley and Meaghan Williams, executive director of the King George YMCA, illustrates the many programs provided by the YMCA. The two were sharing details with the King George Board of Supervisors about the Power Scholars Program, which helps at-risk students avoid learning loss during the summer; Bright Beginnings, which provides backpacks and school supplies with funds raised by the community; efforts to teach every second-grader in the county how to swim; and programs that train lifeguards.

County officials thanked the YMCA representatives for their work.

The Y has done so much for the county, said Supervisor Chairman Jeff Stonehill. Ive been to a lot of Bright Beginnings, Shop with a Sheriff and the smiles that it brings onto faces. I just hear such kudos for everything that goes on up at the Y.

More information about the YMCAs endowment fund is available by contacting Reiley at 540/371-9622 or BarneyReiley@family-ymca.org.
Bahrain Network (BNET), the national telecommunications infrastructure company of the kingdom, has won the 2022 Middle East Technology Excellence Award in the telecom infrastructure category rganized by the Institute of Middle East Excellence Award, which honors leading companies in technological innovation in the Middle East region.

This award is among the most recognized awards on a regional and global scale for corporate, government leaders, and key decision makers.

The award is given to companies that have implemented the most innovative and successful technological initiatives and projects that provide digital solutions, services, and strategies that promote business and build modern standards of governance and institutional excellence for the regions future in accordance with the international standards.

The top award came as a result of its efforts to achieve the separation project from Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco), said a statement from BNET.

The separation project included the separation of information technology, finance, broadband services, staff, and data separation, it stated.

The implemented separation project followed a carefully developed medium to long-term strategy driven by the Fifth National Telecommunications Plan that was issued by HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, and Prime Minister, aiming to accelerate the growth and attractiveness of the telecommunication sector, encourage sustainable and effective competition, and ensure the provision of quality services to all licensed operators in the kingdom.

CEO Ahmed Jaber Aldoseri said: "We were pleased to receive the award, which confirms the Kingdom of Bahrain position as a leading destination in the ICT sector in the Middle East and North Africa, and crowns our efforts in developing and maintaining the Kingdom's fiber optic infrastructure."

It also emphasises on the continuous support and direction from the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications that were key to the success of the operational and legal separation process, he stated.

Aldoseri also praised the great support and wise directions that BNET received during the phases of the separation project from BNET Chairman Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and Batelco Chairman Shaikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and the support of staff from both organizations.

The guidance and support resulted successfully in the separation process, the first of its kind in the Middle East, he noted.

"Winning the excellence award from a reputable institution that conducts research and studies for the best leadership and creative achievements in the Middle East, while adhering with the key international standards, is an honour for us," stated Aldoseri.

"We also affirm our commitment to continue investing and devoting all efforts to strengthen our dear kingdoms position as a regional and international leader in information and communication technology regionally and internationally," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Germanna Community College on Saturday announced the purchase of two buildings in North Stafford that will become the Stafford Center of Educational Excellence.

The $15 million expansion of the community college into Stafford County will focus on meeting critical needs in cybersecurity and health care.

Stafford has the largest population in Germannas service area, said Jack Rowley, president of the Germanna Educational Foundations Real Estate Foundation, which announced the expansion this weekend. We will now be better positioned to serve county students with an affordable, high-quality, college education. With Germannas focus on Allied Health Service and cybersecurity, students will be prepared for skills-gap careers in health care and government.

Community donors have contributed $4.5 million to the cost of the expansion, Rowley said.

Two buildings, named the Barbara J. Fried Center and the Kevin L. Dillard Health Sciences Center, will total over 74,000 square feet of space for students in nursing and cybersecurity, as well as IT, general education, and dual enrollment programs.

Germannas Real Estate Foundation worked with Next Tier Connect to facilitate the expansion, which is the single biggest transaction and project ever undertaken by the foundation, said foundation executive director Bruce Davis.

Stafford has the largest number of applicants to Germannas nursing program and travel to the health sciences campus in Locust Grove is difficult for many of them, said Patti Lisk, the community colleges dean of nursing.

The areas nursing shortage is projected to worsen when the new Veterans Administration Clinic opens in Spotsylvania in 2023 or 2024, which is one of the reasons Germanna is expanding its nursing program.
Draw a line from where Virginias Chesapeake Bay pollution was in 2009 until now and project it forward to 2025, and the state seems to be on track with its Bay cleanup promisesbut closing the final gap is going to take work on farms and on city and suburban storm drains that so far is lagging, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation says.

The gap is a challenge since theres still a lot of work to do planting buffers and installing cattle fencing along streams flowing past farms, while pollution from rainfall flowing off streets and carrying nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment into the Bay watershed is on the rise, as populations grow and climate change brings stronger storms.

And the state is losing lots of forest landtrees help slow the flow of groundwater toward the Bay, giving soil time enough to absorb nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment so they can feed plants on land instead of the algae in the Bay that cause huge summertime dead zones.

While Virginia has made meaningful progress, the vast majority of pollution cut so far has come from wastewater plants. That approach is not sustainable, said Peggy Sanner, the foundations Virginia executive director.

About 90 percent of Virginias remaining pollution reductions must come from agriculture, and population growth and climate change are leading to more polluted runoff from developed areas, she said.

What makes Virginia look to be on track for its 2025 goal to cut pollution is its effort to clean up the flow out of wastewater plants.

So far, these efforts account for more than 90% of the reductions Virginia has seenthe state has cut more than 11.4 million pounds a year of nitrogen flowing into the Bay, as it moves to hit its 2025 goal of a 14.9 million pound decline, for instance.

Virginia has dedicated more than $70 million in wastewater plant investments to meet pollution cutting goals while legislation last year stepped up state efforts by directing regulations to set specific nitrogen and phosphorus reductions to specific plants.

But state permitting for city and suburban storm drainage is running behind, which means the regulators are simply extending permits without updating pollution reduction goals.

A big increase in funding for the Virginia Agricultural Cost-Share program this year should help farmers in their efforts to cut pollution, although so far, only about 10% of the states goal for stream buffers have been planted.

For the whole Bay watershed, the partnership of six states with federal and local governments, nonprofits and universities has put in place programs that cut nitrogen pollution flowing into the Bay each year by 30 million pounds  roughly 42% of the required reduction, the foundation said.

But reaching the 2025 goal, along with goals for phosphorus and sediment reduction, means a renewed commitment that includes targeting the most effective practices in the most effective places, paying for performance with incentives based on measurable results, improved accountability and reaching out to farmers, homeowners, and community groups to overcome any obstacles slowing pollution reduction efforts.

Sanner said the foundation shares Gov. Glenn Youngkins concern that Virginia may not be able to meet its 2025 deadline, but said she was heartened by what he has said about making cleanup efforts a priority.

Three weeks ago, Youngkin said he is pushing his administration for a detailed plan for cutting pollution, with specific objectives and targets for each year remaining, as well as specific funding and programs, to move the cleanup faster than it has been going.

I put an emphasis on the agricultural side of things, best management practices is one that can have the largest effect on downstream and there was not a great level of trust in the previous administration in the ag community, he said in an interview with the Richmond TimesDispatch.

Im not tapping the brakes, he said. Im just acknowledging that we can drive really fast and come up short.

Press secretary Macaulay Porter said the administration is committed to addressing Virginias environmental, energy and natural resources challenges, including protecting the Bay.

After taking office, it was clear that Virginia was not on track to meet our 2025 commitments, but the administration also discovered there was not a realistic plan to achieve significant progress, she said.

She said Youngkin is looking hard at the best way to meet Virginias Bay cleanup obligations.

Twitter: @daveress1
MADISONOne Madison County church is working to make life just a little better for children in Uganda.

Mountain View Chapel in Rochelle is working with Victory Covenant Church in Kampala, Uganda, to provide food, shelter, education and hope to families in Uganda.

The two churches formed Victory 1:27, a nonprofit with a mission of helping some of the poorest people on the planet.

The organizations name come from James 1:27. The Bible scripture states that true religion that God the Father accepts as pure and faultless is this, to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Almost half of Ugandas population is under age 15, one of the youngest populations in the world. More than 40% of its people live in poverty.

Uganda also hosts the largest refugee population in Africamore than 1 million refugees have fled their home countries to seek asylum in Uganda.

These all contribute toward making Uganda one of the poorest nations of the world, a place where success is measured not by worldly possessions but simply by survival.

Rochelle resident Stacey Donnelly, who has traveled to Uganda several times, was struck by the contrast between life in Uganda and the United States.

So many of the people there are simply trying to stay alive, Donnelly said. Things that even the poorest Americans take for granted just arent there. Most people scrape by on subsistence farming and there are few jobs. It is rare for children to finish elementary school.

Victory 1:27 Coordinator Jan Crouthamel explained how fulfilling basic needs is a full-time job.

When we are hungry, we walk a few steps to the refrigerator or the pantry, said Crouthamel. When we are thirsty, we turn on the faucet and quickly fill a glass with drinkable water. Life is very different for our kids in Uganda.

Crouthamel said most families helped by the churches search every day to find food to feed their children.

Our rice and beans fund is so critically important in fulfilling this basic need, providing nourishment to those that would otherwise often go without, she said.

They do not have running water in their homes, so they have to go to a community water source [up to two miles away] and carry the water back home in jugs, she said.

Those jugs can weigh between 8 and 48 pounds.

This trip to the spring to gather water is an important part of every day life, she said, and even that water must be boiled before it is able to be used.

The group is seeking a piece of land in Uganda suitable for farming. The idea is to use the land to train and educate children in the study of agriculture as well as provide a continuing source of food for the families being served.

In addition to the rice and beans fund, which also provides potatoes and fruit, Victory 1:27 has completed a three-phase Victory House project which houses teachers who teach at the Victory Primary School.

The first floor of the house comprises seven apartment units. The second phase of the project added a girls dormitory for 44 students. The dorm has bathrooms, four housing units for teachers and a housing unit for the dorm mother.

The third phase added a boys dormitory with bathrooms, a room for a dorm supervisors, a lounge and an additional housing unit for teachers.

The organization has also completed renovations to the Victory Primary School, adding working bathrooms with a septic system as well as an upgraded kitchen with working appliances.

The group also added additional classrooms and is in the process of constructing a third and fourth floor consisting of more classroom space, additional bathrooms and a multipurpose room.

Children are sponsored through Victory 1:27 to attend the school. Bishop Herbert Buyondo of Victory Covenant Church estimates it costs about $35 per child per month to send a child to school.

Victory 1:27 seeks to find long-term sponsors for needy children and hope to change their life course through education.

After completing their secondary education, theres also the V127 Scholarship Fund which supplements the child sponsorship payments and provides extra funding for children to keep learning.

Recipients have pursued degrees and certificates in medicine, engineering, agriculture, environmental science and more.

There are numerous ways to get involved with Victory 1:27. Recently, the group held a large community yard sale at Hoover Ridge in Madison.

To find out more about the organization, or to donate, visit v127.org.
Phil Bakken, a native of Fremont, was named Nebraska Wesleyan Universitys 2022 Young Alumni Achievement Award recipient at a ceremony during Wesleyan Weekend on Thursday, Sept. 29th.

Bakken has served as principal aid to the President of the University of Nebraska System since 2016. In 2018, he was appointed Chief of Staff to the president of the University of Nebraska System as the youngest person to serve a major university system in this role. He drafted a statewide economic development strategy whitepaper, which led to the launch of the Blueprint Nebraska initiative and recently led the development of the University of Nebraskas five-year strategy.

Beyond his work supporting the CEO of the University of Nebraska System, Bakken volunteers in the community and leads as a board member for Invest Nebraska Corporation and officer for Nebraska Defense Research Corporation.

Bakken points back to his term as a student governor for the NWU Board of Governors as the root of his interest in seeing the big picture of higher education and an early opportunity to observe good governance. He also sees the liberal arts experience as the source of his abilities to adapt to the ever-changing nature of his role and of organizations.

With high praise from his closest colleagues, friends and members of his MBA cohort, Bakken garners respect and pride for his tenacity and dedication to improving the organizations he serves. He continues to make time to serve his own alma mater as the voice of NWU Track & Cross Country at home competitions.
When you think of a fraternity house, medical student Nathan Hogenmiller says, you dont expect to walk into a Gold Coast mansion worthy of being listed as an Omaha landmark.

Hand-carved walnut paneling fills the main hall and stairway of the Georgian Revival structure. A solarium contains a marble fountain, dominated by a large Palladian window. The basement features an original pub with hand-painted murals, wood paneling and a built-in bar.

Its incredibly ornate, Hogenmiller said. There are literally flowers carved into the wood of the ceiling.

The 37-room home was built by Charles E. Metz, owner of Metz Brewing Company, in 1916 at a cost of $175,000. The Phi Chi Fraternity of the University of Nebraska Medical Center purchased the home in 1949 and its been home to as many as 30 medical students at a time since then.

The mansion at 3708 Dewey Ave. is one of nine sites on the Historic Blackstone Revealed Tour on Saturday and Sunday. Advance tickets are $20 and available online through Thursday at midnight. Tickets at the door are $25. Tour hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

First Central Congregational Church, Blackstone Plaza, Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel, the Storz Mansion, Dundee Bank Blackstone, the Brandeis/Millard Mansion, the McLaughlin Mansion and the Williams/Bostwick Mansion also are on the tour. Go to historicblackstone.com to purchase tickets.

Money raised will be used to achieve local landmark status for some of the Blackstone neighborhoods most iconic structures, so that they cant be torn down. The Metz Mansion is first on the list.

Plenty of parties have been held at the house over the years, but the co-ed fraternity has been a good steward, too. Everyone has monthly chores. Deep cleaning is done twice a year, and at least once a year, the wood paneling is addressed.

Usually the first- and second-year students get the job of oiling down all the wood paneling, fourth-year medical student Stephen Kotopka said. Someone gets on scaffolding and gets the ceiling.

As beautiful as the main part of the house is, Kotopka said the other floors where the bedrooms are located look as you might expect after a fraternity has lived there for 70 years. He said its easy to take for granted that you live in a mansion and become complacent.

However, members have done numerous improvements and projects through the years. Hogenmiller has done several since moving in at the start of medical school.

First-year medical students typically get their first summer off to do a project or research paper. When everything was canceled because of the pandemic, Hogenmiller and his father, Bob, instead spent six days a week fixing things around the house.

They updated plumbing and electrical outlets, fixed bathrooms in the basement and third floor, installed motion lights in the common areas and hallways and put in a new refrigerator.

Hes the president of the fraternity and house manager, and his room on the third floor got new windows.

I can go on and on, he said. A ton of small things that add up to a lot.

Those updates have continued. Because of that work, one of the doctors involved in the ownership side of the house was inspired to raise money to tackle even bigger projects such as a new roof and gutters. The main water line has been replaced.

Hogenmiller, who plans to go into emergency medicine, said they were trying to get things in good enough shape to last several more years. Its paid off immediately in that the house is at capacity for the first time in several years.

We have every year a Thanksgiving dinner where we invite the house members, the old doctors, he said. They were pretty blown away with all the things that have been done.

On the this weekends tour, visitors will have a chance to hold a little party of their own. To honor the original owner, samples of Metz Beer will be distributed in the mansions pub basement.

Both Kotopka and Hogenmiller agree its been a cool place to live.

I remember telling all my friends I lived in a huge mansion, Kotopka said.
Buried Alive 1989 Vaguely based on Edgar Allen Poe stories, screenplay by Jake Chesi and Stuart Lee, directed by Gerard Kikoine, produced by Harry Allan Towers. Filmed in Botswana and Johannesburg. We watched the new Blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome. The image looks alright, there's are interviews with Ginger Lynn Allen and William Butler for extras.

A young teacher, played by Karen Witter, goes to work for Robert Vaughn at his school for troubled young women. These are some annoying bad girls with Ginger Lynn Allen leading the pack. Some women go missing and Robert says they ran away. He tries to come off as caring but he's really a self involved creep. The audience knows that there's someone in a Ronald Reagan mask killing those women and bricking them up in rooms in the basement of the big school building.

Donald Pleasence might be a doctor at the school, the script is unclear. It's generally a poor script. Donald comes off as creepier than Robert. More people die and the new teacher has some weird hallucinations about the murders. She discover one of the bricked up rooms. Arnold Vosloo is a local policeman. John Carradine plays Robert's deceased dad in the teacher's hallucinations.

There's plenty of running about and screaming, a fair bit of violence, a few scares and an annoying score. Despite that it's somewhat dull at times. I thought it was below average but watchable. Not something I would need to see again.

Samson And The 7 Miracles Of The World 1961 Story by Oreste Biancoli, screenplay by Oreste Biancoli and Duccio Tessari, directed by Riccardo Freda. An Italian and French production with Gordon Scott and Yoko Tani. The film was released in Italy under the name Maciste alla corte del Gran Khan. The American release is from AIP and they cut the original by nearly 20 mins. We watched the original Italian version from the fairly new Kino Lorber Blu-ray. The disc also has the AIP version. The picture looks very nice. There's a commentary by Tim Lucas and some trailers.

Gordon made a half dozen Tarzan films between 1955 and 1960. You can find a nice 6 DVD set from Warner Archive. The films look good and I find them entertaining but I'm a big Tarzan fan.

Though the film is titled Samson And The 7 Miracles Of The World in the West, it's really one of many Maciste films produced in Italy starting with the 1914 film Cabiria.

In 13th century China with Mongol Warlord Garak leads an invading force that controls part of China. There's a resistance force and Maciste joins them to put an end to the Mongol rule. There's plenty of running about in the countryside on horses with oodles of fist fights and sword play. Maciste provides some Herculean feats of strength. There's a bit of romance between Yoko Tani and the rebel leader.

I thought it was a bit draggy at times. It sure made me less interested in picking up the Blu-ray. I've seen the AIP version, I have a copy in one of those 50 Movie Packs from Mill Creek, but it's been so long since I watched it I've forgotten anything about it.
El Paso County Democrats are committed to the long game. They have to be, as its been nearly 50 years since one of their own held countywide office.

Still, Democratic Party volunteers see reason for hope. New Democrat voter registrations coupled with younger and more qualified candidates are helping them gain traction, party volunteers said.

"My sense is that the first Democrat that gets elected to a countywide office is going to crack a door open, and once that door is cracked open, youre going to see a surge," volunteer coordinator Judith Daley said from party headquarters downtown near Bijou and Spruce streets. "That is in part (due to) the changing demographics of the area and in part because our candidates keep getting stronger and more qualified."

For the past three election cycles, the party has fielded candidates in nearly every race, Chairman John Mikos said, which helps add credibility. Recruiting candidates helps build involvement in the party and volunteer engagement, he said.

"We have got just very strong, committed groups of people throughout the county that have felt for a really long time that things are out of balance. We are seeing everybody coalesce around the candidates that we have," he said.

The party's ultimate goal is to get a Democrat elected to the El Paso County Commission for the first time in about five decades, volunteers said between answering phones and printing out candidate lists for voters one recent Wednesday afternoon.

While one Democrat on the Board of County Commissioners might not change the decisions it makes, it will provide oversight and represent a broader portion of the community, they said.

"At this point, large tracts of our population do not have a voice on our (county commission)," Daley said.

In the upcoming November election, two Democrats are vying to replace incumbent Republicans on the dais in county commission Districts 1 and 5. Ryan Lucas, who has worked as a campaign manager, is challenging incumbent Holly Williams to represent the county's District 1, and librarian and self-described "local politico" John Jarrell is campaigning against incumbent Cami Bremer in District 5.

While Democratic Party volunteers are optimistic they can eventually break into the county commission, they're most hopeful about the chances of victory this year for El Paso County sheriff's candidate John Foley, whom they think could be the first to reopen the door to Democratic representation in the county.

A retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, his extensive military service  in part including his work in military intelligence and as an adviser with the Iraqi Army overseeing training and prisoner programs during the Iraq War  make him the "perfect" candidate to work with vulnerable populations in the jail and county courts, they said.

"He would be somebody I trust in that position," party treasurer Lynne Brown said.

Foley faces Republican Undersheriff Joe Roybal, who has served in the Sheriff's Office for 26 years. The race is one former state Rep. Lois Landgraf said voters will turn out to participate in, because it is such high interest and strong candidates encourage that turnout.

Despite news Roybal participated in an event that offered visitors to a shooting range discounts if they signed a petition to put him on the ballot, Jody Richie, his campaign manager, said questions about him have been few and support strong.

"His support base is something you dont actually see very often," she said.

And while Foley has ticketed himself as a "moderate Democrat," party volunteers think he has wide appeal across party lines, they said.

"He will have appeal  and does have appeal  to unaffiliated voters, a lot of them, and also to more 'liberal' Republicans," Daley said.

With a solid record in countywide races, Republicans are more focused on local state legislative seats.

The power struggle in the Legislature currently dominated by Democrats could also come down to some local key races, particularly Senate District 11, currently held by Democrat Pete Lee. The GOP needs to flip four seats to control the Senate.

Republicans running for the Legislature are focused on addressing rising costs, crime and parents' authority over their children's education, state Sen. Paul Lundeen said.

"Those three messages resonate with the unaffiliated (voters)," he said.

In particular, Lundeen said he is focused on raising money to support Republicans trying to flip competitive seats in the Senate. Democrats currently control the Senate, the House and the governors office, and the Senate probably is their best chance for winning back some power.

"That effort is going incredibly well," he said.

Democrats will be mobilized around climate change, the recent overturning of Roe vs. Wade, affordable housing and better pay for teachers, party leaders said.

"I think those issues will get Democrats to come to the polls in droves," party volunteer Debbie White said. "And hopefully they'll come and then research all of the Democrats on the ticket."

Democratic state Rep. Tony Exum is facing Republican state Sen. Dennis Hisey in the race for the newly redistricted District 11, and Democrats say they are optimistic about Exums chances.

Other competitive races include House District 18, where Republican Shana Black is challenging Democratic incumbent state Rep. Marc Snyder, and House District 17, where political newcomers Regina English, a Democrat, and Rachel Stovall, a Republican, are competing.

Perhaps the most favorable race for Democrats is in House District 16, Daley said, where Democratic community organizer Stephanie Vigil faces Colorado Springs Councilman Dave Donelson, a Republican. The Colorado redistricting process completed last year reshaped House District 16 into a less conservative district, said Linda Sharp, a volunteer coordinator for the El Paso County Democrats.

Experience, name recognition and fundraising could positively affect Snyder's and Exum's chances of election this November, Democratic leaders said.

Conversely, Black's campaign manager Landgraf said, Snyder's district has changed dramatically because the new boundaries and voters are embracing Black.

Campaign finance filings from the Secretary of State's Office show Snyder had $71,925.76 on hand as of Oct. 4, compared to the $6,000 Black's campaign had.

Filings show Exum's campaign had $56,204 and Hisey's $70,613.85 as of Oct. 4; Vigil $24,447.89 and Donelson $25,717.63; and English $38,092.19 and Stovall $15,479.13.

"Change is going to come," Daley said. "Its exciting to be one of the people who helps birth that."
For Elizabeth, the moment still burns in her memory when the sexual trauma she suffered during her military service was thrown in her face dur
A preliminary hearing on Friday revealed that accused murderer Deka Jean Simmons is a suspect in an additional homicide that may be connected to a missing Colorado Springs man.

During the testimony of the final witness of the hearing, Colorado Springs Police Detective Nicole Black, the prosecution briefly brought up that Simmons is a suspect in an additional potential homicide, connecting her to the disappearance of Santino "Tino" Cardella.

Cardella, 27, was reported missing in April earlier this year.

Additionally, Black discussed that a confidential informant with the Police Department claimed Simmons had killed at least three other people besides Ceja, who she is currently facing charges for killing.

Cardella is the only person whom the prosecution noted as Simmons potentially being involved with, but she is not charged in his disappearance.

Simmons has been accused of first-degree murder three times and served 12 years in the Department of Corrections for an accessory to murder charge in 2002.

Simmons, 39, had her preliminary hearing begin on Thursday where the prosecution called four witnesses to the stand to testify.

The witnesses during the hearing outlined how they believe Simmons on Feb. 16, 2022, shot and killed Ceja before hiding the body and attempting to clean the murder scene, a garage in northern Colorado Springs.

Prosecution drew connections between Cejas status as a sex offender and Simmons documented feelings about sexual predators, suggesting it could be the motivation for the murder.

CSPD Detective Jerry Schiffelbei testified that one of Simmons former jail roommates told him that Simmons once said she killed a man because she believed he was a child molester.

Black stated on Friday that Ceja had been convicted of a misdemeanor sexual assault when he was 19 years old and living in California, and was registered as a sex offender in Colorado.

Another testimony by Detective Jason Gasper revealed Simmons has a 5-year-old daughter who she perceives to be a sexual assault victim at the hands of Simmons stepfather, whom she stabbed in 2019 following a verbal altercation over custody. She was charged with second-degree assault and sent to prison.

The biggest piece of evidence came on Friday, when the prosecution played a 30-minute segment of a three-hour interview with a former roommate of Simmons' and the owner of the garage where Ceja allegedly died.

During the interview, the woman tells police that on the night of Feb. 16 Simmons showed up with Ceja at her home unannounced for a drug deal. Simmons brought the two of them into the garage where she eventually pulled out a handgun and shot Ceja in the head three times, according to the woman's interview.

During the interview the women can be heard crying and stating over and over that she was fearful for the her and her son's lives because Simmons said that if she told anyone she would come back and kill them both.

"I'm so scared," the woman can be heard telling detectives. "Please don't tell (Simmons)."

Testimony on Thursday revealed that the garage where Ceja was allegedly killed had over 300 small blood stains, and DNA samples matched the blood to Ceja's.

Currently, Ceja's body has still not been found, but the prosecution stated during closing arguments that there is overwhelming evidence to support Ceja having been killed and dismembered in the garage, before being transported elsewhere.

The prosecution firmly believes there is no chance Ceja is still alive.

The topic of Simmons' involvement in potentially killing Cardella began when Black was discussing rumors that CSPD had investigated about the potential location of Ceja's body. The prosecution at one point wished to clarify that at least one of the rumored body locations mentioned was actually a rumor circulating about the body of Cardella, and not Ceja.

During closing arguments, Simmons' defense attorney David Lipka stated that there hadn't been sufficient evidence to prove probable cause presented to the court as there was no murder weapon found, no DNA belonging to Simmons, and that there Ceja's body has yet to even be found.

Simmons' defense also attempted to undermine the witness who claimed to have witnessed seeing Simmons shoot Ceja because she was a methamphetamine user and was allegedly high on methamphetamines during the interview played in court.

After hearing closing arguments, Judge David Gilbert ruled that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to move toward a jury trial of Simmons, and for her to continue to be held without bond.

"There's voluminous evidence," Gilbert said in reference to evidence suggesting Simmons killed Ceja.

Despite the ruling, Gilbert expressed concerns about the status of forensic evidence in the case as it's been six months since Ceja's death and there has been very little forensic evidence processed, according to the judge.

Simmons will return to 4th Judicial District Court on Nov. 15 for an arraignment hearing, where Simmons could enter a plea and a jury trial date could be set.

Simmons remains in custody at El Paso County jail.
UAE-based Al Zubair Group, a leading solutions provider in the region, has joined hands with the Microsoft EMEA team, to launch the regions first hybrid work lab.

Spread over 1,000+ sq ft area, the Work Lab experience ties in everything from audio, visual, and furniture to create a wholesome experience using top technologies from around the world including Microsoft, Poly, Lenovo, Yealink, Neat, Epson, Jupiter, Sennheiser, Q-sys Epos Logitech, Benne  thus bringing collaborative and certified solutions under one roof.

With hybrid work fast becoming a necessity Al Zubair Group, as a Microsoft Gold Partner and Meeting Rooms Partner, has set up this lab.

It is smartly divided into sections showcasing different meeting scenarios in the hybrid work environment and giving a real and visual sense of how the experience is going to be.

According to industry experts, the pandemic has unearthed the new next.

"Companies globally are implementing hybrid work solutions, which has undoubtedly led to more demand for video-enabled meeting rooms," remarked Annbritt Steen Andersen, EMEA Director, Teams & Teams Devices, Microsoft.

"With this Hybrid Work Lab, Al Zubair showcases the art of the possible for all these scenarios. This will, in turn, inspire every employer and demonstrate how to equip their meeting rooms with the right solutions for every meeting scenario. Ultimately, it will ensure inclusivity, collaboration and productivity," stated Andersen.

Microsoft research shows that long-established norms and tenets of working have been debunked. While "our ways of working have been redefined and rethought, our technology and setups also have to. As one of the Microsoft Work Trend Index 2022 Report states  Hybrid work is already up seven points year-over-year (to 38%), and 53% of people are likely to consider transitioning to a hybrid model in the year ahead," he added.

While another leading brand, POLY, research specific to the UAE region states, shows that while more than half (54%) of UAE organizations are fully prepared for hybrid working (as opposed to 48% globally), only 34% are ready in the short-term.

In the era of hybrid work, largely unwarranted anxiety about efficiency, or "productivity phobia," is sweeping global organisations, even as employees Hybrid work is already up seven points year-over-year (to 38%), and 53% of people are likely to consider transitioning to a hybrid model in the year ahead increasingly seek new horizons for a workplace that develops their abilities and supports a more social atmosphere.

Studies carried out by Microsoft suggests that around 87% of employees have reported that they are productive at work, while 12% of leaders have full confidence that their team is productive.

According to him, the past two years have made a lasting impression on work and life; there is no denying the long-term impact.

"Professionals are becoming more flexible at work and working from anywhere is becoming more commonplace, which leads to a shift in the traditional notion of being present in the workplace. Employees value flexibility and well-being, and these new but growing expectations create an opportunity for every organization to reimagine hybrid work environments" stated Andersen.

"Giving people the right tools and the environment to do their best work is not only in their best interestbut critical for the organization's growth & survival. It is now evident that "hybrid" has a firm place in the modern workspace," he noted.

Al Zubair Group Managing Director Jose Thadayus said: "Today employees are defining hybrid work, they are supportive of organizations which offer more flexibility to work and support them with the right technologic tools. So, organizations need to gear up for Hybrid Work to stay competitive, so building the right hybrid work environment and transforming the organization is just the beginning."

"While investing in technology, making decisions is not easy and that is where the Hybrid Work Lab comes in, and removes the complexity by offering highly recommended and reliable choices and a place to experience it. We are glad to have launched one of the first in Dubai," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Brian Halik seeks to hold the University of Colorado Colorado Springs officers and a former administrator liable for allegedly violating his Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Upcoming election debates, forums

 State Legislative Forum, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 5:30 pm, at the Pikes Peak United Way Family Success Center,1520 Verde Drive.

The forum will feature Tony Exum (D), Dennis Hisey (R), and Daryl Kuiper (L), candidates for state Senate District 11, along with Rachel Stovall (R) and Regina English (D), candidates for state House District 17.

Free and open to the public; sponsored by Pikes Peak United Way.

Topics will include mental health, education, housing, homelessness and the increase in crime in Colorado Springs.

 Hybrid ballot discussion event 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct 15, at the Penrose Library, 20 N. Cascade Ave., in the Columbine Room. Or register online at LWVPPR.org for a meeting link.

 El Pomar's Forum for Civic Engagement presents a gubernatorial candidates' debate, 6-7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 16, Penrose House Conference Center, 1661 Mesa Ave., in the garden pavilion.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, will debate Republican challenger Heidi Ganahl, with KOAA anchor Rob Quirk moderating and The Denver Gazette and Colorado Politics Editor Luige del Puerto, and KOAA's Alasyn Zimmerman also will appear as panelists.

Free and open to the public. Register to attend at Forum for Civic Advancement The State Debate (constantcontact.com)

The debate also will be livestreamed at https://thestatedebate.com.
A special state legislative panel on Friday unanimously passed a pair of resolutions that would dramatically change how Colorado investigates and disciplines judges, one of them a Constitutional amendment voters would consider in 2024.
DENVER  Interior Secretary Deb Haaland announced an expansion of a National Park Service historical site dedicated to the massacre by U.S. troops of more than 200 Native Americans in what is now southeastern Colorado.

Haaland, the first Native American to lead a U.S. Cabinet agency, made the announcement Wednesday during a solemn ceremony at the Sand Creek Massacre National Historical Site, about 140 miles southeast of Colorado Springs, to honor the dead, survivors and their descendants.

The move marks the latest step taken by Haaland to act on issues important to Native Americans in her role as Interior secretary. Haaland's Tribal Homelands Initiative supports fundraising to buy land and requires federal managers to seek out Indigenous knowledge about resources.

Haalands selection to lead the federal agency that has wielded influence over the nations tribes for nearly two centuries was hailed as historic by Democrats and tribal groups who said it meant that Indigenous people  who lived in North America before the U.S. was created  would for the first time see a Native American lead the powerful department where decisions on relations with the nearly 600 federally recognized tribes are made.

Earlier this year, the agency released a first-of-its-kind report about Native American boarding schools that the U.S. government supported to strip Indigenous people of their cultures and identities. She has also formally declared squaw a derogatory term and taken steps to remove it from federal government use and to replace other derogatory place names.

Expansion of the Sand Creek Massacre site will provide more opportunities for visitors to learn about the 1864 massacre of Cheyenne and Arapaho, most of them women and children, Haaland said Wednesday. She declared that it is her department's "solemn responsibility to tell the story of our nation.

"The events that took place here forever changed the course of the Northern Cheyenne, Northern Arapaho, and Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, she said. We will never forget the hundreds of lives that were brutally taken here  men, women and children murdered in an unprovoked attack. Stories like the Sand Creek Massacre are not easy to tell but it is my duty  our duty  to ensure that they are told. This story is part of Americas story.

The historic site near Eads preserves the haunting landscape of the Nov. 29, 1864, attack by a volunteer U.S. Cavalry regiment. Troops swept into a sleeping encampment of 750 Native Americans along Sand Creek, killing more than 230 Cheyenne and Arapaho, most of them women, children and the elderly.

The expedition ostensibly was to retaliate for Native American raids on white settlers. Soldiers carried body parts back to Denver in celebration. But some commanders refused to attack, saying Native American leaders who believed they had made peace with the U.S. commander of nearby Fort Lyon tried to wave white flags. Congress condemned leader Col. John M. Chivington for an unprovoked massacre.

Max Bear, the tribal historic preservation officer for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, welcomed Haalands homage as sustaining the storytelling mission he and countless others have dedicated their lives to.

We dont want our children and grandchildren to fight an uphill battle to know what happened to our folks, said Bear, a descendant of Cheyenne Chief Black Whiteman, who sought food and shelter for the widowed and the orphaned after the attack.

Whiteman also signed the Treaty of Medicine Lodge in 1867, intended to end retaliatory Indian raids by forcibly settling Cheyenne, Arapaho and other tribes to reservations on Indian Territory in what is now Oklahoma, Bear said.

We werent at war. ... You cant call Sand Creek a battle, Bear said. In this time of book banning, I think its more important than ever that our history be told correctly.

Sand Creek was established as a National Park Service historic site in 2007. The service has collaborated with the Northern Cheyenne of Montana, the Northern Arapaho of Wyoming and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma.

The new expansion also will preserve what Haaland called one of the largest intact shortgrass prairie ecosystems within the National Park Service system.

In recent years, Colorado officials have attempted redress.

State and U.S. officials are preparing to rename Mount Evans, a prominent Rocky Mountains peak named after Territorial Governor John Evans, who resigned after the Sand Creek massacre.

Last year, Gov. Jared Polis rescinded an 1864 proclamation by Evans that called for citizens to kill Native Americans and take their property. In 2014, Gov. John Hickenlooper apologized on the states behalf to tribal members on the 150th anniversary of the massacre.

Tribal representatives, National Parks Service Director Chuck Sams and Colorado officials, including Hickenklooper, now a U.S. senator, attended Wednesday's ceremony.

Incorporating land from a private seller, the expansion was financed by the Land and Water Conservation Fund, established by Congress in 1964, and Great Outdoors Colorado, which invests state lottery proceeds to wildland preservation. The lands include significant archaeological remains and are considered sacred by the tribes.
Sept. 23 was to be Brianna Ragsdales second-to-last shift as a police officer. Shed recently accepted a position as detective with Colorado Springs special victims unit, a promotion three years in the making.

Sept. 23 was also the day of her seizure.

She doesnt remember much about what happened. One moment, she was parked in her police cruiser, and the next she was in the hospital, being told she had three masses in the left frontal lobe of her brain.

It was stage three cancer, she would soon learn, and the masses were a rare tumor called astrocytoma.

Ragsdale is learning to cope and helping her family do the same, she said. Her three daughters are 5, 8 and 10 years old, with the youngest being too little to fully grasp her mothers cancer.

Im just still processing, I guess, Ragsdale said.

Korissa Mucaria was with her on a ride-along that day. Coincidentally, the two had just responded to a report of a body found of a seizure victim when Mucaria looked over and saw Ragsdale with her mouth agape. A former preschool teacher with first-aid training, she recognized the signs and promptly leapt into action.

HOW TO HELP A GoFundMe site is accepting online donations to help pay for Brianna Ragsdales medical expenses.

I tried to go into that side of my training of just being very clinical and recognizing the symptoms for what they were and trying to get her into a recovery position," Mucaria said. "It wasnt until afterwards that it really sank in that not only was she having a seizure, but that was also my best friend who was having a seizure."

The two have been "tied to the hip" for 17 years. They attended the same high school, share the same birthday, and even have matching tattoos: rams, for their horoscope sign.

We 100%, to the core of our being, we consider ourselves Aries, Mucaria said.

Ragsdale is a headstrong, passionate leader, according to her friend. Shes outspoken and honest, much like herself, which has always worked for the pair  they can tell each other how it is and unapologetically be themselves.

Mucaria channeled that honesty the day she learned her best friend wanted to be a cop. She was a little surprised and a little fearful at first. Theres inherent danger to being a cop, after all. More than anything else, though, she was supportive.

I told her shes a badass and she could absolutely do it, Mucaria said.

The idea was fresh on Ragsdale's mind after fielding a call from a witness in hiding during the 2015 mass shooting at the Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood. She worked as a 911 dispatcher at the time.

"I stayed on the phone with that person until they were safe  and it was a couple of hours  and I didn't know what was going to happen. I had no idea," Ragsdale told The Gazette in a 2016 interview. "You want them to be safe, you do, because you connect with that person on a level that a lot of people don't understand. But you can only do so much."

She grappled with her limitations, feeling as if she was not doing enough to help those in need, whom she regularly encountered over the phone. She needed to do more.

I told myself, Im gonna put in for the police academy. If I get in, its meant to be; if I dont get in, Ill just be a dispatcher, Ragsdale said.

It was meant to be. She started the academy in November 2018, graduated the following May, and has been on patrol ever since.

On Ragsdales approach to law enforcement, Mucaria points to another of her friends tattoos, which read, Judas ate too.

The message nods to the Bible, in which Jesus allowed the apostle Judas to eat with him at the Last Supper despite knowing hed betrayed him. Our role as people, Mucaria said of her friends perspective, is to give those who make bad decisions a second chance.

Its just a constant reminder to her that even though criminals do bad things and people make poor choices, they still deserve the right to be seen as innocent until proven guilty, Mucaria said. Everybody deserves a chance to eat, too.

Work is on hold for now because the tumors location in Ragsdale's left frontal lobe could impair speech, movement and decision making.

To date, Ragsdale has displayed no neurological symptoms aside from the seizure. She will be put into a couple of clinical trials for treatment, Ragsdale said. The long-term goal is to shrink the tumor to a size small enough where it is safe to extract.

"She's been through a lot more in her life than anybody will ever know. ... She's had a lot of personal experiences that have made her want to be the person who helps people," Mucaria said. "It's inspiring for the kind of person that people should be."

A GoFundMe site is accepting online donations to help pay for Ragsdales medical expenses.
Police found more than 300 fentanyl pills in a suspicious vehicle Wednesday.

A Colorado Springs police officer patrolling the 300 S. Academy Blvd. area noticed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle and contacted people associated with it, police say. Authorities recovered 376 fentanyl pills during the investigation and arrested two people on suspicion of narcotics distribution. The bust happened around 3:30 a.m.

Officers say that area has seen an increase in criminal activity at its 24-hour skilled gaming gambling establishments.
The city of Colorado Springs is weighing whether to gate Old Stage Road to reduce late-night shooting across private property, vandalism, lighting fireworks, dumping and other illegal activity.

You voted:
Saudi-based Retal Urban Development Company has announced that one of its affiliates, Remal Al Khobar Real Estate Company, has signed a facility agreement (Tawarruq) with the kingdom's Tourism Development Fund (TDF).

Retal Urban Development Company, which owns 50% direct stake in the company, said the limit of the facilities has been set at SR150 million ($40.6 million) for a 15-year period.

It is guaranteed by a promissory note in addition to a corporate guarantee, said Retal in its filing to the Saudi bourse Tadawul.

The financing has been secured to fund the Nobu hotel, residential units, and a restaurant located in Al Khobar city, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
Republican gubernatorial candidate Heidi Ganahl's plan to eliminate Colorado's income tax includes cutting the size of state government by 10% every year and asking voters to convert billions of dollars in fees collected annually by the state into taxes, according to an outline of the plan released by her campaign over the weekend.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife on Friday reported another suspected wolf attack near Meeker, in Rio Blanco County.

This time, the attack by a wolf  or wolves  may have killed calves on national forest lands, the state agency said.

The wildlife agency said there was a report of "dead domestic cow calves on White River National Forest lands near Meeker that show damage consistent with wolf depredation" kills.

Since mid-December, there had previously been six reports of wolves killing livestock near Walden, in Jackson County, which is almost 150 miles east of Meeker.

"This is an active investigation and CPW is working closely with the livestock producer to collect additional evidence, including looking for scat and tracks in the area," the agency said. "If the depredations are confirmed as being caused by wolves, CPW will work in partnership with the livestock producer to implement approved hazing methods and respond to any damage claims submitted."

The agency reported last January there were at least six wolves on a ranch, leased by Don Gittleson, in near Walden. He has now lost four cows and a calf. Investigations by state officials confirmed wolf tracks and scat in the immediate vicinity of two injured cows last January. One of the cows had to be euthanized. Two working ranch dogs also were killed by wolves around the same time.

A breeding pair of wolves migrated into the North Ranch area of Jackson County in 2021 from Wyoming, and the female is believed to given birth to one litter and possibly a second since coming to Colorado.

The wildlife agency has regulations on hazing for wolves that naturally migrate into the state, along with an existing depredation reimbursement fund, which can be used to pay ranchers for their livestock losses. The Coloradoan reported in September that the state agency has paid out $12,929.75 for the North Park wolf kills, for five cows, the two dogs and a calf.

Voters, primarily along the Front Range, approved a ballot measure in 2020 to reintroduce gray wolves into rural counties in northern Colorado, but neither the wolves near Meeker nor Walden is part of that reintroduction program.

Gray wolves remain a state endangered species, and wolves may not be taken for any reason other than self-defense, according to the state agency. Illegal taking of a wolf may result in a combination of penalties, including fines of up to $100,000, a year of jail time and a lifetime loss of hunting license privileges.
" " Thanks to fundraising, screening and greater awareness, breast cancer death rates have fallen dramatically over the past three or four decades. Steve Debenport/Getty Images

In 1991, runners participating in the New York City Race for the Cure, sponsored by the Komen Foundation, were handed pink ribbons. The next year, Estee Lauder offered the pink ribbons to Self Magazine readers in conjunction with the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month issue. Since these events in the early 1990s, the pink ribbon has become a ubiquitous symbol of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States, after skin cancer. In 2019, 264,121 women in the U.S. were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 42,280 women lost their lives to the disease [source: CDC]. Despite these frightening statistics, there's evidence that those pink ribbons are doing their job in raising awareness of the condition and spurring donations that are used to research new treatments.

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More women are seeing their doctors and undergoing breast cancer screenings, which means that problems can be detected before the cancer spreads. The CDC even offers free or discounted mammograms to underserved women. Thanks to early detection and improved treatments, the survival rate for breast cancer has improved vastly. Mortality rates from breast cancer has dropped an astonishing 39 percent from 1989 to 2015 [source: McGinley].

So who's at risk for breast cancer? And what does someone do once they receive their diagnosis? We'll consider these questions, as well as everything else you want to know about breast cancer, in this article.
The Montana Commissioner of Political Practices found this week that a Republican candidate for House District 82 in Helena tried to pay vendors with bad checks and misreported accrued debts as expenditures, referring the matter to the Lewis and Clark County attorney for possible prosecution.

Alden Tonkay, who until mid-July served as communications director for the Montana Republican Party, misreported a minimum of $2,264 in debts, Commissioner Jeff Mangan found. Those debts stemmed from non-payment to Helena sign-making and catering companies.

Tonkay repeatedly told the commissioners office he would send a response to the complaint as well as a full accounting of his campaign finances, but never delivered, according to Mangans decision.

When the office wrote Tonkay seeking a response, it found the Helena P.O. Box associated with his campaign to be inactive. What information the commissioners office could gather on Tonkays contact information suggests he no longer lives in the district. One of the checks Tonkay attempted to pay a vendor with listed an address in Three Forks different from both the physical and mailing addresses recorded in his statement of candidacy.

Candidate Tonkay has deceived both his campaign contributors and Montana citizens as to the accuracy and disposition of the Tonkay Campaign Treasury, the commissioner wrote.

Signs Now Helena filed the initial complaint in August. Tonkay, according to information provided to the commissioners office, gave the company a check for $1,565 in May that was returned by the bank with a notice of insufficient funds. Tonkay apologized and repeatedly promised to send a new check, often excusing the delay by saying he was out of town. In texts to the companys owner, Trevor Parrish, Tonkay said he was working extra jobs and selling personal belongings to pay the debt, as his campaign funds were frozen. At one point, he sent a picture of fanned-out cash with a tracking number, saying the money was on the way. The funds were never delivered.

The commissioner found Tonkay had similarly failed to pay Helenas Chili OBriens Catering for the companys work at a campaign meet-and-greet. He made one payment of $180, but still owed $540.

Tonkay, meanwhile, reported on his campaign finance paperwork that he had paid his vendors and did not list his debt, appearing to purposely report false information indicating expenditures of contributors campaign donations on reportable campaign expenditures, Mangan found.

The money, as of the Oct. 7 decision, remains unaccounted for, the report says. Tonkay has still not filed a formal response with the commissioner, and also failed to report his campaigns September expenditures.

Tonkay, reached by phone Friday, said he would not have a statement ready by Montana Free Press publication deadline, since he was traveling, but claimed to have paid his debt Friday morning. MTFP reached out to Signs Now Friday, but was unable to confirm Tonkays claim by publication.

Mangans office issued a finding justifying civil fines or prosecution and referred the matter to the Lewis and Clark County Attorney. In most cases, the report notes, the county attorney waives prosecution back to the commissioners office for consideration, where most matters are ultimately resolved by a payment of fines.

Tonkay is challenging Democratic Rep. Mary Caferro. In March, he filed a political practices complaint against Caferro alleging she paid  but failed to report  a $15 candidate filing fee. Caferro filed an amended report including the fee after hearing from the commissioners office.

While candidate Caferro did fail to timely disclose her payment of the candidate filing fee on campaign finance reports filed with the COPP, this action did not deprive the public the knowledge of the candidates filing fee, Mangan wrote. As candidate Caferro has amended the campaign finance report disclosing the filing fee as required, no further enforcement action in this matter will be taken.
Candidates for county offices and Public Service Commission gave members of a grassroots Helena group a little insight into their backgrounds and plans for what they will do if elected in November.

It was the second in a series of somewhat informal forums held at the Montana Club by Hometown Helena. The first meeting featured candidates running for state offices in the Nov. 8 election. The ballots go out Oct. 13.

Thursdays meeting included candidates for the county attorneys office, county clerk, county commissioner, justice of the peace, sheriff/coroner and, on the state level, Public Service Commissioner.

There was no debate among candidates, and office hopefuls more or less spoke about themselves during their four-minute speeches, some offered goals, and all asked for the votes of those in the room.

County Attorney

Kevin Downs and Dan Guzynski are running for the seat being vacated by longtime County Attorney Leo Gallagher, who is retiring.

Downs, now serving as a prosecutor in the office, said he can bring the broadest perspective to the job.

He said, on the criminal side, the office prosecuted 650 felonies and 4,000 misdemeanors last year. It has a $3.5 million budget and 30 employees. He said the office has a civil side, which provides service and legal advice to county departments and the county commissioners.

Downs said the office protects children in the community and is involved in coroners inquests and drug task forces. He said it is a broad-sweeping office that impacts the community.

Downs said he grew up in Helena and graduated from Capital High School.

Dan Guzynski, who touted 22 years of experience, said he is chief prosecutor for the state attorney general's office. He said he has been in Helena 15 years and worked in Kalispell for seven years as a deputy county attorney.

He said has learned the craft of protecting children and has become a leader in that area, and that is what he is most proud of. Guzynski said he was promoted by then-Attorney General Tim Fox in 2018 and is a skilled administrator.

Lewis and Clark County Treasurer, Clerk and Recorder

Amy Reeves, incumbent clerk and recorder, said she and her husband have been Helena residents since 1988 and raised their family here. She said she has worked in the city-county building for 30 years and in the treasurers office for 29 of those years. She said her duties have included distribution of property tax revenues. Reeves was appointed by the Lewis and Clark County Commission in September 2020 to succeed Paulette DeHart, who retired.

She said she has also worked with the elections department. She said she is ready for the position and was ready when the county commissioners appointed her. She got some laughter when she said she has tried to make it so people enjoy going to the motor vehicle department, which has undergone some big changes in the past two years.

On her Facebook page she said staffing shortages have plagued all five divisions in the Treasurer/Clerk & Recorders Office, adding there has been staff turnover ranging from one-third to two-thirds in the divisions. She says in the post she appreciates the public's patience and understanding while new staff is hired and trained.

Challenger BettiJo Starr said she was born in Lewis and Clark County. She said her campaign has more of a direction than a platform and said she will perform the duties of clerk and recorder and treasurer with transparency and integrity.

Integrity is doing the right thing, even when nobody is looking, Starr said.

She said she has ideas for improvements for the office, including the department of motor vehicles and employee satisfaction. She said she is hearing from voters that they want change and that comes with new ideas.

On her Facebook page, Starr said she opposed the county commission's decision to force mandatory mail-in ballots in 2020, saying such ballots are known to open the door to fraud. She said she also opposes using tabulating machines that arent secure, such as the DS850 now used in the county.

She said she worked in the audit department of the Internal Revenue Service and was assistant vice president of a bank and in real estate banking 38 years. She now works for a small construction company.

County Commissioner

Two candidates are running for the seat being vacated by Jim McCormick, who decided not to seek another term.

Candidate Curt Dallas said there is diversity in the county and there are different wants and needs throughout the valley. He said the county needs to find innovative funding methods for roads and infrastructure.

He said the issue of affordability of homes was near and dear to him. He said there will be 10,000 people in the area in the next 20 years. He said even though he is a ranch kid, there is nothing he would like to see more than more houses in the valley.

Candidate Candace Payne said she is passionate and outspoken about many issues.

She is a creative problem solver and a hard worker. She said she is fiscally conservative and independent and is committed to the nonpartisan nature of this race. She is a believer in the rule of law and said county commissioners do not make the law. She said she is not an advocate for any cause or group.

Justice of the Peace

Mike Swingley said he is running for a fourth term. He said he is running again because he is dedicated to the county and dedicated to making the community and victims safer and restoring defendants to being legal citizens.

He said he was a state trooper for 22 years and has been a judge for 12. He said the judge position is busy and there were 7,200 cases filed last year in Justice Court that included small claims, civil and criminal cases.

Swingley said crimes in the county are driven by mental health issues and drugs and alcohol. He said he would work with various agencies. He said the county was in trouble. He said we need to start punishing the dealers and treating the people with mental health issues and addictions.

Shawn White Wolf said he has served the Helena community as a board member of the Rocky Mountain Development Council, the Helena Indian Alliance, the Holter Museum and neighborhood councils. He noted his experience as a businessman. He said he has worked with progressive groups to address racism.

White Wolf said he decided to run for justice of the peace because he knows the community. He said he has a history of being critical of the justice system, adding some people get stuck in the system longer than they should be.

Sheriff/Coroner

Incumbent Leo Dutton said safety, service and trust are what people get from him. He said he has no birthright to the job, but hoped people would return him to another term.

He said he has added an officer to the Missouri River Drug Task Force. He said he is committed to the safety of children in schools and that his department trains for school violence. Dutton said he will continue to focus on domestic violence and sexual assault and internet crimes against children.

John Doc Holiday was unable to attend, saying he had a previous campaign commitment.

Public Service Commission

John Repke is the Democratic candidate for Public Service Commission in a heavily Republican area, but said he will do the job honestly and objectively. He said the commission regulates utilities in the state and makes sure they are affordable, reliable and sustainable for the long term.

He said he plans on focusing on that if elected.

He said he is the most qualified candidate for the job and has a career of more than 40 years doing that type of work. He said he would return integrity to the commission.

PSC candidate Annie Bukacek did not participate in Thursdays discussion.

You can view the forum at: https://bit.ly/3MdWtLk.
Four people were injured Thursday, one of them seriously, in a two-vehicle crash on York Road near Helena.

If it werent for the seat belts worn by all four people involved, the Montana Highway Patrol trooper investigating the crash said Friday he believes there would have been one or two fatalities.

The crash occurred at 5:55 p.m. Thursday at York Road and Valley Drive.

A Toyota Tacoma was eastbound when a Toyota 4Runner, whose driver was under 18, had stopped at a stop sign but crossed into the path of the Tacoma and was struck on drivers side.

Both vehicles rolled, Trooper Cale Bruun said.

The driver of the 4Runner suffered serious, but not fatal, injuries, Bruun said. The Tacoma driver, who was an adult, was checked by emergency responders and said he had soreness in his chest, but declined to be transported to the hospital.

Bruun said he believed all three occupants of the 4Runner were East Helena High School students, but did not immediately know what cities they lived in.

Several emergency units, as well as Lewis and Clark County Sheriffs Office and East Helena police, responded, he said.

Bruun said he would nominate them for the Saved by the Belt award, an award given the by the state to people who survive a serious vehicle crash because they wore their seat belt.
After more than a year of controversy, an advisory board again made recommendations on how to update the states code of ethics for educators  this time removing the word equity but trying to retain the spirit of the language.

As early as July 2021, an advisory council that previously flew under the radar started getting comments about changes to the Professional Educators of Montana Code of Ethics.

Its a non-binding and aspirational document that undergoes revision every five years in a process that normally gets minimal attention outside the scholastic world.

Educators said using the term means encouraging teachers to help every student get the resources they need to do their best. For them, equity is the concept that not all students start out on equal footing, so some may need additional help to succeed.

But opponents levied accusations that adding equity was a pathway for teaching the college-level legal concept known as critical race theory to Montana's K-12 students. Some said in public testimony last year the inclusion of the word amounted to Marxism or would have teachers be racist toward minority students. They view equity as treating kids differently based on their socio-economic status or race.

I think the current political climate suggests that the word equity is somehow a woke term, that it has political ramifications for some, and I'll be the first to say completely unfounded, said Kelly Elder, the chair of the Certification Standards and Practices Advisory Council (CSPAC), during a meeting Thursday in which the council voted to advance a new recommendation that removed the word.

It seemed that equity was the issue, so I think trying to find middle ground and listen to what the Board of Public (Education) wants that perhaps we should consider going to another option, said Kate Eisele, a member of the CSPAC and teacher in Big Sky, during Thursday's meeting.

Eisele suggested the council recommend a previously drafted option which still preserves the sentiment of educational equity but avoids that politically hot-button word.

The language the council voted to recommend says an ethical educator: demonstrates an understanding of educational inclusion, respects human diversity, and provides opportunities and resources for all students to reach their full potential.

Before the council started its work, that part of the code said an ethical educator understands and respects diversity. Council members initially wanted to update the language to add clarity.

The suggested edit that drew so much controversy and was struck Thursday said an ethical educator demonstrates an understanding of educational equity and inclusion, and respects human diversity.

Earlier in the meeting, the council said it would strive to include the definition of the word equity but avoid the word itself because of controversy.

Elder, a teacher in Helena, told the council he was frustrated with the process but echoed their concerns that not removing the word might cause the Office of Public Instruction to no longer include the code on things like teacher licenses.

We are subservient  to help the Board of Public Education with their work. We serve the Board of Public Education. And when they give us a directive to remove that word, I don't feel we have an option of somehow still including it. That's very hard for me to say, Elder said.

Estee Aiken, a member the Montana Council of Deans of Education who is a professor at of the University of Montana-Western, said though the process became politicized it was critical to maintain a meaningful code thats embedded in several courses at the college.

Even when political climate or external constituents may be leaning in ways that discourage the Code of Ethics or discourage the underpinnings of our program, we have a strong commitment from our faculty that this is what's best for our learners, Aiken said.

Others raised concerns that removing the word could make the state not comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

The term equity has a long history in special education, and it is codified into federal law. So removing the word equity could jeopardize our compliance with our IDEA requirements, said Adrea Lawrence, co-chair of the deans council and dean of the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education at the University of Montana, where she is also a professor.

  It is an important set of frameworks that are built around this notion that all students need to be served in ways that recognize both where they're at and to help them meet their full educational potential.  It's really serious to think about removing it from things that we are expressly committed to through accepting things like federal funding for education, even though it's a small percentage of budgets across the state.

Doug Ruhman, a member of the deans council and dean of Division of Education and department chair of elementary education at Salish Kootenai College, said the code is a part of many classes on that campus too.

I can't even imagine a framework for the profession that wouldn't include equity in a state like Montana, which contains diverse, vibrant perspectives on ways to live one's life, Ruhman said. Want to make sure that we represent all of those interests as we prepare teachers and it is tied to our accreditation.

The council also retained language clarifying the code is an aspirational document, though the deputy superintendent of public instruction gave testimony Thursday saying the office wanted the word removed.

Deputy Sharyl Allen said OPI would raise the issue again when the Board of Public Education takes action on the council's recommendation, which is expected later this year.
DECATUR  A recent editorial in the Wall Street Journal rebuked Illinois schools, and Decatur in particular, for low state test results in 2019, prior to the closures and remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The opinion piece, credited to the publication's editorial board, referred to an epidemic of indifferent instruction and social promotion in Illinois schools. The piece was based on a story by Wirepoints that ran in June, which called test results an indictment of Illinois education policies.

Wirepoints is an independent nonprofit that studies Illinois economics and policy. Writers Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner have both worked at the Illinois Policy Institute. According to their report and Report Card data on Decatur schools, only 2% of Black students and 16% of white students in third grade in 2019 could read at grade level. Statewide, 22% of Black third-graders and 44% of white third-graders can read at grade level, for example.

"The data Wirepoints presents in this report represents an absolute dereliction of duty by those who run Illinois public schools," they wrote. "Its not about money, its not about race, its not about curriculum and its not about critical race theory. Its about a system that fails at its most basic function: to prepare Illinois children for their future."

Their report focused on Decatur, they wrote, because it is "the poster child for the education system's failures.

Decatur Public Schools spokeswoman Denise Swarthout and Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Jeff Dase met with a Wirepoints reporter in October 2021.

We confirmed that we are aware of the exceptional need for improvement in not only reading and math test scores, but also in meeting grade-level standards, Swarthout said on Friday. We also discussed the work that administration has been doing for the past three years to put into place standardized curriculum, data, and accountability measures to help raise both scores and comprehension. The vast majority of our conversation was left out of the Wirepoints article entirely. The article also leaves out progress thats being made, as well as programs through which our students are thriving.

No one in administration denies the need to improve test scores and grade-level comprehension, but this one-sided article unfairly paints DPS, our staff, and our students as a failure. We would argue that progress is being made every day, by students, staff, and administration, toward ensuring all of our students meet grade-level standards and are fully prepared for their future.

The federal No Child Left Behind education policy was replaced with the Every Student Succeeds Act, signed by President Barack Obama in 2015. The ESSA changed the way low-performing schools and students were assessed, taking into account such situations as low-income status and English language learners, putting more emphasis on growth over time than on a single test's results, and providing extra supports for schools with more challenges.

Both the Wirepoints article and the Wall Street Journal opinion piece specifically mentioned Decatur, Rockford, Peoria and Elgin as examples of the lowest performing in the state.

While it's true that Decatur and the other districts' language arts and math results were low, with some buildings in single-digit percentages of students testing as proficient in grade-level skills, the Illinois State Board of Education blames factors that have since been addressed.

Evidence-based funding has been implemented, though not all districts have yet reached the "fully funded" status, which is meant to provide resources to districts with lower equalized assessed valuation so that schools in those areas are not struggling.

For decades, Illinois ranked worst in the nation for funding education, and Gov. (J.B.) Pritzker is reversing that travesty, ISBE's spokeswoman Jackie Matthews said. This uninformed article is clearly a politically motivated attack that uses bad data analysis to try to bash Illinois public schools. Looking at proficiency alone, and looking at performance in a vacuum, is an uneducated and uninformed way to examine student achievement and school performance, and most education experts agree that measuring growth in performance is key to understanding school improvement.
A stray dog sits in the kennels at the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area (HSNBA) Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at HSNBA. The shelter is in need to volunteers, fosters and adopters as they have large dogs in crates in the hallways.
New Braunfels, TX (78130)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High near 70F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low around 45F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
HICKORY  The Catawba Valley Detachment No. 1163 of the Marine Corps League is getting ready to celebrate a special anniversary.

Some 247 years ago, on Nov. 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines of the United States.

In 1921, Maj. Gen. Commandant John A. LeJeune, sent out a memo that, in part, stated On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date many thousands of men and women have borne the name 'Marine.' In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our Corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history.

And so, every Nov. 10 since that day, Marines all over the world have celebrated their common birthday. Whether in the battlefield, in service within the United States, or on a ship somewhere in harm's way, these of the brotherhood take time to commemorate their beginnings.

On Saturday, Nov. 5, the Marines of the local detachment will gather at the Catawba Country Club for such a celebration. As usual, the gathering will include some long-standing customs. There will be a reading of the original memo from Gen. LeJeune, as well as a birthday message from the current commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. David H. Berger. There will also be a ceremony that honors the oldest and youngest Marine present with a special cake cutting ceremony using a Marine officers sword.

Tom Lail, current detachment commandant, says This ceremony was established 247 years ago and MCL, Catawba Valley Detachment No. 1163 proudly carries on the tradition.

If you are interested in tickets to this years Birthday Ball, contact Wayne Hermance at wchermance@yahoo.com .

There are many ways this group gives their time and donations to the community.

Recently, this detachment participated in the Veterans Helping Veterans Stand Down at CVCC. The volunteers were on hand to help support our local veterans with goodie bags that included snacks and personal care items.

There is also the Don Smith scholarship, awarded to young men and women in hgh school from the Junior ROTC program to assist with college expenses.

The league is available to help and support any fellow Marine who may need assistance, be it financial emergency or other hardships.

The leagues firing detail is often requested for funerals of fallen Marines who will be honored with the playing of Taps and a salute of fired rifles.

Other organizations that benefit from the Marine Corps Leagues efforts include Operation Battle Horse, Safe Harbor Rescue Mission, Toys For Tots and Carolina Caring/Hospice.

The local detachment includes former and retired Marines from all ranks and its members range in age from 20s to 90s. They are always welcoming new members. They meet at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at VFW Post 1957, 1615 12th Street Drive, NW, Hickory (828-455-6990) www.marinecorpsleague1163.com / FB:@MCLDet1163 Insta:@MCLDet1163
" " Andrew Jacksons military fame helped him win the 1828 presidential election. Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

Only one U.S. president has an entire era named after him. And it's not Washington, Kennedy, Roosevelt or Lincoln. The man who holds that distinction is Andrew Jackson, a two-term commander-in-chief who served from 1829 to 1837.

"We call Washington's time the Revolutionary and founding eras, not the Age of Washington. Lincoln belongs in the Civil War era, Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson in the Progressive era," wrote Daniel Feller, a professor at the University of Tennessee, in an essay for The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. "But the interval roughly from the 1820s through 1840s, between the aftermath of the War of 1812 and the coming of the Civil War, has often been known as the Jacksonian Era, or the Age of Jackson."

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While all presidents seem to wax and wane in the public consciousness to some degree, Jackson's name pops up regularly, even more so in recent years. But why would the ghost of a president who died in 1845 still haunt contemporary political discourse?

The answer is, like Jackson, complicated.

For starters, President Donald Trump has a habit of name-dropping Jackson, whom he admires, to such a degree that he hung a portrait of his hero in the Oval Office.

"Inspirational visit, I have to tell you. I'm a fan," Trump said during a 2017 visit to Jackson's Nashville mansion, according to The Washington Post. Both Jackson and Trump won power in part by stoking resentment in working-class people toward the rich and famous, calling themselves champions of society's underdogs, the Post pointed out.

But unlike Trump, who was born rich, Jackson was a self-made man who literally fought his way to the top. He also served with distinction in the military and was elected to multiple vital governmental positions before assuming the presidency.

"The image of Jackson as a quintessential product of American democracy has stuck. Yet always complicating it has been the interplay between the personal and the political. If Jackson is a potent democratic symbol, he is also a conflicted and polarizing one," wrote Feller.

"In his own lifetime he was adulated and despised far beyond any other American. To an amazing degree, historians today still feel visceral personal reactions to him, and praise or damn accordingly."

Sound familiar?

As a man, Jackson was known for his violent temper, iron will and his decisiveness under fire. Others have noted his fairness, self-awareness and political brilliance. He was also a blatant racist, bigot and narcissist.

No matter his personal failings, he overcame incredibly difficult odds on his path to success.
Supporters of jailed WikiLeaks founder and publisher Julian Assange will be staging protests on Saturday to call for his release.

A human chain will start on Princes Bridge, Southbank, in Melbourne at 11am on Saturday and those who gather will be addressed by Assange's brother and father, Gabriel Shipton and John Shipton, respectively at 12.30pm. The protesters will then march to Government House.

In London, there will be a human chain around Parliament starting at 1pm UK time; a total of 3600 people have registered to take part.

Assange is being held in the maximum security Belmarsh Prison in the UK, pending a decision on his request to appeal to the UK High Court against his extradition to the US which was approved by then British Home Minister Priti Patel on 17 June.

His brotheriTWire in September that no decision was expected this year as the US had sought 12 weeks, four more than is normally given, to respond to Assange's arguments seeking permission for a High Court appeal.

In Washington DC, people supporting Assange will gather at the Department of Justice. Among the speakers will be former CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou, journalist Chris Hedges and Ben Cohen, the co-founder of Ben & Jerry's ice cream.

Cohen said in a statement: "This case is about the freedom of the press. Can you imagine if the Justice Department tried to lock up reporters from the New York Times or CNN?

"Julian Assange shared truthful information he received from a source. That information revealed criminal behaviour, war crimes, and heartbreaking civilian casualties.

There will be gatherings in a number of other locations as can be seen from the embedded tweet.
CHARLESTON  While Eastern Illinois Universitys enrollment took positive steps this school year, President David Glassman predicts a decline nationwide is in the near future.

Glassman recently told the Charleston Rotary Club that the fall semester on-campus enrollment is just under 5,000 students, which is a 2.9% increase over fall 2021. With online and dual-credit enrollment, enrollment this fall is more than 8,800 students.

He also noted that East-Central Illinois high school graduates are among the reasons for the enrollment increase.

We were told that local students, those from a 50-mile range from Charleston, were not coming to EIU, Glassman said at the Rotary meeting. We made that a goal. The number has increased each year. This year enrollment is up 26% for students from within 50 miles of Charleston.

I am glad that students who live in the area are coming to EIU, he added.

Glassman said the average GPA of incoming freshman has increased each of the past five years. The GPA for this years freshman class, according to Glassman, is 3.44.

But Glassman cautioned that enrollment issues for Illinois colleges and universities, will be challenged again in the next few years.

In 2025 there will be a major dip in the number of kids who were born between, say, 2008 and 2011, he noted. The country experienced a major recession during that period and many young couples delayed having children.

Seventeen years later, starting in 2025, Glassman said, "a dip hits the number of high school seniors.

Thus, he said, the universitys recruitment of online, dual credit and international students will help keep EIU stable until the number of high school graduates again increases.

The number of international students on campus this fall almost doubled from last year. EIU has 766 international students from 50 countries this semester. Glassman said a large number of students from India have enrolled this fall.

During COVID, Glassman said, community college enrollment declined, resulting in a drop in community college transfers. However, he added, transfers from other colleges and universities are up 14%.

EIU also was recently rated by one publication as the fourth-best value of any university in the country, he said.

That refers to the quality of the education at the lowest cost, he said.

We are growing, we are stable and we are attending to deferred maintenance, Glassman said.

Repairs to the exterior of McAfee Gym were completed this summer and the Fourth Street parking lot east of the Lantz Building was resurfaced in recent weeks.

The life science building is undergoing a $7 million-plus remodeling, the north steps to Booth Library are being repaired and the facility just north of the power plant on 18th Street will get a $1 million upgrade.

In addition, Glassman said, work continues on planning for a $118 million science and chemistry building. Glassman said construction could begin on that major campus improvement in fall 2023.

But Glassman likely will not still be in the presidents office. He is scheduled to retire next summer. He said a search firm will be leading the effort to hire his successor. Glassman encouraged Rotary members and everyone in the community to participate in the search process.

Glassman has served as EIUs 12th president since June 2015.

For more information on Charleston Rotary, go to charlestonrotary.org.
Musical

Little Theatre of Winston-Salem will present Guys and Dolls at Hanesbrands Theatre, 209 N. Spruce St. in Winston-Salem.

High-rolling gamblers, a fame-seeking showgirl and a very determined missionary find love against all odds in this romantic musical comedy. The score features classic songs, including Luck Be a Lady Tonight and Sit Down, Youre Rockin the Boat.

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13-15, 20-22 and 2 p.m. Oct. 9, 15-16, 22-23.

Tickets are $14-26 for adults (plus taxes/fees), with discounts for students, seniors and groups of 10 or more at 336-725-4001 or LTofWS.org.

Guys and Dolls runs about two and a half hours, including a 15-minute intermission. It is recommended for ages 11 and older.

Exhibit

Stokes County Arts Council has a new exhibit of original art by Sarah Booze called Through the Woodlands through Nov. 15 in the Apple Gallery at Stokes County Arts Council, 500 Main St. in Danbury.

Booze is a native of Stokes County, but her love for art, language and culture has led her to travel and live in countries around the world. She has held jobs in museums and education, and when she is not painting, she tutors Japanese and teaches art. Booze is a self-taught artist. She attributes her style and skills to observing techniques of her favorite artists and analyzing their style as well as her endless experimentation and practice.

A reception is scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 in the gallery.

Exhibit

Yadkin Arts Council is hosting the exhibit Handmade: A Portrait of the Artists Tools by Bryan Rierson through Oct. 28 at Welborn Gallery in the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center at 226 E. Main St. in Yadkinville.

This large-scale, black-and-white photography exhibit features work from local artisans that they created with their tools (their hands).

The love of handmade craft inspired Rierson to begin a project in 2019 in which he photographed portraits of creators at work. But he decided to shoot their hands, not their faces. He called it Handmade  Portraits of the Artists Tools.

Rierson began with Brandon Edwards, a wet plate collodion photographer. His portrait shows his chemical-stained hands holding a 4-inch tintype he made. Rierson has since photographed a variety of artisans displaying several mediums.

Some of the artisan portraits will be accompanied by their 3D works on pedestals in the gallery.

Bryan received funding for this project and exhibit from the North Carolina Arts Council as part of its Artist Support Grant program in 2021 and 2022.

Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend.

Gallery hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Play contest

Creative Greensboro is accepting submissions for the 2024 New Play Project.

The New Play Project has been presented for 30 years annually awarding a $500 cash prize to a selected playwright along with a workshop production of the chosen play.

Submissions are open to any North Carolina resident or student playwright. The deadline is Nov. 14.

For rules and submission information, visit tinyurl.com/yc8xt3b3.
Downtown Winston-Salem appears to be just a few steps away from becoming a federally recognized historic district.

The first step could take place on Thursday Oct. 13, when an advisory committee in Raleigh reviews the application for the district, which was approved this week during a meeting of the Winston-Salem City Council. The second could be when the state forwards the application to the National Park Service for approval.

And if the park service gives the final approval, downtown Winston-Salem would be on the National Register of Historic Places, covering 53 acres and containing 72 buildings of historic significance.

It is home to some of the most architecturally impressive and distinctive buildings in the state, consultant Kayla Halberg told the city council, as she explained what makes downtown Winston-Salem unique.

The effort to gain the designation was led by the owners of the Chatham Building downtown, which houses Washington Perk and Aperture Cinema.

The Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership, an association of downtown businesses, backs the proposed historic district designation.

The good news about this is that people realize it does not come with any regulation, said Jason Thiel, the president of the downtown group. It does come with the opportunity for contributing structures to benefit from historic tax credits.

The designation of historic significance is about more than just buildings: It includes social history, including the role that Winston-Salem played in the civil rights struggles of the 1960s.

One of those landmark moments was the first victory in North Carolina for the integration of restaurants, as Black residents staged a sit-in protest that began on Feb. 8, 1960, and ended on May 23 the same year when the city and local businesses signed an agreement.

After three months of non-violent protest, Winston-Salem became the first city in the state to voluntarily desegregate its restaurants and lunch counters, Halberg said.

Urban renewal efforts from the 1950s and 60s have come under fire recently for destroying Black businesses and homes. The application report on the proposed historic district says that the inclusion of whats been known as the Phillips Building, now the Forsyth County Public Safety Center, recognizes both the former Black business district that stood there and the urban renewal efforts that transformed that part of downtown.

Meanwhile, several buildings in downtown Winston-Salem have had the distinction of being the tallest in the state or even in the Southeast at the time they were built, Halberg said, calling the citys architectural history representative of the Souths race to the sky.

They just kept racing with each other, and over time, one new building after another in the city would become the tallest building in the South or in the state.

The Nissen Building, constructed in 1926, was tallest in the state until eclipsed by the Reynolds Building in 1929. The Wachovia Building, now Winston Tower, was tallest in the southeast when it was built in 1966.

The buildings in the proposed historic district are as old as the Bitting Block at 418 N. Liberty St. and the H.D. Poindexter Store, both from around 1882, and as recent as places like the Embassy Suites (1974) on North Cherry Street and the Ward Federal Building (1976) on North Main.

As Halberg explained, the statewide significance of the citys downtown buildings lies in the wide scope of architectural styles that are expressed in ways that stand out from other cities in the state. Those styles include Art Deco, widely admired, but also Brutalist structures like the Forsyth County Hall of Justice and the Ward building.

Brutalist architecture ... is not everyones favorite architecture, but it represents a movement of the 60s and 70s that is an important part of the trajectory of American architecture, Halberg said.

The proposed historic district even has an example of whats called Googie architecture: A building that has a futuristic space age feel as envisioned in the 1950s or 60s. That building, called the Firestone building on West Fifth Street, most recently housed Bibs Downtown, a barbecue place.

Even downtown parking decks are now viewed as historic examples of how the city reacted to the growing importance of the automobile.

City officials took pains to note that the historic designation, if granted, will not interfere with a property owners rights or put in new requirements.

Michelle McCullough, historic preservation officer for Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, said the designation gives the city some bragging rights.

But the designation also helps building owners who might be able to apply for help if they choose to renovate, she said.

When we are doing a (historic) district, the smaller contributing buildings that would not be able to be listed can now take part in state and federal rehabilitation tax credit programs, she said.

Of course, property owners that do take advantage of tax credits do have to face requirements that make sure the building maintains its historical integrity.

Charles Fulk, one of the co-owners of the Chatham Building, talked about how he and his business partners decided to move forward with efforts to establish the historic district:

We think it is a perfect historic district, and didnt see anyone else stepping forward, he said.
A $13.8 million federal grant has been awarded to North Carolina toward assisting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities access inclusive jobs with competitive wages and benefits.

The five-year grant comes from the U.S. Department of Educations Rehabilitation Services Administration for Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment demonstration projects. The N.C. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services is one of 14 state agencies receiving funding from the Disability Innovation Fund.

The project will provide support and training to increase access to jobs in growing employment sectors  green jobs, essential workers and travel/hospitality.

North Carolinas project will create three regional pilot sites to provide an enhanced array of evidence-based services to increase access to competitive integrated employment.

Those initiatives offers those with disabilities the opportunity to work alongside other employees without disabilities, as well as earn at least minimum wage and receive the same workplace benefits and opportunities as other employees doing the same job.

A key feature of North Carolinas demonstration project is the formation of a stakeholder advisory council, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, service providers, employers and other key system partners.

Building a strong and inclusive workforce is a top priority for our department and our state, state Health Secretary Kody Kinsley said in a statement.

Olmstead plan

Kinsley said the grant funds will help North Carolina make progress toward the strategic priorities in our states Olmstead Plan.

The Olmstead plan is part of a court-ordered settlement spurred by claims made by Disability Rights NC in November 2010 that the state was violating the federal Americans with Disabilities Act by placing individuals with mental illness into adult-care homes.

The settlement is measured through six thresholds: supported housing; supported employment; discharge and transition planning; quality assurance and performance improvement; pre-admission screening and diversion; and community-based mental health services.

In January, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services released its long-awaited Olmstead plan for placing at least 3,000 qualified behavioral health individuals into independent housing and securing their proper economic and health status once there.

Eligible to participate are people living in adult-care homes whose symptoms have been diagnosed as a serious and persistent mental illness, or those who have been in treatment for more than 90 days at a state hospital.

The publicly funded plan covers 2022 and 2023. A draft of the plan was released in October and was subject to public comment.

The goal has been to assist eligible individuals in residing in and experiencing the full benefit of being part of day-to-day life in communities alongside those without disabilities.

The plan outlines an approach to the array of services and supports vital to community living.

Access to housing, employment, home and community-based services and other supports are addressed.

U.S. Justice officials gave North Carolina until June 30, 2023, to complete the transition initiative.

Justice officials said the extra two years will allow North Carolina to substantially comply with other obligations in this comprehensive agreement, such as improving community-based mental health services, supported employment, transition and discharge processes, and its quality assurance and performance improvement system.

DHHS said that as of Sept. 30, there have been 3,002 placements with the assistance of the states seven behavioral health managed care organizations, such as Partners Health Management in Davie, Forsyth, Surry and Yadkin counties.
The states top Democratic leaders are urging the Republican-led General Assembly to legalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, in the wake of President Joe Bidens plan to pardon U.S. residents convicted of simple possession of the drug under federal law.

Gov. Roy Cooper said that Bidens plan to pardon more than 6,500 people convicted under a federal marijuana possession law mirrors a recommendation by the N.C. Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice for the state to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Keeping people safe from violent crime while making the criminal justice system fairer is the right thing to do, Cooper said in a statement Friday.

While the state legislature hasnt acted on the task forces recommendation, I believe it should, Cooper said. We need to end this stigma that can keep people from getting jobs and make sure law enforcement keeps its focus on fighting violent crime, drug traffickers and other threats to safe communities.

Cooper said he has asked lawyers within his administration to examine state law regarding simple possession of marijuana convictions and pardons to determine if there is action we can and should take.

Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein said in a tweet Thursday that Biden is taking the right approach.

People should not have a federal criminal record for something that is legal in an increasing number of states, Stein said. I look forward to working with the legislature in the coming months to help move North Carolina forward as well.

Stein, who is considering running for governor in 2024, said he supports decriminalizing adult use of marijuana and expunging peoples past convictions of simple possession of marijuana.

Stein also said he supports strong protections for children from marijuana use, no advertising of the drug as well as state-controlled sales of marijuana.

Lets act  and lets get it right, Stein said.

Cooper and Stein spoke Friday at a meeting of the task force, which Cooper established in June 2020 after George Floyds murder in Minneapolis.

The task force recommended that legislators replace the misdemeanor charge for possessing up to 1 ounces of marijuana with a civil offense on par with a traffic infraction.

At the White House Thursday, Biden said he will grant pardons to all U.S. residents and citizens who have committed or who have been convicted the federal offense of simple possession of marijuana.

The pardon will restore the offenders political, civil and other rights, Biden said.

Bidens pardon doesnt apply to people who were not U.S. citizens and were not lawfully present in the United States at the time of their offense, according to a White House document.

Biden said the move reflects his position that no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana.

Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana, he added. Its time that we right these wrongs.

According to the White House, no one is currently in federal prison solely for simple possession of the drug, but the pardon could help thousands overcome obstacles to renting a home or finding a job.

The U.S. Department of Justice will administer Bidens pardons through its Office of the Pardon Attorney, which will provide the offenders with certificates of pardon, the Justice Department said Thursday.

Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr. of Forsyth County said that his office will enforce the law.

He (Biden) is the president of these United States and the mere fact that he is president means the people have given him the authority to do just that, Kimbrough said of Bidens plan.

As always, we here at the Forsyth County Sheriffs Office are going to do what is moral, what is legal, and what is right, Kimbrough said. What the law says is what I will enforce. We will remain a law-abiding law-enforcement agency.

State residents have various opinions about the legalization of medical and recreational use of marijuana in North Carolina, Kimbrough said.

We all have opinions about a lot of things, but they are just opinions, Kimbrough said. At the end of the day, I am obligated to enforce the law. Whether I agree or disagree, I will follow the law.

Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have legalized the recreational use of marijuana, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Thirty-seven states and the District of Columbia have legalized the medical use of marijuana.

Republicans Tim Moore, the speaker of the N.C. House, and Phil Berger, the leader of the N.C. Senate, couldnt be reached Friday for comment.

Under state law, possession of more than  ounces of marijuana is punishable by up to 45 days in jail and up to a $1,000. Possession of more than 1 ounces of marijuana is a felony.

Earlier this year, the N.C. Senate passed a bill that would have legalized marijuana for medical use with a doctors prescription. Under the legislation, the marijuana would have to be purchased under regulated dispensaries.

The bill never reached a floor vote in the House.

In June, Moore said that the House would wait until 2023 to reconsider legalizing medical marijuana.

Kristie Puckett Williams of Raleigh, the director of engagement and mobilization for the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, said Bidens action was an historic and huge victory.

No one should be incarcerated for marijuana possession, Williams said. We acknowledge that the war on drugs has robbed hundreds of thousands of people of their liberty and freedom, especially Black and Brown people.
A week ago, I worried that the anti-regime demonstrations in Iran might falter if the mostly young protesters didnt get some help from grown-ups  like the trade unions, say, or the so-called moderate elements within the theocratic state. I reckoned it would take the participation of groups of that stature to rattle Ali Khamenei, the Islamic Republics ruthless supreme leader.

The adults have not yet risen to the occasion, but the tyrant and his theocrats have been confronted and confounded by an unexpected constituency: schoolgirls. They represent a new kind of challenge for a regime that usually deals with dissent by licensing its security forces to use torture and murder. Does Khamenei dare turn his thugs on children?

Now in its third week, the protests have evolved from an expression of disgust over the death of a young woman, Mahsa Amini, in the custody of Irans notorious morality police. Women continue to dominate the demonstrations, but they are no longer content merely to burn their hijabs, or headscarves, in symbolic opposition to the regimes restrictive dress code. Now, they are calling for the dismantling of the entire theocratic edifice of the state.

Their ranks have been joined by schoolgirls, who are likewise calling for the downfall of the regime. Video clips of girls confronting teachers and officials in classrooms are proliferating on social media, despite the governments efforts to impose a communications blackout. In some clips, the kids can be heard chanting Death to the dictator, and stomping on images of Khamenei  and even of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic.

Even for a regime practiced in the dark arts of dissimulation, these videos are hard to reconcile with its usual dismissal of dissent as the work of foreign actors. Per usual, Khamenei is blaming the protests on the U.S. and Israel, but he will struggle to explain how they managed to reach into the classrooms, past the minders appointed by the state, to pollute the minds of children.

Demonstrations have also spread across university campuses across the country, accelerating after a bloody crackdown on protesters at Tehrans Sharif University. Beating down on college students is practically routine for the regime, however, and Iranians are all too familiar with images of carnage in the campus, especially from 1999, when Khamenei unleashed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Basij militia against students protesting censorship.

But the supreme leader has never set his attack dogs upon schoolkids  not yet, anyway. Will the IRGC and Basij balk at clubbing children into submission, especially given the risk that their actions will be caught on cellphone cameras and shown to the wide world?

They must know that the world is paying attention. In the U.S., Canada, Europe and Turkey, there have been rallies in solidarity with the Iranian protesters. Their signature slogan  Women! Life! Freedom!  has been taken up in Afghanistan, where women are fighting their own battles against misogynistic rulers.

World leaders are watching, too. Having already announced sanctions against the morality police and other regime officials, President Biden has announced he will impose further costs on those responsible for violence against the protesters. The European Union is considering sanctions requests from Germany, France, Denmark, Spain, Italy and the Czech Republic.

Any action against schoolkids will undoubtedly invite harsher penalties, such as expulsion of diplomats and barring Iran from international forums. Even allies like China and Russia will find it hard to back Tehran in those circumstances.

But perhaps most worrying for the supreme leader is that a crackdown against children might finally bring the grown-ups into the streets. The kids are a problem Khamenei cant easily solve.
A man from Eagle was arrested in Kansas early Friday after fleeing from a Cass County sheriff's deputy who had tried to arrest him.

Just after 8:15 p.m. Thursday, sheriff's deputies were sent to a house in Eagle to check on a report of a domestic violence assault. The first deputy at the scene found a woman and a girl standing in the street waiting for officers to arrive. The woman told the deputy that Michael Brueckner, 57, had hit her multiple times in the face with a closed fist.

Brueckner came out of the house, but when he saw the deputy, he went back inside and slammed the door, the Sheriff's Office said. The deputy called for more deputies and Nebraska State Patrol troopers to come to the house.

Before the other officers arrived, Brueckner came out of the house and ran to his 2016 Chevy pickup truck, the Sheriff's Office said. The deputy tried to take the man into custody, chasing him on foot and using a Taser on him, but he got away.

Brueckner, who the deputy said appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance, was able to get his pickup into gear and backed up, striking the deputy with the door and throwing the deputy toward the driveway. The man's pickup then hit a marked sheriff's cruiser before fleeing.

Crews from Eagle Fire and Rescue and Cass County emergency management came to the house to treat the deputy and the woman, neither of whom went to the hospital. Nebraska State Patrol troopers who tried to find Brueckner's pickup were unsuccessful.

Area law enforcement agencies were contacted and asked to look for the pickup.

Deputies in Kansas with the Riley County Sheriff's Office spotted the pickup and began to chase it. They later ended the pursuit because of dangerously high speeds.

Shortly thereafter, at about 12:40 a.m. Friday, police officers from Wabaunsee, Kansas, found Brueckner passed out in his pickup at a rest stop and took him into custody after using a Taser on him twice.

Brueckner faces several felony charges in Kansas, including driving under the influence and flight to avoid arrest. He also faces charges in Nebraska, including domestic violence assault, child abuse and felony assault of a police officer with a motor vehicle. Cass County officials said a warrant will be issued and the man will be extradited to Nebraska after facing charges in Kansas.

Eagle is about 15 miles east of Lincoln. Wabaunsee, Kansas, is about 130 miles south of Eagle.
A Lancaster County jury was asked to decide whether a Lincoln man was guilty of manslaughter for a crash along Nebraska 2 in 2020 that killed a 23-year-old motorcyclist.

But it wasn't a simple case.

At trial, the state accused Patrick Tvrdy of being under the influence of cannabis  a THC paste he'd admittedly used nearly 24 hours earlier  when he turned across the westbound lanes to get to Pioneers Boulevard near the 33rd Street intersection and collided with Brady Sweetser.

Sweetser, 23, died at the scene.

While no one knows exactly how fast Sweetser was going, by all accounts he was speeding, Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Erica Pruess said in closing arguments.

Witnesses estimated he was going about 70 mph as he passed them shortly before the crash at 9:30 p.m. July 30, 2020.

A man who lives in the area said he heard the sound of a motorcycle full-throttle before a "really loud thud."

But, Pruess said in closing arguments Friday, Sweetser's speed is only a defense if it was the exclusive reason for the crash.

She argued Tvrdy ultimately caused Sweetser's death because he should have seen him coming and been able to prevent the crash.

"We are not here because Mr. Tvrdy used THC products or smoked marijuana. We are here because he did that and then he chose to get behind the wheel and drive while impaired," she said.

The night of the crash, Tvrdy, now 40, admitted he had used a THC paste on the roof of his mouth to alleviate sinus pressure the previous day, but he denied smoking marijuana closer to the time of the crash.

And police didn't find anything in his Dodge Charger to suggest it, though an officer at the scene said he sensed the slight smell of burnt marijuana on Tvrdy.

After specialized testing, a Lincoln officer who is a drug recognition expert formed the opinion Tvrdy had been under the influence of cannabis, which altered his perception, at the time of the crash.

Pruess said if Tvrdy saw the motorcycle at all, he was not able to perceive how far away it was.

"This was his choice, to break the law, to drive under the influence. And it was a choice that cost Brady Sweetser his life," she said.

Tvrdy's attorney, Tim Noerrlinger, called it a tragic event and a terrible accident.

But he said to find Tvrdy guilty the state had to prove he had ingested an amount sufficient to impair to any appreciable degree the driver's ability to operate a vehicle in a prudent and cautious manner.

"So not just some, an amount sufficient, meaning there's a tipping point," Noerrlinger said.

He argued there could be other reasons for Tvrdy to show signs suggesting impairment. He had been shaken up by the crash and just learned Sweetser died. He was emotional and under stress.

Noerrlinger suggested the whole opinion was confirmation bias on behalf of police.

"There's an odor. Someone's dead. Marijuana caused it," he said.

But he said accidents happen.

"You can be distracted for a number of reasons. You can miss things. You don't have to be impaired. The state has to show by proof beyond a reasonable doubt that he was," Noerrlinger said.

The jury got the case shortly before 10 a.m. Friday and returned a guilty verdict at 5 p.m. Tvrdy could face up to 20 years in prison at sentencing.
With the mid-term election just a month away, women across the country gathered this weekend with a unified message.

"We are not going back into the shadows," Hannah Wroblewski told those gathered outside the state Capitol on Saturday morning for the Lincoln Women's March. "We will not let politicians tell us what we can and can't do with our bodies."

More than 100 people turned out on a brisk, sunny morning to support abortion access and women's rights, joining thousands nationwide expected to participate in more than 300 marches scheduled a month ahead of the Nov. 8 midterm election.

Wroblewski, board member of the Lincoln Women's March and chair of the Lancaster County Democrats, said the end goal isn't just a world where abortion is legal, but one where it's accessible, affordable and destigmatized.

Exactly 30 days before the election, the Lincoln Women's March invited women and candidates on the November ballot backing abortion rights, including Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, former Sen. Danielle Conrad and Lincoln City Council members Jane Raybould and James Michael Bowers, to speak in an effort to increase voter engagement.

How many of you are angry right now?" Bowers asked those in attendance. "How many of you are angry that we have to stand here and fight for rights that should be guaranteed? How many of you are angry at the politicians that led us to this moment?"

According to Bowers, who is pitted against Conrad in a race to represent northeast Lincoln in the state Legislature, the fight is not just on the steps of the Capitol, it is in every ballot booth in every precinct across the country.

Raybould, a candidate for the Legislature in central Lincoln, echoed Bowers' encouragement to vote, holding a sign reading 'I can't believe I have to protest this s---.'

We have to speak out because we know reproductive rights are womens rights, and womens rights are human rights," Raybould said.

She is running for the District 28 seat currently held by Pansing Brooks, while Bowers and Conrad are paired in District 46, which is represented by Sen. Adam Morfeld. With both senators term-limited out of the Legislature, Pansing Brooks is challenging Mike Flood to represent the state's 1st Congressional District in Congress, while Morfeld bids to unseat incumbent Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon.

"The constitution guarantees equality and liberty, but its no longer there when one half of the population cannot make their own health care decisions  our democracy, our freedoms are at risk," Pansing Brooks said. "So we have to stand up. ... We have to vote as if our lives depend on it. Because they do.

Pansing Brooks led the audience in a chant, sporadically interrupting her speech with calls of "My voice, my body, my choice, my vote!"

Members of the feminist club at Lincoln East High School, led by junior Cassidy Bell, said they got together Friday night to make signs and prepare for Saturday's march, even though none of their members are old enough to vote. Sitting on the steps of the Capitol, the group held signs that read "Glass Ceilings are Made to be Broken" and "Girls Just Want to Have Fun-Damental Rights."

"Our reproductive rights are at stake," Bell said. "As mid-terms approach, we want to make sure candidates know it's important to us as future voters, and that current voters know, too."

On the other end of the spectrum, grandmother Rolisha Davis said she wants her children and grandchildren to have the same rights she's had.

"If we dont do something now," Davis said, "our rights are going to be gone."

August Fritton, a nonbinary freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said the issue goes beyond election season.

We have a right to be angry and while voting is helpful, we cannot let this energy dissipate after November," Fritton said while addressing the crowd. Abortion is a difficult choice that nobody wants to be in a position to make. This is not something people go into lightly, and its definitely not just about women."

Fritton wasn't planning on speaking at the event, but noticed a lot of people talking about women and using non-inclusive language.

"I wanted to set the record straight," Fritton said. This is about women, but it is not just about rich, white women. ... This ban affects us, but it is not about just us. It is so much bigger."

According to Adelle Burke of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska, a handful of races in the Legislature this year could be the difference in anti-abortion advocates seeking a complete ban in next year's session.

A bill that would have led to an abortion ban fell two votes shy of overcoming a filibuster this year.

When the Supreme Court stripped away our constitutional right to abortion in June, they handed decisions about our bodies and our lives over to politicians in every state," Burke said. "On Nov. 8, we will take back control by electing strong advocates for reproductive rights and health care up and down the ballot, including right here in the Legislature."
The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy has given initial approval to a plan for disposing of an estimated 115 million gallons of pesticide-contaminated wastewater being stored in holding ponds at AltEn.

Developed and submitted by the AltEn Facility Response Group  six seed companies voluntarily cleaning up the site  the plan calls for applying treated wastewater across 736 acres of farm ground south of Mead in Saunders County.

The process, which involves pumping water from AltEns damaged lagoons through a water treatment system and into a pair of new lagoons completed earlier this year, was granted a permit by the states environmental department earlier this year.

Depending on precipitation, the efficacy of the treatment process and conditions of the soil on the seven parcels that will receive the wastewater, the environmental engineers contracted by the response group estimate another 18 to 24 million gallons could be land-applied this fall and next spring.

While efforts to draw down the wastewater stored on site has been moving forward slowly for the better part of this year, the question of how to dispose of an estimated 99,000 tons of solid waste piled up on AltEns site remains open.

Earlier this year, the wet distillers grains  a solid byproduct of ethanol production commonly referred to as wet cake  were entombed under a Posi-Shell cover, a combination of clay, polyester fibers and Portland cement.

The AltEn Facility Response Group said the temporary cover was installed to keep odors under control, tamp down pesticide-contaminated dust and prevent stormwater from coming into contact with the contaminated material.

Last month, at a meeting with a small group of Mead residents, the facility response group said it was evaluating four potential solutions for disposing of the wet cake, with the goal of submitting a formal plan to the Department of Environment and Energy before the end of the year.

Those options, according to a memo about the meeting posted to the Department of Environment and Energys website, include:

* Hauling and burying the contaminated wet cake in a landfill.

* Hauling the wet cake to an offsite incinerator.

* Thermal treatment  not incineration  on-site.

* Burying the wet cake at AltEn.

Don Gunster, a partner and senior scientist at NewFields, the environmental engineering firm conducting much of the cleanup, said the options are being explored before the AltEn Facility Response Group submits a remedial action plan for the solid waste.

The (facility response group) is still collecting data about each of the options being evaluated for management of the wet cake and sludge, Gunster said in an email. More details will be shared with the community and included in the Solids (remedial action plan) once that data has been collected and evaluated.

Some of the options have already been deemed unworkable, however, because of excessive costs, a lack of capacity or doubts about the technology that would need to be used.

And at least one  making AltEn the final burial site for the solid waste  is a non-starter for residents of Mead, who worked for years to draw attention to the environmental issues arising from the failed ethanol plant.

In the year before AltEn was forced by the Department of Environment and Energy to close, the ethanol plant hauled an estimated 43,000 tons of wet cake to landfills operated by Waste Connections near David City, Milford and Malvern, Iowa.

Most of that  at least 39,000 tons  was trucked down Nebraska 92 to the Butler County Landfill, until Waste Connections cut AltEn off, saying it did not have enough dry garbage to mix with the wet distillers grains.

Kelly Danielson, the district manager who oversees the Waste Connections facility, said there are no plans to restart accepting solid waste from AltEn.

We have not heard anything from either group nor has anyone requested authorization to deliver the waste stream to us, Danielson said in an email.

The facility response group also explored the option of moving the wet cake by rail to Clean Harbors-operated incinerators in Kimball and other states last summer but scrapped the idea, which would be costly and complicated.

Ash Grove, a concrete plant that opened in Louisville earlier this year, received a permit from the state to burn biomass in its kilns but confirmed to the Journal Star it has not received any wet cake from AltEn, nor does it plan to do so in the future.

AltEn previously attempted to turn the wet cake into biochar, the process of heating it to a few thousand degrees to create a charcoal-like material, but samples analyzed by the environmental department showed it did not reduce the levels of pesticides within.

The state also intervened to stop AltEn from selling biochar to a Kansas farmer late last year.

An Iowa-based company  Independence Energy  has pitched its own process of using heat to breakdown the wet cake and the chemicals within to both residents of Mead as well as the Department of Environment and Energy, but its proposal has not been explored in-depth.

Two people who have met with state regulators and the AltEn Facility Response Group said the plan that appears to be favored for cleanup would include repairing one of the lagoons at the plant to serve as a containment cell that would later be buried.

Bill Thorson, the chair of the Mead Board of Trustees, said he told the response group that such a plan would draw fierce opposition from the village of nearly 600 people.

A little more than a decade ago, residents of Mead successfully fought off a plan by Waste Connections to open a 320-acre landfill near AltEn that would have accepted roughly 1,200 tons of garbage per day from Omaha and Saunders County.

We had a landfill that didnt pass because of the water table and the aquifer, Thorson said, referring to the Todd Valley aquifer, on which Mead and AltEn both sit. I told them, I can assure you thats not going to pass.

Any proposal for turning AltEn into a landfill to bury the waste it generated would be running uphill and against the wind.

Mead annexed the land AltEn sits on before its predecessor, E3 Biofuels, opened in 2007, giving authority over any zoning changes and conditional use permits to the Village Board of Trustees, which revoked the company's ability to operate as an ethanol plant in June 2021.

AltEn would also need to receive a permit from the state to operate as a landfill. A 2021 lawsuit against the company faulted AltEn for operating as a solid waste management facility despite never having a permit to do so.

Thorson said he and others in Mead do not see burying the wet cake in a containment cell on the property as a viable cleanup option.

Rather, he said, it would be another temporary fix to a problem that has plagued the town since 2015.

If its a money thing, Id just as soon see it be a Superfund site, he said. I have a feeling thats what it is anyway.
BOISE, Idaho (AP)  An Idaho city has settled a federal discrimination lawsuit with a former library employee who said they were harassed and discriminated against because they are non-binary and transgender, the Idaho Statesman reports.

Perez filed a lawsuit against Boise, the former library director and other library and city employees in U.S. District Court in Boise last summer. Perez, who uses they/them pronouns, was represented by the American Civil Liberties Union.

In a news release Friday, the city said the settlement was reached after both parties evaluated the merits of the case and the resources required for extensive litigation.

The citys policies and practice continue to make the equitable treatment of employees a priority, the statement said. This settlement is an affirmation of that commitment.

The Statesman said it has asked the city for the settlement amount but has not yet received an answer.

The lawsuit stemmed from two separate instances in 2019.

On one occasion, the lawsuit said, then-library director Kevin Booe took action to have Perez fired after a library patron objected to a pride display Perez had organized at the library.

Perez also received a notice of intent to discipline that criticized comments they made from their personal Facebook page about a library pride event that they shared to a neighborhood group on the social media platform.

In October 2019, Perez filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Idaho Human Rights Commission, alleging sex discrimination and retaliation. In April 2020, the Human Rights Commission found that Perez was indeed sexually harassed and discriminated against while working at the library.
Legendary Nebraska outdoorsman Dick Turpin loved connecting people to the outdoors. Since his passing earlier this year, his family, along with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, have established a way to keep that spirit going.

The Dick Turpin Outdoor Education Memorial Fund has been created to support hunter education and outdoor education programs across Nebraska. Its goal is to inspire a love for the outdoors and time-honored traditions.

Contributions to the fund continue Turpins legacy by supporting a variety of activities. These include hunter education and mentored youth hunts, opportunities and equipment for low-income families, school programs and scholarships for Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshops.

Turpin had a 40-year career with Nebraska Game and Parks. He started as a grounds crew worker, then became a conservation officer, hunter education coordinator and chief of law enforcement. His passion was inspiring a love of the outdoors in everyone he met, as well as spinning masterful stories. He retired in 1999.

Dad loved nothing more than to be outdoors, whether hunting or fishing or simply walking through the woods and taking in the nature around him, said Jana McGuire, Turpins daughter. Through this fund, we honor his legacy by supporting activities, education and events that get more families outside to enjoy all that Nebraskas outdoors have to offer, particularly those new to outdoor life.

To make a donation, visit Outdoornebraska.gov/turpinmemorialfund.

Dick would be thrilled knowing the donations are providing opportunities for youth and adults of all ages and from all walks of life, said Reenie, Turpins wife.
Star City Bettys, an area-wide club for anyone named Betty, Betsy, Elizabeth or Lizzy, visited their namesakes at the Lincoln Childrens Zoo on Wednesday, Sept. 28.

The group met Betty, the Galapagos tortoise, and Betty, the red panda. These two Bettys were made honorary members of the Star City Bettys.

During their zoo visit, the club members met John Chapo, president emeritus, and presented him with a $500 check for the care and well-being of the two new honorary member Bettys, as well as several individual donations, including one from a Bettye in Kentucky.

Chartered in 1996, the purpose of the Star City Bettys is to bring together people named Betty, Betsy, Elizabeth or Lizzy, or any Betty wannabes, and to promote friendship among this group. The clubs motto remains simply Shes a Betty.

The Star City Bettys club hosts monthly luncheon meetings all year. The clubs next event is on Friday, Oct. 21, and will be a luncheon tea and tour of The Elms, author Bess Streeter Aldrichs 100-year-old home in Elmwood, Nebraska. Advance paid reservations are required. Annual club membership is $15 and is open to anyone interested in joining. For more information, call BettyLou at 402-430-2708.
RACINE PUBLIC LIBRARY

RACINE  The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., offers these events:

Connecting Art to Public Spaces, through October. Mahogany Gallery hosts an art show in the youth department featuring visual artworks by local, regional and national artists.

Whispering Closets  National Coming Out Day, Oct. 9-15, appointments available. People can share their coming-out story in celebration of National Coming Out Day. In partnership with Wisconsin Humanities and the LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin, the library is collecting oral histories from Racines queer community. Written stories and pre-recorded videos are accepted. Complete a consent form at https://forms.gle/6qAvr9VmnyEqMfhu9.

Murder Mystery Dinner for adults, 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14. A 1920s-themed murder mystery dinner at the library. Death of a Gangster is hosted by a professional murder mystery theater troupe. Dressing up is encouraged. A silent auction will be held. The cost is $50 or $250 for a table of six. Register at racine-public-library-foundation.square.site. Proceeds support the Racine Public Library Foundation, which supports the librarys expansion, stabilization and special projects now and to come.

Sip and Swipe with the ADRC, 10-11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 14. Adults 55 and older learn how to use a tablet to navigate web pages, check their emails and more. Devices are provided. Call 262-833-8777 to register.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, on Library Drive, with traditional, folk, belly and pop dances, as well as tamales and crafts.

For more information on storytimes and other ongoing library events, go to racinelibrary.info or call 262-636-9217, unless otherwise listed. Some programs require registration.
We want to be able to build this layer of trust in the community with our students and our officers, said Racine Unified's director of alternative education.
RACINE  After hearing the idea, Andre Bennett mulled it over for about a week before deciding to move forward.

It was late spring 2022. Bennett, Racine Unified School District director of alternative education, met with a local police officer to discuss a program that aims to improve understanding and connection between police and teenagers.

After researching the program, Bennett determined it was worth the effort.

We want to be able to build this layer of trust in the community with our students and our officers, Bennett said.

In an attempt to increase trust, the Racine Police Department partnered with the Teen and Police Service Academy and RUSD to host a TAPS Academy program.

The program is funded by a two-year, $66,000 federal grant through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, according to Racine Police Department Sgt. James Pettis of the Community Oriented Policing Unit. Pettis helped apply for the grant and presented the idea to Bennett.

The first part of the two-year grant involves an 11-week program that will start later this month with around 20 high-schoolers at Turning Point Academy, 2333 Northwestern Ave., which is part of Racine Alternative Learning.

Seven RPD officers plan to take part in the program and meet weekly with students for about 90 minutes.

Pettis hopes the students and officers can form connections by regularly interacting.

Thats the biggest aim here for us, is to have that consistent relationship, especially with kids who are challenged by so much inconsistency in their personal lives, Pettis said.

There will be lessons taught by officers but also time for discussions and high schoolers to ask officers questions.

Students look at the police right now as this entity thats so far from who they are and what they know, Bennett said. What brings this home is a lot of these police officers who will be engaging in this work are officers from the same part of the community that (students) are from.

Indeed, Pettis said officers sharing personal stories and talking informally in a classroom setting should help build relationships.

Its one thing on the street, as a policeman, to have that informal banter with our young folks, Pettis said. Its a completely different thing for us to also be open to the same questions in the classroom as police.

The program is different than the already offered classes for students seeking a job in law enforcement. Pettis hopes it builds a mutual understanding of and respect for the roles students and officers have in the community.

Even though these are kids who may not be interested in a law enforcement career, may not have the best perception of police officers, these kids are people, too, Pettis said. They live in our neighborhoods and are impacted by many of the stresses we face in law enforcement on a day-to-day basis in these same neighborhoods.

The Teen and Police Service Academy was created in Houston, Texas, to close the social distance between teenagers and police officers.

Closing the social distance means humanizing one another and building relationships, Pettis said.

Its important that (students) are able to put a face and a name to a profession and have an understanding of our role and our humanity, Pettis said.

That is easier said than done, though. Barriers include overcoming negative perceptions of students and officers. Those perceptions could exist because students may have had negative interactions with officers, known friends or family members who received what they viewed as unfair treatment, or seen videos of police misconduct.

Bennett said those perceptions need to be addressed for progress to occur.

My goal has always been to really reduce that fear that so many of our kids have when it comes to police, Bennett said. Im not going to sit here and say that maybe some of it isnt warranted, but I also want kids to be able to understand that the overrepresentation of negativity that we may see police officers having may not be the case.

It is an inexact science to measure the social distance between students and officers. To try to gauge progress, pupils and officers will answer questions before and after the 11-week program on how they perceive one another.

Bennett said students are hesitant about the program, but familiarity with most of the officers, who have previously spent time in schools, should help.

Theyre still extremely apprehensive about it because it is the police, but the good thing is they know the officers, Bennett said. I think itll take them a while to open up, talk about some of their concerns, but over 11 weeks, I think theyll go away and there will be freer conversation.

For several reasons, Bennett said it is unlikely that the same 20 students who start the program will be there for the full 11 weeks. Some students who started the program could return to their home high school or move out of town. There may be a day when a student is not in the right headspace to discuss a certain topic.

I dont know what every student has been through with police, and because of that, you never know how some students are going to react to some of the conversation and discussion, Bennett said.

There might also be an emotionally charged local event involving law enforcement. Bennett hopes that if that occurs, officers and students can honestly discuss the event.

Bennett and Pettis hope officers can also learn from and grow with students.

Our kids are begging to be heard, Bennett said. The more you allow them to talk, the more you learn, the more you benefit.

More broadly, Bennett and Pettis hope the program plays a role in students expressing themselves in a healthy way.

That would be the epicenter of the work that were trying to do, Bennett said. We want them to be able to come in and say, This happened and this occurred. Hows it making you feel? What are your thoughts right now? How can we continue to build up your ability to communicate that effectively?

Those sustained conversations could build trust between officers and teenagers, which is something you cant buy, Bennett said.

Success is far from guaranteed, but Bennett and Pettis are excited about the chance to build community relationships.
RACINE  A man accused of the sexual assault of two teens was acquitted of all charges Thursday in Racine County Circuit Court.

John Bouwma, 60, was found not guilty of repeated sexual assault of the same child and multiple other counts of sex crimes against a child.

There was no physical evidence. Instead, it was the word of the two teen accusers. One alleged Bouwma touched himself while she was in the room. The primary accuser said Bouwma touched her on intimate places multiple times.

Mindy Nolan, the defendants attorney, was able to raise issues of reasonable doubt because the testimony of the two teen accusers was so dissimilar  despite the fact they were supposedly together during one of the incidents. Additionally, the defense was able to put evidence into the record that appeared to show a mother of one of the victims was attempting to blackmail Bouwma with accusations of child sexual assault.

The jury was out for four hours before bringing back the acquittal.

At one point the jury indicated it was deadlocked on the first two counts but had consensus on counts 4 and 5. The jury foreman indicated there was a single holdout on counts 1 and 2.

They were sent back to deliberate a bit longer and finally reached a consensus.

The Journal Times is withholding information that could potentially identify the teen accusers.

Testimony

According to witness testimony, Bouwma inherited money from his parents, who had done well when they sold their farm to Mount Pleasant in order to make way for Foxconn.

The primary accuser and her family, in stark contrast, lived in poverty. The two parents and five children currently live in a camper and have had years of housing insecurity.

When the Bouwmas lived on their farm, the one that was eventually sold, the accuser and her family lived in a house Bouwma owned in Union Grove. When the Bouwmas wanted the house back, and the accuser and her family had to leave. At that time, the accusers mom was just days from giving birth to her fifth child.

The accuser allegedly made comments to Bouwmas wife that indicated how angry she was with them for ending that period of housing security the family had finally acquired. It wasnt until a few months after the family moved out that accusations of sexual misconduct began to circulate; however, no one called the police.

Instead, the record indicates the accusers mom began texting Bouwma and demanding money.

Text messages between the accusers mom and Bouwma appeared to show her threatening Bouwma, saying she would call the police if he did not pay.

On the witness stand, the accusers mother denied she was blackmailing Bouwma. Instead, she claimed she just wanted the money that he owed them.

Months passed before a friend of the accusers finally told a counselor that he thought the teen had been the victim of sexual misconduct. That's when police were notified.

Closing statements

In her closing statements, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Tanck-Adams told the jury the women in the primary accusers life had failed her.

With accusations of sexual assault making the rounds, no one had called the police: not her mother, not her grandmother, not her bestfriend.

Tanck-Adams encouraged the jurors to focus on the suspect and not be distracted by the actions of the accuser's mother.

The accuser could be sexually touched by Bouwma and the mom could still seek $10,000 for it. Those two things are not mutually exclusive, Tanck-Adams said.

She continued and described the accuser's mother as a person who could not provide for her children and sought a way to financially benefit from what happened to her daughter. Tanck-Adams described her as the type of mother we hoped we would not be and werent raised by ...

That doesnt mean the sexual contacts were lies, Tanck-Adams continued. A mom who wants to put a price on her daughters trauma doesnt mean the sexual assault didnt happen.

During her closing statements, Attorney Nolan pointed out the three accusers  the mom, her daughter and her daughters best friend  were very tight. She accused the mom of manipulating the girls who were young teens at the time.

I agree in this case (the accusers) have been victims of something. They have been victims of a terrible home life, some manipulation and influence from (the accusers) mom ... JB is an innocent man, she said. Hes been falsely accused of these very, very serious allegations.

She encouraged the jury to think about what made sense. Did it make sense that the accusers mother allegedly learned her daughter was being touched inappropriately, but she doesnt go to the police? Does that give you pause? she asked.

Nolan suggested the people involved did not call the police because their accusations were not true. Nolan told the jury a conviction has to be based on the evidence, and whether what the accusers said made sense, and not because they felt bad for the witnesses.

You have to set that aside, she said. The Constitution requires you to do so.
RACINE  Supporters of the citys planned abortion advisory referendum will hold a rally on Saturday to bring attention to the ballot measure they hope will send a message to the Wisconsin Legislature.

ROEvember Rally in Racine will take place at 11 a.m. on Monument Square.

Ann Roe, Democratic candidate for Wisconsins 1st Congressional District, is expected to address the rally, along with state Rep. Greta Neubauer, minority leader of the Assembly.

The city referendum asks voters whether the 1849 state law that bans abortion without exception for rape or incest and with an incredibly narrow exception for the health of the patient should be repealed.

There are 24 states in the U.S. that allow citizens to circumvent the state legislature and place a statewide initiative or referendum on the ballot through a process that requires garnering signatures of voters. Wisconsin is not one of those states. Ballot measures must have the approval of the Wisconsin Legislature.

Referendum

Natalia Taft, who represents the 13th District on the Racine City Council, said the referendum is important  even though it is non-binding  because it sends a message to the Legislature about how citizens of the city feel about the states abortion ban.

The 1849 law made it a felony for doctors to perform an abortion unless it was done to save the life of the pregnant individual. The law was enacted so long ago that women and communities of color did not have the right to vote.

The statute banning abortion became irrelevant following the adoption of Roe v. Wade, but the Wisconsin Legislature never repealed it. After Roe v. Wade was overturned this summer, the 1849 law once again took precedence.

Taft explained there is no mechanism that allows voters to collect signatures and get an issue on the ballot, as is seen in other states, which is an issue in a state as gerrymandered as Wisconsin.

Until we have that opportunity to do it ourselves, we are depending on a gerrymandered legislature to do this, and thats not equitable and does not allow for all the voices to be heard, she said.

The only way to send a message to the legislature about the will of the people, she continued, is community by community.

La Crosse County, Dane County and Milwaukee County also have advisory referendums connected to abortion rights on their fall ballots.

Taft said she hoped city residents would see the referendum as an opportunity to have their voices heard.
1. Yes. Its important to cast my votes early and avoid the lines on Election Day.

2. Yes. With nearly two weeks of early voting, its a more convenient way to take part.

3. No. Its better to wait until Election Day, in case any last-minute information surfaces.

4. No. Im not planning to vote early or on Election Day. It isnt worth my time.

5. Unsure. It depends on how the campaigns are shaping up. Ill play it by ear.

Vote

View Results
DOLLOW, Somalia  A man in a donkey cart comes wheeling through the dust, carrying two small, silent boys. The sky is overcast but it hasn't rained for a very long time.

Mohamed Ahmed Diriye is 60 years old, and he's completing the grimmest journey of his life. He set off from a seaside city on the northern edge of Somalia two weeks ago. People were dying. Livestock were dying. He decided to abandon work as a day laborer and flee to the other end of the country, crossing a landscape of carcasses and Islamic extremist-held territory along the way.

Seven hundred miles later, he is exhausted. The food ran out. He clutched a battered stick in one hand, the nearly empty cart in the other. His boys are just 4 and 5.

They had tried to escape, Diriye said. "But we came across the same drought here."

More than 1 million Somalis have fled and discovered that, too.

Somalis say this drought is worse than any they can remember. It has astonished resilient herders and farmers by lasting four failed rainy seasons, starting two years ago. The fifth season is underway and likely will fail, too.

A rare famine declaration could be made as soon as this month, the first significant one anywhere in the world since Somalia's famine a decade ago. Thousands of people have died, including nearly 900 children under age 5 being treated for malnutrition, according to United Nations data. The U.N. says half a million such children are at risk of death.

As the world is gripped by food insecurity, Somalia, a country of 15 million people shaking off its past as a failed state, struggles amid several global crises at once.

They include climate change, with some of the harshest effects of warming felt in Africa. Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which stalled ships carrying enough grain to feed hundreds of millions of people. A drop in humanitarian donations, as the world shifted focus to the war in Ukraine. One of the world's deadliest Islamic extremist groups, which limits the delivery of aid.

The Associated Press spoke with a dozen people in rapidly growing displacement camps during a visit to southern Somalia in late September. All say they've received little aid, or none. A day's meal might be plain rice or just black tea. Many camp residents, overwhelmingly women and children, beg from neighbors or go to sleep hungry.

Mothers walk for days or weeks through bare landscapes in search of help, at times finding that the withered, feverish child strapped to them has died along the way.

"We'd grieve, stop for a while, pray," Adego Abdinur said. "We'd bury them beside the road."

She held her naked 1-year-old in front of her new home, a fragile hut of plastic sacks and stripped branches. It's one of hundreds scattered over the dry land.

Abdinur and her six children walked 186 miles here, following rumors of assistance along with thousands of other people.

"We have seen so many children dying because of hunger," she said.

In areas where famine likely will be declared is an Islamic extremist group linked to al-Qaida. An estimated 740,000 of the drought's most desperate people live in areas under al-Shabab's control.

Al-Shabab's grip on large parts of southern and central Somalia was a major contributor to deaths in the 2011 famine.

In a surprise comment on the drought in late September, al-Shabab called it a test from Allah, "a result of our sins." The group claimed it had offered food, water and free medical treatment to more than 47,000 people since last year.

But in rare accounts of life inside al-Shabab-held areas, several people told the AP they had seen no such aid. Instead, they said, the extremists continue their harsh taxation of families' crops and livestock even as they withered and died. They spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation.

Some flee at night to escape the fighters' attention, with men and even young boys often being forbidden to leave. One woman said people who received assistance from the outside would be attacked. Weeks ago, she said, al-Shabab killed a relative who had managed to take a sick parent to a government-held city and then returned.

Those who escaped now cling to a bare existence. In the only treatment center for the most severely malnourished in the immediate region, 1-year-old Hamdi Yusuf is a sign of hope.

She was little more than bones and skin when her mother found her unconscious two months after arriving in the camps. "The child was not even alive," recalled Abdikadir Ali Abdi, acting nutrition officer with the aid group Trocaire.

Now the girl is revived. But the ready-to-use therapeutic food so crucial to the recovery of children like her could run out in the coming weeks, Abdi says.

The girl's mother, 18-year-old Muslima Ibrahim, anxiously rubbed her daughter's tiny fingers.

"We received a food distribution yesterday," Ibrahim said. "It was the first since we arrived."

Hundreds of families continue to emerge from the empty horizon across Somalia.

One day in mid-September, 29-year-old Fartum Issack and her husband carried a small body along a dusty track to a graveyard. Their 1-year-old daughter had arrived at camp sick and hungry. She was rushed for treatment, but it was too late.

At the camp, eight other hungry daughters were waiting.
Eleven people working for one of the nations leading turkey producers have been charged with animal cruelty in Pennsylvania after state police said they were caught on video kicking, stomping and beating turkeys at several farms.

The workers were responsible for capturing and crating turkeys destined for slaughter, Pennsylvania State Police said Thursday. Police launched the probe in August 2021 in response to a complaint from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The animal rights group said it sent an undercover investigator to Plainville Farms to evaluate the marketing claims of a third-party labeling program that had designated Plainville as animal welfare certified.

The PETA investigator worked on a Plainville Farms crew for about three weeks and captured graphic video that appeared to show workers mistreating the birds.

Every night, at every farm the crews worked at, these men threw turkeys, viciously kicked and stomped on them, and killed them in the most rampant, top-to-bottom display of cruelty to farmed animals weve ever seen, Dan Paden, a PETA vice president, said in a phone interview.

The mistreatment took place at farms in Chester, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Perry and Union counties, police said. A total of 139 charges were filed, including six felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and 76 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. PETA said its unaware of a cruelty-to-livestock case involving more criminal counts.

This was a lengthy, detailed investigation that involved reviewing a lot of evidence at multiple locations, said Cpl. Michael Spada, a state police animal cruelty officer.

Plainville continues to advertise its turkeys as humanely raised in a stress-free environment, even after the company was suspended from an animal welfare and labeling program run by Global Animal Partnership. Its turkey products come with an Earthwise seal  which is not an independent labeling program, but a term Plainville trademarked in 2008.

PETA has asked the Federal Trade Commission to prohibit Plainville from using false or misleading claims in advertising its turkey products. An FTC spokesperson declined comment on whether the agency is investigating.

New Oxford, Pennsylvania-based Plainville has zero tolerance for anything like the alleged actions of these former employees, said Matt Goodson, the privately held companys chief executive officer. The company fired the employees implicated in the abuse, began using stationary and body cameras during the catching process, and took other measures to prevent a recurrence, he said.

Plainville remains committed to the highest welfare standards for our animals and customers. We believe that its important for incidents like this to come to light in order to challenge our industry to do better, he said in a statement.

The companys turkey products are sold at supermarket chains including Publix and Wegmans.

Plainville employs about 600 workers and slaughtered about 90 million live pounds of turkey last year, according to WATT PoultryUSA, a trade publication.

PETA has long criticized Global Animal Partnerships humane certification program as misleading and insufficient, and it chose Plainville from a long list of Global Animal Partnership-certified suppliers as a way to investigate the program, said Paden, the PETA vice president, adding that Plainville happened to have a job opening on a catching crew.

The undercover PETA investigator, who was hired by a staffing agency, documented instances in which co-workers stomped and kicked turkeys, clubbed them with rods, and picked them up by the heads and violently shook them, according to a brief video compilation released by PETA. The video appeared to show dead turkeys and injured turkeys writhing on the floor.

The PETA investigator did not take part in the abuse  gently herding the birds instead  and was berated for taking too long, Paden said.

He was told repeatedly, Theres not time for that, and if thats how youre going to do this, you need to find a different job, Paden said.

In a statement, Global Animal Partnership said it took swift action to suspend Plainville from the certification program in the wake of the PETA investigation. The partnership has certified more than 4,000 farms in 11 countries and says each farm is visited by a third-party inspector every 15 months to ensure compliance with the groups animal welfare standards.

In terms of Plainville, what happened was egregious, horrendous and completely unacceptable, the group said, adding it does not tolerate the cruel treatment of turkeys, or any animal, in our program.
KEARNEY  Liz Kays introduction to the concept of a witch character came when she was a preschooler.

My father was in the military, and I lived in Germany a couple of different times, the writer said in an interview from her home in Omaha. The first time I lived there, I was about 3 years old. I must have been barely 4 years old when my mother took me to see Hansel and Gretel in German. I was with my best friend, Marky. He was also 4.

Neither child understood a word of the dialogue.

It was terrifying, absolutely terrifying, Kay said. It ended with these very bratty, horrible children pushing the witch into the oven. I was devastated. I thought she was the character I was supposed to sympathize with. So Ive spent my life trying to keep her out of the oven.

The writer took that sense of tension and expanded it into a series of poems, The Witch Tells The Story and Makes It True: Poems, published in 2021 by Quarter Press. William Trowbridge, author of Vanishing Point, said about Kays work, In this remarkable collection, Liz Kay leads us through the haunted forest of fear and desire inhabited by the witch of Hansel and Gretel. The power and music of the language make the journey all the more compelling.

Kay wanted to keep the faithfulness of the original story of the folk tale.

Every poem is grappling with that tension that I desperately wanted to keep her out of the oven, she said. But yet I knew she had to go into the oven.

Kay will read from her work at 7 p.m. Tuesday as part of the Front Porch Reading Series presented by the Prairie Arts Brothers at the Kearney Public Library. Admission to the event is free.

In thinking about the role of witches in our culture, Kay identifies them as outsiders.

I think that a witch is always a woman who have been marginalized, often because shes perceived to have some power that we dont want her to have, Kay said. The witch from Hansel and Gretel has some magic. I really did want to play into these folk tales from around the world, these beliefs about witches. But in the story, she really doesnt have any power. Shes not Baba Yaga with her cauldron sprouting chicken legs that chases Katarena through the woods. She doesnt have the same sort of powers. She just devours. That is her core power.

Kay finds the witch in the ancient folk tale of Hansel and Gretel compelling.

Shes not sympathetic, Kay said. Shes evil, but theres something about her that I just find fascinating. In my collection, there are poems that take place outside of the narrative. I felt like I had to be true to anything that was about the Hansel and Gretel story. The children really do have to arrive at her house  and all of those things have to stay true.

WHEN & WHERE What: Author Liz Kay reads from The Witch Tells The Story and Makes It True: Poems, illustrated by Devin Forst, presented by the Prairie Art Brothers When: 7 p.m. Tuesday Where: Kearney Public Library at 2020 First Ave. Admission: Free

Other aspects of the story are open to interpretation. Kay delved into the witchs childhood, into the events of the characters life that created her personality and into to the inner working of a sense of evil.

Most often we find that evil is inherited, Kay observed.

The author studied at the University of NebraskaLincoln, where she received both an Academy of American Poets Prize and the Wendy Fort Foundation Prize for exemplary work in poetry. Her work has appeared in such journals as Beloit Poetry Journal, RHINO, Nimrod, The New York Quarterly and Iron Horse Literary Review. G.P. Putnams Son published her novel, Monsters: A Love Story, in 2017.

When it comes to a comparative role to witches for men, Kay understands the difference.

Men are allowed to have power, she said. Its not subversive when a man is evil in that way. It doesnt threaten the culture. It might threaten the individual, but it doesnt threaten the world.

Before she started working on the poems of The Witch Tells the Story and Makes It True, the character of the witch revealed itself.

Theres a poem in the collection titled The Witch Introduces Herself, Kay said. It just arrived for me one day. I was in the middle of working on a different project, and I was coming to the end of that project. I always go through this period of thinking, well, Im never going to write again. I dont have any ideas. I sort of stall on finishing my current project because thats probably it for me.

Kay needs the seed of the next project in order to wrap up her current project. She often feels aimless between projects.

And one day this poem just sort of arrived, she said. It was pretty much fully formed. It hasnt gone through a lot of revision. It was her voice, and she was just there. I knew that I wanted to continue to follow her.

For Kay, poetry works well when she explores a project like The Witch Tells the Story and Makes It True.

I think poetry is capable of holding material that is really dark and really uncomfortable, she said. But it can still allow it to be beautiful. I think if I was writing this as fiction, it would be bleaker than I would want to spend three or four years of my life on. It would force me into some places that were too dreary to hang out in.

Poetry lets the author write about a dark character in a way that allows her to play around with the language and lets her use pretty language.

In the several years I spent on this project, the witch was always with me, always in the back of my mind, Kay said. Theres a lot of activity that goes into writing that isnt actually putting words down. I was reading books about witches, I was reading newspaper articles about finding a witchs bottle at a site  all of these things  and just sort of feeding myself with the art that needed to go into this collection. Without a project that serves as a focus point, I just feel a bit unmoored.
The front side of a memorial, unveiled Friday before a group outside the Douglas County Courthouse, which marks the 1891 lynching of George Smith. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

OMAHA  No one was ever held accountable for the lynching of George Smith.

So reads the last sentence of a freshly planted plaque that was unveiled Friday in front of the Douglas County Courthouse, marking the murder of a 20-year-old Black man at the hands of a White mob in 1891.

On Friday, however, a ceremony at the new memorial attempted to take a step toward racial reconciliation.

This act serves to enshrine Mr. Smith, honor his life and to serve as a focal point for peoples memories through the years to come, that such uninformed, wrong-minded mob violence never occur in our city again, said the Rev. Michael Williams, master of ceremonies.

Up to 100 or so people gathered by the courthouse steps, listening to song, poetry and remarks from community leaders including Williams.

Ninth-grader Kaleciana Perry of Central High School read a dramatic poem.

Former City Councilman Franklin Thompson led the group in singing the Black national anthem.

Beverly Thompson followed with a rendition of Strange Fruit, which mourns lynchings.

Cynthia Robinson of the Black Studies Department at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Eric Ewing of the Great Plains Black Museum recited the inscription on both the front and back of the plaque.

In part, the message reads: Local newspapers falsely reported that a white girl died after being assaulted by a Black man. The next day, police arrested Smith, without evidence and despite the fact that he had an alibi.

Within hours, thousands of white men and children shouting, Bring the nigger out, marched on the Douglas County Jail and Courthouse.

By the time his body was hanged at 17th and Harney Streets, it was lifeless. The local coroner concluded Smith had died of fright.

White people collected pieces of the telegraph pole used to lynch Smith as souvenirs.

Also known as Joe Coe, Smith was married, was a dad and had worked as a railroad porter.

The public hanging of Smith occurred nearly three decades before the 1919 lynching of Will Brown, also outside the courthouse, which a White mob set on fire. A similar marker, dedicated a year ago to Brown, is positioned across from that of Smith.

The Omaha Community Council for Racial Justice and Reconciliation organized both ceremonies, which are part of the Montgomery Alabama-based Equal Justice Initiative Community Remembrance Project.

The Equal Justice Initiative says that more than 4,400 African Americans were lynched across 20 states between the end of Reconstruction in 1877 and 1950. Its Community Remembrance Project described the racial terror lynchings as more than just hangings.

They involved groups of white people committing acts of fatal violence against African Americans to instill fear in the entire Black community, the project says.

These lynchings were frequently carried out in broad daylight and perpetrators could expect impunity. Government officials frequently turned a blind eye or condoned the mob violence. The era of racial terrorism shaped the geographic, social and economic conditions of African Americans, and America as a whole, in ways that are still evident today.

In a trend this year in Congress, the U.S. House is considering a bill that would put lynching sites in western Tennessee on track to become part of the National Park Service to advance discussion of the nations often violent racial history.

At Fridays event, former State Sen. Brenda Council read a message from the Equal Justice Initiative and founder Bryan Stevenson: George Smith was like too many black people in this community who are accused and presumed guilty simply because of their race.

For too long we have been silent about this history of racial violence and terror. That silence has made generations culpable in failing to treat an open wound that still bleeds.  Today we say no more.

Other speakers and dignitaries included Mayor Jean Stothert, the Rev. Stan Rone of The Worship Center, Karen Johns of the UNO Black Studies Department and Sarah Walker of Creighton University.

In closing, Marisa Hatab, the countys diversity and inclusion officer, told the audience that the days reminders of generational trauma inflicted on Blacks is so weighty that she had to remind herself to breathe.

She recalled Stevensons words that hopelessness is the enemy of justice, and left the group with her own message: Be grounded and steadfast in hope.
Domestic violence led to 80 deaths in Wisconsin last year, 12 more than in 2020, and in the Coulee Region, New Horizons crisis line experienced a 15% increase in calls.

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the rates of sexual, physical, emotional and psychological abuse faced in the state and across the nation are sobering. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) reports over 36% of women and 32.1% of men in Wisconsin experience physical violence, rape or stalking from an intimate partner, and on a single day in 2020, state crisis lines received a call every six minutes. Nationally, calls average 20,000 per day.

Nationwide, every 20 minutes someone experiences domestic abuse, the equivalent of 10 million people per year.

With sexual assault the most underreported crime, and domestic abuse also dramatically undisclosed, the true number of incidents is far higher than the number of crisis calls or police reports made, with the pandemic further decreasing the number of contacts for help.

It wasnt safe to report, says Stephanie Young, clinical manager of Gundersen Health Systems outpatient behavioral health and crime victim services/Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (DVSA) Program. Combined with pandemic-related barriers to support, incarceration rates and jail stay lengths decreased due to coronavirus related precautions, trial delays and early releases, allowing some abusers to skirt or minimize legal repercussions. In turn, victims were in isolation with their abuser. (Gundersen uses the term victim or survivor depending on the individuals preference).

Lockdown has ended, but challenges remain, with Gundersens advocacy service seeing more individuals with complex needs. Some may make a single call to an advocate, while others seek ongoing help with multiple appointments a week. Contacts to the program have been down due to the pandemic, but in previous years they have averaged 1,100.

Gundersen stresses domestic violence is a public health issue, with lasting effects on physical and mental health and a rippling impact on families. Violence can be passed down through generations, and children who experience or witness abuse and neglect are at greater risk of victimization, perpetration, developing substance abuse issues or suffering mental or physical health conditions, per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Womens Health.

While residing in an abusive household negatively impacts a child, children are the reason some remain with their abuser. Fears of a custody battle, withholding of contact, or being unable to financially support children on their own can leave a victim feeling they have no choice but to stay.

Those without children may also feel unable to leave due to finances, or be concerned about their pets, reticent to have their abuser face punishment or be scared that making a report will lead to more abuse. For some, the risk of instability or loss is more troubling that staying.

People cant try to determine what safety is for that person, says Chelsey Senn, lead victim advocate at Gundersen. We need to respect their definition of safety.

Identifying abuse, offering support

Gundersens Crime Victim Services is one of only a few medical-based programs in the state, with its clinical setting helping remove some of the barriers to seeking and receiving help. If a patient discloses abuse during a visit, their physician can help with resources on the spot and have an advocate meet with them in the room. Often, the chain of referrals is a slow process, and this program allows for swift addressing of any issues.

By the time a report is made to police, or victims are connected with a domestic violence shelter, the abuse could have been going on for years, Young says.

On average, it takes seven attempts for a survivor to leave their abuser and permanently separate, per the Respond organization.

Gundersen also has a screening system as part of its social determinants of health work. In addition to poverty, housing, food insecurity, isolation, and racism are questions about violence. Screenings are conducted when a patient is admitted to a hospital due to domestic violence related injuries or health problems, and are done only once the person is alone with a provider, allowing them to safely and discreetly respond.

We cant assume anyone who is in that room is a safe person, says Young.

Those who are screened as high risk are offered to connect with staff who can help with resources and/or follow up with them, as consented. It may take many visits before a victim ultimately accepts a referral.

At that point, in their experience they arent ready, it doesnt feel safe, says Young. But the more that we screen people the more we find they understand this is a health care issue and they see this as a safe place to discuss it, whether it is during their annual exam, a hospital visit or via phone.

Gundersen staff, including those on the non-medical side, such as front desk employees, are trained to identify possible signs of abuse and what to do.

If a victim chooses to utilize services, DVSA advocates can assist with crisis or sexual assault counseling, safety planning and legal, medical and community advocacy. Through the Gundersen Medical Foundations Carilee Fund, financial assistance for transportation, legal fees, rent, emergency funds and other obstacles can be obtained.

It is really individualized for what the person and what they are looking for, says Senn, and range from help with a restraining order to a one-time conversation.

If those who experienced previous abuse, even if decades prior, would like counseling services, Gundersen will work with them.

Beginning in 2023, Gundersens social determinant screenings will be expanded to clinic settings and conducted during appointments.

Risk factors, barriers to getting help

Age, gender identity, sexual orientation and race are all factors in domestic violence rates, with some demographics experiencing additional barriers to reporting and seeking services, Young says.

In the Black community, 45% of women and 40% of men have experienced contact sexual or physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner, which NCADV attributes in part to systemic racism and racist policies and societal structures.

Among American Indian and Alaska Native women, 55.5% experience physical intimate partner violence in their lifetime and 66.6% experience psychological abuse. American Indians are three times more likely to experience sexual violence than any other ethnic group, per NCADV. High rates of poverty and substance abuse, along with a limited number of shelters with culturally specific services, are factors.

Those living in rural communities face the higher rates of gender-based violence and the most severe injuries, in part due to geographical isolation, view of gender roles, low chance of receiving a restraining order and lack of anonymity, per NCADV. Homicides in rural communities are three times as likely to involve an intimate partner than in larger cities.

In the LGBTQ community, 43.8% of lesbian women and 61.1% of bisexual women have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner, as have 26% of gay men and 37.3% of bisexual men. In comparison, the rates are 35% for heterosexual women and for 29% heterosexual men.

The highest rate of domestic abuse victims is among those age 18-29.

State, local efforts

In La Crosse and Whitehall, New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Center offers legal advocacy, shelter stays, support groups and youth and family advocacy. Through its Center for Womens Health, Mayo Clinic Health System has a Safe Path program, which provides services to victims of emotional, physical and sexual assault. Gundersens crisis hotline, reachable at 608-775-5950, has live support 24/7, with assistance from Great Rivers 211.

Since 1996, the La Crosse Police Department and New Horizons have partnered on the Domestic Abuse Reduction Team. Specially trained officers are accompanied by victim advocates to domestic violence calls. Advocates further assist with safety, support, and legal action.

In an October 2021 New Horizons newsletter, Lieutenant Tim ONeill stated the police department is the Tip of the spear on domestic violence reduction, but until we brought along the advocate, there was no way to keep a foot in the door to give the victim a way out. The advocate was the lifeline for victims. They had an officers name and face that they could reach out to and they also had a victim advocate who knew the system but also had a first contact.

The personal relationships with both officers and advocates led to higher rates of service uptake and earlier disruption of DV escalation, the newsletter said.

Legal support, whether from Gundersen, New Horizons or other organizations, can help with securing of a restraining order, filing paperwork, and preparation for court proceedings. Per the Wisconsin Department of Justice domestic abuse database, in 2018, the most recent year available, 940 incidents of domestic violence were reported, and of the 710 closed cases, 278 were not prosecuted and 170 did not result in conviction. Of those convicted, 201 received misdemeanors and 17 felonies.

On the state level, resources include the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Government funds are also dedicated to assisting victims.

Most recently, Governor Tony Evers on Sept. 28 announced $1 million in funding to domestic violence programming, with an additional $1.7 million to emergency and homeless shelter services, noting, We know the past few years have been tough on folks and families across the state, both financially and emotionally, and that many are at risk for homelessness or facing unstable or unsafe housing situations.

In July 2021, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) domestic abuse program received $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds towards a Domestic Violence Housing First (DVHF) Pilot Program. An additional $1.2 million has been allocated to extend the program, which moves domestic violence survivors into safe, permanent housing. where they can access resources, as soon as possible.

DCF is also directing putting $800,000 toward basic services contracts with domestic violence shelters in the state.
With Hy-Vee opening one of its largest stores Tuesday in La Crosse, here are photos and videos leading up to it.
A longtime staple is set to come to an end in Downtown Lake Geneva.

Geneva Gifts, 150 Broad St., is set to close by the end of the year, as store owner Melissa Reuss plans to retire.

The building has been purchased by new owners, and Reusss lease is set to end in late November; however, she has the option to renew the lease until the end of December.

We will need the last few days of each month to lock up, close the doors and clean it out, she said.

Reuss said she feels now is an appropriate time to retire since her husband, Michael Reuss, retired as assistant chief for the Lake Geneva Police Department in 2017.

She said, as part of her retirement, she plans to travel and spend more time with family.

Hes ready for me to join him in retirement, and we have a grandbaby whos 15 months old and we want to spend more time with him and our future grandchildren, Reuss said. We want to travel and enjoy our lives. Weve lost some friends at our age, so theres priorities where we want to stop and smell the roses instead of working all the time.

Geneva Gifts offers a variety of items including homemade fudge, candy, books, gift items and Minnetonka moccasins.

People say we have the best fudge they have ever had. Theres usually over 36 flavors on the counter. Theres probably about 40-something right now, because were trying to make everything we can possibly make that people like, Reuss said. Were known for having a large selection of Lake Geneva and Wisconsin items. Weve been known as the fun store, because people like coming in here and looking at all the items we have.

Discounts will be offered on most of the stores items until it officially closes for business. Currently, there is a 30% discount on the majority of the items.

We will drop that percentage until were done, Reuss said. We will get to like 50% by November.

Reusss parents, Donald and Marilyn Ketchpaw, purchased the store in September 1976, and Reuss took over ownership in 1989. Reuss said she has enjoyed operating the store and the relationships she has formed with customers and employees over the years.

My employees have been great. Theyre like family to me, Reuss said. The customers are the best.

Reuss said several customers have been disappointed to learn about the stores closing and have shared memories about shopping at Geneva Gifts.

The customers are like, Oh my gosh, I have been shopping here for years, Reuss said. They remember the store back before my parents owned it.

The 150 Broad St. building initially was known as Hills Cafe and Greyhound Bus Stop, which was owned by Harold Hill and his wife, Bernice. The couple later closed the cafe and rented out the building.

George Willard and James Tollahsen established Geneva Gifts in 1958. The business was then sold to the Ketchpaws in 1976.

Reuss began working at the store when she was 13 years old, helping out her parents. She said she would often work at the store after school and during the weekends.

From 13 years on, I walked over from Denison Junior High, she said.

Reusss family has operated several other businesses in Downtown Lake Geneva over the years including Ketchy things, Port of Geneva, Stuck on You and Trader Nicks.

Ruess said one of the changes she has noticed over the years is that there is less foot traffic during the evening hours in Downtown Lake Geneva now compared to when her parents owned Geneva Gifts.

She said her parents often kept the business open until 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. to accommodate customers.

The crowds we would have at night were incredible. Now, its changes a bit, Reuss said. Its more of a family vacation town, more so than it ever was. We dont get the late night business like we used to.

Reuss said the coronavirus did not have a negative effect on the business. In fact, it gave it a boost.

Once we re-opened, its gone gangbusters, Reuss said. I think 2021 was our best year ever, and 2022 is proven to be probably our second best year ever.

Reuss said she is looking for someone to purchase the homemade fudge portion of the business.

I havent had a chance to talk to the new owners of the building, Reuss said. I was hoping they would buy it, but theyre being slow in talking to me about it. So I will sell it to somebody else.

Reuss said there are several fixtures at the store that she would be willing to sell to a crafter or other business owner. For more information, call 262-248-6756.

We have a lot of things that we saved over the years that we would hate to throw in the dumpster when somebody else could buy it, she said.

Store employees have established a display honoring Reusss upcoming retirement and asking customers to share their memories of Geneva Gifts.

If people come in, even if they dont buy anything, they can share a memory of the store, Reuss said.

Geneva Gifts is set to be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas, until it officially closes for business.

For more information, visit www.genevagifts.com.
Murals may now be painted or installed in the City of Lake Genevaas long as those painters follow the citys new rules.

Members of the Lake Geneva City Council unanimously approved the second reading of a mural ordinance, Sept. 26.

The ordinance includes a definition for murals, rules and regulations for murals, and where murals may and may not be installed in the City of Lake Geneva.

Proposed mural designs must be approved by city officials.

The ordinance allows for a mural program to be established in the Downtown area, which Lake Geneva Business Improvement District Board members, Aletha Salgado and Janine Osborn, have been proposing since early this year.

Alderwoman Shari Straube said she is pleased that the ordinance has been approved and that murals will be allowed in the city.

I am so happy this is going to happen, Straube said. I just think its a great idea.

The ordinance defines murals as any picture, scene or diagram painted or mounted on any exterior wall that does not contain a commercial message or otherwise meet the definition of a sign.

According to the ordinance, murals may be placed on side walls, rear walls, alley walls or any walls without frontage on a primary street. Murals may be painted on previously painted brick, nondecorative concrete block or other nondecorative surfaces as determined by the zoning administrator, the ordinance states.

Murals may not be installed on front facades, walls with historic details or decorative masonry work, fences, walls with wood siding, preventative boarding or above windows, cornices, awnings, doors or architectural elements, according to the ordinance.

Murals may not exceed 50% of the total area of a wall, unless located in the Business Improvement District.

The ordinance states that murals must be confined to one wall of a building and may not wrap around to another wall, and no buildings may have more than one mural.

If a mural is faded or damaged, it must be repainted or removed by the property owner.

Salgado said she is pleased the city council passed the ordinance and is looking forward to starting the mural program. She said a committee has been formed to develop more ideas for the murals.

Were able to do murals in town, which were very excited about, Salgado said. Were ready to take the next steps.

The Business Improvement District has proposed installing the initial murals on the side of the Christines Gift Shop building, 858 W. Main St., and on the side of the Melges Real Estate building, 233 Center St., which is right next to Starbucks.

Salgado said she hopes to have the first mural installed by the end of the year.

We will see, Salgado said. But if not, the spring for sure.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers is making no indications he plans to pardon all simple marijuana convictions in Wisconsin after President Joe Biden announced Thursday he would be pardoning all those federally convicted of simple marijuana possession.

Biden, in a tweet Thursday afternoon, said Im calling on governors to pardon simple state marijuana offenses. Just as no one should be in federal prison solely for possessing marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either.

While Bidens announced pardon would clear the records of thousands of misdemeanor convictions, the majority of the countrys marijuana possession convictions are at the state level. No one is expected to get out of prison because of Bidens pardons, but the Biden administration indicated that it hopes the pardons may remove barriers to jobs, housing and education.

Evers remains open to pardoning individuals with marijuana convictions  and has been doing that consistently since being elected  but he is not planning (at least publicly) to issue unsolicited pardons to all of those with marijuana possession convictions on their record.

When The Journal Times reached out to Evers office to ask if there were any plans to issue such widespread pardons, Evers spokesperson Britt Cudaback replied in an email The governors existing pardon eligibility criteria are available here and included a link to the governor's online pardon information page (evers.wi.gov/Pages/pardon-information.aspx).

Since being elected in 2018, Evers has been a prolific pardoner. While Scott Walker pardoned zero people in his eight years as governor, Evers has pardoned more than 600 in his first term.

Cudaback did not reply to a follow-up question asking Theres no plan in place right now or being considered for the governor to blanketly pardon all simple marijuana offenses?

Governors in states where marijuana has been legalized  such as Washington, Nevada, Illinois and Colorado  have pardoned thousands (or tens of thousands) of marijuana offenses.

Evers has repeatedly proposed legalizing marijuana for medicinal and recreational use in Wisconsin, but the Republican-led Legislature has not entertained the idea, although bipartisan support for legalization is growing.

Many governors have been issuing mass pardons for those with past cannabis convictions, Paul Armentano, deputy director of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), said in an email to a reporter. Separately, nearly two dozen states have enacted laws facilitating the expungement of criminal marijuana records, leading to an estimated 2 million expungements in recent years.

NORML, in a statement Thursday, said Many of the efforts taken and proposed by the President today are long overdue. For nearly two years, NORML has called upon the Administration to fulfill the Presidents campaign promise to provide relief to those stigmatized with a low-level cannabis conviction. We are pleased that today President Biden is following through on this pledge and that he is also encouraging governors to take similar steps to ensure that the tens of millions of Americans with state-level convictions for past marijuana crimes can finally move forward with their lives. Since 1965, nearly 29 million Americans have been arrested for marijuana-related violations  for activities that the majority of voters no longer believe ought to be a crime.

Biden's pardon

The president's widespread pardons do not cover convictions for possession of other drugs, or for charges relating to producing or possessing marijuana with an intent to distribute. Biden is also not pardoning non-citizens who were in the U.S. without legal status at the time of their arrest.

The announcement marks Bidens reckoning with the impact of 1994 crime legislation, which he supported, that increased arrest and incarceration rates for drug crimes, particularly for Black and Latino people.

The Department of Justice is working to devise a process for those covered by Bidens pardon to receive a certificate of pardon, which they can show to potential employers and others as needed.
GREEN BAY  A federal judge in Wisconsin has dismissed a lawsuit from a taxpayers group seeking to block President Joe Bidens student loan forgiveness program, ruling that the group doesnt have standing to bring the lawsuit.

The Brown County Taxpayers Association argued that Bidens order unlawfully circumvented Congress power over spending. They also argued the plan was discriminatory by seeking to give particular help to borrowers of color.

U.S. District Judge William Griesbach, an appointee of former President George W. Bush, tossed the case Thursday, writing that the group does not have standing to challenge the plan simply because they are taxpayers.

Biden enacted the debt relief plan under the HEROES Act, which was passed after the Sept. 11 attacks sparked an American-led military campaign aimed at terrorism. The act gave the executive branch authority to forgive student loan debt in association with military operations or national emergencies.

The president cited COVID-19 as reason to invoke the act. The lawsuit, filed by the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty on behalf of the taxpayers group, had argued it was an overextension of executive power that improperly sidestepped Congress.

Similar lawsuits have been filed in other states.

In Indiana, a libertarian group has argued that Bidens plan creates additional tax burdens for students who would have their loans forgiven by other means.

Six Republican-led states also filed a lawsuit in Missouri raising specific objections to loan forgiveness for federal loans that are owned by private banks. The Biden administration quickly removed eligibility for the estimated 770,000 borrowers with such loans.
Schiller Institute Seminar Stop the War Before Its Too Late, with Ibero-American and Caribbean Legislators

Oct. 7, 2022 (EIRNS)Current and former Ibero-American and Caribbean legislators participated today with Schiller Institute founder and president Helga Zepp-LaRouche and independent candidate for U.S. Senate in New York Diane Sare in a three-hour seminar: Stop the War Before Its Too Late, Eliminate the Causes of the War Danger. The very lively but serious discussion focused on a range of ideas and proposals made by the participants to address the grave global strategic and economic crisis the world faces, against the backdrop of the looming threat of nuclear war. The seriousness of the discussion reflected the participants willingness to be part of an international effort and initiating group that rises above local concerns to address the needs of one humanity, as Helga Zepp-LaRouche put it. As she told the group, there is no contradiction between being a world citizen and a patriot of ones country.

Aside from Helga Zepp-LaRouche and Diane Sare, participants included Donald Ramotar of Guyana, former parliamentarian for the Peoples Progressive Party, 1992-2011, and former President of Guyana, 2011-2015; Dr. Kirk Meighoo, Trinidad & Tobago, former independent Senator, 2004, United National Congress; Jorge Robledo of Colombia, former Senator, 2002-2022, the Dignity Party; Maria de los Angeles Huerta, Mexico, former deputy, MORENA, 2018-2021; Dr. Rodolfo Ondarza, Mexico, former deputy in the Mexico City Legislative Assembly, 2015-2018, Workers Party (PT). Fabiola Morales of Peru, a 2022 deputy of the Popular Renovation Party had been scheduled to attend, but was unable to, due to a scheduling conflict.

The enthusiasm of the group, and the sense of urgency to act quickly given the war threat was such that all agreed they should meet again in two weeks. Prior to the meeting, Jorge Robledo had circulated a draft document for discussion, addressing the need for peace and security. A coordinating committee was set up to include the Schiller Institutes Dennis Small, Donald Ramotar and Maria de los Angeles Huerta. They took extremely seriously Zepp-LaRouches final comment that we have to move fast. A window of opportunity is open but not for long.

Diane Sares presence in the discussion was very important, as she represents the United States that should be, as it was founded, and that Lyndon LaRouche represented. She reported on the process of collecting 66,000 signatures for her campaigns ballot status, in which she told people she was running to prevent nuclear war, and people took that seriously. Yesterdays demonstration in front of Senator Schumers office, with a banner asking Why is Schumer Supporting Nazis in Ukraine? didnt provoke a hysterical response from passersby. Are people waking up?

Sare also stressed the importance of improving relations between the U.S. and South America, as two assassinated U.S. presidents, William McKinley and James Garfield had intended to do. Todays seminar, she said, should be widely disseminated in the U.S., because Americans dont know much about the rest of the world and perhaps they can learn to show solidarity with other nations.

Moderator Dennis Small opened up the seminar with a strategic overview, noting that the world today faces a far worse crisis than the 1962 Cuban Missile crisis. In 1962, John Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev had the intelligence to engage in negotiations. Today no such possibility exists and the world is in the midst of an economic disintegration unparalleled since the 14th century. As Lyndon LaRouche had forecast, it is the bursting of the speculative bubble, the destruction of the physical economy and depopulation and deindustrialization of the planet, that are behind the drive for war. Lyndon and Helga LaRouche founded the Schiller Institute 40 years ago to warn what would happen if neoliberal policy and the speculative looting of the countries of the Global South continued and put forward alternative programmatic solutions.

Small reviewed the way in which the Ukrainian crisis had been orchestrated over the past 30 years with NATOs encroachment right up to Russias borders. NATO and the U.S. have crossed every red line that Vladimir Putin indicated would be an existential threat to Russia, organizing the 2014 fascist Maidan coup and allying with the Nazi Azov Battalion and followers of Hitler ally Stepan Bandera. The Center for Countering Disinformation and its parallel Myrotvorets were set up by the U.S., NATO and the U.K. to intimidate, silence and kill anyone who opposes the war, and of the first 30 names on the CCD list, the first is Helga LaRouche; others are members or friends of the Schiller Institute or individuals who have participated in SI conferences.

But, Small warned, they wont silence us. Were here to evaluate and inform others and get out our proposals. Participants arent affiliated with the Schiller Institute, he said, but they have ideas and proposals to deal with the crisis, to approach it from a higher standpoint, seeking to define a universal form of cooperation as Nicholas of Cusa did in his conception of the Coincidence of Opposites.

This set the stage for a broad-ranging discussion in which each of the participants raised their unique observations and the issues they are struggling with in thinking about how to approach the international crisis, what solutions are possible, and how people can be mobilized to take action

Donald Ramotar gave a thorough review of what he said was the most dangerous situation to exist since 1962, which he attributed to the complete breakdown of politics and diplomacy. The U.S. goal was always to weaken and destroy Russia, to make it a second-class state and bleed it white, he said. Russia was goaded into invading Ukraine, he said. It had no choice. Detailing Western duplicity toward Russia over years, and the methods used by the West to keep developing countries in a colonial status, he stressed the need to really look at the current system. People arent thinking globally. Its necessary to reexamine the international social and economic situation, he said, so as to better distribute resources. Later in the discussion he pointed to the lack of leadershipin the U.S. and elsewhere

Kurt Meighoo of Trinidad stressed that what exists today is pure imperialism which all oppose. The majority of people wish to see a new international order, both in military and economic terms. When former British colonies of the Caribbean became independent , he said, they decided that they didnt want to become part of the NATO or U.S. bloc. Rather they were sympathetic to the Non-Aligned Movement. The idea was to chart an independent path. Kurt reported that he only learned of Lyndon LaRouche in the past few years but has worked on the idea of creating a new economic order for decades.

Today, we see the future in the present. The multipolar world is emerging, with China, Russia and Iran. Now is the time to push the NWO forward and to come together. Look to the BRICS and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). How to solve the Russia/Ukraine conflict? Organize international diplomacynot just security but also economic, through the emerging non-dollar system.

Dennis Small commented that the concept of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Spirit of Bandung resonates with most of the world. Nations are attracted to the BRICS and the BRI, and there is a wave of opposition to the direction the world is going in. But the question is, what form will that take?

That was the subject of commentary and proposals from all the participants, each of whom had their own views and analysis. Jorge Robledo emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflictthat it cant be allowed to deteriorate into a conflict of unpredictable consequences. He reviewed the history of provocations against Russia and stressed the urgency of the situation. His party, he said, is working on a specific proposal to unify the world, to resolve the conflict without increasing the threat of nuclear war and offer guarantees to all parties. This is something that should be spread throughout the Americas, he said, and could have a multiplier effect.

Donald Ramotar stressed the necessity of educating ordinary people, but also creating mass movements, and linking up with mass movements in other countries. He pointed to what Indian farmers had accomplished through their mobilizations. Mrs. Zepp-LaRouche responded with a report on what the SI is doing with European farmers, who are slated for extinction. Our advantage, she said, is that we can inform everyone of whats going on and link these different movements.

Ms. Huerta, who is a real activist, stressed the importance of mobilizing world citizens against war and bring in more people. Global citizens power hasnt had a chance to let our voices to be heard on a grand scale, she added. How and in what way can we grow? Is there a strategy? Can we extend this effort to others in other nations?

Zepp-LaRouche responded to the various proposals and comments by emphasizing that these initiatives can spread quickly, because the world is in a pre-revolutionary period. But its important to have a clear focus, she said. There isnt a technical solution. Rather a new paradigm of thinking is necessary. Look at the transition from the Dark Ages, where scholasticism, witchcraft and superstition prevailed, to the Renaissance, in which Nicolas of Cusa establish ed a revolutionary new way of thinking. He stressed the unlimited role of the human being, and established a new paradigm, a complete change in axioms and, Zepp-LaRouche said, this is exactly what is needed today. We must think in terms of one humanity.

Responding to an earlier comment from Dr. Ondarza that the European population is numb to whats going on, she said quite the contrary is true. Europe is on the verge of an explosion. Germany is about to disappear as an industrial nation. Mass demonstrations are planned in many countries, so the situation is ripe for proposals such as the New Bretton Woods and establishing a new security and development architecture based on the Peace of Westphalia. There must be a new paradigm and an end to geopolitics. We have to have an international discussion to end geopolitics. The majority must have a voice...we need an international outcry. The world as a whole must be taken to a higher order, she said.

Dr. Ondarza, a medical physician, responded to Mrs. Zepp-LaRouches remarks noting that there is a spirit away from war and violence, seen in the reactions of many people, who arent asleep, who are rising up. Raising peoples awareness is crucial, he said. He suggested that the answer will be through the creation of an international organization which he proposed be called the Society for Peace and Development, and recommended that medical organizations be mobilized as well. Wherever there is the love of the art of medicine there is the love of humanity as well, he emphasized. He also pointed to Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors proposal to end the Ukraine conflict, made at the UN, in which he quoted Mahatma Gandhi: there is no road to peace ... peace is the road.

Concluding, Dennis Small proposed that the title of the next seminar should be the first international seminar with legislators from the whole world. Proposals can be added to the draft declaration that is being discussed, and another meeting will take place in two weeks.
EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR SATURDAY OCTOBER 8, 2022

What All Humanity Has in Common: The Need To Have a Voice

Oct. 7, 2022 (EIRNS)EIR News Service and the Schiller Institute hosted a powerful media availability yesterday, titled, We Will Not Be Silenced! Speaking Truth in Times of War, circulating on many platforms, where individuals on the Ukraine hit list, and others, spoke out against the Global NATO networks behind it. At one point, Col. Richard Black (ret.) stated, The one thing that all of humanity has in common is the need to have a voice.

That imperative was answered resoundingly today by participants in a second Schiller Institute international online seminar, Stop the War Before It Is Too Late; Eliminate the Causes of the War Danger. The spirit of the presentations, centered on those who have served in national legislatures in Latin America and the Caribbean, is that we will act immediately to sound the call worldwide for a new paradigm for humanity.

Speakers from six nations participated: Mexico, Colombia, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, along with Diane Sare, Independent candidate for U.S. Senate from New York, and Helga-Zepp LaRouche from Germany, founder of the Schiller Institute.

Zepp-LaRouche emphasized two points at the beginning and end of the dialogue: 1) geopolitics must be ended; 2) we must discuss and implement a new security and development architecture based on a shared future for all humanity. We must become a chorus of voices.

Each speaker, offering unique observations, addressed the question of what action to take to make this happen. One posed the idea of furthering strategic associations. Another spoke in terms of a new diplomacy mechanism.

Panel moderator Dennis Small, EIR Ibero-American Editor, identified the consensus that developed for what to do next: There will be the issuance of an international statement, and another conference within a few weeks, with representatives from many other countries and continents. Thus todays forum is an initiating event for very definite, expanding action.

This momentum should be seen in the context of related, rapid shifts in opposition to geopolitics, and in convergence with other initiatives for the good of mankind. Of special note in that regard, is that today, when President Vladimir Putin celebrated his 70th birthday, he met in person in St. Petersburg with heads of state and government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), from Kazakhstan, through Uzbekistan, to both Armenia and Azerbaijan, and Belarus, for informal talks, before their formal CIS summit in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan on Oct. 12-14. At that time also, there will be a conference of the Central Asia-Russia group, and Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). These networks are involved in cooperation and initiatives to benefit all Eurasia.

At the same time, the geopolitical hold on nations and institutions is breaking down, partly of its own evil nature. In Geneva yesterday, at the meeting of the UN Human Rights Council, the intended Global NATO scenario flopped, to have a resolution passed against China, which called for a debate over fraudulent charges of human rights violations in Xinjiang. The resolution to that effect was defeated by 19-17. Among 11 countries abstaining from the vote was India.

Likewise, the Global NATO scenario fizzled at the Organization of American States (OAS) Summit in Lima, Peru this week. When the vote was taken on a resolution against Russia over Ukraine, it passed, but glaringly without the approval of the major nations of Mexico, Brazil and Argentina, and a half-dozen others. This happened despite U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken being on the scene to goad everyone about democracy. A pre-recorded video-message from Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was aired, implying that if nations didnt support Ukraine democracy by opposing Russia, they deserved to be sanctioned. He specifically threatened that nations must denounce Russia in the upcoming vote in the UN General Assembly, which starts an emergency session on Monday Oct. 10.

But the biggest challenge we have, stressed by both Helga Zepp-LaRouche and candidate Diane Sare, is so little time. We have to move fast ... the window of opportunity is not yet closed, Zepp-LaRouche said today.

The extreme danger of demented personalities in power, and failed institutions in the nuclear age couldnt be more acute. Yesterday there were three dramatic instances of the deranged mindset of discussing how to anticipate or accommodate to a nuclear war danger, and do nothing at all to stop it. Or even act to trigger it. Zelenskyy addressed (by video) an Australian audience, calling for preventive action against Russias likelihood of nuclear attack. President Biden, speaking at a Democratic Senatorial Campaign donors reception at a New York penthouse, held forth about the danger of Armageddon, with no indication how to avert it. The European Parliament voted up a resolution, which asserted that, since Russia may conduct a nuclear attack on Ukraine, Europe should make decisive disposition to be in readiness.

In opposition to this madness, even an editor of mainstream Newsweek today came out with some sense. Opinion Editor Josh Hammer wrote, under the headline, The U.S. Needs To Change Course Right Now in Ukraine, that the U.S. ruling class is out of touch, sordid, and war-hungry. What should happen is that, The Biden administration, if it had any common sense, would use any and all leverage to get Zelenskyy and Putin to the negotiating table as soon as possible, thus unequivocally taking the threat of nuclear catastrophe off the table....

The initiative coming out of todays latest Schiller Institute event, and the Oct. 6 event, signifies the way out of danger and the way forward for humanity. This is the time to enlist and spread the mobilization.

The next major Schiller Institute (online) International Conference will take place on October 15, 2022: Build the New Paradigm; Defeat Green Fascism.

 Watch Harleys Updates with Harley Schlanger on Monday October 10, 2022: Every weekday morning on The LaRouche Organization, Schlanger will give you the strategic briefing you need to start your day.
Thursday, October 6, 2022

Today President Biden announced a plan to pardon those convicted of federal marijuana offenses. In his official statement, Biden writes:

As I often said during my campaign for President, no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana. Sending people to prison for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives and incarcerated people for conduct that many states no longer prohibit. Criminal records for marijuana possession have also imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. And while white and Black and brown people use marijuana at similar rates, Black and brown people have been arrested, prosecuted, and convicted at disproportionate rates.

As part of Biden's plan, which includes reevaluating how marijuana is scheduled under the federal law, Biden will pardon "all prior Federal offenses of simple possession of marijuana" and urge "all Governors to do the same with regard to state offenses." The full Proclamation is available here.

As Jason Cade, Stacey Caplow, and others have underscored in their scholarship, a full and complete pardon can offer immigration relief for certain removal grounds. However, just last year DHS took the unfortunate position that a full and unconditional pardon from the state of Connecticut "has no impact on any ground of deportability not listed in INA  237(a)(2)(A)(vi) or any ground of inadmissibility under INA  212(a), and it does not preclude consideration of the facts underlying the original conviction in the exercise of discretion." President Biden further added to his Proclamation that "This pardon does not apply to individuals who were non-citizens not lawfully present in the United States at the time of their offense," indicating that he will only apply the pardon to citizens, lawful permanent residents, and others who were lawfully present at the time of the offense. The Proclamation further adds that those who are pardoned include only "all current United States citizens and lawful permanent residents[.]"

Biden's plan calls out for a fundamental rethinking of how drug convictions, including marijuana possession, are treated under the immigration law.

IE

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/immigration/2022/10/breaking-news-president-biden-announces-plan-to-pardon-marijuana-offenses.html
Australias Environment Minister said on Tuesday it will set aside at least 30 percent of its land mass for conservation. Tanya Plibersek said the plan will help protect plants and animals on the continent where many animals are found nowhere else.

Australia has lost more mammal species than any other continent. And an Australian government environmental report released in July showed that the country has one of the worst rates for species loss among the worlds richest nations.

That report showed the number of species added to the list of threatened species or in a higher class of risk grew on average by eight percent from the former report in 2016.

Plibersek said, The need for action to protect our plants, animals and ecosystems from extinction has never been greater.

Plibersek said the conservation areas will increase by 50 million hectares under the 10-year plan, which will be reexamined in 2027.

The recently elected federal Labor government has set $146 million to help protect Australias threatened native plants and animals.

Australia is the sixth largest country by land area in the world. And it is home to animals found nowhere else. Those animals include koalas and platypus. But their numbers have been falling due to extreme weather events and humans moving into areas where they live.

Koalas along much of the east coast were listed as endangered in February. This was after nature experts estimated Australia has lost about 30 percent of its koalas over the past four years.

Australia suffers extreme weather events on a usual basis. Such happenings include the deadly wildfires in 2019 and 2020 in the east that killed 33 people, billions of animals, and burned a huge area.

The non-profit group World Wildlife Fund-Australia has welcomed the governments conservation efforts. But it is also urging officials to invest in recovery plans for every threatened species.

Rachel Lowry is the groups chief conservation officer. She said, Australia has more than 1,900 listed threatened species. This plan picks 110 winners. It's unclear how it will help our other 'nonpriority' threatened species.

Im Faith Pirlo.

Reuters staff reported this story. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English.

________________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

conservation  n. the protection of animals, plants, and natural resources

mammal  n. a type of animal that feeds milk to its young and that usually has hair or fur covering most of its skin

species  n. a group of animals or plants that are similar and can produce young animals or plants

ecosystem  n. everything that exists in a particular environment

extinction  n. the state or situation that results when something (such as a plant or animal species) has died out completely

prioritize  v. to make (something) the most important thing in a group

_______________________________________________________________________

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Fried foods like French fries and onion rings are going high-tech thanks to a company in Southern California.

Miso Robotics Inc. has released its Flippy 2 robot. The robot automates the process of deep-frying food like potatoes and onions.

The robot uses a large robotic arm like those used in auto plants. It is directed by cameras and artificial intelligence. It takes frozen French fries and other foods out of a freezer, puts them into hot oil, and then places them ready-to-serve into a container.

Flippy 2 can cook several meals with different cooking processes at the same time. Miso says this reduces the need for employees and speeds up the time for people to get their food at drive-through windows.

Miso Chief Executive Mike Bell said that when an order comes in through the restaurant system, it automatically tells Flippy what to do.

Bell added, It does it faster or more accurately, more reliably and happier than most humans do it.

Miso said it took five years to develop Flippy. And it recently made the robot available for businesses to buy.

The robots name comes from an earlier robot named Flippy. Flippy was designed to flip fast-food burgers. But once Misos team finished that machine, they saw there was a greater need at the fry station, especially late at night.

Bell said people do notice Flippy 2 -- but only at first.

He said when they put a robot in a location, buyers that come up and order, they all take pictures, they take videos, they ask a bunch of questions and the second time they come in, they seem not to even notice it.

Miso engineers can watch Flippy 2 robots working in real time on a screen. That permits them to deal with any problems that come up. Several restaurant chains have started using the robotic fry cook. Bell said they include Jack in the Box in San Diego, California, White Castle in the Midwest and CaliBurger on the West Coast.

Bell said three other big U.S. fast-food chains have put Flippy to work. But he said they are unsure about advertising it because some people may have opinions about robots taking away jobs from humans.

Bell said the jobs that humans are happiest to offload are jobs like the fry station. He added that workers are happy to have help so they can do other things.

Miso Robotics has around 90 engineers. They work on new technology or work on computer language. One of the companys next projects is Sippy. Sippy is a drink-making robot that will take an order from a buyer and prepare drinks, including preparing things like the lid and the straw.

Bell said that in the future, people will "walk into a restaurant and look at a robot and say, 'Hey, remember the old days when humans used to do that kind of thing?

"And those days ... it's coming. ... It's just a matter of ... how quick.

Im Gregory Stachel.

Reuters staff reported this story. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English.

_______________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

automate  v. to run or operate (something, such as a factory or system) by using machines or computers instead of people to do the work

artificial intelligence  n. an area of computer science that deals with giving machines the ability to seem like they have human intelligence

accurate  adj. free from mistakes or errors

reliable  adj. able to be trusted to do or provide what is needed

notice  v. to become aware of (something or someone) by seeing or hearing

bunch  n. a large amount

chain  n. a group of businesses (such as stores, restaurants, or hotels) that have the same name and basic appearance and sell the same products or services

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School district staff are taking a trash can fire very seriously they say was started intentionally and led to an evacuation of Lebanon High School in early October.

Lebanon fire crews and police responded to the school following reports of a fire around 2:15 p.m. Oct. 4. By then, an administrator at the school had used a fire extinguisher to put out a trash can burning in an all-users bathroom.

Students evacuated the single-story building under alarms. More than 1,300 were enrolled at Lebanon High for the school year starting fall 2022.

We just did what theyve practiced every month since they were kindergartners, district spokesperson Susanne Stefani said.

Lebanon Fire District declared the building safe to re-enter after checking for fires.

Stefani said with just an hour remaining in the school day and lingering fumes, the school did not resume classes.

It was too stinky in a large portion of the building, she said.

Students retrieved personal items from the school and waited for school buses, according to the district in parent bulletins. Lebanon High opened normally the next day.

Stefani said the district does not share information about student discipline but did confirm the fire was linked to a student.

This was a troubled student, she said.

The district typically cooperates with Lebanon Police Department while addressing student behavior that could be deemed dangerous, Stefani said.

We just have to assure families that we take any situation seriously, especially when it affects public safety and student safety, she said.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Lebanon Express.

School staff spoke to students the following day about the fire and its cause.

I think everyone knows regardless of the intent, something like this could have caused injury or worse," Stefani said.

A fire alarm was set off later that week, Oct. 7, but no fire was found, Stefani added.
DOH Leon Celebrates National DIS Recognition Day

October 7, 2022

DOH-LEON RECOGNIZES ITS DISEASE INTERVENTION SPECIALISTS ON OCTOBER 7

DOH Leons Trinity Slater-Leon honored with Floridas 2022 Tommy Chandler DIS Excellence Award

Tallahassee, Fla.--- The Florida Department of Health in Leon County (DOH Leon), along with health departments across the country, celebrates National Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) Recognition Day on the first Friday in October.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes DIS as the backbone of public health. DIS ensure individuals infected with or exposed to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)  such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, hepatitis, HIV, human papillomavirus (HPV) or trichomoniasis or Tuberculosis  are tested and treated. Additionally, DIS have been at the forefront in supporting the national response to emerging public health threats, such as COVID-19 and other infectious diseases and outbreaks.

More than 2,200 local, state, and federal DIS perform one of the most essential pieces of our nations defense against communicable diseases  boots-on-the-ground contact tracing.

DIS bring a special set of skills and level of dedication matched by few in the field. We are honored for the opportunities to work alongside these public health warriors and to call them our colleagues, said Brandi Knight, MPH, DOH Leon Health Officer.

The Florida Department of Health in Leon County (DOH-Leon) is proud to announce Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) Trinity Slater-Leon has been recognized for her outstanding work in the field of Sexual Transmitted Disease (STD) intervention.

Trinity Slater-Leon was honored with the 2022 Tommy Chandler DIS Excellence Award.

The award is named after Mr. Chandler who dedicated 54 years of service to the Department of Health in Duval County. Throughout his remarkable career, Mr. Chandler delivered expert disease investigation services to prevent and reduce the burden of STDs/HIV to thousands of clients in Duval County. The award is presented every year to specialist who shows exceptional and sustained excellence in disease intervention.

It is the highest award in Florida that recognizes the work of STD DIS staff members.

DOH Leons regional staff members who work as disease investigators include:

Elizbeth Adair-Gadsden

Nina Alexander- Leon

Michael Angela-Madison

Jennifer Bannister-Bay

Jennifer Barnes-Bay

Tina Biddle-Bay

Desiree Botello-Thomas- Taylor

Traci Bougeios- Wakulla

Jennifer Cox- Leon- Supervisor

Twanna Davis-Gadsden

Annmarie Douglas- Jackson

Christopher Douglas- Leon

Jaquez Dumas-Gadsden

Gabrielle Frizzell-Madison

Chelsea Fitzgerald-Leon

Dale Harrison-Leon -Program Manager

Trinity Slater-Leon

Alexander Yarrington-Leon

The DOH Leon Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention Program offers confidential STD services and testing at little or no cost. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (850) 404-6403.

###

About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

Pamela Saulsby | Public Information OfficerFollow DOH Leon on Twitter @Healthyleonfl
The Legal Theory Bookworm recommends The Equality Machine: Harnessing Digital Technology for a Brighter, More Inclusive Future by Orly Lobel. Here is a description:

At a time when AI and digital platforms are under fire, Orly Lobel, a renowned tech policy scholar, defends technology as a powerful tool we can harness to achieve equality and a better future.

Much has been written about the challenges tech presents to equality and democracy. But we can either criticize big data and automation or steer it to do better. Lobel makes a compelling argument that while we cannot stop technological development, we can direct its course according to our most fundamental values.



With provocative insights in every chapter, Lobel masterfully shows that digital technology frequently has a comparative advantage over humans in detecting discrimination, correcting historical exclusions, subverting long-standing stereotypes, and addressing the worlds thorniest problems: climate, poverty, injustice, literacy, accessibility, speech, health, and safety.



Lobel's vivid examplesfrom labor markets to dating marketsprovide powerful evidence for how we can harness technology for good. The books incisive analysis and elegant storytelling will change the debate about technology and restore human agency over our values.

And from the reviews:

Enthusiastic yet measured argument for technologys potential to promote equality across many facets of culture and industry.Kirkus



A timely book on how we can create technologies that fight bias instead of intensifying it. Orly Lobel offers a compelling vision for a digital future thats fairer to all of us.Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and host of the TED podcast WorkLife



What if technology could help? Two decades ago, that idea seemed obvious. Today, it seems impossible. But in this beautifully written and wide-ranging work, Orly Lobel shows how a smart architecting of our technical environment can make us better humans, in a healthier environment. This is critical thinking and insight when  and where  we need it most.Lawrence Lessig, Roy L. Furman Professor of Law and Leadership, Harvard University



With great computing power comes great responsibility. The Equality Machine shows how we can direct AI for good and create a society in which our lives are not limited by gender, race, sexuality, age, geography, or ability. As always, Orly Lobel gives us a crystal-clear, front-row seat to our evolving digital realities. A must-read!Jonah Berger, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and author of The Catalyst and Contagious



Artificial intelligence in particular and technology in general are changing almost every aspect of the human experience. Can smarter and smarter machines make life better and betterand not just for the few and the privileged, but for everyone? Lobel offers a compelling, inspiring, and actionable argument that the answer is yes.Angela Duckworth, University of Pennsylvania, chief scientist, the Character Labor, and author of Grit



Who should we believe? The glass-half-full people who tell us that AI is going to bring about the next stage of human development, or the glass-half-empty people who tell us that this will be the end of all that is good about humanity? What Lobel shows in The Equality Machine is that the answer is up to us. We can implement AI in ways that deepen our challenges, and we can implement this technology in ways that both fix some of our existing problems and promote our human agenda.Dan Ariely, author of Predictably Irrational



The Equality Machine offers a hard-headed yet hopeful analysis of how digitization and artificial intelligence can reduce discrimination and promote opportunity. By rejecting both utopian dreams and dystopian nightmares, Lobel shows that its up to us to enlist these new technologies as forces for good and engines for progressive values. One of our sharpest legal minds has produced an utterly compelling book.Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Timesbestselling author of The Power of Regret, When, and Drive



With rich and engaging examples, Lobel brings together the too-often siloed debates over fears and hopes about artificial intelligence. With real, human intelligence, she identifies workable guards against gender and racial biases. She also highlights profound moral, political, and technical challenges worth both immediate and long-term attention.Martha Minow, 300th Anniversary University Professor, dean emeritus, and director, Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society, Harvard University



The Equality Machine is beautifully written, brimming with enthusiasm and can-do spirit. Lobel makes a compelling argument that AI can help solve some of our most important social problems, ranging from discrimination to human trafficking. Deeply aware of technologys virtues and limits, Lobel offers singular insights for anyone interested in technology for the public interest.Frank Pasquale, law professor and author of The Black Box Society



Most discussions of AI and equality today focus on the negative: how AI systems pose risks of algorithmic bias and discrimination. Without being a tech apologist, Lobel gives us a much-needed dose of the positive: how AI can advance our aspirations for greater equality at work, in healthcare, at home, in our language and imagery, and in our relationships. The Equality Machine will take you on a tour of what people can build when aspiring to use the power of AI to make the world a more equal place. Read it and get inspire to join them.Gillian Hadfield, director, Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society, University of Toronto, and senior policy advisor, OpenAI



Lobel offers a contrarian and original view: that technology can be a foundation for equality and inclusion rather than a source of bias and inequality. Read this book to find out why and how.Oren Etzioni, CEO, Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence



With this incisive and engaging book, Lobel invites academics, nonprofit leaders, investors, business leaders, and policymakers to use data to solve the worlds most pressing problems, being neither cavalier nor afraid.Jonathan Zittrain, faculty director, Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society, Harvard University, and author of The Future of the Internet



Finally, a bold, positive, and forward-thinking approach to the challenges we face with automated technology.Kate Darling, MIT Media Lab and author of The New Breed: What Our History with Animals Reveals About Our Future with Robots
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A history of success: Angelina County United Way directors have harnessed community's mindset of giving, creating a tradition of meeting campaign goals

JOEL ANDREWS/The Lufkin Daily News United Way director Carla Hight gestures toward the Angelina County United Way Thermometer Sept. 28. The United Way of Angelina County has reached 8% of its $295,000 goal after the opening week of the campaign. Painting the thermometer are, from the left, Sheila Adams LISD chair; Hunter Haglund, insurance chair; Zach Watson, campaign chair; Belinda Brown, United Way board member; Kim Simmons ADAC; William Haglund; Tina Sellers, United Way board member, Shelley Barnes ADAC; Susie Jones, Central ISD, Vallie Cross, ADAC; and Megan Griffin ADAC.

WANKAN

For 75 years, the Campaign of the People has brought hundreds of Angelina County volunteers together with the goal of supporting local nonprofits that are serving the neediest community members.

You dont get a T-shirt, CD or free video for supporting the United Way, a Lufkin Daily News editorial stated in 1994. There are no gimmicks or tricks in this campaign. But what you do get is a feeling that you have become part of the community and are actively doing something to make it better.

A clipping of the editorial sits on United Way director Carla Hights desk so she can read it regularly. She loves it because it uses the same words she does when discussing the campaign. It also tells her that while the world has grown and changed, the United Way has held steady and maintained its core values.

In 75 years, the agency has had only four leaders: Herman Brown, Johnnie Kennedy, Wanda Wankan and Hight. And their work has altered the fabric of Angelina County.

I think, with the beginning of the United Way, it taught people to give, Hight said. It had employers reaching out to employees and it gave them the concept of giving to a nonprofit. I think to this day, that still exists.

This may not be the mindset in other counties, but it is a vital part of Angelina County, she said.

Herman Brown

The United Way Campaign first kicked off in 1948 under Browns leadership and the purview of the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce.

This came at a time when Americans were at a high point after the end of World War II in 1945. Harry S. Truman was president. The first monkey astronaut was launched into space. Americans were growing suspicious of communist activities. And tensions were high between the U.S. and Soviet Union.

Much of the United Ways first two decades, however, were either not recorded or the records kept were lost. It was confirmed the United Way is one of several local organizations that got its start at the chamber and later established independence.

And a record of the cash flow from donations to allocations has been consistently maintained.

There is a significant uptick in historical records at the Diboll History Center in the late 1960s as Lufkin Industries began to take an interest in the agency. But those are primarily advertisements and not descriptions of the agencys wins and losses.

This meant the accomplishments made in Browns time as United Way director are not well known.

What is recorded shows a number of years in which Brown served in various leadership positions within the chamber. Boardroom minutes spanning at least two decades show his work in the community, whether through agriculture, infrastructure or economic development.

Johnnie Kennedy

Eventually, and records as well as memories are unclear about when this happened, Kennedy took over for Brown. It was then that the campaign took off and records became clearer.

When Trey Henderson first began working with the nonprofit as a 31-year-old, he came in under the leadership of Kennedy, and she had been at it for a while, he said.

I dont know how long she was the director, he said. But when I was chair (of the campaign), she knew the ins and outs to make it work.

Henderson served as campaign chair in 1989. He remembers her mostly for her knowledge of the business and what it took to see a successful campaign. In this, she made him feel more confident in his leadership role.

All through those first four to five years, whenever Johnnie was there, she carried herself with confidence, he said. She always believed we would beat the goal.

And they did.

For 75 years, the agency only failed to meet its goal once, sometime in the 1960s or 1970s, Hight said. Through high times and lows, the community came through.

Hights first interactions with Kennedy and the United Way were when she served as director of the Angelina County Senior Citizens Center. She learned the impact of donated funds through seeing that money in action at the center.

Wanda Wankan

In the 1990s, Kennedy was replaced by Wanda Wankan, who had been working for Bubba Henderson as his executive secretary before banks took over the savings and loans. She was approached and jumped on it, she said.

I always supported the United Way, and it was a wonderful place to work, Wankan said.

She and Kennedy were concerned about Wankans first year directing the campaign as that was the year that news broke of a scandal in the United Way on a national scale. William Aramony, who is credited by The Washington Post as building the United Way into the empire of charitable giving it is today, was discovered defrauding the organization of more than $1 million.

He spent six years in a federal prison on 23 felony charges, including conspiracy, fraud and filing false tax returns.

I realized there was a concern and was worried about that, Wankan said. But that was no real problem. We continued to succeed.

She recalled time spent with Henderson, Jay Shands and Lamar Tinsley in her time working at the United Way as good years. Though at first, she felt lost in the job.

I just remember that at first, I didnt understand how it worked, she said. I just knew people contributed. But once I was there, I realized what a wonderful concept it was.

Wankan learned that everyone who gives, even just a little, helps the organization grow and become more. It amazed her to watch the local businesses and volunteers bring the goal to life, she said.

It was a blessing to me, she said.

She saw lives impacted by just how giving the community is. This made her love the community for the good place it is, and she was thrilled to be a part of it, even through some rough years.

Her time as executive director was shorter than the other three; she served for nearly six years but had to leave the position to care for her ailing in-laws.

I left to take care of them and recommended Carla for the position, Wankan said. I knew her for several years.

Carla Hight

This year marks Hights 24th as director of the Angelina County United Way. In the late 1990s, she was director of the senior center when she was approached by Wankan and Kennedy to take on the position.

I was very familiar with United Way and what United Way meant to an agency, she said. They asked me, and I was just extremely interested because it would be the other side of the coin.

And this opportunity meant she would be able to expand her involvement to more areas of the community.

Hight had a great relationship with both prior leaders. They taught her a lot, even before she took on the role of director. And when she did step into the role, they had everything set up tso she could slide in comfortably and get going.

They had it so organized. It just was great. I mean, it was great. They had calendars and all those types of things. The person who takes over for me is not going to have those things, she said laughing.

She still has a lot of letters both women wrote that Hight uses to discern how past directors handled rough situations.

When she first started, there were three people in the office. Those were good days, she said.

They were great, but we had one computer  thats all we had, she said. Computers were pretty new. And email was real new. We still did it, some people would call it doing it the old-fashioned way, but we were calling people, going out and visiting people. You made more face-to-face contacts.

This was still a tenet of the campaign until COVID-19 made in-person visits more of a risk. Staff and volunteers loved going out to a business and teaching people what United Way is.

For the first decade or so of Hights career, getting out to businesses served a two-fold purpose. Yes, the campaign was there to ask for donations but it also was there to teach the community about what services are available in the community for those who need it, Hight said.

We also want you to know about these agencies because one day there may be a crisis in your life, and you need to know where you can turn to, she said. And its kind of nice to know that before a crisis hits.

She likes the thought that through the campaign she and volunteers have educated at least part of the community what resources are available in the event that certain members needed it. Even if this means someone needs to call the United Way office for some guidance, its more important that individuals know where to go, theyre not just stuck.

We want you to know whats out there, Hight said.

And while Hight had a good idea of what she was getting herself into when she accepted the job, she wasnt necessarily ready for the lesson she received on just how generous people could be, she said. It was overwhelming to see how many people gave and to what extent they gave, she said.

That part is always amazing, to this day, she said. People give because theyre asked and they see a need. That part is still amazing to me.

But from the outside looking in, community members close to United Way believe Hights service is what is amazing.

She is always willing to go the distance through her leadership, through her passion for United Way and having a wonderful board of directors, said Demetress Harrell, CEO of Hospice in the Pines and longtime supporter of the United Way.

Harrell also credits Hight and the board of directors with the fact that the campaign has met its goal almost every year. She described Hight as determined, organized and passionate and has seen her stand back and tear up at the stories of those whom United Way is serving.

Executive directors have a hard job to lead the operation, but she has a hand on and always gives a hand up to lift others up, Harell said.

Harell was not alone in this sentiment. John Havard, chairman of the 2004 campaign, described Hight as extremely passionate and good at what she does.

In an organization like United Way, thats what it takes, he said. Look at the structure of United Way  Carla has not only brought it to this point but improved it over time. She is the person thats made everything possible.

Hight, for her part, credits the success of the campaign solely to the volunteers, including Shands, Henderson and hundreds of others, for its success. And she is proud of the courage it takes some volunteers to approach their office mates or employees to donate to the campaign.

Those interoffice campaigns are often so difficult, and many volunteers are doing this alone.

It has nothing to do with me, she said. It has to do with the county, the people, wanting the goal to be made more than anything. I think the people want the goal to be made. So theyre going to work to get that done.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and this year Third Space Brewing in Milwaukee has launched a national, beer industry-wide effort to highlight awareness and raise funds for those affected by domestic violence by channeling energy into a hop-forward beer release.

This Third Space call to action is a collaboration among breweries across the United States, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) and beer industry raw material suppliers: Malteurop, Yakima Chief Hops and Blue Label Packaging.

Third Space began encouraging breweries to join the effort for its One In Four Midwest IPA beer initiative this past spring. The purpose of the movement was to not only raise awareness and money for survivors and those affected by domestic violence, but also to paint retail shelves purple in October as a visual reminder that this is an all-too-common reality for a lot of people.

The can art is as powerfully poignant as the beer name itself. The all-purple label reads:

One in four women and one in nine men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.

20,000 phone calls are placed daily to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.

20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner.

Malteurop, headquartered in Milwaukee, along with Blue Label Packaging in Ohio and Yakima Chief Hops in Washington state, joined the effort by offering discounts on malt, hops and labels during a time when raw material pricing took a huge increase.

According to the news release, Third Space states: Participating breweries are encouraged to donate proceeds to the NCADV or a local organization of their choosing that supports those who have been affected by domestic violence or intimate partner violence.

Third Space plans to donate all profits of their One In Four release to the local Wisconsin organization, Sojourner Family Peace Center.

Now for the beer.

The website, oneinfour.beer, states: On your coast-to-coast road trip across America you will at some point find yourself crossing into the Midwest. This approachable IPA is not too bitter, and not too sweet, just good old-fashioned Midwestern nice.

The recipe calls for a strong pilsner malt backbone complemented by a touch of Munich malt for some added nutty character and wheat for texture. The hop bill combines dank and juicy tropical fruit-forward Simcoe with grapefruit-forward Idaho 7 and sweet berry flavor-driving experimental hop HBC 630.

While breweries are encouraged to use the recipe created by Third Space, some minor differences in technique, water, house yeasts used and variation of IPA are sure to keep beer drinkers on their toes or offer a fun side by side with different variations of the beer.

For instance, Amorphic Beer in Milwaukee made One In Four hazy and a bit more juicy with an extra addition of the sweet berry forward hop HBC 630 while The Explorium Brewpub decided on a cold IPA. Hop Haus in Madison added a touch of El Dorado hops to the dry-hopping schedule for an added juicy nectarine note to play alongside the HBC 630 sweetness and the Idaho 7 dankness.

If you are out and about in the Madison area, check out Delta Beer Lab as they are donating $1 per pint to the Domestic Abuse Intervention Services in Dane County. Beer is out now alongside releases from Hop Haus, Karben4 and Working Draft. Vintage Brewing is to release their One In Four soon.

Heading to Milwaukee for a taste of pioneer Third Spaces beauty? Dont forget to swing by Amorphic Beer, Perspective Brewing or The Explorium for their cold IPA, dedicated to team member Victoria Aviles, who lost her life on May 14 to domestic violence; all One In Four releases out now.

Cream City collaborations releasing this month include Indeed (Oct. 11); 1840 (draft Oct. 12, bottles Oct. 14); Vennture (out now); and Black Husky (Oct. 22), which is donating proceeds to the Love > Hate Project.

Other Wisconsin breweries participating this October and available now are 3 Sheeps Brewing, which has chosen to donate proceeds to Safe Harbor Sheboygan, and Copper State Brewing in Green Bay, donating proceeds to Golden House. Collaborations are coming soon from Pearl Street in La Crosse (release TBD) and Sabbatical Brewing in Manitowoc, releasing Oct. 12.

Look out for one of your local, Wisconsin releases and give this beer a shot the next time you are in the mood for enjoying something a little hoppy while helping a good cause.

For more information or to register your brewery, check out the project website at: oneinfour.beer.
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

(THE CONVERSATION) Since Epcots inception, millions of tourists have descended upon the theme park famous for its Spaceship Earth geodesic sphere and its celebration of international cultures.

But the version of Epcot visitors encounter at Disney World  which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021  is hardly what Walt Disney imagined.

In 1966, Disney announced his intention to build Epcot, an acronym for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. It was to be no mere theme park but, as Disney put it, the creation of a living blueprint for the future unlike anyplace else in the world  an entire new city built from scratch.

Disney died later that year; his vision was scaled down, and then scrapped altogether. But when I was writing my book on urban idealism in America, I was drawn to this planned community.

Since the arrival of the first colonists, Americans have experimented with new patterns of settlement. Imagining new kinds of places to live is an American tradition, and Disney was an eager participant.

A city of the future

A captivating 25-minute film produced by Walt Disney Enterprises remains the best window into Walts vision.

In it, Disney  speaking kindly and slowly, as if to a group of children  detailed what would become of the 27,400 acres, or 43 square miles, of central Florida that he had acquired.

Echoing the rhetoric of American pioneers, he noted how the abundance of land was the key. Here he would achieve all that could not be done at Disneyland, his first theme park in Anaheim, California, that opened in 1955 and had since been encroached upon by rapid suburban development. He proudly pointed out that the land on which Disney World would be built was twice the size of the island of Manhattan and five times larger than Disneylands Magic Kingdom.

Among the remarkable components of Disneys Epcot would be a community of 20,000 residents living in neighborhoods that would double as a showcase of industrial and civic ingenuity  a running experiment in planning, building design, management and governance. There would be a 1,000-acre office park for developing new technologies, and when, say, an innovation in refrigerator design would be developed, every household in Epcot would be the first to receive and test the product before it was released for the rest of the world.

An airport would enable anyone to fly directly to Disney World, while a vacation land would provide resort accommodations for visitors. A central arrival complex included a 30-story hotel and convention center, with the downtown featuring a weather-protected zone of themed shops.

Epcots more modest wage-earners would be able to live nearby in a ring of high-rise apartment buildings. And there would be a park belt and recreational zone surrounding this downtown area, separating the low-density, cul-de-sac neighborhoods beyond that would house the majority of residents. There would be no unemployment, and it was not to be a retirement community.

I dont believe there is a challenge anywhere in the world thats more important to people everywhere than finding solutions to the problems of our cities, Disney said.

New Towns abound

During the 1960s, the aspiration of building anew was much in the air.

They felt insecure in the face of growing urban poverty, unrest and crime, and frustrated about increasing traffic congestion. Families continued to move to the suburbs, but planners, opinion leaders and even ordinary citizens raised concerns about consuming so much land for low-density development.

Sprawl as a pejorative term for poorly planned development was gaining currency as a fledgling environmental movement emerged. In his popular 1960s ballad Little Boxes, Pete Seeger sang of Little boxes on the hillside / Little boxes made of ticky tacky to criticize the uniform suburban and exurban tracts of housing rippling out from Americas cities.

A hope emerged that building new towns might be an alternative for unlovely and unloved city neighborhoods and for soulless peripheral subdivisions.

Self-described town founders, most of them wealthy businesspeople with ideals dependent on real estate success, led Americas New Towns movement. As Disney was preparing for his Epcot presentation, the Irvine Company was already deep into the process of developing the holdings of the old Irvine Ranch into the model town of Irvine, California. Today, Irvine boasts nearly 300,000 residents.

These new towns hoped to incorporate the liveliness and diversity of cities while retaining the intimacy of neighborhoods and other charms associated with small towns.

Disneys dream today

Disney, however, didnt want to simply spruce up existing suburbs.

He wanted to upend preexisting notions of how a city could be built and run. And for all of its utopian promise, the genius of Disneys Epcot was that it all seemed doable, an agglomeration of elements commonly found in any modern metropolitan area, but fused into a singular vision and managed by a single authority.

An important innovation was the banishing of the automobile. A vast underground system was designed to enable cars to arrive, park or buzz under the city without being seen. A separate underground layer would accommodate trucks and service functions. Residents and visitors would traverse the entire 12-mile length of Disney World and all of its attractions on a high-speed monorail, far more extensive than anything achieved at Disneyland.

In the car-crazed America of the 1960s, this was a truly radical idea.

Given Walt Disneys legendary tenacity, it would have been fascinating to witness how far his vision would have advanced. After his death, some sought to fulfill his plans. But when urged by a Disney designer to carry through on Walts broader civic-minded vision, Walts brother Roy, who had taken the reins of the company, answered, Walt is dead.

But more often, youll see efforts that tap into the nostalgia of a bucolic past. The Disney Corporation did, in fact, develop a town during the 1990s on one of its Florida landholdings.

Dubbed Celebration, it was initially heralded as an exemplar of the turn-of-the century movement called New Urbanism, which sought to design suburbs in ways that conjured up the small American town: walkable neighborhoods, a town center, a range of housing choices and less dependence on cars.

However, Celebration has no monorail or underground transport networks, no hubs of technological innovation or policies like universal employment.

That sort of city of tomorrow, it seems, will have to wait.

[Get the best of The Conversation, every weekend. Sign up for our weekly newsletter.]

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/walt-disneys-radical-vision-for-a-new-kind-of-city-167022.
Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson challenged Democratic Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes over his public safety stance Friday, while Barnes went after the Oshkosh Republican on abortion and Social Security.

Barnes defended his position to end cash bail and instead base defendants potential release on their risk to others, saying people should not be able to buy their way out of prison.

Sen. Johnson may not have encountered a problem that he cant buy his way out of, but thats not the reality for the majority of people in this state, he said at the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association debate.

We have a huge problem, skyrocketing crime, Johnson said in response, then called out Barnes for supporting reduction of the prison population.

To address violence, Barnes said Congress should fully fund schools. He also said there should be well-paying jobs in communities.

Johnson said the priority for addressing violence should be fully funding police. He then targeted Barnes, saying he supported defunding police. Barnes has consistently denied the charge. But the lieutenant governor has signaled support in the past for reducing police funding, CNN reported Friday.

Johnson came out against universal background checks to buy guns, saying additional gun control laws wouldnt work.

If gun control were the solution, it wouldve already been solved, he said.

But to the extent that laws already exist to mitigate gun violence, he said they should be enforced. He called for renewed faith and strengthened families to reduce gun violence.

Barnes said he supports background checks to mitigate gun violence.

2020 in focus

Johnson said former Vice President Mike Pence did the right thing by rejecting former President Donald Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. He also called the revelation that people close to Trump tried to get the senator to deliver phony electoral college ballots to Pence a non-issue.

Johnson repeatedly used the mention of the Jan. 6 riots to pivot to civil unrest in the summer of 2020.

If you want to talk about rioting, look at what took place in Kenosha, Johnson said.

Barnes defended Gov. Tony Evers handling of the Kenosha riots, which Republicans have said was inadequate and worsened the unrest. He said Pence did the right thing on Jan. 6.

Barnes went after Johnson for calling to move Social Security and Medicare from mandatory to discretionary spending programs. Such a shift would require congressional budgetary authorization every year  something Democrats say could lead to eliminating those programs. Johnson denies wanting to dismantle them and has said he wants to preserve them.

As to keeping those programs solvent, Barnes suggested raising taxes for the wealthy, adding that Social Security and Medicare should be kept as mandatory spending programs.

The greatest threat to Social Security and Medicare is completely out of control deficit spending and our growing debt, Johnson said in return, adding that he wants to preserve welfare programs by focusing on fiscal policy.

Court decisions

As to federal abortion policy, Barnes said he would vote to codify Roe v. Wade.

(Johnson) said that if women dont like the laws of their state, like the 1849 criminal abortion ban we have here, he said they can move, Barnes said. I cant think of a more callous, out of touch or extreme position to take.

Johnson pushed back, saying Barnes didnt support any limit on abortion access. The Oshkosh Republican called again for a referendum through which voters can decide what the limits of abortion should be. He did not say how he would vote on the measure.

This has been a divisive issue for 50 years because nine justices made a decision for all of us and it didnt solve the problem, he said.

Johnson dismissed the possibility that the U.S. Supreme Court would overturn its 2015 decision upholding the right to same-sex marriage.

This is another scare tactic by the left, Johnson said, adding that the country had more pressing problems.

Barnes noted that many people didnt think the landmark abortion case Roe v. Wade would be overturned, adding that same-sex marriage was a civil right he would back if elected to the Senate.

Climate change

On climate change, Barnes focused on flooding and its impact on family farms. He called Johnson out for having dismissed climate change in the past.

Johnson said he doesnt deny climate change but questioned whether anything could be done about it. He said electric vehicles in Florida are exploding because of Hurricane Ian.

You cant spend hundreds of millions of dollars on a problem that is not solvable, Johnson said.
A Dane County judge refused Friday to issue a temporary order that would allow local election clerks to accept partial witness addresses on absentee ballots.

A group called Rise Inc. filed a lawsuit in September seeking a judicial order requiring the Wisconsin Elections Commission to tell local clerks that they must accept ballots as long as the witness address includes enough information that clerks can reasonably discern where the witness can be contacted. The day after the group filed the lawsuit its attorneys asked Judge Juan Colas to issue a temporary injunction mandating the commission issue that guidance to clerks.

Colas refused to issue the order during a hearing Friday morning, online court records indicate. The case will continue with a scheduling conference set for Oct. 17.

Rise Inc., which encourages students to vote, sued after a Waukesha County judge last month sided with Republicans and said clerks are barred from filling in missing witness information on ballot envelopes. The judge struck down guidance the elections commission put in place six years ago, saying nothing in state law allows clerks to do that.

The practice was unchallenged until former President Donald Trump lost Wisconsin to Democrat Joe Biden in 2020. About 1.4 million voters cast absentee ballots in that election, held before COVID-19 vaccines were available.

The League of Women Voters filed a similar lawsuit in Dane County last month, seeking an order saying absentee ballots with partial witness addresses should be accepted. That case remains pending.
Barnes, Johnson spar on bail reform

Wisconsin Senate candidates Mandela Barnes and Ron Johnson attacked each other on bail reform minutes into their first televised debate Friday night.

Barnes said the issue of bail reform has been "sensationalized" and "mischaracterized" in the race, adding that under his bail policy Waukesha parade massacre Darrell Brooks would not have been out on bail at the time of the killings.

Johnson responded by throwing out statistics about pardons under Gov. Tony Evers, claiming the administration let out people who committed serious crimes.

Is social security 'candy'?

Barnes said that Johnson has referred to Social Security as "candy," which Johnson denied.

Johnson maintained that he wants to preserve welfare programs by curbing spending and the national debt.

Abortion

Johnson said abortion rights should be determined through a voter referendum in Wisconsin. The senator also voiced support birth control and in vitro fertilization.

Barnes noted that a statewide referendum on abortion was unlikely with a Republican-controlled state Legislature and called Johnson's opposition to abortion rights and "out of touch."

Renew faith to fix crime

When asked about gun control legislation, Johnson said the solution to fix mass killings would be to "renew faith, strengthen families and have more supportive communities."

Barnes changed the topic away from gun legislation, though he does say he supports it. He instead used his time to remind viewers of the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol, where 140 officers were injured.

'This is a non-issue'

Johnson called the revelation that people close to former President Donald Trump tried to get the senator to deliver phony electoral college ballots to former Vice President Mike Pence a "non-issue."

Johnson repeatedly used the mention of the Jan. 6 riots to pivot to civil unrest in the summer of 2020.

"If you want to talk about rioting, look at what took place in Kenosha," Johnson said.

Barnes also defended Evers' handling of the Kenosha riots, which Republicans have said was inadequate and worsened the unrest.

The future of gay marriage

Johnson dismissed the possibility that the U.S. Supreme Court would overturn its 2015 decision upholding the right to gay marriage.

"This is another scare tactic by the Left," Johnson said, adding that the country had more pressing problems.

Barnes noted that many people didn't think the landmark abortion case Roe v. Wade wouldn't be overturned, adding that gay marriage is a civil right he would back if elected to the Senate.

Exploding electric vehicles

Barnes focused on flooding and its impact on family farms and flooding. He called Johnson out for what he said is a denial of climate change.

Johnson said he doesn't deny climate change, but indicated that there is nothing we can do about it. He said electric vehicles in Florida are exploding because of Hurricane Ian.

The senator twice called climate change issue unsolvable.

In a later question about gas prices, Johnson said that environmentalists need to support nuclear power instead of solar and wind energy.

Barnes criticized Johnson's campaign fundraising from the fossil fuel industry.
The Women Artists Forward Fund has awarded Lilada Gee the 2022 Forward Art Prize, a high-profile accolade for the celebrated Black artist whose treatment by the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art has sparked controversy in recent months.

Gee received the $10,000 unrestricted prize along with artist Katherine Steichen Rosing.

The prize, first handed out in 2019, aims to honor women-identifying visual artists in Dane County who show exceptional creativity in their work and compelling prospects for the future, the Women Artists Forward Fund said in a statement.

Gees art centers around bold graphic paintings that highlight the experiences of Black women and girls, the fund said.

Lilada is a valued voice and artist in Dane County who is deeply invested in highlighting the experiences and stories of Black girls and women through a multidisciplinary approach using public art, installation and painting, said Adriana Barrios, a judge for the prizes.

Steichen Rosing is a fiber artist known for immersive installations of translucent hanging fabrics, the Women Artists Forward Fund said.

In July, a woman and her two children defaced Gees art at MMOCA and took it from the museum.

The museums director, Christina Brungardt, then called Gee and asked if the group could take Gees art.

That incident followed one in March in which Gee and another Black woman were accosted by a white staffer at the Overture Center for using an entrance not usually open to the public.

Gee left her work in the the 2022 Wisconsin Triennial exhibit hosted by MMOCA unfinished as a statement. The woman who took Gees work from the museum said she thought it was a participatory art piece. Brungardt said she made the call to Gee in an effort to defuse a tense situation while securing her artwork.

Ten artists pulled out of the exhibit in response to Gees treatment. The artist also called for Brungardt to be fired. The museums board has supported Brungardt.

Finalists for the Forward Art Prize included Sara Meredith, Jennifer Bastian, J Myszka Lewis, Angela Johnson and Sarah Stellino. Those five artists will each receive a $1,000 unrestricted award through Dane Arts.

The work of the winners and finalists will be on display at Giant Jones Brewing Co. through Dec. 1.
I am a proud undocumented medical student attending the UCLA School of Medicine  a reality that still seems like a dream. It is a reality because of the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, or DACA.

But the DACA program and its beneficiaries remain in jeopardy as the policy could be ended by a court ruling any day now. If Congress does not pass legislation this year, nearly 700,000 DACA recipients  including teachers, parents, students and nurses  will be at risk of being forced out of the workforce and subjected to the threat of deportation.

I decided that I was going to pursue medicine during my third year in college. I hoped to become a physician whom folks like my family could identify with and rely on. I did so even though, because of my immigration status, it was clear from the beginning that I might never be able to practice as a physician in the U.S.

I made the decision to earn a medical career in spite of this, because its important to me that my community is represented in health care. I wasnt deterred even though I don't know of any other undocumented medical students or undocumented practicing physicians. Living in constant uncertainty for as long as I can remember, Ive had to develop a sense of resiliency to push past roadblocks and continue pursuing my goals.

When DACA passed in 2012, I remember feeling excited and relieved, like a weight had been lifted. The policy provides temporary work authorizations and protections from deportation to qualifying young undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children.

Deportation protections have given me a sense of security so that I can continue living in my hometown without fear of being suddenly uprooted. They have allowed me to pursue medical school.

Work authorization also is vital to the policys success, enabling DACA recipients to participate more fully in the labor force, provide for their families and enrich their communities. It has opened the door to many professional growth opportunities for me including working at a high school as a college advisor, eligibility for scholarships and access to other coveted clinical experiences and pre-med related programs. While DACA is only a temporary solution, it has provided me a path to become the physician my community needs.

I will be graduating in a year as an obstetrician and gynecologist. But as I yearn to celebrate my graduation, the program that has given me so many opportunities faces its greatest threat to date.

In July, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments for Texas vs. U.S., a case that challenges the legality of the DACA program, and a negative decision is expected to be handed down soon. The ruling could end the ability this year for current DACA recipients to renew their protections. That would mean that I and 110,000 other Dreamers who work in the health fields will not be able to use our specialized skills and degrees in the workforce.

If DACA ends, about 1,600 DACA recipients working in health care would be forced out of their jobs each month for the next two years. This would be devastating for the U.S. economy and for the patients across the nation who rely on these workers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment in health care will grow by 13% between 2021 and 2031. The U.S. is expected to have a physician shortage of as many as 124,000 by 2034. This would profoundly affect communities of color, already receiving lower-quality care than their white counterparts.

The undocumented students who aspire to work in the medical field are equipped to fill this gap, many having lived through the challenges of accessing health care themselves, but we may soon be unable to do so. The nation needs a permanent legislative solution.

If I am allowed to become a physician and practice here in the U.S., I will continue fighting against health inequities and engage in research and mentorship to empower immigrant communities. My career would also provide the financial stability needed to build my life in the U.S.  the only place Ive ever known  allowing me, one day, to purchase my first home and start a family.

But with the DACA program in jeopardy, my aspirations of giving back to my community through health care and establishing a future in the U.S. hang in the balance.

Congress has failed for decades now to provide a permanent legislative solution for Dreamers, using the existence of DACA as an excuse for inaction. Time is nearly up. Lawmakers must immediately pass permanent protections for Dreamers and affirm that they are part of the fabric of our country.
A Sun Prairie middle school teacher was accused Friday of recording students in a school bathroom over a period of time.

Matthew E. Quaglieri, 34, was arrested on a tentative charge of possession of child pornography, Sun Prairie police said in a statement.

Sun Prairie police said they were alerted Friday of inappropriate behavior by a staff member at Prairie View Middle School. Police said the school district is cooperating with the investigation and that the state Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigations is assisting.

School officials sent two letters to parents Friday, one alerting them to the police presence at the school and another giving more details about the arrest. They said a male student reported feeling uncomfortable and may have been recorded in a restroom at Prairie View.

Police said during their investigation, they learned that a teacher had been recording students in the bathroom.

Quaglieri was suspended. On his LinkedIn page, he identifies himself as a music teacher.

The district said it was making counselors available to students in all its sixth-through-12th-grade schools.

Sun Prairie police said investigators are trying to identify any additional victims. They asked anyone who has information about the case or who believes their child might be a victim to contact the Sun Prairie Police Department nonemergency line at 608-837-7336, or anonymously at 608-837-6300.
BUHL  A deputy involved in a high-speed pursuit in August that ended with a fatal shooting said he looked into the eyes of the suspects and saw determination from the driver, and anger from the passenger.

The passenger, a male that hasnt been publicly identified, later died after an exchange of gunfire with police, officials said.

Sydney Rain Gibson, 18, drove at speeds in excess of 120 mph, evading spike strips and attempts of law enforcement to spin her vehicle, said Tyrel Hudson, who was then a deputy for the Twin Falls Sheriffs Office.

He testified Friday at Gibsons preliminary hearing. Gibson attended the hearing, dressed in a brown shirt and blue jeans, but didnt testify.

She had been in police custody until Wednesday, when she posted a $10,000 bond after bail was decreased from $100,000.

Gibson is charged with a felony charge of eluding police officers during the Aug. 26 high-speed chase. The events of that morning began at about 2:50 a.m. with a report that her passenger pulled a gun on a man near Filer, court records say.

Police caught up to Gibsons vehicle as it neared Twin Falls, then the pursuit reversed directions on U.S. Highway 30 and ended north of Buhl.

Once the chase was over, and Hudson approached the scene of the shooting, he testified he saw Gibson striking her head on the partition of the police car she was placed in, adding that the suspect kicked him when he opened a car door.

Gibson asked whether he was going to shoot her, and then let out a profanity-laced call for Hudson to shoot her, Hudson testified.

Hudson said he had interacted with crime victims before, and that Gibsons behavior wasnt indicative of someone who had been forced to drive the car against her will.

First getting a look at the occupants of the silver Hyndai Sonata at the Oasis Stop N Go gas station near Addison Avenue and Martin Street in Twin Falls, Hudson said Gibson had a look of determination, while the passenger had anger on his face.

Eileen McDevitt, senior deputy public defender for Twin Falls County, questioned Hudson on how he was able to clearly see Gibsons expression at nighttime. Hudson said that the gas stations lighted canopy, was adequate during his first encounter.

McDevitt also questioned Hudson about his interpretation of Gibsons expression on her face. Hudson acknowledged he has never been involved in a kidnapping case, but he didnt have reason to believe that Gibson had been compelled to drive the vehicle.

At the end of the hearing, Magistrate Judge Calvin Campbell, ruling that there was enough evidence against her for the charge, said he would issue an order binding Gibson over to district court.

Gibson drove in the eastbound lane while going westbound for much of the chase to Buhl, forcing oncoming motorists to take evasive action, Hudson said, adding that Gibson's driving nearly caused collisions between her car and his patrol car.

Twice law enforcement put spike strips in the highway, but Gibson was able to avoid them, he said.

Hudson said he performed a successful PIT (precision immobilization technique) maneuver north of Buhl and Gibsons car spun and came to a complete stop. Hudson said he got out of his vehicle with his gun drawn but Gibsons car started moving again.

Again, he said he saw Gibsons face and a look of determination, while the male passenger still had a look of anger.

I knew we were in for a fight, Hudson said.

The chase eventually ended when Gibson's car got stuck in a ditch in a field north of Buhl, court records say. The body of the male passenger was seen in the field near the car. A news release from the Twin Falls County Sheriffs Department said gunfire was exchanged between the man and law officers.

Jerome County Sheriffs Office conducted the investigation of the shooting as part of the Magic Valley Critical Incident Task Force, which involves local law-enforcement agencies and is called whenever there is an officer-involved shooting.

The Gem County Prosecutors Office is reviewing the results of the investigation to determine whether officers acted appropriately, Jerome County Sheriff's Capt. Gary Taylor said Friday. Law enforcement agencies have not released any more details regarding the shooting, or even the victims identity.

Gem County Prosecutor Erik Thomsen was out of the office Friday.
DECLO  Harvest time marks the end of the first season of hemp as a crop in Idaho. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture issued 13 permits for hemp growers in the state, for about 500 acres of the crop.

Two Magic Valley farmers gave the new crop a trial run this year, and say the experience went well enough for them to increase the crop size in 2023.

In Declo, Lynn and Lonny Taylor planted 70 acres of hemp for fiber. They had secured a contract with a buyer in Illinois before they planted, so there wasnt quite so much risk with the new crop. The buyer is said to be using the fiber in products related to the automotive industry.

As far as growing the crop, there were no real surprises or issues. The main issue was equipment, the stalks tended to get wrapped around the auger during harvesting. Taylor said that issue is one they will work on resolving before next years harvest.

It went super smooth," said Shey Taylor, who did cutting and baling for the crop. "The only real problem we had was running our swathers through it, wrapping around our augers.

The Taylors intend to plant 200 to 300 acres next year for fiber, and may apply for a seed production permit from ISDA as well.

In Buhl, Tim Cornie planted 80 acres of hemp on his farm. Cornie is part owner of 1,000 Springs Mill, and planted hemp grain for a food product, which he said has none of the characteristics of the CBD hemp.

"The hemp grain has as much protein as soybeans, but its gluten free and it has 9 amino acids, and omega 3 and omega 6, Cornie said. Its like a quinoa.

Farmers intrigued by hemp's potential Although many people are interested in growing the new crop, there were concerns about the number of steps the Idaho State Department of Agriculture requires to get a license.

This year's harvest will soon be found in the 1,000 Springs Mills meal replacement bars, which should be available for purchase by around the end of the year.

Cornie said the growing experience went better than he expected, and was an easy harvest, too. He said he plans to make a few tweaks for next year and will increase the crop size and seeding rate to get a thicker stand.

The crop threshed easily, Cornie said, which he didnt think it would. He had initially wanted to produce both hemp grain and fiber, but harvesting the seeds pulverized the stalks.

The combine we used kind of ate up the fiber a little bit too much, Cornie said. So we didn't actually harvest the wool this year.
A United Nations organization on Friday committed to sharply cut carbon emissions from air travel by 2050 in response to growing pressure for airlines to reduce their pollution.

Several major environmental groups praised the move, saying it could encourage the production of more sustainable aviation fuel. But they cautioned that it will be difficult to push countries to follow up with policies that actually reduce emissions.

Aviation is a relatively small contributor to overall climate-changing emissions, but its share is expected to grow. More people are expected to travel on planes in the coming years, and aviation lacks cleaner alternatives such as electric power that are rapidly becoming widely available for cars and trucks.

On Friday in Montreal, representatives of nearly 200 nations in the U.N.s International Civil Aviation Organization adopted what the agency called an aspirational goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

The decision capped nearly a decade of negotiations and occurred as aviation comes under more pressure to fall in line with conditions of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate, which aims to cap the rise in global temperature. Crucially, the U.N. agency's resolution does not set targets for individual countries or airlines.

Mark Brownstein, a senior official at the Environmental Defense Fund, said the resolution raised hope that travel will be more sustainable. But the work isnt over, he said. Now is the time for countries to act by establishing policies that support achievement of a 2050 net-zero goal for aviation with measurable progress in the interim.

Dan Rutherford, who tracks the issue for the International Council on Clean Transportation, said that to hit the net-zero target, aviation emissions will need to peak and start decreasing as soon as 2025, with richer countries taking the lead.

Airlines and governments expect to greatly reduce emissions by gradually switching from kerosene-based jet fuel to fuels made from fats, grease, plants or renewables. The European Union has proposed higher taxes on fossil fuels including jet fuel. But reaching net zero could require tougher measures including limits on flights  at least until large electric- or hydrogen-powered planes are feasible decades from now.

Airlines for America said it applauded the U.N. group's resolution, which could avoid a patchwork of policies by individual countries. The industry trade group called the 2050 milestone ambitious, but said airlines are already working with the U.S. government to make 3 billion gallons of sustainable aviation fuel available by 2030.
The Biden Administrations catch and release and porous border policies give drug cartels easy access to distribute deadly drugs, traffic unsuspecting victims, and leave a wake of violence in our neighborhoods. We must secure our border immediately.

The Biden Administrations border policies have opened the floodgates:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported more than 2 million illegal immigrant encounters at our southern border this year, far exceeding last years record-breaking total.

Fentanyl seizures increased 203 percent in July and another 6 percent in August, according to the CBP. The Idaho State Police reported in 2021 that drug crimes increased by 8.3 percent from 2020, most of which involve fentanyl.

The CBPs news releases should set off alarms. For example, CBP reported in August that Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents encountered more than 130 large groups of adults and unaccompanied children illegally entering the United States since October 2021, resulting in more than 21,000 migrant apprehensions.

Also, in August, CBP officers from the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in California found more than 12 million dollars worth of narcotics concealed within a shipment of heavy machinery. The seizure included 41.75 pounds of fentanyl, enough to kill over 9 million people.

These figures are only a small fraction of the hundreds of thousands of people and pounds of illegal drugs entering the U.S. through our southern border.

The Biden Administrations lax border policies have led to this dangerous and lethal influx of fentanyl and drug trafficking which has hit communities across Idaho and our country. Fentanyl has been a primary driver in the serious increase in drug crimes in Idaho, as the amount of fentanyl seized at the U.S. southern border rises steadily. In eastern Idaho alone, the Bonneville County Sheriffs Office and Idaho Falls Police Department report fentanyl is the leading means of drug-related deaths and overdoses, yet the Biden Administration denied a request to add Bonneville County to the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area designation. The designation would provide additional training and resources to help Idaho communities deal with this crisis.

We have consistently supported Idaho law enforcements efforts to remove these drugs from our streets, taking a number of actions calling on the Biden Administration to act appropriately, including:

Senator Rischs introduction of the Solving the Border Crisis Act to implement commonsense solutions to secure the border and stop this disaster from getting worse;

Co-sponsoring legislation to close the catch and release loophole which requires immigration authorities to release back into the United States illegal aliens who have not been accepted for deportation to other countries after being detained for six months;

Co-sponsoring the Stop Fentanyl Border Crossing Act, which would expand Title 42 to restrict migration and imports to prevent the introduction of illicit drugs into the United States; and more.

A remarkable 22 percent of CBPs encounters along the southwest land border in August involved individuals who had at least one prior encounter in the previous year. That says illegal immigrants do not seem to be worried about the consequences of breaking our border laws. The Biden Administrations lenient border policies have clearly sent a dangerous message. We commend Idahos law enforcement for facing difficult situations, including the danger of exposure to illegally produced fentanyl. We are grateful to the hard-working Idahoans who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. And, our thoughts are with those who have lost a family member or loved one to a drug overdose. We will continue to push the Biden Administration to secure our borders and back Idaho law enforcement.
Eight people were killed Thursday in a landslide of an artisanal gold mine in Siguirin, in Haute Guinee province of the Guinea, reports say.

The local major told the media the miners dug the feet of the mines causing the landslide.

A few weeks ago, I received in my office the district president of Fadou informing me of the discovery of a gold mine in Fadou. And he said that they want to exploit it. I agreed. unfortunately, I dont have time to go and visit the site. But, they dig a big pit then they use the gold holding machines, said Karifa Doumbouya, mayor of Norassoba, the commune housing the mine.

In a mine pit, you can count about fifty young people. When there is a cave-in, there are many victims. As everyone is looking for his own side in the mine, they cut the feet of the mines, he added.

The victims are aged between 25 and 35. The landslide also caused injuries to 5 other miners who were taken to hospital. The Thursday incident is the last artisanal mining accident that took place in the rural commune. In February 2019, another landslide incident killed 17 miners, Guinee News reports.
Nigerian troops of the counter-terrorism Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have arrested at least 79 terrorists and their collaborators in northeastern Nigeria in the past two weeks, Director of Defense Media Operations Musa Danmadami said in Abuja.

Speaking at the bi-weekly press briefing on the operations of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Danmadami said the troops also eliminated many terrorists in ground and air operations and rescued 14 abductees, including two schoolgirls from Chibok, during the same period.

He said the two Chibok schoolgirls, Yana Pogu and Rejoice Senki, were rescued with their children. They were rescued from Bula Davo village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State and Kawur village in Konduga Local Government Area of the same state along with 12 other abductees.

The two young women were among 276 schoolgirls aged 12 to 19 abducted in 2014 from their boarding school in Chibok, northeast Nigeria.

Danmadami also said that the troops arrested 29 Boko Haram terrorists and Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP) logistics providers in different locations during the said period.

He added that the troops also apprehended a suspected ammunition technician at Gorom village in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State. He noted that six suspected informants and collaborators of terrorists, including a foreigner, were arrested at different locations.

The troops also neutralized 19 terrorists, arrested 42 suspected logistic suppliers of terrorists and rescued three civilians, he continued.

In addition, a total of 418 terrorists, including their families, who claimed to have lost interest in Boko Harams ideology, surrendered to the army, the defense spokesman said, noting that they were 44 adult males, 135 adult females and 239 children.

All recovered items and arrested Boko Haram terrorists have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further action, while surrendered terrorists and their families are being profiled for further action, Danmadami added.
Demonstrators gathered in Burkina Fasos capital on Thursday (6 October) to show their support for the countrys new junta leader, as rumors swirled of internal divisions in the army.

Ibrahim Traore was declared the countrys new president on Wednesday (5 October) after a two-day standoff that ousted Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba, who had seized power only in January. Traore led a group of disgruntled junior officers who were unhappy with Damiba but now rumors are spreading of a division between the junior officers represented by Traore and the high-ranking officers coming from Damibas circles and of discussions among some other army generals over potentially replacing Traore.

A crowd of several hundred people, mostly young men, gathered Thursday in front of the national radio and television center in the city to voice their support for the new president. But after an hour of protesting, a soldier sought to calm the crowd, and the new government denied rumors of a split.

Meanwhile, pictures of the coup supporters brandishing Russian flags and attacking the French embassy that are circulating through social media have raised question if the Traore-led coup was a battle of influence between Paris and Moscow? As a matter of fact, a close ally of Russias President Vladimir Putin with his own private militia was quick to praise power Traores recent power grab, while the new junta accused France of seeking to stage a coup within a coup.

And as neighboring countries are watching the political turmoil in Burkina Faso with growing concern, French/Burkinabe artist and editorialist Damien Glez questions if Vladimir Putin would know how to situate Faso on the planisphere? According to Glez, Traore  who says he is not interested in power  will have to choose the ink with which to write. And there is no time to write multiple drafts, as the captain himself acknowledges: We must do in three months what would normally take 12 months. He is familiar with the local proverb: You dont step on a blind mans testicles twice.
The United States has accused Russia-backed Wagner mercenary group of exploiting Africas natural resources to help fund Moscows war in Ukraine and elsewhere, a claim that Russia denies and instead accuses the US of stealing Syrian oil.

One of the most immediate and growing concerns in Africa is the Kremlin-backed Wagner Groups strategy of exploiting the natural resources of the Central African Republic, Mali and Sudan as well as other countries, the US envoy to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told the UN Security Council.

These ill-gotten gains are used to fund Moscows war machine in Africa, the Middle East and Ukraine, she added. Wagner Group, widely referred to as a Russian private military company, has reportedly operated in Ukraine, Syria and Libya and some African countries including Mali and the Central African Republic.

Make no mistake: people across Africa are paying a heavy price for the Wagner Groups exploitative practices and human rights violations, Thomas-Greenfield told a UN Security Council meeting on the financing of armed groups through illicit trafficking of natural resources in Africa.

She called on the 15-member Security Council to investigate and clamp down on those who exploit natural resources and fund armed conflicts and terrorism.

Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia denied the claims by his American counterpart and instead accused the US of stealing oil on the pretext of countering terrorism. The Russian envoy then sought to explain how the US goes about this: At first, they picked a company with a rather obscure background that was supposed to do this. But then, when even Washingtons allies thought the situation was scandalous, the American side got back to robbing Syria of its resources in another way  through the US military.
The tragedy of children turned into soldiers by the separatist militia of the polisario with the blessing and support of the host country, Algeria, in the camps of Tindouf was vigorously denounced, this week, before the 4th Committee of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Algeria, the host country of the Tindouf camps, continues to turn a deaf ear to the calls of the international community to put an end to the recruitment and indoctrination of children, which are carried out with impunity by the armed separatist militia of the polisario, said Thursday in New York, Giulia Pace, member of the NGO IL CENACOLO.

The indoctrination and recruitment of children by the armed militias of the polisario constitute a crime against humanity, and a denial of the fundamental rights of children recruited, as well as a flagrant violation of the resolutions adopted by the Security Council on the matter, said Pace before the 4th Committee of the UN General Assembly.

For her, the armed separatist group is stubbornly carrying out a premeditated process of recruitment of children, forcibly removing them from their families and communities, and depriving them of their childhood, education, health care, as well as the opportunity to grow up in a safe and supportive environment.

She noted that the Tindouf camps in southwestern Algeria are the epicenter of child soldiers, constituting one of the largest concentrations of military recruitment of children in Africa, noting that the host country and the polisario are guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity. She cited a recent report of the European Parliament that children aged 12 to 13 years are subjected to military training in the camps of Tindouf.

Sahrawi children in the Tindouf camps are not receiving a good education that allows them to think critically, but rather forced into an allegiance to the doctrine of polisario against their best interests, the petitioner said, stressing that the host country, Algeria, is doubly responsible for what happens on its territory.

Algeria has accepted the presence of armed militias of the polisario on its territory while providing them with financial and military support to continue to illegally run militarized camps, she explained, adding that the host country is also responsible for the crimes committed by these separatist militias to which it has ceded power in defiance of its international obligations.

The president of the Christian Democratic Women International, Anna Maria Stame, also spoke out against the methods used by the separatist movement in southwestern Algeria to recruit children and subject them to training that even adults cannot stand.

After a simple search on the Internet, I personally discovered the horror suffered by these children who struggle to handle weapons larger and heavier than their size, facing ruthless instructors who find pleasure in making them suffer, as if they were real adult soldiers, she said, noting that this scandal has dominated media headlines for weeks.

She noted that this case was brought before several international organizations, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva. This appeal has not deterred the polisario militias who have revealed their cynical and despicable face, she deplored.

Disregarding appeals and protests from all sides, the separatists have continued to abuse these child soldiers in their training camps. Worse, they do not hesitate to expose them in front of their foreign guests, in defiance of international law and the rights of the child, Stame said.

These children are supposed to be protected by a whole arsenal of laws and international law binding on States, including the UN Charter, the Charter of Human Rights, the Geneva Convention and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, she noted, adding that neither this arsenal of binding laws, nor a minimum of ethics that every human being is supposed to be endowed with, have been able to awaken the dead conscience of the criminals who rule in the Algerian camps of Tindouf.

In addition to a painful military training, these children are subjected to an ideological indoctrination based on radicalization, glorification of violence, hatred of the West and especially Morocco, denounced the petitioner, stressing that the criminals of the polisario and their Algerian sponsors take advantage of the innocence of these children to engulf them in a world of evil and destructive ideas.

She added that the Polisario leaders have chosen to recruit children for various reasons, it seems: they cost much less and are manageable enough to turn them into robots to kill and machines to spread violence and hatred.

In this context, she called on the international community to protect these children and help them return to their families in the Motherland, Morocco.

The voice of the international community is essential to reveal this ordeal to the world and bring its executioners before the International Criminal Court as war criminals, she insisted, believing that only an international campaign is likely to end the crimes of the armed separatist movement in the Tindouf camps.

Another petitioner, Elizabeth Dail, New Life, deplored a decline in educational opportunities in the Tindouf camps over recent years, saying that children in the Tindouf camps should be educated in an environment not controlled by the separatist group and completely away from the unsafe conditions in which they now live.

Sahrawi people living in the Tindouf camps must learn a spirit of solidarity and compassion between them and those they have been taught to hate, she added.

It is time to implement the Moroccan autonomy plan as it is the best solution for the future of the children in the camp, stressed Mrs. Elizabeth, affirming that this plan would unite the children with friends, aunts, uncles and cousins in the Sahara provinces.

Mrs. Nancy Huff, Teach the Children International, voiced concern about humanitarian aid theft by the polisario militias, citing in this regard the report by the European Anti-Fraud Office.

The report exposes the involvement of the Polisario leaders in the embezzlement of humanitarian aid destined for Tindouf inhabitants but found on sale at the black market.

The United Nations has not condemned the theft or blacklisted any members of the Polisario, whose leaders live a luxurious life and own villas in several European and Latin American countries, underlined Mrs. Nancy.
King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, has chaired this Saturday at the Hassan Mosque in Rabat, a religious ceremony marking Aid Al-Mawlid Annabawi Asharif which commemorates the birth of Prophet Sidna Mohammed.

The Sovereign was accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, Prince Moulay Rachid and his son Prince Moulay Ahmed and Prince Moulay Ismail

The religious ceremony was marked by the declamation of verses from the Holy Quran and panegyrics of the Prophet Sidna Mohammed.

The Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq, afterwards made a presentation before the King on the results of the activities of the Supreme Council of Ulema and the local Councils of Ulema, and handed over to the Sovereign the report on these activities.

In his presentation, the Minister indicated that the Supreme Council of Ulema, which is chaired by the King, Commander of the Faithful, fulfilled its mission in the service of religion and in respect for the constants of the Nation, noting that this Institution has been able, despite the pandemic, to continue its work through the four main axes, namely communication (Tabligh), qualification, supervision and intervention on the field within the framework of activities of general interest.

King Mohammed VI presented the Mohammed VI Prize for Islamic Thought and Studies (Prize of Merit and Tribute) to Mr. Chbihna Hamdati Maa El Ainine (Rabat).

This annual prize rewards eminent scientific personalities to encourage them to conduct high-quality research in the field of Islamic studies, in accordance with the teachings of the noble Sharia which advocates the continuous search for knowledge.

The King was then greeted by Hamid Adardour, from the city of Agadir, who received from the hands of the Sovereign the Mohammed VI International Prize for memorization, declamation and exegesis of the Holy Quran.

The Sovereign was also greeted by Farhane Mohamadi Fadlane, from the Republic of Indonesia, to whom the King awarded the Mohammed VI International Prize for Psalmody of the Holy Quran with memorization of five Hizbs.

The King also presented the Mohammed VI Prize for Excellence in Moroccan Calligraphic Art to Omar Sarghini, from the city of Rabat. The Sovereign then awarded the Mohammed VI Prize for Moroccan decorative art on paper (Honorary Prize) to Abdelmajid Talbi, from the city of Sale, and the Mohammed VI Prize for Moroccan decorative art on paper (Prize of Excellence) to Mrs. Leila El Jemli, from the city of Fez.

The King also awarded the Mohammed VI Prize for Arab Literacy [Al Horoufia] (Honorary Prize) to Mohamed Boukhana, from the city of Temara, and the Mohammed VI Prize for Arab Literacy [Al Horoufia] (Prize of the excellence) to Mohamed Al Asri, from the city of Casablanca.

During the ceremony, the King was also greeted by the members of the jury of the Mohammed VI Prize for Islamic Thought and Studies, Professors Mohamed Kettani, Mohamed Yssef, Mustapha Benhamza, Idriss Khalifa, Ahmed Chaouki Binebine, Ahmed Chahlane and Abdelhamid ElAlami.

The religious ceremony was attended by members of the Government, several senior officials and senior officers of the Royal Armed Forces, members of the Islamic diplomatic corps accredited in Rabat, as well as several ulemas and other civil and military personalities.

The celebration of this religious ceremony by King Mohammed VI perpetuates the tradition observed by his ancestors who used to commemorate the birthday of the Messenger of Mercy, their Ancestor the Prophet Sidna Mohammed, prayer and peace be upon him.

An anniversary that marks the blossoming of the lights of guidance for Humanity, thanks to the message carried by the Seal of the Prophets, to spread the high virtues and the values of justice and to recommend good deeds so that all humans live in peace and harmony.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., is pictured on July 16, 2013. The medical center came under fierce scrutiny Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, after conservative political commentator Matt Walsh posted a series of tweets accusing the private hospital of opening its transgender health clinic because it was profitable, as well as criticizing some of the treatments VUMC provides to minors. Now, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is calling for an investigation into the clinic. Credit: AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File

Officials at Vanderbilt University Medical Center announced Friday that they are pausing gender-affirming surgeries for minors in order to review their practices.

The news, delivered in a letter sent to a lawmaker who has demanded an end to the surgeries, was publicly released Friday afternoon. It comes amid mounting political pressure from Tennessee's Republican leadersmany of whom are running for reelectionwho called for an investigation into the private nonprofit hospital after videos surfaced on social media last month of a doctor touting that gender-affirming procedures are "huge money makers." Another video showed a staffer saying anyone with a religious objection should quit.

None of the politicians could point to a specific law that the hospital had violated, and no agency to date has committed to an investigation. Republican Gov. Bill Lee's office said they had passed their concerns to the Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, but his office has not commented on whether he is looking into the Nashville-based hospital.

"We are pausing gender affirmation surgeries on patients under age 18 while we complete this review, which may take several months," wrote C. Wright Pinson, VUMC's deputy CEO and chief health system officer.

The GOP-dominated Legislature is scheduled to reconvene in January, and many lawmakers have vowed to introduce legislation further limit gender-affirming treatments. If successful, it's unclear if VUMC would be allowed to resume gender-affirming surgeries for minors, regardless of their internal review.

"We should not allow permanent, life-altering decisions that hurt children," Lee tweeted late Friday. "With the partnership of the General Assembly, this practice should end in Tennessee."

According to Pinson, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health recently changed its recommendations for transgender treatment, which helped prompt the need for a review.

On average, VUMC has provided five gender affirming surgeries to minors every year since its transgender clinic opened in 2018. All were over the age of 16 and had parental consent, and none received genital procedures.

"The revenues from this limited number of surgeries represent an immaterial percentage of VUMC's net operating revenue," Pinson wrote.

Emails provided to The Associated Press through a public records request show hundreds of Tennesseans reached out to the governor's office in support of shutting down VUMC's transgender youth health clinic, with some asking him to call a special legislative session to address the issue. Others asked if he could suspend the licenses of the doctors who work at the clinic.

A few criticized Lee for not taking harsher steps earlier when he signed legislation banning doctors from providing gender-confirming hormone treatment to prepubescent minors.

Only a handful defended the clinic's services, with some saying the transgender health care they received had been life-saving.

 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The frightening, demon-stuffed stories Missoula playwright Laramie Dean pens stand in stark contrast to his bright and boisterous personality. But, according to Dean, the two actually go hand-in-hand.

For Dean, a gay man who grew up in rural eastern Montana, writing and reading horror as a child was more than a chance for cheap thrills  it was an exercise in belonging.

I think for a lot of queer people who like horror, its a safe place, Dean said. Youre terrified that your parents or friends are going to find out, and that youll be disowned. And then you'll feel like the monster.

Today, the 43-year-old is in his 11th year teaching theater at Hellgate High School, has scripted plays being performed around the country and the world, and is enjoying married life in Missoula with husband Ryan Young.

Fall 2022 is shaping up to be particularly eventful for Dean. Fledgling Missoula theater company MissCast Productions is set to premiere his spooky new play, titled I Am Acquainted With the Night. And, Deans first novel, Black Forest, is coming out Nov. 1.

From script to stage, the play brought Missoula creatives together, united in a mission to spotlight under-represented characters and voices.

Frights from Facebook

Dean describes I Am Acquainted With the Night and much of his other work as Montana Gothic, drawing inspiration from life growing up in eastern Montana.

In his familys farmhouse, situated between rolling hills and a creek about 20 miles from Richey, Montana, Dean said he developed a ravenous appetite for all things terrifying  Universals classic monsters, horror movies and television. He said he started reading Stephen King at 7 years old, and the author even sent him an autographed copy of Cycle of the Werewolf.

I think I went to bed that night in my tiny bedroom listening to the coyotes howl outside and just being terrified  and loving being terrified, Dean recalled.

Dean said his introduction to theater came when he was a kindergartner in the form of a Missoula Childrens Theatre production of Cinderella. He played a pumpkin, and remembered loving every moment.

But, Dean said the best thing to ever happen" to him was when he moved to Missoula as an eighth grader, where his mother studied law. As a freshman at Hellgate, Dean said he made fast friends and gained the confidence to come out as gay.

Since then, Deans acquired four degrees  three in theater, one in education  and published five plays, primarily for high school performers. Dean said I Am Acquainted With the Night is his first recent play written for non-student actors and not based on classics or myths, like The Wizard of Oz or Dracula.

Instead, the play draws from a more contemporary well of inspiration: Facebook. Dean said he encountered a post around the summer of 2017 about an old woman living in the Midwest who said someone was blasting loud music outside her home every night  but no one could catch the culprit. That was, until her son purported to use a game camera to catch a glimpse of an inhuman figure outside her door.

Dean said the story spilled out of him quickly after. The play follows Ruth, an elderly woman whos plagued by a similar phenomenon outside her own apartment. Ruth must convince her son and his husband, who want her to move into an assisted living facility, of the threat she knows lurks beyond her window.

Writing Dracula was easy. I love Dracula, Dean said. I wanted to write about what its like to be old and not have people believe you.

Missoula, through-and-through

Christopher Greensweight, 43, plays Kelly, Ruths bitingly sarcastic son-in-law. He said he sees some of Deans own personality slipping into the role  the two knew each other as students at Washington Middle School in Missoula.

All authors draw on things they know, but with the sarcasm my character brings to the stage, its like, Oh, Laramie needed to have an outlet, Greensweight said, laughing.

I Am Acquainted With the Night will mark Greensweights return to the stage in Missoula for the first time in eight years. The actor, who graduated with a theater degree from UM, said hed grown tired of the familiarity he felt had permeated the citys performing arts. Deans play, he said, changed that perspective.

Its everything I wanted for theater in Missoula, he said. It feels so fresh  its an 80-year-old woman fighting for her life.

Making it all possible is MissCast Productions, a theater nonprofit founded by UM Theater graduates Jasmine Sherman and Maisie Gospodarek in 2019. Sherman said the plays diverse roles and trope-breaking characters fit right in line with MissCasts mission to showcase artists of all shapes, sizes, genders and races.

Sherman said I Am Acquainted will be MissCast Productions third show, and added shes grateful to the community for embracing her company. The majority of the plays cast and creative team  including its writer, director, actors and crew  are Missoula locals.

People think theres only room for so many creatives in town, Sherman said. But Missoula can support a lot of creativity. People in this town just eat up theater.
President Joe Biden recently sent a letter to late Missoula mayor John Engen's family offering his sympathies.

"Jill and I offer our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved John," the letter read. "I know how painful it is to lose a loved one to cancer, and I am keeping you in my prayers during this difficult time."

Engen, Missoula's longest-serving mayor, died Aug. 15 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

"John was a driven public servant and a devoted mayor who led with compassion," Biden's letter read. "He brought real, positive change to the people of Missoula, and his community and our country were lucky to have him."

The letter was arranged through the office of Sen. Jon Tester. A copy of the letter is now in Engen's office.

Engen visited with Biden in 2018 when Biden was in Missoula for a book tour.

"As you gather with all those who loved John, I hope you find comfort in knowing that his legacy will always live on through you and all the lives he touched," Biden continued. "Although the grieving process never truly ends, I know that the day will come when your memory of John brings a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eye. My prayer for you all is that this day arrives sooner than later."

The letter is signed by the President and dated Aug. 18, 2022, with the official seal of the White House stamped to the top.
Since the onset of the COVID pandemic, college campuses across Montana have had to remain nimble to morph into new forms to accommodate changing public health guidance.

Now, after nearly three years, campuses in Montana are exhaling.

Its been quite the journey, said Brian French, director for the Office of Student Success at the University of Montana. It was certainly sort of a curve ball with no playbook for us in higher education.

Back in the spring of 2020, campuses around the country took on the herculean effort to continue learning amid widespread shutdowns. Montana State University in Bozeman and UM in Missoula were no exceptions.

Both campuses lurched from the usual to offering instruction and other student services fully remote and online. As time went on and vaccines grew widely available, they began dipping their toes back into normalcy with masks, distancing and hybrid classes.

We made those arrangements with students obviously to help continue their education, but also provide for safety because throughout the pandemic the safety of our students was a top priority, said Michael Becker, news director at MSU.

This fall, Montanas colleges are operating fully in-person, free of any public health guidance like social distancing or mask requirements.

This is my personal opinion, but it feels more fun and vibrant now, French said. I feel like were all just kind of celebrating this true return to normalcy and you can sense it amongst our student body. It just feels more positive and alive than it has in a long time.

The same is true in Bozeman, Becker said. Thousands of students and their families visited the MSU Debut, a welcome event for incoming freshmen to explore different campus resources. Later, tons of students turned out for the annual Gold Rush game.

I think that continues, Becker said. "I mean, were five weeks in now and you can still feel a bit of excitement."

While most in the campus communities in Montana are excited to turn the page on the pandemic, there are some challenges still to overcome.

Students who are transitioning into college settings endured plenty of improvisations in instruction, strains from the nation-wide teacher shortage and other disruptions for nearly half of their high school careers. Experts are expecting campuses to see a surge in students unprepared for the demands of college-level work, according to the Associated Press.

So many students struggled through part of their high school career due to the pandemic, French said. Not all students learn as well in an online format.

As a result, universities are expanding the ways that they provide proactive support for students. Additional academic advising support and ample tutoring resources are now available to students both in-person and online.

All of our services sort of fit into that mold of trying to be proactive as we can, as coordinated as we can in our approaches to providing care and support and guidance and ultimately making sure no student slips through the cracks, French said.

Campuses have also leaned into promoting health and wellness among students and staff as well.

Not only is that a vital life skill, but its going to help them keep up in their classes, Becker said. We have such an emphasis going forward on student health.

Students at MSU recently voted to put a fee on itself to help fund a new student wellness center, which is currently under construction. The new center will feature medical, dental and mental health counseling services as well as recreational health and fitness opportunities.

We want to do everything that we can to provide students opportunities to succeed, Becker said. The pandemic has given us new ways in which to interact with students, students interact with each other, and taught us all to take the time to make sure that were well and healthy.
Speaking to his Helena-area congregation last month, Pastor Paul McElroy thanked the 115 or so worshippers who had signed what he called petitions to stop the state of Montana from destroying ballots from the 2020 elections.

That many identical public records requests had been dropped off at the Lewis and Clark County elections office the week before. They asked for information central to the latest push by activists who falsely suggest widespread election fraud caused President Donald Trump to lose his reelection bid nearly two years ago. Trump won Montana in 2020 with nearly 60% of the vote.

They were going to shred all the evidence of the 2020 election, McElroy told his congregation, in a video later posted to the Mountain Family Fellowship Churchs website, unless there were petitions signed from people in the state of Montana to do that.

That isnt accurate, yet similar appeals have spurred a wave of duplicate efforts across Montana and other states.

The result, according to elections officials in Montana, was a deluge of records requests landing on their desks as Election Day nears. Mike Lindell, the My Pillow CEO, and other nationally prominent election deniers have told their followers that the 22-month retention period required of local officials for federal election materials would expire Sept. 3. So in order to preserve possible evidence of election meddling, they said, requests needed to get in before the deadline.

To date, no evidence of widespread election fraud has emerged, despite scores of unsuccessful lawsuits brought by Trump supporters and partial recounts of ballots in some states  all of which have reaffirmed the official election results from 2020. In Montana, election officials have reported harassment and occasional threats from right-wing activists who continue to advance false election theories.

At the end of the day, if they keep bombarding us with records requests, thats going to infringe on our ability to run the current election, said Connor Fitzpatrick, the Lewis and Clark Elections Department supervisor. It does take time to respond to every records request  Im pretty confident were on the ball (responding to requests), but with an election coming up, without anything extra going on, an election is crazy busy.

Montanas transparency laws ensure public access to most government records, with exceptions for privacy, criminal justice or security concerns. Fitzpatrick said he views responding to citizen requests for records as part of his job, but noted that a single request would accomplish the same outcome. Scores of additional, identical requests only tie up more office time for him and his staff.

In any event, the cast vote records being repeatedly requested isnt something the county has. The requests for CVRs, sometimes referred to as ballot manifest reports, prompted enough questions to the Secretary of States Office that Elections and Voter Services Manager Stuart Fuller emailed each county election administrator across the state with guidance on how to respond. Even if the county uses a tabulator and the software required to generating CVRs, he wrote, they would need to have already opted to run the report.

And even then, he noted that election materials including voted ballots and/or electronic copies of voted ballots (such as the CVR report) are protected by law under seal, Fuller wrote in the August email. A court order is required to lift the seal.

This is just their way around, Cascade County Clerk and Recorder Rina Moore said, referring to CVR requests shes received from a local election integrity group. They think if they get the cast vote record, they dont have to go to court and ask for access to the ballots.

In the past 18 months, Moore has fielded a range of records requests related to the 2020 general election, some of which shes been able to provide, and some (like the names and addresses of volunteer election judges) she hasnt. She sees the CVR requests as just the latest push by election deniers at the national level, as seen on Lindells continuously-streaming online TV channel.

Its almost a road map for whats happening next, Moore said of the channel, which consistently churns out fresh conspiracy theories related to the 2020 election.

The CVR requests had appeared in nearly two dozen states across the country as of last month, according to the Washington Post. The story noted that the requests began proliferating after Lindell urged his followers to obtain cast vote records from every election office in the country during an August gathering dubbed the Moment of Truth.

Pastor McElroy didnt respond to an interview request, but church member Donna Elford led the Mountain Family Fellowships effort to amass public records requests in the Helena area. In an interview, she acknowledged that duplicating the requests wouldnt change the information they get, but said the tactic was born out of frustration that other records requests werent being fulfilled by the county.

I dont know how many its going to take for them to answer us, said Elford.  They have said that they are busy. And I get that, everybody works for a living, I understand that, but thats their job.

Since March, her group has been submitting records requests to the county, she said, but has failed to get responses to several of them.

Were not being conspiracy people," Elford added. "We have concerns and we keep asking and we keep pointing out things and were not getting answers."

Lewis and Clark County Clerk and Recorder Amy Reeves disputed this. In an email, she said her office has responded to each of the requests related to election records, though in one case she didnt hear back after providing a cost estimate. And the CVR requests couldnt be completed, she noted, because the county doesnt generate them.

Elford said another member of the local election integrity group, and not Mike Lindell, instigated the CVR requests. But Elford made her request to the congregation, she referred to Lindells Moment of Truth event that had taken place a week earlier.

Several other election administrators also said they received the CVR requests, but to varying degrees. Sanders County Election Administrator McKenna Wallace said she received just one, in August, but knows her counterparts in other counties have received more. In Ravalli County, Clerk and Recorder Regina Plettenberg said she got about a half-dozen of the requests.

They came in as her staff was also working to get ballots out to military and overseas voters, updating voters information prior to the close of regular registration, testing election equipment, taking calls from voters asking for information and fulfilling the multitude of other tasks in the run-up to a federal general election.

Were definitely in the thick of it, she said.
DENTON  Most of the wounds have healed, but the scars of a November 2021 fire that ravaged the small central Montana community of Denton are still evident 10 months later.

It got cold last weekend and somebody turned their furnace on, I smelled something burning and started checking wheres the fire? said Tiffany Wickens, a waitress at the local cafe and a native of Denton. Even camping its like: Should I start a fire? I used to really love a good fire. Its like everyone has a little PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

Curtis Hershberger, who lost a building and a garage with a vintage car in it, agreed that many residents still feel nervous when they smell smoke.

Everyone is waiting for the ball to drop because its so dry again this year, he said.

Wickens noted that when she was trimming trees in town this summer she found the burnt pages of a book nestled in the dry branches. Its hard to imagine, she said, but things could have been even worse.

Fire in the night

The West Wind fire ignited around 11 p.m. on Nov. 30, 2021, when winds gusting up to 60 mph toppled a NorthWestern Energy power line. Driven by the strong gusts, the fire roared across grasslands before consuming 25 homes, 18 other structures and six commercial buildings. These included four 100-year-old grain elevators on the edge of town, the train trestle and highway bridge.

I didnt realize how under-insured I was based on the cost to do stuff today, said Jay Lee, who co-owned the grain elevators with a friend.

The elevators could hold more than 240,000 bushels of wheat. About 100,000 bushels were destroyed in the fire. Lee purchased two 50,000-bushel grain bins for his farm to help fill the gap for now, since he cant afford to rebuild all of the lost storage at once.

More than anything, those elevators have been there all of my life and most of my dads life, he said. To see the skyline without them is odd. Denton was pretty much built around those elevators.

After his insurance claims due to the fire, the company canceled Lees policy after more than 60 years as a customer.

Im not very happy with them, he said.

Changing climate

The fire struck at a time of year when wildland fires used to be unheard of. Decades ago, it was common to have snow the ground by October. Now the fire season is no longer a season, its year-round, even in northern states like Montana.

When you see the elevators on fire and buildings in the middle of town on fire, you think it could all go, said Joel Barber, the towns mayor.

According to the 2017 Montana Climate Assessment, the annual average temperature in the state has increased from 2 to 3 degrees between 1950 and 2015. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, nine of the 10 warmest years on record worldwide have occurred since 2005.

The Montana study also showed winter precipitation dropping with a trend toward continued warming through this century. And the study also predicts an increasing trend toward drier and warmer weather, conditions that can spark wildland fires.

Since 1984, Montana saw its annual burned acreage due to wildland fire increase from around 250,000 acres to more than a million by 2019, according to figures from the Environmental Protection Agency. Dry conditions and downed power lines have in recent years sparked devastating wildland fires in Oregon and California as well.

As firefighters fought the Denton blaze, they noted the temperature was a balmy 60 degrees, abnormally warm for a town that averages closer to a high in the 40s at that time of year.

Warm weather wasnt limited to Denton In 2021. Montanas average temperature was 72.5 degrees, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. Only two other years have had a warmer average temperature. In 2007 the average temperature was 73.3 degrees and during the severe drought of the Dust Bowl-era Montana had its highest recorded average temperature in 127 years of 73.7 degrees.

The data shows the gap between record-setting warm years has narrowed considerably.

Support, recovery

The prairie community of Denton, located about 40 miles northwest of Lewistown, has long been powered by the cattle and grain markets since its founding in the late 1800s. The towns residents are resilient. New buildings already replace some of those burned down. Structures damaged were quickly cleaned up and disposed of, and vacant lots are the only evidence of buildings now gone. NorthWestern Energy pitched in with help for displaced homeowners and by cleaning up the debris.

For my part of it, it would have been really tough if NorthWestern hadnt been involved, Hershberger said. I cant say enough good about them.

If lightning had caused the fire, he noted, that help wouldnt have been available.

Generous donors also poured in money to help, including former Denton residents. Others contributed materials, vehicles and even fencing to replace enclosures burnt or cut down during the firefighting effort.

The inflow of support was pretty overwhelming, said Brandy Barber, who with her husband, Joel, co-own and operate the Shade Tree Cafe, Longbranch Bar and Denton Motel. Even though it was tragic, it was like, Holy cow! Theres a lot of generous people around here.

Money cant heal some of the wounds caused by the fire. Brandy can count at least eight people who left town when they lost their rentals or homes. One old-timers blue Ford LTD was burnt, leaving him without a way to tour town.

He would drive in the parking lane rather than the main road, Brandy recalled. He was just cruising town. Hed stop at the store, the post office and bar and usually had a Guinness. Hes a great, great guy and his car burned. And now he has to look at it every day, rusted and burnt, the tires melted. And he hasnt been out since. Its kind of sad. The car for him was independence.

Suggestions by some townspeople that a new car be purchased for the elderly gentlemen were shot down after others noted he probably shouldnt be driving anyway.

Since that happened, I havent seen him out in the community, Brandy said.

Burned

John Drivdahl remains a regular Shade Tree Cafe customer in the mornings, drinking coffee with fellow Denton residents under a sign designating one table the Old farts corner. But he confided the loss of his horse trailer, eight tractors, campers, hay, fences, work shop and all the tools it contained have left him feeling less than whole. Twenty fir trees that provided a wind break were also charred. One item he especially valued was an antique saddle made by Al Furstnow, a famed Miles City saddlemaker.

We lost most everything we owned, except our house, he said.

It was very devastating, said his wife, Sylvia. We never will feel whole again.

The Drivdahls moved to the community 15 years ago after the rich and famous crowded them out of Big Timber, John said of an area near the Crazy Mountains now known for its celebrity landowners. Johns a celebrity in his own right, a cowboy poet who can recite well-known Robert Service poems from memory. It seems a far cry from his former profession, an explosives expert who traveled to Ethiopia to train others how to detonate dynamite.

With no hay or fences, the Drivdahls sold off their yearling cattle earlier this year. After donations of fencing material to rebuild, they bought a few cattle, but at age 82 John said its hard to get motivated. Especially when something as simple as buying new tires for a vehicle took six months.

We arent really starting over again because it will never be the same, he said. Something like that may burn out something in your head. Its hard to muster up ambition anymore.

Rebuilding

Denton native Josh Poser helped fight the West Wind fire last year, taking a break when it looked like things had calmed down and the fire was under control. His parents home was one of the first to burn, then early the next morning he was told his house was the last to ignite.

It was not a normal fire with that wind, he said, blazing down the railroad tracks and then shifting direction.

Without a home, his wife and two young children have bounced around from a motel to a mouse-infested rental to a camper trailer paid for by their insurance company. That option will evaporate in October.

With a background in carpentry, Poser has been working to rebuild where the old house he was remodeling once stood. Problem is, getting contractors to do the plumbing and electrical work has been difficult; it was hard to even get bids. Also aggravating the situation is the high cost of materials, something not taken into account with his homeowners insurance policy.

Were trying to stay positive, he said, sitting outside the trailer next to the home thats under construction. "We always said we wanted to build our own house, this is just not how we wanted to do it.

Hes turned the adjacent wood shop into a temporary family room to help his family spread out a bit.

Its hard to say things worked in your favor when it was a disaster, Joel Barber said. Its been a crazy year.
A group of East Burke High School students is reacting after part of a mural they created for the school was painted over by school officials.

When I first saw it, I was in tears, one student who participated in the project told The News Herald on the condition of anonymity. Not only because we had spent a lot of time, money and effort, also because it shows that we arent allowed to have equality.

Funded by a grant from The North Carolina Arts Council, the program paid for an Arts in Education Arts Residency for a variety of projects throughout the campus including murals. At the center of the controversy was a brown fist students said was a reference to Black Lives Matter and rainbow-colored butterflies. Students said the butterflies were drawn in support of the LGBTQ community.

By Friday, this section of the mural had been painted over by school officials.

The entire mural contained the letters EBHS, East Burkes initials. According to multiple sources, the E, which has now been painted over was to stand for equality, the B stood for belonging, the H stood for heritage and the S for success. As of 3 p.m. on Friday, The News Herald was able to confirm the B, H and S portions of the mural remained intact.

According to a statement released by Burke County Public Schools on Friday, the mural was painted over because, as a school-sponsored expressive activity located on school property, the school is able to restrict political expression, regardless of viewpoint.

Burke County Public Schools seeks to educate all students in a safe and supportive environment that is politically neutral, the statement reads.

Additionally, the district cited laws prohibiting public schools from using funds to endorse or oppose a political referendum as a reason for covering over a portion of the mural. BCPS officials also told The News Herald the move was made in response to numerous complaints.

Among East Burke parents, reaction was mixed on Friday with some feeling the mural should have been left intact and others saying it never should have been allowed in the first place.

One East Burke father who said his daughter was involved in the project said he was disappointed to see it painted over. Another parent told The News Herald that while, as a Christian, he didnt necessarily agree with the murals message, he also did not agree with it being painted over.

To each his own, he told reporters.

Still another parent said she didnt think those kinds of symbols should have ever been put up in the first place.

These kids have enough to deal with out in the world, it shouldnt be brought into the school, she said.

The students who created the mural are not satisfied with the districts explanation.

I also think everyone else has their own opinions and they are totally allowed to, said the anonymous East Burke student. We were showing off our art and respect for others with other skin tones.

According to BCPS, school officials will be working with students to come up with a new design for the E in the mural, but did not have any details available yet on what it will be.
RALEIGH  Conservation Corps North Carolina, in partnership with the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, supported a team of local students as they completed one mile of trail work for the new Oak Hill Community Park and Forest in Morganton.

The crew also helped to clear invasive species from around various parts of the park and picked up trash they found along the trail.

Students who participated in the program include Elvira Pedro, Christopher Pedro and Sofia Fencl.

Their endeavors honored this years National Public Lands Day, a signature event that promotes volunteer conservation of our nations public lands every Sept. 24. The trail work supports development of Oak Hill Community Park, a new 652-acre nature project located just 10 minutes from downtown Morganton. The new public land is funded through a collaboration of private individuals, foundations and small businesses.

As a nonprofit, Foothills Conservancy strives to connect community members from all backgrounds to the outdoors, said Andrew Kota, executive director of the Foothills Conservancy. Were grateful for this opportunity to work with CCNC to get area youth involved in this new community resource that will serve the residents and visitors of Morganton.

The crews work is part of CCNCs new community weekend program funded by the Duke Energy Foundation. The program introduces youth to local natural areas, conservation and camping. Diverse youth from six local communities are working on projects this fall to preserve parks, trails and nature preserves while they learn about environmental stewardship. The other communities include Raleigh, Morganton, Asheville, Durham and Charlotte.

CCNC recruits youth, many of whom are from minority and underserved neighborhoods, in each community for a weekend of work on a high priority conservation project.

The program includes an introduction to tools and safety, supervised work on a high impact conservation project, Leave No Trace principles, presentations from speakers about the public land they are working on, information about natural resource careers, and one night of camping.

Participants arrive early Saturday morning, leave Sunday afternoon and earn community service hours for successful completion of the program. CCNC also uses Duke funding to help participants with camping gear, transportation costs and other expenses that otherwise would be a barrier to participation.

Todays youth face many barriers to connecting with nature and exploring natural areas in their communities said Jessie Birckhead, director of Conservation Corps North Carolina. We seek to address these barriers and encourage diversity in conservation by providing a no-cost fun and safe introduction to camping and outdoor community service work with caring mentors and supportive conservation partners.

Conservation Corps North Carolina is a program of Conservation Legacy, a national program that supports CCNC and other local programs across the nation.

These young adults will be connected to parks, trails and natural areas in their communities because of their work at Oak Hill Community Park and Forest, said Louis Duke, Duke Energys stakeholder engagement manager. We are grateful for this opportunity to support conservation of community natural areas while also helping young people learn about our natural resources and environmental stewardship skills.
The bodies of more than 500 civilians have been discovered in territory in northeast Ukraine recently retaken from Russian forces, Ukrainian police say.

And as Ukrainian forces liberate more land in the northeast, new burial sites are being discovered in Donetsk. Many appear to contain the remains of civilians who lost their lives during several months of shelling and rocket fire.
Police said the department received a call from a resident of Los Altos Place in American Canyon late that night, who told officers there was suspicious activity happening with a truck parked near their house. When officers arrived at the scene, one person attempted to flee from the truck, on foot, over a fence, but was detained. A second person was detained inside the vehicle, and police determined the truck had been reported stolen out of the city of Napa.
Even as fentanyl overdoses among young people have skyrocketed in recent years, health education remains optional in most California schools, with some students receiving comprehensive education on the dangers of substance use and other students receiving scant, if any, instruction on the topic.

That is our No. 1 complaint, said Dareen Khatib, co-chair of the California Health Education Community of Practice, a coalition of health educators from throughout California. Prevention is not always prioritized. Its not consistent. And its not offered to all children. ... I know there are schools out there that, unfortunately, offer very little or nothing in the way of health education.

Only two-thirds of middle and high schools in California offer a dedicated class in health education, according to the California Department of Education, and in most cases the course is optional.

Unfortunately, right now its very siloed and piecemeal, Khatib said. Ideally, we want every student in California to have access to this.

The states health education framework includes substance use prevention for students of all ages, starting with general lessons for the youngest students about the importance of putting healthy things in ones body and resisting peer pressure, eventually leading to detailed lessons for older students on the effects of illicit drugs on adolescent brain development. The idea is to connect health with life skills such as critical thinking, decision-making, setting goals and developing positive relationships.

Some districts hire outside instructors to teach units on drugs, nicotine and alcohol, and others weave the curriculum into biology or physical education classes. Some, such as Los Angeles Unified, even stock naloxone, a nasal spray used to prevent opioid overdoses, on campuses. And most districts have counselors who can help students struggling with substance use or refer them to outside agencies.

But in light of the surge in drug overdoses and deaths, some parents and health educators say schools need to do much more. More than 770 Californians under age 24 died of fentanyl overdoses last year, a 21-fold increase since 2016. Even as overall drug use among teenagers has declined, hospitalizations and deaths have soareddriven largely by the prevalence of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid thats more than 50 times stronger than morphine.

Fentanyl overdoses accounted for more than 80 percent of all drug-related deaths among Californias young people in 2021. Some of those victims sought out fentanyl for its potency, but most ingested it accidentally, thinking they were using something less dangerous. A 15-year-old girl in Hollywood died at school last week after she took a Percocet pill she likely did not know was laced with fentanyl.

Fentanyl is my worst nightmare. Theres so much misinformation, and theres such a deadly and immediate risk, said Stephan Lambert, prevention coordinator for the Orange County Department of Education. But schools can play an important role in fighting this, providing nonthreatening, nonjudgmental information to help students stay safe.

Schools should respond to the needs of their local communities, he said. In areas with high rates of drug use, for example, schools should pay close attention to students needs. Students might be living with a parent whos struggling with addiction, or illegal drugs are so commonplace that students are far more likely to be exposed at very young ages.

In California, rates of drug use and overdoses vary widely across regions. Mendocino, Humboldt and San Francisco counties, for example, have some of the states highest rates of opioid-related overdose deaths. Kern, Lake and Butte counties had high rates of deaths related to methamphetamine and other psychostimulants.

Affluent areas tend to have higher rates of alcohol and drug use among youth, according to the California Healthy Kids Survey, a confidential, anonymous survey the state Department of Education gives to students annually. In Marin County, about half of 11th graders said theyd used drugs or alcohol in the past month and 80 percent say drugs and alcohol are easy to obtain, according to the most recent survey. A 2020 report commissioned by the county Health and Human Services Department described it as an endemic problem. In Piedmont Unified, another wealthy enclave in the Bay Area, drug and alcohol use among 11th graders neared 60 percent. The state average is 19 percent.

An exception is Redondo Beach in Los Angeles County. The coastal community south of Santa Monica has one of the states lowest rates of youth drug and alcohol use  possibly due to the school districts comprehensive health and drug and alcohol prevention program.

In Redondo Beach Unified, all seventh graders get 16 lessons on drugs and alcohol prevention and four booster lessons in eighth grade. In ninth grade, they learn more about the topic in biology class. Every Thursday the district sends out emails with social-emotional tips, including information about avoiding drugs and alcohol. The district regularly sends advice to parents and hosts information nights on the topic.

But perhaps most effective is the wellness center at Redondo Union High School. Staffed by five counselors, the center offers daily help for students who want to quit drinking, vaping, smoking or engaging in other harmful behaviors, or have been referred by their parents or teachers. Students can get substance use counseling, individual or group therapy, mental health support and other services, with a focus on helping  not punishing  students.

Our message is, we dont want you to do drugs because your brains are still developing, said Rachel Andrews, a counselor at the school. Our goal is to get students to adulthood in the healthiest possible way, which we know can reduce mental health problems later on, help them go to college and launch careers, and reach their goals.

The program appears to be working. In the 2021 Healthy Kids survey, only 18 percent of 11th graders said theyd used alcohol or drugs in the past month, about half the rate in comparable districts.

Long Beach Unified recently expanded its substance use counseling services, opening wellness centers at every middle and high school in the district. The centers offer general social-emotional support as well as referrals to outside agencies for help with drugs and alcohol use. In addition, the district offers comprehensive health education starting in kindergarten.

But for Brenda Villanueva, a junior at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, even thats not enough. Too many students arent getting the message that drugs can harm brain development and lead to other problems.

Shes seen too many peers lives derailed by drug or alcohol use, including a cousin whose substance use has caused a rift in their relationship. She worries about him, as well as the school environment her three younger sisters will face. Its an issue she encounters almost daily, she said.

I feel like a lot of people want help, but they dont ask because they feel like theyre going to be judged or punished, she said. Schools need to be nonjudgmental and listen to students and give them help, before suspending them.

At many schools, punishment is interwoven with education about drugs. Possessing illegal drugs on campus is illegal under the California education code, and some schools will suspend students after their second or third violation. Students are often referred to counselors after their first offense.

Last year, there were only 3,200 drug-related suspensions in California schools, making up about 20 percent of all suspensions.

Righetti High School in Santa Maria is one of the rare schools that require students to take a health class  which includes several units on drugs, tobacco and alcohol  to graduate. The district also contracts with a local nonprofit called Fighting Back Santa Maria to provide further substance use education, counseling and classes for students who need it.

The approach seems to be working. Drug and alcohol use in the district has been falling steadily, with just 14 percent of students in 2021 saying theyd used drugs or alcohol in the past month. (Because its anonymous and confidential, the California Healthy Kids Survey is generally an accurate reflection of actual substance use at a school, according to the California Department of Education.)

Our message is that students should avoid it, but we also look at the underlying issues that are leading them to take drugs or alcohol, said Eric Blanco, a counselor at Righetti High. Do they need mental health support? Better coping skills? Does their family need support? We try to look at everything.

For Lauren Koehlers stepdaughter, Kaitlin, all it took was one bad day. The bright, outgoing 21-year-old, who aspired to be a counselor for abused women, had not used drugs in two years when she fatally overdosed on fentanyl while visiting her grandmother near Modesto in 2021.

She might have known she was taking fentanyl, Koehler said, but she definitely did not know it could kill her.

I understand kids are curious. But I dont think they really get that this will take your life, Koehler said. Whats happening right now is horrifying. People are dying. Its destroying families lives. ... Our lives will never be the same.

Comprehensive drug education in middle and high school might  just might  have saved her, her stepmother said. Kaitlin had struggled with drug use and depression since she was 13, and her family has a history of addiction. She had bounced around schools and might not have understood the risks of illicit drugs, despite the interventions of her family, Koehler said.

In April 2021, she was alone one night at her grandmothers house when she ingested fentanyl, passed out and hit her head on a desk, causing a fatal head injury.

She was the most compassionate, loving, sweet person. She had everything going for her, Koehler said. I dont think she had any idea what she was doing, how dangerous it was.
The opinion of the Napa Valley Register

In a race between two dedicated, intelligent and driven women, weve decided to endorse Joelle Gallagher for the District 1 seat, which includes much of downtown Napa and the Carneros region. It was close, but we felt her social services background would fill an experiential gap on the Board of Supervisors.

Both have land-use expertise  Gallagher from her time on the county Planning Commission and Suzanne Besu Truchard from her work as an attorney and real estate broker. Though those types of decisions often garner the most press  Walt Ranch anyone?  one of the countys biggest department is Health and Human Services. Gallaghers work at First 5 and, before that, the Cope Family Center and Napa County Farm Bureau puts her in a better position to help oversee that vital agency.

Both have deep roots in the community. Gallagher grew up in Sonoma County, went to Napas Justin-Siena High School and lived in various parts of the Bay Area. She moved to Napa County in 1992 when her daughter was 6 months old.

Truchard, the daughter of Cuban immigrants, came to Napa County about 13 years ago. She was looking for an attorney job in the San Francisco area, visited Napa Valley, met her future husband Anthony Truchard and moved here, where she is an attorney and real estate broker.

Truchard addressed concerns that her connection with the wine industry  through her husband and brother-in-law  would color her decision making, saying the ethical requirements of her profession would compel her to disclose any conflicts. And, she continued, her current portfolio of work has little-to-no potential to create any.

We agree that this is a non-issue. We also note that Truchards approach is likely to be more business friendly than Gallaghers, who has faced criticism that she has arbitrarily rejected legally-sufficient projects while on the Planning Commission.

In our interview, Gallagher pushed back on this, saying that the reason for such a commission in the first place is to help decide whats best for the community. If it only rubber-stamped staff recommendations, she asked, why would it need to exist?

Still, on this topic, we felt Truchard had the edge, and that the decisions she would make on the Board of Supervisors on land use would be potentially more even-handed.

During their interviews, both impressed us with their knowledge of county issues, confidence and equanimity. Either would be an excellent choice to help bring back a sense of calm and professionalism to the occasionally dysfunctional Board of Supervisors. That looked like a tie on our end.

So the deciding factor was Gallaghers experience working with some of the most vulnerable in our community. One of the major roles of a county government, in our mind, is making sure those that need help get it, and that all human beings are treated with dignity and respect.

No doubt Truchard believes this as well, but Gallagher has more hands-on experience in that regard, and would be able to use that to improve and shape policy to make Napa County, as a whole, healthier.

Editorial Board members Lilea Heine, Annette Dambrosio and Stephen Corley did not participate in the endorsement interviews or discussion due to potential conflicts.
UAE: OPEC+ decision has no political motive

Morawiecki: Poland is not afraid of losing EU funds

Speaker of Armenian National Assembly to Norway FM: Withdrawal of Azerbaijani Armed Forces from Armenia is a priority

Nikol Pashinyan receives delegation headed by Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt

Iran responds to Borrell's garden and jungle statement: EU needs to accept realities or it will continue to wither

Pashinyan: No one can accuse Armenia of evading its obligations

Congressman: U.S. was not active in terms of security in Armenia, but now situation is changing

Indian defense company Solar group says it has received orders from Armenia for 'Pinaka' missiles

Price: U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan will not be used for offensive purposes against Armenia

Military expert assesses possibility of new hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Russian Embassy: Armenians' attitude towards Russians who moved to Armenia remains very friendly

Clarification by Price: What Could Armenian-American military cooperation look like?

Armenian Defense Minister visits DEFEXPO exhibition in India

President of Artsakh talks about results of discussions held in Armenia

Borrell angers UAE with his comparison of world outside Europe to 'jungle'

Public Council formed in Artsakh

China Daily: Party's anti-graft efforts generate fruitful outcomes

Price: We demand that Azerbaijan return to its initial positions

Aghajanyan: This visit should be seen as another stage in dynamic development of Armenian-American relations

Ukraine will officially ask Israel for transfer of air defense systems

Head of National Assembly Commission: 2023 state budget turned out to be biggest in Armenia's history

Turkey conducts test launch of its own ballistic missile over Black Sea

Students of Brusov State University hold protest outside building of Ministry of Education and Science of Armenia

Armenia MFA: Yerevan has always openly and publicly stated its position on dialogue with Turkey

Military exercises of IRGC Ground Forces on border with Azerbaijan continue for second day in Iran

Blinken accuses China of violating status quo on Taiwan

Armenian Foreign Minister: We see Azerbaijan's unconstructive behavior

Izvestia: European banks stop accepting SWIFT-transfers from Russia

Mirzoyan calls on Cavusoglu to speak for himself

Norwegian FM visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex and pays tribute to victims of Genocide

Mirzoyan: We need to understand to what extent CSTO recognizes this aggression against Armenia

MFA: Armenian authorities apply to OSCE to send observers to border with Azerbaijan

NYT: Conflict between Turkey and Greece may cause split of NATO

Ararat Mirzoyan Details of peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan were presented to Norwegian FM

Price of gas in Europe drops to almost $1,200 per 1,000 cubic meters for first time since June

Armenian Defense Minister meets with his Indian counterpart

First images of damage to Nord Stream are published

Erdogan's spokesman: Meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy is impossible now

Peskov redirects question of drone purchases from Iran to Russian Ministry of Defense

Secretary of Armenian Security Council presents consequences of recent Azerbaijani aggression to Brazilian ambassador

Trial of Robert Kocharyan and Armen Gevorgyan is held in Yerevan

IAEA chief says he wants to meet with Putin again

Pashinyan: Azerbaijan creates fake news on ceasefire violations by Armenia

US House of Representatives members visit Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan

Taliban, Iran border guards fire at each other

Another high treason exposed in Armenia

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan armed forces violate ceasefire in Sotk-Kutakan sector

World oil prices on the rise

Trump slightly ahead of Biden in New York Times poll

Armenia defense minister heads for India

Newspaper: Karabakh dissatisfied with President's Yerevan visit, meeting with Armenia PM

Azerbaijan fires toward Armenia positions at night

Zelenskyy: Ukraine needs much more modern air defense systems

Liz Truss is called upon to resign

EU to review relations with China

White House accuses Iran of lying

Poland may not receive 75 billion euros in regional aid from EU

Crash of SU-34 in Yeysk captured on video

SJC: Criminal case will be initiated against judge Arusyak Aleksanyan

Germany fines Telegram more than 5 million euros

Scholz instructs ministers to prepare to extend operation of Germany's remaining three nuclear power plants

Two people killed in Yeysk after military plane crashed

Saudi Arabia rejects U.S. accusations of supporting Russia amid war in Ukraine

Only candidate for post of military prosecutor of Armenia is named

Expert: Iran is preparing for scenarios in form of attacks on Azerbaijan and sending troops to Artsakh

German intelligence service opposes Chinese company's investment in Hamburg port

Fire area at crash site of Su-34 in Krasnodar territory is 2,000 sq. m.

EU approves military training mission for thousands of Ukrainian servicemen

Supersonic Su-34 fighter-bomber crashes in Krasnodar territory

Elon Musk on likelihood of World War III

EU Commission intends to propose 'dynamic' natural gas price cap this week

Dmitry Medvedev: Supplies of weapons to Ukraine will ruin relations between Russia and Israel

Charles Michel welcomes rapid deployment of EU mission on Armenian border

Swiss MPs horrified by consequences of Azerbaijani aggression: We support Armenians

European Union announces new sanctions against Iran

Tehran Times: Iran remains vigilant about developments in South Caucasus region

Natural gas supply to Armenia will be temporarily suspended

Daily Beast: Biden must stop next Armenian Genocide before it's too late

Pashinyan: Azerbaijan is looking for pretext to launch new military aggression against Armenia

Turkish Foreign Minister: Baku insists on equal status of 'Lachin' and 'Zangezur' corridors

Foreign Ministry: Iran has repeatedly stated that it has not sent weapons to either side of war in Ukraine

U.S. House of Representatives delegation arrives in Yerevan

IRGC commander: Changing regions geography is red line for Iran

Uzbek officials banned from being dishonest and swearing on social media

Lawyer: Erik Aleksanyan does not accept charges against him

Erdogan to visit Azerbaijan on October 20

Baku reacts to Pashinyan's proposal: To suggest 3 unrealistic options is not a good policy

Dollar, euro gaining value in Armenia

Reuters: Chinese banks sell off dollars to support yuan

Armenia MOD: Artillery presence toward Vardenis is linked to Azerbaijan additional forces movement

Armenia official: Azerbaijan way of working radically contradicts EaP values, principles

Belarus Armed Forces secure railroad, bridges and crossings on border

Bird flu found in poultry in Britain

President of Artsakh meets with representatives of political forces represented in parliament of Artsakh

European Council approves 6th tranche of 500mn military aid to Ukraine

Turkey FM expresses readiness to meet with Armenia counterpart

Only 33% of Americans support Biden's re-election as U.S. president

Norwegian Foreign Minister to pay working visit to Armenia

Defense minister welcomes EU mission visit to Armenia (PHOTOS)

Valery Brusov linguistics university students holding protest march in Yerevan
Past daily of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes: Chairman of the Chamber of Auditors, Nairi Sargsyan, noted that today, in general, we [i.e., Armenia] are facing a number of challenges, some of which are obvious, some of whichhard to predict.

"Yes, realignments are taking place in the world, and against the background of those realignments, it is very difficult to predict from which specific direction what challenge the RA may face.

But it is obvious that we have a security issue related to Azerbaijan's by no means restrained and ever-increasing demands. There is no equivalent response from our country in any way. Against this background, let's add the global energy, food crises. Let's also take into account the recent events, which show that the RA authorities may decide to implement changes in external vectors.

In this regard, there can be several scenarios. If there is a vector change and we move out of the RF zone of influence, we can have very serious economic problems related to RF exports. We may also have a problem with [Russian natural] gas price tariffs. We also don't know if we can import [natural gas] from Iran or not.

These are assumptions that may or may not come true. Everything will depend on how they change the vector, whether they burn bridges or not. But it is obvious: there is a risk that the vector change could lead to the complete absence of [Armenias] exports to the RF, some restrictions. It is about 1/3 of the RF exports. This can have a serious, catastrophic effect on the economy," said N. Sargsyan in a conversation with Past.
Azerbaijan will keep the tension on the frontline until its proposed agenda is completed. Tigran Abrahamyan, secretary of the opposition "With Honor" Faction in the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia (RA) and a security expert, wrote about this on Facebook Saturday morning.

"Even the RA authorities assurance about recognizing Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)] as part of Azerbaijan will not stop Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan sees in the RA a governing force under whose conditions the Azerbaijani dream can be realized; and this is not only Artsakh, the corridor, or the so-called enclaves.

The source of neutralizing or mitigating threats of Azerbaijan is inside the country [i.e., Armenia] because no serious problem will be resolved without the removal of these [Armenian] authorities [from power].

And will it be resolved if they are removed?

In that case, Armenia will at least have a chance, which is not so in their [i.e., the incumbent Armenian authorities] case. I'm not even talking yet about the fact that the foci of external and internal confrontation have not been extinguished inside the country, and I myself see the possibility of smashing the faces of the Azerbaijanis under the conditions of normal [Armenian] authorities.

Maybe it's because I see the untapped potential of our armed forces, and I'm confident about the strength of many [Armenian] military personnel who are in the ranks or in the reserve today.

The [Armenian] state just needs to take care of its servicemen, the army, provide them with the resources to fight and win. In that case, we won't have a problem of tough guys fighting at the border and, in general, in the country," the opposition MP added.
German Bundestag member Till Mansmann, who is also President of the German-Armenian Forum, welcomed the agreement reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with the support of the European Union (EU), to respect their national borders, 1lurer.am reported.

"The agreement inspires hope that the tension in the South Caucasus region, which was caused as a result of Azerbaijan's [recent military] attack on Armenia, can be settled diplomatically. Reports of appalling human rights violations related to these military actions must now be intensively investigated. The crimes committed during and after the battles must lead to criminal prosecution and must not leave the international community indifferent," the German MP noted.

He expressed a conviction that the respect for the sovereignty of each and every country's territory, as well as the priority of refraining from the use of force according to international law, must be strictly observed.

"I sincerely thank the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, for working so quickly and intensively within the framework of the EU's value orientation, in order to reach the current agreement. As the President of the German-Armenian Forum, I call on the [German] Federal Government to join these activities and support the peace process in the South Caucasus," Mansmann noted.
Eduard Aghajanyan, Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia and a member of the ruling majority Civil Contract (CC) Faction in the NA, considers the points agreed by PM Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Prague to be serious progress. Aghajanyan stated about this in an interview with Factor TV.

He considers the two countries agreeing to recognize the territorial integrity of one another to be the most important agreement for the negotiation process that has started.

"I want to note, in particular, the importance of this. Without this important and fundamental point, it would not be possible to have any meaningful discussion about the peace treaty. This marks the beginning of this process, which is good news," said the CC lawmaker.

According to him, unfortunately, as a result and consequence of the 44-day Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) war in the fall of 2020, Armenia no longer has the opportunity and resources to ensure the rights and freedoms of the people of Artsakhincluding their safety.

"Perhaps the most important point of the November 9 agreement, the trilateral statement is the carrying out of the activities of the Russian peacekeeping mission in the area where our compatriots from Artsakh continue to live. And, still, we believe that in this matter we should rely on the tools of the international community, and do our best to inform the international community about the dire, existential problems that our compatriots are dealing with in Artsakh," Aghajanyan said.
Thai king tells families "I share your grief"

Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn meets with relatives of children killed in the massacre. Photo: AFP

Thailand's king has told bereaved families he "shares their grief" in a rare public address following a nursery massacre that killed dozens.



King Maha Vajiralongkorn met survivors and relatives at a hospital in northeastern Nong Bua Lam Phu province late on Friday, a day after an ex-policeman murdered 24 children and 12 adults on a three-hour gun and knife rampage in a sleepy rural area.



Buddhist funeral rites and prayers for the dead were expected to begin later on Saturday, starting three days of mourning for the victims of one of the country's worst ever mass killings.



As the king offered his help and condolences, grieving families knelt on the hospital floor -- as is Thai custom in the presence of the monarch, who is seen as semi-divine.



"I come here to give you support. I am extremely sad for what has happened. I share your sorrow, your grief," he said in video footage published online on Saturday.



"There are no words that can express the sorrow. I support you all and wish you to be strong, so the spirits of the children can be at ease."



The king, with Queen Suthida at his side, said he would pray for the dead.



"We have to do our best, the best that we can," he said.



The royal visit came after a day of grief at the small yellow-walled nursery on the edge of a village in Na Klang district, some 500 km north of Bangkok.



Heartbroken parents placed white roses one by one on steps of the nursery where their young children's lives were brutally cut short on Thursday afternoon by sacked police sergeant Panya Khamrab.



Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha joined the mourners on Friday, laying flowers and handing out compensation cheques to grieving families.



Some, struggling to comprehend the atrocity, wept inconsolably, clutching their children's favourite toys or blankets -- and in one case a half-full bottle of milk.



The dead include pregnant teacher Supaporn Pramongmuk, whose husband posted a poignant tribute on Facebook.



"I would like to say thank you for all the support for me and my family. My wife has fulfilled her every duty as a teacher," Seksan Srirach wrote.



"Please be a teacher in heaven, and my child please take care of your mother in heaven."



The attacker forced his way into the childcare centre at about 12.30 pm on Thursday to begin his murderous spree, opening fire with his own legally owned 9mm pistol and slashing with a knife.



Afterwards the 34-year-old went home to murder his wife and son before taking his own life, police said, ending the rampage at about 3 pm.



In total, he killed 24 children -- 21 boys and three girls -- and 12 adults. Most died from a combination of knife wounds and gunshots, according to police investigators.



PM Prayut has ordered a swift probe into the massacre, and it has emerged that Panya was sacked from the police for drug abuse.



Several people in the close-knit community have told AFP he was known in the area as a methamphetamine addict. (AFP)
As per the bid details issued by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), LIC will cut its stake in IDBI Bank to 19 per cent from 49.2 per cent, while the government will cut its share to 15 per cent from 45.5 per cent at present.

According to the conditions of the EoI, private sector banks, non-banking finance companies (NBFCs), foreign banks and even alternative investment funds registered by SEBI can bid for IDBI Bank.

The successful bidder has been mandated to scale down equity to 26 per cent in 15 years.

However, in the first five years starting from the date of acquisition, 40 per cent of equity capital would remain captive or locked, according to RBI guidelines.

--IANS ans/arm

( 177 Words)

2022-10-07-23:26:03 (IANS)
Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], October 8 (ANI/NewsVoir): SRM University-AP celebrated its second convocation on 08 October 2022, at 3 pm in APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium on campus. Former Chairman of ISRO, Dr K Radhakrishnan, addressed students as the day's chief guest. Dr S Chandrasekhar, Secretary, DST, was conferred an honorary doctorate at the ceremony. "Your inventive and fertile minds are the bedrock for realising Vision India 2047," said Dr S Radhakrishnan in his Convocation Address, appreciating the Class of 2022. He further expressed his delight in witnessing the Pan-India reach of SRM and its compelling vision for internationalisation and emerging as a world-class educational hub. The Guest of Honour Dr S Chandrasekhar, in his acceptance speech, congratulated the graduands and talked about his vision of a sustainable planet where India becomes an innovation-driven country in next 20 years. He further called upon the girl students of SRM AP to be the next generation leaders of tomorrow. Founder Chancellor of the university and Member of Parliament Dr T R Paarivendhar congratulated the graduands and medal winners for upholding the highest standards of intellectual and creative excellence. "Continue lifelong learning in your chosen fields and make your parents, alma mater and our nation proud," he added. "These graduands who go out to the world are our testament to the best in class Research, Placements, Entrepreneurship, and Higher Studies opportunities here," said the Pro-Chancellor of the University, Dr P Satyanarayanan. Vice Chancellor Prof Manoj K Arora, presented the Annual Report and highlighted that SRM AP is built on a solid foundation of excellent infrastructure, highly qualified faculty, humble supporting staff, bright students and generous management. Prof Arora elucidated that the university has 60 projects with an outlay of 24.06 crores funded by the Government of India and industry giants. When it comes to higher studies, 22 students from the Class of 2022 are admitted to Ivy League and QS top-ranked universities abroad with exciting scholarships. There has been 100 per cent placement for the last two consecutive years with an average salary of 7 LPA. The highest salary offered to the Class of 2022 is 44.91 LPA for two students. He also shared that SRM AP's Hatchlab Research Centre is an MSME Business Incubator where the government grants up to 15 Lakhs for making prototypes and 1 crore for setting up cutting-edge equipment. A landmark MoU with Indian Bank aids students with up to 50 crores for their start-up ventures. At the 2nd Convocation, 1153 students were presented with awards, degrees, and medals in BTech, BBA, BA, BSc, MBA and PhD programmes. Members of the Board of Management and Academic Council, Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof D Narayana Rao, Registrar Dr R Premkumar, Former Vice Chancellor and Advisor of the university Prof V S Rao, Deans, Directors, Heads of the departments, faculty and staff members, alums, parents of graduands were present on the occasion. This story has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content in this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)
Surat (Gujarat) [India], October 8 (ANI/PNN): Jainam Broking, a one-stop destination for all financial services, brought together investing stalwarts, market experts, and investors at Wealth Fest 1.0, its first-of-a-kind investment event in Surat on Saturday. The unique event provided the participants with an opportunity to directly interact with the investing stalwarts and practitioners and benefit from their unique insights and knowledge of the stock markets. "It is our privilege to be hosting Wealth Fest 1.0 in Surat and are thankful to the industry leaders and experts for gracing the event with their presence. We are also thankful to all the market enthusiasts and investors for their participation and for making Wealth Fest 1.0 a big success. The market experience and understanding we have amidst us in the form of our market stalwarts is unbelievable and I am confident we will all learn a lot from them," Milan Parikh, Co-founder and Managing Director of Jainam Broking, said in the welcome address. Wealth Fest 1.0 brought together five elite speakers - Rajeev Thakkar, Director & CIO of PPFAS Mutual Fund, Vivek Mashrani, Founder of Technofunda Ventures, Ishmohit Arora, Co-founder of Intrinsic Compounding, Tejas Jariwala, Research Head at Jainam Broking, and Arvind Kothari, Founder of Niveshaay. The elite speakers shared their insights into diverse topics such as controllable variables in investments, effectively screening companies to find consistent compounders, key to wealth creation, scuttlebutt in investing, and Do It Yourself investing. The speakers noted the numerous investment avenues available to investors in today's age but stressed the need to stick to the basics. They cautioned against investing in stocks on the basis of random gossip or market tips and advised doing due diligence before investing any money. More than 1,000 persons participated in the day-long event and benefited from the unique insights and knowledge of the market stalwarts. They also got a rare chance to have one-on-one talks with industry experts, network with the other participants, and learn about new investment opportunities. As many as ten companies also participated in an exhibition alongside the main event at the Platinum hall at Surat International and Exhibition and Convention Centre, Sarsana, and showcased various products and offerings. Jarvis was the Title Partner of Wealth Fest 1.0 and Stocktwits was the title co-title partner. CDSL was the platinum partner. Jainam Broking offers a complete bouquet of customised financial services, including equity trading, commodity trading, research and analysis, wealth management advisory, e-broking, and e-KYC, just to name a few. This story has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content in this article. (ANI/PNN)
In a historic step for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Government has approved the creation of a new branch, called the Weapon Systems (WS) branch, the Ministry of Defence said on Saturday. The creation of the Weapon Systems branch would entail unification of all weapon system operators under one entity dedicated to the operational employment of all ground-based and specialist airborne weapon systems, the ministry said in a statement. The branch would encompass operators in four specialised streams of Surface-to-Surface missiles, Surface-to-Air missiles, Remotely Piloted Aircraft and Weapon System Operators in twin/multi-crew aircraft. The branch will contribute immensely by enhancing the war fighting capability of the Indian Air Force, the Ministry of Defence said. The Indian Air Force celebrated its 90th anniversary today in Chandigarh and featured a dazzling air display over the Sukhna Lake with as many as 80 aircraft. A new combat uniform was also unveiled today. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshall VR Chaudhary, the chief guest, reviewed the parade and announced the creation of a new operational branch of the Air Force. "On this historic occasion, it's my privilege to announce that the government has approved the creation of a Weapon System Branch for the officers in the IAF. This is the first time since independence that a new operational branch is being created. This will essentially be for manning of force specialised streams of surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, remotely piloted aircraft, and weapon system operators in twin and multi-crew aircraft," Air chief VR Chaudhary said. Asserting that the combat potential of the Indian Air Force has to be sustained through the induction of modern fighter jets, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said his force has initiated steps to ensure that the squadron strength remains at the desired levels. The statement by the IAF comes at a time when the force has gone down to 30 squadrons instead of the 42 squadrons sanctioned by the government for it to be able to combat China and Pakistan simultaneously.(ANI)
Calling Lakshmi her "soul sista", Rakul took to Instagram and wrote, "Happiest happiest bdayyyyy to my soul sista .. you are unapologetic , liberated , kindest and beautiful inside out .. always stay the way you are HRH .. you know I love you and though we aren't celebrating together this year here is a bday memory we will never forget ..miss ya and have a greattttttt year."

Alongside the heartfelt wish, she shared her goofy image with Lakshmi.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Rakul will be seen sharing screen space with Ayushmann Khurrana and Shefali Shah in 'Doctor G', which is scheduled to release in theatres on October 14.

Written by Sumit Saxena, Saurabh Bharat, Vishal Wagh and Anubhuti Kashyap, Doctor G is a coming-of-age comedy-drama set in a medical campus and is a compelling and hilarious look at a male gynaecologist surviving an otherwise female-dominated world.

Rakul also has 'Chattriwali' in her kitty. The film revolves around an unemployed graduate who is desperate for a job in a small town and ends up taking the job as a condom tester which she hides from everyone around her. (ANI)
Tajikistani social media sensation Abdu Rozik, who's among the contestants on actor Salman Khan hosted reality show 'Bigg Boss 16', has released his maiden Hindi single, 'Chota Bhaijaan', on Saturday. The new song premiered on Rozik's YouTube channel and is a fun-filled ode to Salman, who is famously known as Bhaijaan among fans. In the song's music video, Rozik is seen imitating key fashion looks of the actor from films like 'Dabangg' and 'Wanted'. The lyrics of 'Chota Bhaijaan' spotlight Rozik's immense love and respect for his mentor whose legacy he effortlessly praises throughout the song. Speaking about his first Hindi single, Rozik said, "Today on 8th October 2022, I am launching my first ever Hindi song, a dream I had since I was young watching the old cassettes of all those old famous Hindi movies in my village in Tajikistan. I am personally dedicating this to Sir Salman Khan Bhaijaan who inspired me to visit India more and who gave me a chance in his movie Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ka Jaan." "I cannot speak Hindi yet...but I could not speak English either 5 months ago so I will do my very best for all of you and love you all for all your support. I have watched, loved, and listened to Hindi music since I was young so here, we go at the first attempt to sing Hindi," he continued. Earlier this year, Rozik was noticed by Salman during IIFA 2022 and was offered a role in his Farhad Samji directorial film 'Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan'. Talking about meeting the actor and working in his film, Rozik added, "I met Salman bhai at IIFA and bonded well with him. That's how we started talking, and he offered me a chance in Bollywood. This is my maiden venture in Bollywood and I'm nervous and excited. I am now lovingly called chota bhaijaan by people I meet and I'm humbled." Further speaking about the superstar, he said that Salman is a great human being who has a good heart, "I cannot be more grateful. I hope that I can repay him one day for this opportunity. He is a very sweet man." Meanwhile, life hasn't been a cakewalk for Rozik as he was diagnosed with Growth Hormone Deficiency and Rickets which meant at the age of 5 he stopped growing and his hormone development stopped. His family had minimal means of survival and couldn't afford any medical treatment for his disorder. Unable to read or write, Abdu started to hum his own tunes and write his own lyrics to block out the negativity and started to home-school himself. Later, while singing on the streets of Tajikistan he was spotted and sponsored by a member of the UAE's royal family. This helped Rozik to harness and hone his skills and allowed him to travel all over the world. (ANI)
Actor Sayani Gupta turned a year older on Sunday and she is celebrating her special day in Goa. "I wanted to have a quiet day. But some of my girlfriends planned a trip to Goa and I felt what's better than spending the day with my girls," she shared. A few days ago, she took to Instagram and shared a string of images with her close pals from the airport. "Birthday weekend has started with the girls!" Sayani captioned the post. In the images, we can also spot actor Mini Mathur. Meanwhile, on the work front, Sayani will be seen in the third season of 'Four More Shots Please!' The new season is all set to be out on Amazon Prime Video on October 21. Helmed by Joyeeta Patpatia and written by Devika Bhagat, the show also stars Kirti Kulhari, Manvi Gagroo and Bani J in the lead roles. Prateik Babbar, Lisa Ray, Neil Bhooplam, Rajeev Siddharth, Amrita Puri, Simone Singh and Samir Kochhar will be seen in supporting roles."The success of our first two seasons, has driven us to produce a power-packed season 3. 'Four More Shots Please!' travels to Italy and Punjab this season, apart from South Mumbai; the drama is bigger, the scale is larger, and the friendship is stronger. The show's nomination at the international Emmys in 2021 is a testament to the fact that 'Four Shots Please! has hit a personal note with audiences in India and internationally. There is really no other show that celebrates female friendships like Four More Shots Please! and I'm hopeful that our fandom will grow substantially with this new season." said producer Pritish Nandy. (ANI)
The team created a momentous video that consisted of fans across the globe wishing Big B. The fans expressed how the superstar is loved by every generation and how they relate to his journey as their own. The fans showered tremendous love and blessings, depicting their heartfelt emotions for their favourite megastar.

Rashmika Mandanna, who made her Bollywood debut with Goodbye, also wished Big B in this special video.

Currently, Film Heritage Foundation is screening Amitabh's iconic films in select theatres to celebrate the actor's contribution to Indian cinema.

"Back to the Beginning .. with the films from where my journey began in cinema .. Don and Mili nearly fifty years since they were released .. Now showing in Cinema .. Hoping to see more classics back on the big screen," Big B announced on social media.

Amitabh will next be seen in 'The Intern' remake with Deepika Padukone. He is also a part of 'Project K'. (ANI)
The Jharkhand Police have booked 11 people for allegedly beating a man to death over the matter of an inter-community love affair in the Mahuatand Police Station limits of the Dhawaia village of the state, the police informed on Friday. "In Dhawaiya village of Mahuatand police station area, villagers killed a person over a love affair. The deceased hailed from a Muslim community and was having an affair with a woman of a different community. As the locals were not happy with this, they attacked him yesterday (Thursday)," said Superintendent of Police, Bokaro. He further said that the victim was provided with medical treatment but later succumbed to his injuries. "The victim was provided medical treatment but succumbed to his injuries. Police have registered the case under relevant sections and 11 accused have been arrested," he added mentioning that the situation in the village is currently peaceful. Further investigation is underway. (ANI)
Earlier in the day, he visited Gandhi Ashram to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

Kharge addressed the party delegates and sought their support in the election.

Later speaking to media persons, he said, "I never intended to contest the presidential election, but senior party leaders and workers insisted that I should contest the election, (thus) I am contesting."

In another development, BJP leader Kuldipsinh Raulji from Savli taluka of Vadodara district joined Congress in presence of the state unit president Jagdish Thakor and other leaders.

Vadodara district Congress president Sagar Brahmbhatt told IANS this will help the party in long term as Raulji is a cooperative leader and grass root network in the district that will benefit the party.

However, BJP's Vadodara unit office bearer Natwarsinh Solanki told IANS, "Raulji has little influence on voters in the rural area... the BJP vote bank is very strong and committed, it does not get divided with one or two leaders quitting the party."

--IANS har/shs

( 208 Words)

2022-10-07-21:32:03 (IANS)
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday said it has been unanimously during an all-party meeting to hike reservation for the Scheduled Castes from 15 per cent to 17 per cent, and the Scheduled Tribes from 3 per cent to 7 per cent. Talking to reporters here after chairing a meeting of leaders of both the Houses to discuss Justice Nagamohan Das Committee report over the hike for quota for the SCs/ STs, he said this has been long-pending demand to hike reservation on the basis of the population. Accordingly, it was unanimously decided to increase reservation for the Scheduled Castes by 17 per cent and the Scheduled Tribes by 7 per cent. Prior to this meeting, the issue was discussed with the senior leaders of the party. Besides, a resolution was adopted in the core committee meeting held on Friday to hike the reservation for SCs/STs in order to show its commitment for social justice, and to take legal actions in this regard. The Chief Minister said as discussed in all party meeting, the government wants to implement the same. "A Cabinet Meeting will be convened tomorrow (Saturday) to discuss all recommendations of Justice Nagamohan Das Committee recommendations, and then issue a final notification in this regard. "The aspirations of all communities and religions have increased. There is a feeling that within the SCs/STs justice has not been done to many. In the wake of this, it has been decided to study the reports of all the commissions and to make a good decision," he said. The Chief Minister said that in the coming days, decisions regarding internal reservation among the SCs/STs will be taken in due consultation with experts and leaders of all parties, and also to ensure no injustice is done to the society. The government will take a suitable decision on reservation for the backward classes on the basis of reports and do justice for those people. Bommai said with these decisions, the quantum of reservation will not reduce. There is 50 per cent reservation in the State and the quantum of reservation will not reduce for the SC/ST, category 1, 2A and 2B. This reservation is given for above 50 per cent quota and the same has been underlined by Justice Nagamohan Das Committee and told by the government. It has been decided to give 10 per cent reservation for the economically backward communities which do not have reservation as per law. But this has been challenged in the Supreme Court and a verdict is awaited. Subsequently, the court verdict will be implemented. "Giving reservation without doing injustice to anyone is the real justice which is being done by the incumbent government," Bommai said. "The purpose of calling an all party meeting was to discuss this issue from all angles including legal and the Constitution and to take everyone into confidence besides creating harmony in the state," he added. --IANS mka/pgh ( 499 Words) 2022-10-07-21:36:04 (IANS)
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday chargesheeted 16 persons, including Lalu Prasad and his wife Rabri Devi, in connection with a job scam that took place during Lalu Prasad's tenure as Railway Minister in the UPA government. The CBI said that during investigation, it has been found that the accused persons in conspiracy with then General Manager and Chief Personnel Officer of Central Railway engaged persons in lieu of land either in their name, or in the name of their close relatives. It has been alleged that more than 1 lakh square feet of land belonging to job aspirants' families in Patna was reportedly transferred to Lalu Prasad's family in return for jobs. This land was acquired at prices lower than the prevailing circle rate and much lower than the market rate. "The candidates used false TC and submitted false attested documents to the Ministry of Railways," the CBI alleged in the chargesheet. The CBI has learnt that Lalu Prasad's wife Rabri Devi and daughter Hema Yadav were gifted land by job seekers who were later appointed in Railways. Haridayanand Chaudhary, a Railway employee, and Bhola Yadav, then OSD to Lalu Prasad, were earlier arrested by the CBI. Bhola was Lalu's OSD between 2004 and 2009. The CBI had registered the case against Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi, their two daughters -- Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav -- and 15 others, including unknown public servants and private persons. "During 2004-2009, Lalu Prasad had obtained pecuniary advantages in the form of transfer of landed property in the name of his family members in lieu of appointment of substitutes in Group D Post in different zones of Railways," a CBI official said. A number of residents of Patna, either themselves or through their family members, sold or gifted land to the family members of Lalu Prasad and a private company controlled by him and his family. They were also involved in transfer of such immovable properties. "No advertisement or any public notice was issued for the appointment of substitutes in Railways, yet the candidates, who were residents of Patna, were appointed as substitutes in different Railway zones in Mumbai, Jabalpur, Kolkata, Jaipur and Hazipur. Through this modus operandi, about 1,05,292 sq feet land in Patna was allegedly acquired by Lalu Prasad and his family members through five sales deeds and two gift deeds, showing the payment made to seller in cash in most of the land transfer, the CBI official said. --IANS atk/arm ( 423 Words) 2022-10-07-21:48:02 (IANS)
The flash flood in Mal River at Malbazar in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri during idol immersion on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami on Wednesday night "was not an accident rather a culpable murder", alleged the members of the BJP delegation who interacted with members of the families of some of the victims of the mishap on Friday. Atleast eight persons have reportedly been killed in the mishap while several are still missing. The BJP legislator from Siliguri assembly constituency, Shankar Ghosh told media persons on Friday that so many people died because of the callous approach of the district administration. "These are not accidental deaths. These are rather culpable murders," he alleged. The BJP delegation also filed a complaint at the local police station against the Malbazar Municipality and the state irrigation department, accusing the two of "deliberately engaging in diversion of route of Mal River through use of stone boulders". Meanwhile, BJP's state president in West Bengal and party MP, Sukanta Majumdar had said that "this illegal and artificial embankments on Mal River had been continuing for a long time by a section of officials and staff of Malbazar Municipality and the state irrigation department to facilitate the land and stone mafias in the area. The administration is directly responsible for the mishap." Refuting the allegations Trinamool Congress state general secretary and party spokesman, Kunal Ghosh said that the police personnel there had been constantly announcing and alerting the people to move out of the river since the water level was increasing. "Any death is tragic. But more tragic is the politics over bodies," he said. --IANS src/shs ( 284 Words) 2022-10-07-22:56:01 (IANS)
Chief Minister Pema Khandu tweeted, "Saddened by passing away of Tempa Ji... May Lord Buddha provide peace to his soul..."

Earlier on Thursday, the Congress leader complained of abdomen pain and was hospitalized on Friday evening. Tempa's condition worsened due to low blood pressure.

Tempa worked as a bureaucrat before joining active politics. He studied MA in International Relations and M.Phil in Diplomacy from JNU, New Delhi.

In 2019, Tempa unsuccessfully contested an INC ticket from 2-Tawang Assembly Constituency against BJP's Tsering Tashi.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein expressed his condolences on his demise and said, "Deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of a senior leader of our State and former Minister, Shri Thupten Tempa ji. His contributions to the development of our State shall always be remembered. My thoughts & prayers are with his family and well-wishers at this hour. My Heartfelt condolences! May his soul rest in eternal peace."

While, MP Tapir Gao tweeted, " I am really saddened to hear about the passing away of Shri Thupten Tempa ji, a very senior leader of our state. I pray Lord Buddha gives strength to the bereaved family to overcome the loss at this time and also offer my deepest condolences. May his Soul Rest in Peace.

State BJP president, Biyuram Wahge said " I am deeply shocked to know about the sudden demise of our veteran leader Shri Thupten Tempa ji. My deepest condolences go to the bereaved family in this hour of grief. May his soul rest in peace. (ANI)
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the government is committed to increase the domestic dairy market of Rs 13 lakh crore to Rs 30 lakh crore by 2027, adding India has a huge opportunity to supply milk to countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Speaking at the Eastern and North-Eastern Cooperative Dairy Conclave 2022, the Union Minister said that to explore this market, the government is setting up a multi state cooperative which would act as an export house. He said that the government has made many animal husbandry schemes in the last 7 years and the budget of Rs 2,000 crore has been increased to Rs 6,000 crore. Shah said that the Ministry of Cooperation and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) have planned in the next 5 years a Multipurpose PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Society) in every Panchayat that along with distribution of dairy, FPO, Agriculture and Gas Production would make arrangements for LPG distribution, petrol pump and storage and marketing. He said that the biggest benefit of this is going to be for the eastern and northeastern region of the country because the least PACS is registered here. If one multipurpose PACS having dairy is opened in every panchayat in the northeast, then no one can stop the prosperity of east and northeast India, he pointed out. Dairy industry is the only way for women empowerment, eradication of poverty and doubling of farmer's income, along with making dairy, a system of nutrition is made for thousands of crores of children. The Union Minister urged all the NGOs working in the field of women empowerment to focus on dairy industry because dairy industry is the best example of women empowerment. The gas produced with dairy helps the environment, cow dung helps in natural farming and natural farming improves human health. Shah said that for many years, a huge demand in the country was the demand for eradication of poverty, empowerment of farmers, fishermen, handicraft artisans and lakhs and crores of tribals through the cooperative sector. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, airports, rail links, new national highway networks, irrigation systems and new industries have been set up in every state of the northeast. Saying that Modi calls the "Northeast as Ashtalakshmi", the Union Cooperation Minister said: "We have to move forward in such a way that these eight states (of northeast region) become the states that generated 8 types of capital." Shah later unveiled the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Raj Bhavan in Gangtok. --IANS sc/pgh ( 447 Words) 2022-10-07-23:14:03 (IANS)
A man, who works as a bouncer at a beer bar here, barged into the office of a finance company on Friday and terrorised those present there by wielding a knife, claiming to have committed as many as seven murders. The incident took place near the Habibganj railway station. Around 30 people were held hostage for around an hour before the police reached the spot and arrested the bouncer. The man has been identified as Subham Thakur alias Badshah. As per the police, the owner of the finance firm had rented the building and was in the process of shifting his office to some other location. When the entire staff of the firm was busy in shifting, Thakur barged in wielding a knife. "You don't know me, I am Badshah Thakur. I have committed seven murders. I will not allow anyone to go out of this office," Thakur could be heard saying in a video that went viral on social media. According to Commissioner of Police, Makrand Deoskar, "There was some dispute over rent between the firm owner and the landlord. The landlord, who also operates a beer bar in the same locality, sent his bouncer to terrorise the office staff. Strict action will be taken against the bouncer and his employer." No one was hurt in the incident. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also took congnisance of the matter and directed the police to take strict action against the accused persons. Later, another video surfaced in which the bouncer could be seen apologising at the police station. "Sorry, I committed a big mistake, I will not repeat it in future. Please pardon me," Thakur could be heard saying. --IANS pd/arm ( 297 Words) 2022-10-07-23:20:04 (IANS)
Police rescued him, gave him first aid and referred him to the hospital, he added.

An FIR was filed against unidentified persons seen in the footage (viral) and arrests are to be made soon, the ASP further said. (ANI)
A US-based leader of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) is of the view that India has succeeded in exposing Pakistan in Kashmir but "they are totally wrong in entertaining the idea of defeating Kashmiris" and added that "it is a matter of time before a new form and resistance style will hit the road." In an interview, Altaf Qadri, holding the post of acting Chairman of JKLF after Yaseen Malik's sentence for life, justified his coming to the US "to discharge his duties to create a favourable understanding for an independent sovereign Kashmir. The US has a consistent position on Kashmir that will facilitate any political engagement and solution between India and Pakistan that is acceptable to Kashmiris." However, he said that JKLF is striving to discard the false narrative and political impression that the Kashmir dispute is between India and Pakistan. "The actual issue is concerning the fact that the front does not want any foreign forces on its land including China." When asked does the demand for an independent Kashmir pragmatic approach, Qadri replied, "As far as our position is concerned, we do not doubt it. Yet we are open to engaging and listening to the opposite point of view." Qadri's response indicates that JKLF will approach the Kashmir dispute with a flexible mind and determined objective. With confidence in the US' consistent position on Kashmir, Qadri said, " The US will facilitate any political engagement and solution between India and Pakistan that is acceptable to Kashmiris." That is an oversimplification of the geopolitical atmosphere. In reply to a question on China's position if J&K becomes an independent state, without mincing the words Qadri said, "There is no reason for India, Pakistan and China to be nervous or sceptical that independent sovereign Kashmir will turn into an American bastion. America is more close to India, Pakistan and China. There are multiple accords, consortiums and partnerships between America, India, Pakistan and China. Therefore, there are no plausible reasons for any of these countries to be worried about the independence of Kashmir." Pakistan's position on the question of liberation of Kashmir is very clear: It's committed to the UN resolution which gives Kashmiris only two options of either joining India or Pakistan through a plebiscite -no third option. Pakistan considers any talk of the third option (independence) as anti-Pakistan. As far as India's position is concerned, the whole of Jammu and Kashmir is its integral part. The promoters of the JKLF could not be so naive as not to know the impossibility of its goal. Yet they launched it and led thousands of Kashmiris to their grave in the insurgency unleashed by the JKLF in 1988 on order from the ISI. In 1994, the Front decided to give up violence, but now it may have up its ante, with a difference. Over this, Qadri empathically made it clear "It is a matter of time before a new form and resistance style will hit the road. Believe it or not, that will shock the whole Indian intelligentsia. Nevertheless, it will deeply pain me to see another generation of Kashmir thrown again into a violent phase that was avoidable." If Qadri's claim (that the JKLF is secular) at its face value is taken, then it should be closer to India than to rabidly communal Pakistan. But the fact is that this "secular" Front is always waging war against secular India and keeps its eyes closed to the slaving Kashmiris in "Azad" Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. However, he caused confusion by implying that Pakistan is with JKLF in its demand for independence. He said, "Our focus on an independent Kashmir will continue, as long as Pakistan remains open-minded to this option because we will have no issue with them,...? Does it mean Pakistan is amenable to the third option? Whatever the so-called liberation outfits may say, the fact is they are all dipped in Pakistan's Islamic ideology on the basis of which it makes claims to Kashmir. These outfits only work as slave agents against India. They are indifferent to the plight of Kashmiris confined to the 86,023 sq.-miles area that Pakistan has been under its illegal occupation for the past 75 years. These outfits did not protest when Pakistanis began occupying Gilgit-Baltistan in 1988 and captured its politics, administration, economy, and business. When Pakistan settlers demand provincial status for Gilgit-Baltistan it is falsely taken to be the demand of the whole of Gilgit-Baltistan. The liberation activists do not bother about protestors being jailed on charges of terrorism. JKLF did not raise the issue when Pakistan allowed China to build China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) through Gilgit-Baltistan treating Kashmiris as non-existent in the same fashion when in March 1963 Pakistan gave away 2,500 sq. miles of territory in Hunza (Shaksgam Valley) to China despite protests from the Mir of Hunza. Pakistan flouted its so-called commitment to the rights of Kashmiris. Will JKLF ever ask Pakistan to get back this Kashmiri territory? Qadri in a diplomatic answer said, "The JKLF believed that all occupiers must vacate every inch of our motherland." Disclaimer: The author of this opinion piece is R C Ganjoo, a senior journalist and columnist. (ANI)
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar wrote a letter to the Law Ministry proposing to limit one person to contest only from one constituency at a time. At present, one eligible person can contest elections from two different seats or constituencies. The move comes in the backdrop of the poll panel recently delisting 284 defaulting and non-compliant registered unrecognised political parties (RUPPs), declaring more than 253 of them. As per statutory requirements under section 29A of the RP Act, every political party has to communicate any change in its name, head office, office bearers, address, and PAN to the Commission without delay. Eighty-Six RUPPs were found to be non-existent either after a physical verification carried out by the respective Chief Electoral Officers of concerned states/UTs or based on the report of undelivered letters/notices from the Postal Authority sent to the registered address of the concerned RUPP. This decision against 253 non-compliant RUPPs was taken based on reports received from Chief Electoral Officers of seven states namely Bihar, Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. These 253 RUPPs were declared inactive, as they did not respond to the letter/notice delivered to them and have not contested a single election either to the General Assembly of a State or the Parliament Election 2014 and 2019. These RUPPs were failed to comply with statutory requirements for more than 16 compliance steps since 2015. In his letter written to Union law Minister Kiren Rijiju in September, CEC also proposed to cap cash donation at 20 per cent or at Rs 20 crore whichever is lower, sources told ANI. The sources on Saturday said that the Election Commission has proposed bringing down anonymous political donations from Rs 20,000 to Rs 2,000 to cleanse election funding of black money. In the letter, CEC has recommended a slew of amendments to the Representation of the People (RP) Act.According to the proposal, political parties are not required to report the cash received below Rs 2,000.As per rules in force currently, political parties have to disclose all donations above Rs 20,000 through their contribution report that is submitted to the ECI. Earlier, the income tax department conducted raids in multiple states as part of a pan-India tax evasion probe against certain registered unrecognised political parties (RUPP) and their alleged dubious financial transactions.The activities were taken by the department on a recent recommendation of the Election Commission which recently struck off at least 198 entities from its list of RUPP after they were found non-existent during physical verification. The poll panel had announced that it was taking action against more than 2,100 entities, categorised as RUPP by it, for flouting rules and election laws, including those related to the filing of monetary contributions, failing to update their address and names of office bearers. (ANI)
A Delhi Court issued notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on a regular bail plea of businessman Ajay Ramesh Nawandar, arrested in connection with an alleged bank fraud of Rs. 34,615 crores by Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Limited (DHFL). He is presently on interim bail on medical grounds. Special Judge Vishal Gogne on Friday sought a response from the CBI and listed the matter for arguments on October 12, 2022. "Let notice of the present bail application be issued to the CBI for filing reply. List for filing of reply of the CBI, if any, and arguments on the bail application on 12.10.2022," said the court. According to the fresh regular bail plea, the applicant is severely ill suffering from various medical ailments and is in the worst of fragile health. The applicant has to undergo various surgeries and thus needs bail. Advocate Hemant Shah appeared for Ajay R Nawandar and submitted that the applicant was arrested in the aforesaid matter on the premise that two paintings have been recovered from the premise of the applicant which belonged to the promoters of DHFL however the applicant had already stated earlier that the same did not belong to the applicant and he was merely a custodian. Advocate Shah also submitted that the applicant was never associated with DHFL or its erstwhile promoters and had no connection with them and none of the offences being investigated are made out against the applicant. The lawyer also stated that none of the ingredients as registered by CBI are not even remotely made out against the applicant and prior to the arrest of the applicant, he had rendered full cooperation during the investigation. Without prejudice, it is sufficient to mention that it is the case of the investigating agency that some recoveries have been affected at the instance of the applicant but not from him. This is the second bail please that has been moved by Ajay R Nawandar. Earlier the same court had dismissed the regular bail petition of the accused and said that the offences are economic in nature but on account of the investigation into the present offences being intricate, the accused prima facie being complicit at some stage of the handling/diversion of the humongous funds originating from the loans, a strong likelihood of him tampering with evidence and the foreseeable possibility of him influencing witnesses if admitted to bail. According to the CBI, during the searches at Nawandar's premises, it recovered a large number of uber-luxury watches worth crores of rupees, including Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Cartier, Omega and Hublot Michael Kors. "During the investigation, it was found that the promoters had allegedly diverted the funds and made investments in various entities. It was also alleged that the promoters had acquired expensive paintings and sculptures worth about Rs. 55 Crore (approx.) using the diverted funds," said CBI officials. The Promoters of DHFL, Kapil Wadhawan and Dheeraj Rajesh Wadhawan were also arrested by the CBI and are presently in Judicial custody. A case was registered on a complaint from Union Bank of India, Industrial Finance Branch, Mumbai against a private (borrower) company based in Mumbai, its then CMD, then Director and others including a private person, private companies, unknown public servant(s) and private persons on the allegations that the accused cheated a consortium of 17 banks led by Union Bank of India to the tune of over Rs. 34,615 crore (approx.) by siphoning off loans availed from the banks and falsifying the books of said private (Borrower) company and creating Shell Companies/false entities, which had come to be known as "Bandra Book Entities". It was alleged that the said private company and its promoters had created a number of shell companies and fictitious entities (the Bandra Book entities) and siphoned off huge funds by disbursing funds to such fictitious entities. It was further alleged that separate audits conducted by other private audit accounting organisations had identified multiple instances of diversion of funds by the accused for personal benefits and falsification of books of accounts to camouflage and conceal dubious transactions. The audits also identified several instances where large-value loans were provided to such fictitious entities without due diligence and without securities. Instances of sanction and disbursement of loans, merely by e-mail communications were allegedly found for which no loan files were maintained in the said private (Borrower) company. (ANI)
Giant thermal power plant in Quang Tri halted

Thailand's Ministry of Energy has decided to halt a VND55 trillion (USD2.31 billion) thermal power project in the central province of Quang tri.



According to Vo Van Hung, chairman of Quang Tri Peoples Committee, at the second energy forum between Thailand and Vietnam which took place in Bangkok on October 6, the Thai Ministry of Energy announced a halt to the Quang Tri 1 Thermal Power Plant.




President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condoled the loss of lives in the accident in which a bus collided with a truck and caught fire in Nashik city in the early hours of Saturday. At least 11 persons, including a child, died and over 20 people were injured after a Mumbai- bound bus caught fire after a collision with a trailer truck in Maharashtra's Nashik this morning said the city police adding that the injured people have been taken to hospital, as per the police. Prime Minister Modi and chief minister Shinde also announced ex gratia for the kin of the deceased. "I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of many people in a bus fire in Nashik. In this accident, I express my deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. I wish the injured people a speedy recovery," President Murmu said in a tweet. The Prime Minister's office tweeted, "Anguished by the bus tragedy in Nashik. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones in this mishap. May the injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected." PM further said that the ex-gratia of Rs two lakh will be given from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured in the accident. Chief minister Shinde also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased. Shinde further said that the state government would bear the expenses of the treatment for the injured people in the unfortunate accident. Guardian Minister of Nashik, Dada Bhuse told ANI that the passenger bus was headed to Mumbai from Yavatmal when it collided with a truck which was on its way to Pune from Nashik. "All the injured are being treated in Nashik and the state government will bear all the medical expenses of those injured. CM has announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh rupees each to the next of kin of those who died in this unfortunate incident. I am also going to the spot to assess the situation, Bhuse said. "A luxury bus and a trailer truck collided with each other. A fire broke out due to the impact. 11 casualties so far. 30 people had started from Yavatmal and 19 people boarded the bus in the middle. They are being identified," Nashik Police Commissioner Jayant Naiknavare said. All senior officials including Colletor, Municipal Commissioner, and Police Commissioner are on the spot to coordinate rescue operations, the official said. Nashik Administration has set up a control room and issued contact numbers for disaster management and the district civil hospital to give and receive more information about the victims in the mishap. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadanavis offered his condolence to the families and said, "Deeply pained to know about the unfortunate accident of a private bus and tanker in Nashik. Heartfelt condolences to families who lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured." He further said that all the injured were admitted to Civil Hospital and provided immediate assistance and for the coordination, MLA Devyani Pharande Tai too at the hospital. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased. "A road accident in Nashik (Maharashtra) is heartbreaking. I offer my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this horrific accident and pray for the speedy recovery of those who are injured," Shah said. (ANI)
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday fulfilled his promise of a 'helicopter ride' to the toppers of class 10 and 12 examinations. "Helicopter ride Look how happy the children are! We promised to provide helicopter rides to the toppers of classes 10th and 12th and it has started today. 125 students will enjoy the helicopter joyride," CM Baghel tweeted. Following the announcement made by CM Baghel in May 2022, it is for the first time that meritorious students of the state are honoured uniquely. Among the 125 to take a joyride, 90 students topped in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exams while 35 held the merit for Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams. The "unique honour" for the students began at 8 am today when all these students were given the rides via the helipad at Raipur's Police Parade Ground, which flew around 18 times for the children as it has a seating capacity of 7 persons only. Notably, the Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education had received consent letters from the parents of 119 students. "The programme led by the CM is unique in its own way as it encourages the students, even from the Tribal areas of the state, to work harder and attain higher marks in the exams. Out of 119 students who came for the ride 84 were girls and 41 were boys, who hail from different districts of the state, including Jaspur, Janjgir- Champa," said Premsai Singh Tekam, Chhattisgarh Education Minister. Thanking CM Baghel after the joyride, a class 12 student, Kumari Kunti said that they have seated in the helicopter for the first time. "I have received so many congratulations and appreciation as they say that I am the first daughter in the village to get a helicopter ride. This will also motivate the viewers to study well and achieve high scores in life," she said. Expressing pleasure with the gesture, another student Asif said that the adults in his house were quite nervous but he had a very good experience. The parents of a student Nashreen Bano also expressed their happiness over the helicopter ride of their daughter and said that parents should support their children and their dreams. "It is very much satisfying to see that the Chhattisgarh government stood at its words and fulfilled the promise," they said. (ANI)
A Bihar-based lawyer approached the Supreme Court raising grievances related to the low case disposal rate of the Patna High Court and urged the top court to issue directions to appoint 5 ad hoc judges dedicated exclusively for deciding the pending bail applications. The plea has been filed by lawyer Pramod Kumar Pandey, who practiced in Patna High Court through his advocate Roshan Santhalia. The lawyer in his plea said that he has preferred Public Interest Litigation to enforce fundamental rights, particularly Article 21, which encompasses within its fold, the right to speedy trial and justice, of persons accused of various offenses. The petitioner said that petition is also directed against the abysmally low case disposal rate of the Patna High Court, especially over virtual hearings since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020. "The inefficiency and lethargic dealing by the High Court reached a new high in 2021." As per the data provided by the NJDG, the case clearance rate of the Patna High Court dipped as low as 41.98% in the year 2021 as against 87.98% in 2020, making it the least efficient High Court in 2021 near by Rajasthan High Court with a case clearance percentage of 59.37% for the year 2021, the petition said. "Within the criminal cases category, the disposal rate of bail applications during the ongoing pandemic is concerning. Thousands of applicants are standing in queues seeking an opportunity of being heard. While over 40,000 bail applications have been filed in the year 2021 (to date), hardly any have been listed and heard by the Hon'ble Justices of the Patna High Court," read the petition. "The Cause List for 19.07.2021 reflects that the bail applications which are being listed for hearing are those which were filed in the year 2020, and even those are being heard and disposed of at an abysmally low rate," the petition said. "Needless to mention that the group of Applicants who filed these Applications/Petitions include undertrial prisoners languishing in jails for a long duration now with no hope of trial in sight as the Courts are practically non-functional; others are prisoners having pressable concerns, however, the opportunity to present their case for bail has become a distant dream," the petition said. The petition also mentioned the functioning of Patna High Court at about half its capacity. The matter will be heard by the Supreme Court on Monday October 10. The petition has sought to issue direction to the Registrar, High Court of Judicature at Patna for expediting the hearing process and submit monthly disposal rate of bail petitions before the SC; and to direct the Chief Justice of the High Court of Judicature at Patna to take appropriate measures through which the bail remedy becomes efficacious for all those who have been given token numbers and are in the queue waiting for their hearing. The petition also sought to direct the Registrar / Chief Justice of the High Court of Judicature at Patna to immediately commence the procedure for appointing 5 ad hoc judges dedicated exclusively for deciding the pending bail applications under Article 224A of the Constitution in pursuance of the Lok Prahari v. Union of India & Others decided by the Supreme Court. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Congress President Kamal Nath has sought a reply from Satna MLA Siddharth Kushwaha and Kotma MLA Suneel Saraf who have been accused by a woman of molesting her onboard a train. Kamal Nath has also constituted a committee to look into the matter. Both MLAs were allegedly accused by a woman of molesting her onboard a train on Friday, said the Madhya Pradesh police. The Railway police received the information of molestation and a team of officials was sent to the train. "We received info about the molestation of a woman on a train bound for Bhopal from Rewa. Police officials were sent on the train. There are two accused named Siddharth Kushwaha and Sunil Saraf, they are yet to be nabbed", said SHO, GRP, Sagar.However, the MLAs claim to be innocent and they said that the accusations are false and baseless. Stating the claims to be false Congress MLA Siddharth Kushwaha said that they were standing at the gate of the train to Katni station. "These allegations are baseless, nothing as such happened. She is speaking anything, what was she doing on our seat? Nothing from our end was done, only she can tell what happened. We were standing at the gate of the train till Katni", he said. Meanwhile, Congress MLA Sunil Saraf said that they were dumbfounded by the woman's claims adding, "When the police came, we came to know about allegations". MLA Sunil Saraf further added that there were other people on the train too but nobody said anything. The woman was sleeping on one of our berths. Her child was waking up due to a sound made by the door and she moved to another seat. When the police came, we came to know about the allegations. (ANI)
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar on Friday claimed that the biggest contribution to Bollywood has come from the Muslim community and one cannot ignore that. The former Maharashtra Chief Minister said that the minorities and the Urdu language have contributed to all the fields of the country. "Today, in all the fields, whether it is art, whether it is writing, or whether it is poetry, the highest contribution has come from the Minorities and has come in the Urdu language," Pawar said. The NCP Chief said that the Muslim minorities have contributed the most in taking Bollywood to the top. "We have Bollywood in front of us, which has contributed the most in taking it to the top, it is the Muslim minorities who have contributed the most and we cannot ignore their contribution," Pawar further said. (ANI)
The Arunachal Pradesh police arrested one more accused in the APPSC Assistant Engineer (AE) examination paper leakage case, thus taking the arrest count to 10, the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Special Investigation Cell (SIC) confirmed on Saturday. "Earlier six persons were arrested by the capital police and now the SIC has arrested four more, including the one on Thursday," Anant Mittal, SP, SIC said. The case of APPSC AE examination paper leakage case, which was earlier investigated by the Capital police was transferred to the SIC after massive democratic protests, as one Gyamar Padung lodged a complaint on August 29 and a case was registered in the matter under sections 420 (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 406 (Punishment for criminal breach of trust), and 409 (Criminal breach of trust by public servant, or by banker, merchant or agent) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on September 10. Notably, more than 400 candidates participated in the AE Examination this year on August 26 and 27. All legal formalities and norms of professionalism are being maintained during the investigation. SIC is committed to ensuring justice for the aggrieved and requests anyone with concrete evidence or details of the case to come forward and report the same. (ANI)
The Uttarkhand Police has increased the charges on the accused of the murder of Ankita Bhandari whose body was recovered from Chilla canal in Rishikesh on September 24. Based on the evidence collected and the recorded statements of the witnesses, the police have increased section 354 A (Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and have added section 5 of the Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act, DIG P Renuka Devi told ANI. DIG further said that they are interrogating everyone in the case and recording their statements. "The evidence has been collected and sent to the forensic lab while some other evidence are sent to the Chandigarh lab," DIG added mentioning that they have urged the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for giving the reports promptly as it is a "sensitive matter". 19-year-old Ankita was missing for at least six days before the Uttarakhand administration recovered her body from the Chilla canal in Rishikesh on September 24. The Son of expelled BJP leader Vinod Arya, Pulkit Arya was arrested in the case for allegedly pushing her into the canal following an altercation. Besides Pulkit Arya, two more people were arrested in the case. On October 3, it was revealed that the post-mortem report filed by the panel of doctors and the pieces of evidence collected by the SIT are matching. The main culprits of the Ankita murder case were brought back to the district jail Khadusain after three days of police remand on October 2 as the Kotdwar Court had granted three-day remand to three accused of Ankita Bhandari's murder, including the main accused Pulkit Arya. Arya is the son of expelled BJP leader Vinod Arya, who allegedly pushed her into the canal following an altercation. (ANI)
Seven bodies were brought to Matli Helipad on Saturday from Draupadi ka Danda mountain peak in Uttarakhand, where an avalanche hit a team of mountaineers on the October 4 morning. The bodies were recovered on Friday as the death toll rose to 26. The search and rescue operation is in progress for the remaining three mountaineers. "Seven dead bodies were brought from the advanced base camp to Matli helipad after they were recovered from the spot of the incident. We will try to recover more bodies as per the weather," said Abhishek Ruhela, District Magistrate, Uttarkashi. According to the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), as many as 29 persons including two instructors and 27 trainees went missing when the avalanche hit Draupadi ka Danda mountain peak in Uttarakhand. "Search and Rescue operation is in progress at the disaster site. Helibome operation is ON. Evacuation of dead bodies by helicopter will be done depending on the weather conditions. Search and rescue in progress for remaining three trainees," the NIM said in a statement. Personnel from various teams of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), the Air Force, the Army and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the High Altitude War School in Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir have been deployed in the rescue operations. The rescue operation is being hampered due to bad weather conditions. Sub Divisional Magistrate, Bhatwadi, Chatar Singh said that four more bodies of the trainee mountaineers were brought on Friday morning, which have been taken for post-mortem. Mountaineers from the NIM participating in a training course were trapped in a glacier crevice on Tuesday morning after an avalanche hit the peak. The team was returning after summiting. About 41 trainees and instructors of the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering were hit by an avalanche. The institute said that the Advanced Mountaineering Course commenced on September 14 at NIM Uttarkashi. The course moved to the mountain on September 23 with 41 people- 34 trainees and seven instructors and one nursing assistant. The group arrived at the Base Camp on September 25. As per the training programme, the course went on for high altitude training from October 2-October 4. After summiting the 5670 metre altitude Mt Draupadi ka Danda II the team was on its way back when the avalanche struck at around 8:45 am above camp 1 in which 34 trainees and 7 instructors got caught, according to a release by the NIM on October 4. (ANI)
A two-day-old girl child was found abandoned in a garbage dump in Harijan Basti of Rajokri village in the national capital and is currently being treated at a private hospital in Vasant Kunj. The newborn was handed over to the hospital authorities by the local police. The child was discovered by two people who were passing by and alerted the police. The baby is currently in the neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj in a serious condition and is being assessed by doctors for any additional or underlying medical conditions. A team of doctors led by Dr Rahul Nagpal, Director and HOD, Pediatrics, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj immediately intervened and took the baby into their care. On preliminary examination, it appeared that the baby was born less than 24-48 hours ago, was looking blue and her body weight was only two kilograms, lower than the usual weight for a newborn. Dr Nagpal said, "The baby was drenched due to rain, extremely weak and in a hypothermic state with the umbilical cord attached. She appeared to be a preterm baby and her body temperature was 33 degrees Celsius, lower than the normal 36.4 degrees Celsius. Our team resuscitated her and wrapped her in warm clothing after cleaning her. She was then shifted to the neonatal intensive care unit." Dr Nagpal further said that the girl child is responding to treatment. "At present, we are monitoring the oxygen saturation level, correcting her blood sugar, and have stabilized her. We are conducting a few tests to know whether she has any additional medical conditions or if there is any brain damage. The baby is responding to treatment which is a good sign. Fortis Vasant Kunj and its doctors are committed to try our best to save the child." Dr Nagpal added. The people who discovered the abandoned child said that they will be happy to adopt the child, if possible, post her recovery. "We were going for our morning walk and as we passed a garbage dump, we discovered a baby lying with almost no clothes. We immediately informed the local police, who brought the newborn to Fortis Vasant Kunj. We will be happy to adopt the child, if possible, post her recovery," the local residents said. Despite efforts by the government and other stakeholders, as per the latest data available, India has 29.6 million orphaned and abandoned children as per UNICEF. Delhi topped the list among states with the highest number of infants abandoned in any city in India between 2015-2020 according to the National Crime Records Bureau 2020 report. Among other states, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Gujarat registered a high number of abandoned babies, foeticide and infanticides combined within the same period. The key factors may be primarily poverty, archaic societal norms, lack of support services and childcare homes for single mothers and postpartum depression. (ANI)
Around 40,000 kilograms of drugs were destroyed in the North-Eastern states in the presence of the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Home Minister's office said on Saturday. As per the Home Minister's tweet, drugs weighing around 11,000 kg in Assam, 8000 kg in Arunachal Pradesh, 4000 kg in Meghalaya, 1600 kg in Nagaland, 398 kg in Manipur, 1900 kg in Mizoram, 1500 kg in Tripura and 12,000 kg in Tripura were destroyed. Home Minister Amit Shah is on a visit to Assam. He was addressing a public gathering at the inauguration of the newly built BJP office-- Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan in Guwahati, which is spread over 95,000 square feet and is the party's biggest office in the northeastern region. While addressing the public, Shah said that the government would remove Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) only after installing peace in northeast India. "Rahul Gandhi gave Congress an agenda to remove AFSPA from the northeast if they came to power (in 2019), for the sake of appeasement. When it was asked of me, I said we will first bring peace in the northeast and then only will remove AFSPA, which would not happen just for appeasement," Shah said. This is Shah's first visit to the state after the extension of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the region. The Home Minister also assured the people of Assam that the government would make the state 'flood-free' in the next five years. "Earlier, during Assembly elections, I said that we made Assam free from terrorism and strikes. Now give us five years we will make Assam free from floods," Shah said while reviewing a meeting chaired by him in Guwahati to make the state of Assam flood free. He said that it is the resolution of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government to bring Northeast to the mainstream for its development, as is also evident from regular visits of BJP leaders Amit Shah and JP Nadda to the region. (ANI)
Apparently targeting the ruling dispensation in poll-bound Gujarat and reacting to the posters that surfaced calling him "anti-Hindu", Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said that he was born on Krishna Janmashtami and God sent him with a special task to finish off "descendants" of Kansa. He alleged that the posters and banners have used insulting words for God adding that the people of Gujarat will not spare those who have used such words. "The people put the poster have used insulting words for God. They have insulted God. They hate me so much that they have not even spared God in the poster. I want to ask the people of Gujarat if they are going to spare those who have used such words. These people are the children of Kansa, who are insulting God," said Kejriwal while addressing in Vadodara. He further called himself a religious person and an ardent devotee of Lord Hanuman. "I was born on Krishna Janmashtami and God has sent me with a special task to finish off the descendants of Kansa, the corrupts and goons," said Kejriwal. Trying to put an end to the controversy over alleged "anti-Hindu" statements by AAP's Delhi Social Welfare Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam in Delhi. Gautam converted to Buddhism in a religious conversion event in which he allegedly denounced Hindu deities. He further said that they (AAP) all will fulfil this task given by God. "We will work together to fulfil God's desire. God is with me. People are with me. People want a change, which is why they are so freaked out," he said. The Delhi Chief Minister also chanted "Jai Shri Ram" and "Jai Shri Krishna" slogans during his road show along with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Earlier in the day, banners and posters calling Arvind Kejriwal "anti-Hindu" and showing him wearing a skull appeared in several cities of Gujarat. AAP made its debut in Gujarat in the 2017 Assembly polls, but could not open its account. AAP's hopes in Gujarat have been fuelled by its performance in the February 2021 Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) polls in which BJP won 93 seats, while Aam Aadmi Party bagged 27 seats and the Congress drew a blank. Meanwhile, in the 2017 Assembly elections, Congress had given a scare to the ruling BJP by restricting its MLAs to 99 and winning 77 seats on its own. There are 182 assembly seats in Gujarat. Notably, the party has been constantly making efforts to replace the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Gujarat. (ANI)
India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday said all 12 stations in the national capital received moderate rainfall today and it is likely to reduce from tomorrow but the sky will remain cloudy. However, the weather forecasting agency has not issued a warning or alert for Delhi. The IMD said that the national capital will not receive significant rainfall from October 10 onwards, however, drizzling or light rain might happen. Speaking to ANI, RK Jenamani, Scientist, IMD, said, "As per latest analysis, rainfall activity is occurring over north India due to interaction between western disturbance which is at the middle and upper troposphere and at the lower level there is a because its cyclonic circulation over the Gujarat region and from there the moisture because the wind is coming towards the Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR region and East Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh. If we see the rainfall activity till 8:50 am in the morning, heavy to heavy rainfall occurred mainly over the UP and MP, Gujarat and Konkan region." The IMD Scientist further said that Delhi today received moderate rainfall. "Delhi mainly received moderate rainfall today. Safdarjung and Lodhi Road recorded 25 mm rainfall while the Palam area received only 4 mm rainfall today morning. But all 12 stations in Delhi received rainfall today. Thereafter rain has been picked and from morning till 2 pm the rainfall was around 15 mm over Safdarjung and this moderate rainfall will continue today. No warning was issued. It is likely to reduce from tomorrow but the sky will remain cloudy. No significant rainfall from 10 Oct onwards, drizzling or light rain might happen." Meanwhile, an orange alert has been issued for Uttarakhand, West Uttar Pradesh, East Uttar Pradesh and East Rajasthan for two days. "Heavy to very heavy rainfall might take place in some states for which an orange alert has been issued for October 8 and 9 for Uttarakhand, West UP, East UP and East Rajasthan," said IMD Scientist IMD. He further said that Uttar Pradesh received the highest intensity of rain in the last two days. "As per today's observation, the Kheri district and Gorakhpur area have recorded the highest rains. The rainfall intensity recorded in these areas were from 120 mm to 240 mm. Extremely heavy rainfall was also received at one station of UP," he said. The IMD has also issued an alert in West Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat for today. The national capital is receiving rainfall for the last two days. The rain in the city has brought down the temperature and helped to improve the air quality. The continuous downpour led to waterlogging in several parts of Delhi and affected the traffic in the city. Delhi Traffic Police urged the residents to plan their journey keeping in mind the traffic jams due to waterlogging. "Traffic is affected on New Rohtak Road in the carriageway from Zakhira towards Anand Parbat due to waterlogging near Anand Parbat red light. Commuters are advised to avoid the stretch," the Delhi Traffic Police tweeted. The traffic police also informed that they are ensuring smooth movement of traffic and adequate police personnel are deployed to ensure the same. (ANI)
The Indian Pharma company Maiden Pharmaceuticals on Saturday expressed shock over the media reports regarding the deaths of 66 children in the Gambia after consuming cough syrup manufactured by them. In an exclusive input to ANI, the pharma company said, "We are shocked to hear the media reports regarding the deaths and deeply saddened on this incident but we received the official information from our agent at the Gambia on October 5, 2022, and on the subsequent date, World Health Organisation alert was issued against us." The pharma company Maiden Pharmaceuticals has come under scanner after 66 children died in the Gambia after consuming cough syrup produced in India. In an official statement the company Director, Vivek Goyal said, "We are in the field of medicines for over three decades and have been diligently following the protocols of the health authorities including Drugs Controller General (India) and the State Drugs Controllers, Haryana," reads the statement. He further said that they have valid drug approvals for the export of the products his company is not selling anything in the domestic market. He also added that his company is obtaining raw materials from certified and reputed companies. "The government agencies visited our factory on October 1 and October 3, October 6 and 7 October and the samples were drawn by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation(CDSCO) along with all relevant documents in question in presence of our directors," Goyal said in the statement. The drug regulators have collected the samples of cold and cough syrup from the manufacturing facility of Haryana-based Maiden Pharmaceutical in Sonipat, after WHO issued a medical alert and results are expected to come soon. "The samples have been drawn by the CDSCO officials and we are awaiting the results and since the matter is already pending investigation and subjudice, we cannot comment on any other issues and shall update you in future as and when we receive the information," he added. WHO on Wednesday issued an alert over four India-made cough and cold syrups which are made by Maiden Pharmaceuticals in India. WHO has also notified that the same cough and cold syrups could be linked to the deaths of 66 children in Gambia. As per sources, from the preliminary enquiry, it has been made out that Maiden Pharmaceutical Limited, Sonipat, Haryana is a manufacturer licensed by the State Drug Controller for the products under reference, and holds manufacturing permission for these products. The company has manufactured and exported these products only to the Gambia so far. (ANI)
As per the RPF team, during a routine check at the Bihara Railway station on October 4, six Bangladeshi (four males and two females) nationals were detected. They couldn't produce any valid documents and upon interrogation, confessed that they have entered India illegally.

All six Bangladeshi were apprehended and brought to the RPF Badarpur Post. For further action, they were handed over to the officer-in-charge of the Government Railway Police of Badarpur.

RPF informed that 12 minors and one lady were also rescued last week during the various checks and drives conducted between September 30 to October 6, at Badarpur, Kumarghat, Dimapur, Katihar and Hasimara stations over the Northeastern Frontier Railway.

Several RPF officers have been deployed at the stations and trains for detecting illegal migrants, Rohingyas and against human trafficking, unauthorized hawking, begging, etc. They keep a close eye on children moving suspiciously, travelling alone, or without a guardian, RPF said. (ANI)
The Karnataka Cabinet on Saturday unanimously agreed to hike reservation for the Scheduled Castes from 15 per cent to 17 per cent and for Scheduled Tribes from 3 per cent to 7 per cent in the State and the State government will issue a gazette notification in this regard. "The State government will take necessary action to review Justice Sadashiva Commission report on providing internal reservation for deprived communities in SC/ST and it has been decided to constitute a separate Corporation for the SC/ST nomad communities," said Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. To give legal protection to this decision, it was decided to include it in Schedule 9 of the Constitution and to consult the Legal Minister, Law Commission, constitutional experts and advocate general regarding its implementation. "There are questions whether it will get legal protection as the total reservation has crossed 50 per cent. But it has been defined in the Indira Sahani case that reservation can be provided to the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe as a special case in order to bring them to the mainstream socially and academically," Bommai added. He said that both Justice Nagamohan Das and Justice Subhas B Adi have clearly mentioned in their reports that it will be a special case. "They have opined that reservation must be on the basis of population and statistics have shown that the communities are away from the mainstream and adequate representation has not been provided for all these years. So, this can be said as a special case," he added. The reservation for ST and ST has crossed 50 per cent in Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu and so far no court verdict has come against this. The Government of India has amended the Constitution and issued orders to give 10 per cent reservation for the economically backward people and this has crossed 50 per cent quota. This has been questioned in the Supreme Court but no adverse verdict has come so far. The government will discuss with legal experts to do everything to get legal protection for decisions under Schedule 9 of the constitution. "We want to raise reservation for SC/ST and we are at it. With all necessary information it will be included in the gazette notification and to include it in Schedule 9," the chief minister said. Replying to a question, he said the government will take necessary decisions while giving reservations for the Panchamasali community. Talking to reporters after the Cabinet meeting here on Saturday, he said, "Justice Nagamohan Das Commission report has opined that the benefits of reservation has not reached the grassroots communities and steps can be taken to provide justice for them after studying all legal aspects and consulting experts." "The important recommendations of the report on internal reservation submitted by Justice Sadashiva Commission will be tabled in the Cabinet and take necessary action. Before that the communities which may be impacted by internal reservation will be taken into confidence in order to protect the interest of all castes among the Scheduled Castes," he added. (ANI)
According to GSM Arena, it's priced at INR 219,999 and is already available for purchase through Samsung's official Indian website.

The Odyssey Ark comes with a 3-year warranty and Samsung is offering a 2TB Portable SSD T7 Shield USB 3.2 for free till October 9 to customers.

The Samsung Odyssey Ark is a 55" curved monitor having a 4K resolution and a 16:09 aspect ratio. It is a matte display with a 1000R curvature, 165Hz refresh rate, and 1ms response time, reported GSM Arena.

The curved gaming monitor comes with four speakers (one at each corner) and two central woofers with Dolby Atmos support to deliver a sound output of 60W.

It also has a Cockpit Mode to offer gamers a cockpit-like experience. This mode allows vertical rotation of the screen with a HAS (Height Adjustable Stand), tilt, and pivot for an optimal screen setup.

As per GSM Arena, the Odyssey Ark 55" also comes bundled with Ark Dial - a solar-powered controller for the monitor which can be charged through USB-C as well. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that the nursing and paramedicine fields are currently full of employment opportunities, just like the IT industry was regarded as the prime sector for a career in the 1990s, the government informed in a release. Launching 'Mission Niramayah' for the comprehensive reform of the Nursing and Paramedical Sector on SGPGI premises in Lucknow on Saturday, the Chief Minister said, "This is a field which is always in demand right from one's birth till death. Not only this, this sector is a great example of security, respect and self-reliance of women." As per the release, Mission Niramayah aims towards increasing the number of seats and institutes, improving the institutions, providing supportive supervision, bringing reforms in examinations, providing better job opportunities after training and enhance the digital platform. "For the progress of any civilised society, a strong health and education system is a must. However, these areas were ignored for a very long time. No attempts were made to advance a field like nursing, without which better medicine is not possible," Yogi said. "But now under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government is starting 'Mission Niramayah' for multidimensional reforms in this most important area," Yogi added. He said that while this mission would contribute to the growth of institutions and increase seats in the state, necessary efforts would be made for the employment of youth by improving the quality of training provided in institutions. Congratulating the Department of Medical Education on 'Mission Niramayah', the CM stated, "Our goal for the mission's initial phase is to have enough nurses and paramedics to meet national standards, and that for the second phase is to meet the standard of the World Health Organization." The release also stated that on the occasion, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed between 5 training institutes and 5 reputed hospitals for the employment of youth. Emphasising the need to improve the quality of institutions, the Chief Minister said that of the 1.02 lakh applications received for 4700 nursing staff positions, only 3% of candidates were successful. "The nation (India), which was once a global leader, was compelled to imitate other nations since there was no attempt to reform the sector. However, a programme to improve the state's health and medical education system was started in 2017 under the Prime Minister's supervision and this Mission Niramayah is a part of that chain", Yogi said as per the release. Stating that many of the state's institutes are doing good work, Yogi said, "Twelve of these institutes have been chosen to serve as mentors. These institutions will instruct other nursing schools on how to improve. Additionally, an agreement for grading institutions has been signed with the Quality Control of India." "Every institution will undergo quality certification. Uttar Pradesh will offer the top nursing and paramedical training programmes," he added. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the examination control room and said that the process of recognition of new institutes has been simplified and every institute which meets the standard will be recognised through a simple process, the release further stated. As per the release, the institutes that have been selected as mentors under the scheme are Rohilkhand College of Nursing in Bareilly, UPUMS, Faculty of Nursing in Saifai, Etawah, Sharda School of Nursing Science, GB Nagar, College of Nursing, GSVM in Kanpur, Baba Institute of Paramedical Science and Nursing in Lucknow, Faculty of Nursing, Subharti University in Meerut, LLRM in Meerut, Hillary Clinton Nursing School in Saharanpur, Guru Gorakshanath Institute of Nursing in Gorakhpur, SDPM College of Nursing in Gonda, IIMT in Meerut and Nightingale Institute of Nursing in Noida. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat from October 9 to 11, followed by a visit to Madhya Pradesh on October 11, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement on Saturday. The Prime Minister will dedicate and lay the foundation stone of projects worth over Rs 14,500 crore in Gujarat. According to the PMO, "On October 9, at around 5:30 pm, PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple projects at Modhera in Mehsana. This will be followed by Darshan and Pooja at Modheshwari Mata Temple at around 6:45 pm, followed by a visit to Surya Mandir at 7:30 pm." On October 10, at around 11 am, PM Modi will dedicate to the nation and inaugurate various projects at Amod in Bharuch. At around 3:15 pm, Prime Minister will inaugurate Modi Shaikshanik Sankul in Ahmedabad. Thereafter, at 5:30 pm, Prime Minister will dedicate and lay the foundation stone of projects at Jamnagar. "On October 11, at 2:15 pm, Prime Minister will dedicate and lay the foundation stone of projects in Civil Hospital Asarwa, Ahmedabad, after which he will travel to Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, where he will perform Darshan and Pooja at around 5:45 pm. This will be followed by the dedication of Shri Mahakal Lok at around 6:30 pm, followed by a public function in Ujjain at 7:15 pm," the statement reads. PM in Mehsana PM Modi will preside over a public function where he will dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of projects worth over Rs 3900 crore in Modhera, Mehsana. he will declare village Modhera as India's first 24x7 solar-powered village. "This project, which is first of its kind, realises the Prime Minister's vision of solarization of the sun-temple town of Modhera. It involved developing a Ground Mounted Solar power plant and more than 1300 Rooftop solar systems on residential and Government buildings, all integrated with Battery Energy storage systems (BESS). The project will demonstrate how India's renewable energy prowess can empower people at the grassroots," the statement reads. The projects being dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister include the Gauge Conversion of the Sabarmati-Jagudan segment of the Ahmedabad-Mehsana Gauge Conversion project; ONGC's Nandasan Geological oil production project; Sujalam Sufalam Canal from Kherava to Shingoda Lake; Dharoi Dam Based Vadnagar Kheralu and Dharoi Group Reform Scheme; project of four laning of a section of Bechraji Modhera -Chanasma state highway; project to expand a section of Unja-Dasaj Upera Ladol (Bhankhar Approach Road); New Building of Regional Training Centre, Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA), Mehsana; and Projection Mapping at Sun Temple at Modhera, among others. Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of multiple projects that include four laning of a section of NH-68 from Patan to Gozariya; water treatment plant at Chalasan village of Jotana taluka of Mehsana district; new automated milk powder plant and UHT milk carton plant at Dudhsagar Dairy; Redevelopment & Reconstruction of General Hospital Mehsana; and Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) for Mehsana and other districts of North Gujarat, among others. After the public function, Prime Minister will perform Darshan and Pooja at Modheshwari Mata Temple. He will also visit the Sun temple where he will witness the beautiful projection mapping show. PM in Bharuch Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of projects worth over Rs 8000 crore in Amod, Bharuch. In yet another step to make India 'Aatmanirbhar' in the pharmaceutical sector, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of Bulk Drug Park at Jambusar. "In 2021-22, bulk drugs accounted for over 60 per cent of total pharmaceutical imports. The project will play a key role in ensuring import substitution and helping make India self-reliant for bulk drugs," the PMO said. Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of the Deep Sea Pipeline Project at Dahej, which will help in the disposal of treated wastewater from industrial estates. Other projects whose foundation stone will be laid by the Prime Minister include phase 1 of Ankleshwar Airport and the development of Multilevel Industrial Sheds at Ankleshwar and Panoli, which will give a boost to the MSME sector. PM Modi will perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the development of multiple industrial parks. These include four Tribal Industrial Parks which will come up in Valia (Bharuch), Amirgadh (Banaskantha), Chakaliya (Dahod) and Vanar (Chhota Udaipur); Agro Food Park at Mudetha (Banaskantha); Sea Food Park at Kakwadi Danti (Valsad); and MSME Park at Khandivav (Mahisagar). During the programme, Prime Minister will dedicate several projects which will give a boost to the chemicals sector. He will dedicate 800 TPD Caustic Soda Plant integrated with a 130 MW cogeneration power plant at Dahej. "Along with this, he will also dedicate expansion of the existing Caustic Soda Plant at Dahej, whose capacity has been increased from 785 MT/day to 1310 MT/day. Prime Minister will also dedicate a project for manufacturing over one lakh MT per annum of Chloromethanes at Dahej," it said. Other projects which will be dedicated by the Prime Minister include the Hydrazine Hydrate Plant at Dahej which will help in import substitution of the product, IOCL Dahej-Koyali Pipeline Project, Bharuch underground drainage and STP work and widening & strengthening of the Umlla Asaa Panetha road. PM in Ahmedabad On October 10, Prime Minister will inaugurate Phase 1 of Modi Shaikshanik Sankul, an educational complex for needy students. The project will help provide facilities to students for holistic development. On October 11, he will dedicate and lay the foundation stones of various healthcare facilities around Rs. 1300 crore in Civil Hospital Asarwa, Ahmedabad. "This includes dedication of new and improved facilities for cardiac care and a new hostel building in UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre; new hospital building of the Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre; new building of Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute," the statement reads. Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of shelter homes to accommodate families of poor patients. PM in Jamnagar Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of projects worth over Rs 1460 crore in Jamnagar. These projects relate to irrigation, power, water supply and urban infrastructure. He also will dedicate package 7 of Saurashtra Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) Yojana Link 3 (from Und Dam to Sonmati Dam), package 5 of SAUNI Yojana Link 1 (from Und-1 dam to SANI Dam) and Haripar 40 MW Solar PV project. The projects whose foundation stone would be laid by the Prime Minister include Kalavad Group Augmentation water supply scheme of Kalavad/Jamnagar Taluka Morbi-Maliya-Jodiya group Augmentation water supply scheme, Lalpur Bypass junction flyover Bridge, Hapa Market Yard Railway Crossing, and the refurbishment of the Sewer Collection pipeline and pumping station. PM in Ujjain Prime Minister will dedicate Shri Mahakal Lok to the nation. Phase I of the Mahakal Lok project will help in enriching the experience of pilgrims visiting the temple by providing them with world-class modern amenities. "Project aims to decongest the entire area and also put special emphasis on conservation and restoration of heritage structures. Under the project, the temple precinct will be expanded nearly seven times. The total cost of the entire project is around Rs 850 crore. The existing footfall of the temple, which is currently around 1.5 crore per annum, is expected to be doubled. Development of the project has been planned under two phases," it added. The Mahakal Path contains 108 stambhs (pillars) which depict Anand Tandav Swaroop (Dance form) of Lord Shiva. Many religious sculptures depicting the life of Lord Shiva are installed along the Mahakal Path. The Mural wall along the Path is based on Shiva Purana stories such as the Act of creation, Birth of Ganesha, Story of Sati and Daksha among others. The Plaza area, which is spread over 2.5 hectares, is surrounded by a lotus pond and contains the statue of Shiva along with fountains. The entire premise will be monitored 24x7 by Integrated Command and Control Centre with the help of artificial intelligence and surveillance cameras. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Telangana Chief NV Subhash on Saturday, slammed Telangana Rashtriya Samiti (TRS) and Minister KT Rama Rao (KTR) asking why are they afraid of raids if they are not corrupt. While talking to ANI, the BJP senior spokesperson said, "The ruling TRS party need not be afraid of the central agencies ED or CBI if they are clean of corruption." The BJP leader also condemned the comments of Telangana Minister and CM Chandrashekhar Rao's son KT Rama Rao (KTR) where he said, "We will strip BJP's clothes". "Modi Government doesn't use these agencies just against opposition parties. The agencies will conduct raids in persons who are involved in scams irrespective of caste, creed, region, religion or political affiliations," Subhash said. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken various measures to make society corruption free, and there is no question of leaving anybody if he or she is involved in corruption," Subhash further said. The BJP leader further slammed KTR and asked, "Why are you afraid if you are not involved in the corruption? Raids are being conducted in various states and not only in Telangana in connection with liquor scam. The central agencies are independent and they have their own source of information regarding corruption." Earlier on Friday, KTR had accused Prime Minister Modi of being the "most incompetent" PM of India and of using ED, IT, and CBI on opposition parties as "hunting dogs". "PM Modi is the most incompetent PM of independent India and there is no such thing as 'Acche Din' for the country. PM does not hold any press conference because he doesn't have the guts to face the media," he said. (ANI)
RJD leader and Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, said on Saturday that BJP is going to lose the by-elections in Mokama and Gopalganj and that is why it is using central agencies to target his family members. Tejashwi's remarks came a day after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) chargesheeted 16 persons, including his father Lalu Prasad and mother Rabri Devi, in connection with a job scam that took place during Lalu Prasad's tenure as Railway Minister in the UPA government. It has been alleged that more than 1 lakh square feet of land belonging to job aspirants' families in Patna was reportedly transferred to Lalu Prasad's family in return for jobs. "It is a well-known strategy of the BJP to use central agencies against Lalu Prasad, as its leaders know that they are going to lose in the upcoming bypolls in Bihar. We have talked to the people of Mokama and Gopalganj and we are sure that the grand alliance candidates will win both the seats comfortably. We will soon announce the candidates' names," Tejashwi told mediapersons at the Patna airport before leaving for Delhi to attend a party meeting where Lalu Prasad will be declared as RJD's national president. "The BJP is misusing the central agencies against the opposition leaders. Today it is the CBI, tomorrow we are expecting the ED and the Income Tax to come after us. What is new in it," Tejashwi asked. The CBI chargesheet also names two daughters of Lalu Prasad -- Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav. --IANS ajk/arm ( 269 Words) 2022-10-08-19:10:04 (IANS)
A recent data released by the Ministry of Home Affairs that showed West Bengal in poor light on account of high rate of early marriages of girls in the state has prompted the principal opposition parties to launch a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress-led state government. The MHA data showed that 54.9 per cent of the girls in West Bengal are married before the age of 21, which is not only far above the national average of 29.5 per cent, but also highest among all the Indian states. At 54.6 per cent, neighbouring Jharkhand came second. Following the release of the data, the question that is doing the rounds in Bengal is whether the state government's much-hyped 'Kanyashree' project, a financial assistance scheme for girl students to encourage them to go for higher studies instead of opting for early marriage, has lost its appeal? According to Bengal BJP spokesman Samik Bhattacharya, in a state like West Bengal, where there are 45 lakh migrant workers and the state government's prime focus is to spend taxpayers' money behind festivals, the other key factors of women empowerment get neglected. "As far as the government schemes are concerned, the common people never get their benefits unless they are close to the ruling party. So I am not really surprised that the MHA figures show a high rate of early marriages of girls in West Bengal," he said. CPI(M) state secretary Md Salim said that besides the state government's negligence in checking early marriages of girls, a section of ruling party leaders is even patronising the evil of early marriages, especially in rural Bengal. "Preventing social evils like early marriages requires socio-political movements to create awareness among the people. On the contrary, the ruling party leaders are often heckling activists who are individually trying to create awareness against early marriages. Trinamool is encouraging this social evil to retain their vote banks. So it is natural that the rate of early marriages among girls in West Bengal is high," Salim said. Repeated attempts made by IANS to contact the state Women & Child Development Minister, Sashi Panja, failed as the calls went unanswered. --IANS src/arm ( 378 Words) 2022-10-08-21:16:02 (IANS)
US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm met with Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and said that his visit kicked off Strategic Clean Energy Partnership Ministerial Meeting as India and the US keep up their hard work on ensuring energy security. "Very pleased to welcome @HardeepSPuri to @ENERGY. His visit kicked off our Strategic Clean Energy Partnership Ministerial Meeting as India and the U.S. keep up our hard work on ensuring energy security, advancing innovation, and diversifying clean energy supplies," Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a tweet. While on Thursday, Puri held a meeting with the leadership of World Bank's International Finance Corporation in Washington DC. "Pleasure to join Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Housing and Urban Affairs @HardeepSPuri's meeting with leadership of @WorldBank Group @IFC_org on climate resilient infrastructure & opportunities in urban dev & energy sectors," Indian Ambassador to US TS Sandhu said in a tweet. Puri arrived in Washington DC on Thursday morning. He is expected to have a few closed-door meetings for the day and also expected to be present at a reception in India House. Top officials from the Biden administration are also likely to attend the reception. The Union Minister is in the United States to attend ministerial dialogue of the US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (USISCEP). A ministerial dialogue of the US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (USISCEP) will be held on Friday in the United States, he said on Wednesday. The dialogue is part of an official and business delegation visit to Washington DC and Houston, USA, from October 6-11 being led by Puri. In Washington DC, the Minister will co-chair the USISCEP on October 7 with Jennifer Granholm, Secretary of Energy, USA. The revamped USISCEP was launched in accordance with US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden at the Leaders' Summit on Climate held in April 2021. The partnership continues to advance energy security and innovation; scaling up emerging clean energy technologies; and deploying technical solutions through five pillars-- Responsible Oil and Gas Pillar, Power and Energy Efficiency Pillar, Renewable Energy Pillar, Sustainable Growth Pillar, and Emerging Fuels and technologies. (ANI)
India has prioritised cooperation over conflict, coexistence over convictions, sharing over receiving, plurality over hegemony, said Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan at the 5th-anniversary commemoration of the India-UN Development Partnership Fund in New York. Speaking at the event on Friday, Muraleedharan said that India and the UN in their collective collaborative efforts through these funds are setting new benchmarks for South-South cooperation. "In the past five years, the fund and the footprint of its activities have grown by leaps and bounds. Today, India and the UN in their collective collaborative efforts through these funds are setting new benchmarks for South-South cooperation. India has prioritised cooperation over conflict, coexistence over convictions, sharing over receiving, plurality over hegemony," he said. Muraleedharan also said that fund reflects India's philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or The World is One Family. "The moto Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas (development for all) underpins the spirit of South-South cooperation, which has been part of the ethos for centuries. Our neighbourhood's first policy embodies this spirit, showcased in the significant development assistance development extended to our neighbours," he said. He added that it was a manifestation of the spirit of solidarity that during the pandemic, India came to the forefront with its Vaccine Maitri initiative to supply more than 240 million vaccine doses to over a hundred countries. It has been our endeavour to reinforce these efforts by establishing new ties, initiatives, sectors of engagement and new paradigms for corporations. "Over the years India's development partnership has evolved organically to become a complete and comprehensive framework touching upon the full spectrum of human endeavour," Muraleedharan said at the event. Muraleedharan is in the United States. At the UNSC debate over peace and security in Africa, MoS highlighted that a violence-free Africa is necessary to prevent external forces including terrorists exploiting the resource-rich region. Those "guilty of aiding and supporting terrorism" in different parts of Africa and simultaneously exploiting the resources must be held accountable by the international community, he added. (ANI)
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has reiterated that India believes that global prosperity, economic opportunities and challenges are interlinked subjects, during the concluding session of P20 in Jakarta. Birla participated in the closing ceremony of the 8th Summit of Speakers of G-20 Parliaments (P20) in Jakarta, Indonesia on Friday and stressed dialogue and diplomacy are the only ways to resolve global issues for world peace and prosperity. Addressing the event, Birla said that the summit which began on October 6 concluded with a purposive note that the spirit of mutual cooperation is the foundation of success of G-20. He congratulated the Parliament of Indonesia for the successfully organizing and orderly conduct of the G20 Summit. Speaking on India's glorious journey of democracy in the last 75 years, Birla said that smooth transfer of power according to people's mandate has been a speciality of our Constitution and democracy. He further said that our Parliament protects the interests of the citizens of the country and guides in making laws and policies to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people. On the strategies to deal with the challenges being faced by the world in the 21st century, Birla observed that we should all lay emphasis on shared efforts, regular sharing of best practices and dialogue to deal with the future challenges. Regular dialogue and shared efforts among ourselves should guide our Parliaments to innovate within our sovereignty and to tackle and solve challenges, Birla added. Birla reiterated that India believes that global prosperity, economic opportunities and challenges are interlinked subjects. He opined that Parliaments of the G-20 Member countries should collectively contribute to the strengthening of parliamentary and community participation mechanisms in governance, taking into account shared visions and their concerns. Inviting his counterparts to the ninth summit of the G20 next year, Shri Birla said that India looks forward to welcoming all the representatives of the P-20 countries next year. During the summit, Birla interacted with the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Thailand National Assembly, Chuan Leekpai. During the meeting, Birla congratulated Leekpai on the completion of ninety years of the House of Representatives of the Thailand National Assembly and emphasized on the strengthening of parliamentary cooperation between India and Thailand. Noting that India's Act East Policy and Thailand's Act West Policy complement each other, Birla emphasized on strengthening ties in global fora including IPU. Improvement of port connectivity, cooperation in infrastructure development, energy security and many other issues of mutual interest were also discussed by the two leaders. Birla also expressed condolences on the killing of innocent children in the recent Bangkok shooting incident. Birla also met the President of IPU, Duarte Pacheco, on the concluding day. Appreciating the initiative of the IPU President to strengthen the IPU as a global platform, Birla said that under Pacheco's leadership, IPU has become a platform to raise the voice of the common man. Birla emphasized on a common action plan to tackle issues of global concern like climate change. He also discussed about capacity building of legislators and officials through PRIDE, Lok Sabha Secretariat and strengthening research in legislatures. Several other issues related to strengthening parliamentary democracy were also discussed in the meeting. Birla also met Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau. The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in the Indian Ocean, sharing best parliamentary traditions and strengthening bilateral cooperation. The contribution of the Indian Diaspora to the development of Fiji was also discussed. Later Birla was felicitated by the Indian community in Jakarta. Speaking on the occasion, Birla said that the Indian community in Indonesia, with their hard work, innovation and innovative thinking, is making a significant contribution to Indonesia's economic progress. He urged the Indian community in Indonesia to make efforts to invest in various sectors in India, inform Indonesian companies and Indonesian citizens about India's emerging potential. He called upon them to work for the prosperity of Indonesia as well as motherland, India. (ANI)
Several Republican House lawmakers sent a letter to US Cabinet Secretaries Antony Blinken and Merrick Garland in which they demanded answers on a reported Chinese police presence in New York City, Fox News reported. Republican Study Committee chairman Jim Banks of Indiana alongside Reps. Michael Waltz of Florida and Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin led the letter to Garland and Blinken demanding answers on why China's Fuzhou police were reportedly able to open a US-based police arm. "The Department of Justice and State Department must explain why the Biden administration has allowed CCP police to set up an office on U.S. soil," Banks said in a statement, reported Fox News. Last month, there are reports surfaced that China has opened dozens of "overseas police service stations" around the globe to monitor its citizens living abroad, including one location in New York City and three in Toronto, New York Post said. "These operations eschew official bilateral police and judicial cooperation and violate the international rule of law, and may violate the territorial integrity in third countries involved in setting up a parallel policing mechanism using illegal methods," a report by Safeguard Defenders read, reported New York Post. In a quest to emerge as a global superpower, the Chinese government has opened numerous illegal police stations across the world including in developed countries like Canada and Ireland, triggering concerns among human rights campaigners. Such informal police service stations affiliated with the Public Security Bureau (PSB) across Canada have been set up to antagonize China's adversaries, Investigative Journalism Reportika stated citing the local media. According to local media reports, Fuzhou has established informal police service stations affiliated with the Public Security Bureau (PSB) across Canada. At least three of these stations are located in the Greater Toronto Area only. Moreover, the Chinese government is also influencing the elections in certain countries through these illegal police stations, according to Investigative Journalism Reportika. Countries like Ukraine, France, Spain, Germany, and the UK have such arrangements for Chinese Police Stations and the leaders of most of these countries question the rise of China and its worsening human rights records on public platforms and are themselves a part of that issue. (ANI)
"I had the privilege of swearing in Shefali Razdan Duggal to be our next Ambassador to the Netherlands. We wish you well in this new role and thank you for your leadership," the Vice President tweeted.

Shefali Razdan Duggal, an Indian-American political activist, had been confirmed by US Senate as the country's next envoy to the Netherlands.

"Shefali Razdan Duggal, Nominee for Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of the Netherlands," the White House said in a statement on March 11.

Duggal is a Kashmiri. She graduated from Miami University and earned her master's from New York University.

She served as a member of the National Finance Committee of Joe Biden for President 2020, National Co-Chair of Women for Biden and as a Deputy National Finance Chair at the Democratic National Committee.

Her political activism led her to serve as Vice-Chair of the Credentials Standing Committee at the 2020 Democratic National Convention, a member of the Rules Committee at the 2016 Democratic National Convention and as a member of the Credentials Committee at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, as per the official statement. (ANI)
Florida Surgeon General Dr Joseph A Ladapo on Saturday (local time) recommended against receiving mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, especially to males aged 18 to 39 as it increases the risk of cardiac-related death. "Today, we released an analysis on COVID-19 mRNA vaccines the public needs to be aware of. This analysis showed an increased risk of cardiac-related death among men 18-39. FL will not be silent on the truth, tweeted Ladapo. The Florida Department of Health (Department) conducted an analysis through a self-controlled case series, which is a technique originally developed to evaluate vaccine safety. This studied mortality risk following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. This analysis found an 84 per cent increase in the relative incidence of cardiac-related death among males 18-39 years old within 28 days following mRNA vaccination, read an advisory of Florida Health, signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Ladapo. It further advised individuals with pre-existing cardiac conditions, such as myocarditis and pericarditis, to take particular caution when considering vaccination and discuss it with their healthcare provider. With a high level of global immunity to COVID-19, the benefit of vaccination is likely outweighed by this abnormally high risk of cardiac-related death among men in this age group. Non-mRNA vaccines were not found to have these increased risks, read the Florida Department of Health Bulletin. "Studying the safety and efficacy of any medications, including vaccines, is an important component of public health," said Surgeon General Dr Joseph Ladapo. "Far less attention has been paid to safety and the concerns of many individuals have been dismissed - these are important findings that should be communicated to Floridians," added Ladapo. Meanwhile, India's first mRNA Covid-19 vaccine is likely to be available soon. The Drugs controller general of India (DCGI) is expected to give Emergency Use Authorisation to Gennova's mRNA vaccine soon. The company has conducted phase 2 and phase 3 data trials on 4000 participants to evaluate vaccine safety, immunogenicity and tolerability. The vaccine - GEMCOVAC-19 - is the country's first homegrown mRNA COVID- 19 vaccine. According to officials at Gennova, the trial data showed that the vaccine was safe and well-tolerated. Immunogenicity measured at 2 weeks post-dose showed that GEMCOVAC-19 is non-inferior to Covishield. The two-dose vaccine will have to be administered intramuscularly, 28 days apart. As the Covid-19 pandemic spread, an mRNA vaccine candidate was the first to enter human trials globally. The first two vaccines that were made available for use in the US were based on mRNA technology. Unlike vaccines that put a weakened or inactivated virus in your body to activate an immune response, these two Covid-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) used messenger RNA or mRNA to deliver a message to your immune system. Basically, the technology uses genetically engineered mRNA to instruct cells to make the S-protein found on the surface of the Covid-19 virus. According to reports from US-based Mayo Clinic, after vaccination, the muscle cells begin making S-protein pieces and displaying them on cell surfaces. This causes the body to create antibodies. (ANI)
The lukewarm support from China has left Russian President Vladimir Putin in a difficult spot as the special military operation, which began in February, approaches the seven-month mark, and it could benefit Ukraine. China's abstaining on the UN Security Council resolution over the condemnation of referendums could be considered a success by Putin, but the Chinese representative's subsequent statements don't indicate that Beijing would recognize the annexations, Asia Times reported. China's stand on annexation remains ambiguous. It had somehow stopped short of condemning Russia. Still, at the same time, China has not taken a U-turn on its long-established position on the sanctity of the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Earlier, on October 2, China's state-owned Global Times, in its report put the blame for the crisis squarely on the US. But it also said that in the case of nuclear war, no security would be given to anyone, even not for Ukraine. This report came after the news came out that nuclear weapons could be used by Russia in Ukraine. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently met with the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Josep Borrell. Wang noted China's concerns about the negative spillover effects of the conflict and its support for EU mediation efforts. Even, a week earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping met Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. With his meeting, Xi sent a clear message of China's "strong support to Kazakhstan in protecting its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity." Kazakhstan is a country with a large ethnic Russian population and justifiable fears of Russian interference but now has the support of the Chinese government, according to Asia Times. Much like China's abstention from the vote in the UN Security Council, these actions leave a lot of ambiguity in Bejing's position. But if all the actions are taken together then China will definitely fall on another side of the line from Russia as it indicates no nuclear escalation and no recognition of the recent annexations. This limits Russia's options and explains its desperate move on trying to create a situation which might lead to some negotiable deal with Ukraine. Beijing's ambiguity also reveals some points of China's game as Putin's loss would also be a defeat for Chinese President Xi who is seeking to secure an unprecedented third term as China's leader at the congress of the Chinese Communist party later this month, reported Asia Times. China benefits from the increasing asymmetry of its relationship with Russia, with Putin more and more in the role of a junior, rather than equal, partner. This means that the ambiguity in China's position is unlikely to come to an end either any time soon. (ANI)
A California-based man, with criminal records, was charged with hate crimes after he allegedly attacked 14 Hindu women of Indian descent, during a two-month crime spree that started in June, ABC7 reported on Wednesday. According to the officials, East Palo Alto resident, Lathan Johnson, 37, is being held in jail for targeting 14 Indian women, wearing traditional dress and jewellery. It is reportedly believed that the attacker broke women's arms and beat their husbands for gold jewellery. District Attorney Jeff Rosen said, "Rips off their jewellery, drags them down the street breaks their writs, beats up their husband and terrorizing them is much worse than a property thief." ABC7's reporter, Dion Lim, on her Twitter account wrote that Samir Karla of the Hindu American Foundation pointed out the women were just reportedly wearing a sari and bindis, frequenting temples and Hindu sites. Gold jewellery is ceremonial and for many, a sacred part of Hindu culture. With a number of Indian holidays and festivals coming soon, spreading awareness, according to Samir Kalra of the Hindu American Foundation, is crucial. "Our community feels vulnerable and fearful." Kalra applauded the DA's actions and called for more counties to charge crimes targeting Asian Americans as hate crimes. "We are facing an uptick in hate crimes and online Hindu phobia. Seeing that we're making progress in prosecuting to the fullest sends a strong message," he said, outside the courthouse. In the internet space, Indian communities were posting various posts about the harassment they face in California. Shankar Kenkre, one of the victims, posted about his mother being targeted in an unrelated non-violent attack for her gold necklace several weeks ago in Foster City, ABC7 reported. He posted it on Nextdoor and was flooded with comments from other Indians saying it had happened to them or a loved one. Kenkre is grateful his mother was not physically assaulted but chose to speak out to encourage others to warn their elders. DA Rosen said that there may be more victims which is why they were sharing Johnson's mugshot. They asked anyone with information to come forward. Johnson remains in custody with no bail. He faces a maximum penalty of 63 years behind bars. His next court date is set for November 4, according to ABC7. (ANI)
An Indian teenager, who immigrated to Israel with his family less than a year ago, was stabbed to death after a fight broke out at a party in the Kiryat Shmona region on Thursday night, local media reported. Yeol Lehingahel, 18, was supposed to return home, which is in Nof Hagalil, after the birthday party of his friend but got caught up in a fight where he was injured and admitted to the hospital, The Times of Israel reported. Meir Paltiel who works with the community of Indian Jewish immigrants to Israel said, "Yoel was supposed to come home for Shabbat, but in the morning [Friday] at almost 7 am. a friend of his called [the family] and told them there had been a fight last night and that Yoel was injured and in hospital." Paltiel further said that even before the family left for the hospital, they were told that Lahingahel died. In the earlier development of the case, police arrested a 15-year-old as a suspect and later, arrested seven youths aged between 13 and 15, according to Times of Israel. Lehingahel's hometown mayor Ronen Plot took to his Facebook account and called the Indian immigrant a "happy" boy and said that he had a desire to join the IDF combat unit. "A whole life cut short because of an act of violence, which in my eyes was an act of terror in every way," Plot said as quoted by Times of Israel. Lehingahel was a member of the Bnei Menashe Jewish community from a remote area of northeastern India. According to the publication, the Bnei Menashe are believed to be descended from the biblical tribe of Manasseh, one of the lost tribes that were exiled from the land of Israel, even 2,700 years ago. In 2005, then-Sephardic Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar endorsed the Bnei Menashe's claim to Jewish ancestry but required them to convert to Orthodox Judaism. Some 3,000 Bnei Menashe have immigrated to Israel in recent years, with another 7,000 remaining in India, according to The Times of Israel. (ANI)
Nepal's President Bidhya Devi Bhandari has been admitted to Tribhuwan University Hospital after her health deteriorated. The 61-year-old President was hospitalised after she developed cold-like symptoms and fever, Bhesh Raj Adhikari, President's Secretary confirmed to ANI. "She had been experiencing issues in her health since Friday. She has been admitted to the Teaching Hospital. Tests are being run and reports are expected," Adhikari told ANI over phone. Bhandari, the first woman President of the Himalayan country was first elected to the post in 2015 succeeding second term in 2018. Her second tenure is set to expire early next year. President Bhandari was last seen on Vijaydashmi on Wednesday on the lawns of her official residence, Sheetal Niwas where she offered 'tika' and 'prasad' to her family members and distinguished persons. Meanwhile, this September, the apex court of Nepal issued a show cause notice to the office of President Bidhya Devi Bhandari for not authenticating the citizenship bill passed by both the lower and upper houses of the country's Parliament. A single bench of Justice Hari Prasad Phuyal ordered the President's Office to submit the reason for not authenticating the bill to the Supreme Court, within 15 days. The petitioners have claimed President Bhandari did not fulfil the constitutional obligation as per Act 113 (4) of the Constitution of Nepal seeking a mandamus from the apex court. The petitioners also have claimed that the President doesn't have the right of discretion as per the constitution and also have asked the verdict from the court over the case to be set as precedent. This followed after Bhandari let the deadline for authenticating Citizenship Bill sent by the Federal Parliament pass. President's political advisor Lalbabu Yadav confirmed that Bhandari has refused to authenticate the bill "in order to safeguard the constitution." (ANI)
Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi in the Ministry of External Affairs during his visit to Tanzania held discussions on exploring possibilities of opening an Indian SEZ (Special Economic Zone) in Tanzania and bilateral trade in local currency. "In the meeting with his Finance Ministry counterpart, Secretary (ER) Ravi discussed a range of issues including development cooperation, alternative ways of financing projects, exploring possibilities of opening an Indian SEZ in Tanzania and bilateral trade in Indian Rupees and Tanzanian Tshilling," an MEA press release read. Dammu Ravi visited Tanzania on October 6-7, 2022. During the visit, he met with high-ranking officials including ambassador Joseph Edward Sokoine, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, and Emmanuel M. Tutuba, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Planning on Thursday, in Dar es Salaam. On Friday, Secretary (ER) visited Zanzibar where he called on the President of Zanzibar. During his meeting with Permanent Secretary Ambassador Sokoine, comprehensive discussions were held on the India-Tanzania bilateral relations. The Tanzanian side welcomed the ideas and both sides agreed to work on these. Secretary (ER) also addressed a business event at the High Commission of India where he interacted with about 85 entrepreneurs and CEOs of Indian and Tanzanian companies. Prominent members of the Indian diaspora also attended the event. During his visit to Zanzibar on Friday, Secretary (ER) called on Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar. The Zanzibar President welcomed the Indian development cooperation in Zanzibar and invited Indian investment in various sectors including IT, the blue economy and healthcare on the island. Secretary (ER) also visited a project site under construction to supply water to Zanzibar's households. Three Indian companies are presently implementing water supply projects in Zanzibar under the Government of India Lines of Credit. Tanzania is one of India's major development assistance partners in Africa with over USD 1.1 billion Lines of Credit and 700 annual scholarships for short-term and long-term courses. Bilateral trade stands at USD 4.5 billion for 2021-22 and Indian investment in Tanzania is USD 3.6 billion. (ANI)
At least 30,000 children are likely to be deported to the Russian-occupied Crimea, including other regions by the Russian proxies from Kherson, media reports said. The children will be deported from the occupied regions of Kherson to the Krasnodar and Stavropol regions as well as Russian-occupied Crimea, The Kyiv Independent reported quoting Russia's proxy in occupied Kherson Oblast, Volodymyr Saldo on Saturday. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently signed laws to formally take over the four regions Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson into the "Russian Federation." "Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed four federal constitutional laws on the entry of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions into the Russian Federation," said the lower house of Russian parliament Wednesday citing government documents. Earlier on October 6, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a statement that Russia had forcibly deported about 1.6 million Ukrainians from the occupied territories, The Kyiv Independent reported. "Many of them went through the terrible filtration camps of the occupiers, where they were abused and intimidated," the Ukrainian media portal reported quoting Zelenskyy. In another statement, Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said, "Hundreds of thousands of illegally deported Ukrainians are children." Recently, a key bridge that connects the Crimean Peninsula with mainland Russia was gutted in a fire sparked by a car bomb, authorities in Moscow said on Saturday. Russia's RIA state news agency said that a fuel tank was on fire on the Kerch Bridge, while Ukraine media reported an explosion. The bridge was opened in 2018 by President Vladimir Putin, four years after Moscow annexed Crimea and was designed to link the peninsula to Russia's transport network. The 19-kilometre (11.8 miles) bridge, which runs across the Kerch Strait and connects Crimea with mainland Russia, consists of a railway and vehicle sections. It became fully operational in 2020. As per some media reports, the Crimean bridge is a key target for Ukrainian forces who have been attacking Russian logistics. Notably, Russia recently annexed four regions of Ukraine - Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. The war between Russia and Ukraine appears to be entering a new phase after Kyiv dealt a big blow to Moscow's grip after it recaptured 2,400 square kilometres of territory in the Kherson region in the south of the country "since the beginning of the full-scale war," a senior Ukrainian official said Friday, reported CNN. (ANI)
US under the pretext of fighting terrorism has provided an aid package to Pakistan's F-16 fleet; however experts say that it is rather a US paradox as the "friendly" country to which the aid is given is sheltering terrorist entities proscribed by UN and America itself. The expert said that it would indeed be necessary to explain to the American taxpayers the following paradox: "under the pretext of the fight against terrorism, their government finances with their money the maintenance and the modernization of a fleet of hunters - certainly produced in America by a national company, Lockheed Martin - but to the friendly country which shelters Pakistan terrorist entities proscribed by the UN and by the American authorities themselves!" Moreover, by this decision which is difficult to understand, what signal is Washington sending to the omnipotent generals of the Pakistani army as well as to its powerful intelligence services, said expert Olivier Guillard in an article for a media outlet Asialyst. Isn't this giving them de facto a blank check to pursue as they please - in the volatile Kashmiri theater to begin with, then in Afghanistan - their eternal Indo-centric agenda? For the first time since 2018, the US administration on September 8 approved nearly USD 500 million in aid to fund the maintenance of Pakistan's fleet of F-16 fighters without a guarantee that it will not be used against India, which Washington nevertheless wants to ally against China. On September 26, there were celebrations at the National Museum of American Diplomacy in Washington for the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Pakistan. Accompanied by his Pakistani counterpart, the American Secretary of State Antony Blinken suggested to his guest to "implement [in the future] a responsible relationship with neighbouring India". The head of American diplomacy confirmed on this occasion to his visitor a timid emergency financial assistance to cope with the floods drowning the country, while inviting Islamabad to obtain from Beijing - one of his other " close allies" - a restructuring of its large bilateral debt. During this meeting with the new Pakistani Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bilawal Bhutto, Antony Blinken did not dwell on the many points of long-standing divergence between Washington and Islamabad - "We have had differences, it is not a secret for no one (...). It's a resilient relationship. It is capable of overcoming the challenges we have had to face." The head of American diplomacy preferred by far to hold a more removed and optimistic speech, "We share a common goal: a more stable, more peaceful and freer future for the whole of Afghanistan and for all the inhabitants of the region [...]. And I am convinced that an even brighter future awaits us, a future that everyone in this room will literally have to help bring about." After waryness shown by India over the F-16 US package to Pakistan, Antony Blinken pointed out that this financial package "is intended for the maintenance of Pakistan's existing fleet. It's not about new planes, new systems, new weapons. It is a question of ensuring the maintenance of the existing equipment," the expert wrote in the article. As a reminder, during their last armed clash in 2019 and more precisely during combat between the two air forces over Kashmir, the Indian air force allegedly shot down a Pakistan air force aircraft, possibly an F-16. It is therefore not surprising that the head of Indian diplomacy is moved by the news of this American financial assistance intended for the maintenance of the PAF and its F-16 fighters in particular, considering that these devices are in no way - unlike according to Islamabad and Washington - engaged primarily in the fight against terrorism on Pakistani territory. Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh also came forward to his American peer, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, to express his concerns for the package. From the podium of the annual General Assembly of the UN, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reserves a substantial part of his intervention in front of the audience of diplomats and the media to blame India for all or part of the torments of Pakistan. An approach contributing more surely to further tighten bilateral relations almost at a standstill (since 2019) than to initiate a sketch of "detente." Moreover, as is often the case in Pakistan, Pakistan has a constant obsession with India during serious internal crises such as the recent catastrophic floods and the collapse of the national economy. During these tough times Pakistani leaders feel "compelled" to harden the tone against India and fail to take action to improve its own national situation for its 226 million citizens. Expert Guillard is a specialist in Asia, a researcher at CERIAS (the University of Quebec in Montreal) and an author. (ANI)
After its exit from Afghanistan, the United States has once again accorded Pakistan the role of a key player in US military plans, especially due to its strategic presence in a region that connects West, South, and Central Asia, media reports said. On Wednesday, in high-level meetings between Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, with US President Joe Biden's administration officials from the State Department and Pentagon US accorded the role of conduit to Pakistan, reported Islam Khabar. However, there was no agreement that ensued following the meeting. It is pertinent to note that despite the fact that who is in power the US has enjoyed close ties with Pakistan's military. This key development comes in the backdrop of Bajwa retiring next month. Bajwa will complete an extended tenure as the tenth Chief that began on November 29, 2016. Bajwa's visit comes after Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held consultations with his US counterparts and officials. The US-Pakistan relations took a sour turn after then-Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan blamed the US for conspiring to oust him from power, reported Islam Khabar. After Khan's ouster, US-Pakistan relations consolidated. Bajwa had earlier said that Pakistan is improving ties with neighbours and forging economic relationships including trade. The US cannot afford to move away from Pakistan and is in fact returning to its old logistic base in the region. On the other hand, the Taliban has alleged that the US was giving 'billions' to Pakistan so that it could use logistics support to operate drones. According to Islam Khabar, the US needs to be around to combat the growth of Al Qaida and the Islamic State in the region. A report by the Pakistan Study Group, an American think tank under the Centre for Global Development, noted that the US could not "walk away" from Pakistan, post its exit from Afghanistan last year. The study group, which did not involve the US government, included scholars and former US ambassadors to Pakistan Ryan Crocker, Cameron Munter and Robin Raphel, an old Pakistan hand since the 1980s, along with Husain Haqqani, Pakistan's former ambassador in Washington. The report said that even if the Taliban retorts the US for engagements with Pakistan the US needs to keep engaging Pakistan with investment and climate cooperation key to reducing the South Asian nation's growing reliance on China. The paper presents another context which is the growing relationship Pakistan has with China. The US cannot ignore this partnership. The US wants to contain China's emergence as a key player in the region and hence will have to proceed accordingly. Another bone of contention for the US is Sino-Pak cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The US sees Pakistan frequently playing the "China card". (ANI)
Chinese video-sharing app TikTok has removed over 15 million videos from Pakistan for violating community guidelines, the second largest volume of videos taken down in the second Quarter of 2022, media reports said. 15,351,388 videos were removed and nearly 97 per cent of these were removed only within 24 hours of being published, reported Dawn. 98 per cent were removed before a user reported them, and 97 per cent were removed before having any views. The platform also removed accounts determined to be spam, along with spam videos posted by those accounts. TikTok released its latest Community Guidelines Enforcement Report for the April-June quarter, "building on its commitment to a multi-pronged approach to stop misinformation on the platform". In the second quarter of 2022, 113,809,300 videos were removed globally, which represents about 1 per cent of all videos uploaded to TikTok, reported Dawn. A Moscow court has slapped the Chinese video sharing app TikTok with a fine of USD 50,943 for refusing to remove LGBT propaganda. Moscow court's fine on the Chinese app TikTok was followed by a statement by the Federal Youth Agency and the Russian media watchdog. Russian media watchdog reported that TikTok is promoting the "LGBT movement, radical feminism and a distorted view of traditional sexual relations," reported Russian news agency TASS. Later, the two agencies made their statement citing a February 10 video posted on TikTok. According to them, in the video an author was talking about teaching English through gender, and also forms a distorted view of non-traditional sexual relations. "The court found TikTok guilty under Part 2 of Art. 13.41 of the Administrative Offenses Code of the Russian Federation (failure of the owner of a website to delete information if the obligation to delete such information is included in the legislation of the Russian Federation) and imposed a fine of 3 million rubles," judge Timur Vakhrameev announced. Since 2021, TikTok has been fined a total amount of more than USD 186,494 for refusing to remove prohibited information, the agency said adding that since February, the Russian media watchdog has been compiling administrative reports in relation to social networks and instant messengers that have not removed calls to participate in unauthorized actions. Since the start of 2022, numerous websites have been repeatedly taken to court for violating Russian law after refusing to remove prohibited content. For Instance, Telegram was fined USD 186,494 for refusing to remove prohibited information, including instructions for committing sabotage, as per the media agency. Earlier US lawmakers introduced a bill to prohibit the Chinese video sharing app TikTok from accessing thier citizens' user data from within China and block the installation of the application on government devices. (ANI)
Ahead of 20th National Party Congress in which Xi Jinping is set to secure a third term in power, the Chinese authorities have scaled up the restrictions locking down regions and cities and mandating quarantines, disrupting lives of people and drawing widespread public complaints. With sudden Covid flare-ups ahead of the Chinese Communist Party meeting, the authorities are enforcing a "zero Covid" policy in an excessive manner on Chinese citizens to eliminate infections, despite the massive economic slump in the country, The New York Times reported. Moreover, the residents of less-developed regions are bearing the brunt of strict covid lockdowns as food and medicine shortages have been common in such regions. Liu Sushe, the vice chairman of the Xinjiang region, conceded this week that the area of 22 million people was facing its most difficult public health emergency ever, according to The New York Times. Earlier on Tuesday, China's Xinjiang province effectively banned residents and visitors from leaving, blocking all trains and buses from departing the region and stopping most flights. Similar situations came into light in other regions of Beijing, most notably in Shanghai earlier this year and in Tibet a few weeks ago, and have led to anger about the human and economic toll of the harsh measures that Xi Jinping government has imposed on Chinese citizens. The world is being shown a country like China handling the outbreak in a harmonious way, but the reality apparently is far from that. The measures being taken are too severe and not in the interest of the public at all. China was the centre of the COVID-19 outbreak in the world, the whole suffered millions of deaths in the past 2 years. But when entire China and many parts of the world were reeling under the coronavirus crisis, Tibet remained untouched except for one case at the beginning of the pandemic. Tibet did not see a Covid-19 case for over 900 days. While most of the world is free from coronavirus infections, many Chinese provinces are suffering from the viral disease. Now, Tibet has also come under its grip, for which people are blaming Chinese agencies, reported Tibet Press. The outbreak in Tibet began on August 7, 2022, and the lockdowns started happening right afterwards. More than 6 million cases of COVID-19 infection have been registered since the beginning of the pandemic in mainland China, with 24,806 related deaths. Parts of China have reported a sudden surge in the COVID-19 virus and the outbreak of the fifth wave has forced the citizens to once again face the authoritarian government's unending restrictions. The recurring outbreak of rampant infection in the country, despite China's strong measures, speaks of the failure of Xi Jinping's so-called "zero-COVID policy" which has upended daily life and dealt a heavy blow to the slowing economy. (ANI)
The Ukrainian government authorised the bomb attack near Moscow in August that killed the daughter of a prominent Russian nationalist Alexander Dugin, according to a report by The New York Times. Darya Dugina, daughter of Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin, died in a car explosion outside Moscow when she was travelling home from an event. Moscow said that Ukraine's special services were behind the assassination. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said Ukrainian citizen Natalya Vovk perpetrated the killing and then fled from Russia to Estonia. The NYT report published this week said the United States took no part in the attack, adding that they were not aware of the operation and would have opposed the killing had they been consulted. It also says that American officials admonished Ukrainian officials over the assassination. After the daughter of Putin's close aide was killed in a car explosion in Moscow, several reports have pointed out that Aleksander Dugin himself could have been the target of the explosion instead of his daughter Daria Dugina. "This was the father's vehicle. Darya was driving another car but she took his car today, while Alexander went a different way. He returned, he was at the site of the tragedy. As far as I understand, Alexander or probably they together were the target," TASS quoted Andrey Krasnov, the head of the Russian Horizon social movement, as saying.Darya Dugina, 29, had been driving for about 10 minutes after leaving the "Tradition" music and literature festival when her car exploded, according to an earlier report by NYT. Her father was supposed to take the car but got in a different vehicle at the last moment. Following the killing of Putin's close aide in Moscow, the United States had condemned the targeted killing of civilians, saying it is against this act principally, whether it happens in Kyiv or in Moscow. "So I don't have anything to share beyond what you have all heard publicly, and that is that Ukraine has denied any involvement in the attack on this individual. We unequivocally condemn the targeting of civilians," US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said during a press briefing in August. "We condemn the targeting of civilians, whether that's in Kyiv, whether that's in Bucha, whether that's in Kharkiv, whether that's in Kramatorsk, whether that's in Mariupol, or whether that's in Moscow. That principle applies around the world," he added. (ANI)
Demonstrations by the Jammu & Kashmir Liberation Front (Saghir Group) are underway in Kotli and other areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to lodge nationalist parties' protest against the attack on united J&K by tribesmen from erstwhile NWFP (Kpk) and FATA in 1947. The nationalist parties of PoK and GB before whom Pakistan's true ugly face has been exposed for a long time have realized that the Punjabi elite of Pakistan is least bothered about the well-being of Kashmiris. It is interested only in natural resources and strategic heights and locations of PoK and GB. The nationalist parties and groups openly accuse Pakistan of usurping their freedom and motherland by mounting attacks on united J&K in 1947 but their criticism is blacked out by Pak electronic and print media. For PoK people, barring Islamists who continue to run their jihadi shop for amassing wealth, Oct 22, 1947, is the darkest in the history of Jammu and Kashmir when in the intervening night of October 21-22, 1947 "Operation Gulmarg" was launched under the command of Pakistani Major General Akbar Khan to capture J&K. Over 20,000 tribesmen, including undercover Pak regulars, penned a gory history of J&K by committing bloodshed and genocide of Hindus and Sikhs in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur and surrounding areas. Those who could not recite "Kalima" were killed, their belongings looted and women and girls irrespective of their age were raped and brutally killed by the raiders. To mark the day, JKLF (Saghir Group) will observe October 22 as Black Day and hold protest rallies and demonstrations across PoK. The biggest rally in this regard will be held at Kotli. Chairman JKLF Sardar Mohammed Saghir Khan will lead the rally and deliver a keynote address. Currently, a coordination campaign by JKLF is underway in PoK to attract the maximum number of people. In addition to the Kotli protest rally, big protest rallies and demonstrations are also being held at Holar, Poth, Sehnsa, Sahar Mandi, Gulpur and Nar. JKLF (Saghir Group) protest is also being backed by Awami Huqooq Tehreek. JKLF leaders, in addition to deploring tribal attacks on J&K under the patronage of the Pak Army on that day in 1947 will also protest against step-motherly treatment being meted out to PoK by Pak rulers and its successive puppet PoK governments. These rallies will be addressed among others by Sardar Muhammed Mushtaq, Head of the Political Wing of JKLF and Raja Mazhar Iqbal, General Secretary JKLF. JKLF and Awami Huqooq Tehreek demands include the establishment of PoK's own grid station; end of load-shedding and taxes on electricity; availability of subsidized wheat flour on the pattern of GB, free education and health facilities to PoK people; increase in PoK employees' salaries and end of incentives/privileges to ruling elite, bureaucracy and judges. They also demand the lifting of the ban on the restriction of taking an oath of accession to Pakistan and the end of Pak efforts to capture PoK lands, particularly tourist lands in the name of the tourism authority. Nationalists alleged that Pak Army is capturing all tourist places one after the other in the name of security. Prior to the forthcoming Oct 22 demonstrations, rallies and other kinds of functions by JKLF and Awami Huqooq Tehreek are in progress in various parts of PoK and its leaders are urging people not to deposit electricity bills until their demands are met. They declared Sardar Tanveer's government as a fascist one and said that a national democratic revolution is essential to leash his government. During ongoing demonstrations which are gradually gaining momentum, leaders are expressing concern over the increasing activities of non-state people; mostly Pashtuns who they alleged are involved in various kinds of crimes including thefts and abduction of children. They said that unashamed Pakistan, which claims to be the Islamic Republic has rendered their region a beggar by plundering its resources. The puppet PoK and GB governments are involved in state terrorism. They are forcibly occupying the lands of local people. They declared that repression by occupation forces will ultimately come to an end. Nationalist leaders also condemned Pak intelligence agencies in strongest terms for banning pro-freedom books including the Jammu Kashmir Book of Knowledge and said that they misbehaved with those students and people who wanted to buy these books. (ANI)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the special military operation has revealed a few alarming facts, including illegal military biological programmes at Pentagon-installed labs, as well as experiments with the creation of prohibited chemicals. "Yesterday, Volodymyr Zelensky called on his Western handlers to take a pre-emptive nuclear strike against Russia. This character actually gave the world further evidence of the threat emanating from the Kiev regime. It is to neutralise that very threat that the special military operation was launched," said the Minister while speaking at the fourth meeting of the United Russia Party General Council Commission for International Cooperation and Support for Compatriots Abroad, Moscow on October 7. "His 'soul friends' in Poland recently reaffirmed that they had the same dreams of acquiring nuclear weapons. So far, at this stage, Warsaw wants to join NATO's practice of conducting joint nuclear missions, which grossly violate the requirements of the Non-Proliferation Treaty," said the Minister. "What about NATO? In addition to its lies and threats against us, the alliance, together with the EU, continues to reiterate its all-out support for Zelensky, who is at the forefront of Ukraine's struggle for European values, freedom and democracy," he said. "As has been repeatedly explained, Russia's Military Doctrine and the Fundamentals of State Policy on Nuclear Deterrence remain unchanged. Any attempts by Washington or its vessels to distort this reality or our approach are aimed at intimidating the international community, forcing its sensible part to follow the failed path of reckless support for Kiev in all its crazy schemes," he added. "The European Political Community, proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron, held its inaugural summit on Thursday. Head of EU diplomacy Josep Borrell proudly stated in its wake that the process of forming a security structure has been launched without Russia. They are dancing to Kiev's tune and encouraging the insane fantasies of the people who are still in power there. The US and its allies are taking on enormous responsibility for the dangerous ratcheting up of international tensions, pumping weapons into Vladimir Zelensky's Ukraine despite his openly proclaimed nuclear ambitions," said the Minister. "As you remember, French President Emmanuel Macron once diagnosed the North Atlantic Alliance with 'brain death'. Judging by the way NATO is nurturing the neo-Nazi regime in Kiev, this 'disease' has gone too far," the Minister added. Once again, we warn the US and other sponsors of the Kiev regime against deeper involvement in the situation as parties to the conflict, he said. --IANS kvm/pgh ( 429 Words) 2022-10-08-21:24:03 (IANS)
Ahead of the "vote against Russia" at the United Nations next week, western countries led by the United States, have sought support from Shehbaz Sharif's government in Pakistan. This comes as the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is set to hold a meeting next Monday to discuss the Russian annexation of four regions in Ukraine, according to media reports. A resolution under preparation on the annexation after Moscow vetoed a condemnation of the act in the UN Security Council last week. The Biden administration is looking for the support of the countries that previously abstained on a similar resolution, in a bid to gather maximum support, The Express Tribune newspaper reported. Earlier in March, Pakistan had stayed away from voting, a move that drew a strong response from Europe and the US. Some European countries even equated abstention to backing Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While defending its position, Islamabad had said that taking any sides would deny the country a role of a possible peace broker. Since the ouster of Imran Khan and the arrival of the Shehbaz Sharif government, Pakistan has seen greater engagement with the Biden administration. At the recently held UN General Assembly session, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met several prominent leaders from Europe, including from Germany and France. Shehbaz even held a brief interaction with President Joe Biden in Washington. During the series of talks in the United States, Russia has remained one of the main talking points. The United States is certainly keen that Pakistan abandons its policy of "neutrality" on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Tribune reported citing diplomatic sources. However, Pakistan is unlikely to change its stance because it doesn't want to become a party to the conflict between global powers. Last week, Russia has used its veto at the UNSC to scuttle a draft resolution that sought to condemn its annexations of Ukrainian territory. (ANI)
In the midst of Fat Bear Week  the time when Alaskas Katmai National Park celebrates brown bears bulking up for winter hibernation  an unlikely friendship has formed.

A mother brown bear and her cubs typically dont spend a lot of time with other bears. But this year, two mothers with a single cub each have formed an ursine quartet thats been playing, resting and fishing for salmon together, Mashable reports.

During Fat Bear Week, enthusiasts can vote on their favorite fat bear of Katmai in a March Madness-style bracket. People can also watch the hefty contenders via a live bear cam through Explore.org, a website that hosts various animal-centered livestreams.

The mama bear BFFs  known to humans as bears 909 and 910  are actually sisters, though this relation doesnt make their current closeness less noteworthy.

Ive never seen two families associate with each other like these have, Mike Fitz, a former Katmai park ranger now Explore.orgs resident naturalist, told Mashable.

Two brown bears (not 909 and 910) fishing for salmon at Katmai National Park.

Two brown bears (not 909 and 910) fishing for salmon at Katmai National Park.

Naomi Boak, Katmais former media ranger, called the friendship pretty incredible, saying that for her, it was the story of the year.

Fat Bear Weeks origins date back to 2014. Fitz, then working for Katmai, posted a series of before and after photos of the bears on the parks Facebook page and encouraged viewers to vote on their favorite.

The one-day event, Fat Bear Tuesday, had a really high level of engagementfar more engagement than anything else we had posted on social, Fitz told Smithsonian Magazine.

The next year, the park staff decided to make the voting a week-long affair, and Fat Bear Week was born. Since then, the annual bear-to-bear matchup has grown in popularity, and the winning bears typically receive national media fanfare.

Every year, the fans return to Katmai virtually, and its like theyre seeing these long lost relatives return, and it fills their hearts with joy, Charles Annenberg Weingarten, the founder of Explore.org, told Smithsonian.

Story continues

Last year, the voters favorite bear was Otis, a 25-year-old bear who had experienced some health issues earlier in the year before joining in the annual salmon chowdown.

Otis, the reigning champ of Fat Bear Week.

Otis, the reigning champ of Fat Bear Week.

In this years bracket, Otis is still in the running and defending his title as of Saturday afternoon.

May the best bear win.

Related...
STANISLAV POHORILOV  SATURDAY, 8 OCTOBER 2022, 09:20

Pavlo Kyrylenko, Head of the Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, has reported that six civilians were killed in Donetsk Oblast on 7 October: two in Zarichne, two in Ocheretyne, and one each in Bakhmut and Pavlivka.

Source: Pavlo Kyrylenko on Telegram

Details: Kyrylenko said that the bodies of another nine civilians killed during the Russian occupation have been found in the recently liberated territories of Donetsk Oblast: six in Lyman, two in Sviatohirsk and one in Yarova.

He reiterated that it remains impossible to determine the number of casualties and fatalities in Mariupol and Volnovakha.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
A

A "VOTE" sign appears outside the U.S. Capitol. (Photo: Shannon Finney via Getty Images)

With exactly one month until the 2022 midterm elections, supporters of abortion rights turned out Saturday in places across the country to highlight the gravity of the issues at stake.

Control over the Senate and the House, both currently in the hands of Democrats, is considered to be up for grabs  and with it, the future of reproductive health care in America.

Republican lawmakers have been taking increasingly tough stances against abortion in the wake of the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade this summer. This 1973 ruling made abortion legal nationwide. Some states, such as Texas and Oklahoma, now do not even allow abortion in cases of rape or incest; exceptions to their abortion bans can only be made in very limited circumstances to save the pregnant patients life. Criminal penalties in certain states mean that medical practitioners might be risking their freedom and livelihood if they perform an abortion in a case that does not conform to lawmakers restrictions.

Whats more, a conservative movement is underway to grant fetuses rights that would inevitably clash with womens rights to make their own healthcare decisions.

With all that in mind, demonstrators appeared united behind a push to get out the vote on Nov. 8 at a series of Womens Wave events organized by the Womens March.

Some demonstrators came with signs casting this coming November as Roevember, a referendum on abortion. Already the abortion issue has upended midterm races and forced some conservative candidates to tone down their rhetoric in the aftermath of what has proven to be a widelyunpopular Supreme Court decision.

Have a look at some of the events below.

Thousands of protesters turn out in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 8. (Photo: Shannon Finney via Getty Images)

Thousands of protesters turn out in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 8. (Photo: Shannon Finney via Getty Images)

Supporters of abortion rights demonstrate outside of the Harris County Courthouse in Houston, Texas. (Photo: MARK FELIX via Getty Images)

Supporters of abortion rights demonstrate outside of the Harris County Courthouse in Houston, Texas. (Photo: MARK FELIX via Getty Images)

Story continues

Women's Wave marchers showed up to demonstrate in Houston, Texas. (Photo: MARK FELIX via Getty Images)

Women's Wave marchers showed up to demonstrate in Houston, Texas. (Photo: MARK FELIX via Getty Images)

Demonstrators appear in New York City's Foley Square. (Photo: BRYAN R. SMITH via Getty Images)

Demonstrators appear in New York City's Foley Square. (Photo: BRYAN R. SMITH via Getty Images)

A woman picks out a button in Washington, D.C. (Photo: ROBERTO SCHMIDT via Getty Images)

A woman picks out a button in Washington, D.C. (Photo: ROBERTO SCHMIDT via Getty Images)

Thousands gathered in the nation's capital to rally for reproductive rights. (Photo: ROBERTO SCHMIDT via Getty Images)

Thousands gathered in the nation's capital to rally for reproductive rights. (Photo: ROBERTO SCHMIDT via Getty Images)

A Texas protester holds a sign with the Margaret Sanger quote,

A Texas protester holds a sign with the Margaret Sanger quote, "No woman can call herself free who does not control her own body." (Photo: MARK FELIX via Getty Images)

A New York City demonstrator yells at anti-abortion protestors. (Photo: BRYAN R. SMITH via Getty Images)

A New York City demonstrator yells at anti-abortion protestors. (Photo: BRYAN R. SMITH via Getty Images)

A detail of a protester's hat is seen at the Washington, D.C., event. (Photo: Shannon Finney via Getty Images)

A detail of a protester's hat is seen at the Washington, D.C., event. (Photo: Shannon Finney via Getty Images)

A demonstrator in New York City holds up a photo of Mahsa Amini in solidarity with protesters in Iran fighting for women's rights. The 22-year-old Amini was killed in the custody of Iran's religious police for improperly wearing her headscarf. Her death in mid-September has sparked weeks of heated protests. (Photo: BRYAN R. SMITH via Getty Images)

A demonstrator in New York City holds up a photo of Mahsa Amini in solidarity with protesters in Iran fighting for women's rights. The 22-year-old Amini was killed in the custody of Iran's religious police for improperly wearing her headscarf. Her death in mid-September has sparked weeks of heated protests. (Photo: BRYAN R. SMITH via Getty Images)

Demonstrators hold signs criticizing the U.S. Supreme Court in New York City. (Photo: BRYAN R. SMITH via Getty Images)

Demonstrators hold signs criticizing the U.S. Supreme Court in New York City. (Photo: BRYAN R. SMITH via Getty Images)

New York City demonstrators hold signs saying,

New York City demonstrators hold signs saying, "THIS ROEVEMBER: ROE, ROE, ROE YOUR VOTE TO TURN THE TIDE!" Another reads: "ROEVEMBER IS COMING. VOTE." (Photo: BRYAN R. SMITH via Getty Images)

A young girl surveys the crowd from up high in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Shannon Finney via Getty Images)

A young girl surveys the crowd from up high in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Shannon Finney via Getty Images)

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
In a world filled with bad actors and snooping governments, surveillance is the one factor that affects almost every business across the globe. While companies like Apple, Signal and LastPass fight against surveillance using end-to-end encryption and by shunning mass data collection  you can't hand over data you don't have  too many companies, big and small, remain unaware and deeply vulnerable to prying eyes.

The fast-changing surveillance landscape is why were thrilled that Jennifer Stisa Granick, ACLU's surveillance and cybersecurity counsel, and Maddie Stone, a security researcher on Google's Project Zero team, will join us onstage at TechCrunch Disrupt on October 1820 in San Francisco.

In a panel discussion called "Surveillance in Startup Land," Granick and Stone will join TechCrunch security editor Zack Whittaker to present a crash course on the surveillance state to inform, educate and inspire early-stage founders to think about how to protect their users and customers from threats they haven't even thought of yet.

We'll discuss the emerging threats today, like how spyware makers, like NSO Group, Cytrox and Candiru, which let governments secretly wiretap phones in real time, and data brokers  the companies that trade in people's personal information and granular location  represent an ever increasing threat to privacy and civil liberties.

Surveillance isn't just in the United States  it's everywhere  and change can happen quickly and unexpectedly. Case in point: Fear over healthcare data tracking and privacy became a reality after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark legal case that guaranteed a persons constitutional right to abortion.

The decisions that founders and investors make today can and will affect millions tomorrow. We cant wait to hear our panelists weigh in on how companies should think about what they're building now  and in the future  so they dont inadvertently become extensions of the surveillance state.

Story continues

Jennifer Stisa Granick fights for civil liberties in an age of massive surveillance and powerful digital technology. As the surveillance and cybersecurity counsel with the ACLU Speech, Privacy and Technology Project, she litigates, speaks and writes about privacy, security, technology and constitutional rights.

Granick is the author of the book American Spies: Modern Surveillance, Why You Should Care, and What to Do About It, published by Cambridge University Press and winner of the 2016 Palmer Civil Liberties Prize.

Maddie Stone is a security researcher on Google Project Zero team, where she focuses on zero-day exploits actively used in the wild. Previously, she served as reverse engineer and team lead on the Android security team, focusing predominantly on preinstalled and off-Google Play malware.

Stone holds a Bachelor of Science, with a double major in computer science and Russian, and a Master of Science in computer science from Johns Hopkins University.

TechCrunch Disrupt takes place on October 1820 in San Francisco. Buy your pass today and find out why Disrupt is the place where startups go to grow.

Is your company interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at TechCrunch Disrupt 2022? Contact our sponsorship sales team by filling out this form.

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By Ismail Shakil and Kanishka Singh

(Reuters) - An appeals court on Friday temporarily blocked Arizona from enforcing a 1901 ban on nearly all abortions in the state, overruling a trial court's decision last month to let the ban proceed.

The Arizona Court of Appeals granted Planned Parenthood's request for an emergency stay of Pima County Superior Court's ruling on Sept. 23 that lifted an injunction on the ban. The appeals court said the abortion-rights advocacy group "demonstrated a substantial likelihood of success" in its challenge of that decision.

"The court further concludes the balance of hardships weigh strongly in favor of granting the stay, given the acute need of healthcare providers, prosecuting agencies, and the public for legal clarity as to the application of our criminal laws," presiding Judge Peter Eckerstrom wrote on Friday.

In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's June reversal of the constitutional right to abortion, overturning the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, about half the 50 U.S. states are expected to seek to restrict abortions or have already done so, sparking a wave of litigation around the country.

Pima County Superior Court Judge Kellie Johnson had granted a request by the Arizona's Republican attorney general to lift the injunction that had barred enforcement of Arizona's pre-statehood ban.

Planned Parenthood said in a statement the decision by the appeals court "brings temporary respite to Arizonans" and would allow the group to resume abortion care services while the legal proceedings continue.

The office of Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich said it will "carefully review" the court's Friday ruling before determining its next step.

The Democratic Party welcomed Friday's ruling, calling it a "temporary relief."

Democrats in the Arizona legislature called on the state's Republican Governor Doug Ducey to call a special session to repeal the total ban.

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Democrats have been eager to cast Republicans as extreme on the abortion issue since Roe was overturned and many states began enforcing abortion bans.

Democrats are increasingly hopeful the Supreme Court decision will boost voter support in November's midterm elections, with the party's control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate at stake.

(Reporting by Ismail Shakil and Kanishka Singh; Additonal reporting by Nate Raymond; Editing by William Mallard)
PHOENIX  The Arizona Court of Appeals on Friday blocked a trial court's decision that allowed immediate enforcement of a pre-statehood law that criminalizes nearly all abortions.

The ruling means that abortions can again take place in Arizona, at least for now, unless the state Supreme Court steps in.

The three-judge panel agreed with Planned Parenthood that the judge should not have lifted the decades-old order blocking its enforcement.

The brief order written by Presiding Judge Peter J. Eckerstrom said Planned Parenthood and its Arizona affiliate had shown they are likely to prevail on an appeal of a decision by the judge in Tucson to allow enforcement of the old law. They said the judge should have considered a host of laws restricting abortions passed since the original injunction was put in place following the U.S. Supreme Court's 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade that said women have a constitutional right to an abortion.

Those laws include a new one blocking abortions after 15 weeks' pregnancy that took effect last month.

The Supreme Court overruled Roe in June, and Republican Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich then asked that the injunction blocking enforcement of the pre-statehood abortion be lifted. Pima Court Superior Court Judge Kellie Johnson agreed on Sept. 23 and lifted the order two weeks ago.

Providers across the state stopped abortions after the U.S. Supreme Court decision, but many restarted procedures in mid-summer. That came after a federal judge blocked a separate personhood law they worried would allow criminal charges against doctors and nurses. They halted again after Johnson's ruling.

The appeals court said the trial court erred by limiting its analysis only to the attorney general's request to lift the injunction issued after Roe was handed down and refusing to consider the later laws passed by the Legislature to regulate abortion.

Arizona courts have a responsibility to attempt to harmonize all of this states relevant statutes, Eckerstrom wrote, mirroring arguments made by attorneys for Planned Parenthood.

The appeals court set a hearing for next week to consider whether to set an expedited schedule for hearing Planned Parenthood's full appeal.
NAIROBI (Reuters) - Seven Djiboutian troops have been killed in clashes between the army and an armed opposition group, a presidential adviser told Reuters on Saturday.

Djibouti, home to one of East Africa's major ports as well as U.S. and Chinese military bases, has faced sporadic violence, usually sparked by protests against the government of President Ismail Omar Guelleh, whose party has a tight hold on power.

The latest attack in the north of the country was carried out on Thursday night by the Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUD), Alexis Mohamed, an adviser to Guelleh, told Reuters.

A spokesperson for FRUD, made up of members of the ethnic Afari community, denied being involved in the attack, and instead blamed a splinter group.

FRUD, formed in 1991, signed a peace deal with the government in 1994, when it split into two groups with one staying out of the accord.

Assailants attacked an army post in an area called Garabtissan in Tadjourah region on Thursday night, leading to the deaths and an unspecified number of injuries, Mohamed said.

"The barbaric act perpetrated ... by a terrorist group against our army established in the north of the country will not go unpunished," he said.

FRUD spokesperson Ibrahim Hamabou Hassan said in a statement the violence was "unjustifiable", and accused an armed splinter group run by former military soldiers of carrying it out.

The last attack by FRUD was in January 2021, when one policeman was killed, Mohamed said.

(Reporting by Giulia Paravicini Writing by Duncan Miriri; Editing by Mark Potter)
NextShark

A Chinese woman thought she was the victim of racism after receiving a letter from her alma mater addressed to a Ms. Ching Chong, but was shocked and relieved to learn the truth. Former University of Queensland student Sierra Chen took to the Facebook group UQ Stalkerspace, which is described as a platform for discourse about University of Queensland campus life, to share the letter she received from the university and to see if anyone could help her contact the addressee to verify whether the letter was sent maliciously. In her post, Chen said the contents of the letter were not unusual, but the name listed as the recipient concerned her, as ChingChong is a racial discrimination word against [sic] Chinese.
One central Florida organization received assistance as they help rebuild following Hurricane Ian.

Bank of America donated $75,000 to Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County to help with the recovery efforts, the company announced Thursday.

This donation will help provide safe and affordable housing to residents, especially those affected by the impact of the storm.

Read: Rebuild their lives: Funding available for people whose homes, businesses were affected by Ian

The housing crisis that our community was already facing has now been more clearly illuminated, Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County President and CEO Catherine Steck McManus said.

Read: Lake Toho water levels start to come down

The company had already pledged $40,000 to Habitat Orlando and Osceola for the Habitat Global Build initiative, but once the hurricane struck, they increased the donation.

Read: Unclaimed property requests: Hurricane Ian victims will be prioritized

Bank of America employees also volunteered to build homes on Thursday at Silver Pines Pointe.

Jodie Hardman, the market executive for Bank of America Central Florida, said they hope other businesses will support communities whose lives were changed by Ian.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
The Chicago Bears (2-2) released their second injury report ahead of Sundays Week 5 game against the Minnesota Vikings (3-1), where its not looking good for one key defensive starter.

Heading into this Week 5 matchup against the Vikings, the Bears could really use cornerback Jaylon Johnson back. Unfortunately, he remains sidelined as he continues to deal with a quad injury. But there was some good news as running back David Montgomery returned to practice.

Heres a look at the full injury report from Thursdays practice:

Did not practice

Michael Reaves/Getty Images

CB Jaylon Johnson (quad)

S Dane Cruikshank (hamstring)

LB Sterling Weatherford (illness)

Its not looking good for cornerback Jaylon Johnson heading into Week 5, as he remains sidelined by a quad injury. Johnson has missed the previous two games, and it looks like hes headed for a third after missing a second straight practice this week. Meanwhile, safety Dane Cruikshank (hamstring) and linebacker Sterling Weatherford (illness) also didnt practice.

Limited

Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

RB David Montgomery (ankle)

DT Justin Jones (hip)

TE Ryan Griffin (Achilles)

Theres some encouraging news for starting running back David Montgomery, who was a limited participant on Thursday. Montgomery suffered a knee injury in Week 3, but hes certainly trending in the right direction. Defensive tackle Justin Jones was a new addition to the injury report with a hip injury that kept him limited on Thursday. Meanwhile, tight end Ryan Griffin was a limited participant in practice. He missed the previous two games with an Achilles injury.

Full participation

Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

LB Matt Adams (hamstring)

CB Jaylon Jones (illness)

It sounds like the Bears will have one defensive starter back for Sundays game. Linebacker Matt Adams returned to practice in full on Wednesday. Hes missed the last two games with a hamstring injury. Also, cornerback Jaylon Jones was back at practice after an illness held him out Wednesday.

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[listicle id=518560]

[listicle id=518524]

Story originally appeared on Bears Wire
Let us continue to fight to make sure all people have a chance to realize their dreams and to determine their own future, said Vice President Kamala Harris.

This week, Vice President Kamala Harris announced several actions that the Biden-Harris administration has taken to ensure that financial lenders are sending resources to underserved small businesses in their communities while speaking at the U.S. Department of the Treasury Freedmans Bank Forum in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks during the Freedmans Bank Forum in the Cash Room at the Treasury Department on October 04, 2022 in Washington, DC. According to the department, the forum is focused on efforts to increase economic opportunity and growth for communities of color and address the persistent drivers of the racial wealth divide. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

More than 100 people attended the forum on Tuesday to hear the administrations new efforts to advance racial equity.

Black entrepreneurs are three times more likely to report they did not apply for a loan for fear of being turned away by a bank, said Harris.

She added, Black and Latino homeowners are rejected by traditional financial institutions at a higher rate when applying for home loans.

Due to the disparities minorities face when compared to their white counterparts, the vice president said that she and President Joe Biden collaborated with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Congresswoman Maxine Waters, D-Calif., to invest $12 billion in community lendersthat predominantly do business in overlooked and underserved communities.

Earlier this year, the administration also launched the Economic Opportunity Coalition, which is comprised of more than 20 private-sector organizations that have committed to investing more than $1 billion into minority and rural communities.

We see that people in our country are having an experience that is not equal and thats why we talk about equity, because we recognize not everybody starts out on the same base, said Harris. They dont start out in the same place, even though they have the same God-given capacity.

Allan Boomer, a managing partner at Momentum Advisors, one of the largest Black-owned wealth management firms in the U.S., told theGrio, that, The [racial] wealth gap is massive. It wont close overnight and no matter what you do to try to close it, its not enough.

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He added, I say that as a preface because I think many will criticize this plan and say its not enough. I will say it differently. At least its something  I do think that it could be better, but I think everything in it is solid. I just think that it doesnt go far enough.

During the forum, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge delivered remarks and unveiled ways in which the Biden-Harris administration plans to close the racial wealth gap in the U.S.

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge speaks during the Freedmans Bank Forum in the Cash Room at the Treasury Department on October 04, 2022 in Washington, DC. According to the department, the forum is focused on efforts to increase economic opportunity and growth for communities of color and address the persistent drivers of the racial wealth divide. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Fudge said in order to help communities that have long been burdened by structural racism, HUD is expanding access to homeownership and opportunity for minorities.

She added, Student loans can also be a profound impact on peoples ability to qualify for a mortgage. That is why we have neutralized it so that it does not prevent hardworking people from becoming a homeowner.

While Boomer believes it can be hard for the government to identify a specific race of people and do things for them, he believes the Biden-Harris administration should hone in on the Black community and close the racial wealth gap through homeownership.

The real wealth gap is between Black folks and white folks, he said, arguing that, at this time, the focus should not include other minority groups if the goal is to eradicate the racial wealth gap.

Boomer explained, For decades it was redlining that not only restricted our access to certain neighborhoods, it also greatly reduced and eliminated our ability to obtain mortgages.

So you cant get a mortgage you dont have access to the American dream, he added.

The Biden-Harris administration will help a lot of folks with its financial equity plan, he said, but its not necessarily all going towards the folks who need it the most.

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The post Biden-Harris Administration aims to close racial wealth gap appeared first on TheGrio.
Boston health officials said Friday theyre concerned about elevated levels of the coronavirus in the citys wastewater.

The concentration of the virus increased by 3.1% over the past week and by nearly 100% over the past two weeks, according to the Boston Public Health Commission.

New COVID-19 cases in Boston have decreased slightly over the past week, though the data does not include positive results from at-home tests, the commission said.

Boston hospitals had 170 new COVID-19 hospital admissions.

The public health commissioner says increases in COVID-19 related hospitalizations, combined with flu season, would cause major strain on Bostons health care system.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
The Chicago Bears (2-2) will battle the Minnesota Vikings (3-1) on Sunday, where theyre looking to rebound following a rough loss in Week 4.

This is Chicagos second divisional matchup of the 2022 season. They lost 27-10 to the Green Bay Packers (3-1) back in Week 2. Now, the Bears face the NFC North-leading Vikings, and there are no shortage of questions for Chicago on offense and defense.

But will the Bears be on in your part of the country?

If you live in the blue area of the map, youll be able to watch Bears-Vikings locally at Noon CT on FOX (via 506sports.com).

The rest of the country will get Falcons-Buccaneers (red), Seahawks-Saints (yellow) and Lions-Patriots (green) as part of FOXs early slate of games.

Adam Amin and Mark Schlereth will be on the Bears-Vikings call for FOX.

The Bears and Vikings kick things off Sunday at Noon CT on FOX.

List

Bears vs. Vikings game picks: Will Chicago get back in the win column in Week 5? View 5 items

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5 Bold predictions for Bears' Week 5 divisional game vs. Vikings View 5 items

Story originally appeared on Bears Wire
4:47: UPDATE

Scully has been located in Somerville by MBTA employees.

Original story below:

Cambridge Police are asking the public for help locating a man that went missing in the area of Lesley University Saturday afternoon.

Missing 21-Year-Old Man with Autism



Please Share: CPD is seeking the public's help in locating Juan Scully, a missing 21-year-old New Hampshire man with autism, who was reported missing after last being seen today at approximately 1 p.m. around Lesley University. #CambMA pic.twitter.com/LvzHDM26lZ  Cambridge Police (@CambridgePolice) October 8, 2022

According to Cambridge Police, Juan Scully, a 21-year-old man with autism, is from New Hampshire and not familiar with the area.

He was last seen at Lesley University around 1:00 p.m. wearing black plants with red stripes, black and white shoes and a reddish sweatshirt. Police say he often walks on his toes and he may also be carrying a black jacket. He is described as approximately 510.

Anyone that finds Scully is asked to call 911 or the Cambridge Police Department at 617-349-3300.

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Chris Magnus said Republican governors sending migrants to northern cities could encourage more migration to the United States.

Magnus told the Los Angeles Times in an interview that the politicians who are complaining about the causes of migration are also the ones who are causing it to occur.

Its safe to say whats going on is a pull factor, which is somewhat ironic given the criticism from some of these same governors involved in this about various pull factors that they claim already exist, he said.

Magnuss remarks come after GOP Govs. Ron DeSantis of Florida, Greg Abbott of Texas and Doug Ducey of Arizona made headlines in recent months for busing thousands of migrants to Democratic-run cities in the north with more lax immigration policies.

Migrants have been bused to Chicago, New York City and Washington, D.C.

DeSantis chartered two flights to take migrants from Texas to Marthas Vineyard, Mass., last month. Abbott also received attention after busing migrants to Vice President Harriss residence in D.C. soon afterward.

Many migrants aboard the flights to Marthas Vineyard, a popular place for the wealthy, said they were told they were going to Boston. Others said they were told in Texas theyd receive assistance to find jobs and housing.

Democratic state and local leaders claimed they were not notified in advance of the flights or buses transporting the migrants.

Magnus also noted the impact social media has on the situation and said promises of work can be enticing for other potential migrants. He said human smugglers can also use this information to manipulate and mislead migrants.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Central Florida residents who are unable to return to their primary residences that are either uninhabitable or inaccessible due to Hurricane Ian, could be eligible for FEMA Transitional Shelter Assistance.

This FEMA program provides short-term hotel stays for eligible survivors when other housing options are not available after a presidentially declared disaster.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

The program has been activated for Hurricane Ian survivors in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties.

According to a news release, survivors from these counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to shelter in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA.

Read: Eligible Central Florida residents displaced by Hurricane Ian still waiting for hotel vouchers

Under the TSA program, FEMA pays the cost of room, taxes and non-refundable pet fees directly to participating hotels and motels. Survivors are responsible for all other costs, including laundry, room service, parking, telephone, food, transportation and other services.

Residents can register with FEMA in one of several ways: they can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA App.

Read: As flood waters recede, a list of lessons learned emerges

Another option for individuals, including those who use the 711 relay or VRS, is to call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) while those who use TTY can call 1-800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, seven days a week.

Read: Central Florida election officials work to ensure Hurricane Ian doesnt impact voting

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Christian Bale says Leonardo DiCaprio is Hollywood's first-choice actor in any film.

For example, the actor said the creators of "American Psycho" originally wanted DiCaprio to star.

"To this day, any role that anybody gets, it's only because he's passed on it," Bale told GQ.

Christian Bale said everyone in Hollywood "owes" their career to Leonardo DiCaprio saying no to movies they've starred in.

Although the British actor has long-cemented himself a place in Hollywood, having starred in an array of films since his childhood like Steven Spielberg's "Empire of the Sun," Disney's "Newsies," and the 2008-2012 Batman trilogy, competition for roles still exists.

During an interview for GQ's November 2022 issue, Bale was asked about reports he lost out on five movie roles in the 1990s, including the role of Jack in "Titanic," to DiCaprio. He responded by saying that the only reason he and any other actor in Hollywood get to star in the films is that DiCaprio has said no to the projects first.

"It's not just me. Look, to this day, any role that anybody gets, it's only because he's passed on it beforehand," Bale, 48, said. "It doesn't matter what anyone tells you. It doesn't matter how friendly you are with the directors. All those people that I've worked with multiple times, they all offered every one of those roles to him first."

"I would suspect that almost everybody of similar age to him in Hollywood owes their careers to him passing on whatever project it is," Bale said.

"So, thank you, Leo, because literally, he gets to choose everything he does," he added. "And good for him, he's phenomenal."

Christian Bale in a scene from "American Psycho." Lionsgate/Getty Images

"American Psycho," for which Bale received critical acclaim for his portrayal of the leading character Patrick Bateman, was one movie that DiCaprio could have had. Initially, Lionsgate wanted DiCaprio to play the lead role, Vice reported.

Speaking to GQ, Bale said he was consequently paid the "absolute minimum" legally allowed to star in the film.

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"Nobody wanted me to do it except the director," Bale explained. "So they said they would only make it if they could pay me that amount. I was prepping for it when other people were playing the part. I was still prepping for it."

But Bale doesn't appear to have any bad blood about losing out on movie roles to DiCaprio.

"Do you know how grateful I am to get any damn thing? I mean, I can't do what he does," he told the magazine. "I wouldn't want the exposure that he has either. And he does it magnificently."

Read the original article on Insider
The United States Coast Guard is asking for the publics help in locating a man who recently set sail from Salem, Massachusetts towards Florida.

In a tweet sent out Friday, the Coast Guard says that 22-year-old Matthew Dennis left Salem on September 22 in a 28-foot fiberglass sailboat. Dennis was last heard from on the 29th of September, when he was off the coast of Long Island, New York, according to the post.

#Breaking @USCG asking for the publics help in locating 22 year old Matthew Dennis, who left #Salem, #MA, Sept. 22, toward FL, in a white 28ft fiberglass #sailboat. He was last heard from Sept. 29, off the coast of Long Island, NY. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/VBNyZ1uFKA  USCGNortheast (@USCGNortheast) October 7, 2022

The USCG is asking anyone with any information to please contact them at 617-223-8555.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Photo: The Canadian Press A local woman carries a bag with food given by Ukrainian volunteers in recently retaken Pidlyman village, east Ukraine, Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

A series of explosions rocked the eastern Ukraine city of Kharkiv early Saturday, sending towering plumes of illuminated smoke into the sky and triggering a series of secondary explosions.

There were no immediate reports of casualties

The blasts came hours after Russia concentrated attacks in its increasingly troubled invasion of Ukraine on areas it illegally annexed, while the death toll from earlier missile strikes on apartment buildings in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia rose to 14.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said on Telegram that the early-morning explosions were the result of missile strikes in the center of the city. He said that the blasts sparked fires at one of the city's medical institutions and a nonresidential building.

In a rebuke to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his conduct of Europe's worst armed conflict since World War II, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to human rights organizations in his country and Ukraine, and to an activist jailed in Russia's ally Belarus.

Berit Reiss-Andersen, the committee's chair, said the honor went to three outstanding champions of human rights, democracy and peaceful coexistence."

Putin this week illegally claimed four regions of Ukraine as Russian territory, including the Zaporizhzhia region that is home to Europe's largest nuclear power plant, whose reactors were shut down last month.

Fighting near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has alarmed the U.N.'s atomic energy watchdog, which on Friday doubled to four the number of its inspectors monitoring plant safeguards. An accident there could release 10 times more potentially lethal radiation than the worlds worst nuclear disaster at Chernobyl in Ukraine 36 years ago, Ukrainian Environmental Protection Minister Ruslan Strilets said Friday.

The situation with the occupation, shelling, and mining of the Chernobyl and Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plants by Russian troops is causing consequences that will have a global character, Strilets told The Associated Press.

The U.N. watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, reported more trouble at the plant, saying Friday on Twitter that external power had again been cut off to one of Zaporizhzhia's shutdown reactors, necessitating the use of emergency backup diesel generators to run safety systems.

The city of Zaporizhzhia is located 53 kilometers (33 miles) away from the nuclear plant as a crow flies and remains under Ukrainian control. To cement Russia's claim to the region, Russian forces bombarded the city with S-300 missiles on Thursday, with more attacks reported Friday.

Ukrainian authorities said the death toll from the strikes on apartment buildings rose to 14 on Friday, while 12 people wounded in the bombardment remained hospitalized.

Missiles also struck the city overnight, wounding one person, Zaporizhzhia Gov. Oleksandr Starukh said. Russia also used Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones there for the first time and damaged two infrastructure facilities, he said.

With its army losing ground to a Ukrainian counteroffensive in the south and east, Russia has deployed unmanned, disposable Iranian-made drones that are cheaper and less sophisticated than missiles but still can damage ground targets.

The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said Russia's use of the explosives-packed drones was unlikely to affect the course of the war.

They have used many drones against civilian targets in rear areas, likely hoping to generate nonlinear effects through terror. Such efforts are not succeeding, analysts at the think tank wrote.

In other Moscow-annexed areas, Russia's Defense Ministry reported Friday that its forces had repelled Ukrainian advances near the city of Lyman and retaken three villages elsewhere in the eastern Donetsk region. The ministry also claimed that Russian forces had prevented Ukrainian troops from advancing on several villages in the southern Kherson region.

Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address Friday that this week alone, his military has recaptured 776 square kilometers (300 square miles) of territory in the east and 29 settlements, including six in the Luhansk region, which Putin has annexed. In total, Ukrainian forces have liberated 2,434 square kilometers (940 square miles) of land and 96 settlements since the beginning of its counteroffensive, he said.

In Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region, Russian troops shelled the city of Nikopol overnight, killing one person, wounding another and damaging buildings, natural gas pipelines and electricity systems, the governor reported. Nikopol lies along the Dnieper River across from Russian-held territory near the nuclear power plant. The city has been shelled frequently for weeks.

The trail of Russias devastation and death from areas where its troops retreated became clearer Friday. A report by Ukrainian First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Yevhen Yenin revealed that 530 bodies of civilians have been found in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region since Sept. 7.

The residents killed during the Russian occupation included 257 men, 225 women and 19 children, with 29 people unidentified, Yenin said. Most of the bodies were found in a previously disclosed mass grave in the city of Izium.

According to Yenin, the recovered bodies bore signs of gunshots, explosions and torture. Some people had ropes around their necks, hands tied behind their back, bullet wounds to their knees and broken ribs.

Authorities have identified 22 torture sites in parts of the Kharkiv region that Ukrainian forces recently liberated, said Serhiy Bolvinov, a regional police official.

In recently recaptured Lyman, workers found 200 individual graves and a mass grave with an unknown number of victims, Donetsk Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko reported on Telegram. In Sviatohirsk, 24 kilometers (15 miles) from Lyman, 21 bodies of civilians were reburied.

Russian military equipment and weapons, meanwhile, is getting into Ukrainian hands. Britains Ministry of Defense said Friday that Ukrainian forces have captured at least 440 tanks and about 650 armored vehicles since the Russian invasion started Feb. 24.

The failure of Russian crews to destroy intact equipment before withdrawing or surrendering highlights their poor state of training and low levels of battle discipline, the British ministry said. With Russian formations under severe strain in several sectors and increasingly demoralized troops, Russia will likely continue to lose heavy weaponry.

Putin ordered a partial mobilization of Russian army reservists last month to reinforce manpower on the front lines in Ukraine. Mistakes have dogged the military call-up, however, and tens of thousands of men have fled Russia, unwilling to fight Putin's war.

That has left Russia desperate for troop reinforcements. The Ukrainian military said Friday that 500 former criminals have been mobilized to reinforce Russian ranks in the eastern Donetsk region, where Ukrainian forces have retaken territory. Law enforcement officers are commanding the new units, the military said.

Russia's state news agency Tass reported Friday that a court in the Russian city of Penza had dismissed the first case against a Russian man called up to serve but who refused. The 32-year-old man's lawyers had argued that the law under which he was charged applies only to conscription evaders, not those subject to the partial mobilization.

In another sign of trouble, reports have surfaced of poor training and few supplies for the new Russian troops. At least two Russian cities  St. Petersburg and Nizhny Novgorod  announced Friday they were canceling their Russian New Year's and Christmas celebrations and redirecting that money to buy supplies for Russian troops.

Under increasing pressure from his own supporters as well as critics, Putin continued to reshuffle his militarys leadership, replacing the commander of Russias eastern military district.
Mayoral candidates Karen Bass and Rick Caruso greet each other at Thursday's KNX News debate. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles, a sprawling creation of great wonder and even greater challenges, is a month away from choosing its next leader, and voters have two starkly different candidates to choose from.

Ones a woman, ones a man. Ones Black, ones white. Ones a politician, ones a businessman.

U.S. Rep. Karen Bass would be the citys first female mayor. Developer Rick Caruso would be the first billionaire mayor.

The winner will affect the lives of 4 million residents a half-century after Tom Bradley began his first term in 1973. Bradley was followed by Richard Riordan, James Hahn, Antonio Villaraigosa and Eric Garcetti.

And next up?

L.A. is very lucky to have two terrific candidates running for mayor, said Bob Stern, longtime local watchdog, but he followed that up with a caveat. Election night might be a high point, Stern said, because there is a real question whether either can be successful.

I know in my head that hes right, because goat herders have easier jobs. The citys overwhelming problems  homelessness, lack of affordable housing, crime, poverty  are not easily solvable, especially given the fact that there's little consensus on the fixes.

But in my heart and gut, I want to believe either Bass or Caruso will pull off the miracle each of them is promising and lead Los Angeles to a better place. The city is hungry, ready and overdue for a shakeup.

A few weeks ago, contemplating the near future of local leadership, I began asking political observers about the recent past. What do we know about personalities and strategies that worked  or didnt? And what might that tell us about what to expect from the next mayor?

Bradley, a cop and councilman before becoming the citys first and only Black mayor, won former Times columnist Bill Boyarskys respect by his blunt and direct manner, which Boyarsky got a taste of after writing things the mayor didnt like.

Tom Bradley was a cop and a councilman before becoming the city's first and only Black mayor. (Bill Varie / Los Angeles Times)

Hed call me into his office and tell me. No whining to my boss, Boyarsky said. He became mayor of a city shattered by the Watts riots and helped bring peace. Big-picture guy. He envisioned the transit system being built today. Good lesson for the new mayor. Spare me tiny tech innovations and committees.

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Riordan, like Caruso, was a wealthy businessman who was convinced his success could be duplicated at City Hall.

He benefited from the aftermath of the riots in 1991, and his campaign message  "tough enough to turn L.A. around"  connected with voters, said Jaime Regalado, former director of the Pat Brown Institute at Cal State L.A. But Riordans strong personality and disdain for other city leaders didnt always serve him well, Regalado added.

Hahn, who followed Riordan, knew the dull details of governance inside out, but struck me as more of an administrator than a leader. He didnt love the spotlight, and I was never convinced he liked the job.

Then came Villaraigosa, a charismatic hustler who created friends and enemies and vowed to fix everything big and small (a style that guaranteed both success and failure). He joined me on skid row one night to say hed tackle that problem as well, and he even attempted to take over the schools.

The current and outgoing mayor, Garcetti, will leave with a mixed report card; good on policy, not so good on follow-through or leadership, though he was a comfort when the pandemic was at its scariest. To his credit, he delivered results (on transit, water conservation and earthquake safety) that are either not remembered by most people or will always be overshadowed by the rise of homelessness on his watch.

Mayor Richard Riordan at a news conference with former Councilman Joel Wachs, left. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

So now that last task (40,000 or so people living in tents and vehicles) will be in the hands of Bass or Caruso.

She's steady, driven, affable, studious  you can imagine her having friends over to talk about the vagaries of government service realignment. And whereas Caruso has tossed $70 million or so into his own campaign without missing a nickel of it, Bass told me she needs the job to pay her mortgage.

He's out of another era in sharp attire and bronze tan, and he moves as if he's after something he knows he's going to get. But it's not an abrasive confidence. There's charm there, and smarts, along with the skills of persuasion and a million-dollar smile. Make it a billion.

More than one observer told me the most important thing the next mayor needs to know is how to count to eight. It was something Riordan wasn't so good at.

Former Councilmember Ruth Galanter explained what that means as she recalled the first budget cycle, when new Mayor Riordan expected to have his way with the 15-member council, not realizing that the necessary eight votes weren't going to be handed to him on a silver platter.

Riordan is Mr. Im gonna get it done, Im a businessman  and he essentially knew nothing, Galanter said. So it had to be explained to the new mayor, she said, that the council doesnt work for you.

James Hahn, right, served as mayor from 2001 to 2005. (Rick Meyer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

I mentioned this to Caruso during the primary and asked if he thought team-building might be difficult after his many references to City Hall as a corruption mill. He said he was only talking about pols who ended up in handcuffs, and he was not worried about finding allies.

Bass strikes me as someone less likely to set fire to the building. She has positioned herself as a consensus builder, with long-established relationships at every level of government.

I think Bass has spent her career trying to figure out how to get things done through government, and that practical experience is under-valued, said Sarah Angel, a political consultant who takes her kids to school in Hollywood and walks past homeless encampments. But it is what makes the difference between getting families and kids to school safely and learning how to help people in crisis.

And yet, as Caruso argues, Bass and others in office have had the opportunity to deliver and havent come through. Id add one point: Building consensus is surely important, but Caruso supporters I hear from are frustrated, impatient and uninterested in a mayor who takes meetings. They want someone who takes action.

To be honest, I admire each of them  Bass and Caruso  for coveting a wildly difficult job. The council is moving to the left of both of them, and theres no telling what kind of relationship challenges theyll have with the new city attorney and controller.

Labor will want what it wants, and developers, too, and many of the forces that drive homelessness are beyond the reach of a mayor. Then theres the meth epidemic, and mental illness. And building consensus is even more complicated in a city Galanter called ethnically, economically and ideologically diverse."

Is L.A. even governable?

It is, said political consultant Dermot Givens, and theres plenty of room for improvement. It can be better governed with new leadership that wants to do the job and not continue with the status quo.

Thats both Bass and Caruso, each of whom has a very-much-needed love of the city.

Former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, right, with Karen Bass. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

So did Villaraigosa, and when I asked what advice he cared to offer the next mayor, he didnt hesitate. Here's a sampling of his thoughts:

When youre mayor, youre the most powerful guy in town but also the guy with the biggest lift. You gotta work people. It's a schlepper's job."

You gotta try things and do things that might fail.

You can not dictate, but if you collaborate, if you organize, if youre someone who knows how to work in the sandbox with others, you can be very successful.

Youve got to be connected to the community.  Particularly the communities that historically have felt like theyre not represented.

One last thought from Villaraigosa:

I knew Bradley and he loved his job and I think some people dont. They think its a steppingstone. I think this is a job for people who really feel like, if you do nothing else, if this is all you ever do, God, what a great opportunity.

steve.lopez@latimes.com

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A worker was hospitalized Friday after an out-of-control driver plowed into the work zone of a utility crew along a notoriously traffic-clogged Lake Norman road, police said.

Several other workers managed to get out of the way moments before the driver of the flatbed truck would have hit them, according to a Mooresville Police Department news release on Facebook.

A utility worker was hospitalized with serious leg injuries after a driver plowed into a work zone at the intersection of N.C. 150 West and Perth Road near Lake Norman on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, Mooresville police said.

The driver left the scene, but witnesses snapped photos of the business name and phone number on his truck and police said they soon arrested him.

The driver ran off the side of N.C. 150 at Perth Road in the marked work zone just before 11 a.m., police said.

The work crew had the work zone properly marked with signage, cones, and lighted vehicles, according to the police news release. The injured worker was wearing the proper reflective safety vest.

The worker suffered serious leg injuries but is expected to recover, police said.

Driver returns after police call him

Witnesses tried to follow the truck as the driver headed west on N.C. 150, police said.

Backups on this Lake Norman road still stretch for miles years after NC vowed relief

Police said they called the business that owns the truck and spoke with the driver, advising him to return to the scene, which he did, according to the release.

The driver, 18-year-old Justin Andrew Terry of Silver Creek, Georgia, was charged with felony hit and run involving injury, and failure to maintain lane control. He was jailed on $10,000 secured bond, police said.

N.C. 150 relief still years away

The Charlotte Observer profiled the road and intersection last year as among the worst in the Charlotte region for congestion and wrecks.

As relief remains years away, drivers stew in miles-long daily backups that worsen with every new mega-subdivision and retail center, the Observer reported at the time.

At peak hours and often other times of the day, traffic backs up for 5 to 6 miles, residents told the newspaper.

The state Department of Transportation has promised relief for decades.

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Its latest plan calls for widening 15 miles of N.C. 150 in Iredell and eastern Catawba counties starting later this decade, the Observer previously reported.

The $269.47 million project stretches from just west of the U.S. 21-N.C. 150 interchange in Mooresville to N.C. 16 Bypass in Catawba County.

NCDOT plans to accept bids for and start construction of the Iredell County leg of the expansion in 2025, an NCDOT timetable shows. Construction of the Catawba County stretch would begin in 2029.
Three people were killed in a devastating explosion on a crucial bridge linking Russia and Crimea, Russia says.

The blast occurred when a truck blew up on the bridges roadway at 6.07am on Saturday, according to Moscows investigative committee, and caused seven fuel tanker wagons to catch fire on a train passing on the upper level.

At least three sections of the road collapsed into the water below following the explosion, a route through which ships travel between the Black and Azov seas.

A truck has blown up on a bridges roadway linking Crimea with Russia (AFP via Getty Images)

Kyiv officials said the explosion is just the beginning but did not claim responsibility for the blast, while Moscow has not officially assigned any blame.

Everything illegal must be destroyed, everything that is stolen must be returned to Ukraine, everything occupied by Russia must be expelled, Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, tweeted following the blast.

Echoing the tune of Russia paying the price of its sins, David Arakhamia, the leader of Volodymyr Zelenskys party, said the explosion was a consequence of Moscows takeover of Crimea.

He wrote on Telegram: Russian illegal construction is starting to fall apart and catch fire. The reason is simple: if you build something explosive, then sooner or later it will explode,

Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and the 12-mile bridge linking it to Russias transport network was opened with great fanfare four years later by Mr Putin himself.

The explosion caused at least three sections of the road to collapse into the water below (SECURITY SERVICE OF UKRAINE/AFP)

The badly damaged bridge was opened by Putin four years ago (REUTERS)

It now represents a major supply route for the Russian forces who have taken control of most of southern Ukraines Kherson region, and for the naval port of Sevastopol, whose governor told locals: Keep calm. Dont panic.

It was not yet clear if the blast was a deliberate attack or an accident but the damage to such high-profile infrastructure came at a time when Russia has suffered several battlefield defeats and could further cloud the Kremlins messages of reassurance to the wider Russian public that the conflict is going to plan.

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Taking place a day after Putins 70th birthday, the head of Ukraines National Security and Defence Council, Oleksiy Danilov, posted a video of the burning bridge on social media alongside a video of Marilyn Monroe singing Happy birthday, Mr President.

Helicopters poured water on the fire to tackle the roaring flames (AFP via Getty Images)

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Kyivs reaction to the destruction of civilian infrastructure testifies to its terrorist nature.

Kirill Stremousov, the Russian-installed deputy administrator of the Kherson region, said the bridge incident will not affect the army supply very much.

But there will be problems with logistics for Crimea, he added in a post on social media.

Mykola Bielieskov of the Ukrainian Institute of Strategic Studies, which advises the presidency in Kyiv, said the Kerch bridge was irreplaceable for Russias invasion forces, and if it were severed, the whole Russian southern front will crumble quickly and easily.

In a video message Aksyonov, the Crimea governor, said he wanted to assure Crimeans that the Republic of Crimea is fully provided with fuel and food. We have more than a months worth of fuel, and more than two months worth of food.
Crowds gathered in downtown Pittsburgh to advocate for womens rights.

The march was part of a larger movement across the nation.

Womens Wave marches are taking place throughout various places in the county. Marches were held in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles, just to name a few.

Marchers gathered on Grant Street, a month before Election Day.

We love that youre here to stand with our American liberties and stand with our rights, said Tracy Banton, the director of the march.

Women in attendance pushed for access to abortion.

People from all over the city addressed the crowd outside of the city-county building. Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey was one of them, vowing to continue to fight against racism, antisemitism and attacks on the rights of Pittsburghers and others.

I dont want our children growing up in a society that devalues who they are by telling them they dont have a right to vote, that they cant love who they want to love and that they cant do what they want to do, said Gainey.

Everyone in attendance was encouraged to get out and vote for the midterms.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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First, they defied the male dominion over the Afro-Cuban Santeria religion by being secretly ordained. Then, they shocked the patriarchy by performing a ritual long considered the exclusive preserve of men.

Twenty years after first breaking the glass ceiling, Cuba's Santeria priestesses are still battling to claim their place.

The Santeria religion is hundreds of years old -- a mix of beliefs brought to Cuba by Yoruba slaves from West Africa, and Catholicism.

Experts say about 70 percent of Cubans are followers of Santeria.

The first priestesses in five centuries only appeared on the communist island in 2000, when Nidia Aguila de Leon, now 60, and Maria Cuesta, 51, were ordained in secret in Havana.

Today there are several hundred priestesses -- known as iyanifas or "mothers of wisdom" -- in Cuba.

"As a child, I was always told that if I had been a man, I would be a babalao (priest)," Cuesta -- the daughter of a Santeria priest, told AFP.

But for the longest time, the role of women in the church was limited to cleaning and plucking chickens for ceremonies, she said.

Now, "I am the one to kill the hen" for sacrifices, said Cuesta. "I know how to throw the shells" to read the future.

"I know how to do everything, perhaps better than a babalao," she pronounced proudly.

- 'Defend our rights' -

Aimee Ibanez, a 43-year-old pharmacist and fellow priestess, says the role of iyanifas is also to "defend our rights as women."

But their growing presence -- and following -- has not gone unchallenged.

In January 2021, Ibanez and two other priestesses caused an uproar by presiding over a ritual known as the "Letter of the Year," a prophecy of what the new year holds.

Never before had it been done by a woman, let alone three.

"Many people were opposed" to women conducting the ritual, said Ibanez. "But many were also in favor."

The Yoruba Association of Cuba, the state body representing Santeria, expressed its disgust.

In a statement distributed on social media, the exclusively male association accused the women of acting to "desecrate... our cultural heritage, our religion."

Story continues

At her house in central Havana that also serves as a temple, Aguila de Leon said that after her participation in the "Letter of the Year" ritual, critics from the Yoruba Association proclaimed the women would suffer death as "divine punishment."

- 'New trends' -

Santeria was born from the heady mix of African religious rites and rituals found in the slave barracks of Cuba.

To be able to practice their religion outside of the barracks with their owners' permission, the slaves linked their own deities to Catholic saints to create the hybrid belief system that still exists today.

In the 1990s, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cuba changed from an atheist to a secular state, and the ruling Communist Party started admitting believers into its ranks.

Today, the streets of Havana are replete with people wearing Santeria religious symbols in the form of necklaces or bracelets, with different colors representing different saints.

On the beaches, a stroller will often find offerings in the form of cigars, rum or bird sacrifices.

Politicians, intellectuals and artists frequently evoke the Santeria deities in public.

With the recent explosion of iyanifas in the public eye, the Yoruba Association has had to moderate its position.

"We have nothing against the new trends that have arrived in our country in recent years, but it is not in the Afro-Cuban traditions" of Santeria to have women priests, its new president Roberto Padron told AFP.

However, iyanifas already existed in Nigeria before the 16th century when the first African slaves arrived in the Americas, Santeria priest and scholar Victor Betancourt said.

And with the cruel treatment of the slaves in their new home, many of the original beliefs were altered, or lost altogether, with the role of women specifically distorted, he said.

Historically, an iyanifa can do anything a babalao does except ordain other priests, insisted Betancourt, the husband of iyanifa Aguila de Leon.

cb-lp/jb/mlr/mlm
Christine and Kody announced their separation in November 2021. TLC

Christine and Kody Brown's daughters spoke about the couple's divorce in an upcoming "Sister Wives" episode.

Mykelti Brown said she was "relieved," while her sister Ysabel said she saw their separation coming.

Christine and Kody announced their split in November 2021 almost two decades after their "spiritual" wedding in 1994.

Kody and Christine Brown's daughters opened up about their parent's divorce in an upcoming episode of "Sister Wives."

Today's Chrissy Callahan reported that Mykelti, 26, and Ysabel, 19, reflected on their parent's relationships during an episode titled "The Last Family Gathering," which premieres on Sunday. Christine and Kody, who "spiritually" married in 1994, share six children: Aspyn, Mykelti, Paedon, Gwendlyn, Ysabel, and Truely.

In a YouTube clip, the former couple and extended family come together to celebrate Ysabel's 18th birthday and high school graduation. During a confessional, Ysabel shares that she's ultimately happy her mother can move on.

"I think with my mom and my dad getting a divorce, if I'm honest I did see it coming," Ysabel said. "But of course, I'm sad about it. I mean, sometimes it just doesn't work out. And I'm happy that my mom will be able to find somebody who she's really, really, really happy with."

Mykelti and her husband, Tony Padron, also weighed in on the divorce.

"I was honestly relieved when I heard my mom was leaving my dad. They're not happy, they're not in love," Mykelti said.

Her husband added that the divorce was "inevitable."

"I thought it was a little inevitable. I can't imagine any man being perfect enough to be able to handle four wives," Padron said.

In a separate confessional, Kody said that he's "not okay" and admitted his relationship with his children is "strained."

"I've got, what feels like, very strained relationships with a bunch of the kids. I'm not in a good place with everybody," Kody said. "It's not that I'm angry, or trying to hold them accountable in the moment or anything like that."

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"I don't feel like I've got the respect that I should have," he added.

Meri Brown, Janelle Brown, Kody Brown, Christine Brown and Robyn Brown of "Sister Wives" in 2010. Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Christine and Kody's relationship remained strained for several years, and they announced their separation on Instagram in November 2021.

"After more than 25 years together, Kody and I have grown apart and I have the difficult decision to leave," she wrote in her statement. "We will continue to be a strong presence in each other's lives as we parent our beautiful children and support our wonderful family."

Christine has since left the family's property in Arizona for Utah. She reportedly gifted her section of the Arizona property to Kody and his wife, Robyn.

In an August 2022 interview with People, Christine said she no longer wants to be in a polygamous relationship and instead wants to be in a monogamous relationship.

"I want a guy who actually loves me and wants to be with me intimately," Christine said. "I will be a monogamist from here on out."

Read the original article on Insider
CLINTON, S.C. (AP)  Aaron Dawson ran for two touchdowns, including a 60-yard sprint for the final score of the game, and Valparaiso scored four unanswered touchdowns in the second half to down Presbyterian, 41-21 on Saturday.

Tyler Wesley ran for two touchdowns and passed for a third to stake the Blue Hose to a 21-14 lead at intermission, but the Valparaiso defense allowed just 108 rushing yards, turned a second-half interception into the tying touchdown and stopped Presbyterian on fourth down twice in the fourth quarter.

After Dylan Thibault was picked off on the second play of Presbyterian's first possession of the second half, Mikey Appel tied the game by hitting Solomon Davis with a 30-yard strike. Mason Kaplan came in at quarterback on the next series for the Beacons (3-2, 2-0 Pioneer League), hitting Matt Ross from 11 yards out to take the lead to start the fourth quarter. Jahni Clark added a short touchdown run and Dawson sidestepped a would-be tackler at the line of scrimmage, bounced outside and raced down the sideline 60 yards for the final score.

Appel completed 8 of 11 pass attempts for 127 yards and two touchdowns and Kaplan was 10 of 14 for 113 yards and a score. Dawson finished with 23 carries and 163 yards.

Wesley finished 11 of 17 for 230 yards with a touchdown for Presbyterian (1-5, 0-3).



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Detroit police held a press conference on Tuesday to address the fatal shooting of Porter Burks, a 20-year-old schizophrenic Black man who was killed by police as he was having a mental health crisis. Police said they fired 38 shots in three seconds and killed Burks as he was approaching them with a knife, ABC News reports.

Bodycam footage revealed during the press conference shows officers negotiating with Burks, who allegedly possessed an 8-inch blade knife.

Youre not in any trouble, just drop the knife and well get you some help, an officer can be heard saying in the video.

The footage shows officers firing immediately when Burks appeared to be moving forward.

Its unfortunate but this was a life-threatening situation, Detroit Police Chief James White said during the press conference. This is a tragic situation. Any time we use force, its not the desired outcome. Any time we use fatal force, its the worst outcome.

The five officers who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative leave, White said. The officers names are not released.

Burks brother, Damondo Anderson, said his sibling was diagnosed with schizophrenia three years ago. Anderson, who called police while his brother was having a mental health episode, can be heard in the body cam footage as he tells officers that his sibling was frantic and he slashed his tires.

Detroit Police executive team director Christopher Graveline said officers responded to two incidents in 2020 when Burks stabbed his siblings.

In March of 2020, he stabbed two family members, a sisterhe stabbed her in both her neck and her hand, Graveline said at the news conference. As well as a brother in the top of his head as the brother came to defend the sister.

Graveline blamed the system for failing Burks on several occasions.

Schizophrenia manifested itself into violent behavior. We have seen a pattern of him being brought to psychological services and being released and not being followed up with taking his medication, Graveline said.
Anh Chang Ho and others work in an orange orchard in citrus-rich Riverside, California, site of the first Koreatown in the United States.

In the early 20th century, Korean Americans flocked to Pachappa Camp in citrus-rich Riverside to gather, live and work together, and keep the Korean identity alive. During its short stretch of existence, this self-governed California community made for and by Korean Americans became a mecca for the Korean independence movement and a bulwark against anti-Asian racism in America.

But Pachappa Camps significance was forgotten about until the early 2000s, when students at the University of California, Riverside, located the camps name on an old map. Intrigued, Edwarda Korean American studies scholarand a team of researchers and students dug through archives to uncover an amazing tale of survival and perseverance.

In 1902, the first married Korean couple to come to the United States, Dosan Ahn Chang Ho and Heyryon Lee, also known as Helen Lee Ahn, arrived in San Francisco. Dosan (his pen name) was a Korean independence activist who came, in part, to learn about democratic ideals. At the time, Korea was struggling to remain an independent nation. Activists like Dosan wanted to preserve Koreas sovereignty as an empire and monarchy, and prevent Japan from taking over.

The couple settled in Riverside, enticed by its warm climate and job opportunitiesnot to mention its burgeoning Korean population. Once there, Dosan founded a Korean labor bureau, which offered economic opportunities to entice more Koreans to come to Riverside.

When Dosan founded Pachappa Camp in 1905at 1532 Pachappa Ave., previously a labor camp for Chinese railroad workersit consisted of about 20 vernacular, single-story, wood-frame buildings, in addition to a one-and-a-half story community center duplex. In her memoir "Quiet Odyssey: A Pioneer Korean Woman in America," camp resident Mary Paik Lee recalled the cold and lack of amenities, including no running water or electricity, in the shanties. But Korean Americans flooded the site with warmth and welcome, holding Korean language and culture classes. Calvary Presbyterian Church, which took an interest in the diaspora, provided English classes.

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But as Pachappa was starting, Korean Americans found themselves a people without a country. That same year, 1905, Japan annexed Korea under military rule; by 1910, Korea was officially folded into Japans empire. Pachappa, in response, became an active site of Korean independence activities led by Dosan himself. One of the independence organizations started in Dosans Republic was the cooperative association Gongnip Hyeophoe, which laid foundations for the development of the Korean National Association (KNA), which represented the interest of Koreans in the United States, Russia and Manchuria.

In 1911, the KNA hosted a 10-day conference at Pachappa, where chapter presidents from around the United States laid out the principles that would go into the founding of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) 37 years later. KNA members agreed on 21 articles of governance for Koreans, including guidelines on social practices, internal policing mechanisms, and committees that regulated everything from the way Koreans dressed, to curfew times.

Pachappa Camps residents had to fight for their rights both in Korea and the United States. Asians were the first minority community to be targeted specifically by U.S. immigration laws, beginning in 1882, and Pachappa residents experienced anti-Asian hatred firsthand. Lee, in her memoir, recalled other students singing racist songs toward her at school. Jacob Thun, another Pachappa resident, wrote about being called slurs like Jap. In 1906, the Riverside Daily Press reported on five Korean boys whose bicycle tires had been slashed to pieces.

Pachappa might have continued to flourish if not for the 1913 Great Citrus Freeze, which decimated crops and forced laborers to leave Riverside. Over the next five years, the camps numbers dwindled until Pachappa closed in 1918. But its influence lived on long past its end, with former residents spreading the spirit of Koreas independence movement with them wherever they went.

In 2016, the City of Riverside formally recognized Pachappa Camp as its first Point of Cultural Interest; among the attendees at a celebration was Dosans youngest son, Ralph Ahn. The designation ensures that the first U.S. Koreatown will not be forgotten again.

Edward T. Chang is a professor of Ethnic Studies and the founding director of the Young Oak Kim Center for Korean American Studies at the University of California, Riverside. His latest book is Pachappa Camp: The First Koreatown in the United States. Carol K. Park is a filmmaker, researcher and the author of Memoir of Cashier: Korean Americans, Racism and Riots and co-author of Korean Americans: A Concise History. They wrote this for Zocalo Public Square

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: The first Koreatown in the U.S., in Riverside, was nearly forgotten
Photo credit: Getty Images

In the early 1990s, serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer was arrested by Milwaukee police for the murder of 17 men between the years of 1978 and 1991. While the story of his demise occurred three decades ago, a new generation is learning about Jeffrey's wrongdoings with Evan Peters' portrayal in the Netflix miniseries Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.

As folks tune into the Ryan Murphy-produced adaptation, they learn the story of the lengths Jeffrey went to in order to commit each of his crimes. The extent of his wrongdoings was further explored when Tracy Edwards tipped off the police to search Jeffrey's apartment, leading to the discovery of photographic evidence that documented the murders. Coupled with the police finding victims' body parts throughout the residency, this led to Jeffrey pleading guilty to 16 counts of murder and receiving 16 life sentences.

But this wasn't the end of his story. In the Netflix show, Jeffrey gets sent to the Columbia Correctional Facility in Wisconsin to serve his time. While he's there, he meets Christopher Scarver, who murders him while they and another inmate were cleaning the prison gym unsupervised. Due to the show having a graphic ending, it made viewers wonder if this was an accurate portrayal of Jeffrey's death. Here's what you need to know about how Jeffrey Dahmer died:

Photo credit: Netflix

How did Jeffrey Dahmer die?

According to multiple reports, Jeffrey Dahmer died in the Columbia Correctional Facility on November 28, 1994. At the time, he had served just over two years. That morning, Jeffrey had been assigned to clean the gym alongside two other inmates  Jesse Anderson and Christopher Scarver.

Per a report from The Independent, the trio was busy cleaning the showers when prison guards left them unattended. Christopher, who was serving a life sentence after murdering a member of the Wisconsin Conservation Corps., had snuck a metal bar under his clothing before entering the gym.

Photo credit: Getty Images

Upon realizing they were alone, he took out the 20-inch, five-pound bar and beat both Jeffrey and Jesse to death with it. While Jeffrey's murder may have appeared to be a random act, Christopher would later tell the New York Post why he did it.

Story continues

"[Jeffrey] crossed the line with some people  prisoners, prison staff. Some people who are in prison are repentant  but he was not one of them," he told the outlet in April 2015.

While he never interacted with him prior to the murder, Christopher told the publication he felt provoked after he was poked in the back and wasn't sure which of the two other inmates had done it. He also noted he carried a newspaper clipping that recounted how Jeffrey committed the murders, further spurring feelings of anger towards him.

Photo credit: Getty Images

"I turned around, and [Jeffrey] and Jesse were kind of laughing under their breath," he continued. "I looked right into their eyes, and I couldnt tell which had done it ... I asked [Jeffrey] if he did those things cause I was fiercely disgusted.

Christopher concluded: "He was shocked. Yes, he was. He started looking for the door pretty quick. I blocked him. He ended up dead. I put his head down."

He was later sentenced to two more life sentences on top of the one he was already serving.

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Photo: VPD. Kenneth Solowan is wanted B.C. wide by Vancouver police.

Vancouver police are once again searching for a man who allegedly attacked two strangers with a machete as they loaded luggage into a taxi outside the Empress Hotel in the Downtown Eastside back in June 2022.

Kenneth Stephen Solowan, 37, was recently granted bail but immediately breached his conditions and disappeared from his court-ordered resident treatment facility in Surrey, according to the VPD.

Solowan was arrested on August 10 and charged with two counts of aggravated assault. He was released from custody on September 29.

His current whereabouts are unknown and he is wanted B.C.-wide. He has been known to spend time in Chinatown and the Downtown Eastside.

He is approximately 59 and 180 pounds, with grey hair and brown eyes, and police warn that the public should not approach him and call 911 immediately if he is spotted.
novak djokovic

ASTANA, Kazakhstan  Novak Djokovic didnt play as well in his Astana Open quarterfinal as he did in the first two rounds.

Still, it was enough, Djokovic said after beating Karen Khachanov 6-4, 6-3.

I managed to produce some good tennis when it was the most needed.

Djokovic conceded a 3-0 lead but broke Khachanov for the first set with a backhand volley. He broke Khachanov for 3-1 in the second and finished their quarterfinal with an ace.

Daniil Medvedev awaits in the semifinals. Medvedev has a 4-6 win-loss record against Djokovic, and they havent met since the Paris final last November, when Djokovic won in three sets.

I thought about it before the (quarterfinal) and we have only played one tournament together this year, which was Roland Garros, Medvedev said. This is the second one and we meet again and I am really happy.

Medvedev was too consistent and good for Roberto Bautista Agut 6-1, 6-1. Bautista Agut went in with 4-1 record against Medvedev but was blown away.

It is not easy to play against Roberto. I tried to mix it up and surprise him a little bit and it worked very well.

The other semifinal pits third-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas against fifth-seeded Andrey Rublev. Tsitsipas leads their matchups 5-4.

Tsitsipas hasnt dropped serve this week after saving five set points in the tiebreaker against Hubert Hurkacz.

Most of those situations, I was not the fortunate one serving, Tsitsipas said of the set points. I was still able to break through and get back fighting, and it was very, very emotional to get that first tiebreak after having thrown my body on the court.

Tsitsipas prevailed 7-6 (8), 6-3 to reach his ninth semifinal this year.

Rublev took care of Adrian Mannarino of France 6-1, 6-2.

Djokovic sees off Khachanov to meet Medvedev in Astana semis originally appeared on NBCSports.com
Reuters

Hair-straightening products may significantly increase the risk of developing uterine cancer among those who use them frequently, a large study published on Monday suggests. "We estimated that 1.64% of women who never used hair straighteners would go on to develop uterine cancer by the age of 70, but for frequent users, that risk goes up to 4.05%," study leader Alexandra White of the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Safety (NIEHS) said in a statement. Still, uterine cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with rates rising, particularly among Black women.
Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker is set to make her final appearance as the Time Lord.

She has led the show since 2017, and will end her time on the sci-fi series with a feature-length centenary special on 23 October.

In an episode titled The Power Of The Doctor, Whittaker will take on some of her deadliest enemies - including The Master, Daleks and Cybermen.

The actress announced she would be leaving the show in July of last year.

The episode will mark the first time all three of the Doctor's main enemies have featured in a single storyline since 2005.

Fans will see her try to work out who is attacking a bullet train in a distant galaxy and why 21st century seismologists are going missing from Earth.

A trailer released earlier this year revealed two companions from previous eras will be making an appearance.

Janet Fielding will reprise her role as Tegan Jovanka - companion to the fourth and fifth Doctors,

Sophie Aldred - who starred as Ace, companion to the seventh Time Lord - will also be making a comeback.

The centenary special, to mark 100 years of the BBC, will also star Mandip Gill, Sacha Dhawan and comedian John Bishop.

Sex Education actor Ncuti Gatwa will take over from Whittaker to become the sci-fi series' 14th Doctor.

He will follow Sylvester McCoy, David Tennant and Peter Capaldi to become the fourth Scot to take up the role.

The 29-year-old, who was born in Rwanda, will also become the first person of colour to lead the series.

Speaking in May this year, Gatwa told the BBC: "It feels really amazing. It's a true honour. This role is an institution and it's so iconic."

A series of special episodes to mark Doctor Who's 60th anniversary will take place later this year.

David Tennant, the tenth Time Lord, will return to that show alongside Catherine Tate.
DOVER  As the city looks to celebrate its 400th year, it also seeks to formally recognize the history and legacy of the peoples who first inhabited the land more than 33,000 residents now call home.

Before the green flag of the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook-Abenaki People was raised in front of City Hall Wednesday night, the citys land proclamation was read, acknowledging the history of Dovers settlement in 1623 and how it displaced Indigenous populations.

The ceremony came days before Dover will celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, Oct. 10, a holiday that in recent years became recognized in a number of communities in New Hampshire.

In Dover: Fire in 1875 home knocked down fast, thanks to passerby and firefighters

Paul and Denise Pouliot, the Sag8mo and Sag8moskwa (speakers) of the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook and Abenaki People, performed a traditional song that echoed through the halls of City Hall, and explained the symbolism of the flag.

This flag tells our whole story, Paul Pouliot said, pointing to each element on the flag and explaining its significance. The Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook and Abenaki People, which were in part based in the Dover area, remain in the region today.

The Dover City Council's Ad Hoc Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion has been working for the last year, brainstorming ways Dover can be more inclusive and respectful. Last year, the City Council adopted a land acknowledgment statement, first proposed by the Racial Equity and Inclusion Committee. It was first read publicly at a city event during last years Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook-Abenaki People flag raising.

'A common path': Seacoast communities embrace Indigenous Peoples' Day

Paul Pouliot said the flag raising and land acknowledgement means a lot to them.

These things are symbolic, and recognize that our presence is still here, Paul Pouliot said.

Denise Pouliot added, Its fantastic to see this recognition spreading, taking hold in communities and engaging communities in our history.

Story continues

City Council supports efforts to honor Indigenous legacy

Dover Mayor Bob Carrier reads a proclamation before raising the flag of the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook-Abenaki People, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022.

On Sept. 28, the City Council voted to accept $10,000 from the New Hampshire Humanities Community Project Grants for the citys Indigenous peoples initiative.

The grant continues the work of the Racial Equity and Inclusion Committee. The committee suggested the city use the grant money to purchase plaques for municipal buildings with the land acknowledgement engraved on it. The city also plans to use the grant to host a series of public presentations and online accessible resources on the Indigenous peoples and their history in the region.

In Dover: Asia Restaurant to close after 52 years

Kathleen Blake, a member of the citys Racial Equity and Inclusion Committee and former chair of the New Hampshire Commission on Native American Affairs, said the citys committee continues to meet with school officials, the library and Woodman Institute on increasing awareness of the first peoples who lived in Dover. As part of this goal, the city will publish a new web page titled Indigenous Dover dedicated to having this information accessible.

We have to ensure the stories and history of this place are accurate, Blake said. The land acknowledgement was the first step in telling the story of the first peoples that called this place home."

Paul Pouliot, the Sag8mo (speaker) of the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook and Abenaki People holds the flag as it is raised on the pole in front of Dover City Hall Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022.

Blake said few people realize the oldest known archaeological site showing human habitation in the state of New Hampshire was carbon dated and more than 12,800 years old.

When the Indigenous of the Northeast first arrived they were following the ice melt and caribou that moved with it, Blake said. You think of 12,800 years  thats before Stonehenge, before the pyramids. Theres a lot of untold history here. We are not trying to rewrite history, we are trying to share the untold stories of this place.

Celebrating Dover's History: Dover 400th anniversary celebrations coming in 2023: Here's what is planned

Indigenous Peoples' Day in Dover

The Dover City Council voted in 2020 to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day. This change was made by a number of New Hampshire communities before that time (such as Durham in 2017) and since (such as Portsmouth adding the holiday in 2021 and removing Columbus Day entirely this year).

Mayor Bob Carrier read a proclamation before the flag raising Wednesday, formally announcing Monday will be again recognized as Indigenous Peoples Day. The proclamation acknowledged the "trauma created by violence, hatred and oppression" that the Indigenous peoples of this land endured, and sought to honor "the courageous actions of Indigenous peoples to rise above these tragic challenges and maintain their cherished ways and beliefs."

Carrier also said in the proclamation that Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to: reflect on the ongoing struggles of Indigenous people and celebrate their thriving culture.

Dover's land acknowledgement statement

This (event/meeting) takes place at Cocheco (CO-chi-co) on Ndakinna (n-DA-ki-na), now called Dover, New Hampshire, which is the unceded traditional ancestral homeland of the Abenaki (a-BEN-a-ki), Pennacook and Wabanaki Peoples, past and present. We acknowledge and honor with gratitude the land, waterways, living beings, and the Aln8bak (Al-nuh-bak), the people who have stewarded Ndakinna (n-DA-ki-na) for many millennia.

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Dover NH raises flag, honors Indigenous Peoples' Day
Injury Update: Jordan Mailata's game status has been downgraded to Out and Kyron Johnson's status has been upgraded to No Status from Questionable. https://t.co/hTvn7PmO49  Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 8, 2022

The Eagles have now downgraded star left tackle Jordan Mailata for Sundays road matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

Mailata exited Philadelphias win over the Jaguars with a shoulder injury after playing six snaps.

With Andre Dillard still not cleared from injury reserve, Jack Driscoll will start at left tackle for Philadelphia.

Rookie linebacker Kyron Johnson has no injury designation after clearing the concussion protocol and will be active as a key member of the special teams unit.

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Story originally appeared on Eagles Wire
Elon Musk said the conflict between Taiwan and China could be resolved with a "special administrative zone."

Musk said the zone could be more lenient than Hong Kong.

Musk took criticism last week after suggesting Ukraine concede territory to Russia to end the war.

Elon Musk suggested that a conflict between China and Taiwan would be hard to avoid but recommended the island become a "special administration zone" similar to Hong Kong.

Taiwan has asserted for decades that it is an independent country, but China instead maintains Taiwan is a part of China and hopes to restore control.

"My recommendation . . . would be to figure out a special administrative zone for Taiwan that is reasonably palatable, probably won't make everyone happy," Musk told the Financial Times in an interview published Friday. "And it's possible, and I think probably, in fact, that they could have an arrangement that's more lenient than Hong Kong."

Hong Kong is a special administrative zone that manages its own politics, although China has cracked down on the country in recent years by passing a national security law that punishes citizens for dissent against Beijing.

Musk, who does a lot of business with China, noted that Tesla's Shanghai factory would be caught in the middle of any conflict between the country and Taiwan. He was reluctant, however, to comment on growing tensions between the US and China, the FT reported.

In the same interview, Musk said China was upset after he sent SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service to Ukraine to aid the country during its conflict with Russia.

Musk drew criticism Monday for laying out a peace plan for Ukraine and Russia, which included Russia formally annexing Crimea.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mocked Musk with a poll that read "Which @elonmusk do you like more?" with the options, "One who supports Ukraine" or "One who supports Russia."



The Ukraine option beat Russia with 79% of the vote.

Read the original article on Business Insider
KALAMAZOO  A jury on Friday sided with Lansing activist and former firefighter Michael Lynn Jr. on Lynn's claim he was subjected to a hostile work environment by the city of Lansing.

Court records indicate the jury found in Lynn's favor following a five-day trial in U.S. District Court in Kalamazoo.

Lynn said the jury's verdict brought him to tears.

"It was a long time coming," Lynn said. "The city was really staunch that I was lying ... so to see a jury come back that they'd seen it too, it was just overwhelming. Emotionally overwhelming."

Michael Lynn Jr. speaks during a July 7, 2020 press conference.

His attorney, Bingham Farms-based Scott Batey, said Saturday that the verdict was $1 million and he would be seeking additional legal fees and court costs.

The city disagrees with the verdict and will work with outside lawyers to review a potential appeal, the city's attorney, Jim Smiertaka, said in a statement Saturday.

Batey said the verdict was separate from a wrongful termination claim, which is in a grievance hearing process.

He said the city has not agreed to meet with Lynn and has not taken concrete steps to prevent hostile workplaces following Lynn's experience.

Lynn has been a leader of Black Lives Matter Lansing and a vocal critic of Mayor Andy Schor's administration.

He has alleged racial discrimination in lawsuits against the city and was fired from the Lansing Fire Department in early 2021 after city officials said he violated department policies.

Before his firing, Lynn rankled city officials by sharing then-Police Chief Daryl Green's city-issued cell phone number on Facebook, after the department shared a Facebook post which honored a police dog killed in 1999. The post did not name Aldric McKinstry Jr., the Black 18-year-old shot and killed by police that night. McKinstry was a friend of Lynn's.

Lynn said his termination was retaliatory.

More:City sends termination notice to Lansing firefighter Michael Lynn Jr.

Lynn filed a federal lawsuit in January 2019 alleging the city retaliated against him with disciplinary action after he complained about racism in the fire department. A similar suit was filed in Ingham County Circuit Court the following year.

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In March, U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney dismissed part of Lynn's suit, saying Lynn failed to prove he suffered an adverse employment action. But Maloney said Lynn's hostile work environment claim could continue, saying the city didn't properly address Lynn's claims about harassment, discrimination and a hostile work environment.

"(Lynn) has put forth sufficient evidence to create a genuine issue of material facts whether the City's policies against race discrimination were sufficient," the judge wrote.

Lynn was hired into the fire department in late 2014 as part of a program to increase diversity, according to his federal suit. He made numerous complaints to fire department management that he was being harassed and discriminated against because of his race, the suit said.

Court records indicate the 2020 lawsuit he filed in Ingham County Circuit Court was dismissed by stipulation in June.

The result of the wrongful termination claim will determine whether or not Lynn will be reinstated to the fire department, Lynn said. If he wins that case, he said he can't say for sure whether or not he would rejoin the department, saying "there's other issues that are in play."

Still, Lynn said Friday's verdict was validating.

"It was a lot," he said. "My reputation was challenged, my integrity was challenged  all the way up until this point. So, I feel like this is definitely vindication.

Reporters Mike Ellis and Jared Weber contributed.

Contact Ken Palmer at kpalmer@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @KBPalm_lsj.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Firefighter Michael Lynn Jr. prevails in federal suit against Lansing
Police in Quebec are investigating a shooting outside a hotel that injured aaValeriy Tarasenko , an entrepreneur with ties to a woman who allegedly posed as an heiress to the Rothschild fortune to infiltrate Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate.

Police were called around 12.45 about a shooting outside of a hotel in Esterel, Quebec.

Radio-Canada reported that three people opened fire on three others in the parking lot, before leaving in a black SUV.

Esterel mayor Frank Pappas told CTV after speaking with police and viewing surveillance video he believed the shooting, which left Mr Tarasenko with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, he believed the violence was a targeted attack.

The Ukrainian man wasnt a guest at the hotel.

Surete du Quebec, the provincial police, are now investigating. The Independent has contacted the agency for more information.

Mr Tarasenko, a businessman with assets in Canada and Florida , has ties to Inna Yashchyshyn, the alleged fake heiress who reportedly infiltrated Mr Trumps Florida golf club and home.

Ms Yashchyshyn, who is also Ukrainian, allegedly conned her way into Donald Trumps good graces, and mingled with Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, by pretending to be part of the Rothschild banking family, the Pittsburg Post-Gazette and Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project reported in August.

The woman was photographed with both men, and was spending time in Mar-a-Lago at the same time federal officials say Donald Trump was storing highly classified White House documents with poor security at the Florida compound.

Federal officials in the US, as well as Canadian authorities are investigating Ms Yashchyshyn. A group of Democratic US Senators have also called for a probe into the fake heiress.

Ms Yashchyshyn told The New York Post in September she didnt do anything wrong, and that the claims she was a scammer originated with Mr Tarasenko, who she described in court documents as an abusive former lover.

What boils my blood most is people even thinking Im Russian or a Russian agent, the woman told the paper. Russian people dont exist to me since they invaded my country and killed my family and took homes.

In the same report, Mr Tarasenko said Ms Yashchyshyn had only been a nanny to his children, and accused her of being a brilliant con artist. In court papers, hes previously alleged she was an active member of an international criminal organisation.
INSIDER

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Photo: Associated Press A helicopter drops water to stop fire on Crimean Bridge connecting Russian mainland and Crimean peninsula over the Kerch Strait, in Kerch, Saturday,

UPDATE: 10:25 a.m.

An explosion Saturday caused the partial collapse of a bridge linking the Crimean Peninsula with Russia, damaging an important supply artery for the Kremlin's faltering war effort in southern Ukraine. Russian authorities said a truck bomb caused the blast, which killed three people.

The speaker of the Russian-backed regional parliament in Crimea immediately accused Ukraine of being behind the explosion; Moscow didnt apportion blame. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly threatened to strike the bridge and some lauded the destruction, but Kyiv stopped short of claiming responsibility.

The explosion risked a sharp escalation in Russias eight-month war, with some Russian lawmakers calling for President Vladimir Putin to declare a counterterrorism operation in retaliation, shedding the term special military operation that had downplayed the scope of fighting to ordinary Russians.

The Kremlin could use such a move to broaden the power of security agencies, ban rallies, tighten censorship, introduce restrictions on travel, and expand a partial military mobilization that Putin ordered last month.

Hours after the explosion, Russias Defence Ministry announced that the air force chief, Gen. Sergei Surovikin, would command all Russian troops in Ukraine. Surovikin, who over the summer was placed in charge of troops in southern Ukraine, had led Russian forces in Syria and was accused of overseeing a brutal bombardment that destroyed much of the city of Aleppo.

Moscow, however, continues to suffer battlefield losses.

On Saturday, a Kremlin-backed official in Ukraines Kherson region announced a partial evacuation of civilians from the southern province, one of four illegally annexed by Moscow last week. Kirill Stremousov told Russias state-run RIA Novosti agency that young children and their parents, as well as the elderly, could be relocated to two southern Russian regions because Kherson was getting ready for a difficult period.

The 19-kilometre Kerch Bridge, on a strait that connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, is a tangible symbol of Moscows claims on Crimea and an essential link to the peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. The $3.6 billion bridge, the longest in Europe, is vital to sustaining Russia's military operations in southern Ukraine. Putin himself presided over the bridges opening in 2018.

The attack on it will have a further sapping effort on Russian morale, (and) will give an extra boost to Ukraines, said James Nixey of Chatham House, a think tank in London. Conceivably the Russians can rebuild it, but they cant defend it while losing a war."

Russias National Anti-Terrorism Committee said a truck bomb caused seven railway cars carrying fuel to catch fire, resulting in the partial collapse of two sections of the bridge. A man and a woman in a vehicle on the bridge were killed, Russias Investigative Committee said. It didnt say who the third victim was.

All vehicles crossing the bridge are supposed to undergo state-of-the-art checks for explosives. The truck that exploded was owned by a resident of the Krasnodar region, in southern Russia. Russian authorities said the man's home was searched and experts were looking at the trucks route.

Train and automobile traffic over the bridge was temporarily suspended. Automobile traffic resumed Saturday afternoon on one of the two links that remained intact from the blast, with the flow alternating in each direction, Crimeas Russia-backed regional leader, Sergey Aksyonov, wrote on Telegram.

Rail traffic was resuming slowly. Two passenger trains departed from the Crimean cities of Sevastopol and Simferopol and headed toward the bridge Saturday evening. Passenger ferry links between Crimea and the Russian mainland were being relaunched Sunday.

ORIGINAL: 6:30 a.m.

An explosion caused the partial collapse of a bridge linking the Crimean Peninsula with Russia on Saturday, damaging a key supply artery for the Kremlin's faltering war effort in southern Ukraine. Russian authorities said a truck bomb caused the blast and that three people were killed.

The speaker of Crimeas Kremlin-backed regional parliament immediately accused Ukraine of being behind the explosion, though Moscow didn't apportion blame. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly threatened to strike the bridge and some lauded the destruction, but Kyiv stopped short of claiming responsibility.

The bombing came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin turned 70, dealing him a humiliating blow that could lead him to up the ante in his war on Ukraine. Hours after the explosion, Russia's Defence Ministry announced that the air force chief, Gen. Sergei Surovikin, would be the commander of all Russian troops fighting in Ukraine.

The statement marked the first official appointment of a single commander for the entire Russian force in Ukraine. Over the summer, the military announced that Surovikin was placed in charge of Russian troops in southern Ukraine.

In another potential setback for Putin, a Kremlin-backed official in Kherson, one of four Russia-annexed regions in Ukraine, announced a partial evacuation of civilians.

Kirill Stremousov, deputy chief of Khersons Russian-appointed administration, told Russias state-run RIA Novosti agency that young children and their parents, as well as older people, could be relocated to two southern Russian regions.

Russian lawmakers called for Putin to declare a counterterrorism operation in response to the bridge bombing. Such a move could be used by the Kremlin to further broaden the powers of security agencies, ban rallies, tighten censorship, introduce restrictions on travel and expand a partial mobilization that Putin ordered last month.

Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee said that a truck bomb caused seven railway cars carrying fuel to catch fire, resulting in a partial collapse of two sections of the bridge. A man and a woman who were riding in a vehicle across the bridge were killed by the explosion and their bodies were recovered, Russias Investigative Committee said. It didnt provide details on the third victim or on what happened to the truck driver.

The blast occurred even though all vehicles driving across it undergo automatic checks for explosives by state-of-the-art control systems, drawing a stream of critical comments from Russian war bloggers.

The truck that exploded was owned by a resident of the Krasnodar region in southern Russia, Russias Investigative Committee said. It said that investigators arrived at his home as part of the inquiry and are looking at the trucks route and other details.

The 19-kilometre bridge across the Kerch Strait linking the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov opened in 2018 and is the longest in Europe. The $3.6 billion project is a tangible symbol of Moscows claims on Crimea and has provided an essential link to the peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

Crimea holds symbolic value for Russia and is key to sustaining its military operations in southern Ukraine. While Russia seized areas north of Crimea early on during the invasion and built a land corridor to it along the Sea of Azov, Ukraine is pressing a counteroffensive to reclaim them.

The Russian Defence Ministry said troops in the south were receiving necessary supplies through the land corridor and by sea. Russias Energy Ministry said Crimea has enough fuel for 15 days and that it was working on ways to replenish stock.

Train and automobile traffic over the bridge was suspended. Rail traffic would resume Saturday night, the Russian Transport Ministry said, and automobile traffic on one of the two links that remained intact would start up again soon. The ministry said vehicles would drive one way in one direction, and the flow would be alternated.

Putin was informed about the explosion and he ordered the creation of a government panel to deal with the emergency.

The speaker of Crimeas Kremlin-backed regional parliament blamed Ukraine for the explosion, but downplayed the severity of the damage and said the bridge would be promptly repaired.

Leonid Slutsky, head of the foreign affairs committee in the lower house of Russian parliament, said "consequences will be imminent" if Ukraine is responsible.

Gennady Zyuganov, the head of the Russian Communist Party, which is nominally in the opposition but votes in line with Kremlin wishes in parliament, said the terror attack should serve as a wake-up call.

The long-overdue measures havent been taken yet, the special operation must be turned into a counterterrorist operation, he said.

Sergei Mironov, the head of the Just Russia faction in parliament, said that Russia should respond to the explosion on the bridge by attacking key Ukrainian infrastructure including power plants, bridges and railways.

The statements, especially from Zyuganov and Slutsky, may herald a decision by Putin to declare a counterterrorism operation.

The parliamentary leader of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys party on Saturday stopped short of claiming that Kyiv was responsible but appeared to cast it as a consequence of Moscows takeover of Crimea.

Russian illegal construction is starting to fall apart and catch fire. The reason is simple: if you build something explosive, then sooner or later it will explode, David Arakhamia, the leader of the Servant of the People party, wrote on Telegram.

The Ukrainian postal service announced that it would issue stamps commemorating the blast like it did after the sinking of the Moskva, a Russian flagship cruiser, by an Ukrainian strike in late May.

The secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, Oleksiy Danilov, tweeted a video with the Kerch Bridge on fire on the left side and video with Marilyn Monroe singing her famous Happy Birthday Mr. President on the right.

In Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the reaction of the Kyiv regime to the destruction of civilian infrastructure shows its terrorist nature.

In August, Russia suffered a series of explosions at an airbase and munitions depot in Crimea, which underlined its vulnerability.

Local authorities in Crimea made conflicting statements about what the damaged bridge would mean for residents and their ability to buy consumer goods on the peninsula, a popular destination for Russian tourists year-round that is home to Sevastopol, a key city and a naval base.

The Association of Russias tourist agencies estimated that about 50,000 tourists were in Crimea on vacation at the time of the blast.

Elsewhere, Ukraines Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has lost its last remaining external power source as a result of renewed shelling and is now relying on emergency diesel generators, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said.

The blast on the bridge occurred hours after explosions rocked the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv early Saturday, sending towering plumes of smoke into the sky and triggering a series of secondary explosions.

Ukrainian officials accused Russia of pounding Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, with surface-to-air missiles and said at least one person was wounded. The strikes targeted two largely residential neighbourhoods, the regional governor, Oleh Sinehubov, said on Telegram.
By Mike Stone

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Deliveries can resume for Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 jet under a waiver allowing Chinese-origin alloy to go into an engine part, the Pentagon said on Saturday.

In September the Pentagon stopped accepting new F-35 jets after it discovered a magnet in the stealthy fighter's engine was made with unauthorized material from China.

The waiver, signed Oct. 8 by William LaPlante, the Pentagon's chief weapons buyer, allows an alloy in the engine's lubricant pump that does not comply with U.S. procurement laws. Those bar unauthorized Chinese content in the jet.

The acceptance of the aircraft is necessary for national security interests, LaPlante said in a statement, adding that the determination applies until the last aircraft under the contract is accepted, currently projected for October 2023.

The pump supplier, Honeywell International Inc, will work to find an alternative source for the metal and use that in future lubricant pumps.

The magnet does not transmit information or harm aircraft, and that there are no security risks involved.

Lockheed Martin, which manufactures the jets, had said the issue was "related to a magnet on the F-35 Turbomachine manufactured by Honeywell that includes cobalt and samarium alloy."

An alternative source for the alloy will be used in future, the Joint Program Office said in its statement.

There are other Chinese-origin magnets on the jet that have received waivers from past Pentagon officials.

(Reporting by Mike Stone in Washington; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Fake German heir Anna Sorokin is led away after being sentenced in Manhattan on May 9, 2019. Timothy A. Clary / AFP via Getty Images

Anna Sorokin, the 31-year-old scammer who pretended to be a German heir named Anna Delvey and inspired the Netflix show Inventing Anna, was released from ICE detention on Friday.

Sorokin had been held in the Orange County jail in upstate New York for more than 17 months after being detained for overstaying her visa last year, her attorney, John Sandweg, told BuzzFeed News.

She does not get a free pass, Sandweg said in an email. She will remain under the supervision of ICE, and her deportation proceedings will continue.

Sorokin, who is still facing possible deportation to Germany, will now be residing in New York City under 24-hour home confinement while the deportation case continues, per the court ruling obtained by the Daily Beast.

On top of that, Sorokin must not use social media and was required to post a $10,000 bond, the Daily Beast reported.

"Anna now has her opportunity to demonstrate her commitment to growing and giving back and being a positive impact on those she meets," Sorokin spokesperson Juda Engelmayer told BuzzFeed News. "She has hurdles before her, and she will navigate them with strength and determination, using her experiences and lessons learned."

Anna Sorokin in court in 2019 Timothy A. Clary / AFP via Getty Images

Born in Russia, Sorokin moved to Germany at 16 and later dropped out of college. After interning with a fashion magazine in Paris, Sorokin made her way to New York in 2013 and, over the next few years, managed to swindle $275,000 from hotels, restaurants, banks, and people by pretending to be a German heir with a hefty $60 million trust fund.

Living in some of New Yorks most expensive hotels for months at a time, Sorokin racked up huge bills for rooms and restaurants. She would promise payment via wire transfers that would never end up arriving.

On top of that, Sorokin used fraudulent bank documents in an attempt to get $22 million in loans from City National Bank and Fortress Investment Group to open a social club similar to Soho Houses, named the Anna Delvey Foundation. Sorokin secured a $100,000 loan after convincing a City National Bank representative to let her overdraft her account.

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The scams came to light in summer 2018, when stories of her scheme were published in Vanity Fair and New York magazine.

In the Vanity Fair story, her former friend Rachel DeLoache Williams, a former photo editor of the magazine, wrote about her experience with Sorokin.

Williams detailed how she and Sorokin met at a Manhattan nightclub and how Sorokin would frequently take her out for glamorous dinners, drinks in hotel bars, visits to a personal trainer, and trips to the sauna and always pay the bill.

Anna Delvey (right) attends the first Tumblr Fashion Honor at the Jane Hotel on Sept. 9, 2014, in New York. Dave Kotinsky / Getty Images

The two went on a holiday to Morocco, where they stayed in a luxury resort for $7,000 a night, racking up a $62,000 bill.

Williams assumed Sorokin would cover the cost of the rooms, but her card got declined. Sorokin then convinced Williams to put it on her own card, saying shed pay her back. Months later, the money never came, so Williams went to the police.

Entrance to the 5-star hotel La Mamounia Andia / Universal Images Group via Getty Images

In 2019, Sorokin was convicted of eight charges, including attempted grand larceny for attempting to obtain a $22 million loan from a bank.

During her trial, Sorokins courthouse looks became a hot topic, as she chose to be dressed by celebrity stylist Anastasia Walker. The Instagram page @AnnaDelveyCourtLooks documented and posted her outfits for each day of the trial.

My queen Anna Delvey serving an iconic trial look 09:53 PM - 27 Mar 2019

Sorokin was eventually sentenced to four to twelve years behind bars. She ended up serving around four years in New York state prison and was released in 2021 on parole for good behavior. But, six weeks later, she was arrested by immigration authorities for overstaying her visa.

Earlier this year, Netflix released Inventing Anna, produced by Shonda Rhimes, which is based on the 2018 viral New York magazine article about Sorokins scam. Sorokin was paid $320,000 for the rights to her story and used the money to pay back several people she still owed, as well as legal fees.

The Cut / Via thecut.com

Sorokin became an ever bigger celebrity after the shows release, with her Instagram following growing to over 600,000 from 150,000 before the show aired. She currently has 1 million followers, although now she cant engage with them for the time being.

While still in custody, Sorokin was interviewed by Cosmopolitan about her thoughts on the shows portrayal of her.

I dont think I ordered people around so much, she told the magazine.

Sorokin also did a virtual podcast with Call Her Daddys Alex Cooper in 2022, during which she spilled her thoughts on everything from the Netflix show to her case.

I dont know, I wasnt doing anything super crazy. I feel like there are just people who were spending way more money than I did, Sorokin said on the podcast.

She went on to reveal that while at Rikers Island, the correctional facility where she spent two years before her jury conviction, she paid someone to do her laundry for her to avoid having to handwash it herself.

In response to being asked if she considered herself a con artist, Sorokin responded, Absolutely not, but then, later in the podcast, admitted that she lied about her familys background.

I guess I did, I mean, I cannot recall the exact instance, but Im sure I did, she said.

Anna Sorokin, who a New York jury convicted of swindling more than $200,000 from banks and people, reacts during her sentencing at the New York Supreme Court on May 9, 2019. Pool New / Reuters

In May, Sorokin (who remained in custody) virtually hosted an art show at the Public Hotel in New York. The exhibition was titled Allegedly and featured artwork she had made while detained.

Later in the summer, in an interview with NBC News, Sorokin admitted that what she did was unethical, adding that she would not encourage anybody else to follow my footsteps.

Most recently, Williams, Sorokins former friend who wrote the Vanity Fair story, filed a lawsuit against Netflix in August, claiming that the show defamed her by portraying her as greedy, snobbish, and disloyal, among other things. The lawsuit seeks damages from Netflix.

More on this
Anna Sorokin, who pretended to be a German heiress to scam her way into a posh New York lifestyle, was released from an upstate jail Friday with hopes of fighting deportation, officials said.

Sorokin, who also used the name Anna Delvey, posted a $10,000 bond and will have to remain under house arrest, wear an electronic ankle monitor and have no access to social media, her spokesperson said.

She's secured an apartment in New York City, the representative said.

"After 17 months of immigration detention, an immigration judge recognized that continued incarceration was no longer necessary for Anna," her immigration attorney John Sandweg said in a statement to NBC News.

"This ruling does not mean that Anna will get a free pass. She will continue to face deportation proceedings and her release will be closely monitored by ICE and the State of New York. As the Court found, however, the evidence clearly demonstrated that any risks can be more than adequately mitigated by appropriate supervision."

Sorokin, whose schemes were dramatized in the Netflix series Inventing Anna, was taken into U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement custody last year with federal authorities seeking to deport her.

Her federal detention came after she spent more than three years in prison for defrauding and attempting to defraud banks and hotels out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Sorokin rose through the ranks of Manhattan's elite social circles, passing herself off as a rich, well-connected German heiress, prosecutors said.

She used this persona and falsified records to get bank loans and five-star hotel stays while duping people to cover plane tickets and other luxury expenses, authorities said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
WASHINGTON  The U.S. Army is assembling a family of systems to provide soldiers with electronic warfare, signals intelligence and cyber capabilities that they can employ from near and far, on the ground and in the air.

The projects  essentially siblings  are known as the Terrestrial Layer System-Brigade Combat Team, TLS-BCT; the Terrestrial Layer System-Echelons Above Brigade, TLS-EAB; and the Multi-Function Electronic Warfare-Air Large, or MFEW-AL.

Each serves its own purpose and is in its own stage of development. But what Army and industry officials emphasize is their future synergy: how each piece fits neatly into the puzzle of electromagnetic spectrum domination.

We dont expect these systems to do their own mission; they have to be used in tandem, whether were using an MFEW-Air Large in the air to get range [or] looking at long-range precision fires with [TLS-EAB], William Utroska, who works with the Armys Program Executive Office Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors, told reporters in August at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

Thats one of the points I wanted to make upfront, he said. We foresee these systems being mutual, used in tandem, in order to provide the commander the best effects.

Electronic warfare is a fight for control of the spectrum, which militaries use for situational awareness, communications, weapons guidance and more. This contest is increasingly important as more advanced technologies are deployed on the battlefield and troops try to minimize their signatures to avoid detection.

The Army in July awarded Lockheed Martin a $58.8 million contract for TLS-BCT. The other transaction authority agreement runs through October 2023. The company is expected to provide prototypes mounted to Stryker combat vehicles that are ready for operational assessment and issuance to an initial unit.

Its really an exciting time for TLS-BCT, Maj. Derek Vanino, an assistant product manager with the terrestrial spectrum warfare portfolio at PEO IEW&S, said during an August roundtable. Weve made a lot of progress with our industry partner.

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The service in August inked separate deals with Lockheed and General Dynamics Mission Systems for TLS-EAB concepts and demonstrations. The first phase is valued at $15 million over 11 months.

Compared to its TLS-BCT relative, TLS-EAB is meant to reach farther and interface with larger footprints and formations.

Were going to be designed to deliver long-range sense and effect, integrated SIGINT, EW and radio frequency-enabled cyber. But were going to do it at longer range and at echelons that do not have that capability organically at this time: division, corps and theater, Maj. Joseph Fink, also an assistant product manager with the terrestrial spectrum warfare portfolio, said at the same event. We also have different target sets. We have different signals of interest at each echelon. And those are being developed in real time.

The self-contained MFEW-AL pod is also produced by Lockheed. It was intended for mounting on an MQ-1C Gray Eagle drone. The pod garnered the applause of Army Under Secretary Gabe Camarillo, who observed a prototype in the field this summer, courtesy of PEO IEW&S.

Together, the three systems are expected to boost soldier situational awareness and efficacy in future fights, potentially against technologically savvy opponents such as China and Russia.

Whats important about this is all three programs have been architected to cooperate, Deon Viergutz, vice president of spectrum convergence at Lockheed, said in a Sept. 26 interview. Think about it on a battlefield: Theyre part of an integrated, networked family of systems.

Among other factors, Viergutz credits a shared approach for the success of each endeavor thus far. Rapidly upgradable and flexible equipment is important to the Army, according to service officials.

What has enabled it is a common architecture, hardware and software, Viergutz said. And thats what really lays the groundwork for the Army to be able to actually achieve these programs as part of a family of systems.
NextShark

A 47-year-old Thai man is in critical condition after two Frenchmen assaulted him in an unprovoked attack caught on camera. According to Lakhana, Somkuan had said, That car is so beautiful, when will we get a car like this? They reportedly followed the Porsche to appreciate it for a bit longer before passing. The Porsche then allegedly began tailgating the couples motorbike and honked at them until they pulled to the side of the road in front of a grilled pork stall.
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Democratic candidate Mandela Barnes shared the stage for the first of two scheduled debates on Friday as the candidates simultaneously tried to paint each other as extremist while going on defense on issues like crime and Social Security.

Barnes, the state lieutenant governor who has branded himself as a populist in the race, fielded attacks over the issue of crime and defunding the police. At the same time, Johnson was forced to answer questions about his previous comments on Social Security and his ties to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

Here are five takeaways from the Wisconsin Senate debate.

Barnes seeks to deflect attacks on crime

Throughout the campaign, Barnes has been forced to defend himself against an onslaught of GOP attacks over crime and law enforcement. Friday night was no exception, as Johnson used the debate to paint the Democrat as a supporter of defunding the police.

He has a record of wanting to defund the police, and I know he doesnt necessarily say that word, Johnson said. But he has a long history of being supported by people that are leading the effort to defund. He uses code words like [Rep.] Cory Bush said, talk about reallocate, overbloated police budgets. He says it pains him to see fully funded police budgets.

Barnes for his part struck a measured tone on the issue, arguing that the way to prevent crime was to adequately fund schools and make sure there was enough jobs, adding that his administration had invested millions of dollars for public safety, law enforcement and crime prevention efforts.

A CNN KFile review published on Friday noted that while Barnes has argued that he is against abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or defunding the police, past interviews and social media activity have suggested otherwise, including instances of him like posts endorsing getting rid of ICE.

Johnson put on defense over Jan. 6

The Republican senator found himself repeatedly on the defensive over his alleged involvement in Jan. 6, including reports of his offices participation in a fake elector scheme that was first brought up during a hearing held by the House select committee investigating the Capitol riot.

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During a hearing this summer, the committee showed a text exchange between an aide to former Vice President Mike Pence and a person identified as an aide to Johnson, who told the Pence official that Johnson wanted to hand over an alternative slate of electors from Wisconsin and Michigan.

During the debate, Johnson reiterated that he had no involvement in such a scheme.

Let me clear things up here. I had no idea  when I got a call from the lawyer from the president United States to deliver something to the vice president, did I have a staff member that could help out with that? I had no idea what it was. And the fact of the matter was, nothing was delivered. The whole episode took less than an hour, and I wasnt even involved. So again, I had no knowledge of an alternate slate of electors, he argued.

Barnes also used Jan. 6 to hit back at allegations that he didnt support law enforcement, invoking the 140 officers that [Johnson] left behind [at the Capitol] because of an insurrection that he supported.

Johnson for his part said he condemned the Jan. 6 riot and, asked whether Pence did the right thing on Jan. 6, said: Yes. President Biden is now president of the United States.

Candidates try to paint each other as extreme on abortion

Both candidates tried to portray the other as out-of-touch on the issue of abortion. While Johnson suggested that Barnes supported no limits to the medical procedure, the Democrat hit his opponent over his praise of the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

He celebrated the Dobbs decision, Barnes said of Johnson. And he said that if women dont like the laws of their state, like the 1849 criminal abortion ban we have here, he said they can move. I cant think of a more callous, out-of-touch or extreme position to take.

 The most extreme position here would be no limits on abortion whatsoever, allowing an abortion right to the moment of birth, which is what the lieutenant governor supports, Johnson shot back at one point during the debate.

The issue of abortion has galvanized voters after the Roe v. Wade ruling, which impacted a number of states that had trigger laws on the books. Abortion is practically illegal in Wisconsin given a 1849 law that was dormant until the overturning of Roe.

Social Security comments come back to haunt Johnson

The senator was also forced to go on defense over his previous comments on Social Security and Medicare, in which he suggested in August that they should be annually approved. Democrats at the time seized on his comments, claiming the senator wanted to ax the federal programs.

Let me make myself very clear: I want to save Social Security. I want to save Medicare. The greatest threat to Social Security and Medicare is the completely out-of-control deficit spending and our growing debt, he said during the debate.

What Ive been saying is we should be looking at all spending so we can prioritize, and Social Security, Medicare would be at the top [of] priority list. Ive never, ever said I would cut it or put it in the chopping block. That is a false attack, he added.

Barnes repeatedly accused Johnson of referring to Social Security as a Ponzi scheme and likening it to candy; Johnson denied the latter point.

Barnes invokes personal stories

The lieutenant governor repeatedly invoked anecdotes from his life and about his family as he sought to paint himself as someone who could relate to the common struggles of Wisconsinites.

Barnes referenced his grandfather in several of his answers, contrasting the opportunities his relative was afforded while living in Milwaukee and how deindustrialization and the offshoring of jobs have hit communities hard in the state since.

My granddad moved here after World War II. He got a job as an union steelworker and thats the story of a whole lot of Black men in the city of Milwaukee. And again, when those opportunities dried up, there was nothing really that came in to fill the void. We saw, again, those rises in crime which also led to rises [in] incarceration, so many other devastating  so many other devastating results because of deindustrialization, because of offshoring, Barnes claimed.

Additionally, he spoke about his cousin, Dennis, who decided not to go to college and pursue a career as an electrician while Barnes spoke about the issue of rising college tuition costs. And he noted that he had lost several people in his life to gun violence when discussing the scourge of crime in the state.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Courtney VandeBunte and Will Furry are each seeking the last spot on the Flagler School Board in the upcoming Nov. 8 election. The District 2 seat, which covers Palm Coast and northeast Flagler County, is being vacated by Janet McDonald.

While VandeBunte brings the experience of an educator, Furry, a Realtor, says those in his profession are one of the biggest advocates for great schools and great neighborhoods.

VandeBunte received 43.57% of the vote in the August primary, while Furry received 34.17%. Third-place finisher Lance Alred received 22.26%.

Ian coverage: Flagler emergency manager concerned not enough residents evacuated for Tropical Storm Ian

Flagler Sheriff: Man who fled with child is arrested in dramatic confrontation

Flagler School Board candidates: Courtney VandeBunte and Will Furry answer News-Journal questionnaire

The candidates are not running under political parties, but politics have increasingly entered Florida schools. Furry has attended Republican meetings and supports Gov. Ron DeSantis education agenda. VandeBunte has pushed back online against claims that her agenda is armed with extreme liberalism. She has posted that school board is a nonpartisan seat and that teachers, schools and board members should put children before political parties.

Will Furry

Will Furry is running for Flagler County School Board District 2.

Furry, 47, is a former executive at SureCredit USA Home Loans, an entrepreneur who has started several businesses, and a Realtor and real estate investor.

He has two children and has supported the Old Kings Elementary Parent Teacher Organization Board for many years. He also mentors middle school students at his church and has been on many medical mission trips to help children in Guatemala.

On his campaign website, Furry lists the following endorsements:

Gov. Ron DeSantis.

1776 Project PAC.

Rep. Paul Renner.

Flagler School Board Member-Elect Christy Chong.

Flagler County Association of Realtors.

Former Flagler County Chief of Police Chris Sepe.

Furry said his top priority is student safety, which includes providing extra support to school resource officers.

Story continues

I'm an advocate for (a) guardian program that allows us to arm former military and police officers on our campus and also staff as well to harden our schools, to protect our kids in the event of an active shooter, he said.

His second priority is advocating for parental rights and curriculum transparency.

The government's gone too far getting in between the relationship of a parent and a child, he said. We want to focus on education not indoctrination.

One example he provided was pushing back against "indoctrinary-type theories like CRT," short for critical race theory, an academic framework based on the idea that racism is systemic in American institutions. CRT is not taught in Volusia County Schools.

A third priority is building enriched classroom environments and getting back to the basics like reading, math, American history and civics. He says the district needs to get reading scores up and get students caught up from the pandemic, which includes improving the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program and identifying learning challenges in early grades.

ESE is Florida's educational program for students with special learning needs. One of Furry's sons has an individualized education plan under the ESE department.

Furry also commended the districts development of the Strategic Plan as a good show of collaboration across the board and a good way to tie the superintendent to performance requirements.

He also said that retention and recruitment falls on the superintendent more so than the board, which is responsible for policy.

The superintendent, I believe, needs to work on improving the learning environment and the district leadership, he said. Yes, we have had shortages, so you could give some grace there, but retention, that falls on the district administration, so we need potentially some improvement in leadership to maintain better retention.

He noted while everyone would like to see teachers get paid more, theres only so much money available, so they would have to lobby the state for funding.

Gov. DeSantis has said he wants to pay teachers more, so I hope he will deliver on that promise, Furry said.

In elaborating on parental rights, Furry said morals and values come from the home, not from school.

He said its between a parent and child if the child wants to read a book that he would not approve of, but that parents should have a reasonable expectation that their kids are only going to be able to access age-appropriate materials in the school library.

Flagler Schools currently offers three levels of material access. Under level one, which is the default, students have open access to books, but some books labeled for adult content or young adults require parent approval. In level two, parents can submit up to five books their children cannot check out. Under level three, created earlier this year, parent pre-approval is required before a student checks out any book.

Furry believes the default should be to opt in rather than opt out.

I believe that puts too much burden on parents to have them have to go and opt out of every book in the library that they may deem inappropriate for their child, he said.

He also noted the Parental Rights in Education Bill that passed earlier this year  which prohibits instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten through third grade  didnt go far enough and should have extended to higher grades.

Expanding on school safety, Furry said that in addition to hardening schools, maintaining single points of entry and training staff more, there should be zero tolerance on bullying.

We also need to work on the behavior of the students in the school so that teachers can feel safe to come to work and deliver their lesson and educate our kids, he said.

Furry said a successful term would include improving the ESE program, increasing reading scores 20% year over year, increasing security and having each school achieve an A rating.

More on this race: Will Furry, Courtney VandeBunte share why they're running, thoughts on parental rights before primary

Courtney VandeBunte

Courtney VandeBunte is running for Flagler County School Board District 2.

VandeBunte, 35, was born and raised in Flagler County. She graduated from Flagler-Palm Coast High School and received a bachelors in science and education from Florida State University.

She taught for three different district schools over nine years, was a founding member of FPCs i3 New Tech Academy and now works as a middle school content developer for Harvard University's LabXChange Platform.

Her website and social media feature the following endorsements:

School Board Member Cheryl Massaro

Palm Coast City Council Member Jack Howell.

Former Palm Coast City Council Member Bob Cuff.

Flagler Beach Mayor Suzie Johnston.

Flagler Educational Support Professional Association.

Former Executive Director of Student and Community Engagement for Flagler Schools Lynette Shott.

Florida Education Association.

Flagler Pride.

Equality Florida.

VandeBuntes first priority is bringing unity among parents, staff members and students to work toward a common goal of creating the highest quality education for our students here in Flagler.

Safety is another priority, VandeBunte said, which can be supported through initiatives like the half-cent sales tax to bring state-of-the-art safety to schools.

Flagler Schools has done an excellent job with hardening all the entries and things like that, but I think we need to take it a step further and do things like add surveillance, live stream surveillance from our schools into the sheriff's office, for example, which could be paid for with the half-cent sales tax that's on the ballot this November, she said.

Her third top priority is bringing schools back to the A status that the district had before the pandemic.

She said it is important to keep schools open and give students meaningful but standards-based learning opportunities that increase reading scores and critical thinking skills.

We need curriculum that is engaging to the students, so our students need to be able to have voice and choice in how they're learning and be able to use their hands and their minds and actually apply their skills to solving problems within the community, she said, noting a project where her anatomy students designed prosthetic limbs for dogs.

VandeBunte commended the districts Strategic Plan as amazing because it communicates quantifiable school goals to the public and helps hold the district accountable for reaching them.

She also supported recent raises to $15 an hour for support staff and $17.50 for bus drivers, but said the district needs to amplify the voices of teachers to help with recruitment and retention, which could include opportunities for anonymous surveys.

They need to establish trust within the schools, increase the culture, and the only way that they can do that from a teacher's perspective myself is by talking and listening to the teachers, she said. Once the district understands what the teachers value and where the teachers need support, that's when they can start making those changes to make Flagler a desirable place to come and work as a teacher.

VandeBunte says anytime a student has a parent or family member involved in their education, they have been successful, and that parents should know whats going on in their childs learning environment and have a voice.

She noted the board could make this more accessible by allowing public comment earlier on in its meetings and allowing comments to be submitted by email.

(Parents are) just as an important constituent as the teachers and the students, and they need to be heard, she said. I think it's important that their rights are valued for their students and for only their student.

She said the district is doing a good job of informing parents how they can opt out of curriculum or decide which materials their student is exposed to, but again noted it should only be for their students.

In elaborating on internal safety threats such as bullying, VandeBunte believes unity is important and getting parents more involved can help decrease instances. She said parents need resources and support, and that building a relationship of respect would make them less embarrassed to use whats available to them.

She recommended more neighborhood events like literacy fairs that can involve parents and communities.

When you see parental involvement and unity between the parents and staff, then that's when things like bullying are going to decrease, VandeBunte said.

She said she would like to be remembered as the school board member that pushed for more community events that involve parents and families and bring up the level of communication and trust between staff and families.

Contact reporter Danielle Johnson at djohnson@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Flagler School Board election: Furry, VandeBunte talk education issues
WASHINGTON  John Zimmerman of Fayetteville, North Carolina, who was a City Council candidate in May, testified on Thursday at the criminal trial of Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes.

This was the third day of testimony in the case against Rhodes and four others charged with seditious conspiracy. regarding the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Authorities said the right-wing extremist group crafted a detailed, drawn-out plot following the 2020 election to stop the transfer of power from then-President Donald Trump to Democrat Joe Biden, who won the election.

According to several news accounts of Zimmermans testimony, Zimmerman had been a member of the Oath Keepers and the head of the groups chapter in Cumberland County. But he became disenchanted with Rhodes at a rally in Washington in November 2020 and quit the group.

Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, speaks during a rally outside the White House in Washington, June 25, 2017.

Rhodes, from Granbury, Texas, and the others are accused of spending weeks plotting to use violence in a desperate campaign to keep Trump in the White House. The others on trial are Thomas Caldwell of Berryville, Virginia; Kenneth Harrelson of Titusville, Florida; Jessica Watkins of Woodstock, Ohio; and Kelly Meggs of Dunnellon, Florida. The trial is expected to last several weeks.

Authorities say the Oath Keepers organized paramilitary training and stashed weapons with quick reaction force teams at a Virginia hotel in case they were needed before members stormed the Capitol alongside hundreds of other Trump supporters.

Rhodes' lawyers have said the Oath Keepers leader will testify that his actions leading up to Jan. 6 were in preparation for orders he believed were coming from Trump, but never did. Rhodes has said he believed Trump was going to invoke the Insurrection Act and call up a militia to support his bid to hold power.

The defense says the Oath Keepers often set up quick reaction forces for events but they were only to be used to protect against violence from antifa activists or in the event Trump invoked the Insurrection Act.

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Zimmerman in his testimony described getting a quick reaction force ready for the Million MAGA March in Washington on Nov. 14, 2020, in case Trump invoked the Insurrection Act. Thousands of Trump supporters that day gathered at Freedom Plaza along Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington to rally behind Trumps false election claims.

Zimmerman told jurors that the Oath Keepers stashed at least a dozen rifles and several handguns in his van parked at Arlington National Cemetery to serve as the quick reaction force. He said they never took the guns into Washington.

Zimmerman wasnt in the city on Jan. 6 because he was recovering from the coronavirus, and he said that after the Nov. 14 event, the North Carolina Oath Keepers split from Rhodes. Zimmerman said the split came over Rhodes' suggestion that the Oath Keepers wear disguises to entice antifa activists to attack them so the Oath Keepers could give them a beat down.

Zimmerman said Rhodes suggested dressing up as older people or mothers pushing strollers and putting weapons in the stroller.

I told him 'No, that's not what we do,' Zimmerman said. That's entrapment. That's illegal.

Zimmerman also told the jury that Rhodes previously had said he was in contact with a Secret Service agent. Rhodes claimed to have the agent's number and to have spoken with the agent about the logistics of a September 2020 rally that then-President Donald Trump held in Fayetteville.

More:Thousands of die-hard Trump supporters from all over country attend Fayetteville rally

Zimmerman could not say for sure that Rhodes was speaking to someone with the Secret Service  only that Rhodes told him he was  and it was not clear what they were discussing. Zimmerman said Rhodes wanted to find out the parameters that the Oath Keepers could operate under during the election-year rally.

The significance of the detail in the government's case is unclear.

Trump's potential ties to extremist groups have been a focus of the House committee investigating the riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Another Oath Keeper expected to testify against Rhodes has claimed that after the riot, Rhodes phoned someone seemingly close to Trump and made a request: Tell Trump to call on militia groups to fight to keep him in power. Authorities have not identified that person; Rhodes' lawyer says the call never happened.

A Secret Service spokesperson said the agency is aware that individuals from the Oath Keepers have contacted us in the past to make inquiries. The agency said that when creating a security plan for events, it is not uncommon for various organizations to contact us concerning security restrictions and activities that are permissible in proximity to our protected sites.

Jurors also heard testimony from a man who secretly recorded a Nov. 9, 2020, conference call held by Rhodes in which the leader rallied his followers to prepare for violence and go to Washington.

The man, Abdullah Rasheed, said he began recording the call with hundreds of Oath Keepers members because Rhodes' rhetoric made it sound like "we were going to war with the United States government.

Rasheed said he tried to get in touch with authorities, including the U.S. Capitol Police and the FBI, about the call but that no one called him back until after it all happened. An FBI agent has testified that the bureau received a tip about the call in November 2020, and when asked if the FBI ever conducted an interview, he said not to my knowledge." The man contacted the FBI again in March 2021, was interviewed and gave authorities the recording of the call.

In a separate case on Thursday, Jeremy Joseph Bertino of North Carolina became the first member of the Proud Boys extremist group to plead guilty to seditious conspiracy in the Jan. 6 attack. Three Oath Keeper members have also pleaded guilty to the charge.

Paul Woolverton of The Fayetteville Observer contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Capitol trial: Ex-Oath Keeper John Zimmerman of Fayetteville testifies
A former Richmond Police Officer has surrendered his Indiana Law Enforcement Certification and plead guilty to a charge of failure to aid a law enforcement officer, according to a press release from Richmond Police Chief Michael Britt.

>>No injuries, but a close call for students after BB shatters Eaton school bus window

On November 20, 2021, the Wayne County Sheriffs Department, Sheriff Retter, contacted Richmond Police Department, Chief Britt, with concerns regarding one of RPDs officers, the release said.

The Wayne County Sheriffs department was preparing to conduct a search warrant at a house in Richmond due to potential drug activity at the location, Chief Britt said.

>>Kettering woman accused of having sex with 14-year-old indicted on charges

Chief Britt was told that RPD 2nd shift Patrol Captain, Scott Crull, was seen at the house doing surveillance prior to the execution of the search warrant, the release said. That information was turned over to the Indiana State Police for investigation.

Once RPD was made aware of this situation, Crull was placed on administrative leave and removed from his duty assignments until the investigation was finished, Chief Britt said.

On September 21, 2022, Scott Crull plead guilty to a class B misdemeanor charge. He also resigned from the police department and gave up his state law enforcement certification, the release said.

>>Springfield firefighter injured in house fire released from hospital after undergoing rehab

This investigation was due to an isolated incident and not indicative of any larger issue within the Richmond Police Department, Chief Britt said. Richmonds Police Officers are held to the highest standard of professionalism and will continue to serve our community with honor and integrity.




















Janis Urbanovich

Read also: Training exercises using HIMARS to be held in Latvia

The long-term chairman of the party, Janis Urbanovich was first to announce his resignation. Next came the co-chairman of the party and member of the party board Andris Morozov, deputy of the Riga City Council and deputy chairman of the party Anna Vladova, as well as the mayor of Daugavpils and deputy chairman of the party Andrey Elksninsh.

Read also: Latvia to refuse entry to Russians fleeing mobilization, says FM

Morozov and Vladova, commenting on their resignation on social networks, said that they had to bear responsibility for the results of Zlagoda in the elections, and not just Urbanovich, the head of the party.

Read also: Latvia calls for more weapons to Ukraine after Kremlin sets dates for sham referendums

Meanwhile, the center-right New Unity party of Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins won the Latvian parliamentary elections.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Photo: Brendan Kergin/Vancouver Is Awesome. Vancouver police are investigating multiple stabbings that happened at Crab Park overnight.

UPDATE 3:19 p.m.

Police say one suspect is in custody after a "stabbing spree" in downtown Vancouvers Crab Park.

They say officers were patrolling near the waterfront around 3 a.m. when two victims fled the park and approached them for help.

Police say 911 operators also received a call reporting a man randomly stabbing people at the homeless encampment in the park and, as more victims and bystanders fled the area, officers found a third badly injured victim.

Police say the three victims suffered serious injuries, including stab wounds and punctured organs.

They say a 42-year-old man was also arrested for attempted murder at the scene.

Police say they believe there may be more victims and are encouraging anyone with injuries to seek medical help, then call police.

- The Canadian Press

ORIGINAL 11:11 a.m.

Vancouver police are investigating multiple stabbings that happened overnight at Crab Park.

The Vancouver Police Department shares on Twitter that a suspect is currently in custody and that there is no ongoing public risk.

"Some victims have been taken to hospital, but others fled and may need medical attention," says the tweet.

Glacier Media has reached out to the VPD for more information.

This story will be updated.
As major oil-producing countries plan to slash production, U.S. gas prices may rise again, with some states potentially feeling the brunt more than others.

The OPEC+ alliance of oil-producing countries announced Wednesday it will cut production by 2 million barrels per day starting in November, a move that may put further upward pressure on U.S. gasoline prices.

Will American drivers see an immediate impact? AAA spokesman Andrew Gross said, noting that oil makes up about 60% of what drivers pay for at the pump. That's really hard to say...There are much more immediate reasons why the price of gasoline has been going up.

Even before the groups decision, gas prices had started ticking up across the nation after briefly declining. The national average gas price stood at $3.89 as of Friday, according to AAA, up from $3.79 the week before.

Why are gas prices going up?: More pain at the pump as OPEC cuts oil production by 2 million barrels

Why do gas prices differ between states?

Regional differences in gas prices have been stark mainly because of refinery issues, with prices in California currently hovering around $6 a gallon while Texas and Gulf Coast prices are just over $3.

On the West Coast, maintenance that temporarily shuttered at least six refineries limited supplies, increasing pump prices, Gross said.

The refineries, however, are coming back online and California officials allowed less expensive winter-blend gasoline to be sold a month in advance, bringing drivers relief. California pump prices dropped Friday to $6.39.

The upper Midwest, meanwhile, saw gas prices spike after a deadly explosion and fire at a refinery in Toledo, Ohio.

While the West Coast might see some price easing, its going to be a little while in the upper Midwest, Gross said.

Overall, gas prices vary across state lines due to proximity to oil refineries and pipelines, and issues at the plants, and state taxes.

When supply is adequate in every region and when there are no refinery issues, really the only difference you see between states and regions is the difference in gasoline taxes, said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, a company that tracks oil and gas markets.

Story continues

Why are gas prices higher in California than Kansas?: Gas experts break down costs from state to state

Save at the pump: How to save money as gas prices hit all-time high with Russian invasion of Ukraine

What does the OPEC+ decision mean for US drivers?

Prices at the pump may go up on the East Coast, as well as in the South, Northeast and the Rockies because of the OPEC+ decision, said De Haan.

The West Coast, Great Lakes and Plains, meanwhile, could see prices drop as refinery issues in the area improve. But with OPEC+ cutting production, prices may not go down as much as they could have otherwise, De Haan said.

Everyone's gonna feel the impact to the tune of 10 to 30 cents,  De Haan said.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is headquartered in Vienna.

Why is OPEC+ cutting production?

OPEC+ said the move was based on the uncertainty that surrounds the global economic and oil market outlooks, the Associated Press reported.

Saudi Arabias Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman said the group is adjusting supply ahead of a possible dip in demand, according to AP.

The OPEC+ decision, De Haan said, could put the global economy in a very precarious place because there is very little margin for error.

I think there's more oil production needed, De Haan said. OPEC is doing this cut at a very inopportune time  global oil inventories remain very tight.

President Joe Biden called the move disappointing, and White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president considered the decision short-sighted as the global economy still reels from the impact of Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine, AP reported.

What has Biden done to try to rein in gas prices?

After OPEC+s announcement, Biden said Thursday his administration is looking at alternatives to lower gas prices.

Biden in March ordered the release of 1 million barrels of crude oil a day from the nations strategic petroleum reserve for six months and told oil producers to immediately cut costs for Americans.

There's not a lot any administration can do  Republican or Democrat  when oil prices started to go up because oil is a global commodity, Gross said. We don't set the price here in this country, nor do we set the price for gasoline.

Contributing: Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why are gas prices higher in California than in Texas?
The Milwaukee Bucks wrapped up their trip to the United Arab Emirates Saturday with a 118-109 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The team was scheduled to fly back to the United States immediately after the game.

Here are some takeaways from the game.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Wesley Matthews out for Bucks

After making his exhibition season debut on Thursday, Giannis Antetokounmpo was held out of Saturdays game. On Thursday, Antetokounmpo played 21 minutes over three quarters and scored 19 points. Matthews has yet to suit up in the preseason after tweaking an ankle in practice at the end of September.

Hawks guard Trae Young dribbles past Bucks forward Bobby Portis during their preseason game Saturday at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

Bucks have a back-to-back on tap against Bulls, Nets

Though Milwaukee is traveling back across the globe Saturday, they will have to get their bodies adjusted to the Central time zone quickly as they head to Chicago on Tuesday and then finish the preseason with a home game against Brooklyn on Wednesday.

It is not ideal, Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said before the game Saturday. There are some circumstances that I think were unavoidable and you just gotta kind of roll with it. I think it is the preseason, so there are some things that we can do or were comfortable with in trying to manage and mitigate how difficult it is to come off of this and go into a back-to-back. But, it is the preseason. I think well find a way to get our work in and time in. Theres very, very good teams that I dont think guys are playing every preseason game and things like that so well find ways to manage and get through that back-to-back when we get home. And this has been a good experience.

Foul trouble for the Bucks

The Bucks were whistled for 22 fouls on Thursday against Atlanta with their healthy starters playing, and three of them were on three-point attempts. As the Bucks begin to work on an adjusted defensive philosophy of contesting more threes, some hiccups can be expected  but Budenholzer still wasn't pleased with that.

Story continues

"They're very good offensively so it's good to kind of test ourselves defensively and see where we can improve and get better," Budenholzer said before the game. "The fouling was, I would say, really bad. Particularly fouling the three-point shooters."

On Saturday, with reserves seeing more time, it wasn't much better. Jordan Nwora fouled Atlanta's AJ Griffin on a three-pointer and the Bucks were called for 26 fouls. And, eight of them were of the offensive variety, including several on illegal screens.

A deeper look at the numbers in Bucks vs. Hawks

0: Total points for University of Wisconsin alumnus and current Hawk Frank Kaminsky in 28 minutes over two games. He took just four shots.

6-7: Three-point shooting for Bucks guard Jevon Carter over the two games in Abu Dhabi.

15: Points for Bobby Portis on 7 of 14 shooting on Saturday to lead the Bucks' regulars. Lindell Wigginton added 16 off the bench to lead the team.

28.8: Average distance in feet of Trae Youngs 7 three-pointers.

49.2%: Of the Hawks 63 first-half points were scored by Young (31).

Did you notice Jrue Holiday vs. Trae Young?

With all-stars Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Dejounte Murray all out of action, the spotlight was on the teams two point guards. They went head-to-head in the first quarter, with Young playing all 12 minutes and Jrue Holiday playing 11. The two put on a show offensively, with Young going 5-for-9 for 12 points and Holiday 2-for-7 and 3-for-3 from the free-throw line for seven points. They each had three assists in the opening frame.

Young stayed hot  including some deep logo threes  and poured in 31 first-half points in 19 minutes on the strength of 7 of 9 shooting from behind the three-point line. His finishing points were a driving scoop around Holiday.

Holidays shot continued to elude him, however, as he went 4-for-11 in the first half with 12 points.

A tough turnaround gets Jrue the bucket AND the foul. #NBAinAbuDhabi is live on NBA TV and the NBA App!



Start your 7-day free trial:

 https://t.co/rgegl2X5Zu pic.twitter.com/JhDA7UM0zI  NBA (@NBA) October 8, 2022

Trae Young had the play(s) of the game

This was a Trae Young game, as the Hawks superstar responded to the Bucks emphasis on three-point defense and an 0-for-4 day from distance on Thursday with an emphasis on going very deep Saturday. Pick any of Youngs highlight-reel threes as a play of the game, as his effort from beyond the arc helped led the Hawks to victory. His ability to make logo-distance threes is representative of what Young can do  and how he can stretch a defense beyond its limits.

LOGO TRAE CAN'T BE STOPPED RIGHT NOW



31 PTS in the first half on NBA TV  pic.twitter.com/OUhguGGdgj  NBA (@NBA) October 8, 2022

Video of the game

The play didnt result in anything, but Young tried to take advantage of Bobby Portis on a switch.

TRAE WITH THE PRESEASON NUTMEG  pic.twitter.com/n8OazQigUk  NBA TV (@NBATV) October 8, 2022

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Giannis sits as Bucks conclude trip to Abu Dhabi with loss to Hawks
A Republican secretary of state candidate in Arizona who claimed last month he goes to the polls in person to vote has a roughly 14-year history of voting mostly by mail, according to Arizona journalist Dillon Rosenblatt.

Mark Finchem, a Donald Trump-endorsed conspiracy theorist, said at a debate last month that he does not care for mail-in voting and its why he goes to the polls.

His voting record, however, reportedly doesnt speak to his level of not caring for mail-in voting.

Finchem, who attended Trumps Jan. 6, 2021, Stop the Steal rally and who has spread false claims about the 2020 presidential election, voted early by mail in every single election since the 2004 general election except for a Tucson city election in 2007, according to public records disclosed in Rosenblatts Fourth Estate 48 Substack.

The candidate has voted by mail in 28 of 30 elections through the 2022 primary, according to the Fourth Estate 48.

Rosenblatt also reported that Finchem filled out a Permanent Early Voting List form in 2008, which remained in effect through the start of April.

He voted in person at the polls in the primary election this year, a Pima County voter registration specialist told Rosenblatt.

You can see more of Finchems voter file, obtained by Rosenblatt, here.

Watch at 5 & 10 pm on @arizonapbs: The candidates for AZ Secretary of State face off in a debate. @tedatpbs and @ruelaswritings moderate as @Adrian_Fontes and @RealMarkFinchem exchange heated words about mail-in voting. pic.twitter.com/N4vWfytwH9  Arizona PBS (@arizonapbs) September 22, 2022

Finchem attempted to squeeze himself out of the apparent contradiction in an interview with Arizonas KTAR-FM on Thursday.

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What I said is, I dont like voting by mail, and I havent for the last election, Finchem said.

Now before that, yeah, I did vote by mail, but thats before I realized that its not secure.

Finchem also told the radio station he didnt want to do away with early voting, however, previous tweets show him calling for Arizona to get rid of the process.

The only way you stop that is we have to perhaps adjust the mail-in system, Finchem told KTAR-FM on Thursday. Now, I think to say that Im against mail-in voting, thats a misrepresentation of what Ive said.

Let's clear this up. What is @Realmarkfinchem's position on mail-in voting?



Here's what he has said in the past on Twitter: pic.twitter.com/S9DgrrYul3  Jen Fifield (@JenAFifield) September 23, 2022

Former President Donald Trump threw his support behind Finchem, a self-described member of the far-right Oath Keepers group, when he offered an endorsement to the candidate in 2021.

Trump praised Finchem in a statement for his incredibly powerful stance on the Voter Fraud that took place in the 2020 Presidential Election Scam and said the candidate was willing to say what few others had the courage to say, in apparent reference to the election, The Arizona Republic reported.

Finchem is set to face Democratic candidate Adrian Fontes in the November general election to replace the current Democratic secretary of state, Katie Hobbs.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
New Hampshire GOP Senate nominee Don Bolduc told supporters this week that he thinks the future of abortion rights belongs to Republican gentlemen state lawmakers, who he claims know best how to give women a voice on their reproductive rights.

During a Wednesday night town hall in Auburn, New Hampshire, Bolduc, a retired Army brigadier general, weighed in on whether he thinks abortion rights should be decided at the state level or the federal level.

It belongs to the state. It belongs to these gentlemen right here, who are state legislators representing you, Bolduc said, motioning to at least two Republican state representatives in the room, Jason Osborne and Jess Edwards.

Edwards, for one, voted against sidelining a bill in March that would have banned abortion upon the detection of a so-called fetal heartbeat, a misleading reference to cardiac activity in an embryo. That means the bill would have banned abortion after about five weeks, a point at which many people dont even know that they are pregnant.

Heres a shot of Bolducs campaign event, with Edwards seated nearby (HuffPost circled him with a yellow line). Bolduc tweeted out this image after the event.

New Hampshire Republican Senate candidate Don Bolduc talks about abortion rights at a campaign event. (Photo: Don Bolduc's Twitter account)

New Hampshire Republican Senate candidate Don Bolduc talks about abortion rights at a campaign event. (Photo: Don Bolduc's Twitter account)

Bolduc went on to say that as a man, he thinks that women get the best voice on their reproductive rights when state legislators decide how to regulate them.

That is the best way, I think, as a man, that women get the best voice: at the state level, not at the federal level, he said.

Bolduc said his opponent, Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan, simply doesnt understand that the best way to regulate womens access to abortion care is on a state-by-state basis.

She needs to get on board with the Supreme Court decision to end Roe v. Wade, he said.

Heres an audio clip of Bolducs remarks on abortion rights.

Bolduc campaign spokesperson Kate Constantini did not respond to a request for comment on why Bolduc thinks abortion rights are best decided by Republican gentlemen state legislators, or why he thinks they know best how to give women a voice on abortion matters.

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Instead, Constantini accused Hassan of lying about Bolducs record.

Senator Hassan shamelessly continues to lie about General Bolducs position, trying to scare voters and distract from her abysmal record, she said. The general opposes a federal ban on abortion and believes this decision should be in the hands of the states. Senator Hassan needs to end the lies and face the fact that she can no longer hide behind her deceit.

Sydney Petersen, a spokesperson for Hassans campaign, said its clear that Bolduc thinks politicians know better than women whats good for them.

Every chance he gets, Bolduc reinforces that he believes politicians  and more specifically Republican men  should control a womans most personal decision about her future, said Petersen. His most recent comment further underscores that if elected, he would dismiss half the population and its clear that he would be a yes vote for a nationwide abortion ban.

Hassan has been leading in the polls against Bolduc for months. She has widened her lead to nearly 8 points in the weeks since Bolduc became the official GOP nominee.

A recent Axios story suggested that internally, though, her campaign manager is sounding the alarms that polling may be inaccurate and Hassan may be in more trouble than it looks.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
CORRECTION: An earlier version incorrectly described the previous analysis of the U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania by the Cook Political Report.

It took a while, but Republicans are finally coming home for Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania, putting him squarely in striking distance of Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (D) in the states Senate contest.

Over the last month, national and Pennsylvania Republicans alike have grown increasingly bullish over Ozs chances as attacks on Fettermans campaign strategy amid his stroke recovery and stance on crime have helped vault Oz back into contention.

Recent polls show just as much. In less than two months, Oz has chopped Fettermans lead nearly in half, with the lieutenant governor now leading by roughly 4 percentage points. Additionally, Republican operatives and strategists across the board are convinced Oz will get the job done, a far cry from only weeks ago.

I feel a lot better about Pennsylvania than I did four or five weeks ago. Thats for sure, one Pennsylvania-based GOP operative told The Hill, adding that there was a panic that set in amongst Pennsylvania and national Republicans and extended into the world of former President Trump.

According to a recent Fox News poll, 83 percent of Republicans are now behind Oz, up from 73 percent from the previous poll taken in July. Not coincidentally, Fetterman only leads by 4 percentage points in the recent survey compared to 11 points in the summer, and the pundits have taken notice.

The Cook Political Report on Tuesday shifted the race from lean Democrat to one of the four toss-up contests left on the map.

However, some top Republicans still worry about Ozs ability to fully bring Republican voters completely into the tent.

His biggest problem is to get conservatives to vote for him. They dont like Fetterman, but theyre not sure about Oz either, former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) told The Hill in an interview. Hes not really running as a conservative. Hes running as someone who will make things work in Washington, he continued, likening Ozs pitch to Keystone State voters to those made by the states former Republican Sens. Arlen Specter and John Heinz.

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Perhaps the biggest part of Ozs independent outreach, however, remains his attacks against Fetterman on crime, an issue that has galvanized the GOP base not just in Pennsylvania, but across the country.

Ozs latest ad, released on Friday, charges that Fettermans plan would release murderers into our community, pointing to his work as head of the Board of Pardons during his tenure as lieutenant governor.

Thats a prescription for pain, Oz says in the 30-second spot.

Keystone State Democrats are well aware of the damage the attacks are inflicting the former Braddock, Pa., mayor. One senior Pennsylvania Democrat told The Hill that the ads are working and conceded that the issue is a big liability for Democratic chances to win back the seat. Other state Democrats are concerned that there wasnt enough pushback early to combat the aerial assault.

I thought [Fetterman] was a little late responding to the ads, former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D) told The Hill. It was a decent response, but it was a little late.

Looking ahead, the planned debate between the two candidates is slated for Oct. 25 in what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated moments of the midterm cycle. For months, Republicans heaped pressure on Fetterman to take the stage alongside Oz in the aftermath of the stroke he suffered shortly before the May primary, and did so with a significant amount of success. According to GOP operatives, part of that is due to Ozs background as a cardiologist and his ability to speak on the subject with a level of authority.

However, Democrats sense opportunity as expectations for Fetterman heading into the showdown have been lowered significantly. Rendell argued the messaging surrounding the debate could turn out to be a double-edged sword for the GOP if the lieutenant governor puts on a solid performance.

While the debate stands as Fettermans mountain to climb in the final month, Oz has little control over his as state Sen. Doug Mastrianos (R) gubernatorial campaign continues to struggle and has shown little life against state Attorney General Josh Shapiro (D). In survey after survey, Shapiro leads by double digits and is outspending the GOP nominee by a 60 to 1 margin on the airwaves, potentially creating a significant drag on Ozs chances.

Some Republicans dont think Mastrianos sagging campaign will cause much of an impact, and are quick to note that the Senate contest is the race that is on top of the physical ballot instead of governor and that straight-ticket voting is no longer a practice in the state. However, others remain alarmed.

The big issue is Doug Mastriano isnt introducing Doug Mastriano to the voters. Josh Shapiro is, a second Pennsylvania-based Republican strategist said, pointing to the $31 million in ad reservations Shapiro has made as of late last week.

If Doug can get his race into single digits, then Oz has a good fighting shot, the strategist continued, taking aim at Mastrianos unconventional strategy of campaigning outside the 12 to 15 most populous counties that will likely make or break his chances. You dont want to be campaigning in places where there are more deer than voters.

Notably, outside of the nearly universal belief that Mastriano will lose, the expectations for him are all over the map on the GOP side. Some strategists speculated that he could win as little as 40 percent, opening the door to a complete blowout, while others believe Shapiros margin could be as small as 5 percent. When asked how much of a drag Mastriano could be on Oz, Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) demurred, sidestepping the gubernatorial contest.

People are going to evaluate each race separately and Dr. Oz is in a good position to win, Toomey recently told The Hill. The incumbent senator has endorsed Oz but has not done so for Mastriano.

Other Republicans were less charitable.

Establishment Republicans dont want Mastriano out there doing stuff. They dont want him out there making the news, a third Pennsylvania-based GOP strategist said. They want him to stick with this 40 days of fast and prayer because it means hes not out there doing stuff. They want him to bury his head in the sand.

Updated on Oct. 9 at 7:17 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday appointed former U.S. Secret Service agent John P. Scott as the Texas Education Agencys first chief of school safety and security, a position the governor created in response to the Uvalde mass school shooting that left 19 students and two teachers dead.

Scott formerly served as a Secret Service agent in the Vice Presidential Protective Division from 2006 and 2010 during the administrations of George W. Bush and Barack Obama, according to his LinkedIn profile. He later helped lead the Secret Service field office in Dallas.

In his new role, which started Monday, Scott will take every action possible to ensure schools are using best practices to safeguard against school shootings or other dangers, according to a press release from Abbotts office.

Abbott directed the TEA to create the position four months ago in June, just over two weeks after the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde.

Abbotts press release on Monday listed other actions the governor has taken since the Uvalde shooting, including his pledge of $105.5 million to enhance school safety and mental health services in Uvalde and across the state.

Since the shooting in May, Uvalde parents have called to raise the age to buy semi-automatic rifles  the kind of guns that the Uvalde gunman bought immediately after his 18th birthday in May  from 18 to 21. In August, Abbott said it would be unconstitutional to raise the age, citing a federal ruling that Texas cannot ban 18- to 20-year-olds from carrying handguns. Since then, Texas has started the process to appeal that ruling, but Abbott has not said whether a successful appeal would change his stance on the constitutionality of raising the age to buy semi-automatic rifles.

On Friday, the families of Uvalde school shooting victims publicly endorsed Beto ORourke, who is running against Abbott in November, just hours ahead of the two candidates only planned debate. ORourke said at the debate that he would focus on raising the age to buy semi-automatic rifles to 21 if he were elected next month in addition to supporting universal background checks and red-flag laws, which would allow judges to seize firearms from people deemed dangerous.

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ORourke attacked Abbott at the debate for refusing to call a special legislative session to discuss school safety and gun laws after the Uvalde shooting. He also attacked the governor for expanding gun access in Texas by signing a law allowing Texans who can legally carry guns to carry handguns without a license or training and for sending a video message to the National Rifle Associations conference in Houston just days after the shooting in Uvalde.

Scott and the TEA could not be immediately reached for comment.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune, a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.
Governor Mike DeWine has ordered the flags of the United States and Ohio to be flown at half-staff Sunday throughout the state, according to a news release.

>>RELATED: Springfield firefighter injured in house fire released from hospital after undergoing rehab

This is being done, in accordance with the orders issued by the President of the United States, and honoring the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, the release said.

DeWine is ordering flags be flown at half-staff at all public buildings and grounds from sunrise to sunset.

This weekend is the 41st Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend where they honor Americas fallen firefighters who died in the line of duty the previous year, according to their website.




By Steve Gorman

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The number of gray whales migrating along the Pacific Coast of North America has steadily declined by nearly 40% from a 2016 peak, and the population produced its fewest calves on record this year, according to U.S. research released on Friday.

The 38% drop from the population's 2016 high of 27,000 whales to 16,650 this year resembles previous fluctuations but warrants further attention, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Research Administration (NOAA) report said.

Researchers at NOAA's Southwest Fisheries Science Center in San Diego said the latest decline, though not fully explained, likely entails several factors including environmental changes that have shifted the whales' food sources of tiny crustaceans and other invertebrates they prey on in the Arctic.

"Given the continuing decline in numbers since 2016, we need to be closely monitoring the population to understand what may be driving this trend," David Weller, director of the center's marine mammal and turtle division, said in comments announcing the findings.

A spike in gray whale strandings detected along the West Coast of North America from Mexico through Alaska two years ago prompted NOAA Fisheries to declare an "unusual mortality event" for the population in 2019, triggering closer scrutiny of the phenomenon.

Many of the roughly 600 whales found washed up dead on beaches from 2019 to this year appeared malnourished, though some had died from other causes, such as boat collisions or attacks from killer whales, NOAA said.

The overall population slump among West Coast gray whales coincides with diminished reproduction, researchers found.

The most recent count of baby whales that ended in May estimated calf production this year at about 217 newborns, down from 383 calves tallied last year and the lowest number since such counts began in 1994, NOAA fisheries said.

Gray whales, one of the largest animals on Earth weighing up to 41 tons and reaching lengths of 49 feet (15 meters), are known for their visible annual 10,000-mile (16,000-km) migration between feeding grounds in the Arctic and breeding grounds in Baja Mexico.

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Gray whales of the eastern Pacific Ocean have seen sharp declines before, as in the late 1980s and early 1990s when their numbers similarly dropped roughly 40% before rebounding to a new high point, according to NOAA.

Commercial whaling once drove gray whales to the brink of extinction, but they have recovered enough to have been removed from the Endangered Species List in 1994.

(Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles)
Los Angeles City Council District 5 candidates Katy Young Yaroslavsky, left, and Sam Yebri. (Los Angeles Times)

The Los Angeles City Council District 5 race was very nearly decided in June, when Katy Young Yaroslavsky finished with 48.97% of the vote  just over a percentage point shy of the 50% plus one vote needed to avoid a runoff.

Instead, the districts first new representative in more than a decade will be chosen Nov. 8, when Yaroslavsky faces off against Sam Yebri, who finished with just under 30% of the vote in the four-way primary.

Like many other city races, the battle to succeed Councilmember Paul Koretz and represent this largely Westside council district has focused intensely on homelessness and public safety.

Who are the candidates?

Yebri and Yaroslavsky have quite a bit in common: Both are lawyers in their early 40s with young children. They each spent part of their childhoods living in the district and have broadly similar views on many issues, though they differ on some specifics. Both are Democrats.

Yaroslavsky has deep family roots in local politics  her father-in-law is Zev Yaroslavsky, who represented District 5 on the City Council for nearly two decades, and her mother was an L.A.-area district director for Supervisor Sheila Kuehl when Kuehl was in the state Assembly.

Before getting into the race, Yaroslavsky worked for Kuehl for more than six years, handling public health, environmental issues and the arts for the county supervisor. She began her career as a land-use attorney at Latham & Watkins, a politically influential law firm where she also did lobbying work, and spent several years at an environmental nonprofit.

Yebri belongs to a family of Iranian refugees who arrived in the U.S. in 1983, when he was a toddler.

He co-founded a Century City law firm and has been on a number of nonprofit boards, including Bet Tzedek, where he has assisted with legal clinics and handled the cases of renters pro bono. He previously served on the Los Angeles Civil Service Commission and the city attorneys Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. He also co-founded 30 Years After, an L.A.-based Iranian American Jewish civic organization.

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Where is their support coming from?

Yaroslavsky has the backing of the county Democratic Party, the Sierra Club, the political arm of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. Kuehl and Supervisor Hilda Solis have endorsed her, as have Rep. Karen Bass, Rep. Judy Chu, City Council President Nury Martinez and state Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon

Yebri has the support of major business groups, such as the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and County Business Federation, two local chambers of commerce and unions representing police and firefighters. His backers also include former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Controller Ron Galperin, Rep. Nanette Barragan and former Rep. Henry Waxman.

Yebri has taken in a little over $1.1 million in contributions, while Yaroslavsky has raised about $950,000. Both candidates have received some outside support from unions, but the bulk of outside money in the race has come from an association representing landlords and developers that is backing Yebri.

Where is District 5?

Council District 5 sprawls from the hills of Bel-Air all the way to Hancock Park. It's roughly bounded by the 405 Freeway to the west, Mulholland Drive to the north and Venice Boulevard to the south. It snakes around the cities of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood to the east.

Neighborhoods include Bel-Air, Westwood, Palms, Cheviot Hills, Century City, Beverlywood, Pico-Robertson, Beverly Grove, Miracle Mile, Carthay Circle, the Fairfax district and parts of Hancock Park.

Where Yaroslavsky and Yebri stand on homelessness

Broadly speaking, both candidates would prioritize prevention, with strategies to prevent tenants from falling into homelessness and create more affordable housing, and also work to get people off the streets faster.

Both candidates say they would have voted to pass a controversial anti-camping ordinance known as 41.18, but their opinions on its use differ slightly.

Yaroslavsky has said she thinks 41.18  which bans encampments in certain areas  should be used as a backstop strategy, paired with and following meaningful engagement and offers of services and housing. To do otherwise would just move people around, shifting the issue a few hundred feet away and increasing people's misery, she said during a recent debate.

Yebri, who told The Times anti-camping ordinances should be used robustly, has knocked his opponent for waffling a bit on 41.18 throughout the course of the campaign.

I think it will save lives because it creates urgency and it helps transition people who are suffering and dying on our streets into shelter and into housing, into medical healthcare, faster, Yebri said during a recent debate.

Where Yebri and Yaroslavsky stand on policing and public safety

Both candidates say that the most important function of their job is keeping people safe.

Yebri has pledged to rebuild our depleted LAPD force, saying the city should get back to having at least 10,000 officers. (The City Council has authorized an LAPD force of about 9,700 sworn officers, but the number has dwindled to just above 9,200 officers.)

Both candidates have talked about expanding use of crisis intervention teams to ensure those in crisis get better care and law enforcement is freed up to focus on public safety.

Yaroslavsky has also said the force should expand but declined to provide a number. She said the city will be able to better assess the need after more social service workers are hired for homelessness engagement and response and officers are redeployed back into the field from desk duty.

Past coverage

L.A. Times Editorial Board Endorsements

The Times editorial page publishes endorsements based on candidate interviews and independent reporting. The editorial board operates independently of the newsroom  reporters covering these races have no say in the endorsements.

How and where to vote

Ballots will be in the mail to all 22 million registered voters in the state no later than Oct. 10. Californians can return ballots by mail, drop them at collection boxes or turn them in at voting centers. They can also cast ballots early at voting centers or wait until Nov. 8 to vote at their neighborhood polling places.

Californians can register to vote or check their status at https://registertovote.ca.gov/.

Follow more election coverage

California voters head to the polls Nov. 8 to vote for U.S. Senate, governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, controller, treasurer, attorney general, and races for U.S. representative in Congress, state senator and state Assemblymember. Local races include who will be the Los Angeles mayor and L.A. County sheriff. There are seven ballot propositions for voters to decide on the table.

More News

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Protests and gang violence have rocked Haiti, plunging the country into a worsening political, economic and security crisis.

Haiti has asked for foreign military support to curb its gang violence crisis which has paralysed the country.

The Haitian government authorised Prime Minister Ariel Henry to request armed help due to "the risk of a major humanitarian crisis".

The US meanwhile urged its citizens in Haiti to leave due to the insecurity.

A group of powerful gangs have blocked the country's main fuel terminal since September, crippling its basic supplies like water and food.

It is not clear to whom the request for intervention has been sent to, and in what form the help would be given.

The UN said it had not received an official request from Haiti's government.

"That being said, we remain extremely concerned about the security situation in Haiti, the impact its having on the Haitian people, on our ability to do our work, especially in the humanitarian sphere," said UN spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric.

The US is also considering a request for a humanitarian corridor to restore fuel distribution within Haiti, according to state department spokesperson Vedant Patel.

Mr Patel did not say where the troops to support this would come from.

Varreux fuel terminal has been controlled and blockaded by a coalition of powerful gangs since last month, which has ground the whole country to a halt. Some hospitals have shut, while businesses and transport services stopped working in protest of destitution.

Civil unrest escalated since Mr Henry announced an end to government fuel subsidies on 11 September, which sent petrol and diesel prices skyrocketing.

Since then, protests and looting have intensified, with the capital, Port-au-Prince, at the heart of it. Food aid warehouses have been targeted, with an estimated $5m (4.6m) worth of food aid lost in repeated attacks, according to Haiti's UN envoy.

It is unclear whether the Haitian government request for foreign military intervention would mean the return of UN peacekeeping troops, after leaving five years ago.

The UN's presence has left a mixed legacy in Haiti: its peacekeepers accepted partial responsibility for sparking a cholera epidemic more than a decade ago which killed about 10,000 people.

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Haiti's government said eight people had died on Sunday from cholera, for the first time in three years - raising concerns over the potential for a health crisis too.

Of the many supplies that have been blocked by the country's gangs, clean water is a vital one - especially as cholera is spread via contaminated water.

Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world and has suffered a number of recent crises, most notably the assassination of its president, Jovenel Moise, in July 2021 and a massive earthquake that left more than 2,200 people dead just a month later.

Deaths are frequent, with more than 200 people killed in gang violence in Port-au-Prince in the space of just 10 days in July, according to figures from the UN.
Disciplinary body approves work report

By Yang Zekun (China Daily) 08:29, October 08, 2022

Document will be formally submitted to upcoming CPC National Congress

A plenary session of the 19th Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection  the Party's top disciplinary watchdog  on Friday approved a work report to be submitted to the upcoming 20th CPC National Congress, which is expected to open on Oct 16 in Beijing.

The report, summarizing five years of commission work, will also be reviewed by the 19th CPC Central Committee at its seventh plenary meeting, which will start on Sunday.

A total of 129 CCDI members attended the seventh plenary session of the disciplinary watchdog in Beijing on Friday, and two other attendees were present in a nonvoting capacity, according to a communique released after the plenum.

Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CCDI, addressed the session.

At its sixth plenary session in January, President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said that since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee has improved Party conduct, upheld integrity and combated corruption with unprecedented courage and resolve.

Xi vowed to maintain a zero-tolerance stance on corruption and asked to continue to improve the Party and the State oversight systems.

While presiding over the 40th group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee in June, Xi said that since 2012, the Party has built a tight array of institutions that prevent corruption by forming a relatively complete system of intraparty regulations and anti-corruption laws.

The CPC Central Committee has enforced Party discipline and laws more stringently to prevent some from taking advantage of loopholes in the system and made sure that all the laws, regulations and institutions work effectively and create a synergy to make anti-corruption mechanisms more effective, he said.

Yang Weidong, a law professor at the China University of Political Science and Law, said that since the Party's 18th National Congress in November 2012, the system of intra-Party supervision and national laws supervision have been further improved to fight corruption.

With the Party's Constitution as the foundation, the CPC Central Committee issued a series of regulations and provisions to strengthen the intra-Party supervisory system and clarify the regulations in different areas such as organization, self-construction and supervision, Yang said.

The system was further improved since the Party's 19th National Congress in 2017, including revised regulations on disciplinary punishment that took effect in 2018 and revised regulations on Party accountability that came into effect in 2019.

Yang said that one goal of the fight against corruption is to set constraints on power and Party members, especially leading cadres, and these regulations set out a clear line between what can and cannot be done.

"In the process of establishing a system of intra-Party supervisory regulations, we have allowed the system to provide clear criteria for supervisors to judge," Yang said.

The improved supervisory system also puts forward higher and more detailed requirements for Party members and officials, and provides a solid foundation to make sure officials don't dare to, are not able to and have no desire to commit corruption, he said.

"Over the past five years, we have seen that China's anti-corruption efforts are not weakening. Instead, the authorities have made specific arrangements and intensified efforts based on the achievements since the 18th Party Congress," he said.

For example, besides regulations covering leading cadres of State-owned enterprises, regulations were also made to administer relatives of officials and retired officials, making overall supervision tighter.

Zhuang Deshui, deputy head of the Clean Government Research Center at Peking University, said that the introduction of a series of Party regulations reflects the CPC Central Committee's high level of attention paid to putting forward the strategy of ensuring officials dare not be, cannot be and do not want to be corrupt.

In doing so, the Party has aimed to infiltrate the sense of integrity into daily supervision, education and management.

Since the Party's 18th National Congress, discipline inspection and supervisory organs at all levels have not relaxed their discipline enforcement standards.

On the contrary, the intensified antigraft campaign has provided discipline inspection and supervisory organs with opportunities to strengthen their internal systems and mechanism construction, Zhuang said.

China's legal system for fighting corruption has also improved over the years, and Party discipline and administrative supervision have formed a synergistic relationship, said Yang.

In March 2018, the Supervision Law took effect. The Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure Law were also revised, offering sound legal support for fighting corruption.

In reality, public officials are not necessarily Party members. Therefore, improving the Supervision Law and establishing the National Supervisory Commission in 2018 effectively targeted corruption among civil servants who are not Party members, he said.

"The enforcement of Party discipline and national laws have achieved a seamless connection after years of effort made by authorities, enabling imposition of precise punishments for those involved in corruption and avoiding possible loopholes that may appear," he added.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Extinguishing the fire on the Kerch bridge

As news outlet Delfi reported on Oct. 8, Reinsalu said he assumed that Ukraine was behind the incident, and he congratulated the Ukrainian secret services on this brave act.

Read also: Panic grips Ukraines Russian-occupied Crimea after explosion damages Kerch road and rail bridge

Estonia certainly welcomes this (the explosion on the Kerch Bridge) and congratulates the Ukrainian special forces, who are probably behind this operation, Reinsalu said.

He said he did not rule out that the detonation on the bridge was especially timed, as yesterday was Russian dictator Vladimir Putins 70th birthday.

I believe that (the bridge) has been a target for a long time, Reinsalu said.

Read also: Russia will search for a Ukrainian link, play down importance of Crimean bridge attack, says expert

He said the Kerch bridge had an important symbolic meaning for Russia, as it connects it with the Crimea and was an important logistical link.

The bridge was also important to Putin because it (was supposed to) confirm that Crimea would forever remain with Russia, added Reinsalu.

According to NV sources in law enforcement, the blowing up of the Crimean Bridge was a special operation of Ukraines SBU security service.

Read also: Ukrainian Postal Service will issue a new stamp following attack on Crimea bridge

The SBU did not comment on its role in the incident. The service has published a photo of the partially destroyed bridge captioned with an ironic message on its Telegram messenger channel.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
TOPSHOT-IRAN-PROTEST-WOMEN-RIGHTS

A picture obtained by AFP outside Iran on September 21, 2022. Credit - AFPGetty Images

In the wake of the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in custody of the Irans morality police last month, civil unrest in the country has grown to a scale larger than what Iran has experienced in years. Protesters are calling for justice for Amini as well as personal and political liberties and accountability from the nations government.

Rights groups say the protests, which have spread to more than 80 cities in Iran, have led to hundreds of arrests, including numerous journalists, and violence against protesters. Internet access remains limited in the country as the Iranian government strictly regulates its usage. Those analyzing the countrys protests say that the movement likely wont die down soon.

Heres what to know:

The protests have been deadly

Since protests began in mid-September, its unclear how many people have died at the hands of police during the protests. On Sept. 26, Irans state-run broadcasting service reported that 41 people had died including protestors and security forces. But Iran Human Rights (IHR), a Norway-based nonprofit, reported on Oct. 4 that at least 154 people had died in the protests.

At least 66 deaths reportedly took placeon Sept. 30 in Zahedan, now called Bloody Friday, according to Amnesty International. Security forces in Zahedan, the capital of the Sistan and Baluchestan province, and home to some of the highest death counts since protests began, initiated a brutal crackdown where they deployed live ammunition, metal pellets and teargas on protesters, worshippers and bystanders after Friday prayers outside the citys main mosque.

The death of 16-year-old protestor Nika Shakarami

Nika Shakarami, a teenage protestor whose mother alleges that security forces murdered her, is one of the highest-profile cases of a young person dying in the protests.

Shakarami went missing on Sept. 20 in Tehran after sending a friend a message that she was being followed by the police.

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Authorities claim that Shakarami had gone into a building that night where construction workers may have pushed her from a high point and that her body was found outside the next morning.

Tehran judiciary official, Mohammad Shahriari, told the state media that Shakarami had sustained multiple fractures in the pelvis, head, upper and lower limbs, arms and legs, which indicate that the person was thrown from a height.

Her family disputes this account, and Shakaramis mother spoke out in a video to Radio Farda that the injuries she saw on her daughters body were very different from what authorities described. BBC reports that Shakaramis mother said a forensic report indicated that Shakarami was killed by blunt force trauma to the head and a death certificate obtained by BBC stated that she suffered multiple injuries caused by blows with a hard object.

After Shakramis death, members of her family were seen on state television confirming that her cause of death was falling from a building. Shakaramis mother also told Radio Farda that these were forced confessions and that authorities threatened their familys safety if they didnt cooperate.

Where the protests stand now

The nationwide protests have only grown since September after Aminis death. Beginning as demonstrations on the streets and through social media condemning what protestors say was Aminis unlawful killing, the protests in Iran are now fueled by the governments brutal oppression demonstrated in the past few weeks and longstanding frustration against the countrys authoritarian regime.

At demonstrations across the country, people have reported and recorded videos of unarmed protesters being beaten and harassed by the police.

Student protests have been prominent in the movement at universities across the country, a key change from decades of politically dormant youth. At universities like Sharif University in Tehran, authorities have been particularly aggressive, the New York Times reported, and people on the campus described violent scenes of bullets flying, tear gas deployed and blood on the ground.

Iranians are expressing a range of frustrations over issues like the countrys mandatory modesty laws, the harsh restrictions imposed on peoples political choices and speech and the governments discriminatory practices against ethnic minorities. IHR said that over the past three weeks, at least 1,200 people have been arrested, including 29 journalists, 20 activists and 19 teachers, according to government arrest reports.

On Sept. 21, Irans top-level military authorities gave orders to security forces in all provinces to severely confront troublemakers and anti-revolutionaries, according to an investigation by Amnesty International. Authorities have continued to block internet access, a tactic presumably to prevent the spread of information.

How the rest of the world has reacted

World leaders have condemned the Iranian governments actions since news of Aminis death and protests spread. Protests have expanded abroad and people outside of the country have taken up circulating Iranian accounts and footage of whats going on to raise awareness. Despite the attention, Iranian authorities have not backed down on suppressing and arresting protestors. The countrys supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the riots and insecurities were designed by America and the Zionist regime to undermine his governments authority.

The U.S. and Canada have released sanctions against Iranians officials, adding to their existing sanctions against the countrys government. E.U. member states have also called for the E.U. to sanction Iranian officials involved. Americas sanctions targeted seven senior Iranian officials, including the interior minister, Ahmad Vahidi, who oversees the countrys law enforcement, and the communications minister, Eisa Zarepour, whose position points to involvement in the countrys internet blockage.

On Oct. 3, President Biden shared support for the protests saying, The United States stands with Iranian women and all the citizens of Iran who are inspiring the world with their bravery, and added that his administration will be imposing further costs on perpetrators of violence against peaceful protestors.
One of the videos showing the daycare worker scaring children was filmed in September and another taken Tuesday, according to the owner. Jennifer Kayla Newman/Facebook

Four employees were fired from Lil' Blessings Child Care & Learning Center after videos of the incident were shared online.

In the video, children can be seen crying and running away from a woman dressed in a mask from the movie 'Scream.'

In a tearful apology video, CeeCee says the act wasn't 'ill-intentioned.'

A Mississippi woman who said she was fired for wearing a "Scream" mask to scare children at the daycare where she worked, later shared a tearful apology online.

On Wednesday, apparent videos of the woman  known only as CeeCee  in a Halloween mask taunting toddlers just inches from their faces circulated widely on social media, leading to her firing from Lil' Blessings Child Care & Learning Center in Hamilton, Mississippi, along with three coworkers.

In the video, the children can be seen crying and hiding from the woman as she chases them, but in an apology video obtained by the Daily Mail apparently posted by CeeCee later, she says it wasn't "ill-intentioned."

Although CeeCee acknowledges that she is the person behind the mask in each video, she claims that her coworkers were aware of her plans to scare children who were being "bad." A total of four employees were fired as a result of the stunt, according to a local newspaper.

"The teachers asked me if I would do it or if they could use (the mask) to get their class to listen or clean up. I'm not a child abuser," she says in her apology.

CeeCee had been employed at the daycare for nearly four year before her termination. At least one worker can be seen laughing in the videos.

"I did not go in there at my own discretion. As in, I didn't go in there with the intention to literally traumatize those children. I expected them to react the way they reacted when I did it," she says in the apology.

"But what you all didn't see was after I had left the room, I took it off and I went back into the classroom and I said 'CeeCee got the monster. It's not coming back.' And they would hug me. I've known those kids their whole life."

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Although the viral videos were met with outrage, some parents said they don't blame facility owner Sheila Sanders for the incidents.

"I know 100% that Ms. Sheila, the owner and director, was not aware of this situation that was going on and as soon as she found out, all parties were terminated immediately," Kimberly Smith, a parent of one of the terrified children, told the local newspaper.

Sanders, who's owned the daycare for the past 20 years, said she wasn't aware of the incidents until Wednesday afternoon and one video was taken as early as September.

"No one came forth to tell me it happened in September," she told the newspaper.

"The people that did those acts are no longer with us. They were fired. I wasn't here at the time and wasn't aware they were doing that. I don't condone that and never have. I just want to say it's been taken care of."

The Mississippi State Department of Health and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office are investigating the matter.

Read the original article on Business Insider
impact investing

Impact investing is a strategy that aims to create a positive social or environmental impact while also providing competitive financial returns. Impact investors may buy shares of a company that promotes women more frequently than other firms or avoid purchasing bonds issued by a weapons manufacturer. Unlike philanthropy, which seeks to advance a social or other agenda by donating money without hope of financial gain, impact investing requires a financial return comparable to other investments. Impact investors also often require some sort of measurement of the effect of their investments on their social or environmental goals.

For help with your impact investing decisions, consider working with a financial advisor.

Basics of Impact Investing

Impact investing is one of the thematic investing styles. Other thematic investing approaches may focus on a particular industry such as healthcare or a social trend, such as the shift to e-commercial, where it is hoped superior financial returns can be found. Impact investing is distinguished from other themes by the investors desire to accomplish or encourage a specific change in the world in addition to earning a strong return on the investment.

Philanthropic giving similarly aims to advance social causes such as gender equity or environmental concerns such as global warming. However, impact investing is different because it seeks to earn competitive financial returns in addition to promoting positive change. Philanthropys objective is never to return financial benefits to the giver.

Impact investing also resembles environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing. ESG investors and impact investors often invest in the same companies, such as those developing carbon-free energy technologies or providing access to financial services for chronically unbanked communities. However, ESG investing is driven by the idea that companies that do good will do better financially than those that exploit the environment or manufacture products that harm people. It is more about generating superior returns than creating desirable change.

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Impact investing is not a specific asset class and may involve a broad range of asset types. Impact investors may put their money into stocks, bonds, mutual funds or ETFs. They may loan money to microfinance initiatives or other organizations that aim to help people with inadequate resources.

Impact investors are often individuals, but may also be organizations that have social or environmental influence as a goal. Foundations, governments, nonprofits, pension funds, religious institutions, banks, family offices and mutual funds are among those that may act as impact investors.

How Impact Investing Impacts Investment Choices

impact investing

There are two ideas behind impact investing. First, by providing financial resources preferentially to organizations that further desirable goals or at least avoid undesirable results, investors will increase the chances that the changes they want to see will become reality. Second, impact investors want to achieve competitive financial returns.

For instance, an impact investor might purchase shares of a company that develops food products that can substitute for meat, based on the understanding that foods derived from animals damage the environment more than plant-based foods. Alternatively, the investor might avoid buying bonds issued by a meatpacking company.

Impact investors may seek to further any number of social or environmental objectives, including:

Reducing human carbon emissions through solar or wind power,

Mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration,

Reducing water consumption,

Equalizing opportunity for people of all genders, races, ethnicities and other groups,

Encouraging practices promoted by religious faiths,

Improving access to health, financial or other services in underprivileged communities.

In addition to providing additional financial resources to activities they want to strengthen, impact investors may put as much effort into avoiding giving support to industries, companies or activities they consider to be negative. Impact investors often avoid investing in organizations engaged in:

Environmental exploitation

Pornography

Alcohol

Tobacco

Gambling

Firearms

Predatory financial practices

To execute their investment strategy, investors can purchase shares of individual companies or bonds issued by individual companies. However, many take advantage of the convenience and diversification offered by mutual funds and exchange-traded funds designed to follow specific impact investing strategies. Funds are available that seek to advance carbon mitigation, gender equity, renewable energy and many other impact investing themes.

Impact Investing Returns

Impact investing has two goals: positive change and competitive returns. With regard to the first, impact investors have developed a number of methods for measuring the effectiveness of their investments on advancing their social and other objectives. For example, an investor seeking to reduce homelessness by purchasing shares of a developer of low-priced housing might look for changes in the measured number of homeless people in communities where the developer is active.

Concerning the requirement for a profitable investment, impact investors use measurements familiar to all investors, such as return on investment. Many studies of the financial performance of impact investing portfolios support the idea that impact investing can yield returns competitively with strategies passed solely on generating profit.

The Bottom Line

impact investing

Impact investing is a style that describes how investors direct their financial resources to causes they support, while also denying support to undesirable activities. To accomplish this, impact investors may purchase shares of companies that they see as promoting desirable outcomes while avoiding companies engaged in making or distributing products and services that are undesirable. Impact investors also want to see financial performance competitive with other investing approaches.

Tips for Investing

A financial advisor can help you identify investments that meet your impact and financial return needs. Finding the right financial advisor who fits your needs doesnt have to be hard. SmartAssets free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If youre ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Although impact investors seek to do good as they perceive it, certain impact investing activities may conflict with impact investors who have different ideas about what is good. The returns are still a necessary part of a good impact investing strategy. You can use SmartAssets investment calculator to get a rough estimate of what an impact portfolio could look like.

iStock.com/designer491, iStock.com/BlackSalmon, iStock.com/Ijubaphoto

The post What Is Impact Investing? appeared first on SmartAsset Blog.
As Ukrainian forces liberate more towns, they find torture chambers, mass graves

Read also: Torture chamber discovered in liberated village, $625 million in U.S. aid for Ukraine, and OPEC+ reductions

In fact, every town or village freed from the occupiers had a torture chamber of one form or another, Yenin said.

Read also: Police discover Russian torture chamber in Kharkiv Oblast

Recently, we coordinated the work of law enforcement officers in the liberated cities, and these torture chambers were found there one by one  in Veliky Burluk, Kozachy Lopan, Vovchansk, and Balaklia.

Local police stations were usually chosen for this, Yenin added.

Read also: Ukraines SBU finds another Russian torture chamber in liberated Kharkiv Oblast

On Oct. 4, President Zelenskyys Office reported that 483 settlements in Kharkiv oblast have been liberated.

Torture chambers and mass grave sites continue to be discovered in towns and villages liberated from Russian occupation.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Iranian protesters continue to confront the autocratic regime that rules over the vast Mideast country with chants of "death to the dictator," a slogan targeting the iron-fisted rule of the Islamic Republics Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

The pressing question for many experts on Iran and veteran observers of Tehran is will the widespread demonstrations blanketing Iran end the regime that imposed a radical Islamic law system in the country after the 1979 revolution?

Iranians from all walks of life are now turning the tables with their calls for the dissolution of Khameneis regime.

After all, the "founding principle of Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution was Death to America,'" according to Clifford May, president of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies who, as a New York Times reporter, covered the 1979 revolution.

AS IRAN TARGETS ATHLETES OVER MOUNTING PROTESTS, GROUP CALLS FOR FIFA TO BAN REGIME FROM WORLD CUP

The spark that ignited the mass protests was the morality polices alleged torture and murder last month of 22-year-old Iranian-Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini for not complying with the nations dress code rule that a females hair be covered.

Contrary to the claim by the Islamic Republic of Irans Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who told NPR in late September "there is a not going to be regime change in Iran," Iranian-American experts see potential for a transition to a post-Islamic Republic of Iran.

"While the regime has been more brazen than ever in their crackdowns against protesters, we've never seen the protesters as zealous as they've been this time around. The Achilles heel of this regime has always been its people. They know the only way they'll be toppled is by the people, the same way they came to power," said Lisa Daftari, an expert on Iran and editor-in-chief of The Foreign Desk.

"The Iranian people are telling the world that they're accepting the burden of taking down their government, but they need help. It will start not just with support from the podium, but will require the West, spearheaded by the U.S., to fully support the task of removing Iran's regime by placing crippling sanctions on the sectors that deal directly with Iran's regime, stepping away from the JCPOA negotiations which will give billions of dollars and political leverage to the mullahs and, lastly, providing strategic and organizational resources to Iran's protesters to be able to carry out this endeavor."

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The JCPOA is an abbreviation for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the formal name for the Iran nuclear deal that the Biden administration is working to conclude with Tehrans rulers.

The Iran atomic accord is shrouded in intense controversy because it, according to reports, will pump as much as $275 billion into Irans coffers during the first year of the deal, according to an FDD study, and merely impose a temporary restriction on Tehrans capability to build a nuclear weapons device.

Both Democratic and Republican administrations have classified the Islamic Republic of Iran as the worlds worst state-sponsor of terrorism.

IRANIAN STUDENTS CLASH WITH POLICE AS DEADLY REGIME CRACKDOWN NEARS 20TH DAY

While Irans top diplomat, Amir-Abdollahian, continues to stress that the ubiquitous protest against the regime "is not a big deal," Mariam Memarsadeghi, a fellow for the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, told Fox News Digital, "The people of Iran have shown that they are capable of coming out into the streets in all large and small cities at once and occupying most parts of large cities simultaneously, too.

"Their unity is unprecedented since the 1979 revolution. So is their fury. People have brought down other totalitarian regimes through mass civil disobedience. The people of Iran are more than capable of doing the same."

IRAN'S SUPREME LEADER BREAKS SILENCE ON AMINI PROTESTS, BLAMES US FOLLOWING SUNDAY CLASH

Memarsadeghi urged, in a reference to the JCPOA talks, "for the worlds democracies to stop legitimizing those oppressing Iranian protesters by continuing to negotiate with them."

"The Iranian people are showing the way for regime change," she added. "Theyre deploying a diversity of tactics that engage a broad cross-section of society with street protests and labor strikes as the two main drivers of the revolution."

While the Treasury Department sanctioned "Irans morality police for abuse and violence against Iranian women and the violation of the rights of peaceful Iranian protestors," in late September, Iran experts are seeking greater U.S. aid to the pro-democracy protesters across Iran.

"Now is the time for the West to put their money where their mouth is on a human rights-centric approach to politics and standing with the Iranian people," Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow and Iran expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Fox News Digital. "Washington needs to not only support Iranian strikers, which will amplify street power, with a potential strike fund that can be sourced from confiscated Iranian assets and illicit exports but also needs to have a strategy that encourages elite defection."

He noted that other tactics to accelerate the protesters' activities include "ways to creatively send and secure hardware needed in Iran to make satellite internet a reality. The same goes for making sure Iranians have the capability to communicate with one another, particularly via mobile phone, in the case of the next internet blackout."

The clerical regime frequently pulls the plug on internet service to block communication among protesters and news to the international community.

Ben Taleblu stressed that the Biden administration "must drastically intensify the sanctions architecture against both regime elites and national level officials as well as the local commanders and political officials cracking down or calling for a crackdown against protesters."

The question, for many Iranian experts, is no longer will the clerical regime collapse but when. Memarsadeghi said democracies "should be investing now in strategic planning for the day after the regime falls."
DUBAI (Reuters) -Female students in Tehran chanted "get lost" as Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visited their university campus on Saturday and condemned protesters enraged by the death of a young woman in custody, videos on social media showed.

Raisi addressed professors and students at Alzahra University in Tehran, reciting a poem that equated "rioters" with flies, as nationwide demonstrations entered a fourth week.

"They imagine they can achieve their evil goals in universities," Raisi said on state TV. "Unbeknownst to them, our students and professors are alert and will not allow the enemy to realise their evil goals."

A video posted on Twitter by the activist 1500tasvir website showed what it said were women students chanting "Raisi get lost" and "Mullahs get lost" as the president visited their campus. Another social media video showed students chanting: "We don't want a corrupt guest", in reference to Raisi.

Reuters could not immediately verify the videos.

A state coroner's report denied that 22-year-old Mahsa Amini had died due to blows to the head and limbs while in custody of the morality police and linked her death to pre-existing medical conditions, state media said on Friday.

Amini, an Iranian Kurd, was arrested in Tehran on Sept. 13 for wearing "inappropriate attire" and died three days later.

Her death has ignited nationwide demonstrations, marking the biggest challenge to Iran's clerical leaders in years. Women have removed their veils in defiance of the clerical establishment while furious crowds called for the downfall of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The government has described the protests as a plot by Iran's enemies including the United States, accusing armed dissidents - among others - of violence in which at least 20 members of the security forces have been reported killed.

Rights groups say more than 185 people have been killed, hundreds injured and thousands arrested by security forces confronting protests.

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After a call for mass demonstrations on Saturday, security forces shot at protesters and used tear gas in the Kurdish cities of Sanandaj and Saqez, according to the Iranian human rights group Hengaw.

In Sanandaj, capital of the northwestern Kurdistan province, one man lay dead in his car while a woman screamed "shameless", according to Hengaw, which said the man had been shot by security forces after he honked his horn as a sign of protest.

A senior police official repeated the claim by security forces that they did not use live bullets and told state media that the man had been killed by armed dissidents.

State media played down the protests across Tehran, the capital, reporting "limited" demonstrations in dozens of areas. It said many bazaar traders had shut their shops for fear of damage in the unrest, denying there was a strike.

But videos on social media showed what appeared to be the largest protests in the past three weeks in many Tehran neighbourhoods, including a crowd packing streets in the lower-income southern neighbourhood of Nazi Abad.

Videos shared on social media showed protests in several major cities. One video showed a young woman lying unconscious on the ground after she was apparently shot in the northeastern city of Mashhad, Iran's second most populous city.

The Norway-based Iran Human Rights said at least 185 people had been killed in the protests, with the highest number of killings in the restive Sistan-Baluchistan province in the southeast.

As state TV showed footage of Ayatollah Khamenei on its main evening news, the broadcast was briefly interrupted in an apparent hack with his image, surrounded by flames, next to pictures of Amini and three other women allegedly killed during the protests.

The protests' signature slogan, "Woman, Life, Freedom", could be heard as Edalate Ali hacker group posted its web addresses. The group last year hacked security cameras and exposed mistreatment of prisoners in a jail mostly holding political prisoners. [nL1N2PV1CH}

CALL FOR UNITY

After a weekly meeting, Raisi and Iran's head of judiciary and parliament speaker called for unity.

"Currently, the Iranian society needs the unity of all its strata regardless of language, religion and ethnicity to overcome the hostility and division spread by anti-Iranians," they said in a statement.

Hengaw also carried a video of emergency personnel trying to resuscitate a person and said one protester had died after being shot in the abdomen by security forces in Sanandaj. Reuters could not verify the video.

One of the schools in Saqez city's square was filled with girls chanting "Woman, life, freedom", Hengaw reported.

The widely followed 1500tasvir Twitter account also reported shootings at protesters in the two northwestern Kurdish cities.

A university student who was on his way to join protests in Tehran said he was not afraid of being arrested or even killed.

"They can kill us, arrest us but we will not remain silent anymore. Our classmates are in jail. How can we remain silent? the student, who asked to remain anonymous, told Reuters.

Internet watchdog NetBlocks said the internet had been cut in Sanandaj again amid protests in Kurdish areas.

(Reporting by Dubai newsroom; Writing by Michael GeorgyEditing by Ros Russell, Nick Macfie and Leslie Adler)
Dr. Mehmet Oz, left, and Democrat Senate rival John Fetterman, right, in a composite image. Getty Images

Dr. Oz gave a fundraising speech at Lyon Air Museum in Santa Ana, California, on Thursday night.

Jezebel reported that the speech took place in front of a car that previously belonged to Adolf Hitler.

Oz's Democratic Senate rival, John Fetterman, rebuked him for the gaffe on Twitter.

Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz spoke in front of a car that used to belong to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler during a fundraiser on Thursday night, prompting his Democratic rival John Fetterman to question his suitability for office.

Oz gave a speech at Lyon Air Museum in Santa Ana, California, as part of a $5,000-a-ticket fundraiser hosted by Oculus VR founder Palmer Luckey, Jezebel reported.

Behind Oz's podium, which was positioned next to a TV monitor showing the logo for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, was a dark blue wagon, an image shared on social media shows.

The vehicle appears to be the museum's 1939 Mercedes-Benz Model G4 Offener Touring Wagon.

The museum says on its website that it was "delivered" to Hitler in late 1939 and was "used by the Fuhrer in Ober Salzberg, Berlin, and Poland until seized by the French Army at Berchtesgaden."

The museum's website shows that the car usually has a red swastika plaque attached to the front. However, the Nazi symbol is not visible in images shared on social media.

It is not immediately clear if the museum removed the plaque for the speech. Insider contacted the museum for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Insider reached out to Oz's campaign for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Fetterman rebuked Oz on Twitter for the campaign gaffe.

"I don't know who needs to hear this, but if you're asking donors for money in front of Hitler's literal car, then you shouldn't be running for US Senate," Fetterman wrote.

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Oz and Fetterman are competing in a close and increasingly bitter race for a Pennsylvania Senate seat.

Earlier this week, Fetterman branded his GOP rival a "#PuppyKiller" after Jezebel reported that Oz had been a principal investigator in a series of scientific studies that resulted in the deaths of 329 dogs.

Last month, Oz's campaign told Insider that Fetterman wouldn't have "had a stroke" if he had "ever eaten a vegetable in his life."

Read the original article on Business Insider
No. 8 Tennessee (4-0, 1-0 SEC) will play at LSU (4-1, 2-0 SEC) Saturday in Week 6.

Kickoff between the Vols and Tigers is slated for noon EDT. ESPN will televise the SEC matchup.

Second-year Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel met with media Thursday and discussed the Vols preparing for crowd noise at Tiger Stadium.

Obviously, it will be a great environment, Heupel said. Crowd noise is a part of it anytime you go on the road, but we practice the crowd noise to force the communication thats going to be needed during the course of game day too.

Typically, weve handled it pretty well. Thatll be a big part of the game though, being able to handle the noise there.

Heupels final preview of the Tennessee-LSU game is listed below from a transcript provided by the University of Tennessee.

On if music is played during practice

Yeah. Crowd noise, music, I mean its right behind the offense. Quarterbacks get a chance to understand what its like to communicate with your five guys up front. Thats a big part of it. Theyve typically handled it well, but itll be a great environment.

On LSU utilizing their running backs and tight ends in their run game

Their tight end is a really good player. They do a good job of working the middle of the football field, but they use him out on the perimeter, as well, and exits the formation with some of their run-pass stuff. Youve got to do a great job of having your eyes on him and being disciplined in your reads. The running backs are, first of all, really good runners, but their ability to make plays out in space is a huge part of it. For us, weve got to do a great job of being alignment-sound, having our eyes on our keys and then tackling well in space. Thatll be a big part of the game.

On if the tempo of the game affects the crowds' impact

I dont know if that helps a whole lot. Being efficient on early downs is always going to be important just because it changes the way the game is played on third down. Against this defensive front, you dont want to be in 3rd & long. They have the ability to do a really good job of affecting the quarterback with their front-four.

Story continues

On Javontez Spraggins development

I think it starts with him. Like a lot of our guys, his maturity off the field, how he prepares, what hes done in the offseason to continue to change his body. Hes understanding of what we do offensively, fundamentally growing, and then hes a great competitor. He loves practice. Nobodys more excited about practice than he is. Hes got the same mentality every day, (with his) approach to it. He loves game day too and (hes) a fierce competitor. Hes just continued to really grow as a player. Pass protection, obviously, with what youre talking about. Hes done a really good job in the run-game too.

On his assessment of the tight ends

I think they continue to grow in what were doing. Obviously, two guys have gotten the bulk share of work. Theyve done a good job in the pass-game when theyve been asked to and opportunities present themselves and continue to get better in the run-game fundamentals. Theyre a huge part of what we do offensively.

On his assessment of Tennessee's special teams play

I think our coverage teams continue to get better in what they are doing. Theyve performed wellthe four core unitsat times. There have obviously been some things that cant take place, too, where you change the way the game is played. We have to win that phase of the football game this week. Their personnel on their special teams units is really good and strong. We have to go out there. Its one play. You dont get the chance to reset, so we have to take advantage of that play and execute at a really high level.

On Cedric Tillman's status for Saturday and the confidence in the receivers after the Florida game

You guys know we have a great trust and belief in the guys who have played. Thats out starters, Cedric, and the guys behind all of those guys, too. Last game, we didnt change how we played when Cedric was out. Cedric was able to move around. Ultimately, it will be a decision that he and the medical staff will have to make tomorrow about whether or not hes going to play.

On if he's ever competed at Death Valley

Yeah, I have been to Baton Rouge before as a coach. Its a good environment with typically a pretty good football team when you step into it. Preparation has been good. Its 11-on-11, and when you get between the white lines, you have to go compete really hard for 60 minutes. They are a really good football team. Theyre athletic, and they will be a big test for our football team. Its one that our players and staff are truly excited about and feel like weve prepared in a good way up to this point. We have to finish it tomorrow and be ready to compete Saturday.

On Dylan Sampson being from Louisiana

This is a chance where a lot of his family and friends will be there at the game. Its one that hes excited aboutjust getting back on the field first and foremostbut getting the opportunity to play close to where he is originally from. He is excited about it.

On what he's seen from Dee Williams in practice

We have continued to build him up in what we are doing since the start of the season. The medical staff and strength staff have done a really good job with the injuries he sustained and being able to progress. We felt like he had an opportunity to play last week, but we felt like one more week of preparation was needed for him. Hes excited and has looked really good. He will be a huge part of the game for us.

On his assessment of LSU's secondary

They have gotten better. They have a lot of transfers who have played a lot of football. As a group, they are in year one under their coordinator. As an entire football team, they have continued to progress and grow as you typically do in year one. They have good players, and I feel like they are playing their best football right now in the secondary. Big test for us. They are going to play some man press, but you have to be able to go win those one-on-ones.

Story originally appeared on Vols Wire
The FBI seized Rep. Matt Gaetzs cellphone in December 2020, marking the beginning of an investigation into whether the Florida Republican allegedly sex-trafficked a 17-year-old girl. In the time since, his former friend Joel Greenberg pleaded guilty to trafficking the same teen in exchange for helping the Justice Departments investigation. Gaetzs ex-girlfriend also struck a deal, obtaining immunity from federal prosecution in return for her testimony.

But the sex-trafficking investigation into Gaetz now appears stalled, according to seven attorneys who represent witnesses, people who have been subpoenaed or have spoken to investigators. The attorneys briefed on aspects of the case say federal investigators appear stymied by concerns about the credibility of two key witnesses or a lack of direct evidence implicating Gaetz, who has denied all wrongdoing.

Doubts about prosecuting Gaetz have mounted for months among many of those seven attorneys. Its also an opinion held by some within the Justice Department, according to a recent Washington Post article. Citing people familiar with the matter, the paper reported that career prosecutors internally recommended that Gaetz not be indicted.

Gaetzs attorney and the Justice Department declined to comment. Gaetz himself has long denied allegations that he had sex with a minor, that he ever transported the alleged victim across state lines to engage in prostitution or that he obstructed justice in an effort to cover up his actions  the three main potential crimes he has been investigated for, according to three sources familiar with those aspects of the case.

At a federal level, I could not ever imagine prosecuting a case where you have a documented liar like Greenberg and this other person as your top witnesses, said Richard Hornsby, an attorney for former state Rep. Chris Dorworth, who was subpoenaed in the case.

While the sex-trafficking case appears stalled in the eyes of attorneys like Hornsby, another attorney involved in the investigation pointed out that the Justice Department hasnt formally closed this case. That lawyer, like others who spoke anonymously, did not want to comment on the record given the sensitive nature of the case.

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The case is undoubtedly complex  one of the attorneys described it as having tentacles  and politically fraught. It also touches on systemic legal issues such as the expectation among some prosecutors and juries that women involved in sex crime investigations can be held to a higher, and unfair, standard.

Former Seminole County, Florida, tax collector Joel Greenberg talks to the Orlando Sentinel in September 2019, during an interview at his office in Lake Mary, Fla. (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel via Getty Images file)

The prosecutions star witness  Greenberg, Gaetzs onetime friend and a disgraced elected tax official  pleaded guilty last year to six federal crimes. Those included a stalking charge for falsely smearing a political rival as a pedophile, identity theft and sex trafficking the same 17-year-old who is the alleged victim in the Gaetz case. A prosecutor in the case has labeled Greenberg a prolific criminal.

The alleged victim has been reluctant to speak to federal investigators about whether she had sex with Gaetz in 2017, when she was 17, according to a source briefed in the case and a message Greenberg sent to a mutual friend of his and Gaetzs, Dorworth, when the investigation gained steam in 2020.

The alleged victim, who turned 18 in December 2017, did not answer requests for comment from NBC News.

Another complication for prosecutors involves the alleged victim. She currently makes online pornography, which could trigger biases in jurors if the case were ever brought to trial, according to Barbara Martinez, a former assistant U.S. attorney who oversaw sex-trafficking cases in South Florida but is not connected to the Gaetz investigation.

Martinez, who spoke generally about sex-crimes prosecutions and not the specifics of the Gaetz investigation, told NBC News that sex-crimes cases can involve witnesses or alleged victims who are involved in sex work or have a criminal history.

Many victims of trafficking have credibility issues because they have had a difficult life, been arrested, and/or suffered from other trauma. And frankly, thats why they are often targeted and victimized by traffickers, said Martinez.

Greenbergs attorney, Fritz Scheller, referring to the report that prosecutors may not move forward in a case against Gaetz, told NBC News: While one could hesitate to draw a conclusion from a single news story, my hesitation stems from a different source  my knowledge of the evidence in this matter. But to be perfectly cryptic, to the extent the government considers this matter closed, I do not.

He did not provide further details.

The Wingman

Joel Greenbergs scandal-plagued term as the elected tax collector of Seminole County began in 2017, around the same time he and Gaetz became close. Both men were elected to their respective offices in the same year, and Gaetz at one point called Greenberg his wingman.

Both gained reputations as newsmakers, with Gaetz defending newly elected President Donald Trump on the national stage and Greenberg making waves at home.

Soon after Greenberg took office, he became the subject of criticism from county commissioners for a move to an expensive new office building, while also coming under scrutiny for a proposal to arm tax collectors and for chastising a driver about her speeding while wearing a badge that made him seem like a law enforcement officer.

According to the plea agreement in his federal case, Greenberg met the minor in 2017 on a website that advertised itself as a place where sugar daddies could find sugar babies, which five sources identified as SeekingArrangement. Greenberg also admitted in his plea agreement that he gave the minor and others ecstasy for commercial sex, that he introduced the minor to other men, and that he took the drug himself. In total, the plea agreement said, Greenberg from 2016 to 2018 made at least 150 transactions for sex worth $70,000, including commercial sex acts with the minor.

Gaetz, who was not named in the plea agreement, met the alleged victim through Greenberg, according to four sources who were friends with both men.

NBC News is withholding the names of all the women to protect their privacy due to the nature of the case. SeekingArrangement has not commented on Greenberg, citing the ongoing investigation. The site has said it has no record of Gaetz ever having an account; Gaetz has long maintained he was not on the site.

Also according to that plea agreement, the alleged victim falsely claimed she was of age on her SeekingArrangement profile. Greenberg discovered her real age in September 2017, five months after he first texted with her.

Even if an underage person lies about his or her age, its still legally considered sex trafficking of a minor if an adult has sex with them and something of value changes hands.

In late 2019, a school teacher, Brian Beute, filed to run in a Republican primary against the first-term tax collector, who responded by engaging in a smear campaign. Greenberg created a fake Twitter account to make Beute look like a white supremacist, and Greenberg made a phony Facebook account and engaged in a false letter-writing campaign to frame Beute as a pedophile who abused his students, according to the indictment and plea agreement.

Former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel via Getty Images file)

In June 2020, Greenberg was arrested for the smears, precipitating a series of investigations and indictments that ultimately led to a 33-count indictment against him. The sex crimes inquiry into Gaetz began as part of the broader investigation into Greenberg.

In December 2020, the FBI seized the congressmans cellphone and the congressman subsequently furnished federal investigators thousands of records, mainly related to travel calendars and emails, according to a source. Gaetz reportedly lobbied former President Trumps top aides for a pardon related to the Justice Departments investigation toward the end of the administration.

The Gaetz investigation became public in March 2021, after The New York Times reported the general contours of the investigation. Earlier that month, Greenberg had been jailed after he violated probation to find his wife, who called 911 because she wanted to get away from him. They are now divorced.

Greenberg now faces a mandatory-minimum prison sentence of 12 years. But in an effort to get a more lenient sentence, Greenberg pleaded guilty and has been cooperating with prosecutors. His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 1.

In April 2021, CBS News reported that in addition to investigating Gaetz for alleged sex trafficking of a minor, federal investigators were examining a Bahamas trip he took in the fall of 2018 to see if it violated the Mann Act, which prohibits taking people across state lines to engage in prostitution. Two sources briefed on that aspect of the investigation confirmed that line of inquiry.

The alleged victim, who by that time was 18, Gaetz and others were on the trip, according to Politico, which cited three sources familiar with the Bahamas jaunt, including one who was there. Prosecutors wanted to know if any of the women on the trip were paid for sex and, therefore, were transported across state lines to engage in prostitution.

The investigation into Gaetz gained some momentum earlier this year when his ex-girlfriend struck an immunity deal with prosecutors. Before her appearance, a source familiar with her thinking told NBC News she was willing to testify about Gaetzs interactions with the alleged victim, that 2018 trip to the Bahamas, and a secretly recorded phone call between her, a former roommate of the alleged victim and Gaetz. It is during that conversation that federal investigators suspected Gaetz of attempting to obstruct justice, NBC News previously reported.

Since that time, seven others tied to Greenberg have been charged in a host of other crimes unrelated to the sex-crimes investigation: two in fraud schemes that are related to Greenbergs office, two associates of Greenbergs in an alleged real estate scam, and three with campaign finance-related crimes. At least one more friend of Greenbergs is likely facing federal fraud charges, according to Greenbergs fourth and final indictment issued March 30, 2021. None of those indictments show a link to Gaetz or suggest his involvement.

All of the charges and investigations involving Greenberg were the result of the teachers friend, lawyer David Bear, insisting that law enforcement authorities seriously investigate the smears masterminded by Greenberg in the 2020 primary for tax collector.

Bear said it sounds totally plausible that prosecutors might not charge Gaetz.

The U.S. attorneys office and Department of Justice are very particular in what they prosecute and in making sure theres a strong chance they will win the case, he told NBC News. They dont prosecute 50/50 cases.

Bear is a critic of Gaetz and says he bears responsibility for associating with Greenberg. But he said Greenbergs criminality is problematic.

Greenberg is a prolific criminal. His story is going to be in criminology textbooks one day, Bear said.

The potential witnesses in the federal governments inquiry into Gaetz is not limited to Greenberg, the alleged victim and Gaetzs ex-girlfriend.

The alleged victims former roommate, who was on the three-way call with Gaetz and his ex-girlfriend, has spoken to prosecutors, according to two lawyers involved in the case. They say that at least one other woman who had been sexually involved with Gaetz has also spoken to investigators.

None of the women have been charged with a crime, but lawyers in the case are divided over whether some of the women could be charged with sex-trafficking the alleged victim, too, if evidence emerged they engaged in group sex with her.

Under the federal sex-trafficking law, anyone who has sex with a minor as part of an enterprise in which money changes hands can be criminally charged. The attorneys say that the federal government has expressed no interest in charging any of the women, but they say it could become an issue at trial if the women were ever used as witnesses.

This is Joels M.O.

After Greenbergs first arrest in June 2020, he tried to get Gaetz and Republican operative and Trump confidante Roger Stone to get him an election-year pardon, Stone said in an interview, confirming a Daily Beast article.

Gaetzs friend, Dorworth, said Greenberg threatened to bring him and Gaetz down if he didnt get the pardon. Dorworth, who was subpoenaed to give records to the federal grand jury in the case, said Greenberg falsely accused him of wrongdoing and, to disprove the allegations, he wound up hiring a lawyer, furnishing text, phone and travel records to federal investigators, as well as three polygraphs. His attorney, Hornsby, confirmed the account.

Im not surprised prosecutors wont move forward with the case against Matt because its built on lies and Joel Greenberg is the biggest piece of lying garbage trash Ive ever seen in my life, Dorworth told NBC News, previewing what would be his testimony for Gaetzs defense if he were ever charged.

This is Joels M.O.: He tries to frame people for what he did.

Scheller, Greenberg's attorney, said in response to Dorworth's allegations: In any case, the credibility of witnesses is always at issue. Thus, any prosecutor worth their salt will develop evidence, including documents and financial records, that corroborates the testimony of the witness. Although I have not received any communication from the federal government regarding the status of its investigation (nor would I), it does not merely depend on a couple of witnesses, let alone a single individual."

Dorworth said he felt Greenberg tried to set him up in the sex-crimes investigation with a series of WhatsApp message exchanges shortly before Greenberg was first charged with sex trafficking the minor, according to his third, penultimate indictment in August 2020. Dorworth shared the messages with the FBI and with NBC News.

From left, Chris Dorworth, Rep. Matt Gaetz and then-Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg pose together outside the White House during a visit in 2019. (Orlando Sentinel via Getty Images file)

In the messages, Greenberg suggested Dorworth had culpability and suggested that another attorney told him that Dorworth may need a lawyer. But Dorworth checked with that attorney, who Dorworth says told him that he never said Dorworth needed to get a lawyer.

Greenberg also said he wanted to warn Dorworth that some chick may say she partied at your house or something. Dorworth responded by saying that didnt happen.

The messages show Greenberg said he was paying for the lawyer for the minor whom he later pleaded guilty to trafficking and said that she doesnt want to talk to the FBI. Also, Greenberg said, the link between himself and the minor was money he paid her via a banking app.

The feds are going through my Venmo history, Greenberg said.

Dorworth has not been charged with a crime.

Greenbergs Venmo could play a crucial role in a prosecution. In a so-called confession letter obtained by The Daily Beast, Greenberg wrote there was no direct payment between Gaetz and the 17-year-old. Instead, he wrote, he was the go-between who collected the cash.

A source who had been briefed on aspects of the investigation told NBC News that investigators had discussed a weakness in the case: there is no direct evidence of payment between Gaetz and the alleged victim and that prosecutors therefore had to rely on testimony from witnesses like Greenberg, who could be viewed a less credible by a jury.

The king elephant

Lyle Mazin, an attorney who represents two women who are also potential witnesses of the investigation, said it has so many tentacles, complexities and lawyers that its hard to get a global perspective of the case. But, he said, the feeling amongst the attorneys seems to be its not going anywhere.

Mazin said he believes top Justice Department officials could be concerned about the political ramifications of going after Gaetz and Trump, who is not connected to this case but is under other federal investigations concerning the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and the alleged possession and improper storage of documents related to national security.

Prosecutors probably cant afford a not guilty verdict against Gaetz, he said, or a hung jury.

To me, what leans me to thinking this is dead in the water is that DOJ eventually is going to go after Donald Trump, Mazin said. They [prosecutors] cant put their foot over the line and get it chopped off  if they parade their circus of witnesses in there  even if its a perfectly good case and its a statutorily serious crime  I think they hurt themselves. I think theyre going after the king elephant.

Another attorney in the case said the Justice Department is aware of the political complications around the investigation.

Martinez, the former assistant U.S. attorney, said that pursuing a high-profile target could further complicate the case because prosecutors weigh the likelihood of conviction while deciding whether they should bring charges.

A victims difficult past alone is not a reason for a prosecution not to proceed. In fact, prosecutors have obtained convictions following trials in such cases, she said, stressing she was not specifically addressing Gaetz's investigation. But when youre the only victim in a case, it could be much more difficult to get a conviction and it could be much harder on the victim. As a former federal prosecutor, I had to decline some cases in which I believed the crime occurred but we determined that we simply couldnt present a credible case.

Gaetz has attacked the Justice Department for not doing more to prosecute alleged co-conspirators who tried to shake down his wealthy father, former state Senate president Don Gaetz, for $25 million in return for securing a presidential pardon of the congressman in the sex crimes investigation. Gaetzs father went to the FBI and wore a wire to catch the suspects  one of whom has since pleaded guilty.

And if House Republicans win control of the chamber in November and make good on their promise to investigate the agency for its various investigations of Trump.

A Trump-appointed judge could let the Gaetz defense turn into a circus because the victims past would come out in court, the attorney said. "DOJ will pretend its not considering all of this in addition to the evidence. But you can bet they are.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. AP Photo/Michael Wyke, File

Ye said his bond with Obama "faded" after he veered from what he "was supposed to say as a rapper."

"I was Obama's favorite artist," Ye told Tucker Carlson in an interview that aired on Friday.

Ye spoke of how he met with Obama in 2008 when the then-US senator was running for president.

The rapper Ye during an interview that aired on Friday said his connection with former President Barack Obama "faded" after he veered from what he "was supposed to say as a rapper."

During a talk with Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson, Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, detailed his long history with Obama  who served as a United States Senator representing Illinois before his election as president in 2008.

"I was Obama's favorite artist," the rapper said. "Obama met with me and my mama to say that he was running for office back in 2008 and he wanted the support."

He continued: "And everybody was so 'in' to this idea of the Black president. We were always cool. It's also like ... How many of us are there? Obama level? Ye level? Virgil [Abloh] level? Just Black, so brilliant, that we cut through all the lines of racism."

Ye said that as Black men who were known around the globe and at the top of the political world and music worlds, respectively, they were at a preeminent level.

"In some place, we'd have to be friends and get along, because it's like  you're at that level," he said. "You're like a Formula One Lewis Hamilton race car driver. We're still driving a white car, but we were the best race car drivers that ever existed."

"That was me and Obama's connection, but as soon as I wasn't saying what I was supposed to say as a rapper, our connection faded," he added.

Ye remarked that he hasn't spoken to Obama recently, but didn't hesitate to say what he'd do if the men interacted in the future.

"I'll talk to him if I see him," he said of the former two-term president. "But I guarantee you he see me."

The rapper on Saturday tore into Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, alleging that his Instagram account was disabled, and was criticized by several Jewish groups over comments he made about former White House senior advisor Jared Kushner that were perceived by some as being "anti-Jewish."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Fox News

Kanye West went so off the rails during an interview with Tucker Carlson that aired Friday night that even he wondered if he sounded like unhinged conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.

In a particularly shocking exchange, West seemed to insinuatefalselythat the clothing giant Gap had some advance notice of the school massacre in Uvalde, Texas.

I felt like the people at the Gap knew about the school shooting that Matthew McConaughey was talking about before it even happened, West, who terminated his partnership with the company last month, said.

It was so in-synced, the information. And then I heard about it on the radio, driving. And I was like, Am I in The Truman Show right now?

What do you mean the people at the Gap knew about the school shooting? Carlson asked.

I am not saying that they did, but it felt so in-sync  this idea of this media rush over the 78 specific outlets that influence West said before trailing off.

So there is a coordinated message, is what you are saying? Carlson jumped in. West agreed.

Yeah. Meanwhile, there is the same amount of kids getting killed in Chicago every week, but there is no coordinated message about that. Have I reached Alex Jones territory yet?

No, I think you are telling the truth. And thats okay if you do, Carlson, who has repeatedly praised Jones, replied reassuringly.

Carlson dedicated practically all of Fridays broadcast to airing more of his interview with West. During Thursdays show, West explained his choice to wear a shirt reading White Lives Matter at a Paris fashion event by saying that the idea of me wearing it was funny.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Kremlin

Read also: Zelenskyy says he doesnt care what happens to Putin after Ukraines victory

Theres no doubt that there are certain developments around Putin, with behind-the-scenes contacts with the West, the veteran Ukrainian diplomat said.

Read also: Putin is out of options for survival, but Russia still has chances, says former Lithuanian foreign minister

Putins entourage have long been aware: Russia will lose. And if they have a slim chance of being saved  first of all, through changing the leader, (replacing the former one) who is to blame for everything. (They want) to try to bargain for their own pardoning so that they arent be sitting next to him on the bench of the International Criminal Court or a special international tribunal.

According to Ohryzko, such attempts are doomed to failure since Russian society is full of criminal sentiments that are fundamentally different from Western values.

Read also: Rada Defense Committee member says Putin cant be arrested while abroad

They all are one gang, a den of thieves who have seized power in Russia, he said.

There cannot be any alternative there. Its like shuffling the same deck, trying to pull out someone who can be sold to the West as a reformer. Thats what this gang cares about now.

They believe they will be able to convince the West that Mr. X will be great, better, more pro-Western, liberal, democratic  which is not the case by definition.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Police lights

Lane County District Attorney Patricia Perlow said Friday two Lane County deputies were lawful in shooting and killing a man during an hourslong standoff and hostage situation at a home daycare south of Springfield in September.

The deputies who shot Robert Harris were identified after the incident as Arik Schenfeld and Lukas Thomas. Schenfeld has been a deputy since 1999, and Thomas since 2017. Both are members of the department's SWAT team.

In her summary of events released Friday, Perlow said Harris held his partner hostage in the basement, holding a handgun to her head and repeatedly threatening to kill her. According to Perlow, the layout of the basement made it so the two could not be seen or reached without putting the victim or officers in danger.

"The victim did not believe she was leaving that space alive," Perlow said in an email to The Register-Guard. "The law enforcement officers who responded did everything they could to make sure she did get out alive."

Perlow wrote she believed deadly force was necessary due to Harris walling himself off with the victim as a shield with no direct line of sight or safe access. Negotiations were unsuccessful, and the less-lethal and non-lethal weapons were not a choice, Perlow wrote.

Reports of what happened

A little before 4 p.m. Sept. 12, the Lane County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call from the 11-year-old son of the hostage, who said his mother was being assaulted by Harris.

The woman reported Harris had come to the house intoxicated.

Harris became angry with the woman after she found him drinking in the basement. The woman said he threw her onto a bed by grabbing her hair. Harris hit her with the pistol, and put the gun in her mouth and threatened to kill her, the woman reported. He also fired his gun in the house prior to the standoff, but not at her, the woman said.

The boy told police there were six other children at the daycare run by his mom, ages 4 and under and some babies who were asleep, Perlow said. Deputies arrived and evacuated the children.

Story continues

When officers made initial contact, the woman told deputies "he's got a gun," and Harris allegedly said he had a gun to her neck with the trigger partially pressed.

Schenfeld was staged at the door to the area Harris and the woman were in, and the deputy was crouching behind a ballistic shield, Perlow said. The deputy said he could see the woman's lower body trembling, hear her crying and asking to take the gun away from her head, according to Perlow.

The spot was difficult for law enforcement to enter safely because Harris was surrounded by concrete walls on three sides in an alcove and the hostage was being held in front of Harris, Perlow said, saying she had reviewed police statements and body camera footage.

Schenfeld later went outside and found a vent where he had a better view of the scene, Perlow said.

During negotiations, Harris repeatedly demanded officers give him a beer, Perlow said.

Shots fired

At a point when Harris did not have the gun pointed at the woman's vital organs, Schenfeld fired his AR-10 rifle twice while aiming at Harris's upper torso, Perlow wrote.

Thomas, who was staged at the door to the area with Harris, entered the room with a ballistics shield after hearing three shots, Perlow said.

Thomas fell upon entering due to uneven flooring, but said he could see the woman had been shot as well. Harris was down, but Thomas could see him raising his head and arm, Perlow said.

Thomas then fired three rounds of his .45 caliber pistol. Perlow alleged Thomas was also at risk of being shot by Harris because he was no longer behind a shield.

Harris was pronounced dead at the scene, and the deputies helped move the female hostage to medical care outside, Perlow said.

A 9 mm handgun was found near Harris' body, and live rounds were found on the ground of the other basement room, Perlow said.

Based on the scene evidence and the victim's injuries, Perlow said, she believes Harris fired the round that hit the hostage in the upper right leg. The victim also reported that it was Harris who shot her, Perlow said.

Harris was shot in the torso, neck, face and hand, Perlow said. Only one bullet was recovered from Harris' body, out of his hand, and Perlow said the other bullets shattered into fragments because they hit concrete.

Perlow said Schenfeld and Thomas shooting Harris was lawful for protecting another person's life.

Perlow said Thomas had run into the room and saw Harris holding the gun raised while on his back, and that he fired to get rid of the threat.

During the investigation, officers' body-worn cameras were uploaded and locked down, and all witnesses were interviewed including the hostage, her son, officers and neighbors, Perlow said.

Contact reporter Louis Krauss at lkrauss@registerguard.com, call 541-521-2498 or follow on Twitter @louiskraussnews.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: District Attorney rules officers 'lawful' in shooting Robert Harris
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  An explosion Saturday caused the partial collapse of a bridge linking the Crimean Peninsula with Russia, damaging an important supply artery for the Kremlin's faltering war effort in southern Ukraine and hitting a towering symbol of Russian power in the region.

Nobody immediately claimed responsibility for the blast, which killed three people. The speaker of the Russian-backed regional parliament in Crimea accused Ukraine, but Moscow didnt apportion blame. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly threatened to strike the bridge, and some lauded the destruction on Saturday. But Kyiv stopped short of claiming responsibility.

The explosion, which Russian authorities said was caused by a truck bomb, risked a sharp escalation in Russias eight-month war, with some Russian lawmakers calling for President Vladimir Putin to declare a counterterrorism operation," shedding the term special military operation that had downplayed the scope of fighting to ordinary Russians.

Putin signed a decree late Saturday tightening security for the bridge and for energy infrastructure between Crimea and Russia, and put Russias federal security service, the FSB, in charge of the effort.

Hours after the explosion, Russias Defense Ministry announced that the air force chief, Gen. Sergei Surovikin, would now command all Russian troops in Ukraine. Surovikin, who this summer was placed in charge of troops in southern Ukraine, had led Russian forces in Syria and was accused of overseeing a bombardment that destroyed much of Aleppo.

Moscow, however, continues to suffer battlefield losses.

On Saturday, a Kremlin-backed official in Ukraines Kherson region announced a partial evacuation of civilians from the southern province, one of four illegally annexed by Moscow last week. Kirill Stremousov told Russias state-run RIA Novosti agency that young children and the elderly could be relocated because Kherson was getting ready for a difficult period.

Story continues

The 19-kilometer (12-mile) Kerch Bridge, on a strait between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, is a symbol of Moscows claims on Crimea and an essential link to the peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. The $3.6 billion bridge, the longest in Europe, is vital to sustaining Russia's military operations in southern Ukraine. Putin himself presided over the bridges opening in 2018.

The attack on it will have a further sapping effort on Russian morale, (and) will give an extra boost to Ukraines, said James Nixey of Chatham House, a think tank in London. Conceivably the Russians can rebuild it, but they cant defend it while losing a war."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a video address, indirectly acknowledged the bridge attack but did not address its cause.

Today was not a bad day and mostly sunny on our state's territory, he said. Unfortunately, it was cloudy in Crimea. Although it was also warm.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine wants a future without occupiers. Throughout our territory, in particular in Crimea.

Zelenskyy also said Ukrainian forces advanced or held the line in the east and south, but acknowledged very, very difficult, very tough fighting around the city of Bakhmut in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russian forces have claimed recent gains.

Russias National Anti-Terrorism Committee said a truck bomb caused seven railway cars carrying fuel to catch fire, resulting in the partial collapse of two sections of the bridge. A couple riding in a vehicle on the bridge were killed, Russias Investigative Committee said. It didnt say who the third victim was.

All vehicles crossing the bridge are supposed to undergo state-of-the-art checks for explosives. The truck that exploded was owned by a resident of the Krasnodar region in southern Russia, the Investigative Committee said, adding that the man's home was searched and experts were looking at the trucks route.

Train and automobile traffic over the bridge was temporarily suspended. Automobile traffic resumed Saturday afternoon on one of the two links that remained intact, with the flow alternating in each direction, said Crimeas Russia-backed leader, Sergey Aksyonov.

Rail traffic was resuming slowly. Two passenger trains left the Crimean cities of Sevastopol and Simferopol and headed toward the bridge Saturday evening. Passenger ferry links between Crimea and the Russian mainland were being relaunched Sunday.

While Russia seized areas north of Crimea early in its invasion of Ukraine and built a land corridor to it along the Sea of Azov, Ukraine is pressing a counteroffensive to reclaim that territory.

The Russian Defense Ministry said its troops in the south were receiving necessary supplies through that corridor and by sea.

Russian war bloggers responded to the bridge attack with fury, urging Moscow to retaliate by striking Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Putin ordered the creation of a government panel to deal with the emergency. Gennady Zyuganov, head of the Russian Communist Party, said the terror attack should serve as a wake-up call. The special operation must be turned into a counterterrorist operation, he declared.

Leonid Slutsky, head of the foreign affairs committee in the Russian parliaments lower house, said consequences will be imminent if Ukraine was responsible. And Sergei Mironov, leader of the Just Russia faction, said Russia should respond by attacking key Ukrainian infrastructure.

Such statements may herald a decision by Putin to declare a counterterrorism operation.

The parliamentary leader of Zelenskyys party cast the explosion as a consequence of Moscows takeover of Crimea.

Russian illegal construction is starting to fall apart and catch fire. The reason is simple: If you build something explosive, then sooner or later it will explode, said David Arakhamia of the Servant of the People party.

The Ukrainian postal service announced it would issue stamps commemorating the blast, as it did after the sinking of the Moskva, a Russian flagship cruiser, by a Ukrainian strike.

The secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, Oleksiy Danilov, tweeted a video with the Kerch Bridge on fire and Marilyn Monroe singing her Happy Birthday Mr. President song. Putin turned 70 on Friday.

In Moscow, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the reaction of the Kyiv regime to the destruction of civilian infrastructure shows its terrorist nature.

The Crimean Peninsula is a popular destination for Russian tourists and home to a Russian naval base. A Russian tourist association estimated that 50,000 tourists were in Crimea on Saturday.

Elsewhere, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said Ukraines Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has lost its last remaining external power source as a result of renewed shelling and is now relying on emergency diesel generators.

Ukrainian authorities were also just beginning to sift through the wreckage of the devastated city of Lyman in eastern Ukraine, assessing the humanitarian toll and possible war crimes after a months-long Russian occupation.

Some people died in their houses, some people died in the streets, and the bodies are now being sent to experts for examination, said Mark Tkachenko of the Kramatorsk district police.

Explosions also rocked the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv early Saturday, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and triggering secondary explosions. Ukrainian officials accused Russia of using surface-to-air missiles in two largely residential neighborhoods.

Kharkiv resident Tetiana Samoilenko's apartment caught fire in the attack. She was in the kitchen when the blast struck, sending glass flying.

Now I have no roof over my head. Now I dont know what to do next, the 80-year-old said.

___

Stepanenko reported from Kharkiv, Ukraine. Francisco Seco contributed from Kharkiv and Justin Spike from Lyman, Ukraine.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
A man accused of fatally stabbing two people and injuring six others in Las Vegas asked a group of showgirls at a hotel if they would take a picture with him and his foot-long kitchen knife before the deadly rampage, authorities said.

After arriving from California, Yoni Barrios, 32, took a bus Thursday morning to the Wynn hotel and casino on the Strip to inquire about a job, according to investigators. He approached the showgirls, told them he was a chef and asked if they would take a picture with him and his knife.

Barrios thought they were "laughing at him and making fun of his clothing" and allegedly stabbed at least two, according to a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrest report obtained by The Times. Maris Mareen DiGiovanni, 30, died from her injuries at UMC Trauma Center.

Barrios started running after the attack and later told authorities that he was looking for people to "let the anger out," according to the police report. He allegedly attacked several people outside the hotel, fatally stabbing Brent Hallett, 47, in the back.

When the attack was over, a total of eight victims were identified, police said. Seven were taken to hospitals. Hallett was pronounced dead at the scene.

Both deaths were ruled homicides by the Clark County coroner. DiGiovanni died from being stabbed in the chest, and Hallett died of a stab wound to the back.

Barrios was arrested a short time after the stabbings, and the knife was recovered, police said. He was treated at Sunrise Hospital for minor injuries and booked into the Clark County Detention Center on suspicion of two counts of murder with a deadly weapon and six counts of attempted murder with a deadly weapon.

This was an isolated incident, Las Vegas Metro Police Deputy Chief James LaRochelle said in a news release Thursday. All evidence indicates Barrios acted alone, and there are no outstanding suspects at this time.

Barrios appeared in court Friday afternoon at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas, according to reports. The judge has set no bail; Barrios is scheduled to appear Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.

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The victims appeared to be a combination of locals and tourists, according to Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo.

A showgirl who survived the attack told police that Barrios approached her, DiGiovanni and another showgirl and asked if they would take a picture with him and his knife, according to the police report. When the woman started to feel uncomfortable and backed away, Barrios allegedly charged and stabbed her in the back. She also saw Barrios charge at DiGiovanni, police said. The woman managed to escape and get back into the Wynn, where she remained until she was taken to the UMC Trauma Center.

Another stabbing victim said he was walking on the Strip with his wife near the Wynn when he saw Barrios holding a knife and running toward him, according to the police report. The man said Barrios ran past him and said Sorry man, before stabbing him in the back. He screamed for help while his wife applied pressure to his wound.

Barrios traveled from California two days before the attacks and went to the Strip after he was told by a friend he couldn't stay at his house, according to the police report. Barrios had asked a janitor at the hotel to contact immigration authorities so he could go home to Guatemala. He also told a security guard that he was trying to sell knives so he could make money to get back home, police said.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funeral expenses and other costs for DiGiovanni's family. More than $7,000 has been raised as of Friday evening.

"Maris was a light in the world, brightening every space she touched," wrote Ariel Bongard, the fundraiser organizer and one of DiGiovanni's friends. "Her light will live on and we will remember her always."

"We want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the victims themselves," LaRochelle said. "This is clearly a very tragic and hard to understand ... murder investigation that deeply impacts our community."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The drag show at a Tennessee pride festival will go on Saturday  but not in the way organizers had planned it.

After weeks of criticism, online threats from far-right groups and a legal complaint, the Jackson Pride Committee and the city of Jackson, which sits about 70 miles northeast of Memphis in Madison County, reached a compromise with state Republican representatives and community members who had complained about the pride festivals drag show.

The annual pride festival was supposed to be held in the citys public Conger Park, as it was in 2019 and 2021, but now it will be held indoors at the nearby Civic Center.

The drag performance was going to be an event open to all, but at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jackson Pride organizers will have to clear out the Civic Center and then check IDs of those who want to re-enter to ensure drag show attendees are 18 or older.

Darin Hollingsworth, a Jackson Pride Committee member, said organizers were horribly disappointed, because they know local LGBTQ youths would have felt supported at the drag performance.

Were devastated, because we know that young people in their teens who are queer or questioning or supportive would love to see this, and parents could have brought them, Hollingsworth said. But we will be in contempt if we even allow parents to bring in their child, so we wont.

Hollingsworth said the pride event had been in the works for a year, and Jackson Pride had advertised it repeatedly. The event began to face backlash after a Sept. 17 Facebook post from Republican state Rep. Chris Todd.

I continue to hear from Madison Countians APPALLED at the possibility of a drag queen show in Conger Park, Todd said. I share your shock and sentiment. If Mayor Conger or City officials have approved (allowed) this event, then they are clearly ignoring the law. I intend to see that the law is upheld!

Todd also quoted a state law that bars adult cabarets from being within 1,000 feet of public parks, residences or places of worship.

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Jackson Mayor Scott Conger held a meeting at City Hall on Sept. 26 that included Todd, Republican state Rep. Ed Jackson, attorneys for the state, members of the Jackson Pride Committee, officials from local churches, among other interested parties.

During the meeting, Todd said he had heard from concerned community members who didnt want to see this trash in the community, according to a recording of the meeting shared with NBC News by the Jackson Pride Committee.

But Darren Lykes, chair of the committee, said that he spoke with all of the drag performers and told them it would be a family-friendly event. He added that there had been drag performers in the park at the past two festivals. Where was your outrage then? he asked Todd.

Well, I didnt know about it, Todd responded.

A member of Englewood Baptist Church also compared hosting the drag show in the park to people wearing blackface in a public place.

After the meeting, Hollingsworth said he became aware of threats in the form of online comments that mentioned both the anti-LGBTQ Westboro Baptist Church and the Proud Boys, a white nationalist group.

As a result, the Jackson Pride Committee decided to move the festival, including the drag show, into the Civic Center and to increase security measures by, among other things, having a metal detector. But changing the location didnt satisfy Todd and some community members.

On Tuesday, state Reps. Todd and Jackson, along with 12 members of First United Methodist Church, filed a legal complaint against the city of Jackson in the Chancery Court for Madison County, claiming that holding the drag show in the Civic Center would violate state law.

Plaintiffs who worship at First United Methodist Church will suffer imminent and irreparable injury if this injunction is not granted as an adult cabaret will be featured within 1,000 feet of their house of worship, the complaint states. Plaintiffs have a high probability of success on the merits, injury to the Plaintiffs will be substantial, while the injury to the Defendant is minimal as this Complaint does not seek to cancel the Jackson Pride event, but rather prevent the drag show from occurring, and the public interest will be best served by granting this injunction.

The court scheduled a hearing on the complaint for Friday morning, but the Jackson Pride Committee decided to pursue a compromise under the legal counsel of the ACLU of Tennessee and city attorney Lewis Cobb. Under the agreement, Jackson Pride will have attendees exit the Civic Center at 7 p.m. and will check the IDs of everyone who goes back in for the drag show to ensure they are at least 18. Todd and the other complainants will also drop their lawsuit.

Some members of First United Methodist Church disagreed with the legal complaint. Adam Pulliam, a member of the church who didn't join the complaint, said most members weren't even made aware of it until it was filed and made public.

"I have been part of online discussion for four days with members, and there is general outrage," he said in an email to NBC News. "This act is not a good representation of the feelings of many members of the church.

Stella Yarbrough, the legal director for the ACLU of Tennessee, said the agreement will still allow Jackson Pride to create a welcoming event that celebrates the diversity and expression of all community members.

Cobb said that Jackson Pride would likely have won its case to hold the drag show outdoors without the age restriction had it decided to pursue litigation on First Amendment grounds, but it may have forced it to cancel or delay the event. He said he and Conger were sort of caught between two competing interests and tried to see if we couldnt get a resolution without having to have litigation.

But while the ACLU of Tennessee framed the outcome as a compromise, Todd, in a statement posted to Facebook on Friday, claimed victory, saying the event is now being properly restricted.

By taking the issue to court, we have succeeded in having the city and the group agree to several restrictions after challenging city leaders to answer questions about why they would allow our children to be exposed to this kind of outrageous adult performance, he said. By agreeing to the restrictions, they have effectively acknowledged that what they were promoting was way out of line.

CORRECTION (Oct. 8, 2022, 3:44 p.m.): A previous version of this article misstated the name of the church whose member compared hosting the drag festival in the park to wearing blackface in public. It was a member of Englewood Baptist Church, not First United Methodist Church.

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This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
LGBTQ-owned small businesses received COVID-19 relief funds at a lower rate than their non-LGBTQ counterparts, even as they were more likely to apply for loans during the pandemic, according to researchers.

The report, published by the Center for LGBTQ Economic Advancement and Research and Movement Advancement Project, analyzed data from the Federal Reserve Banks' annual Small Business Credit Survey, which included questions about LGBTQ identities for the first time in 2021.

Experts told USA TODAY that "poorer economic conditions" on average among LGBTQ-owned small businesses hurt them when it came time to apply for COVID-19 relief  even though Congress said it "targeted funding to the smallest and minority-owned businesses."

Paycheck Protection Program loan applications included a section where businesses could report being woman-owned, minority-owned or veteran-owned. But the Small Business Administration, which administered PPP loans, did not include a section "for business owners to distinguish their businesses as LGBTQ-owned," the SBA told USA TODAY in a statement.

"The lack of visibility of queer people really does mean that our concerns are overlooked," said Spencer Watson, executive director of CLEAR. After 60 years of queer political activism, they said, "It's time for our government institutions to wake up and realize that they need to support queer communities."

After Lisa Smith, 60, was rejected for a Paycheck Protection Program loan that would have helped pay the utility bills at her business, she decided to sell her house and move into the back storeroom of Compass Tea Room. The business is the only designated safe space for LGBTQ people in the small mountain town of Luray, Virginia, Smith said.

'UNACCEPTABLE': A Michigan town may lose its only library after its staff refused to remove an LGBTQ book

WATCH: SCOTUS temporarily backs LGBTQ student group seeking recognition at Jewish university

Even if loan providers weren't discriminating against businesses because of their LGBTQ ties, the percentage of businesses rejected for loans indicates underlying systemic economic discrimination, said Logan Casey, a policy researcher at MAP.

The report, published this summer, found a greater share of LGBTQ-owned small businesses (57%) applied for PPP loans during the pandemic, compared with non-LGBTQ-owned businesses (47%).

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But only 54% of LGBTQ-owned businesses got the funds they applied for, compared with 68% of non-LGBTQ-owned small businesses.

Lisa Smith, 60, pours hot water to brew tea at Compass Tea Room, in Luray, Virginia, on Sept. 5, 2022. Smith's business was rejected for a Paycheck Protection Program loan in 2020.

How Small Business Administration rule may ease LGBTQ biases in lending

In addition to being in poorer financial health, LGBTQ-owned small businesses were more likely to report they thought they were rejected for loans because "lenders do not approve financing for businesses like mine," according to the report.

Historically, lenders have been prohibited from making loans to LGBTQ-related businesses, and that precedent is still affecting loan application decisions, Watson said. They pointed to a rule still on the books of the SBA that says businesses that get revenue from products or displays with a "prurient sexual nature" are not eligible for loans.

You can imagine all these different scenarios where, if a person doesnt approve of whatever it is, these broadly categorized and poorly defined restrictions give them a venue for covering the discrimination behind that decision," Watson said.

If a loan provider is not familiar with LGBTQ culture or the LGBTQ community, they may also be less likely to grasp a business concept and more likely to reject a loan application, Watson said.

The Equality Act, passed by the House of Representatives in 2021, would enact nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people in credit and banking. The bill's future in the equally divided Senate is uncertain, even a year after it passed the House.

How financial discrimination can become 'a self-fulfilling prophecy'

When Lisa Smith, who owns Compass Tea Room in Luray, Virginia, was rejected in fall 2020 for a $2,500 PPP loan that would have helped pay utility bills, her best remaining option was to sell her home and move into the back storeroom of her business with her dog, Loki.

She was rejected by the SBA because she is her only employee and doesn't have documentation of paychecks, she said.

"Basically, my register is my ATM," Smith said.

Money from the Paycheck Protection Program could have been used for "mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, uninsured property damage costs caused by looting or vandalism during 2020, and certain supplier costs and expenses for operations," according to the SBA's website.

"Sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed persons" were eligible for the loans, as well as bigger companies, according to the SBA. But experts told USA TODAY that people who didn't have much experience getting their businesses financed before the pandemic were at a disadvantage.

So when Smith, who identifies as queer, dipped into personal funds to keep her business open, she became part of a larger trend.

Economic insecurity at higher levels in our community to start with, that makes for businesses being on rockier footing to start with," Casey said. "And then continuing to face that discrimination in financing becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy."

LGBTQ-owned small businesses that participated in the Federal Reserve Banks' survey said they thought they were rejected because they had profitability issues, poor credit or a lack of paycheck documentation  like Smith, according to the report.

Lisa Smith adjusts a mannequin at Compass Tea Room, which also sells boutique clothing from designers around Luray, Virginia. Smith said the denim jackets with Pride-themed patches and pins sell very quickly.

In general, banks were more willing to lend to more established and profitable businesses, which perpetuates the financial shakiness of businesses in marginalized communities, Watson said.

Banks "trusted their large partners" during the pandemic, leading to many loans being given to "large businesses that didnt really need it but were probably good bets," Watson said.

That's one reason why were seeing that these smaller LGBTQ-owned businesses didnt maybe get as much, Watson said.

WHAT DOES THE 'B' IN LGBTQ STAND FOR? The difference between bisexuality and pansexuality.

Businesses that were able to get PPP loans are still eligible to have the loans forgiven, according to the SBA. But LGBTQ-owned small businesses also fared worse than their non-LGBTQ counterparts on forgiveness.

The report from CLEAR and MAP found 78% of LGBTQ-owned businesses got full forgiveness for the loans, compared with 88% of non-LGBTQ-owned businesses.

Because they didn't get the financial support "they were owed," Watson said, "LGBTQ-owned businesses are going to recover much more slowly from the pandemic and continue to suffer scars from this period."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: COVID relief loans didn't add up for LGBTQ-owned businesses: study
Author Elizabeth Strout has followed up her novel My Name Is Lucy Barton with subsequent stories, including the new Lucy by the Sea. (Leonardo Cendamo photo)

Earlier this year I wrote about the inherent  small, but not insignificant  letdown that comes when a sequel arrives for a beloved book, how the update has a difficult time living up to whatever futures we had imagined for the characters after the original.

My central example was Tom Perrottas sequel to Election, Tracy Flick Cant Win. One of the other examples of the phenomenon cited was Olive, Again Elizabeth Strouts follow-up to the Pulitzer Prize-winning Olive Kitteridge.

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Thanks to Strout, however, I am amending my opinion.

Ive now decided that my sequel theory was incomplete. It isnt that its necessarily a mistake to write a follow-up to a previously highly regarded novel, so much as it may be better to write three subsequent stories, as Strout has done with her character Lucy Barton, in a series that began with 2016s My Name Is Lucy Barton and now includes the latest, Lucy by the Sea.

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If you turn on the Disney Channel you will see the seemingly bottomless array of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) content. Well, Im here to testify that Elizabeth Strout is on to something with her Lucy Barton Fictional Universe (the LBFU). Seeing it in print, its possible that acronym wont catch on, but having devoured Lucy by the Sea in a day, I started to think that I may just need to check in on Lucy every year, because how else will I know what my good friend is up to?

As a reader, it is not unusual for me to develop a sense of intimacy with a book or fictional character. This is, after all, one of the reasons I enjoy reading so much, but it is interesting to consider how Strout has created and then expanded the storytelling world of her character, Lucy Barton, and what its like to read a series of books with her at the center.

"Lucy by the Sea" by Elizabeth Strout (published Sept. 20, 2022). (Random House via AP/AP)

The original installment, My Name Is Lucy Barton introduces us to Lucy, a successful writer who has escaped a childhood of deprivation in rural Illinois for a life as a successful writer in New York City. Lucy must spend a few days in a hospital, alone, and her estranged mother comes to see her. Theres very little action, but I got in trouble reading it during jury duty I was so engrossed.

Anything is Possible expands the universe through a series of short stories about the people of Amgash, Illinois, Lucys hometown. Oh, William! is set in the aftermath of her ex-husband being left by his third wife (Lucy being his first) and finding out he has a sister he never knew, and Lucy being yoked into the adventure. Lucy by the Sea has William and Lucy ensconced in remote Maine, riding out the first year of the pandemic.

The way Strout creates such intimacy with Lucy is an amazing feat of technical skill that is so subtle, its easy to overlook. Rather than reading like a novel, the stories unfold almost like we are privy directly to Lucys thoughts, or that we are reading a quasi-diary, the material a novelist records to later transmogrify into fiction. It is a story that doesnt feel like a story.

Lucy is experiencing things  like being holed up with her ex-husband during a pandemic  and is trying (and sometimes failing) to figure them out. The Lucy we meet in My Name Is Lucy Barton is still trying to understand her now long deceased mother in Lucy by the Sea. There are no pat conclusions here, only life and its extraordinarily ordinary struggles.

Catching up with Lucy really is like catching up with that friend you havent talked to in a while, but often think about. I hope there are many more installments on the way.

John Warner is the author of Why They Cant Write: Killing the Five-Paragraph Essay and Other Necessities.

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Twitter @biblioracle

Book recommendations from the Biblioracle

John Warner tells you what to read based on the last five books youve read

1. Pew by Catherine Lacey

2. The Turn of the Screw and Other Stories by Henry James

3. The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans

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4. Victoria: The Queen by Julia Baird

5. Bad Blood by Arne Dahl

 Christine C., Skokie

Christine is not bothered by a story with considerable psychological intensity. Telephone by Percival Everett feels like a good bet.

1. Only Time Will Tell by Jeffrey Archer

2. The Ruin by Dervla McTiernan

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3. Nine Lives by Peter Swanson

4. Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

5. Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

 Nancy U., Wheaton

Nancy definitely seems to enjoy a good, suspenseful story that keeps you guessing. Ruth Ware excels at this in The Woman in Cabin 10.

1. The Guest List by Lucy Foley

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2. Horse by Geraldine Brooks

3. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

4. Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead

5. The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

 Lisa T., Chicago

Skippy Dies by Paul Murray is a coming-of-age mystery/comedy/tragedy, that stuffs any emotion you can imagine into a long and involving reading experience and its a good match for Lisa (or just about anyone, really).

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Get a reading from the Biblioracle

Send a list of the last five books youve read and your hometown to biblioracle@gmail.com.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Lindsey Graham reportedly told officers they should have shot Jan. 6 rioters "in the head," Politico reported citing a new book by Michael Fanone.

"I don't understand why that didn't happen," Graham said, per the book obtained by the outlet.

The comments were made during a meeting with a group of officers in May 2021, Politico reported.

Lindsey Graham offered advice about how officers should have responded during the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol attack, saying they should have shot the rioters in the head, according to a new book obtained by Politico.

The outlet reported that the GOP South Carolina senator made the remarks during a meeting with the group last May.

"You guys should have shot them all in the head," Graham said, per former DC police officer Michael Fanone's book "Hold the Line: The Insurrection and One Cop's Battle for America's Soul," which is set to publish on Oct. 11.

"We gave you guys guns, and you should have used them," Graham added, per the book. "I don't understand why that didn't happen."

According to Politico, the family of the late officer Brian Sicknick as well as Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn and Fanone, were present during the exchange. Fanone, who was stun-gunned and beaten with a flag pole during the insurrection, responded to Graham saying that officers had to follow the rules regarding using deadly force.

Pro-Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol building as Congress was certifying the 2020 presidential election. The attack prompted lawmakers to evacuate as rioters attacked police and pushed their way into the historic building.

A Washington Post report revealed that Graham, who backed Trump's baseless claims about the election, snapped at officers at the scene during the chaotic attack.

"He yelled at the Senate sergeant-at-arms. 'What are you doing? Take back the Senate! You've got guns. Use them,'" Graham said, according to the outlet.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A little Disney magic has made one local high school students dream come true during HBCU College Week.

On Friday, Maynard Evans Senior High School student Djahnel Reid was accepted on the spot by Bethune-Cookman University, her dream school, and awarded a total of $75,000 in scholarship money.

Of the scholarship money, $50,000 was awarded by Propel, powered by Southern Company, plus an additional $25,000 from BCU.

READ: Walt Disney World kicks off HBCU Week

Drum Major Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney World Ambassador Raevon Redding and Disney on the Yard executives were on hand at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for the celebratory moment.

Reid is an ambassador of Elevate Orlando, according to a news release. She has a 4.2 GPA and hopes to become an accountant or real-estate mogul, the news release states.

Central Florida teen accepted on-the-spot to dream school, receives $75K in scholarships

READ: 9 things to do this weekend in Central Florida

More than 6,000 students from the area and beyond, as well as 53 historically Black colleges and universities attended the college fair Friday, according to the news released. More than $10 million in scholarships were awarded, a record for the event.

To read more about HBCU Week at Walt Disney World Resort, click here.

READ: Living the American dream: A research scientist helps to protect and inspire others

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla.  Logan Storley vows hes a much improved fighter since his first outing with Yaroslav Amosov.

Storleys lone loss came in a split decision loss to Amosov in November 2020, but the NCAA Division-I wrestler since has rebounded with three straight wins, including capturing the interim welterweight title against Michael Page at Bellator 281 in May.

With three straight wins and back-to-back five-round fights, Storley (14-1 MMA, 9-1 BMMA) expects a different outing with reigning Bellator welterweight champion Amosov (26-0 MMA, 7-0 BMMA) when they rematch.

I think you saw it in those fights before with (Neiman) Gracie and then (Michael Page), Storley told MMA Junkie at Kill Cliff Fight Club. Gracie was 25 minutes standup, sprawl-and-brawl kind of fight. And then the MVP fight was  I think my timing was much better. Obviously MVP, hes a puzzle. Hes a tough puzzle  especially in MMA with his knees and his kicks and his distance. But Amosov looked great against (Douglas) Lima. I really think we both improved, but I think Ive made big jumps since 2020 when we last fought.

Im 14-1. I think hes (26-0). I want that 0, too. So as a competitor, being a competitor since I was young, thats what it is. But now its really about unifying the belts and just getting this one back.

Amosov joined the Ukraine military earlier this year to defend his country from the ongoing Russian invasion. Storley hasnt been told when the pair will run things back, but will continue to prepare in the meantime.

Its going to be me and Amosov, is kind of what Ive been told, Storley said. Timetable, I do not know yet. So all I can do is to continue to get ready. I think hes back in Germany now training, so obviously we wish him the best. But Im excited to get that one back.

Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie
Oct. 8NEW LONDON

 New London City Council members aren't ready to put the city's name on a request to change the name of Sibley State Park, but they support the conversation taking place about it.

"Something like this touches the emotions of people," said Mayor John Bergman as City Council members took up the request for a name change at their meeting on Wednesday evening.

The mayor said the request has made this a great time for education about what happened to the Indigenous population and why it happened.

He and other council members said they did not feel that the city was the best entity to host the conversation.

The mayor and City Council members pointed to the

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

, and the

Minnesota Department of Human Rights

and the

Minnesota Historical Society

, as the entities to facilitate the conversation.

The mayor and council members noted that at the end of the day, any decision on a name change will be in the hands of state legislators and state agencies.

They also discussed whether the city's own Human Rights Commission could facilitate some of the discussion.

New London resident Kelsey Olson, who formerly served as a naturalist at Sibley State Park, had requested that the City Council consider a letter of support for changing the name of the park.

Since its founding in 1919, the state park has been named for Henry Hastings Sibley, who was the state's first governor and territorial representative to Congress.

Olson's concerns are based on Sibley's treatment of the Dakota people. In particular, she points to his role as the military leader in the U.S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862 that led to the forced expulsion of the Dakota from Minnesota.

Olson has hosted two community informational meetings on the proposal. They have led to lots of discussion in the community and region, said council members.

They said they have heard from people both in favor of a name change and against it.

Story continues

Council member John Dahl said the comments coming to him have been evenly split for and against it, while council member Steve Slominski said he's heard mostly from those against it.

The council members said they did not feel it was in the city's best interests to take an official stand on the issue at this time.

Council member Kelly Asche said he would like to hear from the area tribal communities, state legislators and others on the issue.

Member Erik Hatlestad said the conversation on reconciliation is important for not only the community, but the region and country as well. He was among those voicing support for seeing the conversation continue.

Olson told council members that she has contacted the tribal preservation staff with the Lower Sioux, the Upper Sioux and the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation tribal offices. She said they are supportive of the conversation that is taking place, and the tribes will consider offering their recommendations.

She told council members that she hopes they will reconsider a letter of support in the future. It would be a big step toward reconciliation, she said. While the issue may be one for the state, this community that serves as a gateway to Sibley State Park has a role.

"We are a small town, but we matter," she told the council members.
Water levels on parts of the Mississippi River are so low that traffic on the heavily traveled waterway is being impeded, including one companys river cruise.

Data from the National Weather Services Lower Mississippi River Forecast Center showed levels are at or below the low-water threshold at several gauges from Tiptonville, Missouri, south to Vicksburg, Mississippi. Between Osceola, Arkansas, to Tunica, Mississippi, water is actually several feet below the gauges.

PARCHED WEST LOOKS TO MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI FOR SOLUTIONS TO WATER CRISIS

The U.S. Coast Guard said in tweets Thursday that the Mississippi River is closed in Memphis and Stack Island while crews work to make navigation safe again. Dredging is underway near Stack Island.

Officials at Viking Cruises said in a statement Wednesday that the unusually low water has caused delays for its 450-foot river ship Viking Mississippi.

"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working to deepen the shipping canal in some sections, but the closures have caused delays that will prevent the Viking Mississippi from completing the sailing underway and from reaching St. Paul for her next scheduled departure on October 15," the statement read in part.

Cruise company officials said passengers who have been affected by the cancellation have been notified.

"At this time, we expect to operate all future departures of the Viking Mississippi as scheduled," officials said in the statement.

The already-low water levels are not forecast to improve anytime soon, according to the LMRFCs data. In Memphis, the level is forecast to drop to near -9 feet by next week.

The Viking Mississippi began sailing Sept. 3.
Luisa Santos, 47, (pictured) was convicted of the attempted murder of Hannah Pritchett. (swns)

A pub landlady who stabbed a teenage barmaid in front of customers after wrongly accusing her of having an affair with her husband has been jailed for ten years.

Luisa Santos, 47, was convicted of the attempted murder of Hannah Pritchett, 18, after claiming her husband had called out her name in bed.

A court heard she grabbed a fish knife before stabbing Miss Pritchett in the back and hip at the Three Horseshoes pub in Princethorpe, Warwickshire.

Police were called to the scene on the afternoon of 21 May to find the attack had continued into the car park and arrested Santos on suspicion of assault.

Read more: Man, 73, sexually assaulted woman by kissing her on lips when she helped him buy train ticket

The incident took place at the Three Horseshoes pub in Princethorpe, Warwickshire. (Google Maps)

Santos was jailed at Warwick Crown Court. (PA)

Miss Pritchett was taken to hospital where she underwent surgery to ensure there were no further internal injuries.

Santos, of Princethorpe, was later charged with attempted murder and was found guilty of the charge following a trial at Warwick Crown Court this week.

She was jailed for ten years and ordered to serve a minimum two-thirds of the sentence on Friday.

Detective Constable Gareth Morgan, of Warwickshire Police, said: This attack was entirely unprovoked, and the victim was fortunate not to suffer more serious injuries.

Read more: Energy blackouts: 'I rely on a ventilator, I'd be scared to go to sleep at night'

It was witnessed my numerous people in the pub at the time and could have ultimately resulted in the loss of a life.

Although this was an isolated incident, great teamwork meant we were able to quickly arrest Santos and I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the investigation for their dedication and commitment throughout.

Using a knife is never acceptable and I am glad Santos is now behind bars where I hope she will be able to reflect on her actions."
A 29-year-old man was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a child this week while the victim was walking to school in Merced.

The child, whose age and gender were not shared, told police the man was armed with a knife during the Wednesday morning assault. The child attends Weaver Elementary School, Merced police said.

Police announced the crime on Friday, when they arrested the suspect, David Joseph Hart, 29, of Planada. He was booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts with a child, assault with the intent to commit a felony, criminal threats, false imprisonment, sexual battery, and child endangerment.

Detectives believe Hart may have been involved in other incidents that were not reported, police said. Residents are urged to contact Detective Alicia Gorman at 209-388-7715 or by email at gormana@cityofmerced.org if they have any information about this case or similar incidents.

The case number is 22-58776.

Officers responded to a call at Weaver Elementary at 8:21 a.m. Wednesday, where police said they learned a child was sexually assaulted while walking to school. The assault happened in the area of Ostrander Court and Merced Avenue, near the K-8 school at 3076 E. Childs Ave., Merced Police Lt. Joey Perez said.

During their investigation, detectives learned that a man was harassing juveniles in the same area back in August, police said. Detectives obtained surveillance footage from the previous incident which showed a man driving a white Jeep Renegade. Using this information, detectives found the same white Jeep Renegade on surveillance going to and from the area during the October incident.

Hart is believed to be the suspect in the August and October cases, police said.

To identify him, detectives viewed hundreds of license plate reader photos dating to July, and located a 2016 Jeep Renegade registered to Harts ex-wife. Hart was arrested in Atwater after detectives saw him leave his place of employment.

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Merced police seek suspect in another sex-assault case

Shortly before Merced police announced Harts arrest, they said they were looking for a suspect in another sexual assault case involving a child.

Rene Martinez, 35, of Merced, is wanted for allegedly sexually assaulting a child last week. Police said they responded to that report about 9:30 a.m. Oct. 1. Police didnt share the age and gender of the child, who was identified only as a minor, or where the crime occurred.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Martinez, police announced Friday. Martinez is wanted for assault with the intent to commit a felony, oral copulation with a minor and lewd or lascivious acts with a minor.

Anyone with information about that incident is asked to contact Merced Police Det. Samuel Sannadan at 209-388-7773 or by email at sannadans@cityofmerced.org. The case number is 22-57978.

More ways to share information with police

In addition to the phone numbers and emails for detectives listed above, Merced police shared more ways people can report information about crimes:

 For any emergency, call or text 911.

 For non-emergencies, call 209-385-6912.

 The anonymous tip line (non-emergency) is 209-385-4725.

 Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at mercedareacrimestoppers.org.

 Some crimes can be reported online through Merced Police Departments website, cityofmerced.org/departments/police.
A proposal to include love and marriage values in the curriculum for all universities and colleges is gaining traction in China.

The National People Congress (NPC) deputy had earlier recommended that family education be made a compulsory course in tertiary education to encourage vast and enthusiastic cultural activities on campus and guide students in establishing the correct view of love, marriage and family. The proposal has received support from the Chinese Ministry of Education.

In March, NPC deputy Huang Xihua put forward a motion to professionalize the field of family education and teach college students the skills needed to maintain family relationships.

The proposal, which includes teaching students an important basis for national development, national progress, and social harmony, became a trending topic on Weibo.

More from NextShark: Leader of Hong Kong protest crackdown favored to be the citys next chief executive

There are those who believe it would help normalize conversations about love and sex.

Love is not a taboo topic, sex education specialist Liu Wenli told South China Morning Post. When children have curiosity and needs, discuss this topic with them naturally with a positive and open attitude.

According to a provincial newspaper, a survey recently showed that nine in 10 university students expressed support for a class about romantic love.

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A majority of the respondents expressed that they wanted to learn about how to resolve differences with their partner and handle a relationships end.

Among the common problems they mentioned include confessing their love, getting along with their partner and maintaining long-distance relationships.

Critics, however, questioned if university lecturers are credible enough to teach young people about relationships.

More from NextShark: Asia's richest woman loses half her $24 billion fortune due to Chinas growing real estate crisis

First of all, we should strengthen the psychological education of college teachers, said a Weibo user. Teachers morality comes first  It wont be too late to educate the students after educating the teachers.

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Featured Image via Sasin Tipchai

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Former President Trumps battle against the Justice Department investigation into the mishandling of government records at Mar-a-Lago has now reached the highest court, but legal experts say he may not fare as well as his case is pushed before new judges.

Trump scored an initial victory before a federal district court judge in Florida, who granted his request to appoint a special master to review the more than 10,000 government documents seized at his home to determine whether any might be protected by executive or attorney-client privileges.

But as the case works its way through the court system, other judges seem more hesitant to grant Trumps requests.

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals served the Department of Justice (DOJ) an initial victory in the case, siphoning off the more than 100 classified records from special master review and later agreeing to an expedited schedule to review DOJs challenge to Judge Aileen Cannons decision to approve the special master process.

But Trumps emergency appeal to the Supreme Court wasnt treated like an urgent matter  Justice Clarence Thomas gave DOJ a week to respond.

All indications are that the appellate litigation continues to move in the governments direction, Brad Moss, a national security law expert, told The Hill.

The 11th Circuit is expediting the appeal of the special master appointment, and the Supreme Court is conversely taking its sweet time considering Mr. Trumps appeal of the lifting of Judge Cannons injunction. If nothing else, the appellate judges are making clear how serious they take the governments national security concerns and how little credence they place in Mr. Trumps legal theories.

Trumps appeal to the Supreme Court to intervene in the case was the latest step from a legal team thats taken an aggressive posture in its battle with the Justice Department.

But the filing itself was actually quite narrow.

The request from Trump asks that the classified records in question are returned to the pool of documents included under the special master review, opting not to ask the court to exclude those documents from being used by the Justice Department as they continue their investigation  something Cannon had included in her original order.

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This is a very specific and narrow request by Trump, the merits of which turn on a technical jurisdictional question, but which runs into fatal procedural obstacles long before that. Its not laughable, but only because its small, Steve Vladeck, a professor at the University of Texas School of Law specializing in federal courts and national security law, wrote on Twitter.

This is what good lawyers who are stuck do to appease bad clients.Its a way of filing *something* in the Supreme Court without going all the way to crazytown and/or acting unethically, Vladeck added.

Trumps lawyers argued that the federal appeals court erred by allowing the Department of Justice to appeal a move that was procedural in nature.

They argued the appeal impairs substantially the ongoing, time-sensitive work of the special master and said the 11th Circuits intervention effectively compromis[es] the integrity of the well-established policy against piecemeal appellate review.

Trumps team also recycled legal arguments from earlier briefs insinuating that he could have declassified the records in his home but stopped short of doing so. Its a statement that generated skepticism from the special master, who initially asked the legal team to back the claim before Cannon stepped in and said Trump did not need to comply with the request.

Even if Trump convinced the court, the DOJ would still be able to use the documents in its investigation even as the special master reviewed them.

Moss, likewise, suspected the filing is likely to accomplish little for Trump.

The appeal to the Supreme Court by the Trump legal team was done for one reason: Mr. Trump no doubt demanded something be filed. The narrowness of the appeal reflects the efforts by his lawyers to craft something  anything  they could justify as non-frivolous. Even if it succeeds, it would likely come too late in the special master process anyway to matter, he said.

Brian Greer, a former attorney for the CIA, sees one potential upside for Trump  but only if the Department of Justice decides to prosecute him.

Even if Trump is granted the relief theyre seeking, its not clear how helpful its going to be to them other than getting early access to those classified records, he told The Hill.

To me, the only real end game with the Supreme Court litigation, other than delay, is getting access to those records prior to an indictment so that they can start building their defense.

The 11th Circuit agreement to an expedited review for the Justice Departments case could also prove helpful for the government.

In its initial ruling, a three-judge panel for the court suggested Cannon erred by appointing the special master, a sign it may be convinced Trump has little claim as a former executive to any of the documents.

But as a practical matter it also aids their investigation.

The Justice Department is correct in asserting that being unable to use the unclassified documents currently before the special master could hinder its ongoing investigation into the classified records, Greer said.

Thats because, as the Justice Department asserted, they may want to explore how those unclassified documents were commingled with the classified records, whether there are fingerprints on those documents, and to ask witnesses about those documents, all of which might be relevant to investigating the classified records, he continued.

But the victories for the Department of Justice still delay the ultimate determination on the records.

The process before the 11th Circuit and Supreme Court could take months, and a ruling from the appeals court would likely come in December at the earliest.

The timing is still not great for DOJ as they would likely want to complete any investigation involving the relevance of the unclassified records prior to bringing charges on the classified records, Greer said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- The day after President Joe Biden decided to pardon marijuana smokers, the 79-year-old walked into a bookstore on the University of Pennsylvania campus with his granddaughter. One voice in the crowd outside shouted out: Yo Joe, legalize that weed.The Friday evening episode encapsulates the dilemma facing Biden on the heels of a headline-grabbing announcement that seems tailor-made to fire up young voters and Black Americans. He has to energize two lifelines for Democrats who tend not to show up for midterm elections but whose support are critical to his party, and indeed his own chances at re-election in 2024.

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These voters carried the president to victory in 2020 with near record turnout. In that election, 60% of young people cast their ballots for Biden as did an overwhelming 87% of Black people, according to exit polling data by Edison Research. But an NPR/Marist poll taken at the end of September shows the least likely respondents to say they were definitely voting in the Nov. 8 midterm elections were Black voters, Gen Zers and millennials.

With control of Congress balanced on a knifes edge, Democrats are hoping to energize those voters again.

North Carolina state Representative Terry Brown said Thursdays move to pardon people convicted on federal charges of marijuana possession, and an August announcement to forgive student loan debt, would help Democrats. Thats because they are tangible steps that voters can easily understand, unlike some of the broader legislation that Biden has signed over the last two years.

"In politics, you've got to get the work done, but you've also got to let people know that you're getting the work done," said Brown, a Charlotte Democrat. "Sometimes it takes these big splashy announcements to get people's attention."

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The Democrats are fighting an uphill battle after failing to pass key legislation on voting rights and police reform, and given that more voters disapprove than approve of Bidens job performance. History also isnt on their side as they hold whisper-thin majorities in the House and Senate and the party in power has almost always lost seats during the midterm elections.

On the flip side, a string of legislative victories, including a funding bill with billions of dollars to combat climate change, an issue of concern to young voters, as well as a Supreme Court ruling that overturned abortion rights and stumbles by some Republican candidates, has buoyed Democrats in recent months.

The pardons for marijuana possession inspired 'Dank Brandon' memes on Twitter, a reference to a fictional alter ego crafted by supporters and digital strategists of Biden, known as "Dark Brandon." Its a play on a conservative euphemism for a Biden insult: Lets Go Brandon.

Historically, last-minute attempts to shift the electorate haven't worked. Texas Democratic strategist Chuck Rocha recalled how Democrats pinned their hopes on turning around the 1994 midterms on a crime bill that was signed in mid-September.

But the media environment has changed dramatically since then, especially among young voters, who tend to get their information from social media apps like Instagram and Tik Tok.

"It was all over their news feeds," he said.

Biden used his presidential authority to announce pardons for thousands of Americans convicted in federal courts of possession of marijuana. The number of people affected isnt large -- an estimated 6,500 convicted in federal courts, and a few thousand more in the District of Columbias system -- but the White House is betting the symbolism and his backing for decriminalization will resonate with the two groups.

How Legal Weed Has Changed the US for Better, Worse: QuickTake

Black people are nearly four times as likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than White people, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, despite studies showing the groups use the drug at similar rates. The presidents pardon will likely clear the slates of numerous Black people who often face barriers to employment and housing with a conviction on their record.

This is one of the boldest uses of this pardon power in furtherance of social justice in modern American history, Marc Morial, president of National Urban League, a civil rights organization, said in an interview. I hope what young people will recognize is in 2020, people made an investment in change, and now they see My vote counts.

Younger Americans are more likely to support decriminalization of marijuana, and they report using the drug at higher rates than previous generations. The White House also asked federal agencies to re-examine the drugs legal classification, which currently places cannabis in the same category as heroin, despite its approval for medical use in 37 states.

Chiraag Bains, a deputy director of the White House's domestic policy council, focused on racial justice and equity, said the point of the announcement was to deliver on the president's campaign promise, despite the close timing to the elections.

"Given that Congress has not acted, and that we're almost done with this session of Congress, it was critical for the president to take this action," Bains said in an interview. "That was what was going on."

Related story: Bidens Promise to Review Pot Laws Leaves Companies in Limbo

Derrick Johnson, president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, which has long called for the decriminalization of marijuana, said previous administrations were wrong to impose tough crime policies leading to incarceration for marijuana possession.

"This isn't a Black problem. This is an American problem," Johnson said. "And because it is an American problem, I hope voters can understand the value of their votes."

The marijuana pardons followed an announcement in August that up to $20,000 in loans for qualified student borrowers would be canceled. That drew complaints from Republicans and even some centrists, but has been popular among the young and African-Americans.

Related story: Democrats Dream of Young-Voter Enthusiasm on Student-Loan Relief

According to a Quinnipiac University poll, Black respondents supported the administrations debt relief package by 81%, and voters of all races between the ages of 18 and 34 supported the measure by 69%. The relief comes at a time when students face soaring tuition costs, and Black borrowers owe more in loans on average than White borrowers.

Johnson said Biden has a track record of using his office to address issues young people care about, including climate change, the student debt crisis and now marijuana policy, and he hopes it will bring those voters to the polls.

"It is important that we have the type of turnout to ensure we protect democracy," he added.

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LOS ANGELES  Five years after womens stories about him made the #MeToo movement explode, Harvey Weinstein is going on trial in the city where he once was a colossus at the Oscars.

Already serving a 23-year sentence for rape and sexual assault in New York, the 70-year-old former movie mogul faces different allegations including several that prosecutors say occurred during a pivotal Oscar week in Los Angeles. Jury selection for an eight-week trial begins Monday.

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Weinstein has been indicted on four counts of rape and seven other sexual assault counts involving five women, who will appear in court as Jane Does to tell their stories. He has pleaded not guilty.

Four more women will be allowed to take the stand to give accounts of Weinstein sexual assaults that did not lead to charges, but which prosecutors hope will show jurors he had a propensity for committing such acts.

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Starting in the 1990s, Weinstein, through the company Miramax that he ran with his brother, was an innovator in running broad and aggressive campaigns promoting Academy Award nominees. He had unmatched success, pushing films like Shakespeare in Love and The Artist to best picture wins and becoming among the most thanked men ever during Oscar acceptance speeches.

Miramax and its successor The Weinstein Co. were based in New York, where Weinstein lived and did business, but that didnt diminish his presence in Hollywood.

He was a creature of New York, but he was also a creature of Los Angeles, said Kim Masters, editor at large for The Hollywood Reporter and a longtime observer of the movie industry. He had this huge Golden Globes party that was always well beyond capacity when he was in his heyday. He was the King of Hollywood in New York and LA.

It was during Oscars week in 2013, when Jennifer Lawrence would win an Academy Award for the Weinstein Co.s Silver Linings Playbook and Quentin Tarantino would win for writing the companys Django Unchained, that four of the 11 alleged crimes took place.

Like most of the incidents in the indictments, they happened under the guise of business meetings at luxury hotels in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, which Weinstein used as his California headquarters and where he could be seen during awards season and throughout the year. He was treated as more than a VIP. At a pre-trial hearing, the chauffeur who drove Weinstein around Los Angeles testified that even he was allowed to take as much as $1,000 in cash in Weinsteins name from the front desk of the hotel where the mogul was staying.

By the time stories about him in The New York Times and The New Yorker in October of 2017 brought about his downfall, Weinsteins power to seemingly will films to win awards had diminished, and his company had fallen into financial trouble.

His stature changed, he was no longer the king of Oscar, which was really what made him vulnerable, Masters said.

The Los Angeles trial is likely to be far less of a spectacle than the New York proceedings, and not merely because its a sequel and Weinstein is already serving a long sentence.

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Foot traffic is sparse and there is no grand entrance at the downtown LA courthouse thats hosting the trial. Weinstein will not be visible to any media horde or protesters outside as he was in Manhattan, as hell be ushered into the courtroom straight from jail  once hes changed form his prison garb into a suit  across a short hallway where no cameras are allowed that could capture him.

Only a dozen reporters, including two sketch artists, will be allowed into the small courtroom each day, compared to several dozen in New York.

Weinstein will also be represented by different lawyers in Los Angeles, Alan Jackson and Mark Werksman. They have expressed worries that the movies may play a role in trial.

The film She Said, which fictionalizes the work of two New York Times reporters and their bombshell stories on Weinstein, is set to be released midway through the trial on Nov. 18.

Weinsteins lawyers lost a bid to have the proceedings delayed over the film, with the judge rejecting their argument that publicity surrounding it would prejudice a potential jury against him.

This case is unique, Werksman said at a pretrial hearing. Mr. Weinsteins notoriety and his place in our culture at the center of the firestorm which is the #MeToo movement is real, and were trying to do everything we can to avoid having a trial when there will be a swirl of adverse publicity toward him, Werksman said at a pretrial hearing.

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Weinsteins trial is one of several with #MeToo connections that have begun or are about to begin as the fifth anniversary of the movements biggest moment passes, including the rape trial of That 70s Show actor Danny Masterson just down the hall from Weinsteins and the New York sexual assault civil trial of Kevin Spacey.
Thomas E. Cargill Hall On Northeastern University's Campus Boston Globe / Getty Images

LaKisha Papoutsakis's acceptance email from Northeastern University's School of Law was rescinded 5 hours after it was received.

According to Boston.com, Northeastern University's School of Law mistakenly sent 4,000 acceptance letters.

Papoutsakis is trying to legitimize her mistaken acceptance through legal avenues, according to NBC Boston.

A Massachusetts woman who was accepted into Northeastern University's School of Law was among 205 applicants who had her acceptance letter rescinded due to a "technical error." Close to 4,000 current and former applicants had received the mistakenly emailed acceptance letter.

After two applications, single mother of four LaKisha Papoutsakis was thrilled when she received an email at 2 pm on Monday telling her she was accepted to Northeastern University School of Law, class of 2026, according to Boston.com.

"I was over the moon," Papoutsakis told the outlet. She immediately told her friends and family the good news that her early decision acceptance included a Northeastern ID number and a merit scholarship.

The acceptance also required Papoutsakis to rescind all other law school applications and pay a $500 enrollment deposit, according to the outlet.

"It was very detailed, and much more than a 'congratulations,'" Papoutsakis told Boston.com.

According to the outlet, Papoutsakis was unable to make her $500 deposit due to a website error, and when she contacted the school, she received no response.

At 7:48 pm, around five hours after she received an acceptance letter, Papoutsakis got an email from the school rescinding it.

"Due to a technical error, 205 current applicants to the School of Law received an erroneous email notifying them of their acceptance into next year's class. Admissions decisions will not be finalized later in the academic year," Northeastern said in a statement according to Boston.com.

Out of the 3,877 applicants, 234 students were accepted to The Northeastern University School of Law, current first-year class, according to Northeastern School of law.

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According to CNN, 3,930 Northeastern applicants who applied last year also received the same email this year.

"It was really disheartening," Papoutsakis told Boston.com. "For such an accredited, high-ranked university to have such a major glitch and take five hours to realize is ridiculous. After such a detailed acceptance, 'sorry' isn't going to cut it."

This was Papoutsaki's second attempt at applying to law school after her divorce and being homeless with her children, according to NBC Boston.

"For me, it was important to be able to do that," she told NBC Boston. "One, to show them that anything is possible. Two, that you're never too old to accomplish a dream. And three, that I could provide for them."

Papoutsakis is looking to turn her mistaken acceptance into a real one through legal avenues and writing a letter to Northeastern University.

"I'm a woman of color who wound up in a shelter, who lost almost everything, and still has her four kids but aspires to be more," she said.

Northeastern School of Law did not immediately respond when reached for a comment.

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Jezebel

In August, a pregnant Missouri woman named Mylissa Farmer suddenly needed an abortion, just over a month after her state enacted its near-total abortion ban. Her water had broken 17 weeks into her pregnancy, and her medical records indicated a number of health factors placing her at greater risk of pregnancy-related complications, including increased risk of sepsis, loss of her uterus, and even death. Farmer is also 41-years-old. Doctors treating her recommended an abortion, but, of course, coul
Co-founder of Rolling Stone magazine Jann Wenner on The Howard Stern Show. Cindy Ord/Getty Images

Media mogul Jann Wenner told Joe Rogan that he believes people earning $20,000 should pay no tax.

For society's super rich, the lowest rate of tax should be 50% and it should "escalate up" from there.

Wenner, who founded Rolling Stone, made the comments on "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast.

American media magnate Jann Wenner said wealthy individuals should pay at least a 50% tax rate, with taxes ramped up the more they earn.

Appearing on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, the cofounder of Rolling Stone magazine discussed his latest book "Like a Rolling Stone: A Memoir" as well as drug legalization and tax rates.

Talking about the gap between rich and poor in the US, Wenner said he believed the easiest way to narrow that gap is to introduce a better and fairer progressive tax system.

If a "poor person makes $20,000 a year," Wenner said, "should pay no taxes." Rogan commented that someone earning this amount can "barely live off that anyway."

Wenner added that he had done specific math on taxation rates.

Wenner continued: "Whereas people who are making an income of $100 million a year, let alone $10 million a year, should start paying a rate of 50% and escalate up."

For a single taxpayer, the top federal income tax rate for 2022 is 37%, except for long-term capital gains and qualified dividends. For example, someone earning between $10,276 and $41,775 will pay a rate of 12%, and someone who earns between $41,776 and $89,075 will pay 22%. Someone earning $539,901 or more will pay 37%.

Rogan challenged the 76-year-old Wenner by asking where would the money go.

"Education," Wenner responded.

He said about people with billions of dollars that "that money would be better spent on the purposes of society that we want, which is we want an educated, employed, and productive population."

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'President' Kevin Baugh of Molossia stands by the micronation's flag. Republic of Molossia

Kevin Baugh is the "benevolent dictator" of the Republic of Molossia  a one-acre micronation in Nevada.

It has a currency pegged to the value of cookie dough and a navy consisting of two kayaks.

A micronation is a self-proclaimed independent state whose sovereignty is not recognized by the international community.

It all started in 1977, when a 15-year-old Kevin Baugh and his childhood best friend, James Spielman, watched "The Mouse That Roared"  a satirical 1959 movie about a tiny, fictional nation waging war on the US.

"I was struck by the imagination and creativity of that," said the 60-year-old, who asked to be referred to as "Your Excellency" or "President Baugh," during a phone interview with Insider.

Four decades on, he's lost contact with that friend  but the dream of ruling his own miniature country lives on.

Baugh is now the self-proclaimed "benevolent dictator" of the Republic of Molossia  a one-acre micronation with a population of 35 in the northwestern Nevadan desert.

'President' Kevin Baugh of the micronation of Molossia. Republic of Molossia

The micronation was born at a suburban house in Portland, Oregon, in 1977. It was originally known as the Grand Republic of Vuldstein. Baugh appointed himself Prime Minister, and Spielman was made King.

Baugh conceded that, back then, it was a little more than childish reverie. "It was more fictional. I guess you could say," he said. "There was no internet back then, so we made it up as we went along."

Spielman eventually abandoned the project, but Baugh continued working on it sporadically while he served in the US Army. He left the army in the 1990s and settled in Nevada with his family. Around this time, he said, he started taking the micronation more seriously.

"The internet came along, and I was able to see that other people had created their own countries," Baugh explained. "So I took Molossia from just being on paper to having our own website."

Baugh continued researching micronations online, finding information on how he could fully realize one of his own.

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What is a micronation?

A micronation is a self-proclaimed independent state whose sovereignty is not recognized by the international community. For example, world governments and the UN do not recognize them as legitimate.

They're often small, the outgrowth of a single individual, and viewed as trivial enough to be ignored by the established nation their land sits within. The US knows Molossia exists, Baugh said, but "basically ignores" it.

There are at least 67 separate micronations in the world, Insider previously reported.

Signposts showing 'USA' and 'Molossia' in Nevada. Republic of Molossia

Baugh learned that micronations are usually formed by claiming the land they live on as their own territory. So, in 1998, he bought a small plot in Nevada and claimed it as "the homeland for our country,' which was then called the Kingdom of Molossia.

For a short period afterward, it was ruled as a communist dictatorship. Baugh said the communist iconography the micronation used riled up locals, so he decided to turn Molossia into a capitalist military dictatorship.

Baugh is the self-proclaimed "benevolent dictator" of what is now called the Republic of Molossia.

"I mean, not the kind of dictator that makes people disappear in the night or anything like that," he said. "We're a family nation. That would really irritate the family if someone just suddenly disappears."

Citizens of Molossia, who are all members of Kevin Baugh's family, celebrate Christmas together in 2019. Republic of Molossia

There are 35 citizens, all of whom are related to Baugh. This number, he said, also includes the family's three dogs.

The human citizens all have "dual citizenship" with the US.

"It helps to still have that US citizenship," Baugh said. "Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to go to Walmart or something like that, and we'd all starve to death."

Citizens vote in US elections and pay US taxes, which Baugh jokingly refers to as "foreign aid."

Baugh said Molossians have "very positive relations" with local communities over the border. They make regular "appearances" in the nearby town of Dayton, Nevada, and participate in the annual Nevada Day Parade in Carson City.

'President' Kevin Baugh and his family participate in the 2016 Nevada Day Parade. Republic of Molossia

Baugh said he has relative freedom to do what he wants in Molossia but is always eager to avoid introducing laws that would contravene American law or otherwise aggravate US authorities.

"I can pass whatever laws I want as long as I don't offend the bigger country around me because you don't want to make them mad," he said. "You can have your own money, your own stamps, your own whatever, customs, holidays, things like that. So it's really fun."

Molossia has its own currency, time zone, and system of measurements

Molossia has its own currency  the valora. Unusually, it's pegged to the relative value of chocolate chip cookie dough.

"We like doing things a little differently here in our own country," Baugh said. "We also have our own measurement system and time zone, stuff like that."

The time zone is 39 minutes ahead of Pacific Standard Time and 21 minutes behind Mountain Standard Time. Using the unique and non-sensical Kokintz system, measurements base lengths on the size of Baugh's hand and volume relative to the size of Diet Pepsi cans.

Molossia also has a navy, despite being landlocked. "Our entire Navy is composed of inflatable kayaks," Baugh said, adding that there are often training exercises at Lake Tahoe.

Molossia's 'navy,' which consists of two kayaks, at Lake Tahoe. Republic of Molossia

Baugh said the country is currently at war with East Germany, which ceased to exist in 1990, and was once in battle with another micronation  Mustachistan. "A micronational war is just somebody spamming your email inbox or something like that," he explained.

The economy is tourism-based; approximately 200 people visit Molossia a year. Tourists get their passports stamped upon arrival and are free to explore the sites of the tiny country. "It takes about an hour and a half to see literally every site," he said.

The customs office at Molossia's border. Republic of Molossia

Baugh leads the tours himself but also works a full-time job. He declined to comment on his profession because it would take the "sense of humor" out of things.

Baugh conceded that running Molossia is a "bit of fun" and "a chuckle" but said that, at its core, it is a serious exploration of what constitutes a nation and what a world of micronations would look like.

"We're dependent on the US for almost everything economically  food and clothes and all that kind stuff that you would normally buy," Baugh said. "But within those limits, we take our nation pretty seriously and, at the same time, have a good time with it."

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Oct. 8Michael Edward Gresham

Former U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Michael Edward Gresham, a Sprayberry High School graduate, has been inducted into the 2022 Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame.

Announcement of the induction, together with those of 14 other deserving veterans into the Class of 2022, was made by 2013 GMVHOF Founder Col. Paul Longgrear (USA-Ret) of Pine Mountain.

In 1968, while serving as a squad leader in First Marine Division in Vietnam, then-Lance Cpl. Gresham's platoon command post was struck by several enemy rocket rounds followed by a human wave assault. Seizing control of his unit when his senior leaders were seriously wounded, Cpl. Gresham raced through hostile enemy fire while shouting words of encouragement to his men and directing fire, resulting in heavy losses to the advancing forces.

Realizing their position was untenable, he quickly repaired an inoperable radio and skillfully moved his men to an alternate location, directing his platoon's fire which enabled them to repel the onslaught.

For his bold courage and initiative which saved the lives of countless Marines, he was awarded the Navy Cross, the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy's second highest decoration for valor.

After the horrendous event, Sgt. Gresham was assigned various patrol duties until he was hospitalized with malaria and was subsequently transferred to the States at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where he was assigned to a Military Police unit and meritoriously promoted to Corporal, then Sergeant and released from active duty in 1969.

According to Hall of Fame Director and Chairman of the Board Col. Rick White (USA-Ret), Hall of Fame nominees must have ties to Georgia and qualify in one of three categories: valor for heroic action in combat; outstanding achievement while in service or significant local, state or national contributions after leaving active duty.

"This year's honorees will be inducted during the 10th Annual Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame Ceremony and Banquet at noon on Nov. 5 in St. Luke Ministry Center, 301 11th Street in Columbus," said Col. White.

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Col. White advises that while this event is open to the public, seating is limited. Advance reservation details may be accessed on the Hall of Fame website at www.GMVHOF.org.

UNG Cadets

The University of North Georgia had 93 cadets complete Advanced Camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky this summer.

UNG's Corps of Cadets students excelled in the five-week Advanced Camp where U.S. Army Cadet Command tested their military and leadership skills. This allowed Cadet Command to assess their proficiency as future officers. Camp is required for all cadets who seek a military officer commission.

Seventeen UNG cadets earned the Recondo badge, which is awarded to cadets who display superior skills by exceeding the standards in all camp activities.

Among them were the following local cadets:

Acworth residents Aaron Allen completed the Advanced Camp and earned the Recondo badge; and Benjamin Harris, William Houts and William Allen, all completed Advanced Camp.

Jack Rainbow of Kennesaw completed Advanced Camp and earned the Recondo badge.

Brendan LaPrade of Marietta; and Bellana Bradley and Leamsi Hernandez-Galindo, both of Powder Springs, completed Advanced Camp.

UNG cadets on the commissioning track complete Leadership Development Program throughout their junior year in preparation for Advanced Camp.

The University of North Georgia is a University System of Georgia leadership institution and is The Military College of Georgia. With almost 19,000 students, the University of North Georgia is one of the state's largest public universities.

USS Georgia (SSGN 729) returns to Kings Bay

The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Georgia (SSGN 729) returned to its homeport of Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia on Sep. 22, for the first time in 790 days.

During the forward-deployment, the crew supported U.S. Africa, Central and European Combatant Commands. It included transits through the Straits of Sicily, Straits of Gibraltar, Straits of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.

While forward deployed, the ship sailed more than 100,000 nautical miles, which is the equivalent to traveling more than four times around the world, with stops in Souda Bay, Greece, Gibraltar, Oman, Diego Garcia, Faslane, Scotland, and Bahrain.

Although the ship itself hasn't returned to its homeport in more than two years, Georgia has two assigned crews, Blue and Gold that alternate manning the submarine. In the past nearly 800 days, the crews performed four exchanges of command. While one crew deploys with the ship for a four to six-month period, the other returns to Kings Bay and conducts training at Trident Training Facility. The training program includes various simulated missions and scenarios. This training regimen ensures the crew remains tactically and operationally ready.

Georgia and all SSGNs provide the U.S. Navy with one of the most versatile and clandestine platforms in the fleet. They are equipped with superior communications capabilities and can carry up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles. The platform can also be configured to host up to 66 Special Operation Force personnel.

Georgia was converted from a trident ballistic-missile submarine in December 2007. The SSGN conversion program produced transformational capability on a time-compressed schedule.

Georgia is one of four guided-missile submarines in the U.S. Navy's fleet, and comprises half of the guided-missile submarine force in Kings Bay. The base is home to all East Coast Ohio-class submarines to include five ballistic-missile and two guided-missile submarines.
Oct. 8WILLMAR  The local political debate season opened here Thursday with the Senate District 16 and House District 16B candidate forums sponsored by the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce's Public Policy Committee.

The first forum featured incumbent Rep. Dave Baker, R-Willmar, and challenger Fred Cogelow, DFL-Willmar. The second forum featured challenger Fernando Alvarado, DFL-Willmar, and incumbent Sen. Andrew Lang, R-Olivia.

Both forums focused primarily on business topics. The political discourse during both forum sessions was polite and respectful by all candidates.

In full disclosure, the committee stated at the forums' start that Ken Warner, who is the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce president and serves as Baker's campaign manager, did not participate in the selection of questions for the House 16B forum.

Baker has been a Kandiyohi County resident since 1993 and is a small business person in the hospitality field. He has served in the Minnesota House since 2015. Cogelow is a longtime Willmar resident and has been a woodcarver for more than 40 years. This is his first candidacy

for this House seat.

Question: How can Minnesota improve its business competitiveness?

The state has many good things going for it, Baker said, but workforce availability is a major concern. However, "Minnesota should not have government mandating hiring issues," Baker said. The state remains at a disadvantage to surrounding states due to a high tax policy, he said.

Minnesota could be a lot better and could be a lot worse, Cogelow said. Demographics are hurting Minnesota and businesses in his opinion. The state must invest in housing, childcare and support immigration, he said. And he pointed out Minnesota has a surplus, so the state has to pay attention to tax rates.

Question: How can Minnesota help employers address the workforce shortage?

The state's employers have been responsive to employees' needs, Baker said. However, "we need to make sure government does not get in the way of businesses," he said. And bad employers, who abuse employees in some manner, must be held accountable, he said.

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Cogelow called for more investment in preschool to help children grow into productive members of the workforce. "By investing in children, the state will help keep the children from becoming a liability in the future," he said.

Question: What should Minnesota do about its budget surplus?

The state will likely see a $10 billion surplus next year, Baker said. The Legislature should have invested in a bonding bill in 2022, but failed. It is time to invest in one-time spending programs, such as for roads and bridges or water systems. Plus it is time to look at tax rates as well as spending priorities, he said. "There is no reason to be taxing Social Security benefits for seniors," he said.

Cogelow said that omnibus spending bills are part of the problem. His priority is continued investment in public schools.

Lang is a Willmar graduate and a U.S. Army veteran. Now residing in Olivia, he has served in the Minnesota Senate since 2017. Fernando Alvarado is employed by a Willmar insurance business and has been a Willmar resident for 36 years, A U.S. Navy veteran, this is his second candidacy for this Senate seat.

Question: What should Minnesota do about its budget surplus?

Alvarado believes that some of the current surplus should have been invested in Minnesota. There are significant needs in law enforcement, corrections, infrastructure and public schools, he said. He blamed the Senate Republican Caucus for the lack of a bonding bill. Minnesota needs compromise and political parties working together, he said.

Lang said that Minnesota has a surplus because it is taxing too much. The failure of the bonding bill effort lies solely with the Senate DFL Caucus, he said. People are leaving Minnesota because they are taxed too much in his opinion. "We should not be taxing the social security of seniors," he said.

Question: What can Minnesota do about health care costs?

Minnesota has a hybrid case  not completely private- or government-based, Lang said, which is working to a point. The reinsurance market has been helpful, he said. However, some families are faced with too high of costs, especially in rural Minnesota, he said.

Alvarado said that reinsurance has been a good opportunity for Minnesota. Health costs are a big challenge for the state, he said. Minnesota must negotiate prices where it can, he said.

Question: What should be Minnesota's position on new car mandates?

California is a leader in the United States on many things, Alvarado said. This is especially true in the automobile industry as the state has the most cars sold and the largest smog problem, he said. Minnesota cannot meet a similar electric car mandate soon, but it must look to the future and work toward such a goal. A California-type automobile mandate is not a bad thing and will provide job growth in the state, he believes.

Lang said he has nothing against electric vehicles. However, he believes Minnesota should not be imposing such a mandate, especially via Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's rule making. First, Minnesota does not have adequate infrastructure in place to support a large electric vehicle inventory yet, he said. Second, bureaucrats should not be making the decisions as that responsibility belongs to the Legislature.

The forums for the Willmar mayor and Willmar School Board races will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 14, at the Willmar Conference Center in Gallery 7. Mayoral candidates Stephen Peppin and Doug Reese have been invited. The five invited school board candidates are Mary Amon, Steve Biesterfeld, Randy Frederickson, Jay Lawton and Laura Weatherby.

The Kandiyohi County Board District 3 and Kandiyohi County sheriff forums will be held starting at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21, again in Gallery 7 at the Willmar Conference Center. The sheriff candidates invited are Eric Holien and Eric Tollefson. The Kandiyohi County Commissioner candidates in District 3 are Kim Larson and Dale Anderson.

A lunch will be held prior to the start of both forums, for a cost of $20, to be paid in advance. There will be no complimentary admission into the events. Those wanting to attend the forums are asked to RSVP by calling the chamber at

320-235-0300

or emailing

chamber@willmarareachamber.com.
Miss USA winner RBonney Gabriel has shut down rumours that this years competition was rigged, after some of her contestants accused the organisation of favoriting her.

The beauty pageant titleholder addressed the allegations about her win in a recent interview on E! News The Rundown. Her comments came after Miss Montana Heather Lee OKeefe posted a viral TikTok video on behalf of herself and her fellow Miss USA competitors, claiming that a majority of them felt like there was favouritism towards Miss Texas USA and they had the receipts to prove it.

During her conversation, Gabriel explained that she would not enter a pageant where she knew she would win.

I want to start by saying it was not rigged, the Texas native explained. I would never enter any pageant or any competition that I know I would win. I have a lot of integrity.

The Rundown host Erin Rhodes went on to recall that when Gabriel received her crown at the pageant over the weekend, some of the contestants left the stage, as opposed to staying on it to congratulate the winner.

Gabriel then clarified and said that she did not think that the women walked off stage because they were upset about her winning, as she said that she got along well with her fellow contestants.

Our time was cut short, so the girls couldnt come out to the stage, apparently, because there wasnt time, she continued. They didnt want the girls to go into that bubble and maybe fall. This is what I heard. And then when I went back to the girls, they all hugged me. So I was really unaware of all that, I got along with all the girls I encountered.

When asked about an Instagram live and a viral TikTok video that OKeefe made regarding the pageant, Gabriel revealed that while she hasnt spoken to Miss Montana about the topic, she would like to.

Im open to talking to her about it, she continued. Id love to communicate with her because I think theres a lot of allegations that are coming up that arent true. I would talk to anybody because I want to be transparent, and I want everybody to know that there was no unfair advantage. Nothing was rigged.

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She emphasised the importance of discussing these rumours, explaining: As Miss USA, I dont want girls to think that this is how pageantry works. This is to celebrate women. We work very hard, and I have respect for all the women that showed up on that stage.

Elsewhere in the interview, Rhodes addressed how rumours of favouritism started when photoshoots of the Gabriel were released right after she won. However, Gabriel clarified that the viral photos, which featured Miss USA president Crystle Stewart doing her hair, were actually taken after she won the competition

Unfortunately, it looks like that happened maybe before I won, she said. But that was my official Miss USA headshot photo shoot after I won.

Another thing claim that has been made about Gabriel is that she was flown out to Cancun by Miss USA, while the other contestants werent. She then explained that she paid for her flight herself and was on the trip to shoot a video as Miss Texas USA.

Following her Instagram Live, OKeefe shared a TikTok video explaining that she and her fellow contestants didnt have issues with Gabriel but with Miss USA itself.

There was a lot of proof of favouritism towards the winner, Miss Texas USA, and again, as Ive said in my previous TikToks, nothing against her personally, OKeefe explained. Our frustrations are all with the organisation.

She continued to describe her experiences during the pagenet, claiming that she and her competitors were stuck at a resort in Nevada with no sunlight, werent allowed to see [their] families, and were secluded from reality. This then negatively affected [her and her peers] mental health throughout their week at Miss USA.

In addition, the rumours of favouritism sparked when Miss New York Heather Nunez posted about the competition on her Instagram. In a since-expired story, viaThe New York Post, she claimed that she and her competitors were at a loss for words and humiliated, after thinking that they had a fair chance in the pageant.

The way I entered this pageant and gave it every last bit of my heart and soul, she wrote.We were humiliated, thinking we entered something with a fair chance. However, Im not here to create a sob story, you also dont have to believe what we are saying.

She went on to address that she was speaking up in order to prevent future contestants from feeling the way that she did.

Nunez then sent a message to the pageants viewers, adding: For all the little girls who watch Miss USA with the same dreams I have of working hard to be in that position, you deserve a fair chance.

Following her win, Gabriel made history as the first Filipino-American woman to take home the title for Miss USA. Shes also the first Asian-American woman to be named Miss Texas USA.

In a statement to The Independent Stewart recalled her experience when winning Miss USA herself, before acknowledging that shed never rig a competition as president of the organisation.

As the first African American woman in this leadership role, I take this position with all seriousness and regard. When I won Miss Texas USA, Miss USA and more recently, became President of the Miss USA Organisation, many women of colour were inspired and filled with hope, she said. I would not do not anything, such as a rig a competition that I fought so hard for to win, and jeopardize that hope. The fairness of the pageant and the well being of each and every contestant is my top priority. The allegations against the Miss USA Organisation are misleading and against everything I stand for personally and professionally.

She also emphasised that shes taking the allegations against Miss USA very seriously and that shes working with Miss Universe organisation to investigate them.

In addition to the Miss Universe investigation, we are conducting an internal review to asses our staff and other personnel to ensure that there was fairness, non-discrimination, and no favoritism amongst the contestants, she continued. In every attempt, I want to ensure there is an equal playing field for every contestant from uniformity in wardrobe, sponsored headshots, mental health workshops, and complimentary training. All to protect, educate, and empower our contestants.
The family of a Colorado teenager who has been missing for more than a week is pleading with police and the public to bring more attention to the case.

Even deceased JonBenet Ramsey's half-brother, John Ramsey, pressed the Boulder Police Department (BPD)  which has been handling JonBenet's murder case since 1996  in a Friday tweet to look into 14-year-old Chloe Campbell's disappearance.

"Damnit @boulderpolice get off your ass and find this child!" Ramsey tweeted. "Have you ever met a 14yr old kid [sic]? Not usually trusted to make sound rational decisions."

Ramsey also shared a poster for the missing teenager, who is described as 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighing 120 pounds. She was last seen near Boulder High School and was wearing a black hoodie and black jeans, according to the poster.

JONBENET RAMSEY CASE: FATHER REMEMBERS 'DADDYS GIRL' ON WHAT WOULD BE HER 32ND BIRTHDAY

Campbell's family has been giving daily updates on the 14-year-old's whereabouts on a public Google Doc page.

JONBENET RAMSEY CASE: FATHER TO PURSUE LEGAL ACTION IF COLORADO IGNORES REQUEST FOR INDEPENDENT DNA TESTING

"Chloes family wants to thank you all for the outpouring of support and outreach as we continue to look for her. As of the time of this writing, Chloe is still not safe," the document updated on Saturday states. "Her whereabouts are still unknown to authorities or her family and we believe her to be critically at-risk due to a number of factors."

Her family believes, based on what they have heard from the teenager's friends, that "she may be with someone (or several people) who are men, or older boys, who could be involved with drug dealing and who may have violent criminal records," the Google Doc states.

JONBENET RAMSEY COLD CASE: DNA EXPERT EXPLAINS HOW MYSTERY MIGHT BE SOLVED IN SHORT ORDER

Campbell's family also believes there may be other kids who may know where the 14-year-old is or how to reach her but are withholding information from law enforcement.

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BPD apparently classified Campbell as a "runaway" rather than a missing person, according to her family.

"[L]aw enforcement and school authorities may have inadvertently downplayed the true critical nature of the case, which has caused much angst to her family and the community," her family wrote. "The family is working collaboratively with the authorities to get the case the proper designation given additional risk factors and has retained private investigation resources in the interim to continue investigating leads."

Her family is asking anyone with information about Campbell's disappearance to contact The Boulder Police Department at 303-441-3333, option 8, and reference case No. 22-9868 or Chloes full name. Tipsters can also contact her family via voice or text at 720-507-7379.

Anonymous tipsters can contact 1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678), press No. 1, and refer to report No. 146-2673.
Molina Healthcare of Florida will sponsor NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness ) Jacksonvilles third annual NAMIWalks Your Way event. Money raised by the walk will fund the non-profits mental health programs, making them available at no charge.

This event will take place at the Winston Family YMCA 221 Riverside Ave. from 8:00 a.m.  12:00 p.m.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Molina will join several community organizations in providing important information about general health and mental health care resources available in the area. Participants can also enjoy live music, a kids zone, and food from local vendors.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Please note the opening ceremony begins at 8:45 a.m. followed by the 5K walk at 9:15 a.m.

Molina Healthcare of Florida has been providing government-funded, quality health care since 2008. The Company serves members through Medicaid, Medicare and Health Insurance Marketplace programs throughout Florida. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company, served approximately 5.1 million members as of June 30, 2022.

For more information about Molina Healthcare of Florida, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.





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UTHAI SAWAN, Thailand (AP)  Grief-stricken families prayed Saturday at a Buddhist temple filled with children's keepsakes, flowers and photos of the smiling toddlers who were slain as they napped on blankets at a day care center in northeastern Thailand.

Coffins containing the 36 killed, 24 of them children and most of them preschoolers, were released Friday and placed inside Wat Rat Samakee and two other temples in the town nestled among rice paddies in one of Thailand's poorest regions.

Several mourners stayed at Wat Rat Samakee overnight in the tradition of keeping company for those who died young.

All the relatives are here to make merit on behalf of those who died, said Pensiri Thana, an aunt of one of the victims, referring to an important Buddhist practice. She was among those staying the night at the temple. "It is a tradition that we keep company with our young ones. It is our belief that we should be with them so they are not lonely.

The massacre left no one untouched in the small town, but community officials found helping others was helping assuage their own grief, at least momentarily.

At first, all of us felt so terrible and couldnt accept this. All the officials feel sad with the people here. But we have to look after everyone, all these 30 victims. We are running around and taking care of the people, giving them moral support, Somneuk Thongthalai, a local district official, said.

A mourning ceremony will continue for three days before the royal-sponsored funerals, which will culminate in the cremation of the bodies according to Buddhist tradition.

No clear motive may ever be known for Thailands deadliest mass killing after the perpetrator left the day care center Thursday and killed his wife and son at home before taking his own life.

Late Friday, King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida visited hospitals where seven people wounded in the attack are being treated. The monarch met with family members of the victims in what he said was a bid to boost morale.

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It is a tragedy that this evil thing has happened, the king told reporters in a rare public appearance. But right now, we have to think of what we can do to improve things to the best of our ability.

Outside the Young Childrens Development Center in Uthai Sawan, bouquets of white roses and carnations lined an outside wall, along with five tiny juice boxes, bags of corn chips and a stuffed animal.

At Wat Rat Samakee, mourners and those trying to lend them support crowded the grounds.

It was just too much. I cant accept this, said Oy Yodkhao, 51, sitting Friday on a bamboo mat in the oppressive heat as relatives gave her water and gently mopped her brow.

Her 4-year-old grandson Tawatchai Sriphu was killed, and she said she worried for the child's siblings. The family of rice farmers is close, with three generations living under one roof.

Police identified the attacker as Panya Kamrap, 34, a former police sergeant fired earlier this year because of a drug charge involving methamphetamine. An employee at the day care told Thai media Panya's son had attended but hadn't been there for about a month. Police have said they believe Panya was under a lot of stress from tensions between him and his wife, and money problems.

Panya was cremated Saturday in the neighboring province of Udon Thani after Buddhist temples in Uthai Thani refused to host his funeral, Thai media reported. The website of the Manager newspaper said the abbot of the temple hosting the ceremony, attended by about 10 relatives, asked that it not be identified so as not to upset its members and neighbors.

Manager reported that his mother, carrying out the traditional bathing ritual at the side of his coffin, implored Panya's spirit: When youre born in the next life, dont kill anyone. I love you, son. If you had any problems, why didnt you talk to me? Dont do this again. Ive made merit for you. Go to heaven, my son."

Mass shootings are rare but not unheard of in Thailand, which has one of the highest civilian gun ownership rates in Asia, with 15.1 weapons per 100 people. Thats still far lower than the U.S. rate of 120.5 per 100 people, according to a 2017 survey by Australias GunPolicy.org nonprofit organization.

Thailand's previous worst mass killing involved a disgruntled soldier who opened fire in and around a mall in the northeastern city of Nakhon Ratchasima in 2020, killing 29 people and holding off security forces for some 16 hours before being killed by them.

The previously worst attack on civilians was a 2015 bombing at a shrine in Bangkok that killed 20 people. It was allegedly carried out by human traffickers in retaliation for a crackdown on their network.

___

Associated Press writers Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul, Grant Peck and Kaweewit Kaewjinda in Bangkok contributed to this report.

___

See more AP Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific
A 34-year-old man who was found dead inside of a cell at the North Chicago Police Department was missing a dialysis port from his body, according to a Lake County Major Crime Task Force news release.

A preliminary investigation revealed the victim was initially arrested by North Chicago officers Friday night, on an arrest warrant for criminal trespass to a motor vehicle. Police said they found a controlled substance on his person during the arrest.

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The unidentified man was initially transported to the North Chicago Police Department, however, he said he felt ill and an ambulance was called. He was taken to an area hospital but was later discharged.

Around 5:30 a.m., an officer went to check on the victim but he was deceased. A dialysis port had been removed from his body and he lost a large amount of blood.

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The Lake County Major Crime Task Force responded and was conducting an independent investigation.

The Lake County Coroners Office is scheduling an autopsy.
By Amanda Ferguson

BELFAST (Reuters) - The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) warned the British government on Saturday that there is no way they will restore power sharing government in Northern Ireland unless post-Brexit trade checks to the region are removed.

Following a lengthy stalemate, Britain and the European Union resumed talks this week on how to fix problems relating to the Northern Ireland protocol that introduced the checks last year on some goods coming from the rest of the United Kingdom.

A day after Ireland and Britain talked up an improved mood in talks, members gathered at the DUP's annual conference said they feared being let down by London again after being promised there would be no checks when the Brexit deal was struck.

"The government needs to tread sensitively and act wisely if they wish to see unionist confidence rebuilt and the conditions created for durable power sharing," DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson said to applause from the crowd of more than 200 delegates.

Perceptions that the protocol erodes Northern Ireland's place in the UK have sparked anger among many in pro-British communities.

The DUP, Northern Ireland's largest unionist party, resigned its post of first minister in February in protest at the checks and has refused to enter the devolved parliament since elections in May. The Stormont Assembly, a key part of a 1998 peace deal, cannot function without the DUP's support.

"I don't trust (the UK government) to do the right thing but I think ultimately they're going to be forced to because there is now a choice to make, it's either the protocol or Stormont. One or the other," Jonathan Craig, a DUP councillor from the city of Lisburn told Reuters on the sidelines of the conference.

Describing the protocol as a "heinous imposition," DUP chairman Maurice Morrow said there was no prospect of the party re-entering government unless the protocol is replaced.

(Writing by Padraic Halpin; Editing by Ros Russell)
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters on Sunday, the latest of a recent barrage of weapons tests, a day after it warned the redeployment of a U.S. aircraft carrier near the Korean Peninsula was inflaming regional tensions.

South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that it detected two missile launches Sunday between 1:48 a.m. and 1:58 a.m. from the Norths eastern coastal city of Munchon. It added that South Koreas military has boosted its surveillance posture and maintains a readiness in close coordination with the United States.

Japanese Vice Defense Minister Toshiro Ino also confirmed the launches, saying Pyongyang's testing activities are absolutely unacceptable as they threaten regional and international peace and security.

Ino said the weapons could be submarine-launched ballistic missiles. We are continuing to analyze details of the missiles, including a possibility that they might have been launched from the sea, Ino said.

North Koreas pursuit of an ability to fire missiles from a submarine would constitute an alarming development for its rivals because its harder to detect such launches in advance. North Korea was believed to have last tested a missile launch from a submarine in May.

The South Korean and Japanese militaries assessed that the missiles flew about 350 kilometers (217 miles) and reached maximum altitudes of 90 to 100 kilometers (56 to 60 miles) before falling into the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida separately instructed officials to gather and analyze all information they could and expedite any updates about the tests to the public. His office said it also was seeking to ensure the safety of all aircraft and ships in waters around Japan while preparing for any contingencies.

South Koreas presidential office said National Security Director Kim Sung-han called an emergency security meeting over the launches where members reviewed the South's defense preparedness and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation with the United States and Japan to counter the growing North Korean threats.

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Seoul warned that Pyongyang's consecutive provocations will deepen its international isolation and increase the instability of the regime by worsening its economy and peoples livelihoods.

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement that the launches didnt pose any immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to its allies. But it said the launches highlight the destabilizing impact of North Koreas unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. It said U.S. commitments to the defense of South Korea and Japan remain ironclad.

The launch, the Norths seventh round of weapons tests in two weeks, came hours after the United States and South Korea wrapped up two days of naval drills off the Korean Peninsulas east coast.

The drills involved the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and its battle group, which returned to the area after North Korea fired a powerful missile over Japan last week to protest the carrier groups previous training with South Korea.

On Saturday, North Koreas Defense Ministry warned that the Reagans redeployment was causing a considerably huge negative splash in regional security. The ministry called its recent missile tests a righteous reaction to intimidating military drills between South Korea and the United States.

North Korea regards U.S.-South Korean military exercises as an invasion rehearsal and is especially sensitive if such drills involve U.S. strategic assets such as an aircraft carrier. North Korea has argued it was forced to pursue a nuclear weapons program to cope with U.S. nuclear threats. U.S. and South Korean officials have repeatedly said they have no intentions of attacking the North.

North Korea has launched more than 40 ballistic and cruise missiles in over 20 different events this year, exploiting a division in the U.N. Security Council deepened over Russias war on Ukraine as a window to speed up arms development.

The record number of tests included last weeks launch of a nuclear-capable missile that flew over Japan for the first time in five years. It was estimated to have traveled about 4,500-4,600 kilometers (2,800-2,860 miles), a distance sufficient to reach the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam and beyond.

South Korean officials say Pyongyang may up the ante soon by conducting an intercontinental ballistic missile or a nuclear test explosion, following a traditional pattern of manufacturing diplomatic crises with weapons tests and threats before offering negotiations aimed at extracting concessions. There are also concerns about provocations along the Koreas land and sea borders.

Sunday's launches came on the eve of the 77th anniversary of the foundation of the North Korean ruling Workers Party.

Earlier this year, North Korea tested other nuclear-capable ballistic missiles that place the U.S. mainland, South Korea and Japan within striking distance.

North Koreas testing spree indicates its leader, Kim Jong Un, has no intention of resuming diplomacy with the U.S. and wants to focus on expanding his weapons arsenal. But some experts say Kim would eventually aim to use his advanced nuclear program to wrest greater outside concessions, such as the recognition of North Korea as a legitimate nuclear state, which Kim thinks is essential in getting crippling U.N. sanctions lifted.

South Korean officials recently said North Korea was also prepared to test a new liquid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile and a submarine-launched ballistic missile while maintaining readiness to perform its first underground nuclear test since 2017. ___ Associated Press writer Kim Tong-hyung in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report.
Neighborhood taqueria Que Fresa is ready to carve out its niche in Charlottes FreeMoreWest area.

ALSO READ: Mexican restaurant taking over shuttered eaterys prime space in Plaza Midwood

Restaurateur Manny Flores opened the first location of that restaurant on Friday at 1500 W. Morehead St.  formerly home to Picante Mexican Grill.

The concept is inspired by Flores wife Paola, who is a fresa,  literally translated as strawberry, but also Mexican slang for preppy. Flores says the term surfaced in the 1980s, as Mexico opened its doors to the world. It refers to a person that is well off but still appreciates value.

The goal of Que Fresa was to create a brand that is inviting, from the decor down to the menu offerings.

I think what were trying to deliver at the end of the day is an entire experience, Flores says.

Read more and check out photos here.

VIDEO: Cheesecake Factory adding restaurant in Huntersvilles Birkdale Village, building permit shows




Men cross into Georgia from Russia. (Daro Sulakauri / Getty Images)

Less than three weeks ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the call-up of 300,000 men to bolster army ranks decimated by battlefield routs in Ukraine. Now, in an extraordinary exodus, waves of fighting-age men have fled Russia in what appear to be roughly those same numbers.

By plane or by bicycle, in cars or on foot, at a rate sometimes reaching tens of thousands per day, Russian men desperate to avoid deployment to the front lines  or face long jail sentences for draft evasion  are seeking haven in neighboring and nearby countries.

They have crossed land borders into Finland or Mongolia, booked expensive air tickets to Turkey or Serbia, decamped for the former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Georgia and Armenia. In one striking instance, two Russian asylum seekers made their way by boat to a remote Alaskan island in the Bering Sea, the states two U.S. senators said.

Within some destination countries, and across the wider West, theres sharp debate over whether those leaving are deserving of shelter.

Some argue that Russians who truly object to the war  and not merely to their own conscription  should be welcomed, or at least tolerated. Others point out that as a practical matter, the mass flight is reducing the pool of men available to fight in Ukraine.

Reservists drafted in the Russian mobilization attend a departure ceremony in Crimea. (AFP/Getty Images)

Theres worry in some quarters about the security risk. And many Ukrainians and their supporters believe that abetting draft evaders resettlement helps Putin, who turned 70 on Friday, escape accountability at home.

It would be wrong for us to close the border to Russians, Merab Metreveli, a well-known TV news anchor in Georgia  a country that was itself invaded by Russia, in 2008  wrote on Facebook at the end of September. But he also said uncontrolled entry posed risks.

Whats the way out? he asked.

Many Russians who made the decision to depart did so with little more than a knapsack and whatever cash they could scrape together, leaving jobs, homes and family behind.

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I need to build my new life now, said a 30-year-old film producer named Sakhamin, who made his way to the Georgian capital of Tbilisi days after Putins Sept. 21 announcement of a partial mobilization.

I understood that if I didnt leave, he said, I would stay on the other bank of the river that separates the new and the old worlds.

In Russia, the mass flight triggered by the call-up amounts to a stark public rejection of months of rosy government claims about the nature and scope of the special military operation. Many Russians tacitly accepted the Feb. 24 invasion, believing it would have little effect on their daily lives, but the mobilization order suddenly brought the war home.

At the only operational border crossing into Georgia, a miles-long traffic jam that was visible in satellite imagery built up soon after Putins mobilization announcement.

Russian citizens wait for identification numbers in Kazakhstan. (AFP/Getty Images)

Sakhamin  who did not want his full name used for fear of retribution against relatives remaining in Russia  traveled with his girlfriend. They took a taxi as far as they could, then walked the last 10 miles to the border, where they joined an hours-long line for Russian authorities to check their documents.

While waiting, they met a despairing would-be escapee who had been turned back. His passport was confiscated, the man told the couple, and he was served with conscription papers on the spot.

Such decisions seemed haphazard, with some men reporting almost surreal encounters as they crossed over. A 24-year-old from Moscow named Mark, who also recently arrived in Tbilisi, lied and told a Russian border guard he was going to Georgia for a friends wedding. He said the guards only question was why he had friends in Georgia.

In some favored destinations, the window for reaching safety was relatively short. Nine days after Putins announcement, Finland, the last land route for Russians into the European Union, barred Russians from entering as tourists. In the week prior to that, two-thirds of the 66,000 Russians coming into the EU had arrived via Finland, according to the blocs border agency, Frontex.

I was lucky, said Yevginiy, a 34-year-old supply-chain manager who caught a sold-out bus from St. Petersburg to Helsinki a few days before Finlands entry restrictions were imposed. Not everybody has the opportunity to get out.

Precise totals of those seeking to avoid military service are difficult to determine, in part because few officially declare their intentions. But the independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta cited an estimate by the security services that in the four days after the call-up was announced, a total of 261,000 men between the ages of 18 and 40 had left the country. Many more have since fled.

The Interior Ministry of Kazakhstan, which shares a border with Russia, this week reported 200,000 Russian arrivals since the mobilization announcement. In Turkey  where, unlike in the EU, direct flights from Russia are allowed to land  officials have not disclosed arrival figures, but dozens of daily flights filled mainly with fighting-age men have been touching down in several Turkish cities.

The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network used open-source flight data to put arrivals in Turkey in the first few days alone at more than 30,000, with more than 1,000 other Russians catching planes to Serbia during that period. Mongolia, which says it is neutral in the war, reported 12,000 entries between Putins announcement and the end of last week.

In Georgia, where tens of thousands of Russians moved after the war began, volunteer groups that have been aiding new arrivals, and advising others on how to cross over, said the influx had probably doubled the numbers already there. With Russian troops occupying two separatist territories in Georgia, some opposition politicians have said that the newcomers should be made to explicitly express recognition of the countrys territorial integrity.

Russia has a million active-duty military personnel, about 200,000 of whom took part in the initial assault on Ukraine  an invading force that military analysts have said was far too small to seize and occupy a country of 44 million people.

Over the course of eight grinding months, Ukraine claims more than 60,000 Russian troops have been killed or otherwise removed from the fight. Western estimates range considerably lower, but Russia is suffering a historic mauling.

With Ukrainian forces recapturing swaths of the country's south and east, Russian officials are using euphemisms like regrouping to describe hasty retreats by Moscow's forces, and withhold information about what appear to be witheringly high casualty rates. However, some cracks have appeared in the official facade.

War hawks infuriated by territorial losses are directing unprecedentedly harsh criticism at senior military leaders, including Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, a longtime Putin confidant who may now find himself scapegoated for battlefield failures. On state television, hard-line commentators have taken to lamenting what they characterize as an unfair fight powered by Western weaponry, with Russia as victim.

As social media postings have documented a chaotic rounding up of recruits  some are shown being dumped in desolate fields without supplies, given rusty old rifles, or ordered to buy their own food and equipment  Putin acknowledged that corrections to the mobilization process were needed, but did not back away from his war aims.

Instead, in a bellicose speech declaring the annexation of four Ukrainian provinces, the president declared that these territories, as now-Russian soil, would be defended by any means necessary. But even as he spoke, Russian forces in some affected areas were in rapid retreat. Much of the world dismissed the announced annexations as illegal.

Western military analysts have expressed skepticism that the mobilization will do much to blunt Ukrainian offensives, even though some of the new recruits are already reaching the front lines.

Rushing thousands of untrained and unmotivated Russian men to the front will not meaningfully increase Russian combat power, the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War wrote in an assessment late last month.

"Get a tattoo with your name and surname. So that we know how to find your relatives when you are killed."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

Some of those trying to avoid being conscripted said they initially believed official assurances that only men with military experience would be called up. But word spread of a widening dragnet that ensnared men who were obviously unfit for service, or had no relevant training or skills. The Kremlin has blamed overzealous local authorities.

With the Defense Ministry reporting this week that 200,000 men have been mobilized  two-thirds of the way to meeting Putins target  roundups have fallen disproportionately on poorer republics populated by ethnic minorities. In Dagestan, a Muslim-majority republic whose soldiers have already died disproportionately in Ukraine, scores of people have been arrested in protests.

Demonstrations erupted in some bigger Russian cities as well, as they did in the wars earliest weeks. But protests were quickly quelled by police, who availed themselves of one particularly chilling tactic: serving some detainees with draft notices.

Ukraine has set up hotlines for Russian troops who want to arrange surrenders, promising humane treatment. The countrys defense minister, Oleksii Reznikov, this week recorded an unusual video telling freshly mobilized Russians that they had been tricked and betrayed by their leaders.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who often addresses Russians in their own language, had a grim warning of his own for Moscows newest foot soldiers.

Get a tattoo with your name and surname, he advised. So that we know how to find your relatives when you are killed.

Special correspondent Kolotilov reported from Tbilisi, Times staff writer King from Washington and special correspondent Hunt from Helsinki.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Windstar Cruises has three food-focused sailings next year, continuing its long-standing partnership with the James Beard Foundation.

Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

One of the worlds best small-ship ocean cruise lines, as voted by Travel + Leisure readers, just announced a trio of trips that should thrill restaurant lovers.

Windstar Cruises will host three big-time chefs in 2023 as part of the lines continuing partnership with the James Beard Foundation. Joining for exclusive trips will be Tracy Chang of Pagu in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Jerome Grant of Sweet Home Cafe in Washington, D.C.; and Ayesha Nurdjaja of Shuka and Shukette in New York City. All three are James Beard Award nominees or past semifinalists.

Jennifer Davidson

Each guest chef will join passengers and crew on a culinary-focused cruise, leading market tours in ports, serving a multi-course meal aboard, sharing recipes during cooking demos, and generally hanging out, swapping stories.

It doesnt get any better than sailing with a James Beard Foundation guest chef on a special culinary cruise, Windstar president Christopher Prelog said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure. Not only will you get to eat their food  youll get to know them. You may even learn a few tips and tricks for being a better cook yourself.

Courtesy of Windstar Cruises (Tracy Chang: Collin Raney) From Left to Right: New Yorks Ayesha Nurdjaja; Bostons Tracy Chang; and D.C.s Jerome Grant

First up on the calendar will be a March trip from Panama to Aruba, aboard the Star Legend with Jerome Grant. The chef, who also helms the kitchen at Jackie and the forthcoming Mahal, both in D.C., will be along for the ride to destinations including Panama's San Blas Islands and Cartagena, Colombia.

Courtesy of Jerome Grant Cold-smoked salmon with tomato marmalade and young heirlooms from chef Jerome Grant

A trip with Ayesha Nurdjaja follows in June, aboard the Wind Surf as it travels from Venice to Athens. The 342-passenger ship, the worlds largest sailing yacht, will call at ports such as Dubrovnik and Hvar, both in Croatia, as well as Corfu, Greece.

Rounding out the 2023 lineup is a trip with Tracy Chang, who will join the Star Breeze as it sails in Japan in September. The Tokyo to Osaka itinerary will also include a few ports in the southern island of Kyushu, as well as a visit to Busan, South Korea.

Courtesy of PAGU

The itineraries are just the latest in a long string of food-focused journeys on Windstar, which has had an exclusive partnership with the James Beard Foundation since 2017. The line, which has a fleet of six small ships, is a T+L Worlds Best Awards Hall of Fame honoree.
A Navy veteran and father of two was laid to rest Saturday after his vehicle fell into a creek as he drove on a bridge that was in disrepair and previously blocked off, according to North Carolina troopers.

Before his death, Phillip Paxson, 47, was heading home from his daughter's 9th birthday party in Hickory, North Carolina, about an hour northwest of Charlotte, on a "dark and rainy night," his mother-in-law Linda McPhee Koeing posted on Facebook.

"The bridge had been destroyed ... years ago and never repaired," she wrote in the Oct. 3 post.

The bridge is located on an unmaintained private road near a sign that says state maintenance ends here, local news station WCNC reported.

The crash took place about 11 p.m. on Sept. 30 in Catawba County, North Carolina State Highway Patrol Master Trooper Jeffrey Swagger told USA TODAY.

According to Swagger, troopers responded to a report of a vehicle in a creek on the morning of Oct. 1. At the scene they found a 2020 Jeep Gladiator upside down and partially submerged in the water where the road was washed out.

Paxson, who troopers said was driving the Jeep, was found dead at the scene.

A preliminary investigation by troopers found no evidence of speed, drugs or alcohol being a factor in the crash.

"The initial investigation identifies the contributing circumstance as being a portion of the roadway was missing," Swagger said.

According to information obtained by investigating troopers, the road where the wreck took place is not a roadway maintained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

"Purportedly, that portion of the roadway collapsed several years ago when a culvert washed away," Swagger wrote. "Previous barricades apparently and reportedly had been vandalized and removed."

Investigators have been unable to determine if Paxson was following or using any GPS as he drove, Swagger said.

"He does use Google Maps but I dont have any idea if he was using their directions," the victim's widow Alicia Paxson told USA TODAY Saturday.

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Earlier this week she shared photos of the bridge on her Facebook page and wrote. "I want everyone to be aware what an avoidable tragedy this is."

"It was a totally preventable accident," Paxson's mother-in-law also wrote. "We are grieving his death."

Natalie Neysa Alund covers trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: North Carolina man dies after driving off washed-out bridge
PETOSKEY  North Central Michigan College added a new fast track program to their lineup, offering an opportunity at welding certifications.

The program will teach students the basics in welding and metal fabrication so they can receive certifications in gas metal arc welding and shielded metal arc welding from the American Welding Society.

Along with the basics of welding, theyll be learning how to safety adjust, light up and shut down an oxyacetylene torch, a high temperature torch containing gasses like oxygen and acetylene used by welders to melt metals. Students will also learn how to set up an oxyacetylene portable unit.

The program costs $1,850 and includes 60 hours of in-person training and all materials and supplies, though grants and scholarships are made available after registration. The program begins Oct. 18.

The course is being offered because of partnerships with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, who are providing welding kits to students, and Pellston Public Schools, who will be offering up the high school as a place for classes to meet.

The entrance to Pellston High School and Middle School is seen here.

More:NCMC launches 10 new career-based fast track programs

Welding students at Cheboygan Area High School already have the opportunity to earn college credits through a class taught by North Central Michigan College.

The training-based programs are open to students and non-students alike and end in certifications rather than degrees  though the school is setting up programs that will allow students to receive credits for similar courses with proof of certification.

In northwestern Michigan, welding is expected to be a high-demand and high-wage industry through 2028. According to a report from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget and Bureau of Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, theres expected to be 55 annual openings, with wages between $16-$22 an hour.

The upcoming welding program is completely booked with about a dozen students, but people interested can join a waitlist, and depending on interest another course may be offered.

This initiative is the 11th fast-track program offered by the college. The first round of fast-track courses began in May. The courses were initially offered to get more people into the workforce faster for high-in-demand jobs. The first few rounds of fast-track courses are kicking off, with nearly 40 people having completed or started their programs.

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North Central Michigan Colleges new Fast Track career programs, including a three-week Phlebotomy Technician program, offer an expedited path to industry-recognized credentials.

Christy Lyons, NCMCs director of corporate and community education, said these courses are helpful in getting people working in the community faster, saying the school has close relationships with local businesses in need of workers.

The courses often offer more accessibility because they arent as limited by region, though there are in-person aspects of the courses.

People interested in any of the fast-track programs can visit ncmich.edu for more information.

 Contact education reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@petoskeynews.com or on Twitter at @KarlyGrahamJRN.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: NCMC offers welding program to get you certified in just 9 weeks
North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the sea on Sunday, the South's military said, the latest in a blitz of launches amid tensions over US-led military exercises in the region, Yonhap reported.

The South Korean military's Joint Chiefs of Staff announced that the launch -- the seventh in two weeks -- came from the southeast of the country, without giving further details.

"While strengthening our monitoring and vigilance, our military is maintaining a full readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States," the Joint Chiefs of Staff said, according to Yonhap.

North Korea on Saturday had defended its recent flurry of missile tests as a legitimate counter to US military threats, following days of joint military exercises between the South, Japan and the United States.

The Japanese prime minister's office also confirmed at least one of Sunday's missiles on Twitter.

"North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow," the office said.

Japanese Senior Vice Defense Minister Toshiro Ino said it is possible the missiles, which he said were fired just before 2:00 am (1700 GMT Saturday) and traveled 350 kilometres at a maximum altitute of 100 kilometres, were launched from submarines, according to Kyodo news agency.

The missiles, fired toward the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, seem to have fallen outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, the Japanese government said, according to Kyodo. The coast guard said it had so far not received any reports of damage to Japanese ships, national broadcaster NHK reported.

The United States military's Indo-Pacific Command meanwhile said in a statement they were "aware of the two ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners," saying the launch shows the "destabilizing" nature of North Korea's missile program.

"The US commitments to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remain ironclad," the statement said.

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Sunday's launch was the latest in a flurry that included an intermediate-range ballistic missile fired Tuesday over Japan, prompting an alert for people in affected areas underneath to take cover.

And on Thursday, North Korea fired two ballistic missiles, the same day Seoul, Tokyo and Washington carried out fresh exercises involving a US navy destroyer from the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier's strike group.

The United States redeployed the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to waters east of South Korea as part of a broad-ranging military response to Pyongyang's Tuesday test, which also included joint bombing and missile drills.

Exercises between South Korea and the United States concluded Saturday, according to Yonhap.

Additionally, Seoul's military said it had scrambled 30 fighter jets Thursday after 12 North Korean warplanes staged a rare "formation flight north of the inter-Korean air boundary [and] conducted air-to-surface firing drills."

- 'Counteraction measures' -

Pyongyang's foreign ministry earlier this week called the recent launches "the just counteraction measures of the Korean People's Army."

And on Thursday, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss Pyongyang's launch over Japan.

The United States called for the meeting after the firing of what officials and analysts said was a Hwasong-12 that travelled likely the longest horizontal distance of any North Korean test.

At the meeting, North Korea's longtime ally and economic benefactor China blamed Washington for provoking the spate of launches by Kim Jong Un's regime, with Deputy Chinese ambassador to the UN Geng Shuang accusing the United States of "poisoning the regional security environment".

US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield called for "strengthening" of existing sanctions on North Korea, something China and Russia vetoed in May.

The council has been divided on responding to Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions for months, with Russia and China on the sympathetic side and the rest of the council pushing for punishment.

Analysts say Pyongyang has seized the opportunity of stalemate at the UN to conduct ever more provocative weapons tests.

Kim has declared isolated North Korea an "irreversible" nuclear power, effectively ending the possibility of denuclearisation talks.

caw/bfm
North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles towards its eastern waters, a day after asserting its rights to self-defence while warning against the redeployment of a nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier near the Korean Peninsula.

It was Pyongyangs seventh such test launch in two weeks, which added to concerns harboured by the US and its regional allies, South Korea and Japan.

South Koreas joint chief of staff in a statement said it detected two missile launches on Sunday between 1.48am and 1.58am local time from the Norths eastern coastal city of Munchon.

Japanese vice defence minister Toshiro Ino also confirmed the launches, saying Pyongyangs testing activities are absolutely unacceptable as they threaten regional and international peace and security.

Both the missiles reached an altitude of 100km, covered 350km and fell outside Japans exclusive economic zone, Mr Ino said.

Officials warned ships around the countrys coasts about falling objects and urged them to stay away, while Tokyo said they were looking into the nature of the missiles, including the possibility that they were submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

The USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, center, participates in a joint anti-submarine drill among South Korea, the United States and Japan (AP)

Washington said it was closely consulting with allies following the launches, which it said highlighted the destabilising impact of the North Korean nuclear arms and ballistic missile programmes.

The US commitments to the defence of the Republic of Korea and Japan remain ironclad, the Hawaii-based US Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement, adding that the latest launches did not pose a threat to US personnel or American allies.

Calling the launches a serious provocation, South Korean authorities said the missile launches harm peace and stability in the region. The presidential office said National Security Director Kim Sung-han called an emergency meeting where members reviewed the Souths defence preparedness.

Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida instructed officials to gather and analyse all information they could and expedite any updates about the tests to the public.

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The Norths military had warned on Saturday that the US redeployment of the aircraft carrier near the Korean Peninsula was causing a considerably huge negative splash in regional security.

The North Korean defence ministry statement came a day after the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan began naval drills with South Korean warships.

The Reagan and its battle group returned to the area after North Korea fired a powerful missile over Japan earlier this week to protest the carrier groups previous training with South Korea.

The North regards US-South Korean military exercises as an invasion rehearsal and is especially sensitive if such drills involve US strategic assets like an aircraft carrier.

North Korea has argued it was forced to pursue a nuclear weapons programme to cope with US nuclear threats. US and South Korean officials have repeatedly said they have no intentions of attacking the North.

In this photo provided by South Korean Presidential Office, South Korean National Security Director Kim Sung-han, second from left, and Foreign Minister Park Jin, left, attend a National Security Council (NSC) meeting in Seoul, South Korea on 9 October (AP)

In the past two weeks, North Korea has fired 10 ballistic missiles into the sea in six launch events, adding to its record-breaking pace of weapons tests this year.

The recent weapons tests include a nuclear-capable missile that flew over Japan for the first time in five years and demonstrated a range to strike the US Pacific territory of Guam and beyond.

Earlier this year, North Korea tested other nuclear-capable ballistic missiles that place the US mainland and its allies South Korea and Japan within striking distance.

North Koreas testing spree indicates its leader, Kim Jong-un, has no intention of resuming diplomacy with the US and wants to focus on expanding his weapons arsenal.

But some experts say the leader would eventually aim to use his advanced nuclear programme to wrest greater outside concessions, such as the recognition of North Korea as a legitimate nuclear state, which he thinks is essential in getting crippling UN sanctions on his country lifted.

The Reagan carrier groups latest training with the South Korean Navy is to end on Saturday.

South Korean officials recently said North Korea was also prepared to test a new liquid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile and a submarine-launched ballistic missile while maintaining readiness to perform its first underground nuclear test since 2017.

Additional reporting by agencies
A voter works on a ballot during the first day of early voting at the Chicago Board of Elections Super Site on Oct. 7, 2022. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

As early voting began in Chicago on Friday, city election officials said they are working to ensure there are enough election judges ready to staff polling places across the city on Election Day and are anticipating more voters will cast ballots for the general election than the low number that showed up for the primary in June.

Primaries can be tough for voters, Chicago Board of Election Commissioners spokesman Max Bever said. Many people dont want to necessarily choose a party. Gubernatorial primaries can be tough in Illinois for voter turnout, but it does improve for the general election. So we are expecting a higher turnout for November.

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The first day of early voting in Chicago came one day after the feisty first broadcast debate in the race for Illinois governor between Gov. J.B. Pritzker and GOP challenger Darren Bailey. Bever noted the two locations for early voting are the citys Super Site, at 191 N. Clark St., and election headquarters on the sixth floor of the 69 W. Washington St. building.

People cast their votes during the first day of early voting at the Chicago Board of Elections Super Site on Oct. 7, 2022. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

Early voting has begun in many other counties throughout Illinois and will open in suburban Cook County on Wednesday.

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[ Attention Chicago voters: Find your new polling place for the 2022 general election on Nov. 8 ]

While election officials Friday encouraged voters to make a plan to cast their ballots early before the Nov. 8 election, challenges for Election Day still lingered.

The city has reduced by nearly 100 the number of polling places that will be open Election Day, a result of reducing the number of city precincts by almost 40% and redrawing those boundaries.

The result is that approximately half of the citys voters will be heading to different polling places than theyve cast at before. The change, done a month before Election Day, has raised concerns there will be some confusion come Nov. 8. Voters looking to find their precincts and polling places can find it at the Chicago Board of Elections website.

Election official Cynthia Webb puts out thank you for voting stickers during the first day of early voting at the Chicago Board of Elections Super Site on Oct. 7, 2022. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

Those challenges aside, Bever said the precinct consolidation should alleviate the election judge shortage that has existed for years in Chicago. While the board needed nearly 11,000 election judges for the primary election, it needs only about 6,450 election judges to fully staff Chicagos voting precincts in November. The board expects to hire more than the necessary number this fall, he said.

[ Want to vote early in the election? Heres where to cast your ballot in Chicago and the suburbs before Nov. 8. ]

So the June 28 election, that election judge shortage did contribute to some delays in polling place openings. Given that we are looking to overstaff, were hoping that all precinct polling places will be opened right at 6 a.m. on Election Day through 7 p.m., Bever said.

The board is still hiring poll workers for early voting and for Election Day. Poll workers start out making $17 an hour for early-voting shifts and $230 on Election Day, he said. The board is particularly interested in hiring bilingual workers in languages such as Spanish, Chinese, Hindi/Gujarati/Urdu, Polish, Korean and Tagalog.

[ Illinois general election 2022: A guide for voters on the midterms, including where to vote, key dates and highest-profile issues ]

Despite the cold, rainy morning Friday, Chicago voters showed up at the Super Site to be among the first in the city to cast their vote in person.

Monique Babbs, who traveled to the downtown site from Hyde Park, emerged from the maze of blue curtains and stepped up to a row of machines ready to process her ballot.

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I wanted to get it out of the way, she said.

Babbs also said she shared some of the concerns that have been raised about the changes in polling places for Election Day, especially for voters like her 87-year-old mother who needs physical assistance to get to polling places. Babbs said she plans to bring her mother back to the Super Site on a day with better weather. While parking isnt readily available, a bus line will give her and her mother direct access, she said.

People leave after voting on the first day of early voting at the Chicago Board of Elections Super Site on Oct. 7, 2022. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

Making polling places accessible to disabled voters is one area that the Chicago Board of Elections has struggled with in the precinct consolidation. The Tribune also reported Thursday that only 9% of polling places are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, down from 20% in the primary election.

While all of the early voting sites and the Super Site are ADA-compliant, the board will miss its target of having all polling places accessible by the 2022 general election as set out by a settlement agreement in 2017, amended once already in 2019, with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Chicago mayoral candidate Willie Wilson has been highly critical of the boards decisions since the Tribune first reported on the precinct consolidation this past summer. Wilson has even filed a lawsuit to try to stop the changes.

Wilson on Thursday said Mayor Lori Lightfoot should try to stop the new map from being implemented.

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While Lightfoot declined to comment on Wilsons statements, Bever said the board by law could not wait to make the changes and said the City Council fight over redrawing the citys ward map left only a few months to take on a quite massive redistricting process.

Later Friday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton rallied, along with Secretary of State Jesse White and civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson, on the plaza at the Thompson Center before marching to the early voting site at Lake and Clark streets.

While Pritzker doesnt plan to cast his ballot until Nov. 8, he and Stratton encouraged people to take advantage of voting options, such as early and mail-in voting, that have been expanded in Illinois but are facing new restrictions in other states.

Pritzker, noting that his own polling place has been relocated, said officials need to make sure city voters are aware of changes to voting locations.

Weve got to make sure people know where to go to vote, he said.

Chicago Tribunes Dan Petrella contributed.

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Kinsey Crowley is a freelance reporter.
North Korea launched two more ballistic missiles on Saturday, according to South Korean authorities, marking the countrys seventh round of weapons tests in the last two weeks.

The two short-range ballistic missiles were fired in the direction of North Koreas eastern waters just before 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, according to a statement from South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The latest launch came just hours after the United States and South Korea completed another round of joint military drills.

The U.S. and South Korea had initially conducted joint missile drills on Tuesday, after North Korea fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile over Japan on Monday. The launch prompted Japanese officials to tell citizens to seek shelter.

The USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier was also sent to the Sea of Japan following Mondays launch. The aircraft carrier participated in the latest wargames with South Korea on Friday and Saturday.

The Biden administration additionally announced new sanctions on Friday that took aim at North Koreas weapons supply network, sanctioning two individuals and three entities for exporting petroleum to North Korea.

Following Saturdays launch, the Japanese prime ministers office instructed officials to gather and analyze information about the launch and quickly and accurately inform the public about it, as well as to ensure the safety of assets including aircraft and ships and take all possible measures for precaution.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- North Korea said its armed forces are taking a serious approach toward extremely worrisome developments on the Korean Peninsula, citing the US deployment of the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier group to the region.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The carrier has caused a huge negative splash to the regional situation, according to official news agency KCNA, citing a defense ministry spokesman.

North Korea fired 10 ballistic missiles in less than two weeks, including two on Thursday toward waters where the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier group had been deployed.

Kim Jong Uns Silence as Missiles Fly Shows Strategy Shift

The launches have corresponded with the carrier groups movements around the Korean Peninsula starting in late September. The USS Ronald Reagan had returned to the region after North Korea on Tuesday fired its first missile over Japan in five years.

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Consequences of a missile attack on Zaporozhye

"We continue to receive dreadful news from those clearing the rubble of the buildings affected by (the Oct. 6) attack. Currently, the number of dead has increased to fourteen, Kurtev wrote.

Read also: Multiple Russian rocket attacks on Zaporizhzhia kills at least two

The Russians carried out a new attack with drones at night, he added. This resulted in damage to infrastructure facilities. And in the morning, the Russians fired rockets at a residential quarter.

One of the rockets fell right next to a high-rise building and damaged windows and balconies, Kurtev wrote.

Read also: One injured as Russians attack city of Zaporizhzhya with Iranian drones

On the morning of Oct. 6, Russia fired seven missiles at Zaporizhzhya, destroying several residential buildings.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
ROMAN PETRENKO  SATURDAY, 8 OCTOBER 2022, 15:15

A school after an attack. Illustrative photo: GettyImagesIn Kherson Oblast, the occupiers are stationing their military equipment and personnel in schools where teaching has begun.

Source: the National Resistance Center

Details: Some schools are marked as having begun teaching, at least in "official documents" issued by the occupiers.

The students whose parents were forced to send their children to school to study according to the Russian curriculum are indeed present in class.

At the same time, Russian military units and equipment are located in these educational facilities. Such cases have been registered in the town of Hola Prystan.

The National Resistance Center is calling upon the residents of the temporarily occupied territories to evacuate from these areas until Kherson Oblast is liberated.

Background: Children and their parents, as well as senior citizens from Kherson Oblast, will be "invited" to Russian regions for rest for a few weeks.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge Christian Jenkins speaks to Assistant Ohio attorney general Amanda Narog in his courtroom in downtown Cincinnati on October 7, 2022. Sam Greene /The Cincinnati Enquirer via AP

An Ohio judge blocked the state's six-week abortion ban, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer.

The court ruling prolonged an earlier suspension of the law, which was set to end next week.

Ohio Republican state Attorney General David Yost is expected to appeal the decision.

An Ohio judge on Friday indefinitely blocked a state law that prohibited most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer.

Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Christian Jenkins issued the preliminary injunction after a hearing, rejecting the state's argument that there is no right to an abortion in the state since it isn't mentioned in the Ohio Constitution.

Jenkins said that a right doesn't have to be specifically named within the text in order for it to be protected.

"This court has no difficulty holding that the Ohio Constitution confers a fundamental right on all of Ohioans to privacy, procreation, bodily integrity and freedom of choice in health care decision-making that encompasses the right to abortion," he said.

The decision prolonged an earlier suspension of the law, which was set to end next week.

With the Ohio ruling, the state's restrictive abortion law is now halted until the case makes its way through the courts; without the ban on the books, abortion in the state is legal for up to 22 weeks of pregnancy.

The plaintiffs in the case argued that the Ohio law denied women their due process rights, referencing key affidavits, including one of a cancer patient who had to leave the state to receive medical care.

Due to radiation that can be damaging to a fetus, pregnant cancer patients are often presented with the choice of having an abortion before undergoing treatment.

"Does a law that prevents a cancer patient from getting lifesaving treatment infringe on those rights? The answer is obviously it does. Abortion is health care to which Ohioans have a right," Jenkins said on Friday.

Protesters rally at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus in support of abortion after the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022. Barbara J. Perenic /The Columbus Dispatch via AP, File

The plaintiffs stated that they were "relieved that patients in Ohio can continue to access abortion as we work to fight this unjust and dangerous ban in court."

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Ohio Republican state Attorney General David Yost, who is supportive of the six-week ban, is expected to appeal the decision.

"We will wait and review the judge's actual written order and consult with the governor's administration," a Yost spokesman said after the ruling.

After the United States Supreme Court earlier this year overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that legalized abortion in the United States and afforded a constitutional right to the procedure, the issue is now in the hands of individual states.

While many solidly Democratic states have expanded access to abortion rights after the high court's decision, the bulk of GOP-controlled states has gone in the opposite direction  imposing total or near-total abortion bans.

The restrictive laws have led to a torrent of litigation across a multitude of states seeking to overturn the bans.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Iranian demonstrators take to the streets of Tehran during a protest for Mahsa Amini on Sept. 21, days after she died in police custody. (AFP via Getty Images)

Three weeks in, Irans protests show no signs of stopping. Sparked by the death of a young Kurdish Iranian woman named Mahsa Zhina Amini after being detained by the morality police, rallies have spread from the towns of Kurdistan to the rest of the country.

The protests are unprecedented in scale and unity: Iranians from different ethnic and regional backgrounds, nonreligious and religious alike, have taken part, defying government threats that rebellion could lead to chaos. And they differ dramatically from past protests that have shaken the countrys leadership.

Authorities have tried to crush the demonstrations with batons, tear gas and bullets. Dozens, and possibly many more, have been killed and many more arrested. But the movement continues. Small groups of protesters move from place to place erecting temporary barricades, yelling out, Death to the Dictator! and throwing rocks at cops who try to stop them.

Students at many universities have gone on strike, holding sit-ins and walkouts that have been violently dispersed. Acts of civil disobedience have even spread to high schools, where thousands of girls have defiantly pulled off their mandatory veils and shouted down administrators trying to stop them. Videos show schoolgirls replacing images of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in their classrooms with the slogan of the movement: Woman, Life, Freedom.

The protests strength is that they are unorganized and leaderless  a grass-roots expression of discontent. They are led overwhelmingly by young women. Many of those detained are teenagers; the movement is being led by a generation taking part in political dissent for the first time.

The last time Iran saw protests on this scale was after the 2009 elections. Mir-Hossein Mousavi ran against incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in a closely contested vote after years of reformist activism to expand social and political freedom and democratize Irans tightly controlled elections, even as the unelected Khamenei, in power since 1989, retained final say.

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Enthusiasm and expectations of change were high. I volunteered with Mousavis campaign, joining youthful crowds playing music in buoyant get-out-the-vote rallies. Mousavis message of freedom, social equality, and expanded rights for ethnic minorities resonated; many believed he stood a good chance of beating Ahmadinejad, known to be Khameneis favorite.

These hopes were soon dashed. Election results were released showing an Ahmadinejad victory. But they appeared riddled with errors. Experts soon began raising alarms about widespread vote rigging.

Protests broke out across the country, known as the Green Movement, after Mousavis campaign color. Millions demanding transparency joined marches under the slogan: Where is my vote? Shortly afterward, authorities cracked down. Security forces opened fire on crowds, killing dozens and detaining thousands more.

The protests eventually died down. The government put opposition candidates under house arrest, where they remain today, cutting the movements head off.

In 2009, Iranians were driven to the streets by hope. By casting votes, they believed that change was possible through the elections. Today, in contrast, it is desperation and fury driving Iranians to the streets.

Iran has changed dramatically over the last decade. The imposition of U.S. sanctions since 2011 has undermined the economy, undercut the rials value, impoverished ordinary Iranians and cut them off from the rest of the world.

In 2013, millions defied repression to vote for reformist President Hassan Rouhani, who carried the Green Movements legacy. But hopes evaporated when President Donald Trump tore up the historic 2015 Iran nuclear agreement and imposed new sanctions. This caused a major backlash against the reformists, who had argued for years that the West could be trusted.

Yearly protests have rocked Iran over the last five years, centered on economic inequality and the impact of a growing environmental crisis. Brutal repression against these protests has revealed a regime increasingly unwilling to bear any criticism and presidents seemingly unable to protect citizens from the security forces.

Iranians faith in the political system reached a nadir in last years presidential elections, when authorities disqualified any candidate who could challenge Ebrahim Raisi, a conservative cleric with a sordid human rights record who had overwhelmingly lost the previous election  but was Khameneis preferred candidate.

While in 2009 vote-rigging happened behind the scenes, the 2021 election rigging occurred in the open. In disgust, most eligible Iranians refused to cast a ballot.

Khamenei achieved his dream  almost complete political power. But in the process, he has created his worst nightmare. By undermining elections, he removed one of the few avenues left for Iranians to express discontent. Because he has monopolized politics, the only way people can now imagine change is if he goes. And since he has repressed civil society for decades, few viable organized alternatives exist.

The regime has for years warned people that protest could lead to chaos, pointing to neighboring states like Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria torn apart by foreign intervention. But in recent weeks, the wall of fear has been broken. A new generation is taking the lead. Their slogans have expanded from being focused on womens rights to include wider systemic change: Death to the Oppressor, whether a Shah (king) or a Rahbar (religious leader).

With protests spreading from Aminis Kurdish hometown to Azeri Turkish cities, the Persian heartland, and Arab and Baluchi towns hundreds of miles away, it is clear this vision resonates across Irans diverse mosaic.

Iranians are deciding their own fate. But it is crucial that the international community support them, including by lifting sanctions that have had a corrosive effect on Iranian civil society. The Biden administration wisely relaxed U.S. sanctions that blocked Iranians access to communication tools. He must continue to do more in that direction, including easing visa, financial and educational interchange restrictions that limit Iranians access to the outside world.

The Iranian government may crack down on the crowds and the dissidents. But the scope of change the public is imagining has significantly shifted since 2009.

Even if the regime puts out the flames of rebellion today, the embers will continue to smolder.

Alex Shams is a PhD student of anthropology at the University of Chicago. His research focuses on politics and religion in the contemporary Middle East.





This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
JERUSALEM (AP)  A Palestinian opened fire on an Israeli military checkpoint in east Jerusalem on Saturday night, killing a female Israeli soldier and wounding three other people, Israeli authorities said.

The attack came hours after a pair of Palestinian teenagers were killed during an Israeli military raid in the occupied West Bank.

It was the latest bloodshed in the deadliest round of fighting in the area in seven years. It also came less than 24 hours before Israel was to begin celebrating the weeklong Sukkot holiday, a time when tens of thousands of Jews visit the holy city.

Saturday night's shooting occurred at a checkpoint near the Shuafat refugee camp in east Jerusalem. Police said the assailant got out of a car and opened fire, seriously wounding the female soldier and a security guard before running into the camp. The army announced early Sunday that the woman, who was 19, had died.

Police said two members of the paramilitary border police unit were lightly wounded by shrapnel.

Police said they were searching for the attacker, with special forces and a helicopter involved in the search. Police said early Sunday that they arrested one person on suspicion of involvement in the attack, but were continuing the manhunt.

Our hearts tonight are with the wounded and their families, said Prime Minister Yair Lapid. Terrorism will not defeat us. We are also strong on this difficult evening.

Israel captured east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed the area in a move that is not recognized internationally. It considers the entire city, including east Jerusalem, home to the city's most important holy sites, to be its capital. The Palestinians claim east Jerusalem as the capital of a future state.

Israel already has been carrying out daily arrest raids in the occupied West Bank since a series of deadly Palestinian attacks inside Israel. Most of the military activity has been focused in the Palestinian cities of Jenin and Nablus in the northern West Bank.

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Earlier Saturday, the Israeli military shot and killed two Palestinian teens during an arrest raid in the Jenin refugee camp, the site of repeated clashes between Israeli forces and local gunmen and residents. The camp is known as a stronghold of Palestinian militants.

Palestinian officials said soldiers entered the camp early Saturday and surrounded a house. In videos circulated on social media, exchanges of fire could be heard. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported two dead and 11 wounded, three of them critically.

The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the dead as Mahmoud al-Sous, 18, and Ahmad Daraghmeh, 16.

The Israeli military said it had arrested a 25-year-old operative from the Islamic Jihad militant group who has previously been imprisoned by Israel. It said the man had recently been involved in shooting attacks on Israeli soldiers.

It said soldiers opened fire during the raid when dozens of Palestinians hurled explosives and shot at them.

Just before noontime, the Israeli forces withdrew from the area.

The killing occurred a day after two Palestinian teenagers, ages 14 and 17, were killed by Israeli fire in separate incidents elsewhere in the occupied West Bank. Rights groups accuse Israeli forces of using excessive force in their dealings with the Palestinians, without being held accountable. The Israeli military says it opens fire only in life-threatening situations.

Israel says it is forced to take action because Palestinian security forces, who coordinate with the military in a tense alliance against Islamic militants, is unable or unwilling to crack down. Palestinian security forces say the military raids have undermined their credibility and public support, especially in the absence of any political process. The last round of substantive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks ended in 2009.

Most of those killed are said by Israel to have been militants. But local youths protesting the incursions as well as some civilians have also been killed in the violence. Hundreds have been rounded up, with many placed in so-called administrative detention, which allows Israel to hold them without trial or charge. Over 100 Palestinians have been killed in the fighting this year.

The violence is also fueled by deepening disillusionment and anger among young Palestinians over the tight security coordination between Israel and the internationally backed Palestinian Authority, which work together to apprehend militants.

U.N. Mideast envoy Tor Wennesland said he was alarmed by the rising bloodshed. The mounting violence in the occupied West Bank is fueling a climate of fear, hatred and anger, he said in a statement, calling on the sides to reduce tensions and take steps toward reviving a political process.

Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war and 500,000 Jewish settlers now live in some 130 settlements and other outposts among nearly 3 million Palestinians. The Palestinians want that territory, along with east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, for their future state.
Pavement released some of the most influential albums of the 90s, without crossing into the mainstream

Depending on who you ask, Pavement are either the greatest indie band of the nineties, or a minor blip on the rock landscape.

Formed in California in 1989, they were the ultimate underground band, whose noisy, shambolic songs were laced with enough melodic charm to lodge permanently in your brain.

Their first two albums, Slanted and Enchanted (1992) and Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain (1994) were hailed as masterpieces of lo-fi, slacker rock - a description that's technically true, but which fails to capture their magic.

From the fuzzy squall of Summer Babe to the celestial balladry of Spit On A Stranger and the goofiness of Cut Your Hair, Pavement knew their way around a pop song, no matter how awkward the delivery.

They built an audience who gorged on frontman Stephen Malkmus's wayward song structures and cryptic lyrics ("Lies and betrayals / Fruit-covered nails," he sang, mystifyingly, on Trigger Cut).

But after Crooked Rain pushed Pavement towards the limelight, an unpredictable follow-up - 1995's Wowee Zowee - put them back in the shadows.

It was an act of commercial self-sabotage that only deepened their cult appeal. Pavement never committed the "sin" of having a hit song and they quit while they were ahead: Disbanding in 1999, with just five almost-perfect albums to their name.

Their last show, in London's Brixton Academy, hinted at internal tensions. Attaching handcuffs to his microphone, Malkmus told the audience: "These symbolise what it's like being in a band all these years." When the gig ended, the band left on one side of the stage, and Malkmus walked off in the opposite direction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTTgpTeb0Z8

But percussionist Bob Nastanovich says the myth surrounding Pavement's demise is more dramatic than the reality.

"It's never been anywhere near as bad as people thought it was," he says. "There really wasn't that much drama at all. It was more about exhaustion and desire to do other things."

For Nastanovich, that meant a career in horse racing - but today he's speaking on Zoom from San Francisco, where Pavement are in the middle of a reunion tour (their second, after a previous fling in 2010).

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We're quickly joined on the call by Malkmus, mid-order at a local coffee joint. Americano in hand, he chats enthusiastically about their upcoming London shows and the band's giant video screen, which he's nicknamed R2-FU.

"The tour's been great so far," he beams. "I'm sort of like a tiger let out of the cage. An older, greyer tiger."

His sunny disposition might seem out of character to longtime fans. In Pavement's prime, Malkmus was often accused of being surly and aloof. According to drummer Steve West, there were times he refused to speak to his bandmates, pulling a jacket over his head and referring to himself as "the little bitch".

But he rejected those characterisations, telling one reporter it was all "part of the act".

"I'm nice at the bottom of my heart, but I like the 'tough love, bitchy performer' thing."

These days, he seems mellow. He talks in ellipses and apologises several times for rambling - but there's an obvious affection for Pavement and its fans.

That fanbase has only expanded in recent years.

As the dust of the 90s settled, Pavement's stock rose, with acts like Blur, Animal Collective, Deerhunter and Beabadoobee citing them as a major influence. Rolling Stone recently ranked Slanted and Enchanted at number 199 in its top 500 albums of all time. Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain landed at 343 and Wowee Zowee (which has undergone a critical reappraisal) was at 265.

"It's a great compliment," says Nastanovich. "But I mean, they had to put something from early 90s on there, other than Nevermind."

Pavement in Germany, 1997 (L-R): Stephen Malkmus, Steve West, Bob Nastanovich, Scott Kannberg and Mark Ibold

Over the years, the band's archives have been raided for a series of album reissues that further enhanced their reputation, but Malkmus claims not to have heard them. Instead, he prepared for the Pavement reunion on YouTube.

"I listened to every song, just about, that we ever did, starting from the very beginning to make sure I had enough material to surprise people and make it magical and every show different."

He has kept his word.

The tour is designed as a series of mini-residencies, and every night delivers "a different set and a different vibe", raved Rolling Stone critic Rob Sheffield. "Twenty-five songs in two hours, rampaging all over their catalogue, rocking the house each night with a couple dozen of the greatest tunes ever written for electrically amplified string instruments."

The only problem? That big video screen ruins their spontaneity.

"We're used to passing out setlists 20 minutes before we go on stage," says Nastanovich, "but to get everything set up for the show to work, it needs to be in five hours beforehand."

Even so, the band have frequently thrown their plans out the window.

"Last night we had a couple of band meetings on stage and changed a couple of songs," he confesses. "I'm sure it's thoroughly entertaining for the audience to watch, you know? A cluster of people deciding what to play next."

Percussionist and occasional singer Bob Nastanovich is the band's biggest cheerleader, as well as an expert on thoroughbred race horses

But the tour also sees a level of professionalism Pavement lacked first time round.

"We had a proper rehearsal this time," says Malkmus, only half-joking. "In the 90s, tours were hammered down our throats at all times and we'd just jump on them.

"This time, we worked on our chops, which is a funny thing to say with Pavement. The drummer in particular spent a year practicing. We never had a chance to do that before.

"But it's still loose, it's still Pavement," he reassures. "The emotions coming at you are gonna take you back to when you first heard us."

One track, however, is a new addition to the set.

Harness Your Hopes, a b-side recorded during sessions for 1997's Brighten The Corners, has suddenly risen from obscurity to become Pavement's most-streamed song,

Malkmus only became aware when he heard the song in a bakery near his home in Portland, Oregon. At first, he thought it was the Rolling Stones' Tumblin' Dice. Then the vocals kicked in and "my kids said they knew the song".

It turned out the 25-year-old track had inspired a TikTok dance craze.

"I assumed it was a kind of smaller viral hit," he says, "but it turns out we're like a strong Omicron."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXaVmTa7FUA

He laughs when I mention the second verse: "Show me a word that rhymes with pavement/And I won't kill your parents and roast them on a spit" (the joke being that the second line describes the word "depravement")

"That's the kind of thing you write when you're feeling cocky and you think it's a b-side," says Malkmus.

"It's sort of bizarre, how history rewrites itself."

The song has brought Pavement a new audience, although Malkmus grumbles that they never make it to the moshpit.

"I hate to say it, but there's, like, a halo of wealth at the front, where the tickets cost more. And it's fine, but it's almost always older people with disposable income."

Ultimately, though, Pavement are happy on the nostalgia circuit.

"I like going to reunion shows," says Malkmus, "because, almost always, the dudes and women are psyched to be up there.

"I mean, I hear stories about mega-bands like The Police who exist in separate rooms and are mailing it in for the cash. This is not that.

"The feeling in the band is pretty much the exact same as it was the first time we ever got into a minivan in the 90s."

The one thing he won't consider, however, is adding to Pavement's body of work.

"That'd be really weird," he says. "These songs are solid. They're old but they're still alive. I don't know why you would do it."

Pavement play four nights at London's Roundhouse from 22 October.
Last year was the worst for marine litter in Northern Ireland since records began in 2012, experts say.

Four in five waste items found on beaches in 2021 were single-use plastics such as food and drinks containers.

Environmental charity Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful (KNIB), which compiles the Marine Litter Report, said the findings were very concerning.

It said plastics damage the environment, the economy and humans.

The report collects information about litter on beaches across the region, with four surveys completed throughout the year.

Observing 12 reference beaches around Northern Ireland, the report found an average 760 items recorded per 100 metres - roughly eight pieces of litter per step.

Short pieces of string, cord and rope were also found across all beaches, as well as 1,012 heavy-duty gloves - most commonly associated with fishing gear - which was double on 2020.

Chief executive of Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful Dr Ian Humphreys said when a person dropped a piece of litter, whether in town or on the beach, it often found its way out to sea.

"The erosion caused by waves will break down that plastic into smaller and smaller pieces, so if the piece of litter doesn't choke a turtle or strangle something in its early days, then it becomes microplastics and the research shows that it then goes in the food we eat.

"It comes up the food chain, it's in the water we drink, it's in the air we breath and recent research is now finding it in human blood," he said.

"It can't be good when our own pollution and litter is coming back to live inside us."

'Look at alternatives'

The Marine Litter Report, which is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), found the amount of litter had doubled since 2020, when a slight downward trend had been noted.

Increases in 2021 have been attributed in part to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, winter storms and people having less time to carry out clean-ups.

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Dr Humphreys said the key problem was consumption habits.

"Single-use plastics are by far the biggest element in marine litter so that plastic, whether it's the plastic lid of a coffee cup, or the plastic lining of the coffee cup, the plastic in cigarettes or the polystyrene packaging of fish and chips, these are all things that we could look at alternatives to."

"The carrier bag levy that DAERA introduced was highly successful in driving down the use of single-use plastic bags and they are looking at a levy on coffee cups, which would hopefully move us to remember to bring our refill cup and remove that problem of having to use a single use plastic," Dr Humphreys said.

Survey volunteer Paul Moore

'You should be responsible for your own rubbish'

Paul Moore

Paul Moore from Belfast has carried out surveys at Northern Ireland's beaches for the past decade and confirmed that single-use plastics, like food and drinks containers, make up most of the litter left behind.

"It's usually people having picnics or small walks and just dropping food wrappers behind them," he told BBC News NI.

"It's never horrific but there's also a lot of washed-up stuff, which is hard to recognise sometimes."

Mr Moore added that nature as well as people can wash items ashore, however, he urged people not to leave litter behind.

"It's human nature unfortunately, if somebody else is going to clear it up, they'll let them do it. You should be responsible for your own rubbish.

Now retired, the former entomologist [study of insects], said he volunteered as a hobby.

"It's only about a two kilometre dander along a beach but whenever you're doing it your eyes are focused and because I was an entomologist, I can spot really small things from a distance.

"It's good craic, the people who go out are dedicated," he continued.

"We do the easiest bit, it's the clean up after the survey. About two or three weeks later a team will go out from the local area and clean up the place."

The findings of the survey form part of a global database run by OSPAR, the international body responsible for protecting the north-eastern Atlantic.

It aims to get a picture of the scale of the problem and find solutions and, while the issue is very much global, Dr Humphreys said a "big cultural change" was also needed at home.

"Recent research showed 34% of people in Northern Ireland admit to littering: That's more than 600,000 people, so there's a lot of work to be done to change attitudes."

Worst offenders? Young men

That also leaves a large proportion of people who don't litter, and councils are seeing many groups of people meeting and going out to clean up.

One of the schemes run by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, Adopt a Spot, involves a group of volunteers selecting an area they will regularly visit and go to pick up litter.

"We had a new strategy in 2020 where we said we would try to reach 500 Adopt a Spot groups by 2025," he said.

"We have about 885 and growing today, just two years in."

That was being reflected across society in Northern Ireland, with volunteers acting as a deterrent to would-be litterers, "because they know that volunteers won't take kindly to seeing litter dropped in front of them".

But with the scale of the problem, "there's no one magic wand to wave," Dr Humphreys said.

"Many other necessary initiatives were already in motion, from increasing the visibility of bins that are already in place, to media campaigns targeting young males, the largest demographic of offenders when it comes to littering.

"Success will be underpinned by communities taking control of the quality of their local environment," he added.

"It'll be about people not tolerating littering in the area that they love and that is what we need to focus our efforts on.

"If we can get that right on litter, people will also be caring more about nature, biodiversity, the way they consume, how much they consume, repairing things rather than buying a new one when they break.

"This will bring cost savings as well as environmental benefits," said Dr Humphreys.

"And let's face it, without a healthy environment, people across the world are going to find out that it's problematic to live the way we do."
EUROPEAN PRAVDA  SATURDAY, 8 OCTOBER 2022, 19:17

In the Office of the President, the main task related to European integration is considered to be implementing, as soon as possible, the recommendations made to Ukraine when it received candidate status.

Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Office of the President and diplomatic adviser to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, mentioned this in an interview with European Pravda.

As he said, the seven recommendations made to Ukraine should be implemented "as soon as possible, preferably by the end of the year."

"To do so, everyone needs to step up their work, and the Verkhovna Rada [Ukrainian Parliament] must also raise the quality of its work. Nearly all parliamentary committees have now set up subcommittees on European integration, and these will be responsible for adapting the acquis communautaire. A Member of Parliament responsible for this work will be appointed in each committee. The Verkhovna Rada must also fully implement the Association Agreement. The government needs to significantly intensify its work, understanding that European integration is no longer a foreign policy matter," Ihor Zhovkva commented.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
The Cemetery Walk in Montgomery Wednesday evening offered participants a chance to learn something new about the village's history. (Judy Pochel / The Beacon-News)

Dozens of people flocked to Riverside Cemetery in Montgomery Wednesday evening to get a history lesson about the people who lived in the area before them.

For the 13th year, the Montgomery Historic Preservation Commission put together the Cemetery Walk, where participants learned a bit of local history by walking through the cemetery and listening to people portraying some of those buried at Riverside.

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Debbie Buchanan has been integral to the event since its inception and said each year it gets more interesting.

Doug Mareck, a Montgomery trustee, said he enjoys the Cemetery Walk.

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You learn about history and those who were in Montgomery before us, he said.

He said learning about history is fun and commented that one day, very far away, they will come and visit my grave.

One of the graves visited was that of Charles Flynn, born in 1914, who was portrayed by Gray Arendt during the event.

Will Hatfield portrays William VonHoff during the Cemetery Walk in Montgomery Wednesday evening. VonHoff, a former Burlington Railroad worker, is buried at Riverside Cemetery in Montgomery where the event was held. (Judy Pochel / The Beacon-News)

I was just a boy when my 35-year-old mother fell in love with a neighbor boy who was half her age, 17, Arendt said as he portrayed Flynn. She ran away with him and took all four children with her.

When America entered World War II after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Flynn was quick to join the Armed Forces. He did well until he was captured and became a prisoner of war. He survived and came back to the area, dying in 1981.

The next stop on the tour was visiting with John Aman who portrayed Herb Tschannen, who was part of a family that emigrated from Switzerland to Montgomery in the early part of the 20th century.

Tschannen attended high school for two years and was working at Lyon Metal when World War II broke out. Tschannen served in the war and was wounded, being sent to various hospitals in Europe before returning home, Aman said.

The next stop on the tour was a visit to the resting place of Mary Livsey. Marion Bond portrayed the woman who worked as a schoolteacher. She met John Livsey, and they married in 1902.

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Early married life began with John Livsey working at Lyon Metal. He eventually served as the mayor in Montgomery for 20 years.

As a final stop, visitors were led to the resting place of William VonHoff, a Burlington Railroad worker. Will Hatfield portrayed the man at the event.

Judy Pochel is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
Four-star defensive tackle [autotag]Kayden McDonald[/autotag] has already been to the Swamp three times this season, and now hes planning a fourth visit, according to 247Sports.

McDonald made his way down to Gainesville twice in June, including an official visit, and again in July. Still, he hasnt experienced a game day at the University of Florida, but that should change on Saturday when he visits to see the Gators take on the Missouri Tigers.

Michigan and Ohio State have also hosted him on official visits, and he has a trip to Oklahoma lined up in a few weeks. Clemson could get the fifth and final visit, but McDonald hasnt committed to anything just yet. Although that competition may seem fierce, Floridas got the advantage of being a tenured member of the SEC.

Its Florida and I want to play in the SEC, McDonald said to 247Sports. (Billy) Napier, he ran the Sun Belt, so hes going to win some games. If I come here or not, theyre going to win. Hes going to get a Natty in possibly three to four years, so hes just trying to build this 2023 class. Hes already got the new facilities and academics. Youre going to get a great degree here and just come and work.

McDonald plans on committing at the end of the month, so he must have some idea of where he wants to go among the five programs. Interestingly, Clemson leads the On3 recruiting prediction machine with 61.7% odds to land McDonald, and Florida is a distant third Michigan with a 2.3% shot. A visit to Florida could change things, but theres clearly plenty of work to be done over the weekend.

The 247Sports composite ranks McDonald at No. 243 overall in the class of 2023 and No. 35 among defensive linemen. Hes a bit lower on the composite rankings at No. 302 nationally and No. 44 among those in his position group.

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Zachary Petrizzo/The Daily Beast

WASHINGTON, D.C.Right-wing activists assembled on Capitol grounds Friday afternoon for yet another pro-Trump rally after a similar event proved an epic failure less than two weeks agobut again found themselves struggling to explain a pathetically low turnout.

Fervent supporters of Jan. 6 defendants, a MAGA-loving fashion designer, and a rough-and-tumble gentleman dressed in early colonial garb were just a few of the characters back outside the Capitol, equally upset at President Joe Biden and over Capitol rioters remaining behind bars.

Despite their attempts to draw in the MAGA faithful by playing Donald Trump speeches ahead of their first speaker, the Stop the Tyrants & Unite for Freedom gathering flopped. Even with frequent Steve Bannon podcast guest Matt Braynard in attendance, a mere 27 individualsincluding two hired private security guardsshowed up.

Braynard, a leading Jan. 6 advocate and director of the right-wing organization Look Ahead America, took to the miniature stage and almost immediately cried foul over five liberal activists who had shown up to protest the event.

Zachary Petrizzo/The Daily Beast

But these werent any activists. Instead, these activists, who event organizer John Paul Moran referred to as paid agitators and members of Antifa, brought particularly upsetting and bothersome trinkets to derail the pro-Trump rally: whistles.

I want you to recognize something, Braynard said. They are trying to interrupt. Thats why theyre blowing the whistle. To make it hard to hear us!

Further, the irony of defending Capitol police officers was apparently lost on him.

You have some purple-haired freak, three inches from your face, blowing a whistle, causing you [police officers] hearing damage, Braynard continued, attempting to be a white knight on behalf of the same Capitol police force that Jan. 6 defendants allegedly assaulted.

Elsewhere at the event, theories flowed about why the event didnt pan out and draw in the masses.

Zachary Petrizzo/The Daily Beast

Right-wing speaker and lawyer Deborah Weiss blamed the organizers for scheduling the event on a sunny Friday afternoon.

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First of all, its a weekday during the day, [and] a lot of people work, she told The Daily Beast. Second of all, its very, very hard for conservative groups to get their message out right before the election, she said before claiming email invitations for the event were censored by suspicious left-wing forces.

She then fine-tuned that theory to claim email invitations wound up in spam foldersdirected there somehow by unspecified sinister figures.

They didnt go into my inbox. They disappeared entirely, she said. Hard to get the message out!

Similarly, self-proclaimed Capitan Matthew Woods, dressed in colonial attire (except for his run-of-the-mill khakis), echoed the claim of would-be right-wing attendees being fear[ful] of being back in Washington, D.C. Woods also expressed frustration over the lack of notice to potential event attendees.

Zachary Petrizzo/The Daily Beast

MAGA fashion designer Andre Soriano spoke too, flanked by a female model wearing a Trump-inspired dark red dress reading, Keep America Great. Wearing a black top hat, along with a long pea-coat (a look he called Abraham Lincoln-ish), Soriano railed against Biden while taking issue with stimulus checks. By the end of his short speech, he was in tears. Literally. He fell into the hands of a nearby organizers arms after walking off stage.

As for the lackluster crowd, he said, it doesnt matter the size of a crowd.

Joseph McBride, a prominent Jan. 6 attorney, made a cameo at the event. You have members of Antifa over there, he declared to The Daily Beast before being called up on stage by failed Virginia Republican Senate candidate Ivan Raiklin to address the crowd.

One of the only Washington, D.C. residents, speaker and patriot activist Suzanne Monk, claimed the rioting on Jan. 6 was to blame for subsequent events in D.C. failing miserably.

Or even the government itself, she said. Obviously, people are a little nervous that this could happen again.

Jan. 6 Truth Rally at Capitol Fails Spectacularly

Nevertheless, John Paul Moran, founder of the organizing group GOUSA, said, We put the word out, literally, about a week ago. We would have liked to have more people, but I would consider it a success.

Moran concluded by asking attendees to join him at Harrys Bar, a far-right Proud Boy hotspot in the city, for happy hour.

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COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP)  Payne Durham made two big catches during a wild fourth quarter  and this time, it was Purdue's opponent that couldn't stop committing crucial penalties.

Durham caught a 4-yard touchdown touchdown pass from Aidan O'Connell with 3:19 remaining, and the Boilermakers held on for a 31-29 victory Saturday when Maryland was flagged for an ineligible man downfield on what would have been a tying 2-point conversion with 35 seconds left.

Durham had seven catches for 109 yards, including a 56-yard catch-and-run that set up another Purdue touchdown late in the game.

One thing about Payne, hes a great leader, Purdue coach Jeff Brohm said. Hes made a few mistakes this year, hed be the first one to tell you, but man, he goes hard. He cares, he wants to win, hes a great teammate.

Durham caught a late touchdown pass at Syracuse last month, but was called for a 15-yard penalty on the extra point  the start of a flag-filled meltdown that cost Purdue the game. But Maryland (4-2, 1-2 Big Ten) has had problems with penalties this year as well, and those were on full display Saturday.

The two teams went scoreless in the second half until a wild finish that included four touchdowns in the final 7:47. Maryland appeared to have tied it when Taulia Tagovailoa found Rakim Jarrett in the corner of the end zone for a 2-point conversion in the final minute. However, offensive lineman Delmar Glaze was flagged for being downfield, and Tagovailoa threw incomplete on the next attempt.

O'Connell threw for 360 yards and two touchdowns for the Boilermakers (4-2, 2-1). Tagovailoa threw for 315 yards and three touchdowns, but Maryland couldn't produce any points off Purdue's three second-half turnovers.

The Terrapins finally broke a 17-all tie on Tagovailoas 11-yard TD pass to Roman Hemby, but Cam Allen blocked the extra point. Maryland fans howled in protest as replays showed Allen may have jumped offside on the play.

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Ill say this: The blocked extra point had a major impact on the game. Its a one-score game, it takes us into overtime, it adjusts and changes how they play the game, Terrapins coach Michael Locksley said. The illegal man downfield had no impact on the touchdown, so Ill just leave it at that.

OConnell, who had fumbled and thrown an interception earlier in the half, calmly guided the Boilermakers 66 yards in 10 plays and threw his 4-yard touchdown pass to Durham to put Purdue ahead 24-23. The Boilermakers then forced a Maryland punt with 2:36 left, and although the Terrapins had all three timeouts left, they left Durham all alone over the middle for his long reception that put the ball at the Maryland 2. That set up Devin Mockobee's 1-yard touchdown run with 1:20 left that made it 31-23.

Tagovailoa and the Terps responded impressively, pulling within two on an 18-yard scoring pass to Corey Dyches, but Maryland ultimately came up one play short.

Tagovailoa opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 9-yard run, but Purdue eventually took a 10-7 lead with the help of a Maryland penalty. The Terrapins were called for an illegal substitution when O'Connell threw incomplete on third-and-goal from the 2. Given another chance, the Boilermakers scored on Dylan Downing's 1-yard run.

O'Connell threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Mershawn Rice for a 17-10 lead. That drive was aided by an unnecessary roughness penalty on Maryland's Ahmad McCullough when Purdue would have been facing third-and-long.

Purdue took over the ball at its own 16 with 1:08 left in the half and seemed content to run the ball, but Maryland aggressively used timeouts and forced a punt. Then Tagovailoa found Dyches open behind the defense on a deep pass, and although defensive back Cory Trice caught him around the 15, he couldn't bring him down.

The Maryland tight end eventually dragged the defender to the end zone for a 68-yard touchdown. That tied it at 17 with 14 seconds left in the half.

THE TAKEAWAY

Purdue: The Big Ten West is very much up for grabs, and this was a second straight win on the road for the Boilermakers after they also beat Minnesota. They were fortunate the turnovers didn't come back to haunt them.

It's a credit again to our defense for keeping us in the game so long against a really good offense, O'Connell said. Two weeks in a row, they've basically won the game for us.

Maryland: A missed opportunity to put it mildly. With a manageable October schedule, it wasn't crazy to think Maryland could be 7-1 by the end of the month. The Terps had a decent crowd on a nice day in College Park  and an opponent that kept giving them the ball  but Maryland's offense didn't start clicking until the very end.

Are we disappointed? Yeah, we sure are because we let one slip away here at home, Locksley said. Its just critical we come away with some points when we get turnovers like that.

KEPT UNDER CONTROL

This game included a couple of the Big Ten's best receivers, but Purdue's Charlie Jones had only three catches for 15 yards, and Jarrett had four catches for 28.

UP NEXT

Purdue: The Boilermakers return home to face Nebraska next Saturday night.

Maryland: The Terrapins are at Indiana on Saturday.

___

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Sergey Surovikin

No reasons for the decision were given in the report, but the new appointment is likely related to the failures of the Russian army in Ukraine.

Read also: Russian army exhausted, but dictator wants to fight to last Russian, says military expert

At the end of June 2022, Surovikin became the commander of the southern group of Russian troops in Ukraine. It carried out an offensive in Zolote and Hirske of Luhansk Oblast.

Before his assignment to Ukraine, Surovikin was the commander of the Russian group in Syria, then in 2017, Putin appointed him as the head of the Russian Aerospace Forces.

Read also: Commander of Georgian Legion describes liberation of key Donetsk town of Lyman

Meanwhile, the commander of the troops of Russias Eastern Military District was also replaced. According to the database of the Unified State Register of Legal Entities of the Russian Federation, Lieutenant General Rustam Muradov was appointed to this position.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
STANISLAV POHORILOV  SATURDAY, 8 OCTOBER 2022, 09:41

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been informed about the fire on the Crimean Bridge. Dmitry Peskov, Putins press secretary, said that Putin has called for a special government commission to be created.

Source: RIA Novosti (RIA News), a pro-Kremlin Russian media outlet

Quote: "The President instructed the Prime Minister to form a government commission to investigate the causes of the incident and promptly eliminate its consequences. [The commission] will also include the heads of the Krasnodar Krai and of Crimea, as well as the representatives of the [National Guard of the Russian Federation], the FSB [Federal Security Service] and the Interior Ministry."

Background:

A large fire broke out on the railway portion of the Crimean Bridge on the morning of 8 October.

Russian-appointed Crimean occupation authorities claimed that a truck was blown up on the Crimean Bridge.

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Vladimir Putin

According to Kalin, it looks inevitable that Russias war in Ukraine will continue for some time, and the question is how much damage will have occurred before negotiations resume.

Read also: Russia at war not with Ukraine, but with collective West, says Russias defense minister

Our understanding is that Mr. Putin wants to have a new grand bargain, a new deal with the West, the spokesperson said.

Its partly about Ukraine, no doubt. But the larger issue is really a new deal between Russia and the Western world.

Kalin noted that Moscow feels that the agreements made at the end of the Cold War, under Presidents Mikhail Gorbachev and Boris Yeltsin, no longer reflect the Russia of today.

There is a new Russia, there is a new world, there is a new reality, and they want to have a new bargain, he said, adding that as a result, the entire global liberal order is facing a big test.

Erdogan had a phone talk with Putin on Oct. 7. Prior to that, on Oct. 6, the Turkish leader said that even the worst peace in Ukraine would be better than war.

Read also: Zelenskyy, Erdogan discuss situation at Zaporizhzhya NPP, sham referendums in occupied territories

Erdogan said the deal allowing the export of Ukrainian grain from several Ukrainian Black Sea ports and latest prisoner swaps were examples of what could be achieved through mediation and negotiation.

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on Sept. 30 signed agreements on annexing Russia-occupied Ukrainian territory with the proxy leaders from the sham republics the Kremlin set up in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, as well as with collaborators from Kherson and Zaporizhzhya oblasts.

After that, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy endorsed a recent decision made by the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) to outlaw any talks with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

Read also: Macron calls for limit to UN Security Council veto right due to Russian aggression

The Presidents Office stressed that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia would be impossible while Russia is headed by Putin.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The Queen Consort has made an appearance at a book festival near the royal residence at Balmoral.

Camilla met novelist Sebastian Faulks at the inaugural Braemar Literary Festival on Friday evening.

The event took place at the Fife Arms Hotel in the Scottish village loved by the Royal Family.

The Queen Consort holds more than six patronages related to literature, and has presented the prestigious Booker Prize in past years.

Camilla's book club Instagram account - The Reading Room - was launched in January 2021, inspired by the success of the reading lists she shared during the pandemic in 2020.

Through it she shares her love of reading, and has been praised by leading author Sir Philip Pullman for championing literature.

Faulks was due to take to the stage on Saturday to discuss his wartime thriller, "Charlotte Gray". Other writers due to appear include Kate Mosse, Scottish writer Jackie Kay and food writer Tom Parker Bowles.

The Queen Consort has long supported reading programmes. She has, in the past, urged parents to read to children daily and "lead them on a voyage of discovery".

She has previously spoken of the joy her father brought to her by reading to her every night.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have spent much of the early days of the King's reign in Scotland, travelling north after the Queen's funeral and conducting visits in Dunfermline and Edinburgh last week.
SEOUL, South Korea  The South Korean military said North Korea fired a ballistic missile toward its eastern waters on Sunday, the latest in the countrys barrage of weapons tests in recent days.

South Koreas joint chiefs of staff said in a statement the launch occurred early Sunday but gave no further details, including how far the weapon may have flown.

The Japanese government also said North Korea fired what was a possible ballistic missile.

The Japanese coast guard said it has warned ships around the countrys coasts about falling objects and urged them to stay away.

The launch, the Norths sixth round of weapons tests in two weeks, came hours after the United States and South Korea wrapped a new round of naval drills off the Korean Peninsulas east coast. The drills involved the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group.

North Koreas military warned Saturday that the U.S. redeployment of the aircraft carrier near the Korean Peninsula is causing a considerably huge negative splash in regional security, as it defended its recent missile tests as a righteous reaction to intimidating military drills between its rivals.

The North Korean Defense Ministry statement came a day after the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan began naval drills with South Korean warships. The Reagan and its battle group returned to the area after North Korea fired a powerful missile over Japan earlier this week to protest the carrier groups previous training with South Korea.

North Korea regards U.S.-South Korean military exercises as an invasion rehearsal and is especially sensitive if such drills involve U.S. strategic assets like an aircraft carrier. North Korea has argued it was forced to pursue a nuclear weapons program to cope with U.S. nuclear threats. U.S. and South Korean officials have repeatedly said they have no intentions of attacking the North.

Republic of Korea Lt. Taehyung Kim, left, Japanese Lt. j.g. Ryou Kato, Lt. j.g. Bill Watkins and Operations Specialist Seaman Savannah Valdez monitor simulated surface contacts during a trilateral anti-submarine warfare exercise aboard the destroyer Benfold, part of the Reagan Carrier Strike Group, Sept. 30. (MC2 Arthur Rosen/Navy)

In the past two weeks, North Korea has fired 10 ballistic missiles into the sea in five launch events, adding to its record-breaking pace of weapons tests this year. The recent weapons tests include a nuclear-capable missile that flew over Japan for the first time in five years and demonstrated a range to strike the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam and beyond.

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Earlier this year, North Korea tested other nuclear-capable ballistic missiles that place the U.S. mainland and its allies South Korea and Japan within striking distance.

North Koreas testing spree indicates its leader, Kim Jong Un, has no intention of resuming diplomacy with the U.S. and wants to focus on expanding his weapons arsenal. But some experts say Kim would eventually aim to use his advanced nuclear program to wrest greater outside concessions, such as the recognition of North Korea as a legitimate nuclear state, which Kim thinks is essential in getting crippling U.N. sanctions on his country lifted.

The Reagan carrier groups latest training with the South Korean navy is to end on Saturday.

South Korean officials recently said North Korea was also prepared to test a new liquid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile and a submarine-launched ballistic missile while maintaining readiness to perform its first underground nuclear test since 2017.
DALLAS (AP)  Quinn Ewers never really considered whether he would be rusty after missing the last three games for Texas because of a collarbone injury that took him out against the nation's top-ranked team.

The standout freshman quarterback was just ready to play against the Longhorns' biggest rival  in what became an unprecedented romp over suddenly reeling Oklahoma.

When coach told me, what was going through my mind was, Its time to go. Thats pretty much it, Ewers said. Growing up a fan, I always wanted to play in this one, so its pretty special.

Ewers threw for 289 yards and four touchdowns in his return, Bijan Robinson ran for 130 yards with two TDs and the Longhorns handed Oklahoma its most-lopsided shutout loss ever, 49-0 on Saturday. It was the first meeting between the Red River rivals since 1998 with neither ranked, and the highest-scoring game for Texas in the 118-game series that dates to 1900.

The defense for the Longhorns (4-2, 2-1 Big 12) was pretty good too.

"Its a tribute to these guys," coach Steve Sarkisian said, patting big linebacker DeMarvion Overshown sitting next to him. What a moment. Its something they can carry with them. These guys, weve been playing good defense all year. We really have. I hate it that one half of a game all of a sudden defines who we were a couple of weeks ago.

While Ewers was back, the Sooners (3-3, 0-3) were without starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who didnt play a week after getting hit in the head and knocked out of the TCU game with a concussion. Pitt transfer Davis Beville got the start, but Oklahoma opted for numerous wildcat plays without the quarterback and finished with only 39 yards passing and 195 overall.

The 92,100-seat Cotton Bowl Stadium was full for the start of the annual meeting at the State Fair of Texas, with fans in crimson and burnt orange split at the 50-yard line as usual. The Sooners side was emptying long before the game ended, and Texas fans stayed to relish every moment as they the Golden Hat trophy back for the first time since 2018.

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Coming to Texas, you circle this game on your calendar each year. Overshown said.  Not being able to (put) that hat on... its heartbreaking. But leaving with it this year, youre never going to forget that.

After a 3-0 start with new coach Brent Venables, Oklahoma has its first three-game losing streak since 1998. The Sooners lost five in a row that season, including an 0-4 start in Big 12 play before a 29-0 loss to Texas A&M that was their last shutout until Saturday. Their largest shutout loss had been 47-0 to Oklahoma State in 1945.

Shock? Nothing shocks me. This game will punish you when you dont do all kinds of different things, whether its coaching or playing, Venables said. Our group of guys have been incredibly committed to what weve asked them to do. Maybe one of those factors if we need to be fresher. Look at everything.

Ewers completed 14 of his first 16 passes and finished 21 of 31 in his first action since getting hurt in the first quarter four weeks ago against No. 1 Alabama, which held on for a 20-19 win. The strong-armed quarterback from nearby Southlake, who spent last season at Ohio State, was 9 of 12 for 134 yards against the Crimson Tide before his early exit that put 2021 starter Hudson Card back under center even as he was dealing with an ankle injury.

A week after that, the Longhorns had a two-touchdown lead in the second half at Texas Tech before losing in overtime.

Every week was kind of a little bit of a juggling act, Sarkisian said The hardest part about not playing quarterback is not the physical part. Its the mental part. Its the nuances in our system. We change tempos quite a bit. We huddle, we shift, we motion. We do a lot of different things that dont seem like much outside, but in our world theyre big deals.

Both Ewers and Card were feeling better this week, though it wasn't until Thursday afternoon that Sarkisian told them who was starting.

Texas had two 90-yard scoring drives in the first quarter, capped by Robinsons 2-yard run and Xavier Worthys 10-yard catch. In between those touchdowns, Oklahoma converted a fake field goal, only to get stopped on fourth-and-2 inside the 10 four plays later

THE TAKEAWAY

Texas: The Longhorns had a balanced 585 total yards of offense, with 289 passing and 296 rushing. A year after building a 28-7 lead in the first quarter against Oklahoma before losing 55-48 in the highest-scoring game in the series, Texas went ahead 21-0 on Keilan Robinson's 15-yard TD catch midway through the second quarter, and added on from there.

I hate to dwell on last year, but we felt like we let one get away last year, Sarkisian said. In the end, we played a really complete football game.

Oklahoma: Without Gabriel, Oklahoma opted for a lot of direct snaps to running back Eric Gray or tight end Brayden Willis. The Sooners averaged 5.8 yards per carry before halftime, and still trailed 28-0. Along with the fourth-down stop inside the 10, they were driving late in the second quarter when Gray took a direct snap from the 20, ran forward a few steps and then threw a jump pass right to Texas Jahdae Barron.

ONE MORE ALL-TIME

Texas and Oklahoma, who are both moving into the Southeastern Conference no later than the 2025 season, entered their latest Red River rivalry game with 931 all-time wins. The Longhorns now have 932. The only programs with more wins are Michigan, Alabama and Ohio State.

UP NEXT

Texas hosts Iowa State next Saturday.

Oklahoma is home against No. 19 Kansas next Saturday.

___

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RICHMOND, Ind.  Pen met paper Thursday evening as people volunteered for committee work to develop and initiate regional projects.

Those signing up were leaving First Bank Kuhlman Center after attending the presentation of the Eastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission's draft five-year comprehensive economic development strategy. The nearly 40 participants came from all six counties  Fayette, Henry, Randolph, Rush, Union and Wayne  in the regional group's area.

"I think we're in good shape at this point," said Jeff Plasterer, the EIRPC executive director. "We had a good turnout tonight. We have people who appear to be energized and are interested in helping us with comments on the draft."

The draft, and subsequent final version, will be submitted to the Federal Economic Development Administration. That provides the region, one of 15 in Indiana, a better opportunity to receive project funding.

Plasterer, a Wayne County commissioner who is retiring as EIRPC's leader at the end of the year, said volunteers are essential for the region to carry out the strategies, goals and objectives developed during the past 15 months with consultants from Ball State University's Indiana Communities Institute and Purdue University's Center for Regional Development.

The draft incorporates input from 329 people, including 109 from Wayne County, who attended meetings and forums. One public forum was during March at Kuhlman.

Those people are now being asked to review the draft and make any relevant suggestions for the final CEDS. They also are asked to participate with committees that will be charged with executing the CEDS' elements.

"The new plan attempts to move us in the direction of greater volunteer participation, recognizing the limitations we have capacity-wise in staffing," Plasterer said. "We hope to energize a volunteer base that will form the committee structures that the plan calls for. We feel positive about that possibility. All six of the counties were represented tonight and have been represented throughout the process."

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Those who participated in the forums and meetings identified nearly 900 strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the region. Those were almost equally divided among the four categories.

Five ideas about the region's needs developed from those responses:

Improve workforce education attainment and skills;

Prioritize infrastructure and built environment projects such as trails and walkability, broadband and road connectivity;

Better support women and families in the workforce by increasing preschools, daycares and telehealth services;

Strengthen financial capacity to provide assistance for small businesses, renters and mortgage holders during an economic downturn; and

Increase capacity of local organizations to help during a crisis situation.

"Maybe the biggest surprise is that the same issues predominate that did six years ago," Plasterer said "Industry clusters are the same. There are some differences in areas of focus from the community engagement groups, for example drug treatment. The opioid epidemic because it's increased dramatically in the last six or eight years was elevated dramatically in the comments.

"It will be interesting to see what we can do as a region to impact those kinds of issues, with health and wellness and opioid abuse treatment."

The draft breaks down goals into objectives with specific strategies identified with start dates, responsible staff or committees and measurements.

The first goal to attract, retain, develop and support human capital is broken into objectives to develop workforce outreach and attraction programs for regional industry clusters, identify housing trends, enhance digital skills and identify training needs.

The draft's second goal is to invest in infrastructure to enhance economic resiliency and quality of place. That includes objectives of prioritizing quality of life infrastructure needs, advancing civil engineering-based infrastructure priorities, improving broadband access, improving transportation planning and coordinating land-use planning strategies across the region.

The final goal involves supporting diversity, equity and inclusion policies involves boosting diversification efforts within industry and government.

EIRPC will post the CEDS draft on its website, easternindianarpc.org.

This article originally appeared on Richmond Palladium-Item: Regional economic development strategy depends on engaging volunteers
Inez Cates, of Highland, Indiana, wraps up a pleasant afternoon of fishing Wednesday at the pond in Centennial Park in Tinley Park. She was hoping for a haul of bluegill, but only caught a few that were worth keeping. "Mostly I've been feeding the babies," she said, noting now she planned to go home and cook ribs instead. Cates has been fishing the pond, which is stocked through the Will-South Cook Soil and Water Conservation District, for nearly 20 years, she said, when she lived nearby. "I love it here and feel safe out here," she said. (Paul Eisenberg / Daily Southtown)

Catch a fish in a south suburban pond? There is at least a fair chance it came from the Will-South Cook Soil and Water Conservation District, which has been holding its tree and fish sales for 30 years.

The conservation district recently held its fall sale, taking orders for plants, shrubs, trees and fish through mid-September, with pickups in early October at its building in New Lenox. The practice dates back to 1992, when the first spring season sale was held, according to Debbie Crawford, an administrative coordinator for the district.

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The state formerly offered free white pine tree saplings, Crawford explained. When that program came to an end, the conservation district stepped in to offer free saplings and created a tree sale fundraiser. The not-for-profit agencys typical customers include area park districts, municipalities, private landowners and recreation clubs. It purchases the fish from an area hatchery, while the trees, plants and shrubs come from a nursery.

More than just a fundraiser, the sale is a way to further the districts core mission.

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Sharing conservation practices is our goal, Crawford said. Adding fish to a pond helps balance the ecosystem.

Ryan Veldman, superintendent of parks for the Tinley Park-Park District, said the district budgets $2,000 annually to keep the lake at Centennial Park stocked for fishing.

And have for quite some time, at least since 1999, he said.

The Park District buys from the conservation district, typically in the spring. Because the Park Districts fiscal year begins March 1, the early fish orders are one of the first purchases of the budget cycle, Veldman said.

As another government agency with the specific mission of conservation, it seems natural for us to work with the (conservation district), Veldman said. We feel we get a good product and value through the conservation districts fish purchase sale as well as their support and standing behind the fish.

Getting fish through the Will-South Cook group also offers peace of mind, as well, that what were putting into the water is quality, native and meant for our area, he said.

Anglers cast lines Wednesday at the pond in Centennial Park in Tinley Park. The Tinley Park-Park District annually stocks the pond with bluegill, crappie, catfish and other species it acquires from the Will-South Cook Soil and Water Conservation District. (Paul Eisenberg / Daily Southtown)

Veldman said Tinley Park typically stocks the same fish species each spring that the conservation district offers through its program. That means Centennial Parks lake along 167th Street just west of Harlem Avenue is stocked with bluegill, black crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass and redear sunfish, as well as minnows as a food source. This year, Tinley Park also introduced rainbow trout into the mix, as that species was offered by the conservation district for the first time, Veldman said. The Park District had roughly 1,550 fish delivered to the lake in April.

We do not have a biologist on staff but have seen some rather large bass and catfish being fished from the lake, Veldman added. Our Recreation Department additionally holds an annual fishing derby each year, as well, in which our youth participants look for these specific fish.

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In addition to the fish purchased by Tinley Park, the conservation district offers triploid grass carp. The grass carp eat water weeds, according to Crawford, helping to manage the ecosystem.

The Alsip Park District buys some of those grass carp from the conservation district to help with overgrowth in the pond at Sears Park along 123rd Street west of Kedzie Avenue, according to Jeannette Huber, director of parks and recreation. The Park District also buys sunfish, bass and minnows once a year in the spring to stock the pond.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Its been a good relationship, Huber said of working with the conservation district.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources stocks Alsips Commissioners Park pond, which hosts two annual fishing derbies. But the Alsip Park District handles Sears Park itself, with the superintendent of parks gauging what is needed each year, Huber explained.

Its not a huge order, she said.

Sears Park was redeveloped and reopened in 2010 with the help of a grant from the IDNR. Part of the project involved dredging the pond, installing aerators and introducing native plants around the perimeter, Huber said.

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Its beautiful now, Huber said. Its just meant for neighborhood community people to come out and fish for pure enjoyment.

The Will-South Cook Soil and Water Conservation District was established in 1946 and held its first tree planting project in 1967 in New Lenox Township. The conservation district offers college scholarships, information about Envirothon and home composting, tumbling compost barrels, rain barrels and soil testing.

Bill Jones is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
A 68-year-old Australian man who went missing after leaving Valley Medical Center on Wednesday, Oct. 5, has been found safe, according to the Renton Police Department.

Renton police said Haviland is a little deydrated, but doing well. Family is with him now at Valley Medical Center.

GREAT NEWS!!!! Stanley has been located in Renton! He is a little dehydrated but doing well considering. Family is with him now at VMC. Thank you to all who assisted in keeping an eye out for Stanley. RPD and his family appreciate your kindness, prayers, and efforts! /clm pic.twitter.com/7kJO3YwFXo  Renton Police Dept. (@RentonpdWA) October 13, 2022

Haviland was visiting the state from Australia when he experienced severe confusion while staying at a hotel in the SeaTac area.

He was taken to Valley Medical Center via ambulance where he was treated and later discharged the next day. Hospital staff called a rideshare for him, but police later confirmed that Haviland did not enter the vehicle.

Hospital staff said Haviland was in good condition and was alert when he left.

On Monday, police were able to confirm that Haviland traveled south into Kent after leaving Valley Medical Center. He was last seen on video footage in the 8800 block of South 180th Street shortly after leaving the hospital.

Residents with exterior video cameras in this area are also asked to review their surveillance footage from Wednesday, Oct. 5.

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Haviland was supposed to fly back to Australia but never made it back to his hotel to get his belongings and missed his flight.




Rep. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) revealed that his daughters death in June resulted from a cardiac arrhythmia in which her heart suddenly stopped.

Casten tweeted a statement on Friday, saying that his family does not know what caused the arrhythmia and probably never will.

He had announced in June that his daughter Gwen, 17, died peacefully in her sleep after the two of them and Castens wife, Kara, had dinner. He said at the time that his daughter was going to be a freshman at the University of Vermont this fall and was planning to study environmental science.

The family said in their statement Friday that Gwen was a healthy teenager who ate well, exercised, had regular medical check-ups and was close with friends and family. They said she was fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

We are heartbroken, but we are not unique. Sudden, unexplained heart-failure among young, healthy people is rare but real, they said. We are left grasping at the wrong end of random chance.

The family said theyre grateful for the outpouring of love they have received in the past few months and for donations that have been given to the Downers Grove North Friends of Fine Arts, which supports art education, and March for Our Lives, two causes Gwen engaged in.

None of us know when our last heartbeat will come. The best we can hope for is that when our loved ones do pass, we will have no regrets about the time we were lucky enough to share, they said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP)  Residents were allowed to return to a coastal island that was decimated by Hurricane Ian on Saturday with a warning from the governor that the disaster isn't over.

Many of the homes still standing on Estero Island lack basic services, so portable restrooms, hand-washing stations, shower trailers and other essentials were trucked in for residents who want to stay, Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference. Debris still has to be removed before rebuilding can begin.

There's a lot more to do, and really some of the hardest stuff is still ahead of us," DeSantis said.

While residents were initially allowed back on the island after the storm, officials shut down access to allow teams to finish searching the wreckage building by building for possible victims. Once the work was done, residents lined up and were allowed to return on buses.

Shana Dam went to see what was left of her parents' house.

Its gone, she told the Fort Myers News-Press. Its just gone.

Just getting around the island, home to most of Fort Myers Beach, is difficult because of storm debris, but heavy equipment was used to clear roads.

With handmade signs all over the area warning that looters will be shot by homeowners, Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said only nine such theft cases had been reported.

Ian, a high-end Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph (249 kph) at landfall, was the third-deadliest storm to hit the mainland United States this century behind Hurricane Katrina, which left about 1,400 people dead, and Hurricane Sandy, which had a total death count of 233 despite weakening to a tropical storm just before it made U.S. landfall.

State officials have reported 94 storm-related deaths in Florida so far and most were in Lee County, which includes the Fort Myers area and nearby Gulf Coast islands including Estero.
Blue ribbons still hang from mailboxes in the small town of Rennerdale  one year after the shocking murder of postal worker Lou Vignone.

His killing rocked the community he served.

One of the things we did, two ladies in our church put blue ribbons tribute and we all put blue ribbons, blue for Lou, on our mailboxes, said Jodi Flack, pastor at Rennerdale United Presbyterian Church, where Vignone delivered mail. The majority of the blue ribbons are still up in the community it just says that that love we had for Lou is ongoing.

The church and congregation will be hosting the Lou Vignone community remembrance service on Saturday.

We know that Lous family is coming so we are really excited about that because last years service it was just too soon afterwards so this year they are coming, Flack said.

Vignones former neighbor, Eric Kortz, has pleaded not guilty to killing the postal worker. Channel 11 has learned that Vignone and his family moved four years ago to get away from Kortz, saying he had become increasingly paranoid and obsessed with them.

Kortz faces life in prison or the death penalty.

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Scott Crull at one time led the Wayne County Drug Task Force and the SWAT team.

RICHMOND, Ind.  A Richmond Police Department captain resigned after pleading guilty to a criminal charge.

Scott A. Crull pleaded guilty to refusal to aid an officer, a Class B misdemeanor, during a Sept. 21 initial hearing in Wayne County Superior Court 1. Crull reached a plea agreement with the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office that sentenced him to 90 days of non-reporting probation, according to Judge Paul L. Freed's sentencing order.

The plea agreement also fined Crull $250 and required he voluntarily surrender his Indiana Law Enforcement Certification, without which he cannot serve as a police officer in Indiana. Crull resigned from the department, according to a news release from Chief Mike Britt.

RPD placed Crull on administrative leave Nov. 24, 2021, according to A.J. Sickmann, Richmond's city attorney, after the Indiana State Police began an investigation into a Nov. 20, 2021, situation involving Crull.

Crull, who at the time was an RPD second-shift patrol supervisor, was observed entering a building that was under surveillance, according to Sheriff Randy Retter, prior to the Wayne County Sheriff's Department and Indiana State Police SWAT team serving a search warrant. The search warrant for Salisbury Stables, 950 S. Salisbury Road, resulted from a sheriff's investigation into suspected narcotics use and sales from that address.

During the search, officers located several grams of methamphetamine, illegally possessed prescription medications and useful documents, according to Retter. Laura Lee Turner, Adrienne Ashley Turner and Sonya K. Bowser were arrested.

Retter said RPD was not involved in the narcotics investigation. Information about Crull's activity was provided to the Indiana State Police to investigate. Britt said Retter also contacted him that day expressing concern about Crull's activities. Crull was then put on leave and removed from his duty assignments.

The Indiana State Police investigation resulted in the misdemeanor charge being filed Sept. 12. Prosecutor Christopher Huerkamp of Franklin County served as special prosecutor and Freed, the Fayette County Superior Court judge, was the special judge handling Crull's case.

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Because Crull's case is a misdemeanor and he was issued a court summons to face his charge, there are no public case documents detailing what Crull did at the Salisbury Road address. The Palladium-Item has requested the investigation report from the Indiana State Police.

RPD also received little information about the allegations against Crull during the investigation, according to Britt. The city only learned about information supporting probable cause for Crull's charge subsequent to Crull pleading guilty, according to Sickmann.

"This investigation was due to an isolated incident and not indicative of any larger issue within the Richmond Police Department," according to Britt's release. "Richmonds Police Officers are held to the highest standard of professionalism and will continue to serve our community with honor and integrity."

Crull, who was hired by RPD on Sept. 22, 2006, was RPD's 2018 Supervisor of the Year. A lieutenant at the time, he supervised the Wayne County Drug Task Force and the SWAT team. Crull was promoted to captain during August 2020 while still serving that dual role.

During a Sept. 20 hearing in Superior Court 2, Laura Turner, 59, pleaded guilty to Level 6 felony possession of methamphetamine related to the Nov. 20 raid. She reached a plea agreement that sentenced her to 1 years of probation and dismissed a habitual offender allegation, according to Judge Gregory Horn's sentencing order.

Adrienne Turner, 31, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and maintaining a common nuisance, both Level 6 felonies. She was sentenced during June to one year of incarceration as required by her plea agreement. That sentence was ordered consecutive to a six-month sentence Turner received for a Level 6 felony theft conviction, according to Horn's sentencing order.

Online court records do not show charges being filed against Bowser.

Laura Turner has a long history with RPD, with online records showing 24 criminal cases filed against her since 2001. She also has served as a confidential informant, and she reported to RPD the June 17, 2016, murder of Stacey Mosier. Her information led to the arrest of Stephen A. Via, and she served as a key witness during the trial that convicted Via of murder.

When asked if Turner was a confidential informant at the time of her Nov. 20, 2021, arrest, Sickmann replied that he is not at liberty to identify any confidential informant.

Turner has been convicted of nine felonies and seven misdemeanors. In addition, she has had 14 felony charges and five misdemeanor charges dismissed.

After testifying in Via's murder trial, Turner received 3 years of incarceration and two years of probation to resolve five cases. She pleaded guilty to three drug-possession felonies, a fraud felony and a theft misdemeanor, while two dealing charges and a possession charge were dismissed. The prosecution said Turner's cooperation in the murder case impacted how her cases were disposed.

This article originally appeared on Richmond Palladium-Item: Richmond Police captain resigns after pleading guilty to misdemeanor
KATERYNA TYSHCHENKO  SATURDAY, 8 OCTOBER 2022, 18:59

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishutin signed a decree establishing a federal state unitary enterprise, the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, at the Ukrainian Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), which has been seized by Russian forces.

Source: decree from 7 October published on Russias official internet-portal of legal information on 8 October

Quote from the decree: "Pursuant to the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation from 5 October 2022 [] To establish the Federal State Unitary Enterprise Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (Moscow), based on the right of economic management."

Details: Federal Agency for State Property Management of the Russian Federation was instructed to approve the charter of the enterprise, appoint the general director and ensure the formation of the authorised capital in the amount of 500,000 roubles.

Background:

On 5 October, Vladimir Putin signed a decree, according to which, control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) would be handed over to Russia.

Energoatom, the operator of nuclear power plants in Ukraine, has called Putins decree null and void.

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) believes that the ZNPP belongs to Ukraine despite Russias claims that the power plants ownership has been transferred.

Rosatom, Russian State Nuclear Energy Corporation, has established a joint-stock company, Zaporozhye NPP Operational Organisation, registered in Moscow, which aims to manage the occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP.

On 6 October, the Russian occupiers stole the ZNPP seal, which confers the right to sign documents. Petro Kotin, the President of Energoatom and acting Director General of ZNPP, issued an order to put a new seal into effect and invalidate the previous model's stolen seal.

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MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's Defence Ministry on Saturday named Air Force General Sergei Surovikin as the overall commander of Russian forces fighting in Ukraine, Moscow's third senior military appointment in the space of a week.

The change follows the reported sacking earlier this week of the commanders of two of Russia's five military regions, as its forces have suffered a series of dramatic reverses in northeastern and southern Ukraine in recent weeks.

The ministry did not say who, if anyone, Surovikin was replacing.

British military intelligence said in April that General Alexander Dvornikov had been appointed to take charge of Russian forces in Ukraine, almost two months after Moscow began what it calls its "special military operation", in an attempt to "centralise command and control".

However, Moscow itself has not specified that anyone is in overall military command of the operation.

Surovikin, 55, has led Russia's Air and Space Forces since 2017. According to the ministry's website, he commanded a guards division stationed in Chechnya in 2004, during Moscow's war against Islamist rebels, and was awarded a medal for his service in Syria in 2017.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Nick Macfie)
A fire broke out on the Crimean Bridge on October 8

Read also: Panic grips Ukraines Russian-occupied Crimea after explosion damages Kerch road and rail bridge

In any country, road accidents happen, as do train wrecks, Burkovsky said. Before Russia started its war against Ukraine, it's not that there were fewer of these accidents  there always were (a lot of them) in Russia  but now (when one happens) they start going into a cold sweat and look for links to Ukraine everywhere.

Without having all of the facts about what happened on the Crimean Bridge, the expert believes there is no basis to claim that Ukraine was involved.

There are two positions, he said. The first  it would be Russian authorities primary choice to blame any trouble on Ukraine in order to increase the hatred of the Russian population for Ukraine.

But this would also indicate the weakness or incompetence of the Russian army and authorities, and that the decision to start a war against Ukraine was wrong. In order not to create this impression, all bad news will either be hushed up, or its importance will be downplayed.

Read also: Ukrainian Postal Service will issue a new stamp following attack on Crimea bridge

The expert said he believes the Russian authorities do not want the Russian public to associate the war with a continuous flow of negative news.

When you speak of the dead, you must say either good things or nothing.

The same goes for the war.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
By Kanishka Singh and Hyunjoo Jin

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Billionaire Elon Musk, days after floating a possible deal to end the war between Russia and Ukraine that drew condemnation in Ukraine, suggested that tensions between China and Taiwan could be resolved by handing over some control of Taiwan to Beijing.

"My recommendation . . . would be to figure out a special administrative zone for Taiwan that is reasonably palatable, probably won't make everyone happy," the world's richest person, told the Financial Times in an interview published on Friday.

Musk was responding to a question about China, where his Tesla electric car company operates a large factory in Shanghai.

Beijing, which says democratically ruled Taiwan is one of its provinces, has long vowed to bring Taiwan under its control and has not ruled out the use of force to do so. Taiwan's government strongly objects to China's sovereignty claims and says only the island's 23 million people can decide its future.

"And it's possible, and I think probably, in fact, that they could have an arrangement that's more lenient than Hong Kong," Musk, was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

China has offered Taiwan a "one country, two systems" model of autonomy similar to what Hong Kong has, but that has been rejected by all mainstream political parties in Taiwan and has no public support, especially after Beijing imposed a tough National Security Law in the city in 2020.

Taiwan's Foreign Ministry declined to comment on Musk's comments on Saturday.

Wang Ting-yu, a senior lawmaker for Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party who sits on parliament's foreign affairs and defense committee, slammed Musk on his Facebook page.

"Individual independent companies cannot take their ownership as a joke," Wang said. "So why should they casually pass off the democratic freedoms, sovereignty and way of life of 23 million Taiwanese? It's not acceptable for Ukraine, and Taiwan certainly won't allow it."

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A senior Taiwanese official familiar with security planning in the region told Reuters that "Musk needs to find a clear-headed political adviser".

"The world has seen clearly what happened to Hong Kong," the official said on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to the media. "Hong Kong's economic and social vibrancy abruptly ended under Beijing's totalitarian rule."

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, asked about Musk's remarks, said Taiwan was a "domestic affair", adding that Beijing would continue to adhere to the principle of peaceful reunification while "resolutely smashing" Taiwanese separatism.

The Shanghai factory accounted for about half of Tesla's global deliveries last year. Musk said China has sought assurances that he would not offer the Starlink internet service of his SpaceX rocket company there.

Musk said he reckoned that conflict over Taiwan was inevitable and warned of its potential impact on not only Tesla, but also on iPhone maker Apple Inc and the wider economy. The interview did not elaborate on those remarks.

Earlier this week, Musk proposed that Ukraine permanently cede Crimea to Russia, that new referendums be held under U.N. auspices to determine the fate of Russian-controlled territory, and that Ukraine agree to neutrality.

He asked Twitter users to weigh in on his plan, drawing sharp criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who proposed his own Twitter poll: "Which @elonmusk do you like more? One who supports Ukraine (or) one who supports Russia."

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington and Hyunjoo Jin in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard in Taipei, and Yew Lun Tian in Beijing; Editing by Leslie Adler and William Mallard)
A barefoot, eye-patched pirate greets visitors at the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin, inviting them to explore the new Pirate Island exhibit. (Mike Danahey / The Courier-News)

Gail Borden Public Librarys taking children on another adventure, this time a journey on the high seas to experience the life of the plundering marauders who buried their treasurers in places like Pirate Island.

The just-opened exhibit comes on the heels of this summers escape to Kansas and the land of Oz in The Wizard of Oz exhibit, both originally created by the Miami Childrens Museum.

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The Pirate Island exhibit has been up and running several times back home since it was deemed seaworthy in 2011, said Brian Brunette, exhibits technician for the Miami museum who helped set up the displays at Gail Borden. This is the first time its been in a library.

Its also the first time its been out of Florida, he said. Its only other port of call other has been an art gallery in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

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Kyle Koenig, the librarys exhibit technology assistant, created a pirate-themed video game patrons can play as part of their visit. It features the requisite pirate ship firing cannon balls, treasure, islands, vessels to raid and sharks swimming in its waters.

Brian Brunette, exhibits technician for the Miami Children's Museum, stands on the pirate ship he helped set up at the newly opened Pirate Island exhibit at the Gail Borden Public Library in downtown Elgin. (Mike Danahey / The Courier-News)

Just like the Oz exhibit, Pirate Island was supposed to have been on display earlier than now but was postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic, said Denise Raleigh, who handles public relations for the library. The goal is that it, like Oz, will get people back into the library and inspire all ages to read, she said.

During the Oz run, the 270 N. Grove Ave. library had 39,321 visitors in June, 36,019 in July and 34,005 in August  23% to 47% higher than last summer, Raleigh said. Before the pandemic, the library was seeing 1,500 to 2,500 people a day.

We are really striving to connect anew or reconnect with our community as we think we play a very valuable role in literacy, she said.

We gained online usage and connection during the pandemic years but we have even more in our buildings. We hope Pirate Island will continue that connection momentum. We want library exhibit visitors to become library service users. We have so much to offer.

As was the case with the Oz exhibit, the Gail Borden Public Library District Foundation is covering the cost to stage Pirate Island, which is free to view and spread throughout the library.

The centerpiece is a pirate ship in the main lobby thats ready explore, replete with a plank and a flag that says READ.

Elda Sirridge, the librarys manager of exhibits, said while some features will inspire you to say argh, others will use the pirate motif to teach lessons on knot tying, leverage, weight and other STEM topics.

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While a good portion of the exhibit focuses on movie-inspired, fantasy versions of the pirate life, programming will include information about actual notorious pirates, like Calico Jack and others, who operated on the Great Lakes, Raleigh said. A noontime talk Tuesday, Oct. 18, will be about Illinois waterways, including the Fox River.

It wouldnt be much of a pirate exhibit without a treasure hunt and Gail Bordens planning not just one but three  one at the main library and the others at the Rakow Branch at 2751 Bowes Road in Elgin and the South Elgin Branch at 127 S. McLean Blvd.

Also planned is Not So Nightmarish Ghost Ship on Grove, an after-hours costume party for kids from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, which will feature a drawing for a LEGO pirate ship. Registration at attend.gailborden.info/event/7104091 is required to attend.

For more information on the exhibit and related activities, go to gailborden.info/pirateisland.

Mike Danahey is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
Scotland is completely snow-free for the fourth time in the last six years.

The Sphinx, in the Cairngorms, which is historically the longest-lasting patch of snow in the UK, has melted.

Snow expert Iain Cameron reported on Friday that the famous patch had disappeared in the last 24 hours.

It is the fourth time it has gone in the last six years, having only melted nine times in the past 300 years. Mr Cameron said climate change was a likely factor.

The Sphinx, on remote Braeriach, a 1,296m (4,252ft) Munro, has melted away more frequently in the last 18 years.

According to records, it previously melted fully in 1933, 1959, 1996, 2003, 2006, 2017, 2018, 2021 and now 2022.

Before 1933, it is thought to have last melted completely in the 1700s.

Mr Cameron tweeted: "So there we have it. It is confirmed that Scotland is snow-free yet again.

"The last patch, the Sphinx, disappeared sometime in the last 24 hours. "

He added: "I'm not a climatologist (nor even an academic), but it's a pretty obvious direction of travel.

"The future for semi-permanent snows in Scotland looks bleak."

Another wonderfully atmospheric day at Garbh Choire Mor to check whether the last patch of snow in Scotland survived the recent deluges. Amazingly, the Sphinx continues to hang on for dear life. pic.twitter.com/VHEo4DDJNt  Iain Cameron (@theiaincameron) October 2, 2022

Just six days ago he had made the climb to check on the patch and described it as "hanging on for dear life."

Mr Cameron, based in Stirling, has been studying snow patches in Scotland for 25 years and is author of the book The Vanishing Ice, which he describes as a "lament" to snow and ice that lingers high in Scotland's hills.

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He worked alongside the late Dr Adam Watson, a biologist dubbed Mr Cairngorms because of his many years studying the mountains.

Some of Dr Watson's research on the Sphinx drew on information handed down by generations of people who worked and visited the Cairngorms.

The Scottish Mountaineering Club began noting the fortunes of the patch in the 1840s and more recently scientists and ecologists have gathered information.

Separately from Mr Cameron's research, a report commissioned by Cairngorms National Park Authority and published in July 2020 said declining snow cover, and fewer days when it snowed had been observed on Cairngorm mountain since the winter of 1983-84.

Researchers also noted a trend for increasingly warmer weather since the 1960s, and suggested that by the 2080s there would be some years with very little or no snow at all on Cairngorm.

The Sphinx lies in Garbh Choire Mor, a hollow known as a corrie formed by ice or a glacier during the last ice age.

Garbh Choire Mor is described as Scotland's snowiest corrie because of the amount of snow it can hold even through summer months.

The Sphinx is the name of a climbing route near the snow patch.
Jessie Mei Li and Ben Barnes in "Shadow and Bone" season one. Attila Szvacsek/Netflix

Leigh Bardugo said that she felt like a "monster" on the set of "Shadow and Bone" season two.

The author said that, without giving spoilers, there was a very convincing child actor crying on set.

Bardugo said at New York Comic Con that she doesn't consider her stories to be "tragedies."

"Shadow and Bone" author Leigh Bardugo said that she felt like a "monster" after she had to listen to a child actor cry during a scene in the show's second season.

Bardugo appeared on Saturday at a New York Comic Con panel about her popular young adult series and its Netflix adaptation, "Shadow and Bone." Alongside series actors Ben Barnes (The Darkling), Kit Young (Jesper Fahey), Freddy Carter (Kaz Brekker), and Amita Suman (Inej Ghafa), she teased the show's second season without divulging any major spoilers.

"When I was on set for season two, and I cannot give this away, but there was a scene they were shooting, and there was a small child crying in the scene, and he's a very good actor," Bardugo said during the panel. "And I was like, 'Oh God, I am a monster.'"

Bardugo is the architect of the Grishaverse, a magical universe that encapsulates her fantasy trilogy beginning with the novel "Shadow and Bone" as well as the "Six of Crows" duology set. The Netflix series adaptation primarily tells the story contained within "Shadow and Bone," while also incorporating characters from "Six of Crows" to flesh out the universe.

Bardugo told Insider near the time of the series premiere that she made clear to showrunner Eric Heisserer early on in that she didn't want to get "locked out" of the series. In addition to giving her input during the development process for the show, she also had a cameo in its first season.

Despite her anecdote about the child crying on set, Bardugo said that she doesn't consider her stories to be "tragedies," despite the prices her characters sometimes must pay.

"Mostly, I try to tell stories honestly. I'm not interested in telling the stories where there are no casualties but there's a war. That doesn't happen," Bardugo said.

Read the original article on Insider
CAMDEN, N.J.Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey is a rising star in the NBA. The now third-year guard out of Kentucky has continued to make strides forward and he has done an excellent job of being able to be efficient on the offensive end of the floor.

He has been terrific to begin the preseason scoring 20 points on 6-for-8 shooting in the opener with the Brooklyn Nets and then scoring 21 on 9-for-11 shooting against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. There is a lot to like about his game, but the Sixers want to see more.

There is an emphasis for the Sixers right now to get the ball pushed up the floor and let Maxey catch it in stride to take to the basket aggressively and use his speed as an advantage.

Yeah, you can get really anyone, but if you have your choice, I think that would be a very wise choice, coach Doc Rivers said of pushing the ball up the floor to Maxey. Especially, in the open floor.

In terms of hesitating and sometimes looking to pass, Rivers sees improvement in that area, but he wants the 21-year-old to just go and look for his offense more often.

Theres times where he gets lost, Rivers explained. He didnt touch the ball for a while and then when he does touch it, he becomes a facilitator, but overall now I dont think you need to turn him on at all.

The good thing for the Sixers now is that Maxey is going to continue to develop and be a big factor in whatever Philadelphia does in the 2022-23 season. One can safely assume that the young man will continue to grow and be a part of that Big 3 moving forward with this team.

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Sixers not happy with defensive effort in preseason win over Cavaliers

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Story originally appeared on Sixers Wire
By Michael Francis Gore

MADRID (Reuters) - About 2,000 forest firefighters demonstrated in Madrid on Saturday to call for improved workers rights in a year when wildfires destroyed tens of thousands of hectares of woodland across Europe.

In Spain, unlike full-time firefighters, those tackling wildfires are employed by regional authorities only to tackle major forest fires at the height of the summer.

Protestors used beaters to bang the ground as they demanded a "firefighters statute" to guarantee workplace rights to recognise injuries suffered while doing the job as occupational hazards.

"We are forest firefighters and we want justice because we are a public service for society," Cristina Perez, 47, who has worked for 18 years in Aragon, told Reuters in Madrid.

"We want our administrations to recognise this, respect and create the status of forest firefighters."

Wildfires raging through Europe this summer burned the second-largest area on record, according to data from the European Union's Joint Research Centre published in August.

A dozen European countries, including Spain, Italy and France, suffered major blazes, forcing thousands of people to evacuate and destroying homes and businesses.

(Reporting by Graham Keeley, Michael Gore, Silvio Castellanos; Editing by Frances Kerry)
With October in full s, that Halloween spirit has begun. And that only means one thing  it's time to be scared.

And what better way to usher in the spooky season than by visiting some of the alleged haunted areas of Massachusetts?

One of the most famous places in the state is none other than the Bridgewater Triangle.

"The Bridgewater Triangle is an area of about 200 square miles in the greater Bridgewater area, claimed to be a site of alleged paranormal phenomena, ranging from UFOs to poltergeist, various bigfoot-like sightings, giant snakes, and thunderbirds," according to the Bridgewater Public Library. "The term was coined by New England based cryptozoologist Loren Coleman in a book called 'Mysterious America.'"

Freetown Ledge on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020.

The Hockomock Swamp, located within the triangle, is associated with many stories and legends related to the Bridgewater Triangle, according to the library.

"The Bridgewater Triangle is likely one of the world's most concentrated areas of diverse paranormal reports," added Paranormal Encyclopedia.

Some of the towns within the triangle include Brockton, Whitman, West Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Bridgewater, Middleboro, Dighton, Berkley, Raynham, Norton, Easton, Freetown, Lakeville, Seekonk, and Taunton.

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According to the website Legends of America, "the Hockomock Swamp was used by the Wampanoag Indian Tribe long before European colonists arrived. Before them, other indigenous people are known to have lived in the area, as human artifacts have been discovered that date to 9,000 years old. From about 300 AD to Colonial times, Native Americans depended on the swamp as an abundant source of game. ... The Wampanoag both worshiped and feared the area, as the chief deity of death and disease, called Hobomock, was said to dwell in the swamp."

The Bridgewater Triangle: What is the Bridgewater Triangle anyway? A look at the dark and paranormal tales of this 'window area of unexplained occurrences'

The term, "Hockomock means place where spirits dwell, according to Legends of America, which noted "Early English colonists called it 'Devils Swamp.'

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Fog forms over Lake Nippenicket in Bridgewater on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020.

"Since colonial times, bizarre reports began to be told about the triangle area, including giant snakes, strange creatures, ghosts, and missing people," Legends of America stated. "In more modern times, reports include people having seen Bigfoot, UFOs, ominous black helicopters, mysterious balls of light, poltergeist activity, and cattle mutilations.

Early on, the forest was said to have been home to a race of diminutive humanoid creatures known as Pukwudgies. Long known in Delaware and Wampanoag Native American folklore, these troll-like creatures, generally described as about 3-4 feet tall with smooth, hairy grey skin and large ears, have a notorious reputation for mischief and mayhem.

One of the more famous places in the triangle is an 80-foot deep rock quarry known as the Assonet Ledge in the Fall River-Freetown State Forest.

Ghosts: Ghosts of the Assonet Ledge

King Philip's Cave in Norton, on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020.

"Here, people often speak of having a compelling urge to jump off the cliff," according to Legends of America. "Some reports say that some people have, in fact, jumped to their deaths. Other people talk of feeling a sense of dread when venturing near the ledge. It is said that visitors have seen ghosts here, that it has been an alleged hotspot for Satanists and strange cults, and some have seen UFOs.

"The forest surrounding the triangle has been known as the site of various cult activities, which is said to have included animal sacrifice and ritualistic murders committed by admitted Satanists."

Solitude Stone, Forest Street in West Bridgewater on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020.

Also reported over the years in the triangle have been mysterious glowing eyes of unseen creatures, glowing lights hovering in the sky, and native American ghosts paddling canoes in the waterways, according to the Bridgewater Public Library.

Halloween: Enter the Bridgewater Triangle, if you dare

A ghost of a hitchhiker has been reported along a stretch of Route 44 in Rehoboth, and another ghostly phantom has been seen in Hockomock Swamp near Route 138, according to Legends of America.

Aside from being a hotbed for reported supernatural activity, the Hockomock Swamp is one of the largest areas of wetlands in the state.

The Hockomock Swamp is considered a hot spot in the Bridgewater Triangle

Mass.gov notes, "The Hockomock Swamp and associated wetlands and water bodies comprise the largest vegetated freshwater wetland system in Massachusetts. The boundaries of the Hockomock Swamp ACEC include approximately 16,950 acres in the southeastern part of the state. The wetlands act as a huge water reservoir and serve as the headwaters for the Town River, which flows into the Taunton River. ... The Hockomock Swamp is a vast natural and scenic area. Because of its size, it is a unique and irreplaceable wildlife habitat. It is also the location of at least 13 rare and endangered species."

This article originally appeared on wickedlocal.com: Halloween in Massachusetts: Visit the Bridgewater Triangle this fall
STORY: Famous Mexican rescue dog "Frida"

is memorialized in a statue

[LOCATION: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO]

Known for her custom-made

doggy goggles and boots

Frida is a social media hit in Mexico

She took part in rescue missions

after the September 2017 quakes

She also worked in disaster zones

in Ecuador, Haiti, Guatemala.

[JOSE OJEDA DURAN, SECRETARY, MEXICAN NAVY]

"Our very dear dog Frida has had a life of unparalleled work

and has showed deep love in every mission she has been entrusted with."

"She has also given hope to thousands of Mexican families in their most difficult times."

Frida, currently retired, attended the event

and posed for pictures next to her statue.
Cleanup efforts continued in Orlo Vista Saturday.

Residents woke up before sunrise and sorted through their belongings.

District 6 Commissioner Victoria Siplin organized a community cleanup.

Read: Nothing has been done: Orlo Vista residents fed up with ongoing flooding issues

This brought Orange County emergency management and volunteers to help residents in need.

More than a week after Hurricane Ian, residents are devastated by the flooding and are still frustrated by Orange Countys response.

Orlo Vista resident Levi Williams has lived in her home since she was 17.

Everything in my house is gone, she said. Gone, my oven had about a gallon or two of water in it.

Read: SEE: Receding floodwaters in Orlo Vista reveal a dinosaur-like fish trapped in a fence

She said her home saw more than 2 feet of flooding and a week after Ian passed, she has been waking up early to clean up and salvage what she can.

This is not the first time residents have had to start from scratch.

We did the same thing five years ago, Clara Amos said.

Read: Orlo Vista residents want change after flooding from Hurricane Ian

A group of volunteers and FEMA officials were in the neighborhood to help people like Amos clean up yet again.

We cant do this every five years, so we got to get out of here, Amos said.

Residents praised Siplin for her boots-on-the-ground approach to help, but some residents expressed frustration that the county did not do more to prevent this devastation.

We have too much technology for this to be happening in a neighborhood, resident Levi Williams said. We cant control Gods work but our politicians can fix this.

After Hurricane Irma put homes underwater in 2017, a $10 million project was approved to expand the areas retention ponds. But that work is not scheduled to start until next month.

Williams said it shouldnt have taken this long to get something done. She wants the mayor to hold a public meeting where citizens can be included in finding a way to fix the flooding.

We want to see it on paper, Williams said.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Northbrook actor Jim Morley enjoys playing nasty old men onstage. I think any actor jumps at the chance to play somebody nasty, he asserted. Its really fun to be able to do things that you dont do in your day-to-day life  hopefully.

Morley gets his chance to act nasty as Dodge in AstonRep Theatres revival of Sam Shepards powerful play, Buried Child, Oct. 21-Nov. 19 at The Edge Theater, 5451 N. Broadway in Chicago.

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Jim Morley (left to right) is joined by Liz Cloud, Robert Tobin, and Rian Jairell in AstonRep Theatres revival of Buried Child, Oct. 21-Nov. 19 at The Edge Theater. (Derek Bertelsen / HANDOUT)

Fortunately, based on our pleasant conversation with Morley, it doesnt appear to be a case of typecasting.

Dodge is kind of a man of Middle America who has given up, Morley related. He had a farm. The farm has gone fallow. He is old, he is sickly, he is on the couch watching TV and arguing with his wife all day long. Dodge has two sons he is extremely antagonistic with and vice versa.

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Hes also a man with many secrets, Morley noted. I think Shepherd sees him as very symbolic of whats happened to America  the loss of drive, the loss of ambition and vision of the future.

The challenge of the role for Morley is to make the character three-dimensional and not just think of him as this bitter, horrible man sitting on his couch, yelling at his wife. Surprisingly, Morley observed that Dodge is the funniest person in the play.

Morley didnt have to audition for the role because he had worked with AstonRep and director Derek Bertelsen before. When they decided to do it, they called me up and offered it to me, he said.

The character has a lot of range, Morley said. He jokingly added, My wife would say that its me, because Dodge is always sitting on a couch.

Morley is also enthusiastic about this role because of the playwright. Ive worked with Sam Shepard plays before and theyre extremely challenging and a great deal of fun to work on because theres a real surrealistic aspect to Sam Shepard, he said. It gives an actor a lot of leeway.

Morleys previous Shepard productions were Fool for Love and La Turista with Azusa Productions.

The actor noted that Buried Child is a Pulitzer Prize winner and certainly one of Shepards best plays.

Morley began appearing in plays in high school and then majored in theater at Northern Illinois University. Following graduation, he landed a job as a drama instructor for the Chicago Park District. He stayed at that job for eight years.

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In my first class was a 12-year-old John C. Reilly, Morley recalled of the famed Chicago actor. Hes done pretty well.

Following that, Morley worked in sales. In the mid-90s, he started acting again. Three years ago, Morley retired from a mortgage company job and has been focusing on theater ever since.

One of his favorite recent roles was Arthur Millers Incident at Vichy with Chicagos Redtwist Theatre. I loved playing an actor who is imprisoned in a Nazi roundup of Jews, Morley said. I could have played that forever.

For reservations or more information about Buried Child, visit astonrep.com or call 773-828-9129.

Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwanese semiconductor companies attach "great importance" to complying with the law, the island's government said on Saturday, signalling they would comply with new U.S. export controls that aim to hobble China's chip industry.

The rules announced Friday by President Joe Biden's administration include a measure to cut China off from certain chips made anywhere in the world with U.S. equipment, vastly expanding its reach in its bid to slow Beijing's technological and military advances.

Taiwan, a major chip producer, is home to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), the world's largest contract chipmaker and a major supplier to companies including Apple Inc.

In a statement in response to the U.S. announcement, Taiwan's Economy Ministry said Taiwanese firms were law-abiding.

"Taiwan's semiconductor industry has long served global customers and attaches great importance to compliance with laws," it said.

"In addition to complying with domestic laws and regulations, it will also cooperate with the needs of international customers who place orders and the norms of customers in their countries."

Taiwan's semiconductor industry is a technological leader and continues to "maintain an advantage in the competition for international orders", the ministry said.

The government continues to maintain close contact with manufacturers and supports them in investing in factory expansion and supplying products to the world for technological development, the ministry said.

TSMC declined to comment on the U.S. rules, saying it was in its quiet period ahead of quarterly earnings next week. Smaller competitor United Microelectronics Corp also declined comment ahead of its earnings release later this month.

Taiwan has its own concerns about China, especially efforts by Chinese companies to poach chip talent and technical know-how. The government tightly restricts Taiwanese chip investment in China, the island's largest trading partner.

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Taiwan's worries have gained pace as China mounts regular military drills near the island in an attempt to force it into accepting Beijing's sovereignty.

The United States is Taiwan's most important international supporter and arms supplier, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.

Taiwan Economy Minister Wang Mei-hua will visit the United States next week to respond to what her office called "concerns" about supply chains and geopolitical issues. She will visit U.S. tech firms that are major customers of Taiwanese semiconductor companies.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by William Mallard)
Suspects publicly called on Ukrainian citizens to actively participate in the illegal voting

Read also: Russian invaders tried and failed to bribe locals in Kherson Oblast to take part in sham referendum, activists claim

The suspects are accused of encroaching on the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine, and of collaborating with the enemy occupier.

Read also: Kherson occupation authorities lost and confused after announcing referendum results, says OC South

They have been formally charged under Part 2 of Article 110, Part 5 of Article 1111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

According to the investigation, on Sept. 19, the head of the so-called public chamber of the LPR initiated the holding of a pseudo-referendum in Ukraines Russian-occupied Luhansk Oblast.

Read also: Russias pre-determined referendum results, newly mobilized Russians on the battlefield, and Georgia sees influx of Russian draft dodgers

On Sept. 20, the chairman, deputy chairman and pseudo-deputies of the so-called people's council of the LPR voted for the adoption of the fake law On the referendum of the LPR on the question of joining the Russian Federation with the rights of a subject of the Russian Federation, the report from prosecutors reads.

Based on this document, on Sept. 23-27, a pseudo-referendum was organized and held in the temporarily occupied territory of Luhansk Oblast and in foreign precincts on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Read also: How the "referendum" in the "LPR" actually looked like - eyewitness reports

The suspects publicly called on Ukrainian citizens to actively participate in the illegal event and encouraged them to vote to join the Russian Federation.

The pretrial investigation is being carried out by the investigators of the 3rd Department of the State Security Service of Ukraine in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.

Previously, Russian propaganda media claimed that a referendum would be held by the occupying authorities on making Ukraines Russian-occupied Luhansk Region part of the Russian Federation.

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Read also: Russia presents pre-determined results of annexation referendum

On Sept. 23, in the occupied territories of several oblasts of Ukraine  Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson  Russia attempted to hold sham referendums with the aim of attempting to ligitimize its annexation claims.

The Russian army did not even fully control any of these areas, and more of these areas have been liberated since the holding of the sham referendums.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A section of Highway 3 in Houston was dedicated on Saturday to Fort Hood Army Spc. Vanessa Guillen, who was murdered in 2020.

State Sen. Carol Alvarado (D) and state Rep. Christina Morales (D) held a ceremony alongside Guillens family to reveal signage for the Vanessa Guillen Memorial Highway.

In addition to the stretch of highway, the late soldier, who died at the age of 20, will be commemorated by twenty murals created by local artists, according to ABC13 Houston.

Guillen disappeared on April 22, 2020, before her dismembered remains were found months later.

The young soldier was allegedly killed with a hammer by a junior soldier, Aaron David Robinson, who was allegedly aided by his girlfriend, Cecily Anne Aguilar, in dismembering Guillen with a machete.

Robinson shot and killed himself upon contact with the police after investigations led them to his location in Killeen, Texas.

Aguilar has been charged with second-degree felony tampering/fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair a human corpse as well as conspiracy to tamper with evidence.

Guillens family has maintained that she was sexually harassed in the military prior to her death but was too afraid to report it.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The last of three Idahoans convicted of crimes related to an October 2021 shooting in the parking lot of a Caldwell store was sentenced Thursday.

Nampa resident Nicholas Riley, 25, was sentenced for his part in the shooting of a then-23-year-old Caldwell man in the parking lot of the Bi-Mart located at 425 N 10th Avenue, according to a news release from the Caldwell Police Department. Two other defendants  Blain Imholt, 24, and Jennifer Nickerson, 38  were sentenced earlier this year.

There was also a second victim in the case who wasnt mentioned in Fridays release. At some point during the incident, Imholt pointed his gun at a now 28-year-old man and created a well-founded fear that violence was imminent, according to multiple court documents reviewed by the Idaho Statesman.

The Statesman previously reported that Imholt and Riley were suspected of taking part in an aggravated assault that took place nearby on the same day as the shooting. Its unclear whether that was the second victim.

These three individuals caused panic and terror in our city, Caldwell Police Chief Rex Ingram said in the release. They showed a blatant disregard to the lives of innocent people, some of which included children, on the day of the shooting. Caldwell Police do not take these cries lightly and will investigate them to the fullest extent.

The Bi-Mart was locked down with about 40 shoppers inside during the shooting, the Idaho Statesman previously reported.

Riley, Imholt and Nickerson were all initially charged with numerous felonies related to the shooting, but the majority of their individual charges were dismissed when they pleaded guilty as part of agreements with the Canyon County Prosecutors Office.

Riley pleaded guilty to felony aggravated battery in July, online court records showed. He was on parole during the 2021 shooting, according to records from the Idaho Department of Correction. He was sentenced to spend at least five years in prison, plus an indeterminate sentence  which means he could spend that time in prison, on parole or both  of 10 years, the Caldwell Police Department said.

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Riley is also serving two other prison sentences. He pleaded guilty  and was sentenced to five years  for intimidating a witness in October 2021 and is expected to finish his prior sentence stemming from a 2017 felony aggravated assault charge, according to online court records.

What happened?

At roughly 3:50 p.m. on Oct. 16, 2021, Caldwell police responded to a report of shots fired at the grocery store, the news release said. Upon arrival, police found a victim who was shot twice. One bullet hit his left arm and exited his chest, while the other grazed him on the chin, police said. He survived all the injuries.

According to the news release, Imholt used someone elses Facebook account to message the victim, allowing Imholt and Riley to lure the victim to the stores parking lot to exchange an envelope. The pair told the victim they were in a different vehicle and this caused the victim to circle the parking lot, police said.

Riley then approached the drivers side door and after seven seconds there was a physical altercation in which Riley pulled a gun out: and shot at the victim. The victim then stabbed Riley in the chest in self-defense. During all of this, Imholt was shooting the victim from the rear of the vehicle.

To get away from Imholt and Riley, the victim accelerated his car and ended up crashing into parked cars in the parking lot, the release said. Imholt and Riley left the scene and got into a small Nissan truck that Nickerson was waiting in, police said.

Imholt was arrested in Boise roughly a week after the shooting, according to prior Statesman reporting, but Riley and Nickerson werent arrested until Oct. 28 in Baker City, Oregon.

Caldwell police were assisted by the Canyon County and Ada County sheriffs offices, IDOC, Oregon State Police, and the Meridian and Garden City police departments during this investigation, according to the release.

This was a long, thorough and complicated investigation. I give kudos to our officers and detectives who worked tirelessly on this case to keep the community safe, Ingram said.

The co-defendants

Imholt was sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison but could be out on parole after three, the news release said. He was given credit for 230 days of time served, meaning he could be released as early as November 2024, online prison and jail records showed.

He pleaded guilty to two of the charges against him  aggravated assault and the unlawful discharge of a weapon into a vehicle  through the plea deal in April. The aggravated assault charge stems from Imholt pointing his gun at the second victim.

Nickerson was initially charged with aid and abet, aiding and abetting an aggravated assault and aiding and abetting the discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle. She pleaded guilty to aid and abet in March 2022, specifically for providing transportation to Riley and Imholt, according to court records.

Nickerson was sentenced to up to five years in prison with the possibility of parole after two, according to the Caldwell Police Department news release. She could be out on parole by November 2023 after being given credit for 119 days of time served, according to online court and prison records.
Jose Minaya, the CEO of Nuveen, spoke with Insider for National Hispanic Heritage Month. Nuveen

Jose Minaya, the CEO of Nuveen, is one of only a few Hispanic CEOs of a major company in the US.

In an "Equity Talk," Minaya spoke about the inequity affecting Hispanic Americans.

"Inclusion is a massive business opportunity," the CEO told Insider.

For Jose Minaya, the CEO of Nuveen, the asset manager for the financial-services giant TIAA, National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the American dream.

The executive  one of only a handful of Hispanic people leading a major company in the US  grew up seeing the financial burdens that often weigh on communities of color and first-generation Americans.

As a child, Minaya's parents struggled to afford new shoes for him. His father washed dishes at a restaurant. His mother cleaned hotel rooms. To study for the SAT, he split the cost of one book with a friend and they shared it.

Now Minaya, 51, runs a company with more than $1 trillion in assets under management. But he hasn't forgotten his past.

Hispanic households earn about half as much as white households on average and possess only about 15 to 20% as much net wealth, a Federal Reserve analysis of 2021 data found. Many Hispanics don't have a financial role model or anyone to turn to for financial advice. Despite these persistent barriers and having experienced what he called a "humble upbringing," Minaya remains optimistic and says a better version of capitalism is still possible.

"The American dream is still alive and well, though inequalities absolutely still exist," Minaya said. "Shareholders are demanding diversity and inclusion, clients are demanding this, and in the war for talent, it's important. It is a perfect storm that in all three of those areas, people care about these issues."

The exec, who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, also remains steadfast that more companies will embrace diversity and inclusion. This comes amid pushback from some critics who describe these types of diversity efforts as "woke capitalism."

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"Inclusion is a massive business opportunity," Minaya said. "Even if you don't believe in research showing the importance of diversity and inclusion  if you don't do it well, you just ain't getting the money at the end of the day."

Speaking with Insider for Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from mid-September through mid-October, Minaya weighed in on both the accomplishments and the lingering struggles that affect his community.

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

You're a first-generation Hispanic American who grew up in what you've called "humble beginnings." English was your second language. How did your childhood shape who you are as a leader today?

It's who I represent myself with as a first-generation American. My community was largely a bubble. I grew up in a Spanish-speaking home. I grew up in a largely Spanish-speaking community. And from that community, I got a really strong sense of family. I got a strong sense of work ethic and pride in the work that people in that community did.

I became resourceful and curious, because while I came from a very loving family and community, there wasn't much they could help me with in terms of orientating me when leaving that community or going to college, going to Wall Street, going into financial services. So I had to figure things out along the way.

In addition to the well-documented pay gap between Hispanic Americans and white Americans, Hispanic households face particular economic challenges. They are 17% less likely than white households to have access to a retirement plan, for example. How are you working to change that?

It's about inclusion and capitalism. Hispanics are one of the fastest-growing minority groups in the US. If you think about the GDP that that community generates, that is an amazing amount of buying power. Then when you think about that demographic, and how less than a third of them have access to a retirement product, service, or retirement advice, you realize it's about being more inclusive.

Early in my career, I saw materials being generated in Spanish as people recognized, "Oh, we have more clients who speak Spanish." When I looked at the materials, I was like, "You know, my mom would actually be kind of insulted by this. It translates only dictionarywise."

That happened because there weren't the right people at the table to be able to really understand that community and be able to engage with it and sell to it. So, to me, that is the focus today. It's one around understanding. We need to be more inclusive as a society and bring these different cohorts along.

We also have to realize it's a massive business opportunity. These are all people that can use retirement services. It will better themselves. It will increase their net worth, and it will make them better in society as well.

Nuveen has many portfolio companies. How are you making diversity, equity, and inclusion a focus not just at your own company but at the companies you work with?

For me, it's always about focusing on the bottom line. Diverse firms, diverse boards  they make better decisions. They have better performance.

It's good old capitalism  understanding the buying power of minority communities is there. And by the way, when you start losing business to other companies that do get this right, I think people tend to wake up.

You're a proponent of "inclusive capitalism," but how can you advance that idea when we have so much headwind against environmental, social, and governance issues and diversity?

As we think about inclusive capital, to me, it's very simple. I think it's a bottom-line issue. We can look at the demographics of this country, the buying power different communities have, and then we can realize, "OK, this is an attractive investment thesis."

The more access I have to different investment opportunities, the better I'm going to do, right? At Nuveen, we've started our own program of investing in my minority-owned firms and minority-owned private-equity sponsors as well.

You mentioned the headwinds with regards to ESG. I think it's actually a positive because for too long, ESG was just an acronym. Today there is a lot more scrutiny because it's becoming more real. It was this narrative of, "Do the right thing." Well now, there's natural disasters. There's floods. There's fires. There's real issues going on in the labor force. It's about understanding that we have to look at these issues from a risk factor.

Whether you like this or not, your clients are going to be demanding more focus on ESG. I think this is becoming more institutionalized. You're going to see regulators getting more involved. It may seem like headwinds, but it is really what provides the right kind of metrics in place to allow the capital markets to really expand in this particular area. So yes, it's become more political  there are more headwinds. But I think this has been a long time coming. The discussion is here, and I think it's really what will propel us to the next phase.

How are you paving the way for others from underrepresented backgrounds in the future? How are you thinking about your legacy?

I think for first-generation Americans, and definitely someone coming out of the Hispanic community, it can be a very lonely place  leaving your community. Entering corporate America, you often don't have a lot in common with the people around you. Early on in my career, I was really focused on how to acclimate. Sometimes that meant I wasn't being my true self at work every day. I was trying to fit in.

I think it's about reminding my fellow Hispanics and folks in other minority groups  don't be afraid to be your true self in the office. I know how lonely it can be. I know about imposter syndrome. But trust me, bringing your true self to the table, that is diversity. You're really going to be your best when you bring your true self to the workplace.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Then-President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on July 20, 2020. Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images

Trump floated the idea of trading Mar-a-Lago boxes for documents on the Russia probe, per the NYT.

Aides to Trump did not pitch his proposal to the National Archives, knowing it would be rejected.

Trump repeatedly delayed the agency's calls for him to turn over the boxes, per the newspaper.

Former President Donald Trump late last year floated the idea of swapping the files that he took from the White House to Mar-a-Lago in exchange for "sensitive" documents about the FBI investigation of his 2016 campaign's ties to Russia, according to The New York Times.

As the National Archives pressed Trump to return the scores of official documents that were being stored at his Mar-a-Lago estate in South Florida, the former president  still smarting from the Russia probe  was frustrated by the government agency's refusal to disclose documents that he felt would back up his claims, per The Times.

Trump told advisors that in order to obtain access to those documents, he would give the archives the boxes of materials that were stored at Mar-a-Lago, according to the newspaper.

Aides to the former president did not go through with the proposal, but it was one of many ways in which the former president repeatedly delayed calls by the archives to turn over the documents located at his personal residence.

Shortly after Trump entered the White House, there were clear concerns about the then-president's tendency to bring documents to his bedroom, and almost midway into his term, locating the files in the residence area of the historic building became an impediment, per individuals with knowledge of the situation who spoke with the Times.

During Trump's third year in office, top White House officials were aware of specific files being in places where they were not intended to be stored.

After Trump left the Oval Office, Trump's representatives were told by the National Archives general counsel Gary M. Stern to have the former president return the files in the boxes.

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Stern had a number of talks with the former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows about the files, along with three attorneys who had been employed in the White House counsel's office.

Per the Times, Stern continued to push for missing boxes in September 2021, but Trump informed Meadows that they held only newspaper clips and other personal items.

Meadows relayed Trump's message to a former White House lawyer Patrick Philbin, who then gave the message to Stern.

The archives told Trump's team that even newspaper clippings and article printouts were seen as presidential records that needed to be turned in to the agency.

Near the end of last year, the ex-White House advisor Eric Herschmann told Trump that he could be run into to significant legal problems if he didn't hand over the documents that were being requested by the archives, according to the Times.

After the former president told advisors that the boxes were "mine," he agreed to go through the files in December 2021, per the newspaper. Stern was then told that the boxes were ready to be retrieved.

None of Trump's representatives informed Stern there were classified files within the boxes, according to the Times.

Once the archives began to open the boxes, they realized they were viewing the files in a room not suitable for such high-level documents and quickly transported the boxes to more secure areas where the files could be closely probed, per the newspaper.

The FBI would later execute a search warrant at Mar-a-Lago in August in search of classified documents it suspected Trump took there after leaving office. The Department of Justice is investigating whether Trump broke three federal laws relating to the handling of classified information, including the Espionage Act.

Trump has long been fixated on the Department of Justice's investigation into campaign ties to Russia leading up to his first presidential election; he has repeatedly called the probe a "hoax" that was intended to damage his presidency.

Read the original article on Business Insider
YouTube

Try Guys stars Keith Habersberger and Zach Kornfeld delved into their difficult decision to remove their fellow member Ned Fulmer, who confirmed he had what he called a consensual workplace extramarital affair after being outed on social media, in a new, lengthy podcast episode.

After taking a week-long hiatus to formulate [their] thoughts, the popular former BuzzFeed personalities detailed in the new vlog, titled ok, lets talk about it, which has racked up more than 3 million views, discovering how they learned about Fulmers transgression, waiting for the internet to blow it up, and what it was like to become one of the biggest viral stories this year.

We knew there was this stick of dynamite with an uncertain fuse. We knew that at any moment this could and would come out, Kornfeld said. Along with all the stressors of how do we do this right, it was the stressors of when is this going to break Every day we are refreshing Twitter it was out there from the beginning.

On Sept. 27, Fulmer confirmed internet sleuth allegations that he was hooking up with one of his producerssetting off a firestorm that even garnered coverage by outlets like The New York Times, NPR, and the Washington Post.

The group found out about the affair over Labor Day weekend, the two members said on the podcast, which set off a week of relentless work that they knew would require swift legal action. They confirmed they went through an internal review before taking permanent action, ensuring that they were not unjustly removing their friend and co-founder while also protecting the employees of 2nd Try, LLC. Navigating the red tape, trauma, and the scrutiny of millions has been stressful and exhausting like a breakup, they said, and has greatly impacted their health.

The stress poops have been out of control, Kornfeld joked.

Habersberger and Kornfeld also addressed speculations about the controversy, including that they did not coordinate releasing statements with Fulmer, accusing him of copying their font to optimize result for him.

Story continues

They confirmed that they edited Fulmer out of videos that had been shot but not yet aired on YouTube. The old era of TryGuy content will remain on the internet, untouched.

You can watch the full episode here:

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)  Clayton Tune threw a pair of touchdown passes inside the final two minutes as Houston scored 26 fourth-quarter points to stun Memphis 33-32 on Friday night.

Tune tossed a 13-yard touchdown pass to KeSean Carter that capped a 12-play, 75-yard drive to pull Houston to 32-26 with 1:17 to play. Houston took possession following the ensuing onside kick. Tune and Carter connected six plays later for the game-winner on a 2-yard touchdown with 18 seconds to play.

Houston (3-3, 1-1 American Athletic Conference) has won two straight against Memphis (4-2, 2-1) since ending a five-game losing streak to the Tigers in a 31-13 home win last season.

Tune finished 36-of-57 passing for 366 yards with three touchdowns. Sam Brown had nine receptions for 116 yards and Nathaniel Dell made 10 catches for 81 yards and a score. Carter had four receptions for 36 yards.

Memphis looked to be headed toward an easy victory when Seth Henigan threw a lateral to Gabriel Rogers near the sideline. Rogers then avoided three defenders and ran back toward the logo and lofted a pass to Asa Martin in the end zone for a 41-yard touchdown that stretched the Memphis lead to 26-7 with 14:50 remaining.

Jayce Rogers returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter for Houston, but Chris Howard made his fourth field goal, a 39-yarder, to push the Tigers' lead to 32-19 with 4:04 to play.

Henigan completed 21 of 32 passes for 241 yards for Memphis.

__

More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/ap_top25. Sign up for the APs college football newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/mrxhe6f2
Twelve people  eight citizens of Great Britain and four citizens of Ireland  were taken into custody by the border patrol last month after they allegedly entered the country illegally near the Canadian border with Minnesota.

A press release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection gave the following details:

A Border Patrol agent with the Warroad Station was notified Sept. 25 that two vehicles had illegally entered the country near Roseau, Minn.

During the search for the vehicles, the agent found them at a gas station in Grygla, Minn. As he drew closer, one vehicle left the station. After speaking to the occupants of the vehicle that remained, one citizen of Britain and three citizens of Ireland were taken into custody.

The next day, an International Falls agent spotted the second vehicle, which was unoccupied at the time, at a restaurant in Bemidji. After speaking to a front desk clerk at a nearby hotel and working with the Beltrami County sheriffs office, the agent was able to locate an additional eight people who had entered the country illegally  seven from Great Britain and one from Ireland.

This was a great response by our agents, Chief Patrol Agent Anthony S. Good said. The communication and collaboration between two of our stations was the reason we were able to catch the migrants. As a reminder, it is unlawful to enter the United States anywhere other than a designated Port of Entry.

The twelve people were taken to the Warroad Port of Entry and are being held on suspicion of illegally entering the country.

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Pentagon blacklists more Chinese firms for further sanctions, move to end up hurting US investors

(Global Times) 08:33, October 08, 2022

The US Department of Defense (DOD) added more Chinese companies, including dronemaker DJI Technology and genomics firm BGI Genomics Co, to a blacklist on Thursday, claiming they have ties to the Chinese military and paving the way for further restrictions on their businesses.

Chinese experts said that the fresh move, which lacks evidence and comes amid a heightened China-US tech rivalry, is another strengthened and baseless crackdown on China's technology rise that will end up "lifting a rock only to drop it on its own feet."

According to a statement published on the official website of the DOD, firms included in the list are "Chinese military companies" operating directly or indirectly in the US in accordance with the statutory requirement of Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021.

Surveillance equipment maker Zhejiang Dahua Technology, China State Construction Group Co and rolling stock manufacturer CRRC Corp Ltd were among the 13 firms added to the blacklist.

"The Department is determined to highlight and counter the People's Republic of China's Military-Civil Fusion strategy, which supports the modernization goals of the People's Liberation Army by ensuring its access to advanced technologies and expertise are acquired and developed by PRC companies, universities, and research programs that appear to be civilian entities," the Pentagon said in the statement.

The fresh move represents the US' aim of seeking a more comprehensive and in-depth strategy to "compete" with China, especially in the high-tech sector, as most of the sanctioned firms represent China's technological and comprehensive strength, which the US feels "threatened" by, experts said.

"It can only be said that the list is another of Washington's excuses to suppress China's scientific and technological progress and industrial upgrading," Gao Lingyun, an expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, told the Global Times on Friday.

The new list is an expanded version of the initial one released on June 3 last year. The Pentagon said it "will continue to update the list with additional entities as appropriate."

The first tranche contained 47 firms including Huawei Technologies and China's three biggest telecommunications companies. Under an executive order signed by US President Joe Biden, US investors will be banned from buying or selling publicly traded securities from those companies.

In response to Biden's move, Wang Wenbin, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said at the time that China will take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and firmly supports them in protecting their own rights in accordance with the law, and urged the US to respect market laws and principles and withdraw the investment ban list.

The Pentagon did not elaborate on the coming restrictions on the new tranche of firms in the Thursday statement, but experts said that the US Commerce Department may be the next to announce restrictions that could steer US investment away from these companies.

From the perspective of Chinese businesses, short-term pain such as a shift of business strategy in the US is inevitable, but the long-term impact will be rather limited, Gao said.

He Weiwen, a former economic and commercial counselor at the Chinese consulate general in San Francisco and New York, told the Global Times in a previous interview that the main limitation of the investment ban is that US investors cannot directly invest in those Chinese firms. Chinese companies on the list cannot publicly raise funds in the US market.

"Seen from public data, however, US direct investment in China only accounts for 2 percent of China's foreign investment; that is, about $2.6 billion, so the impact is slight," He said, adding that the ban's impact on indirect investment needs further observation.

However, the broader ban will surely "lift a rock only to drop it on its own feet in the end" for the US government and American investors, given that entities on the list are all firms with great prospects and high yields, Gao said.

More investors from other countries can "jump on the boat" and share dividends, the expert noted.

Gao also advised relevant companies on the list to seek a reversal of restrictions through legal means and fight for their legitimate rights, given some Chinese firms' previous successful experience.

For instance, Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomisaid in May last year that it had been formally removed from the US government blacklist after filing a lawsuit.

According to a final order issued by the US District Court for the District of Columbia, it vacated the US DOD's designation of Xiaomias a "Communist Chinese Military Company" (CCMC), and the court formally lifted all restrictions on US persons' ability to purchase or hold securities of the company.

"More firms can follow suit and challenge discriminatory US administrative orders or reckless bans," Gao told the Global Times.

The Global Times contacted DJI, BGI and CRRC for comment, but none of them had replied as of press time on Friday.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Peking Opera artist Li Linxiao performs at the opening ceremony of the cultural festival. [China Daily]

Revered novel is having a new outing, this time to the sound of music.

When Wang Liping was writing the soundtrack for the TV series Dream of the Red Chamber 35 years ago, it took him more than a year to decide on the theme song.

For Wang the challenge of writing music for this TV rendition of the classical novel written by Cao Xueqin during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) was both exciting and daunting.

"No one, neither the director nor the actors, said we were going to make the TV adaptation a showpiece," Wang says.

"We all bore a heavy mental and emotional burden, working hard at our own roles.

"My days were very difficult, because the standard we set for ourselves was very high. I felt that I wasn't only writing for the audience of that time but also for people of the future."

Both the TV series and the soundtrack he wrote proved to be a classic, the album now having a rating of 9.8 out of 10 on review site Douban.

The soundtrack, with 12 pieces, is being merged with Peking Opera in an upcoming concert, Jingyun Honglou (Dream of the Red Chamber in Peking Opera style), to premiere at the National Library Arts Center toward the end of this month.

The veteran Peking Opera composer Zhu Shaoyu, who is responsible for the concert's music and sound design, says: "The story has been staged many times, in different regional traditional opera styles. But to present these well-known songs in Peking Opera style is a first, and I believe it's a more powerful way of presenting them."
Two people are dead and another was wounded in a series of shootings Friday in Conway, Arkansas, police said.

The suspect shot three people at separate locations within minutes of each other, and was captured hours later after he shot himself, police said.

Officers discovered a wounded 25-year-old woman shortly before 5 p.m., and were then called to two other shooting reports, where they found a 48-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man dead at separate locations, police said in a statement.

About 8 p.m., a 32-year-old suspect was chased by Arkansas State Police, ran into some woods and "was located in a field a short distance away with a self-inflicted gunshot wound," about 8:30 p.m., police said in the statement.

Police said the suspect was transported to a medical facility, but his condition was not specified.

The wounded woman was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital in Little Rock, around 20 miles away. Her condition was not disclosed.

The identities of the victims were not released.

Police said earlier Friday that all three victims were believed to have been known to the suspect.

A police spokesperson could not immediately be reached for more details, and the police department did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Two people were charged Friday in federal court after FBI officers were fired at during an investigation in Warsaw, Missouri.

Authorities executed a search warrant Friday morning in the 30000 block of US 65 Highway in Warsaw, about 100 miles southeast of Kansas City.

A person shot at officers, who did not return fire, the FBIs Kansas City office posted on social media.

The U.S. Attorneys Office in the Western District of Missouri said two people had been arrested.

Bryan C. Perry, 37, of Clarksville, Tenn., was charged with one count of transmitting a threat across state lines to injure another person, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of forcibly assaulting an FBI agent with a deadly weapon.

Jonathan S. ODell, 32, of Warsaw, was charged with one count of transmitting a threat across state lines to injure another person and one count of unlawfully possessing a firearm. The search warrant had been executed at ODells residence, prosecutors said.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States on Saturday said it was reviewing a request for international support from Haiti, which says it is seeking a "specialized armed force" to address a crisis caused by a blockade of the country's main fuel port.

The U.S. State Department said criminal actors were undermining Haiti's efforts to halt the spread of cholera.

"In that context, we will review the Government of Haitis request in coordination with international partners and determine how we can increase our support to help address Haitis fuel shortage and security constraints," it said in a statement.

It did not offer details on how the United States might help Haiti address its security constraints.

The Montana Accord, a group of Haitian intellectuals and activists that has been highly critical of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, described his request as an act of treason and said that foreign troops would only make things worse.

"History teaches us that no foreign force has ever solved the problems of any people on earth," the Montana Accord said in a statement, adding that Haiti instead needs support for its police force.

"It is our Haitian police force that will have the ability to once and for all solve the insecurity problems that Haitians are experiencing."

Haiti has ground to a halt since a coalition of gangs blocked the Varreux fuel terminal last month. The lack of gas and diesel has crippled transportation and forced businesses and hospitals to halt operations.

It has also led to a shortage of bottled water, just as the country confirmed a new outbreak of cholera, the spread of which is controlled through hygiene and clean water.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart in Washington and Brian Ellsworth in Miami; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Alistair Bell)
The Nobel Peace Prize will be unveiled Friday, with experts speculating it could go to critics of Vladimir Putin, climate activists or even no prize at all amid the war in Ukraine.

The climax of the Nobel season, the Peace Prize laureate will be announced at 11:00 am (0900 GMT) in Oslo, against the backdrop of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine which has plunged Europe into one of its worst crises since World War II.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee keeps the list of nominations a closely guarded secret, but it is known to have 343 names on it, including 251 individuals and 92 organisations.

With Ukraine dominating headlines since the start of the year, some prize experts say it is doubtful the committee can ignore it.

"It is likely we will see a prize that in one way or another will point in the direction of Ukraine," the director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, Henrik Urdal, told Norwegian broadcaster NRK just hours before the announcement.

In such case, he said possible laureates could be Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, thorns in the side of the Kremlin and one of its few allies in the war, Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko.

Or it could go to the International Court of Justice based in The Hague, which in March ordered the immediate end of the Russian offensive, or the UN High Commission for Refugees, as millions of people have been displaced by the conflict.

Urdal also mentioned those documenting suspected war crimes, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), also based in The Hague, or investigative site Bellingcat.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's chances are seen as minimal as long as the war is raging, even though he is the bookies' favourite.

Other Nobel observers -- including Oda Andersen Nyborg, head of the Norwegian Peace Council -- have meanwhile suggested the prize could this year go to climate campaigners, as the planet's alarm bells ring.

Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg has been seen as a potential Nobel laureate for several years despite her young age, and could take home the prize with her movement "Fridays for Future", British naturalist David Attenborough or other environmentalists.

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- 'Tense world' -

The five members of the Nobel committee may also go in an entirely different direction, or even decide to not award the prize at all, as they have already done 19 times in the past, most recently 50 years ago.

The head of the committee hinted mildly however that the panel had chosen one or several laureates -- up to three can be honoured.

The decision was "maybe even harder" this year, Berit Reiss-Andersen, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, told NRK, noting that "we're living in a difficult security situation and a tense world".

Last year, the Peace Prize crowned two champions of freedom of the press, Philippine journalist Maria Ressa and her Russian colleague Dmitry Muratov.

The Peace Prize is the only Nobel awarded in Oslo, with the other disciplines announced in Stockholm.

On Monday, the Medicine Prize kicked off the 2022 season, going to Swedish paleogeneticist Svante Paabo, who discovered Neanderthal DNA and the previously unknown Denisova hominin.

The Physics Prize on Tuesday honoured Alain Aspect of France, Austria's Anton Zeilinger and John Clauser of the United States for their discoveries in the field of quantum entanglement.

On Wednesday, the Chemistry Prize went to another trio, Carolyn Bertozzi and Barry Sharpless of the United States together with Morten Meldal of Denmark, for laying the foundation for a more functional form of chemistry where molecules are linked together, called click chemistry.

French author Annie Ernaux on Thursday won the Nobel Literature Prize, the 17th woman to get the nod out of 119 literature laureates since 1901.

The Nobel season winds up Monday with the Nobel Economics Prize.

phy/po/kjm/dhc
A destroyed Russian Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) is seen near the village of Nova Husarivka, Ukraine, on September 15, 2022. Gleb Garanich via Reuters

Ben Hodges, former US commander of American forces in Europe, said Russian lines are collapsing.

"It's an army that's been defeated," he told The Times of London.

Other experts warn that the oncoming winter may limit the advances the military can make in the war.

A senior former US general has lauded the successes of the Ukrainian military and has said that Russia could be defeated by the end of the year.

Ben Hodges, who served as commanding general of the United States Army Europe until 2018, told The Times that Russian lines are collapsing.

"Based on all the things we are seeing it has the feeling of a collapse, at least in the Donbas area, and I do believe the Russians will be pushed beyond the February 23 line by the end of the year," with the "line" being the position the Russians were in pre-invasion.

A senior British government source echoed this assessment, according to The Times, and said Putin's forces would be forced out of the Donbas and back across Russia's border by the end of the year.

Hodge described the Russian military as "an army that's been defeated."

The former commander who led the US military in Iraq and Afghanistan said that the Ukrainian military might be able to recapture Crimea if they are able to retake Kherson, but re-occupying the peninsula will take far longer than a few months.

View of a destroyed Russian tank in the village of Lukashivka in the Chernihiv region of Ukraine on September 7, 2022. Sergei Chuzavkov/Getty Images

As winter sets in Ukraine, however, other experts warn that the freezing temperatures may limit the advances the military can make in the war.

Franz-Stefan Gady, a research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told The Times that, "For Ukraine, it is a race against time to seize as much territory as possible before the onset of winter and before better-trained Russian reinforcements, including new units, reach the front line.

"For the Russian side, the first order of business is to conduct orderly tactical withdrawals and delay Ukrainian advances," he added.

As experts debate when the outcome of the war, with some telling The Times that a Ukrainian victory before 2023 is "impossible," it is nonetheless clear that the Russian military project is not going to plan, with almost none of Putin's objectives achieved over eight months into his invasion.

The situation has forced Putin to announce an unpopular draft to compel more people to fight, prompting an exodus of military-age men from his country and undermining his iron grip on power, with even the sycophantic Russian media shining a light on the military failures.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A view shows a fire on the Kerch bridge at sunrise in the Kerch Strait, Crimea. Reuters

A crucial bridge linking Russia and the annexed territory of Crimea collapsed on Saturday morning.

Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for it, but Ukrainian officials' tweets hinted it was behind it.

Ukrainian officials made light of the timing. It happened right after Vladimir Putin's 70th birthday.

Ukrainian officials have hinted that Ukraine may have sabotaged a crucial bridge linking Russia and the annexed territory of Crimea to spite Russian President Vladimir Putin on his 70th birthday.

A fuel tank explosion on Kerch road-and-rail bridge took place at around 6 a.m. on Saturday while a train was crossing it, causing it to collapse, according to Russian officials.

Putin responded by ordering the government to create a state commission to examine the cause of the Kerch Bridge collapse, TASS news agency reported per Reuters.

The source of the explosion is currently unclear, but a Crimean official was quick to blame Ukraine.

"Ukrainian vandals somehow managed to get their bloody paws on the Crimean bridge," said Vladimir Konstantinov, chairman of the State Council of Crimea, in a Telegram post.

"Now they have something to be proud of, in 23 years of their economic activity, they did not manage to build anything deserving of interest in Crimea," the post continued. "But they did succeed in damaging the roadbed of the Russian bridge."

Ukraine has not directly claimed responsibility for the bridge collapse, but officials hinted at responsibility in a series of mocking tweets.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said on Twitter: "Crimea, the bridge, the beginning. Everything illegal must be destroyed, everything stolen must be returned to Ukraine, everything occupied by Russia must be expelled."

Ukraine's official Twitter account responded to the bridge collapse with only two words: "sick burn."

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And other Ukrainian officials appeared to link the timing of the bridge collapse with Putin's 70th birthday.

Putin, who personally opened a stretch of the bridge in 2018, turned 70 yesterday.

Oleksiy Danilov, Ukraine's Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, posted a video on Twitter of Marilyn Monroe singing "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" next to footage of the bridge on fire.

"Good morning, Ukraine," the caption said.

According to The New York Times investigative reporter Michael Schwirtz, a senior Ukrainian military official said: "Putin should be happy. Not everyone gets such an expensive present on their birthday."

The 12-mile bridge, which is the longest in Europe, was built after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. According to The Guardian, it was a critical route for carrying military equipment and troops to Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Watch: Heartwarming moment Ukrainian woman reunited with missing dog

A Ukrainian woman has been reunited with her pet dog after it went missing during the recent shelling by Russian forces.

A video showed Jack the dog running to his owners after being released from a cage by volunteers from the K9 Global Rescue group.

The woman immediately burst into tears after being reunited with her beloved dog which had been missing for a month after escaping when the Russian army attacked his village in Kherson.

The tearful owner was seen hugging the volunteers who captured the moment on camera.

Read more: Ukraine could defeat Russia by New Year's Eve, a former top US general said

A woman in Ukraine's Kherson was surprised to be reunited with her dog. (SWNS)

A K9 Global Rescue volunteer said: "As I showed her the animals up front she was saying that there were many lost animals in the village just wandering around who had lost their homes.

"When I opened up the back doors, she gasped, took a step back, and said 'JACK??'

"She went back into the house to go get the older lady and bring her outside to see the dogs.

"When the old lady saw him, she started welling up."

The group added: "Although we had never met and spoke two completely different languages, it was clear that we fully understood each other.

Knowing that we were able to bring a lost soul home to their family is so gratifying.

K9 Global Rescue is a group of veterans spearheading a mission to save dogs from inhumane treatment worldwide.

Read more: Russian TV presenter and Putin mouthpiece wants death penalty to be used on soldiers

The woman's dog was missing for a month. (SWNS)

It comes as a blast rocked the Kerch bridge which links Russia and the Crimea peninsula on Saturday, causing parts of the road to collapse.

The bridge is a crucial military supply route for Russian forces in Ukraine.

Fire and thick smoke were seen on the strategic road-and-rail bridge, the only crossing between Crimea and Russia.

Video showed CCTV footage of the blast.

It was not yet clear if the blast was a deliberate attack but the damage to such high-profile infrastructure came at a time when Russia has suffered several battlefield defeats.

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The Russian Investigative Committee said the blast occurred in a freight truck, causing fuel tanker wagons to catch fire on a train heading for the peninsula.

It added that two sections of the bridge had partially collapsed.

Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian governor of Crimea, said on social media that the road bridge was still intact in one direction.

Although he added traffic was suspended while the damage was being assessed.

A Ukrainian presidential adviser posted a message on Twitter saying the incident was just "the beginning but he stopped short of saying Ukrainian forces were responsible.

Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.
EUROPEAN PRAVDA  SATURDAY, 8 OCTOBER 2022, 16:59

During the first summit of the European Political Community, which took place on 6 October in Prague, Ukraine proposed that it be renamed the European Community of Peace.

Source: Ihor Zhovkva, diplomatic adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an interview with European Pravda

Quote: "We propose that it is called the European Community of Peace. The word peace in this idea is not only peace as such; it applies to all spheres  economy, energy security, [and] military security."

Details: According to him, the vision of the format was laid out by Zelenskyy in his speech, where he spoke about how the European Peace Community found support among the participants. "If in the end they agree to it, then this format will have [a certain] meaning," added Zhovkva.

He also noted that Ukraine seems to be the only one among the participants to submit its proposals regarding this format. "At least, I haven't heard of any meaningful proposals from other states, unless they were submitted after the event," Zhovkva said.

Read the full text of the interview and a detailed analysis of the most important events that took place on 6-7 October in Prague in the article Peace is not for everyone. How the Prague summit tried to reconcile enemies in Europe and beyond.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
VALENTYNA ROMANENKO  SATURDAY, 8 OCTOBER 2022, 11:41

Ukrainian anti-aircraft gunners shot down a Shahed-136, an Iranian-made drone used by Russians, over Mykolaiv Oblast.

Source: Press service for Air Command Pivden (South)

Details: On the morning of 8 October, soldiers of the mobile fire group of the Kherson Anti-aircraft Missile Brigade shot down a Shahed-136 kamikaze drone over Mykolaiv Oblast using a large-calibre Utyos machine gun.

Quote: "Ukrainian anti-aircraft gunners will not stop until they turn the Russian invaders in the Ukrainian skies into scrap metal! Glory to Ukraine!".

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
An explosion rocked and partially collapsed a massive bridge that connects Russia-annexed Crimea with Russia on Saturday, a setback for Moscow's war effort that was quickly celebrated by officials in Ukraine.

Russian authorities said a truck bomb caused an explosion that killed three people and temporarily halted vehicle and train traffic over the longest bridge in Europe  a multi-billion dollar project that opened in 2018 and is a physical sign of Russias claim on Crimea. It's also a key supply artery for Russian troops.

President Vladimir Putin signed a decree late Saturday tightening security for the bridge and for energy infrastructure between Crimea and Russia, and put Russias federal security service, the FSB, in charge of the effort.

Kyiv stopped short of claiming responsibility, but the attack drew gleeful celebration among some officials.

Traffic on the bridge is slowly resuming. Limited automobile traffic resumed Saturday afternoon. Sergey Aksyonov, Crimeas Russia-backed regional leader, wrote on Telegram. Rail traffic was also set to return.

Other developments:

This year's Nobel Peace Prize is going to jailed Belarus rights activist Ales Bialiatski, the Russian group Memorial and the Ukrainian organization Center for Civil Liberties, the award's judges said Friday.

Russia's Defense Ministry says air force chief Gen. Sergei Surovikin will be the commander of all Russian troops fighting in Ukraine. It's the first official appointment of a single commander for the entire Russian force there.

Ukrainian authorities are just beginning to sift through the wreckage of the devastated city of Lyman in eastern Ukraine as they assess the humanitarian toll, and possibility of war crimes, from a months-long Russian occupation.

Russia declared popular feminist rapper and writer Miron Fyodorov, known professionally as Oxxxymiron, a "foreign agent," a label considered an effort to muzzle critics of the government. Oxxxymiron has been publicly critical of the invasion of Ukraine.

Story continues

This video grab taken and released on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022 shows thick black smoke rising from a fire on the Kerch Bridge that links Crimea to Russia.

'Significant' bridge attack has far-reaching implications, expert says

The attack on the 12-mile bridge across the Kerch Strait linking the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov is a strategic blow to Russia's war effort.

John Spencer, the chair of urban warfare studies at the Madison Policy Forum, called the explosion of the bridge the most significant explosion of the Russia-Ukraine war because it sends a message that Ukraine can strike anywhere within occupied area.

Russia said just months ago it was impossible to hit the Kerch bridge, Spencer said.

In addition to motor vehicle traffic, the bridge is a major route for supplies to come in via railroad, Spencer said.

Theres no other bridge connecting Russia to Crimea into the South like that, he said.

Some fear the explosion will give Putin a reason for further escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. Some Russian lawmakers are calling for Putin to declare a counterterrorism operation in retaliation, shedding the term special military operation that had downplayed the scope of fighting to ordinary Russians.

The Kremlin could use such a move to further broaden the powers of security agencies, ban rallies, tighten censorship, introduce restrictions on travel and expand a partial military mobilization that Putin ordered last month.

Putin himself opened the railway portion of the bridge in 2019, saying it has proven our ability to carry out large-scale infrastructure projects" in a region Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014  a move most of the world considered illegal.

Ukrainian leaders celebrate bridge attack, taunt Putin

The official Telegram account for Ukrainian Parliament posted a photo and a video of the explosion early Saturday morning praising the blast. The Ukrainian postal service pledged to issue stamps commemorating the bombing.

The secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council tweeted a video that appeared to taunt Russian President Vladimir Putin, who just turned 70, with footage of the attack.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indirectly acknowledged the attack on the bridge by talking about the weather in Crimea but did not address its cause in a video address Saturday.

Today was a good and mostly sunny day on the territory of our state, he said. Unfortunately, it was cloudy in Crimea.

Ukraine nuclear power plant loses external power link, UN says

Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the biggest in Europe, has lost its last remaining external power source as a result of renewed shelling and is now relying on emergency diesel generators, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said Saturday.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said the plant's link to a 750-kilovolt line was cut at around 1 a.m. Saturday. It cited official information from Ukraine as well as reports from IAEA experts at the site, which is held by Russian forces.

All six reactors at the plant are shut down but they still require electricity for cooling and other safety functions. Plant engineers have begun work to repair the damaged power line and the plants generators  not all of which are currently being used  each have sufficient fuel for at least 10 days, the IAEA said.

The resumption of shelling, hitting the plants sole source of external power, is tremendously irresponsible, IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi said.

Ukraine's economy shrinks 30% in 2022

The Ukrainian economy ministry said Saturday that the country's economy has shrunk by nearly one-third in the first nine months of 2022 compared to that period in 2021.

The ministry said exports, including grain after a brokered deal by the United Nations, grew 23% between August and September, the highest level since February.

The economic shrink was attributed to factors including bad weather in September, slowing harvesting, and the ongoing occupation causing disruptions at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

Russia's actions, "further destruction of production facilities, infrastructure and residential buildings," and uncertainty about how long the situation will continue is preventing development and reconstruction, the ministry said.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ukraine live updates: Crimean bridge explosion damages Russia lifeline
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The balance of on-lending loans for smaller banks issued by the Export-Import Bank of China (China EximBank) hit 140 billion yuan (about 19.72 billion U.S. dollars) at the end of August, data shows.

The figure increased 15 percent from the beginning of the year, the bank said.

It has been pooling efforts to boost inclusive finance. By the end of August, the bank had waived 451 million yuan worth of loan interest payments for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises affected by the COVID-19.

China EximBank is a state-funded and state-owned policy bank supporting China's foreign trade, investment and international economic cooperation.
Students move about campus at the University of Alabama Monday, Sept. 13, 2021. Enrollment for the fall semester was level but freshman enrollment was up significantly. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]

Students who apply to attend the University of Alabama during a one-week period this month will receive a financial break.

UA will waive application fees from Oct. 17-21 for domestic and international undergraduate, graduate and online prospective students as part of the institution's Free App Week.

The university will waive application fees from Oct. 17-21 for domestic and international undergraduate, graduate and online prospective students as part of the institution's Free App Week.

In a news release, UA said that waiving the fees will empower prospective students by removing a financial barrier that could keep them from applying for admission.

Over the last two years, UA welcomed a record number of students to our first-year class, achieved gains in diverse student representation, and increased the number of National Merit Scholars, said Matt McLendon, associate vice president and executive director for enrollment management.

Free App Week provides students with increased accessibility and an excellent opportunity to discover a university that provides both solid academic engagement and a vibrant campus culture, McLendon said.

Last month, UA announced its largest-ever enrollment with 38,645 students enrolled for fall 2022. This exceeds UA's previous enrollment record of 38,563 students set in 2017. The record enrollment was enhanced by UA's largest freshman class of 8,037 students, which includes 322 National Merit Scholars.

To receive instructions on how to submit an undergraduate application for free, applicants must first submit their contact information on the Undergraduate Admissions Free App Week page.

The undergraduate application deadline is at 11:59 p.m. Oct. 21.

To reserve a graduate application waiver, students can sign up on the Graduate Schools Free App Week page.

Susan Carvalho, associate provost and dean of the graduate school, said UA offers more than 150 masters, educational specialist and doctoral programs.

Student success is empowered through cutting-edge research and equipment, state-of-the-art facilities and visionary colleagues. Free App Week is just one more way we are opening our doors to those who are ready for the next step in their professional and personal careers," Carvalho said.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: University of Alabama to waive student application fees for one week
Oct. 7One in three women and one in six men become victims of sexual assault at some point in their lives, according to the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Of those cases, only about one-third of them get reported.

For this reason Jacksonville State University has revamped its sexual assault and domestic violence preparedness and response actions in ways that are expected to reduce the overall risk factors in its campus community.

"Generally speaking, there are risk factors. And there are reasons why the Office of Violence Against Women focused on universities," said Jana Pickette, campus grant program coordinator for that office, which is a unit of the U.S. Department of Justice.

We showcase, she said "what can be achieved by following best practices through the power of collaboration here. Because it doesn't really matter what the numbers are  one person is too many."

Pickette explained that one set of risk factors is related to age  with the age range of college students similar to the ages of those who are typically victims of sexual assault. She said one reason that people in that age range become victims is that some of the "protective factors"  being around family and support systems  are often removed once a person moves out on their own.

It is the goal of the university, school officials said, to not only equip its students with as much information as possible to prevent sexual and domestic abuse, but also to be proactive in its response, if a violent incident occurs, to encourage more victims to come forward.

Below are the annual crime statistics for JSU for the past three years:

A plan has been in the works for a few years now and is now being implemented. Thanks to a grant the school received almost three years ago from Project Beloved, JSU and its campus police were able to put better investigative techniques into practice. University police Chief Michael Barton said the techniques have been adopted from a national law enforcement effort.

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First, the university police required every certified sworn officer on its force to attend specific training that would better equip them with the tools they would need to handle those types of situations.

"We've put all of our officers through 'trauma informed interviewing and response' training this summer at the International Association of Chiefs of Police which was a 32-hour training over a period of several days over the summer," Barton said.

Next, the university used some of the grant funds to outfit a space within the police station in which to conduct trauma victim interviews. Intended to give the victim comfortable surroundings in which to talk about a traumatic experience, the deliberately designed space is in stark contrast to the typical police interview room, Barton said.

"It looks like just pretty furniture, but everything in this room is designed very specifically by the organization who gave us this grant," Pickette said, explaining that Beloved Project was begun by two parents whose daughter had been raped and murdered in Fort Worth, Texas, in 2017. The couple established the nonprofit to create the specially designed interview rooms.

Everything from the paint on the walls, the swivel chairs, down to the succulent plant sitting on the coffee table in the center of the room was placed there with specific intention, Pickette said.

Victims of assault can come into the room and tell their story to the department's Investigative Sgt. Jeugenia Jubenville, whom Barton has appointed specifically to handle a particular type of assault cases.

"What we've been able to do organizationally is really try to have Sgt. Jubenville to focus on any type of domestic violence or sexual assault related crimes. She does pick up some other things from time to time, but we really want her focus to be that, and specialize it because it is a unique skillset," Barton said.

Also helpful to victims of assault is the school's team consisting of individuals who specialize in fields to better serve the victim.

"One thing the grant has done is that we officially founded our Coordinated Community Response Team, which means we are part of prevention and response efforts of sexual assault / dating violence / domestic violence and stalking, and implementing best practices in prevention and response  not just the best for our students, but also to be an example for our area of Alabama," Pickette said.

In addition to Pickette, Jubenville, and Barton, the university's Title 9 coordinator Jazmin Nunez, and Alison Causey, victim service officer with the District Attorney's office, give valuable expertise to the team.

The department's partnership with Causey means that a member of the DA's office has her own office at department headquarters, bridging a gap between the courthouse side of the legal process and the reporting process.

Causey is posted there at least two days a week  more if needed  to help the victim through the process.

"So when all of these things work together, it provides an environment where the victims feel empowered to be able to report crimes that have happened to them because something's legitimately going to be able to be done about it," Barton said.

Causey's presence there also helps with travel to the courthouse or time management to meet with students when they are available during school hours when the courthouse might be closed.

The campus's Title Nine coordinator, Nunez, said the team hosts regular meetings that teach students and victims of sexual or domestic abuse about prevention as well as options if they are subjected to abuse.

Nunez said many organizations across the campus, such as the band or honors program, will call the team in to present programs. That presentation typically begins by sharing definitions and discussing issues they might see on campus. The second part of the presentation is about resources, reporting, and the different options that students have coming forward.

In addition to the presentations, team members try to incorporate themselves in other events around the campus to introduce themselves to students in a relaxed environment.

The team now consists of mostly women  not a bunch of male cops handling things  a thing Barton said might have been the case a few years ago.

"And maybe that was how things were, not just here but that's just law enforcement in general. Even a year ago it was similar to that here." However, Barton said, "because of these efforts and everybody pitching in and bringing their skills and experiences and the visions that they have to the table, it's a different place now."

Said Jubenville, gesturing to the victim interview room she was sitting in, "There are a lot of police departments that do not have this room."

Barton said it's been a long road toward these partnerships, the new interview space, new training and better practices in preventing or responding to sexual and domestic assault. But the grant has made all of that a reality.

"It's all come together finally. It's like this big plan that's come together so that we have a much better infrastructure in place to respond to these types of things," Barton said.
The US spent $290 million on anti-radiation pills to save lives after a "nuclear emergency".

The US Department for Health and Human Services said the purchase was part of a "long-standing program"

Anxiety over the use of nuclear weapons is growing as Russia's invasion of Ukraine hits setbacks.

The US just spent $290 million on anti-radiation pills used to "save lives following radiation and nuclear emergencies".

The US Department for Health and Human Services (HHS) announced Tuesday it had bought a supply of the drug Nplate from Amgen USA Inc. as part of a "long-standing program" of emergency preparedness using authority and funds provided under the 2004 Project Bioshield Act.

Nplate is designed to treat patients suffering from acute radiation syndrome (ARS), which occurs when a person's entire body is exposed to a high dose of penetrating radiation, reaching internal organs in a matter of seconds, per HHS.

The drug stimulates the body's production of platelets, fighting symptoms of ARS which include uncontrolled and life-threatening bleeding due to a loss of those platelets.

Declining to confirm to Reuters whether the purchase was linked to escalating rhetoric by Russia, an HHS spokesperson said it was "part of ongoing efforts to prepare for a wide range of threats including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and emerging infectious diseases."

Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated threats to use nuclear weapons as he announced a partial mobilization of troops in late September.

The US has repeatedly said there is no evidence that Russia is planning to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine or its allies, accusing Putin of "saber-rattling." But CIA director William Burns told CBS News said it was "very hard to say" whether Putin was bluffing about using the weapons.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the BBC on Friday that Russia was "preparing their society" for nuclear war, but that "Putin is not ready to do it."

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There are fears that Putin could use smaller tactical nuclear weapons in response to the slowing of Russia's progress in its invasion of Ukraine, heightened by a Ukrainian counteroffensive in the last month.

US President Joe Biden said he didn't think Putin was joking when he made those threats, adding he didn't think there was a way to use tactical nuclear weapons and not have it result in "armageddon."

"We have not faced the prospect of armageddon since Kennedy and the Cuban missile crisis," the president said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Hong Kong could damage its reputation as a financial hub if it gives haven to sanctions dodgers, the United States cautioned Saturday, after the city said it would not act against a superyacht reportedly owned by a Kremlin ally.

The Nord -- a US$500 million, 142-metre (466-foot) luxury vessel linked to Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov -- arrived in the Chinese territory's waters this week.

Mordashov is among the oligarchs who are close to Russian President Vladimir Putin and have been targeted by Western sanctions following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Some of them have had their luxury yachts seized in places such as Spain and Fiji, but Hong Kong said Friday that while it implements UN sanctions, it cannot enforce those imposed "unilaterally" by countries or blocs.

"The possible use of Hong Kong as a safe haven by individuals evading sanctions from multiple jurisdictions further calls into question the transparency of the business environment," a US State Department spokesperson told AFP in response.

"Hong Kong's reputation as a financial centre depends on adherence to international laws and standards."

Yachts owned by those close to Putin have become targets for Ukraine's Western allies, who are hunting for the assets of sanctioned figures as they seek to punish Moscow for the Ukraine invasion.

In March, Italy seized the Lady M, a yacht belonging to Mordashov, citing European Union sanctions.

China has conspicuously not condemned the invasion of Ukraine, and said it has a "no-limits" relationship with Russia.

A spokesperson for Mordashov told Bloomberg News this week that the billionaire was in Moscow and declined to comment on the yacht's movements.

The Nord -- which boasts two helipads, a cinema and more than a dozen luxury cabins -- switched its flag from the Cayman Islands to Russia in June.

It was anchored in the eastern Russian port of Vladivostok before making its way to Hong Kong.

hol/qan
Pavel Korolyov/AFP via Getty Images

The US has warned Hong Kong against becoming a "safe haven" for sanctioned oligarchs, per the FT.

Sanctioned billionaire Alexei Mordashov's $500 million yacht moored in a Hong Kong harbor Friday.

A Hong Kong marine department spokesperson said the city didn't have the authority to impose sanctions.

The US has warned Hong Kong against providing a "safe haven" for sanctioned oligarchs after a $500 million superyacht moored in one of the city's harbors, the Financial Times reported.

The yacht, called Nord and believed to belong to Russia's third richest person Alexei Mordashov, docked in Hong Kong Friday after initially setting a course for Vietnam, Bloomberg reported.

Nord was anchored in the port of Vladivostok, south east Russia, from late March until September 28 according to vessel-tracking site Marine Traffic, having left the Seychelles in early March when sanctions kicked in.

Now the US government is taking steps to discourage the Chinese territory from harboring assets flying the Russian flag, saying the city state's "reputation as a financial centre depends on adherence to international laws and standards".

"The possible use of Hong Kong as a safe haven by individuals evading sanctions from multiple jurisdictions further calls into question the transparency of the business environment," a US state department spokesperson told the FT.

A spokesperson for Hong Kong's marine department told the FT on Friday that the city was unlikely to implement sanctions on Mordashov or other oligarchs.

"Certain countries may impose unilateral sanctions against certain places on the basis of their own considerations," the spokesperson said.

"The Hong Kong [government] does not implement, nor do we have the legal authority to take action on, unilateral sanctions imposed by other jurisdictions."

Ryan Mitchell, an assistant professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, told the paper that Hong Kong businesses could be subject to "secondary sanctions" if they engaged in business with sanctioned Russia individuals.

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Mordashov, a steel and mining tycoon worth $18.5 billion, was sanctioned by the US, the UK, and the EU after Putin ordered Russian troops into Ukraine.

Several of his assets failed to escape sanctions like Nord has to date. Italy seized both a $71 million yacht and a $116 million villa in Sardinia belonging to Mordashov, Reuters first reported.

After the EU imposed sanctions on Mordashov, he told Russian news agency TASS he had "absolutely nothing to do with the emergence of the current geopolitical tension" and didn't understand how targeting him would end the conflict in Ukraine.

Read the original article on Business Insider
MURRAY, Ky. (AP)  Dresser Winn threw for 439 yards, Colton Dowell added 168 yards on the ground, and UT Martin scored 24 points in the fourth quarter and beat winless Murray State 45-16 on Saturday.

Jayden Stinson's 78-yard touchdown pass to Taylor Shields pulled Murray State to 21-16 with 5:35 remaining in the third quarter. UT Martin answered with Sam Franklin's 65-yard touchdown run sandwiched between short-yardage TD runs from Zak Wallace and Cornelious Brown in the fourth.

Winn completed 27 of 47 passes and Dowell carried just 12 times that included a 54-yard run for the FCS 14th-ranked Skyhawks (4-2, 3-0 Ohio Valley Conference), who finished with 689 yards of offense.

Stinson was 10-of-25 passing for 168 yards and threw five interceptions for Murray State (0-6, 0-2). Jawaun Northington ran for 80 yards and a 3-yard score.

The Skyhawks have won 13 of the last 17 games in the series.

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More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/ap_top25. Sign up for the APs college football newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/mrxhe6f2
All Valentino stores globally will turn their lights off after 10pm as part of the luxury fashion brands sustainability commitment.

The move to save energy consumption comes as Europe formally agreed to a voluntary 10 per cent cut in electricity consumption due to skyrocketing costs and Russias invasion of Ukraine continues.

Member states of the European Union are preparing for energy shortages this winter, whilst homes in the UK have been warned that three-hour power cuts could be implemented if gas supplies from Russa are shut off.

From Thursday night (6 October), all 95 Valentino stores went dark as signs, windows, and displays, as well as warehouses and sales areas were turned off.

The Italian luxury house said it expects to save up to 800 kWh in energy supply with the move, equivalent to the hourly consumption of power used by 13,000 light bulbs.

Valentino added that the initiative would give a signal of environmental awareness from the brand as part of its commitment to focus on sustainability both locally with an eye on territorial areas and globally.

It follows LMVH, the parent company of Louis Vuitton, Dior, Celine, Loewe and more luxury brands, who announced last month it would turn the lights off in all its stores between 10pm and 7am, instead of leaving them on until 1am.

On 15 September, the French multinational corporation said it would begin turning its store lights off in France this month, followed by other parts of the world at a later stage.

LMVH also said it ill lower temperature settings at industrial sites by 1C in winter and raise them by 1C in the summer.

The energy-saving measure came after Frances president Emmanuel Macron called on industry, households and municipal authorities to reduce power consumption by 10 per cent to mitigate spiralling energy costs and Russias cut to gas supplies.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center is suspending all permanent "gender affirmation surgery" for minors until further notice.

The international medical center will forgo performing any transgender surgeries for children that cannot be undone or reverted later in life, pending an internal review.

"On September 6, 2022, WPATH published a new version of its recommendations to health care professionals for treatment of transgender persons, known as SOC-8," the university wrote in a letter to lawmakers.

PEDIATRICIAN GROUP SLAMS ITS OWN MEMBERS OVER TRANSGENDER TEEN PUBERTY BLOCKER CRITICISM: DISINFORMATION

The letter continued, "In light of these new recommendations, and as part of completing our internal clinical review of SOC-8 guidance in patients under 18, we will be seeking advice from local and national clinical experts. We are pausing gender affirmation surgeries on patients under age 18 while we complete this review, which may take several months."

A lab technician works alongside culture media plates at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S., on Friday, Aug. 28, 2020. Photographer: Brett Carlsen/Bloomberg via Getty Images Photographer: Brett Carlsen/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The statement comes in relation to calls from Tennessee lawmakers to investigate the clinic following a report from conservative activist Matt Walsh.

PARENT GROUPS REACT TO BIDEN ADMIN'S UPCOMING TITLE IX CHANGES: BLURRING AND IN EFFECT ERASING WOMEN

Republican Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and others called for an investigation after the September report, which claimed that VUMC "drugs, chemically castrates and performs double mastectomies on minors."

The VUMC denied any wrongdoing in a statement to Fox News Digital at the time, saying that it conducts all of its care "in compliance with state law and in line with professional practice standards."

Vanderbilt University denied involvement in the VUMC in a statement to Fox News.

A series of videos from Vanderbilt staff came to light in September, showing the medical center's discussions surrounding the practices, which have been offered for both children and adults.

Assistant professor Dr. Shayne Taylor can be heard in a 2018 video apparently discussing "top surgery."

"Some of our VUMC financial folks in October of 2016 put down some costs of how much money we think each patient would bring in. And this is only including top surgery, this isn't including any bottom surgery, and it's a lot of money," Taylor said in the video.
CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is not ruling out bringing forward the country's 2024 presidential election, his office said on Friday in a message published on Twitter.

The tweet came shortly after Maduro said during an event with his United Socialist Party (PSUV) that the party is always ready for an election.

"The truth is that we are prepared to achieve a big victory when elections come," Maduro said.

The election is currently scheduled to take place in two years, according to the official schedule, but the electoral authority has not set a definitive date.

Maduro has said in recent months there could be a big general election next year, without offering details.

The PSUV, led by Maduro, has been busy renewing its ranks through local elections, while opposition parties seek to present a singular candidate to be determined in a primary election.

Venezuela's opposition accused Maduro of fraud after the 2018 presidential elections, but Maduro has rejected this.

International agencies and governments around the world ignored the 2018 results, as they considered the process to lack guarantees and transparency.

(Reporting by Deisy Buitrago and Vivian Sequera; Editing by Ana Nicolaci da Costa)
You are here: China

About 422 million domestic trips were made in China during this year's National Day holiday, according to the country's Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Domestic tourism revenue generated during the weeklong holiday totaled 287.2 billion yuan (around 40.45 billion U.S. dollars), statistics from the ministry showed.

Short-haul trips were most favored by tourists, the ministry said. According to the statistics, suburban parks, countryside surrounding cities and city parks were the three most popular tourist destinations during the holiday, respectively attracting 23.8 percent, 22.6 percent and 16.8 percent of all domestic tourists.

Sites related to China's revolutionary history and tours with patriotic themes were also popular among tourists.
Veronique de Rugy

During my many battles fighting against cronyism, I have often been accused of being hard on government while letting businesses off the hook. This accusation is weird. Defending the free market is quite different from a blanket defense of businesses. I am pro-business only insofar as I am pro-market  that is, I'm "pro"-allowing consumers to spend their money as they choose, and "anti"-special privileges given by government to any business.

As usual, Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman said it best: "You must separate out being 'pro free-enterprise' from being 'pro-business.'  Almost every businessman is in favor of free enterprise for everybody else, but special privilege and special government protection for himself. As a result, they have been a major force in undermining the free enterprise system."

Indeed, when you advocate for the free market system, you quickly learn that businesses are all in favor of competition, tax cuts and deregulation only until they aren't  meaning, only until subsidies might benefit them. A good example is their well-known champion, the Chamber of Commerce. On one hand, you can always count on the chamber to join in fights to reduce the burdens government imposes on its members. However, its leadership also frequently embraces loads of special favors for its members  favors such as export subsidies and targeted subsidies or tax credits.

The chamber does not exist to support free market

The chamber's messaging says as much by highlighting that it is a group of businesses that supports the interests of its members. Like most business organizations, it doesn't exist to support the free market, and will sometimes defend all sorts of government-granted privileges.

With rare exceptions, individual companies act similarly. If a subsidy is good for a particular business, it will seek it out. Sometimes a specific firm might even demand more regulation on its industry if it believes that it can better absorb the costs than its smaller or more innovative competitors can.

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This reality is in play at all levels of government. Local occupational licensing boards, which decide who is eligible to work in dozens of different professions, are often occupied by professionals from within the same industry. These board members angle to keep their competition out, either by outright refusing license applications or by increasing the burdens that newcomers must overcome. This is an easy way for incumbent firms to close the door behind themselves and lock out competitors who, were they allowed to enter, would offer more choices and cause the industry to better serve consumers.

Remember the fight between the monks of St. Joseph Abbey in Covington, Louisiana, and the embalmers and funeral directors of that state? The monks wanted to sell unadorned, handmade pine and cypress caskets. Funeral directors and embalmers didn't like this competition and resorted to using the power of the state licensing board to forbid it. Eight of the nine board members worked in the funeral industry.

Licensing boards sometimes stifle free enterprise

Thankfully, the Institute for Justice represented the monks and in 2013 won a victory against the cronies. Unfortunately, many businesses in many industries around the country that are oppressed by licensing boards continue to be victimized without recourse.

For all these reasons, I, like many other free-market advocates, do not consider myself pro-business. In fact, those who read me regularly know that I would like to get rid of all forms of government handouts, whether that means subsidies, loans or loan guarantees, entry restrictions such as those created by occupational licensing, and protectionist barriers like tariffs.

However, as shameless as many businesses are about lobbying for privileges, it's silly to think that they are somehow as responsible as politicians for the rampant cronyism that exists. If politicians were not so willing to hand out favors to influential or popular firms, then businesses would spend little time trying to get those favors. Without the carrot, businesses would instead dedicate more of their time and resources to pleasing consumers.

So, let's be honest: The decision to grant privileges to businesses rests exclusively in the hands of government officials. The ones with the power to say yes or no are in government. The ones getting rewarded with campaign contributions from special interest groups or votes are in government. The ones with the power to end cronyism, but who refuse to do so, are in government.

That's why those of us who fight cronyism direct our fire chiefly toward the government. We want it to stop being so "pro-business" and instead be pro-competition and consumers.

Veronique de Rugy is the George Gibbs Chair in Political Economy and a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. T

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Veronique de Rugy: Don't blame me for 'Pro-Business' policies
Mental Health America wants people to know that obsessive-compulsive disorder is often misunderstood and not talked about much.

People have probably heard someone say, Im so OCD about keeping my house clean as a joke, but its not funny to people who truly suffer from OCD.

Channel 9s Scott Wickersham spoke to a young woman who has dealt with OCD since she was six years old but wasnt diagnosed until she was 18 years old. Doctors told her she may never be a functional adult.

WSOC SPECIAL SECTION: Mental Health Resources

So from a really young age, about five or six, I started struggling with what I now know are intrusive thoughts and compulsions. But being young, I didnt have those terms, didnt have that verbiage. So I just remember, I had a lot of fear. And I had a lot of thoughts that made me very uncomfortable. I was just very scared a lot of the times, Rebekah Bagley said.

The Anxiety of Depression Association of America estimated that 2.5 million adults suffer from OCD, and women are three times more likely to be affected than men. It often starts in childhood.

>> In the video at the top of the page, Bagley talks about how she felt and what she was thinking as a child to help other parents better understand.

ADDITIONAL COVERAGE AND RESOURCES:

(WATCH BELOW: Anchor Erica Bryant speaks with clinical social worker about mental health)




DELRAY BEACH  A veteran Delray Beach Police officer has been charged with aggravated assault of a sheriff's deputy and obstructing efforts to extinguish a residential fire west of Lake Worth Beach.

Peter Sosa, 42, a 12-year member of the Delray Beach Police Department, intefered with the work of firefighters who were battling a fire near his home on Barberton Road in an unincorporated area of Palm Beach County, according to a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office report. When a sheriff's deputy followed him to make an arrest, he used his car to attempt to cause a collision, the report said.

Sosa is also charged with failure to obey a law enforcement officer and criminal mischief, deputies said.

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The incident occurred Oct. 3, when firefighters responded to a fire two houses away from Sosa's home. Sosa attempted to leave the area, but deputies said the street was not driveable because of fire apparatus and hoses that were being used.

According to the sheriff's office, Sosa drove his car along grassy swales, crossing driveways and attempting to cirumvent fire hoses, eventually puncturing one of them. A firefighter tried to stop Sosa from driving over the line but Sosa ignored him, deputies said.

Sosa then nearly struck a deputy directing traffic as he drove to Lake Worth Road. The deputy followed him to the entrance of Florida's Turnpike, which is when Sosa slammed on his brakes in an effort to cause a collision with the deputy, who was able to swerve around him, according to the sheriff's report.

Sosa ultimately stopped and was detained, deputies said.

Sosa has been placed on administrative leave. He posted a surety bond at the county jail after his arrest last Sunday. An arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 21.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Delray Beach cop charged with aggravated assault of a deputy
A person who was shot about 16 times died Saturday morning in the West Garfield Park neighborhood.

Police found the person, only described as male, about 7:45 a.m. on a sidewalk in the 300 block of South Springfield Avenue, police said.

He suffered at least 16 gunshot wounds to the body, and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to police.

No one was in custody, and detectives were investigating.
(Bloomberg) -- The worlds biggest climate-finance alliance has sought to dismiss reports that a number of Wall Street banks are threatening to leave, as it races to bring its house in order in the run-up to next months COP27 climate summit.

Most Read from Bloomberg

In a statement to Bloomberg News on Saturday, a spokesperson for the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero said the group has received no indication from any of our members that they intend to leave.

GFANZ, which brings together over 500 finance firms managing more than $135 trillion of assets, has faced possible defections from firms including JPMorgan Chase & Co., Morgan Stanley and Bank of America Corp., according to people familiar with the process. The heavyweights were unhappy with the potential addition of binding restrictions on fossil finance, the people said.

Tensions soared after a United Nations-backed group, Race to Zero, earlier this year proposed such terms as a necessary condition for net-zero claims to be credible. That language was subsequently softened, and in its statement on Saturday, GFANZ said each sub-alliance of the group is subject only to their own governance structures, essentially giving them the freedom to ignore such proposals.

Mark Carney, GFANZ co-chair, has already publicly admonished Race to Zero for going too far. Jakob Thomae, an advisory board member of GFANZ, says he expects parts of GFANZ will eventually sever ties with Race to Zero and seek a more tailored decarbonization methodology to appease members.

But there are already concerns being raised in some corners that the ostensible sidelining of science represents a worrying development. Al Gore, the former US vice president turned climate activist, last month warned that investors are growing increasingly impatient with evidence of potential greenwashing amid signs that net-zero pledges made by some members of the financial industry arent credible.

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The GFANZ spokesperson said that while the alliance and its subgroups are affiliated with the Race to Zero, the seven sub-alliances--which cover insurance to banking and asset management--are independent organizations with their own governance structures. As such these sub-groups are responsible for managing accountability of their members and any updates to the nature of their commitments rest with the alliances.

Saturdays statement merely reflects what had been the existing governance structure, GFANZ said, adding that many of its sub-alliances are UN-convened. But the need to reassure members of their independence was made clear in recent weeks by brewing tensions, with banks behind the scenes seeking urgent clarification, according to people familiar with the process.

Allowing the sub-alliances, whose boards are heavily represented by the finance industry, to set their own terms is a dangerous move, according to climate nonprofits.

One banker close to the situation said putting out a such a statement should be viewed as a necessary concession to Wall Street to keep the banks onside.

Lucie Pinson, executive director at environmental nonprofit Reclaim Finance in Paris, said efforts to soften the terms of GFANZ membership have the potential to kill the net-zero alliance.

Even before the revelations that some banks may leave GFANZ in opposition to real climate action, there were plenty of doubts that the alliance could really deliver on net zero, she said before Saturdays statement was released. The outcome of this issue will tell us decisively whether we should expect banks to lead the climate fight or act simply as agents of greenwashing.

For GFANZ to now maintain its ties with Race to Zero isnt viable because the topic is too serious to let non-sector experts set the rules, said Thomae, who is also managing director of the 2 Degrees Investing Initiative in Germany. That said, the optics of leaving a UN-backed climate program will probably be ugly whatever the reason and there is a risk that its replacement may have less scientific credibility, he said.

Members of the finance industry have warned theyll only be able to achieve their net-zero goals if the governments of the countries in which theyre based provide adequate frameworks that ultimately encourage their clients to step up.

The net-zero journey for banks is very challenging, said Antoni Ballabriga, global head of responsible business sustainability at Spanish bank BBVA. We will only succeed in achieving this objective if our clients and other stakeholders also play their part.

The tensions around GFANZ are likely to set the tone for finance-industry talks in Egypt next month, where leaders from around the world are preparing to meet for the COP27 climate summit. The GFANZ spokesperson said the group is focused on delivering an extensive practitioner-led work plan for transition finance at COP27.

The summit in Sharm El Sheikh takes place against a backdrop of war in Ukraine and a global energy crisis that has slowed efforts to ditch fossil fuels. Meanwhile, emissions continue to rise, with scientists estimating that the planet may now be on a warming trajectory thats twice the critical limit of 1.5C.

In an interview earlier this year, Carney, who is the former Governor of the Bank of England, warned against taking too critical a stance toward the finance industry. The first step was to secure commitments, he said. The next step is plumbing work, whereby the goal is to operationalize those commitments into net-zero plans and transition plans, he said.

GFANZ is co-chaired by Michael R. Bloomberg, the founder of Bloomberg News parent Bloomberg LP.

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If you were an action fan in the 1970s, 80s, or 90s, one of the great pleasures of filmgoing was the experience, every year or two, of a new Walter Hill movie. No one else was really making movies like him, and no one had before; although his morally and philosophically oriented genre pictures owed something to the Westerns of Howard Hawks and the existential crime films of Jean-Pierre Melville, they werent really the same. Films like The Driver, The Warriors, and 48 Hours were somehow both more heightened in their mythological resonances and more realistic in their behavior than the works of the American and European stylists on whose shoulders Hill stood.

Starting with Hard Times in 1975 and continuing on through masterpieces like Southern Comfort, Streets of Fire, Johnny Handsome and Trespass, Hill created a body of work that spoke to American culture both past and present, subtly commenting on the intersection between race and class and how it informed everything from the Vietnam War to the Rodney King beating  yet he did so through ostensibly escapist action films in which these subjects were addressed obliquely, and often with comedy.

More from IndieWire

As Hill points out in the new episode of IndieWires Filmmaker Toolkit podcast, the jokes are funny but the bullets are real  a key to understanding not only the aforementioned classics but his latest film, Dead for a Dollar. Dead for a Dollar marks Hills return to the genre he loves most, the Western, and it delivers the usual satisfactions of a Hill picture  rich characterizations, expressive use of American landscapes, kinetic action direction  but takes an even more reflective and contemplative approach to the West than is typical of Hill. Its a different kind of Western when compared with Hills earlier trilogy of The Long Riders, Geronimo, and Wild Bill, movies based on historical figures that placed certain restrictions and requirements on the director.

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With Dead for a Dollar hes dealing in pure fiction (even if the hero played by Christoph Waltz is loosely based on Danish bounty hunter Chris Madsen), and that factor liberated him to create one of his most unpredictable, emotionally resonant takes on the genre. I very much enjoyed the freedom, he told IndieWire. With Jesse James, Cole Younger, Wild Bill Hickok, and Geronimo one feels very bound by history. Jesse must die hanging a picture and Bills going to go back to the Number 10 saloon and be murdered. You have a much greater latitude and freedom on something like Broken Trail or this one.

You can listen to the entire discussion with Hill below. Keep reading for excerpts from the podcast.

Like many of Hills best films, Dead for a Dollar honors the past while looking at the present and future, and this was by design. The movie wants to valorize the Western, theres no question about that, Hill said. But at the same time I tried to interject issues of race and also issues concerning feminism. Hill tried to be honest to the period while also bringing a contemporary perspective to the material, but he pointed out that the first thing that anybody should always think about in a Western is that its not the way it was. They are already a cocoon of mythology  any Western that you contemplate, its not the way life really was in the West. And its one of the attractions of the Western, that so much of the mythology has already been built.

Yet while Hill is happy to dramatize or mythologize certain components of his story, he also wants it to have a moral seriousness that comes from acknowledging that even in the bleak landscape of Dead for a Dollar, life matters  and choices matter. [The film] deals with codes of honor, ethics, and morality in a bleak, isolated social condition.

That philosophy leads to one of the most suspenseful and moving sequences in Hills career: Toward the end of Dead for a Dollar, the various plot strands that have been unfurling throughout the film are suddenly pulled together in a compact, dynamic climax of thrilling but realistic action filmmaking. Im a firm believer that action sequences start with character, Hill said. You dont let the movie get beyond what is valid for the characters that have been created and are part of this story. If I had Christoph leaping from building to building, the mood of the movie would have been broken. The movie stays within what seem to be his legitimate physical capabilities.

Back before Marvel Studios reinvented the meaning of the term comic-book movie, Hills films often used to be accused of having a comic-book sensibility, which he surprisingly does not deny. If you want to accuse my films of being comic books, youre probably onto something, but its a different kind of comic book. I grew up in the golden age of comic books and people forget how serious many of them were.

In recent years several of Hills films have found a new life on the festival and repertory circuit  including those, like Streets of Fire, that went largely unappreciated at the time of their release. Hill said that the way to keep going in the midst of critical and commercial disappointments is to keep an unshakeable belief that you can do it. You cant take the discouragement of lack of business or poor reviews in a way thats going to paralyze your storytelling in the future. I was disappointed in the reaction to Streets of Fire in North America. It did pretty well in Europe and it did very well in Japan; it did not do well in the UK. Any place they spoke English, the movie didnt work. But, you know, its a profound mystery. The movie I made before Streets of Fire was a huge hit. I didnt do anything any different in my approach to the work. Sometimes you catch the wave and sometimes you dont. That mystery is part of what keeps Hill excited by filmmaking, along with the idea that theres no one right approach. Everybodys got their own way and everybodys own way is correct. Films are basically 125 years old  if there was a right way and a wrong way to do it, these things would now be known. But part of the glory of it all is that its very individual. Every film has its own sense of truth to it, hopefully, and the effect of the personality of the director and cast make them all profoundly different.

The Filmmaker Toolkit podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, and Stitcher.

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Leaders in Washington have been on their heels since OPEC+ announced deep production cuts. However, what could be in the offing when it comes to additional policy responses have become clearer in recent days.

Theres a lot of alternatives, President Biden told reporters on Thursday adding on Friday "I'm not finished with that yet."

On Wednesday, oil-producing nations  including Russia  announced they would cut production by 2 million barrels per day, saying it was a way to get ahead of a weakening global economy. But many policymakers in the U.S. immediately worried a spike in oil prices could both provide Russia with an influx of oil revenue to continue their war in Ukraine and hurt Democrats' chances in the coming midterm elections.

President Joe Biden speaks to reporters about oil prices on Thursday before traveling to New York. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

On Thursday, Brian Deese, President Bidens top economic advisor, said that Biden tasked his team to take nothing off of the table in response.

There's very few levers that the government can actually do [and] if we want to reduce the price of fossil fuels, we need to get more of them out of the ground and the administration really hasn't been favorable to adopting those policies," Lipow Oil Associates President Andrew Lipow told Yahoo Finance.

The price of crude oil has indeed spiked in recent days and, as of Friday, is within sight of the important psychological barrier of $100 a barrel.

4 ideas are being considered by the White House

The Biden administration pulled their most direct lever immediately with Wednesday's announcement that an additional 10 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve would be released in November. The Biden administration has been releasing oil from the reserve since March and planned to stop this month before extending the deadline.

However, the reserve currently sits at the lowest level in decades making further releases less likely. In fact, the Department of Energy instead made plans to buy additional oil in the months ahead to replenish the reserve.

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The second approach in play among Biden and his aides is continued criticism of oil companies for not, in their view, lowering retail gas prices enough. Energy companies need to reduce retail prices to reflect the price that theyre paying for the wholesale gas, Deese said Thursday, but Friday's spike in prices makes that less likely.

Biden and his aides reportedly had a tense meeting with oil executives last week and are considering, according to Bloomberg, the controversial idea of a ban on exports of refined petroleum products. Asked about it Wednesday, Deese wouldn't comment on the idea specifically but also didnt deny it was being discussed saying "we have all options on the table.

Lastly, the Biden administration continues to proceed with its push to cap the price of Russian oil. But the idea has run into skepticism about how effective it would be and would only cap the price for Russian oil rather than the price paid by Americans at the pump.

Possible action from Capitol Hill

There are also possible actions when Congress returns in November.

One idea under renewed consideration is a bipartisan bill that has bounced around Congress for years dubbed NOPEC which advanced in the Senate earlier this year. The bill would remove sovereign immunity and authorize the Justice Department to bring suits against members of OPEC+ for antitrust violations.

The Biden administration had been cool on the bill but a White House statement Wednesday signaled more openness saying the Administration will also consult with Congress on additional tools and authorities to reduce OPECs control over energy prices.

A new effort was proposed this week that would mandate the removal of U.S. troops and missile defense systems from Saudi Arabia as well as the United Arab Emirates. In a statement, the lawmakers behind that bill said this week that [w]e see no reason why American troops and contractors should continue to provide this service to countries that are actively working against us.

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy Abdulaziz bin Salman, center, during a press conference with other leaders Wednesday after the 33rd OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting in Vienna, Austria. (VLADIMIR SIMICEK/AFP via Getty Images)

Republicans have largely chosen to focus on a lack of efforts from the Biden administration to spur U.S. oil production. If there was ever a time for the Biden administration to reverse course and work with our energy producers, instead of against them, it is right now, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) said this week.

On a CNN interview Thursday, Biden's top energy aide, Amos Hochstein, pushed back on the criticism. We've already seen increases of production of about a half a million barrels a day by the U.S. industry [and] we expect those to go up into 2023," Hochstein said.

We're going to do everything we can to make sure that a small number of countries does not affect the American consumer, he added.

The Venezuela question

The other key outstanding question is what actions Biden will take with regard to Venezuela. The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that the U.S. is looking to ease sanctions on Venezuela to allow Chevron to continue producing there and pump more oil into world markets. The White House has denied the plans with Hochstein saying we have not made any decisions there.

This week, President Biden added that Venezuela and its president, Nicholas Maduro, would have to do a lot before his administration would consider easing sanctions.

During a Yahoo Finance Live appearance Thursday, Prosper Trading Academy CEO Scott Bauer said even if it were to come to pass that effect is not going to come quickly either, the state of drilling is in shambles in Venezuela and it would take 3-6 months before it would have an impact on supply.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro during a meeting with Colombia's Foreign Minister Alvaro Leyva in Caracas on October, 4. (REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria)

Biden also defended his recent trip to Saudi Arabia again  and fist bump with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman  claiming it wasn't about oil but acknowledging that this weeks supply move is a disappointment, and it says that there are problems.

Its likely to be a difficult few months for oil markets in the weeks ahead. It's going to be a war here between what the United States and the EU can do [and] what the Saudis and the rest of OPEC can do trying to protect their market by really cutting production," Energy Word Founder Dan Dicker said this week.

Ben Werschkul is a Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance.

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Joe Biden

She added that the United States takes the Russian dictators nuclear threats seriously.

Read also: How Kyiv residents are reacting to the threat of a Russian nuclear strike on the capital

The comments of the U.S. President underscore what weve said many times before, namely how seriously we take the threat of nuclear weapons, Jean-Pierre said. We did the same when Russia made such threats during the conflict (before).

The White House spokeswoman clarified that the United States hasnt received new data related to Russian nuclear threats, and "doesnt see any reason to change the deployment of strategic nuclear forces."

On Oct. 7, US President Joe Biden said the nuclear threats of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin might lead to Armageddon. He said that Russia doesnt use "light tactical (nuclear) weapons."

Read also: NATO secretary general says Putins nuke threat is dangerous, reckless rhetoric

Earlier, Ukrainian intelligence said that they consider the threat of Russia's use of tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine "very high."

At the same time, according to the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, Russia is not expected to launch a nuclear strike in the near future.

The United States has said that in the event of Russia using nuclear weapons against Ukraine, the response of Washington and its allies will be decisive. Washington has warned the Kremlin of "catastrophic consequences should it attack non-nuclear Ukraine with nuclear weapons.

Read also: White House taking Russias nuclear threats seriously, but not going to change plans

On Sept. 21, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, after announcing mobilization in Russia, once again threatened Western countries with the use of nuclear weapons, saying "this is not a bluff."



Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
After tens of millions of dollars in dueling ads and weeks of circling each other on the campaign trail, Wisconsin Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson and his Democratic challenger, Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, finally squared off in their first debate Friday night.

Meeting in a Milwaukee television studio with just a month to go before the midterms, Johnson and Barnes each sought to portray the other as out of step with Wisconsin voters.

They clashed over crime, abortion, the deadly Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and riots in Kenosha.

Here are five takeaways.

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., left, and his Democratic challenger Mandela Barnes take notes before a televised debate, Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Milwaukee.

Abortion

Like Democrats across the state and country, Barnes went on the offense on abortion, saying he supports laws that held under Roe v. Wade, which the U.S. Supreme Court overturned.

"Now, the senator called the overturning of Roe v. Wade a victory," Barnes said. "He celebrated the court's decision. And he said that if women don't like the laws of their state, like the 1849 criminal abortion ban we have here, he said they can move. I can't think of more callous, out-of-touch, more extreme position to take."

Johnson made his push for a referendum on the subject.

"We all agree that society has responsibility to protect life," Johnson said. "But at what point does society have responsibility to protect life in the womb? I want we the people to decide that. I would have one vote like every other Wisconsin citizen."

Takeaways: North Carolina Senate candidates joust on abortion, marijuana and 2024

Bail reform and police funding

Barnes said his support for so-called cashless bail has been "mischaracterized and sensationalized."

"Under my plan, dangerous people don't get to buy their way out of prison," said Barnes, who favors a system where conditions for keeping a defendant locked up are based on whether the person is a flight risk or a threat to public safety.

Johnson countered, "We have a huge problem with skyrocketing crime. One of the issues is we're not keeping criminals in jail." The senator called out the parole policies of the administration of Gov. Tony Evers and Barnes.

Story continues

Midterms: Hundreds of elections deniers running for office nationwide in 2022 pose 'major threat' to U.S. democracy

On policing, Johnson conceded that Barnes hasn't used the phrase "defund the police" but "he has a long history of being supported by people that are leading the effort" and uses "code words" like "over bloated police budgets."

Barnes said "we need to do to make sure that communities have the resources they need to prevent crime from happening in the first place." He boasted of $100 million invested in state law enforcement through the American Rescue Plan, a bill Johnson voted against.

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., left, and his Democratic challenger Mandela Barnes wait for start of a televised debate, Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Milwaukee.

On Jan. 6

Barnes accused Johnson of trying to pass along a slate of fake electors to then-Vice President Mike Pence on Jan. 6, 2021 and added, "Lets talk about the 140 officers he left behind during an insurrection he supported."

About 140 police officers were injured in the attack, and four died by suicide in the weeks that followed.

Johnson defended his actions: "The fact of the matter was nothing was delivered. The whole episode took less than an hour."

Jan. 6 hearings: Sen. Ron Johnson wanted to hand-deliver fake electors' votes to Mike Pence on Jan. 6, texts reveal

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., and his Democratic challenger Mandela Barnes shake hands before a televised debate, Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Milwaukee.

Marijuana legalization

With President Joe Biden pardoning thousands who have simple marijuana offenses and calling for a review of federal law, the candidates were asked about marijuana legalization.

Johnson said it should be done on the state level but added "I would suggest any state should really take a look seriously at the harm being done by the legalization of marijuana and consider that very carefully."

Barnes said he supports marijuana legalization and said: "Now marijuana is harmless and marijuana is something that states all over the country have embraced and they are seeing phenomenal benefits."

Historic move: Biden pardons those with federal convictions for possessing marijuana

Contributing: Erin Mansfield.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Ron Johnson and Mandela Barnes clash in Wisconsin U.S. Senate debate
Maris Mareen Digiovanni, a Spokane native and WSU graduate, was one of the two people killed in a stabbing spree in Las Vegas on Thursday.

Her brother Gage Digiovanni made the announcement on Facebook.

According to The Associated Press, Yoni Barrios, 32, is accused of a stabbing rampage that left two people dead and six others wounded.

Digiovanni was a part of the Best Showgirls In Vegas modeling agency, according to owner Cheryl Lowthorp.

Digiovanni was fatally stabbed as one of the showgirls held her and was then stabbed in the back.

Witnesses told police that Barrios thought (the showgirls) were making fun of the way he was dressed, according to Lowthorp.

Gage Digiovanni described his sister as an authentic and caring friend, a devoted wife, a kick-ass sister, and a loving daughter.

Gage Digiovanni said she grew up in Spokane and enjoyed making snowmen in the winter and watching sunsets in the summer.

Maris Digiovanni graduated in 2014 from Washington State University.

She and her husband, Cole, traveled the world as they made their way through dozens of countries.

She always saw the best in people, Gage Digiovanni wrote. Always gave them a chance and always accepted people for who they were. Her capacity for love lead her to have lasting friendships from all over the world. She was a beautiful spirit and we will miss her for the rest of her lives.

A GoFundMe has been created to support her family during this time.
Thanks to the integrated digital platform of the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center, people are able to handle as many as 26 matters with only one certificate in Beijing's sub-center.

Businesses and individuals can complete all procedures involving transportation, taxation, and other high-frequency matters via a single business license or an ID card. Government departments can directly retrieve other relevant materials from their "background."

These 26 government service items involve multiple departments, including the city's bureaus for market supervision, transportation, civil affairs, agriculture and rural affairs, and taxation. The integration of the approval process has further reduced the need for application materials and improved the efficiency of government services.

The service was made possible thanks to the Cloud Window system of the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center Government Service Center. Through integration with the capital's e-certificate library, seal library, and the application of big data and blockchain technology, the smart terminal of the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center Government Service Center is able to reduce the filling in of 174 types of frequently used personal information and 212 types of electronic license comparison verifications.

With a wide variety of material proofs on the "cloud," and with the help of big data, approval efficiency has been greatly improved, allowing enterprises and individuals to enjoy conveniences brought by information technology.
Ukrainian soldiers carry the coffin of a comrade killed fighting Russia at his funeral in Kyiv on July 18, 2022. AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky

Putin's invasion of Ukraine shocked governments across the world who thought it would never happen.

But Russia's Baltic neighbors were not surprised, and had been trying for years to warn of a war.

Leaders in those countries described to Insider the grim experience of being proved right.

Ingrida Simonyte was 14 when her country, Lithuania, gained independence from the Soviet Union.

Her experience of Soviet occupation, she told Insider, left her nation forever wary that Russia would continue trying to subjugate its neighbors.

And she was unsurprised when Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, prompting an urgent response from her as Lithuania's prime minister.

"For many years, many countries believed that you can sort of drag people into democracy through business and communication and freedom of travel," she said, describing the once-common expectation that Russia would gradually become more liberal.

"We were very doubtful about it."

Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte and Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal visit the town of Borodianka in Ukraine's Kyiv region in April 2022. Ukrainian Governmental Press Service/Handout via REUTERS

Simonyte is one of many leaders in Lithuania and Russia's other Baltic neighbors who spent years warning the world that Russia was still a major threat.

She and other senior figures in the governments of Estonia and Latvia described to Insider in interviews how the invasion has seen their warnings finally acknowledged as grimly correct.

"We should have listened"

In a landmark moment, the most senior official in the EU, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen admitted last month that nations like her native Germany had been naive.

"One lesson from this war is we should have listened to those who know Putin," Ursula von der Leyen said.

"They have been telling us for years that Putin would not stop."

An explosion is seen in an apartment building after Russian's army tank fires in Mariupol, Ukraine, Friday, March 11, 2022. AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka, File

She identified Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia as countries which knew better, as well as the Baltic countries of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia  three of the EU's 27 members.

Those countries repeatedly warned that Russia could target them, while fending off Russian cyberattacks, and prepared their own citizens for war.

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They were ahead of the curve in warning that the prospect of full-scale war in Ukraine was real, even as the US government struggled to persuade other nations to take Putin's military build-up seriously.

They are now the countries disproportionately spending their limited resources to help Ukraine  far outpacing the US, UK, and other European nations by the share of their GDPs dedicated to the conflict.

"A great deal of false understanding"

Artis Pabriks, the defense minister of Latvia, told Insider he wished he had been wrong about Russia.

He warned as long ago as 2014 that Russia was an "existential threat" to Latvia, and watched in horror as tanks, artillery, and attack helicopters poured into Ukraine in February 2022.

Latvia's Defence Minister Artis Pabriks at a conference about Ukraine in in Copenhagen, Denmark August 11, 2022. Philip Davali/Reuters

"We would be more happy if we were wrong about Russia," he told Insider. "It's quite ironic, but unfortunately it's true."

Russian forces had long been attacking Ukraine, waging a more limited war in the Donbas region since 2014, when it also Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula.

John E. Herbst, the US ambassador to Ukraine from 2003 to 2006, told Insider many in Europe did not see Putin as likely to start a major war until it was too late, even despite Russia's actions in the Donbas.

"There was a great deal of false understanding in Europe about what Putin's policy was like," he said.

"There was an inclination on the part of many, not all, to see all Putin was waging for almost eight years before his big February invasion as not much of a war, which would not require a serious response."

"And then after the huge conventional invasion in February, many of those people changed their minds."

Latvian President Egils Levits speaks to Latvian troops at Adazi Military base in Kadaga, Latvia during a NATO visit in March 2022. AP Photo/Roman Koksarov

"Delusional"

Both Pabriks and Simonyte noted the difference in approach between eastern European nations which were wary of Russia, and western European nations which more eagerly forged business links there.

Pabriks did not single out any countries but said some would, until recently, "speak about values, but make business with Russia."

Germany in particular embraced Russian business, purchasing huge quantities of gas from Russia and approving two Nord Stream pipelines despite warnings from the US and eastern Europe.

The Crimea annexation did prompt a wave of sanctions, and Russia's ejection from the G7, but did little to seriously derail Russia's activities.

Its super-rich continued to seamlessly move from Moscow to European capitals like London, Paris, and Rome, buying up companies and real estate as they went.

Simonyte said Lithuania's approach was informed by the fact that "many of the people who went through the hell of Soviet occupation are still living  including myself."

A Ukrainian flag waves in the village of Dolyna in Donetsk oblast, Ukraine after the withdrawal of Russian troops on September 24, 2022. Metin Aktas/Getty Images

She said it left Lithuania with "a very sensitive ear to what was happening" in Russia as it prepared to invade, all the while denying that it had any intention of starting a war.

"Some of our friends in other countries were kind of thinking it cannot be like this, this is not rational, let's be realistic, you are paranoid, and this sort of stuff. And I think it was delusional."

She said the "major difference" was western Europe enjoying 80 years of peace after World War II, whereas "for us, this is not the case because first we had to live through 50 years of occupation of the Soviet regime, and then slightly more than 30 years of our restored independence."

"So the memory is still living."

While some countries believed that an invasion would not happen, she said, "We were providing military support for Ukraine before this invasion started because unfortunately we saw that coming. And other countries did not believe."

Turning a blind eye

Pabriks said that countries Von der Leyen highlighted found it exhausting trying to convince the West that Russia posed a real threat.

"The problem is we have never very much doubted what we can expect from Russia."

"The problem was that it always took so much energy in daily political process and in life to convince our allies, because people tend to turn blind eye" if a problem does not affect them directly, he said.

He said this was seen in Latvia's warnings against the Nord Stream projects as well as "in general, economic ties with Russian oligarchs, with Russian government." Those pipelines are now leaking in what many experts and Western countries say is likely Russian sabotage.

Danish Defence Command

Urmas Reinsalu, the foreign minister of Estonia told Insider that the world did too little "to deter the monster to keep away from the direct, large scale invasion."

"From the Western camp, there was a particular ambivalence" about the fighting in eastern Ukraine from 2014, he said, with many pushing to consider it an internal conflict rather than an act of Russian aggression.

Hanno Pevkur, Estonia's defense minister, told Insider his country had been bolstering its military for years, its eyes open since Russia invaded Georgia in 2008 and starting attacking Ukraine in 2014.

"We saw what Russia was doing," he said.

Estonia's Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur in Prague, Czech Republic on August 30, 2022. AP Photo/Petr David Josek

He and Simonyte, the Lithuanian prime minister, pointed to continual Russian cyber attacks as a reminder that Russian aggression is never far away.

Such activity has intensified as the war in Ukraine continued, especially in response to symbolic gestures like Estonia removing a major Soviet-era monument from its capital, Tallinn.

Stepping up

The events of 2022 finally prompted the full-throated moves against Russia that Baltic leaders had long been hoping for, as the UK, EU, and US tore into the Russian economy with sanctions, hammered its financial system, closed its airspace and made life difficult for the country's elite.

None of the leaders Insider spoke to were interested in blaming their allies for moving slowly  instead urging them to keep going and match the level of support Ukraine was receiving from its own neighbors.

Pabriks put it the strongest, arguing that: "If every European country would give proportionally so much assistance to Ukraine, as for instance, Latvia have been giving, the war already would be over."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Coiled around a lichen covered branch this royal python is looking down as if about to strike Getty Images

According to a statement by the DOJ, Calvin Bautista was charged with smuggling pythons into the US.

In 2018, Bautista kept three pythons in his pants as he rode a bus crossing Canada into the US, the Associated Press reported.

According to the DOJ, the charges filed against Bautista are accusations but carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

A New York City man was charged on Tuesday after prosecutors said he smuggled three Burmese pythons into the US from Canada.

Calvin Bautista, 36, smuggled three Burmese pythons snakes in his pants as he rode on a bus crossing the U.S.-Canadian border in 2018, the Associated Press reported.

According to a statement by the Department of Justice, the charges filed against Bautista are merely accusations, however, if found guilty, Bautista would face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Bautista case is being investigated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Read the original article on Insider
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that Russia has begun to prepare its people for the possibility of the use of nuclear weapons against Ukraine.

They begin to prepare their society. Thats very dangerous, Zelensky said.

They are not ready to do it, to use it. But they begin to communicate. They dont know whether theyll use or not use it. I think its dangerous to even speak about it, he said.

The Ukrainian leader denied claims that he had called for preemptive nuclear strikes against Russia earlier this week, saying that a remark he made was mistranslated to imply that he would support such action.

Zelensky had called for preventive strikes, preventive action in an address to the Australian Lowy Institute on Thursday, adding that waiting for the nuclear strikes first was an unwise move.

However, he clarified to the BBC that the preventive measures to which he was referring included nonviolent moves such as additional sanctions against Russia.

You must use preventive kicks, not attacks, Zelensky said.

After the Ukrainian presidents remarks to the Lowy Institute, Russian figures condemned what they saw as Zelenskys call for violence.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called the comment an appeal to start another world war.

Zelensky said that this characterization was an example of Russian attempts to retranslate his words into other directions.

He continued to urge Western allies of Ukraine to implement stricter sanctions that might play a part in driving Russia back.

The world can stop urgently the actions of Russian occupiers, Zelensky said.

The world can implement the sanction package in such cases and do everything to make them leave the nuclear power plant, he said.

Russian troops are currently stationed in Zaporizhzhia, the home of a large nuclear power plant where frequent shelling has garnered international concern for disaster.

What we see is that Russias people in power like life and thus I think the risk of using nuclear weapons is not that definite as some experts say, because they understand that there is no turning back after using it, not only the history of their country, but themselves as personalities, Zelensky said.

Story continues

When asked if Russian President Vladimir Putin could survive the war if Ukraine was victorious, Zelensky responded, I dont care.

Hes afraid of his people, Zelensky said of Putin.

Because only those people are capable of replacing him nowadays. Take away his power. Give it to someone else, he said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
KATERYNA TYSHCHENKO  SATURDAY, 8 OCTOBER 2022 21:41

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted on Saturday that "it was cloudy" in occupied Crimea, but regardless of the clouds, Ukrainians know what to do.

Source: evening address by the president

Details: Zelenskyy noted that it was about 20 degrees and sunny in large parts of Ukraine on Saturday.

Quote: "Unfortunately, it was cloudy in Crimea, although it was also warm. But no matter what the clouds are, Ukrainians know what to do. And they know that our future is sunny. This is a future without invaders. Throughout our territory, and in particular in Crimea.

If the occupiers flee while they have a chance, this will be the best option for them."

More details: The President continued by remarking that if the occupiers are forced to stay, they can surrender to Ukrainian captivity.

"We will not leave any other options for the occupiers to rely on," he emphasised.

Background:

On the morning of 8 October, a traffic accident occurred on the railway line of the Crimean Bridge causing an intense fire.

The occupation authorities of Crimea stated that a truck exploded on the Crimean Bridge. Meanwhile, the so-called Head of the "Crimean Parliament", Volodymyr Konstantynov, said that the roadbed on the Crimean Bridge was damaged by "Ukrainian vandals".

Later, the occupiers announced that traffic across the Crimean Bridge had been restored for passenger cars and buses, and that the railway connection had also been restored.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
EUROPEAN PRAVDA  SATURDAY, 8 OCTOBER 2022, 17:15

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced that the new format of European cooperation, initiated by the President of France, will meet Ukraine's expectations.

Source: Ihor Zhovkva, diplomatic adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an interview with European Pravda.

When asked whether the Office of the President is confident that the format of the European political community would meet Ukraine's expectations, he replied: "Absolutely."

Quote by Zhovkva: "We remember how this initiative of Macrons appeared, and how then we were assured that it would not hinder our movement towards candidacy and further on towards membership. Now we have the first ever summit of the European Political Community, and I believe that it achieved its goals."

Details: First, Zhovkva noted, the format brought together EU member states, those seeking membership, and those outside the EU and not planning to join, such as Britain.

"President Zelenskyy set the tone for this summit, speaking first after the host of the meeting, Tomas Fiala, and offering his vision of what this format should be. His proposal of the European Peace Community found support. And if in the end they agree on it, then this format will have [a certain] meaning," noted Ihor Zhovkva.

He also noted that Ukraine seemed to be the only one among the participants to submit its proposals regarding this format, as the summit organisers said, and it also proposed that the format be renamed.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Facing high caseloads and a dwindling staff, the Lynchburg Commonwealths Attorneys Office no longer will participate in prosecuting select misdemeanors in the city.

Commonwealths Attorney Bethany Harrisons decision was first expressed to city leadership in a letter from her office to Lynchburg City Council and City Manager Wynter Benda dated Aug. 19.

Carrie Dungan, director of communications and public engagement for the City of Lynchburg, said the citys police officers will have to prosecute the cases the commonwealths attorney office is not involved in. She said the city is working with Police Chief Ryan Zuidema to determine the impact but noted all of those crimes will still be prosecuted.

Some examples of standalone charges that will not be handled by Harrisons office include driving with a suspended license; trespassing; misdemeanor possession of drugs; drunk in public; and altered or forged license plates.

While her office is withdrawing from prosecuting these as standalone charges, Harrison said in her letter her office will prosecute these charges if they are connected to other charges.

With the decision to withdraw prosecution from these select standalone misdemeanors, Harrison is hoping to provide her team of prosecutors with more time to work on the more serious offenses that require more time and attention, and those that may have more of an impact on public safety.

This is not a happy occasion for us, Harrison said about the decision.

In her letter, a copy of which Harrison provided to The News & Advance, Harrison responded to questions from city council during its July 26 work session, laying out what her office is doing to address a rise in violent crimes and firearm offenses in the city.

Harrison said in a recent interview with The News & Advance the primary reason her office is withdrawing prosecution of these select misdemeanors is staffing.

Harrison said her office is not immune to a difficult job market for those looking to fill positions of need, especially in a field that requires deep vetting of potential candidates.

Were supposed to have 11 attorneys, according to the staffing standards from the Virginia Compensation Board, and sadly, as of Oct. 7, we will be down another good prosecutor ... so I will be down 27% of my workforce at that point, Harrison said Sept. 27, noting the department now has only eight full-time prosecutors on staff.

... In my experience, we have never seen that type of turnover.

The Lynchburg Police Department confirmed Friday it has been in communication with the Commonwealths Attorneys Office regarding Harrisons decision to relinquish some prosecutions and emphasized it remains committed to keeping the community safe.

These changes will, most certainly, require additional training for LPD personnel to ensure consistency in court case preparation and to learn new responsibilities surrounding discovery rules for evidence, LPD Capt. Lisa Singleton wrote to The News & Advance. Although we may see a shift in the conviction rate for these cases, the LPD continually maintains a cooperative relationship with Mrs. Harrison and her office.

Its not only the Lynchburg office that is having a hard time hiring qualified prosecutors. Harrison said she knows the Prince Edward County Commonwealths Attorneys Office has had a position open for about a year that has gone unfilled.

Harrison said its especially hard to retain quality attorneys in the citys office due to the workload compared to surrounding counties.

One left for the county, Harrison said about her departing attorneys, where the workload is less, the person is closer to their house, and shes getting paid $13,000 a year more to do the same job. I cant compete with that.

Harrison cited local crime stats and Virginia State Police data that show in 2021, Campbell County had 1,724 offenses and 488 arrests, compared to Lynchburgs 5,783 offenses and 1,251 arrests.

Campbell County has six prosecutors, while Lynchburg is down to eight while facing more than double the amount of arrests and nearly triple the amount of offenses, Harrison said.

If we had 11, wed have about double [the staff] for about double the work. But instead, were down significantly to deal with the same workload.

Due to special ethical obligations specific to the field, Harrison said she cannot, as a supervising attorney, give her staff more work than they can competently handle.

They also have an ethical duty not to take on more work than they can competently handle, so this was sort of the only release valve we have, Harrison said about the decisions to withdraw prosecution from select misdemeanors.

During fiscal year 2023 budget discussions, Harrison requested local city funding for several positions. She requested a new juvenile and domestic relations court legal assistant; a new full-time bodyworn camera and Freedom of Information Act assistant; one new full-time prosecutor; and a new hourly in-house investigator, according to Dungan.

The city granted the new full-time bodyworn camera and FOIA assistant, and maintained funding for a part-time legal support receptionist, Dungan said.

When asked how budget requests are weighed from city departments, Dungan said councils priorities for fiscal year 2023 were public safety, infrastructure, lifelong learning, quality of life and economic development.

She said requests identified as mission critical were included in the proposed 2023 budget, but the city also addressed public safety through increased pay for police officers and firefighters, which was a priority laid out by council even before 2023 budget discussions began.

Dungan pointed out that, as a constitutional officer, Harrisons office can seek funding through Virginias General Assembly as well.

Del. Wendell Walker, R-Lynchburg, said in an interview with The News & Advance the General Assembly has done its part, pointing to raises granted to commonwealths attorneys across Virginia.

But he said the problem facing staffing falls with the state compensation board as well as workforce issues across the commonwealth.

I think the biggest challenge we have is the compensation board. That impacts law enforcement, commonwealths attorneys, and so thats a big issue that we have got to tackle and try to get more help out of, Walker said in a recent interview.

The compensation board determines reasonable budgets for the commonwealth toward the cost of operations for constitutional officers.

Walker said raising their pay helps, but most of the attorneys are young, coming out of college, got their law degrees and start in a prosecutors office for, say, $60,000. Weve got some trade people that are making that much money. And the prosecutors have all their college debt. Its a challenge within the commonwealths attorneys office to recruit and get good attorneys.

Walker said the onus is on Lynchburg City Council to step up and provide for the Commonwealths Attorneys Office if it wants safer streets in Lynchburg.

With the amount of money were seeing surplus-wise thanks to all the tax increases last year, Walker said, city council certainly needs to step up if they want to keep safer streets and provide some additional funding on their part. We do what we can on the state side and were trying to beef that up more each year, but theres also room for the localities to help step up and be a bigger player if they want to keep crime out.

We increased their funding this year. We want to do more, but its got to be a partnership. You cant just point fingers at someone else and say, Youre the reason for that.

Lynchburg Mayor MaryJane Dolan said the city already goes beyond the requirements of the state compensation board.

City Council continues to appropriate funds above the amount required by State Code, Dolan said in an email.

She said council provides three positions above what the state requires, including one that was added during Fiscal Year 2023. Overall, the city subsidies $250,000 above what the state compensation board requires for salaries for [commonwealths attorney] employees.

She also said in fiscal year 2023, when most city employees received a 3% general wage increase, employees of the Commonwealths Attorneys Office received a 5% wage increase adopted by the General Assembly.

Dolan added without question, the [commonwealths attorney] is a critical piece of our public safety function in the city.

Harrison stressed her relationship with council is in good shape, saying the city and council have generally been very supportive of the requests of her office.

In addition to staffing, Lynchburgs commonwealths attorney said community assistance has been a problem in moving cases forward, with very few witnesses being willing to come forward for high-profile cases.

Harrison mentioned the case of Keri Sharpe, who is accused of second-degree murder in connection with a March 2022 shooting and was released on bond because a witness would not respond to a subpoena to appear.

She said there are other cases in circuit court that had multiple eyewitnesses, but because none are willing to come forward, even under subpoena power, her office is left to seek other avenues of prosecution.

Usually, Harrison said, the issue doesnt come down to witness tampering or intimidation, unless in gang-related cases or intimate partner violence cases. She said it more comes down to citizens saying, Thats not my problem, or, I dont want to be involved, when it comes to the court process.

Ive never seen anyone go after a stranger witness. Is it possible? Sure, she said. Its possible someone can come to my house. Im the prosecutor ... but the likelihood of something happening to you is so small.

With witnesses not coming to court, Harrison said, prosecutors are limited to just the evidence admitted for trials, but in order to do that, in order to get creative when people dont want to come to court, you have to have the time and manpower to look outside the box to find other ways to bring the case forward.

Harrison said the problem ultimately comes down to distrust of law enforcement that has surfaced in recent years.

With all of the national social justice talking points and local protests and things of that nature, I think were trying to work toward a more just and equitable system. However, along with that is all these negative talking points, which I think has cultivated a distrust for law enforcement at a higher level than what weve previously seen exist, Harrison said.

Working through a large case load with a smaller team, Harrison said theres no questioning her offices love for the job.

People are doing this job not because they want to get rich or anything of that nature, she said, but because they love the work, they love the trial work, they love helping victims of crime ... and feeling like at the end of the day they helped somebody.

But what we dont want is people making mistakes because they were pulled in too many directions at one time. We want to be able to do the best work.
Headed north on Railroad Highway near Underwood, travelers often stop and do a double take. More often than not, giant decorative hay bales draw attention to the west side of the highway.

The creations are the work of Lea Voss, Pottawattamie County treasurer, who updates the corner for every major holiday. Currently, a large school bus  complete with childrens faces in windows and a skeleton driver who waves hello  sits at the corner.

My husband and I were requested to make a school bus out of hay bales, Voss said. We had an anonymous note left by a teacher on my other hay bales, as I make them for about every holiday.

The bus was up for the first day of school. Many passersby stopped to take photos with the timely hay bale art piece.

This is the biggest one weve done, Voss said.

Her husband helps her transport the bales and acquire additional props, including the tires, steering wheel, seat and front bumper needed for the school bus.

It took some time and I get so many compliments, she said. People come into my office and have to tell me how good it looks .. the Pottawattamie County treasurer has a hidden talent.

The bus took her about three days to complete. She often paints on nights and weekends.

Voss said hay bale art is hobby for her, something shes been doing for maybe 5 to 7 years. She saw something online that sparked the idea and started painting little by little, just little bales  pumpkins, turkeys, bunnies  and it just gets bigger and bigger, she said.

Now, she takes on holiday themes  Uncle Sam and a firecracker for the Fourth of July, for example. She created a RAGBRAI-themed setup when the annual race went through Underwood in 2019, and took on a law enforcement theme after Deputy Sheriff Mark Burbridge was shot and killed at the Pottawattamie County Jail in Council Bluffs in 2017.

Her sons recent marriage prompted the creation of a wedding couple crafted of hay bales.

Voss said its the feedback she receives from people that makes her hobby projects worthwhile. A couple from Avoca commented on the school bus, telling her they took the long way to Council Bluffs to check out her displays. Friends send her ideas for future projects.

Its been a hit, she said. After leaving the courthouse every day, this is my down time and when people honk and wave, and kids stop and take pictures, its all worth it. As long as it makes people smile, thats the main thing.

Its just fun. Theres more to life than just work.
LINCOLN  Gov. Pete Ricketts closed the door Friday on the possibility of appointing himself to replace U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse if the junior Nebraska senator resigns as expected.

News broke Thursday that Sasse is the sole finalist for the president position at the University of Florida and will interview with the board of trustees Nov. 1. It appears likely he will be resigning the Senate seat he has held since 2014 after that time.

Speculation immediately began about Ricketts' interest in the seat and the potential that he could appoint himself. The governor said little initially, simply releasing a statement Thursday that pointed out that the seat is not currently vacant.

On Friday afternoon, Ricketts released a statement denying the speculation that he would use his position as governor to get the senate seat.

If I choose to pursue the appointment, I will leave the appointment decision to the next governor and will follow the process established for all interested candidates," he said. "It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as the governor of Nebraska. It is the greatest job in the world, and it will remain my number one focus for the remainder of my term.

Many observers believe Ricketts continues to have political ambitions and may well have eyes on the Senate. In his first bid for political office 16 years ago, he lost a Senate race to Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson.

But he has deflected questions in recent months about his interest in a potential Senate bid, saying, as he did Friday, that he is focused on finishing out his eight years as governor.

Depending on the timing of a Sasse resignation, the job of appointing a successor could fall to Ricketts or his successor, most likely Jim Pillen, the Republican who stands a strong chance of being elected governor in November in GOP-leaning Nebraska.

Under state law, the governor has 45 days to appoint someone to a Senate vacancy.

Paul Landow, an associate professor of political science at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said it would be politically unwise for Ricketts to appoint himself to the seat because many people would see it as arrogant and self-serving.

"For Ricketts it is a gamble  if voters are angered by the action, they may repay at the voting booth," he said. "It would be smarter to have Pillen appoint him. The political optics are better and there is a lower risk of angering voters."

Most political observers assume Ricketts will be appointed, one way or the other, so it would be in his interest to make the transition as smooth possible, Landow said.

Ricketts' statement does not preclude the possibility that, if he were not interested in the seat, he could go ahead and appoint someone hed see as a strong candidate to win the seat when its next on the ballot in 2024.

Another option would be to name a place-holder candidate, someone who would take the appointment and serve out the next two years with an agreement not to run for the seat. That would leave an open seat and a more level playing field for all contenders.

Or he could let Pillen make the appointment. Pillen, who won the GOP primary with strong financial and political backing from Ricketts, would presumably name Ricketts to the job if he wants it.

That might be the smartest move for the current governor. History has shown that governors who appoint themselves to fill suddenly vacant Senate seats dont have a very good track record for keeping those seats the next time an election rolls around.

In fact, of the nine governors nationally in the last century who appointed themselves to the Senate, only one was able to keep the seat after the next election.
NORTH PLATTE  Melanie Standiford has told countless stories as a print and broadcast journalist for more than two decades, including the last five years with KNOP, the NBC affiliate in North Platte.

But after she was quoted in a Flatwater Free Press story about her involvement in a ballot initiative to ban abortions in Curtis, her employer, Gray Television, terminated her Friday.

Shannon Booth, the vice president and general manager of KNOP, confirmed the firing in a statement. Booth added that company policy encourages civic involvement among our employees, so long as such activities do not give the appearance of interfering with journalistic impartiality. In furtherance of that qualification, KNOPs news personnel are not permitted, at any time and regardless of beliefs, to actively engage in any political activity for any candidate, party or ballot initiative.

Standiford, who was appointed KNOPs news director in 2021, said in a roughly half-hour phone conversation Monday afternoon that she refused to sign any company paperwork to acknowledge her termination.

She said the move cost her a $4,000 severance payment, but she is not bound to a nondisclosure agreement. Standiford added she is considering legal action as well.

That remains to be seen, she said. Ive had a lot of lawyers reach out to me and Ive had a lot of people tell me that what happened was not fair. I dont know what I am doing (legally). I dont know.

I have zero regrets, Standiford said. Im sad about the situation. Im sad about my (co-workers) at KNOP. I hope everybody is nice to them. This (decision) wasnt them. Im sad that we live in a world where we cant have a personal life without it being questioned.

Flatwater Free Press is an independent, nonprofit Nebraska newsroom whose stories are published online and in many Nebraska newspapers, including the Lincoln Journal Star. The article last weekend focused on six Nebraska towns that will vote on banning abortions within their city limits, and says that Standiford helped collect 47 signatures for the initiative in Curtis.

Standiford is pro-life but said abortion has never been one of her soapbox issues. Standiford said she had nothing to do with putting the petition together and added that her involvement consisted of sitting at a table at my church with the petition (on it) and somebody witnessed the signatures.

People can spin it however they want, Standiford said. It did not occur to me that I was doing something partisan. It was within the walls of my church, and the people in the community who were not in my church were the people who reached out to me. Nobody was coerced.

I wasnt a journalist that day. I should at least be able to feel safe in my church and with my community without being thought of as Melanie Standiford, News 2.

About the interview, Standiford said she was awoken by a call from Free Press reporter Natalia Alamdari after having worked until 3 a.m. and said she should have waited to talk until she had collected her thoughts.

Alamdari asked her if it was appropriate for her to cover an issue that shes politically involved in.

Youre probably right, Standiford is quoted as saying. I probably, maybe, shouldnt have even done that. But who knew it would be an issue.

Standiford said her comment came at the end of the conversation and, in her mind, she felt it was being made off the record.

Thats what she put in quotations, Standiford said.

Free Press editor Matthew Hansen emailed a statement in support of Alamdaris work and attached documents, signed by Standiford and delivered to the state, showing she collected 47 signatures as a petition circulator.

We stand by this fact-based reporting, and personally Im proud that Flatwater Free Press published an important story about small towns debating whether they should ban abortion, and the legal and symbolic impact of those bans, Hansen wrote in the email.

Standiford plans to continue telling stories as well. She started a Facebook page over the weekend, called Midwest Media by Melanie, on which she said she will continue to continue reporting stories on whatever the people want. She was present at the Big Red Roundup Republican event Sunday and the Sustainable Beef ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, both in North Platte.

She plans to start a website soon, and she has started fundraising to assist in those ventures.

Anyone who knows me knows I cant sit still for very long, Standiford said.

Standiford also said she would strongly consider running for political office because her mouth doesnt have to be closed any more.

Now I can stand for what I believe, she said. Now I would absolutely run for government office. Absolutely, in a heartbeat.
The Malian government will militarize the national police and civil protection in a move to defend areas reconquered from terrorists, a cabinet statement said.

This militarization will make it possible to deploy the two units in the areas reconquered by the army in order to ensure the security of the population and their property and to prevent the return of terrorist groups, but also to cover the rear of the forces engaged in combat with a view to preserving the gains and securing the administration and the population, the statement said.

The move came following a report presented by the Minister of Security and Civil Protection. The decision, the government notes, is in line with plans to rebuild the state decided during the various national consultations demanding the militarization of the national police.

On this basis, the civil servants of the National Police and the Civil Protection engaged in operations will benefit from the same advantages as the other soldiers, the statement added.
The Ghanaian capital Accra will host this October 10-14 the Global Students COP27 Pre-Summit that would bring together students and young people from 16 countries to help shape policy options to be deliberated at COP27 later in November in Egypt.

Delegates from the host country, Honduras, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Latvia, the United States, Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya are expected to take part in the event, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The pre-summit, organized in collaboration with the All-African Students Union (AASU), will feature masterclasses, expert panel discussions, mock sessions and workshops.

Delegates will discuss the impacts of climate change on education across the world and key political actions needed to adopt sustainability initiative to protect education.

The statement said the goal of COP27 was to focus on global action on climate change by continuing to cut emissions and adapting to climate change to save lives.

This is in line with Ghanas medium to long-term plan of building a sustainable industrial economy based on green innovation principles, the statement said.

The Egyptian city of Sharm el Sheick is hosting the COP 27 in November.
Morocco has sounded the alarm over the proliferation of terrorist acts in Africa, which counts 19 separatist movements, and which is the second region of the world where terrorism strikes most often and, above all, indiscriminately.

This came in the address delivered Friday by Moroccan Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, during the ministerial meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council, the first held under Moroccan chairmanship during the month of October.

Bourita, who was chairing the session via videoconference from Rabat, renewed the Kingdoms commitment to put its experience in the fight against terrorism at the service of peace, especially in Africa where terrorist acts are proliferating. Africa counts 19 separatist movements, and is the second region of the world where terrorism strikes most often and, above all, indiscriminately.

Morocco is committed to promoting South-South, North-South and triangular solidarity cooperation, in order to address the complex and transnational nature of the terrorist threat in Africa, he said, adding that this commitment is reflected first by the Kingdoms accession to several sub-regional cooperation frameworks aimed at strengthening the collective capacity of African countries to protect their borders from transnational threats.

During this ministerial meeting on development and de-radicalization as levers in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, he also referred to the efforts of the Kingdom in the field of de-radicalization, including through the establishment of specialized institutions to train African Imams, like the Foundation Mohammed VI of African Ulema which is established as a real platform for exchange and sharing to address the misinterpretation of religious texts and messages.

Bourita also noted that the Kingdom is committed to promoting and defending African security concerns in the international agenda, including during his three consecutive terms as co-chair of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF) and his co-chairmanship of the Africa Focus Group of the Global Coalition against ISIS.

With 48% of the victims of terrorism in the world are African, 7,234 terrorist attacks that have claimed the lives of 28,960 victims in 2021 and 27 terrorist groups listed on the UN sanctions list, Africa is experiencing an unprecedented proliferation of terrorist groups, said Bourita, noting that the economic impact of terrorism in Africa over the past 10 years has amounted to 171 billion dollars.

The Sahel-Saharan region has become in a decade the second region of the world most affected by terrorism, the government official said noting that this bleak picture should challenge us on the need to adopt a holistic approach that devotes more effort to the underlying factors fueling the proliferation of radicalization and terrorism on our continent.

Among these factors, Bourita cited the latent multiplication of separatist groups that is now established as a real catalyst for political and security instability on the continent, by allying themselves with, or even absorbing, the agendas and modus operandi of terrorist and criminal entities.

To dry up the sources of the terrorist threat, Morocco advocates, among other things, the establishment of a platform for collaboration between Member States for the exchange of expertise in de-radicalization and the establishment of a development fund dedicated to financing African collective action in socio-economic and human development, said Bourita.

The meeting was marked by 12 interventions from member countries knowing that the Peace and Security Council of the African Union has 15 members.
National Security and Territorial Surveillance Director General Abdellatif Hammouchi on Friday received the Commander-in-Chief of the Abu Dhabi Police, Major General Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, currently visiting Morocco at the head of a large security delegation.

This meeting was an opportunity to review the levels of security cooperation and areas of police coordination on various issues of common interest, which draw their strength in the distinguished relations and deep ties between Morocco and the United Arab Emirates, said a statement from the Directorate General of National Security (DGSN).

The two sides also discussed mechanisms to improve operational cooperation in security matters, strengthen technical assistance and exchange experiences and best practices adopted to improve police training services, with the aim of achieving the aspirations of the two brotherly countries to security and stability and strengthen joint efforts to fight the dangers of terrorism and transnational organized crime, the statement said.

The Emirati side was informed of the Moroccan experience in the field of maintaining public security and followed explanations about the structural organization and powers entrusted to the various units and security formations responsible for ensuring the safety of citizens and protect their property.

According to the statement, this meeting reflects the depth of cooperative relations between security institutions and law enforcement agencies in the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the convergence of views on the centrality of security cooperation as an effective mechanism to address security risks and terrorist threats.
Writer Beer & Society

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 Flash

A security officer in Iraq's Kurdistan region was killed on Friday by the explosion of two bombs attached to his car, the Kurdish Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) said in a statement.

The statement named the assassinated officer as Colonel Hawkar Abdullah, a Kurdish security officer, adding that the attack took place in Erbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.

The CTS said that the blast killed Abdullah and wounded four of his family members, adding that the attack was a terror act and investigation into the incident was launched.

Also on Friday, the Iraqi Interior Ministry's Intelligence Office said in a statement that the security forces spotted three Islamic State (IS) militants in a rugged area in the south of the city of Kirkuk, some 250 km north of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

Based on accurate intelligence reports, Iraqi warplanes conducted an air strike on the militants' hideout, killing an IS local leader and two militants, the statement said, adding that an intelligence force arrived at the scene and found the bodies of the three militants.

Over the past months, Iraqi security forces have conducted operations against extremist militants to crack down on their intensified activities.

The security situation in Iraq has been improving since the defeat of the IS in 2017. However, its remnants have since melted into urban centers, deserts, and rugged areas, carrying out frequent guerilla attacks against security forces and civilians.
Can Spacey even deny this in court, since he already apologised for the possibility of it happening?

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I wonder too, especially since he tweeted it (per article above)

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He can try, but it hurts his credibility and any decently prepped cross-examining lawyer will have a field day with it



Edited at 2022-10-08 11:03 am (UTC)

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horrifying details. i really hope the victims can find their voice and their peace. and i hope spacey finds the urn. i used to be such a big fan of his until i started reading ontd, and the amount of stories/gossip about him being a complete sicko no longer felt like a coincidence. its very telling that the #MenToo troopers are staying mum about this.horrifying details. i really hope the victims can find their voice and their peace. and i hope spacey finds the urn. i used to be such a big fan of his until i started reading ontd, and the amount of stories/gossip about him being a complete sicko no longer felt like a coincidence.

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Most of them dont seem to care about male abusers, even when the victims are male. Its all about taking down women.

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It was never about protecting men, yep. It's always going to be the entitlement to abuse women.

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that umbrella guy wants this televised so that he can determine the facts 

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They've already started defending Spacey and talking about how Anthony is lying

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I was only introduced to Anthony Rapp by Star Trek and he quickly became my favourite actor in that show.



The thought of him having to endure this kind of pain again and again- I don't know he finds the strength. Wherever he is digging from, may that mine be infinite and may he get the justice he is looking for.

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*Adam- sorry for the awful typo.

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his name is Anthony so your first comment was correct

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Spacey's lawyer (who recently represented B*ll C*sby and R. K*lly) accused Rapp of being jealous and resentful that he wasn't as famous as Spacey.



The youre just jealous line? Really? Their legal argument is a pre-teens playground comeback?

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What in the Lisa Rinna hell over that line.

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How these assholes live with themselves is beyond me

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It's the money they get.

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Also, not as famous seems even more silly because Anthony is plenty famous in the theater world which is where he's been working for literally 40 years.

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Poor Anthony, I hope Kevin spacey gets what he deserves the POS

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It's a blessing that this is not televised

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The only reason that a tiny part of me wishes the trial was being televised is that it's a pain in the ass to have to read ten different articles and piece together the summaries that the various publications are reporting. I'd much rather have direct quotes instead of relying on several different recaps. But if it saves Anthony and other victims from having videos of their testimony reposted and mocked, I can live with having to read multiple accounts of the trial.

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14 years old.



May Kevin burn and never know a day's peace.

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i am sending my love for rapp and all of spacey's victims. i can't imagine the strength it takes to speak out against your abuser like anthony is, because time does not make things easier, or people kinder.

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So very well said 

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I would say 'my thoughts exactly' but you articulated better than I could.

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I hope Anthony finds peace during and after this.



I double checked and indeed that was Captain Barrowman. Apparently they also went to school with Andy Dick. Relevant because Rapp seems to be the good egg outta this bunch. Relevant here to the other two's behaviors and misconduct.

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I did a double take at Barrowman for sure & wondered if Rapp was set up tbh?? It all feels so icky knowing what we know about both him & Spacey



edit: skipped over the school thing so Im assuming they were the same age? Still so weird regardless



Edited at 2022-10-08 01:28 pm (UTC)

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https://moviechat.org/tt0470995/Danny-Roane-First-Time-Director/58c7c5d7f9fcca09a0de5dcd/ANTHONY-RAPP





I never thought anything untoward with Borrowman. Just unexpected. Yep, all three are the same age. According to Wiki, Dick and Rapp are still friends. I don't know about Borrowman. It's weird to imagine Adventures kid being friends with Andy. According to Movie Chat, Rapp talks about Andy a lot.I never thought anything untoward with Borrowman. Just unexpected.

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John Barrowman was only 19 when this happened. He was staying with Anthony and his mom at the time and I haven't seen anything to indicate that he was involved with Spacey assaulting Anthony.

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hes a fucking monster.



i hope anthony and the rest of his victims have a lot of support and love around them.

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So awful. It was clearly a pattern, there must be so many more stories about Spacey from people who don't dare to speak up :/



I didn't realize Barrowman was involved in this, is he testifying?

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Barrowman wasn't at the party. So even if he was called to testify, he wouldn't be able to back up Rapp's testimony. As far as we know, Spacey didn't make any advances or try anything with him (probably because he was five years older and more able to fight him off).

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Thanks for posting this. I knew some of the details but had no idea about that sexual misconduct clause in the Netflix contract, my God.

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it still shocks me that people don't believe this. like... I remember there being stories around on ONTD when I was in high school about how much of a creep Spacey was.



I've always really liked Anthony and reading this makes me feel so sad for him.

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Sad, but also: Rapp is such a badass. This would be so hard to do, and hes doing in anyway.

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It was such an open secret that family guy of all places made a crack about it back in the day too. No one's even defended him, like 2 + 2 is indeed 4. He guilty!

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I remember seeing pics of Kevin Spacey on here with some pretty young guy over his lap doing spanking motions years ago.



This was when he was directing at the old Vic in london.

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Yeah, I remember reading Anthonys memoir when it came out and he described being abused by a famous actor, and while he never named him in the book, everyone online knew it was Spacey. That was 2006.

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I heard rumors of assault and casting couch behavior on Tumblr a few years before Rapp first went public with the allegations. And I really liked House of Cards at the time so I was hoping it was just a tall tale but here we are. :-\

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People who dont believe it just dont care. They refuse to think about it logically. They dont want the facts. They just dont care if hes guilty.

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There have been rumours about Spacey since at least the late 90s. Nobody came forward to defend him when this all blew up the first time which said it all.

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it was so known that The Family Guy made a joke about it more than 10 years ago!

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omg

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Anthony always seemed like a great guy, I hope he gets justice.



Fuck KS, and how does every fucked up thing on the gay NYC scene in the 80s and 90s always circle back to the Limelight???

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Over the past year, energy companies have been steadily planning for the development of battery storage facilities, to support their renewable energy operations. But with the shift to green, the need for immediate investment in battery storage is clearer now than ever. With several developments planned for the next year and beyond, the battery sector is expected to grow significantly over the next decade

At present, one of the biggest concerns about the development of renewables is the intermittent nature of these energy sources. Solar and wind farms do not provide consistent power for 24-hours a day, this is also true for tidal power. For example, solar panels only produce energy during daylight hours, which vary depending on the time of the year and geographical location. In fact, peak solar power times typically coincide with times of low grid demand  in the early to mid-afternoon. In contrast, peak grid demand usually occurs in the early morning (before work) and again at around dusk, when the sun is low. And wind power is even more elusive. Therefore, companies developing these energy sources must also invest in battery storage to ensure that this power can be saved to be accessed during non-production times.

Battery storage is key to meeting the future of our energy needs. As the world transitions away from fossil fuels to renewable alternatives, global reliance on solar and wind power, as well as other green energy sources, will increase. If energy firms do not invest heavily in the development of battery storage facilities now, much of this power will be lost, and the grid could be left without electricity.

Many industrial and commercial operations have already begun to develop battery energy storage systems (BESS) near their facilities to support their decarbonisation plans and provide backup emergency power sources. A shift to renewable resources can also drive electricity bills down and help companies to meet their ESG goals, making them more attractive to consumers.

Several experts believe that battery storage is vital to the accomplishment of the U.S. climate goals. In 2021, President Biden announced a target for the U.S. energy sector to be carbon-free by 2035. In 2020, only around 20 percent of Americas energy came from renewable resources, making this aim very ambitious. However, to achieve this goal one thing is sure  energy firms must invest in battery storage.

This issue led Paolo Romanacci, Enel Green Powers Head of North America, to state that the 2035 target is feasible, but on one condition: that we address the energy storage elephant in the room. He added, more electricity generation, more resource diversity, and more reliability services [are needed]. Hybrid renewable energy-plus-storage projects provide all three.

Several major notable projects were developed last year, with U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates suggesting battery storage capacity grew by 4.5 GW, or 300 percent, in 2021. It expects an additional 10 GW of battery storage to come online by the end of 2023, mainly alongside solar projects. The EIA stated, Declining cost for battery storage applications, favourable economics when deployed with renewable energy (predominantly wind and solar PV), and value-added additions in regional transmission organization (RTO) markets have helped drive the expansion of battery storage.

Related: The LME Is Carefully Considering A Potential Ban On Russian Metals

Some of the companies that brought battery storage operations online in the U.S. in 2021 include Vistra Corp., Broad Reach Power, Arevon Asset Management, Tesla, Renewable Energy Systems (RES) and San Diego Gas & Electric, Salt River Project, Florida Power and Light Company, NextEra, Blythe Solar II, LLC, and Tucson Electric Power.

But no current battery storage project is quite so impressive as the largest facility in the world, located in California. The Moss Landing battery storage facility has a capacity of 400 MW. Vistra Energy, an integrated retail electricity and power generation company based in Texas, constructed the plant in two phases through agreements with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). The facility is connected to Californias power grid, with phase one commencing operations in December 2020 and phase two in July 2021.

And several more battery storage facilities are planned for this year, with American giants expanding overseas. General Electric (GE) has plans to convert a decommissioned gas-fired power station in the U.K. into a battery storage facility. Construction of the plant in Lincolnshire, in the East Midlands of England, is already underway. GE will be providing the 50 MW battery storage system to the plant, and it will store energy from 43 onshore wind farms across the county. It is expected to be able to store up to 100 MW-hours of electric energy, with operations starting in 2023. It will have a life span of around 25 years.

There is a clear need for greater battery storage developments worldwide, and the energy sector is responding. But it is important that momentum is not lost and that battery storage can be developed hand in hand with renewable energy projects to ensure greater efficiency and a strong grid system.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Twenty-five years ago this month, Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova formed the GUAM consultative forum to counter Russian efforts to keep them within Moscows orbit via the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and to promote their own integration with the democratic West (Guam-organization.org, accessed October 5). Since then, the group has had a checkered history, gaining and then losing Uzbekistan as a member and failing to attract other members, including Turkey and Poland.

But over time, it has grown in importance for its members and their ties with the West. Two members, Georgia and Ukraine, have left the CIS, and the other two have downgraded their membership. All four countries have maintained the grouping despite continuing efforts from Moscow to break it up, thus serving as a platform for interaction among the four and with the West, as well as a model for other former Soviet republics considering how best to move toward more complete independence from the former imperial center (see EDM, June 20, 2007; October 9, 2018; 24tv.ua, July 22, 2020).

Moscow has always opposed the formation of such groups, including others such as the Intermarium (Hvylya.net, January 5, 2014), considering such arrangements as Western projects directed against Russia and believing that the Kremlin can deal more easily with its neighbors in a bilateral format rather than in multilateral organizations such as GUAM. But as has often been the case in Moscows relations with its neighbors, the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin during his rule have been markedly counterproductive. When Putin has been restrained in his approach to Russias neighbors, these groupings, including GUAM, have receded in importance, but when he has moved aggressively, as in 2008 and 2014, such regional efforts have gained more traction and attracted more attention, exactly the opposite of what the Russian leader presumably wanted (Nezavisimaya gazeta, February 17, 2017).

Related: Putin Sees Pakistan As A Potential Partner In Southeast Asia



Putins war in Ukraine has done even more to boost the importance of GUAM for its members; increase the interest of others, especially Turkey; and alarm Moscow with the prospect that a group mostly devoted to democratization and economic cooperation will now take on a security dimension as well. All three of these trends were highlighted at a meeting of the foreign ministers of the GUAM states on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York at the end of September 2022. Indeed, the progress made in New York and the prospect that Ukraine will replace Moldova as chairman of GUAM next year prompted one Moscow commentator, Dmitry Nefyodov, to express concern about GUAMs second breath and the ways in which economic and other cooperation among its members generally and between Azerbaijan and Ukraine specifically calls into question Bakus commitment to cooperation with Moscow. Such an agreement was sealed in February 2022, just before Putin began his special military operation in Ukraine (Fondsk.ru, October 1).

At the New York meeting, all four ministers not only reiterated their opposition to Putins war, but Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also promised to provide Ukraine with more economic and energy support. The Ukrainian officials warmly welcomed this pledge, hoping that it will lead to both future military aid and the involvement of the other GUAM countries in the reconstruction of Ukrainian regions devastated by the Russian invasion (Azertag.az, September 21; Lb.ua, September 21; Apsny.ge, October 4).

Since the beginning of Putins war, Azerbaijans SOCAR Energy Ukraine has provided more than 200,000 liters of automobile fuel for ambulances and other uses (Azertag.az, July 9). It is also being increasingly reported that Baku is providing weapons to Ukraine via Africa and that this aid may increase and even involve military planes (T.me/WingsofWar, July 30; T.me/Rybar, August 5). Not unimportantly, Nefyodov sees this Azerbaijani effort as influenced by GUAM and its role as an agent for the West against Russia (Fondsk.ru, October 1).

That Azerbaijan might be in a position to provide this and other military aid to Ukraine was highlighted by a naval exercise Baku conducted in the Caspian Sea at the same time as the GUAM meeting in New York (Azertag.az, September 19; Casp-geo.ru, September 29). This exercise shows that Azerbaijan has a naval capacity that could benefit Ukraine by providing training or other assistance in the Black Sea, support that Moscow would certainly view as both hostile and Western-organized.

Putins war in Ukraine has thus given GUAM a new lease on life, not only intensifying cooperation among its members but also attracting others, particularly Turkey, which, in the future, could become a member, thus crossing the important line between countries that were once part of the Soviet Union and those that never were.

If peace were to break out in Ukraine tomorrow, a highly unlikely prospect, it is possible that GUAM might recede in importance once again, as it did for a time after 2008 and 2014. Yet, even in that case, the experience of cooperation among the four in support of Ukraine makes it likely that this time, the group will continue to play a major role both for its members and as a model for others in the future.

And if, as seems more likely, the Russian war against Ukraine continues for some time, GUAM will only grow ever more in importance and put it in a position to aid the complete and final dismantling of the post-Soviet space, as well as the integration of some, or all, of its members into the European Union and possibly even the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. If that happens, GUAM will have played a far more important in the region than that being played by the increasingly moribund CIS.

By The Jamestown Foundation

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Each week The Pantagraph profiles a different community member. Know someone we should talk to? Email roger.miller@lee.net.

Name: Marshell Thomson

Position: McLean County Animal Control director/administrator

1. What is Animal Control and its role in the community?

McLean County Animal Control is designed to promote and protect public and animal safety. McLean County Animal Control does this by helping prevent the spread of rabies through rabies vaccination registration, bite investigations, the collection of stray animals, collection of bats within a home and by enforcing animal welfare laws.

MCAC also aids in finding forever homes for its animals either directly from the shelter or via our partnerships with both private and licensed shelters. I like to summarize the work we do by saying that McLean County Animal Control promotes a culture of responsible pet ownership through education and community outreach.

2. How and why did you get involved in Animal Control?

I have always had a tender spot for animals, helping them whenever I had the opportunity. When I was younger, I was involved in the junior zookeeper program at Miller Park Zoo. There I connected with people who became my friends and mentors who helped me learn more about agriculture and different types of animals.

I applied for the Animal Control warden on-call position many years ago and quickly realized how much this program benefited the community, and I wanted to be a part of this special program. This has been a rewarding life experience and I am very excited to aid in the development of potential new programs and guiding MCAC into the next decade.

I have devoted my life to making a difference within this community and paying it forward. I believe we should look out for one another and help when we can. I am inspired by the people who come and spend time with the animals, drop off donations or help the adoptable pets find a new home. Together we can accomplish so much!

3. Education is a major component of MCAC. What do you teach people about being good pet owners and interacting safely with wildlife?

We spend one-on-one time with members of our community helping answer their questions and through public outreach events. We also encourage responsible pet ownership by emphasizing the importance of routine vet visits and core vaccinations, including rabies, altering and microchipping your pets.

Working with your veterinarian is critical in the overall health and happiness of your pet. McLean County requires registration of the rabies inoculation within 30 days of the vaccination. More information available at www.mcleancountyil.gov/942/Animal-Registration.

When we receive a wildlife complaint, staff evaluates each individual situation and responds accordingly depending on the risk level. We also talk about the benefits of wildlife in our community and direct those who want additional information to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources webpage www.wildlifeillinois.org.

We encourage you to leave wildlife alone and do not disturb them. Enjoy from a distance. Take the opportunity to teach kids about the wildlife neighbors and all the fun and interesting things about each species.

4. You have a bat team, and fall is a busy time for them. What should people know about bats?

Bats are very beneficial to the environment; they are, however, not so helpful when they get into our homes. Anyone can call MCAC 24/7, 365 days a year if you find a bat inside your home.

We will ask a few questions and help you determine the best response to solve the situation as quickly as possible. We recommend you do not touch a bat, and if possible, remove children and pets from the area where the bat is located. We take bat exposures seriously and want to remedy the situation as quickly as possible.

If you have more questions about bats, please contact the office at 309-888-5060. More information about rabies can be found at the Illinois Department of Public Health webpage at dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/rabies.html. More information about MCAC bat response can be found at www.mcleancountyil.gov/944/Bats-in-Homes.

5. What do you want people to know about adopting a pet?

MCAC often has dogs, cats, puppies, kittens and occasionally pocket pets available for adoption. Available animal photos can be found on the McLean County Animal Control Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mcleancountyac, petfinder.com or by visiting the facility during routine business hours. Please call 309-888-5060 if you have any questions about available pets for adoption.

MCAC currently has many dogs, puppies, cats and kittens available for adoption. Once all the veterinarian services have been completed, the adoption fee can be as low as $30 for a cat or kitten and $50 for a dog or puppy.

The facility has so many wonderful pets waiting to meet their new best friend. Please consider adopting from Animal Control and helping the homeless pets find a forever home.

MCAC also has volunteer or foster opportunities. This would be a great way to help a pet waiting to find a new home.

The pets really benefit from a foster family, and this also helps Animal Control with future animal placement. This is very beneficial for small, orphaned kittens who need a little more time before they can be adopted. If you would like more information regarding fostering opportunities, please contact 309-888-5060.
 Flash

The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) on Friday suspended the entire school police force partly as a result of parents' protest over the fallout from police response to the May 24 mass school shooting that killed 19 children and two teachers in the small city of the U.S. state of Texas.

"The District has made the decision to suspend all activities of the Uvalde CISD Police Department for a period of time," a statement from the Uvalde CISD said. The department now includes four officers and one security guard.

"The District has requested the Texas Department of Public Safety to provide additional troopers for campus and extra-curricular activities," the statement said.

Officers currently employed will fill other roles in the district, the statement said, adding that Lt. Miguel Hernandez, who was tasked with leading the department in the fallout from the shooting, and Ken Mueller, the Uvalde CISD director of student services, were placed on administrative leave. Mueller has elected to retire.

The move came one day after the firing of Crimson Elizondo, the officer who was hired by the Uvalde school district despite being under investigation for her conduct as the first Department of Public Safety trooper to enter the hallway at Robb Elementary School after the gunman gained entry. She did not bring her rifle or vest into the school at the time, ABC News reported, citing an internal investigation.

Since last week, about a dozen of victims' families and local residents have been holding a round-the-clock vigil outside the school district headquarters, demanding the school district hold all school police officers accountable for their delayed action during the May 24 shooting.

A total of 376 law enforcement agents, including the school police officers, responded to the shooting but failed to intervene for 74 minutes.

Then Uvalde schools police chief Pete Arredondo, who was widely blamed for the botched law enforcement response, was fired in August in a unanimous vote by the Uvalde school board. A Texas House committee's report said that under the district's active shooter plan, he would have been the incident commander.

"Those were the people that failed us. They didn't protect the children or the staff," a parent said at a community meeting before the new school year started in early September.

"You've dug a big hole... You've got to get out of this hole someway somehow," another parent told city and school district officials at the meeting.

The Robb Elementary School, where the shooting took place, has been closed since then. Children who would have gone to Robb now instead go to another two elementary schools in the city. A virtual academy is also available for the families who don't want to send their students back to school.
BLOOMINGTON  The annual Bruegala  dubbed this year as the "BOOgala!"  returned to Bloomington on Friday night for the downtown's First "Fright-day" of October, with 16 local breweries raising money for WishBone Canine Rescue and the Old House Society.

For 22 years, the Bloomington-Normal branch of the Jaycees, a national nonprofit organization focused on community involvement, has held the Bruegala. This year, Sara Willenborg designed and planned the event.

"Post-COVID," she said, "we've kind of had a little bit of ground to make up, and we lost a bit of momentum."

During setup, Willenborg said they wanted to bring the fest back to full strength.

"We're going to have 16 local, Central Illinois breweries. We've got three local bands playing all night. We're going to have over six food trucks," she said.

Willenborg said they had charged for admission in the past, but that practiced fizzled out, and she hoped the free entry would attract more visitors this year.

"The last couple years, we've just been trying to get people excited about Bruegala again and start coming back out," Willenborg said.

Jeremiah Fletcher and Lucas Raab were happy to attend a festival after the pandemic lockdowns.

"I enjoy this. I like this," Fletcher said. "It's awesome. But I'm also of the belief that the pandemic isn't over."

Raab said outside fests are a welcome alternative to gathering indoors with masks.

"It's nice to be outside with a bunch of people," he said.

The event also had a charitable aspect: "All of the proceeds are going to be benefiting two local charities, which are WishBone Canine Rescue and Old House Society," Willenborg said.

Jaycees member Ariel Ameday said club members were inspired by Bloomington changing the name of First Friday to "First Fright-day" for October, so they decided to lean in to the corny jokes.

"In addition to bringing people into town and business into town, we're also raising money for charity," Ameday said. "We've been doing that for 22 years. And it kind of makes us stand out from the other festivals in town."

Greg and Phyl Reichert said they like going to festivals that support local charities. Phyl said WishBone Canine Rescue, which works to help dogs that are special cases and advocates for a "no-kill McLean County," is one of her favorite charities.
BLOOMINGTON  Two men have been charged with three felonies each after police say they were caught stealing a catalytic converter from church van in Downs.

Todd Palmer, 53, of Fisher and Matthew Lee, 23, of Monticello, each have been charged with the following:

Possession of a stolen essential vehicle part, a Class 2 felony

Theft exceeding $500 but less than $10,000, a Class 3 felony

Criminal damage to property between $500 and $10,000, a Class 4 felony

Officers from the McLean County Sheriff's Office and the LeRoy Police Department responded Thursday morning to an address near Downs United Methodist Church, 205 S. Highway Ave., for a report of a theft in progress.

The suspects were observed cutting a catalytic converter off a vehicle owned by the church.

Both men were ordered to have no contact with Downs United Methodist Church and will be arraigned at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 4.

Palmer and Lee were held in lieu of posting $5,035 bond.
CHICAGO  A man accused of walking into a Chicago police station and pointing a gun at officers, leading police to shoot and wound him, appeared in court on Friday on assault charges, where a judge ordered his bond set at $200,000.

The police department said in a news release that 43-year-old Terrick Bland, of nearby Maywood, is charged with five counts of aggravated assault of a peace officer and one felony count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

According to police, Bland on Wednesday walked into the lobby of the Ogden District station in the Lawndale neighborhood on the city's West Side and began shouting anti-police statements. When officers ordered him to drop a gun that he had wrapped in a plastic bag, he pointed it at officers and at least three of them opened fire.

Bland was shot once in the shoulder and was treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. According to the Cook County State's Attorney's office, Bland was represented at Friday's hearing by an attorney with the county public defender's office. An official from the office said she could not immediately determine who represented Bland.

It was the second time in a little more than a week in which Chicago officers shot an armed suspect inside of a police station.

On Sept. 26, police shot and wounded 47-year-old Donald Patrick, of Waukegan, after authorities say he climbed a fire escape on another West Side station, entered the building, grabbed handguns off a table and allegedly pointed them at officers who were undergoing SWAT training. Patrick was arrested and charged with burglary and aggravated assault of an officer using a firearm. He remains in jail.

After the shooting Wednesday, Brown said the department was examining what could be done to beef up security at police stations.
SPRINGFIELD  Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey generally stuck to their talking points Thursday at their first debate on the same stage.

The questions and answers were similar to those posed during a forum organized by the Illinois Associated Press Media Editors, on which I served as a questioner and we covered in-depth last week.

During Thursday nights debate, organized by Nexstar Media Group and AARP and hosted at Illinois State University in Normal, I found some of the most interesting answers were the ones where specifics were lacking.

For the governor, that was when he wouldnt say what changes hed make to the Pretrial Fairness Act provision of the SAFE-T Act criminal justice reform that will end cash bail on Jan. 1.

Its one of the only aspects of the wide-ranging law that has not yet been amended nearly two years after its initial passage, but changes are likely coming.

An Illinois Supreme Court task force charged with assisting in implementing the law has pointed to needed clarifications, and even the laws most ardent supporters have noted negotiations on follow-up legislation continue.

The crux of the matter is that various sections of the bill, taken together, are seen by prosecutors as too limiting for judges who consider whether an individual should be denied pretrial release. Pritzker said his intent is to pass language that ensures and clarifies that no individuals are non-detainable.

At the debate he was asked for specifics.

I think there are clarifications that can be made in the law to make sure that everyone understands what this law is, he said.

He repeated a talking point that violent criminals should not be released from pretrial detention simply because they can afford bail, while mothers who shoplift diapers and formula shouldnt be detained simply because they cant.

It was a similar response to a question I asked in last weeks forum about whether the public deserved broader, more public discussion of changes prior to Election Day. Lawmakers are not scheduled to return to the Capitol until one week after the election.

After the debate, Pritzker said a bill filed by Sen. Scott Bennett, D-Champaign, could serve as a framework for follow-up legislation.

That bill, among other things, would clarify that the end of cash bail applies to individuals arrested after Jan. 1, would make it so previous missed court hearings are evidence that a person is a willful flight risk, would clarify that officers will always have authority to detain an individual deemed a safety threat, and would remove language stating officers should apply a presumption in favor of pretrial release while making arrests.

But the bill also had some provisions which bail reform advocates worried would increase pretrial detention, and Pritzker didnt specify which portions of the 71-page bill he would support.

Bailey, meanwhile, argued that the law should be fully repealed, and any negotiations on changes should be had in the open and prior to Election Day.

But Bailey, a state senator and farmer from downstate Xenia, had his share of non-answers as well.

Or at least he answered zero-based budgeting to a number of questions while declining to go into greater detail as to how he would cut the states budget.

Bailey didnt give a specific definition for zero-based budgeting. In general, hes suggested it means agency heads would have to sit down each year and justify every dollar spent, rather than operating on the baseline expenses that agencies carry year after year.

Once we do a zero-based budget, I believe there's $10 to $15 billion in that budget of waste. And we can take that and begin to get our state healthy again, Bailey said when asked about pension debt.

Theres a lot to unpack there.

For starters, cutting that much money from the state budget would be the equivalent of eliminating the Department of Corrections 10 times, or eliminating the states general revenue fund contribution to K-12 and college-level education entirely.

To be clear, those are not things Bailey has proposed cutting. He hasnt said what hed cut.

The point is, hed have to cut a lot to reach that level of savings.

The states total general revenue fund operating budget is $46 billion for the current year. That means Bailey believes 22-33% of the states general revenue fund spending is waste.

Its an even more eye-popping figure when you factor in that the states pension payment this year is $9.9 billion. Since Bailey criticized Pritzker for short-changing pensions  the governor hasnt shorted the pension payments required by law, although accountants generally believe pension payments should be higher than they are under law  we can assume hed want to maintain at least the statutory minimum contribution.

Which would mean he believes 28% to 42% of non-pension state spending is waste.

If that were the case, one would think Bailey would have a long list of wasteful spending hed plan to cut. But he didnt identify any Thursday.

Instead, he assured moderators, his people will identify cuts through zero-based budgeting, which will also solve the problem of making Illinois more business friendly and will allow the state to address high property taxes.

The two candidates will meet again on Oct. 18 for another debate in Chicago. Maybe theyll get more specific.

Jerry Nowicki is the bureau Chief of Capitol News Illinois, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government that is distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Should workers have a right to speak out about safety conditions, organize together and negotiate with their employers? That is the question with the Workers Rights Amendment on this upcoming election ballot.

By placing workers rights in the Illinois Constitution, future state legislators or a governor cannot circumvent or thwart workers basic concerns.

Fundamentally, this is a question of democracy. Democracy is not just voting every few years. Democracy is people having a voice. Where do we spend most of our waking hours  at work. Heres a pertinent question for any worker: Is democracy practiced at my workplace? In most cases, the answer is no. The employer determines the hours, wages, dress code and the rule book. A sympathetic employer might listen to workers concerns but is not obligated to do so.

So how does one gain those basic American democratic workplace rights? By organizing. Workers together can form their own organizations, elect representatives, meet with their employer and negotiate wages, hours and working conditions. Those worker organizations are called labor unions. The Workers Rights Amendment would codify those rights within the Illinois Constitution, protecting workplace democracy.

One can see how important a voice on the job is with the current railroad workers situation. A railroad job pays well, but workers want a life. Being on call 24/7 with no flexibility for family needs, medical care or simply relaxation time is driving workers from this industry. The workers are currently negotiating and voting on their contracts. Money is not the paramount issue, the core issue is having control of ones life. Because they are organized, rail workers meet management at the bargaining table to hopefully compromise. Democracy means these workers get the final say, through a contract vote.

By voting yes, these fundamental workplace rights become more than law in Illinois, they are constitutionally protecting.

Workers Rights Amendment opponents have raised the weak and false issue of increased taxes. There is nothing in this amendment that impacts taxes directly. This is a long-used fear tactic to evade the real issue, which is giving average working people a voice.

The other tactic is claiming employers will flee the state. Thats an old argument that doesnt prove true. One hundred plus years ago when Illinois was a child labor law pioneer, opponents argued that this would ruin business. In 1937 when Illinois passed unemployment insurance, the Illinois Manufacturers Association stated no one would work anymore. In the Chicago Tribune in 1932 the IMA was quoted, saying, Unemployment insurance laws would undermine the fabric of our economic and social life by destroying initiative, discouraging thrift, and stifling individual responsibility.

Dont be fooled by misleading arguments. This is a basic question of democracy. Voting yes for the Workers Rights Amendment means basic protections. It could transform conditions for many low-wage workers. Raising economic standards for workers means a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Illinois.
As an apprentice with UA Local 149, Im proud to have representation that ensures my company provides the training, equipment and staffing to keep me safe on the job. Im grateful my union negotiates wages and benefits that allowed me to recently purchase a home in Gibson City and allows me to support my family and organizations in our community.

But I also realize that not all my neighbors have those rights. If they try to negotiate better pay or benefits at their job, raise concerns about safety or staffing, they may be punished or even terminated.

Union or non-union, thats just not right.

This November, Im supporting the Workers Rights Amendment to make sure everyone is protected from retaliation if they raise a concern with their company.

We can join other states, including neighboring Missouri, that guarantee everyone the fundamental right to approach their bosses about their wages, work conditions and safety standards, without being punished. In other states, including neighboring Indiana, theyve passed laws that allow employers to take away seniority, reduce salaries and deny the right to collectively bargain.

The Workers Rights Amendment has strong support from both Democrats and Republicans and employers should support it, too, because whats good for employees is good for business.

We all praised frontline workers as essential heroes during the pandemic and rightfully so. But with that now over, were not treating them with that same respect. Everyone deserves the right to basic job protections and to earn a wage that allows them not to just survive, but to earn a living wage and raise a family, just like Ive been able to do. The Workers Rights Amendment will do all of that and I hope everyone will join me in voting yes to approve it.

Joey Chickini, Gibson City
Ministers responsible for Trade in 16 African countries are meeting in Accra to conclude outstanding issues to pave way for the full commencement of commercial trading under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).



The two-day meeting will feature the presentation of the AfCFTA facilitated and guided trade initiative and the way forward.



It is a follow-up on the Ministerial Directive of the seventh Meeting of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers in October 2021 that provided a legal basis for the countries that had submitted their tariff schedules in accordance with the agreed modalities to trade preferentially among themselves.



Rapid ratification



The Champion of AfCFTA, Mahamadou Issoufou, addressing the trade ministers and other representatives at the opening of the meeting yesterday, called for a rapid ratification of the AfCFTA Agreement for a smooth commencement of commercial trading.



He recommended that the ministers accelerated the implementation of the AfCFTA by forming implementation committees at the national level.



The ministers, he said, were also to assist the AfCFTA Secretariat to ensure the successful hosting of a Summit on Industrialisation and the Extraordinary Session of the AfCFTA.



The Summit on Africas Industrialisation and Economic Diversity with the focus of implementing AfCFTA and the Extraordinary Session of the Assembly was scheduled to be held in Niamey, Niger, from November 20-25, 2022 during the Africa Industrialisation week.



As a step towards a meaningful trade under the agreement, Mr Issoufou said the guided traded initiative had also been launched, describing it as another milestone.



Today marks a time of yet another additional milestone to be recorded in the history of Africas economic integration.



As a step towards commencing commercially meaningful trade under the AfCFTA, the Secretariat has set this day to launch the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative.



The objective of the initiative is to provide a proof of concept, highlighting the readiness of an interested group of State Parties to start trading under the preferences of the AfCFTA Agreement, he explained.



Steady development



Mr Issoufou noted that there had been a steady development regarding the ratification of the AfCFTA Agreement with 54 signatories.



Also, 44 ratifications had been recorded with Guinea-Bissau being the latest country to deposit its instrument of ratification.



He was certain more ratifications would be reported before the end of the year, and called on heads of States, ministers and partners to help increase the number of ratification to achieve the formation of the single African market.



Implementing recommendations



The AfCFTA Champion mentioned that the AfCFTA Secretary-General had taken steps to implement some recommendations by signing a memorandum of understanding with Equity Group to deepen the economic integration of the African continent.



The partnership, Mr Issoufou indicated, would seek to implement the AfCFTA Agreement and the AfCFTA Private Sector Strategy through the `Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan, which would focus on acceleration of economic recovery and resilience in Africa in a post-COVID-19 environment.



He further explained that two institutions were to work on the private sector economic recovery and resilience stimulus plan, which Equity Group had seeded with a $6billion fund, focusing on the primary sectors of food and agriculture, extractives, manufacturing and logistics, trade and investments, social impact, health and environmental investments, as well as a technology enabled economy to accelerate economic recovery and resilience of the African continent.



The partnership will, among others, support the creation of 50 million jobs by 2025 and five million small medium enterprises (SMEs) will receive loans to scale and grow, utilising tools of the AfCFTA Agreement and create additional private sector lending with an envisaged loan book to be directed to agriculture (30 per cent), manufacturing (15 per cent) and MSMEs (65 per cent), he said.

Source: graphic.com.gh









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FanMilk PLC, a Danone Company, has today inaugurated three (3) green projects at its North Industrial Area Plant in Accra in line with global efforts to accelerate to net zero carbon emissions.



Built at a total cost of seven million Euros, the projects, a Wastewater Treatment Plant, Biomass Boiler and Solar Power Installation are a demonstration of Danones One Planet One Health vision and reinforces the companys leadership in sustainability in Ghana and globally.



Speaking at the launch of the Green Projects, Christian Stammkoetter, Danones Africa, Asia, and Middle East Presidentsaid: we are all witnessing the unprecedented effects of climate change all over the globe. It has become critical for us all in the world to join hands and protect planet earth and achieve sustainability through the right policies and technological innovations, both in the private and public sector. At Danone, we believe that we can have a collective impact by working together to ensure that any economic rebound after the pandemic is both planet-friendly and socially inclusive; and by encouraging everyone to contribute to sustainable performance and impact. These green projects we unveil today are our contribution to protecting the environment and the planet.



Launching the Green Projects, The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, Innovation, Dr Kwaku Afriyie said: FanMilk Ghana has lived to its promise of providing improved lives for the people of Ghana by not only producing nutritional products for Ghanaians but also, directly and indirectly, employing thousands of Ghanaians and helping to alleviate unemployment in this country. Government is pleased with your effort in this regard, and we are hopeful that by the establishment of these new sustainable environment projects, you will continue to do even more in the area of environment and technology for the country at large. He ended by commending FanMilk and encouraging other organizations to follow FanMilks good example.







The investments are in line with Danones expansion drive and the companys One Planet, One Health vision. The Wastewater treatment plant will ensure that only clean water from the factory is discharged into the environment. The quality of the final discharge will accelerate the regeneration and sustenance of the Odaw River to promote other forms of life for river bodies. Also, the solid waste generated from the plant can be used as manure thereby improving agricultural ecosystem in support of a broader objective of encouraging regenerative agriculture. The discharge effluents will also comply with Danones strict clean water standards.



The Solar Power Installation at both the Industrial area factory, offices and the various regional distribution centers, is in pursuance of the companys global strategy of reducing dependency on conventional energy sources and increasing the use of renewable energies.



With the new biomass boiler, FanMilk will now switch from using diesel as its fuel source to a multi-fuel system that uses palm kernel shell or wooden chips to cater for the factorys steaming requirement of 1,800kg/h. With this move, the company is making significant steps to saving the environment by turning waste material to an effective fuel for the biomass boiler.



The General Manager of FanMilk West Africa, Ziobeieton Yeo, spoke at the event saying, For more than 60 years, our company has been led by our belief in this dual mission that economic progress and social progress go hand in hand. As a purpose-led organization, we champion a more emotionally balanced, healthier, socially progressive society, while protecting the environment. Todays commissioning is a demonstration of our deep level of commitment to the cause of saving the earth while creating jobs through our unique business model. All of these Green Projects will go a long way to help our pursuit.



This is not the first time that FanMilk Danone has made investments into the country. In June 2021, the company opened a new multipurpose head office at the Industrial Area in Accra. Earlier this year the company also invested in vehicles and logistics for its trade partners, while launching the 2022 edition of the flagship FanMilk school caravan, the educational programme that trains school children on good sanitation and healthy snacking.



Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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In a major blow for Russia, a fuel tank explosion early Saturday caused part of Europes longest bridge that links Russia to the annexed territory of Crimea to collapse, according to Russian officials.



Russian President Vladimir Putin immediately ordered a government commission to examine the Kerch Bridge emergency in Crimea, Russian state media TASS reported.



The heads of Russias Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Ministry of Transport are now at the scene of the incident, according to TASS.



Sergey Aksenov, the Russian-appointed Head of Crimea, confirmed that two spans of the roadbed of the part [of the bridge] from Krasnodar to Kerch, collapsed after a large explosion.



Aksenov said that at the same time, fuel tanks caught fire. Now two locomotives are approaching to remove the burning train, he said. Video and images from the bridge show several charred rail fuel trucks.



As soon as the fire is extinguished, it will be possible to assess the extent of damage to the bridge and pillars, and it will be possible to talk about the timing of the restoration of traffic, Aksenov said.



Images of the Kerch bridge posted on social media appear to show a portion of the roadway of the vehicle and rail bridge had fallen into the waters below it. Flames are seen burning from rail cars above.



The tanker was located on the 19-kilometer (11 mile) long bridge  strategically important because it links Russias Krasnodar region with the Russian-annexed Crimean Peninsula.



The bridge spans the Kerch Strait, which connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov, on which sit key Ukrainian ports, including Mariupol. The source of the explosion remains unclear.



Read Full Story .... HERE >>> :









Source: CNN









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A new report says more than 10 million children across East Africa are suffering from malnutrition, and more than 300,000 people are at risk of dying from hunger.



The study, commissioned by the regional bloc, Igad, warned the food crisis would get worse if rains failed for a fifth year running.



Igad executive director Workneh Gebeyehu added that conflict across the region had disrupted food production, worsening the crisis further.



He also appealed for help from the international community as East Africa experiences its longest dry spell in 40 years, and fourth drought in a decade.

Source: GNA









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 Flash

The UN General Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution to allow three member states, which are at least two years in arrears for membership dues, to vote in the assembly in the current 77th annual session.

The three states concerned are the Comoros, Sao Tome and Principe, and Somalia.

Article 19 of the UN Charter stipulates that a member state can no longer vote in the General Assembly if it is at least two years in arrears for membership dues unless the assembly is satisfied that the failure to pay is due to conditions beyond the control of the member state.

In Friday's resolution, the General Assembly agrees that the failure of the three states to pay was indeed due to conditions beyond their control.
A leading member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has described as "hollow" and "unnecessary", a directive by the President that the infractions and malfeasance raised in the 2021 Auditor-Generals report be investigated.



Clement Abas Apaak believes the "causes of the infractions are already official and persons responsible identified and recommendations made," he thus wondered the essence of further inquiry.



"What then is the purpose of the directive given by the President? Probe infractions and those responsible to what end?" he quizzed.



36% Rise In Financial Irregularities



A total of 17.4 billion in financial irregularities were flagged by the Auditor-General in its latest report submitted to Parliament for the 2021 financial year.



This represents a 36% rise compared to that of 2020.



4 Weeks Deadline



It is as a consequence of this that President Akufo-Addo, last week, directed the Director-General of the State Interests Governance Authority (SIGA) and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, to within four weeks, investigate the causes of the infractions and malfeasance raised in the 2021 Auditor-Generals report.



Mr. Edward Boateng is expected to identify persons responsible and also recommend actions to be taken in line with laws governing such misconduct.



Poor Management of State Assets



At a meeting with Chief Executive Officers of State-Owned Enterprises, the President described the development as unfortunate and demonstrates poor management and supervision of state assets.



Further, I expect you to prioritise the payment of dividends something virtually all of you have not been doing."



Disallow & Surcharge!



But speaking in an interview on Okay Fm's Ade Akye Abia show, Hon Apaak, who is the MP for Builsa South Constituency, pointed out that it would have made more sense if the President had charged the AG to enforce its inherent powers to disallow and surcharge without fear or favour.



"If it is about retrieving funds, the President should tell the Auditor General to apply his powers to disallow and surcharge without fear or favour.



"The President, like the 32 CSOs and well meaning Ghanaians, should express revulsion at the reluctance of the Auditor General to apply the full powers granted his office to retrieve billions of unaccounted and embezzled public funds.



The President should urge the Auditor General to disallow and surcharge!" he fumed



Watch Video Below







Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline/[email protected]









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Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been receiving lots of goodwill messages for the better part of Friday, October 7 because the day marked his 59th birthday.



He spent the day feting cured lepers at his official residence surrounded by a host of party bigwigs.



Many other absent party members opted to send their messages through social media. One of them was Information Minister Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah.



In his message, the Ofoase-Ayirebi lawmaker described Bawumia as "one of the brightest sparks in the NPP's history" and wished him grace for the rest of his life.



"Happy birthday VP Mahamudu Bawumia. You are one of the brightest sparks the NPP has seen in our journey so far. May the good Lord increase you in grace for the journey ahead," the full message read.



The first to publicly wish Bawumia a happy birthday was his wife, Samira Bawumia, who despite being far away in Geneva posted her message on social media.



It read: "Happy 59th birthday, sweetheart @mbawumia. We're grateful to Allah for protecting and guiding you throughout the years. The kids and I are proud of your commitment to our family and the entire nation.

Profile of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

Dr. Bawumia was born on October 7, 1963, in Tamale to the late Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, former Chairman of the Council of State (19922000), and Hajia Mariama Bawumia.



Born into a large family, Mahamudu Bawumia was the twelfth of his fathers 18 children and the second of his mothers five. Mahamudu Bawumia attended the Sakasaka Primary school in Tamale and gained admission to Tamale Secondary School in 1975. He was President of the Ghana United Nations Students Association (GUNSA) in 1981.



After graduating from Tamale Secondary School, he went to the United Kingdom where he studied banking and obtained the Chartered Institute of Bankers Diploma (ACIB). He took a First-Class Honours Degree in Economics at Buckingham University in 1987.



He then obtained a master's degree in Economics at Lincoln College, Oxford, and obtained a PhD in Economics at Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in 1995.



His areas of specialization include Macroeconomics, International Economics, Development Economics, and Monetary Policy. He has numerous publications.



He became an economist and banker by training and went on to serve as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Ghana between 2006 and 2009.



Dr. Bawumia was running mate to Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2008 and 2012 elections which they lost. He became Vice President on his third attempt with Nana Akufo-Addo after winning the 2016 and 2020 elections.

Source: Ghanab.com









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The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Sulemana Braimah says former President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) capitalized on illegal small-scale mining (Galamsey) issues for votes in the 2020 general elections.



According to him, that was not patriotism but partisanship on the part of the former President.



In a tweet, Mr Braimah said Ahead of the 2020 election, former President Mahama and his NDC party, exploited the Galamsey issue for votes.



That was not patriotism, it was partisanship. The Galamsey fight needs the commitment of all.



He, therefore, asked President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to hold his appointees responsible for the increasing rate of galamsey.



You are the President. All of Ghanas gold is entrusted to you. You appointed all the people in charge of lands, minerals, forests, regions, districts etc. Everything is being destroyed yet all your appointees are intact. You want us to believe youre fighting Galamsey? NO, he said.



Prior to the 2020 elections, it will be recalled that Mr Mahama who was the NDCs Presidential Candidate promised to free all illegal miners who were jailed under the Akufo-Addo government, if he was voted.



He said this when he addressed the chiefs and people of Odum Banso in the Western Region in the campaign season.



Its sad. The government said it was fighting galamsey, and they arrested, prosecuted, and jailed Ghanaians who were engaged in that activity but left the Chinese woman [Aisha Huang], he noted.



Today, they are still in prison. That Chinese galamsey queen was arrested but left to go free. She was never prosecuted but our people are in jail suffering. When we come, we shall grant all those arrested and jailed some amnesty.



They will come back to their homes and work. I believe that they have suffered enough, shown remorse for whatever wrong they committed. We will institute measures to check the operations of small-scale mining.



Recently, President Akufo-Addo narrated how his fight against Galamsey cost him and his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) significant losses in the 2020 general elections especially in the mining areas.



This, he said, shows that the commitment he made to put his presidency on the line in the fight against galamsey was not a reckless statement.



Speaking during a meeting with the National House of Chiefs and some Municipal Metropolitan and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in Kumasi on Wednesday October 5, he said Since I took office I have made it a central feature of my presidency to lead in the efforts to rid our country of this menace which we all now call galamsey. It has not been popular and we have not got the result that I was looking for.



Indeed, in the last elections of 2020 my stance on the issue cost my party and me significant losses in the mining communities, it turned out that my statement that I was putting my presidency on the line in the fight against galamsey was neither bombast or recklessness. It was the simple truth.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









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Ghanaian musician Kuami Eugene has been honored at the 2022 BMI London Awards alongside CKay and JoeBoy.



The songwriters, including Kuami Eugene, and publishers of the global hit song Love Nwantiti were awarded at the ceremony held at Londons Savoy Hotel on 3rd October, 2022.



Love Nwantiti was among songs that were awarded under the Most-Performed Songs of the Year section.



This category of honors is dedicated to songs with the most performances on terrestrial radio, satellite radio, and digital streaming services over the past year.



Other big winners on the night included Ed Sheraan & Johnny McDaid for Bad Habits (Song of the Year), Tems (Impact Award) and Wizkid for Essence (Most Performed Songs)



BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.), the global leader in music rights management has for several decades honored immensely talented songwriters and publishers whose music captivated the world.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Armed police stand guard outside the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila, Philippines on December 28, 2009. REUTERS/Cheryl Ravelo

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Boying Remulla, talking about transformational reforms being implemented by the administration, did not deny that the justice system has flaws as he pointed out on Wednesday (October 5) in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

These targeted and bold measures aim to change the culture of our judicial and law enforcement system, which have produced certain flaws and delays in the carriage of justice, he said. They are also in line and in some cases, go beyond international standards and best practices.

Remulla flaunted the Marcos administrations approach to illegal drugs, seemingly a polar opposite from the term of Rodrigo Duterte when some human rights groups tallied that the drug war death toll was already around 30,000.

President Marcos's refocus on the anti-illegal drug campaign, tackling the source of the problem, Remulla claimed. He has stated that criminal masterminds must be apprehended and punished, not small-scale users on the street.

The justice secretary added, He [Marcos Jr.] has emphasized the need for rehabilitation, prevention, education, and assistance to victims and their families.

He also mentioned that the DOJ plans on releasing 5,000 Persons Deprives of Liberty (PDL) by June 2023.

Human rights advocates, however, think otherwise of the administration, despite the DOJs announcement of reforms.

There is a disconnect between the rhetoric and what's happening on the ground. The most crucial aspect of all of these is one, the drug war needs to stop, Human Rights Watch senior researcher Carlos Conde said.

Human rights situation in the Philippines remains dire. Domestic remedies remain largely ineffective in achieving successful prosecution of perpetrators of extra-judicial killings and other violations. Karapatan secretary-general Cristina Palabay said.

Mark Ernest Famatigan is a news writer who focuses on Philippine politics. He is an advocate for press freedom and regularly follows developments in the Philippine economy. The views expressed are his own.

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GLENS FALLS  A Glens Falls man was sentenced on Wednesday to 3 1/2 to 7 years in state prison for robbing a bank last March.

Joseph L. Skellie, 34, had pleaded guilty in Warren County Court last month to felony third-degree robbery.

Skellie was arrested in May after police said he entered the Glens Falls National Bank branch on Broad Street on March 28. An investigation by the Glens Falls Police Department determined that Skellie gave a handwritten note to a bank teller demanding money.

Skellie did not use or display a weapon. He left with an undisclosed amount of money. Police recovered the robbery note.

Skellie was classified as a predicate felon and received the maximum term for this charge.
HUDSON FALLS  Peter Lemery, the man accused of causing the fire at 11 Maple St. where he lived, was arraigned on felony second-degree arson charges on Friday, according to Washington County District Attorney Anthony Jordan.

Jordan said the Hudson Falls Police Department has been investigating the fire that displaced 15 people since it happened on Monday night, and evidence was found leading police to believe Lemery intentionally started the fire inside his apartment.

Due to his previous felony convictions, Lemery is ineligible for bail and currently is being held at the Washington County Jail. He will be in Kingsbury Town Court on Wednesday, but the district attorney said it is a control date, so nothing will really happen.

Lemery was originally charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, a felony, after an investigation into the fire that started Monday evening and later reignited, displacing seven families.

Fire investigators from the Washington County Bureau of Fire and New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control conducted an origin and cause investigation and said they determined that the fire started in Lemerys downstairs apartment. As a result of the investigation, Lemery was arrested and has been held at the Washington County Jail since the fire.
QUEENSBURY  A Warren County judge again denied bail on Friday morning to Anthony J. Futia, the Albany man accused of striking six people with his motorcycle while allegedly driving intoxicated in Lake George on June 12 and killing 8-year-old Quinton P. Delgadillo and his stepfather James A. Persons.

The family of the victims sat in the last row of the courtroom quietly weeping as Futia was brought into the courtroom shackled and confined to a wheelchair.

He went before the court alongside his lawyer, Tucker Stanclift, to plead not guilty to all charges in the new 15-count indictment recently handed up by the grand jury, which includes two new charges and supersedes the previous 13-count indictment.

Stanclift expressed concern about the reasons for the new charges, saying hes been trying since summer to obtain the grand jury minutes.

Assistant District Attorney Ben Smith said the previous stenographer used an old operating system that stored notes on floppy disks. Smith said the new transcriber was attempting to transfer the notes for whatever purpose Mr. Stanclift would like to use them for.

Smith indicated the new charges stemmed from witness testimony from over 100 people.

The two new felony charges of aggravated vehicular homicide added to the indictment troubled the defendants counsel.

Without the notes, I cannot compare the charges and statements of the witnesses to identify why more charges were brought against my client, Stanclift said. It is a tragic case all around, not only for the victims family, but also for my client and his family.

Stanclift said Futia was pronounced dead on the scene, but revived only to find what he had been accused of.

Judge Robert Smith set a schedule of dates including an accept or reject date of Nov. 16 at 2 p.m., at which point any plea deals offered by the court would need to be acted on by the defendant.

The judge seemed eager to settle the case among the District Attorneys Office and Futias counsel, prior to a trial date tentatively set for March 20.

Once I receive the PPI (pre-plea investigation) report, which could take up to six weeks or longer, I will schedule a conference with a representative of the DAs office and Mr. Stanclift to try and find a resolution for this case, he said.

Futia continues to face three additional counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, two counts of second-degree manslaughter, two counts of vehicular assault and one count of second-degree assault, all felony charges.

Misdemeanor counts of driving while intoxicated, driving while under the combined influence of drugs and alcohol, reckless driving and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle are also included in the indictment.

The judge once again sent Futia to the custody of the state Department of Corrections with no bail. However, a court officer said on Friday, he was being taken back to the hospital.
KINGSBURY  Members of the Washington County Historical Society and trustees of the Kingsbury Cemetery Association celebrated the diverse lives of some of the Revolutionary War soldiers buried there during a remembrance ceremony on Saturday morning.

Kingsbury Cemetery Association Trustee Joan Prouty, Washington County Historical Society Vice President Pat Niles and Trustee Susan Arena read short biographies of nine of the 20 veterans believed to be interred at the cemetery between Route 4 and the Kingsbury firehouse on Kingsbury Road.

Although the first recorded burials didnt take place until 1788, local lore holds that the cemetery has a Revolutionary War origin. According to the claim, several soldiers in General John Burgoynes army died during the advance to Saratoga in 1777 and were placed in unmarked graves, Prouty said.

None of the veterans known to be buried there were born in Kingsbury, Prouty said. Records show that they came from Ireland, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Columbia and Dutchess counties. Kingsbury was considered the frontier and had few settlers until after the Revolution, she said.

Some soldiers enlisted early in the Revolution and stayed until the end in 1783, Niles said. Others served only briefly, taking advantage of enlistment bonuses and returning to their farms when their terms ended. Some fought at the battles of Bennington, Saratoga, and elsewhere; others never saw enemy fire.

Their lives after the war were just as varied.

Asa Barney worked as a laborer and never married or owned land. He applied for a military pension in 1819 and was granted $8 a month for the rest of his life, equivalent to around $200 today. Irish immigrant Joseph Caldwell, by contrast, served as an elected official in Colrain, Mass., town supervisor in Kingsbury, and a negotiator to settle post-war affairs with the British and have Vermont annex New Yorks Cambridge district, an effort that was not successful.

Mathew Scott was a member of the New York State Assembly in 1794-95. Ichabod Kneeland, probably a veteran of the Battle of Bunker Hill (Massachusetts), owned land and four slaves in 1818 when he applied for a military pension due to my reduced circumstances.

According to the custom of the time, he could have sold the slaves to raise cash, but he was apparently unwilling to separate them. At his death the next year, his will freed the slaves and provided for their support. His widow Cynthia in turn included two of the freed people in her will.

Revolutionary War re-enactors Mike and Mary Skelly, Bradley Allen and Bob Wesser, attired in the uniforms of the 2nd Continental Artillery, contributed to the ceremony by firing a cannon replicating a model used by both sides of the conflict.

Members of the Kingsbury Cemetery Association did extensive research about the cemeterys Revolutionary War veterans several years ago when they applied for funding for a historic marker from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, Prouty said. Their research meshed with the county historical societys project, begun in 2020, to update the lists of Revolutionary War soldiers buried in the county.

We provided the documentation. They got more information from others and wrote the biographies, Prouty said.

Saturdays event was sponsored by the Washington County Historical Society. The project is ongoing and the society hopes to hold similar commemorations at other cemeteries in the county, Arena said. New information is welcome and can be entered on a form on the historical societys website, www.wchs-ny.org.

The county historical society isnt the only organization looking for Revolutionary War veterans. Prouty said shes trying to discover who placed metal markers and flags at two graves earlier this year. Both veterans served at the Battle of Bunker Hill and the markers apparently recognize that, she said.
Gov. Kathy Hochul urged New York residents to remain vigilant and continue to receive COVID vaccine shots and boosters, in a news release on Friday.

I urge New Yorkers to remain vigilant and to use all available tools to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities, from COVID-19, Hochul said. Stay up to date on your vaccine doses, and test before gatherings or travel. If you test positive, talk to your doctor about potential treatment options.

She recommends New Yorkers to get their bivalent COVID vaccine boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech for anyone age 12 or older and from Moderna for those 18 or older.

On Friday, the state reported 4,152 positive cases out of the 62,761 results received statewide.

The seven-day rolling positivity rate was at 6.7%.

Warren County

Warren County Health Services reported 32 new COVID cases on Friday, including 12 cases stemming from home test results.

One additional county resident was hospitalized since the last report on Tuesday, making the total 11, with two critically ill patients.

The county has recorded 153 new cases over the last five days, according to Fridays report.

The rolling seven-day positivity rate was at 7.2%.

Warren County Health Services next COVID vaccine clinic is scheduled for Oct. 11. The Moderna bivalent booster will be available, registration is required and information is available. A limited number of free home test kits remain available for the public at Warren County Municipal Center, DMV and Human Services Buildings entrances, town halls around Warren County and City Hall in Glens Falls. They can be picked up at Warren Countys complex Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Washington County

Washington County had not yet updated their COVID website as of 5 p.m. on Friday.

According to state data, on Thursday 18 new positive cases were identified in the county out of the 220 test results recorded.

The seven-day rolling positivity rate was at 10.7%.

The county holds weekly COVID vaccine clinics held at the Public Health facility, 415 Lower Main St., Hudson Falls. Public Health is also holding a COVID Moderna bilvalent booster vaccine clinic for ages 18 and up on Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Washington County Burgoyne Avenue campus, 1153 Burgoyne Avenue, Fort Edward. The clinic will be by appointment only and people can register on the New York Department of Health website.
 Flash

An eighth package of European Union sanctions against Russia that target the economy and individuals has taken effect, the Council of the European Union said on Thursday, with the measures including a price cap on oil imports and import bans worth 7 billion euros ($6.85 billion).

"The agreed package includes a series of biting measures intended to reinforce pressure on the Russian government and economy, weaken Russia's military capabilities," the Council said in a statement.

The measures include more restrictions in trade with Russia in steel and technology products, along with a price cap for Russian seaborne crude deliveries to third countries through European insurers in an action that is meant to align the bloc with the actions of the United States.

The oil cap was watered down to give exemptions to seafaring countries like Greece, Malta and Cyprus, EU diplomats said, with some doubting its practical feasibility or efficiency.

The sanctions were agreed by EU member states on Wednesday, and were officially formalized on Thursday as no EU countries raised last-minute objections.

"As concerns trade, the EU is extending the import ban on steel products that either originate in Russia or are exported from Russia," the statement said. "Further import restrictions are also imposed on wood pulp and paper, cigarettes, plastics and cosmetics as well as elements used in the jewelry industry such as stones and precious metals, that altogether generate significant revenues for Russia."

Former German chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday said Europe can achieve a lasting peace only with the involvement of Russia. Otherwise the Cold War would continue, she was reported by the DPA news service as saying.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday demanded economic measures in response to Western sanctions.

"It is important to understand that the sanctions pressure on Russia will only increase," Putin said at a government meeting on economic issues via video link.

Putin asked the government and the central bank to ensure a sustainable recovery of macroeconomic indicators.

Export-oriented sectors remain under pressure, primarily those targeting European countries, and it takes time for Russian exporters to switch to other markets, he noted.

Meanwhile, Putin pointed out some positive trends, as industrial production had returned to the level of the previous year.

The worst-hit industries, such as the automotive industry and metallurgy, are gradually recovering and agriculture also shows good dynamics, he said.

Also on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with visiting International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi to discuss the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

During the talks, Zelensky and Grossi talked about the IAEA mission to the nuclear plant and Putin's decree on Wednesday that designates the plant as Russian "federal property".

The Ukrainian leader also stressed the need for the resumption of the plant's operation for the energy security of Ukraine and Europe.
Renewable energy and electric companies have boosted the campaign coffers of state Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake, who has received national attention in environmental and technology journals for championing bipartisan legislation to establish a clean fuel standard for gasoline and diesel fuel sold in New York.

Clean Energy, a renewable energy company of Newport Beach, California, contributed $250; Darling Renewables, an alternative fuel company of Irving, Texas, $1,000; National Grid, $500; and the New York Energy Coalition, a trade organization for biofuel heat distributors, $500, in the most recent campaign finance reporting period.

The Republican Assembly Campaign Committee, the political arm of Assembly Republicans, contributed $20,482 during the period to the campaign of Woerners Republican challenger David Catalfamo.

The contribution enabled Catalfamo to out-raise Woerner during the reporting period, but Woerner had more cash on hand at the end of the period.

In the race for the 113th Assembly District seat, Catalfamo has objected to Woerners co-sponsorship of the proposed legislation that would establish a standard for the percentage of carbon content in gasoline and diesel fuel sold in New York.

Companies that produce fuel with less than the standard would receive a credit, which they could sell to companies that produce fuel with more than the standard. Those companies would be required to purchase enough credits to bring their fuel in compliance with the standard.

Woerner has said that establishing such a system would create a new revenue source for area farmers and manufacturers, such as Plug Power in Latham, while reducing greenhouse gases and establishing a viable, long-term strategy for eventually converting to electric vehicles.

Catalfamo has said the technology Woerner advocates is not practical for suburban and rural communities where residents depend on individual vehicles for transportation rather than subways and public transit buses.

Woerner, a four-term incumbent, had $69,948 in her campaign fund, as of Oct. 3, and Catalfamo, an economic development official and writer from Wilton, had $33,945, heading in to the final month of the campaign.

Candidates file regular campaign reports twice a year, and more frequently directly before and after an election. The reports are required by state law, intended to provide transparency about who is supporting, and potentially influencing, candidates. The reports also provide an indication of how competitive a race might be.

Woerner spent $84,823 on her campaign between July 11 and Oct. 3.

Catalfamo spent $52,417.

Woerners spending included $49,129 for political consulting and advertising.

She worked with the firms Deep Blue Politics of Rochester, which does consulting and advertising placement, and Veracity Medium of Washington, D.C., a digital advertising business.

Catalfamos spending included $30,376 for political consulting and advertising.

He worked with the firm Majority Strategies of Dallas, Texas, a digital and print advertising consulting firm, and placed his television advertising directly.

Woerner received $30,917 in contributions between July 8 and Oct. 3, and Catalfamo $52,316.

Both candidates drew heavily from outside the Assembly district, including individual contributions from the New York City area and other states.

Catalfamo drew heavily from former associates in Gov. George Patakis administration and contacts from Catalfamos previous work as a political consultant. Among those, former U.S. Sen. Alphonse DAmato, R-N.Y., contributed $1,000.

Catalfamos political action committee contributions included $1,000 from Educational Record Sales of New York City and $1,000 from the Rent Stabilization Association, an organization of New York City landlords.

Woerners political action committee contributions included $700 from Capital Region Business PAC, $1,000 from Manhattan Beer Distributors, $1,000 from the New York League of Conservation Voters, $250 from Stewarts Shops, $1,000 from the New York State Public Employees Federation, $500 from New York Thoroughbred Breeders, $500 from Pfizer, and $4,700 from the United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters.

The 113th Assembly District, following redistricting changes, now includes, in Warren County: the city of Glens Falls; in Washington County: the villages of Hudson Falls, Fort Edward and Greenwich, and the towns of Fort Edward and Greenwich; and in Saratoga County: the villages of South Glens Falls, Schuylerville, Victory, Stillwater and Round Lake, and the towns of Moreau, Wilton, Northumberland, Saratoga, Malta and Stillwater, as well as the cities of Saratoga Springs and Mechanicville.
ALBANY  New Yorks state police superintendent resigned Friday, days after Gov. Kathy Hochul said he was being investigated for his handling of internal personnel matters.

In a statement, Hochul thanked Kevin Bruen for his years of public service and said that First Deputy Superintendent Steven Nigrelli will take over as acting superintendent on an interim basis.

Bruen had been in charge of the state police since June 2021. A 20-year veteran of the department, he was appointed superintendent by Hochuls predecessor, Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Bruens resignation is effective Oct. 19, the state police said.

Hochul told the Albany Times Unions editorial board on Tuesday that she had ordered her counsels office to investigate allegations against Bruen.

Among them, according to the newspaper: whether he had shielded a senior human resources official from complaints about her own handling of personnel issues.

Bruen lives in Glens Falls. He was appointed first deputy superintendent of state police in June 2019 before being promoted to the top job.

Before coming to state police, he spent nearly five years as a deputy commissioner and legal counsel for the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. That was after spending 14 years with New York State Police as assistant counsel.

Bruen worked as an assistant district attorney in Warren County from 1994 to 2000, when he left to go to the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. That was just before his wife, Kate Hogan, joined the office as an assistant district attorney. Hogan was later elected Warren County district attorney and held that post until 2017, when she was appointed a Court of Claims judge in Schenectady.
Cherry Hill voters on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a $363 million bond referendum, the largest passed by voters in New Jersey in at least a decade, the district announced.

In preliminary results, the measure passed 8,831-4,011, the district said in a statement Friday.

The proposal was the most ambitious in Cherry Hills history and will impact all 19 schools in the district, Superintendent Joseph Meloche said. With more than 11,000 students, the district is the 11th-largest school system in the state.

This was a once-in-a-generation opportunity that our community has come together to support. The benefit to the next generations of students will be immeasurable, Meloche said in a statement.

Its a major undertaking, Meloche said in an interview Friday. Were talking about substantial, substantial work that must be done.

Meloche said work would likely begin in the summer of 2023 and take about five years to complete. The district plans to replace roofs, windows, and doors and HVAC systems, make safety and security improvements, and add new learning spaces.

Greater Egg Harbor voters approve $21 million school bond referendum Voters on Thursday approved a $21 million project to authorize the Greater Egg Harbor Region

Cherry Hill was among 11 districts, including Mansfield in Burlington County and the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District in Atlantic County, that held special elections Thursday to consider school bond proposals totaling more than $611 million. All passed except one in North Jersey, where results were still pending.

The bond will be paid over 20 years.

The state is expected to contribute about $113 million for the Cherry Hill projects, leaving the balance for residents. That means an annual property tax increase of about $400 on a home assessed at the township average of $226,400. In 2022, school taxes represented about 56% of the average bill of $9,250, according to the district.

Cherry Hill voters last approved a school bond in 1999, for $52 million. They rejected a $211 million proposal in 2018.

With opinions running strong in the community of 70,000, it was unclear leading up to election day if voters would approve the bond. Meloche said he believed photos that were shared depicting needed repairs and tours conducted to let residents see the state of the buildings helped voters decide in favor of the proposal.

Im overjoyed for the students and the community, Meloche said of an effort that began six years ago with an earlier referendum that was defeated in 2018. The legacy that this will leave on Cherry Hill will always be remembered.
A week after Gov. Phil Murphy announced New Jersey will launch a new network for student mental health services, state Sen. Michael Testa is questioning why the state is moving to swap out its existing program.

Testa, R-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic, on Friday issued a statement chastising the New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S) network.

The network intends to be a statewide hub for schools and families seeking mental health services. It phases out the School-Based Youth Services Program, which provides support for schools to attend to their students mental health needs.

Citing displeasure from educators in his district, Testa said the changes were made without proper feedback from the education community.

I have heard from outraged educators in my district who do not understand why the governor would seek to dump the current program or why this new model is better, Testa said. Moreover, they are calling my office to get more information, which shows the administration was not engaging them on the new program at all.

Last Friday, Murphy said the new program, which officials hope will be ready for the next school year, will better help address growing anxiety, depression and suicide issues spurred on in part by the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Jersey forming network to address youth mental health needs In response to higher demand from students and families for mental health services, New Jers

Nearly one in four American young adults has been treated for a mental health issue during the pandemic, Department of Children and Families Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer said recently.

Murphy said hes dedicated $15 million in American Rescue Plan money available in New Jerseys Fiscal Year 2023 budget for the proposal, adding the network would provide new tools and strategies at a vulnerable point in the states mental health crisis among its youth.

But, Testa, a frequent Murphy critic, said the governors mandated shutdowns and masking policies during the pandemic are the greatest contributor to the problem.

It is gaslighting at its most cynical to have the governor shout about teen mental health when he and the NJEA were at the forefront of locking down our schools and keeping our kids away from normal life, Testa said. This new program is just another way for Murphy and Trenton bureaucrats to take away power from local schools and the people who know our school kids best.

The senator also said the administration has only opened feedback to educators and parents until Oct. 14, prodding Murphy to extend the window because he says that isnt enough time. Testa said the comment period should extend until the end of the year.

If the governor really wanted feedback from the educators and parents who have been impacted by this announcement, he would have brought them in prior to the announcement, said Testa.
Meteorologist

It's great to forecast for you in N.J., where I was born and raised. I earned my degree from Rutgers and have been at The Press since Fall 2017. I'm honored to be a 10 time N.J. Press Association award winner and a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist.
Four months ago, more than 600 people gathered at the Chicago Cultural Center to celebrate the historic peace agreements in the Middle East for Israels 74th anniversary. The event was held for the first time in Chicago.

Sharaka, a delegation of young Arab leaders, shared their personal experiences and encounters that were formed following the signing of the Abraham Accords. The delegation consisted of Arab diplomats and grassroot leaders ranging from an elected member of the Moroccan parliament and a Bahraini political consultant to a Bahraini peace activist and author, all collectively emphasizing the Abraham Accords as a model and lesson for peace.

Last month marked the second anniversary of the accords, which provided much-needed hope for a shared better future in the Middle East. The diplomatic trajectory in the Middle East has significantly shifted with Arab nations including the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Bahrain joining hands in peace with Israel. In economic terms, the accords are drastically changing the global landscape. This includes an astonishing $1.4 billion in trade between Israel and the UAE during the first half of 2022.

Only two years after its adoption, we see significant and exciting progress reflecting the United States ongoing commitment and the cooperative spirit of the accords. Israel now has diplomatic offices in the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco. Flights now connect Israel with Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Manama, Casablanca and Marrakesh. Leaders from all member nations have visited one another and signed cooperative agreements in a range of areas. Joint economic ventures have dramatically increased trade figures among members, and Israels advanced academic programs have drawn students from accords countries. (These include the U.S., which saw 240 students from the University of Chicagos Booth School of Business visit Israel on their 2022 spring break.) Its estimated that the accords could generate as much as 4 million new jobs and $1 trillion in new economic activity over the next decade.

As the senior policy adviser to former Foreign Minister of Israel Gabi Ashkenazi, I had the privilege of being part of the implementation team of the Abraham Accords. For years, Israel had worked behind the scenes to build diplomatic and economic relations with other moderate states in the region. It required of these states great courage to accept that peace is not the shameful compromise that hostile elements claim it to be, but rather a victory for our shared humanity. It also took foresight and vision for these states to prioritize their citizens future and embrace what connects us all rather than what divides us.

Joe Bidens first visit to Israel in July as president affirmed the bipartisan U.S. commitment to peace in the Middle East. He similarly expressed his determination that Iran will never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons, spelled out in the Jerusalem U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Joint Declaration.

With U.S. encouragement, these initial successes have spurred cooperation with other countries in the Middle East. Two months ago, Saudi Arabia decided to open its skies to Israeli flights, signaling a worthy notice of warmth between the countries. It is with great sentimentality that I recall my experience flying on the first official direct flight from Tel Aviv to Bahrain; flying over the Saudi desert as an Israeli official was the fulfillment of a long-held dream.

What is most exciting to me about the fields of cooperation is that their impact has not come only in dollars (or shekels or dirham) but also among individuals in the accords member nations and beyond. In my opinion, one of the most compelling elements of these accords is not only the government cooperation but also in how they are actually bringing people together and bridging the gaps between societies.

As I join Jews around the world in welcoming the New Jewish Year of 5783, it is my fervent wish that we continue to share the message without interruption on this path of peace.

Yinam Cohen is consul general of Israel to the Midwest.
Quad-Citians can expect more uncertainty at the gas pump.

OPEC announced Wednesday it would "adjust the overall production" by 2 million barrels, beginning in November. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Companies was founded in Baghdad in 1960 and now includes 23 countries. The organization is responsible for deciding how much crude oil will be sold on the world market.

According to GasBuddy, these countries hold about 77% of known reserves. Analyst Patrick De Haan said organization leaders have not said why they chose to limit production, but the price of oil declining from $135 earlier this year to $77 last week, salvaging profit is most likely a factor.

"Its been an abrupt, significant drop and OPEC is lightly trying to curb the decline," he said.

Contrary to popular belief, OPEC cannot set oil prices. It can, however, put a cap on how much oil is sold, which in turn causes prices to rise. In a statement, the organization cited the "uncertainty that surrounds the global economic and oil market outlooks" as the reason for the recent change.

During a stop on Wednesday in Davenport, Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa, said she was calling on the Biden administration to open production in the United States.

"There's no reason we can't increase our own domestic energy production and give the relief our people need when it comes to these fuel prices," she said. "The only thing it will do by reducing production from OPEC is given a hand-up to the Russians, and we can't do that."

Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley released a public statement after the decision, calling for domestic production to begin. Grassley is planning to introduce the No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels, NOPEC, Act.

"OPEC and its partners have ignored President Bidens pleas for increased output, and now they are colluding to reduce production and further raise global oil prices," he said. "My bipartisan NOPEC Act would crack down on these tactics by the foreign oil cartel."

At the pump, gas prices may not fluctuate too badly. De Haan said there are quite a few complexities that have come along with recent refinery issues.

"The impact is pretty similar coast to coast," he said. "We have seen a bit of a jump already."

De Haan estimated prices will rise about 10-30 cents nationwide. Refinery problems already caused the prices to go up, but the improvements are overpowering the impact OPEC will have, he said. In Iowa, De Haan said there has already been a slight jump in prices, and he expects them to come down slightly as improvements continue.

"It's certainly a mixed bag depending on where you are in the country," he said.

In the southern United States, Hurricane Ian did not impact any refineries. But that doesn't mean consumers are out of the woods yet. De Haan said barring any number of things  natural disasters, COVID issues, supply and demand  could cause gas prices to rise again.

"The volatility is off the charts and making it really hard to predict," he said. "I see more possibility that prices will be at or below today's levels by the end of the year than they will be above it."
Two teens being held in Scott County's Juvenile Detention Center have been charged as adults after Davenport Police allege they assaulted center staff in an escape attempt late Thursday.

Lazerric Ramon Harper, 16, and Fernando M. Cooks, 17, both of Davenport, are charged in Scott County District Court with one count each of third-degree kidnapping and one count of assault while participating in a felony.

Third-degree kidnapping is a Class C felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of 10 years. Assault while participating in a felony is a Class D felony that carries a prison sentence of five years.

According to the arrest affidavits filed by Davenport Police Officers Riley McIntyre and Jared Crow, officers were sent to the facility, located at 500 W. 4th St., just before midnight Thursday.

According to McIntyre's affidavit concerning Harper, Harper grabbed an employee "of the correctional facility by her right arm and pulled the victim's arm in a downward motion." Harper grabbed the victim's arm, "in an attempt to not allow the victim to call 911 services."

The victim was attempting to call police because the staff felt threatened by the defendant and others. Harper took the victim's phone.

Harper then "deprived a second victim of her cell phone," according to McIntyre's affidavit.

Harper then tried to escape the facility.

Harper was being held in the Juvenile Detention Center on an adult charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Davenport Police arrested Harper on the charge on Sept. 19.

Felon in possession is a Class D felony that carries a prison sentence of five years.

During a jail confinement hearing Friday, District Judge Tamra Roberts ordered Harper to be transferred to the Scott County Jail.

According to Crow's affidavit involving Cooks, Cooks "forced an employee of a government facility to follow them to and unlock doors in an attempt to escape the facility. The employee was forced to do these acts while under the fear of being assaulted."

Cooks also yelled at and threatened another juvenile detention staff member.

These threats were heard by police.

Crow's affidavit states that Cooks "along with multiple others did knowingly engage in a riot inside the government facility where property damage and assaults occurred."

During a jail confinement hearing, Roberts also ordered Cooks to be transferred to the Scott County Jail.

Cooks also was being held in the Juvenile Detention Center on an adult charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Davenport Police arrested Cooks on the gun charge on Sept. 23.

Both teens made a first appearance Friday in Scott County District Court on the kidnapping and conspiracy charges.

Magistrate Jay Sommers set bond for each of the teens at $10,000, cash only. Sommers also scheduled preliminary hearings for each teen for Oct. 14.

Both Cooks and Harper were being held Friday night in the Scott County Jail.

A third juvenile allegedly involved in the escape continued to be held Friday night at the Juvenile Detention Center. He is charged with rioting and escape. His name and age were not released by authorities.

The director of the Juvenile Detention Center, Jeremy Kaiser, confirmed in an email that an escape attempt had been made, but no one got away.

Davenport police officers and Scott County deputies arrived quickly and caught the fleeing juveniles in the facility, he said.

We are grateful for the support from law enforcement and thankful that no one was injured, he wrote Friday afternoon.

Kaiser did not provide further details about how the incident unfolded or the people who were involved.

The facility is located near the Scott County Jail in downtown Davenport.

The facility's website states it is a 16-bed, short-term housing facility that can accommodate both sexes.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think America would be on the verge of changing from democracy to authoritarian rule. But, overwhelming evidence abounds that voters and a political party are purposely changing their behavioral traits.

With three grandchildren, ages 11, 8 and 4, I truly fear for their freedoms of speech, press and religion and rights of petition and assembly.

Freedom House is the oldest American organization (circa 1941) that conducts research on democracy, political freedom and human rights (www.FreedomHouse.org). The not-for-profit organizations fact-based Freedom in the World 2022 report assesses 210 countries degrees of political freedoms and civil liberties. Content within the first paragraph of the report is daunting: Global freedom faces a dire threat . . . the enemies of liberal democracy . . . are accelerating their attacks.

United States, Hungary, Nauru, Poland and India are identified as the top five countries in the world with the largest 10-year decline of democracy attributes.

The report notes elections, even when critically flawed, have long given authoritarian leaders a veneer of legitimacy. Examples include Russias 2021 parliamentary elections (Vladimir Putin vs. Aleksey Navalny; Navalny was sent to prison by Putin), Nicaraguas 2021 presidential election (Daniel Ortega arrested seven opposition candidates) and USAs 2020 presidential election with Republicans stop the steal fraudulent claim (100% of Americas 3,006 county auditors certified the vote, 64 court cases and GOP Attorney General Bill Barr authorized the election results, and there were only 16 charged cases of voting illegally out of 158,397,726 ballots cast).

The report further states Leaders who fear losing power in a democratic system have taken to sowing distrust in elections. The assault on the U.S. Capitol was the culmination of a months-long campaign by outgoing president Donald Trump to cast Joe Bidens victory as illegitimate and fraudulent. On Jan. 6, 2021, we witnessed over 2,000 pro-Trump rioters illegal entry into the Capitol plus 147 Congressional Republicans voted to overturn the election results; authoritarianism in action.

Most authoritarians are narcissistic, demand complete control over their subordinates, fault is always due to someone else and they love to scare people with disinformation and misinformation. Does anyone come to mind?

Authoritarian leaders like to collaborate and praise one another. Donald Trump praised North Koreas Kim Jong-un, Turkeys Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Chinas Xi Jinping, Philippines Rodrigo Duterte, Egypts Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Russias Vladimir Putin over 15 times.

Authoritarian attributes also include invoking discrimination against racial and ethnic minority groups, anti-asylum, anti-immigration, anti-LGBTQ, voter suppression, book banning and private school preference. Sound familiar?

Republicans unfettered control of Iowas Capitol since 2017 with their extreme populism actions resembles authoritarian rule.

Two other authoritarian-focused political party, politician and candidate-for-office characteristics include tying themselves to organizations engaged in illicit behavior and refusing to condemn political violence (very fine people, Charlottesville, Virginia, Aug. 15, 2017, and Proud Boys: stand back and stand by, Sept. 29, 2020; by Donald Trump) and lambasting the media and criticizing the government (e.g., FBI, CIA, IRS, DOJ, etc.).

If the above-noted examples dont wake you up to Americas democracy being in jeopardy, then its safe to say A) this is the first time youve read about the democracy-authoritarian conundrum, B) youve been hoodwinked, deceived, duped and outwitted by autocrats or C) your inductive or deductive reasoning skills to differentiate democracy norms from fascism and authoritarian rule needs fine-tuning.

Two succinct quotations about this topic come to mind: 1) the ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all (John F. Kennedy, 35th Pres.) and 2) The tyranny of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a democracy (Montesquieu, French political philosopher).
No word yet. Nope, still nothing. None of Iowa's Republican leaders has condemned the don of Mar-A-Lago for overt support of QAnon and all its conspiracy theories. Behavior that is egregious, often illegal, and arguably treasonous has been ignored and tacitly supported by the likes of Grassley, Ernst, Miller-Meeks, and Reynolds. Even the theft of classified documents has not been sufficient for them to reject this corrupt and dangerous man.

The Republican party's drift toward full-blown fascism has transformed its ideology into an empty vessel uninterested in governing, only gaining and maintaining power. It no longer has a platform of ideas other than allegiance to one man. No plans, other than a rejection of any legislation proposed by Democrats.

If you prefer an authoritarian government (like Russia, which seems to be going well) the Republican party is your choice. Fascism will be your savior, although it didn't work out too well for Mussolinni.

If you prefer democracy (as messy as it can be), I urge you to vote for Democrats.

Michael Franken has broad experience working with administrations of both parties and will be an advocated for all of us. Contrast with Mr. Grassley who always finds reason to object on the big issues (i.e. two impeachments and investigation of the January 6 insurrection).

Christina Bohannon will bring constructive ideas to the table while Miller-Meeks will "work hard" despite evidence to the contrary.

Reynolds is, well, Reynolds. I'm sure she could find another line of work. Perhaps as a campaign manager for DeSantis.

Cecil Chapman

Davenport
Catholic Social Services is one of Rapid Citys positive enduring legacies from the 1972 flood. Created by necessity in the midst of disaster, this month CSS celebrates its 50th anniversary and some of the heroes whose aid was vital during and after the flood.

Tickets are on sale now for CSS annual gathering and 50th anniversary celebration, which will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Best Western Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Rapid City. Tickets are $25 and include a meal. To purchase tickets, go to cssrapidcity.com/events/fundraisers/annual-gathering/ or call Kristin Conzet at 605-716-6336.

We want to celebrate great lives that have done great things for our community, said James Kinyon, CSS executive director and counseling director. This is a 50-year celebration of the rebuilding of our city. A lot of people  taught us how to live and the importance of community, and thats what were looking to celebrate.

During its anniversary celebration, CSS will honor some of the people and organizations who played integral roles in the days, weeks and years after the 1972 flood. Former Rapid City mayor Don Barnett will be a special guest at the celebration, Kinyon said. Barnett had been elected mayor of Rapid City just two months before the 1972 flood.

Founders Award: Ozzie Osheim

CSS will present its Monsignor OConnell Founders Awardee to retired funeral director Ozzie Osheim of Rapid City.

Funeral directors were heroes who guided grieving families through the process of burying flood victims; 238 people died in the flood.

Osheim had been a funeral director for about 20 years at the time of the flood. Rapid City was a community of 40,000 people with three funeral homes in 1972. When the flood hit, amid the chaos the owners of the funeral homes got together on the first day of the disaster to try to plan for the unknown.

Those fellows never received credit for what they (did), Osheim said. They didnt know how many deaths there were going to be.

All three funeral homes tried to make it as easy as possible as people came to identify their loved ones. All three had clergy and nurses in the building, Osheim said.

During the first two days of the flood, Behrens Funeral Home was dry, with electricity and running water. Campbell Paula Funeral Home lacked electricity or running water, and Catron Funeral Home had about 5 inches of water in its basement.

Water lapped up right against the side of the building, Osheim recalls. They got busy and brought in National Guard trucks and local companies donated equipment. They brought in generators to give us some electricity and brought in a water tanker. It gave us a trickle of water in the building so we could function.

Bodies were taken to Behrens and Campbell Paula during the first two days. Catrons basement had to be pumped out and dried, Osheim said.

After the first two days, the other funeral homes were inundated. When the third day started, all the bodies that were found were brought to Catron Funeral Home, he said.

There were a lot of long, long hard days. It was very difficult. It wasnt as difficult for us as for the public. It was very trying, very stressful. Some people had to come to the funeral home and if they didnt find their loved one, theyd have to go to all three funeral homes, and some had to come to all three for five days before they found their loved one, Osheim said. Many had lost loved ones and homes as well. They were really floundering.

Many times, youd like to break down and mourn with the families but that wasnt any help, so you did the best you could to maintain your composure, he said. It was extremely difficult if the family were personal friends.

Between the three funeral homes, there were 11 funeral directors on staff citywide including Osheim.

We couldnt handle that many bodies by ourselves. We didnt start the identification process (until after) the first three or four days, Osheim said. We started getting volunteers from throughout the Black Hills. Throughout a three-week period wed have funeral directors come in from a five-state area. That was what made it possible to make it work.

Osheim and the other funeral directors set up a system. After a flood victim had been identified, time would be scheduled for a funeral director to meet with the family and plan the service. Funeral directors and the local ministerial association determined that, due to the volume of deaths, holding full funeral services for every person would be nearly impossible, Osheim said.

It was agreed upon we would offer graveside services only, and the majority of the public was agreeable. They understood the situation, he said. The cemeteries in the area had to have time to open graves and get all their work done, so it was a real challenge. Once we started having graveside services, it was agreed one funeral home would schedule on the hour, quarter hour and half hour so we had some semblance of order at the cemeteries.

Osheim said the support he and other funeral directors received is one of his vivid memories of that time.

One thing that stands out is the amount of cooperation the funeral profession received from the entire community, from the clergy, from the general public. We had any number of people come to the funeral home to volunteer, Osheim said. Local churches brought food on a daily basis so we had our meals catered.

Osheim, now 95, is a World War II veteran who has been a licensed funeral director for 70 years. Although he retired at age 80, I still stop at the funeral home every day and I still assist with funerals. I still maintain my license, he said.

I always enjoyed people. It was never difficult to go to work. I was working with the public day in and day out. Even though it was a tragic time, there was still some satisfying work, he said. If in some small way you could help someone in a difficult time in life, that was rewarding.

Im very proud to receive this award, Osheim said of being selected for the Monsignor OConnell Founders Award. I feel very blessed to have been a part of the flood operation and blessed to have been part of the community all these years.

Serving the community in the aftermath of the 1972 flood made him a more serious person.

Certainly it made me aware of how valuable life is and how fragile life is, Osheim said. Its hard to put into words.

Monsignor William OConnell, for whom the Founders Award is named, was a longtime friend of Osheims from the time OConnell arrived in Rapid City in 1957 until he died in 2015. After the flood, OConnell worked closely with Osheim to plan many of the flood victims funerals, Kinyon said.

Order of Saint Benedictine Medal honorees

CSS will present Order of Saint Benedictine Medals to Delores Catron Miller of Rapid City, the South Dakota National Guard and Ellsworth Air Force Base. The medal is named for the Sisters of Benedict who first brought formal education to women in western South Dakota and who have a long tradition of serving the poor.

CSS anniversary celebration is an opportunity to recognize people who responded heroically and 50 years later, should be remembered for their help in a time of disaster, said Kinyon.

Delores Catron Miller was married to Dennis Catron, who owned Catron Funeral Home during the 1972 flood. Catron Miller also served as a former president of the Catholic Social Services board. Catron Miller and her children will accept the award.

Major General Jeffrey P. Marlette will accept the award on behalf of the South Dakota National Guard. In 1972, the South Dakota National Guard was conducting summer training in the Black Hills when the flood hit.

The South Dakota National Guard had a huge role in disaster recovery and managing the disaster afterward, Kinyon said. They immediately responded during the flood. They showed up in force to help rescue people.

Ellsworth Air Force Base also will be honored. Were going to use this (event) to recognize people who responded heroically, Kinyon said. Some of these folks may not have gotten the recognition they deserve. So often we rely on the military who do such incredible things for us. What a great opportunity to recognize them.

50 years of CSS

CSS will also focus on its milestone 50-year anniversary. After the flood, OConnell went into full-time disaster relief recovery work and partnered with many churches and nonprofits. He organized a response to disasters that has been modeled in all 50 states and at least 160 countries worldwide, Kinyon said.

Catholic Social Services began to develop as a result of the flood. OConnell was asked to develop an organization to serve people in need, regardless of their religious affiliation. OConnell invited two religious sisters from Daughters of Charity to help him identify the many social services needs of people in western South Dakota, and Catholic Social Services was initially chartered as a small adoption and counseling agency.

During and after the flood, Kinyon said people of every religious affiliation stepped up to work together and help the community. CSS is a nonprofit agency whose mission remains helping anyone of any religion, race or orientation who is in need.

We want to be a reflection of the community we serve, Kinyon said.

CCS continues its adoption and counseling work and has added much more. Its Uplifting Parents program helps single mothers finish their college degrees. Among its many other programs and services, CSS offers outpatient mental health care and does community outreach work for suicide prevention. The agency offers parenting classes, disaster aid in western South Dakota, and marriage and family telehealth services. CSS also is in the process of rewriting Lakota Circle of Hope, a program that incorporates Lakota values in schools.

We have a great community and donors and supporters, Kinyon said. As Christian people, we need to live out the story of the Good Samaritan who helped another person, despite religious and cultural differences, simply because the need was there.
Real voter fraud is when a candidate promises something to get elected but does something else once he or she is in office. Repeal of the sales tax on food anyone?

OPEC schedules a meeting and immediately gas in Rapid City goes up 40 cents per gallon. What a farce. How do these gas retailers even sleep at night when they rip off the working class folks?

You can thank our porous border for the seven-fold increase in fentanyl since 2020. Joe Biden did that.

Noems continued use of the awful ad against Jamie Smith is full of lies and misrepresentations. To put such an ad out does not speak well about her character.

Does anyone else feel insulted that many politicians believe voters are so gullible they will accept what they are told as fact just because the politician said it is so and that we cant be a reasonable consumer of what we read, hear and are taught?

It would be nice if the groups fighting for election integrity would show some transparency. These groups should provide proof of issues with the election process. No issues have been provided to date.
Letters to the editor, Oct. 8, 2022

For Christine Stephenson

It's a fact! Christine Stephenson was an outstanding member of the Rapid City School Board. It's a fact! Christine will be an outstanding legislator. She is an experienced leader with negotiation skills, ability to understand there is some merit in all ideas.

She is about serving the needs of our communities  childcare, education, health demands, employment issues, veteran issues, agricultural concerns. Land use  basically promoting and preserving the quality of life in our great State.

Christine is a candidate in District 32 for House of Representatives. Her commitment will bring the addition of fresh intellect, and political balance that is healthy for our state. Please read her resume and conclude it is indeed a privilege to support Christine.

Judy Reedy Olson, Rapid City

No on IM27

Thank you, April Anderson for your letter on Aug. 24 giving links to the facts about the detrimental effects of recreational marijuana. I expect there will be many voters that will vote yes on IM 27, ignoring the facts showing the harm that will be done to the communities they live in, just because they want to get high legally.

If you care about the well-being of your community, especially the children vote no on IM 27.

Greg Schunneman, Rapid City

Crime can stop

Rapid City had approximately 3,900 crimes in 2020. That's about 75 crimes each week. Ways to report crime: Emergencies dial 911, anonymous crime tip to Tip411, or Text 'RCPD' with your tip to 847411.

Many people know who the criminals are. Legalizing marijuana would contribute to crime. Besides, who really benefits besides the manufacturer, the seller, the dealer, and the user?

The major reason for crimes is criminals want something for nothing, just like the over 150 million Americans receiving benefits from one or more government programs. Those of us, who do not commit crimes and do not live off the government, accept responsibility for ourselves and family. So, it is up to us to report crime and criminals.

Criminals should serve their entire sentence that is severe enough to curtail even the thought of committing another crime. Don't wait to be a a victim. Step up and be part of the solution.

Allen McPherson, Rapid City

Green, socialist and cold

Ten years ago, fossil fuels accounted for 82% of our energy consumption. After ten years and an investment of $3.8 trillion in green, alternative energy sources, fossil fuels account for 81% of energy consumption.

OPEC (and Russia) is back in control of fossil fuel production again and this morning is considering a million barrel reduction in production. With coal replacing natural gas for electricity generation in places like Germany, fossil fuels will likely rise to 82% (or higher) of energy consumption again. In the short and longer term, oil prices are likely to rise above $100/barrel by the end of 2022.

President Bidens wisdom and his Presidential Directive in January 2021 has resulted in the U.S. losing control of energy prices that it had had for the past 10 to 15 years. That directive has strangled U.S. energy producers, has erased U.S. leadership in fossil fuel production and has effectively eliminated rational incentive for enhanced fossil fuel production.

We will continue to bankrupt ourselves and everyone else with the futile pursuit of the holy, socialist grail of green energy.

In our green, socialist future, we will all be poorer in general and hotter in summer and colder in winter.

Rodney Michael, Rapid City

For Becky Drury

It is with great honor to encourage District 32 to re-elect Becky Drury to the SD House of Representatives. Ms. Drury grew up in Haakon County and brings forth commonsense to our entire great State of South Dakota. This is evident with her voting record, and continuous engagement with constituents in District 32 and throughout the State.

I had the personal privilege of working with her during the 2022 Legislative Session on the housing infrastructure funding bill (HB 1033). This was a long process, but with her clout and respect in the House of Representatives, she was very instrumental in getting this passed as available housing is a challenge in South Dakota. She represents and supports what is best for our entire State.

Vote Becky Drury for SD House of Representatives, District 32.

Brittany Smith, Philip

Age-appropriate standards

I have done research on the proposed Social Studies standards. Please do your research. Mr. Krause is correct about the Peloponnesian War. Since I didn't know what it was I Googled the subject.

The war was fought in 431-404 BC between Athens and Sparta. Now how many 1st graders even know what BC is. I encourage everyone to study this bad idea.

Our elementary students should be learning reading, writing and arithmetic before any history or civics. Start at an age appropriate for learning. Where is any common sense when it comes to learning. No wonder our students are so far behind in reading. Please help to stop this proposal for the sake of the students.

Jerri Holloway, Rapid City
Bitterroot College has announced their fall/winter course listing of new and returning rapid training courses. The course listings reflect an increased focus on courses designed to build skills that employers say are most needed now, while designed to meet criteria students increasingly demand  courses that help build targeted skills quickly, while being flexible to students time constraints.

Bitterroot College is partnering with Accelerate Montanas Rapid Training Program, offering courses that are created to accelerate access to the kinds of professional skills and training that will enable Montanans in the Bitterroot Valley, Ravalli County and Hamilton, to take advantage of the economic opportunities available now. All course offerings leverage Bitterroot Colleges unique capabilities in workforce training in key industries, while providing trainings that are fast, flexible, affordable, and designed to provide participants with the skills that employers say they need.

Angela McLean, Director at Bitterroot College, stated, Bitterroot College has a long tradition of delivering workforce training. We believe with these upcoming rapid training courses we are leveling up while building on that great tradition. Were very excited to be delivering courses that the market and students want and need such as commercial drivers license training, while creating a focused set of courses that will allow us to become a regional center of excellence in healthcare training. We are looking forward to adding to our portfolio of trainings as we engage both the community and regional employers to build the skills our community and Montana need.

Paul Gladen, Director of AccelerateMT, welcomed the important addition of Bitterroot College to the growing cadre of institutions taking up the effort of rapid training in workforce development in Montana. "Bitterroot College is an essential institution when it comes to effective and highly targeted rapid training courses in their region and in our state. They are delivering courses aligned to the needs of employers who are seeking skilled workers for good paying jobs. The rapid training programs also address the needs of participants by offering training that is precisely targeted to their ambition and time constraints in a format that is fast, flexible, and affordable.

The portfolio of Bitterroots fall and winter rapid training course offerings are as follows with registration for all now open:

1. Commercial Driver License Training: Earning a CDL can qualify trainees for countless jobs. This 160-hour course will prepare participants for Montana Class A licensure. The course combines classroom instruction with yard experience and 1:1 training. Participants will leave this course with basic truck driving skills and knowledge of DOT rules and regulations.

2. Certified Nurse Aid Training: This five-week nurse aide training course will prepare participants to sit for the Montana Certified Nurse Aide licensing exam. Combining 54 hours of classroom instruction with 40 hours of clinicals, this course is designed to prepare participants aged 16 and up to serve in a wide array of healthcare venues

3. Patient Access and Registration Professional: Excellent customer service skills in healthcare are at a premium and are the foundation of this upcoming rapid training program, which instills in trainees an essential understanding of patient care ethics, insurance billing, medical record management, and more. This course develops savvy patient access care professionals who will be prepared to enter Montanas medical field.

4. Certified Phlebotomy Technician: After completing this rapid training course, students will be skilled in safe puncture methods, anatomy/physiology, and lab use. Students who complete the course can then sit for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician exam.

5. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant: Touching on everything from vital signs to the technical aspects of phlebotomy, this program trains students to assist physicians in the healthcare industry. Through classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and a clinical externship, students will be prepared to sit for the National Health Career Associations CCMA exam.

6. Low Pressure Boiler: This course is available to those who wish to obtain boiler engineer licensure. Licensure requires completion of three steps, including (1) an approved low pressure boiler course, (2) a 40-hour experience under a licensed engineer, and (3) a written exam. This course covers step 1 and can be completed in just one week.

There are a variety of program fee assistance opportunities. Those interested are urged to consult fee assistance listings on the program application and reach out with questions.

Those interested can learn more or register directly for any of the courses at https://www.umt.edu/bitterrootcollege/offer/workforce/default.php

For more information or for questions please reach out to Meri Telin at Bitterroot Collage, 406-375-0100 or regional outreach coordinator for Accelerate Montana, Shane Kravik at shane.kravik@mso.umt.edu.

For more information on Accelerate Montana and the Rapid Training Program please visit acceleratemt.com.
The Bitterroot Public Library will host the Montana Library Association and Trust for Montana Libraries on Oct. 19 at 5:30 p.m. in the library meeting room for Montanas Libraries: Unprecedented Times, Unprecedented Opportunities, a community conversation to share information about their joint legislative goals and the importance of all Montanas libraries.

Their road shows across the state of Montana, of which Hamilton is the fourth of five, are an opportunity for the library community to facilitate public conversations about two critical issues: securing funding for libraries during the 2023 Montana Legislature and raising awareness of Montanas libraries and their importance in the communities they serve.

The Montana Library Association is requesting the reauthorization and increase of per capita state funding to local libraries. The current program is set to end in 2023. Proposed legislation requests an increase from $0.40 to $0.50 per capita for all public and tribal libraries across Montana.

Additionally, libraries seek funding for collaborative library services that benefit all Montanans via public, school, and academic libraries. Services include better access to shared library collections, e-books, and support for internet access through a mobile hot spot lending program. The proposed legislative funding request is $4.8 million.

These funding requests represent a tremendous opportunity for Montana libraries, and have the potential to utterly transform the way that they work, says Bruce Newell, of the Trust for Montana Libraries. We want to share this potential with Montanans, and demonstrate the value of their investment in library infrastructure.

In addition to highlighting the impact of these funding opportunities, road show events have also highlighted the important role Montanas libraries play in their communities.

The road show began in Sidney on Sept. 12, and will finish in Great Falls on Oct. 20. The complete list of dates and locations is below.

Sidney, Sept. 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Kalispell Sept. 29, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Bozeman Oct. 6, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Hamilton Oct. 19, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Great Falls Oct. 20, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

For detailed information about 2023 library legislation, please visit https://bit.ly/FundingForMTLibraries.

For more information about the Trust for Montana Libraries, please visit https://www.mtlibrarytrust.org.
Abortion rights advocates lined Highway 93 in Hamilton on Saturday to protest the rollback of womens reproductive rights and raise awareness as voters prepare to cast their ballots in this Novembers midterm election.

Women have a right to their bodies just like men, protest organizer Kierstin Schmitt, of Corvallis, said. Why is it that women are being criminalized for having a uterus and having the ability to have a child where men have zero responsibility for when they impregnate a woman? And now women and doctors and nurses and anyone involved in the health-care field across the country are being criminalized, she said.

Around 50 protesters met at the corner of Main Street and Highway 93 at noon for the "For Her March & Rally." Participants marched north on Highway 93 to the Ravalli County Fairgrounds and back. Bill Peters, 77, a retired family medicine physician of 39 years, and his wife Becky, 75, of Hamilton, were part of the crowd carrying signs downtown on Saturday.

It's a person's rights to choose, plus all the rest of our rights to choose because this is way bigger than just women's rights, which is critical, Bill Peters said. I'm afraid that they're going to start chipping away at the kinds of rights  contraception rights and who knows where it's gonna go. I think its going to slip over into gay and lesbian rights, I think it's just the beginning of the iceberg of what they're going to try to take away, he said. None of us, not one person here is pro-abortion, but we are pro-women's rights. And when that necessity faces a woman, one of the hardest decisions she'll ever have to make in her life, and she hasn't got a safe option, I cannot abide that.

Becky Peters said she never thought she would have to march for abortion rights again.

I am so sad. I'm so mortified. I am so angry that this is going on, Peters said. I am astounded that the United States of America has not codified abortion rights yet. When they start taking the rights away from women, were only the canary in the coal mine. And they will go after other people's rights later on. So I'm out here letting other people know that this about all women, this is about my daughter, this is about my granddaughter.

Democratic candidate for Montana Senate District 43 John Schneeberger attended the march on Saturday. He said it was important to stand up for womens rights and that he was angered by attempts to stifle womens access to safe and effective ways to terminate a pregnancy.

I really support a woman's right to access a pre-viability abortion without governmental interference, Schneeberger said on Saturday. I support the Montana laws with respect to abortion as they stand and I am against any additional restrictions on the right of a woman to access this fundamental freedom of whether to become a mother or not. I think that Democrats stand for freedom. And we stand for both the freedom from, in this case, freedom from governmental interference, and also the freedom to have a decent life and have a productive life and that means access to education and health care.

Schmitt, who also helped organize a rally in July, hopes the events send a message to elected representatives going into November. She also emphasized the importance of protecting our right to privacy under the Montana state constitution.

In the state of Montana, we are fortunate to have a constitution that allows us to have privacy and we want to maintain that and that is what we want to tell our local legislators, she said. We want to tell Gov. (Greg) Gianforte, we want to tell Matt Rosendale, we want to tell Steve Daines, we want to tell Jason Ellsworth, we want to tell Theresa Manzella, Ron Marshall, Michele Binkley. We want those representatives to represent us and not the crazies, and not the people that are telling us that we don't have the rights to our own bodies. They have no right to do that, and they never will.
Global audiences are fed up with US-led Wests show on human rights

By Global Times editorial (Global Times) 08:34, October 08, 2022

Slandering Xinjiang -- the new normal of the "empire of lies" Illustration: Vitaly Podvitski

The 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) on Thursday voted on a US-led Xinjiang-related draft decision. The result shows that the draft was strongly opposed by most members of the HRC, especially developing countries, and was not passed. The US and some other Western countries have already consumed a substantial quantity of resources in advance for propaganda and diplomatic agitation for the draft, hyping the vote as a "duel" with China, and sparing no effort to force other member states to be obedient. But this weaponization of human rights is deeply unpopular.

This is the second time in the council's 16-year history that a draft decision has been rejected. Public opinions worldwide almost unanimously believe this is a "major setback" for Western countries. Some Western public opinion even made another stab - calling the outcome a setback to the "West's moral authority." This undoubtedly upset the sensitive nerves of some organizations and individuals in the US and the West. They argue that the result "makes a mockery of everything the Human Rights Council is supposed to stand for," the Muslim countries which voted down the motion are "shameful," and African countries "yielded." Some even call Ukraine's abstention "betrayal."

The draft was put forward by Western countries including the US, the UK and Canada in a bid to hold a debate on "Xinjiang human rights situation" at its next session in March. Many Western media outlets said in their reports that the draft lowered the tone and "called just for holding a debate," in order to avoid the scenario in which enough other countries reject their proposal.

Yet this exposes the real purpose of this draft: It is by no means to discuss any human rights issue, but to try to indefinitely hype up a "problem" that does not exist, so as to suppress and contain China.

Western media have shown their disappointment toward this result, because they were too "confident" before. They have ignored that the majority members of the HRC are not pawns that can be manipulated at their will. Chen Xu, representative of China's Permanent Mission to the UN Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, said during the HRC conference that "China is targeted today. Any other developing country could be targeted tomorrow." This sentence has been widely quoted by the international media, and we believe it is just what the representatives of many countries in the conference have been thinking.

The US and the West have politicized and instrumentalized human rights issues. They have been sitting on judgment seat for a long time, and tried to firmly control the direction of public opinion outside the courtroom. They arbitrarily concoct a crime, and the vast number of developing countries will be forced to prove their innocence, which is very difficult. It must be pointed out that Western countries are not qualified to force other countries to stand such a "trial." Ending this humiliating cycle is one of the biggest motivations for developing countries to understand each other, sympathize with each other and unite in the international arena to resist the evil winds.

The essence of Xinjiang-related issues is about countering terrorism, radicalization and separatism, and it is not at all a "human rights" issue. Even some Western media admit that the US and West's hype of Xinjiang-related affairs is essentially a geopolitical friction with China. It is noteworthy that many countries that cast opposing votes are Muslim-majority societies, such as Indonesia, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. These countries have a better empathy for the governance of Xinjiang, and they have far more say than a few developed countries in the US and the West.

In fact, at the same time as Washington's manipulation of Xinjiang-related affairs is intensifying, nearly 100 countries, including majority of Muslim countries, have publicly and continuously voiced their support for China's just stance on Xinjiang-related affairs and opposed interference in China's internal affairs through Xinjiang-related affairs on various occasions such as the Human Rights Council and the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly. Aren't these voices of justice more convincing than the hypocritical attitudes of the US and some Western countries?

On March 15, 2006, the UN General Assembly passed Resolution 60/251, replacing the previous Commission on Human Rights with the new Human Rights Council, the original intention of which was to change political confrontation in the field of human rights. However, over the years, the US and some Western countries have abused international multilateral platforms to seek geopolitical self-interest, and human rights have become politicized and even weaponized, which has led to serious challenges to the international human rights cause in the true sense.

This session of the HRC which started on September 12 has been going on for nearly a month. It was supposed to be a good opportunity for countries to sit down and discuss how to cooperate on urgent human rights issues. The so-called draft decision on Xinjiang-related affairs by the US and the West has been foiled, and it has once again shown that the performance of smearing others and playing with presumption of guilt is destined to attract few audiences no matter how hard they try, because the global audiences are fed up with these tricks.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Thousands of chanting, singing people have held a solidarity demonstration in The Netherlands in support of protesters in Iran who have taken to the streets since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini following her arrest for allegedly violating the Islamic Republics strict dress code. Protesters who gathered Saturday at a central park in The Hague waved flags and banners emblazoned with texts including No to enforced headscarf in Iran, justice cant wait and stop bloodshed in Iran. The demonstration follows anti-government protests across Iran that were sparked by Aminis death. The Iranian protests have triggered demonstrations of support across Europe, including by women cutting off locks of their hair, following Iranian womens example.
BEDFORD  The town of Bedford is one of four Virginia localities receiving grant money to support restoration of brownfield sites, the governors office announced.

Bedford will receive $316,374 for the former Winoa USA plant, according to a news release Thursday. The former steel foundry officially shut down in late 2020, said Mary Zirkle, Town of Bedford economic development coordinator. The site has a 60,000-square-foot building sitting on about 15 acres, and Zirkle said the town hopes to eventually use it as a workforce training center, which was a goal identified in the towns strategic plan from 2021.

Brownfields are defined in the news release as properties in which redevelopment or reuse is complicated by the presence of hazardous materials, pollution, or contaminants. The grant money provided through the commonwealth is to help remediate these sites so they can be safely cleaned up, restored and made ready for use of something new, usually under the umbrella of economic development.

The Winoa USA plant will be cleaned of the black dust that has been stuck to walls and other parts of the structure since the 1970s, left over from the foundry process, Zirkle said. The residue is non-hazardous, but it needs to go. The grant should cover at least the majority of project costs, according to the towns current estimate.

Bedford has received Virginia Brownfield Restoration and Economic Redevelopment Assistance Fund grants twice before. Both times, the money was used to prepare the old Bedford Middle School site for development, Zirkle said. The old middle school campus is currently under construction being developed into apartments in the middle school building and a boutique hotel called Cardinal Rule in Old Yellow.

The VBAF program was launched in 2011, according to the news release, and since then has awarded more than $14.6 million in grants to help restore brownfield sites in Virginia. The grant program is a collaboration between the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and it is administered by the Virginia Resources Authority.

The VBAF provides either grants or loans to local governments to restore and redevelop brownfield sites and address environmental problems or obstacles to their reuse in an effort to effectively attract new economic development prospects, the news release stated.

In the news release, Gov. Glenn Youngkin said this grant is a powerful economic development tool.

These revitalization projects are critical to strengthen rural Virginias business portfolio and overall competitiveness, and we are thrilled to support the Town of Bedford, Patrick County, the Town of Saltville, and Smyth County in this endeavor, Youngkin stated in the news release, naming all four localities receiving grant money.

Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick said in the news release that project-ready properties will help entice corporations and industries to invest in Virginia.
FLORENCE  Bobby Henegar has been named Kiwanian of the Year by the Kiwanis Club of Florence.

He was recognized for his service to the club by outgoing President Ken Burgess during the clubs annual changing of officers on Thursday at the Florence Country Club. In addition to awards and installation of officers, the club presented grants totaling $30,000 to 18 nonprofit groups.

Henegar was instrumental in the success of the clubs major fundraiser, the pancake breakfast. Burgess said.

Burgess said, He was the brains behind the process.

Burgess said the pancake breakfast is one of the ways besides membership fees that the club raises money to offer grants to community nonprofits. He said the last pancake breakfast netted about $13,000.

Thomas Kennedy was recognized with the Spark Plug Award, and the Spirit of Kiwanis Award went to John Brown.

Officers for 2022-23 were installed by Pete Hoogendonk. They are Derek Hemmingsen, president; Allana Hilley, vice president; Kelly Schafer, secretary; Al Munn, treasurer; and Ken Burgess, past president. Members of the Board of Directors will be David Kahn, Storm Page, Thomas Kennedy, John Brand and Shane Gebhards.

In his closing remarks, Hemmingsen said the club is committed to funding the All4Autism Camp for 2023. He said the Terrific Kids program has been revamped.

Last year we were only doing five elementary schools in the school district, he said. This year we did all 13. Every single elementary class, every student gets a Terrific Kids sticker, bookmark and bumper sticker.

The club will once again ring the Salvation Army bell at Christmas and host a Christmas party, It hopes to go Christmas shopping for some needy children.

Burgess was presented the Presidents Award. He said Kiwanis is a great group of people.

Ill be around, but it will be good not to be on the hook every week, Burgess said.

The $30,000 in grants this year is in addition to a full scholarship to Francis Marion University and funding the All 4 Autism camp in the summer of 2023 for $6,000.

Representatives of each organization joined Kiwanians for lunch, and upon receiving their grants were given an opportunity to speak to the club about what they do and what they plan to do with the grant funds received.

Joyce G. Ford, executive director of The Naomi Project Inc., said it provides homeless women with a place to stay for up to one year. The women get educational opportunities, help finding a job and help finding a place of their own. The grant funds received will provide for long-term transitional housing as well as life- and career-building skills.

Joey Edwards, director of Youth Mentors of the Pee Dee, said the children it serves are victims of bad situations out of their control. He said the organization helps these youth become positive members of the community. The funds received will help the group mentor children of single families.

We are making Florence a better community one child at a time, he said.

Trent Hill Center Director Scottie Hill said the day she was called and told about the grants program, she had a meeting with Brian Braddock, executive director of House of Hope.

She said, We reached out to him to say, look, if you have homeless youth come to your program that need a place to live where we can find provided financial assistance to get them off their feet for the first few months and help them transition to adulthood, please call us. He said its funny that you say that because we have a family living in our tiny homes project right now and their son is about to turn 18 and when the son turns 18 he can no longer stay in the tiny homes project ... We have been able to specifically set aside for this homeless youth to move into our independent living program and it will cover his expenses for the first six months, which gives him a period of time to really get on his feet.

Recipients are:

Miracle League of Florence County  $3,500 for interactive playground.

Help for Kids Florence  $3,500 for weekend hunger gap in Florence County.

The Naomi Project  $2,500 for women and children victims of domestic abuse and who are homeless. Carolinas Cross Cultural Health Services, dba Cross Cultural Educational Impact  $2,500 for Cross Cultural camp, classes in English learning, providing support to Hispanic workers and their families.

The CARE House of the Pee Dee  $2,500 to train facilitators providing child sexual abuse presentation. Youth Mentors of the Pee Dee  $2,000 to mentor children of single families.

Circle Park Behavioral Health Service  $2,000 for welcome bags for women and children containing essential needs as they check in.

Mentoring for Life  $1,800 for Tara Village security cameras and supplies for after-school programs and community events.

Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault  $1,500 for Talking About Touch curriculum.

Trent Hill Center for Children and Families  $1,500 to help with foster children independent living (based in Hartsville but serves Florence, too.

Foster Care Clothing Closet  $1,500 for clothes for children coming into foster care.

McLeod Health Foundation  $1,000 for comfort bags for kids who are victim of sexual violence.

Helping Florence Flourish  $1,000 for scholarships for kids who cannot afford to attend the camp on their own.

Florence Family YMCA  $1,000 for child care after school, summer day camp, swim lessons.

Harvest Hope Food Bank  $1,000 to deliver weekend meals for school children.

Pee Dee Visions Foundation  $1,000 to help support students in high school participating in the program.

Right Direction International  $100 for Back-to-School Bash school supplies for 150 children K-5.

Specially Abled Miracles  $100 for children with disabilities camp including fun and therapy (former Camp Rae).
Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin has been celebrated on social media following her very simple solution to President Joe Bidens concerns about a possible off-ramp for Vladimir Putin in Ukraine.

On Thursday, Mr Biden was speaking to Democratic Senate donors, arguing that for the first time since the Cuban Missile Crisis, we have a direct threat of the use of nuclear weapons if in fact, things continue down the path they are going.

Im trying to figure out what is Putins off-ramp? he added, according to the New York Post. Where does he find a way out? Where does he find himself in a position that he does not only lose face but lose significant power within Russia?

In discussion with reporters on Friday at the EU summit in Prague, Ms Marin was asked about Bidens remarks and said: The way out of this conflict is for Russia to leave Ukraine. That is the way out of the conflict. The exit from the conflict is when Russia leaves the territory of Ukraine.

Many on social media lauded Ms Marins concise retort, including Ukrainian activist NNN Voshchevska, who tweeted: The haha at the end was the cherry on top. What an absolute legend.

The haha at the end was the cherry on top. What an absolute legend. pic.twitter.com/FeqSuaIA1O    Voshchevska (@Val_Voshchevska) October 7, 2022

She tells it like it is. All other concepts are doomed to fail. Only Russian withdrawal will create a lasting base, one Twitter user said.

Clear and to the point. and were stuck with Liz Truss, Jonathan Pie wrote referring to the UK prime minister.

Nika Melkozerova of New Voice Ukraine simply said, I love her.

Irish journalist Ronan Browne, based out of Finland, noted that the thing about Finland is that when you ask a straight question you usually get a straight answer.

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The right & only way to deal with journalists questions on Putins off-ramp: Respond with the obvious truth, Igor Sushko wrote.

A senior correspondent for The National, Joyce Karam, tweeted, Finlands PM Sanna Marin is not having it today. Asked about West possibly giving Putin an off-ramp to end Russias war in Ukraine, Marin couldnt have been more direct.

Former conservative talk show host Charlie Sykes, now at the Bulwark, called Ms Marin an Iron Lady in reference to the former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

I dont know why anyone in the media would keep asking about concessions to Putin to end the war in Ukraine. Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin gives the only appropriate answer, Tim McMillan said.
Frances Tiafoe battled past unseeded Kwon Soon-woo of South Korea on Saturday in three sets to reach the Japan Open final -- but admitted it was not pretty viewing.

The fourth-seeded Tiafoe won 6-2, 0-6, 6-4 and will play his fellow American Taylor Fritz in Sunday's final in Tokyo.

Whoever wins will become the first US player to take the Japan Open men's title since Pete Sampras in 1996.

Tiafoe, the world number 19 who has been in the spotlight since stunning Rafael Nadal to reach the final four at the US Open, said that "it was a weird match, but I'm happy to get through".

The 24-year-old, whose only previous ATP title came at Delray Beach in 2018, said: "I wasn't expecting him (Kwon) to play like that.

"He played really fast and really aggressive. He was playing really well, obviously, but a win's a win, and you take it."

"It's not always going to be pretty, it's not always going to be the best stuff, but a win is what matters," he added.

Third-seeded Fritz also had to fight for his semi-final win, against Canadian Denis Shapovalov, 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3.

Going into the final "feels amazing", said Fritz, just days after he emerged from a week of hotel quarantine in Seoul where he came down with Covid-19 and had to pull out of the Korea Open.

"It's pretty crazy what I've been able to accomplish this week, just from thinking that I might not even be able to play this tournament," said the 24-year-old world number 11.

Fritz said he and Tiafoe were "really close friends, but we're also rivals".

"It'll be fun -- there's always tension when we play, it's going to be a good match," he added.

Tiafoe said the pair's friendship had become closer at the Laver Cup in London, where both were in the Rest of the World Team that beat Europe for the first time in the competition's history.

"I love that guy," Tiafoe said.

"He's a great competitor, he serves well, he has a huge forehand, and he's confident and getting better too... may the best man win."

kaf/qan
The US has advised its citizens not to travel to several parts of India and exercise increased caution in other parts of the country due to crime and terrorism.

In its updated travel advisory published on 5 October, the US State Department, on a scale of one to four, put overall travel to India at level two or exercise increased caution.

Level one is exercise normal precautions while levels three and four are reconsider travel and do not travel respectively. The level four status has, however, been issued for at least 17 states and one Union territory across India.

The country has a total of 28 states and eight Union territories.

The advisory also said rape was one of the fastest growing crimes in India.

Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has occurred at tourist sites and in other locations, it read.

Citing civil unrest and terrorism, the state department told American tourists to not travel to the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, except the Ladakh region.

It suggested against travelling within a 10km radius of Indias border with neighbouring Pakistan due to the potential for armed conflict.

The Himalayan region of Kashmir is at the centre of a decades-old dispute between India and Pakistan and is claimed by both countries since the partition in 1947. Both nations control only parts of the region.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities, it stated.

The state department also asked citizens to avoid travelling to Indias northeastern states because of the occasional incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets.

It also forbids US government employees from visiting seven northeastern states  Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura and Manipur  without prior authorisation.

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Rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand states and the bordering area of the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha in central and eastern India were added to the do not travel list as well, citing Maoist extremist groups as the reason.

The Naxalites [as the groups are called] have conducted frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials, it said.

The American travel advisory for India comes just a week after Canada urged its citizens to avoid all travel to Indian regions within 10km of the border with Pakistan, citing the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance.

The Canadian travel advisory asked its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country.
OMAHA -- Billionaire Warren Buffetts successor has bought nearly $70 million worth of stock in the conglomerate he is slated to one day lead.

Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chairman Greg Abel on Monday disclosed buying 168 Class A shares in the company in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The purchases made last Thursday at prices between $405,800 and $408,514 per share will give Abel a small stake of 173 Class A shares in the Omaha-based companys future.

His holdings pale in comparison to Buffetts Berkshire investment. The legendary investor, who has been Berkshires chairman and CEO for decades, holds 229,016 A shares and 276 B shares to give him control of more than 30% of Berkshires voting stock. He has been gradually giving his shares away to five foundations, with most of his donations going to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Abel already oversees all of Berkshires noninsurance businesses, and Buffett has said that he will one day take over as CEO as part of the companys succession plan. But the 92-year-old Buffett says he has no plans to retire.

Investors will no doubt be encouraged to see Abel buying some Berkshire shares, but this summer he sold back to the company for $870 million his stake in Berkshires Iowa-based utility division that he used to lead. So even after these recent purchases of Berkshire stock, he has a significantly smaller investment in Berkshire than he used to.

Edward Jones analyst Jim Shanahan said hes glad to see Abel investing in Berkshire shares because it demonstrates his alignment with shareholders. But he said its a relatively small investment given Abels wealth and compared to his previous stake in Berkshire Hathaway Energy.

Berkshire owns more than 90 different companies including BNSF Railway, Geico insurance, several major utilities and an assortment of manufacturing and retail companies that includes Dairy Queen, Sees Candy, Helzberg Diamonds and Precision Castparts. Besides the companies it owns outright, Berkshire also has a sizable investment portfolio with major stakes in iconic companies such as Apple, Coca-Cola, Bank of America and American Express.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is moving to tighten security along a key bridge to Crimea after an explosion caused part of the bridge to collapse. The Kerch bridge is an important supply artery for the Kremlins faltering war effort in southern Ukraine. The 12-mile-long bridge is also a symbol of Russia's claim to control the territory, which it annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Nobody has claimed responsibility for the blast early Saturday. Russian authorities say it was caused by a truck bomb, which set some train tanker cars on fire. Train and automobile traffic on the bridge were suspended temporarily. Automobile service was restored later in the day on just part of the bridge.
PHOENIX (AP)  Abortions can take place again in Arizona, at least for now, after an appeals court on Friday blocked enforcement of a pre-statehood law that almost entirely criminalized the procedure.

The three-judge panel of the Arizona Court of Appeals agreed with Planned Parenthood that a judge should not have lifted the decades-old order that prevented the older law from being imposed.

The brief order written by Presiding Judge Peter J. Eckerstrom said Planned Parenthood and its Arizona affiliate had shown they are likely to prevail on an appeal of a decision by the judge in Tucson to allow enforcement of the old law.

Planned Parenthood had argued that the lower court judge should have considered a host of laws restricting abortions passed since the original injunction was put in place following the U.S. Supreme Courts 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade that said women have a constitutional right to an abortion.

Those laws include a new one blocking abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy that took effect last month. The previous limit was 24 weeks, the viability standard established by now-overruled U.S. Supreme Court cases.

Arizona courts have a responsibility to attempt to harmonize all of this states relevant statutes, Eckerstrom wrote, mirroring arguments made by attorneys for Planned Parenthood.

The U.S. Supreme Court overruled Roe in June, and Republican Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich then asked that the injunction blocking enforcement of the pre-statehood abortion be lifted. It had been issued in 1973, shortly after Roe was decided. Pima Court Superior Court Judge Kellie Johnson agreed on Sept. 23 and lifted the order two weeks ago.

Todays decision provides a desperately needed sense of security for both our patients and providers, Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said in a statement. We can now breathe a sigh of relief and serve patients. While the fight isnt over, for now, Arizonans will once again be able to make their own decisions about their bodies, health care decisions, and futures.

Brnovich spokeswoman Brittni Thomason said in a statement that "our office understands this is an emotional issue, and we will carefully review the courts ruling before determining the next step.

Republican Gov. Doug Ducey has said the 15-week law he signed in March takes precedence. But his lawyers did not seek to argue that position in court.

Language in the new 15-week ban said it does not repeal the pre-statehood law, and Brnovich and some Republican lawmakers have insisted the old law takes precedence. It contains an exception if the life of the mother is at risk, but not for rape or incest.

Providers across the state stopped abortions after the U.S. Supreme Court decision, but many restarted procedures in mid-summer. That came after a federal judge blocked a separate personhood law they worried would allow criminal charges against doctors and nurses. They halted again after Johnson's ruling.

Planned Parenthood and other abortion rights advocates have repeatedly said that Arizona's competing abortion laws create confusion for providers and patients.

The appeals court said Planned Parenthood has shown it is likely to prevail on its argument that the trial court erred by limiting its analysis only to the attorney general's request to lift the 50-year-old injunction and refusing to consider the later laws passed by the Legislature to regulate abortion.

Eckerstrom wrote that a stay is appropriate given the acute need of healthcare providers, prosecuting agencies, and the public for legal clarity as to the application of our criminal laws. Notably, in the underlying litigation both parties sought some form of such clarification from the court.

The appeals court set a hearing for next week to consider whether to set an expedited schedule for hearing Planned Parenthood's full appeal.

Separately this week, a Phoenix doctor and an abortion rights group sued to block the old law, raising similar arguments that Johnson had rejected. In her ruling, Johnson wrote that while there may be legal questions regarding conflicting laws, they were not properly before her.

Some clinics in Arizona have been referring patients to providers in California and New Mexico since Johnson lifted the injunction on the old law. The pre-statehood law carries a sentence of two to five years in prison for doctors or anyone else who assists in an abortion. Last year, the Legislature repealed a law allowing charges against women who seek abortions.

One Phoenix clinic has come up with a workaround to allow patients who can use abortions pills to get them delivered to the California-Arizona border for pickup. That cuts the time it takes to get abortion pills, which are effective up to 12 weeks gestation, from a two-day trip to one that can be done in a day.

Since Roe was overturned, Arizona and 13 other states have banned abortions at any stage of pregnancy. About 13,000 people in Arizona get an abortion each year, according to Arizona Department of Health Services reports.
SIOUX CITY -- ALDI's second Sioux City location is set to open later this month.

Matt Lilla, ALDI's Faribault Division vice president, said in a statement that the new store, in Sioux City's Lakeport Commons shopping district, is slated to open Oct. 28. Further details on the store should be released "in the coming weeks," Lilla said in the statement.

The new ALDI is housed in a portion of the former Gordmans storefront at Lakeport Commons, which has since been renovated to accommodate the grocery store. Gordmans, which had been in its Lakeport Commons location since 2005, closed in 2020.

ALDI's first Sioux City location, near the intersection of Floyd Boulevard and Outer Drive, opened in January 2021. A year later, ALDI, a German grocery chain with a massive U.S. presence, confirmed they would open a second location in Sioux City, though without saying where it would be.

Another new store, the national discount clothier Ross Dress for Less, is also moving into part of the former Gordmans storefront. Ross signage has gone up, and a grand opening is slated for this weekend, according to the retailer's website.

The Ross Stores chain, which also operates a discounter called dd's DISCOUNTS, had just shy of 2,000 stores spread across 40 states, the District of Columbia and Guam as of July, and was on track to open 100 stores this year.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the Supreme Court and its newest justice, said before the term began that she was ready to work. She made that clear during arguments in the opening cases.

The tally: 4,568 words spoken over nearly six hours this past week, about 50% more than any of the eight other justices, according to Adam Feldman, the creator of the Empirical SCOTUS blog.

The justices as a whole are generally a talkative bunch, questioning lawyers in rapid succession. For now, Jackson's approach seems less like Justice Clarence Thomas, who once went 10 years without asking a question, and more like Justice Neil Gorsuch, who in his first year was one of the more active questioners.

At one point, she spoke uninterrupted for more than three and a half minutes to lay out her understanding of the history of the post-Civil War 14th Amendment to the Constitution guaranteeing formerly enslaved people equal rights. Jackson's statement ran three transcript pages, the longest Feldman could remember ever seeing.

I cant think of a time where youve seen a junior justice take hold of the arguments to the same extent, Feldman said using the courts shorthand title for the newest justice.

A jurist with a liberal record, Jackson joined a court where conservatives hold a 6-3 advantage, so in many of the most most contentious cases her vote likely does not matter to the outcome. But her performance during arguments seemed to show she intends to make herself heard.

I have a seat at the table now and Im ready to work, she said last week at an appearance at the Library of Congress following her ceremonial investiture at the high court.

In three of the four cases the court heard this past week, she was the most active speaker among the justices.

Feldman said new justices usually sit back and take things in but poke their heads up occasionally to ask a question. This was a different approach," he said.

Monday was the court's opening day and Jackson's first on the Supreme Court bench. The justices were about five minutes into their questioning in what turned out to be a nearly two-hour argument in a dispute over the nations main anti-water pollution law when Jackson asked her first question; she was the fourth justice to do so.

By the end of arguments, she had probed the meaning of the word adjacent," asked whether a marsh in a 1985 case was visually indistinguishable from the abutting creek" and prefaced another question by saying: "Let me try to bring some enlightenment to it by asking it this way."

Justices themselves have acknowledged it takes time to get used to sitting on the highest court in the land. Justice Elena Kagan once compared starting the job to  drinking out of a fire hose  with a learning curve that is extremely steep, sometimes it seems vertical. Some justices have said it takes five years to feel really comfortable in the role.

In her Library of Congress appearance, Jackson talked about the attention on her as the first Black woman to be a justice. People approach her with what I can only describe as a profound sense of pride and what feels to me like renewed ownership," she said.

Their message to her is in essence, You go, girl, Jackson said. They're saying Invisible no more. We see you and we are with you.

Follow APs coverage of the Supreme Court at https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court
DES MOINES  A $5 million grant will aid an overhaul of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch, the state announced Friday, the same day former President George W. Bush was in Cedar Rapids to help raise funds for the museums renovation.

The grant was issued by the states economic development agency through a program that promotes tourism. The grant is funded by federal pandemic relief funding, which Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds originally opposed.

Herbert Hoover is the only U.S. president born in Iowa. The museum features information about Hoover and his wife, First Lady Lou Henry Hoover.

The Hoover Presidential Foundation is in the midst of a $20 million capital campaign to renovate the museums permanent galleries and exhibit galleries. The project will include the addition of 2,250 square feet of updated and interactive displays, and a modernized visitor experience, according to a news release from the state.

Former President Bush was scheduled Friday to receive a humanitarian award and headline a fundraiser for the museum. The event was not open to the media, per an agreement with Bushs staff.

The new $5 million grant is part of the $100 million Destination Iowa program which, according to the state, invests in transformational projects that will bolster the quality of life in Iowa communities and attract visitors and new residents.

Other projects that received new grants Friday from the state program include:

--- $4.5 million to the City of Mason City and Cerro Gordo County for biking trails and a bike park.

--- $4 million to the Central River District Park and Discovery Center in Fort Dodge, which will include meeting spaces, indoor and outdoor classrooms, a large interpretive area, and a scenic overlook of the Des Moines River.

--- $600,000 to Cinema Paradiso in Davenport, to turn an unoccupied building into a two-screen movie theater that promises to feature exclusive events attended by actors and local filmmakers.

Projects funded through the Destination Iowa program must be completed by June 30, 2026.
Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts criticized President Joe Bidens Thursday announcement that he will be pardoning federal marijuana possession convictions.

Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson joined Ricketts in lambasting Bidens decision to pardon Americans convicted of simple possession of marijuana under federal law. Biden said the move reflects his position that no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana.

He also called on governors to issue similar pardons for those convicted of state marijuana offenses, which make up most marijuana possession cases.

Ricketts and Peterson, in a statement, said the presidents decision shows that he is misinformed and ill-advised regarding the issues surrounding marijuana. They said no one is incarcerated in Nebraskas state correctional system simply because of marijuana possession.

Regarding the federal pardon, the White House said that no one is currently in federal prison solely for simple possession but that the pardon could help thousands overcome obstacles to renting a home or finding a job.

Ricketts and Peterson have been outspoken opponents of marijuana and legalization efforts, including in Nebraska where attempts to put medical marijuana legalization before voters have hit obstacles in recent years.

In 2020, the group Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana gathered more than enough signatures to place the question before voters, but the Nebraska Supreme Court tossed it from the ballot because it violated a requirement that ballot initiatives stick to a single subject.

Supporters tried again this year  this time with two separate questions in an attempt to avoid the same fate as two years earlier. However, they failed to collect enough signatures to place the questions on the ballot.

State Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln, a co-sponsor of this years campaign, said in an email Thursday that the pardons were a step in the right direction to right a wrong. He then called on Congress to make marijuana legal under federal law.

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana has already announced plans to try to get medical marijuana on the ballot in 2024, and Sens. Jen Day and Anna Wishart both said they plan to introduce legislation on the issue in the next legislative session, which begins Jan. 4.

In their statement, Ricketts and Peterson said legalization of marijuana in other states has led to increases in drug cartel activity, driver impairment and greater risk for permanent mental health impairment due to higher levels of THC, the compound that gives marijuana its high.

This is exactly the wrong direction for our country, the statement said.
The choice of Sen. Ben Sasse as the sole recommendation to be named as the new president of the University of Florida has sparked opposition from some students in advance of Sasse's scheduled visit to the campus on Monday.

"Nobody understands this choice at all, Bryn Taylor, co-president of the Graduate Assistants United union, said in a story published by the Gainesville Sun.

"It is an extremely political pick at a time when UF is making extremely political rules," Taylor said.

"His track record in office is awful. He is vehemently anti-abortion, anti-LGBTQ rights and anti-student loan forgiveness."

UF College Democrats, Planned Parenthood Generation Action and the Alachua County Labor Coalition are organizing protests against Sasse's hiring, the newspaper reported.

Allan Frasheri, co-president of Young Democratic Socialists of America, said if Sasse is ultimately chosen as university president, he will need to establish trust among the UF community.

Sasse was the unanimous recommendation of the UF presidential search committee as the sole finalist to be named university president.

On Monday, Sasse will meet with faculty, university staff and students on campus. The UF board of trustees will formally consider Sasse's candidacy on Nov. 1.

Republican Florida State Rep. Chuck Clemons said he was both "surprised" and "pleased" with the selection of Sasse as the nominee for president.

"We need to have a person at the University of Florida who can navigate the political waters" in the state and nationally, he said.

A petition drive to protest the choice of Sasse garnered about 175 signatures as of mid-morning on Friday, the newspaper reported.

The university counts more than 50,000 students, including more than 34,000 undergraduates.
Morning routines are looking a little different this fall in a growing number of Nebraska classrooms.

In addition to reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and taking attendance, teachers are facilitating things like mood check-ins and listening sessions to gauge how students are doing.

The practices are part of social and emotional learning, an area of curriculum that many districts across the state are investing in this year with the latest round of federal COVID-19 relief money.

The pandemics impact has taken a toll on students in particular, contributing to an increase in mental health problems since 2020, according to statewide and national data. Nebraska districts, and schools across the U.S., are using the federal money to hire more mental health specialists, roll out new coping tools and expand social and emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, which prioritizes emotional health.

About one-third of school districts in the U.S. have earmarked COVID money for social and emotional learning, said Justina Schlund, spokeswoman for Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning, a national nonprofit that has worked for more than two decades to spread and develop social and emotional learning practice.

The organization defines social and emotional learning as the process through which youths acquire the skills to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, show empathy for others, establish supportive relationships and make responsible, caring decisions.

In Nebraska, the money has allowed the Creighton Community Public Schools to heavily invest in social and emotional learning for the first time, Superintendent Josh Weber said.

The northeast Nebraska district is using about $20,000 to $25,000 for social and emotional learning programs, including Second Step  a common SEL program used by multiple districts  for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Students meet with their school counselor weekly to go through lessons.

One week might focus on being a good listener, and the next week they will learn what it means to be kind, Weber said. I hope it is going to be a really positive program for us.

The district also is starting a new mental health program, which includes reinforcing school expectations, tiered support for challenges, and learning about social skills. Weber said this is the first year a licensed mental health practitioner will be available twice a week.

Since COVID happened, we have really decided to take off with this, Weber said. Before COVID, students were still doing social emotional learning, but COVID has really shone a light on some mental health issues and pushed us to address them.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, 70% of public schools reported an increase in the percentage of students seeking mental health services at school, according to a survey that the National Center for Education Statistics published in May.

About 76% reported an increase in staff voicing concerns about their students exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety and trauma.

Nebraska mental health providers reported in a 2021 survey that cases of pediatric anxiety, depression and family stress have increased both in quantity and severity during the pandemic, according to the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

More than 50% of children surveyed in a separate 2021 UNMC statewide assessment had received mental or behavioral health services during the pandemic.

While social and emotional learning doesnt replace the need for mental health services, it can prevent risks and promote mental wellness, Schlund said.

Its preventative and helps reduce risks of mental health challenges, because it develops social-emotional skills that help students be able to process different emotions and cope with challenges, Schlund said. Research shows when they have relationships and strong SEL skills, it can help protect against mental health risks.

Social and emotional learning has been around for decades, Schlund said, and was even on the rise before the pandemic began. About 95% of school districts in the U.S. have some type of social and emotional learning, according to a 2021 CASEL survey.

But the pandemic revealed the mental wellness need among students and teachers, Schlund said. Earlier this year, when 100 school district leaders across the country were asked what their main priorities are, the top response included social and emotional learning.

Its safe to say it is a really huge focus across the nation, Schlund said.

This year, the Ralston school district is checking in on students daily through morning meetings, said Cecilia Wilken, assistant superintendent for learning.

The meetings take place in every classroom prekindergarten through sixth grade. Each one consists of a greeting to students, welcoming them to class, a sharing activity and an activity focused on a specific behavior or academic area. A morning message concludes the meetings, where teachers write to students what is on the schedule for the day.

Its the idea of taking time to build community and knowing each other, Wilken said. Its about how students interact with each other and they get to learn about each other.

Ralstons chunk of federal COVID relief money also paid for new social and emotional learning curriculum for students prekindergarten through sixth grade this year. Wilken said it focuses on self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, relationship skills and social awareness.

The district has also been using a different curriculum for grades 7-12 that includes the topics of gratitude, courage, compassion and forgiveness.

Wilken said while Ralston has been incorporating a variety of other social and emotional curriculum throughout the past several years, recently purchased programs are focused on helping students transition into a more post-pandemic world.

Our students have been through a lot, Wilken said. We are making sure we have those social and emotional supports in place, and we are helping students learn those life skills. When we think about helping students as we find our new normal, we try to give them opportunities to help them grow.

The Palmyra school district in southeast Nebraska plans to purchase a $4,200 universal social emotional learning screener, which identifies students who may need advanced support.

It gives you data to say Hey, make sure we are following up with this kid or We need to create a safety plan for this kid, said Superintendent Michael Hart. Its another instrument to intervene hopefully as proactively as possible.

The Omaha school district is investing $460,000 from its federal money to implement more social and emotional learning districtwide.

The money has paid for the Second Step curriculum to be incorporated into all K-8 schools. The district also purchased training from the Yale Center for Intelligence for 14 schools. OPS has been able to host parenting workshops for families.

OPS schools are also incorporating SEL into daily activities. For example, Bryan Middle School hands out Bear Bucks to get rewards for positive behavior. The school has already handed out 11,000 Bear Bucks this year.

The district has future plans to incorporate more social emotional learning. Officials are currently searching for proposals from companies who can provide online emotional regulation and mindset tools that could be used in all grade levels.

Firms have until Oct. 24 to submit their proposals for the materials, according to the OPS website.

Josie McDonnell, social emotional learning supervisor for OPS, said while the district has been prioritizing social and emotional learning for decades, she thinks the increased focus on SEL is because of how the pandemic has affected students and teachers well-being.

Its a new buzzword, right? It seems like as we are still in a pandemic, were really focusing on students and educators mental health and wellness, McDonnell said. And I think that in schools, its really important that we teach (SEL) because they are lifelong skills that we use every single day.
NEW YORK (AP)  Phony socialite and convicted swindler Anna Sorokin, whose scheme inspired a Netflix series, has been released from U.S. immigration custody to house arrest, immigration officials and her spokesperson said.

Anna Sorokin is on home confinement in New York City, said her spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer.

"Anna now has her opportunity to demonstrate her commitment to growing and giving back and being a positive impact on those she meets," Engelmayer said in a statement. "She has hurdles before her, and she will navigate them with strength and determination, using her experiences and lessons learned."

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed her release. Sorokin, 31, is fighting deportation to Germany.

She was convicted in 2019 of conning $275,000 from banks, hotels and swank New Yorkers into financing her deluxe lifestyle.

Using the name Anna Delvey, she passed herself off as the daughter of a German diplomat, or an oil baron, and lied about having a $67 million (68 million euro) bankroll overseas to create the impression that she could cover her debts, prosecutors said.

Her trial lawyer said she simply got in over her head as she tried to start a private arts club and had planned to pay up when she could.

The case became the basis for the Netflix series "Inventing Anna," released this year.

After serving three years behind bars, Sorokin was released last year and then detained by immigration authorities. They argue that she has overstayed her visa and must be returned to Germany.

An immigration judge cleared the way Wednesday for Sorokin to be released to home confinement while the deportation fight plays out. She is wearing an ankle monitor and had to post a $10,000 bond, provide an address where she'll stay, and agree not to post on social media.

Her current attorney, Duncan Levin, said Wednesday that Sorokin wants to focus on appealing her conviction.

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The next time a hurricane develops it should be named Kamala, in honor of our vice president. Why Kamala, you ask? Because, like a hurricane, Kamala Harris is sometimes difficult to track, her direction is often unpredictable and the damage she causes can be substantial.

Fresh off her remark (hailing) the alliance between the United States and the Republic of North Korea, Harris said of U.S. climate objectives and the damage caused by Hurricane Ian: It is our lowest income communities and our communities of color that are most impacted by these extreme conditions and impacted by issues that are not of their own making.  And so we have to address this in a way that is about giving resources based on equity, understanding that we fight for equality, but we also need to fight for equity, understanding not everyone starts out at the same place."

Equity and equality are buzzwords Democrats and the left use when they speak about race.

Storms dont discriminate. They damage homes, cars, boats, roads and lives belonging to people of all races and colors. Is the vice president really suggesting that we distribute aid based on equity and equality?

The answer, of course, is politics.

The White House released a fact sheet detailing what disaster relief efforts were being mobilized, likely in hopes that it would replace Harris word salad, but hasnt the damage already been done?

This close to the election, the administration is desperate to shore up its base. Thats what student loan forgiveness is about and its what engaging in what Harris apparent desire to set priorities for equity and equality is also about.

Will Vice President Harris at some point define communities of color? Asked by a reporter to do so, she declined.

What is color?

A Google search of the words Is white a color? produced this result: Some consider white to be a color, because white light comprises all hues on the visible light spectrum. And many do consider black to be a color, because you combine other pigments to create it on paper. But in a technical sense, black and white are not colors, they're shades.

When I was in elementary school we had Crayola crayons. Among the crayon colors were white and black. No one called them shades. As with other skin colors, there are many shades of whiteness. On certain applications there are categories for race. They include non-Hispanic white. Under the Harris plan, if my home had been damaged or destroyed by Ian, as a non-Hispanic white person, would I be on my own with possible help from my insurance company, assuming I had costly flood insurance, which The Wall Street Journal reports many Floridians have dropped?

FEMA Director Deanne Criswell was asked about Harris remark during an appearance on CBSs Face the Nation. She seemed to contradict Harris when she said: Were going to support all communities  all Floridians are going to get the help that is available to them through our programs.

Christina Pushaw, a spokeswoman for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, pushed back even harder when she said (Harris) rhetoric is causing undue panic and must be clarified. FEMA Individual Assistance is already available to all Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian, regardless of race or background.

Arent we all members of communities of color that include rich, poor and middle-class people who have in the past and present been impacted by this and other natural disasters? If Harris had said something like this, it might have brought more unity to the country at a time of need.
Earlier this week, the New York Times covered the dismissal of longtime and highly decorated professor Maitland Jones Jr. from his position as contract (non-tenured) faculty teaching a large organic chemistry course at New York University. Following the receipt of a student petition that said the class was too hard to pass, Jones was not accessible as an instructor, and the students future chances at going to medical school were being put at risk, administrators dismissed Jones, citing low student evaluation scoreseven though his dismissal was not a remedy sought by students in the petition.

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The resulting online discussion was like a game of Clue, with people trying to figure out who was to blame for the outcome.

It was the aging professor, with his old-fashioned ways, in the lecture hall.

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It was the whiny students, with the petition to the director of undergraduate studies, in the departmental office.

It was the administration, with their craven pursuit of tuition dollars, at the treasurers.

Having had a nearly 20-year career as a college writing instructor, and having wrestled with student disengagement of the same kind Jones reported seeing among his students at NYU, I suspected theres likely something to be learned by examining this problem at a structural and systemic level.

Unfortunately, I know squat about organic chemistry. I took earth science in college and didnt cover myself in glory, even in that easier course. So I reached out to Dan Singleton, professor of chemistry and Davidson professor of science at Texas A&M University, where he has been teaching organic chemistry at the undergraduate and graduate level for 35 years. At Texas A&M, Singleton has been honored by the Association of Former Students with distinguished teaching awards in 1995, 2008, and 2015, and in 2017, he received the Wells-Fargo Honors Faculty Mentor Award.

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Singleton and I chatted over email, and I got the chance to ask him what makes organic chemistry hard for students, how doctors find it useful, and whether weed-out courses are a net good for education. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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John Warner: First, theres one burning question that I think people are dying to know the answer to. Should we be referring to organic chemistry as o-chem, or org chem, or orgo? Also, for those of us who only know organic chemistry as that thing we did our best to avoid while in school, what is it? How do you describe it to a layperson?

Dan Singleton: I hear orgo mainly, these days, but maybe that is just because it stands out to my ears. O-chem is what I grew up on.

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O-chem, the study of organic compounds, is special because carbon is the ultimate Lego of atoms. It hooks strongly to itself in chains and rings and layers, it forms strong connections with almost any other atom, and you can build things limited only by your creativity. Life exists because the chemistry of carbon compounds, organic chemistry, allows an infinite and controlled complexity of structure and function.

There seems to be near universal agreement that organic chemistry is hard. What makes it so hard?

It shouldnt be hard. Look, o-chem isnt that deep, and it doesnt require complex skills coming in the door. In 35 years, I have never once said to a student If you had learned more in X class, o-chem would be going better for you.

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But o-chem causes problems for students in two ways. First, students are used to courses where they have seen much of the material before. Each course is partially review, with a bit of an advance each year. Students taking gen chem in college may be seeing much of the material for the third time. O-chem is all new. Not a single student comes in knowing how to push electrons for an SN2 reaction or how to draw the chair conformations for trans-1,3-dimethylcyclohexane. After the first week, every bit is outside of their comfort zone.

The second issue is that the course is mercilessly cumulative. If you have trouble seeing resonance structures in Week 2, acidity is going to roll you over and over. Miss a reaction in Week 7, and you wont know you can use it in a synthesis in Week 10. Fall behind and the lectures become harder and harder to understand. You cant make up for it by cramming a couple of days before an exam.

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On Twitter, you said that you could teach anyone organic chemistry, given enough time. But I feel like this would be a steep challenge for, well, someone like me with no science background, limited technical knowledge of any kind, and no apparent facility for spatial reasoning. How would you reach me?

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I dont need for you to know anything; I dont assume that my class walks in with any useful skills. Much of what they do know is simplistic or wrong or off-focus for the course, or most often just too slow. Their ability to write a Lewis structure and assign charges in two minutes is no advantage over your not being able to do it at all. I will teach you the quick and dirty way, just like I do them.

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I would reach you by hunting you down and making you do problems, in class, online, in problem sessions, in problem sets and from old exams. Then when your arrows go wrong, when your equatorial bonds go astray, as they will, we fix them, curved arrow by curved arrow, charge by charge. You might not need all that feedbacka portion of students, a small portion, hear once Start every arrow at a lone pair or a bond, dont push atoms, dont push positive charges, and never make those mistakes again. Some need to go wrong and have it corrected a couple of times, some five, some 10, some 20whatever it takes. If we can get you a few bottleneck skills, undergraduate o-chem devolves to details, nontrivial but more like a biology or history class.

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My field is teaching writing, and one of my consistent refrains about how we teach writing is that we really know quite a lot about what works to help students improve as writers, but the systems we teach and learn inside of are largely hostile to doing the things we know are effective. Most teachers have too many students to work with closely to give the kind of feedback that helps students progress. First-year writing courses are often taught by grad students who are dedicated, but lack experience, or contingent faculty, who are busy trying to cobble together a reasonable living. It makes doing what we know works very difficult.

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I suppose this is a long way of asking about the structural conditions of teaching organic chemistry. What are the conditions? Are they sufficient to do the work?

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The situation seems the same in organic chemistry. We know what worksworking problems with feedback. That takes time, which takes both university resources and the students being able to take advantage of those resources. My university surely trieswe have a long-term commitment to relatively small classes, maxed at ~100, with each having an extra supplemental instruction leader and with the instructors holding extra problem sessions. But we know it isnt enough, because we lose about 20 percent of our organic chemistry I students as DFQs (people who get Ds and Fs, or who drop the class). That is too many. I think we could save half of those without lowering standards, but getting students the required one-on-one interaction and feedback is harder and harder with larger classes. I have been teaching a small honors class in an experimental way, and what worked smoothly for 20 students is on edge at 35, and is largely impossible in a class I am subbing with 67 students. You just cant get to everyone or catch all the errors.

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But we should never separate entirely a discussion of resources from a discussion of students ability to take advantage of those resources. Profs tend to complain about students not coming to office hours or problem sessions, but many are taking a full load and working long hours to survive or at times support their families. Courses like o-chem are really hard for those students, and it is a problem with our system.

I want to ask about organic chemistry and its status as a so-called weed-out course, particularly for medical school. Im curious about your feelings about this concept of weed outs? Good thing? Bad thing? Some mix of both?

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I dont like the idea of any course being a weed out, because we should surely consider people in a holistic way. Also, there is no reason to view the subject matter of organic chemistry as being particularly important for medical school, though I will defend it being of some value.

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But with that said, I will perhaps get myself in trouble by saying that o-chem success is worthy of careful consideration. O-chem is the first course that many students take where being a rich child who has had every prior advantage and the very best preparation is of little help; being lazy but very bright wont cut it; falling behind, then cramming, is a sure recipe for doom.

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O-chem cant equalize everythingas we said above, having the time and ability to get help comes with privilege, and we cant get away from it entirelybut I suspect it is a fairer measure of students than gen chem or calculus or composition, all of which will be greatly influenced by their high school. So the lore is that the organic chemistry grade is the best indicator of how someone will succeed in the first two years of medical school.

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Is organic chemistry truly vital for future medical students who then become medical doctors? If so, in what way?

We just went through a pandemic where nonsense and pseudoscience were rampant and killing people, and they still are, and I think the only thing that saved us as a society was that you could say to people Talk to your doctor. Their doctors are the only scientifically trained and trusted authority that most people know. There were obvious exceptions, but doctors held us together. With social media blasting that Paxlovid and ivermectin were the same thing, you could at least rely on no doctors who took organic chemistry thinking so. It would help society if doctors knew even more science, surely not less.

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And you really dont know any chemistry until you know organic chemistry. At its core, chemistry is about understanding molecular structures and what they can do. You learn that in o-chem. Sure, the details get lostno non-chemist need ever use or remember a Diels-Alder reaction. But I know from the experience of taking biochemistry before organic that before o-chem so much was just incomprehensible lines on paper. O-chem gives all those lines and letters meaning. The details may be lost more and more over the long run, but the basic ideas remain. I cant imagine thinking about, say, pharmacology without having learned o-chem.

While not every situation like whats going on with Jones and the students and administrators at NYU makes the New York Times, in my experience, examples of disconnects between students and a college course are common as dirt. Throw in the complications of the pandemic, and things are even more fraught. Rather than debating about which group is most at fault when these things happen, what should we be doing to bridge these gaps?

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The days of students being passive consumers of whatever kind of course a prof wants to throw at them are gone. They are going to make judgments on courses and broadcast their opinions, and at times it can snowball into a course meltdown. Students can certainly be ridiculous at times, and the evidence is that there is often little correlation between the popularity of a course and its effectiveness, but the students opinions cant be ignored. That is just the lay of the land. Their happiness affects learning in courses all by itself.

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Profs need to do a better job of communicating what they are trying to accomplish in a course. We have wildly differing educational philosophies. Many are deep into personal responsibilitya colleague tells students not to come to his office until they have read the textbook chapter. Me, I dont know anything about teaching students responsibility. I am trying to teach o-chem, and I am going to drag you kicking and screaming through my problems if need be. Some teach at a minimum level to make the course accessible to everyone; others push everything beyond the students, trying to give them a lofty goal for aspiration. There should be room for all these philosophies at a university, but we need to explain it to the students. Break the fourth wall: I see it was frustrating, but here is why I asked this question. Students can be very understanding, and they will buy in and even help you defend against complaints, if they know you have a reason you do what you do.

So I am putting this on the profs. The students are what they are, which is mostly reasonable, and they did a champion job accepting the complications of COVID. We can do better.
Dear Prudence is Slates advice column. Submit questions here. (Its anonymous!)

Dear Prudence,

My 42-year-old son has recently filed for divorce from his wife of 12 years, over her inability to have biological children. Personally, I feel that this is horrible and petty, and while I love my son, hes not behaving well here. That is as it is, I have spent 17 years getting to know Jasmine, and had we met as coworkers or at the gym, I would have considered us friends, not mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. We get along well, and previously went on frequent outings together, in which we did not talk about her relationship with my son, but about everything else.

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But, and there is always a but, I dont want to take sides here. My son is entitled to his wishes and desires, but if this happened to some other couple, I would definitely support the woman here. Is there a way forward to include her in my life, should she want that? I wouldnt want to cause her additional pain, as she was blind-sided by his request for a divorce by being a reminder of her failed marriage. I had thought to write an email, letter, or text saying I was still here and to write back when she was ready, if she wanted to stay friends. But I worry that makes it seem like I dont want to be. Honestly, at the moment, Id rather be her mother (who is still living and a positive maternal figure as it is), than my thoughtless sons.

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Torn Up Inside

Dear Torn Up,

Please reach out to this woman, and dont leave any room for doubt about how much you love her and want to maintain your relationship. Honestly, maybe even tell her the part about how youd rather be her mother. Shes hurt and she needs you, and it sounds like you need her, too. On a practical level, as you age, you are going to need support and community and I would bet shes much more likely to be there for you than your selfish and seemingly heartless son.

Get Dear Prudence in Your Inbox We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time.

Dear Prudence,

Im lucky to have maintained a group of childhood friends into my mid-30s even though weve never lived in the same place as adults. When were together, we revert back to girls at boarding school for better or for worse. My closest friend is also the quirkiest in the group. Over the past decade, Ive gotten into the practice of lending her clothes for extended periods. Once she came to visit and packed her bag full of homemade gifts, so I clothed her all weekend. Another time she stopped on her way to a colder climate and borrowed a jacket (she returned it a few months later at our mutual friends wedding). So when she accompanied her husband on a business trip to my city this summer and asked to borrow a formal dress for an event, I had no qualms about lending one. She is odd but not unreliable.

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She recently announced to the group that her husband sold his business and they are going to travel globally for the next year and work as digital nomads. In preparation for the trip, they ended their lease, stashed some heirlooms with various friends and family, and liquidated all of their belongings that theyre not taking along, saying theyll buy everything new when they come back. I bet you know where this is going The whereabouts of my dress are unknown.

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I asked about the dress as soon as I heard of their plans to sell everything. Once she admitted she didnt know where, or to whom, the dress was given, I asked for a small repayment from the proceeds. She never responded to that topic. Shes well-off and gainfully employed, and I didnt expect her to default on this loan. She profited from something that Id loaned herI should either get the dress or some money back, right? This is already making me resentful but I dont want to lose a friend over it.

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Lonely Lender

Dear Lonely Lender,

The nerve of her! Your friends failure to repay you is only going to become more annoying when she starts posting from some beachfront location with the caption office for the day and talking about how her lunch was only $2, her hotel is only $30 a night, and the locals are so friendly. Of course, you should either expect to get the dress or some money back. Ask her directly one more time. If she doesnt respond, Im not saying you have to officially end the friendship. But the distance, her selfishness, and your justified irritation over this might do that work for you.

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Dear Prudence,

Ive always been a good planner, which has been more of a burden than a benefit. Im a lawyer, and even though I work a ton of hours a week, my family always relies on me to figure out any plans we have coming up. The big issue is no one will give input but they will always complain about the choices I make.

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Because of the requirements of my job, I dont get to take much time off for vacations, and every time I do, Im planning everything for everyone and making sure everyone is happy. I recently planned a trip to Europe for my husband and my retired parents. Even though my parents are retired, they did not take the time to read through any of the brochures or websites I sent them. They kept responding by saying that I always pick out good things and that I always know what people like, even though I did not have time to go through the information myself with the caseload Im working on.

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When we got to our vacation, everyone seemed pretty disappointed that I did not have an immediate game plan. I came up with ideas on the fly and it was a pretty exhausting day. All I wanted to do was relax and read the first night, but my family insisted on me finding a place they can go to that had live music. I found a place nearby and brought them there. They didnt like the music and wanted me to find another location. I put my foot down and insisted we stay unless someone else figured out what we are doing. Afterward, they complained and said that I always get my way about where we go, and my husband backed them up! I am so busy trying to guess what people want to do, I never ever get my way on vacations!

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I ended up blowing up at everyone. I went on strike for the rest of the trip and refused to make any decisions. Our trip was disjointed and everyone was disappointed. My family is mad at me and thinks Im a little crazy for the blowup. I hardly want to see anyone right now. All I want is a vacation by myself, and to pay someone else to figure out how I do it. This isnt the first time Ive tried to manage expectations and failed. How do I get my husband and the rest of my family to participate in decision-making and take all of this emotional labor off my plate?

Considering Moving to a Spa By Myself Forever

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Dear Moving to a Spa,

Oh wow. You are so used to taking responsibility for other people that you think its your job to get your husband and the rest of the family to participate in decision-making. You dont have to figure this out for them. You dont have to get them to do anything at all. All you have to do here is decide what you want to dono more than that. So, your angle is not Everyone needs to get together and plan the next trip! Im sending a Zoom invite so you can meet and figure it out. First agenda item: Taking emotional labor off my plate. Please be on time and remember to have your cameras and mics on. Your angle is when someone asks What are we doing for our next vacation? to respond, Not sure, Im not able to plan it. But I am going to visit a friend for a week.

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Heres the tricky thing about not taking responsibility for all the decision-making: It means you dont get to choreograph family events to look exactly the way you want them to. You have to be at peace with the fact that if you dont make plans, they might not get made at all. Retiring from your job as a camp counselor for all of these ungrateful and unmotivated people will feel great, but be prepared for it also to feel a little tough to give up the control youre used to.

Catch up on this weeks Prudie.

More Advice From Slate

I have a friend whos always been a little cheap with shared checks. If I throw my card down for ease and let people Venmo me, hell pay me, like, a conservative estimate of his portion (often short of the real total) and also not take tax or tip into account. I always kind of forget about this until he does it again. A few months ago, he estimated $25 when he owed me $40, and I was like, Bro, and he seemed perplexed and gave me the $40. I tell you all this because on our last hangout, it was just us, and through other conversation about COVID and his current joblessness, he reluctantly revealed he is an heir to one of the biggest family fortunes in America
Georgia Republican Senate candidate Herschel Walker has campaigned as the Big Mister Religion Guy who wants abortion banned, with no exceptions for rape, incest, or the life of the mother. He may, however, support exceptions in cases where he himself has gotten someone pregnant. The Daily Beast this week reported, with compelling evidence, that Walker paid for a woman hed knocked up to get an abortion in 2009. Walkers immediate response was to deny this, call it a flat-out lie, and swear hed sue the Daily Beast the following morning (he didnt). Then it was reported, by the Beast, that this woman happens to also be the mother of one of his children. As much as they may be privately apoplectic, Republican campaign committees and supportive groups are closing ranks behind Walker while attacking the media for carrying out a Democratic hatchet job. (Since Walker cant be replaced at this point, and Georgia is critical to Republicans chances of controlling the Senate, they have little other choice.) This is the 2022 campaign in a nutshell: Republicans, with baffling Trump-backed candidates up and down the ballot, making it much harder to score a decisive midterm referendum against an unpopular Democratic president than it needed to be. That doesnt mean you should count Herschel Walker out, by the way. Or any of them. Republicans still have an exceptional chance to retake both chambers of Congress, in spite of it all.
https://sputniknews.com/20221007/pepper-spray-incident-interrupts-morning-commute-in-manhattan-1101623736.html

Pepper Spray Incident Interrupts Morning Commute in Manhattan

Pepper Spray Incident Interrupts Morning Commute in Manhattan

Subway riders were left rattled this week after several violent crimes hit New York Citys underground. Service was shut down on several New York City public... 07.10.2022, Sputnik International

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One person was injured, and train service on the N, Q, R, W, and numbers 4, 5, and 6 was shut down temporarily in Manhattan, according to NYC Transit.According to an NYPD spokesperson, a dispute on an R train led someone to spray a canister of pepper spray on the platform of the 14th street - Union Square station. According to FDNY officials, only one person was taken to the hospital.The injured person was a man in his 70s, and his condition wasnt immediately clear.Police didnt immediately say whether anyone had been arrested in connection with the incident, or if the suspect was targeting specific persons or groups.The incident comes only hours after a 38-year-old man was fatally stabbed Thursday night in an unprovoked attack while disembarking a subway train in the Bronx, according to the NYPD.Both investigations are ongoing.

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https://sputniknews.com/20221007/world-more-dangerous-than-in-cuban-missile-crisis---but-its-natos-doing-not-moscow-experts-say-1101624529.html

World 'More Dangerous' than in Cuban Missile Crisis - But its NATOs Doing, Not Moscow, Experts Say

World 'More Dangerous' than in Cuban Missile Crisis - But its NATOs Doing, Not Moscow, Experts Say

On Thursday, US President Joe Biden told attendees at a Democratic Party fundraiser that Russian President Vladimir Putin had raised the prospect of... 07.10.2022, Sputnik International

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Bidens comments continue a false line of attack by Western leaders and the press, which paint Putins comments on September 21 about its willingness to defend its territory as having been threats against other nations.Putin said he was referring to both the incessant shelling of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, Europes largest nuclear plant, by the Ukrainian military, but also to threats to "decolonize" Russia by balkanizing the federation's numerous ethnic republics into tiny independent countries.Indeed, in the days since, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the West to carry out preventive strikes, preventive action against Russia instead of waiting for the nuclear strikes first.Bruce Gagnon, director of the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space, told Sputnik on Friday that in fact, the situation is even more dangerous than 1962 - but not because of Moscow.Today, the US has missile launch bases in Romania and Poland that can fire first-strike attack nuclear-capable cruise missiles that could hit Russia in minutes. At the same time, the US-NATO has their intelligence services and special forces troops inside Ukraine running the war against Russia. Along with the ever-expanding NATO, these realities signal that this war is much more severe than what happened in 1962.Washington is having a nervous fit and wants to strike back at anyone who dares to resist Washington's 'full spectrum dominance.' The US is incapable of serious negotiations to limit nuclear weapons, wars for control of resources, or respect for the national sovereignty of other nations.Washington is a very sore loser and always strikes back in retribution when it has been defeated. These are very dangerous times. Washington and the EU elites are currently willing to drag this war out into the future. The US wants regime change in Moscow and the break-up of Russia into smaller countries that would enable the resource-hungry West to grab Russia's natural bounty.Joseph Oliver Boyd-Barrett, a professor emeritus at Bowling Green State University, told Sputnik that The Soviet Union is not Russia: the Soviet Union had a mission to spread communist philosophy, whereas a capitalist Russia in actuality poses no threat to the West beyond the protection of its natural security interests.This, he said, is because the model of Western capitalism, untempered by a sufficient commitment to real public interest, is dying. The graver the self-imposed energy crisis for Europe, the more intense is the Wests desperation, as neoliberal European leaders look helplessly to the US to pull them from the mess they are in.Sadly, he added, there may well be no JFK here and no [Soviet Premier Nikita] Khrushchev - i.e. men or women with sufficient leadership skill and emotional intelligence to know when and how to talk in the shadows.Boyd-Barrett said Zelensky plays an optics game, feeding perceptions of panic to get more Western money for Ukraine, regardless of whether such funds have any practical use.What is said in public is thoroughly depressing. Zelensky, the optics guy. has decreed against even the possibility of negotiations, while Russia has zero reason to believe anything that Ukraine says or that its Western sponsors say, given the hostility of Washington and London to the peace deal that was almost struck on March 29.

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Fantine Gardinier

nuclear weapons, joe biden, ukraine, volodymyr zelensky, russia
https://sputniknews.com/20221008/assange-supporters-stage-protest-outside-us-department-of-justice-in-washington-1101644596.html

Assange Supporters Stage Protest Outside US Department of Justice in Washington

Assange Supporters Stage Protest Outside US Department of Justice in Washington

MOSCOW, (Sputnik) - Around a hundred protesters gathered outside the US Department of Justice in downtown Washington on Saturday, urging the authorities to... 08.10.2022, Sputnik International

2022-10-08T21:37+0000

2022-10-08T21:37+0000

2022-10-08T21:37+0000

americas

us

julian assange

us justice department

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On June 17, UK Home Secretary Priti Patel approved the extradition of the 51-year-old Australian journalist to the US, where he is facing a possible sentence of up to 175 years in prison. WikiLeaks called Patel's decision a dark day for press freedom and for British democracy and promised to challenge the order.The protesters marched around the building, holding a banner saying "Free Assange," and staged a protest in front of the entrance.One activist, a former analyst and case officer for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John Kiriakou, stressed that the information released by Assange belongs to the American people, who have the right to know what the government does on their behalf.Another participant, Jeremy "Spike" Cohen, who was the Libertarian party's nominee for the US vice president in 2020, noted that both current and previous US administrations had common views on Assange, as the government is controlled by the military-industrial sector.Leader of the Doctors for Assange group, Dr Jill Stein, stressed that his possible extradition to the US poses major risks to his life and "the life of our democracy."Assange is wanted by the US on espionage charges after WikiLeaks published thousands of classified documents that shed light on war crimes committed by American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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https://sputniknews.com/20221008/con-artist-anna-sorokin-freed-from-ice-custody-1101625889.html

Con Artist Anna Sorokin Freed From ICE Custody

Con Artist Anna Sorokin Freed From ICE Custody

Fake heiress Anna Sorokin, whose story inspired the Netflix series Inventing Anna, was arrested in 2017 and jailed at Rikers Island. Starting in 2013, the... 08.10.2022, Sputnik International

2022-10-08T02:20+0000

2022-10-08T02:20+0000

2022-10-08T02:20+0000

viral

celebrity gossip

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On Friday, the Russian-born con artist was freed from federal prison on a $10,000 bail bond after she was jailed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in March of last year as a result of overstaying her visa. One condition of her release includes being housebound for 24 hours with GPS monitoring. The fake socialite is also banned from using any social media platform including Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok.Sorokin spent 17 months in the Orange County Correctional Facility in Orange County, New York, until a judge ruled on Wednesday that she could be released from the correctional facility.Judge Charles Conroy ruled that Sorokin, who now faces deportation to Germany, remains a present danger to the community and presents some flight risk, such risk and danger can be mitigated by specific alternatives to detention and monetary bond.However, she is looking forward to restarting her life," says Jude Engelmayer, a spokesperson for Sorokin."The government failed to demonstrate that she posed such a threat to public safety that the only possible solution is to lock her up in jail," John Sandweg, her immigration lawyer, previously told Fox News.Sorokin posed as a German heiress and managed to swindle banks, hotels, and even her friends out of $275,000. She was found guilty on three counts of grand larceny, one count of attempted grand larceny and four counts of theft of services.However, the fake heiress was acquitted on one count of grand larceny and one count of attempted grand larceny; the jury found her not guilty of attempting to secure a $22 million loan from the Fortress Investment Group, which she intended to use to launch a social club called the Anna Delvey Foundation. She was then sentenced to four to 12 years in prison for her scheme. Sorokin served just three years and was released on parole for good behavior.Sorokin was arrested by ICE for overstaying her visa just weeks after being released from prison.But the fake heiress did manage to make off with $320,000, legally, after she sold her story to Netflix and helped advise the Shonda Rhimes created and produced series Inventing Anna.

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celebrity gossip, celebrity scandal, celebrities, crime
https://sputniknews.com/20221008/dprk-defends-righteous-missile-tests-as-response-to-us-threats-1101636526.html

DPRK Defends Righteous Missile Tests as Response to US Threats

DPRK Defends Righteous Missile Tests as Response to US Threats

Tensions on the Korean peninsula have increased dramatically over the past two weeks amid a series of North Korean missile tests conducted in response to... 08.10.2022, Sputnik International

2022-10-08T11:37+0000

2022-10-08T11:37+0000

2022-10-08T11:37+0000

north korea

missile

drills

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The Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas (DPRKs) latest missile test constituted a regular and planned self-defensive step for defending the country security and regional peace from the USs direct military threats that have lasted for more than half a century, a spokesperson from North Koreas National Aviation Administration announced Saturday.In a separate statement Saturday, a North Korean Ministry of National Defense spokesman warned that the US deployment of the Ronald Reagan carrier strike group in the Sea of Japan and drills together with South Korean puppet forces threatens to provoke a huge negative splash to the regional situation.North Korea conducted half-a-dozen ballistic missile tests over the past two weeks in the face of growing US, South Korean and Japanese drills in the area, with the latest launch carried out Thursday and consisting of the firing of a pair of short-range missiles toward the DPRKs east coast. On Tuesday, Pyongyang fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile over the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, with the missile splashing down in the Pacific Ocean, about 3,000 km east of Japan.The missile involved, believed to be the Hwasong-12, has a range of up to 6,000 km, enough to strike the US Pacific territory of Guam in the event of a conflict. The launch was the first of its kind in five years.South Korea and the US kicked off a new two-day naval exercise on Friday, less than 24 hours after wrapping up trilateral drills with Japan in the Sea of Japan. A Pentagon spokesperson warned Thursday that the US expects Pyongyang to conduct a new nuclear test, and promised to consult closely with regional allies and partners to respond appropriately to any potential future provocative acts by North Korea.Amid the heightened tensions, Chinese Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Geng Shuang called on the Security Council to play a constructive role on the Korean Peninsula issue instead of relying solely on strong rhetoric or pressure.North Korea unveiled an updated military doctrine last month officially declaring the country to be a nuclear weapons state. The doctrine allows for nuclear weapons to be used in the event of an enemy nuclear attack, a large-scale conventional attack, or attempted decapitation strike. The document characterizes the countrys strategic deterrent as a powerful means for defending the sovereignty, territorial integrity and fundamental interests of the state and a means for preventing war on the Korean Peninsula.Relations between Pyongyang and Washington have worsened dramatically over the past year-and-a-half, in part thanks to the breakdown of the face-to-face diplomacy carried out by Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump during the latters tenure in office. Joe Biden repeatedly attacked Trump for negotiating with the thug and tyrant North Korean leader on the campaign trail in 2020, prompting Pyongyang to dub Biden an imbecile and rabid dog who should be beaten to death with a stick.The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists estimates that North Korea has enough fissile material to build between 45 and 55 nuclear weapons, and the countrys Hwasong-15 and Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missiles give Pyongyang the theoretical capability to hit any point in the continental United States, endowing the country with the ability to deter foreign aggression.

https://sputniknews.com/20221007/south-korea-and-us-launch-another-joint-military-exercise-in-sea-of-japan-1101595131.html

https://sputniknews.com/20221004/north-korean-missile-flew-4600-km-with-maximum-altitude-of-1000-km---japanese-cabinet-1101484170.html

https://sputniknews.com/20220909/dprks-new-nuclear-doctrine-is-cheapest-fastest-way-to-get-deterrent-us-will-take-seriously-prof-1100602477.html

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Ilya Tsukanov

Ilya Tsukanov

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Ilya Tsukanov

north korea, missile, drills, exercises
https://sputniknews.com/20221008/imran-khan-likely-to-be-put-under-house-arrest-reports-claim-1101631817.html

Imran Khan Likely to Be Put Under House Arrest, Reports Claim

Imran Khan Likely to Be Put Under House Arrest, Reports Claim

Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan this week held a series of meetings with members of his party to prepare for the much-touted Haqeeqi Azaadi... 08.10.2022, Sputnik International

2022-10-08T11:17+0000

2022-10-08T11:17+0000

2022-10-08T11:17+0000

india

pakistan

pakistan

imran khan

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Pakistan's federal government is likely to arrest former Prime Minister Imran Khan at his residence in Islamabad, multiple news outlets have reported. Although it is not yet clear what charges Khan may face, action by the administration will come soon after he announces dates for his ambitious Haqeeqi Azaadi march. Local news channel ARY reported that Khan would be arrested in connection with a foreign funding case.Dawn.com reported that the ousted prime minister would be detained under the Mainteinance of Public Ordinance, either in Islamabad or before entering the city once he starts his march from Punjab.However, Khan has still not announced the dates or venue of the protest, but told party workers that the march would take place at some point after October 9, the Prophet Muhammads birthday. Khan said that the rally will take on the government and seek the dissolution of Pakistans legislative assembly.The reports came after PTI politicians, including Tariq Shafi, Hamid Zaman, and Saif Niazi, were arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).PTI spokesperson Fawad Hussain Chaudhry called the arrests a sign that the current government is "panicking" after the announcement of the protest.Meanwhile, another media report said that ahead of the march, Islamabad would be sealed and about 1,000 containers would be placed on highways to stop vehicles and protesters from entering the city. The government will reportedly also resort to helicopters and drones to use tear gas against the Haqeeqi Azaadi protesters.This will be Khans first major rally after he was ousted in a parliamentary no-confidence vote by Shehbaz Sharif in April.In May, he announced another rally, but the event was abruptly called off at the last minute after party members arrived in the federal capital. Khan has addressed many public gatherings over the past few months at both state and local levels.

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pakistan, pakistan, imran khan
https://sputniknews.com/20221008/lindsey-graham-snapped-at-mother-of-january-6-victim-alleges-michael-fanone-1101626284.html

Lindsey Graham Snapped at Mother of January 6 Victim, Alleges Michael Fanone

Lindsey Graham Snapped at Mother of January 6 Victim, Alleges Michael Fanone

Former D.C. police officer Michael Fanone's new book Hold the Line: The Insurrection and One Cops Battle for Americas Soul is about Fanones experience on... 08.10.2022, Sputnik International

2022-10-08T03:47+0000

2022-10-08T03:47+0000

2022-10-08T03:47+0000

viral

lindsey graham

us

news

january 6

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Fanone, who voted for Trump in 2016 and has since then become a critic of the former president after he suffered a brain injury and a heart attack during the January 6 attacks, says that Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina snapped at the mother of a police officer who died following the January 6, 2021 attacks.Fanones new book details a meeting, reports Politico, between House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy, Harry Dunn, and Gladys Sicknick, the mother of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick who died at the age of 42 after he suffered two strokes following an assault by January 6 rioters. Despite the fact that Sicknick died in the line of duty to protect the same country which Graham serves, the Republican senator snapped at the deceased officers mourning mother during a meeting which Fanone recounted in cringey detail.Graham, who first refused to support Trumps 2016 presidential bid and referred to him as a jacka**, kook, and a race-baiting bigot, became a major supporter of Trump after he was elected president. The Republican senator, who said he had never been so humiliated and embarrassed for the country following the January 6 riot, continued to have a close friendship with the man who incited the mob in the weeks that followed.Sicknicks family pleaded with lawmakers to investigate the riot which caused their sons death, adding that if they failed to do so, it would be a slap in the faces of all the officers who did their jobs that day. Sandra Garza, the longtime partner of Sicknick who also advocated for an investigation, told The New York Times that she had confronted Graham for being disrespectful during one of their meetings."I said, 'I feel like you're being very disrespectful, and you're looking out the window and tapping your fingers on the desk,'" Garza told the outlet. Sicknick and Garza were also supporters of Trump. However, her opinion of the president since the January 6 attack has drastically changed.Fanones new book, which he co-wrote with Reuters reporter John Schiffman, describes the attack on Capitol Hill, during which a mob of Trump supporters attempted to interrupt a joint session of Congress from formalizing President Joe Bidens win in the 2020 presidential election. Fanone was diagnosed with a heart attack and a concussion after he was tased at the base of his neck by rioters. In 2021, after 20 years of service and despite being just five years away from retirement, he resigned.Whenever I left my cubicle, I was ostracized, treated like a leper, writes Fanone in his new book.I just want people to f****** recognize what happened on January 6, Fanone told Politico. Theres a lot of police officers at the Metropolitan Police Department and other law enforcement agencies that participated in the defense of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, that still do not accept the reality of what January 6 was.

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lindsey graham, us, news, january 6
IAEA Head Says Will Visit Russia in Near Future, Then Return to Ukraine on Issue of Safety Zone Around Zaporozhye NPP

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi said on Saturday he will visit Russia early next week and then return to Kiev for further consultations on implementation of a safety zone around the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant.



"The resumption of shelling, hitting the plants sole source of external power, is tremendously irresponsible. The Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant must be protected. I will soon travel to the Russian Federation, and then return to Ukraine, to agree on a nuclear safety and security protection zone around the plant," he said in a statement.
https://sputniknews.com/20221008/los-angeles-breaks-record-gas-prices-newsom-calls-out-big-oil-for-price-gouging-1101626086.html

Los Angeles Breaks Record Gas Prices, Newsom Calls out Big Oil for 'Price Gouging'

Los Angeles Breaks Record Gas Prices, Newsom Calls out Big Oil for 'Price Gouging'

High state taxes, in addition to supply issues complicated by the war in Ukraine, are driving up gas prices on the West Coast, even as prices fall elsewhere... 08.10.2022, Sputnik International

2022-10-08T03:09+0000

2022-10-08T03:09+0000

2022-10-08T03:09+0000

us

los angeles

gas prices

california

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Last week, you could purchase a gallon of gas in California for about $6.18, on average. This week, gas prices in some parts of the state reached record highs, with the cost of gasoline reaching over $8 a gallon in some areas.In Los Angeles, where a new record was set this week with a gallon costing (on average) $6.49, youll pay nearly double the national average, which is currently $3.87.The rising costs have been attributed to the states oil refineries, whose problems are affecting supply. According to reports, at least six refineries in California have undergone maintenance, leading Gov. Gavin Newsom to call for state regulators to relax the rules governing refineries in an effort to bring down soaring gas prices.Members of the Newsom administration said that the difference between California prices and the national average has never been larger, and in a video posted to Twitter on Friday, the governor placed the blame for soaring prices squarely on the shoulders of the oil companies.California places stricter regulations on oil refineries in an effort to curb the amount of pollutants introduced into the atmosphere, which leads to higher prices, according to oil industry representatives.Last week, Newsom called on lawmakers to move up the sale of cheaper winter blend gas, which contains higher levels of butane. Making the change from summer gas, which by law is designed to lessen smog-causing pollutants during hotter months, would likely save consumers 15-20 cents a gallon, said Doug Shupe, spokesman for the Southern California Automobile Club, an affiliate of AAA.If these prices go up to $7 a gallon, a 15-cent drop is not really going to mean much to drivers, Shupe said.In a statement, Newsom said he expected the relaxation of regulations to increase supplies by up to 10%. On Friday, he also called for a special session of the state legislature to pass a new tax on oil company profits to punish them for price gouging. Major oil companies have seen record profits this summer and the price of crude oil has dropped recently.So were hoping that this is going to help with our fuel inventory crisis and get some more product out there, he said. And as the supply increases, were hoping that prices will go down.The California Air Resources Board, which regulates refineries, said that hurricane Ian, in addition to complications from a refinery fire, could also be contributing to the high prices.

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Allison Dubois

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https://sputniknews.com/20221008/mass-protests-against-rising-prices-falling-living-standards-taking-place-in-prague-1101640756.html

Video: Mass Protests Against Rising Prices, Falling Living Standards Held in Prague

Video: Mass Protests Against Rising Prices, Falling Living Standards Held in Prague

PRAGUE (Sputnik) - A mass demonstration has kicked off on Pragues Wenceslas Square on Saturday, as thousands of people have gathered to protest against rising... 08.10.2022, Sputnik International

2022-10-08T14:54+0000

2022-10-08T14:54+0000

2022-10-08T14:55+0000

world

europe

czech republic

protests

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Protests organized by the Czech Confederation of Trade Unions are called Five Minutes to Midnight, alluding to what the organization sees as weakness of the government and belated character of its measures to tackle rising prices. According to the president of the confederation, Josef Stredula, people have taken to the streets, as they "fear tomorrow, fear to lose their job and leave their families without money."Activists are intending to demand that the government introduce regulation of prices on food, essential goods, electricity, gas as well as raise minimum wage.At the same time, some media reported that Stredula was using mass protests to boost his popularity ahead of the presidential election in the Czech Republic that is scheduled to take place in January 2023.Since 2021, energy prices in EU countries have been surging as part of a global trend. After the beginning of Russia's military operation in Ukraine in February 2022 and the adoption of several packages of sanctions against Moscow by the EU, energy prices have accelerated the growth, placing energy security high both on the global and national agenda.

https://sputniknews.com/20220904/watch-as-tens-of-thousands-protest-in-prague-against-government-over-energy-crisis-1100359126.html

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https://sputniknews.com/20221008/musk-warned-against-meddling-in-chinas-domestic-affairs-after-floating-taiwan-plan-1101636112.html

Musk Warned Against Meddling in China's Domestic Affairs After Floating Taiwan Plan

Musk Warned Against Meddling in China's Domestic Affairs After Floating Taiwan Plan

Tech tycoon Elon Musk earlier unveiled his plan of how to settle differences between mainland China and Taiwan in an interview for the Financial Times... 08.10.2022, Sputnik International

2022-10-08T11:45+0000

2022-10-08T11:45+0000

2022-10-08T11:45+0000

world

us

elon musk

taiwan

china

ukraine crisis

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Taiwan is a "domestic affair" and China will continue to adhere to the principle of peaceful reunification with its breakaway province, while "resolutely smashing" Taiwanese separatism, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Saturday at a press briefing.Ning was responding to a question about recent statements made by Elon Musk. The SpaceX and Tesla CEO had given his take on how to douse inflamed China-Taiwan tensions.The tech tycoon, whose Tesla electric car company operates a large factory in Shanghai, was giving an interview to the Financial Times. Musk told journalist Roula Khalaf that he thought the conflict over the breakaway Chinese province backed by the US could disrupt the supply of goods made in China to the West, resulting in the global economy contracting by 30 percent."Apple would be in very deep trouble, thats for sure," Musk predicted, adding that the Tesla factory in Shanghai would only be able to sell cars inside China in that case.The world's richest man went a step further and expounded on his own plan for how to settle differences between Beijing and Taipei, conceding that it "probably wont make everyone happy."Taiwan - governed independently since breaking from mainland China in 1949 - is regarded by Beijing as an inalienable part of its territory. China's official policy envisions a peaceful unification of Taiwan with mainland China. However, Taipei has persistently rejected Beijings proposal for "one country, two systems."US President Joe Biden reaffirmed Washington's commitment to the "One-China policy, guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances" during a virtual meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in November 2021. Nevertheless, Washington has continued to openly send military aid to Taiwan, despite the two having no formal relations.US House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi sparked a new crisis between China and Taiwan in early August when she flew to the island on a US Air Force jet in a show of support for the breakaway region.'Public Diplomacy' BoutEarlier, South African-born US citizen Musk created quite a stir earlier, angering Ukraines president with another dose of public diplomacy, as he proposed his own solution for ending the crisis between Russia and Ukraine.Redo elections of annexed regions under UN supervision. Russia leaves if that is will of the people. Crimea formally part of Russia, as it has been since 1783 (until Khrushchevs mistake). Water supply to Crimea assured. Ukraine remains neutral This is highly likely to be the outcome in the end  just a question of how many die before then. Also worth noting that a possible, albeit unlikely, outcome from this conflict is nuclear war, Musk tweeted on October 3.The Donetsk and Lugansk Peoples Republics and the Russian-administered areas of Kherson and Zaporozhye joined Russia after their leaders signed accession agreements in the Kremlin on September 30. The territories became part of Russia after territorial status referendums were held on September 23-27.As for Crimea, it joined Russia after a referendum in March 2014 in which an overwhelming majority of residents similarly voted in favor of doing so. Elon Musk included a poll in his original post, offering followers to vote on his peace plan.Musk's tweet infuriated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who responded with his own poll on Twitter, asking which Elon Musk social media users like more, one who supports Ukraine, or supports Russia?Over the past few months, the South African-born billionaire has repeatedly weighed in on the crisis in Ukraine and voiced concerns about the prospect of World War III breaking out.

https://sputniknews.com/20221007/elon-musk-floats-new-plan-for-world-peace--this-time-over-taiwan-stand-off-1101610182.html

https://sputniknews.com/20221003/crimea-formally-part-of-russia-elon-musk-lays-out-russia-ukraine-peace-plan-1101476178.html

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https://sputniknews.com/20221008/north-korea-may-launch-missile-test-nukes-next-week-1101641963.html

North Korea 'May Launch Missile, Test Nukes Next Week'

North Korea 'May Launch Missile, Test Nukes Next Week'

TOKYO (Sputnik) - North Korea may hold another missile launch or conduct a nuclear test around October 10, the Party Foundation Day, Japanese broadcaster NHK... 08.10.2022, Sputnik International

2022-10-08T16:22+0000

2022-10-08T16:22+0000

2022-10-08T16:22+0000

military

north korea

democratic republic of north korea (dprk)

missile

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The Japanese government believes new provocations, including missile launches or nuclear tests, could be expected before or immediately after October 10, according to NHK.In 2016, Pyongyang launched a missile on October 15, five days after the holiday. In 2006, North Korea conducted its first test of a nuclear weapon also around this day.On Tuesday morning, North Korea fired a ballistic missile that flew over the territory of Japan and fell in the Pacific Ocean. It was the first missile launch over Japan since 2017. Last week Pyongyang also conducted several missile launches.Media reported earlier in the week that North Korea could test its nuclear weapons for the seventh time in its history between October 16 and November 8.

https://sputniknews.com/20221008/dprk-defends-righteous-missile-tests-as-response-to-us-threats-1101636526.html

democratic republic of north korea (dprk)

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https://sputniknews.com/20221008/russias-trade-with-china-india-increasing-despite-western-sanctions-lavrov-1101637681.html

Russia's Trade With China, India Increasing Despite Western Sanctions: Lavrov

Russia's Trade With China, India Increasing Despite Western Sanctions: Lavrov

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's trade with China and India is increasing due to a growing number of goods categories, despite Western sanctions against Russia... 08.10.2022, Sputnik International

2022-10-08T12:36+0000

2022-10-08T12:36+0000

2022-10-08T12:36+0000

russia

russia

china

sanctions

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"Our trade with China for eight months increased by a third, the trade with India for six months grew by 120%," Lavrov told Russian weekly newspaper Argumenty i Fakty.Sanctions are not an obstacle to the development of economic relations between the countries, the minister noted, adding that an increasing number of categories of exported and imported goods was one of the reasons for such a trade growth.Commenting on the new sanctions package recently imposed by the EU against Russia, the Russian minister said that Moscow had means to protect its national interests and could use them "if necessary."Earlier, the EU agreed on the eighth package of sanctions against Russia. Western countries and their allies have rolled out a comprehensive sanctions campaign against Moscow over its special operation in Ukraine. The measures included freezing Russia's foreign currency reserves and halting international payments from Russian banks.

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https://sputniknews.com/20221008/truss-trade-minister-axed-has-whip-suspended-after-serious-misconduct-claim-1101627042.html

Truss' Trade Minister Axed, Has Whip Suspended After Serious Misconduct Claim

Truss' Trade Minister Axed, Has Whip Suspended After Serious Misconduct Claim

The Conservative MP for Bournemouth West has also had his whip suspended pending an investigation, which he intended to fully cooperate with, in the hopes of... 08.10.2022, Sputnik International

2022-10-08T05:30+0000

2022-10-08T05:30+0000

2022-10-08T07:33+0000

uk

tory

uk conservative party

liz truss

sexual misconduct

world

boris johnson

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The Conservative MP for Bournemouth West, Conor Burns, who was appointed Minister for Trade Policy by Liz Truss last month, has been sacked.The Prime Minister had the Tory MP removed from her government after a third party complained about the British politicians behavior towards a younger man at a recent annual party gathering. The allegation relates to Burns conduct in a hotel bar during the 2022 Conservative Party Conference which took place in Birmingham between 2 and 5 October.Burns was also informed by Chief Whip Wendy Morton that his party whip was being suspended pending an investigation, something that he announced in a series of Twitter posts on Friday night, while he deplored the fact that he had not allegedly been given any information about the complaint. He expressed hope that the party would be as quick to conduct their enquiry as they were to rush to judgement".Burns, who has served as MP for Bournemouth West since 2010 and was a close ally of former PM Boris Johnson during his premiership, is not the first Conservative Member of Parliament to have faced allegations of misconduct in the past months.Johnsons tenure was beset by scandals.Imran Ahmad Khan, the former Conservative MP for Wakefield, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy at a party in 2008. He resigned as an MP on 28 April 2022, triggering a by-election that Labor won on 23 June.Conservative MP for Tiverton and Honiton, Neil Parish, lost the whip and resigned on 29 April after admitting he watched pornography twice in the House of Commons. His resignation prompted a by-election that brought victory to the Liberal Democrats on 23 June.In May, 2022, an unnamed Conservative MP was arrested on suspicion of rape and several other sexual offences. The MP, currently on bail, is still under investigation by the Metropolitan police.Chris Pincher, the Conservative deputy chief whip, stepped down after admitting he had embarrassed [himself] and other people after reports emerged that he had drunkenly groped two men at a private club. Pincher had previously stood down in 2017 after he allegedly made a pass at a Tory activist. At the time, he resigned as an Assistant Whip and Comptroller of the Household, but was cleared of wrongdoing by a party probe.According to a report by The Sunday Times back in April, 56 MPs have been accused of things ranging from sexually inappropriate comments to more serious wrongdoing. The opposition Labour Party has repeatedly accused the ruling Tories of turning a blind eye to misconduct in Westminster.

https://sputniknews.com/20220704/bojo-accused-of-sweeping-sexual-misconduct-under-the-carpet--failure-to-act-over-pincher-claims-1096925194.html

https://sputniknews.com/20220701/chris-pincher-steps-down-as-tory-deputy-chief-whip-after-allegedly-groping-two-men-1096852345.html

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https://sputniknews.com/20221008/veteran-shares-wartime-flashbacks-on-india-air-forces-90th-anniversary-1101603100.html

Veteran Shares Wartime Flashbacks on India Air Force's 90th Anniversary

Veteran Shares Wartime Flashbacks on India Air Force's 90th Anniversary

The Indian Air Force was inaugurated in 1932 to support the UKs Royal Air Force. This Saturday, the worlds fourth largest air force in terms of personnel and... 08.10.2022, Sputnik International

2022-10-08T09:30+0000

2022-10-08T09:30+0000

2022-10-08T09:30+0000

iaf

indian air force (iaf)

china

pakistan

himalayas

war

bangladesh

us

su-30

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The Indian Air Force has evolved from being a small tactical air force to one that can allegedly hold its own against any imminent threat over its 90 years of existence.The 170,000-strong force has inducted a range of modern aircraft, including domestically-developed LCA Tejas, French Rafale, Russian Sukhoi, and Mig-29, among others."Each incremental change made over the years by the veterans has permitted us to stand on the pedestal that is rightfully ours today," he added.Recalling the initial years of the force, which faced three wars between 1962 and 1971, Vijainder Kumar Thakur, former squadron leader of the Indian Air Force, told Sputnik that in the 1962 conflict with China, the IAF was trained to play a decisive role.Military documents show that the IAF possessed over 200 transport and 550 combat aircraft in 1960. Chinese forces had 500-600 IL-28 bombers and around 1500 MiG jets. However, then-Indian Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru did not allow the combat arm of the IAF to carry out operations during the Sino-Indian war.Several documents and studies indicated a range of factors behind Nehrus decision, which include the analysis of Director of the Intelligence Bureau B.N. Mullick, who concluded that Chinese bombers would bomb Indian cities in response to IAF combat.However, it was later found that the political leadership did not consult air force chiefs during the war.George K. Tanham, a US artillery officer in the Second World War, who later became a strategic analyst, wrote that the IAF leadership was quite confident about using combat aircraft to its own advantage.It is a fact that Canberras flew 22 photographic reconnaissance missions between Oct. 13 and Nov. 11, 1962, during the conflict period, over Aksai Chin, Towang, Se la and Walong area. Some of the sorties were at 300 feet above Chinese concentrations. No damage to the Canberras from Chinese anti-aircraft artillery was the proof showing the poor level of Chinese capabilities, Tanham wrote in a study on IAF for RAND Corporation.Indo-Pakistan WarsDuring the 1965 war with Pakistan, the IAF was reasonably well-equipped and rose to the challenge posed by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), keeping the latter in check. Official records suggest that the IAF had 466 combat aircraft against the PAFs 203 on the eve of the conflict.The Indian Air Force deployed 176 aircraft in the east to take care of the threat emanating from China and Pakistan.During the 1965 war, the IAF used MiG-21, Gnat, Hunter, Mystere, Vampire, Canberra, Packet, Dakota and Auster planes, while the Pakistan Air Force was fighting with Sabre, Canberra and F-104s, among others.George K. Tanham also questioned the strategy adopted by the then-IAF leadership.It is not clear why the IAF decided to withhold nearly half of its air force against possible Chinese attack since one advantage of air power is its ability to move quickly, he wrote in a study on the IAF for the Rand Corporation.During the 1971 war with Pakistan, the IAF performance was creditable but once again it didn't play a decisive role due to not being well-equipped for an attack role.Highlighting the experience of the 1998 Kargil operations against Pakistan, Thakur said that the IAF was "mostly caught with its pants down".It was neither well-equipped nor well-trained for close air support missions in high mountains. Considering that the Line of Control runs entirely through mountainous terrain, there is no justification for the IAF's lack of preparedness, he added.Threat of Two-Front War and PreparednessThe IAF is down to 31 fighter jet squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.On Friday, IAF Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari stated that the force is committed to domestically producing Tejas MK-II and fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) today.With the given numbers (31 squadrons), it will be impossible to keep watch and do combat air patrol all across the country, the IAF chief underlined.India is facing threats from two fronts from China and Pakistan on account of border disputes.He advised the IAF to focus more on border conflicts and less on projecting power across oceans or undertaking expeditionary operations.We need to acquire aircraft and weapon systems that can play a decisive role in border conflicts such as drones for surveillance, targeting, networking and attack; cruise missiles, and precision-guided munition (PGM), Thakur stated.Earlier this week, the IAF inducted a domestically developed and manufactured Light Combat Helicopter named Prachanda. The combat helicopter has a crucial role in border conflicts - for special operations, combat, transportation, medevac and logistics.Thakur suggested that "the IAF needs to strengthen its helicopter fleet and acquire indigenously developed sensors, short and long-range strike weapons for helicopters.The IAF veteran also urged the IAF to reconsider its doctrinal focus on medium-altitude operations with PGMs. Both Ukraine & Russia are heavily reliant on low-level penetration and attack. An indigenously developed Jaguar replacement may not be a bad idea, he concluded.

https://sputniknews.com/20221005/clear-about-not-speaking-to-pakistan-indian-home-minister-says-at-kashmir-rally-1101531241.html

https://sputniknews.com/20221007/us-advises-citizens-to-reconsider-travel-to-pakistan-due-to-rise-in-sectarian-violence-terrorism-1101605711.html

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https://sputniknews.com/20221008/weekly-news-wrap-up-opec-moves-to-cut-oil-prices-nord-stream-2-has-a-working-line-1101625626.html

Weekly News Wrap-up; OPEC Moves to Cut Oil Prices; Nord Stream 2 Has a Working Line

Weekly News Wrap-up; OPEC Moves to Cut Oil Prices; Nord Stream 2 Has a Working Line

Russia has announced that an unbroken Nord Stream 2 pipeline string has survived a US attack and is available to supply gas to Europe. 08.10.2022, Sputnik International

2022-10-08T08:48+0000

2022-10-08T08:48+0000

2022-10-08T08:48+0000

the critical hour

opec

antony blinken

hunter biden

nord stream 2

palestine

radio

radio sputnik

julian assange

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Weekly News Wrap-up; OPEC Moves to Cut Oil Prices; Nord Stream 2 Has a Working Line Russia has announced that an unbroken Nord Stream 2 pipeline string has survived a US attack and is available to supply gas to Europe.

Dr. Jack Rasmus, professor of Economics and Politics at St. Mary's College in California, joins us to discuss the economy. The September jobs report shows a cooling labor market. Also, the EU is preparing for winter blackouts, and the Ukraine conflict has remade Europe.Gary Flowers, radio talk show host, and public policy analyst, joins us to discuss this week's important news stories. President Biden pardons people convicted of cannabis possession. Also, Hunter Biden may be charged, and anti-government speech is becoming sedition.Robert Fantina, journalist and Palestinean activist, joins us to discuss this week's important news stories. The US agent behind the Iran protest and color revolution attempt has been identified. Also, young people want to cut the defense budget, and Lebanon's border dispute with Israel may be heating up.Kweku Lamumba, co-chair of the Georgia Green Party, Green Party, and Dr. Colin Campbell, DC Senior News Correspondent, join us to discuss this week's important news stories. Herschel Walker is falling behind in Georgia. Also, the EU has been betrayed by the US, and we discuss the dynamics that create a powerful nation.Jim Kavanagh, writer at thepolemicist.net and CounterPunch, and Steve Poikonen, national organizer for Action4Assange, join us to discuss this week's stories. October 8th is a day of action for Julian Assange. Also, Elon Musk renews his effort to buy Twitter, Liz Truss is crashing, and the US is furious over the OPEC oil output reduction.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comThe views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik

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https://sputniknews.com/20221008/zaporozhye-nuclear-plant-shelling-just-cost-kiev-20-of-its-traditional-sources-of-electricity-1101643030.html

Zaporozhye Nuclear Plant Shelling Just Cost Kiev 20% of Its Traditional Sources of Electricity

Zaporozhye Nuclear Plant Shelling Just Cost Kiev 20% of Its Traditional Sources of Electricity

After falling into the Russian militarys hands in March, the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has been subjected to months of shelling attacks by... 08.10.2022, Sputnik International

2022-10-08T17:22+0000

2022-10-08T17:22+0000

2022-10-08T18:08+0000

energy crisis in europe

ukraine

electricity

energy

russia

zaporizhia npp

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Ukraines national energy grid has lost access to about a fifth of its traditional sources of electricity supplies, with Zaporozhye regional government member Vladimir Rogov announcing Saturday that Ukrainian shelling had damaged the final high-voltage transmission line linking the NPP to the grid.The plant has switched to operation using diesel generators, he added.International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi announced later in the day Saturday that he would visit Russia and Ukraine to agree on a nuclear safety and security protection zone around the plant, and dubbed the shelling which struck the plants sole source of external power a tremendously irresponsible action. As per established IAEA policy, Grossi did not name the culprits behind the shelling attacks.Also on Saturday, the Russian military reported that the city of Energodar and the ZNPP were shelled twice by the Ukrainian military using Grad multiple launch rocket systems, with a total of 15 rockets fired from the Ukrainian-controlled settlement of Marganets in Dnepropetrovsk region.Saturday mornings shelling attacks came just two days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Kiev may soon be forced to stop selling electricity supplies to Europe.We wont have enough to heat our homes. And that time is approaching, Zelensky said, speaking to Australian officials on Thursday. We talk all the time about the risks of blackouts. It could be days, weeks, he added.The ZNPP and its six VVER-1000/320 reactors, ordinarily generating up to 38,000 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of electrical power, once accounted for about 20 percent of Ukraines electricity needs, and some 45 percent of the electricity generated by the nations nuclear power plants.The Russian-administered portion of Zaporozhye region became part of the Russian Federation late last month following a status referendum held between September 23-27 in which 93 percent of residents voted in favor of joining Russia.Fridays self-inflicted snipping of the ZNPPs final link to Ukraines grid threatens to undermine Zelenskys ambitious energy swap plans. Throughout the spring and summer, he proposed trading electricity generated by nuclear power for natural gas, and sought to woo foreign investors by selling Ukraine as an untapped energy source that could help Europe address its shortages.As recently as last month, Zelensky boasted that Ukraine could become a hub for green energy in Europe by increasing electricity exports to EU countries. For this [to take place], it is important that the ZNPP returns to a safe mode of operation and remains connected to the Ukrainian energy grid, he said. Even now, with all the difficulties, we can export such a volume of electricity that corresponds to at least 8 percent of the consumption of entire Italy, he said.Our country has a huge natural potential for developing opportunities in green energy and in production of green hydrogen. This is a potential of tens, and possibly hundreds of green gigawatts of electric power and millions of tons of green hydrogen, Zelensky added.At the same time, Zelensky warned Ukrainians to brace for the most difficult winter in the countrys history, announcing a halt in gas and coal exports, and advising the public to stock up on warm clothes and blankets to prepare for the cold season.Kievs European sponsors are themselves bracing for unprecedented energy shortages sparked by the shortsighted decision to cut themselves off from Russian oil, gas, electricity and coal supplies, and cemented by the unprecedented sabotage attacks against the Nord Stream pipelines.Last week, European gas infrastructure operator association GIE warned that gas offtake from the regions underground storage sites had recently begun to exceed supplies being put into storage. Separately, the International Energy Agency indicated that storage would drop to five percent of capacity by February if Russian supplies remained cut off and deliveries of LNG were not significantly expanded.With Europe facing energy shortages of its own and unlikely to share, and Kiev slashing its own access to Russian-sourced energy, its unclear how Ukraine will make up for the shortfalls this winter. Even before the escalation of the security crisis this February, successive pro-Western governments IMF-authored reforms had driven many Ukrainians into energy poverty, with millions resorting to wood and peat-burning stoves.

https://sputniknews.com/20221007/france-releases-strategic-oil-reserves-as-15-of-gas-stations-short-on-fuel-1101603371.html

https://sputniknews.com/20221001/western-imposed-green-agenda-would-cripple-africas-energy-security-energy-expert-warns-1101420605.html

https://sputniknews.com/20221006/eu-may-face-energy-price-explosion-supply-fall-over-8th-sanctions-package-professor-says-1101575237.html

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Ilya Tsukanov

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The 2022 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale wrapped up with the fifth session on Friday evening (Oct. 7) at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion in Lexington, Kentucky.

Behest, Hip 809, garnered the highest bid out of a quartet of Downbytheseaside offspring that topped the final session. The filly was purchased for $200,000 by Brian Brown of Ostrander, Ohio. Consigned by the Hunterton Sales Agency, Behest is the third foal out of the American Ideal mare Endowment, a half sibling to O'Brien and Dan Patch Award winner Artspeak (1:47.4 - $1,770,980).

Sea Jammer, Hip 802, was among the top priced yearlings with a bid of $160,000 from David Cohen of Sudbury, Massachusetts, agent for Micki Rae Stables. Consigned by Peninsula Farm, the Downbytheseaside colt is the first foal out of the A Rocknroll Dance mare Dancin With Jammy, a half-sister to Highalator (1:48 - $675,764). His second dam is former world record holder Higher And Higher (1:49.1 - $944,224).

Downbytheseaside yearlings Twenty Five, Hip 869, and Flyin Bullets, Hip 873, each sold for $150,000.

Twenty Five was purchased by Burke Racing Stable of Fredericktown, Pennsylvania. Consigned by Diamond Creek, the colt is out of the Santanna Blue Chip mare Hula Shuffle, a half sibling to Maltese Artist (1:48.3 - $2,340,872) and Artesian (1:49.2 - $987,884). Twenty Five is a half brother to the Burke-trained Ohio Sires Stakes filly Twenty (1:52h - $172,912).

Flyin Bullets, Hip 873, was purchased by agent Ngairee Umholtz of Sagamore Hills, Ohio. The filly from the Anvil And Lace Farm consignment is the first foal out of the The Panderosa mare Pistol Packin Mama (1:49.1 - $425,365), an Ohio Sires Stakes champion and half-sibling to four $100,000-plus winners including Artful Way (1:49 - $843,294) and Isitfridayyet (1:50.2 - $333,274).

Selling as Hip 876, Swaggy Cal, a son of Rockin Image, rounded out the top five highest priced yearlings of the final session with a $130,000 price tag. Purchased by Greg Luther of Blacklick, Ohio from the Hunterton Sales Agency consignment, the colt is the first foal out of the Art Major mare Pristine Beauty. Swaggy Cal's dam is a full sister to Grand Circuit stakes winners Precocious Beauty (1:50.1 - $869,920) and Prescient Beauty (1:50.4 - $495,860), and a half sibling to O'Brien and Dan Patch Award winner Sportswriter (1:48.3 - $1,649,411).

The fifth session featured 138 yearlings with gross sales totalling $4,854,000. The average price was comparable to last year's final day of $35,713, down slightly to $35,174 with seven yearlings selling for six figures.

Over the course of the five-day sale, a total of 886 yearlings sold for $65,289,000. This total bested the previous high for gross of $56.68 million, set last year when 863 horses passed through the ring, marking a 15.1-percent increase. The average yearling price of $73,690 was also up substantially from the 2021 average of $65,692.

The offspring of Captaintreacherous was in high demand throughout the sale, with 42 yearlings selling for a top average price of $154,429 and leading gross sales for a pacing stallion of $6,486,000. Forty-eight yearlings from the first crop of Greenshoe produced the highest average for a trotting stallion at $130,792 while Walner was the the leading sire of the entire sale with gross sales of $6,949,000 for 60 yearlings.

For recaps of the each session, click here.



IMPORTANT LINKS
Chris Ryder pupil Twin B Joe Fresh began a Dexter Dunn sweep of the $253,000 Perfect Sting International Stallion Stakes, for freshman pacing fillies, on Friday afternoon (Oct. 7) at The Red Mile.

Dunn stalked from fourth with Twin B Joe Fresh through a :27.3 first quarter but made the move to race first up into a :56.1 half. As pacesetter Treacherous Penny accelerated around the far turn to three-quarters in 1:23.4, Twin B Joe Fresh nonetheless ranged nearer to the lead and easily put away her competition in the stretch to win in hand in a 1:50 mile. Strong Poison rallied from second over for second, beaten 1-1/4 lengths, with Light And Tight finishing third and Caviart Davia taking fourth.

Shes a pretty special filly, Dexter Dunn said after the race. Chris [Ryder] and Pete [Trebotica] liked her from day one and she hasnt let us down yet.

Trainer Chris Ryder also indicated that Twin B Joe Fresh had concluded her rookie season. Schedules all over, all over - no more racing this year. [Shes] just going to Brittany Farm to be turned out and she has no more stakes left.

Twin B Joe Fresh nabbed her eighth win from 10 starts and added to her account now worth $598,162. The daughter of Roll With Joe races for owners Chris Ryder, Dexter Dunn, Peter Trebotica and Barry Spak and paid $2.22 to win.

A few races later, Dunn steered a caught drive in Mcseaside to a 1:51.2 stakes victory for trainer Ron Burke.

Bellisima Hanover circled Zanatta to the quarter in :28 to lead while Mcseaside was reined in to race third. Coasting through a :56 half, Bellisima Hanover soon faced a challenge from Mcseaside to the far turn while Zanatta raced on a tight hold in a locked pocket. Mcseaside cleared to lead and began separating from the field by three-quarters in 1:24 to turn for home with an open-length lead. The seas parted for Zanatta and she gave futile pursuit to narrow on the winners margin, but to still finish second beaten a length. Caviart Marcella finished third and To All A Goodnight took fourth.

[Shes] obviously a nice filly, Dunn said after the race. Im lucky I picked up the drive on her  not really [a] big [filly], but game. She was a little aggressive, [so] I thought if I started her up too early in the mile, she was probably going to be a little tired. We came out sort of at the half and [I] tried to get her relaxed a little bit. We moved on from there  she got a little lonely on the straight but held on good.

Mcseaside, a daughter of Downbytheseaside, won her third race from eight starts and pushed her bankroll to $283,364 for owners Burke Racing Stable, Beasty LLC, J&T Silva Stables and Knox Services LLC. She paid $3.16 to win.

Each division of the Perfect Sting International Stallion Stakes was sponsored by the Perfect Sting Syndicate and Brittany Farms / Val Dor Farms.

Eight Is Enough In International Stallion Stakes

Shoes came off Volume Eight and he threw down the gauntlets to pull a 38-1 upset in the second of three $290,400 International Stallion Stake (ISS) divisions for freshman trotting colts and geldings on Friday afternoon (Oct. 7) at The Red Mile.



Driver Andy McCarthy motored Volume Eight from post seven to the top and soon settled for the pocket when Gates Hanover circled to lead approaching a :29 first quarter. The Noel Daley-trained son of Chapter Seven drafted through a :57.1 half and stayed put as Winners Bet stalled first over on the rim around the final turn. Past three-quarters in 1:25.1, Gates Hanover came under pressure as McCarthy eased Volume Eight from the pegs and vaulted clear to a 2-1/2-length win over a levelled-out Winners Bet with French Wine rallying for third and Upstaged grabbing fourth.

[Hes] still a little green, but I knew he had a lot of speed, Andy McCarthy said after the race. And then sir Noel said today Maybe just leave with him and see what happens. Im like, Oh Ill check it out, but then I went out and Id seen he was barefoot; I went, Yep, lets do it.

Co-owner John Fodera also said I was just hoping to get a cheque. I know Noel and Andy really like the horse a lot  always raising them comfortably and teaching them  but I think he learned a lot today just leaving out of there and having that gate speed and finishing even better. So it was a shock to me.

Returning $79.94 to win, the victory counts as the third from five starts in Volume Eights career, which now places his bankroll at $79,815 for owners Noel Daley, Mario Mazza, Joe Sbrocco and La Express And Jaf Racing. He won the ISS split named The Six Pack, presented by the Six Pack Syndicate and Deo Volente Farms.

With 9-5 favourite Kilmister breaking stride at the start, Excalibur Bi capitalized to score a 1:53 victory in the first ISS division.

Also in rein to Andy McCarthy, Excalibur Bi swept to the top from third after a :27.4 first quarter to pocket early leader Purple Lord. The Tom Cancelliere-trained son of Muscle Hill cruised up the backside to a :57.4 half and quickened proceedings to three-quarters in 1:26.2 before straightening for the sprint home and uncorking a :26.3 final quarter to win by a length. Purple Lord settled for second with Point Of Perfect third and Cecil Hanover finishing fourth.

Yeah, he was good, he's been coming along great, McCarthy said after the race. Tom [Cancelliere] has done a great job with him. Its has always been a no pressure deal with it, just bring him along the way. He thinks right, and I probably over-drove him a couple of starts back and figured out we need to reset. But it was good the way it worked out today, I got to use him [and] save him until the back half.

Excalibur Bi competes for owner John Cancelliere. He won his second race from eight starts and has now banked $126,530. He paid $5.68 to win in the ISS division named The Muscle Hill, presented by the Muscle Hill Syndicate and Southwind Farms.

Espresso landed back-to-back Grand Circuit victories when slipping up the cones to take the third ISS division in 1:54.

Crown, the 4-5 favourite, charged to the top while Espresso obliged to race in the slipstream through a :28.3 first quarter. Little pressure mounted on Crown up the backside with Prince Of Honor steadily angling off the pegs but only advancing slightly after a :57.4 half and to three-quarters in 1:26.2. Turning for home, Crown began drifting from the pylons, which created a wide-enough gap for Espresso to spurt through and grab the lead in the final sixteenth. Crown settled for second, beaten a head, with Kierkegaard K taking third and Herodotus finishing fourth.

We love coming down here and racing at The Red Mile with a dual- eligible horse, winning trainer Julie Miller said after the race. We decided to bring him here instead of the New York circuit, and hes just really matured and just loving the track here.

Winning his fifth race from nine starts, Espresso has now earned $210,900 for owners Andy Miller Stable, Lawrence Willinger, Mortgage Boys Stable and L Berg Inc. The Chapter Seven gelding returned $7.94 to win in taking the ISS division named The Chapter Seven, presented by the Chapter Seven Syndicate and Blue Chip Farms.

Live harness acing resumes at The Red Mile on Saturday (Oct. 8) with a 10-race card highlighted by three divisions of the $317,700 International Stallion Stallion Stakes, for freshman trotting fillies, and three divisions of the $299,100 Tall Dark Stranger International Stallion Stakes, for freshman pacing colts and geldings. First-race post time is 1 p.m. (EDT).

(Red Mile)
An overflow field of 12 sophomore trotters will head postward in Sundays $430,000 Kentucky Futurity at The Red Mile in Lexington, Ky., a race that has played a key role in divisional honours in recent years.

Marcus Melander-trained stablemates Periculum and Temporal Hanover are the top choices in the Futurity, at 4-1 and 9-2, respectively. Seven of the 11 horses in the field are at morning-line odds of 10-1 or less, including Canadian Trotting Classic winner Slay.

Slay, trained by Tony Alagna, has won five of 12 races this season and earned $594,397 for owners Crawford Farms Racing and James Crawford IV. He has four wins and a third in his past six starts, with a triumph in a division of the Stanley Dancer Memorial joining the Canadian Trotting Classic during that span.

Hes been sharp for a couple months now, racing really well, said driver Joe Bongiorno, who will sit behind Slay for a sixth consecutive start in the Futurity. This horse has won some major stakes; he might be a little underrated. I think hes a very good colt and I dont think weve even seen his best.

Slay briefly went off stride at the top of the stretch in the Canadian Trotting Classic but recovered to win by a length over Pretender.

I dont think the footing was quite the same, and he just caught a boot, Bongiorno said. He spotted them a few lengths in the stretch and still beat those horses. Obviously, Im not going to disregard any of those horses (in the Futurity). Theyre all a bunch of top horses. A couple of them look like theyre stepping up right now. Both of Melanders horses are very good horses. Its a very competitive field.

Slay, a son of Chapter Seven-Swinging Royalty, will start the Futurity from post two. He is 10-1 on the morning line.

Im fine with our post, its just about giving the little guy a trip and hoping its his day, Bongiorno said. Hes probably not a front-end horse. That might have a little bit to do with his size, but as long as you save a little bit for him, hell give you a big run in the stretch. He tries hard for you.

Each of the past four Kentucky Futurity winners, and six of the past seven, have gone on to receive the Dan Patch Award for best three-year-old male trotter.

With Yonkers Trot winner Joviality S competing in the Kentucky Filly Futurity, there will not be a Trotting Triple Crown winner this year but Hambletonian Stakes champ Cool Papa Bell will try to join the list of horses to capture two jewels.

Nine trotters have won the Triple Crown, with an additional 20 winning two legs. The most recent horse to get two jewels of the Crown was Six Pack, who won the Yonkers Trot and Kentucky Futurity in 2018.

Cool Papa Bell, who enters the Kentucky Futurity off back-to-back wins in the New York Sire Stakes final and Phil Langley Memorial, will start Sunday from post nine with Todd McCarthy driving for trainer Jim Campbell. He is 12-1 on the morning line.

The Futurity will have a full field of 12, with spots secured by seasonal earnings. Two horses, Justice and Keg Stand, will start from the second tier.

He didnt get much favour with the post position, but thats out of our control, Campbell said. Its (a disadvantage) when there are two trailers, but hes pretty versatile in the way you can race him, so he has that going in his favour.

It all depends how the race shapes up. If they happen to go real hard in the beginning and hes laying back behind some cover, then I think that gives him his best shot. Its a pretty wide-open race.

Cool Papa Bell, a son of Chapter Seven-Blk Thai Optional owned by Runthetable Stables, has won six of 11 races this year and earned $796,225.

He came out of the (Langley) really good, Campbell said. Hes had a good week, he feels good. So far, everything is good.

The Kentucky Futurity is race 12 on Sundays 12-race card, which begins at 1 p.m. (EDT). The race will be preceded by the $276,000 Kentucky Filly Futurity (race 10) and $153,000 Allerage Open Pace featuring harness racings fastest-ever performer, Bulldog Hanover.

For complete entries, click here for Sunday's program pages.

(with files from USTA)
State Sen. Bryce Reeves (R-Spotsylvania) is drafting a bill to repeal Virginias in-state college tuition for undocumented immigrants, according to Friends of Bryce Reeves.

Reeves is seeking to overturn the measure adopted in the 2021 special session and signed into law by former Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam, his campaign said in a statement Thursday.

Now, individuals can pay in-state tuition rates at state colleges and universities regardless of immigration status, Reeves re-election campaign said.

We are in the midst of a higher-education cost crisis caused by the federal governments continued involvement in the student loan process, Reeves said in a statement. To think that we would prioritize students that are here illegally over our countrys own citizens is astounding.

All this does is decrease the pool of scholarships and funds available to law-abiding US citizens who reside in Virginia, worsening the issues that our youth face today when it comes to the accessibility of higher education, the Senate District 17 incumbent said. To support this legislation would feel like turning my back on my constituents. I am committed to repealing this unethical, irresponsible law.
The Marion Police Department will continue its efforts to achieve accreditation for at least another year.

The department was narrowly denied accreditation by a 7-to-5 vote  with five voting against accreditation  late last month.

Although more commissioners with the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission voted to accredit the department than not, the organizations bylaws require at least an 8-to-4 vote.

Were disappointed, but undaunted, Marion Police Chief John Clair told town council members in an email following the vote.

The department underwent a two-day evaluation performed by VLEPSC assessors in July. VLEPSC is composed of members of the Virginia Sheriffs Association, the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.

During the July evaluation, the Marion PD was found compliant with 183 of the 185 applicable standards. Each of those standards has multiple sub-points that must be met.

The two standards not met during the evaluation stemmed from the same issue involving the storage of a gas can in an outside shed. Clair said the gas can had initially been collected as evidence, but was later determined to have no evidentiary value, but was stored as property. Because of the fuel cans hazardous nature, it could not be stored inside the building and was instead stored in the outside shed.

Although the can was logged and stored properly, and was secured and under surveillance, the crux of the issue was with the outside shed not being on the departments quarterly and annual security check list.

Clair said the department took immediate corrective action while assessors were still on site.

Master Assessor Tina Sumpter, with the Page County Sheriffs Office, wrote in the assessment report, Chief Clair and staff worked diligently to revise their directive and procedures for this standard. The TEAM would like to note that Chief Clair and his staffs response was impeccable.

So, when the assessors left here that day, this agency was in 100% compliance, Clair said. The problem is, we cant go back in time. We cant make ourselves be compliant at a previous point in history.

The Shenandoah County Sheriffs Office lost its accredited status with the commission due to a similar issue involving the storage of chemical byproducts from meth outside of the agencys evidence room.

The Marion PD will be eligible for reassessment in October 2023.

We didnt make it, but were a better agency for it, Clair said. The process of putting in the policies and putting in the procedures, the mock assessments, the real assessments, all of these things made us a better police department. Im 100% confident that were going to get it. We meet all the standards todayWe just need to hold onto those standards.

Sumpter wrote in the assessment report, The Town of Marion Police Department clearly characterizes the embodiment of integrity and commitment to professionalism. The agency is clearly motivated to obtain accredited status.

The Smyth County Sheriffs Office, which also applied for accreditation in 2020 and was granted an extension last month, is in the self-assessment stage in the process. Sheriffs Offices have additional standards, including those regarding court security, legal process, temporary holding cells and others that must also be met.

Correction A previous version of this story stated that the sheriff's office had reapplied for accreditation. Sheriff Chip Shuler has since clarified that his department was granted an extension on its initial self-assessment period. This story has been updated to reflect that.
KHS class of 1962 meets

Kelso High School Class of 1962 members will gather for lunch at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 11 at the Kelso-Longview Elks Lodge No. 1402, 900 Ash St., Kelso.

All classmates and spouses or significant others are encouraged to attend.

For details, call Gene Grambo at 360-218-8746.

Join the Little Kids Book Club

Kindergarten through second-grade readers are invited to join the Longview Public Librarys Little Kids Book Club.

According to a press release, the book club is social and a great way to motivate kids to read, get them talking about books, and have them share ideas and perspectives.

Book club members meet at 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 12, Nov. 16, Dec. 14 and Jan. 11 in the lower floor area of the library, 1600 Louisiana St., Longview.

Members and library staff will discuss the books and do a related activity.

Books are free to children participating in the club thanks to the Friends of the Longview Library.

Parents can sign up their children and get books at the librarys lower floor desk.

For details, call the library at 360-442-5300, like the library on Facebook at facebook.com/LongviewPublicLibraryWa or follow the library on Instagram at instagram.com/longviewlibrarywa.

KHS class of 54 meets for lunch

Kelso High School class of 1954 members are invited to the groups monthly lunch at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 14 at the Kelso-Longview Elks Lodge No. 1482, 900 Ash St., Kelso.

For details, call Marie at 360-636-0648.

Baked potato fundraiser set

A Baked Potato Day takes place from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Castle Rock Senior Center, 222 Second Ave.

The potato comes with a choice of eight toppings, a cookie and a beverage for a $7 per person.

At the event raffle tickets will be available for a quilt. The drawing for the quilt and other prizes takes place Dec. 14. The tickets are $1 each or six for $5.

Money raised from both events benefits the senior center.

Genealogical group meets

Heirlooms, Trinkets and Treasures: Celebrating Your Family History is Lola Webers topic at the free Oct. 13 Zoom meeting of the Lower Columbia Genealogical Society.

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. for announcements and visiting. Webers talk starts at 7 p.m.

The public is invited to the free meeting. To get the Zoom link, send an email to lcgsgen@yahoo.com.

Event supports local businesses

A Sip N Shop bazaar takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15 in the Recreation Center at Heron Pointe, 5815 Ocean Beach Highway, Longview.

Local small business owners rent an 8-foot table for the day for $15 in order to provide a low-cost venue open to the public, according to event organizer Debbie Malone.

TDN seeking Halloween info

A roundup of Halloween events will be published in The Daily News the week of Oct. 25.

Groups should email information to frontdoor@tdn.com. No information will be taken by phone.

The deadline is noon Oct. 20.

Include the name of the event; the time, date and place; who is sponsoring the event; the cost, if applicable; and any other details.

Holiday bazaar info is needed

The Daily News annual Bazaar Page will be published Oct. 30. The deadline is 2 p.m. Oct. 21.

Forms are at the newsroom counter. Information will not be taken over the phone. To request a form to be emailed, send a note to frontdoor@tdn.com. Office hours are 10 a.m. to noon Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

To be eligible for the free service, participants must donate a portion of the proceeds to a charity or community service-oriented activity. The charity must be listed on the form or the bazaar will not be included.

After Oct. 30, weekly reminders will be printed on Saturdays.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to The Daily News.

Join the Rainier Senior Center

The Rainier Senior Center is looking for new members who want to meet other senior citizens, take part in events and activities and have conversations.

The cost is $15 per person per year and includes a monthly newsletter.

For details, visit the senior center at 48 W. Seventh St., Rainier; call the center at 503-556-3889 or send an email to RainierSeniorC@gmail.com.

 The Daily News
Lower Columbia Colleges new Vocational Building Equipment Fund is a 2022 beneficiary of Fibre Federal Credit Unions Communities First Program. The building will be used by students pursuing careers in information technology, machine trades, welding and manufacturing, as well as students enrolled in transitional studies, according to a press release from the credit union.

The credit union is continuing the multi-year sponsorship for selected community colleges and hospitals within the 11 Washington and Oregon counties it serves, according to the press release.

FFCU places a high priority on supporting educational and health-care related services throughout its communities. As a result, that mission developed into the Community First Program in 2018.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to The Daily News.

Since its inception, the credit union has donated $145,000 to Communities First recipients, including eight hospital foundations and four community college foundations. One of the Communities First Program recipients is the Lower Columbia College Foundation.
Within the last two months, the Cowlitz County Republican Party has shared social media posts featuring theories such as Clark County election fraud in the August primary and a Democratic congressional candidates secret arrest.

However, none of those allegations have been proven.

Cowlitz County Republican Party Chairwoman Christy Tseu said she made the posts based on personal research and screenshots she found on Telegram, an online instant messaging service.

She said posting the information didnt mean the information is true.

I dont say in the posts that this is fact, Tseu said. Im just asking questions.

Election fraud

Two days after the states Aug. 2 primary, the Cowlitz County Republican Party shared a Twitter video purporting to show a ballot box being closed early in Clark County. The Clark County Auditors Office said in August the video showed a normal practice where election officials collect ballots in secured bags to more quickly transport them to the office for counting.

A post the party made in September linked to election fraud claims made by Clark County auditor candidate Brett Simpson over the August primary for Secretary of State and the 3rd District. Simpson used the alleged fraud to argue for Washington to release cast vote records, an obscure receipt of vote totals frequently demanded by election deniers despite experts saying they cannot prove fraud.

Simpson has been involved in two dismissed lawsuits alleging election issues in Clark County, one of which was dismissed this week.

3rd District

The Cowlitz County Republican Party on Wednesday posted screenshots of a 2013 Arizona arrest record of a Kristina Marie Perez in Arizona. The arrested woman shared the same maiden name and was a similar age to Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, the Democrat running for Washingtons 3rd Congressional District seat against Republican Joe Kent.

Gluesenkamp Perezs campaign spokesperson Sandeep Kaushik said the candidate has never lived in Arizona and has never been arrested in any state.

Tseu said she deleted the post, but kept up other posts about Gluesenkamp Perez made at the same time.

One post stated Gluesenkamp Perez was still listed on the voter registry in Oregon and questioned the legality of this. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, it is not illegal to be registered to vote in more than one state, as long the person only votes in their state of residence. There was no evidence given that Gluesenkamp Perez has double-voted in any elections.

Another post questioned if Gluesenkamp Perez and her husband were actually married because shes never taken on her husbands name, including when they purchased their home. Kaushik said Gluesenkamp Perez added Gluesenkamp to her name conversationally after getting married in 2016.

Gluesenkamp Perezs campaign described the posts as offensive, false and defamatory. Kaushik pointed out that screenshots shared by the party as evidence for the claims also prominently show her home address, which Kaushik said was troubling.

There are legitimate security concerns and willy-nilly throwing out a candidates home address in this kind of context, with these false accusations, looks to be an effort to intimidate, Kaushik said.
Lower Columbia CAP is one Washington agency receiving money from a new federal program to distribute diapers to families in need.

Ilona Kerby, CAP executive director, said its unclear how much money the organization will get and when, but she expects it will be available soon.

Were excited to get it, she said. The diaper need is definitely out there.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched the pilot program at the end of September, awarding $8 million to expand diaper distribution in six states and a Washington tribal consortium.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) advocated to include the funding in last years government spending bill, according to a press release.

Every single day, I work hard to lift stress off parents shoulders  because no parent should be worried about getting diapers for their child, Murray said in a statement. But right now, as any parent will tell you, diapers can be a huge cost  and one in three families with a child who needs diapers, struggles to afford them.

The Washington State Community Action Partnership will receive $800,000 and partner with Lower Columbia CAP, Benton-Franklin Community Action Committee, Multi-Service Center in Federal Way, WestSide Baby Diaper Bank in Seattle, Olympic Community Action Programs in Port Angeles and Neighborhood House in Seattle.

The South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency received $1.2 million for its Diaper Distribution on Reservations Program, which will serve the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation and Nisqually, Shoalwater Bay, Skokomish and Squaxin Island tribes.

The federal money will help expand CAPs diaper distribution program currently funded by a state grant, Kerby said.

In 2021, the Legislature included $5 million in the two-year budget for nonprofits to distribute diapers and supplies through diaper banks. The state Department of Commerce allocated that money through grants in late 2021, including $50,000 to CAP for two years.

Since early 2022, CAP has used the state grant to provide diapers to other agencies, like the Cowlitz Tribe and Youth and Family Link, as well as people who directly request them, Kerby said.

This will help us continue that distributing diapers and getting them to families who need those, she said of the federal funding. Its not only diapers. We have the baby wipes, ointment for diaper rashes and that type of thing. Its nice to have those additional pieces as well, theyve been greatly appreciated by folks.
Samsung has dropped the price of its Galaxy Z Fold 3 down to Rs. 1.09 lakhs. Check out the deal offers.

If you assume that the iPhone 14 Pro is reasonably priced for a high-end phone, think again. Samsung has just revealed an awesome price cut on its Galaxy Z Fold 3, its ultimate flagship from last year. The Fold 3 was announced at a very high price of more than Rs. 1.5 lakhs last year but a year later, you can buy the phone for less than what an iPhone 14 Pro costs today. Yes, a full blown foldable smartphone with a large foldable display inside can be had for less than what you pay for a base iPhone 14 Pro.

As part of the latest Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale, Samsung is offering a massive discount on the Galaxy Z Fold 3. With a price of Rs. 109,999, the Fold 3 is much cheaper than when it launched in India last year. Note that this price is applicable for the variant with 12GB RAM and 256GB onboard storage. That makes it an incredible deal, especially for someone shopping for a foldable smartphone.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 price plummets

The deal is applicable across the three colour variants that Samsung launched the phone in last year  Green, Black, and Silver. Note that the deal is only applicable as long as the sale lasts on Amazon. Post that, we don't know what happens with the deal. Either Samsung could bring back the offer if stocks last, or it could simply hike the prices.

B09CQ1Q544

Now, time for the Rs. 1 lakh question  is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 worth buying now? First and foremost, you should know that the Fold 3 is over a year old and Samsung already has its successor in the market  the Galaxy Z Fold 4. The Fold 3 has already gotten one update and is due for the Android 13 update this year, with an Android 14 update expected next year.

Despite the age, the Fold 3 continues to be a productivity focused smartphone. The massive 7.6-inch Main Display provides a large canvas to play with and it even has an under-display front camera. It runs on Android 12L based One UI 4.1 and gains the Fold 4's taskbar as well. It has a very fast Snapdragon 888 chipset, a versatile set of triple rear cameras, and support for Samsung's S Pen stylus.
The Google Pixel 7 takes on the standard variants of the iPhone 14 and Galaxy S22 in India. Have a look at its specs.

Google made us wait for three whole years before finally giving India a brand new flagship-class Pixel device. The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro have been launched in India as Google's newest flagship phones and they are gunning for the ones that dominate the market. Google goes for a very aggressive and, to be honest, appealing price for the Pixel 7, which is the vanilla flavour of the phone. And with this pricing, the Pixel 7 is up against the best in the business  we are talking Apples and Samsungs here.

While we are yet to get our hands on the review samples, we take a closer look at what Pixel 7 offers and how it fares to its fierce competition from Samsung and Apple this time. Not only that, the Pixel 7 also competes with the recent generation of Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 high performance phones from Motorola and iQOO.

Basics about the Pixel 7:

Having a 6.3-inch 90Hz OLED 1080p display, the Pixel 7 is the compact variant in the Pixel 7 series. You also get to see Google's new Tensor G2 chip, an updated set of rear cameras fortified with improved AI + ML algorithms, a 4355 mAh battery with support for wireless charging, a 10.8MP front camera, and a new design theme. It runs on Android 13 out of the box and Google promises up to 5 years of security support (3 Android updates). Oh, it is IP68 rated for water and dust resistance. It costs Rs. 59,999.

Pixel 7 vs the rest of the field

Apple iPhone 14

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The iPhone 14 is the easy pick of the lot, considering Apple's brand appeal in the country. However, it reuses a majority of the spare parts from iPhone 13. Hence, you get a smaller 6.1-inch 60Hz OLED display with a mega notch, the A15 Bionic chip from iPhone 13 Pro, a set of new 12MP cameras on the back, and a new autofocus system for the selfie camera. The iPhone 14 also gets Crash Detection and Satellite Connectivity, the Pixel 7 missing on the latter. Apple hasn't spoken on software support but iPhones get up to 5 years of updates. Starting at Rs. 79,900, it is more expensive than the Pixel 7.

Samsung Galaxy S22

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The Galaxy S22 beats the iPhone 14 on paper, and it does the same for the Pixel 7. You get a triple camera system here with a 3X zoom camera, a 6.1-inch 120Hz display, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, a 3700mAh battery, and Android 12 based One UI 4 out of the box. Samsung promises 4 OS updates and 5 years of security patches here. With ongoing offers, you can buy it for Rs. 57,490, which is cheaper than the Pixel 7.

iQOO 9T

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At Rs. 49,999, the iQOO 9T offers advanced features such as a 120W wired charging with an in-box charger, the fastest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, an arsenal of capable cameras, and a 120Hz OLED display. It, however, runs on Vivo's FunTouch OS, which is yet to impress us with its OS design.

Motorola Edge 30 Ultra

With the same price of Rs. 59,999, the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra offers the faster Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, a 200MP main rear camera, a 125W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, a 144Hz OLED display with curved edges, and a Pixel-like stock Android 12 experience with three years of OS updates promised. This is the closest non-Google phone with a Pixel experience.
The Paris court of appeals reduced Apples total fine to about 371.6 mn

Apple Inc. won a 728 million-euro ($715 million) reduction to the record 1.1 billion penalty it was hit with in 2020 for anti-competitive agreements with two favored distributors.

The Paris court of appeals reduced Apple's total fine on Thursday to about 371.6 million after judges decided to trim the duration of one of the infringements and lower the increases applied to the penalty that took into account the firm's economic power.

The 90% multiple is disproportionate, the court said in its ruling. A 50% multiple is sufficient to guarantee that the penalties are repressive and dissuasive.

France's competition arm has kept a close eye on Silicon Valley firm in recent years. Last year, Google was fined 500 million for failing to follow an order to thrash out fair deals with news publishers. The California tech giant then settled on the substance of that case to avoid further fines but had previously received hefty penalties in separate cases. Meta similarly clinched an agreement earlier this year to steer clear of fines after making pledges concerning the online advertising market.

More broadly, regulators across Europe have been battling to rein in the dominance of Big Tech through a combination of fines and regulatory actions. The firms have shown they are willing to appeal the decisions, drawing out costly investigations for years.

Apple said it plans to file another appeal at France's top court to bring the penalty down to zero. We believe it should be overturned in full, it said in a statement.

The French antitrust agency, Autorite de la concurrence, said it's considering lodging its own appeal.

We would like to reaffirm our desire to guarantee the dissuasive nature of our penalties, especially when it concerns market players of the caliber of Silicon Valley firms, said Virginie Guin, an official at the Autorit

At a hearing last year in the appellate case, Apple accused French regulators of bending antitrust rules for political objectives when they doled out the record-breaking fine as part of a campaign to crack down on tech giant dominance

When it dished out the fine in 2020, the French agency said Apple conspired with two wholesalers -- Tech Data and Ingram Micro -- in a move that thwarted wholesale competition for non-iPhone products such as Apple Mac computers. The duo were also slapped with fines of 76.1 million and 63 million.

Tech Data's fine was reduced to about 25 million and Ingram Micro's penalty was cut to 19.5 million. Tech Data, which merged last year with Synnex Corp., is pleased that the court took the company's arguments into account in this ruling, but we will carefully analyze the decision to determine any potential next steps, a spokesperson for the company said in a statement. Representatives for Ingram Micro didn't respond to a request for comment.
66 million years ago, a 10-kilometre asteroid hit Earth, triggering the extinction of the dinosaurs.

66 million years ago, a 10-kilometre asteroid hit Earth, triggering the extinction of the dinosaurs. New evidence suggests that the Chicxulub impact also triggered an earthquake so massive that it shook the planet for weeks to months after the collision. The amount of energy released in this 'mega-earthquake' is estimated at 1023 joules, which is about 50,000 times more energy than was released in the magnitude 9.1 Sumatra earthquake in 2004.

Hermann Bermudez will present evidence of this "mega-earthquake" at the upcoming GSA Connects meeting in Denver this Sunday, 9 October. Earlier this year, with support from a GSA Graduate Student Research Grant, Bermudez visited outcrops of the infamous Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction event boundary in Texas, Alabama, and Mississippi to collect data, supplementing his previous work in Colombia and Mexico documenting evidence of the catastrophic impact.

In 2014, while doing fieldwork on Colombia's Gorgonilla Island, Bermudez found spherule deposits -- layers of sediment filled with small glass beads (as large as 1.1 mm) and shards known as 'tektites' and 'microtektites' that were ejected into the atmosphere during an asteroid impact. These glass beads formed when the heat and pressure of the impact melted and scattered the crust of the Earth, ejecting small, melted blobs up into the atmosphere, to then fall back to the surface as glass under the influence of gravity.

The rocks exposed on the coast of Gorgonilla Island tell a story from the bottom of the ocean -- roughly 2 km down. There, about 3,000-km southwest from the site of the impact, sand, mud, and small ocean creatures were accumulating on the ocean floor when the asteroid hit. Layers of mud and sandstone as far as 10-15 meters below the sea floor experienced soft-sediment deformation that is preserved in the outcrops today, which Bermudez attributes to the shaking from the impact. Faults and deformation due to shaking continue up through the spherule-rich layer that was deposited post-impact, indicating that the shaking must have continued for the weeks and months it took for these finer-grained deposits to reach the ocean floor. Just above those spherule deposits, preserved fern spores signal the first recovery of plant-life after the impact.

Bermudez explains, "The section I discovered on Gorgonilla Island is a fantastic place to study the K-Pg boundary, because it is one of the best-preserved and it was located deep in the ocean, so it was not affected by tsunamis."

Evidence of deformation from the mega-earthquake is also preserved in Mexico and the United States. At the El Papalote exposure in Mexico, Bermudez observed evidence of liquefaction -- when strong shaking causes water-saturated sediments to flow like a liquid. In Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas, Bermudez documented faults and cracks likely associated with the mega-quake. He also documents tsunami deposits at several outcrops, left by an enormous wave that was part of the cascading catastrophes resulting from the asteroid collision.
Googles data centers's data workers allege that they were fired for supporting a union.

Contract workers at Google's data centers allege that they were fired for supporting a union and faced retaliation after pushing for better benefits, according to a pair of complaints filed this week with the US National Labor Relations Board.

The Alphabet Workers Union, whose members include both direct employees and subcontracted staff for Google's parent company, claims that two workers at a data center in Council Bluffs, Iowa, were terminated for discussing their working conditions and because of their affiliation with the labor organization, according to documents viewed by Bloomberg.

Another worker at the site faced retaliation for having a role in the union, according to the complaint, which was filed on Wednesday against Google and Modis, an information-technology firm that serves as a subcontractor.

Labor groups have been pushing to make inroads this year in big tech companies, long seen as resistant to union organizing. In addition to Google, Amazon. com Inc. and Apple Inc. have faced labor campaigns in recent months -- with mixed results.

In another complaint filed with the NLRB on Wednesday, two contract security guards working at Google data centers in North and South Carolina allege that they lost their security clearances after discussing working conditions. The workers said they had spoken out about a lack of benefits such as sick days and parental leave and have been unable to work without their security clearances.

The cases appear to be the first in which Alphabet Inc. workers were fired for their union membership, according to Parul Koul, a Google software engineer and the executive chair of AWU, a so-called minority union that doesn't have collective bargaining authority but advocates on behalf of workers. Google is named in the complaints as a joint employer, or a company with sufficient control over a group of workers to be legally liable for their treatment.

Google didn't have an immediate comment. Modis, which is owned by Adecco Group AG, didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Claims filed with the NLRB are investigated by regional officials. If they find merit in the allegations and can't secure a settlement, they issue a complaint on behalf of the labor board's general counsel, which is considered by an agency judge. Those judges' rulings can be appealed to the NLRB members in Washington and then to federal court.

The agency has the authority to order companies to reinstate fired workers and change policies, but generally can't hold executives personally liable for alleged wrongdoing or issue any punitive damages.

Last year, another NLRB complaint filed by AWU on behalf of a subcontracted Google data-center worker in South Carolina led to a settlement. As part of that agreement, the tech giant promised to obey federal law by not silencing workers about their pay.

The treatment of the workers in Council Bluffs violates that settlement, AWU alleges. In June, one of the workers, Eli Cave, who uses they and them pronouns, suggested a walkout to protest a new timekeeping system that they feared could lead to lost wages. Shortly thereafter, a manager said Cave's actions could be considered insubordination and threatened to put Cave on a performance improvement plan, according to a statement of facts in the case viewed by Bloomberg.

In July, two other workers at the site, Dustin Sommers-Hehn and Leilani Morton, met in the data center's common area to discuss working conditions, according to the statement of facts. Later that week, management gave Sommers-Hehn a final warning for having a union meeting and told Morton that discussing unions was forbidden, the document states. Sommers-Hehn and Morton learned in August and October, respectively, that their contracts wouldn't be renewed.

The other complaint filed Wednesday is tied to security guards at Google contractor Allied Universal. Earlier this year, Allied workers realized they weren't receiving key benefits, such as sick days, special leave for Covid-19 and parental leave, though they were guaranteed under Google's minimum benefits standards for US contractors, according to the complaint.

Allied rolled out some benefits in September after a petition circulated by employees attracted hundreds of signatures, workers said. Cynthia West, who was working as a security guard in North Carolina, said she helped organize the petition, but she feels she has paid a steep price. Shortly after accepting a new job at another Google contractor on the site, she learned that she had lost her security clearance.

A representative for Allied didn't have an immediate comment.

Although she was employed by Google's contracting firms, West said that the client bears responsibility for working conditions on the site.

The client does or should have some culpability for that, said West, 37, who is cited by the AWU complaint. If they don't know, they need to know.

Another worker who is part of the complaint against Google and Allied, Heather Smith, said she had spoken out about the lack of benefits and also advocated on behalf of a pregnant colleague.

In late September, she learned she had lost her security clearance. It was a blow out of nowhere, said Smith, 31. I was terminated without them actually saying terminated.'
NASAs Juno mission has shared a stunning image of the terrifying surface of Jupiters Moon Europa.

NASA has shared a stunningly close and high-resolution photo of Jupiter's moon Europa, all thanks to the Juno mission, which is centred around the largest planet in our solar system. The image reveals a detailed view of a puzzling region of the moon's heavily fractured icy crust. NASA explains that the highest ever resolution image of Jupiter's Moon so far covers about 93 miles (150 kilometres) by 125 miles (200 kilometres) of Europa's surface, revealing a region crisscrossed with a network of fine grooves and double ridges- something of a highway to hell, considering that the moon is constantly blasted by radiation from Jupiter. NASA says, "Juno's Stellar Reference Unit (SRU)  a star camera used to orient the spacecraft  obtained the black-and-white image during the spacecraft's flyby of Europa on Sept. 29, 2022, at a distance of about 256 miles (412 kilometers)."

This image is unlocking an incredible level of detail in a region not previously imaged at such resolution and under such revealing illumination conditions. The team's use of a star-tracker camera for science is a great example of Juno's groundbreaking capabilities. These features are so intriguing. Understanding how they formed  and how they connect to Europa's history  informs us about internal and external processes shaping the icy crust," said Heidi Becker, the lead co-investigator for Juno's Stellar Reference Unit.

This black-and-white image was captured on September 29, 2022, via Juno's Stellar Reference Unit  a star camera used to orient the spacecraft at a distance of about 256 miles. The surprising part is that the image of this region of Europa was captured as Juno raced past at about 24 kilometres per second. NASA says that the dark stains in the image may be a result of something from below erupting onto the surface. There are some white dots too which are signatures of high-energy particles from the severe radiation around the moon.

More about NASA's Juno Mission

NASA launched the Juno mission back on August 5, 2011. It embarked on a 5-year journey to our solar system's largest planet - Jupiter. NASA's mission to Jupiter's main aim is to probe beneath the planet's dense clouds and unlock Jupiter's Secrets. The Juno spacecraft is designed to reveal some insightful information about Jupiter - from its origin and evolution to our solar system, and giant planets in general across the universe. Juno reached Jupiter on July 4, 2016.
Roma aims to have flying in air taxis service up and running in 2024.

Rome plans to offer travelers the chance to bypass its famously crippling traffic by flying in air taxis directly from the city center.

The goal is to have the service up and running in 2024, ahead of a year-long Vatican celebration the following year known as Jubilee. A ride from the central Termini rail station, where the air taxi terminal could be located, to Fiumicino airport would take around 20 minutes, compared with as much as an hour by road.

We expect millions of visitors to come from all over the world, Marco Troncone, chief executive officer of airport operator Aeroporti di Roma SpA, said in an interview on Thursday. This will be an opportunity to offer alternative mobility services and to accelerate the development of our infrastructure.

Aeroporti di Roma and Atlantia SpA announced last October a partnership with electric air-taxi company Volocopter GmbH, with the goal of bringing urban air mobility to the Eternal City. On Thursday, a two-seater, electric Volocity vehicle took off from the Fiumicino area for first public test flight with a crew onboard.

The Italian venture adds to a growing list of electric air taxis being tested around the world, with France planning to have two dedicated flight paths to ferry passengers in time for the 2024 summer Olympics.

While the Italian project is still waiting for the final authorization from the Italian and European authorities, Volocopter Chief Commercial Officer Christian Bauer said that the company is committed to get the commercial certification by 2024.
The MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center campus is seen, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022, in Des Moines, Iowa. Diverted ambulances. Cancer treatment delayed. Electronic health records offline. These are just some of ripple effects of an apparent cyberattack on the major nonprofit health system that disrupted operations throughout the U.S. Meanwhile, The Des Moines Register said the incident occurred Monday, Oct. 3, 2022, and forced the diversion of five ambulances from the emergency department of the city's Mercy One Medical Center to other medical facilities. Credit: AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

Details of an apparent cyberattack on one of the largest health systems in the U.S. were slow to emerge as security experts on Friday warned that it often takes time to assess the full impact on patients and hospitals.

Earlier this week, CommonSpirit Health confirmed it experienced an "IT security issue" but it has yet to answer detailed questions about the incident, including how many of its 1,000 care sites that serve 20 million Americans may have been affected. The health system giant, which is the second largest nonprofit health system in America, has 140 hospitals in 21 states.

"It actually takes a while to fully know the scope because you're in the middle of trying to restore all your systems," said Allan Liska, an analyst with the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future. "You're trying to get patient care up and running. You're trying to get your nurses and your doctors back to the systems they need."

Healthcare organizations are an appealing target for cyber attackersparticularly those who use malware to lock up a victim organization's files and leverage the information for a payment. Ransomware has remained a persistent threat for the industry, which is among the 16 sectors the U.S. government classifies as critical infrastructure.

"Ransomware actors know that's going to cause a lot of disruption," Liska said.

The MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center campus is seen, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022, in Des Moines, Iowa. Diverted ambulances. Cancer treatment delayed. Electronic health records offline. These are just some of ripple effects of an apparent cyberattack on the major nonprofit health system that disrupted operations throughout the U.S. Meanwhile, The Des Moines Register said the incident occurred Monday, Oct. 3, 2022, and forced the diversion of five ambulances from the emergency department of the city's Mercy One Medical Center to other medical facilities. Credit: AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

Health care systems in 2021 saw an unusually high amount of attacks, with 285 publicly reported worldwide, Liska added. So far, Liska's firm has tracked 155 this year with an average of 20 attacks happening a month. However, he estimated that only about 10% of ransomware attacks are publicized.

Cybersecurity experts said years of work have built health care leaders' trust in the FBI and other federal agencies focused on cyber crime.

An FBI spokesperson declined to comment on whether they were investigating the CommonSpirit Health cyberattack.

John Riggi, the American Hospital Association's national advisor for cybersecurity and risk, said he could not discuss CommonSpirit specifically. In general, though, he said it can take days, weeks or more to discover how an attacker gained access, determine what damage has been done and prevent further harm.

Riggi, who spent nearly 30 years with the FBI, called any significant cyber attack on a hospital "a potential risk to patient safety" and said the U.S. government takes that seriously. Their goal, he said, is to identify the attacker and make their identity and methodology public.

The MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center campus is seen, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022, in Des Moines, Iowa. Diverted ambulances. Cancer treatment delayed. Electronic health records offline. These are just some of ripple effects of an apparent cyberattack on the major nonprofit health system that disrupted operations throughout the U.S. Meanwhile, The Des Moines Register said the incident occurred Monday, Oct. 3, 2022, and forced the diversion of five ambulances from the emergency department of the city's Mercy One Medical Center to other medical facilities. Credit: AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

"They don't want to show their hand, what they know about the bad guys," he said. "You're really processing a crime scene in real time."

But there are risks to victims of cyber attacks who fail to communicate their response plan and strategies for recovery, said Mike Hamilton, the chief information security officer with Critical Insights Cybersecurity in Washington state.

The reaction of patients, staff and affiliated health care operations to the chain's handling of the incident all could affect the company's future survival, he said.

"Here's how close we are to resolution, here's where we're diverting, here are the other hospitals we're partnering with," Hamilton said. "They need to be sure they're communicating ... because so many people are being impacted by this."

Explore further Hospital chain attack part of ongoing cybersecurity concerns

 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Tesla Chairman and CEO Elon Musk unveiled the "Semi" electric Truck in November 2017 in Hawthorne near Los Angeles.

PepsiCo said Friday it will receive its first Tesla semi-trucks December 1, a vehicle Elon Musk has said can travel 500 miles on a single charge.

The trucks will support the soda company's Sacramento, California beverage plant as a well as it's Modesto, California factory for the Frito-Lay snack brand, according to Pepsi.

A Pepsi spokeswoman declined to say how many Tesla trucks will be delivered, saying in an email "we will provide more details once we have taken delivery."

Musk announced the planned December 1 delivery inn a Twitter post Thursday night, calling the truck "super fun to drive."

He first announced the vehicle in 2017, targeting production two years later. But the timeframe has been pushed back several times amid supply chain problems.

Explore further Tesla says deliveries increased in Q3

 2022 AFP
Calling the criminalization of marijuana a failed approach, President Joe Biden announced a pardon of all federal marijuana possession charges Thursday  and urged governors to follow suit with state-level convictions for marijuana possession.

The federal pardon will affect at least 6,500 people, The New York Times reported, but the vast majority of marijuana possession crimes are charged on the state level, not in a federal case.

Gov. Greg Abbotts office did not directly answer whether he would pursue pardons for Texas convictions.

In a statement, Abbotts spokesperson criticized the Democratic party for some of its members stances on criminal justice issues and said Texas is not in the habit of taking advice from the Biden administration.

Abbott has previously expressed support for reducing penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana.

At a campaign event in Edinburg in January, Abbott said he believes prison and jail is a place for dangerous criminals who may harm others, and small possession of marijuana is not the type of violation that we want to stockpile jails with.

The Governor of Texas can only pardon individuals who have been through the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles system with a recommendation for pardon, Renae Eze, a spokesperson for Abbott, said in a statement.

Abbotts gubernatorial opponent, Democrat Beto ORourke, was quick to announce his support for the presidents action.

When Im governor, we will finally legalize marijuana in Texas and expunge the records of those arrested for marijuana possession, ORourke said in a statement.

Jax James, the executive director of Texas NORML, which seeks to decriminalize responsible use of cannabis by adults and patients, said in a statement, I am happy to see President Biden fulfill a campaign promise that will positively impact the lives of Texans who have been living with the collateral consequences.

James expressed hope that top GOP leaders in Texas  like Abbott and House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, who has regularly signaled support for reducing penalties for marijuana possession  would act on Bidens announcement.

Biden argued the reason for his decision, just under a month ahead of the November midterms, was the undue burden simple marijuana possession charges put on Americans. Thirty-seven states in the nation have legalized medical marijuana.

Sending people to prison for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives and incarcerated people for conduct that many states no longer prohibit. Criminal records for marijuana possession have also imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities, Biden said in a statement.

Pamela Metzger, a law professor and director of the Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, said that while Bidens pardon is a step in the right direction, its a small step. And while the pardons are crucial for those with federal possession convictions, not many Texans will benefit.

Imagine what Gov. Abbott could do with the size and scale of marijuana possession in Texas, Metzger said.

This year through August, Texas prosecutors filed more than 14,000 misdemeanor pot possession charges, so far leading to more than 5,000 convictions, according to statewide court data. Pot possession is a misdemeanor for up to 4 ounces, and a felony for quantities beyond that.

Marijuana prosecutions dropped dramatically after 2019, when Texas lawmakers legalized hemp and as a result complicated how law enforcement can determine if something is illegal cannabis. In 2018, for example, nearly 50,000 misdemeanor marijuana charges were filed.

Every minute a police officer is spent booking someone for marijuana possession is a minute they could be doing something else, Metzger said. She speculated that most people dont want prosecutors sending time on simple marijuana possession charges either.

She added that those who have a marijuana possession conviction face significant burdens that make it more difficult to participate in society, like getting a job or securing housing.

In many ways, this is an argument for smaller government, Metzger said. What does our government owe to people? It owes us the right to be left alone.

In addition to the federal pardon, Biden asked for a review of marijuanas classification under the Controlled Substances Act. Currently, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug, which is the same classification for LSD and heroin.

James also reaffirmed the importance of reclassifying marijuana.

Texas has affirmed that it has medical value through the Texas Compassionate Use Program that serves patients with qualifying conditions, James said.
A threat cluster linked to the Russian nation-state actor tracked as Sandworm has continued its targeting of Ukraine with commodity malware by masquerading as telecom providers, new findings show.

Recorded Future said it discovered new infrastructure belonging to UAC-0113 that mimics operators like Datagroup and EuroTransTelecom to deliver payloads such as Colibri loader and Warzone RAT.

The attacks are said to be an expansion of the same campaign that previously distributed DCRat (or DarkCrystal RAT) using phishing emails with legal aid-themed lures against providers of telecommunications in Ukraine.

Sandworm is a destructive Russian threat group that's best known for carrying out attacks such as the 2015 and 2016 targeting of Ukrainian electrical grid and 2017's NotPetya attacks. It's confirmed to be Unit 74455 of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency.

The adversarial collective, also known as Voodoo Bear, sought to damage high-voltage electrical substations, computers and networking equipment for the third time in Ukraine earlier this April through a new variant of a piece of malware known as Industroyer.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has also had the group unleash numerous other attacks, including leveraging the Follina vulnerability (CVE-2022-30190) in the Microsoft Windows Support Diagnostic Tool (MSDT) to breach media entities in the Eastern European nation.

In addition, it was uncovered as the mastermind behind a new modular botnet called Cyclops Blink that enslaved internet-connected firewall devices and routers from WatchGuard and ASUS.

The U.S. government, for its part, has announced up to $10 million in rewards for information on six hackers associated with the APT group for participating in malicious cyber activities against critical infrastructure in the country.

"A transition from DarkCrystal RAT to Colibri Loader and Warzone RAT demonstrates UAC-0113's broadening but continuing use of publicly available commodity malware," Recorded Future said.

The attacks entail the fraudulent domains hosting a web page purportedly about "Odesa Regional Military Administration," while an encoded ISO image payload is stealthily deployed via a technique referred to as HTML smuggling.

HTML smuggling, as the name goes, is an evasive malware delivery technique that leverages legitimate HTML and JavaScript features to distribute malware and get around conventional security controls.

Recorded Future also said it identified points of similarities with another HTML dropper attachment put to use by the APT29 threat actor in a campaign aimed at Western diplomatic missions between May and June 2022.

"It is currently unknown why there is a similarity overlap between the two threat actor groups' use of this ISO delivery functionality," the researchers said. "One hypothesis is that UAC-0113 took inspiration from or directly copied this functionality from open source reporting on APT29, or that the same open source resource was used as a codebase."

Embedded within the ISO file, which was created on August 5, 2022, are three files, including an LNK file that tricks the victim into activating the infection sequence, resulting in the deployment of both Colibri loader and Warzone RAT to the target machine.

The execution of the LNK file also launches an innocuous decoy document  an application for Ukrainian citizens to request for monetary compensation and fuel discounts  in an attempt to conceal the malicious operations.
Nebraska Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Pillen speaks after receiving a public endorsement from former Nebraska Gov. Kay Orr, left, and current Nebraska Gov.r Pete Ricketts, right, in the Capitol Rotunda at the Nebraska Capitol Building Jan. 18, 2022, in Lincoln. (Rebecca S. Gratz for Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  Gov. Pete Ricketts made clear on Friday that not he, but the next Nebraska governor, will select a replacement for U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, who is expected to resign to become president of the University of Florida.

Ricketts issued a statement Friday afternoon after speculation that he might appoint himself to the Senate post  one he sought unsuccessfully in 2006.

If I choose to pursue the appointment, I will leave the appointment decision to the next governor and will follow the process established for all interested candidates, Ricketts said in his statement.

That could set up a scenario where a candidate Ricketts has endorsed and financially backed, University of Nebraska Regent Jim Pillen, a fellow Republican and the presumptive next governor, could select Ricketts to fill the post.

Ricketts said Friday that he had only learned Thursday of Sasses plan to resign. His staff said that his statement Friday is the only statement that will be issued prior to any potential change in status on Senator Sasse.

It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as the governor of Nebraska. It is the greatest job in the world, and it will remain my number one focus for the remainder of my term, Ricketts said.

Speculation began Thursday after it was reported that Sasse, a former president at Midland University in Fremont, was the lone finalist for the Florida post.

If he resigns, as expected, Nebraskas governor  whoever that might be  has 45 days to appoint a qualified Nebraskan to fill the vacancy, according to the Nebraska Secretary of States Office.

The appointee, officials said, would serve until January 2025. An election would be held in 2024 to fill the seat for the remaining two years of Sasses term.

Political pundits speculated that Ricketts, 58, would seriously consider the job, given his past interest and the fact that that he was term-limited from running for governor this year.

In his statement Friday, Ricketts did not say if he was interested in the job now, though observers around the State Capitol have guessed that he might seek election to the U.S. Senate after he leaves state government, or seek a cabinet post in a GOP administration.

In the past, governors in other states have appointed themselves to U.S. Senate vacancies or have resigned so their lieutenant governor could appoint them. But that hasnt often translated into future political success.

Minnesota governor lost

One instance involved Minnesota Gov. Wendell Anderson, who resigned in 1976 so his lieutenant governor could appoint Anderson to the Senate to replace Walter Mondale, who was elected vice president for Jimmy Carter.

But two years later, Anderson, a Democrat, was defeated in his attempt to retain his seat.

In 1962, former Wyoming Gov. John Hickey suffered a similar fate. Hickey had appointed himself to the U.S. Senate post in 1961, but lost an election a year later to retain the seat.

Controversy often flares when governors appoint themselves, arrange to have themselves appointed or even consider it.

In 2008, then-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich considered appointing himself to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the election of Barack Obama as president.

In the end, Blagojevich appointed someone else. But he was later impeached, then criminally indicted and convicted of soliciting bribes from potential candidates for the Senate vacancy.

Doubts about political blowback

Two political scientists told the Nebraska Examiner Thursday that they doubted Ricketts would face such blowback because Nebraska is such a Republican dominated state.

Ricketts, in his statement Friday, said Sasse would make an excellent president for the University of Florida.

He has one of the most conservative voting records in the Senate, and we need more conservative voices in our universities, the governor said. I wish him luck as the University of Florida makes their consideration.

Sasse voted for impeachment

Sasse raised the ire of former President Donald Trump and his supporters when he voted to convict Trump during the presidents second impeachment trial.

Yet Sasse fended off a GOP primary challenger and won re-election in 2020, claiming 63% of the vote.

Trump, who once belittled Sasse as Little Ben after one of their disagreements over policy, received 58% of the Nebraska vote in 2020.

Sasse is scheduled to visit the Florida campus Monday, where he will meet with students and faculty. The university will accept feedback until Nov. 1 concerning his appointment.

Persons with knowledge of the situation say that Sasse, barring unforeseen circumstances, could resign his Senate post, which he has held since 2015, in late November or early December.
Editors Note: This is the final installment of a series investigating the leading causes of death in Southern Illinois over the last 20 years.

Heart disease. Cancer. Respiratory disease. Diabetes. All among the leading causes of death in Southern Illinois. And, over the last two decades, these maladies have consistently been what has killed people in our region.

Thats according to death rates data since 1999 for 18 Southern Illinois counties in a database maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Experts in our region  those The Southern has talked to throughout this Whats Killing Southern Illinoisans series  have, almost without fail, pointed to several factors for the higher-than-national rates for cancers, heart disease and practically all of the top 15 causes of death. Our areas poverty, lack of access to fresh foods and medical facilities in some areas and mostly our poor lifestyle choices are all to blame. Simply put, residents of the region eat too much, eat the wrong foods, exercise too little, fail to get regular medical check-ups and screenings and smoke way too much.

In some cases those with chronic diseases still are dying from those diseases, but advances in medical technology, procedures and facilities have improved, giving patients better quality of life and additional years before succumbing to the disease.

Still, local health care professionals are taking a multi-faceted cooperative approach to improve health outcomes, decrease mortality rates and help Southern Illinoisans make better health choices.

Im personally very proud of the work that is being done, but that work takes time, explained Angie Hampton, CEO of Egyptian Health Department. While there are some genetic factors to some of these chronic disease, primarily it is our health behaviors that are attributing to these diseases.

Hampton and other health care leaders from across the region are finding ways to work together to cure some of what ails Southern Illinois through efforts of the Healthy Southern Illinois Delta Network, a group led by a wide-ranging steering committee comprised of leaders from local health departments, health care entities, the SIU School of Medicine and the University of Illinois Extension Service.

According to the groups website, it works to create influence policy, systems and environmental changes to improve the health of the region, both physically and mentally. The group also promotes mental health services, screenings and works to reduce chronic health conditions.

She said the approach leads to a variety or initiatives and programs developed individually and collaborate to make a difference. Efforts stem from community health assessment programs completed every few years.

We look at our top health priorities and then we form action teams to work on specific things through grants and a lot of community activities to go out into the communities and address these needs, Hampton explained.

Hampton said by working together, objectives are easier to meet.

We used to work together because we had to  the only resource we had was each other, but now our partnerships have grown even stronger, she said. I think having this regional approach working. Its going to take all of us together, out in the field, booths on the ground because ultimately, we want to give our community members the resources they need.

Angie Bailey, system director of community benefits for SIH, said many of the needs identified by local studies as well as her organizations regular community needs assessment, lead to new programs, especially in rural parts of the region.

All of these coalitions are working together to address these health issues. We have a kind of a regional action plan, she said.

Those plans include awareness campaigns and efforts to promote healthy lifestyle choices. She admits, it all can be challenging, as evidenced by the health data.

Its an uphill battle in some areas, she said. Societal things like someones nutrition, their physical activity, their tobacco use are all factors.

Hampton added, It is a multi-faceted approach. Thats what its going to take.
The Regional Medical Center and Medical University of South Carolina's planned partnership will start a new chapter in a long history of health care in Orangeburg.

The $26 million RMC opened May 17, 1981, on St. Matthews Road under the joint ownership of Orangeburg and Calhoun counties.

The counties have owned the hospital under the same structure for the past 41 years.

Now MUSC is considering a 99-year agreement under which it will lease RMC from the counties. Proceeds from the lease are expected to be placed back into infrastructure and building improvements by the hospital.

The 17-member Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees was dissolved and a new, 11-member board has been appointed.

Also, an 18-member Constituency Advisory Board will be tasked with providing the new hospital board with policy recommendations based on the identified health care needs of the area served by the hospital and the entities that interact with the hospital.

The partnership will also change the name of the hospital from the Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties to MUSC Health Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties.

The RMC-MUSC partnership continues the history of health care in Orangeburg.

According to a historical account of the hospital written by Orangeburg's Gene Atkinson, the first sustainable hospital in Orangeburg was established in 1919 by Dr. Charles A. Mobley, a young surgeon who came from Rock Hill.

Much of the groundwork for initiating this effort came through the chamber of commerce and interested citizens.

It took more than 12 years of town meetings by leaders to finally establish Orangeburg's first hospital, according to Atkinson.

The building used for the health care facility was the former dormitory of the Orangeburg Collegiate Institute on Glover Street. The capacity of this early building allowed it to house approximately 40 patients.

In 1920 it became evident that many persons who needed hospital care were unable to pay for the services, Atkinson wrote.

Thus the Hospital Relief Association was formed to help pay for the charity patients. Its membership consisted of representatives from nine church societies, six women's clubs and two men's organizations.

In that first year of 1920, this benevolent association paid $840.89 for the charity care of 12 patients. All the physicians treated these patients free of charge, while local druggists assisted by giving medications at cost

By 1924 the capacity of the hospital had become severely strained, and a three-story addition was constructed immediately in front and connected with the old building by a covered corridor.

As Orangeburg was experiencing significant growth during the 1920s and 1930s, it became evident by 1933 that the facilities had been outgrown.

Also increased numbers of charity patients were making financial stability difficult, according to Atkinson.

The Edisto Medical Society, comprised of physicians from Orangeburg, Calhoun, and Bamberg counties, along with area civic leaders, recommended that an eleemosynary association be formed to take over by leasing Mobley's hospital with the purpose of building a new and larger facility that would be eligible for federal government building funds.

The action also would qualify the hospital for financial aid from the Duke Endowment Foundation for the charity care given.

At that time, Orangeburg and the surrounding area had a population of approximately 175,000 and needed to have an adequate general hospital to be able to serve the territory between Columbia, Charleston, Sumter and Augusta.

Thus the Tri-County Hospital Association was formed and a board of trustees was appointed on Jan. 1, 1934, according to Atkinson.

Immediately they began to make plans to construct a new and more modern hospital, as enlarging the older one on Glover Street proved not to be feasible.

An application was made to the Public Works Administration of the federal government, and it subsequently approved a loan of $120,000 to be repaid over 30 years, as well as an outright grant of $108,900.

Technically, to be able to qualify for the PWA funding, it was necessary for the City of Orangeburg to take over the ownership of the hospital, which was accomplished with the same board still governing its use.

On Jan. 15, 1936, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for a new hospital on Carolina Avenue. The entire construction cost was about $171,300, according to Atkinson.

Tri-County Hospital was opened in 1937 with 82 employees and a capacity of 125 beds.

The winning bid for the contract for the basic building without equipment and furnishings was $171,300 by W.A. Crary & Son, a contractor from Columbia. This firm also built the Orangeburg County Courthouse in 1928 and 1929.

By May the first story was up, with the second floor following in June and the third floor in August. After that, the interior work commenced, Atkinson wrote.

The city had to spend approximately $25,000 for the development of support services for the new hospital. It was necessary to lay water and sewer lines, make street improvements, as well as provide street lights to and around the entire hospital area. Also, the streets leading to and adjacent to the area had to be paved.

In April 1937, the voters of Orangeburg County approved a $60,000 bond referendum to help equip and furnish the new hospital, as well as pay $1,350 for the purchase of the lot for the student nursing dormitory.

Tri-County Hospital was constructed with every modern feature of building design, including being made of brick and concrete, thus being "fireproof," as well as having such modern conveniences as automatic elevators, improved electrical lighting, tile and terrazzo flooring, and the latest in institutional equipment and furnishings. The building and the modern accouterments represented an approximate overall investment of $250,000, according to Atkinson.

The current RMC opened in May 1981 with the first 128 patients transferred from Carolina Avenue to the new facility on May 30, 1981.

During construction of the present facility, Calhoun County became a joint owner, and Calhoun County Council appointed the county's first board members in 1981.

A milestone in 1986 was the opening of a 15-bed psychiatric unit, the Rose Centre. The unit is housed on a renovated wing of the pediatrics unit.

To reflect the hospital's expanding role as a center for medical care in the lower Midlands, the name was changed to The Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties in 1988.

Changes in the health care environment led to the first major expansion at the St. Matthews Road site, according to Atkinson.

In 1990, two new wings added two entrances to the medical center. The Admitting/Outpatient wing brought all patient account services into one area and provided space for several other departments, such as Same Day Surgery.

Designed to function as a freestanding service, the Same Day Surgery wing is the result of the need to accommodate the increase in outpatient surgery. The program, which started in 1983 in makeshift quarters, evolved to 60% of surgery being performed on a same-day basis and the need for a dedicated wing.

The year 1992 was one of milestones and changes. A ribbon-cutting and open house was held on May 28 for The H. Filmore Mabry Center For Cancer Care on the hospital's campus. Offering a comprehensive outpatient program of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, the facility opened for patient care in June.

August 1992 marked the completion of renovations that consolidated the labor and delivery and obstetrics/gynecology areas on Her Place, and paved the way for implementing single-room maternity care.

The following month, the first patients were admitted to the hospital's new 20-bed inpatient Rehabilitation Unit on the fourth floor.

Early in 1993, the hospital's chief executive officer, H. Filmore "Fil" Mabry, who had served more than 30 years in that role, announced plans to retire, according to Atkinson.

A few months later, the hospital's board of trustees entered an agreement with Quorum Health Resources Inc., a Tennessee-based hospital-management firm, to assist in the management responsibilities of the hospital and with the board's search for a new CEO.

Thomas C. "Tom" Dandridge began full-time duties as the RMC CEO on Nov. 8, 1993. Throughout the '90s, RMC experienced growth with advancements in health care technology, state-of-the-art equipment, community outreach, and health and wellness initiatives.

RMC moved into the 21st century with a comprehensive renovation and expansion of the Emergency Department and a focus on customer service.

In March 2001, the hospital began a new era in communications technology with the launch of a website.

HealthPlex, a 14,335-square-foot facility featuring outpatient rehabilitation and wellness services, was added to the RMC campus in 2004.

In 2005, the outpatient Vascular Center opened in the RMC's Annex building.

One of the RMC's milestones in 2006 was the opening of the Breast Health Center, which offers digital mammography and has a boutique that carries skin care products, prostheses and wigs.

The RMC embarked on a hospital-wide information technology system upgrade in the summer of 2008 and went live at the end of 2009.

In 2010, RMC installed the Toshiba Aquilion 64 Computed Tomography scanner, the only one in the area. Another milestone in the Radiology Department in 2010 was the installation of a Siemens Artis Zee Special Procedures Unit.

Another milestone of 2010 occurred in the Operating Room, where a room was renovated to develop a hybrid Surgical Suite.

The Dialysis Access Institute was established at RMC in March 2011.

Utilizing existing space in the inpatient/outpatient registration area and various other areas, the service consists of outpatient surgical procedures that provide access to the bloodstream for dialysis patients.

The facility has attained international fame. Doctors from throughout the U.S. and other countries visit RMC to be trained in the access procedures.

From new technologies and services lines  like 3-D digital mammography, nuclear medicine and a dedicated breast center  to community initiatives and new facilities, the hospital is moving forward.

RMC is in the process of getting approval to offer percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) services.

This cardiac intervention, using the latest technology, will be a lifesaving addition to RMCs service lines.

Additionally, the hospital will soon expand its inpatient neurology program to offer an outpatient neurology clinic for the community.

RMC has recently added new primary care clinics in Bowman and St. Matthews.

The hospital opened its clinic in Bowman in May 2022.

The hospital also opened a new clinic in St. Matthews at 651A Harry C. Raysor Road. The location also features a HealthPlex.

Currently, RMC is reviewing two companies that submitted proposals for the construction of a new Santee clinic. The hospital is also considering enhancing its presence in the Holly Hill area, though a decision on what that will look like has not been finalized.
The Medical University of South Carolina may not decide whether to proceed with its partnership with the Regional Medical Center until later this year or early in 2023.

Our enterprise-wide team, representing education, research and clinical care, are in the midst of a comprehensive due diligence process concerning this potential partnership, MUSC Director of Public Affairs, Media Relations and Presidential Communications Heather M. Woolwine said in a prepared statement.

There are several phases to this due diligence, which will be followed by a full review by the MUSC Board of Trustees, she said.

The board will not be able to make a decision about the proposed partnership until this process is complete and the details of a potential structure and fiduciary responsibilities have been determined, Woolwine said. A conservative estimate on timeline for this process would place a board review and vote on whether to proceed with the partnership in late 2022 or early 2023.

MUSC is honored to be engaged by the state to participate in these discussions in the early stages given its statewide mission and commitment to serving all of South Carolinas citizens.

A proviso in the South Carolina budget allows a partnership between RMC and MUSC. RMC is owned by Orangeburg and Calhoun counties.

Orangeburg and Calhoun county councils and the Orangeburg County Legislative Delegation successfully made the Oct. 1 deadline to appoint an 11-member board that will help oversee the transition process with MUSC.

This process will include the anticipated signing of a lease agreement.

With the exception of fiscal matters, the new board has assumed all the duties and responsibilities of the previous RMC Board.

The new board will be in place to do just that, said Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg. MUSC, as is true in any case involving this type of transaction, is required to undertake a due diligence process and they are about a third of the way through it.

RMC Chief Financial Officer Dennis Pettigrew said what happens going forward will be revealed to employees and the public at the appropriate time. He said the information RMC administration is aware of is what has been made known publicly in meetings.

He said hospital administration has been told that MUSC officials will come to the hospital and inform employees about the transition process.

We are going through open enrollment, Pettigrew said. We are going through the normal process.

While specific details of when certain benchmarks or milestones will be reached are unknown, Pettigrew said what is known is that nobody is going to lose anything.

"What youve got, you have, he said.

As due diligence gets done, that will form the basis for the agreement, Pettigrew said. We don't expect any surprises in due diligence.

Highlights of what the partnership with MUSC would look like include:

 MUSC would enter into a 99-year lease with RMC.

 MUSC would commit to a multi-year investment in RMC.

 The Medical University Hospital Authority Board, the governing body of MUSC, would oversee RMCs finances.

 RMC would be responsible for quality oversight, medical staff accreditation and community engagement.

 All employees at RMC would be retained.

 All employee physician contracts would remain the same as long as they are within fair market range.

 RMC employees would become employees of the Medical University Hospital Authority/Medical University of South Carolina.

 Contract providers that currently provide services to RMC will most likely remain the same unless their contracts expire and the hospital renews them.

 The name could change to MUSC Health Orangeburg-Calhoun.

Cobb-Hunter

cites concerns,

RMC answers

Cobb-Hunter has concerns about how RMC has responded through the transition process.

She cited the current administrations failure to submit all of the requested financial information in a timely manner, noting she does not want MUSC agreeing to take on a pig in a poke.

She is also concerned about other actions taken by the hospital leadership.

I have encouraged MUSC to intensify their level of diligence since the current administrations decisions on raises, new contracts, travel and other kinds of spending have taken place since this partnership was announced, Cobb-Hunter said. This new spending on raises and other things have been done in spite of instructions from the leadership of both Orangeburg and Calhoun counties to not spend any money or enter into new contracts.

It is not fair to them to take on RMC and all of its red ink made worse by the administrations uncontrolled spending that is happening, Cobb-Hunter said.

Pettigrew denied that the hospital has done anything wrong or out of line during the process.

The idea was to be stable and not spend anything new but continue to operate as a prudent operating team should do, Pettigrew said. We follow the rules.

With regards to responding to MUSC, Pettigrew said, Due diligence: It is a big load.

We are responding. It just takes a huge amount of time to do it, Pettigrew said in answer to Cobb-Hunter's concerns. We are meeting multiple times per week and supplying information. That is all going into a drop box.

We are in full due diligence, Pettigrew continued They are asking for everything they could want going back three years.

Pettigrew said much of the discussion has focused around finances, revenue cycle and compliance. Information technology is also beginning its work.

The desire was in communications to have the due diligence done by Thanksgiving, Pettigrew said.

Pettigrew said MUSC has two national firms doing the due diligence: KPMG and ECG.

Pettigrew said, any salary adjustments that were made were based upon agreements that were already established.

For example, RMC President and CEO David Southerland received a salary increase from $300,000 to $420,000 effective Sept. 4, 2022. The former RMC board approved the increase.

Pettigrew said Southerland was due an employment evaluation at the end of 2021.

The evaluation started in late November and early December with the assistance of the hospital's consultant, Pettigrew said.

Southerland did not ask for this, Pettigrew said.

At the time of the evaluation, Southerlands base compensation was in the lower 10 percent of hospital CEOs in the state, Pettigrew said. His salary was increased to bring it closer to other CEOs in the state.

It was part of his contract to receive an evaluation, Pettigrew said. The evaluation normally leads to assessment of compensation. Research was done that said you are in the lower centile. The board then took that and then reacted to it.

Pettigrew said MUSC asked about the raise during the due diligence process.

They called, I responded to them ... and they said OK, duly noted," Pettigrew said.

There have been other transactions that were proposed but have been deferred, Pettigrew said. Two of these, such as a chief medical officer and recruiting for a compliance officer, they have been put on hold.

Pettigrew said travel has occurred since the MUSC and RMC partnership was announced in June.

There has been travel, there always is, but it is all business related, Pettigrew said. It has been fairly small.

According to hospital records, since June the hospital has spent $61,264 on travel expenses. The hospital has spent about $132,000 in travel for the entire 2021-2022 fiscal year.

In my experience this is not a large number, Pettigrew said.

One of the trips taken since June -- about $20,861 -- was spent for a trip for Washington, D.C., by four hospital administrators as well as representatives from ambulance provider MedTrust. The trip was taken to request pilot federal funding to assist with medical transport for the hospital, Pettigrew said.

Though federal funding was not provided at this time, Pettigrew said officials did recognize the need to enhance transport capabilities.

There was also a trip to Kansas City for about $11,951 to meet with the hospital's information technology provider -- Cerner.

These were all business expenses, Pettigrew said. "That is not a large number. It is comparatively conservative amount."

In answer to Cobb-Hunters concern about other expenses, Pettigrew said the board has been meeting more frequently, especially in July and August. The board stipend per trustee is $125 per meeting.

The total spent by the hospital in board stipends from June through August was about $14,478 for all board members, according to hospital documents.

That is pretty much normal, Pettigrew said. Over the course of a year, 17 board members, assuming all slots are filled, range from as low as $500 a month and $1,000 a month depending on how many meetings they have and how many they actually attend.

Pettigrew said if the trustees do not attend a meeting, they do not get paid. The board members also receive mileage.

Pettigrew said trustees have met more frequently in recent months due in part to the transition process.

Pettigrew said meetings were also held to discuss contracts.

For example, he said the board approved a contract for a new OB/GYN and a new general surgeon.

The hospital also entered into a contract Oct. 1 with Pharm D on Demand, Pettigrew said. The annual management fee is $125,000 and the pharmacy will provide staff.

It will be a direct pass though without any mark up, Pettigrew said.

Pettigrew said the Pharm D contract will mean about $100,000 a month decrease in administrative costs.

He did note September committee meetings were postponed.
A new organization seeks to help young Black males tackle mental health challenges.

RJs Way-Unspoken is the creation of Romaine Stephens with the help of her sister, Christy Patterson.

The two of them created the program in honor of Stephens son, the late Rodney Jimmy Lee Anderson, who was called RJ. Anderson died of natural causes last year. He was 19.

He dealt with all types of common and not-so-common adversities with youth from bullying to, you know, just growing pains, peer pressure, Patterson said.

RJs Way was created to give a voice to young African American males, to be able to speak on whatever they were feeling, whatever feelings that they had, the good or bad, because the issue nowadays is no one feels like they have a safe space to turn to, so they turn to negative means: gangs, drug use, continuing the cycle of bullying, not really handling their mental health properly, Patterson said.

The organizers are holding an event on Saturday, Oct. 8, to introduce and talk about the program.

Its almost like a kickoff to inform the community that Hey, this organization is here. If you feel that you need to talk to somebody, you feel like you need a safe space, all they have to do is make contact and we will guide them to the resources that are available and will link them up to our person that can be the outlet and safe space for them, Patterson said.

Stephens said, This program is just to be a safe space and to be just a light to young men dealing with whatever it is they're dealing with. RJs Way, we can give them that voice.

Stephens then talked about the importance of focusing on young males mental health and the importance of outreach.

Its important because since I've put it out there, a lot of people have reached out about their childrens either suicidal thoughts or self-harm, or not being able to deal well in school, Stephens said.

They know that there is some place that they can go and they can talk, so sometimes they just need someone to talk to, not to say we have the answers to everything as parents. Sometimes you just need to be heard, and know that your feelings are valid, so you can fight another day, she said.

Also, social media doesn't always give them the healthiest ways to cope with things, Stephens said.

Equipping youth with healthy coping skills is just necessary because they're really just grabbing life skills from sources that aren't really the best, Patterson said.

They just really need to be aware that there are valid and helpful resources that can help them improve their problem-solving skills and just their daily life activities, she said.

When talking about her motivations behind the program, Stephens says that hearing stories of teens whore struggling makes her want to jump into action in order to help.

When someone that you know, or even someone that you don't know, confides in you and tells you something that felt personal, it pulls something in your heart to want to help, want to find out what can I do. Because you don't want to lose that that life, Stephens said.

The event by RJs Way will be at the Orangeburg YMCA on St. Matthews Road. Itll begin at 9 a.m.
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The Nicolaysen Art Museum is on the hunt for new leadership after Executive Director Andy Couchs departure last month.

His replacement is still a few months out  the new director is expected to take over in early January, the Nicolaysens board said in a Thursday news release. A committee will begin interviewing candidates in early November.

The director will help guide the downtown Casper museums overall vision, fundraising efforts and community engagement, among other responsibilities.

The board is asking members of the community to weigh in on where they want the museum to go from here.

Does the NIC remain a contemporary art museum? the release asked.

Or will the focus shift to emphasize community artists more and broaden educational programs?

Couch came to the Nicolaysen after heading up the Claremore Museum of History in Claremore, Oklahoma. Katie Couch, his wife, was hired as the NICs communications director.

In August, the Nicolaysen announced Andy Couch would be taking over as executive director of the Firehouse Art Center in Norman, a suburb of Oklahoma City.

Hell also be pursuing an art Ph.D. at the University of Oklahoma, Katie Couch said.

The Couches came to the Nicolaysen in October 2020, right as COVID-19 cases exploded in Wyoming.

The pandemic hit the museum hard; in 2020, attendance at the museum was down 70%, the Star-Tribune reported last year. The Nicolaysen lost a significant amount of revenue because the pandemic forced it to cut exhibits and programs.

We both feel like we left the museum in a better place than we found it, she said.

Favorite exhibits from their time at the NIC include the Salvador Dali show in 2021, an exhibition celebrating the life of Wyoming resident Sissy Goodwin and RETURN, a collection of pieces by Creative Indigenous Collective, a group of contemporary Native artists.

Under Couchs leadership, the museum also revived NIC Fest, its annual summer arts festival. The event was suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, but returned this summer.
Lynnette Grey Bull, the Democratic nominee for Wyomings lone House seat, hasnt slowed down her campaign following a harrowing primary election that saw incumbent Rep. Liz Cheney defeated by Trump-backed Republican nominee Harriet Hageman.

Now, Grey Bull is hoping Cheney, an outspoken Trump critic, will give her an endorsement.

I believe she should return the favor to fellow Democrats who supported her in the primaries, Grey Bull said of Cheney to a crowd of Democrats gathered at Ramkota Hotel in Casper on Saturday. I need her endorsement. I need her endorsement publicly. Were in a fight for Wyoming to be represented in a true and honorable manner.

Grey Bull said she has reached out to Cheney to have a meeting with her about a possible endorsement. She asked those in the crowd to call or send Cheney an email encouraging her to publicly support Grey Bulls bid.

If she really is against Harriet Hageman and everything that authoritarian party stands for, she should have no problem endorsing my campaign.

Grey Bull, a member of the Northern Arapaho and Standing Rock Sioux tribes, won the August Democratic primary race by a large margin, beating out two other candidates  Steve Helling and Meghan R. Jensen.

A general election victory for Grey Bull would be a major upset in deeply red Wyoming, where the Democratic electorate has shrunk, particularly in this years primaries.

During the primaries, Hageman garnered more than 113,000 votes in what many consider to be the real race in deciding Wyomings next state representative. By comparison, Grey Bull drew roughly 4,500 votes.

That low number of votes could be in part attributed to the large crossover vote in this years primaries, thought to be the result of Democrats changing affiliation to vote for Cheney; only 4.5% of voters cast ballots as Democrats this year, compared to 18.2% in 2020.

But the slim odds for victory dont seem to faze Grey Bull.

She says on her campaign website, saying that she doesnt care what the media or conventional wisdom say about the chances a Democrat has of winning this election.

I really encourage you to look at the bigger picture, she told the crowd at Ramkota Hotel. Its much much bigger than party affiliation. Its much bigger than a Democrat winning or Republican winning.

Im fighting for Wyoming, she continued. Im fighting for conservatives, Im fighting for Republicans, and Im fighting for Democrats and independents and Constitutionalists, because we need to be represented with our values.

A native of California, Grey Bull has focused her life on community advocacy and improvement, among other things coordinating homeless outreach in Skid Row, a neighborhood in downtown Los Angeles, serving as chair of Arizonas Office on Tribal Relations, helping women inmates in an Arizona prison transition back to society and training organizations on child sex trafficking prevention in Native American communities.

Her platform pushes for Wyomings transition to renewable energies, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ rights, more regulation of firearms and expanded health care access, among other goals. Shes lobbied on the state and federal level for policies that support these priorities.

Grey Bull has also focused on bringing attention to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, founding Not Our Native Daughters, a nonprofit organization, to educate communities about the crisis.

In April 2019, Grey Bull was in Laramie getting ready to give a talk at the University of Wyoming on Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women.

The day wasnt going as planned; her key got stuck in the cars ignition, and the car wouldnt start. Then she spilled coffee all over her white dress shirt and had to run in high heels to get a new one. She ended up being late for the event. Fortunately, the organizers had added other speakers before her and the schedule got pushed back. Upon finally arriving at the venue, she was told she would be speaking right before Gov. Mark Gordon.

Im a natural lobbyist, Grey Bull told a crowd gathered at Ramkota Hotel in Casper for the Democratic Womens Forum on Saturday.

When they told me that, all the bells started ringing in my head, and I was like, Im gonna say what I want to say, I have my talking points on what I want to share.

At the time, there were a handful of states that had created task forces to address the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women. Grey Bull wanted Gordon to do the same, which he did in July of the same year. Gordon appointed Grey Bull to serve on the task force, which she still does today.

I always look for opportunities to create change, whether its on an individual level, one-on-one mentoring somebody, mentoring youth or mentoring a young woman, or its on a greater scale, she said. I like to think Im an idealist and Im a visionary.

Raising awareness around Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was actually the impetus for her first shot at Wyomings lone House seat in 2020. Grey Bull also won the Democratic nomination in that race, but lost in the general election to Rep. Liz Cheney, whom Hageman ousted in the primaries, during the 2020 general election.

Nevertheless, Grey Bull 2020 campaign and Democratic nomination was a historical moment; she was the first Native American woman from Wyoming to run for federal office.

Grey Bull is currently director of Wind River/Department of Interior Land Buyback Program for Tribal Nations, a tribal liaison for the Wyoming Outdoors Council and a tribal advocate for the Citizens for the Red Desert coalition.

Libertarian Richard Brubaker and Constitution Party candidate Marissa Joy Selvig are also on the November ballot for Wyomings House seat.

The general election is Nov. 8.
Each week we ask you a question about an issue important to Wyoming, then print what you think the following Sunday. We call it Open Air because its a chance to examine a topic from all sides  wide open like Wyomings sky.

You can reply through our website or by email, postal mail, Facebook or Twitter. Be sure to specify youre responding to the Open Air question. Please keep your responses to 350 words and include your full name, town and contact information so we can verify your submission.
Corvette Convertible or $40,000?

Thats the tough decision one lucky patron of the 16th annual Tucson Classics Car Show will soon have to make.

Presented by the Tucson Rotary Club, The Tucson Classics Car Show will take place at The Gregory School, 3231 N. Craycroft Road, this Saturday, Oct. 15.

It will feature more than 400 classic cars, a steel drum ensemble, 11 food and drink vendors, and a raffle where the first place winner gets to choose between a 2015 C-7 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Z-51 or $40,000.

The $10 general admission (children 18 and younger get in free) will automatically enter you into the raffle, which, in addition to the Corvette and the money, might win you a $3,000 Sam Levitz shopping spree, $2,000 in appliances from Tucson Appliance Co., and a $1,000 car care gift certificate from Jack Furrier Tire and Auto Care.

The Tucson Rotary Club plans to put proceeds from the show toward the establishment of a Health and Medical Careers High School, a project of the Pima Joint Technical Education District (JTED).

The new campus will be for caregivers and students who are gonna go to college to become nurses or doctors, said Bobby Larson, chair for this years Tucson Classics.

Larson said the events venue, The Gregory School, will also benefit from the show.

We provide a $10,000 scholarship for them, Larson said.

Larson said they are expecting big crowds this year. The last Tucson Classics brought out more than 20,000 visitors.
PHOENIX  A federal judge wont delay her order giving the phone records of the chair of the Arizona Republican Party to the Jan. 6 committee.

Judge Diane Humetewa said Friday that Kelli Ward failed to show there would be irreparable harm from the release of the information about who was calling and texting her, and who she was calling and texting. And the judge, who last month ordered disclosure, rejected claims that release of the information would chill the interest of party faithful in communicating with her.

But Humetwa said theres an even more basic reason she wants the records turned over  and soon.

The judge pointed out that Ward wanted her to stay her order while she seeks review of the decision by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. That court has set a briefing schedule which runs into January.

Only thing is, the panel charged with investigating the events in and around the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol is authorized only through the end of the current congressional session. That occurs Jan. 3.

An injunction would thus make it impossible for the Select Committee to obtain the subpoenaed records, Humetewa wrote. And the judge said that tips the legal balance in favor of Congress  and against Ward.

There is a strong public interest in Congress carrying out its lawful investigations, Humetewa wrote. The public interest is heightened when, as here, the legislature is proceeding with urgency to prevent violent attacks on the federal government and disruptions to the peaceful transfer of power.

Attorney Alexander Kolodin who represents Ward said he cannot comment on what will be the next legal move. But he said if the issue is timing, he would consider an expedited briefing schedule to ensure the case got before the appellate judges before the congressional session ends.

And Kolodin said the fact remains that the new Congress could continue the committee if it wanted.

The realistic possibility of that happening, though, is minimal give the chances Republicans will take over the House.

Panel members want T-Mobile to turn over her phone records from November 2020 through January 2021.

That includes the period where Ward prepared a slate of electors, herself included, who were pledged to vote for Donald Trump even though Joe Biden won the popular vote in Arizona and the states 11 electoral votes. Documents backing that up were sent to Washington.

Douglas Letter, legal counsel to the House, said the committee, studying the events leading up to the Jan. 6 riot, needs to know how Wards activities played into all that. That would include with whom she was in contact at the time.

Dr. Kelli Ward participated in multiple aspects of these attempts to interfere with the electoral count in Jan. 6, he told the court. She told officials in Maricopa County to stop counting ballots and promoted inaccurate allegations of election interference by Dominion Voting Systems.

In sending the set of unauthorized set of electoral votes to Congress, Letter said Ward mischaracterized (them) as representing the legal votes of Arizona.

And thats not all.

While Congress was recessed due to the mobs violence and attack on the Capitol, Dr. Ward continued to advocate for overturning the results of the election, Letter said, citing a Jan. 6 Twitter post. And even after the riot and congressional certification of Bidens win, he said, Ward continued to maintain that the slate of fake electors contained the rightful and true presidential electors for 2020.

The subpoena seeks only the phone numbers of those who were in contact with Ward, not the actual content of the texts or conversations. Despite that, Ward argued that just the disclosure of her political contacts will chill the interest of members of the party in communicating with her.

Humetewa called that not just speculative but also dubious, particularly in light that of what Ward already had made public about her activities.

Ms. Ward had written a book about how she participated in sending an alternate slate of electors to Washington, the judge noted, citing Justified: The Story of Americas Audit, about not just the Senate review of the 2020 vote in Maricopa County but also other legal developments.

You will have the opportunity to see many of Kellis internal and external communications, according to promotional material for the book.

And Humetewa said Ward filmed videos of the activities around this alternate slate and posted them to YouTube.

These activities belie Ms. Wards concern that her communications with her constituents or colleagues will be chilled by T-Mobiles possible disclosure of a record showing Ms. Ward called or received calls from persons during this time, the judge wrote.

An attorney from the committee revealed at an earlier hearing that Ward invoked her Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination when she was questioned by the panels staff. The lawyer did not say when that interview took place.
Arthur J. Jelinek, beloved husband, father, colleague, friend, and world renowned archaeologist, died on January 10th 2022 from cancer at age 93. Arthur Julius Jelinek was born on July 19th 1928 in Chicago Illinois, the first of two children of Arthur and Frances (nee Pollock) Jelinek. He was raised in the western Chicago suburb of La Grange Park and attended Lyons Township High School, graduating in 1946. After serving for two years in the U.S. Marine Corps, he enrolled in the University of New Mexico in 1949, receiving a BA in Anthropology in 1952. He pursued graduate studies in Anthropology at the University of Michigan, earning his MA in 1955 and his PhD in 1960 with a dissertation based on his extensive survey of sites in the Mimbres Valley in southwestern New Mexico. While at Michigan, Art met Eloise Kerlin, a fellow Graduate Student in Anthropology. They were married in 1956, and son Tom was born in 1958. Art worked as a Teaching Fellow at Beloit College for one year and as an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Chicago for three years. In 1961 he returned to Michigan to take positions as the Curator of Archaeology at the Museum of Anthropology and as an Associate Professor of Anthropology. Art was hired as a Professor of Anthropology at the University of Arizona, Tucson, in 1967, held that position until his retirement in 1993, and continued to be active as Professor Emeritus until his death. A complete Professional Vita is on the Website for the School of Anthropology, University of Arizona. Beginning in 1967, Art directed a noteworthy excavation of Tabun Cave near Haifa, Israel, during the summer months over a span of five years, and brought graduate students with him each season to serve as assistants. A memorable experience for Art was his selection to be a member of the University of Arizona delegation to the People's Republic of China in 1976. During the summers from 1985 to 1994, Art directed the excavation of La Quina, a Paleolithic site near Laubertie in southwestern France, taking a field crew of graduate students with him each summer. His exhaustive and innovative research resulted in his monograph Neanderthal Lithic Industries at La Quina, published by the University of Arizona Press in 2013. Art received the Burlington-Northern Faculty Achievement Award for Teaching Excellence in 1985, a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1987, and was the first recipient of the Raymond H. Thompson Award for Contributions to Anthropology in 2005. As an archaeologist, Art was known for his thorough research, attention to detail, and innovative techniques of analysis. As a husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, Art was caring and attentive. As a colleague and mentor, he was valued with deep regard and affection; many of his students became lifelong friends. He was appreciated and enjoyed for his intelligent conversation, sense of humor, and knowledge of a vast variety of subjects - art, architecture, history, literature, music, photography, travel, and cuisine among them. He had an interest in surrealism and was a master in the use of Photoshop, often turning his own exquisite photos into mystical landscapes. Art's wife Eloise died in 2007. Art's son Tom, a Pastor, officiated at the marriage of his father to Carol Gifford, a colleague in the Anthropology Department, in 2011. Art is survived by his son Tom; his sister, Joan; his wife Carol, her daughter Sharon, son James (Taryn) and their two sons; and many beloved friends and family. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 15 in Tucson; please contact the University of Arizona School of Anthropology at anthro@arizona.edu for more information and/or to RSVP. Donations in Art's memory can be made to the Arthur J. Jelinek Student Fieldwork Fund at the School of Anthropology, at https://give.uafoundation.org/ArthurJelinek to fund Anthropology students' participation in fieldwork, which Art believed was essential early in their academic careers. Art's intellect, humor, insight, creativity, and friendship were treasured by those around him. He will be missed, and fondly remembered, by all who knew him.
PHOENIX  Abortions are once again legal in Arizona, at least for the time being.

The state Court of Appeals on Friday blocked implementation of the order issued last month by Pima County Superior Court Judge Kellie Johnson that said prosecutors can now bring charges against doctors who perform abortions. The only exception to that law  first enacted in 1864  is to save the life of the mother.

There is a substantial likelihood that Planned Parenthood Arizona will succeed with its claim that Johnson should have considered all of the laws regulating  but not outlawing  abortions that state legislators have approved since the historic 1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Roe v. Wade barring states from restricting a womans right to terminate a pregnancy, at least in the first trimester, Judge Peter Eckerstrom wrote in Fridays ruling.

Those regulations passed by the Legislature specifically includes a measure approved earlier this year allowing abortions through the 15th week of pregnancy.

Arizona courts have a responsibility to attempt to harmonize this states relevant statutes, Eckerstrom wrote.

The judge also said the balance of hardships  a factor courts consider when weighing whether to stay an order  weighs strongly on the side of Planned Parenthood and against Attorney General Mark Brnovich, who was successful in getting Johnson to bring virtually all abortions in the state to a halt.

There is an acute need of healthcare providers, prosecuting agencies, and the public for legal clarity as to the application of our criminal laws., Eckerstrom said.

In a prepared statement, Planned Parenthood said the ruling blocking Johnsons decision allows the organization to pursue a full-blown appeal, allowing abortion care to resume, effective immediately.

But even Brittany Fonteno, the organizations president, acknowledged this is just a temporary victory.

While todays ruling brings temporary respite to Arizonans, the ongoing threat of this extreme, near-total abortion ban that has no regard for the health care of those across the state, including survivors of rape or incest remains very real, she said in a statement. For over 100 days, Arizonans have experienced pure chaos and confusion and it has been traumatic for our physicians and staff who have been forced to notify patients that they can no longer care for them, Fonteno continued. The courts decision to issue a stay while the legal process continues to unfold will allow Planned Parenthood Arizona to resume abortion care services.

The battle surrounds which abortion laws are enforceable in Arizona.

One law, approved in 1864, all but bans the procedure. But its enforcement was blocked in 1973 by the state Court of Appeals after the Roe v. Wade decision.

Since that time, women in Arizona have been able to obtain an abortion through the point of fetal viability, considered to be between 22 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Once Roe was overturned, Brnovich asked Johnson to dissolve that stay.

Planned Parenthood objected, as did Pima County Attorney Laura Conover. They said the state cant simply reenact the old ban given the various laws regulating the procedure adopted since, ranging from requirements for ultrasound and a 24-hour waiting period.

More to the point is that 15-week ban, approved earlier this year by the Republican-controlled legislature and signed by Gov. Doug Ducey. It was modeled after a Mississippi law that abortion foes believed the Supreme Court would uphold.

But the justices in June went further, voiding Roe  and returning the decision to each state.

Johnson, however, sided with Brnovich, saying the only issue for her is whether the 1973 injunction is no longer valid after the latest U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

Everything else, Johnson said, is legally irrelevant.

Eckerstrom, however, said the appellate court believes she may be wrong.

Fridays order gives Planned Parenthood a chance to argue, as Eckerstrom said, there is a way to harmonize both the old law, which never was repealed and remains on the books, and the 15-week ban.

The way Planned Parenthood sees it, both laws actually can coexist, with the 15-week ban regulating abortions performed by doctors and the territorial-era ban, with its mandatory prison term of two to five years, applying to anyone without a medical license.

A decision could take weeks.

The appellate court has scheduled a conference on Tuesday to determine how quickly to hear arguments.

While Fridays order is an interim victory, Fonteno said it is one of several steps.

She said the old law needs to be taken off the books for good.

There was no immediate comment from Brnovich, who has called on state lawmakers to clarify the states abortion law.

The legal fight actually has placed Planned Parenthood in an awkward situation.

It had opposed the 15-week ban, seeking to keep the situation where abortions could be performed up to viability. But now, with that 15-week law on the books, it had to choose between that restriction and the territorial-era law.
The state of Arizona continues to stack shipping containers on federal land as a border security measure, now in protected public lands.

The state already stacked 130 shipping containers on federal land near the U.S.-Mexico border in Yuma in August.

In the last few days, the state moved a number of shipping containers to a staging area near the border in the western-most end of Cochise County, says C.J. Karamargin, a spokesman for Gov. Doug Ducey.

Karamargin said Friday that he believes the containers are in a staging area on Forest Service land near a 20-mile gap between sections of the border wall.

Gov. Ducey said in his State of the State that Arizona will use border barriers where appropriate, so none of this should come as a surprise, Karamargin said. What we did in Yuma is additional confirmation of what is happening. Governor Ducey is true to his word.  The gaps in the border barrier have proven to be weak points in border security and this is what we are attempting to address.

Some public officials, like Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls, have praised the governors border barriers. And border officials have said a barrier in Yuma helps because it funnels migrants to where Border Patrol can more easily process them.

The barrier in Yuma doesnt actually stop migrants from coming into the country. Thats because the the southern side the container barrier is on U.S. soil, meaning Border Patrol has to process people waiting there. And more people have been crossing nearby on the Cocopah Reservation where there is no wall.

In the three weeks after Arizona filled the gaps, the number of migrants Border Patrol apprehended only increased, according to data from Yuma Chief Patrol Agent Chris Clem.

Karamargin confirmed that the state is now looking at putting shipping containers in the general area of the Yaqui Spring access road, which is just west of the southern terminus of the Arizona Trail and the Coronado National Memorial.

The area theyre looking at is about a 20-mile gap in the western-most part of Cochise County where there is no existing border barrier, he said. That part of the county on the border is in the Coronado National Forest. The state doesnt know yet how much of that gap they plan to fill.

The shipping containers being moved to a staging area in Cochise County came from an area near Whetstone, in Southern Arizona. On Oct. 6, several dozen shipping containers were stacked directly off of Arizona 90, near the intersection of Arizona 82, according to the Arizona Republic.

As far as following any environmental regulations, Karamargin says the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs has attempted to work with the federal government through the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Unfortunately, our federal partners have either been non-responsive or unhelpful, he said.

Coronado Forest Supervisor Kerwin Dewberry said Friday he was unable to answer questions about the shipping crates.

Although the state does not have permission from the federal government to put such a structure on federal land, the governors office hasnt heard from the federal government on this matter, Karamargin says.

The state has reached out to various federal agencies with jurisdiction on the border, but theyve either been unresponsive or unhelpful, he said.

The Star has reached out to numerous federal agencies about the matter to no avail.

In August, when the Star asked the Bureau of Reclamation, which manages the land in Yuma where the state put shipping containers, if they were going to take any action, the agency sent a statement saying their priority is to ensure the integrity of its water management infrastructure and to fulfill their mission to deliver water from the Colorado River to communities in the West and honor the U.S.s treaty obligations.

When asked the same question in September after the Cocopah Tribe, adjacent to the barrier in Yuma, raised concerns about the shipping containers, the Bureau of Reclamation sent an almost identical response.

The Department of Homeland Security and the White House also have not responded.

The cost of the latest border barrier the state is set to erect has yet to be calculated.

What the governors office is calling the Yuma Border Barrier Mission cost about $10 million, according to Karamargin. It included 130 shipping containers double-stacked, filling 3,820 feet near the border in Yuma. It completed installation Aug. 23.